Tag: makeup

My 5 Top Finds in 2009 — So Far…

 

I am so excited, as this is my 100th blog post! I started my blog in September 2008. But since January, I have received lots of fantastic products from fab companies to sample and review. I have looked back and found my 5 very favorite products or companies. These items are so good, I would definitely purchase them!

1. Lipstick Queen Big Bang Illusion Gloss ($20.00 USD www.lipstickqueen.com) — is probably the best gloss I have tried. Its light reflecting particles create the illusion of fuller lips without irritating ingredients. And it is creamy, not sticky. FAB!

2. Anything from Kenzo (www.kenzousa.com)! From their fragrances to their skincare items, Kenzo is all about quality and just plain fabulosity! Their scents are very subtle and fresh, like the Eau de Fleur de The – Tea (1.7 oz , $55.00 USD).

3. EcoTools (www.parispresents.com/EcoTools_s/36.htm) Makes the most wonderful — and affordable — makeup brushes and tools and are created from recycled and sustainable materials. I’m really digging the Foundation Brush ($5.99 USD) and the Recycled Aluminum Retractable Kabuki Brush ($7.99 USD) right now, but their are so many to choose from!

4. Tigi Love, Peace & The Planet line is a really fantastic eco-friendly line for your hair. The Eco Awesome Cranberry Orange Mint Moisturizing Shampoo and Conditioner($19.95 each USD) smells out of this world! It’s not up on the TIGI Website yet, but it should be soon.

5. LUSH (www.lushusa.com) makes lovely fresh handmade bath and beauty items. I really love their bath bombs! What a fun treat. But they also make quality skincare and haircare.

These are just a few of my favorite products that I have tried. I have been so lucky to love almost everything that I have received. You are welcome to peruse my blog for other awesome items that you haven’t tried yet!

Clinique – Classic Cosmetics With a Twist

 I was recently sent some classic and new Clinique cosmetics to sample. This is one of the first brands that introduced me to fine cosmetics in my twenties. Before Clinique, I was only wearing drugstore brands. Applying higher-end products made me feel that I was somehow growing up.

So imagine my delight when I opened the package to find Almost Lipstick in Black Honey ($14.00 USD)! This is a product that I haven’t used since the 90’s.  It somehow dressed up my grunge-wear back then and now it still gives me a hint of deep color and a lot of moisture. This is a great product for someone who wants to look polished but not heavily made-up.

I also tried a new product from Clinique called Quick Blush ($21.50 USD) in Pronto Pink. I have been using this everyday and I love it. The pigment is in the cap. To use, I swivel the brush just a little and place the cap back on it to pick up the color, then I take it off and use. Its a very nice brush that applies just the right amount of color. I also love the shade, it is pretty on my light skin and I believe it would look fab on most skin tones.

The third product I tried was High Impact Mascara ($14.00 USD). Another classic product, this claims to produce “Instant drama. Volumizes and lengthens lashes for a lusher, plusher, bolder look. Pure, deep colour adds impact.” I agree that it volumizes and lengthens and give a very nice look. The only problem I had is that it smears quite easily. When I wear it, I have to check all day to make sure I don’t have smudges around my eyes. 

All-in-all, Clinique is just as innovative and classy as it has always been. You may visit their website at www.clinique.com to browse and purchase products. They are also at most fine department stores.