Get Paid To Promote, Get Paid To Popup, Get Paid Display Banner

Pages

Beautyland Tour: 1/1/11!

As we say “thank you to you, our loyal readers and friends, we also say “goodbye” to 2010 as we reflect on some of the best, worst, and most reliable products that have graced our lives. Cheers to 2011 and everything wonderful and exciting in beauty for the new year! I'm posting this a little late because I caught up on a lot of sleep. All in one day. Happy New Year!

Getting ready for a special New Years party? Sabrina from The Beauty Look Book will help you find that perfect metallic nail color. Maybe you can help her decide which one she should wear for her party!

Jane from Daly Beauty shows us one of her all-time favorite lip glosses that has beautiful color and plumps the lips. Now LipFushion is in pretty holiday packaging making all the more lust worthy.

A few weeks ago Debbi from Diva Debbi spoke about the popular non-invasive procedure Ultherapy. Now you can read her interview with Dr. Salzberg and view her personal results. You may want to call your doctor immediately!

Jennifer from Beauty Xposé ends the year with her best and worst of fashion trends in 2010. See if jumpsuits, sweater dresses and more make her list of bests or worsts. It makes me wonder what 2011 trends will be.

Speaking of top trends in fashion, let’s see what The Budget Fashionista lists as her Top Ten Fashion Trends of 2011.

Charlestongirl from Best Things in Beauty is taking a bit of a hiatus this week, but she hasn’t left us this week without a perk. She’s giving away THREE Giorgio Armani Rouge d’Armani Lipsticks! Sign up today to win one.

Maybelline has a new line of products called FIT. Kelly from Gouldylox Reviews bought the foundation and shares with us her results. Does this drugstore brand live up to her expensive department store foundations?

Looking to add volume and luster to your hair? Fab Over Forty shares with us her go-to hair care line. Kerastase Volumactive is a product line that has long been in her beauty routine. See why it’s one of her favorites.

Amy from Café Makeup always shows us great beauty comparisons. This week she shares Chanel’s newest Spring Collection nail polish in Black Pearl. Will this new shade become another one of Chanel’s cult classics?

What better perfume aficionado is there than Gaia from The Non-Blonde? No one! See what she has determined to be the best perfumes of 2010 as we say goodbye to the decade.

Happy New Year!



Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Roots Only Hair Color Applicator. Genius!



More often than not, I color my hair at home. Now that it is getting longer, I try not to color my entire head each time, but reds fade fast and blah blah blah.

Part of my problem is that it takes FOREVER for me to section out my hair (which is super thick) to color the roots. When I have tried some of the applicators that come with root touch up kits, the color-depositing doohickeys angled weird and I end up coloring way more of my hair than I had intended.

So when I saw this, I got EXCITED.



Roots Only Color Applicator is the first applicator I have ever seen that looks like this. Instead of angled spiky things, it has ten color applicator bits that make root touch ups FAST.


You don't have to section your hair and go 1/3 inch by 1/3 inch over your head. All you do is mix the color in the bottle and deposit the color at your roots. You can rake the applicator through your hair and cover your head in two inch swaths. If everything goes right, you can cover your entire head in less than 10 swipes.



Here are some tips for using this. First of all, start by combing or brushing your dry hair straight back and make sure there are no tangles.


Pick a section of hair to start with. Use BOTH HANDS to comb the applicator back through your hair, without releasing any color. Then go over the exact same place again, squeezing with even pressure using both hands. Easy! I suggest using both hands because while it doesn't take a lot of pressure to make the color come out evenly, you do have to maintain that pressure throughout the entire application. Maybe I have wimpy hands that can't squeeze that hard for that long? It's not hard, I just find it easier to use both hands. After you've applied the color, take your gloved hands and give your roots a quick scrub, making sure you've covered everything. I covered my whole head in less than five minutes. It couldn't be easier.

If you color your hair at home, you need to try this! Pick one up for $7.99! It's genius!


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Maybelline Fit Foundation (Updated!)



Maybelline Fit foundation just hit the shelves at my Target and I was powerless to resist trying it out. My favorite foundations are currently Estee Lauder's Resilience Lift Extreme and Bobbi Brown's Skin Foundation, so a drug store formula would have a lot to live up to.


This formula comes in 16 shades, with matching powders and concealers that will work with all of the foundation shades (6 in total). The foundation also contains an SPF of 18. According to Maybelline, this foundation has something called "skin merge technology", which helps the foundation blend quickly and adapt to your skin tone for a perfect match.

I chose the lightest shade possible, to match my neck. In the past I have had a problem with brands not being light enough or turning yellow after a short period of time, which makes it hard for me to embrace a drug store foundation.


I was thrilled that this foundation matched my neck and blended on to my face beautifully. It reminded me quite a bit of the Bobbi Brown Skin foundation that I had loved over the summer. It feels very natural and very light on the skin itself. It is slightly on the hydrating side (great for my dry skin), but that may not work for people with oilier skin. I don't normally experience issues with breakouts, but if a silicone-based, hydrating foundation is something that may trigger a breakout, this may not be for you. The best part? This foundation didn't turn yellow on me after a bit of wear, like most foundations do. Sweet!

This gives a light to medium coverage, so if you have areas that need more coverage, you will want to have a concealer on stand by. You definitely will want to set this with either a powder or some kind of face perfecter to help it look fresh even longer. Before using my Dior Crystal Nude Skin Perfecter, the foundation did want to settle into some of the deeper lines on my face. However, once I set the foundation, that ceased to be an issue.

Fit Foundation gave me a very luminous, radiant finish. It covered redness and large pores with ease and lasted throughout the day. I don't remember this last time I enjoyed a drugstore foundation this much!

Fit Foundation, Concealer and Blush officially hit shelves in January, but keep an eye out for it now in your neighborhood!

UPDATE! I also picked up the concealer and it is gloriously wonderful for under the eyes. It lends the same radiant glow to concealing that the foundation does. It's not quite as "glowy" as Laura Geller's Banish and Brighten, but it's gives a similar effect. I'm wearing the concealer (and the foundation) in this post. I picked up the 15 concealer and I love it!


I bought this. Maybelline does test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Happy Holidays Everyone!

Now that I feel much better (after battling fever+flu), I'm a bit sad that I have such limited time to browse the net, blog and visit my favorite pages. There's just so much things to do during Christmas/New Year holidays! However, I'm just glad that I'm in better shape now and I'd like to thank those who sent their wellness wishes for me (love you peeps!).

I just want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays and that I'm hoping everyone's enjoying the few days 2010 is leaving us with. This year will always hold a special place in my heart since its last quarter was when I made and met a good number of beauty bloggers!

Photo Source

I will be blogging real soon as I have a lot of good stuff to share (I survived oiliness! I have clearer, less oily skin now! Will fill you in with the routine that improved my face in a few days). I will also be dropping by your page before the countdown to 2011.

BEST of 2010 - THE MEGAPOST

OK, so let's be honest, the last few weeks have been so crazy with holiday prep and craziness that I haven't posted as often as I would have liked...the same holds true for this week, so I am going to give you my year in review...in the mother-of-all posts today...and then bid you farewell until we head full force into 2011 with all new stories, products, and kicking off Stetson Creative TV, which will include video blogs, creative tutorials, and guest entries from some of my favorite beauty mavens!  We will also be unveiling an all-new interactive site sometime in Spring 2011, so stay tuned for that as well.  In the meantime....

BEST BEAUTY BREAKTHROUGH
ADVANCED HOME ACTIVES Brazilian Peel
Glycolic peels are one of the safest, most effective peels to reduce the appearance of fine lines, smooth and even skin tone and surface, and brighten complexion..but when improperly used or timed, can result in severe irritation that can take weeks to heal.  The Brazilian Peel is the first 30% Glycolic Acid treatment peel safe for use at home with the powerful antioxidant properties of the acai berry.  Let me tell you...in one treatment, you notice instant results, and after two, your face appears rejuvenated.  Use weekly for maximum results.  If you invest in one product for 2010, this is the one to go for!!!
$78 - Advanced Home Actives www.advancedhomeactives.com

BEST FACE WASH
FREEZE 24/7 Skin Glace Daily Detoxifying Cleanser and Mask
While this is not a new product for 2010, I first experienced it this year and when a skincare line gets a beauty junkie such as myself to change the products that I personally use on a daily basis, it's a big deal.  The Skin Glace has made a believer out of  me in not only this but other Freeze 24/7 products (Try the Double Scoop moisturizer too!).  It can be used as a cleanser and foaming mask at once! Massage into face for a super-squeaky clean, and leave on for 60 seconds as it foams to clean out pores and wipe away impuries, while leaving the skin moist ans supple!

$65 - Freeze 24/7 www.freeze247.com


BEST MOISTURIZER
IMMUPURE Daily Face and Neck Firming Moisturizer
Infused with Immupure's patented Bovine Colostrum and growth factor proteins, this moisturizer is unlike anything you have ever tried.  Worth the heavy price tag, this product will provide you with near-instant results, and in under a week, you will look 10 years younger!

$185 - Immupure www.immupure.com


BEST EYE CREAM
LA MER The Eye Concentrate
With its cult-like following, it has become common knowledge that La Mer is the Cadillac of skincare, with the Eye Concentrate as the latest addition to the family.  Infused with the La Mer signature Miracle Broth, the Eye Concentrate also contains hematite, a magnetically charged mineral which works WONDERS on dark circles.  The fabulous metal roller is cooling on delicate under-eye skin for a truly luxurious experience.

$165 - La Mer www.cremedelamer.com

BEST ANTI-AGING TREATMENT
STRIVECTIN Overnight Facial Resurfacing Serum
Contains the patented StriVectin Tri-Active Concentrate which gently exfoliates while you sleep to smooth out fine lines, even texture and tone, and increase luminosity.  Use with your favorite night cream for maximum results.

$59 - StriVectin www.strivectin.com

BEST COMPLETE SYSTEM
SOMME INSTITUTE 5-Step Regimen
With their patented MDT5 Molecular Dispersion Technology, this system transforms the skin with vitamins A, B3, B5, C, and E.  This is one of those things that you have to really make sure you follow the directions and complete all of the steps, and when you do, you will REALLY see results.  I personally have a problem with skin clarity and evenness, and after two weeks using this system, my skin showed MAJOR improvements.  Best of all, it works for all skin types!  (1: Nourishing Cleanser, 2: Transport (exfoliant), 3: Serum (vitamin C), 4: A-Bomb (moisturizer with vitamins A and E), 5: Double Defense (SPF 30 moisturizer).
$298 - Somme Institute www.sommeinstitute.com

BEST HAIR PRODUCT
KMS CALIFORNIA Hair Play Makeover Spray
Whether prepping the hair for a style, or "making over" your existing style, this innovative hair product is one of my all-time favorites.  It absorbs oil, keeps pins and curls firmly in place, and can be used to "rejuvenate" existing products to restyle hair! Perfect for the girl on the go, or when working with multiple looks at a single photo shoot!

$23 - KMS California at Fine Salons Nationwide

BEST NAIL CARE
KARMA ORGANIC SPA Nail Polish and Remover
Non-toxic, chemical-free, and cruelty-free, these products are my #1 in nail care.  Long lasting lacquers and flawless remover are the only nail color you will ever need, and they are available in a selection of colors from mild to wild!

$10 - $12 Karma Organic Spa www.karmaorganicspa.com

BEST BODY
COMODYNES Hydra Tanning Moisturizing Summer Effect
A perfect way to stay moisturized while keeping that sun-kissed glow all winter long!  With vitamins E and F to protect again free radicals, this lotion provides gradual color which increases with daily use.  A word of warning: wash your hands immediately after applying or you will find yourself looking "dirty".  Apply in a circular motion for full, even coverage and the most fabulous legs you have ever seen!

$10 - Comodynes www.comodynes.net

BEST MAKEUP(tie)
MAKE UP FOR EVER Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick
By now you are tired of hearing about it, but for a lip color that goes on creamy, with intense pigment, that lasts FOREVER, this is your only choice.  Whether you prefer perfectly nude, the reddest red, or the blackest black, there is something here for you!

$19 - Make Up For Ever www.sephora.com

MEHRON Celebre Pro HD Foundation
You don't have to spend $30, $40, or even $60 for flawless buildable coverage.  This cream foundation allows you to create a smooth, light coverage for daily wear, or build full coverage for a photo shoot or editorial look.  Wet your makeup sponge and set with a translucent powder for the best lightweight foundation you have ever used...feels like nothing is there at all!  Available in 20 shades!

$10 - Mehron www.mehron.com

BEST MEN'S PRODUCT
BRAVE SOLDIER Antiseptic Healing Ointment
By no means a new product, this is the product that kicked off the entire Brave Soldier line, and one of the best products I have tested this year!  Formulated with lavender, tea-tree, macadamia, and hemp seed oils, this antibacterial remedy will soothe and kick-start healing of any nick or scrape you may encounter.  The best part is the addition of lidocaine for instant pain relief!  If you cut yourself shaving, stub your toe, or are simply clumsy like me, this is one product you NEED in your medicine cabinet.  LADIES, this is a great product for you too! Apply before waxing to numb the skin and prevent infection and bumps!

$12 - Brave Soldier www.bravesoldier.com

So there you have it! My favorites of the year for 2010.  Get ready for a whole batch of new products in 2011, because I know you cant resist the latest and greatest..until then....

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!

Getting to Know The Beautyland Tour Guides :Jane from Daly Beauty


Here's today's installment of Getting To Know The Beautyland Tour Guides. Meet Jane, from Daly Beauty. Not only does Jane have hair that I covet, but she also has her beauty routine down perfectly. If you aren't familiar with her blog, you can check it out here.

When did you start blogging and why? I have always been a beauty junkie, but I didn't know what that was until I started reading beauty blogs. I started blogging as an experiment (I know nothing about html or that programming stuff!)and as a personal outlet. My friends regularly would ask for advice, and I was also known to offer unsolicited beauty tips as well. So I guess I wanted to share what I know and what I love.

Every blog seems to have a special voice - what's the message on your blog?
My message is that beauty is everywhere if you look for it and that all of us are beautiful. Its all about finding the confidence to experiment and have fun while finding the beauty that is inside us all.

Have you always been a beauty fanatic or did it come later in life for you? What made it blossom?
I don't ever recall a time that I wasn't a beauty fanatic. My earliest memories are perfume related - standing on my tip toe at my mother's vanity and smelling her Shalimar, playing with her cake mascara (along with our dog - that's a whole other story...). My aunt was a full blown beauty and perfume junkie and I always felt at home in her room - her round bed with velvet tufted headboard and a dresser FULL of perfumes. Her room always smelled like the ground floor of a major department store and to this day that is my favourite smell in the world (after the smell of my children's heads...). I love to read and beach vacations - my dream is a long good book and a warm beach with crashing waves and sunshine. Heaven. I love to spend time with my daughters - they are 14 and 22 and we have a blast together, always. We love to shop naturally, and beauty shopping is something we could do every day. No one makes me laugh as hard as they do. One of our favourite activities is to get a delish coffee and get our hair done. Our stylist is a genius and can fit us all in, rotating between the three of us. For us, it's ALL about the hair. Modern and mid-century modern design and architecture are a passion as well, and I like to think I incorporate that clean simple and modern aesthetic into my beauty routines.

What's your daily beauty routine?
Simple - moisturize, tinted moisturizer or primer (lately a good primer on its own has been my go-to) a little concealer, blush/bronzer, neutral eye shadow and a touch of mascara. A nice plumping clear lip gloss and of course, perfume, and I'm good to go.


If we were to invade your beauty closet what surprises would we find?
That I have some makeup brushes over 15 years old...I care for them like babies and it amazes me how a good quality brush will last for ages. I do need to get some new ones though...


How many lipsticks/glosses can be found in your handbag at any given time?
Oh geez. At least 5.


What's the best beauty advice you've ever received?
Wash your face before going to bed. No matter how tired I am, I always do this.



Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Voluminous Million Lashes by L'Oreal (With a Healthy Dose of Social Commentary)




I am always searching for a mascara to make the most of my lashes. I was a little hesitant to test this mascara after reading a lot of the online reviews, but when it showed up in my mailbox I decided to give it a try.

L'Oreal's Voluminous Million Lashes claims to give you seriously dramatic lashes, with tons of volume and the look of a million lashes. Here is a screen grab from a tv spot Eva Longoria did for the mascara in a foreign market.

Unless her lashes grow like shark's teeth, I can clearly see where the faux lashes are placed. I get that things have to be dressed up for television and print, but makeup ads are making me mental with all of the ridiculous retouching and faking the benefits of the product. I know some of the ads may even have a disclaimer that the photos have been retouched (this product doesn't contain a disclaimer in the 12/10 In Style), but that doesn't make me feel any better.

(The lashes are slightly more realistic in this mag ad, but not by much.)

What bugs me about this is that it sets the expectations so HIGH. In my mind, I know my lashes will never look like this in real life, so I take my expectations down a few notches and expect them to look half as good as Eva's. But there is one problem.

THAT ISN'T GOING TO HAPPEN EITHER. So no matter how I look at it, I'm going to be disappointed. My lashes will never look that lush and long and thick. I'm just not sure it's responsible to keep the expectations so high with the knowledge that it won't ever live up to the dream. I'll also shell out another $7.99 to try another type of mascara that might offer closer results to whatever impossible look is floating around in my mind's eye. So either way, some days I end up feeling like I lost. That can't be good, can it?

(My measly lashes with NO primer. Normally, they are invisible without some primer.)

At the end of the day, this mascara did a surprisingly good job. It didn't make my lashes look any thicker or curlier than other mascaras I have tried. It did make my lashes slightly longer, which was fantastic. I didn't experience the clumping some people complained about. I also didn't experience the flaking. Mine wore very nicely for a full work day. I liked this mascara. Just don't base your hopes on the ads. Unless you are really good with daily use of false lashes.

This was sent for review. L'Oreal still tests on animals. Rumors are this will change in 2013.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

TSA Friendly Travel Essentials

by Anne Houseman, Beauty Xpose

The past month has been a whirlwind of travel for me, and I know for many of you, there’s big NYE travel coming quickly. Whether by rail, road or air, a journey can make even the most well-traveled beauty buffs cringe with the thought of leaving behind their complete beauty stash. So what’s a gorgeous jet-setter to do? Snag one these four travel must-haves, and you’ll be ready for a luxurious excursion.

1. Stylish Luggage

You’re going to be lugging around your loot throughout your journey, so why not get a bag you can be proud to show off (sorry — grandma’s flower tapestry luggage just isn’t cutting it). While I don’t own one, I’m digging the latest addition to the Dooney & Bourke 1975 Signature Collection: the Travel Juliette ($345).

traveljuliette

Available in black, brown, bordeaux, cobalt, red, plum and taupe, this classic bag features a stylish silhouette and should be spacious enough to hold your carry-on items or your belongings for a weekend getaway. With both small handles and a large, adjustable strap, this versatile piece of luggage should be a snap to carry. And if it isn’t? Well, then that hot TSA agent can help you with your tote after your pat down.

2. A Soothing Skin Care System

Between swigging eggnog, munching on fatty, sugary treats and staying up all night watching the ball drop (not to mention all the champagne and bar hopping in freezing temps), your skin will be screaming S.O.S.! When I’m on the go, I stave off a dry, lackluster complexion with Amala Rejuvenate Travel Spa Treatments for Face and Hands ($48).

face_gifts

Featuring products made from cocoa bean and fresh organic Jasmine (which smells potent, but DIVINE), Amala’s TSA-friendly hydrating kit is designed to replenish moisture, renew elasticity and smooth skin. Normally a $118 value, for just $48, you’ll get four, luxurious 15 ml products: Hydrating Hand Cream, Rejuvenating Hand Cream, Hydrating Face Cream and Rejuvenating Collagen Mask. The products are decadently rich (a little goes a long way!) and will hydrate even the driest skin, making you feel like you brought along your own personal esthetician.

3. Glow on the Go

This time of year, it’s pretty easy to be blinded by both blizzards and your own vitamin D-deprived complexion. But just because you’re traveling doesn’t mean you have to forgo your faux glow. Lose your wan pallor while saving precious luggage space with a travel-size bottle of Fake Bake self-tanning lotion.

2oztan

This 2 oz bottle is carry-on ready and is sure to keep your complexion warm — even if the temps dip below zero where you’re heading. For longer trips (did someone say a two-week beach vacay?), play it sun-safe, and stash a larger bottle of Fake Bake Sunless and Skinny self-tanning lotion (6 oz) in your checked bag. And don’t forget the SPF!

4. Mini-Sized Makeup

Every time I travel, I spend a painstaking hour figuring out which makeup I want to bring that is 1) versatile enough to go with all my planned outfits, and 2) can fit in a single, small makeup bag so I can avoid checking a bag. Needless to say, this is a very stressful process for a beauty buff like me. But no more. Enter the Lorac Box Office Hit Full Face Palette, sold exclusively at Ulta.

lorac box office hit

For a mere 35 smackers, Lorac gives you everything you’d possibly need and/or want to create different makeup looks each day you’re away from home sweet home. The Lorac Box Office Hit comes complete with 12 generous-sized shimmer eye shadows, eight lip colors, two eyeliners, a blush and a bronzer — all in one super-compact crocodile embossed “book” that’s smaller in height and length than an iPad. In all, the eye colors are fairly sheer and in what I’d consider the “neutral” category (even the darker colors are fairly “safe”), so there’s bound to be a fit for even the most discriminating shadow wearers. Go soft and subtle for day, and amp it up with a smoldering look when you hit the town at night. The best part? You can stash this kit in an over-sized clutch and bring it with you anywhere!

Photos: Dooney & Bourke; Amala; Fake Bake; Lorac
Disclaimer: Amala and Lorac products furnished complimentary for review




Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Post Christmas Beautyland Tour

Can you believe it? It's the day after Christmas - where did the year go? Our beauty blogging friends were busy this week, like Santa's elves, helping you find the best of the best. Check out our favorite features from the last week.

We are smitten with Chanel's Ombres Perlées de Chanel for Spring 2011. Check out Café Makeup for Amy's review, The Beauty Look Book for Sabrina's review, and Best Things in Beauty for Charlestongirl's review. Think we love it? Get a gift card for Christmas? This could be your purchase - treat yourself! We reviewed other products from Chanel's spring collection, so make sure to read all of this week's Chanel features.

Kari found a makeup primer that can be used before or after your makeup application. Intrigued? Find out more about Dior's Crystal Nude Primer at Fab over Forty.

Want a golden glow for New Year's Eve? It's not too late to pick up Guerlain's L'Or Makeup Base. Find out why you need it from Gaia at The Non-Blonde.

Was Jennifer hoping for Philosophy's Hope in a Jar in her stocking? Recently featured in Oprah’s “Ultimate Favorite Things,” Oprah loves this product. Read Jennifer's review at BeautyXposé.

Benefit granted two Christmas wishes for Laurie: 1) they gave her an awesome spray tan, and 2) a new boxed blush, Bella Bamba! Benefit’s newest face powder brings something new to the Benefit line-up, with promises of a 3-D brightening effect. Read all about it at Product Girl.

Kelly proved she's game for anything at Gouldylox Reviews. Water Marbling isn't for everyone, but if you find yourself snowed in, it's a fun look to try.

Jane got in the Christmas spirit at Daly Beauty. Head over to find out what's ringing her bells for the holidays.

Find out why Debbi's knocked over by a Dior advertisement from 2007 - still airing, still alluring. When you visit DivaDebbi, let her know if you think Charlize Theron knocked it out of the park for Dior.

Was Santa good to you? Hope you enjoy your holiday!


Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Hard Candy Eye Def Glittering Eye Shadow


It's Christmas Eve and that puts me in a green mood! This Hard Candy Eye Def Glittering Eye Shadow in Algae gives crazy shine, texture and bling and it's less than $7. It's a fun green - perfect for the holidays or anytime. Think of it as mistletoe for your eyes!




It feels a little thick when it goes on, but wears nicely and doesn't shed. It takes about :60 to dry down completely and it's best if you don't touch it or blink during that time. (Fan your eyes with your hands to speed this up.) Once it dries, it's set. But until then, you'll risk getting glitter on your fingers or on parts of your lid you hadn't expected. It's very sticky until it dries down - at least you won't need a primer to keep the shine and shimmer in place.


(This is in regular light.)

(This is when the light hits it just right. That is serious eye bling!)

If green isn't for you, it's available in a host of other colors, including purple, pink, gold, silver, teal and brown. I found mine at my local Walmart Super Store, but their website looks as if they haven't launched nationally just yet.

Keep your peepers open for this - if you like really bright shadow with bling that doesn't blind you (or just get in your eyes and mess up your contacts), then check it out! Merry Christmas!

My Mother In Law bought this for me. Hard Candy doesn't test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

FOTD - Radiant Skin

I'm exhausted, overwhelmed and lackluster, thanks to the rush of the holidays and well, life. I decided for my last day at work (for the year!), I wanted to look holiday ready and radiant, even if I didn't feel it. I was really pleased with the results. So pleased, it actually lifted my spirits!

(indoor light)

(outdoor light)

FACE:
Maybelline Fit Foundation - The lightest Ivory shade made
Benefit -High Beam above my cheek bones
LORAC - Perfectly Lit in Luminous
Laura Geller- Banish and Brighten Concealer (my favorite!)

EYES:
Urban Decay Primer Potion
BE Gold Medal High Shine Shadow
MAC Shroom Eye Shadow
Benefit Magic Ink Eye liner
Anastastia Brow Powder in Strawburn
Urban Decay Lash Primer
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara

LIPS:
BE Natural Lip Gloss in Sprinkles

I bought everything listed with the exception of the Laura Geller Concealer, which was sent for review. I've been using it every day since!

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Sally's Find! Gorgeous Shadow from Real Colors

This will be another condensed post, as my vida is still loca.
I found this at Sally's while looking for supplies to recreate a half moon manicure, after a nail tech who could paint a dragon couldn't do a half moon manicure.


This palette by Real Colors claims to be used Wet or Dry and also be waterproof. I loved the colors and the price, so I snatched it up.


The colors are intense, with a nice bit of shimmer. They feel creamy and satiny, like a good Tarte or Stila shadow.

(Top row is applied wet. Bottom row is applied dry. No primer was used on either.)

You can wear them wet or dry and with a primer, they last all day. I don't think you could swim in this, but it wore all day with no issues. I believe it also survived tears, for what it's worth. And it didn't run when I splashed water on it, so that's a good sign!

(The shadows about 30 seconds after I splashed a considerable amount of water on them. They didn't run or smear.)

For less than $10, this is a total score! I believe palettes like this were also available in three other colors. Definitely check this out next time you are at Sally's if you are in the market for some bright colors at a bargain price.

I bought this. I don't know if it's tested on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Sephora New Ultra Vinyl Lip Pencil in Coral Glow

While there are a ton of great things out for the holiday season right now, there aren't a ton of NEW things. On my latest trip to Sephora, one of my favorite sale associates insisted I break out of my beige-y lip gloss trend with the new Sephora Ultra Lip Vinyl Lip Pencil.


These colors are long-wearing, somewhat hydrating and super shiny. These colors are not your average shiny reds and pinks. Each is a complex twist on an old favorite.


I picked up Coral Glow, which is so bright I was afraid to wear it in public. When I did, strangers immediately started complimenting my lip color. I wore it to work one Friday and the head of account services stopped a 10-person meeting to talk about how much he loved my lip color. It's definitely brighter than I am use to and wasn't sure about it with my hair, but I think it works.


Coral Glow is the exact super bright pop of color if you are looking to emulate the 1950s lip trend. Pair it with a black liquid liner and an almost naked eye (with lots of mascara) and voila! In the photos, I had been wearing this color for 45 minutes.


It looks as if I just applied it! In reality, this color wore for about 2 hours without needing a touch up to look picture-perfect fresh. Three and a half hours later, I still have some on my lips, but the punch of color is gone. Not too bad for such a vibrant, shiny color!

I am certain I will have to head back to pick up the Sweet Beige and Gorgeous Peach colors.

If you've tried these, let me know what you think!

I bought this. Sephora does not test on animals, according to their blog.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.

Dior Diorskin Crystal Nude Natural Matte Skin Perfecter

This falls into the category of things I forgot to tell you about (sorry for holding out on you!). I picked this up during the first Friends and Family Sale at Sephora. I use it every day. And every day I fall more and more in love with Diorskin Crystal Nude Natural Matte Skin Perfecter.

This is another skin-perfecting anti-powder face finisher, like the Mally, Jouer or Benefit ones I have mentioned in the past. This light, silicon-based product stops excess shine for a gorgeous, matte finish. I apply this after my foundation, instead of a powder. However, there are some days when I wear it solo, for a poreless punim, with no other makeup.

(My under eye area before Dior)

This instantly blurs fine lines, pores and other imperfections and makes your skin look dramatically better after application.

(After using Diorskin Crystal Nude Natural Matte Skin Perfecter.)

I super love this. It's seriously amazing.

UPDATE! My blogging pal Kari at Fab Over Forty reviewed this for Dior and has great tips on how to use it as a primer and as a face finisher. She has all of the official details from Dior, including some amazing ways to use this that I wouldn't have thought of, just picking it up off of the shelf at Sephora. You need to check it out!

I bought this. Dior does not test on animals.

Subscribe and never miss a thing! Disclosure/Disclaimer Statement. Makeup, beauty, skincare reviews & more! Copyright 2009-2010, Gouldylox Reviews. All Rights Reserved.