4.05.2012

I know I've been very focused on fashion lately, but don't for a second think that the beauty addict in me has disappeared. It's alive and kicking! I've been interested in trying a lot of new products, so here is an overview of what I'm loving...and one product I don't recommend you waste your money on.

Real Techniques - Blush Brush
This line was created by a YouTube guru, and can be found at Ulta. What I love about it is the shape. Most brushes that are designed for applying blush are much flatter and much wider. This one is tapered and comes to a point. It's very precise when you want to apply blush just on the area you need, instead of all over the place. It's also great for contouring cheekbones, or applying a highlight to the tops of your cheeks. It's ultra soft, so I grab for it all the time!
I highly recommend
Oh, and did I mention it was only 9 dollars?



Salon Grafix Dry Shampoo
As much as I love having dark hair, it can be a disadvantage in the dry shampoo department. Who wants to walk around with a white powder in their hair? I was on a mission to finally find one that didn't create that unfortunate problem. I bought the SG dry shampoo at my CVS, and tried it out the next day. I wash my hair every other day, or sometimes every two days if I can get away with it. When I do, I reach for this. It doesn't leave any, I mean ANY, residue. I don't even need to rub this stuff in! The smell is faint, and it leaves my locks shiny, soft, amd most importantly, looking clean. Well, as clean as unwashed hair can look.
I definitely recommend



Urban Decay All-Nighter Setting Spray
After using up most of my MAC Fix+, I decided to try the Urban Decay version. Love this! I feel like Fix+ doesn't even compare. If you want your makeup to actually last, then try this! I have been using it to set my makeup every single day, and I've really noticed a difference in how long it wears and lasts. I think the MAC is good for a cooling, refreshing mist. I like to use that one at night before bed, or now that the weather is warming up, I'll use it when I want to cool down. But the UD is truly meant to keep you looking flawless without any effort.
Highly recommend



Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in "Brightening"
After reading so many stellar reviews on blogs, including one from Veronika, I decided to try it out. It was a wise choice because I am in love with it! I still use regular concealer (Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda Palette), but I make sure to pat some of this creamy pink brightener on top. I think this would certainly be comparable to the YSL Touche Eclat. However, this is a fraction of the cost and can be found at drugstores. My eyes have never looked more awake. I kind of have that Kim K. look going on underneath my eyes. I mean, I can only dream right?
Highly recommend






Now onto the product that I regret. In a word, this one sucks. Sorry, but it does.

Revlon Photoready Mascara
Oh, mascara. What a fickle cosmetic you are. You either love a particular mascara, or you hate it. It's hard to be inbetween. This one does nothing it promises to. It doesn't give my lashes very much volume, much less 3D (whatever the hell that means). It isn't buildable. One hour after application, and my lashes are limp and lifeless. You can't even tell I'm wearing mascara.

The wand is good, because I'm a huge fan of plastic brushes. But the top of the wand where you actually hold it is big and bulky.


The opening is really odd because it's so huge! It's too wide, therefore, I can't wipe off excess easily.


Bottomless pit.

The cap doesn't screw on tightly, which leads me to believe that the mascara will dry out quickly.

This is a loser in my opinion. That's what I get for buying something on impulse.
Do not recommend


Have you tried any of these products? If so, do you agree with my reviews?

♥ Noelle

38 comments:

  1. I love UD all nighter spray, it's the best. I've been wanting to try that line of makeup brushes, I've heard lots of gret things about them. Thank you for the dry shampoo review- I'm so over Suave. I feel like it's creating buildup and the can always seems to leak. I'm definitely trying that DS out!

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    1. Build up is never good! I really think you'd like the SG. I'm not sure about the build up factor, as I only use it once in between washings. But the fact that it doesn't really have much of a scent and that it's totally invisible has sold me!

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  2. great recs! I need to pick up a good contouring blush brush so I will try that out next time :)

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    1. Let me know how you like it if you do :) I wish I had found it sooner, as it really is such a great and versatile brush. Great price too!

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  3. Thanks for the awesome reviews! I am definitely getting that brush! I have that concealer in an unopened package, I think it's time to break it out :)
    xo

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    1. Yes Andi, it's time! Break it out and let me know how you like it.

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  4. THANK YOU for writing an honest review. It didn't sound like you were trying to sell us anything, just giving your opinion to a friend. I've been wanting to try the UD spray and now I will.

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    1. Awwww, thank you. I really appreciate your comment because I try my best to give reviews that are helpful to my readers. I would never fool you guys!

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  5. I still need to try these brushes! I guess I'll get one next week, have been reading so much good about them.

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    1. I can't attest to all of them, but this one is such great quality that I doubt the rest of the line wouldn't be the same.

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  6. I have dark hair so I understand about the dry shampoo. So glad to know that there is invisible dry shampoo out there!

    Amy

    fashionandbeautyfinds.blogspot.com

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    1. I know! Finally, right? I think Bumble and Bumble makes a colored powder for different hair colors, but the SG is so much cheaper. I think it was under 10 dollars. I think...

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  7. Oh I saw that brush when I was at Ulta and almost bought it but was unsure if it was any good. I may have to pick it up next time I'm there! :)

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    1. I know you would appreciate it as a fellow beauty addict ;)

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  8. i love the UD all-nighter! i picked up the small one while checking out at ulta and i'm so glad i did!!! i will def try out that dry shampoo as its so hard to find one that works well and doesnt leave a residue.

    http://just-jillian.blogspot.com

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    1. It's true, the last couple I used were horrible at leaving behind a residue that just wouldn't go away! It was awkward!

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  9. I love slightly tapered blush brushes too! They apply color so nicely.
    xo Josie
    www.winksmilestyle.com

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  10. The Urban Decay Setting spray is amazing!! I have always been happy with it.

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  11. Just went out and bought the Maybelline brightener...you convinced me!! Can't wait to try it tomorrow!!

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    1. Ooooo, how do you like it Natasha? I hope you love it as much as I do.

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  12. great review I wanted to try that mascara !!

    xox
    curves

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    1. Hmmmm, I'm happy I gave my opinion on it then ;) I wanted to like it, and I feel bad writing such a negative review but I really can't stand that mascara. I already threw it out!

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  13. ohhh i'm going to try that maybelline brightener and the UD setting spray! i have a really oily face.. like sometimes in the summer.. i swear it's like my face is dripping sweat.. but the rest of my body is dry.. omgosh.. now i sound like a complete freak hahahaha

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  14. The UD all nighter mist is amazing. You're right--it doesn't compare to MAC fix it spray at all.
    You have amazing skin. Can you do a post on your skin regimen?

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    1. That's so sweet :) I actually just did an overview: http://beautygirl24.blogspot.com/2012/03/current-skincare-loves.html

      I love all of the products mentioned. However, my friend Andi just sent me a few goodies from her friend's skincare line, and I am testing those out too. Once that's done, I'll do another post. I think I'm pretty basic with my routine though. I don't really do anything special!

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  15. I will definitely try the brush, dry shampoo and setting spray (really need this during the Texas summer heat...). I used the evian mineral water spray last summer, but didn't like it.

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    1. I've heard the Evian is good when you're at the beach for a refresher. Let me know if you try any of these things!

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  16. so funny i have the first three items and am obsessed with pixiwoo!!! Ill have to try your other recommendations! thanks Noelle xoox

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  17. Just found your blog and I love how you get right to the point in terms of the reviews on this item. I just bought a trial size all nighter and the makeup forever one to compare and the makeup forever one is pretty good as well if you want to try out something. Thanks for the review on the age rewind concealer, I have been wanting to try that out for a while.

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  18. Just stumbled upon your blog and what a great blog you have! New follower of you.

    I have heard a lot of good things about the Real Technique brushes too. I have just started my brush collection with Sigma and would love to try this one out soon. Also love the Maybelline Age Rewind concealer. What a great concealer! Totally agree with you, makes the eye so much brighter and awake.

    http://mui28.blogspot.com

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  19. I'm new to your blog too and really like it. I really want to get my hands on some Real Techniques brushes - they sell them in Boots here in Ireland now but I have yet to come across them.

    Emma xo
    www.fluffandfripperies.com

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  20. New follower. I too love love love that concealor. Great recommendations.
    mommysguiltypleasures.blogspot.com

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  21. Wonderful finds, thanks for sharing! I am looking for a new mascara, so thank you for letting me know which one not to buy :)

    www.mythriftychic.com

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  22. I'm a mascara nut, so thanks for letting me know about the 3D. I'll stick to my They're Real by Benefit.

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