Drugstore Find: Spoiled Nail Color

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While picking up a few necessities at CVS, I stumbled upon a promotional stand for Spoiled Nail Color. Manufactured by Wet-n-Wild Cosmetics, these polishes are exclusive to CVS and retail for $1.99…

I was immediately attracted to a color called Flamingo Pink. The formula is opaque and very true to color. One coat was all that was needed, but due to the price point I thought two coats might have more staying-power. Applied on toes and fingers, one week later, my toes are unblemished and my fingers are just now beginning to chip.

The only setback is the brush. A thick brush, (similar to Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure) but with a weird tapered end. The edge of the brush can be a little awkward, but ignored, due to the $1.99 price tag.

Available in 72 colors, Spoiled Nail Color is truly a great buy. From trendy neon shades to glittery sparkles, one is bound to find a shade worthy of the $1.99 investment.

Holy Grail: Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara

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Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara is currently the best mascara I have ever used. Coming from a lunatic that has tested every imaginable mascara, this says a lot. As seen in Glow-T’s Best of 2011 post – I wanted to wait until I thoroughly tested this product to give an honest review. 

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara is all of your favorite lengthening/separating/volumizing mascaras rolled into one. The formula is smooth, weightless and incredibly pigmented. One coat is all that is needed for full/thick lashes, however, the build-able formula is capable of overly dramatic lashes without clumping (statement based on two thick coats). The wand’s handle is weighted, giving support for easy application. The brush is nothing special and on the larger size, but delivers intensely thick, black lashes.

The only criticism I have is the price. A $30 dollar mascara is hard to swallow with so many cheaper products on the market. In consideration, I purchased this mascara in the beginning of November and it is still going strong; no traces of dryness or emptiness.

Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara is currently on my holy grail list. At this point, you would think I would never need to acknowledge another mascara again… You would think…

Tried & Tested: They’re Real! Benefit Mascara

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They're Real! Benefit Mascara

Currently loving, Benefit’s new mascara, They’re Real!

Although the formula is nice, wet and smudge-proof, the reverence goes to the brush. This amazing rubber brush coats each lash beautifully, however, the tip of the brush is where the real magic happens.

Similiar to Givenchy Phenomen’eyes mascara, the round sphere of bristles at the top of the brush adds precision and definition. Every lash, even the tiniest hairs are coated, lengthened and plumped.

The formula and rubberized brush is similar to Cover Girl’s Lash Blast mascara, but the technology of Benefit’s brush is in a league of it’s own.

TIP: When the mascara bottle has dried-up, separate the brush and clean it. Dip it into your favorite formula or drugstore mascara.

Fine Line: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

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Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner

Gel-based eyeliners provide the look of liquid-liner but apply with the ease and control of a gel formula.

Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliners are my pick in this category. They are extremely pliable, long-wearing, water-resistant and are available in an array of 14 beautiful colors.

This award-winning liner feels light and silky on the skin. The texture is smooth, slippery and glides on the eyelid gracefully. This liner lasts all day, no flaking and stays put.

Like most gel-liners, packaging comes in a pot-form. This product does not dry-out as fast as others and will last a very long time because only the tiniest amount is needed. Use with any brush that you are most comfortable with. I prefer Chanel’s Pinceau 13 ultra fine eyeliner brush, it provides ultimate control and accuracy.

This product is truly in a league-of-its-own and once you have tried this eyeliner, it will seem very hard to use anything else.

Dynamic Duo: Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo

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Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo

The Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo uses two products to create radiant skin. The two different shades, Blushed and Bronzed, instantly enhance the cheeks appearance.

The formula consists of a gel-like texture that smooths beautifully over the skin to create a flawless canvas. Silicone-based, this silky gel reduces the appearance of redness and discoloration, enlarged pores, fine lines and shine. The formula also contains Niacin (Vitamin B3) which helps increase circulation, Caffeine, Vitamin A and E, antioxidants that protect from free radicals.

The Per-fekt Cheek Perfection Gel Duo provides both a bronzer and blush product. The colors of these products are quite intimidating. The bronzer is a dark green-based brown and the blusher, a deep rosy red. I prefer to mix the two products to create a warmer pink-flushed cheek. A drop of product is all that is needed for application, the gels are extremely pigmented but blend easily.

These products are not the simplest to apply, some precision and control is needed. I prefer applying the product with a brush because it renders more control. I use a dense contour brush (MAC 109), and stipple the product on the skin in circular motions.

The Cheek Perfection Duo can also be used on the body, try a little bronzer on the décollage for a sun-kissed appearance. When applied Per-fektly, these products are a great option for the cheeks, however, if not heedful it can end up a duo-disaster.