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Tuesday, 16 June 2009

  • Hi everyone! I'm just getting started on Lovelyish... Drop me a comment if you've got some ideas on what to do first - or just to say, "Hi!"

  • Ask Lydia: Foundation Primer


    Hi Lydia -

    I've been reading reviews about different foundation primers and am thinking about purchasing some. Reviews seem to speak highly of it, but are primers really worth the money? Also, should you still use daily face lotion with a primer?

    Thanks! --Brooke

    Hi Brooke! Thanks for your question...this is a good one. Let's examine the wonderful world of primers:

    WHAT IS FOUNDATION PRIMER?
    Foundation primers add a layer between your skin and your makeup. They help even out your skin's surface and some reduce the size of your pores. Some primers may help extend the wear of your foundation by helping to absorb oil. If you're in a humid environment or have more oily skin, primer may help to keep your makeup from slipping.

    You can get some similar benefits from applying moisturizer first, but primers take it one step further.

    HOW DO I USE IT?
    First off, it is not necessary to wear moisturizer and a primer. You can pick one or the other...or both. If you wear any eye creams or moisturizer, apply them first. Then apply the primer. With primer, it seems a little goes a long way, so go easy! Give yourself a minute or two to let the primer absorb into your skin before applying your foundation. Then just put on your makeup as you normally do.

    I have noticed that primers do give my skin a completely different texture--more matte or velvety, which is nice.

    WHAT PRIMER IS RIGHT FOR ME?
    That depends entirely on your type of skin and your budget. Primers are relatively new to the market, and it seems like they're mostly made by the higher-end companies. The Cadillac of primers is, arguably, Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Some primers are tinted to counteract any discoloration your skin may have. My advice: head over to Sephora and talk to their people. They can help you find the perfect primer for you. And plan to spend at least $30 or so, depending on what you end up with.

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Monday, 15 June 2009

  • Dear Old Dad

    Father's Day is just around the corner, and while you could get your dad the usual gift (a tie, bbq equipment, etc.), why not pamper your poppa with some of these great products. Men like to be taken care of just as much (if not more!) than women do, and you can share your love of skin care/beauty products with your dad by checking out these goodies:

    Every Man Jack Beginner's Luck Kit, about $25: Every Man Jack products are awesome! They're well priced and easy to find (just head to your local Target!), and they do a great job. Their signature mint fragrance is subtle and clean smelling, and will be fun to use. I've used their bar soap in the past--it was pretty and smelled great. Every Man Jack products aren't tested on animals and they're not packed with nasty chemicals like some shaving products. Totally budget friendly, Every Man Jack products are approachable and damn good!

    Lab Series Daily Moisture Defense Lotion SPF 15 Gift Set, $37.50: Men need to use SPF just as much as women do, but we all know that they're far from enthusiastic about it. We get to sneak in our SPF by wearing foundation containing SPF, lipgloss with SPF, etc. This set, designed specifically for men, includes a face wash, shave cream, and sun block.

    Sephora Brand Scent Sampler    , $50: I love this gift! You get a box full of samples of the top selling fragrances for men. You also get a coupon for a full sized product of your choice. Your dad can test out ten different scents and then go back to Sephora for a full sized version of his favorite. If looking good and smelling good is important to your dad, this is a great gift...one that will let him get exactly what he wants.

    Take care of your dad this Father's Day!

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Thursday, 11 June 2009

  • Beauty Product of the Week: blu_ray High Definition Gloss

    What is it? CARGO's blu_ray™ High Definition Gloss "provides a high-shine and plumping effect that makes lips look full and smooth —for picture-perfect results. The technology-driven formula has a plumping and line-filling effect for instantly fuller and smoother lips with long-term results. It delivers high shine without the shimmer—making it perfect for photography. The formula improves elasticity of the lips and provides the ultimate in hydration and comfort while the cap features Timestrip® technology to show you when your gloss needs to be replaced. Timestrip™ is a strip that remembers when a product was first opened and alerts you when it is no longer wise to use it. Simply insert the Timestrip™ into the cap and it is immediately activated. As the months go by the Timestrip™ window gradually turns red and, when the entire window is red, it is time to replace your gloss" Available in seven shades at Sephora for $24 a tube.

    What did you think? $24 is a lot to spend for lip gloss. I get that. For $24, I expect great things from a lip product. This lip gloss does not deliver.

    Before I get to my complaints, here's what I like:
    • The applicator: I prefer the spongy-tipped applicators for gloss rather than the brushes. They somehow seem easier to use.
    • The minty flavoring: The scent/taste of a lip gloss is very important, and this one is minty and fresh. Nice!
    • The lack of glitter: I hate glosses that are sparkly. I am not a Twilight vampire and I prefer my lips to shine, not sparkle.
    • The feel: This gloss is not sticky or thick--it's slick and feels pretty good on my lips.
    Now, here are my concerns:
    • The lack of color: The shades are subtle and very natural looking--this is both a good thing and a bad thing. It would be fine to wear a subtle shade if it cost about $10. But for $24, I want more va-va-va-voom for lack of a better word.
    • The Timestrip: I don't know about you, but I tend to keep beauty products longer than I know I should. The Timestrip counts down time and when it goes red, you're supposed to replace the product. According to CARGO, this gloss needs to replaced with in 9 months of being opened. I'm already at the 3 month mark--man time flies by. The red strip on my lipgloss tube grows, taunting me. I know I'll have (and use) this gloss well past the 9 month mark, but every time I do so, I'll feel like I'm doing something wrong...like drinking expired milk.
    • The overall blah-ness of it all: Like I said, for $24 I have high expectations, but this just falls flat. I've tried much cheaper lip products that have provided a much greater value for the dollar.
    The final verdict? Unless you need to be on camera regularly and are really concerned about your makeup, I say skip this product. It's expensive and I don't see that it's providing the kind of results that warrant the cost. If you want a pricey gloss, try Dior's Addict line of products. They're pretty damn awesome.


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Wednesday, 10 June 2009

  • Summerproof Your Look

    Now that warm weather is here, it's just about time to think about lounging around the pool or splashing through waves at the beach. But it's hard to stay looking made up and lovely when your makeup is running down your face.

    Making a splash doesn’t mean sacrificing your summer look. Say “NO!” to panda eyes, streaky blush and splotchy foundation. Head over to your local Sephora to find out how to “wet suit” your makeup – from waterproof mascaras to lasting liners and shadows, you’ll be swimming pretty all season long. Make your look last with these budget-friendly beauty savers:
    Check out Sephora for these waterproof beauties.

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    • Member Since: 6/16/2009

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