Monday, January 16, 2012

Winter Beauty Report Card

Hello friends, Happy Monday! Did you catch the Golden Globes last night? It seems like it would be a fun show to attend. I wasn't really blown away by any of the dresses so I'm eschewing my regular red carpet post. I'm just happy Claire Danes and Homeland won! Now, if Damian Lewis just wins that Emmy, I will be a happy camper.

My friends and family know me very well, so there was no shortage of Sephora gift cards in my Christmas and birthday cards. Love you guys! Here are my newest beauty purchases with some notes and first impressions:
*click the images to enlarge and see detail
  * TooFaced does not conduct any animal testing
 * This bronzer imparts a natural glow, goes on quite sheer with no visible shimmer, and does not seem to oxidize on my skin over the course of the day. 
  * Interim Grade: A
 * This powder contains seaweed extract, chamomile, Vitamins A, C and E and aloe vera to help increase the elasticity, moisture and firmness of the skin.
  * I love the natural yet solid coverage of this powder, great for setting make-up of any kind.
  * Interim Grade: A
TooFaced Beach Bunny bronzer and Absolutely Invisible powders

  * Boscia does not test on animals.
  * Their products are botanical-based and paraben-free.
  * This product contains artichoke leaf which helps improve elasticity, charcoal which absorbs excess oil and impurities and helps detoxification, and Vitamin C to help brighten skin tone and protect against free radicals.
  * I like the organic scent of this product, it's very spa-like to me, I also like the dispenser (push top). I really dig the black, liquid jelly type consistency of this product as well. After application, my skin tingles for about 10 minutes, which I have to say, is pretty rejuvenating.
  * I do tend to have oily skin, but this gel does a great job keeping dryness at bay for me--especially important in the Winter months. The overall appearance of my skin has definitely improved since I've started using it. 
  * Interim Grade: A, possible HG status
Boscia Revitalizing Hydrating Gel

- Chanel nail lacquer in May
  * I fell head over heels in love with this gorgeous pink shade, it's so perfect for Spring and Summer.
Chanel nail polish in May
- Hourglass Veil primer
  * Hourglass is a vegan/gluten-free/made in the USA cosmetics company. They do not test on animals.
  * The primer is waterproof and will make any make-up you apply over it waterproof as well.
  * This white, satin-y fluid goes on very light, it's not greasy at all. My make-up stays fresh all day and my pores definitely look more refined.
  * Interim Grade: A, possible HG status
- Hourglass Veil Fluid Foundation
  * This SPF 15 foundation contains Matrixyl, which supports the body's natural ability to produce collagen, which lessens the look of wrinkles.
  * Love it. My skin looks so fresh, clear and smooth and stays that way the entire day. It's also looking better without any make-up at all.
  * Interim Grade: A+, possible HG status
MUFE HD Kabuki brush
MUFE HD Kabuki brush
  * My SA at Sephora recommended this brush to apply the Hourglass foundation with for a smooth, blended, really natural look.
  * Love this brush, it's perfect for all-over coverage, refining and buffing.
  * Interim Grade: A
Dior Lip Polish in Fresh Expert
- Dior Lip Polish in Fresh Expert
  * This is a really beautiful, universally-flattering color. It's very moisturizing and the consistency is great-not too thick, not too sticky. The staying power really needs work though.
  * Interim Grade: C, I like it, but the short staying power does not justify the price tag or a re-purchase
Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Deauville
- Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Deauville
  * I am not much of a lipstick gal, I much prefer stains and glosses. Chanel's Rouge Coco Shine is an absolute perfect marriage of the two. It goes on nice and sheer, has a bit of shine to it and leaves a very subtle stain on the lips. Deauville is the perfect neutral berry color on my skin tone. I love that I don't even need a mirror to apply it.  It's so much less formal to me than lipstick, but a step above plain old gloss.
  * Interim Grade: A, possible HG status


Have you tried any of my new purchases? If so, what did you think? Have you had any product fails lately? What are your current favorites? Feel free to list them in the comments. Have a wonderful day!

29 comments:

  1. That's too funny. When I saw you pop up on my dashboard, I just knew it was going to be a golden globes recap :). I agree a lot of it was blah, but I did like the dresses Kate Winslet and Salma Hayek wore.

    Chanel May looks very nice on you. It would be very hard to look at that pink and not fall in love.

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    1. Ha, how funny! None of the dresses really did if for me so I couldn't get excited enough to write a whole post about the GG, lol. I liked Kate Beckinsale's look, but I'm over the whole nude/blush gown thing. Isn't that pink polish just the perfect tone?

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  2. I LOVE so many of your latest purchases - especially the Chanel polish in May - I think that's the prettiest shade I've seen in a long time!

    Do you find the Coco Shine to be long-lasting? I've always been interested in purchasing it, but I hate having to reapply lip products frequently.

    In terms of trying new products, I'm running out of my mineral foundation - so I had picked up the MUFE duo-mat powder to try - but when I got home and read the reviews, I noticed a lot of people said it broke them out - so I haven't even tried it - I'm just going to exchange it for the Bare Minerals Matte powder.

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    1. Thanks Ella, I'm in love with that pink polish too!
      Coco Shine isn't terribly long lasting when worn under gloss, but I've found it to stay pretty well when worn alone. Plus it does leave a nice, subtle stain.
      Yeah, when it comes to dealing with breakouts and skin sensitivity, you definitely don't want to risk using a product that will aggravate your skin! It's so great you know what works for you in that regard.

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  3. How do you use the Boscia Revitalizing Hydrating Gel? As a moisturizer? I love their product line but I am unclear as to the function of that product.

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    1. Hi Chandra,
      Yes, I use it as a moisturizer before I apply primer and foundation. I'm not sure if that is advisable for all skin types, but I tend to be oily so it's perfect for me. I really have noticed such an improvement in my skin since I've been using it!

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  4. I keep hearing about Hourglass products and how amazing they are. I've been using Bare Minerals for years and as much as I want to try something new I'm afraid it will break me out.

    The Chanel nail polish is very pretty.

    Great review Andi, thanks for sharing this with us :)

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    2. I know, when you have sensitive skin it's pretty scary to switch to or try out a new product. I totally understand. I think Hourglass may be great though because of its natural origins (gluten and oil-free, vegan etc.). If BM stops working for you for whatever reason, Hourglass may be a great brand to try.

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  5. Andi - I am just over the moon about this post. I am so thrilled to see that there are so many terrific products that get the Salt-water seal of approval that are cruelty free. You are forever and for always my product guru!! Love you.

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    1. Shan, thank you for asking the question in the first place. I did some research for you and decided I could make better choices as well. There are plenty of amazing, cruelty-free products out there! Thank you for making me think :)
      xoxo

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  6. I love Chanel's April and May colors - so perfect for spring! MUFE brushes are my fave - they last forever!

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    1. Oh yes, April is so fun too! I had to make a decision though so I went with the pink : ) Glad you love MUFE brushes, this is actually my first one. I have a pretty stout MAC brush collection.

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  7. What a stellar report card! I'm so happy that you have found some hg products. I have to try the boscia gel, it sounds like it will suit my skin too. How wonderful is hourglass? I love their lip stain in petal. I'll have to try the mineral primer! Thanks for the reviews andi!

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    1. Are you loving that Hourglass lipstain? Does it have great lasting power? That primer is amazing. My SA told me that when they came to do the demonstration, they put the primer underneath every brand and type of make-up, even Bare Minerals, and it still looked flawless and made it waterproof as well! And I am seriously love the Boscia gel, I feel like my skin looks so much better since I've started using it. You should definitely get a sample and see how it works for you.
      xoxo

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    2. Yes, its by far the best stain I've tried in terms of lasting power! I like to rub it in with my finger and its hard to even get off my finger! I love it, I am definitely trying the primer soon.

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  8. I'm so happy to hear that you loved the Boscia hydrating gel. Been really wanting to try it! xo

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  9. Nicole, it's AMAZING! I highly recommend it. I can really notice such an improved appearance in my skin. I hope you experience such great results with it as well. Let me know! xx

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  10. Great pics and thanks for all the swatches!! Anything by Bosica is fantastic!! The cleansers, the toners, anything.

    xo

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    1. Good to know! The gel is the only Boscia product I've tried so far, but I'm definitely loving it.

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  11. I'm wanting one of those new Chanel polishes!

    Did you see my giveaway Andi...I think you'll like it!

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  12. Gotta love that classic 1960s bubblegum pink nail polish! =)

    pinkchampagnefashion.blogspot.com

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  13. First of all, I love your banner. One of the prettiest blog banners I've seen. Second, thanks so much for posting about too faced. I've been looking for new makeup but feel lost the endless sea of cosmetics. I love reading reviews on other blogs and your reviews are super helpful! Anyways, I just started following:) Stop by, say hi and follow back if ya feel like it!
    real budget, real busy, real body fashion:
    4scarlet.com

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    1. Thank you Hannah, I appreciate it! CJ at custombloglayouts.com designed my blog for me, he rules!

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  14. wow i'm going to need to try that gel.. looks so interesting

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  15. That Chanel nail color is just gorgeous. It is so fresh!

    http://www.glamkittenslitterbox.com/
    Twitter: @GlamKitten88

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  16. The Chanel nail color is beautiful! I agree, it's the perfect shade for spring.

    Hope you're having a great weekend! :)

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  17. The Chanel nail color is lovely! I was thinking about getting the "June" version.

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