Maybelline Define-A-Lash Mascara

This stuff made me a little moody. It was inexpensive but it didn't hold up to it's promise. The wand is rubbery and flexible so the first few times I used it, I poked myself in the eye. If it wasn't the eye, it was the corner of my eye so I had a goopy mess. I wouldn't say it was clump-free either. It was thick and did not go on smoothly once I delicately put it on my lashes. I finally threw it away so I wouldn't torture myself anymore.

I want a mascara that just glides on, no clumps and no issues. I found that L'Oreal Voluminous works much better for a similar price range.

If you want to spend a little more, I would recommend Estee Lauder's More Than Mascara.This stuff works great but also costs $21 a tube. It is sometimes included in their gift with purchase. They are having a sweepstakes for the month of July to win a $350 shopping spree. Check it out:

https://www.esteelauder.com/promotions/common/sweepstakes.tmpl?cm_sp=Promotions_Sweeps_DropDown

The yellow bottle - what's it called?

Don't you hate it when your friend tells you she has a great product and she can't remember what it's called? Why do marketers do that? They create a great beauty product and use small fonts or confusing fonts and then name the product something that nobody can remember. Kind of like bloggers right? How many times do you have to do a search on your friend's blog because they gave it an odd name you can never remember.

The salon I use has this great product that I call "the yellow bottle". Clients actually come in and ask for the stuff in the yellow bottle!

Well, I found it online and it is called LISAP unisystem smoothing fluid. It is awesome stuff! It smells great and has a heat protecting agent for use with straightening irons and other hot tools. I love this product because it doesn't dry out your hair or make it crispy and brittle feeling as some iron guards do.

I have already decided I am going to give this stuff away for a contest real soon but I need to get my hands on some. The salon can't keep it in stock! Maybe that is because it is made in Italy.

Sorry for the VERY small picture but this is the only size available on the website too. I need to contact these people and meet with them. Their products have potential!

Here is the company website:

http://www.lisapusa.com/

Mr. Gerardo Bruzzese a hairstylist and colorist for over thirty years, who was looking for a superior hair color and products for his salon, founded Lisap USA in 1993. After doing extensive research on Hair Color Companies, Mr. Bruzzese came across Lisap S.p.A. located in Milan, Italy. The rest as they say, is HISTORY. Today, our commitment to the salon has grown. Lisap USA is now the sole importer of Lisap Products throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.Lisap S.p.A. has been in the Beauty Business since 1952. They develop and manufacture all their products in their factories in Milan, Italy.

To Chi or not to Chi?

Cosmo has this great article on Lust-worthy hair for less. They mention in the article that it is not worth it to spend lots of money on luxe styling tools. And that's it! Where are the details? I talk to my friends and they swear by the CHI and then there is the T3. I found the one at Sally's beauty supply (Hot Tools) to work great. But is it damaging my hair more than the double the price CHI? Am I missing out on a type of ceramic that mine doesn't have?

I will be doing some more research on this poing but thought I would throw it out there. Afterall, flat is in (at least today).

As promised, Moody Maria is having a contest! Since the focus around summer is flip flops, sandals, walking on the beach......let's have a contest to win free stuff to make your feet as soft and smooth as the sand on a beach.

Up for grabs is Victoria's Secret After Shave Lotion and Warming Foot Scrub!

The first prize comes with an OPI nail polish of your choice. After you win, just let me know what type of color you prefer and I will go shopping for you.

So this prize is sort of like winning a personal shopper too!

The second prize isn't as glamorous but very useful!

It comes with a foot file to smooth out those rough edges. So, this is how it works! Leave me a comment with your first name and your tip to keep your feet looking good this summer. If you feet are not worth mentioning, let us know that too. How long has it been since your last real pedicure? You can leave a comment as anonymous if you wish and just leave your name in the text of the comment. This way, you don't have to sign up for a thing or give out your email address.

On the evening of July 13th, I will randomly pick two winners. After I announce the winners on this site (by July 14th), I will let you know how to contact me so we can get you your prize. Free prize, free shipping and totally fun!

Contest will be announced tonight!

7/13 - my b-day! I want to give u a gift!

Check back tonight for Moody Maria's first contest and win freebies! Free to you!

The contest will begin tonight and run through July 13th - my birthday!

Hydra-Radiance Intensive Nutrient Night Serum

$9.99 is the current sale price!

I love this stuff! I use it with my Moisture 24 or other moisturizer right before bed. I have seemed to notice a slight difference in my skin. I will continue to use it and hopefully someone else will notice as the other reviewers on the AVON site had mentioned!

Here are some of their reviews:

Love this stuff!
Date: July 1, 2008
"The first time I put this on I fell in love with the smell. I put it on in the morning and at night and let it dry then I put on the night cream or day cream. I've been using it for about 2 weeks. I noticed to day that the wrinkles on my forehead are less prominent so I'll continue to use it.

love it
Date: June 17, 2008
"i recently purchased this and have been using it for 2 weeks. i noticed visible change within 1st couple of days using it. my face is much smoother and vibrant. i use it after washing and under my moisturizer. i will continue to use in my nightly regime."

Feels Great
Date: June 22, 2008
"I will confess I'm man and I've been using womens facial creams for a about a year now. I wish that their were more products that catered to the aging skin of men. But until they do I will use women skin care products. If they work why not use them. I just purchased this product and after 1 use my skin felt smooth and looked smoother. Lets see what it does in 7 days."

Wake up to visibly glowing skin.Powerful glow-boosting vitamins & minerals. 3X level of fennel complex to help improve skin tone. Pro-Vitamins B5 & B6 help regulate and maintain healthy skin.85% of women showed improvement in overall skin health in just 7 days. 1 fl. oz.

Happy Fourth of July - let's focus on a company born in the USA!

I once ran across this brand in a discussion board and decided to give it a try. I found it at Sunflower Foods (natural foods store). I like this company because it is based in Colorado and the woman came up with these formulas in her kitchen. The result: MyChelle Dermaceuticals LLC, a paraben-free, non-toxic, 100% natural, eco-friendly, cruelty-free company. Read more about her on their website: http://mychelleusa.com/about-us.aspx

I tried the honeydew cleanser and loved it! It smelled good, washed my faced nicely and left it feeling smooth and moist. Although it didn't remove ALL of my eye makeup with one washing, I understood since it was such a gentle cleanser.

An unscented creamy cleanser with honeydew melon, honey enzymes, chlorophyll, sea weed and algae. 4.4 oz for $17.27

I did try the cranberry cleanser but it tasted really bad! When I washed my face it was hard to avoid the taste (like some other harsh cleansers I have used). I used it up but was still partial to the honeydew cleanser.

They also have a new product called a Guava Cactus Mask that looks pretty neat! A potent hydrating antioxidant mask with pink guava and prickly pear cactus. $31.70 on the website!

Description:

Guava Cactus Mask is a potent hydrating treatment delivering a multitude of potent antioxidants to your skin. Prickly pear cactus extract provides moisture binding properties while oils of sunflower, jojoba, hemp, avocado, and squalane deeply nourish and lubricate dry stressed skin. Organic green tea and tocotrienols mop up free radicals, and organic essential oils provide an uplifting aroma-therapeutic effect.

Directions:

Apply a liberal layer to cleansed skin. Relax for twenty minutes, rinse with warm water, tone, nourish and protect.

Healthier Hair with Heat - huh??

I have been going to this new salon and you know how they are REALLY good at talking you into new products???? Well, I got suckered into buying some new shampoo that is supposedly really good for colored hair. It is called ThermaFuse ColorCare shampoo. And you know what? I really like it! Not only does it smell amazing and sweet like candy but it really builds up a good lather and does a great job.

Today I decided to try the Deep Conditioning Treatment. The stylist said it smells like Ande's mints. She said to wash my hair and put hot water on right before I put in the treatment, wrap a towel around my head and leave it on for about 10 minutes. She also said not to use it more than once a week because that could actually dry out my hair - who knew?

I will review the deep conditioning treatment at a later time.

ThermaFuse with HeatSmart Complex® works with the heat of your blow dryer to heal & repair and protect & prevent! This cutting edge technology means that heat damage from hot irons and hair dryers is now a thing of the past.

Here is the website: http://www.thermafuse.com/

Solar Oil

There is a product that I have been using for years called Solar oil. Basically it is a almond-scented cuticle oil that can keep your cuticles moist and also make you look like you just stepped out of a salon from a manicure! Buy two, one for home and one for work. If you have a big meeting, just gloss some on and go!


It is $11.00 for a small bottle but lasts a long time! They also carry it in a solid form in case you are afraid of a mess.




Here is the company website: http://creativenaildesign.com/

Tips from Trisha

My sweet friend Trisha is a makeup junkie just like me. Here are some Bobbi Brown products she recommends:

The first one is something that everyone can use and it is listed as an "Allure" 2007 Best of Beauty Award Winner. It is called "Tinted Lip Balm". Trisha tried it in Golden pink and said it lasts a long time, has the perfect amount of color and is easy to put on even when you don't have a mirror!

This unique formula offers deep moisturization and sheer color that lasts longer than most. With a portable newly designed metal case, Tinted Lip Balm offers finger-free and mess-free application. It is available in a range of beautiful shades – every shade works for almost anyone! $18.00

The next product is one that Trisha has been using for years. It was recently Awarded: "Elle" ‘Genius Award’ (April 2008), "In Style" 'Best Beauty Buy' (2008), and "Allure" ‘Reader's Choice Award’ (2008). Wow! This stuff must be good!

Their popular long-wearing eyeliner offers the precision of liquid liner and the ease of a gel-based formula. This Fall, try water-resistant Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in NEW Black Mauve Shimmer Ink, a black mauve infused with bronze and gold pearl pigments.

To use it they suggest to dip the tip of an ultra fine eyeliner brush into the gel formulae and wipe off the excess before applying to the eye. Work quickly as product becomes transfer-resistant once dry. To remove, use makeup remover that is gentle enough for the eyes.

Check out their website for colors: http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/sp_shaded.tmpl?ngextredir=1&CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY2751&PRODUCT_ID=PROD1109

Bobbi Brown can be found at Dillards at Park Place Mall and in Phoenix just about everywhere (you lucky folks). Click on the image below to check out their latest products:

Relaxing that Frizzy Hair!

Kerastase is a company owned by L'Oreal. The products are mostly sold in fine salons but drugstore.com also carries them (although they cannot guarantee them since they are not an authorized retailer).

I have been using this product for a few years on and off and I just love it. Use it after blow drying hair for frizz control and to lessen the appearance of split ends due to heat damage/coloring. A little goes a long way and this container can last for several months.

Kerastase Nutritive Oleo-Relax, Smoothing Controlling Care. $32.99

The directions say: "Apply 1 to 2 pumps directly to towel-dried hair. Style. Pump 1 drop into hand and work into lengths and ends. Finish by smoothing hands over hair."

All Thermal Lotions are NOT the same!

Remember that awesome thermal facial lotion by Avon that I reviewed? Well, I still love it and continue to use it. I loved it so much that I thought I might try a cheaper version for my feet from the drugstore. Bad choice.

Freeman makes a product called "Bare Foot Self-Warming Foot Scrub, Peppermint & Plum". It is 3.99 and not worth a dime!

First off, the scrub was stuck in the container. I could feel it in there but could not get it to come out. I used warm water on it and squeezed it but I was afraid it was going to explode in my face! Finally, the darn stuff came out very sandy. It was rough and then came the lotion (thin and pink). I gave it a try and yes it heated up on my feet but not very warm and didn't do much. Then I rinsed it and what a mess. It didn't dissolve at all and made a huge mess in the shower. So much for a foot scrub. Do not buy this product! Sorry Freeman but the formula must be off. Take a tip from AVON and start using their labs.

Avon still rocks in the thermal lotion department. Now, I did see some fancier versions in one of the latest fashion magazines, so I may give one a try. Let's see what I come up with!

LipFusion Really Works!

LipFusion Color Shine really works! It can be worn over or under lip color and it instantly plumps lips! This stuff is a bit expensive but it lasts about 4-6 months. They have a day version which can be found at CVS, Sephora or other fine stores. $38

They also sell a spearamint flavored night version (called LipFusion XL) to plump your lips overnight! It is tingly but you wake up like Angelina Jolie (minus the body)! $50 but ships for free at sephora.com.

And if you have a school reunion or wedding coming up for the summer, you might want to get the limited edition summer bling-bling version. It's so cute! It comes in one color called Velvet Bling Fusion.

Here is some boring product information:
LipFusion Color Shine-The next generation of lip plumpers has arrived. LipFusion is a moisturizing treatment gloss infused with revolutionary technology to plump lips instantly - no kidding. How it works: Tiny, dehydrated, marine collagen micro spheres are instantly absorbed by the lips, and seek out the body's natural moisture. As soon as the spheres become rehydrated, they plump and hold onto the moisture they've collected, creating a mild "swelling" of the lip tissue. The result is fuller, smoother, perfectly plumped lips in seconds. Results can last for up to 48 hours.

Breaking News! LipFusion has earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. "We are thrilled that LipFusion is among a select list of beauty products backed by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal, a well-known symbol of confidence in consumer products," said Randi Shinder, President and Co-Founder of Fusion Beauty. Prognosis: LipFusion instantly plumps the lips.

To use: Apply morning and evening or as needed to moisturize and plump the lips throughout the day. $38 and it comes in many colors!

Got Zits?

I am sure that none of the readers of this blog have a zit problem....but on the unfortunate day that you wake up for work or for a special event with a zit, try this stuff! It is called Zapzyt and I think the name is pretty catchy and fun.

I like it because it doesn't smell and it isn't too irritating. It costs about $5.00 and can be found at any drugstore. Here is some product information:

Kills acne causing bacteria
Clears acne pimples and blackheads fast
Oil free, odorless gel vanishes as it clears your skin
Satisfaction guaranteed (see details on package)
The maximum strength formula in ZAPZYT Acne Treatment Gel is the same formula recommended by dermatologists. ZAPZYT penetrates deep into your pores where pimples begin, delivering the fastest results possible. ZAPZYT vanishes instantly into your skin. The only thing you will notice are the results.

ZAPZYT is guaranteed to clear your skin. If you use ZAPZYT as directed and don't get the results you're looking for, return the unused tube for a full refund. (address on package)


Formulated and packaged in the USA

It worked for this girl!

Trend Alert: Chunky, layered necklaces

I noticed that several websites are showing chunky, beaded necklaces for the summer/fall. You can find reasonable ones at new york and company, old navy, kohls and of course, TAR TAR.

picture credit: USweekly.com