Learned a New Word by Buying Nails Inc.Gel Effect Polish

Nails Inc. Gel Effect Polish in Kensington Passage

I knew nothing about this nail polish brand, but I still went ahead and purchased it.  Why?  Well...I've come to accept that I buy anything that reminds me of my times in the UK.  The company is based in London and all the colors in this line are named after areas in that city.  I thought to myself, there must be a name that describes a non-Brit who loves all things British.  Off to Google I went and yes there is a word - anglophile.  Technically, its a lover of all things English, but close enough.  I learned a new word!  On to the nail polish review...

Price:

Purchased at my local Sephora for $14 USD.

Packaging:

You get .27 fluid ounces in this glass bottle.  The "outer cap" is rectangular and is the same color as the polish.  Once you pop it off, it will display the typical circular cap that attaches to the brush.  I have to be forthcoming,  I didn't know that at first.  Yup, I awkwardly painted my nails with the rectangular cap on the first time.  I initially thought this was just this company's shtick, but then I started to think, there's no way they would want to make it this difficult to apply.  I eventually figured it out - thank goodness.

Use and Performance:

Nail polish on my fingers NEVER last more than a couple of days.  Often times it chips on the first day.  After initially eyeing this because I'm an anglophile, I was further convinced to purchase because they claim to have the same high shine as a salon gel manicure without the need of UV lights.  In my mind, gel manicures also translates to long lasting so, I was excited to see if it could last more than one day on me.  

There are about 18 colors to choose from on the Sephora website, but there were only a third of that in my local store.  It took awhile, but I finally chose the bright coral color, Kensington Passage.  I thought it would pop against my summer tan.

I first used this right before I went to bed one evening.  I started off with a base coat.  When I applied my first coat, there were a few streaks, but I figured it would clear up on my second coat.  I was wrong!  I tried to apply thin coats initially, but I soon realized I needed a generous amount on the brush to apply evenly.  I was forced to go back for a third coat and I had to "goop" it on some areas.  The formula has a thick consistency, which is probably why the brush was wider than normal.  I waited about 15 minutes before I put on my top coat.  When I woke up in the morning, there were multiple air bubbles all over my nails, which I assumed was due to the top coat being applied before the polish could dry.  However, it didn't appear like that before I fell asleep.  It was horrible looking so I took it all off to try again. 

I started off with a base coat and then slathered on two coats of the polish.  I waited an hour before getting up to run errands, which took about two hours.  When I got home, I put on a top coat assuming that it would be completely dry after three hours.  I watched TV for about an hour and no bubbling so, I took the pictures for this blog and then I proceeded to make lunch.  To my horror, flecks of the polish started to peel off into my dish while I was peeling and slicing away at my ingredients.  After four freakin' hours, the polish did not dry.  WTH???  I gave up and immediately took it off...AGAIN!

Overall Impression:

There are a few nice things I can say about this.  One, they've got some pretty nice colors.  Two, it does have a high shine.  Three, it comes off easily.

*long pause*

OK...I want to be fair and say my poor experience may be just due to this color.  Perhaps the darker colors do not come on "streaky" so you don't have to put on two heavy coats and wait forever for it to dry.  However, for a $14 polish, I expect the line to perform consistently well across all colors.  

I may try a darker color in the future.  I also hear they have a non-gel line so I may try that too.  But for now, the wound is still fresh so, it's going to be awhile. 

Check Out Line Impulse Buy: Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

Retailers are so annoyingly smart!  I despise those check out line displays because, I have no self-control.  It also doesn't help when I go shopping on the weekend since the lines will assuredly be long, which leaves plenty of time to browse.  It was during one of those times when I picked up the Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser.  

I've heard that Eve Lom's cleanser is award winning and a cult favorite.  As a self-proclaimed skincare junkie, I tried to justify my purchase by telling myself it was just a matter of time before I gave it a try.  It wasn't until days later when I read more about the product that I realized I did NOT pick up the original cult favorite cleanser.  It turned out I picked up it's partner, Ms. Morning Time.  I suppose that's what I get for buying on impulse...

Price:  

$22 USD for 1.6 ounces at my local Sephora as of this Summer.  Since this was at the check-out line display, which normally houses sample size versions of products, I am unsure if this size is available at any other store.  The larger version, 4.1 ounces, was only available on their website.  Since I have never tried anything from this line, this mini version was fine with me.

Packaging:  

This comes in a white squeeze tube where the cap does not twist off separately.  Twisting counter clock-wise enables a small circular opening to dispense the product, which is great so you can control the amount used.  When twisting clock-wise to close, a bit of the product spits out so don't forget to swipe that piece.  

Use and Performance:

The directions recommend warming a small amount of the cleanser between your fingertips before massaging onto dry skin in circular motions.  I prefer to just place the product directly on my face and it warms as I massage my skin. 

The product is a yellow balm out of the tube (reference picture below), but transforms into a clear, thin gel-like consistency after the massage.  You're supposed to leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.  This may be inconvenient for someone trying to rush through a morning routine, but I just brush and floss my teeth in the interim.  All about multi-tasking in the AM.

On Eve Lom's website, they mention that they use four of their signature, aromatic cleansing oils for this, along with a papaya fruit enzyme and carrot oil.  They also described the ingredients purposes, which I've listed below:

• Clove Oil - antiseptic properties to encourage clear skin
• Eucalyptus Oil - drains away toxins
• Hops Oil - tones
• Egyptian Chamomile Oil - softens and soothes
• Papaya Fruit Enzyme - exfoliates, brightens, minimizes pore appearance
• Carrot Oil - help stimulate collagen production

I couldn't physically see all of these claims, but my skin did feel cleansed and soft afterwards.  As for the exfoliating part, I felt a slight tingle, but nothing as prominent as when I used Jan Marini's Clean Zyme.

I must highlight that the scent may not be for some.  It is medicinal-like.  For those that have ever used Tiger Balm, I get hints of that.  I personally enjoy that smell because after a rough work-out, I slather on Tiger Balm to soothe my aching muscles.  Aromas that are similar just put me in a very relaxed mood.

Overall Impression:

For weekday mornings, I much prefer a quick "wash and go" type of cleanser.  Leaving on for two minutes is by no means long, but you know how hectic it can be in the AM.  However, during mornings where I'm not in a rush, I really like it for the experience.  It just puts me in a "spa" mood because it is soothing for me.  Of course it also cleanses well.  

The larger 4.1 ounce size is $60 USD on the Sephora website and I'm not too keen on that cost, but my small 1.6 ounce has lasted me a couple of months already using it 3 to 4 times a week.  It's roughly twice the size so assuming it will last twice as long, it breaks down to about $15 per month or 50 cents per day.  This will definitely be more digestible when I repurchase.

A Summer Fling: Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbush Foundation with Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush

Foundation with Brush

As a Californian, specifically during the Summer months, I hunt for foundations light enough to blend quickly, but still have the ability to mask my imperfections so I don't have to rely on a concealer.  It would be ideal if it was a one step process too.  In other words, I don't need to use liquid foundation and a setting powder.  

This Summer season I was introduced to Tarte's Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Airbrush Foundation.  The following are excerpts from the product description on the Tarte website, "A 12-hour full coverage, weightless powder foundation...delivers flawless, natural looking coverage that lasts...waterproof."  What?  I just have to put on a powder and it will look natural, cover-up my ugly spots and stay on most of my waking day?  Sold!  I also chose to partner it with Tarte's recommended tool - Airbuki Bamboo Powder Foundation Brush.

Price:

The foundation is $36 USD for 0.247 ounces.  The brush, which is sold separately, is $26 USD.  I purchased both at my local Sephora last month.

Packaging:

The foundation comes in a round, twist off container.  The top is made to look like bamboo and it is imprinted with Tarte's leaf design that I've seen on other Amazonian Clay facial products.  Once opened (reference picture below), the base opening for the powder is covered with a spring-like, mesh netting.  It's meant to be a sifter so that minimal product comes out.  The interior top is designed to be a "stopper" for the powder to prevent more product from spilling out when closed.  This design is absolutely genius!  I have to carefully open up my other loose powders because a fair amount go through the sifter and there is always some degree of fallout over me or my counter.

Foundation Interior

The brush is essentially a synthetic kabuki brush.  The handle is made from sustainably harvested bamboo and lined with a gold-like bottom rim.  The circumference of the brush also fits perfectly in the mesh sifter.  I must give them kudos for their play on words on the product name.  Airbuki, like kabuki, but will give you an "airbrushed" finish.  Very clever Tarte! 

   

Use and Performance:

The instructions direct you to place the brush on top of the mesh sifter and gently press down to release the powder.  I only pump one or two times before I feel I have enough powder on the brush.  I start blending on one cheek and work it through one side of the face.  I then repeat on the other side of the face.  I really enjoyed using the Airbuki brush.  It is very soft, but the bristles are still compact enough for you to easily buff and blend.

Coverage-wise, I wouldn't consider this full coverage.  My freckles and brown spots were still noticeable after application, but it did even out my skin tone.  For reference, my color is medium-tan sand and it was a perfect match for me.  Tarte describes it for "medium to tan skin with yellow undertones."  

I usually start with foundation for my makeup routine.  By the time I finished applying my makeup, my t-zone was extremely oil.  I do have an oily t-zone, but this was far from normal.  I also noticed that my face became cakey and the powder appeared to highlight my pores.  I blotted my t-zone and reapplied the powder in that area, but got the same result about 15 minutes later.  WTH?  Luckily, I didn't have to go anywhere that day so, I just washed it off.

I didn't give up on this relationship yet because, when trying out a new foundation, I start my review with no primer, then the next few days I try it with different primers to see if there are different results.  When adding a primer, I didn't look like a cakey, t-zone grease ball after applying my makeup, but it sure wasn't long after - maybe an hour or so.  By the evening, the foundation either melted off or pooled into greasy patches around my face.  This occurred even with occasional blotting throughout the day.  I didn't reapply the powder after blotting for fear of it caking even more.

Overall Impression:

Alas, this was my Summer foundation fling.  It ended before it could even get off the ground.  I so wanted this to work because I love the philosophy of Tarte and I have a couple of holy grails from this line.  Sadly, for me, it didn't live up to it's product description and performed quite the opposite. *sob*   

To be fair, I like the Airbuki brush.  It buffed and blended the powder well.  I suspect it would be great for other mineral foundation products.  If you already have a similar brush in your arsenal, there really is no need to buy this, but if you're on the lookout for something different, this is worth a try.

Would A Rose By Any Other Name...REN Rosa Centifolia No.1 Purity Cleansing Balm...

"...smell just as sweet."  Heck yeah!  

I accidentally stumbled into Sephora one day.  You know how it is, you go to the mall for one store and then you somehow walk clearly across the other end of the mall to makeup heaven.  I was fortunate to have a REN representative there on my accidental day. I've never heard of the product line before, but she asked, "Do you like roses?"  I will never be able to fully articulate my obsession with roses so, I just smiled and simply said, "Yes."  Then she asked, "Have you ever used a cleansing balm?" I have not, but I've been wanting to try a cleansing balm since it appears be the new trend or rather it's new to me. Can we say "perfect storm"?  And to top it off, REN uses only 100% plant and mineral derived actives.  They also don't use any of the "nasties" these days - parabens, sulfates, mineral oil...etc.   

Price:

It is a whopping $48 USD. It also comes with a muslin cloth.  That totally makes up for the price - right?  If that pushy sales lady from Ren wasn't there and if it wasn't infused with freakin' roses, I would not have spent this much money on a cleansing balm.  To be honest, she wasn't pushy.  You don't have to twist my arm to buy skincare. 

Packaging:

It comes in a clear, round plastic container with a white twist off lid and contains 5.1 fluid ounces.  No bells or whistles.  It's just clean and simple.  Their label is like that too.  I prefer skincare packaging this way because it reminds me of the spa - soothing and calm.

Use and Performance:

I approach cleansing balms like cleansing cloths.  My intent is to take off face makeup only.  I do not rely on it to take off eye makeup because the majority of the time I use waterproof mascara.  I know cloths/balms may claim to take off waterproof eye makeup, but it never seems effective enough for me unless I rub really hard.  In which case, I'll lose a few lashes and my eyes will sting. 

I guesstimate I scoop up about a couple of teaspoons of the balm into my hands and then I gently massage all over my face for at least a minute.  Sometimes more because I love inhaling that rose scent. Once I feel I've "loosened" up the makeup, I wet my fingertips and go over my face again.  With this step, the product emulsifies and turns into a rich milk.  I'll rinse off with the muslin cloth and then proceed with the rest of my skincare routine, which does include another facial cleanser.

This product claims to be for all skin types.  I am combination with an oily t-zone.  It removed my face make-up really well, even when wearing full coverage foundation and other cream face products.  My skin was left feeling "clean" and soft.

Since my purpose is to remove face makeup, I only use this product in the evening and because it is such an expensive product, I reserve my use for special occasions like nights when I'm planning to mask.  I guess you can say it's part of my weekly at-home spa experience.

Overall Impression:

Are there other less expensive cleansing balms that can remove makeup well?  Probably.  However, if you prefer more natural-like products, love rose scents and are looking to up the pampering of your skincare routine, then consider indulging in this product.

GOOD-BYE Lancome Bi-Facil! HELLO Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover!

For most of my adult life, I used only one eye makeup remover - Lancome's Bi-Facil.  It wasn't because I believed it was the best thing ever.  Someone gave me a sample and it worked well against waterproof mascara. When I finished the sample up, I continuously repurchased it for many years.  I used to work on average 60 hours a week in addition to taking care of my family so, I didn't prioritize finding a replacement. Now that I have more time on my hands, I'm on a quest to find comparable, less expensive alternatives to some of my high end make-up products. Hence, this review...

Price:  

When I purchased this, it was part of a "buy one, get one 50% off" promotion so I didn't pay full price.  However, as of this posting, my neighborhood Walgreens retails it for $8.29. This was a definite plus!  It's close to $20 less and almost a full ounce more than Bi-Facil's smaller bottle.

I totally recommend buying drugstore make-up only during sale promotions because, it WILL eventually be on sale and you won't be waiting long for it to come back around.  I learned the hard way - grrr!

Packaging:  

As you can see in the photo, it comes in a blue-tinted cylinder bottle and it is plastic.  It holds 5.5 fluid ounces of a clear, dual-phase liquid intended to be shaken before use so the transparency of the bottle allows you to confirm you've mixed it well.  Hmm...this looks oddly familiar?  Yeah, it wasn't hard to visually find a Bi-Facil dupe.

When you remove the cap, the opening is essentially the size of the cap.  Here I wish it was similar to Bi-Facil where the opening is much smaller so it helps minimize over-saturating my cotton pad or lose a generous amount when I or my cats accidentally topple it over.

Performance:  

After drowning my cotton pad (sarcasm intended), I lay the pad on my eyelid for a few seconds before the initial swipe.  My eye shadow and eyeliner consistently come off with one swipe however, I usually have to work a little more to completely take off mascara.  The product claims there is no need to tug or pull to remove your eye makeup, but I do have to rub a bit if I'm wearing waterproof products.  They also claim there is no stinging and I agree, but with any makeup product, make sure you patch test first.

I found that Neutrogena is very similar and performs like my old friend, Bi-Facil, but there is one significant difference.  Bi-Facil usually leaves me with an oily residue whereas Neutrogena's residue is noticeably less and not as oily feeling. The Bi-Facil oily residue didn't bother me before because, I would wash my face as the next step.  Now that I know it doesn't have to feel greasy in the end, it's hard to go back.

Overall Impression:

Clearly I've found my Bi-Facil replacement!  If only I did this years ago.  How much more money would I have for shoes?

Neutrogena's Oil-Free Makeup Remover works just as well Bi-Facil, is less expensive and you can frequently get more for your money during the drugstore sales.  This was clearly a no-brainer!

*Extra Tidbit*  

I'm a geek so I wanted to understand what "dual-phase liquid" really means because it's a heavily used description in many eye makeup removers.  I didn't have a chemist on hand to ask, but I did the next best thing and "googled" it.  Well...I couldn't find a straight answer, but I suspected it functions along the same lines as a vinaigrette. Essentially, these products contain a lipid and water, which is why you can see a demarcation.  When you shake it to combine these ingredients, it activates all the goodness needed to remove your eye makeup, especially waterproof ones. Geek out...