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Thursday, 23 April 2009
No Bump Skin Treatment
Topic: Hair Removal

To prevent ingrown hairs and bumping after removal (shaving and waxing), I usually use Tend Skin and have had great success with it.  While in Sally's sometime ago, I puchased this to see if it works just as well.

The No Bump does a good job of preventing bumping, but unlike the Tend Skin, they recommend using it 3 - 4 days before hair removal to ensure protection.  Heaven forbid you have a random stray hair that needs plucking...

Still, I had no adverse reactions and the smell was not as strong as the Tend Skin, a definite plus.   Also in its favor is the price.  An 8oz bottle of Tend Skin runs you $30, but a 4oz bottle of No Bump is just $4 - about $2 cheaper per oz!

This product is full of alcohols and salicylic acid so I wouldn't recommend it for dryer skins, but everyone else should definately give it a try!


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Thursday, 23 April 2009 5:55 PM EDT
Wednesday, 22 April 2009
The Non Review: Kinerase Extreme Lift - Face
Topic: Wrinkle Fighters!

Every once in awhile, there's a popular product I get, try and can't fully review.  Extreme Lift is one of them.

I was gifted a one month sample of this $150 product and was extremely excited to try it out.  Within 10 minutes of putting it on, my face was visibly younger.  No lie - no exaggeration - I looked younger. You can actually FEEL your face getting tight.   Its like someone is pulling your temples to the top of your head. Its crazy. To be perfectly honest, I've never seen anything work so fast and so well.  Sadly, by the next morning, I had three new pimples.   I kept trying to use it for the next few days and my face look AMAZING...except for the pimples. 

Not only am I too grown up for pimples, but when they happen, I have heavy discoloration and scarring that can take months to correct.  I cannot put into words how sad I am because I think this is perfection in a bottle.  The website claims "surgical" results and they're not too far off target. 

Aside from the price tag, there is another major distraction - it smells like fish.  Cheaply prepared tilapia to be exact. Blagh, its just horrible.  It goes away after 10 minutes, but...seriously...name one woman that wants to smell like fish...

Still, if you can afford it, I strongly suggest picking this up.  I'm sad it didn't work out for me, but I have no doubts that I can work wonderfully for someone not acne prone.


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Wednesday, 22 April 2009 10:27 AM EDT
Tuesday, 21 April 2009
Origins: A Perfect World Intensely Hydrating Body Cream
Topic: Body Lotions

With a texture quite similar to Bliss' Body Butter, this body lotion has a wonderful scent and gives all day moisture.  I can slap some of this on right after my morning shower and have no need for reapplication until I get ready for bed.

The heavy hitters in the Hydrating Body cream are Shea Butter, Mimosa and White Tea.  The Shea Butters knocks out any dryness you may have and White Tea is universally touted as being able to help even out skintone.  As for the Mimosa - they claim it is meant to help by tightning/firming up the skin, but I haven't really noticed that to be honest.  Still, I find the scent and long lasting ability of this lotion well worth the price tag.  You can pick this up from any Origins counter for $31 (7 oz tub).


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, 21 April 2009 1:28 PM EDT
Monday, 20 April 2009
My Pretty Pink Box
Topic: Hauls

If you haven't heard of this company, My Pretty Pink Box allows you to purchase several samples of beauty products from one source at one price.  I thought I'd post what was included in this month's box so you can decide if you want to try one. 

I got the box for $11, figuring that a mascara would be included and I've happily paid double that for a one. The items arrived in...you guessed it...a pretty pink box:

Inside, I had a mix of small samples, larger samples and full sized products:

Items included a full size Vanity Mark Mascara, 2 Brush Guards, a full size natural eyeliner, an ELF facial whip, a deluxe sample of EO body lotion and smaller samples of Mark eyeshadows, Mark face creams, AllDay Lipstick and body creams from Borghese and Garden Botanika.  I haven't had a chance to try any of these items yet  but I did want to share since there have been so many questions on the net about it.  Hope this helps someone!


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Monday, 20 April 2009 10:39 AM EDT
Thursday, 16 April 2009
Baking Storage!
Topic: Stash

My mother owns an antique shop and every few weeks, I like to stroll through to see what I can grab.  This trip, I found a few cast iron muffin pots from the 1930s and I thought they'd make cute cubbies for frequently used items.  Maybe not the most practical thing, but super adorable!


Posted by theworldsdresser at 10:10 PM EDT
Wednesday, 15 April 2009
5 Things Everyone Should Own
Topic: Stash
The beauty about beauty is that is all very personal.  When we buy makeup, we only pick up things that work for us.  There are, however, 5 things I think everyone should own.

1. Nail Polish Thinner: Retailing for less than $2 a bottle, polish thinner can save you a ton of money in the long run.  Over time, some polishes tend to thicken up to the point of becoming unusable.  By adding 2 or 3 drops of this to a polish, I can revive it back to its original texture.  Unlike using nail polish remover this does not damage the integrity of the original consistency.  

2. Sunblock: Scientists propose that nearly 80% of wrinkles come from sun damage.  Even if you're only in the sun while driving in your car from Points A to B, it has an effect.  The American Association of Dermatology recommends using a broad spectrum (check the label for this wording) everyday with an minimum SPF of 15.  Keep in mind that any SPF over 50+ is essentially junk and filler and in the EU and Australia, it is now illegal to market any sunscreen claiming to have such high SPFs.  Here's a quick and easy to read page on choosing one that works for you.

3. Skin Tone Blush:  Find at least one matte blush that is the color of your skin.  If you ever go overboard with your regular colored blush, adding this on top can tone it down without making it look cakey.

4. Soft Pencil Liner:  Gels and liquids are great, but for tightlining that lasts, you can't beat a creamy pencil liner.  I recommend Mally, Clinique, Besame and Lancome.

5. Skin Tone Cream Eyeshadow with Shimmer: For an easy, non messy natural look, you can put some of this on with your fingers everyday.  Two I love are Laura Mercier and Paint Pots (pictured).


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Thursday, 16 April 2009 1:09 PM EDT
Tuesday, 14 April 2009
Review: Pond's Clean Sweep Wet Cleansing Towelettes
Topic: Clean|Removers

I'm all about saving money, but buying this is not the way to do it.

This product claims to "leave skin perfectly clean and makeup free, including waterproof mascara," but, no. While this works great for removing powder foundations and mineral makeup - it does nothing for those who wear chemical sunscreens nor for folks who wear heavy liquid foundation.  As for waterproof mascara - still a no.  It requires several swipes and by the time you're done, you'll have lost a couple of lashes in the process.

If you're not wearing sunscreen (you should!) and if you're not wearing liquid foundations, this would be great for changing makeup in the afternoon before going out again.  Otherwise, I'd advise you to stay away.  Now I know this is a popular product and I may catch a lot of heat for posting this review, but I just didn't feel clean with it.

There are some positives - these are extremely cheap and readily available at local drugstores.  They don't cause breakouts and are safe for sensitive skins.   They are also also alcohol and oil free.  Finally, I happen to really like the textured feel of the cloths.  In fact, I'd be willing to buy these cloths free of product to use with my regular cleanser.

Its been suggested that I try other Pond's wipes (they have several varieties) and I will.  These in particular however, will have no place on my makeup shelf.


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Tuesday, 14 April 2009 12:17 PM EDT
Monday, 13 April 2009
Review: Flirt's Pretty Easy Quick Cover Stick
Topic: Concealers

This is something everyone should have.

Yes.

Its meant to be a stick foundation, but I find it a bit too heavy/thick for that -especially during warmer months.  It does, however, make one of the best concealers I have ever owned.

It is a silicone based cream that dries to a powder within seconds. It covers imperfections completely and can easily be applied with fingers.  The tube is shorter than my pinkie finger and can easily be thrown into a purse or pocket for touchups during the day.   The finish of this looks just like normal skin and can be worn without foundation to cover it or powder to set it.  It is absolutely amazing.

The best part? Its only $12!  You can find this at any Kohls and it comes in warm AND cool shades.  Not only that, the shades fit I wide range of skintones from very light to very dark.  For reference, I use # 11 Warm Golden Goddess.  Now, get in your car, go to Kohls and pick up three of these: one for home, one for work and one for your purse. 


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Monday, 13 April 2009 11:02 AM EDT
Friday, 10 April 2009
Choosing the right blush brush
Topic: Brushes

Do you REALLY need more than one blush brush?  Yes!

Different brushes accomplish different finishes based on the type and pigmentation of the blush used. Below are are four common blush brush shapes and how to best work with each of them.

1. Flat top buffer brush: These brushes are generally used for loose mineral makeup, but I find that they work brilliantly with matte pressed blushers.  When you want to have a very natural/very organic "I glow from within" look,  this brush buffs the color completely into your cheeks.  A word of warning though  - only use this with matte blush.  When used with shimmery, metallic or mineralized finishes, these brushes can accentuate large pores and age you by a decade.

2. Basic rounded brush: These all purpose powder brushes can be used for both powder foundation and level application of any type of blush (loose, pressed, matte, shimmer or cream).  I use this to apply full color all over the cheeks and to apply highlighters to the apples of my cheeks.  If you have a round or heart shaped face, this especially,  may be your most often used brush. 

3. Angled brush: Whew - they can be deadly if not used correctly.  These are meant to contour gently, NOT like this: 

When using this, you want to lightly apply the color at 45ish degree angle (depending on your face shape) and sweep from cheeks to hairline. If you find the color is too harsh, gently go over the line with a kabuki brush to fade it out.  Angled blush brushes can also be used to highlight the  bridge of the nose and area between the eyes and cheeks - feel for the bone and apply a highlighter there.  I also use this to take 5 pounds off my face - make a fish face and put a dark, matte powder in the hollows of the cheeks.

4. Stippling/Skunk brush: This brush is a workhorse and can be used for powder or cream blushes (in addition to liquid foundation).  I prefer to use these for highly pigmented blushers - scary ones that can go very wrong if overused.  NARS Exhibit A is a bright red blush that walks dangerously on a line between high fashion and clown makeup.  The only difference between looking foolish and looking hot is in application and a stippling brush can save you from a world of shame.

5. Kabuki brush: I rarely use this to apply blush, but frequently use it to "calm down" a blush that's too bright or to blurr the lines between blush/highlighter/contour color.   If you have an MSF or Shimmerbrick that's too glittery, this can help buff out some of the shimmer.  I'll discuss the kabuki more in my section on foundation brushes.

6. Fan brush:  Similar to a stippling brush, this can be used to delicately apply pigmented blushes.  It can also be used to add subtle highlights to the temples and chin.

I hope this helps someone!  Feel free to post any questions below.


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Friday, 10 April 2009 11:09 AM EDT
Thursday, 9 April 2009
Two nail looks this week...
Topic: Nail Polish Swatches

OPI - MISO Happy With This Color - a beautiful pale pink! 


and a L'Oreal Bijoux in B Brave


Posted by theworldsdresser at 12:01 AM EDT
Updated: Thursday, 9 April 2009 12:24 PM EDT

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