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FCH Review Round-up: Sally Hansen Lip Fix Lip Repair

Review Round-up: Sally Hansen ~ Lip Fix Lip Repair

Sally Hansen Lip Fix Lip Repair played right into one of my hang-ups: my *gulp* aging, lined lips. Years of being a filthy smoker didn't help me prevent these early signs of aging, and I could kick myself for it! Right on the box I see a big claim: Sally Hansen Lip Fix Lip Repair "Instantly Fills in Liplines as it Smoothes & Hydrates Lips." Odd use of capitalization aside, this sounds like something I want!

Right on the box I am promised "lips that look younger, instantly" which is a vast improvement over my "dry lined lips that make me look older". (Depressing box, this!)This dramatic reversal of fortune is going to be achieved via sodium hyaluronate (which helps pull moisture to the skin and then keep it in) and "marine collagens" (a very non-specific term that doesn't tell us anything at all except it's marine-based and probably meant to support the tissues of the lips, thereby giving a firming appearance).

The Verdict: This product comes in one of those twist-up pens that exudes the product from a perforated sponge tip, not unlike a Play-Doh toy. This type of applicator annoys me and I don't know why. Regardless, that's Strike One. To say I slicked this on would be completely inaccurate, as it dragged across my lips (certainly that's not helping the lines in that area!?); Strike Two. I peered at the mirror after applying it so as to get a better look at the amazing firming and line-fluffing results and saw: nothing. Well, my lips were oddly matte, but that's it. Strike Three and you're Out - as in, thrown out into the trash.

(To be fair, I gave it several tries, but the results were always the same). The matte finish may serve to be a nice base for lipstick, as the package implied, but I prefer MAC's Prep + Prime Lip and FACE Atelier's Lip Putty for that. When I find a product that soothes the savage lines, I'll let ya know. If you know of one, please tell us in the Comments!

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On an very vaguely related note, if you loved Play-Doh as a kid, you may want to check out this post.

 

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Read the other posts in the Round-up:

• FCH Review Round-up
• Whish Shave Crave

• Olay Difinity line

• Clinque ~ Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
• M Lab Skincare
• Stila ~ The Kitten collection
• Bobbi Brown ~ Almost Bare
• Clinique ~ Even Better Skintone Correcter
• Clinique ~ Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss
• Sally Hansen ~ Lip Fix Lip Repair

FCH Review Round-up: Clinique Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss

Review Round-up: Clinique ~ Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss

Let's stick with the lips for awhile and take a look at Clinique's Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss. After the matte finish of the Sally Hansen product, I believed my lips to be dehydrated. They weren't, but looking at that matte lip can mess with the mind. Slicking on Clinique's Superbalm feels good and hydrating, so that's a plus. I like a product that provides SPF while giving a punch of color. This one doesn't have any SPF at all and the color impact is... well, let's just say it's not impactful at all. It does have a nice, modest shimmer and the feeling is nice - plus it wears well.

The Verdict: For the record, I tried Passionfruit and Hazelnut. All in all, this product is a good option if you have a dislike for stickiness and overt color but want hydration. I personally don't love this type of container - the tube with the doe-foot applicator is my preferred glossing method - but many people like the squeeze-y tube. This may go in my bag for travel, but I won't rush out to buy more like I did with their Long Last Glosswear SPF 15.

 

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Read the other posts in the Round-up:

• FCH Review Round-up
• Whish Shave Crave

• Olay Difinity line

• Clinque ~ Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
• M Lab Skincare
• Stila ~ The Kitten collection
• Bobbi Brown ~ Almost Bare
• Clinique ~ Even Better Skintone Correcter
• Clinique ~ Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss
• Sally Hansen ~ Lip Fix Lip Repair

FCH Review Round-up: Stila ~ the Kitten collection

Review Round-up: Stila ~ Kitten

Completely unrelated to M Lab is this next item: kitten. I like kittens. I really, really like kittens, in fact, and I think that anyone who doesn't care for kittens must be deranged. I have the same philosophy about anyone who doesn't like bacon. But kittens and kitten are not the same thing, and I am really pretty lukewarm on the latter.

Kitten is the name of one of Stila's best-selling eyeshadows. It's a "shimmery nude pink" frost, and the way some people talk about it there's never been another eyeshadow made in the world! As far as that goes, there are a few other Stila shadows I like better, and certainly a few over at the MAC Urban Decay and NARs counters!

Stila based two new products on the popularity of this shadow, kitten, and since much of my issue with kitten is the texture, I thought I'd check these out as other options. The first kitten spin-off is the silk eye shadow wash, a long-wearing, lightweight, liquid-to-powder version of the gold-pink Kitten shade. The second spin-off product in this litter is silk shimmer gloss, a lipgloss with silk proteins and ulta-fine shimmer that gives that lovely warm pink kitten-esque look.

The Verdict: I was quite interested in silk eye shadow wash, since I like cream shadows and because the only thing that keeps me from being a kitten fanatic is the texture of the shadow. When it comes to cream shadows, I tend to dislike them when they're coming out of a tube and applied with a sponge-tipped applicator (that's how I like my lipglosses, not my shadows!). This is no exception! I find that I have to sploosh the applicator (a technical makeup artist term, "sploosh") around the eye then smooth it out with my finger. That sucks. The color is nice, though, if a bit frosty. I'm over the shimmer highlighter under the brow arch, but if you're not this will work well there. It's also a decent base for shadow, since it doesn't crease too much once you spread it out. I find it feels a bit heavy on the eye, though, and that's not cool. This shade would probably pop on medium-toned skin.

As for silk shimmer gloss, this was a complete waste of money (I did pay for this one myself - and then returned it). It's sheer and it's faint and the shimmer is negligible. Why put on a $22 lipgloss if it's going to barely be noticeable and then fade off before you're even out the door? I take my lipglosses very seriously, and this one just pissed me off. All-in-all: a dud.

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Read the other posts in the Round-up:

• FCH Review Round-up
• Whish Shave Crave

• Olay Difinity line

• Clinque ~ Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief
• M Lab Skincare
• Stila ~ The Kitten collection
• Bobbi Brown ~ Almost Bare
• Clinique ~ Even Better Skintone Correcter
• Clinique ~ Superbalm Moisturizing Lipgloss
• Sally Hansen ~ Lip Fix Lip Repair

Mother's Day Idea: Plant Love

What are you getting your mom for Mother's Day? There are so many choices, but sometimes simplest is best! One thing that would touch me, as a mom, would be a thoughtful beauty gift - and what's more thoughtful than this?

Everyone who knows me, knows I'm a beauty fanatic. I fully admit to it - geez, I write a beauty blog and go to work every day as a makeup artist. Does that mean I can't appreciate a well-done product? OF COURSE NOT! Who could appreciate it more than I!? I enjoy my plants (note to husband: I do not have a black thumb - I'm just a forgetful water-er!) and am trying to be more green each day. AND I'm a proud, proud mommy.

I can totally get behind a lipstick that's eco-friendly. Cargo's Plant Love products are a) fantastically smooth and come in a gorgeous array of shades; b) packaged in biodegradable PLA (corn-based plastic) boxes embedded with wildflower seeds; c) contain no mineral oils or petroleum, instead featuring jojoba, shea butter and botannicals; d) charitable, because $2 USD from the purchase of each tube goes to St. Jude's Childrens' Research Hospital; and e) some of the shades were designed by celebrity moms Kim Raver, Denise Richards, Angie Harmon and the colors were named after their kids.

I got to sample Cherry Bliss, a brilliant neutral red. It's so silky and lovely on the lips (that's gotta be the shea and jojoba, both of which I love and are so good for the skin!). It lasts well, and the color (described as "sheer cherry") makes me want to sport red lips. That hasn't happened since MAC's Queen's Sin last holiday season. Definitely makes me want to go try the rest of line.

These lipsticks are $20 USD, and can be found at Sephora.com.

Strange new lipstick

Have you seen the new Avon commercials? The ones with Reese Witherspoon smiling her soccer mom way through the spot while using an odd implement to apply her lipstick. She really is a good actress, because she was able to carry on through the ad without cracking up at this stupid product she was forced (by contract) to promote:

From the press release:

For the girl on the go, there’s finally a lipstick that can keep up! AVON is introducing a lipstick that lets you take on the world single handedly…Pro-To-Go Lipstick makes the one-handed application possible – you can open, apply and close at the push of a button.

Whether you’re on the phone, hailing a cab or juggling shopping bags – Pro-To-Go Lipstick gives you an instant beauty boost with luscious color, moisturizing lip care and SPF 15 all-in-one.

By combining one-handed application with luscious color and hydrating lip care, Pro-To-Go is the new must-have beauty essential. Available in 15 shades, Pro-To-Go Lipstick is all you need this spring for instantly gorgeous lips. You’re good to go. . . just like a pro!

I'm not such a traditionalist that I don't like product innovations, but I personally don't see that people should be so busy and need such a streamlined life that they need to have a topless lipstick (or use a machine to apply their gingerbread-scented mascara). Is life so busy that you can't slow down and enjoy the ritual that millions of women have participated in for years!?

Additionally, I find this to be creepy, and I'm not sure why. I'll try to give it some thought. Meanwhile, what do you think about this product?

Need the product? It's already available for only $9. See your Avon representative (and please don't let me know).

Missed the ad? You can see it here, though not in English:

 

MAC News, courtesy of Specktra.net and other sources

The gorgeous lassies and lads at Specktra.net have been posting away, letting us know about the upcoming collections at MAC. I've been waiting a bit to show you what's coming up, 'cause the collections don't release 'til next week or a few weeks thereafter, but I wanted you to have time to plan so today's the day!

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Naughty Nauticals, May:

A great seafaring collection, this is the big Summer releases typical in May. It includes the mandatory "let's pretend we sell bronzers" selection - and beware: it apparently is a bit better than last year's offering, but still isn't waterproof and still may transfer onto white/light clothing. Grrr...

Details provided by Specktra.net, of course. Read more here/color story, here/discussion, and here/swatches. Some of the swatches are amazing!

See some great pics of the promotional collateral for this collection here at Specktra.net.

Lipsticks $14.00USD

Ahoy, There! - (Lustre) (LE) ~ the nude
Buoy-O-Buoy - (Glaze) (LE) ~the pink
Port Red - (Frost) (LE) ~ the plum
Party Mate - (Lustre) (LE) ~ the red

Lustreglasses $14.00USD

Bateaux (LE) ~ the nude
Ensign (LE) ~the pink
Hey Sailor (LE) ~ the plum
Love Knot (LE) ~ the red

Eyeshadow $14.00USD

Meet the Fleet - (Matte) (LE)
Illegal Cargo - (Frost) (LE)
Pandamonium - (Lustre) Smoky Grey with silver pearlized pigments (LE) (Repromote from       Pandamonium Eyes in Balloonacy)
Submarine - (Frost) (LE)
Shore Leave - (Veluxe Pearl) (LE)

Pigments $19.50USD

Lovely Lily - (Frost) Lilac with red pearl (LE)(Repromote from Lingerie)
Bell Bottom Blue (Frost)
Larkabout (Frost)
Wave (Frost)

Techakohl Liner $14.50USD

Smoothblue- Ocean blue with frost (Repromote)-
Greyprint- Rich pewter grey with frost (Repromote)

Mascara

Prolash in Coal Black - Lengthening, thickening, non-flaking, non-smudging.

Nail Lacquer $10.00USD

Naughty Nautical - (Frost) Dark royal navy blue (LE)
Shirelle - (Cream) Classic she's a dame red (Repromote)

This collection includes a Nordstrom exclusive quad: Stowaways.

Awash (Frost) - Lightest tan off white with gold and pink pearl (LE)
Crest the Wave (Frost) - Light, frosty yellow with yellow and white pearl (LE)
Satin Taupe (Frost) - Taupe brown with silvery bronze shimmer (Repromote)
Sea-Cadet (Satin) - Grayed dark navy blue (LE)

See swatches here on Specktra.net.

The Skinsheen portion of the collection is the "let's pretend we're tan" part:

Skinsheen Leg Spray $22.50USD - A sprayable, light weight gel formula that provides a sheer wash of colour and glow to the legs. (LE)

Medium - Soft golden caramel with soft gold nuances ~ International only

Medium Dark - Soft bronze with golden tan pearl

Dark

Deep Dark ~ North America only

 

Body Buffer Brush $52.00USD

#179 - A short handled brush with large, flat, circular shaped top for efficient distribution of body makeup. Recommended for smooth application of Sundressing and other powder products. 6.5 cm long. (Repromote)

Specktra's Skinsheen discussion  and Swatches.

 

FCH must-haves for Naughty Nauticals: Larkabout, Illegal Cargo, Mutiny, and Bell Bottom Blue. I'm a pigment whore. :(

 

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Tendertones, end of May:

I loved Tendertones right from "go!". I thought the scent was incredible (kiwi and strawberry) and the color payoff was great, too, 'cause it was just so light and sheer. Doubters abounded, though, and I had a hard time selling the green one last year (fools, you!). So, according to Specktra.net and members mezzamy and Erine1881, here's the new Tendertones scoop:

 

Deep Sigh | Sheer bronze with red pearl (LE) (Repromote)

 

Pucker | Sheer raspberry pink (LE) (Repromote)

Sweet Tooth | Sheer coral w/ white pearlized pigments(LE)

Take a Hint | Sheer intense mid-tone pink (LE) (Repromote)

 

Hush Hush | Sheer peach with gold pearl (LE) (Repromote)

Hot n’ Saucy | Soft cherry red (LE)

Tread Gently | Soft lime green w/ yellow pearlized pigments (LE)

Honey Bare | sheer peach w/white pearlized pigments (LE)

E-Z Baby | Sheer milky pink (LE)

Sweet & Nice | Sheer red grape w/ red pearlized pigments (LE)

PS: Read the Specktra.net page carefully and you'll see that the rumor mill says we may see Tendertones as permanent additions to the Pro collection at some point. YAY!

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MAC's Dazzleglass is online now - and possibly at some stores soon.

I told you in March that I was looking forward to the Dazzleglass collection - and I still am. Especially since some swatches have started to appear online. Rumor has it the MAC Stores (freestanding only) will launch early: tomorrow, April 24th! The collection is also online now.

[Editor's Note: I'd call ahead if you're planning on dropping by your store - MAC internal communication is notoriously bad and some stores may not have heard that they're launching early. *rolls eyes*]

I'm still thinking I "need" Rags to Riches, Date Night, Pleasure Principle, Spanking Rich, and Comet Blue (c'mon - it's a blue lipgloss! who doesn't need it!?). Then again, if the glitter is too chunky, I'm going to pass on it all - I'm almost 40 and don't really have a lot of need for glitter-lips. How 'bout you - what do you "need"!?

Tip: Judging by the buzz online, if you think you're interested in Sugarrimmed, I'd go buy it immediately because it seems that's going to be one of the ones that goes fast.

They're $16.50 USD each, which translates into... ummm... I'm bad at math, so bear with me... *mutters*... er... a lot of money coming out of my wallet and into the tills at MAC. Damn.

As always, you can visit our friends at Specktra to get the most current buzz on MAC products. The color story description for Dazzleglass is here; the discussion thread is here; the swatch thread is here.

Question of the day: What could make a MAC girl switch lipglosses!?

I only tag a few products as Obsessions (usually they are from Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs!). I've got a new one that falls into this category now, and I'm about to tell you about it. But first, did you find the subject line compelling? I mean, how many die-hard MAC girls walk away from Lipglass? I never thought I would - I tried Chanel Glossimers, and found them too weakly pigmented. I tried Bobbi Brown lipgloss, but thought the color selection was too poor. I even tried "the other artist line", Make Up For Ever, and returned the glosses to Sephora because they were so pale and transient (disappeared WAY to quickly!). So what could make me ignore my beloved Lipglasses for the last few weeks!?

Clinique, you have really been stepping it up lately! Now, with these Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 lip glosses, you have a new permanent customer. (Imagine me walking past MAC to Clinique! I still can't get over it!)

Let me tell you about the Long Last Glosswears...

CARGO - pure genius!

Not only does CARGO have their new and amazingly genius Plant Love lipsticks, they have a lot of other really novel concepts. Remember those nifty holiday cards with lipgloss samples on them? If you liked those, you should also check out their clever little Daily Gloss packets and their sweet little ColorCards.

DailyGloss is a blister pack sheet of lipgloss (reminds me of Benedryl or something!) so you can break off a tiny bit and easily apply it whenever you want. There are three shades in each set, and two sets are available (check 'em out on the right). $12 USD.

And then this is really neat: ColorCards!  Portability is key with this product, which entails slim little cards with single-application eyeshadows that slip  easily into the pocket or wherever you need them. The set comes with a tin (how green it is to reuse things!) that holds 28 cards of shadow (the colors are Aegean, Mojave, Bermuda, Corsica, Green Bay and Yukon). $24 USD.

                                                                                                                                             

Imagine the tiny little bags you can carry when you pare  down your makeup to these products!

Duck! Incoming MAC info!

Specktra, man. Specktra has all of the insider dope! I need those gals like I need water and air! 

Guess what's coming 'round the bend? New perm lipsticks.

YUP. You heard me, sistah! NEW PERM LIPSTICKS!

Alas, they are only for the European market.

Well, let's take a look anyway...

Images courtesy of PurseBuzz via Specktra.

Naked Paris | Sheer pink brown with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)
Rue D’ Bois | Sheer mid tone pink with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)
Patisserie | Sheer creamy neutral pink (lustre)
Barcelona Red | Frosty deep coral (frost)
Costa Chic | Frosty light coral (frost)
Milan mode | Sheer deep pink with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)
Going Dutch | Frosty mid tone pink (frost)
Saint Germain | Pastel pink (amplified creme)
London Life | Sheer deep berry with multidimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)
Ramblas Red | Blue red (amplified creme)
Cockney | Sheer yellow red with multi dimensional pearlized pigments (lustre)
Neon Orange | Bright clean orange (Amplified Creme) (PRO)
Show Orchid | Vivid hot pink (Amplified Creme) (PRO)
Full Fuchsia | Bright clean warm pink (Amplified Creme) (PRO)
Fast Play | Medium neutral pink with plum-brown undertones (Amplified Creme) (Repromote)
Bombshell | Soft bright rosy-pink with golden shimmer (Frost) (Repromote)

How 'bout a CP, friends in Europe!?

Source: Specktra Beauty News, of course.
Discuss Euristocrats with other Specktra-ites. Check out Specktra's swatch thread for this collection.