Blending Beautifully

Greetings!

Penny-the-Product-Princess here with a new product review. If you're really into make-up like I am you probably have a beautyblender (Sephora, $19.95-$39.95).  The beautyblender is an ergonomically designed make-up sponge applicator developed for use with liquid foundations and tinted moisturizers(some reviewers also say they use it for cream foundations). It also comes with its own cleanser.

What's so great about the beautyblender?

• The blender is a non-latex, hypoallergenic sponge that is washable and re-usable.
• The blender is eco-friendly.
• The blender can last 4-6 months if kept clean and free of bacteria.

How do you use the beautyblender?

• The beautyblender kit comes with a sponge, cleanser, and a disc that shows you how to use it.
• You soak the sponge in water before each use; the sponge will expand.  You must squeeze out the excess water before you use it.
• Dip the sponge into the foundation on the back of your hand; then use a blotting technique to get the best results; this means that you dab the base of the sponge against your face until you get the desired coverage
• There are lots of videos online that show you how to use the blender as well (http://www.youtube.com/; search 'beautyblender').

(read full story...)

The Mascara Maven...at it again.

Hi...me again.
We all know Penny has a problem when it comes to mascara...I can never try too many! LOL! You also know that one of my favorites is L'Oreal Voluminous mascara (original formula). So I was delighted to catch a glimpse of a magazine ad for L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara (Drugstore, Target, etc...$8-$9). I bought it, tried it, and like it!

The collagen-infused formula has a nice smooth consistency, but is not watery. Most of all Penny likes the brush...the bristles are more like a comb than a brush and it picks up all of my fine, short lashes. When I say like a comb I mean the shape is like a brush but the teeth are plastic like a comb. It reminds me of another Penny favorite, Buxom Lash mascara (Sephora, $18).   The brush also separates my lashes nicely.

Although the L'Oreal mascaras provide volume, I still like M.A.C.'s new Haute & Naughty Mascara for volume and drama the best (wherever M.A.C. is sold, $18)! There is a noticable difference in length and volume.  And of love their ingenious applicator that you can use two ways. One wand provides light application, and the other heavier, more dramatic application. I often use the light application for my bottom lashes, and the thicker, heavier application for my top lashes. It is my new favorite nighttime mascara.

Be blessed. Be beautiful.

P

Facial Fears

From the Desk of Penny:
Penny here…with a lesson learned about getting a facial when you shouldn’t. A couple of weeks ago I went to the spa for what should have been a relaxing afternoon. That morning when I washed my face I realized my skin was a bit irritated…I had small bumps on my forehead and a few on my cheeks…almost like a rash. My face is often irritated lately so I wasn’t too concerned…besides my Groupon to the spa was about to expire. So I was off to enjoy the very same facial that I had back in February (see blog entry 02/21/10).

As soon as the first product touched my face I noticed something different than the first time…my skin was stinging. No. Not tingling as the aesthetician said some of the products might…but stinging as in burning a little. This is where Penny decided to take one for the team and proceed with the facial. LOL! What is it I always say: “Trial and error ladies…its trial and error.” LOL! I have never been so uncomfortable during a spa treatment that I have had to stop the procedure. So I didn't. But more importantly I realized that I put my complete trust in the people and the process when I go to the spa. After several applications of creams/gels, extractions of whiteheads/blackheads, and an ultrasound exfoliation machine, I am relaxed but my skin and lips were still stinging. The mask was the best part of the process and the last part. It was cool and soothing and was left on for longer than usual. I left the spa a happy customer despite the slight discomfort and chocked it up to my face being slightly irritated before I got there. I didn’t look closely at my face before I left but I expected some redness from the extractions. (read full story...)

Moisturizing Madness

Hola!
Here we are again about to enter the winer season (most of anyway). The cold dry air tends to bring the dry, tight, itchy skin. So moisturizer is Penny's BFF these days. LOL! Sure I could use a better humidifier at home and probably even in the office; and I should drink more water...but its easier to slap on the face cream in the morning and at night. LOL!

Penny has had many a conversation with women about moisturizers and there is one myth I wish everyone could understand the truth about.

Myth:
"Women with oily or acne-prone skin should not use moisturizer."

Fact:
"Oily skin requires a good moisturizer to look soft, supple, and radiant."

EVERYONE should use moisturizer daily (unless instructed otherwise by a dermatologist). Choosing the right moisturizer is key. While choosing moisturizer, you should consider skin type, age, skin sensitivity, and whether the skin is prone to acne. While an oil-based moisturizer is recommended for dry skin, women with oily skin should try an oil-free moisturizer. Water-based moisturizers labeled "noncomedogenic", which means it will not clog the pores, is a good moisturizer for an oily skin. Moisturizer helps to maintain the natural skin moisture by slowing the evaporation of water content from the skin. This helps the skin to stay hydrated and to feel soft and smooth. Plus, it also acts as a protective barrier on the skin surface. (read full story...)

Does Make-up Expire?

Hi all:

Yes...make-up has a shelf life...it expires. Same with skin care and even hair care products. Using expired products can definitely have an adverse effect on your skin. So please follow package instructions or these guidelines you've probably read about many times. Since its been written about several times and on several websites I just thought it would be easiest to 'share' the info. (Click on link below, or cut and paste the URL to read the full article).  This is a good article because it tells you 'why' you need to toss these products and not just when.

http://shopping.yahoo.com/articles/yshoppingarticles/453/how-to-know-when-your-beauty-products-expire/

Here are the basics to remember:

• Toss mascara every 2-3months.
• Toss eyeliner about every 3 months.
• Toss eyeshadow about every 3 months.
• Toss lipstick/lipglosses about every 12 months.
• Foundation should be tossed every 6-12 months.
• Concealer should be tossed every 1-2 years.
• Replace face powder at least every 2 years.
• Powder blush should be replaced every 1-2 years; cream blush, every year.
• Throw out nail polish after it becomes dried out or doesn't mix well when you shake it.
• Brushes and applicators should be washed with brush cleaner (or baby shampoo) every 2 wks; good tools can last for years if cared for properly. Inexpensive sponges should be replaced after 2 uses. Powders and creams often come with their own applicators, but you should still buy replacements for them.

Hope this is helpful.

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
P