Revlon ColorStay Longwear Nail Enamel

I had such high hopes for this stuff. I searched 3 different stores for it and couldn't wait to try it out. And then...let down.

I usually don't like the Revlon nail polishes. They are streaky, watery and chip almost immediately on me. And they don't have any super exciting colors. But I was willing to give the ColorStay a chance. They are supposed to be crazy long wearing (if you use Revlon base and top coat...which are crap, so I didn't) and allege to have a "gel-like" finish. Which, they do. If you can get past the goopy thickness which still ends up with a streaky finish. The brush is a messy nightmare, no matter how many times you wipe it, the handle just keeps sending polish down that brush like a faucet. It's stiff and wide and inevitably ends up all over your cuticles no matter how careful you are. The worst part? It takes FOREVER to dry. Even with Seche Vite top coat. Seriously, I applied it Saturday and 2 hours later it was still denting and moving. I took it off and reapplied yesterday thinking I hadn't given it enough time and 7 hours later, it still was "tacky" to the touch. It's the wierdest thing. I got it in Cafe Pink which is a lovely pink cream shade and would have been awesome for the slick glossy finish, but you can still see through it even after 2 coats. I would have done 3 but it's just too thick. It never would have dried.

End result: Wah, wah, wah...these are not awesome and lived up to my preconceived notions of Revlon nail polishes. Just not great quality in my opinion. Great concept, less than stellar end result.



Maybelline Express Finish Nail Polish Spring 2012

I walked past these tonight at Fred Meyers and had to get them. I intended to get some of the Revlon Colorstay polishes but both colors I wanted were out of stock. Then I saw these and it was love.

I got Tulip Tango and Rose Petal Paradise. Tulip Tango is a warm borderline neon coral. Rose Petal Paradise is a very soft pink. Sheer but not streaky. Feminine and lovely. I used it for my manicure tonight.

I like these polishes because they dry in under 60 seconds and they are decently long wearing. These two colors are part of the spring collection that is a mix of bright and soft colors. A very pretty limited edition collection!

Fresh, Dewy Foundation Trick

I know it's awful but I'm a full fledged, card carrying sun worshipper. We have a pool and a boat and we are outside ALL THE TIME in the summer. We all tan pretty easily even with sunscreen.

Anywhoo...this weekend included a lot of yardwork and sunshine and even though I had SPF 25 on my face, I still got some sun. Add this to my AcneFree regimen and you get dry skin. This creates a nightmare when trying to apply makeup for work on Monday.

Here's a little tried and true trick I use for dry skin and one I always use during the summer to get a nice, even foundation application. I always use foundation wedges for this, get them damp, squeeze out the excess water and then dab the foundation off the back of your hand and apply by dabbing sponge around the face. Don't rub, you'll just irritate the dry skin.  I use Neutrogena Healthy Skin foundation in Nude.

The water in the sponge keeps your foundation from just being absorbed in the sponge and gives it a much fresher, dewier application. I promise, it doesn't water down your foundation. You actually use less with this technique and it lasts all day.

Easy fix for dry skin and a great trick to cool off that hot summer skin. I tend to use less foundation (if any) in the summer anyway but this is a great tip for the days when you do need some extra coverage but don't want a heavy "mask" of makeup on.

Drugstore Dupe #2 for MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

The first dupe I found for MSFN was the Neutrogena Mineral Sheers, which I still love. However, I think this product may juuuuuuuust be eeking it out to be #1.

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Protector Finishing Powder. Not only is it more affordable at $8, it also has a slight shimmer to it which makes your skin look luminous rather than the matte finish of the Mineral Sheer.

It contains gogi berry and also has an SPF of 25 which is impressive for a powder. It feels very silky on, applies really smoothly with a brush and in my opinion gives better finish and coverage than Mineral Sheers and most importantly...MSFN.

Not only is this a dupe, but I actually like it BETTER than both. Maybelline has been hitting them out of the park lately and this is no exception.

5 Products for a 5 Minute Face

Let's be honest...there are mornings when I don't feel like busting out the entire makeup kit and doing a whole "face" of makeup. It's laziness or lack of time or sometimes I just don't want the feel of all that on my face, sometimes I want something easy and fresh.

I've created a look using 5 items that don't require a bunch of tools or time and still looks lovely. It can be done in under 5 minutes, lasts all day and looks polished and done. No one has to know it only took you 5 minutes.

Here are the products:

Origins VitaZing- As a moisturizer and light foundation in one
Maybelline Bouncy Blush in Hot Tamale-Applied with a finger on the apples of the cheeks
Maybelline Dream Lumi Highlighting Concealer-Under eyes, around nose, top of cheekbones. Makes you look awake.
Maybelline Color Tattoo cream eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze-applied with a fingertip, more on the lid and then fade out to the brow bone
CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara- Top and bottom lashes

And if I have 2 extra seconds, I'll use Revlon Lip Butter in Peach Parfait.

Easy Peasy!