Saturday, August 28, 2010

Review: Lush BB Seaweed

After having skin troubles with trying a new medication, I needed help finding something that would cam down my blemished skin. I needed a product that would help my acne, soothe my skin and moisturize. When I broke out I quickly used acne products to rid my skin of the blemishes. After weeks I noticed my skin was very irritated and the acne was still not going away, the products were drying out my skin, making my skin create more sebum; which causes acne. I tried everything I owned and after 3 weeks I had given up. I was browsing the mall and went into LUSH. Remembering that their products were all natural and they dont test on animals (which makes me happy) I decided to ask the lady what to do. I explained my situation to her and she proceeded to tell me that she had taken the same medication aswell and she had the same problem as I did. She showed me BB Seaweed, a chilled clay mask with ground almonds to exfoliate, seaweed to calm, honey to moisturize and other stuff that just works wonders! This was my miracle! after using the mask once every 3-5 days for a little over a week my blemishes were calmed and my skin was so soft! My skin wasn't dry and flaky, rather it was moist and supple. I love this mask and will continue to buy it! There are no preservatives added to this product so it should be used within 4 weeks of your purchase and you must keep it in the fridge! Here is the ingredient list!
Lime Tree Flower and Sweet Violet Leaf Decoction (Tilia europaea and Viola odorata), Kaolin, Honey, Glycerine, Ground Almonds (Prunus dulcis), Toothed Wrack Seaweed (Fucus serratus), Organic Aloe Vera Gel (Aloe barbadensis), Millet Flakes (Panicum miliaceum), Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Olea europaea), Bentonite Gel, Fresh Rose Petals (Rosa centifolia), Rose Absolute (Rosa damascena), Patchouli Oil (Pogostemon cablin), Rosemary Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis), Seaweed Absolute (Fucus vesiculosus), *Citral, *Geraniol, *Benzyl Benzoate, *Limonene, *Linalool, Perfume
(*Occurs naturally in essential oils)

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Sigma Premium Professional Kit with Brush Roll Review


I purchased this brush kit many months ago, and cannot say enough positive to describe these brushes! When I received the package it came in a timely manner (about 2 weeks) and i was pleased to find the packaging was just adorable. It came in a medium sized black box that said Sigma on it. After I opened the box i found a little instruction manual about how to care for your brushes, as well as a pamphlet describing the brushes and their uses. The brush role came in a cute little mesh bag that I still use to store some of my cosmetics! When I opened the brush role I was pleased to find that each brush was protected with a plastic cover. The only con I had when I opened the brush roll there was a very strong plastic smell, but that soon went away after I gave my brushes a quick wash. The brush role is also very nice, it is made with a synthetic leather type material that is super easy to wipe off any product your brushes may leave behind. I was really happy with the whole purchase and definitely will purchase from this company in the future. These brushes are very high quality and handmade to perfection. They are made with real hair, as well and synthetic fibres. They are cruelty free and do not test their products on animals. Here is my review on all of the brushes that came in the Sigma Premium Professional Kit with Brush Roll. This review is solely based on my opinions. This kit is priced at $149.00, all prices are in USD.
Here is what the brushes and brush roll look like :


Large Fluff- E50~ This brush has many different possible uses. I mostly use this brush to sweep a single colour all over my eyelid. I have also used it to contour facial features such as my nose. It is a very dense stiff brush that is very easy to work with. It easily picks up colour even if the product you are using isn't pigmented at all.
 Individually this brush sells for $9.00


Large Concealer- F65~ This brush is a large synthetic concealer brush. It is fairly stiff, but still flexible enough to get into hard to reach areas on your face. I use this brush to apply primers to the face along with and cream products such as cream blush, cream contours or even cream foundations.
Individually this brush sells for $14.00


Duofibre powder/blush- F15~ This is an amazingly soft and dense brush, great for applying mineral powders that you really have to work into the skin. Although I use it for liquid foundation, it creates a flawless airbrushed look when you stipple or buff the foundation onto your skin. You will find this brush does shed a little bit in the beginning but after a few washes it is perfectly fine. This brush also washes out really nice and I have not found any staining at all. I would recommend cleaning the brush after each use if used with a liquid product to keep this brush at its best condition. This brush is definitely my favourite face brush in this kit. 
Individually this brush sells for $16.00


Tapered Face- F25~ This brush is a large dome shaped brush. It is very soft and great for many different uses. I use it to apply bronzer and contour products evenly. This brush will create a smooth airbrushed look with any powdered product you choose to use. It is great for blending out product and keeps staying very soft even after several washes. You will notice some shedding with this brush as well which is normal and does not affect the quality of the brush. Definitely a must have!
Individually this brush sells for $19.00


Powder/ Blush- F10~ This brush is very soft and creates a very precise application for blush and similar products. I feel that it is a perfect sized brush to apply colour in the right areas.
Individually this brush sells for $16.00


Tapered Highlighter- F35~ A mini version of the F25, it is great for highlighting and applying powdered product in specific places. Great for applying contours to the cheek, and nose then later buffing out with another brush. Also great for adding highlights to the top of the nose and above the cheekbone.
Individually this brush sells for $16.00


Large Powder- F20~ This is an amazing powder brush! This brush is very dense.It evenly distributes product making it easy to buff in powder foundations, loose powders, pressed powders, anything! It is very soft and has a shorter handle which provides precise application. Could be used for bronzer as well.
Definitely a must have!
Individually this brush sells for $18.00


Tapered Blending- E35~ This brush is great for blending shadows into the crease of your eyelid, it is a great blending brush. It could also be used for applying cream eye shadows all over your lid. Because of its light colour it's recommended to clean after each use with a spray cleanser. Extremely soft and a definite must have!
Individually this brush sells for $9.00


Small Tapered Blending- E45~ Small domed brush with highly tapered tip, great for smaller eyes. This brush is great for applying colour into the crease and blending out. It is very soft and does not shed.
Definitely a must have for small eyes!
Individually this brush sells for $9.00

Blending- E25~ This brush is very similar to the E35 but is shorter and more stiff. It is great for blending out colours onto the eyelid. Recommended cleaning after each use to keep hairs white.
Individually this brush sells for $9.00


Concealer- F75~ This synthetic fibre brush is great for applying concealer to specific spots. I find myself using it to apply cream based products such as primer to my eyelids. This brush is also a great shape for applying concealer under the eyes to hide and unwanted bags.
Definitely a must have!
Individually this brush sells for $9.00


Flat Definer- E15~ This brush is thin and stiff creating the perfect line to apply eyeliner to the outer corners of the eye to create a wing effect. Also great for defining eyebrows.
Definitely a must have!
Individually this brush sells for $9.00


Short Shader- E20~ This dense brush is amazing for packing on colour into the eyelids it is thin, short and stiff to apply powdered products precisely. Great for loose pigments, and non pigmented eyeshadows that are hard to apply. Also great for applying colour onto the lower lash line.
Individually this brush sells for $9.00


Lip- L05~ This is an amazing lip brush that is stiff and is great for applying any lip protect from lip gloss to lip stick. Small and precise to get the look you want to achieve. The lid for it is great for keeping your brush clean and protected.
Definitely a must have for on the go!
Individually this brush sells for $9.00


Small Eye Liner- E10~ This brush is thin and precise. It is great for applying a cream or gel based eyeliner to your lash line. it is flexible enough to create an opaque line, but stiff enough to create a straight line.
Individually this brush sells for $9.00


These brushes are great quality and very comparable to MAC brushes, some even better. These brushes wear nice and imprints with the names still withstand everyday use. They are well worth the money spend and the shipping is great. I was very please with the whole experience and look forward to purchasing more products.

Cleaning these brushes: For everyday use clean with a spray cleanser such as Brush Off, Sephora brush cleanser etc. Wipe product away with a cloth or tissue until brush is clean. Once a month or as desired clean with a lathering cleanser such as a baby shampoo to gently cleanse brushes. Do not use normal shampoo. Do not wet any other part of the brush except the hairs. Water and cleanser seeping into handle may cause damage. For natural hair brushes apply a light hair conditioner to keep brushes soft and healthy. Remember natural hair brushes will react to product just like your own hair. So treat them kindly.

Visit http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=4066 to purchase these brushes!
Thanks for Reading! Leave a comment below!
xoxo

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

MAC Rodarte Collection Controversy

The Mac Rodarte Collection was set to come out on September 15, 2010. Inspiration from the line was taken when Rodarte (sister team Kate and Laura Mulleavy) took a road trip through Texas into the Mexican city of Juarez. MAC teamed up with these sisters to create a new collection for the fall of 2010. Great controversy was sparked with this idea of taking the citizens of Juarez Mexico suffering and making a profit off of it. Juarez has been titled the most violent zone in the world out of a declared war zone by the United Nations. There are well over 300 sweatshop factories in Juarez, mostly employed by women and children making less than $2.50 a day, or nothing at all. In 2008, 1,600 women and children factory workers were killed. In 2009 that death toll was raised to 2,600. From January of 2008 until July of 2010 the total death toll will exceed 6,000. These women and children are repeatedly raped, kidnapped, dismembered and murdered. Juarez is "Hell on Earth" claiming reporters. Here are some images that may better describe this city.
Warning: Viewers may find these pictures disturbing
       
        

The Products that were produced for this collection are as followed:
Lipstick
Ghost Town Sheer white with white, gold and green pearlized pigment (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Rose State Mid-tone blue pink (Lustre) (Limited Edition)
Sleepless Light grey taupe (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Lipglass
Rodarte Pale creamy pink with layers of sparkling white, mint, and pink (Limited Edition)

Del Norte Light creamy violet with layers of sheer sparkling taupe, pink and grey (Limited Edition)

Lip Erase
Pale Flesh tone NC 27 Shade (Matte) (PRO)


Mineralize Eyeshadow
Bordertown Black with red, pale blue, and silver veining (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Sleepwalker Beige with copper, pale blue and pale pink veining (Frost) (Limited Edition)


Pigment
White Gold White pearl with gold duochrome (PRO)

Kitschmas Shimmering pink/mauve (Permanent)
Mauvement Cool taupe with gold pearl (Limited Edition) (Repromote from Rushmetal, Overrich)
Badlands Mid-tone shimmer beige brown (Limited Edition) 
Chromographic Pencil
NW25/NC30 Flesh tone NW25/NC30 shade (Matte) (PRO)

Beauty Powder
Softly Drifting Pale neutral white-ish pink with soft gold pearl (Limited Edition)

Blush
Quinceanera Shimmery mid-tone blue pink (Limited Edition)


Juarez Bright opal pink (Frost) (Limited Edition)

Factory Light opal mint (Frost) (Limited Edition)

So there's a look at the collection including the names of the products which have caused worldwide controversy. Bloggers call MAC and Rodarte "insensitive" and that the line is absolutely "disgusting".
Names such as Ghost town, compare to the promotional photograph as the "living dead"
Rose state and sleepless describe the long hours and flushed skin of the women and children working just to stay alive, even when they know they may die.
Sleepwalker is often associated with prostitution in Juarez, which later results in rape, and murder to most women. The two mineralized eyeshadows Bordertown and Sleepwalker have been thought as life and death. With Bordertown to be a beautiful flesh tone, and Sleepwalker as a silver lifeless with what looks like rivers of blood running through it.
And names such as factory, representing more than 300 sweatshop factories located in Juarez Mexico, where women and children are brutally beaten and murdered.
The insensitivity of both MAC and Rodarte have been frowned upon, causing many people to boycott the collection. And even some boycotting both companies all together.

MAC and Rodarte have recently responded to the controversy.
This is MAC's statement:

"We understand that product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection have offended our consumers and fans. This was never our intent and we are very sorry. We continue to listen carefully to the comments we have received and have the following plans to address concerns:

We are committed to donating $100,000 to a non-profit organization that has a proven, successful track-record helping women in need and that can directly improve the lives of women in Juarez in a meaningful way.
We are changing the product names in the M·A·C Rodarte collection.
As we have done in the past, please be assured that we will communicate details regarding our progress in this matter."

Rodarte's statement:

"We recognize that the violence against women taking place in Juarez needs to be met with proactive action. We never intended to make light of this serious issue and we are truly sorry.
Helping to improve the conditions for women in Juarez is a priority for us and we are thankful for all the comments calling attention to the urgency of addressing this situation."

 MAC Rodarte statement:

"We are deeply sorry and apologize to everyone we offended, especially the victims, the women and girls of Juarez and their families. We have heard the response of concerned global citizens loud and clear and are doing our very best to right our wrong. M·A·C and Rodarte are committed to using these learnings to raise awareness on this important issue and to leverage our unique platform to help the women and girls of Juarez."

MAC then later released this statement onto Facebook:
"Out of respect for the people of Mexico, the women and girls of Juarez and their families, as well as our M·A·C Mexican staff and colleagues, M·A·C has made the decision not to ship the M·A·C Rodarte limited edition makeup collection. This decision will have no impact on M·A·C's commitment to donate all of its projected global profits from this collection to local and international groups that work to improve the lives of the women and girls of Juarez. We are currently conducting due diligence to ensure we donate to organizations with a proven record of directly supporting the women and girls of Juarez.
M·A·C and Rodarte are deeply and sincerely sorry and we apologize to everyone we offended. We have listened very closely to the feedback of concerned global citizens. We are doing our very best to right this wrong. The essence of M·A·C is to give back and care for the community and Rodarte is committed to using creativity for positive social change. We are grateful for the opportunity to use what we have learned to raise awareness on this important issue."



The company has decided to pull the line completely and not ship to stores due to the consumers outcries. 


Bubble Gum Inspired Look

Face
Primer: Lancome La Base Pro
Foundation: Teint Idole Ultra in Ivorie 2c
Powder: Mac Studio Fix in NC15
Bronzer: Hoola by Benefit
Blush: Sweetness by MAC (limited edition)

Eyes
Primer: Painterly Paint Pot by MAC
Eyeshadows: Nylon by MAC
Crest the Wave by MAC
Jazzy Pink by NYX
Liquid Eye Liner: Revlon Colourstay Liquid Liner
Mascara: Hypnose Drama by Lancome in black
Eyebrows: Smashbox Brow Tech in Brunette

Lips
Lipstick: Pink Nouveau by MAC




Back to School Must Haves

Back to school is almost here! Here is my list of back to school must haves for fall 2010!

A leather jacket is great to pair with skinny jeans and a plain tee, a dress, or just some leggings and a hoodie!
I prefer pleather over leather because it is way more inexpensive and it doesn't hurt any animals!
Try this one, from Forever21 at $35.00:
For bottoms the new "jeggings" are super popular, comfy and affordable. A legging that looks like denim! What a good idea! Check out the different colours and styles at Forever21!
These Jeggings go for $15.00:

What better way to pair your look, than with a cute pair of shoes. Toms are a cute cloth shoe and are comfy AND are sold for a good cause. For every pair of TOMS that you purchase a pair will go to a less fortunate child living in poverty. This child may actually be able to walk to school now with a pair of shoes. He/she can get an education and have another chance at life.
These TOMS go for $54.00:
Every girl has got to have a purse right!? Of course! Here's one of my favourites from Aldo. It is a medium sized bag with many different inside compartments to fit everything from books to your electronics!
Natural colours are totally in this fall, so try an army green or a nude shade like this one.
This one retails for $30.00:
What's inside my back to school purse? Everything a girls gotta have to keep up to date, beautiful and stylish! Lets start off by having an agenda to keep you organized and on time with assignments and classes.
Who really uses those ugly school coloured plastic agendas anyways!?
Here's a cute little agenda from http://www.glitzy-glam.com/
This agenda starts from August 2010 until December of 2012! wow!
And not to mention it is so cute and colourful!
This one is priced at $25.00
Every girl has to have a emergency makeup bag to touch up her makeup throughout the day. Here's a cute little makeup bag from Forever21. It is a plastic zip up and can easily be washed and how about the super cute print! This would go great with the neutral handbag posted earlier!
  Priced at $2.50
What a steal!!!
Now in this makeup bag you want to have all of your essentials! including lip balm, gloss, powder, eyeliner  blotting papers, and of course some mouth refreshers!
Let's start off with the lips. It is very important to keep your lips hydrated especially as the season turns to fall and the weather becomes cold and dry. Get rid of those flaky lips with Burts bees lip balm. Made from beeswax this lip balm gives your lips that hydration it needs, and the wonderful tingle of mint extract is a bonus! Also available in honey, and pomegranate!
Priced at $4.50
To top that balm off try using a lip gloss for that added touch of glam, try these lip glosses from Maybelline. They come in an array of 18 different colours and flavours!
These lip glosses are a cheaper alternative to my favourite Juicy Tubes from Lancome.
They are long lasting and taste great!
Priced at around $5.00



The next must have in a girls makeup bag is eyeliner! Didn't have enough time to do your makeup this morning? Add a bit of eyeliner to create a smokey look on your top lash line, add some mascara and you're good to go. Try this waterproof eyeliner from Benefit.
I have used this eyeliner and it is amazing! Put it on and you're given enough time to smudge the gel like consistency, wait a minute and it is completely waterproof and smudge resistant! No more looking like a raccoon by the end of the day! Once you try it you will be hooked!
This one goes for $26.00


Getting oily throughout the day? Try these blotting papers from Boscia available at Sephora.
These 100% natural linen blotting papers are free of Parabens, sulfates, synthetic Fragrances, synthetic Dyes, petro-chemicals, phthalates and are infused with the ever so great green tea! Great for all skin typed to remove excess oil without disturbing your makeup.
Retailing at $10.00


Now that you have gotten rid of all the oils on your skin, apply powder. Try Mac Studio Fix Powder.
This is a powder foundation that can be worn over liquid foundation, or by itself for a flawless look, without looking cakey.
Try this one for $31.00




Had a little too much garlic for lunch!? Try these great little mini tooth brushes by Colgate with a dollop of toothpaste on them that requires no water, and no spitting! Just brush your teeth with them and throw away!
They even have pick on the end for anything caught in between your teeth!
These little cuties go for $8.00 for a pack of 16:
 
 

So that's all for now I hope everyone has a great time back to school shopping!
oxox