January 2013 Favorites

HAIR:

Organix: Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil    Shampoo and Conditioner

*It's very rare for me to finish off an entire bottle of both shampoo and conditioner, but this one got me to do that.  Made my hair feel incredible, healthier and the scent is pretty yummy.

Skin Care:

Meaningful Beauty: 

Day Creme, Glowing Serum, & Night Creme

* I loved the way these products made my skin feel and I did notice a few changes as far as my fine lines are concerned.  I would probably buy these products again, minus the cleaser.

* The cleanser is basically Cetaphil Gentle Cleanser and that's why I didn't include it.

Josie Maran: 

100% Argan Oil and Argan Illuminizer

* I loved both of these so much.  They are multipurpose products that make your skin look and feel amazing. The 100% Argan Oil is just awesome for hair, skin, nails and the Illuminizer was great for mixing with my matte foundation for a slight glow and also great has a highlighting product.

MAKEUP:

Benefit: Primping with the Stars Kit

* This kit is just convenient and amazing.  I use this kit most days, but it's especially helpful when I'm in a hurry.  LOVE LOVE LOVE this kit!!!

Day Fragrance:

Bath and Body Works: Wild Honeysuckle Lotion

* This fragrance is like a drug for me.  I needed something new after wearing all of those warm and cuddly fragrances all winter and this was my go to product.  The smell reminds me of late Spring and Early Summer.  I just love this scent.

Night Time Fragrance:

Bath and Body Works: 

Sparkling Blackberry Woods Body Cream and Fine Fragrance Mist

* At night I look for a sexy and cuddly fragrance and the scent of this on me is a spicy and warm scent that I just love. It's got citrus and berries mixed in with floral notes of Honeysuckle, Vanilla and Peony, along with warm notes of Cocoa, Caramel and musk.  I wear this at night when I go out and it a comforting scent to wear at bedtime.

These are all of the products that I've loved using for the month of January.

So far this year, my skin and hair look healthier and I smell amazing.  These products definitely did it for me this month...Can't wait for February.

Heather

Birchbox January 2013

I finally received my Birchbox yesterday.   For those of you who don't know what this is, it is a monthly subscription box and within each box will be samples of all sorts of products to try.  In return, for trying all of the products, you review them.   There is also a point system.... points for reviewing products, points for inviting friends and points for shopping on their site.... for every 100 points that you earn....that is the equivalent to $10.  This is pretty simple.

While I've been pretty stoked about this box, my first impression hasn't been that great.  First it was late and then my box was incomplete, but luckily they have an awesome customer service department that sent me e-mails to tell me what happened and also gave me 100 points towards my profile.  So I'm definitely not too upset.  

What's in my Box?

AMIKA : Color pHerfection Shampoo

*This gentle shampoo contains fortifying omega acids and healing sea buckthorn berry oil to keep your hair color bright and shiny.

*Full-size, $22

This smells amazing....the size of the sample I wish was a real travel size so that I could try it longer and I wish that they would send the conditioner with it, but it smells great...very fresh and clean smelling.  

Clark's Botanical : Smoothing Marine Cream

* Dull skin no more, thanks to glycolic acid in this exfoliating moisturizer.  

* The gentle tingle means it's working.

*Full-size, $115

This is a perfect sample size with great packaging.  The packaging reminds me of C.O. Bigelow product packaging.  Super excited to try this and scared at the same time because that full size price is mighty scary.

Harvey Prince : Skinny Chic

* Keep your energy levels high ( and fight cravings to boot) with this zesty blend of apple, mint, and lotus blossom.

* Full-size, $21-55

I don't know if this will fight my cravings or not, but this is my kind of fragrance.  It smells amazing and works great with my chemistry.... I think this might have to be a new Spring/Summer fragrance for me.  The sample size is a normal sample size that you would get from any fragrance counter.

theBalm Cosmetics : Put a lid on it Eye Primer

*Keep that pretty eye shadow crease-free with this stay-put primer, which also prevents smudges and smears.

* Full-size, $18

  

They obviously know about my primer obsession and the fact that I like companies like theBalm.  I'm very excited about this one and the sample size is perfect.

BEAUTY EXTRA:

100% Pure: Nourishing Body Cream

* This skin-friendly moisturizer is made exclusively from 100 percent vegan, organic ingredients.  Not that you need an excuse to slather it on.

* Full-size, $15

Now while I'm really excited about this product, if you are going to send out samples of your moisturizers, don't send them out in packs.  I really want the opportunity to try your product for more than a day.  Pacifica sent out their samples this year and they were an actual travel size.

I'll be reviewing these throughout the month of February separately....

....Birchbox

Heather

Drug Store Skin Products I Always Have on Hand

I have a skin care obsession.  I've worked in a dermatologist office and what I learned from that is that taking care of your skin is very important, it's the biggest organ that we have.  You have to keep it clean, moisturize it, protect it, exfoliate it, etc.  Skin care is a billion dollar business.  I've talked about a lot of higher end products that I'm using and now I want to share just a few of my go to's for skin in the drugstore.

CLEANSERS:

Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser:

*Mild, non-irritating formula, ideal for face, hands, and body.

*Softens as it cleanses and helps skin to retain moisture.

*Rinses easily and leaves skin feeling soft, smooth and healthy.

*Mild enough to cleanse a baby's delicate skin.

*Non-comedogenic / Fragrance Free

Dermatologist Recommended

This product is amazing.  I love body washes bar soaps like everyone else, but sometimes your skin just needs a break from harsh soaps and fragrances and this is my go to product for that.  Sometimes my skin can become sensitive and this products prevents irritation.  I use it for makeup removal, shaving my legs, and sometimes as a body wash.  You can use it with or without water.  If you wanna know the truth....the Meaningful Beauty cleanser and the Cetaphil Cleanser are basically the same thing.   They have the same ingredients, same texture, same non-foaming product, but without the higher cost.  

You can get this from drugstores, Walmart, etc. usually costing $11.49.  You can usually find coupons for this or good deals at the drugstore.

I usually purchase this product when there is a BOGO deal at CVS because you can get the lotion or the facial moisturizer with it.

Olay Age Defying Classic Cleanser

*Cleanse and renew skins surface to reveal softer, smoother skin instantly.

*Cleanses to reveal softer, fresher, more radiant skin.

*Removes dull, dry skin with gentle micro-beads.

I used the entire Classic Age-Defying line by Olay for a few months and I love this cleanser.  This is my go to  facial cleanser on the go.  I really like this products because it exfoliates while it cleanses.  I like to use this when I don't use a facial scrub because the micro-beads in this are gentle and then the creamy cleanser makes my skin feel so good.  I always have a bottle of this in my shower or next to my sink.

Again, the great thing about this product is that you can get it from the drugstore or Walmart, there are coupons that are always available and every month at CVS they have a BOGO deal on Olay products.

TONER:

THAYER'S Lavender Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free Toner with Aloe Vera

*All natural skin toner derived from an honored Native American formula.

*Alcohol-Free toner for sensitive skin with delicate, soothing, calming natural Lavender water.

* Adds moisture while helping to protect the skin from airborne impurities and is an alternative to drying astringents.

* Witch Hazel tightens pores and smooths to beautify the skin.

I've used a lot of toners over the years and this one is my absolute favorite.  I've used the harsh astringents with alcohol and fragrance in them that leave your skin super tight, dry and smelling like chemicals.  I've also used Dickinson's Witch Hazel toner and I don't recommend that product because if you read the back there is alcohol in it and it dried out my skin more than anything.

This product does exactly what it says it does.  It soothes my skin, moisturizes and it is really gentle.  I like to use this before I put my moisturizer on in the morning and at night.  I always have this product on hand because this isn't just a great toner...you can use it to calm a pesky zit, bug bites, and more.

I've tried a few of the Thayer's Witch Hazel Alcohol-Free toners and I like all of them.  The Rose Witch Hazel is just as awesome as the Lavender.  You can get this product from GNC, and again, they usually have a BOGO deal on these at GNC.  They usually run about $9.95 per bottle.

TREATMENTS:

Gena Tea Tree Oil

*100% Pure Oil of Melaleuca Alternifolia.

*Australia's natural antiseptic.

*For skin, nails & scalp.

*Made in U.S.A.

I'm not going to go into all of the uses of tea tree oil.  You can Google all of that.  Like the Argan Oil that I talked about yesterday, this product is a multipurpose product.  

I don't get zits that often, but when I do I use a dab of this product and it goes away over night.  So if you don't like an embarrassing zit then use this product.  

The other thing about this product is that it goes a long way.  I rarely have to use this product, but it's great to have on hand because of the many uses for it.

I got this product at Walgreens for $7.99

SUNSCREEN:

*Pampers your skin like no ordinary sunscreen!

*The breakthrough dual ribbon formula combines superior protection with luxurious, hydrating silk protein to wrap your skin in continuous moisture and help you maintain luminous skin in the sun.  

*Plus, it's light, tropical fragrance stimulates your senses for a completely captivating in-sun experience!

*Water Resistant(80 minutes) *Light and Non-greasy

The best thing that you can do for your skin is to protect it with sunscreen on a daily basis.  I'm very fair complected, so for me it's not just a suggestion, I NEED IT.  I was outside a lot last year because of outside events and this product became my favorite.  I needed something that didn't smell like regular sunscreen, had a high SPF and kept my skin moisturized and not tacky feeling and this provided what I needed.  It has a great texture, the smell is very beachy ( coconut, fruit, etc.) and has a decent SPF.

You can get this product at drugstores, Walmart and again coupons and BOGO deals.  This product is worth having.  Prices vary.

BODY LOTION:

Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion with Shea Butter

*Locks in moisture for 24 hours

* Olay lotions go beyond moisturization to improve skin's barrier over time.  With continued use, skin becomes noticeably soft, smooth and more resistant to skin dryness.

I bought this product because I use a lot of lotions with different fragrances in them and sometimes I want something light so that I can wear a perfume or a body mist to change things up a bit.  This does have a light fragrance to it, but it fades and doesn't clash with my perfumes and body mists.  I didn't feel like it locked in moisture for 24 hours, but it does make my skin feel really soft and if I'm on a bend where I wear it everyday and night then my skin looks very healthy and glows.

I really like the Olay brand, it's been around for a very long time, it's a trusted brand.  My Mema used all of their products, so I pretty much trust this brand myself.  Affordable, great texture, light fragrance, but again it fades.

I find this lotion more at Walmart, but occasionally you can find it at a drugstore and purchase it in a BOGO deal or with coupons.

These are only a few of my drugstore favorites, but these are the products that I keep on hand the most.

Heather

Argan Oil: Josie Maran and Organix

In the month of January, I've been trying all sorts of products, products for my hair, skin and nails.  

The biggest trend in hair, skin and nails is Argan Oil or "liquid gold".  This oil helps with anti-aging because of the high level of Vitamin E, it helps with the healing of the skin, such as : Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and the reduction of scars and it also helps to protect your hair, skin and nails.  This oil basically sounds like "magic beans" for beauty right?   Every woman looks for that product that can do it all and this claims to be that.

The products that I purchased are:

Josie Maran - 100% Pure Argan Oil to Go

* This legendary, lightweight oil, grown organically in Morocco, is rich in Vitamin E and essential fatty acids.

* Uses - Fast absorbing daily moisturizer

Heal or condition everything from cuticles, split ends and acne. (Josie Maran Cosmetics.com)

*Clinically proven to improve skin hydration and skin elasticity in only 4 weeks.  

Participants saw a visible reduction in course wrinkle and fine lines in the eye area.

83% of women showed significantly improved skin hydration. (Sephora.com)

* $14 to go ranging up to $96 full size (Sephora)

IMPRESSION:  I love this product.  I've used this product on it's own on my skin after showering and it feels amazing and makes my skin feel amazing and it gave a nice glow.  I mixed it in with my favorite Olay lotion for that extra moisture so that my lotion would go just a bit further.  My favorite use for this right now is in my hair.  I have really long, ombre dyed hair and this product keeps my hair looking fantastic.  It's shines and I've seen less split ends than ever.  Now, because I've been using the Meaningful Beauty products for my daily skin care I haven't tried this on my face as a moisturizer... yet...., but I might just have to invest in one of the Josie Maran Value Kits.

Organix - Renewing Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

* Rare formula has centuries old history of providing natural Vitamin E and antioxidants while renewing your hair's cell structure, sealing in shine, and creating lush softness.

*  Indulge the senses with this precious blend of Moroccan Oil which instantly penetrates the hair shaft restoring shine while strengthening.  This renewing formula is free of sulfates and parabens, and is safe for color treated hair.  

*Shampoo and Conditioner will restore moisture to dry hair, protect from styling heat and UV damage while creating soft, seductive, silky perfection. (organixhair.com)

* $6.99 per at most drugstores and Walmart

IMPRESSIONS:  I have a combination scalp, just like my skin, it ranges from normal to dry.  So many shampoo products have dried my scalp and hair out and it's just not pretty. I also have combination hair because I have fine textured hair, but I have a lot of it and so many products weigh my hair down and make it look flat. This product is now my favorite set of Shampoo and Conditioner.  It smells amazing and my hair has never looked so healthy and full.  I've been using this product all month long and I am almost out.  The great thing about these products is that they are affordable.  If you shop at Walgreens, CVS, or Rite Aid there will usually be some sort of BOGO deal, which I really like.  I will probably repurchase these at some point.  My hair products, like my skin care products change from month to month.

Loving Argan Oil,

Heather

My Favorite : Jesse's Girl Products

I was introduced to the brand Jesse's Girl by a girlfriend while we were getting ready for a night out at a concert.  I mean it was just one pigment pot and I was hooked. 

These are some of the products that I have purchased and loved!!!

Pure Eye Pigment Dusts:

Mardi Gras

Beautiful Electric Blue

Rouge Flambe

Incredibly Dimensional Cranberry... A lot of people are scared of using reds, but this pigment is too amazing not to use.

Sunlit Cactus

This color looks gold in this picture, but it's more of a citrus.  I've worn this pigment just by itself and have gotten lots of compliments because this one color is so dimensional.  It starts with the citrus yellow and the light shifts it to a shimmery orange color...Just Gorgeous.

Blackstar Blue

This color is much darker than represented in their photo.  It is a really dark black with navy tones to it.

Majestic Green

Great shimmery Shamrock Green

Hi Ho Silver

This color is more of a dull gun metal than a bright silver.  I love using this color for a classic smokey eye with the Blackstar Blue.

If you are looking for pigments that are similar to Makeup Forever pigments, but don't have the wallet for that, then these are your go to pigment dusts.... 

You can get them at Rite Aid for $3.99 a piece.

9 Pan Eye Shadow Palettes:

Before I came across the palettes I was looking into a lot of makeup history and one of the brands that I became fascinated was BIBA.

(If you don't know who or what BIBA is.... Then Google IT!!!)

A lot of the BIBA Makeup had a distinct look... with their muted colors...the palette colors had the look of rotted or bruised fruit.  Jesse's Girl Palettes were the closest dupes for these amazing colors that I was searching for.

Brown Eyed Girl 

Beautiful array of muted yellows, oranges, reds and browns.   This palette was perfect for the looks that I wanted to create with it.

The Eyes Have It

This is a great set of what I call Camouflage colors.  Blues, Greens and Browns...... 

Another Great thing about this product is that unlike other brands that charge $5 and up for Quads or Singles, you get 9 colors for $3.99 per palette.   You can't top that at all.

MY FAVORITE LOOK:

(I created with Jesse's Girl Products)

You can see the combination of all of the pigment pots used.  This was 3 hours of sitting there doing my makeup with precision brushes.  I even made the flower clips.

The look was created with just basic grease paint that you can get at any novelty or costume shop, paired with Coty Translucent Powder, making sure that you leave the eyes and the nose area clean before you add the black grease paint and pigments. Finish the eyes with some Ardell lashes... Makeup Magic.

Loving Jesse's Girl Cosmetics,

Heather

Sole Society

Sole Society

Sole Society allows you to discover the latest trends, share your personal style, recommend shoes to friends, and follow the curated collections of top fashion insiders. Inside this box, you’ll find $25 off your first purchase! (Influenster.com)

In December, I received my Influenster Holdiay VoxBox for 2012.  One of the pieces sent for review was a Sole Society Coupon for $25 off of Your First Pair of Shoes.  At first, I was thinking "When am I going to use this?",  "I'm not really and online shoe shopper.", until I went to the site.

Sole Society is an interactive membership to some pretty amazing shoes.  They Design them, Manufacture them, and Deliver Straight to the members.    They cut out the middle man, you know the Retailers that jack up the prices of amazing shoes, so you end up having loads of debt and feel the need to sell a kidney.  The coolest part is the more you share what you buy and recommend to friends the more money that you can save.  Think with every recommendation and invite = FREE SHOES.

If you don't believe me...  Check out their site @ http://www.solesociety.com/

These are the shoes that I purchased....

This is Harper.   I've always loved the look of Oxford Shoes and the cutest part of these is that they are Leopard.   

I'm inspired by these shoes....For those that don't know.... I reconstruct clothing, among many other things, but I've come up with a few outfits that I want to dye, cut and reconstruct into awesomeness to wear with these amazing shoes.   

If you want tutorials, comment on my Facebook Page....and while your there....You might just want to hit the Like Button.

This is Celine.  Occasionally, I'm pretty girly when I'm not all Tomboy'd up with my T-shirt and Jeans.  I saw these and fell in love with them.  They are like the ballet flat, but with the added flare of a color blocked heel.  If you know me, you probably know that I love Vintage clothing.  I have Vintage slips, dresses, hats and accessories and these shoes have that feel.  I have the perfect dress to go with these girls and I can't wait to show you.

I was very impressed with the shipping.  It was here before I knew it and believe me,  I was waiting like Scott Pilgrim waiting for his Amazon Package.

The shoes are great quality, affordable, and Sole Society makes it fun through their interactive site.  

In Love with Sole Society,

Heather

Benefit Primping with the Stars

I have a love affair with Benefit Cosmetics, I honestly haven't met a product of theirs that I haven't liked yet.   They win hands down in my book as far as product packaging (everything is super girly and adorable, product quality ( from skin care to make up...thumbs up all the way), and they are just amazing, simple to use products that should at least be tried once.

Recently, Benefit has released some new "All Star Kits", they have 3 Neutrals eye kits, a bronzing kit, a brightening kit, and of course this Primping with the Stars kit.  These kits are exclusive to Sephora and the prices are $30-$32.  If you are looking to try a lot of different products at once I recommend buying kits like these because you get more bang for you buck.  I purchased the Primping with the Stars: All-Time Greatest "Fake-Its"! Kit.  This kit is more of a starter kit to some of their best selling products.

The inside of this kit is so cute and handy.  You can just pop this in your purse and all your touch up products are inside, including a mirror.  The kit also comes with Tips and Tricks to show you how to use each one of the products to put together a very pretty look.

The Products in this Kit:

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Eye Primer

If you read my blog post yesterday you will see the review for this awesome tinted eye primer.

Benefit the Porefessional Pro Balm

This is another of the primers that I reviewed in yesterdays blog post.  I love the feel and the color of this product.

Benefit Some Kind a Gorgeous in Medium. 

This product is their cream to powder "foundation faker". 

The only issue I have with this kit is that this product is the same color in every kit.  I'm very fair complected, so this is not my shade, but I never like to let anything go to waste, so I use it as base contour before I apply my bronzer.  I love the feel of this product.  It has a very creamy consistency and is buildable and doesn't look chalkey or cakey.  I love this product as a contour for me.

Benefit Benetint in Rose

This is my all time favorite product of Benefit's.  I fell in love with this product when I was in high school.  I always have loved the look of just bitten lips and a rosy flushed cheek and this product is meant for just that. It's a lip and cheek stain.  I love this product because it's multipurpose, has amazing staying power, smells like roses and looks beautiful.

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl - Liquid Pearl for Face

If you are looking for a beautiful, glowy highlight that is neither white shimmer or gold, this is a great option.  This product adds a beautiful, sheer pink highlight to the face.  I use this after I put on my blush or my cheek stain and it give a beautiful healthy glow to my cheeks and is a great highlight to my brow bone.  I also use this product as either an eye base or alone and it provides just a light color to brighten up my eyes.  I love this product.

Benefit They're Real! Mascara

If you don't get the kit for anything else, get it for this product.  This is my all time favorite mascara.  I have gotten so many compliments while wearing this mascara.   " Are you wearing false lashes?" or "Wow!, your eyes look so bright and doe eyed today."  I love this mascara, it is totally worth the investment if you decide to go full size.  LOVE!  LOVE!! LOVE!!!

All of these products are so multifaceted and can help to create numerous looks, from natural to dramatic.

These products are just a few of the reasons that I love Benefit....and to add one more:

They provided all of the makeup to the makeup artists for the movie Snow White and the Hunstman.

Loving Benefit,

Heather

Primer Obsession: Confessions of a Primer Junkie

My name is Heather and I am a Primer addict!!!!   I'm obsessed with finding any kind of primer that is going to make my makeup last as long as it can, while it perfects my skin, and intensifies the pigments in the makeup that i'm using and doesn't allow ugly creasing.  A lot of this comes from the fact that once I do my makeup I don't usually go back and touch it up or reapply it, unless I'm changing my day look into a night look.  Here are some of primers that I really like and some that I can do without.

* ( What the Products claim that they do)

Face Primers:

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Primer 001:  

It prolongs the wear of your foundation.

Smooths and evens out complexion.
Minimizes Pores.

PROS:  This was the first facial primer that I ever purchased.  I loved the feel of this product.  The product feels more like a moisturizer than a primer.  The other perk about this product is the price.  You can purchase it at  drugstores, Target, Walmart and Ulta.  

CONS:  This product didn't really make my make up last as long as I would have liked.  It really kept the makeup moving rather than staying put.  I really with this product either came in a jar or in a pump so that you can get all of the product out of it.

Rimmel Fix and Perfect Pro Primer:

It has 5 in 1 Results:

*Smoothes

*Resurfaces

* Brightening

* Mattifies

*Protects

PROS: I really liked the texture of this product, like the 001, but once I put it on it dried with the texture of a high end primer.  It really smoothed out my skin, filled in the fine smile lines around my mouth and gave my skin a nice glow before I put on my foundation.  It really allows for an even application of foundation.  This product is way better than the 001.  You really can't beat the price on this either...You can get it at any drugstore, Target, Walmart and Ulta.  

CONS:  The only con I have is the packaging.  I want to be able to get all of the product out without having to cut it open to get it all out.

L'OREAL Studio Secrets Professional Magic Perfecting Base:

*Smooths Lines

* Hides Pores

* Banishes Imperfections

-The silky, lightweight formula glides on to skin, leaving it velvety to the touch.  The result is a unified matte finish that is flawless.

PROS:  I love the velvety feel of this product and that a little goes a long way. The product does what it claims.  It helped with a very smooth application of my foundation. I love that the packaging makes it look like a high end product and that you can get all of the product out.  I always keep packaging like this just so I can reuse it.

CONS: The amount for the price is pretty ridiculous to me, especially for a drugstore brand.  You get 0.5oz (Full Size) for $12.95. I only purchased this product once.

tarte: Clean Slate Poreless - 12hr Perfecting Primer

* A skin-perfecting mattifying base and pore refiner.

* This primer not only helps keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours of perfect wear time, but also refines the appearance of pores and diffuses fine lines and imperfections while delivering natural fruit-and plant-derived extracts to deliver antiaging and skin-restorative benefits to your skin. It refines the appearance of pores and diffuses fine lines and masks imperfections. Just one application leaves skin looking instantly smoother, softer, and refined. 

PROS:  This product is awesome.  I've been using it since I got it in my stocking for Christmas.  The texture is very velvety like the L'OREAL primer.  It did make my smile lines less prominent.  Every time that I wear this product, even if I just wear it alone, I get a lot of comments about how young I look and about how flawless my skin is.  I love that there are no Parabens, Sulfates, Synthetic Fragrances, Petrochemicals, Pthalates, GMO's, or Triclosan.  It is full of their T-5 Fruit Complex: antioxidant rich nutrients and vitamins that are said to give you refining, anti-aging and skin-restorative benefits with every use.  I love to use natural or organic products because I really care about my taking care of my skin, it's the biggest organ to take care of, so if I can use products that are very beneficial without a lot of nasty stuff in them.  It is worth the price for the amount that you get.

CONS:  The only con that I have with this product is the packaging.  I would love it more if it were in a pot or if it came in a pump.  

tarte: Clean Slate Flawless - 12 hr Brightening Primer

* A waterproof, 12-hour brightening primer.

* This primer helps makeup stay in place longer while brightening skin for a healthy, glowing complexion. For use as a hydrating base, this formula keeps your makeup in place for up to 12 hours of perfect wear. It’s also a quick fix for tired or sallow skin—just one application and skin looks instantly radiant. 

PROS: This is the product that I've been using the most as of late.  I love the  feel of this...it has the feeling of the Rimmel Pro, feels like a moisturizer but dries into a velvety finish and not only that, it smells amazing.  It smells like fresh citrus.  This product does give my skin a nice healthy glow before I put on my make up and it looks so good that sometimes I wear it with no foundation at all and just use my eye brightening roller ball and mascara.  Other cool things to know about this product is that it is silcone-free.   It also has natural antioxidants, vitamins A, C, and E, and fruit- and plant-derived extracts to fight free radical damage and prevent premature signs of aging while brightening skin. It has a skin-brightening active from bearberry leaves that is  inhibiting the skin pigmentation process for an even, luminous complexion.  Totally worth the price.

CONS:  Again...It's the packaging.  I really like using pots because I can reuse them and pumps just for sanitary reasons.  I don't like having to cut open the packaging to get to the final bit of the product.

Benefit: The Porefessional Pro Balm:

* A PRO balm that minimizes pores

* The POREfessional quickly minimizes the appearance of pores. Apply this silky, lightweight balm to achieve translucent pore coverage and smoother-than-smooth skin. Pores—now you see 'em, now you don't!

PROS:  Now while I don't have huge pores or problems with acne, I like that this product diminishes the look of my smile lines.  Unlike the other primers, this primer is tinted, so it evens out your complexion more so than the others that go on clear.  I love the smell of this product... it has a rose like smell to it.  It's very girly.  I love Benefit products in general... The packaging is really cute and the products are just amazing.

CONS:  Again, it's the packaging...while I love the marketing packaging, i really want the pot or the pump.

Kat Von D: Rehab Priming Elixir 

* A makeup primer that prepares skin for easy makeup application and long wear. 

* Kat calls this her "black rose primer detox." It provides mattifying properties, evens out the complexion, and nourishes skin to create the perfect canvas for applying makeup and extending its wear. The extract of rose provides potent hydrating properties. A blend of natural fruit and botanical extracts soothes and hydrates skin. This product also protects skin against environmental damage and premature aging. 

PROS:  If you have the Lock-It Foundation, you'll probably like this product.  The foundation is very thick and has a matte finish, so you will want something like this to help move the foundation over the skin.  It does have a rose scent to it. I love the packaging as well.

CONS:  I honestly only used this product a few times and while it did help with the application of the Lock-It Foundation, i didn't like the consistency of it.  It's way too fluid, which leads to waste and it made my skin feel too wet, I felt like it didn't have a good finish to it.  I couldn't wear this product alone because my skin would look too shiny.

EYE PRIMERS:

Kat Von D High Voltage Eye Primer in SKIN, STELLAR, and SMOKEY

*lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky formula that sets the stage for perfect, long lasting eye-makeup application.

* This smooth-textured primer glides over the eyelid without dragging. It performs like a magnet, preventing eyeshadow from migrating and creasing. Micro-encapsulated pigments float over the eye area, finessing skin texture and blurring fine lines. Use the Smoky shade to prep your lids for a smoldering smoky-eye look.

PROS:  The awesome thing about these primers is that I got them for Christmas one year in her Chronicals Vol. 1 Book Palette.  

The Skin Primer is just a color correcting, skin tone primer which was great for giving the perfect canvas, especially for pin up looks where you use a really light eyeshadow for the entire lid, as well as matte shadows in general.  It really complimented her pigments.

The Stellar Primer is a light pink, shimmery primer.  I loved using this one if I wanted either a slight shimmer by itself or using it with really sheer shimmery shadows.  I also loved using it as a highlight.

The Smokey Primer is her really dark, slate grey primer infused with volcanic ash.  When I read the last part of that I was a little weird about using it, but this out of all 3 was my favorite.  This makes your deepest shadow colors really pop.  You can top it with a blue and it would electrify the color.  Perfect for using with loose pigments, especially blues, reds and purples.

CONS:  The packaging, while I loved the doe foot applicator, you couldn't get to all of the product and that they are discontinued. :o (

Benefit: Stay Don't Stray

* Stay put primer for eye shadow and concealer.

*Preps: The lightweight formula blends seamlessly into skin, brightens eye area to minimize the appearance of fine lines, and comes in a universally flattering nude shade.

*Protects: Hydrates with sodium hyaluronate to lock in moisture, fights signs of aging with vitamins C & E, and does not contain parabens.

*Perfects: It's long-wearing to keep makeup looking fresh, locks on ALL concealers & eye shadows and prevents creasing of eye makeup.

PROS:  Again, I LOVE Benefit products.  This one is awesome.  It is tinted which helps correct and brighten your eye area before you even put your concealer on.  It has great staying power and I love, love, love the packaging.  Totally worth the price that you pay.

CONS:  I really don't have any cons about this product.  It does just what it says.

tarte: Clean Slate 360 Creaseless - 12 hr Smoothing Primer

*A waterproof 12-hour smoothing eye shadow primer that locks eye shadow in place. 

* This primer acts as a smudge-proof base for shadow while preventing fallout and migration of color. The universal shade glides on easily and powers through the day into the evening for 12 hours of perfect wear. 

PROS:  I love Tarte...It's become one of my new favorite brands.  I love that they don't use harsh chemicals and natural ingredients and most of all that the products actually work.  This product does what it says... No creasing and 12 hour wear.  I use this when I want a really strong eye look and I'm on the go with work and meetings.

CONS:  I don't really like the texture, I feel like it's too fluid.  Again....packaging.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance in Candlelight 

*A versatile eye shadow primer that imparts a sexy, soft-focused light and a subtle metallic sheen whether worn as a base for color or alone.

* This long-wearing primer enhances eye shadow and adds just a touch of golden metallic flair. It can be worn alone for a touch of shimmer or as a primer, instantly intensifying color and providing effortless blending. The vitamin-enriched, silicone-based formula glides over lids, smoothing the appearance of crepe-like skin, and brightening dull or discolored lids.

PROS:  This is another go to product for me because sometimes I have lazy days with my makeup.  I can wear it alone for a brightening shimmer effect on my eyes to make them look more awake after staying up late or I can wear it with matte products to add a hint of shimmer to them.  It has great staying power.  I just love this. I also use it sometimes for a highlighter for my eye makeup and for my face.  Good investment.

CONS:  Just the packaging.  I love the pointed applicator, just not the tube.

URBAN DECAY Eyeshadow Primer Potion

* A sheer nude eye shadow primer.

* Eyeshadow Primer Potion is an ultra-sheer, totally nude base that glides onto the skin. The original, award-winning formula disappears instantly and is the ultimate eye prep for smoother, more vibrant shadow and all-day wear with absolutely no creasing. 

PROS:  This was one of the first products I ever purchased in my first ever trip to Sephora.  I purchased it when Buxom first came out and had their Buxom Betty Kit, which I also purchased.  This is a picture of the new packaging.  The original packaging was the potion bottle with the doe foot applicator.  It's has a nice sheer tint and it intensifies shadow very nicely.  I love this one.

CONS: I love the new applicator, but again the packaging.

I really do have a huge addiction.  I don't go around free basing all of these products at once.  These are products that I've used over the years and some recent products that I've been using.  

Love from a Primer Junkie,

Heather