Review: M.A.C. Studio Fix Fluid

Product's website description: "A modern foundation that combines a natural matte finish and medium-buildable coverage with broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15. Comfortable and long-wearing: lasts for up to eight hours. Applies smoothly, builds coverage quickly and easily. Contains specially treated micronized pigments and soft-focus powders for a super-smooth look that helps minimize the appearance of imperfections. Absorbs and disperses oil. Contains special skin-conditioning ingredients. Oil free." [website]

Color: NW25

Price: $26 for 30 ML

Review: 5 stars

M.A.C., where have you been all my life? I didn't rate it 5 stars because I haven't been able to provide the complete coverage that I'm looking for, but this is still the best foundation that I've used to date.

When I first went to M.A.C. to get color matched for my foundation, it was not a good experience. The makeup artist was horrible (she actually gave me the wrong product - powder instead of fluid when I made my purchase so I had to go back the next day). The foundation brush she was using was leaving brush lines all over my face. She first color matched me with a way too orange foundation for my pale skin. I made her go a few shades lighter, but it still felt dark to me. However, upon photographing my face, I realized that NW25 was a perfect match. I still haven't gotten used to it, but those nearest and dearest to my heart have told me that there's no distinction between my face to my neck. No dreaded neck line!

I just bought the Studio Fix Powder + Foundation tonight, so I haven't tried it out yet. Can't wait to see how it compares to the fluid. I heard it works awesome paired together, so I'm excited.

Review: Basin Bath Bombs

Product's website description: "Drop a bath bomb into a warm bath and relax as it fizzes and dissolves. Our bath bombs release all-natural essential oils and fragrances, transforming your bath from ordinary to extraordinary." [website]

Purchased: Bath Bomb Barrel (5 Medium Size)

Price: $20 for barrel, almost $5 for each bath bomb

Review: 4 stars (Couldn't give it a 5 b/c of price & location)

If I was a millionaire, I would go to this store every month. Instead, I usually only go around gift-giving times.

I LOVE taking a nice, hot bath to relax. When I first discovered this store, which is only at Downtown Disney, I couldn't resist buying some despite the price because of just how good the store smelled. It's like when you walk by The Body Shop and they've got the oils going. Mmmm, smells so good.

But $20 for 5 bath bombs? Why couldn't I just get a $5 bubble bath from Wal-Mart? Answer: Because I've never found a bath product to replicate the same intoxicating smell as even my least favorite bath bomb. My skin feels super soft after using these too.

Just writing this review makes me want to go drive out there tomorrow to pick some up, but I must refrain from doing so. You can order online too, but I never have.

Tip #1: Don't bother with the Hidden Treasures bath bombs. They suck. It's just a sponge heart/dinosaur/Mickey. I really don't see kids using a bath bomb, so its appeal is lost to adults.

Tip #2: Buy the medium sized bath bombs and then crack them in half while inside a ziploc bag (or else you're going to make a powdery mess). There is a big enough price gap to warrant saving a couple cents by buying the smaller bath bombs.

Review: N.Y.C. Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil

Product's website description: "... tear-proof, sweat-proof and swim-proof eyeliner pencils that are perfect for an active lifestyle. The waterproof formula provides long lasting coverage, so you don't have to re-apply during the day." [website]

Color Purchased: 931A Black

Price: Under $3

Review: 2 Stars

This has been my daily go-to liner, but I'm not very satisfied with it. I always end up with raccoon eyes by the end of the day. I notice it doesn't say "smudge-proof" in the website description, but I'm sure that's implied when it's "*-proofed" on everything else.

I'm waiting on my shipment to arrive for my very first eye primer, so I may have to revise my review after I try this product paired with the primer. I'm guessing it will have more staying power then.

Also, I have not had great success in perfectly lining my eyes. You cannot get smooth lines using this. My bottom lash line is ok. But when I do the top lash line, the color feathers out and ends up looking like a dull black while my bottom lash line stands out.

Review: TRESemme Fresh Start Dry Shampoo

Product's website description: "Zap oil and odor in between washes with this new dry shampoo. The unique formula gives hair a clean look and feel with gorgeous volume, even when you don’t wash." [website]

Price: Almost $7

Review: 1 Star

I usually wash my hair every other day, unless I've gone to the gym. So I was excited about trying this product. I thought it would make my hair less oily. You just spray it in your hair, let it sit for a few minutes, and then brush it out. Easy, right? Too bad it doesn't work. At the first initial spray, I liked the smell. However, after a few sprays, I was ready to pass out from the fumes.

My hair went from blah to nasty. I had to take a shower at midnight just to get the funk out of my hair. Maybe I was using it wrong, but a friend of mine said she had the same bad results. When the guy at CVS asked why I was returning the bottle, I said because "It stinks!"

A New Me

I just turned 30 at the beginning of the year, but I still look like a baby. This summer I decided it was time to revamp my boring everyday look.

First things first, I finally broke down and bought some MAC foundation. The MAC girls have always scared me for some reason, possibly because I'm a totally newbie when it comes to experimenting with colors. I am very pale and was used to purchasing my drugstore foundation in the lightest color possible. Imagine my surprise when the MAC girl chose NW25 for me. I was ensured that I'm supposed to match to the color of my chest & arms, not my real face color. You mean I'm not supposed to be geisha white? I'm still getting used to the extreme difference in color. My boyfriend actually loves the new foundation on me & joked that I don't look dead anymore. Uh, thanks?!

Now that I have my MAC Studio Fix liquid foundation, I feel like my old makeup just doesn't cut it anymore. My usual neutral eyeshadows and pale blushes get swallowed up my the foundation. So I've come to a conclusion...this is the year to reinvent myself!