The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly (A Slew of Reviews in One Post)

I’ve tried so many new products lately, I haven’t had the time or energy to write full-fledged reviews about all of them. But I still wanted to let you know which ones rocked and which ones stunk, so I’m combining several reviews into one post. You’ll find everything here, from makeup to skincare to haircare.

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Professional Size: I got this on sale at Sephora for $20 (normally $30)–the same price as the standard Primer Potion. But this tube contains 150% of the original size’s product. Good deal. This really, truly is the best eye primer out there. It’s the only one I’ve ever tried that completely resists creasing and smudging, even after hours. It keeps shadows exactly where you apply them until you take off your makeup. Genius.

Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment (approx. $5-6): I’m not one of those people who loooooves Moroccanoil. It’s ok, but it doesn’t transform my hair–but I still use it to nourish my ends and protect my strands from heat styling. This new product is Garnier’s version of Moroccanoil. I noticed no difference between the two, and guess what? I’ll be buying this $6 version from now on (even though the bottle is huge, and it’ll probably last me forever). (Image via drugstore.com)

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer ($28): This is an excellent highlighter. It’s a creamy nude base with a slightly pink pearl. I’ve been mixing it with my BB cream to give my complexion a pretty glow. You can also use it as a highlighter on the high points of your face (cheekbones, brow bones, etc.) if you want to accent certain features. I really like this — a lot. (Image via Sephora)

There’s a whole lot more (6 more reviews) after the jump.

Ask SugarSocial: Makeup for First-Time Users

Over the weekend, I received a question about how those who are new to makeup can select wallet-friendly drugstore products that perform well without breaking the bank.

Fluffy writes:
Hi! I recently came across your blog and I enjoy your reviews on products. I was wondering what’s your recommendation for first time makeup users? Such as what products should they get that [are] affordable but also still good? There’s just so many brands and I don’t know what’s good…but at the same time I can’t afford [the] expensive kind. I’m pretty much a young adult, soon to be officially an adult, and I’m quite new to the cosmetics world. I would love your advice on it.

This is a great question. As much fun as makeup can be, it can seem incredibly daunting when you’re just starting to use it. My advice would be to stick with the basics and get comfortable using them; when you’re confident with the look you’ve developed using those products, you can add in more pieces and expand your collection. Personally, I recommend a tinted moisturizer, blush, eyeliner (on top lashline only), mascara, and lip gloss if you’re just starting to wear makeup. You may also find that you need additional products to address your needs, or there may be some in that list that don’t appeal to you. Bottom line: buy what you want to wear. The key is to be comfortable and wear the makeup — don’t let the makeup wear you!

Here are my recommendations for makeup virgins, broken down by product so you can pick and choose the combination that works for you.

Easter Goodies

Who needs a basket filled with chocolate bunnies and eggs when you can have pastels for your body? Even if you don’t celebrate Easter (or aren’t into bunnies), you can still be a hot chick if you rock these pretty pastel hues. Tuck these into a basket for someone special, or treat yourself to these delightful, cheerful products.

1. Essie polishes in Turquoise & Caicos, Lovey Dovey & Tart Deco ($8 each): Because nails this colorful will rival the dyed eggs at the egg hunt. (Images via Essie)

2. Tarte Maracuja Divine Shine Lip Gloss in Amused, Dollface, & Tipsy ($21 each): I dare you to find a prettier pink for your pout! (Image via Musings of a Muse)

3. Lush Immaculate Eggception ($12.95): Inside this fizzy bath bomb shaped like an Easter egg lies a surprise: a bunny or chick that you can also toss into your tub for a sumptuous bubble bath. You’ll have to crack the egg to get it, but that’s half the fun! (Image via Lush)

4. L’Oreal Colour Riche Balm in Pink Satin ($8): A gorgeous pink that cushions lips in buttery balm. (Image via drugstore.com)

5. Maybelline EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24Hour Cream Gel Shadow in Edgy Emerald ($): (Image via drugstore.com)

6. NYX Stick Blush in Magnolia or Orchid ($6 each): Because pink or peach cheeks never go out of style. (Image via NYX)

Spring’s Prettiest Nailpolishes

Spring is just around the corner, and I’ve been lightening up my nails for a few weeks now to get in the spirit. Now till Labor Day is, in my opinion, the best time to play with your nails! The colors are so fun, and since neon is having a major moment, the options are even more vibrant. Here are a few of my favorite picks for both spring and summer — never too early to get in the frame of mind, right?!

You can’t go wrong with pink! Top row, clockwise from left: OPI Shorts Story (blue-based bright pink); Essie Punchy Pink (bright neon pink); OPI Sparrow Me the Drama (light lavender-pink); Sephora Pink Flamingo (no longer available); Essie Knockout Pout (bubblegum pink); Essie Mod Squad (pink with purple undertones).
Bottom row, clockwise from left: OPI That’s Hot! Pink (true hot pink); Essie Lovey Dovey (cool bright pink); Chanel Organdy (chic “Barbie” pink); OPI Elephantastic Pink (medium pink); Essie Pink Parka (neon pink).

Essie Mint Candy Apple (seafoam green); China Glaze Passion (antique metallic gold); Essie Wife Goes On (rich coral); Essie Tart Deco (pale peach); Maybelline Express Finish Coralicious (orange-based coral); Essie Turquoise & Caicos (turqouise).

What are your favorite warm-weather nail colors?

Recession Beauty: Two New Texturized Products From Maybelline

Image via Maybelline
Two items have recently hit the market that are revolutionary in their texture and feel. Best part: they’re both available at the drugstore. Maybelline Dream Nude Airfoam ($9) and Dream Bouncy Blush ($8) are more in line with products you’d expect to see at department or specialty store counters–not your local CVS. And their wallet-friendly prices defy their high performance and quality. Since I love anything that makes applying makeup even more fun, I’m absolutely a fan of these.

Maybelline The Falsies Volum’ Express

Maybelline just released a new mascara: The Falsies Volum’ Express ($7), which promises to deliver 3 times your lashes’ natural volume and “fill in gaps” between lashes. I usually think Maybelline really delivers, as far as drugstore mascaras go, so I decided to give it a shot. Did the results live up to the hype?

Let’s start with construction and packaging. The exterior of the tube is designed like other mascaras in Maybelline’s Volum’ Express line: a fat, thick, sturdy little number in a bright magenta hue. Inside, the wand features a flexible brush with a spoon-like curve. Since the brush is so flexible, I at first thought the bristles were plastic; they aren’t.

On 1 side, the brush is curved like a spoon. The bristles appear shorter and stubbier from this angle; you’ll see why in a second.
When looking at the wand straight-on, the bristles are longer. They kind of fan out from the center of the brush. The idea is that when you place the wand against your lashes, this side will cup lashes from the roots and pump up the volume as you sweep the wand upward. The wand hugs the lashes and fits the shape of the eye. The problem is, the brush takes some getting used to. It’s really easy to apply way too much product to lashes at first, and holding the spoon-like brush against the lashes feels awkward at first.Overall, there was 1 thing I really liked about this mascara. It made my lashes ultra dark and provided definition that no other mascara ever really has. (I got the Blackest Black shade, so there was a lot of pigment in it.) It really made my eyes pop in a dramatic way.

Unfortunately, that was the only aspect I really fell in love with. Like I said, the wand was a bit tricky to master at first, and I ended up applying too much mascara more than once. The mascara dragged my lashes down; within minutes, the curl was significantly decreased, and my lashes looked droopy. The “wow” factor that the black color gave was diminished, as my eyes looked generally blah.

The mascara didn’t provide any notable volume, and length wasn’t too great, either. My opinion on length could have been skewed because the curl was lost, which automatically makes lashes look shorter. There definitely wasn’t a “false lash effect.”

Overall, I’m not thrilled with the results. If this performed a little bit better, it would’ve been a definite Recession Beauty pick. Maybelline came so close with the awesome black pigment, but this isn’t a mascara I would purchase again.

In light of the economic downturn, Recession Beauty is a SugarSocial series that features low-cost, budget-friendly products as an alternative to luxury or designer brands.

Recession Beauty – Drugstore Finds, Pt. 1: Makeup

Times are tough in this economy, and America continues to collectively cut back financially. But your beauty routine doesn’t have to suffer in the face of a bad economy; you can still score great products at the drugstore. Lower prices do not mean lower quality. A lot of drugstore products are old faithfuls in my beauty routine, items I turn to regardless of the financial climate. In other words, they’re really great!

But how to know which drugstore products are stellar, and which ones are clunkers? After years of testing, I’ve compiled a gigantic list of must-haves…sort of like the Oscars for drugstore products.

Because the list was so long, I’ve decided to break it down into 3 parts. Today, we focus on…makeup! Stay tuned this week for and Skincare (Pt. 2) and Haircare (Pt. 3).

Read on for the full list of drugstore makeup must-haves.

Best Lower Lash Mascara:
Maybelline Lash Discovery mascara ($6)
I dare you to find a mascara with a tinier brush! The teensy wand gets into corners like no other, giving you wide-awake-looking eyes and incredible definition. It’s the best for lower lashes. I like the waterproof version, which doesn’t smudge or flake.

Best Volumizing Mascara:
Rimmel The MAX Volume Flash Mascara ($7)
Want pumped-up, voluminous lashes, but can’t afford to drop major dough on Armani Eyes to Kill or DiorShow? Rimmel MAX Volume Flash mascara has got you covered. The fat brush evenly coats lashes with inky black mascara from root to tip. The best volumizing mascara you’ll get for under $10.

Best Lengthening Mascara:
Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition Waterproof mascara ($7)
A friend of mine wears this and it gives her sky-high, mile-long lashes. Simply gorgeous. It’s not great for volume, but for impossibly long lashes, this is your best bet.

Best Brow Pencil:
Maybelline Define-A-Brow ($5.50)
This brow pencil features a slim tip, which is ideal for defining small areas of brows. Brows look best filled in with short, quick strokes that mimic the look of natural brow hairs; this pencil makes those staccato strokes a cinch. Use it to fill in gaps and sparse areas.

Best Clear Brow Gel:
Ardell Brow Sculpting Gel ($4)
Simply the best — and the cheapest — for setting brows in place. Gives you a defined, groomed look.

Best Brow & Lash Serum:
Ardell Brow & Lash Growth Accelerator ($4)
The market is flooded with lash growth-accelerating serums that cost a ton of money. All you need is this tube! For $4 (four dollars!), you can condition lashes and brows, which strengthens them and encourages new hair growth. I’ve used this stuff for years. You’ll notice less breakage, stronger lashes, and even longer lashes. If I ever overpluck my brows, new hairs pop up within 2 weeks with nightly use. Amazing.

Best Eyeshadow:
Maybelline Eye Studio Color Plush Silk Eyeshadow ($9)
Beauty bloggers are raving about this new eyeshadow quad. Silk gives the shadow a velvety finish for color-saturated lids. Four shadows give you a countless combination of looks in just 1 compact. Available in a whopping 12 color sets.

Best Eyeliner:
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($9)
Looking for a cheaper alternative to MAC Fluidline? This new Maybelline gel eyeliner is it. Housed in a little pot, this gel glides on smooth as butter to create professional-looking definition that won’t smudge. Go dramatic or soft with the included brush. All this in 1 little package!

Best Department-Store-Esque Lip Gloss:
Burt’s Bees Super Shiny Natural Lip Gloss ($7)
Like Lancome Juicy Tubes? You’ll love Burt’s Bees gloss. Slick on high shine and sheer color. The formula is juicy and packed with color. Plus, it’s fruit-flavored!

Best Lip Gloss:
Revlon ColorStay Mineral Lip Glaze ($8.99)
This smooth gloss delivers just the right amount of even color coverage, without ever feeling tacky. The formula is surprisingly long-wearing, and doesn’t dry out lips.

Best Lipstick:
L’Oreal Color Riche Lipstick ($9)
Creamy, not waxy. Long-lasting, not tacky.

Best Bronzer:
Physicians Formula Bamboo Wear Bronzer ($7 or compact; $10 for bronzer refill pans)
Bamboo Wear Bronzer is an eco-friendly bronzer housed in a sustainable bamboo compact, with refills available for purchase separately, so you’re reducing waste. The bronzer combines a golden powder with a shimmery nude highlighter, so when you swirl your brush over the surface, you get a blended, radiant glow.

Best Cream Blush:
Almay Smart Shade Blush ($9)
This cream blush takes the guesswork out of blush. Shade-sensing technology transforms the blush into the perfect shade for your skintone once applied to cheeks. It’s like your own personal makeup artist in a tube. The formula is creamy and blends like a dream.

Best Powder Blush:
Neutrogena Mineral Sheers ($11)
Neutrogena started as a skincare company, and that’s what they do best. They know how to craft products, including cosmetics, that don’t irritate even sensitive skin or clog pores. This blush won’t clog up your complexion, and removes easily. The built-in applicator brush makes on-the-go, quick application a snap.

Best Foundation:
L’Oreal True Match Roller Foundation ($15)
The paintbrush-style roller is what makes this foundation fun! Roll the spongy applicator over the creamy foundation, then roll it all over your face; it really gets into crevices, especially around the nose. The foundation won’t settle into fine lines, and stays put for hours. Plus, you get the shade accuracy of the True Match line, so you’re ensured an exact match to your skintone.

Best Concealer:
Maybelline SuperStay 24-Hour Wear ($7)
This creamy blend covers all imperfections. And it’s not going anywhere for 24 hours (unless you run a marathon). Seriously, this stuff sticks!

Best Corrective Concealer:
Physicians Formula Concealer Twins Correct and Cover Cream ($7)
These dual-ended concealers address specific skin issues at a pretty price. A green concealer counteracts blemishes, scars, discolorations and redness for an even skintone. A yellow-based concealer hides undereye circles and bluish skin discolorations, and conceals blemishes. The end result: a flawless finish.

Here is a list of some other note-worthy drugstore products that have reached cult-classic status:

L’Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Cover Girl & Olay Simply Ageless Anti-Aging Foundation

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser foundation

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion mascara: For the record, I’m not a fan, but people looove the LashBlast line. The newest version provides length and volume.

In light of the economic downturn, Recession Beauty is a SugarSocial series that features low-cost, budget-friendly products as an alternative to luxury or designer brands.

Great Spring Eye Colors

What better time to lighten up your makeup than the arrival of spring? Now is the ideal time to transition to lighter colors, brighter shades, and sheerer hues. Eye color is a great way to freshen up, and it’s so easy; it requires little to no adjustment to your daily routine, yet makes you look refreshed and vibrant. And if you’re afraid of color, you’re in luck: most of the formulas out now are light and see-through, which means you get just a hint of color. Below are my favorite eye colors for putting a little spring in your step.

Get the Look: Ruffian Spring 2010 Runway Eyes

I’m crazy about the look MAC artist James Kaliardos created for the Ruffian Spring 2010 runway show. The beautiful, pastel-infused palette of colors looks flirty, lighthearted, and of course, fun. And check out those lashes! It’s easy to recreate; after the jump, check out my brief tutorial on recreating a similar look.

Get the Look: Mad Men’s Joan Holloway

All the men want to be with her, all the women want to be her. Mad Men‘s Joan Holloway may be the gear that keeps ’60s ad agency Sterling Cooper running smoothly, but behind that office demeanor is a woman who men (not-so-secretly) lust after. She’s got the looks, the curves, the style, and the wit that draw men in and make women jealous (remember when she effortlessly advised Peggy to change her ad for a roommate?) After the jump, learn how to steal Joan’s beauty style. You’re on your own with the curves.