Nail of the Day: Jesse's Girl JulieG Collection in Stiletto

I thought I'd post a quick nail of the day with a polish from the Jesse's Girl JulieG Collection ($3.99) that came out a few months ago.  I purchased several colors along with a few other Jesse's Girl nail polishes as well directly from the site although Jesse's Girl is also available at RiteAid stores.  I have to say, though, that out of all the colors from the collection, Stiletto is by far my favorite.  All the polishes I ordered applied absolutely beautifully and wore well, but this particular color was just outstanding.  It's a lovely pale taupe-y gray with some slight silver shimmer.  It seems more neutral than cool which makes it suitable and flattering for any skin tone and I think it would also be appropriate in any season but more so in the Spring and Winter. As of this posting this polish is still available for purchase on the Jesse's Girl website.

Full Disclosure:  All products in this post were purchased by me for review purposes only, for any questions or concerns regarding this matter please refer to my Disclaimer/Disclosure page.

New Rating System

I decided to change up how I do my ratings on reviews because, as I'm looking at past posts, my current rating system is pretty ambiguous even though they are based on letter grades.  So instead of giving a letter grade in a product review I will be rating products in terms of the likelihood I would ever repurchase said product(s) in the future.  Therefore, I will be rating as follows:

Highest Rating:  Beauty For Us All Likely Future Repurchase

Next Highest Rating:  Beauty For Us All Probable Future Repurchase

Lowest Rating:  Beauty For Us All Never Repurchase    

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize: The Body Edition

Fall and winter are my absolute favorite seasons of the year, not only for the Holidays associated with them but also because of the cozy, bundling up element of it all.  With that being said there are the not so fabulous results of all the cold and coziness:  dry, parched and flaky skin!  Generally my skin exhibits some element of dryness throughout the year and it’s not consigned to my face alone; it’s a head down to my toes sort of thing.  Because of this I seem to be in a perpetual search of different moisturizers, creams, lotions and lip balms to help treat my various afflicted areas.  In one such search I came across Olay Total Effects Body Lotion (13.5 oz, $7.99 but varies) which contains niacinamide and since I’m in a huge anti-aging kick I thought I’d give it a go.  Normally I’m a bit hesitant on purchasing scented body lotions because I like to wear perfume and don’t want the scents competing but I did find this particular fragrance pleasing; it has a subtly warm scent that lingers for less than 20 minutes. 

Niacinamide or vitamin B3 is a skin care ingredients that has been shown to improve the appearance of redness, uneven skin tone, fine lines/wrinkles, sallowness and texture.  The study I came across with those findings is based on a 5% concentration of niacinamide and while I don’t know the exact percentage in the Olay lotion I can say that I do think it’s a fair amount since it shows up as the third ingredient on the list right after water and glycerin respectively. 

I definitely have to say that I do enjoy this lotion a lot, the fragrance is warm, the texture is substantial (midway between a lotion and a cream, not watery or too thick by any means), and it absorbs easily enough while still leaving skin nicely moisturized.  I’ve been using this lotion for a good 3 weeks and while I can’t say much about its anti-aging elements yet, I can say that the dryness and overall texture of my skin has improved tremendously, especially on my heels and feet.  For those reasons alone I think that this lotion is a keeper for me and a definite repurchase.

Final Beauty For Us All Rating:  A

Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrin... [Int J Cosmet Sci. 2004] - PubMed - NCBI. (n.d.). National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved October 26, 2011, from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18492135

Full Disclosure:  All products in this post were purchased by me for review purposes only, for any questions or concerns regarding this matter please refer to my Disclaimer/Disclosure page.

Up Coming Posts

I've been really busy lately but I have also been buying lots of things that I will be reviewing and posting this coming week.  Lots of Fall/Winter beauty must haves as well as plenty of nail polish posts.  Here are the subjects of some of the upcoming posts:

-Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize
-Fall nail polish colors
-Berry lips
-Colorscience Sunforgettable Review
-Jesse's Girl JulieG Collection Stilletto Review
-Exfoliation
-Favorite Fall Perfumes
-Seasonal Home Scents

And many, many more to come!





*I have nothing to disclose.

Fall Wish List Vol. 1

My all time favorite season, Fall, is quickly approaching and I'm absolutely ecstatic about it!!!  Before the season is actually upon us, I like to think about the beauty and skin care products that I feel I need in order to combat the invariably dry skin I will no doubt be suffering from.  And not only that, but I do like to change up my color palette in favor of deeper, richer tones which I'm sure a lot of you do as well.  Here are a collection of products that I'm eyeing right now and I will be making this an ongoing series throughout the season because I love this time of year so much!

Estee Lauder Sensuous Nude Eau de Parfum Spray, 1.7oz for $65.00



I first smelled this perfume from one of those magazine leaflet things and I was sold.  It smells like the original Sensuous perfume but so much better because it has vanilla and coconut in it as well which are two scents that I love.  I can't wait to get my hands on this, it's going to be my go to Fall scent!

Estee Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral Radiance Serum, 1.0oz for $40.00

This is a new serum that just came out which is full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.  It is also suppose to help speed up cell turnover and clarify the skin.  I love serums and I'm really excited about this one.

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural in Medium Plus, $27.00



I've used this product several times before but I haven't used it in the past two years because I ventured out to other powders.  I will be buying this as soon as I'm through with my Estee Lauder Double Wear Mineral Rich Loose Powder Makeup (which I do still love by the way).  I feel that the MSFN gives a really natural finish while still offering good coverage and more importantly it doesn't make my skin look dry even in colder weather.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Eye Pencile Travel Size 5pc Set in Naked, $32.00



I'm really excited for this set, Urban Decay's 24/7 eye pencils are my go to liners.  They have never let me down; they come in a great range of colors, and they don't smudge or budge on me.  I also like using them as bases for smokey eyes and they don't irritate my waterline either.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Shadow Pencil Stash 5 piece set, $34.00



Another of my Urban Decay favorites are the 24/7 shadow pencils and this is a great value.  I like to use these shadow pencils as liners, eyeshadow and as bases as well.  These don't budge, smudge or irritate my eyes either!

Estee Lauder Pure Colour Sensuous Rouge, $28.00



The price point on this is a little bit more than other Lauder lipsticks but it does have a few more benefits than the average lipstick.  It's suppose to be very moisturizing and super pigmented which makes me very excited!  I have very dry lips all year round but especially in the Fall and Winter so these are going to be a godsend!  The two colors that I'm looking at in particular are Cheating Heart and Sensuous Nude.

I hope you enjoyed peeking into my Fall Wish List!  The next installment of this series will be on body care items so please stay tuned!!!



I have nothing to disclose.

Drugstore Delights, Review: Maybelline Dream Matte Powder

 If you were to know me in real life, you would know that spending $30 and up on a single, awesome face powder wouldn't even make me flinch but spending the same amount on a shirt is a whole different story!  Let's just say that I would have to really adore the shirt to even think about spending that much, but to each their own I guess.  That being said, there are times that I do wish I could find an inexpensive alternative to a must have product of mine that isn't only substantially cheaper than my fave, but as effective and able to produce the same results.

That brings me to Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in shade Sand, Medium 0-1, for reference I'm an NC20 in MAC shades (around $6.50 at drugstores), which I consider a great drugstore find.  Just a quick FYI, I'm not much of a drugstore girl when it comes to complexion products.  I've tried countless drugstore brands and products but have never been completely impressed with the results with very few exceptions, mainly the L'Oreal True Match Foundation and Concealer line and the Revlon Custom Creations line.  I think those foundations are true gems and this powder, in my opinion, seems to be as well.  I think that the Maybelline Dream Matte Powder gives a decent amount of coverage when used a top foundation and/or concealer, as well as over tinted moisturizer. Basically, it has everything that I'm looking for; it sets any complexion products I use without making my skin appear dull, it leaves me shine free throughout the day and it provides light to medium coverage when used on top of another face product.
There are a few caveats, though, one being that I'm generally not an oily skinned person so I don't know how it would fare with those who are and also that a little of this powder goes a long way. I have normal to dry skin but in the summer I do get slightly shiny on my forehead and the bridge of my nose.  Year round I prefer a non-shiny but not completely matte finish to my skin (I guess that could be called a satiny finish).  Anyhow, this product seems effective for me as my needs in that department are minimal but if I were more inclined to oiliness I couldn't say that my expectations would be equally met.
As I mentioned earlier, a little of this powder goes a long way, too much of it though and the skin can take an almost chalky appearance.  To it's defense, it would indeed take a pretty heavy hand to reach that point so please don't let that put you off.
Overall, I think that this is an excellent find and I must say that I'm especially impressed because it's one found at the drugstore!

Final Beauty For Us All Rating:  A



Full Disclosure:  All products in this post were purchased by me for review purposes only, for any questions or concerns regarding this matter please refer to my Disclaimer/Disclosure page.

Tarte’s Glow Your Way to Gorgeous 8pc Maracuja & Clay Collection

Over the last several months I’ve found myself to be extremely impressed with the majority of Tarte’s offerings.  Tarte is a cosmetics company which prides itself on creating high quality products that are not only chic (and in most instances long wearing), but are also good for you, meaning sans parabens, phthalates and the like.  About a month ago QVC was offering a TSV (Today’s Special Value) featuring Tarte’s Glow Your Way to Gorgeous 8pc Maracuja & Clay Collection so I naturally jumped at the chance of purchasing this value packed kit which includes:

0.42 oz Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in choice of shade

0.20 oz 12-Hour Wear Clay Blush in Peaceful, a soft rose

0.10 oz Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Shadow in Shimmering Taupe

0.056 oz Amazonian Clay SmolderEYES eyeliner in Fig, a plum brown

0.24 fl oz Lights, Camera, Lashes mascara in Black

0.10 oz Lip Luster in Sweet, a peach pink

Blush brush

Shadow brush

Sharpener

Carryall Bag

As well as 2 bonus items; trial sized Maracuja Oil and travel sized Park Avenue Princess Bronzer

(from l-r, Maracuja Creaseless Concealer in Light, Park Avenue Princess Bronzer, 12 hr blush in Peaceful, Amazonian Clay Shadow in Shimmering Taupe, Lip Luster in Sweet and EmphasEYES liner in Fig)

The Maracuja Creaseless Concealer was definitely a standout product for me, the consistency of the product was creamy but not too heavy.  It offers medium to full coverage depending on the amount applied and it didn’t cake up even when sent with powder.  The shade I purchased was the Light and I’m happy to say that I didn’t find the color too yellow or too pink, in other words it seemed like a good neutral color to have.  I applied this product with my fingers and use it not only under my eyes but also anywhere on my face that needs extra help.

The Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in Peaceful is described as a soft rose which I don’t feel is an accurate description.  I found this blush to be more on the coral to pinky coral range.  It lacked any noticeable shimmer; instead it is a matte blush with a slight sheen which can be likened to a satiny finish.  The color is stunning and stays true throughout the day.  I’m a person who applies make-up in the beginning of the day and doesn’t remove it until I’m ready for bed, because of this simple fact I want my makeup to last just as long and this blush fits the bill.

The Amazonian Clay Shadow in Shimmering Taupe is a gorgeous color, it’s definitely a taupe but it doesn’t lean too cool which is great for warmer toned girls.  This cream shadow is long wearing, it lasts me all day without any creasing or fading (with or without primer) and it is also easily buildable.  When you add more on it does take on a more metallic finish but luckily it isn’t garish at all!

The SmolderEYES liner in Fig is a dark plumish-brown color which I do like.  The product itself is long wearing and very flattering to my brown eyes but I wish that Tarte would have included a darker color instead, not necessarily a black but maybe a rich brown shade or even a dark charcoal.

Lights, Camera, Lashes Mascara is one of my favorite mascaras.  When I look for mascara I’m drawn to ones that are volumizing and of a drier consistency.  My lashes are pretty wimpy and I think I look better when they’re plumped up as much as possible which LCL does.  Another great thing about this mascara is that your lashes aren’t crunchy even when adding more than one coat.

The Lip Luster in Sweet is an excellent warmer pink with a nice slightly golden shimmer.  This is definitely a color that will suit any skin tone and hopefully it will be offered as a stand-alone product in the near future.  I absolutely love the delivery system which is a swivel up pencil like tube that doesn’t need sharpening.  I also love the consistency which is glossy while still offering a decent amount of pigmentation.  This is by no means a lipstick, more like a lipstick, lipgloss hybrid with more leanings to the gloss. It lasts about 2 hours on me which isn’t very long at all but which is decent for a non-sticky lip product.

Now on to the “freebies,” this kit came with a sharpener for the SmolderEYES liner, cream shadow brush, blush brush, bronzer and oil.  The sharpener worked well as any sharpener should, the cream shadow brush and blush brush were of good quality although I’m more used to a fuller blush brush as this one is on the flatter side.  The bronzer was nicely pigmented with a nice sheen and no shimmer which I like.  The Maracuja Oil however isn’t something that I’m a fan of.  I rather like oils on my face as I have drier skin and have been using the Josie Maran Argan Oil nightly for the last eight months, but this oil on the other hand, wasn’t anything like the JM Argan Oil.  The Maracula Oil seemed to have a fatty smell which I found off putting, despite that I managed to put some on my face.  The consistency was noticeably thicker than the JM Argan Oil and it didn’t absorb at all.  I barely left it on for 10 minutes as I couldn’t stand the smell but as I washed it off my face I noticed small red spots on areas where nothing existed before, such as around my nose, cheeks and my temples.  Because of this I have relegated the Maracuja Oil as a nightly treatment for my feet and so far so good!

Overall, this kit is a great investment because of the range of products being offered and their impressive quality.  It is currently being offered on qvc.com for $54.96 although not every color choice for the Maracuja Creaseless Concealer is being offered presently. 


Final Beauty For Us All Rating:  A-

Full Disclosure:  All products in this post were purchased by me for review purposes, for any questions or concerns regarding this matter please refer to my Disclaimer/Disclosure page.

Welcome!!!

Hi, I'm Nicole and welcome to my blog!!!  I hope to share with you my love for all things beauty with a little bit of life's randomness thrown in! Again, welcome and I hope you enjoy!!!