Beauty Finds- Post 1

After much anticipation, it's time! After 10 suggestions of things to try, I have been experimenting and enjoying the findings. Let's get started...

Eyeliner--

I haven't tried the Clinique brush on cream eyeliner that was suggested yet but based on my 15 years of wearing eyeliner, I've found one I will never turn away from. I don't like liquid very well. Mostly for the fact it goes on pretty thin and it dries quickly. I like a smudgy look. Pencil is too hard and can hurt. This stuff glides on like nothing else. It dries well without smudging. Loreal makes it. Loreal and Lancome are the came company. Don't waste your $ on buying Lancome when you can get Loreal for 1/3 of the price.

I read once that companies that sell to major retailers like CVS, Wal Mart, Target, etc have a much higher profit margin than companies who sell exclusively to department stores (Clinque, Este Lauder, etc). As a result, they put more funding into their skincare lines. So yes, the Olay wrinkle cream you buy at Wal Mart is just as effective as the stuff you get at Dillards. The main thing is wearing an SPF. I don't care how good a tan looks now, it's not worth melanoma, wrinkles, and sun spots! Wear it daily, girls!!!

Mascara

If they make mascara, I've tried it. I've followed Allure's "Best of" and even their suggestions never lived up to expectations. I was always disappointed. Until now. Here she is. The queen of Bambi eyes. Makes em' full, longer, and just plain amazing. I don't do the waterproof kind but this manages to stay on all day. The best part about this is that if you like heavy mascara or light, it'll do both. One coat for those who like a minimal look. 2-3 coats for those of us who like it so thick it nearly clumps.

Body moisturizer

My friend, Dana, shares my passion for quality beauty items. I got a box in the mail one day and found this inside, beautifully packaged and sent straight from the company. I'd never heard of it. I got online and went to the companies website. I was immediately intrigued by the product list. I love "homemade" type things. The next day I slathered it on after my shower. Love at first smear. Not only did it smell amazing (not too strong which is the main reason I don't use much other than the scent free Vaseline body lotion) but it felt amazing going on. I really can't describe it other than the closest feeling you can get to going to the spa. My skin was so smooth and it dried fairly quickly so I didn't have to worry about it getting on my clothing. Best thing? It's completely organic and vegan. So no toxic chemicals being rubbed into your skin. I can't wait to try more of their stuff. Thank you, Dana!!!

Hair Product

I had 2 people mention Moroccan oil. I'd seen some stuff on Sephora's and Ulta's website but hadn't ever tried it. I was browsing through the products at HEB and saw this. It had a coupon attached. Sign from God? I think so. :) It's amazing. I have long hair. I highlight it, too which can make it really brittle. I straighten and blow dry it. Not daily but enough to damage it. My hair has never felt better. Rub this in (just a dime size amount and starting at your ends working up so your roots don't get oily) after you towel dry your hair and your hair will transform. I wouldn't use this if you are planning on leaving your hair naturally curly for the day. Only if you plan on using heat to style (iron, curling iron, rollers). I rub it in even if I'm going to stick my damp hair into a pony tail. The closest thing I have found that works as well is the "It's a 10" spray. Even that can't hold a candle. This puts chi serum to shame. All for $10 or less :) I haven't tried the brands from Sephora or Ulta but that will come.

Tidbit of info-- the FDA does not regulate beauty claims. They simply regulate the ingredient listing requirements. When a company posts "50% less breakage" or "80% saw visible results," they are lying. The fact is, no one is regulating those claims. Sure, clairfying shampoo may reduce build up. Ultra moisturzing conditioner probably is thicker and will do it's job. Body building, straightening, curling, etc are probably exaggerated. Reading ingredients is more valuable. Color teated hair? Avoid sulfates. Want moisture in your hair? Silicone is key. Natural isn't always better products. Doing research is really key if you want the most from your dollar.

That is all for today. Please add more suggestions! If you have been experimenting as well, send me your findings. No need to waste $ when you have girlfriends!