Love it or leave it? Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops

October 14, 2017

Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops

Normally I stay away adding oil to my face. I happen to have a bit of a paranoia about being shiny…my friends tease me because I constantly ask, “Is my nose shiny? Do I need to powder my nose??” So the thought of actually adding oil to my face does not sound appealing. However….the thought of adding a lovely, glowing radiance to my skin DOES sound appealing. In the interest of science and my curiosity-killed-the-cat personality, I actually couldn’t wait to try Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops ($48).

sample, affiliate

Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops

Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops are “a makeup priming, holographic highlighting treatment oil powered by Josie’s quick-absorbing 100% Pure Argan Oil Light and pore-smoothing priming pearls for boosted elasticity, glowy radiance, and makeup-ready skin.” Essentially, it’s a highlighting oil that you can apply directly to the skin as a primer, or you can mix with moisturizer or foundation.

Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops

Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops

The first time I used it was a disaster. I used WAY too much. I had Moonstone Drops dripping off my face, horror show style. The second time I used one drop and it was heavenly. Just the right amount of radiance and it definitely worked as a primer, holding my foundation in place. It didn’t make my nose shiny as I had feared and yet it still gave my dry areas some much needed hydration. My skin looked beautiful – glowy, healthy, and happy.  Yes!!

I also like mixing a bit of this with my matte foundations for some depth, and on no-makeup days it’s great to mix with my moisturizer. A little bit goes a very long way, so the price isn’t bad. I give it a big thumbs up now that I know how to use it correctly!  This is a definite love, not a leave.

You can find the Josie Maran Argan Moonstone Drops online at sephora.com.  – Lisa

Filed Under: beauty, Josie Maran, Primer

Perfectly primed with Decorte Priming Essence

June 22, 2017
Decorte Priming Essence

Decorte Priming Essence

I am a little weird when it comes to primers.  Ok, so that’s not my only area of weirdness…but it’s definitely one of them.  I have probably bought and tested more primers than any other cosmetic product.  My skin does not hold onto product without a good primer – blush and foundation are gone within an hour.  It’s bizarre.  A primer makes all the difference, and a great primer does even more than keep foundation and blush in place.Decorte Priming Essence

I was recently sent the Decorte Priming Essence ($65) to test, and I am going to have to go back and update my article on my top ten favorite primers to add this one (check out my top ten list HERE).  I have used this every day since I got it, and am dreading the day I run out.

Decorte is sold only at Saks Fifth Avenue.  Saks says, “Always air-light, the Priming Essence creates an endlessly even and uniform pre-surface to extend and make the most of the foundation experience. Rice emollients gently hydrate as self-optimizing color technology neutralizes redness and off-tones for a newly transparent illumination. Skin-loving infusions are embedded within. Composed from the Japanese White Birch, Shirakaba Tonic lends exceptional antioxidant activity. Its generous calming properties are known to both protect and renew. Disappears instantly.”

Decorte Priming Essence

Decorte Priming Essence

The Priming Essence is a light primer that immediately sinks in and doesn’t leave skin sticky or tacky.  It has a opalescence that gives skin an instant glow that looks natural and wonderful.  On days when I don’t want to wear makeup, I still put this on to even my skin tone and give my skin some brightness.   On days I do wear makeup, it keeps my foundation in place all day long.  My blush lasts and lasts, and looks vibrant and fresh after 7 hours of wears.  I don’t have to powder my nose every hour, probably because of the rice powder, but it doesn’t dry out my skin at all.  It’s just wonderful.

Decorte Priming Essence

Decorte Priming Essence

So far everything I have tried from Decorte has been a total home run.  You have GOT to stop by Saks to check out this fabulous import from Japan, and if you are in need of a primer put the Priming Essence on your list pronto.  – Lisa

* sent for editorial consideration

Filed Under: beauty, DECORTE Cosmetics, Primer

PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer is a glowy delight

June 6, 2017
PÜR No Filter Primer

PÜR No Filter Primer

The short name: PÜR No Filter Primer. The long name: PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer. The long and short of it is that this is a great primer and one of the few things I left out to use over the last few weeks. I’m packing everything away and I know it will be a while until I’ve got my large collection organized and I wanted to keep using some of my favorite products. PÜR No Filter Primer made that cut.

sent for consideration

PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer

PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer

I have a small collection of primers but I tend to forget about them most of the time. Once I started learning about the PÜR No Filter Primer though I had a feeling that this would work well for my skin.

There are 5 reasons why I felt this way

  1. It moisturizes my face in a light, non-greasy manner.
  2. It helps with color balance since it has a slight tint.
  3. This helps prime my skin making it ready for foundation.
  4. It illuminates skin.
  5. It has a blurring aspect.
PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer

PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer

PÜR No Filter Blurring Photography Primer is completely different than any primer I’ve previously used. It contains prismatic blurring micro-pearls which help to color correct. For me I notice a slight gold tint to it. It’s not yellow, it’s gold and it brightens my face in such a lovely way.

PÜR No Filter Primer

PÜR No Filter Primer

The primer is loaded with ingredients that are good for your skin. “age-defying skin care ingredients nourishes the skin and a vitamin-rich Energy Complex with moisturizing agave and essential fatty acids prep the skin for makeup application.” It contains Coconut, Olive and Shea essential oils.

from purcosmetics.com

from purcosmetics.com

Either apply a drop directly unto your skin (you don’t need a lot) or mix it with your foundation and apply together. PÜR No Filter Primer can also be used on your body to give it a moisturizing radiance.

PÜR No Filter Primer will be a great summer pick-me-up especially on the days you are toiling inside and envying the sun.  —  Marcia
New markdowns at PUR Cosmetics! Up to 50% off select items.

Ingredients: Aqua, Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Bis-Stearyl Dimethicone, Mica, Polyglyceryl-10 Mono/Dioleate, Polyglyceryl-3 Oleate, Polysilicone-11, Niacinamide, Camellia Oleifera (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Agave Rigida (Sisal) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Ceramide AP, Retinol, Lactic Acid (L), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter Extract, Sodium Starch Octenylsuccinate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Oil, Coco-Caprylate, Crambe Abyssinica Seed Oil, Dimethicone, Phenoxyethanol, Ethyl Macadamiate, Propanediol, Polyacrylate-13, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Hexylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polyisobutene, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Disodium EDTA, Phosphatidylglycerol, Citric Acid, Betaine, Laureth-12, Tin Oxide, Decyl Glucoside, Potassium Sorbate, Polysorbate 20, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocap (Mushroom) Extract, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891).
Sent for review, affiliate link
Filed Under: Primer, Pur Cosmetics

Hard Candy Color Correct Collection review and giveaway

April 3, 2017
Hard Candy Color Correct line

Hard Candy Color Correct line

press samples

One thing you can always rely on is that Hard Candy is going to come through with the latest trend makeup to go along with the classics. Another thing you can always rely on is that the quality is high while the prices are low.

That’s the case with their latest products: Color Correct. Color Correct consists of three completely different products in a variety of shades to help you correct any color imperfections you are struggling with.

Hard Candy Color Correct

Hard Candy Color Correct

This is a limited edition collection for Hard Candy found only at Walmart so it’s wise to jump on this now before you regret it.

Hard Candy’s new limited edition line of color correcting primers and concealers offer the power to color your way for the ultimate in clear skin!  From combating dry skin, acne and dark spots, this limited edition collection has the perfect shade for every complexion.
Hard Candy Color Correct Radiant Primers

Hard Candy Color Correct Radiant Primers

Hard Candy Color Correct Radiant Primers are the star of the show. These babies are available in 6 colors and only cost $5. I’m totally amazed at the price compared to what’s available at Sephora and Ulta. You can buy all 6 of these for the price of one Urban Decay or Hourglass primer.

Hard Candy Color Correct Radiant Primer in Pink

Hard Candy Color Correct Radiant Primer in Pink

You can use the Primer in one of two ways – either prime your face with the shade of your choice and then apply your other face cosmetics or mix it in with your foundation. With the Pink shade I prefer to mix it in since it gives me so much more brightness and doesn’t add a layer.

Hard Candy Color Correct Radiant Primer in Pink

Hard Candy Color Correct Radiant Primer in Pink

These color correct products are available in Green to correct redness, Lavender to counteract sallowness and correct dullness for medium skintones, Pink also counteracts sallowness and dullness but for light skin tones, Orange to correct dark circles and spots for darker skin, Pink also corrects dark circles and spots but for lighter skin, and Yellow to help correct mild redness.

Hard Candy Color Corrrect Radiant Primer in Orange, Pink, and Peach

Hard Candy Color Corrrect Radiant Primer in Orange, Pink, and Peach

Hard Candy Color Corrrect Radiant Primer in Orange, Pink, and Peach

Hard Candy Color Corrrect Radiant Primer in Orange, Pink, and Peach

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Creme Wands are perfect for small areas. These have a brush tip applicator and are a breeze to fit into the contours of your face. I love the wand for dotting under my eyes and then blending with my fingers, a blending sponge, or a brush. While I may not color correct daily, there are many times I wake up and need help desperately. The Lavender I was sent is wonderful for my undereye area. Green or yellow are what I’ll purchase for the redness especially around my nose in these allergy days. And for $5 I can happily pick up several.

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Creme Wand in Lavender

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Creme Wand in Lavender

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Creme Wand

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Creme Wand

To make it even better Hard Candy has Color Correct Expert Sticks in the same 6 shades. These are similar to a crayon and glide on easily. They are even retractable so you won’t waste product with sharpening. Use this under a concealer, like Hard Candy Glamouflauge (this gets huge raves), or under your foundation alone. You can pinpoint exact spots you want to correct or use them like the Expert Wand.

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Stick in Pink

Hard Candy Color Correct Expert Stick in Pink

Color Correct Expert Creme in Lavender and Expert Stick in Pink

Color Correct Expert Creme in Lavender and Expert Stick in Pink

You absolutely can’t go wrong with these products unless you wait. Even online there are only a limited amount left to purchase. Just picture what a great Easter basket treat these would make for a gift. Colorful as Easter Eggs but useful and much longer lasting.  — Marcia

 

hard candy color correct display

GIVEAWAY INFORMATION: Hard Candy has generously offered a giveaway to 5 US Beauty Info Zone subscribers. You need to choose whether you’d want a Fair to Light set of products or a medium to dark set. There are two requirements for all Beauty Info Zone giveaways, after that the other entries on the Rafflecopter are extras so you have more chances to win. To be eligible you must subscribe to the blog by email and you must comment. All information is in the Rafflecopter. Only if comments close email me your comment ([email protected] is the only email to use), the Rafflecopter won’t pick it up otherwise. To sum it up: 5 US subscribers, ends on Wednesday 4/12/17 at 11:59 p.m. EDT. Good luck and good looks coming your way!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#HCColorCorrect  #HardCandyLife

*sent for consideration, giveaway will be sent by Hard Candy or their reps

Filed Under: beauty, color correctors, Giveaway, Hard Candy, Primer

Pur Cosmetics Miracle Mist Hydrate and Set

December 1, 2016

pur-cosmetics-miracle-mist-hydrate-and-setFive years ago I would have never thought a moisturizing makeup setting spray would have a place on my vanity. My skin was very oily and I used the driest possible foundations to counteract my constantly shiny nose and chin. But my skin is very different now so products like Pur Cosmetics Miracle Mist ($19.00) are saviors, especially with dry winter indoor heat.

Pur Cosmetics Miracle Mist Hydrate and Set

Pur Cosmetics Miracle Mist Hydrate and Set

Pur Cosmetics Miracle Mist Hydrate and Set

Miracle Mist is a hydrating spray that also helps set makeup. It has over 70 essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids to pamper your skin. I find that I prefer it for setting mineral makeup over any other type of makeup – it’s pretty impressive for giving a polished appearance, giving mineral foundation and eyeshadow a fresh appearance and extending wear time.

Benefits:

  • Contains over 70 essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and amino acids
  • Instantly infuses the skin with vital moisture
  • Soothes and refreshes dry skin and hair with fulvic acid
  • Locks down mineral makeup for all-day perfection

I recently had the flu and one of the not-so-lovely side effects was super dry skin to the point of actually peeling. Miracle Mist was a skin saver for me. Even when I wasn’t wearing any makeup I misted this on every couple of hours which helped my skin heal more quickly.

If you have extremely dry skin this is a great product. It’s also very helpful for those times when powder makeup looks a little too powdery. I wouldn’t say that it’s the best primer and I think there are other makeup extending mists that are better suited for that task.  However, if you need lots of hydration and love mineral makeup, Miracle Mist is effective, refreshing, and convenient to use. Click here to get 10% off sitewide with code AM10OFF at Purcosmetics.com. Offer expires December 31, 2017.  – Lisa

*sent for editorial consideration; affiliate links

Ingredients:  Fulvic Acid, Purified Water (Aqua), Aromatic Oils (Parfum), (Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Citrus Nobilis (Mandarin Orange) Peel Oil.

Filed Under: Moisturizer, Primer, Pur Cosmetics, setting spray

#ITsAtSephora and IT’s a giveaway at Beauty Info Zone!

September 28, 2016

#ITsatSephoraI couldn’t be happier that IT Cosmetics is now at Sephora!! I remember many years ago I was complaining that no concealer existed that could hide my incredibly dark undereye circles and Marcia told me about the magic of the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer. I purchased my first tube and have never looked back. In fact, whenever I am asked which line I recommend for the best overall selection of both color products and skin care, IT Cosmetics is the very first one on the list.                                                                                       press sample

IT Cosmetics at Sephora

IT Cosmetics at Sephora

Marcia and I were both recently a box full of IT miracles, and Marcia began the love with her awesome review yesterday of the BYE BYE LINES SERUM,  IT COSMETICS ANTI-AGING ARMOUR, BYE BYE UNDER EYE EYE CREAM, and HEAVENLY SKIN CC+ SKIN-PERFECTING BRUSH, No. 702. Today I have a review of the remaining items in the big box of happiness, along with even more happiness — a giveaway!!

it-cosmetics-giveawaySomehow I suggested that Marcia review all the anti-aging products, which is actually pretty funny because I have WAY more wrinkles than Marcia does. I swear that woman never ages. I get to review some of my most favorite IT Cosmetics items, along with one that is brand new to me. My tried and true loves:  Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Melting Cleansing Balm ($38), Je Ne Sais Quoi Hydrating Color Awakening Lip Treatment ($24), and Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination Full Coverage Anti-Aging Waterproof Concealer ($24). New to me: Bye Bye Pores Primer ($38).

Je Ne Sais QuoiJe Ne Sais QuoiJe Ne Sais Quoi™ Hydrating Color Awakening Lip Treatment: I love all the incarnations of Je Ne Sais Quoi™ lip products, and this one is no exception. It’s not a lipstick, it’s a super hydrating lip balm that gives just a hint of color to lips. It feels wonderful on and gives a great slip to lips. I have pale lips to begin wit, so I think the Hydrating Color Awakening Lip Treatment could have even more of a tint, but anyone with a little natural color to their lips will love it. The packaging is awesome – the cap clicks into place so there is no chance this will come apart in your purse.

Bye Bye Makeup

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Makeup 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm

Bye Bye Makeup™ 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm: If I had to choose only two products, I would go with a cleanser and a concealer. One of my favorite cleansers is the Bye Bye Makeup™ 3-in-1 Makeup Melting Cleansing Balm. It’s not a cream, it’s a solid that melts immediately with body temperature and is applied to dry skin like cleansing oil. Don’t be afraid to ‘dig in’ and get a chunk of cleanser – it melts makeup (including eye makeup) right off without the need for a separate makeup remover. That’s the first of the 3 in 1. Second, it is one heck of a moisturizer, leaving skin not only cleansed but also crazy soft and hydrated. The 3 in the 3-in-1?  It’s also an anti-aging skin serum. Normally, I think that any sort of treatment is wasted in a cleanser – after all, it’s getting washed off and going down the sink, right? But this one is activated as soon as it touches your skin, and it creates a sort of barrier that keeps moisture in while also giving skin a glowy radiance. I have been using this paraben- and sulfate-free cleanser for months now and I love it.

Bye Bye Pores Primer Bye Bye Pores Primer
Bye Bye Pores Primer™ Oil-Free Poreless Skin-Perfecting Serum Primer:  I definitely need more play time with the Bye Bye Pores Primer, which has an oil-free formula that evens out skin tone and texture and gives skin a matte appearance. I do have some enlarged pores and I definitely have some fine lines and wrinkles, so I am hoping this primer will help all of those issues. Ingredients include Moroccan lava clay, purifying charcoal, papaya fruit extract, hydrolyzed collagen and the intriguing Bye Bye Pores Optical Blurring Technology™. So far it certainly makes my skin feel and look smooth, and it increases the wear time and vibrancy of my makeup. Promising!

Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination™ Full Coverage Anti-Aging ConcealerBye Bye Under Eye Illumination™ Full Coverage Anti-Aging ConcealerBye Bye Under Eye Illumination™ Full Coverage Anti-Aging Concealer:   I am a long-time fan of the original Bye Bye Under Eye™, which was my introduction to the IT Cosmetics line. The Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination™ Full Coverage Anti-Aging Concealer is the new version of the classic formula along with IT Cosmetic’s Drops of Light Technology™.  It combines everything I love about the classic concealer – long wear, full coverage, skin-loving ingredients – along with a luminescence that helps to conceal blue and red areas.
Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination™ Full Coverage Anti-Aging ConcealerBye Bye Under Eye Illumination™ Full Coverage Anti-Aging ConcealerSwatched above are from left to right:  Light, Medium, Tan, and Deep. The top photo shows waaay more concealer than you will need just to get a good pic of the shades, and for the bottom pic I used a bit less.  For every day coverage, I use the tiniest bit of concealer – just a dot goes an incredibly long way. I find the best way to use this is to spread some on the back of my hand as my body temperature helps to warm up the concealer so it spreads easily. Then I dot it on under my eyes and around my nose, continuing to gently pat to blend it in. Every shade is quite useful – I like to use the Light down the bridge of my nose with the Tan on the sides to straighten my nose and give it some definition. Medium is awesome under my eyes, and Deep is a terrific cream contour for my cheeks.
I am hoping today is your lucky day because you can win your choice of Light, Medium, Tan or Dark Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination™ Full Coverage Anti-Aging Concealer!  There will be four winners, one for each shade.  Our IT Cosmetics giveaway in celebration of #ITsAtSephora ends on 10/10 at 11:59 p.m. If the rafflecopter gets crankier than a presidential nominee in a debate and won’t let you comment, just email us at [email protected] with your comment – put IT as the title.  Then continue on with the entries, and hopefully you will be able to join us in our excitement now that IT Cosmetics is finally at Sephora!!  – Lisa

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*giveaway and samples reviewed courtesy of IT Cosmetics  #ITsAtSephora

Filed Under: beauty, Cleansers, concealer, Giveaway, IT Cosmetics, Lip Treatments, Primer

Primer and sun protection with Equitance Sunscreen SPF 36

August 4, 2016

Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

I think I might be a little nutty regarding this multi-tasking thing, but any beauty hack that might save me time is always way up on my list of items to test. Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36 ($30.00 (.98 fl. oz); available at equitance-us.com) does the job of two essential skin care products – broad spectrum sun protection and makeup primer – all in one super cute squeeze bottle.

Before I talk about the actual product, I definitely want to address the packaging. I love this bottle!  I don’t even really understand why I am so enamored with it.  It is adorable, so easy to use, and just so…so…cute!

Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

Ok, I love the packaging but what about the performance as a sunscreen? It has a liquidy consistency so be sure to shake it well before squeezing any out. It was so thin that I was surprised…broad spectrum sunscreen tends to be thick. But this doesn’t leave white streaks. In fact, it’s very lightweight and doesn’t instantly change my complexion color three shades whiter.

What it does do is filter out the UV rays that cause hyperpigmentation and photoaging, as well as safeguard against free radicals.  Here are the ingredients:

  • Linoleic Acid is extracted from safflower seed oil and purified. We found that linoleic acid’s primary effect helps to significantly minimize the appearance of dark spots. It also promotes the exfoliation of the stored melanin that form dark spots.
  • Ascorbyl Glucoside is a vitamin C derivative with skin-brightening powers. In liquid topical skin care formulas, vitamin C derivative is more stable, maximizing its beneficial function better than vitamin C itself.
  • Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, made from licorice, possesses soothing properties.
  • Cherry Blossom Leaf Extract is culled from the Japanese sakura tree and possesses properties that sooth and soften rough skin.
  • Shell Ginger Extract is derived from the Japanese alpinia speciosa leaf. Its intense moisturizing properties help brighten the skin.

I like that this sunscreen doesn’t smell bad. It has a very light, pleasant floral fragrance. I like that it provides broad spectrum coverage and a zinc oxide formula. As a sunscreen, I think this is a home run.

As a primer, I have mixed results. It does brighten the complexion and dries very quickly. I think this would work for most people except those with extremely absorbent skin (my issue for sure) or those with very oily skin. It doesn’t prevent the dreaded shiny nose syndrome and it’s not as tenacious as other primers in terms of giving makeup a lot more longevity. It does, however, smooth skin into a better canvas for makeup.

Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

Overall, I love the packaging and the sunscreen. It doesn’t really work as a primer for me so it’s not my perfect multi-tasker, but I have such absorbent skin that I always need super strength primers.

Interested in Equitance Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36?  Click THIS LINK for 20% off, a special link for Beauty Info Zone readers!  – Lisa

*sample

Filed Under: Equitance, Primer, Sunscreen
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