The Thrill Is Gone...

It happens to the best of us, but lately I've noticed that a few of my favorite beauty products--my old faithfuls--have let me down a bit. Here are my top three "I'm not feeling it anymore" products:

1. Great Lash by Maybelline. Say it ain't so! Once my favorite inexpensive mascara on the market, Great Lash seems sorta ho-hum to me now. I am not exactly sure what's happened, but the last time I cracked open a tube, it seemed too clumpy and a bit, well, cheap. I've been a big fan of Great Lash for years and I do plan to give them a chance at redemption, but for now, I'm going to find something else.
   
   
2. Lip Venom by DuWop. I was a Lip Venom addict, especially when it first came out. I liked the cinnamon-y bite of the lip plumper, and I also liked the way it made my lips shine. Now? It seems like Lip Venom has lost it's bite. It seems to fade away too quickly in my opinion. Plus I was really unimpressed with their Lip Venom V, the plumper with color that tied in with Twilight.
   
   
3. Bare Minerals by Bare Essentials. I am not sure why, but I have fallen out of love with this mineral foundation. Maybe they've saturated the market too much? Maybe I'm just ready for a change? Whatever the case may be, I'm going to search for something new once my current foundation is used up.

So sorry formerly loved beauty products. It's not you...it's me. Except, maybe it IS you. Ugh. I guess time moves on, things change, and what was awesome 4 years ago doesn't quite cut it today.

Have you been let down by a much loved beauty product? Leave me a comment and tell me about it!

And...don't forget to become a fan of Kiss and Makeup on Facebook!

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(Air)Brush with Beauty

I was thumbing through my latest Sephora catalog and I noticed a new product that Sephora's proudly launching this fall: Temptu. It will set you back $225 (plus $55 every two months for foundation pods) and it will be available in stores on September 15th (it's already for sale online).

So, what exactly is this thing? Here's what Sephora has to say:

The leader in professional AIRbrushing, TEMPTU is the brains (and beauty!) behind most of the A-list work you see—the picture-perfect faces on the silver screen, the immaculate high-fashion shots. Now the brand is revolutionizing everyday makeup with its TEMPTU® AIRbrush Makeup System, a personal AIRbrushing tool designed to deliver impeccable coverage on demand. The sleek system's handheld applicator sprays with TEMPTU's natural-finish foundation, blush, and highlighter, leaving skin looking untouched—never retouched. It's easy and unparalleled perfection—right at your pretty little fingertips.

Hmmm....an at-home airbrush for applying foundation? Sounds a little frightening to me. I envision myself getting foundation all over the place, basically everywhere except my face. I'm not a makeup klutz, but I'd be worried that I wouldn't apply my makeup well with this since it's a new technology that I've never tried before.

Sephora says that Temptu is easy to use and that it's mess-free. Better yet, they claim that using will give professional results--flawless skin. People who've tried it love it, at least if the reviews on Sephora's website are to be believed.

I'd be willing to try this out, but I do have some concerns.

1. Is this really necessary for the mass market? Do the vast majority of us need something this high-tech to apply foundation?
2. Is this thing worth the hefty price tag?
3. How easy--really--is it to use?

I have no plans on purchasing this product any time soon, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Would you want to try out an at-home airbrush? And is $225 plus $55 for the foundation pods a price you'd be willing to pay?

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Ask Lydia: Foundation Primer

Hi Lydia -

I've been reading reviews about different foundation primers and am thinking about purchasing some. Reviews seem to speak highly of it, but are primers really worth the money? Also, should you still use daily face lotion with a primer?

Thanks! --Brooke

Hi Brooke! Thanks for your question...this is a good one. Let's examine the wonderful world of primers:

WHAT IS FOUNDATION PRIMER?
Foundation primers add a layer between your skin and your makeup. They help even out your skin's surface and some reduce the size of your pores. Some primers may help extend the wear of your foundation by helping to absorb oil. If you're in a humid environment or have more oily skin, primer may help to keep your makeup from slipping.

You can get some similar benefits from applying moisturizer first, but primers take it one step further.

HOW DO I USE IT?
First off, it is not necessary to wear moisturizer and a primer. You can pick one or the other...or both. If you wear any eye creams or moisturizer, apply them first. Then apply the primer. With primer, it seems a little goes a long way, so go easy! Give yourself a minute or two to let the primer absorb into your skin before applying your foundation. Then just put on your makeup as you normally do.

I have noticed that primers do give my skin a completely different texture--more matte or velvety, which is nice.

WHAT PRIMER IS RIGHT FOR ME?
That depends entirely on your type of skin and your budget. Primers are relatively new to the market, and it seems like they're mostly made by the higher-end companies. The Cadillac of primers is, arguably, Smashbox's Photo Finish Foundation Primer. Some primers are tinted to counteract any discoloration your skin may have. My advice: head over to Sephora and talk to their people. They can help you find the perfect primer for you. And plan to spend at least $30 or so, depending on what you end up with.

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Ask Lydia: Festival/Camping Makeup

Lydia,

I was wondering if you had any recommendations for how to stay pretty while camping. I just bought my tickets for the Sasquatch Music Festival, where I'll be forced to stay in a tent/not shower/feel gross for a few days. Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Simone

Hi Simone!

First, have fun at Sasquatch! I live near Seattle and have thought about going over to the Gorge to check out Sasquatch, but the prospect of being outside, camping...with all those people, sort of turns me off. I am not a camper. camping for me means staying in a B&B with a shared bathroom.

Anyway, if I were going to a multi-day music festival...or if I were actually camping...there are a few things I would take with me in order to keep looking cute. You don't want to be bogged down with products, but you do want to take care of your skin and use products that will do double duty. For me, my makeup essentials are good looking skin, a quick coat of black mascara, and a hint of color on my lips. When camping or at a festival, you don't want to do your full face, so leave your eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, concealer, etc. at home.

Here's my must have list of your situation--if anyone has anything to add, please leave a comment!

TO KEEP CLEAN:

• Boots Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes...or something similar. These wipes are great. They don't require any water or rinsing, and they make your skin feel perfectly clean. These are available from Target, but there are many other brands out there. They're a great way to wash your face with minimal effort (and no running water!)
• Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo: You can use this on days when you don't have time to wash, or when you don't have access to water or a blow dryer. It will make your hair feel and smell good, even if you're hanging out in the elements.

TO KEEP PROTECTED:

• MD Skincare Powerful Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads: these are awesome! Sure, this is an expensive product ($42!), but they're easy to apply and even easier to pack. Plus they provide a high level of sun protection, and that's essential at outdoor festivals or when camping.
• Some sorty of bug spray. Many people swear by Avon's Skin So Soft, but I use the ultra-toxic stuff that contains DEET, like Deep Woods Off. Use what you like, but be sure to take something with you!
  

TO STAY CUTE:

• Alba Terra Tints Natural Tinted Lip Balm, SPF 18...or something similar. These tinted lip balms will refresh your lips with their minty scent/flavor, and they'll give your lips protection from the sun...all while adding moisture and color to your lips. I love double duty products, and this is one of my favorites!
• Any sort of tinted moisturizer containing SPF, like Olay Complete Plus Ultra-Rich Tinted Moisturizer. Again, this is a double duty product--your skin will get much needed moisture, and you'll quickly even out your skin tone.
• Your favorite waterproof mascara (I like Great Lash by Maybelline). Mascara will give your eyes just enough pop with minimal time. Go for a waterproof product so it won't smudge...and don't worry about getting it off--the Boots 4 in 1 wipe can handle it!

There you go, Simone! Don't forget to stay hydrated and be sure to wear your sunglasses. Have fun watching Animal Collective, NIN, and Jane's Addiction at the Gorge!

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Ask Lydia: Winter Foundation

Hi Lydia,

Good question for you. Winter Foundation. I usually wear 3W Voile from Aromaleigh and I noticed this morning that when I was putting on my foundation and it looks like I was apply a much darker shade. Got any tips on going lighter in the winter? ~Michelle

Hi Michelle! Thanks for your email.

In the cooler months, those of us with tans (i.e., not me since I only turn red and NEVER get a tan!) have to deal with our colors fading a bit. This can become a problem if you notice your foundation is looking a bit off.

Here are a couple of suggestions for lightening up your foundation. Readers, if you can think of any solutions I'm leaving out, please leave me a comment.

FOR LIQUID FOUNDATIONS
Try mixing a little moisturizer with your foundation. This way you'll be thinning out the liquid foundation and diluting the colors a bit. The moisturizer-foundation combo will save you time--it's like instant multitasking! Plus making the liquid foundation thinner will make application much faster and easier.

FOR MINERAL FOUNDATIONS
Try mixing your normal shade with mineral foundation that's one shade lighter. This will give you a custom-blend that might match better to your winter skin tone. Michelle, in your case, I'd try blending the 3W with a 2W.

CUSTOM BLENDS
One other thing you could do...if you have the money to do it....would be to get a custom-blended foundation from a higher end cosmetics company like Prescriptives. This way you can't go wrong! Just expect to pay a pretty penny to get custom-made makeup.

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Happy Birthday, Sephora!

Ten years older…and looking better than ever! In honor of Sephora’s 10th birthday, Sephora’s fabulous brand partners have wrapped up some of their best sellers for the prettiest presents of the decade. From glam palettes to one-of-a-kind lipsticks, Sephora is offering the hottest exclusives to perfect your party look. Join the birthday celebration and treat yourself to these party favors:

• Too Faced The Quickie Chronicles Mini Set ($59) – Boasting two eye shadows, lip gloss and a blush, the Quickie Chronicles is every beauty junkie’s favorite series.
  
• Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil On-The-Go Brush ($28) — The MVP (most valuable product) and two-time “Best of Sephora” winner is now available to use any where, any time in a portable applicator brush.
  
• Sephora Brand Crystallized Lipstick ($22) — Pretty your pout with this classic red lipstick in a dazzling bejeweled case.
  

Grab these goodies before it’s too late – available at Sephora stores, Sephora.com or by calling 1-877-SEPHORA.

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Brand Overview: Pur Minerals

A couple of years ago, when I started out my blog, I made the switch from using liquid foundation to using mineral makeup. Like most beauty consumers, my transformation into a minerals user came via Bare Escentuals. While BE is the reigning champ on the mineral makeup world, there are plenty of mineral based cosmetics out there that can give BE a run for its money.

I recently started testing out Pur Minerals. All through July, I have used products from their Pur-fect Starter Kit. For $35, this kit contains the following:

• 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup: The cornerstone of Pur Minerals, this one-minute mineral makeup miracle is your mineral foundation, powder, concealer and SPF protection all in one neat makeup compact. Completely free of oil, alcohol, talc, fragrances, preservatives and chemical dyes, this mineral foundation is actually good for your skin!
• Mineral Glow: A touch of sun in a makeup compact, this mineral powder will impart a natural, sun-kissed glow to your skin.
• Universal Marble Powder in Pink: Give your skin back that rosy glow you were born with. Universal Marble Powder corrects, brightens and imparts antioxidants into the skin. This multi-purpose mineral makeup can be worn on your eyes, lips and cheeks.
• The Chisel Makeup Brush: The magic behind the mineral makeup look! The only makeup brush to use for application of your 4-in-1 Mineral Makeup, it provides maximum coverage and an amazingly smooth finish.

Here are my thoughts on these products:

WHAT I LIKE:

• The price. At just $35, the Pur Minerals starter kit is a deal, especially when you compare it to BE's starter kit that will set you back $60.
• The convenience. The 4-in-1 makeup is a huge time saver. I get a completely covered face in one quick step. There is no need for extra concealer or "setting" my makeup with a finishing powder.
  
• The lack of mess. I've mentioned before that mineral makeup can be a little messy, what with all the loose powder flying around. The Pur Minerals products seem much less sloppy. They way they are made and packaged makes it easy for me to toss the pots of product into my makeup bag without worrying that I am going to have a wasteful mess getting in my way.
• The look. The products in the Pur Minerals starter kit are excellent and give me a great look for my casual, everyday life.
  

WHAT CAN BE IMPROVED:

• The brush. Maybe it's just me, but the brush that came with the kit could use some improvement. I had a lot of excess hairs come off the brush and onto my skin. I switched over to a Kabuki-style brush I have in my makeup bag and found that I had better coverage and no stray bristles.
  

FINAL THOUGHTS:
As a BE user, I was pleasantly surprised by Pur Minerals. If you want to get on the mineral makeup bandwagon but are uneasy about spending a ton of money, give Pur Minerals a try. They offer very good products with excellent value. You can't go wrong!

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Concealer 101

I recently received an email from a reader who wanted to know more about concealer. It was when I read her question that I realized that, apart from this entry, I have not talked a whole lot about concealer.

Why? Because I never use the stuff. As much as I love makeup, I don't like taking extra steps or using extra products if it is not absolutely necessary. To cover my many flaws, I just stick with foundation. If my dark circles or huge blemishes can't be hidden with my normal makeup routine, then so be it. I'm not what you would call a perfectionist!

However, there are plenty of people who use concealer on a regular basis. This entry will be an overview on why to use it, how to use it, and other tips. If you are a concealer user and you want to add your thoughts on the subject, by all means, leave a comment!

WHY SHOULD I USE CONCEALER?
Concealer does just what it says: it conceals imperfections. Unlike foundation that balances out skin tone all over the face. concealer is best used in specific places. If foundation is like a broad brush, concealer is the fine, more detailed tool. Concealer is best used to cover up dark under eye circles, to make pimples or blackheads less noticeable, or as a primer for eyeshadow.

HOW SHOULD I USE CONCEALER?
Because concealer is for finer details, it should only be used in those pinpointed spots. Do not use concealer for all over color. Apply concealer lightly, using either a concealer brush or your fingertips. The more gentle your touch, the better. Just dot the concealer over the area needing coverage, gently blotting the product into the skin to thoroughly blend it. If you don't blend concealer correctly, or if you use too much, you can end up with a cakey look that will only draw more attention to your problem area. Not what you want!

OTHER INFO

• For information about colored concealers, click here for an earlier entry I wrote on the subject.
• If you don't want to buy a separate concealer, you can try just using your normal foundation and a concealer brush to add more product to your trouble area
• If you're a concealer user, please leave a comment with your tips and let me know the name/maker of your favorite concealer!

Now...I hope that covers the subject!

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