Disappointment of the week - July 16th, 2009

I have a sad review to deliver today. I was pretty excited to try this product being as how I loooove mascara. And while I can't give this lash beautifier a perfect score by any stretch of the imagination- it is not all bad. Which is why I am still reviewing it today but calling it my disappointment as opposed to my product of the week.

Revlon Double Twist MascaraLet's start with the good of this mascara. The formula is actually excellent. Seriously defines, lengthens, thickens...all the things you want a mascara to do. It is actually one of the best formulas I have ever used. It doesn't flake or smear and it can easily be layered for a more dramatic effect. If I was simply reviewing the product inside the tube - this mascara would be an A+.

Now for the bad news...the brush is HORRIFIC. I know that is what they were going for when designing and marketing this product but the brush is the downfall of this Revlon item. First off, it is huge. You can barely get it through the opening in the tube. And the combo of the thickening brush and the silicon separators just creates a clumpy mess. When you pull the brush out of the tube the top half of the brush is cleanly covered with mascara while the bottom half looks like you spread the mascara on the bristles with a thick Spackle. It is BAD.

The only way I have managed to still be able to use this mascara is to clean off the bottom bristles with a tissue when I pull the brush out and then try to focus the application with the upper bristles. You waste a ton of product when doing this so sadly I am not expecting this tube to last very long.

So if you have a coupon for this mascara and you need one....I say go ahead and buy it. Or perhaps if you don't care about the brush- the formula is still worth a try. But really- it is just a big fat disappointment.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Product of the week - June 18th, 2009

Ever since I got into mani/pedis I have been going at least once a month for my toes, sometimes every other week if the mood stuck me. Well now with the financial situation the way it is in my home, I can finally admit that two pedicures a month is sometimes over-doing it. And that sometimes even a once a month pedicure is more than the wallet allows.

So lately I have had to rely a lot more on my home mani/pedi skills. I have always loved giving myself pedicures because 1) It saves money, 2) I find it to be relaxing and zen, 3) It gives me an excuse to watch something shameless on television while I paint my toes.

So today while painting away I was inspired and reminded of one of my favorite cheapo drugstore buys.

Revlon Nail Enamel - $5 or less (Drugstores nationwide)

Reasons this has been a BGND staple for years?

1) It is extremely high quality for a super low price. Seriously, this polish lasts just as long as Essie or OPI or any of the other name brands. Plus you still get that glossy finish and deep color that salons give you.

2) It comes in over 60 shades!!! In other words there is something for everyone. Today I am wearing Plum Baby, at Valentine's Day I wear Revlon Red. And they just came out with 8 new shades including some trendy sheer pale pinks and deep, dark almost blacks.

3) It is DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde free.

4) There is something awesome about doing my nails with Revlon and then being asked by someone on the street what color I am wearing and that they love my toes. That's right - toe envy for less than $5.

Anyway, regardless of your color tastes or what your usual go-to brand might be I recommend you go to your local drugstore and pick up a bottle of Revlon (or two for that matter). You will not be disappointed and hey if you want - treat yourself to a latte on the way home. You will have still spent less than a manicure or pedicure.

Keep looking fabulous!
BGND

Budget and Budget busting...

So every once in a while I become obsessed with some new product and I stew over it for quite some time. Then I eventually go out and buy it in desperation for the knowledge of something new and great out there in the world of cosmetics.

Well this week, there are two product lines (not just specific products) that I have become intrigued with - one high end and one budget friendly.

First up on my list of curiosities - the high-end:
Smashbox Cosmetics- Muse Spring Collection 2009 - $19-$48 (Sephora and Smashbox counters nationwide)



Smashbox has been all over the place for me lately. I have always been a fan of their fabulous foundation primer, but lately, all of their make-up has been drawing me in. I still haven't gone out and bought the Halo powder yet , but simply because I haven't had the time - not because I don't want it! And now, I have more Smashbox products on the brain! This whole line looks amazing. Fresh new colors, of the moment products and palette. Something new finally!! And don't think I am not totally into the Hybrid primer. I will be reporting back on this line for sure!

For the Recessionista:
(yes - I am sure you are over that word- but it fits here..)

Revlon Matte Collection - $4.99 - $9.79 (Online at ULTA.com and at drugstores nationwide)

Revlon has released a whole new line of Matte make-up. Inspired by the runways of late this line contains eyeshadow, lipsticks, eyeliners and blush all designed to deposit smooth, deep, crease free color that can be mixed and matched to create whatever look you are going for. These make-ups are great for a mod look or a more stylized and fresh look than the dewiness of late. The matte is definitely not for everyone but can look amazing on almost anyone- it just depends on how heavy or light you apply the make-up and if it is a look you enjoy.

So there goes some more of my hard earned money but my make-up drawer has been TIRED lately. I am so excited for something new!

Keep looking fabulous,
BGND