Review/Look:Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Eye Shadow Duos

Hey Bella's.. I am back with another review. I have to tell you guys I was really excited to use this product. The product I will be reviewing is Smashbox HALO Hydrating Perfecting Eye Shadow Duos. This product ladies is being called the miracle makeup for your eyes. Why you ask? The product offers great anti-aging benefits that minimizes the signs of aging with continued use.

Pros

The anti-aging benefits, specifically after 10 minutes of use the eyelids appear smoother

The ingredients in this product is amazing, such as Goji berries,48 bio-available minerals, silk peptide and the lists goes on

The color range for this product covers your everyday eye shadow needs(comes in five shades)

The eye shadows are very finely milled so they feel soft to the touch

The eye shadows are very pigmented so you can do a soft touch of color for work and then kick it up a notch for after work hours

The packaging has it up and downside. I like the fact that you can shave off the amount of product you use

Cons

The packaging when it comes to doing a more dramatic look. Since your shaving the product you get equal amount of lid and crease color. At times, your left with more product than you need for lid or the crease, which can be wasteful.

Recommendation: I would recommend that you all try this product. It comes in five shades: Petal/Plum; Bisque/Almond; Pewter/Smoke; Buff/Ivy; and Soft Peach/ Cocoa. You can purchase this product at Sephora, Ulta, Nordstrom, and Smashbox.com ..The HALO Hydrating Eye Shadow Duos cost $36 each.

Quick Note: For those wanting to do more of a dramatic look. I would highly suggest using a good base.

Face

Revlon Colorstay Foundation - Mahogany

MAC Hyper Real Foundation - Beyond Bronze FX

MAC Studio Fix Foundation - NW 45

Cheeks

MAC Blush - Peaches

MAC Blush - X Rocks

Eyes

Smashbox Halo Eyeshadow Duo - Soft Peach/Cocoa

Random Black Eyeshadow

Prestige Eyeliner - Black

Ardell Wispy Eyelashes

Lips

NYX Lipliner - Espresso

Smashbox Lipstick - Expression

Chanel Glossimer - Magnifique (#83)

Review: L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen Mascara

Okay Bella's.. Here's the scoop on the latest L'Oreal mascara.. The L'Oreal Extra Volume Collage mascara is love. I believe I love it so much because the wand is reminiscent to that of the Colossal Volume by Maybelline, which is my all time favorite mascara. Okay, so this mascara claims that it give lashes 12x more impact. I would say more like 4x the impact. This mascara is definitely buildable, so technically it could give more impact if you do more than two application.

As a contact lenses wear this mascara did not irritate my eyes at the end of the day. There was no flaking, which is great. Who wants to have flakes of mascara on their face at the end of the day. The greatest of all is that it does not leave your lashes hard.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this mascara. It retails for $7.95 and is available at most drugstores.

Review: L'oreal RevitaLift Deep Set wrinkle Eye Repair

I was recently given the opportunity to test the NEW L'Oreal RevitaLift Deep-Set Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream. According to L'Oreal the benefit of using this product is that it provides 24 hour intensive repair for under eye wrinkles. Now that thirty is in my very near future, I went to take preventative measures to minimize wrinkles. Also, I must mention that I am noticing little fine lines around my eyes. You have to imagine my excitement, when I found out the benefits of this product. To find out if this product lives up to its claims; Read on.

Pro's

This product is a duo, so it has a AM/PM side

The AM formulation has SPF 15

Very lightweight

Absorbs very quickly

Con's

You do not get a lot of product for your dollars (retails for $19.99)

Very drying

Overall: I would not buy this product again. I feel this product did the opposite for me. It made my fine line more prominent. I think it may be due to the lack of moisture in the PM side. I want to say that this product is probably for more mature skin.

Review: Isadora Crystal Gloss Stick

Hey Bella's... I was recently sent a sample of the New Isadora Crystal Gloss in 80Taffeta Pink to try. I was intrigued by this product because I never tried a lipgloss stick before. Upon initial application I could immediately sense that the texture was not along the lines of a lipgloss. In my opinion, it is more of a light finish lipstick with a sort of wet feel to it. On to the good stuff...

Pro's

Moisturizing due to the addition of Shea Butter and Vitamin E

Wide range of colors

Sheer upon initial application but definitely buildable

Even after lipgloss disappears the lips still feel moist

Con's

Requires a touch up after eating or drinking

Overall: I would recommend this product. It is great for summer because it is hot enough; no need for heavy lipstick/lipgloss. Plus, I love multi use products. It's a lipgloss and chapstick all in one. Loves it. Check it out and let me know your thoughts..

Product Availability:

Colors Available: 81 Mango Fizz, 84 Bermuda Pink, 83 Choco Breeze, 85 In red, 80 Taffeta Pink, 82 Coral Rose

Retails for $12

Purchase: Here

Here I am modeling Isadora Crystal Gloss Stick in 80 Taffeta Pink

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

Review: Revlon Runway Collection

Hey Bella's... I had the opportunity to review the Revlon Runway Collection. As a first timer user of press on nails, I am impressed. I have used these products on two different occasions. Both occasions, I left the nails on for a week with no adverse reactions. They look very natural and everyone that saw my nails were intrigued that I actually had on press on nails. I would definitely recommend these nails. Go out and purchase a box. On to the review.

Pro's

Very easy to apply

There is no longer a need to be a slave to the nail salon

Wide variety of nail sizes (I have wide nail beds and I was able to find a size to fit perfectly)

Looks just like a full set

Adjustable (I don't like long nails, so I was able to file down to a size that I was comfortable with)

Long lasting

Con's

It is possible to weaken your natural nails

With strenuous activity it is possible for nail to pop off

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Here is a picture of me modeling the nails

Sent via BlackBerry from T-Mobile

What are your thoughts??? Leave your thoughts in the comment box.

Chapstick True Shimmers

Hey beauties.. I am here to tell you about a new spin to a product we all know and love. Chapstick! Yes I said, Chapstick; something we all have in our purses. Recently, Chapstick added a new line called True Shimmer. Let's get to it.

Pro's

Very moisturizing

Lips feel moisturized for some time

Very pleasing scent (I actually adore the scents)

Easily attainable ( You can find it in most drugstores)

Very affordable. Price range from $2.99 - $3.99

Con's

For women of color, it may have a slight ashy tone to the lips if you use too much

Some colors are too frosty

Overall: I would definitely recommend this product. I keep one on me at all times. One on the bathroom sink, in the purse, and in my pants I wear around the house often. LOL. I know crazy but I like to keep my lips moist.

New: L'Oreal HIP Review

Hey Pretties.. I want to tell you guys about some new L'Oreal HIP Products. As a makeup artist, I truly enjoy products that has multiple uses and that are customizable. I must tell you, how excited I was to try these products. On to the review..

L'Oreal HIP Color Presso Gloss

Pro's

- Nice subtle scent. Smells a bit like coconuts.

- Not sticky

- Very blendable. Especially when using different textures

- Very accessible. You can find this product at most drugstores

Con's

- Very pricey for a drugstore lip gloss (retails for $13 or more)

- Not very pigmented

- Gloss does not last very long.. Must re-apply frequently...

Overall:

This product is more appropriate for someone who prefers sheer lip glosses. However, it is great for customizing. What I did to make this gloss work for me; I mixed the gloss with pigments to give the gloss more color payoff.

L'Oreal HIP Kohl Eyeliner

Pro's

- The eyeliners are very rich in color

- Multiple use product (I appreciate that the most)

- Long lasting, when placed on waterline

- Good colour range

Con's

- The wand may be tricky for some to use

Overall:

I really like this product. It is great for tight-lining. Tight-lining is a process of putting liner on both the upper and lower waterline. You can also use this product as an eyeshadow. Just tap some of the powder on to a petri dish and presto! You have a pigment eyeshadow. Lately, I have been using the gold kohl liner as a tear duct highlighter. Can we say love.

I would definitely purchase this product again.

Summer Must Have !!! Sunscreen

I go on and on about the beauty must haves for summer, but never going deeper to skincare. Skincare is very important, especially sunscreen. Yes I know, we have a good amount of melanin in our skin, but that is not enough. It is recommended that everyone use an SPF of 35 or higher. Did you know that ultraviolet rays is the single most important contributing factor to aging skin. Which means if you wear no sunscreen; say yes to the following skin issues: wrinkles; hyperpigmentation; and the lists goes on.

Good News. I have a great sunscreen that will offer you protection against UVB/UVA rays. The beauty of this product is that it does not leave that grayish cast to your skin that most sunscreens leave behind. It is oil- free, but yet hydrating at the same time. It does not clog pores, which is great for those of us who have acne-prone skin. Lastly, it has antioxidant ingredients, such as Vitamin E. Let's just say it packed with goodies for your skin. It retails for $25.90 and can be purchased here.

Go online and get it.. Your skin will thank you later.

Se'ymone Approves.

Review: Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipstick

Hey Bella's.. I have another great product to tell you about. Max Factor Vivid Impact Lipcolors are great. For a person that is used to department store lipsticks, I found that this line of lipsticks can give some department store brands a run for their money. Let's jump right in..

Pros

There is a color for everyone in this line (my asians bella's, my african american bella's, my hispanic bella's and so on..)

The formulation of the lipstick is not drying (it contains castor, jojoba, shea butter and coconut oil)

Very pigmented colors, yet they also have sheerer colors

Cons

The color could last a little longer.. The lipstick sheers out after eating or drinking.

Se'ymone Approves.. My personal recommendations are #16 and #28..

Prescriptives All Skins Mineral Makeup

Good for you. Good for your skin. All Skins Mineral Makeup SPF 15 contains vitamins, minerals, gems, sun protection…all helping make your skin look naturally radiant and unbelievably healthy. The weightless, long-wear formula provides a radiant, sheer finish and natural, buildable coverage.

Price: $32.50

Pros:

Beautiful Finish

Great coverage without being cakey

Definitely buildable coverage

Does not sink into fine lines and wrinkles

Long wearing

Cons:

Hmmm. It could be considered pricey compared to other mineral companies

Seymone Approves

Another great addition to this foundation is The Making Faces Kit (Limited Edition):

This kit contains a mineral cheek color and loose lighting powder that is coordinated to your undertones. This kit retails for $38.50.

Review: Maybelline Dream Liquid Mousse

Air-whipped formula provides skin perfecting coverage. Smooth, 100% poreless finish with natural luminosity.

Pros:

Fabulous finish.. Definitely an airbrushed look

Blends effortlessly

With me having sensitive skin, I have not experienced a breakout

It is oil- free

For a drugstore brand they have an okay colour range and this foundation rivals some of the department store brands

Cons:

May require a touch up or two if your oily, but what foundation doesn't

Dang.. I really don't have any complaints.

Seymone Approves...

By the way, Maybelline is on BOGO at CVS (West Coast territory)

Product Alert: illusions Cosmetics Pressed Powder

Ladies... Warm weather is fastly approaching for my East Coast diva's and here already for my West Coast diva's. Let me tell you whats in my makeup bag and has been for some time now for on the go touch ups. It's a fabulous press powder by illusion cosmetics. Now we all want a pressed powder that absorbs oil (done), leaves a matte finish for hours (done), so not cakey (done), and is soft to the touch (done). Another great feature is that it comes in skin tones, which is great for us women of color. My recommendation is to go out and by this now. Click link here and purchase. It retails for $18 and it is so worth the price. Go on treat yourself.

Se'ymone Recommends.....

Review: Curls - Curl Euphoria Elixir

Bella's let me tell you.. This product has saved me mentally on a few occassions. I really wanted to test this product out before giving my review. My test subject was my daughther, who has a 3b to 3c curl pattern to her hair. For those, who do not know that lingo she has a tight spiral curl. I should mention that my daughter is extremely tender headed, I mean I have to hear her scream for the 20 mins that it takes for me to do her hair. Let me tell you, this product softens the hair almost immediately after contact. The smell is also to die for, its like a coconutty pineapple smell and it lingers days after. To my natural sista's this is a must have. I love love love this product. Seymone and Kayla approves You can get this product at Beauty Choice for $13.. It is so worth the price.

Review: Bobbi Brown Oil-Free Even Finish Foundation

What Bobbi Brown says: Keep oily skin looking fresh and even all day with this 100% oil-free formula with SPF 15 sun protection. Oil-Free Even Finish Foundation SPF 15 is specially formulated with oil-absorbers to prevent shine, and a soothing anti-reddening ingredient to minimize the look of blemishes on acne-prone skin. Buildable formula allows for medium to full coverage as desired.

Price:$42.00

Seymone says: I f&*!ing love this foundation.. I took back the recent MAC foundations that I bought and shelved the HD foundation for this one. The finish on this foundation is amazing and the coverage is definitely buildable. What I love the most is that it minimizes the appearance of pimples. It is definitely not one of those foundations that you have to touch up all the time. I cannot sing enough praises so since I like this foundation so much , I am going to upgrade my clients so this is going to be my new foundation kit.

http://www.bobbibrowncosmetics.com/templates/products/sp_nonshaded.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY2781&PRODUCT_ID=PROD11208

Review: Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealor

Bobbi Brown says: a yellow-based Creamy Concealer that instantly camouflages dark circles. The creamy consistency of this concealer ensures that it goes on smoothly, providing full, but natural looking coverage. The formula is filled with skin conditioning ingredients like Vitamin A, which helps minimize the appearance of fine dry lines and wrinkles and Vitamin E, which moisturizes and provides antioxidant protection.

Price:$22.00

Seymone says: The description says it all really. It is the most creamiest concealor ever, yet the coverage is awesome. I love the fact that it has antioxidants. Loves it. Go out and buy this you wont regret it..

Shiseido Accentuating Cream Eyeliner

Shiseido: The Makeup Accentuating Cream Eyeliner

What it is: Creamy eyeliner.

What Shiseido says:Create elegantly defined lines or a smoky, sultry look with these remarkably easy to apply liners. They resist rubbing, water, and sweat, to keep eyes emphasized all day long. Comes with easy-to-use, conveniently sized brush.

Price:$25

Seymone says: Yes ladies this is a little pricey but it is so worth it let me tell you. Around my second day at Shiseido, I forgot to use eyeliner and I tried this. All I could say was wowser. This is the most blackest liner that I have ever used. Guess what, it is better than MAC feline eyeliner and MAC gel eyeliner because it doesnt budge and it is very creamy. After I tried this for the first time, I bought 2 on the spot. I love this liner, I will be using this from now on. Go get it bella's.

Review: Ben Nye Final Seal Makeup Sealer

Here's what Ben Nye has to say: Final Seal Matte Makeup Sealer This popular sealer keeps makeup waterproof and in place for hours. Spray over powdered creme, waterbase, clown makeup and special effects designs for a lasting finish.

Price: $4.50 to $27.00

Here what I say: I love love love this product. First let me say that when you spray it on your face you get a nice cooling tingly sensation ( the mint in the product). When you spray this on your face your makeup is not going to budge. Trust me. Now I cannot attest to the waterproof properties of this product. This should be everyone's summer staple to set their makeup in place and makeup artist out there for your models.

Seymone Approves.

Review Time!!! MAC Matte Gel

*Sorry I couldnt get a clearer picture*

Here's what MAC has to say: A matte-ifying cream that acts like a powder, M·A·C Matte adds a sheer, no-shine matte texture in one smooth layer. May be used on bare or made-up skin.

Price:$17.50 USD

Here what I say: This product is awesome. Sometimes I feel it works too well because the oil absorbing properties are on point, it can leave your face looking tight. I have combination skin, so I would only put this on my T zone. Okay, so this product has a silky texture to it (the silicone in it) and it glides on easily. It minimizes pores which leaves your skin looking flawless after makeup application. Lastly, the oil absording properties last and last. I didn't get shiny for at least four to five hours. This is definitely going to be a summer time staple. Seymone Approves

Review: Stila Kajal Eyeliner

Here is what Stila has to say: Kajal eye liners are formulated to mimic the ultra-soft texture of the indian eye darkener of the same name. The luscious formula is silky smooth and glides on perfectly, without dragging across the most fragile skin around the eye area. Delivers bold, clear, true color that blends easily and beautifies.

Retails for: $16.50

My review: I give this product a 2 out of 5. I would give the product an all out hell no, but the color is that rich egyptian black. It's like a black that u would imagine egyptians wearing back in Cleopatra time. Outside of that this was horrible. It smears terribly and it runs. I tried it on upper and lower lashline. Let me say that I don't have oily lids or watery eyes. If you are going to buy it, I will say proceed with caution.

Review: Scott Barnes 24KT Bronze Loose Powder (Special Effects Powder)

Here is what Scott Barnes says about this product: Three powders offer special effects of luminous radiance. These shades have star power and add a modern see through glimmer of attraction. The special effect powder comes in 3 shades, which consist of Platinum (white with a subtle opalescent flecks), Diamond Dust (white with a subtle opalescent flecks), and 24KT Bronze (opalescent gleam bronze).

Retails for: $28.00

What I have to say: I really like this product. It feels luxurious. The powder is very finely milled, so it feels like nothing when ur putting it on. It gives a nice glow to the skin. I actually used this product on my mom to test it. My mom has smooth chocolate skin and this just gave her the right glow. It did not settle into her fine lines at all. I give this product 5 stars because it is a universal product that can be used on young and old alike.