Photo Credit: www.clinique.com

CLINIQUE HIGH LENGTHS MASCARA: This is an innovative mascara that has a bright green curved, extra fine-toothed comb  to bring out the best in your lashes, even the baby ones. I have never grown accustomed to wands with combs but this model spoke to me so I gave it a try. The extra benefit is the conditioning formula that coats the lashes. It works very well to lift and separate lashes, adds curl and length. I wouldnt go so far as to say that it adds volume, but your lashes will reach your brows if you get this right! My only gripe is that if you use too much it can feel a bit sticky or waxy, but I am able to avoid clumps by not overdoing it.

FINAL VERDICT: GGI (GOTTA GET IT) – At $14, this is pretty comparable to some of the luxury brand mascaras but about half the price.  Available in classic black and black/brown.

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Photo Credit: Mederma

Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy – I have used Mederma in the past on bumps and bruises, so I paid attention when I heard about this new product. It is  specially formulated to improve the appearance of stretch marks and soften the skin around them. The creamy formula contains a blend of ingredients plus the botanical extract Cepalin®, hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica leaf extract. The trick is that you have to apply it evenly and massage it in a circular pattern into wherever your stretch marks show up (thighs, butt, tummy, knees, etc.) twice a day which is a lot. It gets absorbed pretty easily, but I find that I forget to do it in the morning (like I need one more thing to do get ready at 7 AM….) so end up doing at night only. My skin is definitely softer and it feels nice to use so I will stick with it.

FINAL VERDICT: BOB (Beauty on Budget) -  Mederma® Stretch Marks Therapy comes in a super large tube with a generous 5.29 ounces or about a one month supply depending on how religiously you use it. About $39.99 (which is about a quarter of the price of that famous stretch mark cream…..) www.drugstore.com

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Photo Credit: www.sephora.com

ILLAMASQUA IS ALL ABOUT BOLD COLORS – DEFINITELY NOT FOR  SHY TYPES

Illamasqua from London is pure drama – the polar opposite of natural, light effects of mineral makeup and neutral colors. The colors are STRONG and memorable, and made to last.  I love the way they talk about “alternative cultures” – sounds like code for drag queens to me. llamasqua was originally aimed at film and stage makeup artists, but is now available for every gal (and crossdresser) at Sephora in the US and Selfridges in the UK.

If you have fair skin like mine, the color palette might be a little overwhelming. However, you can go for a Kristen Stewart in Twilight look if that’s what you want, but there are some amazing products for night and every day wear too. Try the Cream Blusher – with Illasmasqua, you need to start with the palest colors and work your way up as you want to. I like Lies, a pale, pearlized pinky shade that looks good on lighter complexions. The Powder Blusher is also long wearing. Expose or Lover have the effect of Nars classic Orgasm blush and are peachy colors, depending on your skin tone.  I haven’t tried the Eyeliner Cake yet, but the colors look perfect for a cat eyed look with an angled brush.  Zeal is a jade green shade that I have my eyes on (pardon the pun).

Without a doubt, my favorite Illasmasqua products are the nail varnishes which are amazing. Illamasqua nail varnish in Ruthless (a pin-up red color straight out of the 40’s) is my fourth–and counting–polish by the brand. I am addicted.  Aside from the lavish color palettes, the best part about these polishes are their long-wear. As of now, I’ve had Ruthless on for one week, and I still don’t need to touch up my paintjob!  At $12 a pop, the nail colors are a little pricey; but, isn’t having triple-lasting polish worth it? Not to mention all the money you’d save on bimonthly manicures…

Coming soon for Spring – Pastels for Nails. Can’t wait!

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