Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer

I bought this tinted moisturizer about a year ago, thinking I was buying a full-fledged foundation. It really appealed to me because it is oil-free, and includes retinol and SPF 20 moisturizer. It wasn't until I got home and used it that I realized it is quite sheer. (Perhaps if I'd read more of the label, I would have realized this - as it clearly says "Sheer tint.") The only reason I haven't used it all up is because I have frequent, UGLY breakouts on my chin (I may have disclosed this before, but just in case - and in the interest of pure honesty - I have a hell of a problem with ingrown hairs on my chin), and when that is happening, this just doesn't do the job, even with a concealer. However, it is very light, and very pretty on your skin. I use it during those times my skin is very clear and blemish-free. It is a great product, and I recommend it highly, especially to those of you who don't like to put a bunch of gunk on their face - this is a moisturizer and a tint all in one. Neutrogena puts out a very good product, and this is no exception.

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Tip o' the Day

If your eyelids are oily, eyeshadow won't stick. Before applying any color, prep the lids with foundation, then press a velvet puff with translucent powder on top. Then apply your color. To prevent eyeliner from doing a disappearing act, trace over it with a short, stiff eye-shadow brush dipped in powder in a similar shade.

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Lumene

The only reason I can review these products by Lumene is because, bless Target, they were on clearance. With the exception of the Radiant Touch Moisturizing Cream Cleanser, which is $10 even regularly priced, these are kind of pricey for regular ol' me. (Especially when hubby's job has been cutting overtime, grrr...), but if I COULD afford them on a regular basis, I would use nothing else. The pretty orangey-pink stuff, Vitamin C+ Energy Cocktail normally retails for around $23.99. Oh, my gosh, it's spectacular. It just makes my skin so radiant and, dare I say it, LUMINEscent. Really. After using it the first time, I woke up the next morning and was like, "Oooooh..." and I couldn't stop rubbing my hand along my cheek. I really do love it. I actually use it kind of sparingly because *sniffle* I can't buy any more right now, or any time soon. The Radiant C-Energy Age-Defying Day Cream, retailing for around $19.99, goes on so nice and smooth, and softens the skin quite nicely. Bonus: it includes SPF 15. The aforementioned Cream Cleanser is also good, although I'm not singing with choirs of angels in its praise. It does the job, and I like it. To be fair, what's probably holding me back from using words like "spectacular" about the cleanser is that it doesn't lather much. But, really, I've heard the more something lathers - the more it's drying out your skin. *Sigh* I just like a lot of lather and foam. But I'll get over it. These products rock. So if you are in a position to spend $20+ for your skin-care, please try this brand. It rocks. See, it rocks so much, I've actually used the term "rocks" far more than someone should on a civilized website.

(Prices quoted from CVS.com, which, by the way, is holding a sale, so currently these very products are cheaper than stated.)

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Hairapy Sunsilk Therma Shine

A few years ago, there was that line called Thermasilk, and it was just the best. I believe this is the line that basically replaces it, and I can certainly say it is just as good. These products are heat activated, and are supposed to make your hair softer and smoother if used prior to blow-drying or ironing your hair. They do! My hair is so soft after using these. I'm sure you've noticed on lots of cosmetics lines, one the back will be the assertion "for best results, use in conjunction with other products in *insert brand here* line." I'm always skeptical about that, and rarely follow that advice, but I will definitely say in this case it appears to be true. I tried using the shampoo and conditioner without the detangling spray, and the results just weren't as dramatic. I also tried the detangling spray after using another brand of shampoo and conditioner, and again - I didn't get the same great results. I really love this line because I take my showers at night, and when I use these products and blow-dry my hair before I go to bed, I wake up with very smooth, soft hair that often doesn't even need to be flat-ironed. Also, it smells just plain good.

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TRESemmé Tres Two Hair Spray

I recently spent around $4 for a Pantene hairspray I hated (Ice Shine). When I was at the store looking for a new one to try I saw this Tres Two Extra Hold from TRESemmé (around $3.50). The thing that sold me? The small little icon that says "All Day Control. Climate Control. Humidity Resistance."

Kelli and I live in Texas where the summers are hot and the humidity can kill a great hair day the minute you step out your front door. Our winters are dry and it's then that I take the time to flat iron and keep my hair styled great because we're not battling the incessant heat and humidity. Summers here call for ponytails and curls. Even though it's springtime, the summer heat is already creeping in on us. So far though? This hair spray has done its job.

This is really unlike any other inexpensive hairspray I've tried before. It's really dry and not sticky at ALL (I loathe sticky hairsprays!) So when you first spray it on it's hard to tell if you actually got it where you intended. I looked at the spray nozzle to make sure it wasn't turned backwards the first time. The only downside I've seen it is that the fact that it's so dry really means it dulls your hair out a little. I combat this by spraying it on, running my flat iron through the front parts of my hair to get some of the shine back and that seems to help. But it honestly does keep your hair really smooth and dry all day long. I was really impressed! Now if you already live in a super dry climate, this may be dryness overkill, but it still has great hold and smells good too. I think I might even pick up the mousse from this same line for those summer curls.

Come July and August when it's 100 degrees and 100 percent humidity I may be changing my tune, but I'm keep my hopes up for this one to save my summer hair!

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Winners!

Congratulations to our winners! The first one is user name MC, and the second one is Kristen Birkmeyer! Thanks for reading and entering. Please e-mail us at primpandtell@gmail.com with your address and we'll mail them out right away.

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Rude Cosmetics Salesgirls

I must apologize for not having a review up today; my morning was quite hectic and I just never got the chance to sit down. I haven't decided what I'm reviewing next, but promise to have one up tomorrow. So just for the sake of something to write about, I must tell you about my experience this morning. (I mean, after all, we have to give you our war stories in our quest for perfect products, right?) I was doing some serious spring cleaning, moving my boys' room around, and just generally all sweaty and tired, and my makeup had pretty much melted off, when my mother-in-law and I decided to meet up at Ulta. She was also quite sweaty as she'd been walking around in our lovely 80 degree heat this morning. They were offering a free gift with a $40 purchase, so she was kind enough to let me help her rack up $40.

I walked into the store carting my five and two year old, and my six month old sons. One of the women there looked at me, dropped her jaw in disbelief, and shook her head as her eyes rolled so far back into her head I thought they were stuck that way. What? Mothers with young children don't buy makeup? This was kind of odd for me, as usually I am fortunate that my husband can watch the kids if I go off hounding for makeup. I've never experienced someone's dismay that I would dare show up somewhere with children. How disgusting of me. I shrugged it off and I was looking around for some of Sally Hansen Natural Beauty by Carmindy Face Primer. (I'm on a quest to find us an amazing face primer.) They had the signs up, but none of the product was on the shelf. I approached a salesgirl, who said, "Hmm... let me look over here." She went to some boxes of new shipments, gave it all a cursory glance and said, "No, we're out." How she could possibly know that for certain by glancing at a mountain of products is beyond me, but, you know, whatever. I wasn't too worried about it because my boys were getting antsy and we needed to head out. (For the record, they were antsy, but they were totally behaving and were quiet.) As we checked out, my mother-in-law was trying to make a little small talk to the same employee who "helped" me, and she wouldn't even respond. Then she requested her free gift with purchase, and the girl smirked and said, "Um... that's for fragrances." I swear she stuck her nose so far up into the air it looked like it was about to crawl over her head. And she just stared at us as we realized our mistake, like she couldn't wait for us to get the hell out of Dodge. Okay, so we didn't read the fine print, is that some reason to act like you caught us digging in your trash bin? We were both quite uncomfortable from being treated so distastefully (and my mother-in-law is NOT easily offended) that we were pretty glad to just get out of there.

I share all this because - isn't makeup and beauty and shopping supposed to be fun and for everyone? Don't you want people to come back to your store? If, in theory, my mother-in-law and I were some yucky, scummy people and were plain and didn't know a lipstick from a roll of toilet paper, wouldn't we be the ones who needed the most guidance? A woman and/or mother of any age, and a grandmother should be able to walk in a place like that and feel special and beautiful. It irks me because I know if I had walked in there on a day where I hadn't been working and was wearing my full face, I would have been treated like royalty.

Okay, I just wanted to vent. And if any of you readers out there are salespersons in a cosmetics store, please treat every woman who walks in there like a queen. She deserves it and she'll keep coming back!

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What did you think?

From time to time, we'll be featuring the opinions of our readers who have tried a product we reviewed. If any of you have bought something you saw on our website, we'd love to get your opinion! Please submit any of your reviews (on already posted products or something new you have tried) to primpandtell@gmail.com and you might be posted on the site!

Our first guest is Randi, reviewing L'oreal Beauty Tubes Mascara:

"In my younger, skinnier days I might have thought of myself as somewhat of a fashion conscious girl. Now with two kids, I am lucky to get a shower before the day's end. The days of full make up are pretty much gone from my life. Therefore, I am continually on a quest to find makeup that makes me look “put together” with the least amount of effort.

I was excited to try the L’oreal Beauty Tubes Mascara after Kelli reviewed it. Because my life functions by lists, here is my pro/con/neutral list of the features of this product.

PROS

• The product does have a substantial wand. Thus following, the primer was easy to maneuver and see. (With other primers that I have used, I have not been able to see where it was applied to my blonde lashes.) This was a plus for me.
• It really works like it says… my lashes did look longer. And as an added bonus, they looked fuller also.
• I always seem to end up with black circles under my eyes at the end of the day. But this was not an issue with this mascara. It goes on and stays! Huge plus in my book!

CONS

• The design of the tube was a bit more of a negative for me. The middle connecter was fat and the brushes themselves were relatively short. Thus following, it was difficult to apply the mascara to my bottom lashes, which is a must for my minimalistic make-up regimen. After a bit of practice, I have figured out how to work around this but the application to my lower lashes is still not as smooth as I would like it.

NEUTRAL

• Kelli described the removal of this mascara as “tiny, thin strings”. I did not quite understand until I used the product. I compare it to the removal of rubber cement at the end of a project - it just kind of rubs off in rubbery strings. I think this is way cool, however unnerving it might have been at first.
• You do have to be careful to not apply too much of this mascara because it would be easy to end up with "Tammy Faye Baker Eyes."

So, there is my review. Thanks for reading my two cents worth.

— Randi"

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L'oreal Infallible Never Fail Lipstick

Ah, I'm a ball of conflicted emotions over L'oreal's Infallible Lipstick. I suppose it depends on what you are wanting in your lipstick. This is DEFINITELY for those who are looking for something you can apply and forget about it. Once it's on, it's not going anywhere. From the second I put it on, when it instantly fused to my lips, to many hours later when I was trying to take it off with Vaseline, it did not budge, fade, or bleed. It was quite spectacular. I think I could have sucked face with a bottle of bleach and the color would have stayed strong.

However, and this is where some of you may disagree, I'm weird about the way things feel, and literally as soon as I put this on, I was extremely aware that it was there. My lips felt kind of tight, and it drove me completely nuts. It comes with a conditioner that you apply on top of the color, and it helped that feeling of tightness a bit, but not enough for me to wear it again. I have sensory issues and simply could not put up with it. Maybe if I'd been more in love with the color, I could have found a way to save the relationship, but alas, we had to part. Possibly I'll try another color in the future to see if it would be worth it to me, but it would have to be very inexpensive. Like, you know, free.

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Tip o' the Day - Cap your foundation

If you run out of concealer, use whatever makeup has collected in the cap of your foundation bottle - it's somewhat thicker and perfect for covering up flaws.

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Ped Egg Professional

If you can get past the infomercial stigma, this thing totally rocks. In these lean times when almost everyone is struggling, paying $35 or more for a good pedicure seems a bit lavish, at least for me and a lot of my friends. The Ped Egg is only $9.99, and honestly, I think my feet are smoother after I use it than when I get a professional pedicure. Thank goodness the sterilization techniques at salons have improved, but as a result, most places don't use razors on your feet anymore, and old-school pedicures that made your feet feel like a baby's butt are hard to find. Since, I have not been satisfied with any pedicures. But this little gem does the job just fine. It has a "grater" that you use to exfoliate your feet, and it attaches to a compartment that catches the dead skin. (And it is the yuckiest kind of cool to look at what pours out of the compartment when you dump it; much like not being able to look away from a car accident.) Afterwards, I apply a good foot cream and wear socks to bed. The next morning my feet feel so much smoother and look worlds better. You can purchase one at Target, and in certain locations you can even find replacement grater thing-a-ma-bobs. You can also find them available for purchase online through a Google search. Enjoy your soft feet, and enjoy the wonderfully disgusting ritual of emptying your yucky dead foot skin!

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Surprise!

From right this second until NEXT Thursday at 5 pm, enter to win one of these Sonia Kashuk cosmetic bags. They are super cute and we're excited to give them away. Just leave a comment on this post and we'll announce the winner on Friday, April 24. Good luck!

**This giveaway is now closed. Thank you for entering!**

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Maybelline Colossal Volume Express Mascara

If you haven't noticed, we love mascara. We buy lots of it and hardly ever wear the same tube twice in a row. I've tried countless numbers of mascara over the years and have love/hate relationships with most of them. This mascara is no different, but I still kind of love it!

I bought it after being extremely disappointed with Maybelline Stiletto Mascara. This one says it's for tons of volume and even contains collagen. The first time I used this I loved it, mostly because I sat there and applied it in one sitting. But I was working full-time at the time and often applied my first coat of mascara in the car then the rest in the parking lot at work. That's when I started hating it. Because that's just not a good idea and I did it anyway, much to the dismay of my lashes.

Now that I'm, well, a victim of the current economic climate, I have a bit more time to apply my make up. And I'm totally loving this stuff. The package says it applies in one coat, but I have to put on more than one. I just have to. This goes on really smooth, covers your lashes fast and the collagen I swear helps keep your lashes from sticking together and getting spidery. The brush is full and stiff and awesome. I can apply 5 or 6 coats if I want a crazy dramatic full look and my lashes STILL won't stick together. I love it. I originally paid $6.99 for it at Walmart then went and picked up a double pack at Target for $6.49 last week. I'm sure when I've used up these two tubes I'll move on to another — I'm that fickle. But it's a love affair I'm enjoying while it lasts.

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L'oreal High Intensity Pigments Concentrated Shadow Duo



Now these are my kind of eyeshadows: the deep and bright hues, the unique color combinations. I am totally in love with them. In fact, the entire HiP line is mesmerizing - every time I'm in the cosmetic aisle, I have to stop and stare at all the pretty eyeshadows, lip glosses, eyeliners, etc. Despite appearances, I don't buy all of these cosmetics at once, but have slowly accumulatd them and formed opinions that I share with you on here. And these are the same, any time I have an extra $5.99, I grab one of these. My goal is to own every single one. In fact, since this picture was taken, I've added two more to my stash. Try them, love them. Use them in conjuction with this Tip o' the day from last month. Amen.

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Tip o' the Day

To minimize a blemish, douse a cotton swab with Visine, put it in the freezer for a half-hour, then hold it lightly over the spot for a minute. Once the area dries, use a tiny, stiff brush (smaller that the blemish itself) to dab on pasty concealer, moving in a circular motion to blend the edges. Wait for it to dry, then add a second layer of concealer and pat with loose powder.

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L'oreal Wear Infinite Made for Me Naturals Eye Shadow Quads

Let me start by saying I love L'oreal's eyeshadow quads. Just in case you aren't good at applying eye makeup, or aren't exactly sure where to put what, the back of these quads gives you a little "face map" telling you which color goes where, and how to apply it. I really like that. I'm in this process of trying to learn as much as I can about makeup application so I can be a real "expert," and this gives me a good jumping off point. I start there, and then go off on my own variations, and apply some of the advice to other colors.

However, I'm not so impressed with these "Made for Me" quads. But it may be unfair for me to be the reviewer of these particular eyeshadows. The reason being that my complaint is they were too subtle. I LOVE bright colors on my eyes (you know, tastefully done). I bought the set made for hazel eyes since, well, my eyes are hazel-y. (Really they are more green - but I couldn't find the set for green eyes. Maybe that was the problem.) And I found when I passed the mirror throughout the day, I would kind of grimace at my reflection. I just didn't like it at all. I can't even quite describe it, it just looked "blah" to me. I do own some of L'oreal's other eyeshadow quads (linked in first paragraph) and I really like them - even if the colors are more toned down from what I usually like. (On another note, L'oreal's HiP collection is my soulmate. I'll be talking about some of those tomorrow) Bottom line, I just didn't feel these "accentuated" my eyes one bit. Or maybe I was too distracted by the "blah."

If someone else has had a different experience, perhaps with one of the sets for another color of eye, I would love to hear from you. Because I am so biased. Give me bright color or give me death. Put that on my tombstone.

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Neutrogena Radiance Boost Eye Cream

I am currently unhappy with the concealer I use (a cheap one from Cover Girl) so when I was out shopping one day I decided to get a new one. Well, I couldn't find one to settle on, and the one I really wanted was $12. I didn't have that to spend, but since I needed a new under eye cream anyway I grabbed this Neutrogena Radiance Boost Eye Cream on clearance for $6 at Target (oh how I love Target).

I use this in combination with the cheap concealer and it works really well! This under eye cream works perfect on its own, but I have to conceal my under eye circles with a little color because they have a bluish tint. A tiny little dab goes a really long way and it smooths on and dries really quick. You'll feel a slight tingle and it instantly brightens and smooths out underneath my eyes. I'm not sure if I love this so much because I WANTED to love it or because it really works well, or both? Either way I use this every single morning and often reapply it later in the day when I'm feeling a little fatigued.

Normally this runs about $10 but I still think it's worth it. A super small tube that fits in your makeup bag, perfect for a quick pick-me-up for your face during those long hours of the day!

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And the winner is...

Congratulations to April, the winner of J.R. Watkins Apothecary Lemon Cream Hand & Body Lotion! Thanks for entering, April, and please send us an e-mail with your address so we can send it right out!

Have a wonderful Good Friday and Easter weekend!

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Tip o' the Day

When covering under-eye circles, place three dots of concealer from the inner corner to the middle of your eye, then pat - don't rub - them with the ring finger to blend.

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Eco-tools 5 piece Brush Set

I bought this Eco-tools brush set at Target because I am completely addicted to buying cosmetic brushes. I've been reading for years how really great makeup application depends on the brushes you use, and I've discovered it's absolutely true, so I'm constantly in search for some great brushes. (And it's a good thing I'm broke right now, because if I wasn't, these other Sonia Kashuk brushes would have a place of honor among my makeup. I can't even express how much I want that set.) The Eco-tools set includes an eye-shading brush, eyeliner brush, lash & brow brush, concealer brush, and the absolute SOFTEST blush brush that will ever touch your skin. (Ask Missy, she knows.) They are really good brushes, sturdy (as opposed to a few other sets that broke on the first try), cool-looking, made from bamboo. They come with that nice little cosmetic case made from natural cotton and hemp. They do a wonderful job of applying and blending colors cleanly and beautifully. This is a great kit for travel, and/or for someone trying out brushes like these for the first time. I bought it for $14.99 in the store, but I am happy to pass on to you that I found them on Target's website for only $10.99.

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Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss

A few weeks ago I ran to the store to pick out another shade of this lip gloss. I just couldn't find one that I liked in that same brand so I checked around at all the other lip glosses. I finally decided on this Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Foiled for around $6. I'm a lip gloss kind of girl, I've never been a huge fan of lip sticks and stains come in handy ever so often, but I never make them a consistent habit.

Not only do I love lip gloss, I love really shiny lip gloss. Back in my college days when I could spend money on more fanciful things, I would buy Mac Lip Glass. There's something about the way it reflects the light that mesmerizes me! So when I saw that this gloss has light reflecting spheres I was definitely willing to give it a try. Plus it's loaded with moisturizers and even has SPF 15 so really, you can't go wrong.

And it is SO SHINY. The first week I had it I must have applied it 10+ times a day just because it was so super shiny. But therein lies the downfall of lip gloss, you have to reapply it all the time and it's super sticky. Frankly, though, I don't mind. The only time I really wanted to wipe it off was when I was at an outdoor photo shoot and the wind was blowing so hard my hair kept sticking to my lips. Highly annoying, but also a unique case.

All in all I love this gloss. The color is really similar to many other glosses I've used, but it's the shine and the moisturizer and SPF that really seal the deal for me!

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Tip o' the Day

Brightly colored eyeliners and shadows are the big thing right now. (Is it bad that I've been wearing them for years? I think I always will - at some point I'll be out of fashion I suppose. So be it.) In order to have success with this look, there are certain things to keep in mind.

1. Bright, electric shades such as blue, turquoise, green, and violet are the trend now... Stay away from yellow, red, and orange. They pop up on the runway, but they tend to look unhealthy in real life...
   
2. For intensity, pair your eyeliner shade with a matching mascara. Or apply colored eye shadow over your liner to add depth. Play with texture: For bold looks, use matte shadows; for a softer effect, try metallic or iridescent finishes.
   
3. Your eyes should be the focal point of this look, so keep your lips and cheeks toned down with soft shades - especially if the liner is drawn in an interesting shape.

Taken from Allure magazine, August '08.

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Two promotions

I just received this e-mail from Allure Magazine. I thought I would pass the information along to any of you who might be interested: "On April 11th, join Almay at select Walmart stores for on-site demonstrations of the new Almay pure blends™ collection. Buy any Almay pure blends™ product and send the receipt to Allure to receive a limited-edition eco-friendly makeup clutch." Click here for store locations.

I also received an e-mail from my friend Vanessa (thanks, Van!) who mentioned she bought the Olay Definity Eye Illuminator from CVS, and they give you back $10 CVS bucks. So you can get the eye stuff for essentially $15, then use the extra $10 to buy some Almay pure blends and send in for a free clutch!

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Cover Girl Perfect Point Plus Eyeliner

I love this eyeliner. I bought it in Black Onyx for only $4.99, and it creates the best saturated black line ever. It is very soft, applies easily and doesn't tug your skin. It comes with a built in smudger - perfect for creating a little rocker-girl, morning-after smoky eye. Or you can just apply a clean, classic defined line. It doesn't run or leave raccoon eyes. The website shows that it comes in several colors, but unfortunately I've only ever seen this black or brown in the stores. If I ever do find the other colors, I am going to buy every single one of them. It's just a good product, especially for the price. And if you run across the other colors - please tell me where to find them!

*Update* After finding and buying the plum velvet eyeliner, it wasn't as good as the black one! It did tug at my eyes, didn't go on as smoothly and didn't even show up much. I can't say anything for the other colors, but so far black is the only one that is totally fabulous.

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J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary Hand & Body Lotion in Lemon Cream

Paraben-free. Phthalate-free. Propylene Glycol-free. Dye-free. Thick and luxurious. Smells deliciously like lemon cream pie. (I promise I'm not trying to sound like a commercial.) I have nothing super fancy to say other than I just simply like it, even more so after doing a little research on all of those "P" words of which it is free. And, did I mention the smell of lemon cream pie? I'm not one who normally likes to smell like food, but this is too lemony creamy to resist. I bought this trio in a set at Costco, and wanted to buy another for a giveaway. Alas, when I went back, they were gone. Fortunately, I was able to find the Lemon Cream Hand and Body Lotion at Target. So of course I bought one to pass on to you. For more information on J.R. Watkins Natural Apothecary products, visit their pretty website. In the meantime, leave a comment on this post to win an 11 oz. bottle of Hand and Body Lotion. Contest will end Thursday at 5 pm and we'll announce the winners Friday morning. Good luck!

THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED

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You Ask, We Tell Vol. 3

Britt asks: Do you girls have a product that gets rid of the dark under-eye circles? I'm desperate. Thanks!
Kelli tells: I, too, suffer from MAJOR under-eye circles. So far, I haven't found a perfect wonder cream, but I was mostly happy with the results of Olay Definity Eye Illuminator. It's a little pricey, though, for a small bottle of eye-cream at $23.99. I honestly thing the best "cures" for it are the super-expensive creams I've seen in magazines for at least $100. I know I can't afford that! The only alternative I can recommend is a good, light concealer. I've been using one by Sonia Kashuk's mineral line (from Target) that I apply with my fingers; it blends right in with the rest of my skin and lasts all day. I'm pretty sure I could wear it without any other makeup and it would just look completely natural. I hope that helps a little, and if I ever do find that miracle cure, you'll be the first to know!

Koala Brains asks: Do you wear contacts? I do and have problems with eyeliners even those touted as gentle for contact lens wearers.
Missy tells: Kelli doesn't wear contacts but I do. I tend to stay away from eyeliners for that reason. But I do wear mineral eye shadows, which are extremely powdery and haven't had issues with flaking in my eyes or any irritation. I would give L'oreal Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Eyeliner a try since it's mineral and uses more natural ingredients, and is probably a lot safer on eyes for contact wearers than other eyeliners out there. Hope that helps!

Mrs. Organic asks: Am I doing something wrong when I put on my L'oreal Infallible lipstick/gloss? It never seems to look right (smooth), but is impossible to remove completely. Thanks for any advice.
Kelli tells: (*Updated*)
I think unless you are applying it to your eyes, you probably aren't doing anything wrong. Most of the reviews I read online were positive, so I doubt there's anything really wrong with it. The only tips I can really provide are first - to make sure your lips are well-exfoliated when you apply it. This can be done by gently rubbing them with a wet washcloth in the shower, or gently rubbing them with a toothbrush. As for removing it, according to what I've read in magazines, cover your lips with Vaseline and wait one minute before wiping it off.
*Since originally sending an answer to you, I have actually tried the Infallible lipstick. Be sure you are letting the first layer dry for two minutes before applying the balm. If you are, then I have to say I think it's the product. I just felt like it looked a little weird on me - kind of like you said - NOT smooth. But I'm wondering if maybe that was just the color I bought...? I may try another color sometime to see if I like it any better. One plus is that it is DEFINITELY "infallible." It was like a war zone trying to get it off. I ended up using eye-makeup remover and that worked pretty well, although I could still see traces of it in my lighted mirror the morning after.

Kendra asks: I have a hard time getting lipstick and lipgloss to last longer than an hour so I don't wear it very often because I hate reapplying all day long. Is there something I can use to make it last longer?
Kelli tells: There are a few options you might try. One is to perhaps first apply a stain on your lips that matches your lipstick/lipgloss, then apply your product. That will ensure that when it wears off, there will still be some color underneath. Makeup artists also suggest the same thing with lipliner. What I've done in the past is put a light coat of lipbalm on, then used a liner that matches my lipstick and put it all over my lips - just like I would the actual lipstick. On top of that I apply the lipstick - and it will last forever. Back when matte lipstick was massively popular, it was suggested your apply your lipstick, then dust your lips lightly with translucent powder, and after that apply another coat of lipstick. It works, but it feels like you've smeared Elmer's glue on your lips and looks worse. As for lipgloss, I've read from one makeup artist to make sure you blot your lips with a tissue before applying - make sure any excess moisture is gone because that will make it wear off before you're even out the door. Or, to keep it simple, try that L'oreal Infallible Lipstick mentioned above. That stuff ain't coming off! Try a lighter color - I think the problem I had was the color was too dark and it looked odd.

Julie asks: I keep reading articles saying that you should only shampoo your hair a few times a week. I know for me this is true. I can only shampoo my hair every other day or it gets really frizzy. The problem is that the hair at my scalp and around my face still gets oily and limp. Any suggestions? I've read some reviews for different dry shampoos and was wondering if you have tried any of them. Or what about baby powder? I've actually never tried baby powder. I'm not exactly sure the best way to use it. Thanks for any help!
Kelli tells: (*Updated*) I've read those same articles, and unfortunately for me, it's not true. My hair doesn't just get limp and oily, it looks like I dipped it in a vat of Crisco. So I've really wanted to try the dry shampoos, and I've seen lots of recommendations, but since I never go anywhere but Target, I haven't found any yet. I have heard that baby powder will work, but can sometimes be visible. You can find some good tips here. In fact, somewhere on there they say they have what's called "shampoo in a cap" at Walgreens. (However, a Google search pulled up no results for me.) Maybe you can be our first "dry shampoo" review! I'm curious to know if it works, because I would love to not have to wash my hair all the time.
*After posting this, my sister e-mailed me the name of a dry shampoo that she very highly recommends. In her words: " I recently bought (and LOVE) some dry shampoo from Toni and Guy and it's awesome. It was $21.54 with tax. Kinda high but I have only been washing my hair twice per week as opposed to 3 or 4. The scent isn't wonderful, but much better than greasy dirty hair smell. It's called Rockaholic Dirty Secret Dry Shampoo. Sooo worth it."

Vanessa asks: Hey can you find me a good face wash and lotion? I am a little lost on which to buy. My skin is dry, kinda sensitive. Thanks for your help.
Kelli tells: The face wash I have heard the most rave reviews about is Cetaphil. They have two formulas - one regular and one for sensitive skin, although both are extremely gentle. If you like a little bit of lathering - I recommend the regular. (I happen to like A LOT of lather, which is why I don't use it, but that's just me.) But if it doesn't matter, the sensitive formula is also very good. I've never talked to or read about anyone disliking Cetaphil. I've read about it in literally dozens of magazines, online, and recommended by any dermatologist you'll talk to. They also have moisturizers with SPF.

Thanks for reading! If I'm in a really good mood on Monday - I might be feeling generous... if you get my meaning...

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Aveeno Ultra Calming Daily Moisturizer

I mentioned this moisturizer in a Q&A a while back, but wanted to give you my full review. I bought this at Target for around $12 one day when all Aveeno products were 10% off. If you love Aveeno products, you probably always buy them when they're on sale because it happens so infrequently, and they tend to range on the more expensive side of the aisle.

Someone I used to work with recommended I buy Aveeno moisturizers and when I was at the store I couldn't remember which one they said to buy. I grabbed this one and discovered a couple of days later it was the wrong one. I am not one to just run out and spend another $12 on moisturizer so I have been using this one for a couple of months, waiting for it to run out so I can get Aveeno’s Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer.

That being said, this stuff isn't bad by any means. It's just not great. I'm not a fan of the smell, or the texture. And even though I have sensitive skin, this stuff is for people with REALLY sensitive skin, perhaps even if you are prone to major skin irritation on your face. The SPF 15 is definitely a big plus, but most Aveeno moisturizers have it. It keeps my skin pretty well hydrated, but I don't like the texture of my skin after I use it. I'm used to how soft other products leave my skin and so I was pretty disappointed.

Buy this moisturizer if you have really sensitive skin. Don't buy it if you're looking for something ultra moisturizing and skin softening. This one just didn't cut it for me, but I'm nearly out so I'll give you all a heads up on how I feel about Positively Radiant!

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Tip o' the Day

No matter what makeup you use, always choose a remover designed to take off waterproof formulas, says makeup artist Charlie Green. "The best ones look separated, like salad dressing. The oil takes off makeup, and the water gets rid of some of the greasiness." As with vinaigrette, mix well.

Kelli recommends: Neutrogena Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover.

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Rimmel Fix & Perfect Foundation Primer

Primer, primer, primer. That's all any article on makeup application can say. "Use primer." Supposedly it will help your makeup go on smoother and your skin tone more even, as well as making it last much longer. So I've had my eye out for a good one for a while. The drugstores and Targets that I usually visit don't carry any, until I found this one from Rimmel, which is one of the most inexpensive brands of makeup. That isn't a bad thing by any means - but sometimes, price does matter. And I think this is probably one of those times. I was turned off when I first opened it because it's very thick, and the color is this horrible orange. I was afraid it would look like I had bought a foundation that was twelve shades too dark, but I will give it a positive mark by saying it disappeared very easily into my skin. Applying it is a no-brainer, although you have to really pay attention and blend A LOT. But other than that, I really didn't notice anything special. I could tell no difference in the appearance of my makeup, nor did it seem to make it last any longer. I was just unimpressed. Nothing about it convinces me I need to add an extra layer to my moisturizer, and I doubt it would for you, either. Especially if your moisturizer doesn't contain SPF and you apply that separately - that's a lot of gunk on your face, you know? I still would like to keep looking for one that's not too expensive, but still performs the way all the gurus promise. I'll let you know if I find one. Maybe I need to go to Ulta... Man, that place is dangerous if you have any money in your wallet.

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