L'oreal HiP High Drama Volume Mascara

My love of all things L'Oreal HiP has been widely documented on this website, but finally there is a slight change in that attitude. At least for their mascara. All I have to say is "meh." There's nothing exceptional about it. I didn't start singing show tunes in its praise after applying, I didn't run out and buy five more just to stock up. In fact, I think I've used it twice. Maybe a couple of more times when I thought I'd try again. But, alas, no. You could just as good results with an even cheaper Rimmel or Cover Girl.

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MagiX Tinted Face Perfector

I actually won this product in a drawing held by Allure magazine. I was very excited to try it, especially since I have such lovely large pores, and according to Avon's website, this face perfector "...visibly minimizes pores witih patent-pending Optix Light-Diffusing Technology. Holds back shine for up to 10 hours. Reduces the look of fine lines...skin feels softer than ever. Shades adapt to your skin tone...like magic!"

Yeah, not so much. I find the consistency very weird and kind of sticky, and I don't notice it doing any better of a job than the foundation I already wear. I believe it's supposed to be sheer enough to wear under foundation, but that's just too much product for me. It seemed like I had to smear an awful lot of this on to get any results. I'm just glad it was free!

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We're baaaaack!

New reviews start up again tomorrow! We've had another upset here in my house: my husband was laid off a couple of weeks ago. Soooo... that just means I'm even more dedicated than EVER to bringing you amazing finds for your budget. Missy has some good ones in the works, too. So keep checking in - we're back in the game!

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Trend o' the Day: Black + Aubergine

From Lucky Magazine's Beauty Spy:

"A smudgy bit of plum shadow makes this classic smoky eye look fresh, romantic, and incredibly sophisticated. Start with full-throttle black liner around the eyes; then, with a small brush, layer sultry brown-purple shadow on top and under the bottom lashes for a sexy, slept-in effect. You can finish with regular mascara or go even further with the A slightly messy ballerina bun and a cherry-ish lip stain or balm are the perfect accompaniments."

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Housekeeping

Hello, my long lost readership. Yes, I have been MIA for a while now. No, I haven't yet sent out the false nails everyone won. So, so sorry about that. I know it's completely unprofessional and discourteous. As previously mentioned, I did have surgery which took me longer to get over than I thought, plus I injured my other leg. I have three young children, one of which just started kindergarten, so things have been a little crazy and I finally feel back in the swing of things somewhat. I was actually going to have everyone's nails out yesterday, but lucky me was hit with the piggy flu! As soon as I know I'm in the clear from that, I will be sending the nails out immediately. And to make it up to all of you that I was such a SLACKER, I'm going to include either a set of false lashes or extra nails in the package. I'll be back up to regular posting in the next few days - so I hope I haven't lost all of you!

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Clean & Clear Oil-free Dual Action Moisturizer

I don't use this daily, as I'm 32 so I'm trying to be proactive by using lots of moisturizers with heavy duty anti-aging properties. But if I'm having a breakout, which the oh-so-lovely humid weather in Texas causes a lot of in the summer, I use this. Honestly, I won't say that it's the BEST anti-acne product out there, but it's under $5, and it gives your face the most tingly, cooling feeling. I love it so much. And it smells really good. It reminds me of when I was a teenager, when I did use this daily. And sometimes, I use it just to feel that cold, tingly feeling. Just for fun.

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Neutrogena Wave Power-Cleanser & Deep Clean Foaming Pads

I've resisted buying one of these for a while, just because there have been lots of products like this that have disappointed me. But I was having one of those BLEH days, and just wanted something, anything to put in my cart that was "for me." So I went ahead and grabbed this Neutrogena Wave and an extra package of the exfoliating pads. It comes with a battery and it has two speeds of vibration. To be honest, I'm very skeptical about the whole claim that the vibration enables it to clean more deeply or thoroughly. But even without that, this is a really good product. I like the foam, it smells great, and exfoliates really well. My skin feels quite smooth once I'm done. And I still turn on the vibration, it just feels nice.

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