SHOPPING THERAPY: Spring 2014 Drugstore Makeup Haul

As I explained in my previous post, I have completed a series of retail therapy sessions due to work-related stress. Although these therapy sessions result in a depletion of my funds, I have to admit that I have fun shopping and it does help in relieving some of my stress…at least, that's what I tell myself…and that's my story and I'm going to stick with it. So, as part of my retail therapy, I ended up purchasing a few makeup items from the drugstore in addition to my purchases from Sephora. Here's a rundown of what I purchased over the course of this past Spring.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

1.  CoverGirl Lash Exact Waterproof Mascara in Very Black

I am totally in love with the CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion mascara, but the applicator is a bit too chunky to use on my tiny, measly bottom lashes. Thus, I usually go without applying mascara on my bottom lashes. However, I am always on the hunt for a mascara that would be great to create some volume and length to my nonexistent bottom lashes.

What instantly attracted me to this product was its skinny, long applicator that I thought would be better at grabbing my nonexistent bottom lashes rather than the short, chubby applicator of my Lash Blast Fusion mascara. The website states, "no clumps on the brush means no clumps on the lashes for a defined and long lash look". This product is also waterproof, which is a must, especially for my lower lash line.

So far, so good. I've been using this product off-and-on for about a month. The formula is waterproof, but comes off easily when I remove my makeup at the end of the day. I find that the applicator is great for my bottom lashes too. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

2.  L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black

Like I previously stated, the CoverGirl Lash Blast Fusion Mascara is my favorite mascara, but that doesn't mean that I am not willing to try other mascaras available on the market. After all, cosmetic companies are constantly coming out with the latest and greatest.

I saw a number of positive reviews of this product on YouTube and decided to give it try. I have to admit that I haven't had much luck with L'Oreal mascara products. I tried the L'Oreal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes mascara and didn't like it. See, my previous beauty review. Thus, I was a bit skeptical about this mascara.

I should have trusted my initial skepticism because while I like the butterfly applicator brush, the formula is a nightmare to remove from your lashes. I still use this mascara from time to time, but I have learned my lesson and will only apply a light single coat to my lashes. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

3.  Physician's Formula Nude Wear Glowing Nude Blush in Rose

I don't know why I keep buying blushes. I'm getting a little better at exercising some restraint these days. I bought this product on a whim one night as I was perusing the makeup aisle of Longs. I am a fan of Physician's Formula products even though the you need to pay a little more.

I thought that the packaging of this product was super cute with the bow. The website states that the multi-colored palette of blushing shades brightens and enhances skin tone while adding a touch of naturally radiant color. This compact includes a small mirror and applicator brush on the bottom.

I haven't tried this product out yet. I have so many other blushes in my makeup drawer that I reach for those out of habit and routine. Speaking of makeup drawers, I have a new setup for my makeup, which I hope to post an entry soon (hopefully sooner rather than later)! I'll try to post a full review on this product later when I have a chance to try it out.

SOURCE: Walgreens.com

4.  Wet n Wild Fergie Shimmer Palette in Rose Champagne Glow

I am a big fan of Wet n Wild products. Honestly, you are getting the most bang for your buck when purchasing Wet n Wild products because the quality is really good. I have a variety of the Wet n Wild ColorIcon products and love them!

I discovered the Fergie Center Stage line while watching YouTube beauty videos. I was intrigued by this new line, but decided to hold off because I knew that I already had way more than enough blushes. However, I then discovered that the Rose Champagne Glow was more of a highlighter than a blush. I was instantly sold because I wanted a couple more highlighter shades to add to my makeup collection. I always use NARS in Albatross, but sometimes I was in the mood for a more pinkish glow.

I like this product thus far and have been using it on-and-off for about three months now. It is not too sparkly and does give you a nice healthy glow. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

SOURCE: Drugstore.com

5.  Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick

This is actually my most recent discovery, so I am not sure if this counts as a Spring or Summer purchase, but I'll just sneak it in under the Spring haul since who knows when I will be able to get around to posting a Summer haul entry. I am a huge fan of the Revlon Color Burst Lip Butters and own seven shades thus far. However, I wanted a lipstick with more staying power than the Lip Butter lipsticks, but that apply just as smooth as the Lip Butter lipsticks.

The website claims that this product provides instant moisture and all-day color with a soft suede finish. I bought two colors in Fashionista and Socialite and then went back and bought two more in Couture and Iconic.

I like the smooth application of this lipstick and it truly provides all-day color. It doesn't rub off when you drink or eat, which I find fabulous. The one problem that I have with these lipsticks so far is that they can be a bit drying, but not to the point where your lips chap. I'll try to post a full review on this product later.

So, that's it for Spring 2014. I admit that my retail therapy sessions were quite successful and stimulating. I also hope that these blog posts will help me get back into the swing of things and blog more often. I've been really terrible. We'll see how it goes. Wish me luck!

BEAUTY REVIEW: Physicians Formula Eye Booster 2-in-1 Lash Boosting Eyeliner + Serum in Black

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

I was browsing around the cosmetic department of Longs several weeks ago (which, by the way, is never a good idea for me since I always end up buying more cosmetic items that I don't really need) and noticed that the store restocked and reorganized the Physicians Formula display section.  So, like a dedicated target consumer that I am, I just had to make a full investigation.

I have to make a disclaimer.  The Longs that I usually go to is located in Downtown.  Due to its smaller space compared to other Longs stores, the cosmetic department is smaller and the variety of products is limited.  Thus, even though the some products are out on the market for a while, it sometimes takes Downtown Longs a long time to finally have these new items in stock.

One of the "new" items that I noticed was the Eye Booster 2-in-1 Boosting Eyeliner + Serum from Physicians Formula in Black.  I first heard about this product from watching several makeup gurus on YouTube and was excited to try it.  I am a big fan of felt tip eyeliners because I feel that I have better control applying my eyeliner than with a brush.  However, the videos on YouTube claimed that the fine brush tip on the Eye Booster Eyeliner worked just as well as a felt tip liner and the staying power of the liner was fantastic.

This product claims to visibly boost lash length, volume, and thickness instantly among 100% of women. Honestly, I think that is a pretty bold claim to make, but...whatever.  I bought this product for the eyeliner part, not the lash boosting serum.  This product is made in Japan and uses a high-tech Japanese formula that claims to be long-wearing, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant.

While I can't vouch for the lash boosting serum (since I haven't used this product long enough to see any results), I can say that the eyeliner was long-wearing, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant.  I was pleasantly surprised at how long lasting this eyeliner was and had an easy time using the brush tip to line my eyes.  The brush tip allowed me to make thin and thick lines effortlessly, just like my favorite holy grail eyeliner from L'Oreal.

There is one downfall to this product that keeps my L'Oreal eyeliner from losing its holy grail status.  The eyeliner is not dark enough.  I prefer jet black eyeliners and the Physician's Formula eyeliner in black is actually a slate gray, especially when applied on top of eye shadow.  I happened to notice on the website that this line comes in a "ultra black" shade, which I did not see at Longs.  Perhaps that shade will satisfy my need for jet black eyeliner.  If you are looking for a slate gray eyeliner, this would be a great product for you.

All in all, I give this product a thumbs up for its eyeliner portion.  The eyeliner does what it claims to do and stayed on throughout the day and night.  It was also relatively easy to remove at the end of the day.  However, the jury is still out on the lash boosting portion.

**UPDATE**  I bought and tried the ultra black shade and I can't believe that I am saying this, but...I think I am now in love with the Physicians Formula eyeliner over my beloved L'Oreal  Linear Intense Carbon Black Felt Tip Liner.  The ultra black shade is jet black and applies effortlessly.  Combined with the long-lasting, water-resistant, and smudge-resistant formula, the Physicians Formula eyeliner has reached "super star status" with me!  Don't worry, I am not giving up on my L'Oreal eyeliner.  Now, I just alternate between the two products.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Physicians Formular Concealer 101 Duo in "Yellow/Light"

SOURCE:  Drugstore.com

Like many women out there, I suffer from dark under eye circles.  Sometimes I can get away without concealer, but for the most part, applying concealer is part of my regular makeup routine.  I am always on the hunt for a good concealer, but my hunt is a little harder because I have some conditions.

First of all, I do not like wet liquid concealers, which you need to apply with a brush.  I prefer concealers with a thicker consistency, so that I may apply the product with my fingertips.  I feel like I have better control that way and besides, it is one less makeup brush that I need to clean.

Second, the concealer needs to provide good coverage with relatively easy application.  I like thicker concealers, but I want a concealer that is so thick that it is like applying nearly dry paste to my under eye circles.

I am a fan of Physicians Formula products, but usually wait for the brand to go on sale at the drugstore as the regular price can be relatively higher than other brands.  It looked like this product fulfilled my conditions, so I was eager to try it out.

The Physicians Formula Concealer 101 comes with a yellow shade to color correct dark under eye circles and a light shade to cover yellow and any minor skin irritations.  The package contains a small applicator brush.  I have to give this product a thumbs down.  The consistency is just too thick and the coverage is too patchy.  The concealer is also so thick that it is difficult to extract the product to apply to the skin.  The small applicator brush in the compact is of absolute no help to serve the product's intended purposes and claims.  Back to the drawing board to search for another concealer.

BEAUTY REVIEW: Physicians Formula Gentle Cleansing Lotion

SOURCE: Physicians Formula

Dermatologists and cosmotologists strongly recommend taking off your makeup before you go to sleep.  I was actually surprised to find out how many ladies sleep with their makeup on a daily-basis.  I admit that I there are nights when I am too exhausted to take off my makeup and crawl into bed, but I pay for my laziness when I wake up with a blemish or two.  Argh.

I used to use makeup wipes to remove my makeup, such as the Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, but this routine started to become a bit pricey in the long run.  The makeup wipes were convenient, but when used daily, I found myself constantly buying refill packs.  I found some of the liquid toner makeup removers too harsh on my skin and removing my makeup with cotton balls or pads proved to be inefficient.  Finally, I ended up using my face cleanser to wash off my makeup, which worked, but wasn't efficient in washing away waterproof mascara or eyeliner.  Then, my mom introduced me to Physicians Formula Gentle Cleansing Lotion.  She had been using it for a long time and suggested I use it when she discovered my dual purpose face cleanser ritual while on a trip with me.

At first I was a bit skeptical.  All it looks like is a bottle of moisturizer.  How is this going to remove my makeup, dirt, and oils from my face?  I tried it nonetheless and quickly fell in love with it.  All I need is a small quarter-size dollop of this product to remove makeup from my entire face.  The lotion is non-greasy and I apply it with my finger tips in circular motions.  When I wipe the lotion off with a Kleenex tissue, I can see all the makeup and dirt the lotion removed from my face.  This product does not leave my skin irritated or dry like other makeup toner products I previously used.  My waterproof mascara and eyeliner is wiped away completely (no raccoon eyes!).  The lotion is also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and dermatologist approved.  I follow-up with washing my face with my face cleanser and then apply Clinique Clarifying Lotion 2, and then Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion.

I love this product because it does a great job in removing all of my makeup and lasts a long time.  It retails in drugstores for about $7 to $8, so even if Physicians Formula products are not on sale, it is still a very affordable option to purchase.  Moms really know best!