Saturday, December 19, 2009

Bare Minerals/Bare Escentuals Tip/Trick

I received the Bare Minerals starter kit for my birthday and was really excited to use the product because my best friend had used it on me before and I loved it!  She told me that her kit has lasted a long time so I was even more excited to use it.

I got my kit in August and was really upset to find that the minerals started to get "stuck" in the container.  I know it's been 4 months since I got the BM, but there's no way they could have gone bad.  I spoke to someone that works at ULTA (they sell BM there) and she told me to try calling the company to see what they sugggest because she doesn't see how the sifter could come out.

I was wondering whether or not the sifter could come out, but I was unable to make it budge (probably because of my fake nails!)  I spoke with another friend today and she told me that the sifter can absolutely come out!  Needless to say I was beyond excited.  When I got home I tried to remove the sifter, but to no avail (again because of my nails).  I handed my minerals to my boyfriend and he was able to remove all of the sifters!!

Personally, I like my BM better without the sifter because I can access all of the product.  I understand the point behind the sifter, but I don't think it makes it any less messy when traveling or even just using it (the minerals get everywhere even with the sifter).

Create your own MAC FIX+

Love MAC makeup, but hate the prices? Me too! Recently I've heard a lot about their FIX+ spray...if you haven't heard about the uses for it here is a quick list:





  • to set your makeup (just a light spray over your powder foundation can help reduce the cakey apperance)
  • to use as a refresher spray (on your face or even your hair)
  • to turn your favorite eyeshadow into your new favorite eyeliner
  • to use your eyeshadow wet for a bolder, longer lasting shadow

There's a ton of different ways to use the FIX+ spray however for $18/bottle it can be pretty pricey. Have no fear! There is a quick and easy way to create your own FIX+ spray for $5 (unless of course you need to purchase a container to put it in then I'll say less than $10).

Here's what you need:
  • pure glycerin (I bought 100% pure glycerin you don't need to, but I'd get somewhere in the 90s range
  • a clean/sanitary bottle to put the product in
  • water (filtered or purified is best)
  • possibly a funnel for easy pouring
All you need to do is add EQUAL parts glycerin and EQUAL parts water. I suggest pouring the two into something that you can stir it up (or shake up) because the glycerin is quite syrupy. Then just pour the mixture into your bottle and voila! You have your own FIX+ spray.

To tell you the truth, I'm not sure what the shelf life is. I've had my mixture for probably a month now and I'm still using it. I did use filtered water instead of regular tap water. I say try making small amounts that way you won't waste the glycerin. I also have my mixture in a little spray bottle so that I can easily spray my brushes. I've only used this mixture for my eyeshadows and to make eyeliner because I don't feel the need to refreshen my face during the day.

**PLEASE NOTE: Not every eyeshadow is meant to be used WET! You will want to check the package or even the product's website to see if it can be used wet. Eyeshadows that aren't meant to be used wet can be damaged (they will get a weird shine on them which will result in a difficult time using them dry). Pigments and loose eyeshadows last longer and look more vibrant when using this mixture!  The general rule of thumb is that matte shadows will get ruined when used wet whereas shimmery ones won't.  You can also split the shadow up (if it is big enough) and use one side wet and one side dry.

Want great skin and free sample products?!

If you're like me, you've tried countless products in order to get perfect skin.  Each product resulted in the same thing - my wallet was lighter and my skin was anything but perfect.  I recently heard about a website that gives free samples for filling out a questionnaire.  I thought, "Great!  Who couldn't use free products?!" What I wasn't expecting was to find a product that I not only like, but actually works!

The company is Mario Badescu.

The questionnaire is simple; they ask you questions about you!  It's all based on your skin type so that they will know what products to send you.  The only catch is that you need to know what type of skin you have, if you aren't sure they will end up sending you products that won't work for your skin.  I'm sure you can look up your skin type online or even go to a makeup store and they can tell you.  But that is it....no catch!  No fine print no paying for shipping and handling.

After filling out the questionnaire you will receive an email about 48 hours (maybe longer) later.  The email will contain suggested products and they will ask if you would like to try some sample products.  YOU MUST CLICK ON THAT AND AGREE TO RECEIVING THE PRODUCTS OR ELSE THEY WON'T BE SENT!

Then you just wait for the mail to come.  You will receive an envelope filled with products that were hand picked for you.  Along with the products you will also receive their catalogue (in case you want to buy the products) as well as a personalized card that explains the products they sent as well as how/when to use them.

I am beyond satisfied with my sample package.  I thought I was only going to receive 1 or 2 samples, but I received 6!  I loved that I got my own personalized card that explained how to use everything.  I recently found out that Mario Badescu products are sold at ULTA and NORDSTROMS (for those of you that don't like to purchase online or just want to see the product in person).  The products are for both men and women and they even sell shaving cream!

I actually spoke with a Mario Badescu representative at ULTA today and she was very helpful.  I also purchased some products because I loved my samples so much!  I could instantly feel a difference in my skin (I know it sounds weird, but it's true!) 

Here is the website/questionnaire: http://www.mariobadescu.com/questionnaire.aspx

The one thing about the products is that they are on the pricey side...however it is totally worth it!  A 16oz. cleanser costs $20 which I think is totally reasonable considering you don't need much product.  Also, the design of the bottles is pure genuis.  There's easy to pour spouts so if you're travelling you can pour the product into a smaller container without having to worry about a mess!

Great mascara whether you're on a budget or not!

Everyone seems to be on a budget these days.  What makes it really difficult is finding great makeup at affordable prices.  Sometimes it is true that you get what you pay for, however certain brands are making awesome products at affordable prices.

Wet n Wild is one of those brands!  I don't know about you, but Wet n Wild takes me back to middle school when all I'd wear is mascara and lipstick.  Their prices have always been really low, however the quality of their products weren't quite up to par (mind you this was over 10 years ago).

I was shopping for a cheap mascara to hold me over until I got a new one for the holidays.  I decided on Wet n Wild's Lash Intense Mascara.  I honestly didn't think it'd work that great, but for less than $5 I couldn't complain. 

The packaging is really cute!  The container is all purple so it's super feminine.  The part with the mascara in it has it's own little plastic cover and the top part (with the brush) was next to it.  I actually really like this idea because the package is clear so I was able to see what the brush looks like. 



Let me tell you that the brush is awesome!  There's two different sides to the brush.  One side has bigger/wider teeth and the other side has smaller teeth.  The bigger side can be used to apply the mascara while the smaller side can be used to comb through the lashes to remove any clumps (although I don't find this mascara to clump at all).

Overall, I am beyond satisfied with this product!  My lashes look great; they never look like spider legs and they look longer, more natural.  I still can't believe I paid less than $5 for it!  I definitely recommend this product for every woman whether she's on a budget or not.  I will be buying this mascara again as well as other Wet n Wild products!  I can't wait to see how their other products have transformed over the years.