I find that good gel eyeliners are really hard to come by. It’s just one of the more finicky cosmetics, and in my experience the formulas are usually pretty hit or miss. So, I was pleasant surprised when I used a solid drugstore gel liner, Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Eyeliner ($9.99, amazon.com). I can’t say that it’s the very best gel eyeliner I’ve ever used, but it’s pretty darn good, and definitely less [...]

Some products purchased by me. Some products sent for consideration. All opinions are my own. Happy Friday! Today I’ve finally got the bronzed smoky eye tutorial for you that I promised in my Hot for Summer – Bronzed Smoky Eye post. I used tarte and Urban Decay products for the eyes. Also, I actually hit pan on my Urban Decay Walk of Shame eyeshadow. For those of you who know me well, you know [...]

I’m a sucker for mixing things together, whether it’s patterns in my clothes or my lip products. And I find two-for one deals almost irresistible. So, really, CoverGirl Blast Lipstick Blendable Lip Duo ($7.99, amazon.com) is right up my alley — two lipsticks in one container, mix-up options on the go. I liked them quite a bit, and I felt they were really fun to use, but I’m not sold on all the color [...]

With the rise of skin oils being promoted in beauty magazines and blogs, it’s easy to become overwhelmed with the options available that cater to irritated, dry skin. One such option, Aromatherapy Associates Soothing Face Oil ($62, amazon.com), claims to be a “powerhouse” for those with sensitive skin by reducing redness and softening skin while supporting the skin’s natural healing process. Listing coconut oil, chamomile oil, and evening primrose oil as its main ingredients, [...]

  Q: I have been using a moisturizer with soy extracts and my eyes have been getting watery with swollen eyelids. Does soy extract affect the eyes?    First, stop using your eye cream. If you have any reaction to a product, you should stop use immediately. This sounds like this might be an allergic reaction. Contact and allergic dermatitis can cause skin to become inflamed, red, and itchy (New York Times). Second, talk [...]

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer ($21, amazon.com) promises the desirable combination of treating acne and also covering it up. The company’s own research found that 86% of users saw an improvement in acne after two weeks. While this is on the better end of the treatment concealer spectrum, it serves as an excellent example of why sometimes combination products fall short. Daytime makeup doesn’t lend itself particularly well to acne-fighting ingredients, which, in this particular [...]

Bliss Triple Oxygen Instant Energizing Mask ($47, amazon.com), according to the company, has three superstar ingredients: Oxygen, Vitamin C, and antioxidants. While it delivers on the latter two, the question of whether oxygen has been proven effective in skin care is up for debate. Overall, the mask has some definite benefits, but the oxygen goes unproven. Does the Oxygen Really Do Anything for Your Skin? It’s exciting to think that oxygen in skin care [...]

Nickel allergy is no trivial matter. Its prevalence in the population is not agreed upon in all studies, but numbers can be as high as 20%, sometimes more. Nickel can be found in earrings, watches, and coins, as well as metal parts of buttons, belt buckles, and shoes. Nowadays it is easier to find products that are nickel free. However, a newer nickel-releasing culprit is causing allergies, and not many people are aware of [...]