One of my new favorites is the Just Bitten Lipstain by ColorStay. The product is just $8.99, and it looks like a dual-ended, felt-tipped marker pen with a white eraser on one end. But it’s not quite what you think. The pointed, felt-tipped end does dispense a lip stain that will last for hours without smudging, cracking, or running into those nasty little lip lines. But the other end isn’t a white eraser, it’s a translucent (moistly matte) lip balm that helps lips stay protected and moisturized. Vitamin C gives you antioxidant protection. There are ten shades. I didn’t personally sample them all, so I’m just going by the color chart and my descriptions may not be exact: Passion (bright pink), Twilight (browned rose), Frenzy(medium berry), Crave (bright raspberry), Beloved (deep mauve), Midnight (browned red), Flame (hot pink coral), Forbidden (nude), Gothic (rusted red) and Lust (copper). When you go to the store, you’ll see how unusual these really are.
I applied the lip stain early in the morning (give it a few minutes to dry on your lips) and then I applied the silky lip balm. You can layer a bit more color on the stain end, but these are not the same as a very moist, opaque lipstick and you really don’t need or want more than one application. That day I was very busy and forgot about my makeup. I even ate lunch and dinner, and forgot to apply more color. Still, when I washed my face at night, some of the lip stain was still on my lips. The lip balm will keep your lips from drying out, but the stain sticks like a dream! The product is pretty amazing! And, the slim marker design makes it a cinch to apply perfectly.
Also exciting and new to the marketplace in July, is a re-imagining of an earlier favorite idea–a mascara that you can “dial up” to bold, bolder or boldest lashes: Almay One Coat Dial Up Mascara $8.49. What’ so cool about this is that you simply twist the purple collar on the white mascara tube, from 1, to 2, or all the way up to 3. What makes the magic, is Almay’s unique “wiping system” that makes the “collar” of the mascara tube larger or smaller as you click it. The end results is that having this product is like having three different formulas of mascara, in one. This is particularly great when you’re on the road, because all you need is this one mascara. Sometimes, you only want a light coat of color (e.g. at work or at casual times) but when the occasion arises for lusher lashes, you can get them without toting two or three products. Check out the illustrative video, below!
You’ll like the molded brush, and the cream formula (the non-waterproof washes off easily with soap and water). The shades are: black, blackest black, or black brown. Another great thing about Almay which I particularly appreciate is that these products are hypoallergenic, ophthalmologist tested, and good for contact lens wearers. I have sensitive eyes (not the best situation for a reviewer of beauty products) but I’ve been an Almay fan for decades, and have never had a moment’s trouble from their products.
Also from Almay is another unique product launching July 2010 that I’m sure I won’t live without, anymore: Almay Smart Shade Anti-Aging Concealer $8.99. At first, it looks just like any other tube of creamy concealer in a fine-tipped squeeze tube, but this one metamorphs from white to a skin tone color that will closely match your own. The basic shades are Light, Light, Light/Medium, and Medium. But that’s not all this concealer has that makes it special. It has SPF 20 to keep the delicate skin under your eyes safe from the sun’s damaging rays (SPF 20 is enough to actually do some good). It is oil-free, fragrance free, talc free, and paraben free. The formula doesn’t just conceal dark circles and shadows, it has “skin sensing and shade sensing beads” that help protect your skin from aging, while it enhances the immediate look fo the skin. Peptides help reduce the appearance of fine lines. Rice protein, sweet almond seed extract, and seaweed extract, provide hydration, and help firm up that under-eye skin. The product works very well, feels light and non-greasy, and de-puffs and smooths the eye area. It’s not the same as a good night’s sleep and no worries, but it’s a beauty secret you can use right now to look better.
Of course you can find Revlon and Almay products in mass market retailers and drugstores nationwide. Visit the Revlon and Almay web sites for more information, too!
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