The latest and greatest, "Only Seen on TV!" product is the Ped Egg Professional Foot File. I must say I do own one. I had been contemplating purchasing one for a while, after having seen it in a drugstore and recognizing it from its tv ads. (A great way to try tv products is to buy them from your local drugstore because many of them carry these products now, so no need to pay shipping!) I was wary to try it, but I came across an article about the product and some people who appeared in its ads. Many online news outlets now allow comments below articles. Below the article I read, I found a surprising number of women commenting on how much they loved the product. So that convinced me. I bought it at CVS pharmacy and even used a store savings coupon. So the $9.99 price plus tax with $1.00 off left me paying less than $10.00.
Compared to pumice stones, which can be relatively effective if you have only slightly rough feet, it was worlds apart. Pumice stones are effective to some degree if used often but for severely dry chapped feet and calluses, it doesn't really show much visible results and skin soon appears as dry as before. The micro plane file of the Ped Egg - which resembles newer type micro plane food zester/graters- is quite sharp but safe if used correctly, giving phenomenal results like you have never seen with other similar products on the market targeting the same uses. I say "same uses" because in terms of saying similar product, there isn't a similar product like the Ped Egg right now, widely available to the public. Follow instructions carefully, as misuse can cause pain by overly thinning the skin. Moisturize well. As embarrassing as this is to admit, I have severe dry rough cracked heels because I rarely wear socks or closed shoes. (Detest them.) Although the men I've dated say I have very soft skin, I have always been embarrassed about having my feet seen, knowing that its hard for me to prevent dry heels when I wear flip flops so often. Now I've finally found the solution. Sure, I've tried the moisture socks w/ the foot creams, rich lotions, ointments etc. The Ped Egg can give you improved feet in as little as two weeks! (From personal use, I can tell you that the removal/exfoliation of all that dead skin isn't safe to do more often than once every 1/2 to one week. If you aren't careful you can shave your skin raw. You won't though with proper use, so best results will be seen after 2-4 uses on severe cases.) Be sure to use the buffing side too, to smooth it further. Look for it in drugstores like CVS or discount stores like Target. Also look for it in those "As Seen On TV" stores springing up in malls. By the way, its ergonomic shape really is comfortable too! I also recommend using one of my favorite foot creams afterwards, Burt's Bees Coconut Foot Creme. [to be reviewed in a future post.]
sincerely yours,
rOsE
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Bare Minerals
Welcome back, if you have blessed me with returning to read my blog once again! Sorry I've taken so long to post again. I wanted to do a bit of research in regards to copyright infringement & copyrights regarding blogging and product reviews. Better to be safe. :) So read on for my first product review!
First off, I'd like to tell a little bit more about myself. I LOVE to wear makeup. It is extremely fun and can give you such a large range of looks. Makeup can be adjusted to fit your mood or your look for the day. Makeup can be natural or dramatic. The problem with makeup though is that when improperly applied or when using the wrong products, results may vary, or disappoint. Many women aren't aware of how to properly apply their makeup and use a heavy hand, while some don't apply enough. [This is where I come in.] When I say wrong product, I'm referring to one that does not suit you. This may be the wrong shade or the wrong product for your skin or hair condition. I enjoy trying new products and I am also very informed on makeup application techniques. It comes from being a bookworm and being a makeup addict! Hey, nerds can be hot! (If no one ever told you, I'm telling you.)
Due to my race, foundation shades have always been a problem. Many contain too much red and orange tones for my yellow-orange toned skin or are too light for my oft tan complexion, because I tan extremely easily. I'm left with either pinkish or strangely pale skin. Neither is very appealing, let me tell you. Add to this the fact that my genes gave me acne prone combination skin from my father (and my stress levels don't help) and sensitive delicate skin from my mother, you can see I have more complications in my quest for great skin than most! Haha. I have to be aware of products containing irritants due to my sensitivity and products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic for the acne. I've resolved to use mainly natural and/or organic products whenever possible. I'm not committing to only these types of products as sometimes chemicals are necessary for the proper results -such as unruly hair- but will mainly focus on these elements: organic, high percentage of natural content, eco-conscious brands, and hypo-allergenic brands.
Bare Minerals is a product I have personally tried with great success! I purchase mine at my local Sephora store. [More about Sephora in a future post.] I can even quote one of my friends, who had this to say in an email,"nice! ur 1st blog should be on bare minerals. i'll back u up on that one!" As promised in their advertisements, the crushed mineral powder really is silky soft in texture and extremely blendable. It is easily blended into the skin for a natural appearing coverage whether you prefer it sheer or full. When I have a breakout, I apply the foundation as concealer and it provides me the full coverage I need. When my skin is clear, I also have the option of wearing a light naturally sheer coverage. It is also easily blended together between shades, a joy for all my fellow women who cannot find their shade for the life of them. I buy several similar shades, blending two of them in the cover before applying, during different seasons of the year.
Compared to other brands, such as Sheer Cover, Bare Minerals makeup products (foundation, eyeshadows, etc.) do not contain oils, talcs, and preservatives -excluding the skincare such as moisturizers, etc. which may. Sheer Cover has a concealer that does. In trying to stay true to its statement of a natural product, Bare Minerals product line previously did not include a concealer. They have recently created sulfur based treatment concealers though and I believe they do now make another type of concealer, but it is still in powder form, which is different than some of it's competitors' creamy concealers such as Sheer Cover. However, I have not personally used Sheer Cover and am not stating it is a bad product, but it does not fit my criteria for a preferred product, so I do not recommend it for problem skin. I am basing my statement on having read the content label on the Sheer Cover concealer package.
Another plus is, if you purchase the introductory package, Bare Minerals includes a demo for its product. Wonderful because it isn't applied like most foundations. My oily skin also tends to make my makeup melt when it is hot and humid, but this product absorbs oil and stays put better than most. Eventually even Bare Minerals starts to lose the battle on MY SKIN but it is quite effective. For best results and a good hygienic habit, wash the brushes often. Often, after a long night out with my friends, I am so sleepy I fall asleep before I've remembered to remove my makeup! (Terrible habit I know! I don't do it purposely.) It is true you can sleep in it and not get breakouts but don't go all day with it on. Wash it off as soon as you wake. If you had a long night, by all means don't worry if you sleep in it but don't leave it on the next morning because you don't want to reapply. Doing this WILL cause a breakout, so let your skin breathe! Another added plus that I almost forgot to mention is that the minerals help to naturally dry blemishes, so they heal faster. All this while not drying out the dryer portions of your skin. Don't skip the finishing step of mineral veil either, it really helps to set the makeup. With it makeup is less likely to rub off and also looks more flawless. Don't ask me why, just test this step for yourself. I want to say more because I really do love this product, but this post is getting far too long, and I'll let you try it for yourself and see! Tata for now!
sincerely yours,
rOsE
First off, I'd like to tell a little bit more about myself. I LOVE to wear makeup. It is extremely fun and can give you such a large range of looks. Makeup can be adjusted to fit your mood or your look for the day. Makeup can be natural or dramatic. The problem with makeup though is that when improperly applied or when using the wrong products, results may vary, or disappoint. Many women aren't aware of how to properly apply their makeup and use a heavy hand, while some don't apply enough. [This is where I come in.] When I say wrong product, I'm referring to one that does not suit you. This may be the wrong shade or the wrong product for your skin or hair condition. I enjoy trying new products and I am also very informed on makeup application techniques. It comes from being a bookworm and being a makeup addict! Hey, nerds can be hot! (If no one ever told you, I'm telling you.)
Due to my race, foundation shades have always been a problem. Many contain too much red and orange tones for my yellow-orange toned skin or are too light for my oft tan complexion, because I tan extremely easily. I'm left with either pinkish or strangely pale skin. Neither is very appealing, let me tell you. Add to this the fact that my genes gave me acne prone combination skin from my father (and my stress levels don't help) and sensitive delicate skin from my mother, you can see I have more complications in my quest for great skin than most! Haha. I have to be aware of products containing irritants due to my sensitivity and products that are oil-free or non-comedogenic for the acne. I've resolved to use mainly natural and/or organic products whenever possible. I'm not committing to only these types of products as sometimes chemicals are necessary for the proper results -such as unruly hair- but will mainly focus on these elements: organic, high percentage of natural content, eco-conscious brands, and hypo-allergenic brands.
Bare Minerals is a product I have personally tried with great success! I purchase mine at my local Sephora store. [More about Sephora in a future post.] I can even quote one of my friends, who had this to say in an email,"nice! ur 1st blog should be on bare minerals. i'll back u up on that one!" As promised in their advertisements, the crushed mineral powder really is silky soft in texture and extremely blendable. It is easily blended into the skin for a natural appearing coverage whether you prefer it sheer or full. When I have a breakout, I apply the foundation as concealer and it provides me the full coverage I need. When my skin is clear, I also have the option of wearing a light naturally sheer coverage. It is also easily blended together between shades, a joy for all my fellow women who cannot find their shade for the life of them. I buy several similar shades, blending two of them in the cover before applying, during different seasons of the year.
Compared to other brands, such as Sheer Cover, Bare Minerals makeup products (foundation, eyeshadows, etc.) do not contain oils, talcs, and preservatives -excluding the skincare such as moisturizers, etc. which may. Sheer Cover has a concealer that does. In trying to stay true to its statement of a natural product, Bare Minerals product line previously did not include a concealer. They have recently created sulfur based treatment concealers though and I believe they do now make another type of concealer, but it is still in powder form, which is different than some of it's competitors' creamy concealers such as Sheer Cover. However, I have not personally used Sheer Cover and am not stating it is a bad product, but it does not fit my criteria for a preferred product, so I do not recommend it for problem skin. I am basing my statement on having read the content label on the Sheer Cover concealer package.
Another plus is, if you purchase the introductory package, Bare Minerals includes a demo for its product. Wonderful because it isn't applied like most foundations. My oily skin also tends to make my makeup melt when it is hot and humid, but this product absorbs oil and stays put better than most. Eventually even Bare Minerals starts to lose the battle on MY SKIN but it is quite effective. For best results and a good hygienic habit, wash the brushes often. Often, after a long night out with my friends, I am so sleepy I fall asleep before I've remembered to remove my makeup! (Terrible habit I know! I don't do it purposely.) It is true you can sleep in it and not get breakouts but don't go all day with it on. Wash it off as soon as you wake. If you had a long night, by all means don't worry if you sleep in it but don't leave it on the next morning because you don't want to reapply. Doing this WILL cause a breakout, so let your skin breathe! Another added plus that I almost forgot to mention is that the minerals help to naturally dry blemishes, so they heal faster. All this while not drying out the dryer portions of your skin. Don't skip the finishing step of mineral veil either, it really helps to set the makeup. With it makeup is less likely to rub off and also looks more flawless. Don't ask me why, just test this step for yourself. I want to say more because I really do love this product, but this post is getting far too long, and I'll let you try it for yourself and see! Tata for now!
sincerely yours,
rOsE
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
New Beauty Blog
Have you ever bought something based on a girlfriend's recommendation? I'm sure you have, as have I. It had occurred to me in the past that I've come across many products that I have loved, hated, or have been ambivalent about.
A few years ago, one of my girlfriends and I were having a conversation about how interesting it would be to do product reviews on another girlfriend's personal website. The site in question was just a hodgepodge of favorite music, movies, pop culture tidbits etc. meant to be mainly for fun and to offer our opinions to whomever happened to stumble across it. Recently, with the popularity of blogging though, I thought to myself, " Really, why don't I seriously consider it?"
These are my reasons for starting this blog:
1) I very much rely on my friends' personal opinions as to the quality of a beauty product. I feel that I can trust them and whether I agree with their opinions or not, I can ask and expect them to substantiate their claims with honest answers. This is more than we can say about some of the morally lacking corporations that have made headlines lately.
2) No one knows me like my best friends do, so when they recommend something, they know what I value. Have sensitive skin? Passion for eco-friendly products? Weakness for delicious scents? THEY'LL KNOW.
3) Beauty professionals may know the business, but sometimes I prefer the opinions of an average gal. Someone like me, who can't always find access to designer products in her neighborhood or have the cash on hand to spend on luxury items. What would she use? What does she think are worth the money to splurge on and what should I skip?
4) We don't all have picture perfect skin, the most desirable features, or the know how of friends in the right places. What if I have acne or sensitive skin? I'm ethnic, what brands offer foundation shades right for me? My eyes aren't large with lengthy lashes, or even entirely symmetrical like the model in the demo picture, so how do I use that new makeup technique on MY face? I don't have my own professional makeup artist on hand, but I'd sure like the know how to look like I do.
5) I love product reviews. When new products come out, they advertise like mad. However, they would say their products are great wouldn't they? I'd like someone to use it first and tell me about it. What does it smell like? Most people love beauty products with a pleasant smell, as do I. Did you like the packaging? It may be a great product, but clever packaging makes any product edgier than its equally effective -but dully packaged- counterpart, because its fun! How did it feel? Everyone has a cosmetics pet peeve, I personally hate sticky lip gloss.
My earlier comment: ". . . I've come across many products that I have loved, hated, or have been ambivalent about. " I wished I had a reliable resource to help me decide. I wished I had known whether any of my friends had used it and I wished I had more girlfriends or other female's opinions of it before I wasted my money on it. When I have bought products for the first time based on a recommendation instead of an advertisement, I've often been satisfied.
These are my five reasons for blogging, so I hope you visit soon for your BEST FRIEND's BEAUTY TIPS!
sincerely yours,
rOsE
[next post: a little bit more about me . . . ]
A few years ago, one of my girlfriends and I were having a conversation about how interesting it would be to do product reviews on another girlfriend's personal website. The site in question was just a hodgepodge of favorite music, movies, pop culture tidbits etc. meant to be mainly for fun and to offer our opinions to whomever happened to stumble across it. Recently, with the popularity of blogging though, I thought to myself, " Really, why don't I seriously consider it?"
These are my reasons for starting this blog:
1) I very much rely on my friends' personal opinions as to the quality of a beauty product. I feel that I can trust them and whether I agree with their opinions or not, I can ask and expect them to substantiate their claims with honest answers. This is more than we can say about some of the morally lacking corporations that have made headlines lately.
2) No one knows me like my best friends do, so when they recommend something, they know what I value. Have sensitive skin? Passion for eco-friendly products? Weakness for delicious scents? THEY'LL KNOW.
3) Beauty professionals may know the business, but sometimes I prefer the opinions of an average gal. Someone like me, who can't always find access to designer products in her neighborhood or have the cash on hand to spend on luxury items. What would she use? What does she think are worth the money to splurge on and what should I skip?
4) We don't all have picture perfect skin, the most desirable features, or the know how of friends in the right places. What if I have acne or sensitive skin? I'm ethnic, what brands offer foundation shades right for me? My eyes aren't large with lengthy lashes, or even entirely symmetrical like the model in the demo picture, so how do I use that new makeup technique on MY face? I don't have my own professional makeup artist on hand, but I'd sure like the know how to look like I do.
5) I love product reviews. When new products come out, they advertise like mad. However, they would say their products are great wouldn't they? I'd like someone to use it first and tell me about it. What does it smell like? Most people love beauty products with a pleasant smell, as do I. Did you like the packaging? It may be a great product, but clever packaging makes any product edgier than its equally effective -but dully packaged- counterpart, because its fun! How did it feel? Everyone has a cosmetics pet peeve, I personally hate sticky lip gloss.
My earlier comment: ". . . I've come across many products that I have loved, hated, or have been ambivalent about. " I wished I had a reliable resource to help me decide. I wished I had known whether any of my friends had used it and I wished I had more girlfriends or other female's opinions of it before I wasted my money on it. When I have bought products for the first time based on a recommendation instead of an advertisement, I've often been satisfied.
These are my five reasons for blogging, so I hope you visit soon for your BEST FRIEND's BEAUTY TIPS!
sincerely yours,
rOsE
[next post: a little bit more about me . . . ]
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