You're Just Gorgeous!

A collective of friends sampling and discussing all the beauty products we can handle. All posts represent our own opinon and are not sponsored unless otherwise indicated. Cara Ellen Jackie Jenna Tonia Connect with us on Twitter @yourejustgorge

[yourejustgorgeous]

I have to say, I have never been a Mary Kay fan. Most of us have been there before...the dreaded Mary Kay party. You're usually dragged there against your will and end up purchasing three eye shadows you know you'll never use. This is exactly why I have to wash my hair anytime someone mentions Mary Kay in my earshot.

When Influenster sent me a survey about Mary Kay, I filled it out with my honest thoughts, so I never thought I would be selected to try out the Mary Kay Vox Box. BUT, I'm so glad I got it.

Here are my thoughts from trying the products I received:

Brushes: Bomb.com. These brushes are soft, feel amazing, and get the job done. What else do you need?

Mineral Powder: This is a great finishing powder. It looks nice, and doesn't seem to settle in and emphasize any fine lines. It has the kind of inner lid that closes so that your powder doesn't spill out when traveling (or when it's shaken up in your make-up bag).

Blush and Bronzer: Both these products were great, but I hated their packaging. They fall out easily of their container, and the container itself seems really cheaply made. Maybe MK still follows the "re-usable container" thing so you only buy the make-up? I don't know, but I didn't love it.

Cream eyeshadow: I liked this product, and I'm not usually one for creamy eyeshadow. My only complaint, it got a little goopy if you left it on all day, and I have no idea what to use to apply the stuff other than my finger.

Gloss: LOVED the color, hated the feel. I usually steer away from glosses (even though I love their look) because I hate the way they make my lips feel. This one wasn't really different, but I'm a lip stain girl...so gloss is a hard sell.

Gel Eye Liner: I saved my most favorite for last, I don't go anywhere without eye liner, and this one was amazing. I was super skeptical of a gel eyeliner (and applying it) but it couldn't have been more easy. It stays put all day, takes a tiny amount to create a lot of impact, and it's so so incredibly easy to apply. Seriously, I will seek out a Mary Kay rep (this is something I never thought I would say) just to buy this.

*All product were provided for review by Mary Kay and Influenster.

[yourejustgorgeous]

I did it. I signed up for one of those Influenster things everyone is talking about...and I got this #HDColorTrio palate in my first Influenster box, the Jolly Vox Box.

First off, if you don't know, NYC is one of the non expensive makeup brands you can pick up at Target and other retailers. Most of their stuff is less than $10, and it's actually pretty great.

I love that this one had three complimentary colors, and it advises you (on the package) on what color to use for what eye shadow technique. The shadows were a creamy powder and didn't crumble or break apart when I used them like some cheaper brands sometimes do.

These colors were not the best for me however, as the lighter shades just blended in with my skin tone. (I'm a pale, fair skinned, usually light haired lady.)

I did not use the applicator it came with, though it seemed fine. I just prefer to use my brushes.

Overall, I'd definitely recommend it, and I'll be trying it again in another color combo.

*I did receive this product complimentary for testing purposes, but the comments are 100% my own opinion.

[yourejustgorgeous]

My E.L.F. Cosmetics order came in today! It feels like Christmas!! Better yet, I snagged this during their birthday sale, meaning I got it all for around $15.

[yourejustgorgeous]

I have naturally thin and weak nails. Add this to the fact that I'm a habitual nail biter and have to have polish on all of the time. It's a complete nail disaster. My nails are constantly peeling and splitting so that I have to take them down to nubs and start all over again. It doesn't help that I have really short nail beds, meaning I have to grow my nails out relatively long for them to look normal.

Meet Nail Tek. I was not super pumped about this product because it contains formaldehyde. But, it works so well that now I don't even care. I've used it both by itself and as a base coat and top coat. Each time when I remove the polish my nails feel strangely smoother and are still peel free after weeks of polish wearing. I used this specific product (Nail Tek II) but they have a bevy of other things that I'd be willing to try.

This has replaced my revered Zoya as top and base coat of choice. Also, my key to lasting polish is to never goop a ton of top coat on. How in the world does that dry without you messing it up? Put on a thin layer the day you do your nails. Wait a day or two and put another coat on. This always guarantees me a week long manicure.

-J

[yourejustgorgeous]

4th of July mani and a patriotic owl. Mercuh!

[yourejustgorgeous]

Freeman masks and I have had a long and happy relationship. I’ve used these two in particular since my acne-ridden junior high days. They’ve never let me down.

The Clay Mask with Avocado and Oatmeal goes on smooth, thick, and opaque (as you can see in my lovely photo). The kaolin clay and oatmeal are great if you’re looking for some deep pore cleansing, while the avocado keeps your face from totally drying up. This is a rinse off mask and I usually use a couple times a month, right before a shower.

The Facial Peel-Off Mask with Cucumber is excellent if your face is feeling a bit dull. It’s not as deep an exfoliation as a rough scrub or a peel with acids, but it definitely leaves skin feeling soft and refreshed. This mask goes on clear and dries to a rubbery finish that can be peeled off in one piece. I love that part :). I try to use this one every week.

Both of these masks are around $4-$5 each and can be purchased at most any drug store.

What about you? Have any tried and true beauty loves that have stood the test of time?

[yourejustgorgeous]

As promised, my review of the Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System: Since turning 30 I've really been trying to pay more attention to my skin care routine. There has been a lot of buzz about skin brushes lately and I've been curious. I also have had some rough, bumpy skin show up on my forehead and on the sides of my cheeks, in addition to feeling like my complexion could be brighter.  I made the decision to try the Olay brush rather than the Clarisonic brush on cost alone.  My skin can be a little finicky and I didn't want to sink $120 or more trying to find out if it likes brushes. 

I found this kit at my local CVS for around $30, which I bought in combination with a $5 off store coupon.  The brush comes with two AA batteries and a 20ml sample of the Olay Pro-X Cleanser.  I tried the cleanser once, but have been more happy using my Kiehl's Oil-Free Ultra Facial Cleanser.  I use the brush about once a day in the shower with a pea-sized amount of cleanser.  I wouldn't ever totally submerge this tool in water, as I don't think it's water proof.  I haven't been super scientific about how long I use it on each area of my face, but I do notice a squeakier clean than using my fingers alone.  I like that this brush has two speed options, controlled by the bottom button on the back of the brush.  So far I've only used the high speed, but if I was feeling a little sensitive would definitely try the lower speed.  This brush rotates, whereas the Clarisonic vibrates at super high speed.  I've been using for around two weeks now and no longer have the rough, bumpy patches!  I also feel like my face is overall clearer and brighter.  A little extra exfoliation can be a wonderful thing!

[yourejustgorgeous]

Teasers

We may have been absent for a long time, but we were still beautifying!  I've got a few reviews to catch up on including:

Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal and the Cucumber Peel-Off Masks

Olay Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

and...finally........

my very first CHI Hair dryer - the CHI Ionic Chameleon

Cara

[yourejustgorgeous]

Gel Nails and My Quest to Have Non-Hobbit Hands That Won't Break the Bank:

Some time ago I was wandering my local CVS and I saw a Sally Hansen Gel Strips nail kit.  I was intrigued. I loved the look of gel/shellac nails, but didn't feel like paying salon prices for all the upkeep.  The kit was around $30 (bottom right pic).  Long story short, the strips were awful.  I'm kind of a pro at the normal SH polish strips, so I was surprised that the gel strips lacked the same tackiness, and bubbled like crazy.  I followed the directions to a T, applying each strip, and then applying the gel topcoat and setting with the LED light.  Sadly, the color from all ten nails popped off the very next day, and my dreams of glossy gel nails were dashed.

Fast forward to this weekend.  My nails had been sans polish for about two weeks and were in ROUGH shape.  Janky cuticles, bitten nails...not attractive.  Again, I found myself wandering CVS and saw a display for Sally Hansen Gel Polish.  It paints on like regular polish, so no strips to worry about, and cures with the same LED light from the strips kit.  Deciding to give it one more go, I chose a bottle of Red My Lips (bottom left pic) and a base coat, which my strips kit hadn't included.  The full Sally Hansen Gel Polish Starter Kit with a larger LED curing light that does four fingers at once is around $70, which is a bit steep for me, but would definitely save time, and would still be cheaper than salon prices if you used it regularly. 

I prepped my nails and cuticles, used the alcohol wipe on each nail bed prior to application and went at it...one slow nail at a time, since that's all my bitty light can handle.  Overall the process took somewhere around 45 minutes to paint on base coat, two coats of color, and top coat, with a LED light cure between each layer.  With a final swipe of alcohol wipe to remove the tackiness after the final step I was left with ten shiny, dry, perfectly red nails.  The photo above is taken on day 4 and I still have no chips!  I'll update at a later date on full staying power and removal.  At $12.50 per bottle for the color, it's slightly more expensive than an OPI or Essie regular polish, but a 14 day, chip-free manicure just might make it worthwhile in my book.

[yourejustgorgeous]

This brush is from the E.L.F. line at Target. It is my most favorite make-up brush...and it is only $6. Go get it. -T

[yourejustgorgeous]

I wish this review were more exciting. It may not be a fun new color or a special boutique product, but trust, I am in love. I've had great luck with Palmer's Cocoa Butter products in the past. The only drawback was that the product usually comes in a giant bottle or tub, the smell can be a bit overwhelming in large quantities (though I don't find it offensive), and frankly I'd usually tire of slathering myself with it after every shower. Still, it's always done GREAT things for my skin. I found this little tube of the balm for $.99 last night and snagged it. Perfect for my dry cuticles, knuckles, elbows and since its purse size I'll always have it ready. I also swiped it on my lips last night before bed and woke up without cracks or dryness for literally the first time all winter. Go get some! -Cara

[yourejustgorgeous]

Skin problems and concealers.

Those two things have kind of been my life lately. For some reason (even after consulting a dermatologist) my face has been acting totally crazy. Apparently I am once again a teenager going through puberty. So...insert a quest for the perfect concealer.

I am not one to spend lots of money on high-priced make-up. I prefer being able to pick up most things at Target rather than making trips to Sephora or the Bare Minerals store.

At home over Christmas I was chatting with my mom as she applied her make-up. And the only thing she used was This  concealer stick. No foundation, no powder. Just the concealer. And I decided I had to give it a shot. And now, I don't want to be without it ever ever ever.

It is a very dry formula, but covers and blends really well. It won't leave your skin feeling cakey. I use it under a mineral based powder, but it also looks great alone.

If you're having any sort of teenager skin problems like I'm having, I'm sure you'll love it too.

[tallgirltales]

The Essie x BaubleBar collection combines 2 things I love: nail polish & bracelets. Click through to check it out!

[yourejustgorgeous]

I'm always in the market for a product that will lengthen my manicure, which usually lasts all of about four days before looking haggard.  My very favorite base coat seen here is OPI Natural Nail Base Coat.  My nails have been a bit ridgey lately and I've heard great things about Essie Ridge Filling Base Coat, so I went out in search of that.  My CVS was out, and the next thing I spotted was Sally Hansen Powerful Acrylic Gel that claims to give your nails super strength and can be used as a base coat.  Gave it a try, along with a replacement bottle of Sally Hansen Dries Instantly top coat.

Long story short, this base coat caused my new Essie Play Date manicure to peel completely off within two days.  We're talking peeled off in one full sheet for each nail.  Do not recommend.  Back to my old faithful.  OPI...Never leave me.

[yourejustgorgeous]

Sorry for the gigantic hiatus!  Is Summer over?  How is that EVEN possible?

I've been struggling with both the time and desire to get up and fully wash/dry/style my hair in the morning.  I also don't want to fry my hair with daily heat.  This means I've been going to bed with wet hair, waking up with a slept on mess, and wearing lots of buns and ponytails to work.

I was browsing the Target hair aisle for some inspiration and found these.  I haven't worn curlers to bed FOREVER.  Like probably since elementary school picture days, but I thought I'd give them a try.  

Last night I washed my hair, applied mousse and scrunched, and then waited until it was just very slightly still damp.  Starting at the front of my face I alternated small and medium rollers with approximately 1 inch chunks of hair.  I twisted each chunk very slightly so the curls wouldn't be so perfect, and then spiral wrapped around each curler and bent the top and bottom of the curler to hold the hair in place.  I wish I would have taken a picture of the "finished" curler look for you all.  Wait, no.  I definitely don't :).  Sleeping in the curlers...it was not the most pleasant thing, but definitely better than those old pink rollers I remember.  These lie flatter against your head, and if you're a back sleeper I don't think you'd have much trouble at all.

This morning I woke up, unspiraled my hair from the curlers starting from the top, and ran my fingers through a bit.  It was initially a bit tighter of a curl than I wanted so I ran some water over my hands and scrunched/pulled each curl down a bit.  Once I got it to the place I wanted I finished with Tressemme Curl Enhancing Spray, and walked out the door.

This picture is after an entire day at work!  I STILL HAVE CURL AFTER 8+ hours and don't even really need much touch up before I head out for the evening.  LOVE!  I will definitely be trying this again.

[yourejustgorgeous]

Did you all see this adorable Kool-Aid lip stain tutorial from The Beauty Department?  Genius!

[yourejustgorgeous]

Fall Trend Alert:  The Sesame Seed Nail

Velvet Manicure not quite edgy enough for you?  Like your nails a little more spicy (or dirty)?  Try the Salt and Pepper nail, the Potting Soil Nail, or the Jack's BBQ Rub nail.

Check out the whole funny (and obviously tongue-in-cheek) post over at Vampy Varnish. Well played.  I almost believed, and was totally grossed out, for a hot second.

--Cara