Review: Boscia Luminizing Black Mask

I have heard so many great things about this mask that I decided to give it a try. This product claims to boost skin clarity and radiance, remove dirt and impurities and refine the look of pores. It does not contain any preservatives, and it is artificial fragrance and color free. Some of the ingredients are Vitamin C, Natural Clay, Pine Bark Extract, Witch Hazel and Rosemary Leaf Extract.
I purchased this mask at Sephora and it was $34 for 2.8 oz of product.
The way you use this mask is by applying it on dry, clean skin and leave it for 15- 20 minutes or until it is dry. The texture is very glue-like and it smells like eucalyptus but it is not overwhelming. When the mask is dry to the touch you gently peel off the mask from the outer edges. One thing I need to mention is that you have to apply an even layer or the mask won't peel off in one piece. In other words, if you apply a very thin or very thick amount you will have to peel it off in pieces.
The results: while my skin felt smooth and clean right after I used it, I haven't notice any improvement on the clarity of my skin. I did notice a lot of gunk stuck to the mask after I peeled it off, so I know it was getting rid of impurities. I can compare this mask to the Biore Nose Strips but for your whole face.
My thoughts: I did not like the feeling of peeling the mask off my face. I felt like I was ripping my skin off. It was painful to remove it, almost as painful as waxing. So, even after seeing some results my final question was: Does the end justify the means? I don't think so. I think there are other products out there that will give me the same results without the harsh method of the Boscia Luminizing Black Mask. This product is not for me.
Final score: C

Project 10 Pan: Finalized!

I finally did it! I am officially done with my project 10 pan. I have to say it was harder than I thought, but  during the process I realized some of these products I was accumulating were not really my favorite ones. For example: Gucci Envy Me, Clinique Even Better Moisturizer and Carol's Daughter Body Butter. My lesson learned is: keep the receipt in case I don't like the product. Besides that, the experience was great. I will definitely do this again. Here is the final list of products I finished.

• L'oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in carbon black
• Lancome Artliner in prune
• Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara Base
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance
• Mac Lipstick in Hug Me
• Clinique Stay Matte Pressed Powder
• Maybelline Dream Smooth Mouse
• Clinique Even Better Moisturizer
• Sephora Anti Shine Primer
• Burberry Eau de Parfum
• Gucci Envy Me Eau de Toilette
• Carol's Daughter Ecstasy Shea Souffle Body Butter
• Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie
• Korres Jasmine Eye Makeup Remover

I am on vacation right now, so I couldn't have finished this project in a better time. I just found a CCO in the city I'm visiting so expect a haul very soon.

Until next time,

Ruth

Bargain Alert!

I just saw this online and I thought you guys would be interested. The Smashbox Quad in Iconic Eyes at Sephora.com is $12, yessssss, $12! (Value $46) The sale is online only, I'm leaving the link below. Happy shopping!

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P282032&om_mmc=oth-fb-smashbox12palette-su

NARS Boutique opening soon in NYC

NARS cosmetics is opening their first Boutique Store in February 10th, 2011. They will be located on 413 Bleecker Street, NY. The Boutique will carry exclusive products like their Bento Box and a Matte Lipstick named after their new address. I've never been in New York City, but I think I just found the perfect excuse to visit! Lucky you if you live there!!

Source: http://www.facebook.com/narscosmetics?v=app_10442206389&ref=ts

Project 10 Pan Updated

OK, so I started my Project 10 Pan on 1/18/11, and today 2/6/11  I am reporting my progress on this challenge. I must say, I really had to force myself to be consistent with the products I was working on but I made some great improvement. I finished 6 of the 14 products but I'm not sure I'll be able to reach 10...Well, 6 is better than nothing, right? Here are the ones I'm talking about:

• L'oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Eyeliner in carbon black
• Lancome Artliner in prune
• Lancome Cils Booster XL Mascara Base
• Too Faced Shadow Insurance
• Mac Lipstick in Hug Me
• Clinique Stay Matte Pressed Powder
• Maybelline Dream Smooth Mouse
• Clinique Even Better Moisturizer
• Sephora Anti Shine Primer
• Burberry Eau de Parfum
• Gucci Envy Me Eau de Toilette
• Carol's Daughter Ecstasy Shea Souffle Body Butter
• Carol's Daughter Black Vanilla Hair Smoothie
• Korres Jasmine Eye Makeup Remover

I will report back as soon as I'm done with other items. Yes I can! hahaha ;)

Review : NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil

NYX is a cosmetics line that you can find at Ulta or online at nyxcosmetics.com. They have a big range of products, but they are mostly known for their Jumbo Eye Pencils. But are these pencils worth all the hype? Let me give you my opinion.

The Pros:

• They are really creamy and very pigmented.
• They blend very easily
• They come in a variety of colors; some of them are shimmery, and some of them are matte
• They are specially great to use as a base of your powder eyeshadow to make the color more vibrant.
• They are very inexpensive, $4.50 each at their website

The Cons:

• The only negative side for me is the fact that I must use a primer underneath them or they will crease on me.

Final Score: A-

From Left to Right: 603 Pots & Pans, 615 Slate, 618 Purple, 623 Purple Velvet,

616 Pacific, 604 Milk, 612 Gold, 621 Pure Gold and 609 French Fries

What do you think about these pencils? Let me know,

Ruth

Favorites: January 2011

This month I have tons of great favorites. The reason: this blog! Ever since I started writing about what I'm liking at the moment, I have been experimenting more with my products and I re-discovered things I even forgot I had. But one thing is for sure, I am loving rose products this month. I know rosy chicks would be one of the trends for the spring, and I don't know about you, but I am so ready for spring. So without further ado, here are my favorite products of the month:

Urban Decay - Naked Palette: this palette has every neutral shade you need. It is perfect for traveling because it includes 12 eye shadows, a double ended liner in black and brown, and it also comes with a mini eyeshadow primer potion all in a very nice velvety packaging. The combos I wear often are Sin & Buck or Toasted & Hustle. I really love this palette.

Make Up For Ever HD Foundation: I have it in the shade #127. I love the finish of this foundation and how long it lasts on my skin (at least 8 hs). I do have to powder after 5 or 6 hours because I have combination skin, but I have to do that with every foundation. I think what I like the most of this product is how it looks in pictures. It photographs beautifully without shininess. It makes me look like if I have perfect skin....I wish :)

Chanel Joues Contraste Powder Blush in Orchid Rose: this blush not only gives me the perfect healthy rosy look, but it also smells like real roses. It is a little shimmery but not over the top. It blends really well and the color is buildable. The extra plus of the product is the packaging. I love the sleek black packaging that includes a big mirror, a mini brush and a velvet pouch.

Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer: I got this product as a 100 point gift from Sephora. It is a generous sample size of 0.5 fl oz or 14.7 ml. I use this as a highlighter in conjunction with Chanel Orchid Rose Blush and it is a match made in heaven. It looks very natural and glowy without glitter.

NARS Duo in Rajasthan: I wore a lot of neutrals this month and this duo has a very unique shade of neutral eyeshadow. The color on the left is a beige/gold/taupe color that looks really great by itself. I would compare this shade to Dalliance by MAC but a little bit darker. I wore this shadow on my lid and I used the dark green eyeshadow as an eyeliner.

Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara: a second month in a row for this mascara. I liked this since I first used it, but I was very skeptical of the grow/conditioning properties. Well, after more than a month of using it religiously every day, I do see and feel my lashes in better condition. I can't really tell if they are longer. I really wish I took a "before" picture so I can make review on it, but I can honestly say that I found my holy grail mascara. I love it that much.

MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Long Stem Rose: continuing with my rosy pattern here, I am loving this lipstick and I am so upset that it is discontinued. The whole Slimshine line is no longer available. I really hope they bring back these products in the future because they are so glossy and moisturizing. Almost like a balm, a gloss, and a lipstick all together in one sleek little tube. Long Stem Rose is one of my favorites of the line.

MAC Blacktrack Fludline: I finished my L'oreal liquid eyeliner for my project 10 pan (updated status coming soon) so I searched my drawer for another black eyeliner and I found this. I forgot how great this is. I also thought it would be dry by now, but it is as creamy as it was the first day I bought it.

C.O. Bigelow Rose Salve: I'm loving this salve for my cuticles and my lips. It is so moisturizing and it smells divine. Another long time friend. I'm just so happy to get reunited with them.

and finally,

Clarisonic MIA: I purchased this a while ago and I used it daily in my night routine. I just recently found dry patches on my neck and the back of my hands. I decided to use the clarisonic to exfoliate those areas. It made a huge difference on the texture of my skin. I already got great results on my face, but I now use it on my hands and neck when needed. I would make a proper review on this product because I think it is an investment, but it is worth the money.

From Left to Right: MAC Long Stem Rose Slimshine, Chanel Orchid Rose Blush, NARS Rajasthan and Laura Mercier Luminizing Tinted Moisturizer.