Philosophy Hope Daily Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF30

     Well, I hate to tell ya, but contrary to what Jack Sparrow might say, this is as close as you are going to get to the fabled Fountain of Youth. Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen!
     In the beauty world, you won't go a day without hearing the benefits of sunscreen. We've all seen the effects that too much sun exposure (i.e. tanning) does to your skin. I cringe when I think of all those years I bathed in the sun with no sunscreen. All those ten hours days at band camp with no sun protection makes me wince and scold myself. Who wants brown, leathery skin, when we can have milky Snow White skin? lol Ok, enough with the comparisons. Proper skin-care today has to involve some kind of sun protection.
     Which is what brings me to Philosophy's Hope Oil-Free SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer for normal to oily skin.  I actually received this as a free sample with a Sephora purchase, and as you can see, it is a lot bigger than a regular sample, as it has enough in there for several uses.
     On Philosophy's website, it is described as an "oil-free, lightweight daytime moisturizer formulated with broad-spectrum sun protection and multiple antioxidants to hydrate and protect the skin."
     At first, when I saw that it was for normal to oily skin, I didn't know if it would work for me because I tend to have drier skin on my face, and I don't really get oily. I wanted something to give me a lot of moisture, especially in these winter months with little-to-no humidity.  However, the first day I used it, I could tell there was something different about my face. It didn't dry out my face at all, it actually kept my face moisturized throughout the day! No more were those ugly dry patches around my nose and mouth, but at the end of the day, I could touch my face and it would still feel soft and smooth. I have noticed that my face does get a little oily with this moisturizer, which is strange, because it is for normal to oily skin, so shouldn't it control oil? Anyway, it's a small price to pay for very hydrating results.
     The best part? SPF 30!!!
     I feel so much better about putting a nice sunscreen under my foundation, because I know I will be more protected from the sun's rays than without it. I feel like the SPF is just a nice bonus!
     This sample size is 0.4 oz., and it has lasted me at least a couple of weeks, and I still have some left. I am really going to be sad when it is gone, but it is available in full size on Philosophy.com for 2 oz. at $38.
     I will definitely think about getting this in the full-size, because I don't think I've come across a better daytime moisturizer with such a high SPF. However, I'm always on the search for better beauty products!

MAC Wonder Woman!!!

POW! Here are some pictures of a couple of items from the MAC Wonder Woman Collection. There are more swatches and reviews coming, let me know what you think and what you've got your eye on! ;-)

 MAC Wonder Woman lipstick in Marquise'd

 Marquise'd swatched

 MAC Wonder Woman Mineralize Skinfinish in Golden Lariat



MAC Soiree Nail Lacquer

     I've decided to include a review on this nail lacquer now because I believe it is still available, even though it is limited edition. It is a part of the MAC Cham-pale collection, which launched on December 26 of last year. MAC Nail Laquers retail for $13, and this color is a very bronzy-metallic gold, and in some lights it even looks like rose gold.

     I chose this color because I love all things metallic, and this polish is a perfect neutral gold. However, the formula is thin and it only lasts for a couple of days on me with two coats plus one clear coat. The color is very pretty, but this nail polish isn't the best formula in the world, and it would be nice to have if it didn't chip so much and would last longer. Sadly, I may return it. It doesn't make sense to have a nail polish that doesn't last long!                 

NARS Eyeshadow in Etrusque

     NARS launched Etrusque as a part of their winter/holiday collection. I had heard great reviews about this eyeshadow.  I heard it applied smoothly, had great pigmentation, and had a gorgeous, but not the most unique, color.
     Let's start with the packaging. A lot of people do not like NARS packaging; it has a matte black case that flips up with a mirror inside. I actually think it looks sleek and sophisticated. I really like the packaging; it hasn't proven difficult for me so far.
     Though it is a very beautiful gold, the color is not unique. I have a lot of golds that look very similiar to this. I will soon swatch all of my gold eyeshadows so you can see the difference of them all, but the good thing about this eyeshadow is that there is no glitter in this color, so it is a 'grown-up' gold.
     The texture is buttery, but I have used softer eyeshadows, particulary some of Stila's eyeshadows. I do wish Etrusque was more pigmented; I feel like I have to pack it on somewhat to get decent color pay-off.
     If you are looking for a more sheer gold that you can build up to more color, then this eyeshadow is for you. I do believe you can find a similar gold that is less expensive, though. This is an eyeshadow you may have to try for yourself, or go to your local Sephora to swatch, because some people love it, and some people hate it, and I am kind of neutral about it.
      

   NARS Etrusque is $23 for 0.07 oz, and is available on NARS.com, Beauty.com, and at your local Sephora or Sephora.com. Sephora often has friends and family sales where you can get it for a discounted price, or Beauty.com has a great rewards program called 'Drugstore Dollars', where you get a certain amount back to spend for every purchase.

Revlon Super Lustrous Pearl Lipstick in Softsilver Red

     Where Revlon Super Lustrous Pearl Lipstick in Softsilver Rose is more of a Raspberry color, Softsilver Red is more of a strawberry color.  Softsilver Red has a warmer, more reddish-coral undertone. For information about the formula and wear, see Softsilver Rose.

     I think I like Softsilver Red better, simply because my skin has warm undertones. This color would be a great summer lipstick because it reminds me of a juicy strawberry or watermelon on a sizzlin' hot day.

     In the picture above, Softsilver Rose is on the left, and Softsilver Red is on the right, and you can see the cooler undertones in SS Rose.

     Softsilver Red is such a gorgeous color. Revlon has an array of lipstick colors to choose from, and I think everyone can find a shade for them. Will you be heading to the Revlon section next time you look for a lipstick? Let me know what you get! :)

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Pearl in Softsilver Rose

     Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipstick is one of the better options of drugstore lipsticks on the market, as they are only $5-$8, they have nice pigment, and they do not have a nasty cheap-lipstick smell. 

           I've read that Softsilver Rose is very popular among women, and it has won many awards in beauty magazines. I'm not sure if it is a favorite because it's mentioned in so many magazines, or if it's mentioned a lot because many women actually buy it - who knows. But, it actually is a very nice color. The color is more of a raspberry-rose, and I think it definitely has cooler undertones.

     This color in particular is very pigmented, the formula is better than most drugstore lipsticks, and it's wonderful that it doesn't have a plastic or chemical smell. My lips feel a little dry after application. You can add a nice gloss over the lipstick, but I still think you can feel the lipstick underneath.

     Overall, this is a great drugstore lipstick, and there is a whole rainbow of colors to choose from. These lipsticks are also sealed with plastic when you purchase, so you know some person hasn't tried it out before you put it on your lips. Thanks, Revlon! These lipsticks are cheapest at Wal-mart and Target, but if you boycott those places (lol), CVS and Walgreens will have them buy-one-get-one-half-off sometimes. :)
                             



Krasey Beauty Giveaway!

http://www.kraseybeauty.com/2011/02/krasey-anniversary-and-giveaway.html

Krasey Anniversary, and Giveaway!

By: Adina


I’d like to interrupt our regularly scheduled beauty programing for this very special announcement.


My dear readers, today is a very special day for me. In the blink of an eye, another year has flown by, and today we are celebrating 2 years of Krasey, beauty that is. What started as my own little pet project two years ago has blossomed into a passion, a slight obsession, and even an extension of my very own persona.
I want to take a moment to get a bit sappy on all of you, to thank you for the incredible support, love, and dedication you have all shown me these past two years. Thank you for reading daily, for commenting, and of course for subscribing!

Now what would a celebration be without a big giveaway? In honor of this special occasion, I have collaborated with my favorite beauty brands to bring you all the very best of Krasey beauty! That means I have three prize packs here with your name on it. Without further adieu, here is what you can win:

Runner Up Prize 1

Make Up For Ever Rock for Ever Essentials Kit
1 bottle of Zoya Nail Polish in Adina

Runner Up Prize 2

Make Up For Ever Rock for Ever Essentials Kit
1 bottle of Zoya Nail Polish in Adina

The Grand Prize!

Make Up For Ever Rock for Ever Essentials Kit
Make Up For Ever Rock For Ever Eyeshadow Quad
Make Up For Ever Rock For Ever Mini Pencil Kit
Zoya Color Lock System
Zoya Intimate Collection for Spring
Hourglass Cosmetics Extreme Sheen Lipgloss Trio
All 5 of the Harajuku Lovers Wicked Style Fragrances
Jennifer Lopez’s newest scent, Love and Glamour
Bulgari Source Defense Serum
EcoTools Makeup Brushes
A Tokidoki Overnight Makeup Bag
… and a few more (big!) surprises that I have up my sleeve.


So, how do you win? First, you need to be an e-mail subscriber. You can subscribe to e-mails by clicking on the box up top (The Updates by E-Mail Box).

To be eligible for the runner up prizes, you can do one of the following:


Follow me on twitter @KraseyBeauty, and tweet the following: “Hey @KraseyBeauty, I want to win the Krasey 2 Year Giveaway prize!”


Become a fan of Krasey Beauty on Facebook, and leave a comment there on the wall telling me your favorite feature


Re-post this giveaway on your blog, then leave me a comment with the link.


Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, and leave me a comment telling me you have done so (along with your YT user name).


This contest will be up and running all this month, and I will announce the winner on March 5th, good luck everyone! Thanks again for making this blogging journey so wonderful.