REVIEW: Salmon Concealer & Treatment by Eve Pearl

  

 <3

For the past 2 weeks I have been using a brand new concealer made by Eve Pearl.  It is called the Salmon Concealer & Treatment.  According to the Eve Pearl website, the concealer uses the pinky/peach or "salmon" color to neutralize the dark blue undertones that are found under your eye.  The concealer is also safe for sensitive skin because it has no harsh fragrance, parabens, or oil.  It is also cruelty free :)

Salmon Concealer with mirror compact in Medium

I have been looking for a good concealer for over a year ever since they discontinued my favorite drugstore concealer.  I have tried so many concealers this year like Maybelline, CoverGirl, Almay and L'Oreal.  No matter what I never had enough coverage and I could still see dark circles under my eyes.  I decided I needed to look into investing money for a better quality concealer.  I had tried the Salmon Concealer at an Eve Pearl booth during IMATS and loved it so much.  It had been sold out that day though.  I decided that if I was going to invest in a good concealer I would try this one first since I already knew how good it was. 

My dark under eye circles in various light

My under eye circles after using the Salmon concealer and a translucent powder

I am so happy with this concealer!  It leaves no trace of under eye darkness when applied correctly.  It is suggested you tap it on under your eye with the tip of your ring finger rather than rubbing it in.  This tapping method also allows you to build the coverage you need while blending the concealer into your skin for a seamless look.  The texture of the concealer is very creamy and almost feels like a moisturizer for your eyes.  After you put on the concealer you should make sure to set it with a translucent powder as shown in the picture above.


To sum it up:

Pros: Great coverage, safe for skin, 
Cons: Not readily available in stores, expensive
Would I repurchase? YES!!!

Check out the Eve Pearl website for more info on the concealer and also check out the rest of the makeup line!
http://www.evepearl.com/products/concealers-salmon/

Tips for Growing Thicker, Fuller Hair

It is no secret how much I loathe my hair.  It is really thin, fine, limp, and lifeless.  I would trade hair with just about anyone really.    I went to the dermatologist to see if there was anything that could be causing me to lose hair or if there was a medicine they could give me that would help me grow back my hair.  The doctor told me there was nothing wrong with me and that the texture of my hair had changed.  Fine, thin hair is my new hair texture and I am just going to have to learn to deal. (Bummer!).  There are some products that I have become familiar with that have helped my hair appear fuller and thicker as well as helped me grow more hair.  

Big Sexy Hair Products: I have been using Big Sexy Hair shampoo, conditioner and root pump for the past 2 years.  I really like these products because they help give my hair volume, especially the root pump!  The root pump is put in your damp roots and then you blow dry your hair for mega volume!  Sometimes the products can be a bit pricey but I have been able to find them at Marshalls or TJMaxx for reduced prices.  In general, I always buy volumizing hair products but if you are interested in a specific brand you can try these!  

Paul Mitchell Strength Super Strong Daily Treatment

Paul Mitchell Strength: I did a YT video about the Paul Mitchell Strength Super Strong hair products.  These products are designed specifically to help strengthen, smooth and repair hair.   When I noticed a lot of fallout in the shower and on my bed pillow, I started using the shampoo, conditioner and liquid leave in treatment.  I noticed within the first 2 weeks that my amount of fallout had significantly decreased!  I was so excited!!    

Nioxin Scalp Treatment 2

Nioxin Scalp Treatment (#2):   This was another shampoo/conditioner and leave in foam treatment I used as well.  This treatment (#2) was specifically for natural fine hair that is noticeably thinning.  There are different numbers for different hair textures.  The treatment helps to repair the hair shaft from inside out using a combination of vitamins for the scalp. 
*One thing about the foam leave in serum is that too much will make your dry hair feel greasy!*

Nubian Heritage Grow & Strengthen Treatment Masque

 Nubian Heritage Grow and Strengthen Masque:  I use this before I wash my hair.  I wet my hair and then coat it in this hair masque for 15-30 minutes before I take my shower.  It helps condition my hair and leaves my hair feeling soft and looking shiny.  It says it helps to grow and strengthen by stopping breakage.  I try to use this masque at least 1-2 times per week.  You can find it at Target in the ethnic hair product aisle. 

Rogaine/Minoxidil

 Minoxidil a.k.a. Rogaine:  I use 2% Minoxidil on my hair every time I wash it.  After I towel dry my hair I add 2 full squirts of the Minoxidil all over my scalp.  I have had the most success with this and have experienced increased hair growth within 4 weeks of using it!  There is Minoxidil with a higher percentage but those are often marketed for men.  I would be hesitant to use a stronger percentage of Minoxidil because of possible side effects including increased body hair.  The only downside of using Minoxidil is that once you start you can't stop.  If you start Minoxidil, grow back hair and then decide to stop taking it, all the hair you grew will eventually begin to fall out.  I know this from personal experience.  I was using Minoxidil for awhile about 3 years ago and had grown hair.  I decided after some time that I didn't need to use it anymore because I had grown hair.  Within a year I realized I had lost most if not all the hair I had grown.   I was devastated!  

Left Pic: My hair after using Minoxidil Right Pic: My hair 6 months after stopping Minoxidil

 In January of this year, I started using Minoxidil again on a regular basis and I grew back a significant amount of the hair I had lost.  So I will have to continue to use this treatment to maintain my hair growth.  I am nowhere near to having a full head of thick, gorgeous Kim K hair but it's fuller than it was!   *One side effect is a tender scalp that tends to get a little itchy sometimes.  However, an itchy scalp is a small price to pay for having a little more hair on my head.* 

Biotin

Biotin: I was introduced to Biotin by a hair dresser who cut my hair.  She suggested that I try taking it because she heard from other clients that it was good for hair.  Biotin is basically a water soluble B-vitamin that promotes healthy hair, skin and nails.  It increases hair elasticity which helps to stop breakage/fall out.  It helps make your hair shiny and healthy.  In addition, it also helps your nails grow faster and stronger.  It also helps make your skin look healthy and clear.  I won't get into a long scientific paragraph because you can research it more if you are interested.  Here is a useful article I found online.  I get my Biotin at CVS, Walgreens, etc.  You can find it in most drugstores where they sell natural supplements and vitamins.  It is also a reasonable price; not expensive.  If you have any hesitation or questions I would contact my dermatologist to make sure it is safe for you to use.  However, I have not had any problems taking this supplement. 

Good luck with your hair growth and care!!!   


-xo, Michelle G




  

My Favorite Eyeliners

For anyone who is looking to try a new eyeliner or looking for a different one I made this post with some of my favorites.  I mainly only use black color eyeliners so everything featured is in that color.  But these brands all have different colors you can buy as well.  Enjoy! :)

M.A.C. Fluidline in Blacktrack

This is my favorite gel eyeliner and I have tried alot of them.  I find that the M.A.C. Fluidline is really creamy and therefore goes on really smoothly.  It's also my go to eyeliner if I'm planning on being out all day and night and need an eyeliner that is going to last throughout the day without reapplying.  I've tried drugstore brand gel liners that worked well but they dried out relatively fast compared to the Fluidline.  I've also tried other professional brand liners that in my opinion smudged easily and didn't go on as well.  Since M.A.C. is considered a professional brand the price is a bit more than you would pay for drugstore brand gel eyeliner but its a better product and it lasts a long time.  Plus when compared to other similar professional gel eyeliners I believe M.A.C. is on the lower price end (around $15). I use this product when I'm lining my upper lash line. I put a little bit on the outer half of my lower lash line for when I want a more dramatic or smokey effect.

L'Oreal Linear Intense Felt Tip Eyeliner in Black Mica

Hands down the best liquid eyeliner I have ever used is L'Oreal Linear Intense.  The one thing to remember is to make sure you are getting the one with the felt tip.  Liquid eyeliner is tricky to put on and it definitely takes a certain amount of practice before you can actually venture out of your house wearing it.  I have tried a bunch of different liquid eyeliners and I found that the easiest ones to use are the ones that you use like a pen or pencil.  It gives you more control of the tip so that you can draw a more precise line.  The felt tip also is very flexible making it easy to line up close to your eyelashes and bend enough as you draw your line.  The first time I ever got this liquid eyeliner I got the one with the felt tip and it was great.  L'Oreal also makes a Linear Intense with a brush tip.  I once made the mistake of buying that one by accident and it was the worst thing ever and a total waste of money.  I found the brush to be flimsy and it was impossible to make an even line.  I like this Linear Intense eyeliner more than other brands.  Also being that it is a drugstore brand the price is reasonable (around $8-9). I use this eyeliner when I am lining my upper lash line especially when I want to do a winged eyeliner look or cat eyes.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil in Zero



I have mentioned this same eyeliner in a previous post.  It remains one of my favorite pencil eyeliners ever because it is creamy and seriously glides on super easy.  It's probably one the more expensive side for just a pencil liner but I've mentioned before that you can usually get one or a mini one when you buy one of the UD eyeshadow palettes.  If you choose to buy it alone it is a bit pricey (around $18).  I use this to line my lower lash line. 

Rimmel Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Pencil in Jet Black

If you want a good eye pencil that is not as much money than I also suggest trying out the Soft Kohl Kajal eye pencil from Rimmel which is available in most drugstores (around $3-4).



#9 Maybelline FIT me foundation review

FIT me foundation by Maybelline $8.79 at CVS pharmacy

If you take a look at my makeup collection there is one type of item that I do not have alot of.  I recently started using foundation (maybe 2 years ago) after going years and years without using any (not even once!).  I didn't know how to use it and I never really needed it because I've been very lucky to have a clear complexion.  Over the past 2 years I started using tinted moisturizers and foundations to help protect my skin from the sun, even out my skin tone and cover up small freckles.  I don't buy too much so I only have two other foundations besides the Fit Me one. 

I've been using this foundation for the past 3 weeks on the regular.  It can be found at local drugstores, Target, Walmart, etc.  I got mine at CVS in the shade 210 Sandy Beige (pictured above).  The FIT me foundation boasts a natural tone, seamless blending, and allows for skin to breath.  No marketing scams on this one! I agree with everything they say.  It was a little tricky trying to match my color at the drugstore without opening the product.  However, I am happy with the color I chose because it matches my skin tone really well.  It is easy to blend and doesn't dry up too fast so you have time to really blend it well and it definitely blends seamlessly.  In my opinion it offers a medium to full coverage depending on how much product you need to use.  The best part is that it doesn't look like you have foundation on!  It gives me a nice even skin tone and doesn't feel heavy or cakey.  It also leaves a slight dewiness which gives a nice glow. But if you don't like dewy then you can easily make it more matte by setting it with a powder (also available in the FIT me line) 

*Best thing about this line is that is doesn't just stop with foundation!  The FIT me line also has powder and concealer that match your color for the perfect shade and finish.  Check it out!*

  

#8 Conair Infiniti Curling Wand - Love it or hate it?

I'm blogging about this because I'm hoping to get some feedback on this product.  Has anyone purchased the Infiniti Curling Wand by Conair or any other similar type of product?  I've noticed that there are many different companies selling clipless curling irons.  The idea is appealing to me because I have often stayed away from using curling irons because I find them hard to use.  The clamp always leaves a dent in my hair or my hair wraps around the clamp and gets stuck or pulled out.  So when I saw that they were selling these clipless curling irons in the store I was obviously interested.  In the past I've had bad luck with Conair products.  Personally, they just don't work for me the way I need them too.  I've been watching Youtube product reviews on these clipless products.  And to be honest, while the gurus rage on about how great the product is I have to say that I'm not impressed.  The curls don't seem to come out as good as the clip curling irons although the gurus swear by them.  I just don't see it. I see loose, lifeless looking curls that look more messy than glam.  In fact, the curls look like something I would get by putting some mousse in my hair. 

So has anyone tried this out?  I mean it could be that the girls on Youtube just don't know how to work even a clipless hair iron, but I'd rather hear anyone else's take on it. 

# 7 BRAND SPOTLIGHT: URBAN DECAY

I wanted to dedicate a post to one of my favorite makeup brands ever!  I was first introduced to this line probably before I was really old enough to start wearing makeup.  The first time I ever walked into a Sephora store I happened to stumble on this line.  I remember being a little repulsed at the word "Decay" being used as a makeup brand name but you get over it quick.  Now I have been makeup shopping for a long time now and have been in Sephora stores many many times.  I don't know if anyone else has noticed but alot of the brands they used to sell from circa 2006 aren't there anymore.  Luckily, Urban Decay is NOT one of those other brands.  It has stayed one of the best selling makeup lines of Sephora and is honestly the first section of makeup I go to whenever I walk into that store.  The makeup is excellent quality, the color payoff is amazing, colors are pigmented so you don't need to load your makeup brush for the color to come out and let's  face it, their packaging is so cute!  Not to mention the edgy, creative, genius names of their collection which make it all come together.  This is definitely not your grandma's type of makeup lol.

SOME OF MY BRAND FAVORITES



Urban Decay's Primer Potion $18-23

This is a staple in my makeup bag.  I use this product literally EVERYDAY!  And although the $18 bottle (pictured above) is tiny, the product lasts!  My first tube of Primer Potion lasted me at least 6 months before I had to buy another one.  You really only need a small amount on each eye and it will really make your makeup color pop and your eyeshadow will last all day/night without fading or creasing.  I don't know how I ever wore makeup before I found this product.  If I could suggest only 1 item from this line to people it is definitely the Primer Potion.  Fork over the money, it is worth it!

Urban Decay's Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup $30

My shade: Hallucination (medium tan)

If you are looking for a new mineral foundation, try this one.  It offers buildable coverage which is great for days when you need more coverage than usual.  It is very easy to blend into your skin and looks very natural.  It doesn't cake up or anything.  One thing I do want to point out that I don't like about it.  When you open the cap there is a "mess free" powder component, aka little powder buffer attached.  The point is that  you are supposed to buff the product on and it somehow goes through the powder component and onto your skin.  This did not work for me.  There was no makeup coming out of the powder buffer.  So I end up unscrewing the powder buffer (revealing the actual foundation that was previously covered by this powder buffer) and putting the product on like any other mineral foundation.  It's annoying and ends up getting messy because I always spill more product then I intended but quality wise, it's pretty sweet! 

Urban Decay's 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil $17

in Zero

Luckily, I have not had to actually go out and spend the money on this eye-pencil.  If you ever buy one of the eyeshadow palettes from this company, check to see if it comes with an eye pencil in Zero (black) or other colors.  UD likes to give you little extras when you buy their eyeshadow palettes especially eye pencils and mini Primer Potion.  So far I have gotten 4 of the Glide-On eye pencils with my palette purchases.  I have 2 in Zero, 1 in Flipside (teal), and another in Ransom (purple).  I have not paid $17 for any of them because they all have come in my palettes.  They are the best eye pencils I have used so far.  I used to buy cheap $1 eyeliners thinking that eye pencils are all the same.  This is simply not true.  Try your regular drugstore NYC brand eyeliner and then try this and you will see the difference.  I suggest trying to get these pencils when you buy a palette because you get the pencil, a set of gorgeous eyeshadows and usually a mini Primer Potion.  They also sell their complete set of 24/7 eye pencils which has every color of the rainbow.  Since I usually stick to just using black eyeliner I tend to luck out through buying the palettes.

   Urban Decay's NYC Limited Edition Book of Shadows Vol. III $54

This is one of the Book of Shadows I have from UD.  These exclusive palettes are usually sold for a limited time.  The other Book of Shadows I have is the Alice in Wonderland edition.  These palettes give you 16 of their eyeshadow colors.  They are usually a nice array of different colors that will give you a bunch of pretty looks.  And as I mentioned before, you can see in the picture that this palette offers two 24/7 Glide On pencils in Zero (black) and Ransom (purple) and a small mini Primer Potion.  Also the top of the book is a pop out of NYC sites which is cute and gives it personality.  My best friend got me this for Christmas 2010 and I love it.  It's pricey, but when you see one of their single eyeshadows for $17/each you realize this is a pretty good deal!

Urban Decay's NAKED palette $48



::Sigh:: The ever elusive Naked palette has been sold out on UD website and Sephora since the summer!  I have been trying to get my hands on this palette for the longest time and still can't seem to get it.  I suppose the versatility and practical colors are what have made this palette such a hot product.  You can go from neutral to smokey all in 1 palette.  Many times people are "scared" of color when it comes to makeup.  I have heard many girls complain that they could never "pull off" a purple or green eyeshadow.  So this palette, with so many neutrals and bronzes is so great for everyday use at school or at work.  And the smokey colors are good for evening.  The colors are just perfectly selected to give you a bunch of gorgeous looks.  I believe I saw this palette when it first came out and I almost bought it but decided not to spend the money.  I am now kicking my self in the butt for not having bought it when I had the chance because now it is nowhere to be found.  I am on waiting lists, email notification lists and checking the websites all the time but this palette is impossible to get a hold of now.  If anyone has a UD or Sephora connect let me know!

Check out these products next time you go to Sephora and see which ones you like best!  If you know of any other really good brands let me know...I am always looking for the next hot product!

Bye for now!

#6 Fave product at the moment...

I'm not one of those girls that are super into buying different blushes.  I have a handful of blushes compared to other makeup lovers out there.  I got a coupon for Sephora in the mail ($15 off!).  So you already know I had to go take advantage of that!!  I went in already knowing that I wanted a new blush.  I happen to love NARS blush and I knew I needed a new color.  I chose the blush above.  The shade is called Luster.  It is a gorgeous bronzey gold blush that makes you glow!  It can be worn alone or you can wear it on top of your bronzer or blended with another color.  It is pigmented but not so much that its not easily blended with other shades.  Big plus!  Downside of anything NARS is the price :(  This is sold at Sephora stores for $26.  I know there are blushes that are more money, but this is about as much as I'm willing to pay and only because it's NARS!  I have some more products I want to post about so maybe I can get to that in the next few days. 

-Michelle G.

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