Sunday, December 1, 2013

Edward Bess Black Sea Deep Hydration Cream

Here's a wintertime gem that comes in a stylish black and white 1oz package and has lasted me through two whole winters, Edward Bess's Black Sea Deep Hydration Cream.  For $90, it is a pricey item, but it also lasts foreeeeeever.  It takes only a very small amount of this super moisturizing cream to see and feel the effect.  And it's texture is unique, thick, luxurious, and creamy without being plastic-y.  I do have oily skin, which is why I can only use this in the wintertime, and it does take quite a while to sink in, but it has seems to even my complexion out and keep those odd winter-flake areas calm and smooth.  It also has an antiaging effect, my forming smile lines have vanished!  This is one of those products that I get quite excited about, mostly because it is effective AND smells good!




TL;DR

Function
Provide deep moisturization with an antiaging effect.

Did It Accomplish this Function?
Yes!  I've noticed forming lines disappear and the moisture, well, my skin feels like velvet, if velvet was not hairy, I'm not flaking, and am not breaking out from being oversaturated.

Breakout Factor
0, calms skin.

Texture and Heaviness
Heavy, but breathable, luxurious and creamy thick without feeling like wax or plastic.

Overall
I love this product in the wintertime!  It keeps my skin calm and well-hydrated and seems to heal some of those pesky summer sun lines!

Friday, November 1, 2013

Bobbi Brown Lip Balm

I seem to have bad luck with lip balms that taste terrible, and by far Bobbi Brown's is one of the worst of the worst!  I really dislike writing negative reviews, so, please take this one as more of a "buyer beware" than an "haet this.  much suck." (for context Google "Doge").  So, let me explain why I feel this way about this particuler product.  The container is rather sleek, I like the metal, has a small twist so it seals properly and is easy to open, but that's about where the goodness ends.  Reaching in for a little to put on, it's extremely hard with very little give and very little product comes up on a finger.  It feels like someone melted a crayon down, mixed in 5% vaseline, and cooled it.  Second, placing it on the lips, it is rather glossy, which I'm OK with, but my lips never felt fully comfortable or moisturized with it on, in fact they felt a bit more chapped.  And last, if you get the tiniest hint in your mouth, well, you know how it's fun to spray whipped cream into your mouth from the can?  Imagine doing that with sunscreen.  Ick.  After 2 weeks of use to see if there was any improvement I threw it out.  It's not wasting time or money on.  For $20, a box full of Lip Smackers, in fact, one coat from one tube would do better.





TL;DR

Function
Hydrate and protect lips

Did It Accomplish this Function?
Nope, nada, did not hydrate, and not enough product could possibly have been put on to protect lips.

Does it Have a Flavor?
extract of sunscreen

Glossy?
Definitely :)

Texture and Heaviness
light, like baby oil

Overall
Avoid Avoid Avoid!  Yuck, you'll be spitting like a cartoon who just put something disgusting in their mouth and for very little benefit.  I understand that people are different and therefore this may work for some.  I was not impressed.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Marc Jacobs Magic Marc'er Liquid Eyeliner


I'm terrible with eyeliner despite absolutely loving it.  This lets me have some ease in application as well as a nice black line on the first try!  The marc'er has a brush shaped felt tip that allows you to control the width of the line as you make your Marc (see what I did there)?  Skipping is minimal when applied lightly, and it has a very dark line.  Not only this, but it doesn't dry out super quickly like some others do (looking at you Kat and Hourglass).  Its staying power is incredible, all day including a rainstorm and not one smudge!  I will be trying some more liners to sate my curiousity, but I do think I've found my pinnacle!




TL;DR

Initial Coverage
Dark, luxurious, and long-lasting.

Lasting Power
Fantastic!  Not one budge!

End of the Day
Still Flawless

Overall
I love it's ease of use and end effect, definitely a keeper!

Monday, September 23, 2013

Down & Dirty DIY Beauty: Untangle Your Head

This is a Beauty DIY that will likely benefit parents and those blessed with long hair. Today we teach you how to make your own de-tangling spray!

As the mother of two young girls maintaining their long hair can be a difficult thing to manage. Also, until I recently cut it all off in favor of a 1'' buzz, I had long hair that I could only get under control with the assistance of some de-tangling aid. I found myself using the store bought spray so often that I felt that I needed to buy stock in Johnson & Johnson. Thankfully I came across several recipes on DIY de-tangling spray via Pinterest. Since then I have tried various recipes out on my head and my children's. Now I will pass on my favorite to you.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Shiseido White Lucent Serum

It is a well known fact that I very much enjoy Shiseido products, seeing the effects of the White Lucent
Brightening Mask, I decided to give the White Lucent Brightening Serum a try.  First off, I love the
packaging, I think it is beautiful, elegant, and just overall attractive.  And of course it has the ever
hygienic pump as a dispensing method.  Going on it feels like putting water on my face, it sinks in and
dries very quickly, and is EXTREMELY effective.  I tried it initially for 10 days, results?  Astounding!

White Lucent uses a combination of 4MSK, m-Tranexamic acid, and vitamin C all work to correct
discoloration and capture light to produce a slight glow.  Overall, I feel as though it actually was an
effective product,s evidenced by the photos.

Before Application




After 10 Days of Application



TL;DR

Function
Reduce redness, impart glow.

Did It Accomplish this Function?
Absolutely, I think I have a new staple!

Breakout Factor
1, if there was any negative effect, I have not noticed it.

Texture and Heaviness
water

Overall
I'm not a huge fan of serums, mostly because I don't enjoy overloading my skin, but this is super lightweight that I don't believe it makes a difference (besides reduced redness)!

Monday, September 9, 2013

Down & Dirty DIY Beauty: Sugar Waxing

This is the first guest installment on Makeup & the Machine for DIY beauty projects.

First up, Hair Removal! Though we don't like to acknowledge it most of the time, we all have hair in places that we do not wish it to be. It can be attacked with several different methods varying in effectiveness and discomfort. The method outlined today is Sugar Waxing, likely one of the oldest known depilatory methods.


Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Omorovicza Foaming Cleanser

Cleansers, particularly of the foaming variety, have one job and one job only.  Get the crud off of your face!  So, it's nice when you do eventually encounter one that provides more than just a good scrubbing.  Omorovicza's Foaming Cleanser provides a very good clean, oil control, and non-drying goodness in one fell, light blue swoop.  Its active ingredient is actually a very small amount of copper, which accounts for both the color and the oil control, the Hungarian thermal water is responsible for healing and slight anti-aging properties.  Still not quite sure about the delightful citrus blossom scent, but I do enjoy it.



It's lather isn't the most impressive unless you use it on a cloth or something of the like, but it does do a fantastic job without being harsh.

TL;DR

Function
Cleanse the facial area and provide oil control.

Did It Accomplish this Function?
Yes, I found my skin to not be terribly dry after washing, a slightly more matte complexion later in the day, and a clean, fresh face.

Breakout Factor
No noticeable difference.

Texture and Heaviness
Lumpy and then fluffy once brought to a lather.

Overall
I'm on my second tube, enough said!  It's a pleasant blue color with a fresh, floral citrus scent and does a lovely job cleaning without destroying my face.


Random Ingredient

Polysorbate 85
An emulsifier and emollient with a small chance of irritation.


In Technology

I read about the demise of Groklaw in the past few weeks, and never getting to visit it, but finding out that it is a viable bridge for those who don't understand technology to understand both the tech and the law surrounding it, I was very sad to see it go.  A personal opinion, if I may, is that while I understand what the government is trying to do, it's frustrating to see it in action and failing, primarily due to the fact that the people making the laws don't even understand it themselves.  Much like I believe that our Commander-in-Chief (technically a military position) should have been in the military first, I believe a refresher course on tech might be a good idea for our lawmakers, or at least an adviser who knows what they're talking about. RIP Groklaw, I hope someone can bridge the gap as well as you did!

Saturday, August 24, 2013

Boscia Green Tea Oil Control Mask

Boscia has been having a very interesting trend with their masks lately, my personal theory is that theyy are trying to build a rainbow of colors.  Put simply, they've been coming out with peel-off masks lately that are every color under the sun.  The latest release is the Green-tea oil control mask, which is a lovely pearlized mint green, which is strangely enough, one of the most popular colors this summer.



Being about as greasy as a rare hamburger patty at times, I figured, why not?   It has green tea which is a major antioxidant and regulates sebum production, burdock root and cucumber to deeply clean the pores, and, unfortunately, silica which does alter light reflection to provide a more even complexion.  Having silica in the product means you DEFINITELY will need to wash your face in the morning, otherwise you will be trapping bacteria in your pores and breaking out like mad because of it.

Now, for the experience.  I feel as though I used a rather large amount to provide a full, thick, peelable coverage.  It came out a pearly mint green, the glitter was unusual, but it did not effect performance.  Putting it on, it took about 20 minutes to dry, during this time it was very chilly and tingly.  when it dried, peel off was fairly easy whee I had managed to avoid my eyebrows, my pores looked a little smaller, and my complexion did appear more matte.  When I put my toner on after I was still feeling the brisk chill of the mask.  My overall opinion is that I like it, but I'm unsure as to if I will repurchase it though.

TL;DR

Function
To create a more matte complexion, cleanse pores, and calm redness.

Did It Accomplish this Function?
Yes, my complexion did appear more matte, I was slightly less oily, some red spots had reduced slightly, and pores appeared smaller.

Breakout Factor
Improved the complexion, soothed aggravated areas, it is intense so those with sensitive skin may not get as much out of this mask

Texture and Heaviness
Somewhere between Elmer's glue and wet rubber cement

Overall
I enjoyed the experience, it did exactly what it promised, had a lovely color, pleasant feeling, and was easy to apply and remove.  I certainly will enjoy using this from time to time, but I'm unsure as to whether I will buy this again, but it was certainly worth a first purchase!


Random Ingredient

Marshmallow
A common thickener in cosmetic products, also an anti-inflammatory.


In Technology

When traveling, always, always try to practice safe networking.  When on public wifi, either do so from a virtual machine or from a VPN, this will reduce the likelihood of your data being stolen from a public network.  For a slightly (but not too in-depth) look into this, please refer to http://www.somnambulant-gamer.com/2013/08/safe-se-i-mean-public-networking.html.com.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Benefit The Porefessional

Usually, I'm a big fan of BB creams over foundations, so, while using a primer is redundant when using a BB cream, if you have larger pores it is helpful when filling them in.  Think of it like paint spackle on a wall, but for your face!  Benefit's The Porefessional does a darn good job of this!  It comes out of the tube a pasty nude color, spreads like a silk veil over the skin, and essentially works like a "picture perfector" option in  photo editing program.  Either way, it goes on like a dream, and looks lovely!  I'm unsure as to how it would work on darker skin since it only comes in one pasty color, but if it's spread thin enough then it shouldn't be too much of an issue.  As with anything, I recommend trying it before you buy it if possible.  As a side note, it does also have a rather delightful sweet smell and mattifying effects.


Before Application


After Application




TL;DR

Initial Coverage
Very light, just enough coverage to appear as though your pores have been smoothed over.

Sunglasses Test (1-10; 1 is least amount of makeup)
1

Lasting Power
Very good, can be rubbed off intentionally

End of the Day
Still Flawless

Overall
So far it is the best primer I've used next to Clinique's Pore Perfector (which has similar results and a much thicker texture)


Random Ingredient

Acetic Acid
An acid typically found in vinegar and sweat, it can be  a drying irritant that, strangely enough, does possess some disinfecting properties.


In Technology


I'm sad to see Microsoft's Surface failing so badly on the market.  I think a big reason for this may be an aversion to the Window's 8 OS, which is very different, but actually, in some ways is superior to its predecessors.  Although what I can say, is I'd be pretty grumpy with the OS if it were only on a keyboard and mouse system, the Surface is truly ideal for the versatility that the OS offers.  Overall the Surface is a pretty darn good portable productivity machine's, like what it's grand daddies the Palm Pilots of the last decade aspired to be.  Either way, until about the end of the month I believe that the Surface RT is $50 off and the Surface Pro is $100 off, and they have a pretty awesome promo in store where if you spend a bit extra you get a bundle of Microsoft Office, keyboard, carrying case, screen covers x2, 12 months of Xbox Live Gold, 1 month of Hulu Plus, and a 5% friends and family discount coupon for any following purchases.  Pretty snazzy deal for a truly underrated system!

Saturday, August 17, 2013

A Man's Perspective on Packing for the Weekend

My lovely fiancee' asked me to contribute to her blog and suggested I write an article to parallel her own on packing for a weekend trip. I'm going to try and do her justice.

First and foremost, I never think of what I need to pack, I try and think of the things I always forget. This list includes (but is not limited to): cologne (I've got this awesome Paco Rabanne 1 Million that she loves even more than I do), tooth paste (but I never forget my tooth brush, which is weird), and an extra pair of shoes (these babies may look great, but they're not the most comfortable for walking around the city or country in).
It's weird how often I'll think to grab half a dozen pairs of extra pants for a two day trip and leave my deodorant behind.
Speaking of deodorant, this stuff complements the aforementioned Paco fantastically.

So let me break that down for you; the things I am mostly likely to forget are extra shoes, tooth paste, deodorant, and cologne. It's not that I enjoy being a smelly bum with bad teeth or anything, it's just that those are things I'm most likely to want access to right up until the last minute. It's the fact that I am using them actively that makes them most likely to be forgotten.

So how do you remember the essentials? I'll be honest, having an incredibly organized significant other with a checklist for a brain is what solved the problem for me. After about the umpteenth time I forgot any/all of the above items, I just started letting her know what I tend to forget (though I'm pretty sure she'd figured it out before then). Now, though I'm asked "Did you remember..." about 30 times during the day prior and day of, I typically do remember most of the things I'm supposed to.


So I guess the secret to remembering those essential items that are so easily forgotten, is either be or live with an A-type personality..?

                                                          In Technology
You may have heard that the new Apple iPhone is coming.... Don't get excited. The vast majority of release information indicates that the iPhone 6 is going to be featuring a lot of "innovations" that the Droid market figured out a year ago.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

How to Travel In Style

Traveling can be quite restrictive when it comes to your beauty regimen.  I used to travel frequently by plane, so, of course the experience definitely teaches you a few things.  Here is a comparative guide to traveling by plane and car and how to decide what to include depending on your mode of travel.
A few beginner’s tips:
Travel sizes are your friend, as well as cleaned sample containers and travel containers depending on the duration of your trip.  The little Sephora containers are my favorite, easy to open and close and airtight.
Balms are also your friend, the TSA hasn’t banned balms yet provided they’re not in excess.
If it’s taller, or wider than a quart ziplock bag, NOPE.
Multitasking items are AWESOME!
Replace the makeup remover or oil cleanser with makeup removing cloths if you're flying, they are one less thing to fill your quart bag with.

Skincare
Consider your regimen, what do you use?  What size are the containers in which they come in?  Do you have a sample or travel size of this product?  Can you effectively use this in a sample container?
 Bare Essentials
·         Cleanser
·         Moisturizer
·         Makeup remover or oil cleanser
·         Eye cream
Makeup
Similar questions to the Skincare, however, here I recommend carrying mostly powders and balms to keep your quart bag to a minimum, if you’re traveling by car or train, carry on with your liquids and gels!  Again, travel sizes and samplers are wonderful for keeping things light.
Bare Essentials
·         Concealer (if it can’t fit, don’t worry too much about it, optional)
·         Primer (depending on your skin type, this is optional)
·         BB cream (multitasker, especially if you don’t take primer)
·         Blush
·         Powder (bronzer, or plain powder, I’m oily and require this for mattification)
·         Eyeliner
·         Mascara
Anything else such as eyeshadows you can for the most part go crazy on if it’s a powder, take care with the amount if it’s a cream.  I also like you use an eyebrow mousse, but this can be optional.  Lipstick is similar to chapstick when it comes to the TSA, leave a little room in your quart bag just in case they say something, they’ll typically leave it be though.  Lipstick over lip gloss in this instance, gloss will always need to go in the quart bag, we’re trying to keep this as empty as possible if you’re flying, if you’re driving, again, it’s at your discretion.

TL;DR
·         Think small
·         Reuse cleaned sample containers
·         If flying, try switching to powders, pencils, balms, and very dense creams (Stila Convertible Color dense) if possible

·         Multitasking products are a lifesaver

Random Ingredient

Diatomaceous Earth
One of the two substances found in dynamite (cool!) is often used in exfoliating products and toothpaste.

In Technology

12 Small asteroids fairly close to Earth may be our new mines for precious metals by 2021 (I give it 'til 2030).  The prospect that we are now actually reaching outside of our planet for resources is very interesting and proof of our progress in technology.

Saturday, August 10, 2013

REN ClearCalm 3 Acne Treatment Mask

 A pleasantly effective mask.  Much as one would wish for rain and receive an incredible thunderstorm and downpour, someone who wishes for fewer acne bumps will certainly receive that and more with a few uses.  It is a little more gel-like than you would expect based on its coloration and purpose, goes on very smooth, yet doesn't quite dry.  It stays on the skin for about 15 minutes and you're still allowed to smile, doesn't tingle, and leaves your skin feeling relatively hydrated after rinse off!  This mask smells slightly minty  and sulfurous.  A product using sulfur as an antimicrobial/anti-inflammatory/exfoliant is of course going to not smell like roses, but the scent is not overpowering, and in fact, nearly non-existent.  Also included in the formulation is your garden variety salicylic acid, and an interesting ingredient called glabridin which acts as another antimicrobial and a brightening agent to reduce the redness of previous blemishes.


I really am regretting not having taken before and after photos for this product.  I used the REN mask on Thursday, when I rinsed it off I noticed slightly less redness.  Friday morning the little bumples on my chin had been reduced.  This morning, they were nearly gone!  Yet another product that I'm entirely happy with and will continue to use!



TL;DR

Function
Reduce acne blemishes, reduce redness and inflammation, prevent future breakouts

Did It Accomplish this Function?
Entirely!  I noticed reduction in little bumpy blackheads, immediate reduction in a whitehead, lightening of previous scars, no new blemishes within two days.

Breakout Factor
-10, it in fact did the opposite of break me out.

Texture and Heaviness
gel-cream

Overall
Love!  Doesn't tingle, doesn't harden and crack, doesn't smell overly terrible, doesn't dry me out!  I was very pleased with the after effects and have noticed a significant reduction in my acne after only one use.


Random Ingredient

Sorbitan Olivate
An olive oil and sorbitan based surfectant.


In Technology

I was bumming around on Reddit yesterday and came across this post.  It's about why kids who are often considered computer experts do not properly know how to use their own computers for more than Facebook and Google searches.  I have to agree with a majority of what is written in this article.  The TL;DR on it is that if kids in school were allowed to actually learn how the machine works, instead of just the Microsoft Office products (or CAD, I'm looking at you, high schools), and if finding a security vulnerability in the system without exploiting it were praised instead of a social destructor, maybe we'd have more people in the future who would actually understand what it is that we are trying to place new laws on.  Best. Run. On. Sentence. EVAR!

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Disney Princess Collection Ariel Perfume

The Disney Princess Collection (exclusive to Sephora) so far has had some wonderful pickings.  Particularly when it comes to the perfumes!  This particular one is interesting in the way it evolves and is extremely thematic to Ariel and the ocean, the best comparison would be getting hit by a refreshing wave on a hot day.  I'm not very good at explaining fragrance, so I will do the best that I can.



It begins with a strong splash of cucumber which then goes to a spicy, warm floral scent, and over the course of the day, becomes reminiscent of a tropical sea breeze.  This is the absolute ideal perfume for someone who lives near the water, loves the beach, or is going on a cruise!  

TL;DR

Function
Ariel themed perfume

Did It Accomplish this Function?
The notes have an affinity for the ocean, so definitely!

Overall
Loved it!  Not too strong, but still noticeable and unique in a good way.  I did end up picking up a rollerball of this and am holding onto it until I go on a cruise, it is the perfect scent for someone on the water!

Random Ingredient
Jojoba Oil
Derived from a desert plant, this liquid wax has the ability to soothe, hydrate, and help skin maintain its moisture.


Technology
Good news for PS Vita owners with full memory cards!  The new firmware update 2.6 has been released and it will allow you to play games stored on your PS3 remotely.
http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/ps-vita-firmware-2-6-adds-new-user-interface-and-more-06-08-2013/

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Dior Creme de Rose Lip Balm

Something that needs to be said up front:  I am a complete lip product junkie, and am completely aware of it!  In fact, I love it, it's one of my items that I have trouble functioning without, so, lip balms are essential for a happy MoreGun.  I'm not quite sure what drew me to Dior's Creme de Rose balm, but I ended up purchasing a pot of it, .25oz for $27, well worth it.



It comes in a darling white container, quite vintage, however, unnecessarily large if you plan on carrying it around.  The formula is a very feminine, soft light pink with a very intense rose smell.  It's texture is luxuriously thick, yet silky like satin sheets.  When it goes on it makes lips appear very smooth, feel very hydrated, and when I rub my lips together it feels like I'm, again, rubbing them on satin sheets and seems to last for about an hour and a half (pretty good in my book).  The only downside is that when it inevitably gets into your mouth, it tastes like soap!

The Creme de Rose  compound relies on a mixture of concentrated vitamins A & E, shea butter, and Rose of Damas oil, along with smaller amounts of various ingredients.   So far it appears to be a winner, I tend to move quickly through a lot of lip products, but I do see myself potentially coming back around to this one when it runs out.

TL;DR

Function
Smooth, hydrate, and plump lips

Did It Accomplish this Function?
Sort of, it accomplishes the smoothing and hydration quite well, however, it is lacking in the plumping department.

Does it Have a Flavor?
VERY soapy

Glossy?
A slight shine at first, but it quickly subsides closer to a matte appearance

Texture and Heaviness
Satin Sheets

Overall
I really enjoy using this lip balm, there is a very spoiled feeling that comes from using such a richly scented and luxuriously smooth item that actually seems to be doing a lot of good for lips.  I will probably come back around to it if they ever find a way to quell that soapy taste.


Random Ingredient

Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer
Used to increase viscosity in cosmetics and absorbs oils.


In Technology

Clearly stolen from Memebase, but I think we can all agree that this is a proper technological usage of bubblewrap!

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Shiseido White Lucent Mask

Following up from the Shiseido launch of their new Sheer & Perfect foundation last week, I was given a small goody bag.  In this goody bag was a Shiseido White Lucent Mask.  Being a bit of mask enthusiast, of course this had to be the first thing I tried out!

The White Lucent Mask comes individually packaged in a box of 6 which will usually go for a price of $68.  It is a steep price for only 6 uses, but I found it incredibly effective in just one use.  They work by saturating the skin with a rather large amount of brightening ingredients at once, in this case 4MSK (Methoxy Salicylic Acid Potassium Salt), a scientific look at this ingredient in this product's use can be found here.


This is an individual package, within this package is a literal mask for the face made of some cotton, elastic-y material absolutely saturated in the 4MSK ingredient.  It has holes for the eyes, nose and mouth cut out it in, and I look like a bubblehead nurse from Silent Hill while wearing it.  Even if the comparison isn't exact, it's pretty spot on. However, for 10 minutes of being a creepy crawly, I'd still say it's well worth the wait.  BEHOLD, before and after shots!

And 12 hours later in the same lighting:


I'd say for one application that that's not too horrible.


TL;DR

Function
Brighten dark spots and even out the complexion.

Did It Accomplish this Function?
YES, I noticed several of my acne scars diminish noticeably in the 12 hour period.  It tackled the darker areas without bleaching my face.

Breakout Factor
I did not experience any breakouts or sensitivity, in fact, it was quite gentle.

Texture and Heaviness
Whole Milk

Overall
Other than the appearance while using the product, I very much enjoyed using it.  It was comfortable, stayed on nicely, the remaining product when the mask was removed absorbed quickly and proved very effective in accomplishing it's function.  When I begin to get age spots, I will be turning to the White Lucent Mask first!


Random Ingredient

Coconut Acid
A gentle anti-inflammatory derived from coconut oil and commonly used in soaps.


In Technology

Apple products can be just as vulnerable as any other systems to attacks, especially social engineering attacks.  This article details a method that uses a compromised iPhone charger to hack into the phone and allow the person that it phones home to to collect valuable data.

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Shiseido Sheer & Perfect Foundation

If there is one skin care brand that I absolutely cannot live without, it is Shiseido.  So, when my friendly neighborhood Nordstrom Shiseido rep gets in touch with me that there will be a makeover event with goodies involved, of course I'm in!

The event was based around Shiseido's new foundation line launch titled "Sheer & Perfect Foundation" which is a very sheer (as clearly stated), lightweight foundation which centers around color correction.  It works by using its foundation tint, white powder, blue powder, and green powder for correcting most problem shades.  It comes in a clear rectangular of 1oz, and is removed from the container via a tiny brush.  When being buffed in the foundation feels much like their other lightweight products, like water.  Colored water, watercolor paints?  Seriously, how does it still feel like water after having such a wide ecosystem of powders in there?



Anywho, going into the makeover, I looked like this:


Coming out with only the mentioned foundation (in shade 120) and a VERY light brushing of bronzer, ok and MAYBE a slightly more dimmed light still fluorescent, the end result was quite pleasing:


It did certainly color correct!  It also has fantastic staying power over the next 7 hours in which I wore it, passed the sunglasses test (in which a very negligible amount rubbed off on my sunglasses in sweaty weather), and did not seem to break me out, in fact, I looked a little better in the blackhead department the next day (although that could have been the work of a Clarisonic that the awesome rep used on me).

My only issue with the foundation is that it is rather difficult to remove, I used my oil cleanser as an initial remover, it felt as though I had gotten it all off.  When I used my toner on a cotton, I saw even more color come off.  And the next morning, using a foaming cleanser, I managed to finally get the last bit of color off.  At least the staying power is fantastic if you have a very long day!

TL;DR

Initial Coverage
Light, but very flattering even with blemishes, little difference in pore appearance

Sunglasses Test (1-10; 1 is least amount of makeup)
3

Lasting Power
Near Infinite

End of the Day
Still Flawless

Overall
I like it, while the longevity and coverage are positives, it's a little too long lived for me to want to buy.


Ingredient of the Week

Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract
Acts as a skin condtioner, anti-inflammatory, and brightener.  Due to high Omega-9 content it absorbs quickly and easily through the skin  


This Week in Technology

Well, there was brainwashing, and now we are beginning to implant false memories.  It's only a few years until this is truly a reality, which is both a fascinating and scary thought.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

The Obligatory Introduction

First of all, I would like to say welcome to you and thank you for visiting my website!

The main purpose of this website is to share various interesting spotlights regarding beauty, health, and technology.  I welcome CONSTRUCTIVE feedback as well as comments of others' experiences with items pertaining to the weekly article topics.

Notably, this week will be a lazy week since today was spent creating simple graphics and fine tuning the website appearance.  So, in the meanwhile, if you have a suggestion for an upcoming topic, please leave a comment below and I will certainly consider covering it!

Have a fabulous week!