Milani Brow Fix Kit

From the Website:

A brow grooming and shaping kit that will help you create a perfect set of arches. Compact contains seven essential tools. Be your own brow guru, shaping your brows is easy as 1-2-3!


Contains
-Straight edged tweezers
-Slanted brow filler brush
-Brow bone sponge applicator
- 3X magnifying mirror
-Brow bone highlighter and two tone-on-tone powders to fill and shape brows.


9-5: Beauty For Everyone Review
1. Affordable: Yes (Under 10)

2. Easily Available: Yes (Most Drugstores)

3. Effortless Application: Yes

4. Wearable: Yes

Overall Beauty for Everyone Rating: 4 out of 4 stars


1. Affordable: Absolutely!  At only $6.99 it is a steal.
2. Easily Available: Yes, it is available at most drugstores including CVS, Riteaid, and Walgreens, and anywhere else Milani is sold.  It comes in 3 different tones, light, medium and dark. I've purchased it twice now, and have never had a problem finding it again.  Although I've never seen the darkest tone, and and didn't know it existed until I went to the website. 

3. Effortless Application: Lets break this down tool by tool.  
-The straight edge tweezers require a little more pressure than what I would like and not particularly sharp.  But in a pinch it will do.  (Like when you are driving to work look in the mirror and notice one or two rogue eyebrow hairs).  
- The slanted brow filler works surprisingly well.  I am used to just throwing out those little brushes right away, or saving them up as disposable spares.  It isn't as firm as most slanted brushes, and it's miniature 2 inch handle makes it not as comfortable as a full size brush, but it applies powder well, with minimal fallout and pretty precisely too.
- The sponge applicator I can do without, but I generally don't use this kind of tool anyway.
-The mirror- while I like that they included it, it is so small it is pretty hard to use, especially when you have all those little tools poking out of the top.

Paddington says, "Careful now, don't poke your eye out!"

-Brow bone powder (Top) is a tad too sparkly.  I'd skip it on the brow bone but I don't mind it so much as a brightener on the inside corners.  The two tone brown powders work well together, stay put, and most importantly are easy to apply, I often do this in my car mirror right before going into work.


4. Wearable: Yes 
I am not a fan of the overly painted brow.  I think I will leave that for these girls. 

But I am a big fan of really strong well shaped natural looking brows. I think there is something ultra feminine about it. A prominent brow exudes confidence. Pair it with a red lip and you are unstoppable.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

I have a fairly strong brow, but I do like a little help and this kit helps me get there.  Medium works well for me, especially when I mix the colors together. I think it works well for a done, but not too overdone look.

Hooray for eyebrows

     

Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub

Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub

From the Website:
Infused with refreshing Sweet Orange and Grapefruit Oils, this facial scrub removes dirt, oil and makeup. Formulated with Ground Almonds, Oats and Pecans to gently exfoliate while Sweet Almond Oil and Glycerin help moisturize your skin. It’s something to celebrate!

-Helps removes dirt, oil and make-up with a blend of Sweet Orange and Grapefruit Oils
-Exfoliates gently with Ground Almonds, Oats and Pecans
-Helps moisturize skin with Sweet Almond Oil and Glycerin

9-5: Beauty For Everyone Review
1. Affordable: Yes (Under 10)

2. Easily Available: Yes (Target)

3. Effortless Application: Yes

4. Wearable: Yes

Overall Beauty for Everyone Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

1. Affordable: For under 10, it is a steal. It runs about $7 and can last up to 6 months if you use it as a once a week exfoliator. I use it everyday, and it still lasts about 2 months.

2. Easily Available: I wish it was also at CVS or Walgreens, but Target is just as easy to get to.

3. Effortless Application: Take a small dab, slightly larger than pea size and add a drop or two of water. Rub into the skin, gently exfoliating and revealing fresh, glowing, beautiful skin. And since it is natural, I even use a little to exfoliate my lips as well. Rinse off and you are done. I definitely prefer doing this at night instead of the morning, since rubbing can make my face just a little red. And my skin still feels oh so soft the next morning. I love the smell and texture, kind of like a holiday spiced oatmeal. It's like health food for your skin.

4. Wearable: I love doing this every night, and even look forward to washing my face. My skin feels supple and soft, but not greasy. It doesn't leave behind any residue and is the only thing that has ever gotten rid of my blackheads.

See, squeaky clean!

And so good I bought it twice!

Revlon Lip Butters

Revlon Lip Butters

According to the website:
-Buttery Balm + Shiny Color
-Buttery balm with beautiful shiny color to give you baby soft, healthy glowing lips 94% of women felt lips were softer, smoother, and instantly hydrated.
- Hydrating mango, shea and coconut butter formula boosts lip moisture by 156%
- Pampering gel formula provides super charged hydration and glides on lips buttery smooth
- Sheer to medium colour with buttery shine
- Available in 20 luscious shades

9-5: Beauty for Everyone Review

1. Affordable: Yes (under $10)

2. Easily Available: Yes

3. Effortless Application: Yes

4. Wearable: Yes

Overall Beauty For Everyone Rating: 4 out of 4

1. Affordable: Absolutely! Target has them for around $6.50 and CVS has them for $7.50 but frequently has them as buy 1 get 1 50% off.

2. Easily Available: I bought one every time I entered CVS. Now that they are available at Target, they are even easier to find. They are wildly popular right now, so a few colors may be sold out. Luckily they are all beautiful. I have purchased these 5 so far. Actually my husband bought me 2 of them for Christmas!

3. Effortless Application: It has way more pigment than you would expect from a lipstick like this. It goes on super smooth, and is rich and creamy. I like that I can put it on straight from the tube, no lip liner, no prepping. It has a lot of color, but at the same time is somewhat sheer. If you are not used to wearing lipstick, or are just trying to upgrade from your usual lip gloss or go to lip balm, give these a try.

4. Wearable: The colors are great! These butters pack a lot of color, but because of their somewhat glossy creamy texture, even the crazy looking ones like Tutti Frutti are totally wearable. Some of them have a slight iridescence, but nothing too sparkly. It is the first collection I have every wanted as a whole collection.

Overall 9-5 Rating: 4 out of 4 stars

There are tons of swatches of these all over the place. Karla Sugar has them all swatched here. But personally I like to see them on people, so here they are on me.

In Tutti Frutti (015): A really nice kind of coral shade. Probably my favorite of the bunch.





















In Creme Brulee (095): A soft browny neutral with just enough shine. Try it with a little more color in the rest of the face.





















In Berry Smoothie (050): A soft pink with a hint of gold.





















In Sugar Plum (095): A slightly deeper pink with purple undertones.

Product Criteria

What I Look For In Makeup For Personal Everyday Use

When I buy makeup or beauty products for personal everyday use, I like to keep a few criteria in mind.

Criteria

1. Affordable:

2. Easily Available:

3. Effortless Application:

4. Wearable:

Overall Beauty for Everyone Rating: 1 star for each criteria met.

1. Is it affordable? $65 for a blush palette is fine for my kit, but I could never justify such a splurge for something I wouldn't actually use very often. I wouldn't reccomend it to my friends either. For personal use I like to keep it under $15, unless I am actually treating myself, or it really will last forever.

2. How easy is it to find? Can I purchase it on a whim? If I didn't do makeup, going to Sephora or ULTA, Frends Beauty Supply, or even shopping on line might actually be a big hassle, not to mention overwhelming. My favorite hassle fee time to shop for things on a whim is when I am already there. I look for items on sale while waiting for a prescription at CVS or take a detour into the beauty isles at Target when I go pick up trash bags or toilet paper. If I have to make a special trip for it, well it's not that hassle free.

3. How easy is it to use and/or apply? I own a lot of makeup and a lot of brushes, but not everyone does. And honestly, sometimes I just don't want to be bothered with it. I look for products I can fit into my everyday 10min makeup routine. These are products I will usually put on while sitting at my vanity, but I can also toss in my bag if I am in a rush, or put on in the car just before going into work. I tend to lean towards the more sheer side, since it is more forgiving when the application needs to be very quick. But sometimes minimal and bold works too. For makeup, it needs to last to lunch, but not through it. If it rubs right off, fades, or just plain vanishes in an hour, it is probably not that great. I don't really have time for touch-ups every hour at work, but I don't mind a little maintenance at lunch. I very rarely do touch-ups at work, but I like knowing it is in my bag if I decide I want to.

4. How wearable is it? Do I like it enough to work into my everyday look? There are plenty of products I love, but are not really appropriate to wear to work. A slight iridescence is ok. but anything too sparkly or shimmery is is little too overdone for the office. (For my office anyway- I work in education). You don't want to look too made-up or like you are wearing the same makeup from your previous night out.

And now for some reviews...

Beauty for Everyone (Product Reviews)

My Favorite Kind of Makeup

When I first started doing makeup, well more seriously doing makeup anyway, I was worried. I was worried it would change me into someone who obsessed about my looks. I was worried the more I learned about the products and application, that I would want to start putting more and more on my face for everyday looks. What if I fell in love with false lashes and I decided I NEEDED to wear them everyday!

I am happy to report, that although I admit to being more preoccupied with my vanity than I was before, I have not crossed over to the all- glam-all-the-time side. In fact, the opposite has happened. I find myself constantly looking up natural looks, new ways to apply makeup for that un-done look, and looking up the best videos on the no makeup makeup. My current favorite is Lisa Eldridge. I can watch her for hours. And she has a massive body of work.

In part, this preference is due to the fact that I have a normal 9-5, and the fact that I am not 17 or even in my early 20s for that matter. I wouldn't want to hear, "oh your makeup is so pretty today," because I'd much rather hear, "you look so pretty today." Well actually I'd rather hear "you are so clever, or talented or creative etc." but ok, "pretty" doesn't hurt either. (See the vanity coming through).

I think that's why I like makeup for film so much. It's about enhancing natural beauty. I get a lot of question from friends who don't really wear much to begin with, and I always steer them towards a really natural look. Because when I get these questions, no one is asking, "How do I wear more makeup?" Mostly what they are asking is, "How can I look better everyday, fit it into my busy schedule, and not spend a fortune?"

And the answer is always the same. "You already are beautiful. You have really great______. But here are a few products to help enhance your beauty and give you a more polished and really healthy look."

In my case, I have clear skin so I try to play it up as much as possible. The first picture is my Before: No Makeup. I smiled anyway, I mean why be sad and glum when you are showing off what your mama gave you.
The second look is my No Makeup Makeup look. I still look just like me, I just have a healthy slightly glowy look. I look awake and ready for the day, without looking like I'm really trying. This really is one of my favorite ways to wear makeup.


Before: No Makeup


After: No Makeup Makeup

So this section is for you, my friends who I have helped, and those that I have yet to meet. Those of you who may or may not love makeup, who just need help picking out products that fit into your life and style. This section is Beauty for Everyone.

Do Something Good Today

I don't consider myself a beauty blogger, more of a beauty learner. I read a lot of blogs, watch a lot of videos on YouTube and Beautylish, and look up product reviews nearly everyday. I watch, I learn, and write about it here.

While browsing tons of videos it's easy to get caught up in all of my own flaws and start thinking in very superficial terms. And then I stumble upon a post or a project like Gwapa 'Beautiful' - an Inspirational Documentary that puts things in perspective and reminds me what beauty really means.

Growing up, I knew that being intelligent was far more important than being pretty. And so I am by no means a glamour girl, nor do I want to be. I have Vitiligo which effects the left side of my face. I have large white spots all around my left eye and left cheek. I have an eye that is a little droopy, and a nostril that is slightly smaller. But as much as I pretend not to care about my flaws, I sometimes find myself dwelling on them. And so I pick up a makeup brush and start covering all those flaws. A few minutes later, and no ones knows.

When I work on film projects, I do the same for the actors. I take out the redness, cover small blemishes, slim the face and cover tired eyes. I try to make beautiful people more beautiful. A few brush strokes later, and they are a better version of themselves.

But what if it wasn't that easy? What if you woke up thinking you were not beautiful, not worthy of love, or shunned by society because of your appearance?

Gwapa(Beautiful) is a documentary by Thirsty Girl Films that "follows a poor Filipino family’s struggle for a healthy future and a mother’s remarkable journey to help her three kids with facial deformities."

Gwapa (Beautiful) ll Fundraising Video from Meg Pinsonneault on Vimeo.

"Children with clefts are often abandoned or shunned from society. The lucky ones are accepted into their families, but rarely leave home or attend school. Likewise, children with cleft lips and palates run a higher risk of dying of disease and illness. Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common and most curable of birth defects, but surgical repair is almost unheard of on the smaller islands. Sadly, most clefts go unrepaired in poor countries like The Philippines. Just one surgery can change a child’s life forever."

Thirty Girl Films is currently running an Indiegogo campaign in an effort to raise the funds necessary to finish filming this beautiful documentary. They plan on traveling with Faces of Tomorrow on their mission back to the Philippines in January 2012, to spend two weeks filming the Bulabos and Alac families.

This campaign is coming to an end and you only have a few days left to help make this project happen. This Holiday season, consider donating to this project and giving the gift of beauty and hope. "Because every child deserves the chance at a beautiful and healthy future..."

To donate, learn more and keep spreading the word please visit:

Indiegogo Campaign

Official Website

Facebook Fanpage

ThirstyGirl Films on Twitter