Adovia Dead Sea Mud Mask Review

Press Sample

I am a huge fan of mud masks.  Especially after a long day, I love to relax with a nice mask on… in the tub if I have time.  So relaxing and makes my skin feel amazing.

I have been using the Adovia Dead Sea Mud Mask for about 3 weeks now and it’s been great.  Probably one of the best mud masks I’ve used!

This mud mask is made from a formula comprised of mud extracted from the Dead Sea, Vitamin C and Aloe Vera, the mask works to extract oil and other debris from the skin – leaving behind glowing, healthy skin. As the mask dries, it gently pulls out toxins and impurities that can contribute to clog pores that can make the skin appear aged.

This is a smooth, non grainy or clumpy mask that smooths onto the skin.  When I apply it, I’m amazed how easily it spreads on and smooths out.

Adovia Dead Sea Mud Mask Tightens and Purifies Pores leaving Clear, Younger Complexion Dead Sea Mud Quickly Reduces Acne and Pimples. Over 21 Minerals Present in Dead Sea Mud Mask help to keep skin healthier and act as acne treatment. A Facial Dead Sea Mud Mask Facial Treatmet in Spas cost from $70-120. This Mask contains 30 Sessions! Can be Used as Spot Treatment & Blackhead Remover

Here it is dry.  One thing I noticed that was different from other masks, while my face felt “tighter” I could still move my mouth  and talk without it cracking and flaking everywhere.

After rinsing off with warm water (which it rinsed off quickly and easily) my skin felt soft, a little firmer and looked healthy.  I haven’t had any bad reactions to it either, which is a plus.  It’s non abrasive so even sensitive skin should be perfectly fine using this!

Price: $30.00 for a 5.1 fl oz tube

Where To Buy: Amazon

Do you have a go to facial mask that you love?  I think I’ve found my HG one right here!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm, Lacquer Balm and Balm Stain Swatch & Review

Press Sample

I am making my way through my Rite Aid Network sample box!  I showed Revlon Parfumerie nail lacquer in China Flower a couple days ago, and today I will be showing you a couple Revlon Colorburst shades!  I have a Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm, Lacquer Balm and Balm Stain to show you.  If you aren’t familiar with the Revlon Colorburst line, it’s pretty extensive.  They have Lip Butters, Lacquer Balms, Matte Balms, and Balm Stains.  I own several from all 4 categories and I love them!  I was pretty happy when I received the Rite Aid box and it had 3 shades I didn’t own in it.

Here are the 3 I received.  From top to bottom we have Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Lovesick, Colorburst Matte Balm in Audacious and Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Whimsical.

Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain in Lovesick

Lovesick is a shade I’ve been after, but it’s usually pretty popular in my area and the slot for it is usually empty.  Of course the one time it was stocked.. I was on a budget and had to pass.  Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain is a sheerer lip product that gives a flush of color (almost a ‘my lips but better’ look). Balm Stains glide on smooth and give a light glossy look , and when the gloss wears off it leaves a light stain on your lips that lasts several hours.

Lovesick is a beautiful, sheer blue toned fuchsia.  If you don’t like overdoing the lips, but want a wash of color, this shade is perfect… or any shade from the Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain collection.

Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Audacious

Audacious is from the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm collection.  I am a matte finish freak.  Whether on the nails or on the lips, I love matte shades!  I tend to find them to be longer lasting on me, and the punch of color is more vibrant for me.  Audacious isn’t a shade I would usually wear, I just don’t look good in orange toned anything.  I love the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm shades because they don’t dry my lips out like other matte lipstick formulas.  Unfortunately though, if you suffer from dry lips often, matte lipsticks are very unforgiving and will show that.  I recommend using a lip scrub and a nice moisturizing lip product as a base to help out with mattes.

 Audacious is a bright coral shade with strong orange leaning tones.  If you want a vibrant, super long lasting shade, Revlon Colorburst Matte Balms are perfect.

Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Whimsical

Finally we have Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Whimsical!  Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm is a high shine lip color with balm like moisture.  These feel like a light weight lip balm on the lips and are very comfortable.  Unlike the 2 shades above though, Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balms are not as long lasting, so expect to reapply after eating or drinking.

Whimsical is a beautiful medium blue toned pink (almost purplish but not quite!) with a slight hint of shimmer.

The Swatches

I will get an actual lip swatch of these posted as soon as my lips don’t look so chewed up!  Sorry!  These are gorgeous shades, and they would look seriously awful to everyone if I showed them on my lips now.

Overview

The Revlon Colorburst lines are fabulous and I truly love them.  The 3 I showed you today all come in a jumbo pencil container instead of a lipstick tube, and I prefer these for application.  All 3 lines offer a little something different and covers a lot of preferences.  If you are like me and want a punch of color that’s fairly long lasting, check out the Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm line.  If you want a nice, simple wash of color that leaves behind a light stain instead of wearing off completely, Revlon Colorburst Balm Stain is perfect.  If you want a glossy, pigmented shade and don’t mind reapplying, then you will love Revlon Colorburst Lacquer Balm.

Price: $8.99 Each

Where To Buy: Your Local Rite Aid

Have you tried any of the shades from the Revlon Colorburst line?  What did you think?  Any favorite shades?

MAC Ocean City vs Ripe Peach Ombre Comparison

I decided to do a quick comparison of MAC Ripe Peach Ombre and Ocean City.

A little background – MAC Ripe Peach Ombre was released as part of MAC’s Spring Color Forecast in 2010 and I remember seeing the frenzy online for it and the high markups once it was no longer available.  Ocean City released online yesterday with the MAC Proenza Schouler Collection.

Compact comparison.  Ripe Peach has a very subtle shimmer within it that Ocean City does not have.  Color wise, they look the same.

This is the best way I could think of to compare.  For both compacts (Ocean City on top, Ripe Peach Ombre on bottom) I swatched the darkest shade on the left, middle is a mix of dark and light shades, and right is the lightest shade.  Notice they look pretty identical?  Exactly identical in fact.  The ONLY difference I can see is the VERY subtle shimmer in Ripe Peach.  The line in the middle separates which compact was which.

So if you were wanting Ripe Peach and couldn’t find it for a decent price, this is your second chance.  Ocean City releases in MAC stores and counters on Thursday, April 24th for $30.00

Hope this comparison helps!

MAC Proenza Schouler Partial Collection Swatches

I Bought This

The MAC Proenza Schouler collection went live yesterday morning, and I got up at 5:30 am to make sure I got the items I wanted!  Do I need backups?  I think so.

I only purchased 3 lipsticks and the 2 blushes, and luckily MAC had a free overnight shipping promo, so they arrived today!  I will do a full look with these colors in a bit, but for now I just wanted to get some quick swatches up to show you!

First off, the collection packaging is gorgeous.  I’m a sucker for packaging and when I saw this my jaw hit the floor.

The Lipsticks

I purchased 3 lipsticks (there were 4 total) and I decided on Mangrove, Pinkfringe and Primrose.

Mangrove

Mangrove is a bright, clean orange red.  Mangrove is a matte finish lipstick.  While I usually do better with blue toned reds, this is a gorgeous shade and I think it will be the “hit” of the collection as far as lipsticks are concerned.

Pinkfringe

Pinkfringe is a vivid flamingo pink.  What I didn’t expect was a very subtle hint of shimmer (you can see it a little in the photo).  Pinkfringe is a satin finish lipstick.

Primrose

Primrose surprised me a little.  From product images, I expected a super dark shade and *almost* had buyers remorse until I put it on.  It’s fairly sheer and looked pretty nice on the lips. Primrose is a Lustre finish lipstick.

I like to add in lip swatches with posts, but my lips have been dry as ever lately and no matter what I did, the photos looked bad.  I know you don’t want to cringe when you see my lips all dry – so until they behave a little more, this arm swatch is the best I can do.  I’m happy with my Proenza Schouler lipsticks!

The Blushes

These were THE items I had to have from this collection.   The lipsticks were an afterthought (really I placed 2 orders.  1 to make sure I got the blushes and then I ordered the lipsticks 20 minutes later)

One thing I will say that was a negative about the blushes.  They are a PAIN to open. I had to slide my thumb nail between the crack on the side to pop it open a little because fumbling with the front… I thought I might drop it.  So be prepared for that.

Ocean City

Ocean City was my main want from the collection.  I have Ripe Peach Ombre that MAC released years ago, so in a bit I will do a comparison post on Ocean City vs Ripe Peach.

For the swatch I did the darkest shade first (on the left), the middle with both shades mixed, and the right is the lightest shade.  So far… I’m happy!

Sunset Beach

While I couldn’t wait for Ocean City and it was my #1 want from this collection… Sunset Beach turned out to be my favorite.

Once again – on the left is the darkest part of the blush, middle is the 2 shades mixed and the right is the lightest part.  This will get a LOT of wear this summer!

Overview

So far so good!  The pigmentation in all 5 items I ordered were fabulous and although this was definitely a “splurge” it was worth it!  Of the lipsticks, I think Mangrove is the must have of the collection and for the blushes.. I have to say Sunset Beach (but Ocean City isn’t far behind).

Lipstick Prices: $22.00 Each

Blush Prices: $30.00 Each

Where To Buy: MAC Cosmetics Website (these release in MAC Cosmetics stores and counters on Thursday, April 24th)

I promise to have an actual “I’m wearing them!” post up soon for all of these shades, and in a bit – a comparison between MAC Ripe Peach Ombre and Ocean City!

Did you grab anything from the MAC Proenza Schouler launch?  Do you plan to?

Products Purchased By Me/Nothing To Disclose

John Russo Nail Lacquer Swatches & Review

Press Sample

Have you ever heard of John Russo?  John Russo is one of the top celebrity/fashion photographers in the world. His work has been featured on covers of Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, Marie Claire, GQ & Esquire. He has photographed Brad Pitt, Gwyneth Paltrow, Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessica Beil and George Clooney to name a few. He has shot advertising campaigns for Hugo Boss, AT&T, Procter & Gamble, Lacoste, Bombardier, and Dolce & Gabbana.

I recently had the opportunity to review some of the shades from their new nail lacquer line and was excited to do so!  These are some fabulous shades for Spring!

Ava

Innocent and unspoiled Ava is a garden of pristine beauty

Ava is a delicate pastel cotton candy pink.  I used 3 thin coats for these photos.

Bushey

There is nothing she can’t do, the girl with a plan. Bushey is strong, powerful, yet organically calming.

Bushey is a pastel pistachio green creme.  I used 3 thin coats for these photos.

Oriole Lane

A place where everything is clean & modern. Always bright and full of light, Oriole Lane is the place to be.

Oriole Lane is a perfect white creme.  I used 3 thin coats for these photos.

Wasp

Don’t be fooled by her, she glides in gracefully but has a sting like a Wasp.

Wasp is a gorgeous vibrant orange creme.  I used 2 coats for these photos.

Harlett

You can judge her, but she doesn’t care. She is running her own show. Harlett  is always in control.

Harlett is a red creme with strong purple tones to it.  I used 2 coats for these photos.

Monette

Monette is the quintessential Gotham girl. Always stylish, sophisticated and understated.

Monette is a vibrant, rich coral.  I used 2 coats for these photos.  Probably my favorite of the set!

And a little Dotticure

Oriole Lane makes a perfect nail art base!  I did a simple dotticure and used Bushey, Ava and Monette over Oriole Lane.

Overview

Overall I am impressed with these shades.  Ava, Bushey and Oriole Lane required 3 coats because they had typical pastel formulas and the first 2 coats left a few streaks.  I do use thin coats when I polish so that could be part of it, but from my experience, this is how pastels perform, but on the third coat everything evened out and looked beautiful!  My top pick is Monette (love a good coral!) but they are all gorgeous and wearable.

Price: $18.00 each

Where To Buy: John Russo Website

Discount Code: Use code Improv1 at checkout and get 20% off!

Have you tried John Russo Nail Lacquer?  I’m pretty impressed with the formulas and all of them had great pigmentation and were easy to work with.  Do you have a favorite?