Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Benefit Roller Lash Mascara-A Review

I call myself a foundation whore because I am always on the hunt for the perfect foundation. I haven't found it in case you were wondering. I am going to have to add mascara whore to that list because I cannot seem to find a mascara that I love or even like enough to purchase a 2nd time. I must say that when I owned Little Goddess Cosmetics, my mascara was the BOMB! It was a great formula with a tiny brush that made it very easy to coat every last lash. That is what I am looking for. 

The most recent mascara that I decided to try is the newest Roller Lash mascara by Benefit. You would think that I learned my lesson with They're Real and Better Than Sex. Well I didn't and just like the other two, this Benefit mascara is eh. 

The draw of this mascara is the brush. I am almost certain the formula is the same for all 3 so the draw is alsways going to be the brush. This one is skinny and curved and it's supposed to work like a curling iron or hot rollers would on your hair and curl each lash. Well, it doesn't do much in my opinion,  plus just like the other 2, the color is not very black-more of a greyish brown.  I do like the brush because I like a skinny brush but I am the first one to say stick to drugstore mascaras because I the formulas are all very similar and why spend $23 when you can spend $7 and then I go and spend $23 three times on the same mediocre products! *Slaps Head*

For my professional makeup artist kit, I usually use Maybelline Great Lash or any mascara I can squeeze out of a tube. 

The next mascara on my list to try for myself is one I recently purchased from NYX during a 40% off sale so it was a whopping $4 and I have my eye on an Eyeko mascara.

You can purchase Roller Lash mascara from Sephora for $23.

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner, A Review

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

Can you be in love with a product? Because I am in LOVE with this product. 

I have always claimed myself to be an eyeliner baby in the same vein as the Bridgitte Bardot's and Sophia Loren's of the world. I have always loved a sexily lined eye and would mostly use pencil liner to achieve that look. That is until I watched a video that used a felt tip pen liner to achieve a rock and roll eye and I thought 

"Why the hell do I not own a liquid pen liner!?" 

After some quick research and a trip to Sephora, my love affair with Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner began! I was hooked after the first use. 

The reasons I love this liner:

• It is very black. 
• True to it's name, it does stay all day. After wearing it for 8 hours, the only thing I've had to touch up is the inner corner and that is because I have a horrible habit of touching my eyes. Don't touch your eyes. 
• Due to its skinny tip, you can make a very thin line or build it up to a thicker line. 
• It does not smudge or bleed. 
• It does not skip or dryout during application. 

There is really nothing about this product that I don't like. It is waterproof so you will need something to remove it with. I have no problem removing it with my double cleanse routine using coconut oil, a washcloth, and creamy cleanser.  

 

Now with that being said, I went to lunch with a friend the other day and she complimented my cat eye which was more prominent than usual. She said she can't do a cat eye because her hand is not steady enough. Now, I'm not going to lie, winged liner can be a tricky little bitch but there is no reason why anyone shouldn't be able to pull off this sexy look. Professionals don't always get it right and have to clean up their work sometimes so here are a few tips and tricks to make your life a little easier:

• Go Slow! Do not attempt to draw a straight line all in one shot. Draw little lines or dashes and you can fill in any open spaces at the end. 
• To get as close as possible to the upper lash line, place your thumb on your brow bone and gently lift the skin up. This will allow the skin at the lashline to be lifted and a little more taut providing a very close to the lashline application. 
• Do not take your line all the way to the very outer corner of your upper lashline. This can draw your eyes downward creating an aging or tired effect. Instead, stop about 2-3 eyelashes short of your outer corner and angle the line slightly up towards the tail end of your eyebrow. This will give your eyes a lifted effect. 
• If you cannot get your outer flick sharp enough, use a little eye makeup remover on a q-tip to help sharpen it up a little bit. You can also use whatever leftover foundation or concealer you have on your brush.
• Lastly, do not be afraid to use the magnified side of your mirror to get a real close up look at what you are doing. Just make sure you take a step back and look on the regular side so you know it is not getting away from you. 

You can purchase Stila at Sephora for $20.00

 JessicaSavinoMakeup.com

Malin+Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads

Malin+Goetz Resurfacing Glycolic Pads and How to Use Them

This is a looonnggg overdue blog post. I'm playing a bit of catch up right now. I have been using Alpha Hydroxy Acids since my early ahems when they were brand spanking new in the beauty industry. My dermatologist at that time decided the try it on me because I was having some skin issues. I thought it was a magic lotion. My skin was instantly transformed. It was clear and radiant. It was absolutely glowing. I used them for years and then took a break. I'm sure I was probably using them wrong at the time, they were new and there was still a bit of a learning curve. They are an acid, they are no joke, you do not want your face to fall off. 3 times a week is probably better than every day like I was doing.

Just a refresh on what AHA's do. They lightly exfoliate your skin so the texture is smoother, your skin glows and fine lines disappear. I believe acids in your daily skin care routine is very important. 

So when I was first using AHA's, they mostly came in a lotion formula. These days acid toning has now become a big thing, so you can spray it on or saturate a cotton pad with a liquidy formula or use conveniently pre-soaked pads like these from Malin+Goetz. (Sorry I did not get a photo of the pre-soaked pads)

According to the Malin+Goetz website:

Physician grade Glycolic Acid thoroughly sloughs away dead skin to encourage cell turnover, collagen production and to smooth wrinkles for a healthy, radiant glow. Highly effective glycolic acid clears pores and improves clarity and texture achieving maximum absorption without the irritation of an aggressive chemical peel. Use with anti-aging and acne treatment regimens. Natural fragrance and color.

Physician grade Glycolic Acid-I'm not sure what strength is in this formula, however the most you can buy over the counter is 10%, unless that has changed and I am unaware.

What I love about this formula is there are 3 ingredients. Water, Glycolic Acid, and Ammonium Hydroxide which is a synthetic liquid used in cosmetics to alter a products PH Level.

You would use these pads after you wash your face, prior to any other products. The directions say to wash off after 20 minutes but I leave it on all night. If you've never used an AHA, you may want to follow the directions and work your way up to that. I use them about 3 times per week. 

These will cost you $48 for 50 pads. I have mine since December and still have about 1/4 of my jar left. 

Don't forget to visit jessicasavinomakeup.com and don't forget to hit the subscribe button at the top of the page!

Adios Amigos!

Jessica Savino Makeup New Website

Hello you beautiful people! So sorry I have neglected you all but building my new website pretty much took away all of my free time.

I have FINALLY launched it and I would love to share it with you!

So please take a looky loo and I hope you enjoy it. Now hopefully I will get back on a regular writing schedule!

JessicaSavinoMakeup.com

MAC Face and Body and Mineralize Skinfinish Review

MAC Face and Body and Mineralize Skinfinish Review

I may be the only makeup artist on the planet that does not carry not even one MAC product in her kit. It's not that I have anything against MAC, I don't! I have used MAC as a consumer for years and I love their products. I have never subscribed to the notion that MAC is the best pro line out there and your whole kit should be made up solely of MAC products. It's just not true and being the rebel that I am, I refuse to join the MAC force field! They do have some great pro products that I will definitely add to my pro kit but quite honestly, there are other pro lines that are better. 

ALSO, MAC-listen up- You are one of the only (if not the only) companies that charge for a pro card. Seriously, stop it! It has made me hold off on applying, which has made me hold off on purchasing your awesome products!

Now with all that being said, I have added two MAC products to my personal makeup collection that I LOVE. 

First up, you all know that I am a foundation whore. I have been searching high and low over the years for a foundation that I love. They have mostly been fleeting love affairs but I believe I have found one that I may keep with me for a while. 

MAC Face and Body has been around for years. I believe I used to use it in the mid-90's. Face and Body is thinner than traditional liquid face foundation. This is a water based foundation (although the second ingredient is silicone) that delivers a sheer finish that can be built up to a medium-ish finish. This foundation gives your skin a really healthy, glowy complexion without looking heavy AT ALL. Your skin will look like a better version of your skin. If you have problem skin, you may want to pair it with a good concealer for any problem areas as this will not cover imperfections on it's own. If you have clear skin and just want a little something extra, this is the foundation for you!

I have read some people say there's a learning curve to using it? It's foundation people, play around and figure it out! There's only so many ways to apply it. I personally like using a round, synthetic buffing/foundation brush but this product is also perfect for applying with your hands. Buff it in until you feel it "pull" a little. 

 

Next up is MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Pressed Powder. I have stated time and time again that I am not a powder fan. Powder can age you and make your skin look dull if you use too much of it. This powder does none of that. This powder just takes the shine away without settling into fine lines or making your skin look over matte or dull. I even powder under my eyes with absolutely no issues. I highly recommend this powder. My only complaint is I don't feel it last very long. Once I powder, I find myself powdering again 30 minutes later. It's fine because it never builds up but I would like it to last a little longer. 

So there ya go! Two great products from MAC. I would love to add these to my professional kit, now if I can just get MAC to waive their pro card registration fee, I would be on board to buy all of their pro products!

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Jessica Savino Makeup

Jessica Savino Makeup

 

Hey there kitty cats! So for those of you who have been following me from the beginning of this blog (which is almost 5 years old already!), most of you know my story. For those of you who don't or are new to the blog, let me give you a quick refresher. 

I have always had a love for makeup and the beauty industry. After a brief stint at Elizabeth Arden (approximately 130 years ago), I left to work on Wall St. 

After 15 years of working at one of the most exciting financial institutions in the world, I was laid off. I decided to flip the financial world the bird and jump back into the beauty industry. I started Little Goddess Cosmetics and created an adorable little cosmetics line that I loved and nurtured for 6 years. In 2013 I called it a day but kept the blog going because well, I just can't stay away from you people and I can't stop talking about makeup and skin care. 

So now onto the next phase- I am retiring the Little Goddess Cosmetics name and renaming the blog Jessica Savino Makeup. There will be a website soon dedicated to my makeup artistry that will bear the same name. 

I will still be writing about and reviewing products but I will also be writing about my experience and my journey. I hope it inspires and helps anyone who is searching for advice or inspiration. 

I hope you will all stick with me on my adventures and invite your peeps to come along!

Better Than Sex Mascara Review

 A Cheeky Review About Better Than Sex Mascara

 

What for you is better than sex? 

Not much besides food and sleep in my opinion and that depends on my mood and when my last meal was. So when Two Faced Cosmetics names their mascara "Better than Sex", it had better be the best mascara ever created in the history of mascara since sex has some pretty big ass shoes to fill. Ever since Francois Nars got cheeky and named his blush Orgasm, it has become quite popular for cosmetic companies to push the sexy boundaries with their product names. I'm looking at you Thrrrob and Sexy Mother Pucker. There are now tons to choose from and I don't mind one bit-as long as they live up to their names. You can't name something "Tie Me to the Bedpost" and it not be an awesome product! Right?

What is supposed to make this mascara better than actual sex is the wand. Sigh, it is always about the wand, isn't it? Ok so back to the mascara wand! The wand is shaped like an hourglass, like a sexy lady hourglass which is supposed to allow for a better application. That along with it's ultra black, collagen fueled, polymer formula and "all of your desires for lush, incredibly intense lashes will be fulfilled". Sounds enticing doesn't it? The brush head is a little too big for me. I tend to prefer the skinny little brushes that coat each lash and provides a little bit of length. If you like a fat brush, you may enjoy this mascara.

Needs bigger boobs!

It is supposed to "separate, coat and curl each lash to voluptuous perfection."

Lets take a look at some before and afters. You can all just ignore my eyebrows in these photos. Just like their owner, they don't like close-ups.

Before:

My eyes, with filters because my eyes are most likely older than your eyes. 

After:

Before:

After:

 

This mascara gives pretty good thickness and volume at the lash line which I like. I don't feel like it adds a ton of length. My problem with this mascara and every high end mascara ever created is the price. This mascara cost $23 and a trip to a specialty cosmetics store. I KNOW I can find a comparable, if not better mascara at my local drugstore or supermarket for less than $10.  

So is this mascara better than sex? Not for me it's not. It's decent and if you prefer thickness over length (see what I did there?), this may be the mascara for you. I however cannot see myself spending $23 every other month for a mascara that is ok. 

If you liked this review, read all about Benefit's They're Real Mascara and if you have not subscribed yet, you should do it right now!

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Purely Cosmetics Pure Silk Powder and Diamond Perfect Finishing Powder

Yesterday I explained the difference between a finishing and setting powder. Today I want to introduce you to Purely Cosmetics Pure Silk Powder and Diamond Perfect Finishing Powder. 

Pure Silk Powder and Diamond Perfect Finishing Powder

As I had mentioned yesterday, I am not a big fan of tons of powder on my face because too much powder can age you. Nobody wants a powdery chalkboard for a face. Of course, my clients are going to be powdered 99% of the time but my clients usually have situations that call for it such as makeup that has to last all day or being under hot lights, etc. You get the idea. When I have to powder myself or someone else, I find that most of the time I am reaching for my Purely Cosmetics powders.

Both of these powders come packaged in a standard plastic screw top jar but on the inside there is a cool twist top sifter that stops the powder from going all over the place while you are traveling or if you throw the powder into your makeup bag. They also came nicely packaged with a Werthers Hard Candy. Nice touch Purely Cosmetics! 

Smart sifter top!

First up, Pure Silk Powder. As I had explained yesterday, setting powders are applied after your base to set your makeup and lock it in! Let me start by saying, this powder has one single ingredient. Yes, let me repeat that: one single ingredient. It is 100% Pure Silk Powder finely milled from the wings of angels. I don't know where they get their silk but it is incredibly finely milled. It is sooooo super soft that it makes regular soft feel hard.  

According to the website:

Silk powder has dual properties of being able to absorb or release moisture as temperature and humidity changes, while also being able to absorb excess oils, making it ideal for both dry and oily skin types. Silk powder has 18 amino acids essential to the human body, reflects UV rays to aid in preventing sun damage, and it's light reflecting properties are the closest to natural skin reflection. Our ultrafine, pure silk powder will leave your face feeling silky smooth. It is colorless, and due to it's reflecting properties, will leave a more matte finish than our traditional foundation alone. Works well as a primer, setting or finishing powder.

The very minimal ingredients list for both products

 So this is how I use this powder, usually under my eyes after concealer to prevent creasing and I have had absolutely no issues with it settling into fine lines or making my skin look older. Now the other crazy way to use this is as a primer. Yes that's right-I apply a light dusting before I apply my foundation. I KNOW! That sounds bananas especially if you have been taught, trained and preached to about how you always powder after your foundation-and you still do, however you don't necessarily have to if you use powder as a primer. This goes against everything I have explained to you in my last post but trust me, it works! I only do this if I need my makeup to last a long time and I do it for brides because it helps their makeup last all day. You only need a very light dusting, more than that and it is too much. You'll end up looking like a sponge cake. 

It is amazing how your pores disappear after applying this to your skin. It even states on Purely Cosmetics website that you can use this as a primer, setting or finishing powder. You can watch this Wayne Goss video that explains it a little better but you should definitely try it if your makeup tends to fade or you are on the oily side.

Next up, Diamond Perfect Finishing Powder-this ish is just voodoo magic. Again minimal ingredients. The idea behind this powder is that the crushed up diamonds create this blue cast to the skin (not visible to the eye) that creates an optical diffusion illusion. This powder is like having a photo filter for your face. It is seriously amazing and unlike any powder I have ever used. It feels creamy and makes your skin feel ridiculously soft. It's like whipped cream and kitten's fur got together and had a powder baby. Creamy soft. 
It blurs any imperfections and makes your makeup look very polished. This works beautifully in photographs. According to the website it has almost 1 carat of diamonds in every jar. Also, this does not contain shimmer as the name may lead you to believe. It just makes you look like you are glowing. It is definitely a must have on my list.

I wish you could feel how absolutely creamy the texture of this powder is.

So that's my love letter to Purely Cosmetics, I highly recommend both of these products. You can't go wrong with either one. And you can't go wrong with hitting one of the buttons below!

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What's the Difference Between Setting and Finishing Powders

Oh hiiiii there! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday weekend! I sure did! Now back to business. 

Have you ever wondered what is the difference between a setting powder and a finishing powder? Well thank the makeup Gods that I am here to explain it to you!

It's quite simple actually. A Setting Powder sets your makeup and a Finishing Powder finishes your makeup look. 

Setting Powder

When you apply any cream based product (and some liquids) such as concealer or foundation, you must set the product otherwise it will move and/or crease on your face. Also, cream products might look to creamy (or greasy) on film if not properly powdered. You want your makeup to stay put so you have to lock it into place with a setting powder. Setting powders can be colorless or have a tone to them. So to be clear, setting powders are applied after your base makeup to set it into place. Ben Nye powders are a good example of setting powders.

Finishing Powder

Finishes your makeup look. A finishing powder can add texture to the skin, such as a dewy or a matte finish. It can also blur imperfections. Finishing powder will pull everything together and complete your makeup look, making it look more polished and professional. You would add a finishing powder at the very end of your makeup application as a last step. MUFE HD Finishing Powder is a good example of a finishing powder.

I always powder my clients that I work on but you have to pick and choose which is more important so as not to over powder someone. For example, a bride will have different powder needs than someone on television or a model on a photoshoot. For my personal preference, I am not a big fan of too much powder on my skin. I find that overdoing it can age you and ain't nobody got time for that! So a little setting powder under the eyes to set concealer and then a light dusting of a finishing powder at the end to pull it all together and that's it! You can refresh your skin if you over powder by misting it with either a setting or finishing spray. Same concept as the powders-setting spray sets and a finishing spray finishes. I would not use both but everyone has to find what works for them and their comfort level.

How to tell the difference between the two?  Most of the time, it will be in the product name. If not, time to learn your ingredients and quite honestly, I have not found there are set ingredients for either so it would be best to ask the sales person or check the companies website to be absolutely sure.

Tomorrow I will tell you all about Purely Cosmetics Silk Setting Powder and their Diamond Finishing Powder. Two wonderful products! Until then, make sure you click on one of the pretty buttons below!

 

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Cream, Liquid, Powder-Foundation Formulations and What They Mean to Your Skin!

                                                                                           

 I have come to the conclusion that the reason I haven't found my Holy Grail foundation yet is because there are way too many choices and formulations to choose from! As promised, I am here to break it down for you and explain what the different formulations mean for your skin.

Foundation, the base of your makeup application, comes in 3 different variations: Cream, Liquid, and Powder/Dual Finish. I have already covered airbrush foundation.

What are the differences between the three?

Cream

• Provides maximum coverage
• Popular choice for film, video, and photography
• Very pigmented
• Very versatile
• Packaged in a pot or compact
• Applied with a sponge or a brush

Liquid

• Light, buildable coverage
• Popular choice for everyday wear
• Packaged in a bottle or a pump
• Applied with a sponge, brush, or clean fingers

Powder

• Provides good coverage
• Easy to apply
• Matte finish
• Can be used wet or dry
• Packaged loose in a jar or pressed in a compact
• Applied with a brush or a sponge.

Foundation has many different bases, most commonly water based and silicone based. 

What are the differences and what does this mean for your skin?

First up Silicone based foundations can be formulated as a liquid or cream. The little silicone spheres found in your makeup are large so they do not settle into pores or fine lines, therefore floating over your skin and creating a very smooth, almost airbrushed finish. Silicone formulas are long lasting, water resistant and photograph beautifully making them my top choice for bridal or special events. The one con about silicone makeup in general, in any formulation is that a lot of people are sensitive to silicone and may break out. Not all silicone's are acneic so read the ingredients and learn which silicones are the ones for you. **Quick Tip-anything with the letters cone on the end of it is a silicone**

Next up Water based foundations. Water based foundations are very natural looking and much thinner than other formulations. They provide a medium coverage and set pretty quickly. They are really good for women who may have problems with breaking out. Water based foundations are water activated which means, if you're gonna cry don't do it wearing a water based foundation. Also, keep in mind-water and oil do not mix so if you have oily skin, you may want to try a different formulation. Make sure to keep your moisturizer water based as well to avoid your makeup separating and sliding right off of your face. 

Powder based foundations are usually loose, ground up minerals. So here is my public service announcement for the day:
Just because it is a mineral foundation, does not mean that it is "natural" or safe for everybody. 

All foundations, regardless of the formulation contain minerals, that is what gives makeup it's color. Not all mineral foundations are safe. As I always say, PLEASE READ THE LABELS. Ever hear of
Bismuth Oxychloride? Look it up, it is a by product of lead and it is in the formulation of a very large, well known mineral foundation line. Also, everyone's skin is different and you never know what is going to break someone out. Powder foundation in pan form are usually talc and pigment and most of the time can be used wet or dry.


There are also Alcohol based foundations which are very thin and dry very quickly, I believe they are mostly used for application on the body (I could be wrong about that but I wouldn't want to use alcohol based on my face). They have to be shaken up before use and are usually applied with a cotton ball.

Lastly Oil based foundations, which are becoming rare, are thicker and anyone with oily skin should stay away from them. 

So I hope this post helped you out and you know what to look for the next time you need to purchase foundation. 

Leave any questions in the comments below and I will be glad to answer them! If you haven't already, click on one of the buttons below. Photo credits below the buttons.

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