Pantene Nation

Allure magazine endlessly touts Pantene as the best hair care brand in its annual beauty poll. While many experts say Pantene is actually not restorative but destructive, I had my doubts about using it. A boyfriend's careless purchase of it convinced me to use some; his hair smelled so good!

In my pursuit of growing out healthy hair, I decided to try Pantene's Beautiful Lengths shampoo and conditioner, which has a nice creamy lather and isn't drying. However, I rarely wash my hair more than once a week, so I can't be getting the results Pantene pledges through five or six uses. I needed a creamy hair mask as well, to try to undo some of the damage to my poor over processed hair.

Pantene Pro-V Restoratives Time Renewal Replenishing Mask made a noticeable difference in the condition of my hair after just one use in the shower. No half-hour spent with my head in a hot towel or a heavy residue left behind. Just silkier, smoother hair and yep, a delicious scent too!

I might have to give the shampoo and conditioner a shot, too.

Clinique Almost Powder Makeup 5 Stars!

I was lured to the shiny, perfumed section of makeup counters in Macy's the other day because of two reasons: I spilled my loose powder foundation ALL over my white robe and bathroom counter one too many times, and advertising.

Clinique's NEW Almost Powder Makeup SPF 15 was shown alongside a nifty little sample on a card inside a magazine. I liked the powder's finish so much that I had to investigate.

This powder foundation is super light with a silky, soft-focus finish as well as commendable building power. The accompanying sponge wiped out my under-eye circles and spotty redness, and it works well with brushes as well. I can condone the price as well; $22.50 these days isn't the worst damage you can do to your beauty budget.

Staple of the Week

Cover Girl Perfect Blend eyeliner

This basic Cover Girl pencil in black-brown is my cheap little secret.

The soft formula and handy sponge blending tip gives the perfectsmoky, yet natural smudgy eye. Remember: In regards to makeup, the only hard edges should be on your compact. And at $4, this pencil lets me save my money for my wishlist items!

Tip of the Week #1

For a luminous effect, apply powder highlighter on your cheekbones before applying other face makeup.

Before I apply mineral foundation, blush and bronzer, I apply a pearly highlighter under my eyebrows, on the inner corner of my eyes and high up on my cheeks.

The effect is a really natural glow, especially after a mist of water or a pat of lotion to up the dewiness-factor. The light color near the eyes also emphasizes the whites of the eyes and detracts attention from dark circles.

[Also, if you have a "bigger" nose like I do, I have a great tip from Jennifer Lopez's makeup artist: Blend a small amount of highlighter on the tip of your nose to create the illusion of a more button nose shape.]







While I've been using a pearly white eyeshadow from L'Oreal as my highlighter to test this new beauty tip, I am considering some more appropriate upgrades. Benefit's Dandelion, a soft shimmery pink highlighter in an adorable package, is high on the list.





However, Guerlain's Terracotta Blush & Sun comes in three deeper shades from shimmering peach to dusky rose, which might allow me to combine a step and throw out my bronzer.

Wishlist

Right now I am craving these new items:

Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Foundation UVA/UVB SPF 15, which gives a
creamy, natural semi0matte finish and protects skin with chemical-free mineral sun protection. Available for a disheartening $38 at smashbox.com. (I'm getting really tired of loose mineral makeup since it's messy and hard to travel with. Living between my house, my boyfriend's house, and 10 hour workdays, I want a good makeup that's much more practical).

Clean & Clear Blackhead Eraser. I've been plagued with blackheads on my nose since I was in my early teens, which is no longer in my near past. I thought acne was supposed to go away with age! Anyway, this product looks sufficiently interesting to pique my interest. Besides, I have a love of gadgets, and this one both vibrates, cleanses, and applies blackhead madication! $19.99 at most drugstores, I just scored a $5 off coupon on cleanandclear.com.

La Mer Miraculous Beginnings, oh the luxury! This $325 kit contains travel sizes of Crème de la Mer, The Cleansing gel, The Tonic, The Oil Obsorbing Lotion, The Lifting Face Serum, The Lifting Intensifier and the Eye Concentrate.

As age twenty-five quickly approaches and I'm starting to see my smile lines remain after I've stopped smiling, I need to get serious about my health, and that includes my skin. As some great beauty once said, you only get one face, so take care of it.

Revlon Lash Fanstasy - Follow-Up

I prescribe giving the waterproof formula a shot.

Since I started using it three weeks ago, Revlon Lash Fantasy Total Definition mascara has become my new favorite lash-lengthener. I've been converted by it's primer formula and the long, defined, inky black results I get.

I've found that waterproof formulas usually give a more false eyelash effect, and I used to be a devote. Due to their nature, waterproof formulas are generally drying and hard to remove, so I stopped using them a few years ago. But a light rain a few days ago remined me that winter is coming, and I don't want to be worrying about my mascara running.

I am going to purchase the Revlon Lash Fantasy waterproof formula because I also got my little hands on Sonia Kashuk's Remove Eye Makeup Remover, available at Target, which really cuts through waterproof makeup and leaves the eye area smooth and moisturized. The water- and silicone-based formula is also gentle on the fragile skin around the eyes and reduces lash breakage. A little pricey to me at $9.99, but still worth it ;]