Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara in Waterproof

Sephora: .61 oz. for $20

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P235801&categoryId=B70

I don't know what it is with me always beginning with my first impressions of products I'm reviewing, but once I again I'm going to tell you how I first encountered this product. As you may know, I live in South Dakota and we don't have a Sephora here, so I have to rely on friend's trips to cities that have the stores, or ordering online to get my Sephora products fix. One of my friends took a trip to California and visited a Sephora while she was there. She asked if I wanted her to bring me anything back, and I told her that I'd love to try one of Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliners. She responded with "I think maybe you need the big fatty mascara too..." and I replied "Are you implying something here!?" ;-P All in good fun, mind you.

But let's get back on topic! Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara is seriously amazing. I am a huge mascara buff - I love love love trying out new mascaras, especially the cheap drugstore kinds. So how did I end up falling in love with this guy, you may ask? Pure chance - I'd really never heard of it until my friend brought me back a tube of it.

Let's start with the appearance. I absolutely love the retro look of it. Of course you aren't going to go out and buy a mascara just because it looks cute (or who knows, maybe some people do?) - it's what's inside that's really important. The texture of the mascara itself is fabulous - it's like whipped and light and fluffy...nothing heavy that's going to clump your lashes beyond all hope. The wand is double the size of a typical wand, but I think it is what makes this mascara so special. There are so many bristles that it's actually quite difficult for your lashes to clump together. The waterproof version of the BFM is without flaw. I've never had it flake, smear, drip, or smudge whatsoever. Even after crying hysterically, through the drippy eyeliner mess, my mascara still remains - tried and true!

I know what you are all thinking - $20 for a fricking mascara that will be either used up or dried out with in a few months...are you on crack!? I'll admit, it is outrageous. As much as I love the results, I truly can't justify spending that much money on a tube of mascara when I can get a drugstore one that I love almost as much for less than half the price. Honestly, I've never purchased this mascara myself...the few tube's that I've indulgently enjoyed have all been given to me.

If you are someone who can afford to spend $20 on a mascara, I'd definitely recommend checking Urban Decay's Big Fatty Mascara out...you won't be disappointed. I've found my tubes to (surprisingly) last 4-6 months, which is fantastic. Maybe that can help justify the cost for those of you who don't splurge often?

For those of you wanting a fabulous mascara at a drugstore price, check out this review:

L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara

Sephora Collection Mineral Loose Powder Foundation

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P260207&categoryId=B70

$10 on sale from Sephora (+shipping if you don't live near a store). Regularly $18

I finally did it...I've crossed the line and there is no turning back. Two words: Mineral. Foundation. What's the big hype about? this powdery foundation is 97% minerals and infused with hydrating properties, as well as antioxidants to help keep your skin healthy and glowing. But that really isn't what I'm so hung up on; it's the many other pro's of this product that have me stuck like glue.

The problem with liquid foundations, for me, has always been that they make my face greasey throughout the day. Mineral foundations help to elimitate this problem all together - it is powder, no liquidy, cakey, greasey, or smeary if, ands, or buts about it. Once applied, this stuff doesn't budge. Long lasting, flawless coverage? Yes, please!

But here's the catch: if you are willing to make the transition, you are going to have to trade in your soggy applicator sponge for a big, fluffy brush for the product's application. Sounds painless enough, right?

To apply, I transfer a small amount of powder from the top of the container to the lid. Then, you swirl it around in a circle 2-3 times (which makes sure that the powder is being evenly distributed on the brush) and then tap the handle (or side...just on the actual brush part) on the side of the container a few times, which will get rid of any excess fall out. Starting with the center of the face, start the application - keeping things even and working your way outwards. You can apply as many coats as you need to (I typically do 2-3) until you feel like you have the coverage you want.

This stuff is truly fabulous - as I said before, it really stays put. You can find other brands of mineral foundations at Walgreens, Target, Walmart, or any drugstore. When choosing the right shade, I'd recommend going a little lighter than you think you should be...all for the sake of prevention of turning orange :)

Remember - technique is key to getting the flawless, even coverage this product boasts about, so take your time and be patient! Play around and see what does and doesn't work for you.

Sephora's Mineral Foundation is a no brainer for me. It prevents oiliness, is long lasting, makes your face feel silky smooth, and it's relatively easy to apply...oh and did I mention it also makes you lose 10 pounds after just the first use? (Ha, just kidding! But I wish...it would make it all the more perfect!) This is a must try for oily, combo, acne-proned, and sensitive skin types (I didn't forget about the dries, but you may want to stick with liquid as the powder will tend to make your face appear to be flakey).

Ty it out and let me know what you think!

First Aid Beauty Products

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P266313&categoryId=B70

First Aid Beauty (FAB) Travel Kit: $15 from Sephora, includes:

- 1.0 oz Face Cleanser

- 1.0 oz Daily Face Cream
- 2.0 oz Gentle Body Wash
- 2.0 oz Body Moisturizer

Formulated without:

- Parabens

- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Petrochemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

...if you know what all of these things are, kudos to you! Maybe you should start a blog of your own :)

Keep in mind that these products do come in full sizes...check out Sephora's site for more info (you can follow the link above for a quick arrival to their site).

The facial cleanser says right on the front that it is for sensitive skin and I found this to be true. The creamy non comedogenic formula kept my skin feeling hydrated, even after I had patted my face dry. The product description states that it is oil-free - oil-free products typically suck every ounce of moisture from my face, but to my surprise FAB's cleanser really didn't. I noticed that it helped reduce my face's shininess throughout the day, and although it wasn't to the degree that I would have liked, ti was significant enough to take note of.

This product is also near scentless - if you are a face wash addict like me and have tried close to every drug store face wash, scrub, or weird little vibrating thingy, you can relate the smell to Clearasil, although it is very very slight.

As far as the acne aspect of this wash goes, I wouldn't go so far as to say it did absolutely nothing, but I definitely didn't find the results I was looking for. This product (for the first week or so) really did prevent new acne from forming, but it never cleared away the pimples that already existed, which was disappointing.

Along with the appearance and texture, my other favorite part about this cleanser/face cream duo was how silky it made my face feel - I can honestly say I was thoroughly impressed by how much softer my face was after only the first use.

The face cream also close to unscented, and I actually  love it. It is medium-thick, but absorbs relatively quickly. It didn't leave me feeling greasy or caked down and suffocated. Honestly, if it weren't for the outrageous price ($18 for 2 oz....) this would be my new daily moisturizer. I suppose you could justify the price with how long this product will last you, I mean you really don't need to use much to completely cover your face and neck, but since I'm no where near a Sephora (or CVS), ti sort of comes down to being an inconvenience...I'd rather be able to drive over to Walgreens or Walmart when I'm running low instead of having to go through the hassle of ordering it and waiting for it to arrive.

The body lotion was nothing special...I found my newly shaved legs getting itchy and burning not even 5 minutes after I applied it. As I am writing this (I used it this morning) my legs are itching once again! It is safe to say that I will be sticking with Curel, Victoria's Secret, and Bath & Body Works lotions.

I have yet to try the body wash and I am rather hesitant to, in all honesty. I don't want to sound stingy (although I am on a budget here, people), but a body wash truly isn't something I can bring myself to splurge on. If I feel like indulging in body wash form, I'll break out some Dove, or heck maybe even the Bath & Body Works goodies :)

Over all, this face cleanser isn't for me. I would, however, highly recommend it to anyone without acne-prone skin who is just looking for a great daily cleanser. I'll give it 4 of 5 stars... 5 of 5 if you aren't acne prone! Daily facial cream gets 4 of 5...just cause of the price. Lotion...1 of 5 (don't waste your time!). And the body wash is still a work in progress...could very well be a forever work in progress ;-P

Gonna try out these products for yourself?

Let me know your verdict!