Fall/Winter 2012 Mega Review

                

It’s that time of year!  A multitude of products from $5 to $65 reviewed for your consideration, after the jump …

                

1 / Susan Posnick Color Essential Moisturizing Lipstick ($19 each) - Don’t let the name fool you, these are somewhere between a lipstick and a balm, but the colors are rich and party-ready.  My favorite is London, a very wearable way to do the burgundy lip trend (it’s a sheer dark cherry), or go Santa Fe if you want to try this season’s copper mood.

                

2 / Too Faced Glamour to Go Kit ($22) - I travel a lot for work so I literally gasped when I opened this tiny ~2 x 3 inch palette, because I’m always looking for that perfect all-in-one makeup solution. The shades are so subtle and perfect, and it has a nice neutral bronzer which I can hardly ever find in a set like this!  Perfect stocking stuffer too.

                

3 / Physicians Formula pH Matchmaker Blush in Rose ($13) - Don’t be afraid of the bright pink - this formula goes on sheer and buildable. The craziest thing about this formula is not that it adjusts to your skin’s pH … it’s that the pigments are designed to work in indoor and outdoor lighting … *smart* … This has a light up mirror and a really nice quality flat kabuki for under $15, which impressed me.

                 

4 / Almay Intense i-color Bold Nudes (for Blue Eyes) ($5) and Liquid Shadow Color Primer (for Green Eyes) ($7) - If you’ve always given the side eye (har) to eye color customized shadows, I will just tell you that it really isn’t B.S... has anyone every complimented your eyes when you wore a certain shirt or scarf?  It’s the science of color, so nerd out and pick up this very affordable neutral palette and hang tight while nice people say “Your eyes are so pretty!” and passive aggressive people that really aren’t your friends say “Are you wearing colored contacts??” All this being said, the shimmery nude primer for green eyes was such a good barely-there tone that I’m going to use it anyway.

                

5 / Buxom Lash Mascara ($19) - Bat-bat away while those people are talking to you about your eye color.  Use this first - it’s extremely plush and the formula is nice and dry … in a good way (doesn’t smudge or goop your lashes together).  The wand is very long which makes for quick lashifying.

                  

6 / Goldfaden MD Pure Start Gentle Detoxifying Cleanser ($32) - I’ve known Dr. Goldfaden and his family since back in the day and their products are the real deal - innovative yet simple and pure.  This cleanser has such a unique formula … it feels like aloe vera gel yet cleans deeply.  I use it to wash off waterproof mascara too.

                  

7 / Philosophy Full of Promise Dual-Action Restoring Cream for Volume and Lift ($65) - I’ve used and reviewed the dual-sided serum version of this product and since my dog literally ate it, I’m thrilled to have this back in my life. It really improved my skin - made it smooth and plush-looking, for lack of a better word, and didn’t break me out.  I wasn’t looking for volume and lift so you can feel free to ignore that part if it doesn’t speak to you - bottom line is, it’s really good moisturizer.

                

8 / Vichy Laboratories ProEven Daily Dark Spot Corrector ($43) - Two things: I’ve seen a lot of people switching from more expensive products to Vichy lately and raving about it on the interwebs, which is notable - further, I don’t think people realize how broadly useful dark spot correctors are.  They are not just for your sun-lovin grandma in Florida (bless her), they’re for anyone who has uneven skintone due to healing or healed acne (<- I’m talking to you, 8 zillz people who ask me about this), pigmentation, or just plain age. You may not realize it, but evening out your skintone will make you look fresh and baby-like.  Try it!

                

9 / Umberto Beverly Hills Repair Treatment Masque ($10) - I’m shocked at the price of this, because I’ve been using much more expensive products that give the same result and come in smaller jars.  I religiously deep condition on Sunday nights and this is now, very affordably, in the roster.

                

10 / China Glaze Polish in Pizazz and With Love ($7 each) - Happy holidays to your tips. The red is rock solid after one coat and the glitter is really chock full and dynamic because there are big pieces and small (these things matter, really).

                

11 / Burt’s Bees Ultimate Care Hand Cream ($13) - I guess you can’t be that “look at my perfect holiday meal” instagramming, food blog copying, beloved by all family members cook without spending a lot of time around a sink, soap, water, etc. This arrived on my desk too late to save me from the hand ruination caused by hosting Thanksgiving … but I’ve been sending in Seamless Web orders with some soft paws ever since and will protect myself before I wreck myself come Christmas.

                

12 / Philosophy Living Grace Perfume ($42) - The net-net of this fragrance is DO go chasing waterfalls. Throw out the rivers and lakes that you’re used to and replace them with this soft, sparkling perfume that’s both refreshing and comforting.  It’s a very pure scent that I think you could take a chance on for a holiday gift - it’s hard not to love, especially if you’re (she’s) already a fan of the other Philosophy scents.

I hope you guys enjoyed all of this!!  xx

All products c/o Glam Beauty Board (click to learn more).