Product Review: Hourglass No. 28 Primer Serum

I was at Sephora looking for a face primer and stumbled upon the No. 28 Primer Serum by Hourglass. I bought the 0.33 oz size (retails $22.00 here) and was quite excited to try this product out.  The formula is a hydrating, oil blend serum that you put on your face before putting on makeup (hence it is a face primer).

The No. 28 Primer Serum is an oil blend which glides onto your skin, evens pores, and shields against environmental aggressors.  The formula’s hydrating oil provides a smooth surface before makeup application. This formula is packed with great key ingredients. The number 28 in the name signifies key ingredients such as 14 essential oils (lavender, geranium, rose geranium, vanilla, clove, orange peel, amyris, lemon peel, petitgrain, eucalyptus, rosemary leaf, bois de rose, cedar leaf, ylang ylang), 10 lipid-rich plant oils (jojoba, rose hips seed, evening primrose, hazelnut, borage seed, kukui nut, sweet almond, green tea, olive, and cherry pit), and four vitamins (A, B5, C, and E).

So how do I use this product? I put on my moisturizer and eye cream first.  Then I use a small amount of the primer serum - one small pump for my whole face is sufficient. I then wait a couple of minutes for the oil to dry before applying my foundation.  The serum isn’t greasy or oily feeling at all; it sinks into your skin resulting in hydrated feeling skin.

What are the results? The results are a smooth, long lasting makeup application! I seriously can last 9+ hours at work with my makeup in tact and also during a hot, sweaty day outside.  It's also great for winter-time when my face is dry.  This serum provides a great canvas for my makeup and my foundation glides effortlessly over my face.  As an added bonus the sales rep at Sephora mentioned that this serum can also be used alone as a hair serum!

Product Review: Benefit Cosmetics They're Real! Mascara

Happy Friday loves! I wanted to talk about a new product I had recently tried the They're Real! Mascara by Benefit Cosmetics in jet-black color.  I usually use the DiorShow Blackout and I thought it was time for a change since I haven’t used any other mascara in months so I decided to take my chances with They're Real! by Benefit. 

What drew me to this mascara in the first place was the box and what this mascara claims to do: This claims to curl, volumize, lift, lengthen, and separate lashes..

94% Saw dramatic length & volume
90% Saw base-to-tip curl
94% saw visible lift
100% saw long-wearing results

So… does all this hold true? Yes, however, it depends on how you like your lashes. I like my lashes super voluminous, thick, and curled.  Here is the "before" picture:

What I first noticed was how the wand is designed. It separates all your lashes and does not clump up your lashes. The only downside to this is that you have to apply A LOT of coats in order to see a significant difference. I did also notice visible lift and my lashes did seem to curl upwards – I am guessing due to how the wand was designed. And Lastly, yes, this mascara is long-wearing. I had trouble getting it off but nothing that a great makeup remover won’t be able to get off.  And here is the "after" picture!

So, is this mascara worth the price? For me, I would say no. However, I think this mascara works great for work time – nothing crazy just simple and really separates your lashes.

Product Review: Bumble and Bumble Straight Shampoo, Conditioner, Blow Dry Cream

I'm always on the hunt for shampoo, conditioner and blow dry styling balm that will leave my hair looking like a movie stars, you know - silky, smooth and straight.  I unfortunately have typical indian hair which is coarse, thick, and wavy.  Basically it's a crazy mess when it's not tame.  When I was at Sephora two weeks ago their 500 point gift was the BB Straight Set with comes with the Shampoo, Conditioner, and Blow Dry Styling Balm.  The Straight Shampoo (retails $31.00 for 8.5 oz) , Straight Conditioner ($34.00 for 8.5 oz) and Straight Blow Dry (retails $16.00). 

The shampoo and conditioner smell amazing!  I used a little amount of shampoo in my wet hair and it worked into a great lather.  As an added bonus, the shampoo is sulfate free.  I then rinsed the shampoo out and followed with the conditioner by leaving the conditioner in my hair for a few minutes before rinsing.  Although I did like these products, I think I could have achieved the same great smell and feel with other cheaper products.

The blow dry styling balm is lightweight and heat-activated.  I am extremely picky about the straight creams I use in my hair since they are expensive and rarely seem to work.  I always have to bring out my straightening iron for that sleek look.  However, by using this product I am able to cut out the straightening time as this product leaves my hair straight, silky and smooth.  Also, you just need a little bit (pea size) to work into your hair.  If you use to much your hair will instead look oily and greasy. 

Overall, I am glad I tried this product.  I would not invest in the shampoo and conditioner since I can use a lower cost option to achieve the same result.  I would however invest in the Blow Dry Styling Balm as it left my hair straight, smooth, and silky!