Smashbox Full Exposure Mascara.

So, I should start off with saying I'm a mascara junkie. Always have always will. I have tried just about every higher end brand, some not so much. I own more right now than most people should in their lifetime. I LOVE MASCARA. So I figured this is a no-brainer blog topic. I'm gonna review several over time, I won't bombard you right off the bat. So lets get this party started.
Smashbox-the brand we know is part of the Max Factor family. Two brothers, two passions, Max Factor was birthed. So, yes they've had a few in their day. But what I want to do is review what's on the shelves of our counters, Sephoras and Ultas now. This particular mascara came out closer to the beginning of the year. They have beautiful black and white images for their adverts. This mascara comes in an all black tube, the name written in white with a big fat X written in red. Simple but fun.
This paraben free, water based formula is rich and creamy, it stays put all day. The formula is infused with a bit o' olive oil and some waxes so your lashed stay silky smooth and don't crust off through out the day. The brush is dense, it spirals at an angle upwards which is great for that wiggle bump technique. I find rolling outwards from the base of the lash works nicely too. It gives great volume and the perfect amount of length. Oh I do find it's magical...
I have some important information for Dior: you have a rival for your Blackout. Full Exposure is black, like totally. Smashbox doesn't even talk about the richness of the color! Do you think they know? I can't be sure. Anyway, in summation, it is a beautiful mascara. But not all is well in mascara land...

I've got a few cons, not many albeit. I don't have sensitive eyes, but in the summer the sun, yes the sun, can make them water (nope, True Blood is not based off of my life, and I don't stare at the fireball in the sky). It happens. Normally, mascara runs just a bit, it's to be expected. I usually wear a little bit of the waterproof during the warmer seasons. But this one-ohhh this one burned my eye balls like none other. It ran and ran and ran. Obviously there is an ingredient that just doesn't agree with me, and I can't say whether it will happen to you. But I was pretty ticked. I like all it has to offer, but nope, no can do. I'll save you for a rainy day Full Exposure, given I have an umbrella.

Dior Airflash Foundation.

SO let's begin the review. Airflash has some pretty mixed reviews, has for a long time and probably always will. But let me clear a few things up in its defense. After, I'll get to the not so great parts. This product is airbrush type makeup. I liketo think if it as spray paint for the face. Airflash is water based but not oil free. Speaking as someone with extremely oily skin, it's pretty dang good. It's not greasy, in fact it's quite the opposite. Airflash has mother of pearl bits in it which help reflect light, making the skin look brighter, tighter and have an all around youthful radiance. It looks and feels like there is no makeup on my face. It has a nice glow which is great because I can never achieve the dewy finish. My pores are big and my face is greezy. Most makeup melts off my face and I really am not a fan of most mat finish foundations (just on myself).  
Now, I truly believe that the trick to this foundation is in the application. It is literally a spray can of foundation, so it may be difficult to get used to. You can spray it on directly and then buff it in. I find that it's messy that way. It will adhere to hair and clothing. The way I choose apply it is with a brush. I use the Sephora 55 HD brush (one of my FAVORITES). I spray it onto the brush directly and then work it into the skin. It works like a charm every time, and you aren't wasting foundation on your hair and clothing. You can also use a flat top brush, I don't recommend using the flat foundation brush with this product.
It's a sheer finish, slightly buildable.
The cons: It's a hefty $60. The can may only last a little over a month (depending on how you use it). That's a big financial investment for cosmetics, even as far as I'm concerned. It's can be messy and you'll have to maintain the can. The foundation can build up around the nozzle and either clog the can or make it spray all over the place in larger drops.

So if y'all got any questions, hit me up.

I lied...

So, my first review will actually be about skin care. I have just begun a new regiment. AM, I use a rubbery scrub bad bristle thing from Sephora, which is not abrasive what so ever. Along with a gel cleanser by Korres, Miricle Worker AM pads by Philosophy, Murad Active Radiance serum, The Algenist anti-aging moisturizer-sparingly, finally Clairin's SPF. PM is Clairisonic, Help Me! Retinor treatment by Philosophy, Murad Active with a little bit of C-Boost by Philosophy and  Caudalie Vinopure Balancing Concentrate. Vitamin C Eye bright eye cream by Murad both AM and PM. A lot of products, right? I can tell you first hand that the Clairisonic is my new best friend. I have big pores, oily, oily, oily, oily skin. On top of an uneven skin tone. Already I see such a huge difference.
The Clairisonic cleans up to 6 times more effectively that a wash cloth, hands or even the little scrubby thing I use in the mornings. I use it in the PM to get all that makeup off my face, using it twice a day is too much for my skin right now, even with the sensitive head. It really does work wonders. Expensive it is, mine, for the Mia is $125 even with a discount. It comes with 2 heads and one setting. The lager one is $249, comes with a body scrubber head, an extra replacement head and 2 settings.
Personally, the two settings are not needed. The Mia is quite a bit more portable, cute! and just as efficient as the full size.
Anyway, the rest of my skin care is able to penetrate the skin more efficiently with the Clairisonic. Which is why I feel my results have been so swift. The Murad Active I have used before. I know that it brightens the skin, lightens spots and pigmentation and makes the skin smooth as a baby butt. The AM pads I'm not sure about as of yet. Same goes for the Algenist. Both are light enough for my oily skin just as the Clairin's sun block. The Caudalie is a bit heavier of a moisturizer. In fact it's an oil. I like to really moisturize in the evening. The skin works hard to regenerate it's self during the night. I look at it as an extra umph. Grape vine extracts are qiute potent with antioxidents, which help fend off free radicles. I have to let the sun block sink in before putting any foundation on or it washes me out. P.S. if you're going out and pictures will be taken- sun block can have a flash back effect, thus making your face appear almost white in the photos.
So there it is, my new skin care. Look the products up online. Search the Sephora website- an excellent way to read reviews and ingredients. I'll keep you posted as to how the skin care is working. The last thing I want to say is you're makeup is only as good as your skin care, the better you take care of your skin the better your makeup will look!

On makeup.

I'm creating this blog to talk about makeup. I'm a makeup whore, a free-lance makeup artist and I'm in retail cosmetics. I can't get enough of it, it seems. Slowly I'm teaching my self SFX makeup. That's more complex, and more artistry than day, night, fashion makeup. I'm not the type who swears loyalty to one brand. Growing up it was drug store brands, what ever my mom had (usually Este Lauder or Avon), then there was M.A.C. Since then, I've found that I'm not into the M.A.C. cult. there are so many other brands of makeup that are AMAZING. I'm not shit talking M.A.C., they do have some amazing products. I'm just saying- don't stick to one brand. So many different looks, textures, consistencies, colors ect. to pick from. SO MANY. I'll be doing reviews shortly. I get feedback from my clients and co-workers too, so it hopefully won't be too biased. Some of my favorite brands right now are: NARS, Make Up Forever, Stila, Dior, Anastasia, Benefit, Clinique (yes, it's true. Their gel liners and mascaras are phenomenal!, M.A.C. I'm considering doing reviews on skin care as well. Reviews to come...