Revlon Fill and Blur Concealer

Revlon Fill and Blur Concealer
$11.99

Lovelies, am I ever going to stop compulsively buying new concealers??? Nah.
My stash, runneth over, currently consisting of: Neutrogena, IT, Maybelline Super Stay, Cover FX,  Glo Minerals, Physician's Formula and now Revlon Fill and Blur Concealer.

The bait that stopped me in my tracks of course, was the promise of "filling in fine lines" as well as blurring them. If only...

Flashback Friday: Maybelline SuperStay 24 Color Lipstick

Maybelline Super Stay 24 Color Lipstick
36 Shades $9.00 (give or take)

I don't know why I move on from things I have loved and review well in the past.
Originally, I tried Maybelline's SuperStay 24 Color back in 2011.

Pretty much, it met and somewhat exceeded my expectactions; LONG wear, with a considerably less drying formula than its competitors in the field.  It's as close as I'm ever going to get to my fantasy of tattooed lips.

They have extended the shade offerings, 36 in all,  with 045 Wildberry comes close to my idea of a dream shade; a just bitten, natural looking lip.  I also love using it to lock my beloved MAC Soar Lip Pencil in place, basically, all day.

L'Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara--Is this the one???

L'Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara
$9.99 (ish)

Has it finally arrived??? My drugstore mascara Holy Grail??? Please, let it be so...

The Internet is blowing up over this Too Faced Better Than Sex dupe, offered by L'Oreal, and I can't wait to get my hands on it.  Bloggers as well as Vlogger's are singing it's praises for its ability to provide gorgeous length and volume, for a fraction of the price of the big guns.

St. Ives Coconut Oil Scrub

St. Ives Coconut Oil Scrub
$6.99...ish

I've been pondering trying a cleansing oil for awhile...my biggest fear was that it would leave an oily residue that would make me feel like I needed to wash my face.  Ummm...Isn't that what I just tried to do???

It turns out that I absolutely LOVE  St. Ives Coconut Oil Scrub.  A few things; there is something really wonderful about the beautiful glow that you can achieve from, essentially, massaging your face for several minutes. A dime size amount is all you need.  I will admit, that in the beginning, I did do a quick light lather with Cetaphil soap, because I am a little nutty about feeling like my skin is scrupulously clean at the end of the day. Now that I've adapted, I am happy enough with just using the oil scrub on its own, which emulsifies once water is added.

I also do like to use it best when I'm showering, since the coconut shell powder that acts as the exfoliant, is a bit gritty and needs a really good rinse.

Biore Self Heating One Minute Mask

Biore Self Heating One Minute Mask
$7.99 at drugstores nationwide

I'll admit it...when it comes to masks, I'm a lazy slug.  Once I've gone through all the toil of removing every drop of makeup, pretty much, I'm done.  I'm just not motivated to then apply a mask, wait 20 minutes and then start the rinse cycle again, no matter what the promised benefits are.

Recently, my friends at Tractenberg PR shared with me, that Charcoal Masks are one of Pinterest 100 emerging beauty trends for 2017.  Hmmm... yes, I'm sure they are... but wait!!! The they wanted to tell me about only requires ONE MINUTE to work.

One minute!!! Now, that, I can spare!

Here are the details:

In just one minute, this thermal mask warms to open pores, draws out and dissolves 2.5 times more dirt, oil, and surface toxins than a basic cleanser, and rinses them clean away with an invigorating cooling sensation without stripping the skin. Infused with natural charcoal, this breakthrough mask melts dirt and oil better than the leading competitive mask. So clean your pores from the dirt, oil and makeup of the past and clear the problem. 

So yes please! Do send! I need this. I can commit to this. And for $7.99, we can all afford better skin in 60 seconds, all year long...

xox,
DD

CoverGirl Katy Kat Eyes Mascara

CoverGirl Katy Kat Eye Mascara
$11.99 (less outside of Greenwich Ct.)

I am a complete sucker when it comes to drugstore mascara launches. Compulsively and wistfully, I toss them into my CVS red basket and open them, the next morning like a kid on Xmas morning, gleeful in anticipation.

I know, I know...I am still pretty pleased with Maybelline Colossal Spider Effects Mascara, but what if  CoverGirl's Katy Kat Eye (inspired by Katy Perry, she of great fake lash fame) was even better???

Hence, I tossed...

Maybelline Master Precise Curvy Liner

Maybelline Master Precise Curvy Liner
$7.99

It's been 30 years now, and I still have not perfected the "cat eye"....in fact I haven't even come close.  I don't know if it's a geometry challenge, right angles and I don't align, or my semi challenged fine motor skills.

This new liner from Maybelline promises a line hugging applicator, that guarantees a thicker more dramatically lined lid and a tip that will provide the perfect "flick", ensuring a seamless cat eye.

There wasn't a chance on earth I wasn't trying it.

Dud Alert!: CoverGirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara

CoverGirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara

I know, I know, I told you the hunt for my cheap and cheerful drugstore mascara was finally sated, having fallen in love with Maybelline Colossal Spider Effects Mascara.

I couldn't help but purchase CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara Fibers Mascara.  When I was just a wee lass, Max Factor made a fiber mascara. How I loved that mascara! Whatever was in there...hair, felt, iron filings, made my lashes look fantastic. I always wondered why no one, in all these years created a fiber mascara. Today's versions tend to have conical spheres, that sprinkle my face with little triangles.

Um. No thanks...
I am hopelessly optimistic when trying a new product...I always, always think it's going to exceed my expectations. I also had high hopes, since CoverGirl's Lash Exact is one of the best drugstore mascaras I have ever used, and I have purchased it many times.  So, I primed my lashes first, as usual, and prepared myself be astonished...

In fact, I was.  Where, so to speak, "Was the Beef"???  My lashes looked hopelessly anemic after one coat of Super Sizer Fibers MascaraWhere were those fibers hiding?  It would have taken 5 coats to equal one of anything else in my makeup queue.

It's wrapped and ready to be returned to CVS. Big sigh. My trip down memory lane sadly was derailed. For now...

One to skip Lovelies.

xox,
DD

Aveeno Ulta Calming Makeup Removing Wipes

Aveeno Ulta Calming Makeup Removing Wipes
$8.99

I'm never without some type of makeup removing towelette. I'm a wee obsessive about making sure that my skin is scrupulously clean every single night before bed.  I often start off with them just to loosen up my makeup and mascara, then forging on to a cleanser or soap (My new love is Cetaphil), eye makeup remover and often a gentle toner.

I think I have tried nearly every other makeup wipe in CVS; Neutrogena, every Olay incarnation, Garnier, Pond's,  Simple something,  but never Aveeno's.

I made a note to try them , after seeing them in a Best of Beauty round up, the next time I was getting low (they tend to be somewhat dry and worthless at the point that you hit, the 25th of that 30 count.)

Back to Basics; Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar

Cetaphil Gentle Cleansing Bar
$3.99

Remember when we all used to wash our face with soap?  What a concept!

It probably takes me twice as long to pack my toiletries and cosmetics when I travel, than it does my clothing.  This is the time that the gazillion samples I have stashed come in handy.  Usually, I don't miss a thing and if I do, it's easy enough to replace them...the next day. Day one at midnight, your 'spit' out of luck...

I was recently away and forgot my cleanser.  Good God! I was going to have to slum it and wash with a bar of Molton Brown Soap.  Poor me!

Turns out, I liked it! It smelled delicious, it lathered nicely, it gently removed every itty bit of makeup and transporting me back to my childhood.

Flashback Friday: Maybelline SuperStay Concealer Better Skin

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Concealer

I know how fickle, some of y'all think I am, and you are not entirely wrong.  I declared this fabulous drugstore find my Holy Grail concealer not even 8 mos ago.  Yes, I have tried dozens over the years; Laura Mercier, Nars, Dior, Estee Lauder, Bobbi Brown, Benefit, Stila, Lancôme, Hourglass, Trish McEvoy , IT, Bye Bye Eye Concealer, just so you know I've gone the high end route as well.

I stumbled upon this last December and was amazed how much I like it.  Smooth, full coverage that lasts, some ingredient that "allegedly" helps lighten dark circles, a perfect match for my skin tone and priced under $10 bucks...What could be better.

Glamour.Com Goes Shopping at CVS

L'Oreal Revitalift Bright Reveal Glycolic Pads
$19.99

Lovely longtime DivaDebbi readers know I am a well known face at CVS and Sephora in Greenwich.  Nicely, they are situated just a few doors down from one another.  Yes, I have a soft spot for certain high end products, but nothing makes me happier than when high end products and formulas are copied launched by mass market brands.  Why??? Because they are now more affordable.

Glamour.com is a site I visit often.  I was curious to see what their beauty editors were liking best at CVS these days.  Here is the link for you to peruse. I already made my first purchase above.

The Drugstore Discoveries a Beauty Editor Made When She Ditched The Good Stuff

When I do my daily rounds, scouring different beauty sites for interesting tips and tidbits to share with you, I always zero in on the ones about drugstore beauty bargains. If there is a hack for an expensive eye cream, mascara or foundation, I want in.

Today TotalBeauty.com ran a feature slideshow by one of their beauty editors. Allie Flinn made the ultimate sacrifice and gave up using luxury beauty products for a whole month.

Poor Darling...

Maybelline Lash Sensational- The Original

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara
$8.99

Like a dog with a bone, I have not given up on my fantasy, that this editor and reader reviewed revered mascara will love up to the hype.  I just bought it today and will update you with my findings tomorrow.

As recently reported, Maybelline's lastest entry, Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara was a whoofer.  Let's see how the original compares.

In the interim, I went back to a former Holy Grail, Benefit's They're Real Mascara.  1) It's not nearly as great a I remembered.  2) It's still nearly impossible to remove.  Benefit did add a pricey remover to their line, specifically for the purpose of getting this stuff off, but I did not acquiesce.  Turpentine, did cross my mind as an option.  The only thing I really love is that my lashes are inky black. The depth of the color is striking enough to do with one less coat.

Maybelline Lash Sensational Luscious Mascara; Is newer better?

Maybelline Luscious Lash Sensational

Right off the bat, I would have to say NO, though I have yet to try the original. The original Maybelline Lash Sensation is a highly rated, award winning drugstore mascara.  Long time DivaDebbi reader's know, one of my life's mission is to find the truly perfect, cheap & cheerful drugstore mascara.  I have read about Lash Sensational so many times, I finally caved and decided to try it for myself.

Alas, as drugstore mascaras notoriously do, they sporn and multiply faster than dandelions.  What to do??? Purchase the new and improved, "luscious" or go for the the tried and true???


My bad, I think.  I went for the new and improved... The brush reminds me of Benefit's They're Real, a tapered quasi comb like brush that expertly allows you to coax out the lashes hidden in the inner corners.

Their bad, the product is lousy. Clumpy, no length, no curl, no volume.  It is boomeranging right back to CVS. Now of course, my curiosity is even more piqued about the highly lauded original.

Maybelline Lash Sensational- The Original

So stay tuned, Lovelies.  The hunt continues...

xox,
DD

Maybelline Brow Define & Fill Duo

Maybelline Brow Define & Fill Duo
$7.99 Available in 4 Shades

I always wait faaaaarrr too long between professional brow grooming appointments.  Somehow, I miss the fact that it's not just a stray hair or two that has shown regrowth. The whole shape and arch somehow changes, and who can deny their brows look better after being freshly shaped and dyed if necessary?

All of a sudden my eyes appear bigger and I look more refreshed and polished...yet I know, brow tending will always slide to the bottom of the "maintenance" queue.  Perhaps if I was growing a unibrow between visits it would be a different story. Anyway, just a gentle reminder to tend to your brows STAT and not by the person who just did your pedicure, but someone who is passionate and experienced at tending to brows.

You need it and won't know it until you walk out with them done. Trust moi.

Newly improved, I went browsing for brow products at CVS.  I've bought several new ones over the last few months, but had not yet found my Holy Grail brow product...until now!

Flashback Friday: Almay Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick

Almay Smart Shade Butter Lipsticks

When I put on my face each day, I find it important to see everything in balance, lip included.  As such, I always have and extra of my Holy Grail MAC Soar Lip Pencil, and whatever my lipstick du jour is,( Bare Minerals Chase Your Dreams) in my, none too organized, makeup drawer.  This keeps me from having to rummage in my, none to organized, handbag for said accoutrements.

This morning I gave up Chasing my Dreams.  When it was nowhere to be found, I reached for Almay's Smart Shade Butter Kiss Lipstick in #50 Berry Light/ Medium.  Wow this is a fabulous creation!!!
I loved them (I bought several) after originally blogging about them last January.

A hybrid of lipstick and gloss, they do feel positively buttery and moisturizing on the lip. Added bonus? Rich pigmentation and staying power...I'm in love, all over again.

Nivea Extended Moisture Body Lotion

Y

Nivea Extended Moisture Body Lotion 48/Hrs.
$6.99

Certain beauty brands and products are emblazoned in my childhood brain because they were favored by my Mom; Nivea Lotion, Dove Soap, Finesse Shampoo and Conditioner, Arpege,  and Maybelline Eyebrow Pencils.

In my family, vanity skipped a generation.  My obsessions are more closely aligned with my grandmother Connie.  My mom is naturally pretty, shied away from the sun and had great skin.  She literally could be coiffed and out the door in 10 minutes. Sister Loren is not that far behind in a pinch. Me??? Uh...no.

I always loved the smell of Nivea products.  I truly have seen a difference using their Skin Firming Moisturizer, and no, I don't give a whit about whatever chemical combination they brewed up that make it effective on my knees and upper arms.  It works. Period.

We didn't have a cold Northeast winter, though this spring was unseasonably chilly.  I was surprised during a recent pedicure when it was pointed out how incredibly dry my legs were.  No matter how much she slathered,  they still looked distressingly reptilian.

Fortunately, CVS and Sephora are just a few steps from Cozy Nails in Greenwich. I knew immediately where I was headed next.


After perusing the skin lotion aisle, I settled on Nivea Extended Moisture Body Lotion for extremely dry skin, that promises 48 Hours of hydrated skin. I would have been content with 24 hours, but sometimes more is more.

Can I tell you how much I love this lotion?  First of all, the first pump and whiff always brings me back to my childhood.  Isn't it wonderful how aligned smell is with memory?  It has just the texture I prefer; rich, gel like and instantly absorbed.  And it gets better; it plumps, totally alleviated my dry skin and  made every inch of my body feel like a silk sheet.  I can't believe how soft my own skin is to my touch.

This is drugstore beauty at its best; affordable and totally effective.  Mom loves it too.  So will you...

xox,
DD

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Polish

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Fast Dry Nail Color
$4.99

I love a fresh pedicure, don't you?  Once you finally wrap your head around surrendering the time to have one, it's always a lovely, relaxing experience. Drying? Not so much.  On the one hand it's an indulgence, on the other, a bit of a chore.

As such, I will usually chip a toe and ignore it, simply because I don't want to invest the time to get a fresh pedicure. By the time it's two I'm teetering, but why not try to extend my toes shelf life with a home touch up instead?

I spotted Sally Hansen's Insta-Dri, a polish that promises one coat coverage that dries in 60 seconds at Ulta.  Sounded good to me...

Review: Dark & Lovely Edge Sleeker

Dark & Lovely Edge Sleeker
$5.99

John Frieda's Full Repair Flyaway Tamer
 DISCONTINUED
$35.90 on Amazon

Is there anything more maddening than when a beloved, well reviewed item is discontinued and sent to the product early graveyard?  

I was a huge fan of John Frieda Full Repair Flyway Tamer.  It did a magnificent job of taming  the rogue hairs that have broken near my hairline, without any stickiness. Loved that I could easily slip it in my handbag for quick touch up's as well. 

Maybe I had a prescient vision that one day it would disappear; my hoarder gene often kicked in and I would purchase 2 or 3 at a time.  One day it disappeared from the shelves, the next it became rarer and harder to find online.  Big Sigh...