Category Archives: review

artist, budget, club, color, cosmetics, cream, eyeshadow, glitter, makeup, nyx, raleigh, review, sparkle

Marissa’s Pick of the Week – Glitter!!!

1. I like glitter.
2. I like inexpensive, quality makeup
3. I LOVE NYX Glitter Cream Palette!

The website says it’s 6.00 USD, but I purchased my pallet in “Sureal” for only 4.00 at a beauty supply shop (probably because “palette” was spelled wrong). I like using this formula with powders because it intensifies the pigments while adding a glittery effect. After experimenting with this cream shadow, I learned a couple things. It does not play well with other cream formulas, and it’s a must that you pat it on, not stroke or rub. I like using a foam tip eyeshadow applicator or a concealer brush. It can be a little frustrating to get the hang of it at first, but once you figure out how to apply it, you will love it.

Here are the shades on my bare skin:
With a black base:
With a white base:
You can see how the glitter is subtle so that it’s fun and pretty, not strippery.

ant-aging, artist, beauty, best, clinique, cosmetics, exfoliate, exfoliation, exfoliator, makeup, nc, raleigh, review, skincare

Marissa’s Pick of the Week – Turnaround Concentrate

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I can’t stress enough how important exfoliation is for your skin. It clarifies, cleanses, and brightens skin better than just washing. What most people don’t know, is that for optimal results, they need 2 kinds of exfoliation: manual and chemical. Manual being an abrasive scrub or facial brush/towel/loofa, and chemical being a topical beauty product.
Clinique‘s Turnaround Concentrate Visible Skin Renewer (39.50) has been a staple in my skincare regimen since it debuted in 2005. An improved formula from the original Total Turnaround cream, this serum penetrates deeper into the epidermis to speed up cell renewal. The result: clarity and radiance. Because Total Turnaround Concentrate continuously exfoliates from the inside out, your skin will look younger, fresher, and brighter. It even helps acne scars fade faster.
Apply twice a day under your moisturizer avoiding the eye area. Continue to use your manual exfoliator 3-5 days a week. I also like to apply this serum to my decolletage, for a more youthful looking neckline. You will definitely notice a difference within a week.

beauty, best, cosmetics, gloss, lancome, lip, Lips, makeup, raleigh, review

Marissa’s Pick of the Week! – Best Gloss Ever!

My pick this week is a triple threat gloss by Lancome. La Laque Fever Ultimate Lasting Full Color Lip Shine ($26.50) has the shine of a gloss, coverage of a lipstick and wear of a lip stain. This amazing 3-in-1 gloss has several patents including one for the exclusive applicator that shapes lips and gives just the right amount of product for one application. The unique formula has moisturizers and is silicone based, so it stays in place without feathering for up up 8 hours.

La Laque Fever works best when it is applied to a clean, dry lip. Lip liner should go on after. For extra shine, apply another gloss on top such as Juicy Tubes ($18) or Lip Glass (M.A.C., $14).
Since this product came out, I hardly use lipstick and regular lip gloss anymore. This is all you need. I personally own 6 of the 27 (and growing) colors. I’ve even converted women between ages 30-55 who say they are “not a lip gloss person.” Try it! Believe it!

beauty, benefit, best, brush, brushes, collection, cosmetics, makeup, review

Marissa’s Pick of the Week! – The Fantail Brush

The Fantail Brush by Benefit ($22) is a multipurpose must have in your tool box. Specifically made to brush away excess powders, this brush is also great for applying makeup. I love this brush because I use dark eye shadows that tend to fall under my eyes as I apply them. The soft pony hair sweeps the fallen shadows away without blending any of the pigment onto my skin. I also like to use this brush to apply blushes, highlighters and bronzers. I can shade and create shapes easily and precisely. On days that I want a more natural finish to my foundation, I use the Fantail to apply my loose powder. One Fantail brush is not enough for one brush collection!

artist, beauty, care, carolina, cosmetics, event, eyelashes, lancome, lash, lengthening, makeup, mascara, north, prom, raleigh, review, wedding, weddings

Marissa’s Pick of the Week – Ocillation Powerbooster


I’m not a “mascara everyday” kind of girl, but when I do wear it, I go all the way. If I’m going to be suffocating my precious lashes, I want to make sure they have the best protection and nourishment. Oscillation Powerbooster (Lancome, $39) protects and enhances your lashes using the best ingredients and technology at a reasonable price. This first vibrating mascara primer separates and coats like no other primer on the market. With just one coat, your lashes are visibly longer and thicker. Another coat boosts the effects of your mascara dramatically. Other comparable products on the market average at $100 per tube, but they can’t boost the effects of your mascara like Ocillation Powerbooster.

Benefits:
vibrating wand – 7,000 oscillations per minute give better separation, wiggles out clumps, and coats lashes 360 degrees so you don’t have to apply a layer on top of your lashes.
Cresentia Complex – Lancome’s exclusive cocktail with ingredients like jojoba oil and Vitamin B5 strengthen and condition lashes. Fragile or damaged lashes are nurtured and protected, and less hair falls out during mascara removal.
How to use:
Holding the button down, start at the base of your lash line and slowly comb upward. Don’t wiggle the wand from side to side (as most women do out of habit) or you won’t achieve the best results. Apply 1-3 coats, then immediately follow with your favorite mascara.
You can also follow this video tutorial on how to apply the Ocillation mascara: http://www.lancome-usa.com/beautyschool/videos/oscillation.aspx