Target launches designer makeup lines

I wouldn’t say that Target is my top destination for the latest in designer beauty, beyond maybe the next mascara from Maybelline, so I was intrigued on my last visit to see a new display with Pixi, JK Jemma Kidd, and NP Set - all lines from top designers who have (either currently or in the past) product lines with major doors like Sephora or Bloomingdales. Why the mass vs. class switch? Looks like the one-stop-shop mentality has hit high-end cosmetics.

I decided to take a look at Pixi first, picking up some basics like foundation, blush and an eye palette. Even though the products appeared to be on sale, just those three things rang up to $83! I will try to stop harping on the sticker shock, but this is Target, right?

There are a few options for foundation in the Pixi line; I opted for Flawless Vitamin Veil ($35), a compact creamy foundation with sheer to medium coverage.  I chose the Medium shade, even though the tester looked a bit dark, but now that I have worn it for a few days, I think it is a decent match for me. Seeing as there are only three shades to choose from (light, medium and tanned), the formula would have to be fairly universal and adaptable or no one could wear it. Flawless Vitamin Veil is not a long-wearing formula, so expect to touch-up if you need the coverage to last into the evening. It is also not the best for fines lines, as it likes to settle a bit rather than float over the skin. The packaging is cute, the drawer for the sponge is a little unnecessary, but the sponge itself is decent. Overall this is a fine foundation if you like light coverage and aren’t concerned about lines and wrinkles. One positive for me: no breakouts. I am not sure that I will buy it again, especially with so many other brands and formulas to try

Pixi has a few choices for cheeks - powder, liquid, and gel. I like a light, sheer flush, so I picked Sheer Cheek Gel ($20). A tiny dab is perfect for a natural looking flush, and this gel is fairly forgiving, so you don’t have to worry about streaks and blotches if you don’t blend it in immediately. I chose Rosy, pictured here; there is also Natural, Sun Kissed and Flushed.

I debated about the rest of the collection - what to try, what shades to pick - until I spotted the Eye Beauty Kit ($28) in Minimum. This is a perfect set of colors for me, a mix of light neutrals and deep browns and charcoals. The shadows themselves are a  bit shiny for my taste, but as long as I use a light touch, blend well, and apply only to the lid, I can pull it off. I also have a love-hate relationship with the enclosed brush. The stiff liner end is okay, but the brush meant for shadows really needs to be softer. The shadows are not finely milled as a higher end brand like Chanel or Dior, so when you rake this rigid shadow brush over the surface, it’s like taking a shovel to it. Do yourself a favor and find a softer brush.

Pixi has much more to be discovered. Drop me a line if you try something and love it!

- Heather

Do you really need a $175 eye cream?

I hate getting lured into the wrinkle-free promise of an expensive cream, and for a few seconds, I often do. I want what it says it will do, I want it to work, yet I know it’s a promise that only delivers an empty wallet.

Think of what you could buy with $175

My most recent weakness - Chanel Sublimage Eye Essential Regenerating Eye Cream, for a whopping $175 for a half ounce jar. I must be crazy! I have a responsibility to discover if it’s really worth that much, so I dutifully apply, morning and night, until the jar is empty.

I feel like there should be so much more to the story, but unfortunately I got just what I expected: I still have wrinkles. My eyes look the same as they did before I started using Sublimage Eye. I still have fine lines. I still have dark circles. I still don’t look 25 anymore. These are all areas the cream promises to address (maybe not the part about not looking 25 anymore).

Not $175!

Do yourself a favor and save your money! A few weeks post-Chanel, I headed over to my local Walgreens drugstore and picked up at $25 tube of RoC Multi-Correxion Eye Treatment, to see if a drugstore brand could tackle the anti-aging job any better. While I think $25 is a little expensive for the drugstore, I already notice more improvement in my skin after just a few weeks using the RoC cream. Nothing dramatic - it’s still just a cream - but it imparts a nice soft glow and makes the rather wrinkly areas a little less noticeable. I look more rested (and trust me, I am not), and my skin looks brighter.

I also appreciate it that it works well with my other skincare (Care by Stella McCartney) and my foundation (Lancome Teint Idole Ultra) without clumping or pilling. It sinks right in with no greasiness or plastic-y residue. Finding this eye cream is a welcome reminder that RoC has some nice products that I may consider in the future.

- Heather

Thanks for your support

Summer has faded, the rainy season is beginning, sweaters and boots are replacing tank tops and sandals - it is a time of change. We have been going through some changes here at Cosmetic Connection, including a new location here in Portland, a new look for the site, and a new system for sending updates. What has not changed is our heartfelt appreciation for your support. We hope you enjoy the new look and new reviews. Thank you for reading!

Ten Products You Need Right Now: The Warm Weather Must-Have List!

What an incredible year this has been thus far! With my daughter turning one in May, it feels like my life is always on fast-forward. Like all of you, I’m incredibly busy, trying to balance my time between my husband, my daughter, and my career, and even try to fit in a hobby or two! Of course, this means my time has become extremely valuable; there are never enough hours in the day to fit in everything I’d like to accomplish. Efficiency is key! As a result, my daily personal care and makeup routine is pretty streamlined. Thank goodness there are some amazing products out there to keep me presentable. If you are looking to update your cosmetic closet with new goodies for summer, here are the ten items I can’t do without!

Lush Ultrabland Facial Cleanser ($14.45 for 1.5 oz, $29.95 for 3.5 oz)
I think this simple, straight-forward item is one of the most brilliant multi-taskers available. Rich with natural ingredients like rosewater, beeswax, and peanut oil, it is one of my favorite facial cleansers (it works a lot like old school cold cream: smooth it over dry skin, remove with a warm washcloth) because it removes every single speck of makeup, but is never drying. But it doesn’t stop there: the product is also an amazing soother for diaper rash (it seriously works better than almost anything out there), a hand cream, and a lip balm! Buy the large size for your bathroom, and keep a small jar in your purse or diaper bag for on-the-go emergencies. I’d also love to hear from other “fans” about other uses you’ve found for this great product!

Benefit Cosmetics You Rebel Lite ($28 for 1.7oz)
Definitely my new favorite tinted moisturizer! The coverage is sheer, but the formula somehow seems to cover imperfections really well. The finish is slightly moist, but never shiny or greasy. The color is also just perfect for my light complexion. My one small complaint: while I adore the product, I would like to see it with SPF protection of 20 or 30. But, you can always layer it over additional sunscreen, so it isn’t that big of a deal.

Verikira Hand and Body Wash in Spicy Citrus or Cucumber ($16 for 6.7 oz, $26 for 12 oz)
Verikira is a name you might not have heard yet - lucky you that you get to be an early adopter! Their line contains a wonderful array of natural and organic products that are almost entirely plant-based, and have no Parabens, Sulphates, or other nasties. The scents are simple, clean, and wonderful. The cucumber scent (of which I have the fantastic body lotion) is completely spot on, and manages to be fresh and pretty, and not at-all salad-like. The spicy citrus hand and body wash (I keep the smaller size next to my bathroom sink) somehow manages to leave my hands skin more smooth and moisturized after washing, which is amazing considering that I wash my hands a lot when I’m home!

A couple of other Verikira goodies that bear mentioning are the Pink Grapefruit/Pink Ribbon collection, which donates a portion of proceeds to Breast Cancer research, and the delicious Antioxidant Facial Cream. Now, I know I cheated by mentioning multiple products from this line, but I could have easily taken up 5 slots with Verikira Products!

Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Power ($48)
Chanel products are always such a treat, and this bronzing powder is an especially lovely summer item. Very finely-milled, with just a hint of shimmer, the color is fresh, sheer, and natural-looking. I really like the Sable d’Or (a limited edition shade) because it doesn’t look at all heavy or too dark - perfect for fair-skinned girls who want a pretty summer glow without the sun’s damaging rays. If you are looking for a little luxury splurge, this is the perfect item to bring out your glowing goddess.

Benefit Cosmetics Some Kind-A Gorgeous ($26 for .34 oz)
Another fabulous product from Benefit! It isn’t foundation, but it isn’t really a tinted moisturizer, either. The compact formula houses its own unique sponge, so it is very easy and portable. Some Kind-A Gorgeous actually reminds me somewhat of Dr. Feelgood: it gives a bit of coverage, but has that Dr. Feelgood silky-smooth finish. This product has saved me on many a weekend when I need to fly out the door to the grocery store or other errand, but I need a little something to be presentable! This product contains no SPF, but since it is so lightweight, you can easily use a combo moisturizer and sunscreen underneath.

Maybelline Lash Discovery Waterproof Mascara (about $7)
Honestly, I don’t like to spend over $10 for a tube of mascara because I’m so careful about replacing it frequently. This waterproof formula is perfect for natural, warm-weather makeup. The tiny brush coats each lash, so there’s no clumping, or scary, spider-y spikes. If you want big, fat lashes, this is probably not the formula for you. But, if you want a soft, polished daytime look it is perfect. The waterproof formula removes easily with oil-based eye makeup remover, or the Lush Ultrabland Cleanser mentioned earlier.

Estee Lauder Tender Lip Balm SPF 15 (in Tender Berry, $14)
The perfect lip product for summer! I reach for this sheer rose shade almost every day. It looks so natural, but has enough punch to brighten your whole complexion. It even makes your smile look whiter! The formula is extremely moisturizing, so lips stay primed for a little summer romance. I also love the SPF 15 protection for those days where sun exposure is an issue.

Sweetgrass Farm Farmhouse Triple-Milled Soap ($6 for 7 oz bar)
Sometimes, you just want the simplicity of a nice bar of soap to use with a lovely, worn washcloth - perfect for gentle, all-over exfoliation. Milled in the French tradition, Farmhouse Soaps produce a thick, luxe lather. Each all-vegetable bar contains a healthy dose of my favorite skin soother, shea butter, and provides balanced moisturizing for all skin types. All the fragrances are derived from pure essential and fragrance oils, and deliver just the right amount of gorgeous aroma. Personally, I love the lavender scent, but the Lemon Verbena and Lilac are also very nice. The bar is actually quite big, so it is an amazing value for only $6!

Lush Dream Cream ($23 for 8.4oz)
Truly, the most skin-friendly, mega-soothing concoction I’ve ever “slathered”! Lush says: “We take every natural ingredient aimed at transforming dry, bumpy and unhappy skin and combine them all into an epidermal elixir of excellence.” They aren’t kidding! The cream is not overly rich or heavy, so it calms irritable skin equally well on both adults and children. I’ve used it on Ava for months now, and it keeps her sensitive skin calm and happy. The herbal smell takes a bit of getting used to, but it is totally natural, clean and fresh without being overbearing. Definitely a unisex scent, too - my husband thinks it smells just fine for guys or girls.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Bronze Collection ($35 for 5 mini pencils)
This collection of eyeliner pencils is a perfect set of wearable but unique colors: silver, gold, copper, pearly brown, and black. All are metallic-flecked, but the effect is luminous and pretty, not glitzy. The waterproof formula is also perfect for summer; it wears and wears without smearing or disappearing.

Now that you have been properly prettified, go out and enjoy the day!

- Lisa
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Hair Care Challenge: Ojon vs. Giovanni

I don’t spend as much time or money on makeup as I used to, and I have settled into a skin care routine that I like, but the one thing I continue to experiment with is my hair. It’s been long, short, layered, bobbed, colored and straightened, but the one thing that never changes is the frizz. Boy, do I hate that frizz! For probably 3-4 months I have been consistently using Giovanni Smooth as Silk Shampoo ($7.99 for 8.5oz) and Smooth as Silk Conditioner ($7.99 for 8.5oz), and for the most part I have been happy. The pair deal pretty well with my frizz, the ingredients are more on the natural side (which I really like), and they are readily available at the New Seasons Market where I buy my groceries. I have to admit I was pining for something a little more luxurious and pampering, and somehow I found myself at Sephora one day looking at hair care.

I explained to the saleswoman what I was looking for, and she enthusiastically escorted me to Ojon Shine & Protect Shampoo ($22 for 8.4oz) and Shine & Protect Conditioner ($24 for 8.4 oz). She swore that Ojon is amazing, that she uses the products herself, and so on and so on. I think they must be paid to say that stuff. I was compelled by the promise of super shiny and frizz-free hair, so I bought them both.

After about two months using Ojon, I have to say that the difference between my hair on Ojon and my hair on Giovanni was not all that noticeable. I also blew through the Ojon conditioner, as it is lighter and more fluid than the Giovanni. At $24 a bottle, I hoped it would last longer. I still have a ton of shampoo (you only need a little), so I continue to use it but I pair it with the Giovanni conditioner, which I now buy in bulk at the store for $8.99 per pound! I guess this is the best of both worlds, but once the Ojon shampoo is gone, I will be refilling my empty bottle with bulk Giovanni shampoo. Ojon was fun to try, but for the price and what it does for my hair, I am sticking with Giovanni.

- Heather
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Greet summer with something fresh and new

Sweet Grass Farm, a New Hampshire based manufacturer of all-natural soaps and herbal body products, has something new that you need to try: Farmhouse Triple Milled Soap ($5.95). Following in the 19th century French tradition of hard milled soaps, these are made from olive oil and infused with shea butter, vitamins and moisturizers. You get a thick, frothy lather, perfect for the shower, and it’s a nice big bar that lasts, rather than melting away after a week or so like so many other natural soaps. My personal favorite is Fresh White Lilac - LOVE lilac! - and it is also available in Lavender and Lemon Verbena.

Marissa’s Pick of the Week

I’m starting my tanning early, thanks to Guerlain’s new Guerlain Terracotta Sunless Smoothing Self-Tanning Emulsion. This self-tanner is tinted and absorbs into your skin fast, and I do mean fast. I tried it for the first time at Saks, in the middle of the day. I put some of it on the back of my hand to smooth onto my face. Not even thirty seconds later, I had a dark mark on my hand and I had to use an exfoliating scrub to get it off. Anything that works that fast is right on for me! But even more than a great self-tanner, this product also serves as a moisturizer. There is no SPF in this self-tanner (so make sure you use one every day!), but this is a great triple duty product: instant color, moisturizer and self-tanner!

- Marissa
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