Oxygen Face Mask--lifesaver or gimmick?

I was so excited when I got Bliss' Triple Oxygen Energizing Mask; touted to deliver pure oxygen to energize the skin, I couldn't wait to try it. I immediately loved that you rub on a gel and after a few minutes it turns to foam. I could feel the bubbles popping and tingling on my skin, so I knew it had to be working--I couldn't wait to see my new, revitalized skin. After five minutes, I washed it off...and didn't notice a thing. I was completely distraught--this mask is the top selling mask in the US--it has to work!!! I've continued to use it twice a week for almost a year, but I still don't see a difference when I use it. How could I resist the fun foaming effect? I just don't understand how can so many people rave about this. I don't hate it, I'm just ambivalent about it. If you've tried it and love it, please let me know--maybe I'm doing something wrong...

Disney Lip Balm

I love the packaging that on10 comes out with for their lip balms. On top of the yummy flavors (grapefruit, dr pepper, black cherry), the packaging is very vintage and kitschy.

The newest addition to their line are this cute set of tins based on Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which are cutely named Evil Apple, Cheery Cherry, and Grumpy Grape. The colors go on sheer and are super shiny, not sticky, and have SPF 15. How cute are these?!?!

Colorescience Sunblock

I was recently on a multi-day walk where I thought everyone would be low maintanance; wanting to fit in, I didn't bring any makeup--I was the only one who left it at home. Thank goodness for Colorscience Sunforgettable SPF 30 Brush in Perfectly Clear Matte. It's a great sunblock for summer. It is extremely water proof and easy to apply, and has the bonus of being a physical sunblock, meaning that it won't sting if it gets in your eyes like chemical sunscreen does--it also physically blocks the sun, instead of just screening it. Also, it has a slight tint of color, which absolutely saved me in the pictures from the walk. Next time I'm packing makeup, but I'm definitely still bringing the sunblock powder.

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

To me, this is the ultimate primer. When I use this my make up stays on longer, my face stays more matte, and it fills in the little wrinkles around my eyes. It really leaves a velvety finish.

I also like that it has green tea and vitamins. Smashmox also has a 'Light' formula, which is oil free--I haven't tried it yet, but I have oily skin and the original formula works great. Also, they have a version with SPF and Dermaxyl (a peptide treatment to prevent wrinkles)--I've used this and was not impressed. I thought it was grainy, and way too thick.

All their primers come in new airless pump packaging; before, I would be horribly frustrated to see days worth of primer stuck to the side of the glass. Now, the problem is solved!

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler--Duh!

I know that most people are aware of the Greatness of this item, but what kind of a beauty blogger would I be without mentioning Shu Uemura's eyelash curler? This is basically a staple in all professional make up artists kits. I'm not sure what it is that makes this curler so good, but it creates a great curl each time. I buy a new one every 6 months--the fear that it may wear out stems from a horrific event in seventh grade when I cut my lashes off with a cheap eyelash curler. I'm especially excited about this product right now because they come out with it in a limited edition gold color for the holidays. I feel a lot more glamorous when I'm curling my lashes with 24 karat gold!

Caudalie Beauty Elixir

I use this spray, which is part toner and part serum, every morning before I put on my moisturizer. It's refreshing, cooling and has a slightly tingling feel, and helps to give me that ever-elusive 'glow.' It tones my skin and tightens the pores. It was originally made for the queen of Hungary as an 'elixir of youth.' I love thinking that I have something in common with royalty; it makes me feel very elitist. Now, in keeping with full disclosure, I should mention there is another very similar product that also claims to be made for the queen of Hungary: Omorovicza's Queen of Hungary Mist. They basically seem to be the same product--Rosemary and other essential oils mixed with pure water. I haven't tried the Omorovicza's product, but seeing as how the Caudalie version is about 1/3 less money, I think I'll stick with that.

UPDATE: The Caudalie spray was made for Queen Isabelle of Hungary, and the Omorovicza spray was made for Queen Elizabeth of Hungary. Whatever!!!

Bliss Blood Orange Collection

This morning I tried a sample of the body butter from Bliss' latest collection. The scent is called Blood Orange and White Pepper, and it actually smells that way. It's slightly spicy, with a sweet herb scent. A lot of lotions smell different than their names, but this one smells deliciously like a garden--I can't stop sniffing myself. In fact, it smelled so good that I didn't wear perfume today (which is huge for me).

Lancome 'Fatale' Mascara

My current mascara obsession is Lancome's Fatale mascara. It's definitely for those of you who want a thickening mascara. At night, I put on 4 layers; it looks like I have fake eyelashes on. The only drawback is that if you want until it's completely dry before you put on another coat, it has a tendency to flake off. I curl my lashes, and then smile when I'm applying mascara--I think it helps brush the wand in the most natural direction, while still curling my lashes. If you need help with lengthening and thickening lashes, apply a coat of Lancome's L'Extreme, followed by a coat of Fatale. Perfection, but recommended for evening's only.

Bobbi Brown 'Sunset Gold' Collection

This set, sold exclusively at Nordstrom, has the perfect gold eyeshadows in it, Sunset Gold and Antique Gold. Unfortunately, you can't buy them individually--only in this set. I love lining my eyes with gold shadow, but it's so hard to find a gold that isn't too garrish; these would be ideal. I'm dying to try them, but I'm not going to pay $80 for the rest of the set. Why do limited edition set always have the cutest colors? Maybe, if I'm lucky, Bobbi will put them in her collection in the Spring...

Best. Candle. Ever.

Tocca candles are the best candles you can buy. You can smell them even when they're not lit. I get a lot of compliments on how great my place always smells. My personal favorite is Montecristo, which immediately transports me to an exotic island with a gentle sea breeze. I love anything that smells like the ocean, and this reminds me of the sea with a slight hint of lush flowers. I have four of them in my small studio apartment; the entire place smells amazing. Not to mention the name, Montecristo, that makes me feel like I've stumbled upon an old pirate treasure. The only downside for me is the packaging. The candle itself is slightly boring, in clear glass with aqua accents. But, all in all, this is a keeper. If you're not wild about your house smelling like the sea, they have tons more scents to try--some of them ever have a matching perfume and lotion. Highly, highly recommended.

Sensitive Skin Saver

This shower gel, which I can only find from Drugstore.com, is a little slice of heaven. Seriously, if you have sensitive or irritated skin, this is the product for you. I don't like to smell like food, but I love this vanilla smell--it's very subtle and clean. However, the scent doesn't last after the shower (which is both good and bad). I get really irritated, red skin, and occasionally break out in hives when I use products with too much perfume, but the yogurt in this shower gel is so soothing. It cools and hydrates, and I just love it. I go through tons of this stuff, which is fine because it's so reasonably priced.

Razor Burn, Be-Gone!

So, I've always heard of Tend Skin, and I had even used it a few times, but was never really impressed. Now I realize that I just didn't give it a chance. I bought a bottle of it a few months ago and I am obsessed. I've gone through a ton of it. I mainly use it under my arms after I shave--I put it on a cotton pad and wipe the entire area. I swear that it's made my shave closer and smoother than it's ever been. I also use this on my legs and bikini line as a spot treatment. Is it weird to be so excited about something that beautifies my underarms???

Branding Myself

Now that I have a blog, I feel the need to have some sort of a logo, or signature. I imagine people seeing this image and immediately recognizing that it's me--like the Nike swoosh. But what shall it be? It needs to be something that reflects who I am, and who I strive to be. At first I was thinking a bow, but I wouldn't want anyone thinking that I'm copying Anya Hindmarch. A crown is cute, but too Shabby Chic--I'm hardly Rachel Ashwell. A bumble bee would be adorable, but that's a little overplayed...I can't believe I'm giving this so much thought!

Finally, I'm deciding on a peacock. Preferably with a long flowing tail. It's perfect. It's regal, classic, and reminds me of something Grace Kelly might have had on her stationary. Now, I just need to find the right peacock. This may take awhile...