Scrub Loving: Neutrogena Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator

Photo Credit: Neutrogena Website

I'm so ready for winter to be over. I mean, my poor skin has been ravaged by the cold temps for long enough already. Really. I feel like I'm constantly shedding layers, though I'm pretty sure I'm not a reptile. It's just bad. Bad I tell you. Between the flaking and my skin feeling like a veritable pumice stone, I've just had enough.

Back in the fall, while looking for a body exfoliator in Target (yes, our bodies need a good scrubbing, too!), I came across the Neutrogena Sugar Scrub and decided to give it a go. I had previously been using Ocean Salt from LUSH (which I do still use), but I was interested to try something that I thought might be less abrasive. While strong scrubs are great, they can also be a little bit too rough on raw skin. Let me just say, I think my winter-ravaged skin has finally met its match.

First of all, I love the way this scrub smells. The fresh citrus scent is quite invigorating. The product contains sugar crystals that act to gently slough away dead skin cells without stripping the skin of moisture. What's actually really nice about this scrub is that it is rich in oils that soften and hydrate the skin after the exfoliating crystals have finished doing their job (they really do dissolve into the skin within seconds, which keeps you from overscrubbing your skin). Post-shower my skin feels so soft and lotion is not even necessary. Love that this product does double duty!

Because the scrub is so gentle, it is also great for daily use. The only downside? I wish the tub were bigger! I have been rationing the scrub so I still have some left but, with everyday use, I can see it disappearing rather quickly. I need vats of this stuff! It's that good.

I found the scrub at Target for about $8.00, but you can also find it at a variety of other locations (drugstores, Walmart, online retailers). If your skin is uber dry like mine, or you just want to keep your skin feeling soft and supple, run, don't walk, for this one. Your body will thank you!

NB: I purchased this myself.

Mascara Loving: NEW Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara With GROW-LASH Complex

Photo credit: Rimmel London website

Let's face it. Mascara is pretty important to me. On a daily basis, I don't have the time (or energy!) to do a full eyeshadow look, and most days I'll simply swipe on a few coats of mascara and run out the door. I've found myself purchasing a lot of different mascaras lately (mostly drugstore), many of which are ones that have been getting a lot of attention, trying to figure out what works best to enhance my natural lashes (which on their own, tend to be average length, but rather straight pre-lash curler....thanks dad!).

One mascara that I have really been enjoying over the past couple of weeks is Rimmel Lash Accelerator Mascara with Grow-Lash Complex. I find that the formula really does the job of lengthening my lashes (I generally apply a few coats, as I normally would with any mascara) and even adds a bit of volume as well (for added volume, I would suggest pairing with a volumizing mascara). I don't have any issues with the formula flaking throughout the day, and the brush is the perfect size for reaching those lashes in the inner corners of the eyes. I sometimes have a more difficult time applying mascara to this area with thicker wands. I would say, however, that with added coats you might notice a slight bit of clumping. Personally, I didn't find this bothersome, but I thought it was worth a quick mention. If it does bother you, combing out the lashes should do the trick. Another aspect of the product that I greatly appreciate is the fact that the wand doesn't pull too much product out of the tube each time. Way too often the openings of my mascara tubes get filled with excess product "crud." Lash Accelerator imparts just the right amount of drama, making it a perfect option for daytime wear.

Rimmel claims that Lash Acclerator helps to promote natural lash growth. On the product page on the Rimmel website it states, "instantly, your lashes look up to 80% longer, but then after 30 days of continued use, they’ll appear up to 117% longer!" While I can't speak to the more long-term effects of the mascara as I haven't been using it long enough, I can say, that, as of now, I don't see a real difference in the appearance of my naked lashes. The exclusive GROW-LASH complex contains Procapil®, to strengthen the roots, in addition to lash-conditioning ingredients such as biotin, keratin, and bamboo.

Overall, I think Lash Accelerator would be a good one to test out if you are on the market for a new mascara that imparts natural length and definition to lashes. It is a great affordable option (I think I snagged mine from CVS for $7.99) and drugstores are always running BOGO sales (makes the deal even sweeter, right?). Try it! I think you'll like it! ;-)

So, have you tried Lash Accelerator yet? Do you like it? Hate it? Indifferent? What mascaras are you currently enjoying?

NB: I purchased this myself.

From The Drugstore Aisles: "Balms Away" With EOS Lip Balm

These cute little lip balms from EOS (short for Evolution of Smooth) have recently become the talk of the beauty community. I was finally able to hunt them down about a month ago at a local Walgreen's location (though they are starting to pop up everywhere now!) and I'm glad I found them! Ergonomically-friendly (they feature a little "thumb rest"), these are seriously the cutest balms I have come across! They look like little eggs and contain some yummy-flavored lip moisturizer within. I snagged the EOS lip balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew and Summerfruit (my store was out of Sweet Mint...though I hear that is a favorite!) and both are deliciously fruity. Their ability to soften and hydrate the lips is not remarkable (I can say other products are more moisturizing), but they do the trick and I love the delicious scents (Summerfruit being my current fave). They also feature a nice flat bottom to guarantee that your product will sit nicely on any flat surface. Furthermore, who could resist whipping out one of these guys while on the go? The sight of one of these might just lead to a few stares and onlookers going "what's that?!?" So stylish...not your average lip balm! A conversation starter for sure!

EOS Lip Balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew

EOS Lip Balm in Summerfruit

I've really become addicted to these balms since purchasing them and I've planted one in my travel makeup bag while one has a secure place at my bedside. The EOS product can be found at a variety of drugstores and retail for about $3.99

Have you taken one of the EOS balms out for a spin yet? If so, do you like them/which is your favorite flavor?

NB: I purchased these myself.

Drugstore Hauling

This past week I did a bit of hauling at my local Rite Aid and Duane Reade drugstores. I wanted to share with you what I picked up!

WetnWild Ultimate Expressions Eyeshadow Palette in "Paradise Cove"

I have heard good things about the Ultimate Expressions palettes, and these are actually discontinued. Luckily, I was still able to find one!

WetnWild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in "Spotlight Peach"

Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Eyeshadow Palette in "Shimmering Sands"

L'Oreal H.I.P. Color Truth Cream Eyeliner in "Teal"

NEW N.Y.C. Blushable Creme Stick in "Wild Berry"

NEW Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Glosses in "Lilac Pastelle," "Coral Reef," "Peach Petal"

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base and Anti-Redness Primer

David Babaii for Wildaid Amplifying Shampoo and Conditioner and Bohemian Beach Spray

What do you all think of the items I snagged? Have you tried any of them? If you would like reviews on any of the featured products, please let me know!

From The Drugstore Aisles: WetnWild Mega Eyes Creme Eyeliner

My favorite type of eyeliner to use on my top lash line is of the cream/gel variety. I have grown to love those from many different higher-end brands, including MAC fluidlines, Stila Smudge Pots, and Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Liners. I wanted to see, however, if it was possible to find a product of comparable quality whose price tag was considerably lower. Though I have found and used drugstore cream liners that have impressed me (e.g. L'Oreal H.I.P. liners), even those can sometimes get a bit pricy. One day, while browsing the beauty aisles in my local Rite Aid, however, I stumbled upon the WetnWild Mega Eyes Creme Eyeliner and decided to try it out. Though, I admit, my expectations for this $3.99 liner weren't particularly high, I went into testing mode with an open mind.

To my surprise, I found a really wonderful product for a steal! I was impressed with the consistency of the product, its ability to stay put all day, and its highly pigmented color. I purchased the eyeliner in black and I found that it was in these respects very comparable to one of my go-to liners, MAC Blacktrack. It applied smoothly to my upper lash line without tugging or skipping. About the only thing about the product itself that I think could be improved is the lid; it is a bit flimsy, and I am afraid that the liner will dry out quickly if I am not careful to ensure that it is secured tightly after each use.

I would highly recommend checking out the Mega Eyes Creme Eyeliner in your local drugstore. For a list of retailers see here. It's a great product that won't break your bank! The only thing that makes me sad is that it is only available in two colors right now, black, as I mentioned, and eggplant. What about brown? teal? navy? WetnWild better get on it! ;-)

Have you tried the Mega Eyes liner? Thoughts? Are there any other products from the line that you love? Let me know!