new product alert: Covergirl Clean Makeup Remover Wipes

you may or may not be aware that i'm a bit of a sucker  i have a soft spot when it comes to makeup remover wipes. i just really, really like them. i do have my favorites, but am more than likely try new ones, you know...just because...

enter Cover Girl's new Clean Makeup Remover Wipes. i spotted these little towelettes at my local Walgreens, and since i didn't find the beauty item i was looking for {but if i'm being honest, i didn't really need…}, and these are super new, i didn't hesitate. :)

yes, these wipes do what they promise, remove makeup, but like most, no, they still don't take it all off. i love the fact that they have a clean, almost nonexistent smell and that the formula doesn't sting my eyes. the wipes themselves aren't very wet, and if i were rating them, i'd give them a solid b+.

so...there's nothing special here. they're certainly not bad, and i'll continue to use them to start my evening cleansing routine until they're gone {25 wipes come in a pack}. will i repurchase? probably not, though not because i don't like them, but because i think my personal favorite makeup remover wipes work better. 

have you tried the new Cover Girl Clean Makeup Remover Wipes?

i bought this; pic taken by me :)

beauty review: e.l.f. studio Makeup Remover Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths

bonjour, loves!

as you know, it's important to remove your makeup at the end of each day. no matter what. but, as you may also know, sometimes you're really tired and are looking to make the process fast and easy. you may find getting to the sink to properly go through your cleansing routine a bit of a chore...

personally, i make makeup removal wipes part of my routine. among others, i have made the new e.l.f.  studio Makeup Removal Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths part of said {or in this case, written} routine.

since i wear long-wearing products, it takes more than one step to remove it all fully, so makeup remover wipes have become a most fabulous tool for doing this…

e.l.f Makeup Remover Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths have been making me so incredibly happy as of late that i can't stress enough that you need these in your life.

you need to get them now.

like now.

not only do these cleansing wipes remove makeup beautifully, but they keep skin looking vibrant and clear, thanks to the textured beads that are on one side of each cloth…

so, each cloth provides a gentle exfoliation which aids in skin's cell turnover. this is not a claim of the product, but a fact when it comes to skin care and how your skin looks. especially as skin ages, we all need exfoliation to get {and keep} a smoother and more even-toned look. the great thing about these is that you can use them daily and they won't irritate the way a more harsh, grainy cleanser might {which you still could use 1-2 times a week, depending on your skin type}.

so, big thumbs up from me with regard to e.l.f. studio Makeup Remover Exfoliating Cleansing Cloths! you can find them now on their website eyeslipsface.com.

i bought these; no affiliate links; pics taken by me :)

budget beauty: Olay Fresh Effects {S'Wipe Out!} Refreshing Makeup Removal Cloths

when you want to quickly take off your makeup {because it's late or you're seriously tired}, and know how bad it would be to sleep in it, i'd like to suggest you consider the Olay Fresh Effects {S'Wipe Out!} Refreshing Makeup Removal Cloths ~ they've been quite fabulous for me to use in the past few weeks... 

these special pre-moistened cloths help to lift away dirt and makeup and are effective even when it comes to removing tough-to-remove waterproof mascara; infused with Olay's signature moisture and vitamin E complex, i think these wipes do a good job removing most of my makeup. i say most because these don't leave my skin completely clean. i think this has to do with the fact that i typically wear a full face of makeup and my foundation is a long-wearing formula. so...there isn't really a cleansing cloth that is absolutely a one-step cleanser for me.

the way i like to use these wipes is as a "first cleanse" ~ removing my eye makeup and all other products that i've had on my face that day. one cloth aids in taking off  a lot of my makeup, but like i said, it doesn't take it all off. it does help in leaving my skin feeling soft and smooth, though ~ no dryness or tight feeling in the slightest. i love the smell, and of  course, the convenience of it is splendid.

compared to other wipes i currently use and have tried in the past {Neutrogena Makeup Removal Cleansing Towelettes are my favorite from the drugstore; i wrote about them here, way back when…maybe time for an update??!}, these rank very high on my list of makeup removers.

i recommend you try these Olay S'Wipe Out! makeup removal cloths for yourself! they can be found at your local drug and mass retail stores. visit olay.com for more info.

product featured sent to me for review consideration; i was not paid for this post and all opinions are my own; pic taken by me :)

skincare review: Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner

if this time of year is stressful and your skin is showing the signs through breakouts on your skin, i'd like to suggest a great product: Oil-Free Acne Stress Control Triple-Action Toner from Neutrogena...

if you're familiar with the brand, skincare is what Neutrogena does the best {at least in my opinion}. i've been using the Triple-Action Toner on and off for a couple of years, and it's a fabulous product!

to begin with, it actually smells good. so many blemish-fighting toners smell so intense they can be  hard to use. Triple Action Toner has cucumber extract in it, so i believe that helps. the formula is also a little less harsh, so that may be a factor in the way it smells as well…

in a addition to the milder-than-your-typical-acne-toner smell, this toner is gentle yet so effective. i don't get many breakouts these days, but i still swipe a bit of the toner across my face at night following my cleansing routine. when i do spy a little bugger trying to show itself on my skin, i use it twice a day, and it never gets the chance to fully develop {take that acne, haha!}.

the brand credits the effectiveness to its clinically proven MicroClear delivery system, which helps get the medicine down into pores, clearing up your skin; Triple Action Toner also helps eliminate oil and shine and prevents future oil clogs. and finally, the unique formula of skin-soothers {such as green tea and as i mentioned before, cucumber extract}, reduces redness and irritation on the skin.

count me in as a fan...

tell me: have you tried or do you use the Triple Action Toner? what do you use to keep your skin clear during stressful times??

you can find Neutrogena Oil Free Acne Stress Control Triple Action Toner in drugstores and mass retailers {like Target, where i buy mine}, both in store and online. 

visit neutrogena.com for more info.

i bought this; pic taken by me :)

my beauty faves...

i share many products that i enjoy and grow to love with you here in BGM. and while i have nothing against this {that's the point of keeping this blog after all}, i've realized that the majority of the recent product reviews have been that of products sent to me by the brands.

one thing i don't want is for you to think is that i never buy anything {so not the case}! i buy many products. in fact, now that my daughter is 13 {and quite the budding makeup and hair aficionado if i do say so myself}, i've discovered and purchased items i wouldn't normally consider {so fun!}. i've also enjoyed introducing her to my classic must-haves.

unfortunately, when it comes to reviews, it's those products that always seem to get put on the back burner! so, i'm making it my goal to share my thoughts about those goodies more often...

:)

all of this is to say, i'm here today to share my love for the products i use every day.

my must-haves.

my i'd-be-devastated-if-they-stopped-making-this items...
you have those, right? of course you do! well...these are mine.

take a look...

St Ives Naturally Indulgent Lotion ~ Coconut Milk & Orchid Extract
a simply splendid lotion; from the smell to the fact that it leaves my skin moisturized beautifully without feeling heavy or sticky, i used this beauty year round.


Anastasia Perfect Brow Pencil ~ Soft Brown
i visited the brow salon years ago and was introduced to the range of fabulous products. from tweezers to an amazing brow gel, i love this line. the pencil, however is one i grab most often since it's so easy and the color is perfect. for a natural everyday look it's a great shade for everyone, regardless of hair color.

MAC lip pencil ~ Spice
a makeup bag must-have for many beauty girls, i'm sure. this neutral lip liner is fabulous because it works with any shade of lipstick you want to wear, and is even fine to wear on its own.

MAC Pressed Blot Powder ~ Dark
love, love, love this powder! it's great as a foundation setter, but is at its best when it does its main job ~ combating shine without adding additional color.

Estée Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Makeup ~ 5W1 Bronze
i don't know how to describe my absolute love for this foundation. it will always be the one i go back to. it covers every imperfection, flaw and discoloration with ease, leaving my skin with an amazing finish and it feels like i'm wearing nothing at all.


L'Oreal True Match Blush ~ Apricot Kiss
i've been using this amazing peachy-pink shade for years and i haven't grown tired of it it the least. it has just the right amount of shimmer to always gives me a fresh glow and makes me feel so pretty.


Neutrogena Gentle One Step Makeup Cleanser
sensational for removing makeup {even long-wearing products} and is so gentle. no stinging to my eyes and a little goes a long way.

Neutrogena Gentle Makeup Remover Towelettes
i love how effective these towelettes are at taking off my makeup. like the cleanser i've never experienced irritation or eye sting from these.


tell me: what are your go-to, must-haves-no-matter-what-new-product-comes-along products? 

pics taken by me :)

the best of the best makeup removers from TotalBeauty.com

 if you're looking for some fabulous makeup remover recommendations, look no further than these picks rated by the users on TotalBeauty.com. i myself have used 8 out of the 14 items mentioned and can tell you they definitely deserve the praise!

 and now i'm curious to try the others. :)

take a look and let me know if you agree...

The 14 Best Makeup Removers

Still waking up with mascara smeared on your pillow? You need one of these

This is a TotalBeauty.com Health & Beauty article A makeup remover that completely removes your makeup, doesn't make you break out, and doesn't leave your eyes red, itchy, and sensitive is hard to find. If you're using your concealer to cover up yesterday's mascara residue, it's time you checkout out our reader-approved, top-rated makeup removers. See makeup removers

NO. 14: NOXEMA CLEAN MOISTURE MAKEUP REMOVAL, $4.79

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

"These remove makeup and oil gently, but thoroughly. They smell amazing and don't irritate my skin or clog my pores."

NO. 13: NEUTROGENA MAKEUP REMOVING CLEANSING TOWELETTES -- HYDRATING, $6.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

"They will remove waterproof mascara, waterproof eyeliner, eye shadow primer, eye shadows, concealer, foundation, and more with great ease and absolutely no irritation at all."

NO. 12: ALMAY OIL FREE GENTLE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER PADS, $6.49

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.5

"These pads work great! Just the right amount of remover seems to be on each one. For travel I throw a few in a zip lock baggy and I don't have to worry about a 3 oz. bottle on the plane!"

Want to see what was the No.1 Best? Click Here!

this post contains affiliate links

skincare review: Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil

i'm no stranger to cleansing oils, though it seems they are fast becoming the next hottest thing in skincare. to the excitement of many, the Murad brand has finally formulated and released their own!

meet Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil for face, eyes and lips...

the formula, part of the Resurgence range, is abundant in natural botanical oils; gently cleanses and renews the skin while maintaining skin's natural moisture barrier. with a botanical blend of jojoba, licorice and sweet almond oils, Renewing Cleansing Oil helps to improve dry skin, cleanse and hydrate, thus replenishing essential moisture.

ok, now that the  boring technical details are out of the way {LOL}, i'm sure you just want to know how does it work and compare to other cleansing oils??

first, let me assure you {especially if you're acne-prone or of an oilier skin type, like me} that when it comes to cleansing oils, they are {most} always formulated not to clog pores or cause breakouts, and this one is no different.

my favorite cleansing oil is Dermalogica PreCleanse {which, oddly enough, i've never formally reviewed}, followed by MAC Cleanse Off Oil {which i have}. another fab oil i recently shared is made by DHC.

in comparison, Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil is good. i've enjoyed using it, but it just didn't perform the way i had hoped. using this on its own doesn't remove all of my makeup. yes, it is a beautiful aid in makeup removal, but instead of using it first in my double cleanse routine, followed by makeup removing cleanser {that's how i use cleansing oils}, i found better results using it second.

 this has actually been the best thing! Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil leaves my skin and lashes feeling so smooth and soft without any oily residue or irritation. i then apply my serum, eye cream and moisturizer...

well, you know the routine... :)

tell me: do you use cleansing oils? if so, what is your favorite? if not, do you plan to try this or any other variation of a cleansing oil? tell me in the comments!

for more info about Murad Renewing Cleansing Oil for face, eyes and lips visit murad.com

product featured sent to me for review consideration; pics taken my me :)

Introducing NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil

if you didn't already know, great skin is achieved when your skin is clean, like a fresh canvas, entirely free of any makeup residue. NARS has created Makeup cleansing Oil, a new technically advanced formula, to be the first and most important step in the cleansing process.

this weightless, silky solution eliminates makeup traces and flushes out pores, prepping the skin for cleansing. excess oil coating the skin surface is washed away, and clarity is visibly improved. NARS' formula is unlike most facial oils, in that it can be applied with wet or dry hands, and rinses off effortlessly with absolutely no residue. it is both gentle and effective enough for use on the eyes and lips.

NARS Makeup Cleansing Oil will be available in september 2009 on narscosmetics.com

xo
info courtesy of NARS

review: MAC Cleanse Off Oil

MAC Cleanse Off Oil is an industry-strength oil-based makeup remover that’s gentle on the skin.

if you've ever received a professional facial, you know that the esthetician cleanses your face twice. in my training, we used Dermologica's Pre-Cleanse before following with the appropriate cleanser. i loved that product (more on that soon).

the experience i have had with MAC Cleanse Off Oil has been similar to that of Pre-Cleanse, which is nothing but pleasant. this botanically formulated product contains oils of olive fruit, evening primrose, jojoba seed and is absolutely 100% mineral-oil free! unlike Olay's Mascara + Makeup Remover, it leaves no oily residue behind-- so nice!

the pump dispenser makes this cleanser easy to use and i love that it has a very faint scent. my skin receives truly fabulous double cleanse when i use this!

find MAC Cleanse Off Oil at your local MAC counter and online at maccosmetics.com



xo