Clinique: Even Better Skintone Corrector - Review

Clinique as a brand hardly disappoints me with their skin care line. I have used and liked many of their Products and this EVEN BETTER SKINTONE CORRECTOR is no different.

I have been using this product since past 13 weeks or more and the results have been pretty satisfying.

If you have been reading my posts for sometime, you probably know that my main skin concern is uneven skin tone, Hyperpigmentation, Dark Spots. I have no issues with Acne, Scarings etc, but the over all skin tone is very uneven.

Ironically the name of the product is EXACT answer to my problem.

Application: AM and PM
Duration: 13 weeks plus



The Texture: The texture is soft, liquidy lotion (not watery nor thick as cream or gel). It is very light weight Serum, that spreads very easily, which is why not a lot of product is needed. The product gets fully absorbed in the skin and does not leaves the skin greasy or sticky. It does leaves a moisturized feel. If you are someone with oily skin, you might not want to use this under your makeup, but my skin leaning towards drier side, I enjoy its moisturized feel that it leaves.

The Fragrance: It has a mild fragrance, but nothing that would bother. I can’t even pin point what exactly it smells like, but whatever it is, its non bothering.

The Effect: My regular use of this as an AM and PM routine has shown decent difference in my skin tone. It appears more even. If I pick one particular hyper pigmented spot or area on my skin, I would not say its completely gone, but the over all appearance of the skin is good. It appears very clean and Bright. I would not compare it to fading creams, that has Hydroquinone which targets on the Melanine Production of a Hyper pigmented spot.

I also noticed my skin has not developed any new uneven patch or darkness around my mouth area. I must also admit, I didn’t see much difference for the first 4 weeks, but around 6th week the face was telling a different story. I was pretty religious too with using the product.
For the first 3 weeks I was using Philosophy Hope in Jar too, but then I stopped using it because it was difficult to understand which one was working and how.

The Packaging: It comes in a bottle, with a pump. The best thing is, the bottle can be opened and is not sealed. This is good, because it gives me the option of checking the product status when I am running low.

It’s a good product to try if you have a skin condition similar to mine. Regularity and Patience are needed the most, so is liberal use of Sunscreen.

What are your Favorite products for Hyper pigmentation and Uneven Skin tone condition? Have you used this Product? Did you like it?

Some old SpongeBob doodles on a scrap of illustration board

Click on image for full-size SpongeBob doodle

As much as I hate sketching in sketchbooks, I LOVE doing doodles on oddly-shaped pieces of stuff. Anything with a writing surface. Newspapers are good. I also have an old "Voter Information" publication with a lotta sketches inside. I like doodling on newsprint with a roller-ball pen. My current fave rollerball is the Bic 730R. You can get 'em at Staples. Oh, and I'm also doodling in a copy of the expired TAG union contract. So? I dunno.

I prolly drew this during the third or fourth season of SpongeBob. I've always liked drawing SpongeBob...he really makes me happy ^_^ Sketched with a PITT artists Pen - brush tip. One of my favorite drawing tools.

Hope you like it!

MONDAY MORNING...

Hello my Dear Friends...

Let me begin by saying, I am not Lazy and I am not neglecting the blog and I do love Make-up and this Cosmetic Journal...but I am just busy being Mommy and Back to School stuff, Bus Adventure rides and Parents- Student Oriendation.....Phew!!!!

Just had a busy week and expect a busier week ahead, with a pre-planned Vacation in the week to follow. Will try and update the blog with some pre-scheduled posts. I really hope you guys stick with me...

Had a chance to see the MAC Nail Polishes, that are released. Nice Colors!! Obvioulsy I like the one that was a dirty muddy kinds. Its called Earthy something. I had already hauled a few nail polishes from Sephora a day before I saw these. It looked pretty close to the Under my Trenchcoat from OPI Sephora that I picked. I may not be sure, but they did look same...

Also lemming the Lithe Pigment, but I will wait till it hits my CCO. From MAC I did haul a bit for a Brush and some regular stuff. Will try and share the pics soon. VOGUE FALL issue came in mail and its really really heavy!! Nice boots and Coats...

Enough Rambling from me...Hope you guys doing good as always..

Have a great week Ahead

xoxo,
dazzling...sparkling...me!!

Li’l Tomboy by Frank Johnson

Here’s an extremely well-crafted kids-comic I never heard of before: Li’l Tomboy by Frank Johnson 
Very charming drawings, and great clear storytelling. The mom’s nose is kinda freakin’ me out, but otherwise a delicious-ly drawn comic story ^_^
More on Frank Johnson:
http://lambiek.net/artists/j/johnson_frank_b.htm
http://coa.inducks.org/creator.php?c=Frank+Johnson
…and here’s a little after-comic dessert:

Finally!!!

NEW PACKAGING FOR UDPP a.k.a URBAN DECAY PRIMER POTION.

No idea if this is a Permanent change or LE stuff, but isn't it COOL???

SHOWER POWER!!

Don't ask me why 'THAT' Title for the blog post. I was just trying to be CREATIVE...lol!!

These are a few goodies from HomeGoods. I like that store a lot. Especially, the Stationaries and bath products they carry. Also I enjoy to 'look', 'read' food products that they have. The homemade Jams, the spices in cute jars and all the other stuff. Never did buy any food products/edible stuff from that store though (freshness issues/expiry dates)



Packaging is always very important for me, when I go to buy bath products. Surprisingly Modern Packaging is something that never attracts me when it comes to Bath Products. Obviously, they are funcational, hygenic and easy, but somehow the SPA like things are more attractive.



The crisp paper packs, the wooden scoop, the old fashioned tins, Ropes tied around a ceramic pot and everything 'old style' looks very attractive to me. Not to mention the words like "Exotic", "Enriched", "Natural Oils" all add to the 'Purity and Freshness' of the product. Also when I read the names of Herbs and Flowers and stuff that are printed on the pack, it takes me to the Mountain ranges, makes me Virtually Visualise the serenity and Beauty of some amazing places.

Candles is something that is equally soothing in Shower and around Bathtubs, but Unfortunately my Apartment Bathtub is tiny. So Candle territory is not so well explored by me in Bathroom.

As much as I enjoy these stuff, I still feel LUSH is a bit to Heavy on Scents!

Totally excuse the lack of words....I am no writer and these are the only basic words I know to express, but you get the idea... A totally Random Rambling...Obviously!!

Do you enjoy EXOTIC Bath Products, HERBAL Shower Goodies?? Any Brand Suggestions?

BEAUTY BUYS: BENEFIT

'BEAUTY BUYS' is another term coined for the infamous 'HAUL'. Its just thelistof
things I buy and the ones you will hear me 'yak', 'blab', 'review'aboutin next
few posts!!! Call this a 'Preview'...

A totally unplanned purchase! Then again, when is a Beauty Buy planned anyways!!
BENEFIT counter at Sephora was having this CUTE GWP. A Bag (small) and a Luster Duster (full size) neatly nested inside a CUTE paper Bag, on purchase of 2 Items from the Brand. Well, CUTNESS killed me. No seriously!

What is the whole point of having a cute, small paper bag? I didn't care least for Luster Duster, because the color is a pale Pink one, something that Lighter skintones would enjoy (In my opinion, though I have yet to open it)



So for that Tiny Make Up Bag alone, the Goodies I picked:

1. BENEFIT Some Kind A Gorgeous (Deep)
2. BENEFIT Creaseless Creme Shadow (Busy Signal)

I like these H&M seasonal Catalogue/Magazines. The quality of paper is good, something that you don't get for free. So yes, apart from the fact that there are some nice funky outfits combos, that I won't wear, I enjoy looking at them and also its FREE!!

Felix on the Unemployment Line -– Vintage comics by Otto Messmer

A couple days ago I showed off some photos of the awesome new Felix Book…

Here are some Felix the Cat comic book scans from this same era  -- ones that don’t appear in the book! Story and art by the great Otto Messmer!

From Felix the Cat #48 – Toby Press Dec 1953


...and look...there's MORE! Mykal has just posted a classic Otto Messmer Felix comic on his "Big Blog of Kids' Comics!" Click on the images below to go visit or just hop over to: http://www.bigblogcomics.com/2010/08/felix-cat-in-cat-weather-profit.html

 http://www.bigblogcomics.com/2010/08/felix-cat-in-cat-weather-profit.html

MONDAY MORNING...

Hi my lovelies...

Like always, I start with the same obvious line....Hope you all doing well...

My weekend was good, but Hectic. I was busy hunting was some "summer accessories" and "Beach and Water Related" Product. Let me tell you, it was like searching Pearls in the Ocean..

The thing is, we are going to Disney Resort, Florida during the coming long weekend. I had totally forgot to stock up on the needed summer stuff in summer (Technically, its still summer...but for stores its Halloween)

Anyways, I managed to get some crapy footwear for water parks in Florida and some how managed to get Capris and Cargos...

I had to return the NARS Blush in Madly...It just didn't show up on me at all. I should have learnt the lesson by now, that colors like baby pink and Sea Shell Pink are no good for me...Oh well!

My Sephora stores didn't had the MUFE Metal powder in Golds. I have been excited about this product since ages. Just need to see them in person, before spending. The MUFE lipsticks though were pretty stunning. The texture was ok, kinda appeared on dry side though. I think because the testers are kept open all day, it felt dry to me. As usual UD Naked palette was "Sold out". Did haul something from Benefit, simply because they had a "cute" bag as GWP.

Last week my posts had some comments and that really made me smile. Keep them coming friends....I thank you all from my heart for visiting and leaving the suggestions. Some of them were really very helpful.

Signing off now...Have a great day and week Ahead...

xoxo,

dazzling...sparkling...me!!

LAURA MERCIER - TINTED MOISTURIZER

Tinted Moisturizer

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer is a sheer, lightweight formula with a hint of
color you can use in place of foundation for a natural finish and a healthy
glowing complexion. It contains a SPF 20 for the ultimate in anti-aging
prevention.

Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 - Illuminating

A moisturizer with a hint of shimmering color.

Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Illuminating is a lightweight, buildable sheer
foundation formula that delivers a youthful, radiant finish.
Protecting skin from the damaging rays of the sun with SPF 20 protection, this skin-friendly formula contains a unique Dewy Complex that is proven to keep the skin
moisturized and better equipped to combat external aggressors and irritants.
Layer with other foundations for a custom blend and radiant finish. It's
dermatologist-tested.

Tinted Moisturizer is one of those products that either you love or hate. People who prefer heavy coverage, usually stay away from Tinted Moisturizers.

These are just like their name. TINTED MOISTURIZER! Duh! No Brainer…

Laura Mercier’s range of Tinted Moisturizers are most talked about. They come in 3 types.

1. Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20
2. Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 -- Oil Free

3. Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 -- Illuminating

This can be a bit confusing, as the tube of primers and moisturizers all appear same. More Choice..More Confusion!
I chose the regular version.

Now, personally for me, my main issue with my facial skin is the uneven skin tone. I don’t have major acne marks or things like that to hide, but my chin is little darker than the rest of my face. My cheeks are pretty light. I tend to tan uneven and all I need is something to make my skintone appear even.
Foundations tend to give heavier coverage and I don’t like the all over feel of it. I prefer to restrict the use of foundations for special occasion.

Laura Mercier Tinted moisturizer is more of a sheer foundation. It does provides very sheer coverage, which is enough to make my skin appear even.
The product spreads easily and blends well. I use it by doting the product all over the face and then blend it with Sonia Kashuk’s Blending Sponge, which is damp. Sometimes I use my fingers too.
These have an SPF of 20, which is awesome for everyday use.

It does not appears patchy and lasts whole day. It has SPF, so by end of the day, the my face becomes bit sticky, but that ok. Its end of the day. The best thing is, the brand has good color selection. The MA at Laura Mercier Color matched me to shade Caramel, which appears very dark in tube. She said, its tinted moisturizer, so it will spread and blend sheer. It is a perfect match for summer, though I feel maybe in winter, I might need a shade lighter.

LAURA MERCIER TINTED MOISTURIZER -- ILLUMINATING VERSION

This is another of their Moisturizer, that has Illuminating Property. These come in 4shades and I have 2 shades, both as part of samples the MA gave me.

These too like the original version, spreads and blends well. They leave a lovely Luminous sheen. The sheen is not OTT glittery. It gives me a dewy look, but I am pretty positive, it will make oily skin people look more greasy. Also the SPF part makes the whole product a tiny bit sticky.

The MA told me, that the Illuminating part aka fine shimmers may reflect light and make me appear lighter if photographed. This did make sense because, even the color golden radiance which is so dark appears light on skin. The difference was noticeable. Even though the color matched me, it made me look Dirty. I would prefer the Original formula.

These come in Convenient, slim, easy to carry, lightweight squeeze tube, but it sometimes dispenses a lot more product than needed. Shaking the tube before use is advisable. Also setting the face with Loose Powder or setting powder is a must. I use MAC Mineralize Skin finish Natural to set the Moisturizer.

Cost wise its expensive. I mean $42 for something that I use everyday. …. I need to find dupes!!

A good product, if you are looking for light coverage and daily use.

NARS BLUSH -- TAJ MAHAL

NARS BLUSH in TAJ MAHAL

This is one blush that I always heard was a good choice for warm toned ladies. It is supposed to be a 'Summer Blush' because of its warm tone.
It’s a burnt Orange, very Vibrant, Pigmented blush with micro gold shimmer. It is such a Beautiful color in the Pan. I don’t have anything like this in my Blush Collection. The only Orange cheek Product that I own is MAC Optimistic Orange Cremeblend blush.


Swatch of NARS Blush in Taj Mahal

The texture of the blush is soft and fine. Like all NARS blushes it has an amazing Pigmentation. Taj Mahal Blush is true to its color. It does not turns red, pink, peach or for that matter to any other color on blending. It blends in well and lasts for long hours.

The application is kind of tricky. The color is Burnt Orange, so on my skin tone, if I apply more, it makes me look sun burnt. If I apply too less, it looks like a warm, orange bronzer (like Pumpkin) , which is not very flattering. If you are lighter skin tone, the ‘orange’ part of the blush is visible, but on my skin tone of NC42, which is really tanned now, it does not gives the flush that I was expecting. Even though this is a summer blush, I think it would be more flattering on me when I am a bit less tanned.

The blush looks beautiful in the evenings though. The shimmers are gold toned and they are soo micro fine that the glow imparted is beautiful.

I need to figure out a better tool to apply this. Also, how much quantity I pick matters too. I am liking the blush but Honestly I am not soo crazy about this now.
Its too early to just say that its not working. I need to spend some more time with it and try out various brushes.

Do you have NARS Taj Mahal or any Orange toned Blush? What do you feel about it? Any tips you guys can share?

Don Bluth Vs. "Man Vs Art" -- a great new interview

I don't always listen to podcasts, but when I do, I prefer Man vs Art. Raul Aguirre's show has been my companion for many late-night drawing sessions.

Raul Aguirre Jr. has been an animator and storyboard artist, writer, producer, etc for 16 years, working for all the big houses like Disney Feature, Nickelodeon and Fox. And he's got a heart as big as Southgate, CA.
His passion and love and humor shine thru with every podcast he puts out. Now Raul has scored a sweet interview with Mr.Animation Renaissance himself: Don Bluth!

Listen HERE: http://bit.ly/ManVsBluth

It's a great listen...not the usual cookie-cutter glad-handing puff piece you usually hear when an industry legend gets interviewed. You get these two guys in a room and start talking about the joys of traditional animation...there's no holding them back! Seriously -- Man vs Art is hands-down my favorite podcast (and not because I've had the honor to be a guest), and this episode is a great way for the show to kick of its second season!

Man vs Art: The Don Bluth Interview
http://bit.ly/ManVsBluth

BEAUTY BUYS - LORAC

This is a very old purchase, probably more than a month. I had won a LORAC Palette in a Giveaway and I was so impressed with the quality, that I did a little research on the brand. I placed an order on their website and I must say, the service was very nice. It took around 5 days for my items to reach me.

Goodies I picked:

1. Snake Charmer Palette:

This palette has 4 eyeshadows and one blush. Everything wearable!!! The colors are lovely and the texture is Fantastic! The eyeshadows are soft and really pigmented.

Before ordering, I did a little google search about the quad and found that it was a well loved one and is supposed to be a dupe for DIOR Iridescent eyeshadow palette, which was also a well hit, sold out item from its time. Don't believe me?? Ok, check Karlasugar's Blog here. Now, the queen of swatches can't be wrong.....:)

The packaging though is painfully tacky...

I picked 3 of these. One as Custom Purchase for my Friend, one for myself and for all you lovely people who follow my blog and spare some time from your busy schedules to read it.

2. Lipsticks:

I ordered their creme formula in two shades. PREMIERE and CRUSH. Both of these are very comparable to MAC lipsticks. They have the sheen of lustre, still having a great pigmentation. Texture wise they are a cross between Satin and Creemsheen. They smell very much like MAC lipsticks and the casing is sturdy, yet functional.

I would say, my first impression with these lipsticks are great and I would not shy away from trying other colors too.

Have you tried LORAC products? What do you think of the brand? Are there any hidden gems I need to try??