The Battle of the Primers - Coming Soon & I Need YOUR Help!

Primers…there are a million of them out there from special eye primers to shadow sticks to eye liners that you can use. So, which one works the best!? I figured the best way to find out was to sort of have a tournament of primers! I am going to do this the obvious way…wear two different primers each day and see which one out does the other. Whichever primer has the best results that day, will move on to the next competitor the following day. I will move through each primer I have and even try and get my hands on some more! (I don’t know if I will have time to film or photograph applying each primer in the mornings (because it is CRAZY at my house in the am), so you will just have to trust me with this!

I am going to start this as soon as possible, so I would like a little help from you guys! I would like to know if there are any eye primers that you would like to be included in the competition specifically. I will most likely have to purchase any of the new primers that are out there. I would like to try and keep the cost of each primer around $20 or so. Also, if there are any specific match ups you would like me to do, like a Paint Pot against TFSI, let me know that as well. Otherwise, I will start with UDPP & a Paintpot and move through them that way.

Hopefully, this will put to rest any questions we may have when it comes to primers! I am hoping to find the best one for me, specifically, and if I can help you guys out along the way, I would love to! I am probably one of the best subjects to do this on considering I have the most watery eyes on the face of the planet, wear contacts, and am always putting drops in my eyes. So, if it is going to stay on me…it will stay on most anyone!

Give me some feedback you guys! I'd love to start the competition soon!  I am going to start rounding up some of the primers I don't have so make sure to comment on the ones that you would like to see so I can get those as well!  I was hoping this would at least give us something to do while I am on my forced YouTube hiatous.  Thanks!!!

Foundation Issues...Try Your Concealer Instead!

I was talking to my best friend, from the web, yesterday and we both ended up ranting about how we needed new foundation and didn't quite know what to get.  We chatted about new drugstore brands first and foremost since money is tight these days.  Then, as always, the coversation turned to MAC...go figure! 

Molly ended up telling me that she prefers a matte foundation and would LOVE to have one that wouldn't end up being non-existant by midday.  I have to agree with her!  Well, the other night, she ended up at MAC...another go figure...looking for foudnation!  Because the suggestion the MUA there made, I asked Molly to write a little something about her visit to the counter.

"The MAC MA suggested that since I wanted a foundation that lasted longer than my current foundation (which is a mixture of face and body, tinted moisterizer, and studio sculpt) that I could use a concealer. She said that since I have good skin I could use the Studio Finish concealer on problems spots, and then use their Prep and Prime powder to set the concealer. My main concern when going in was finding something that would last through work, and was matte. If you have a more labor intensive job this might not work as well. I was finding that even with a desk job my little mixture was melting off halfway through a normal work day. After the MA applied the concealer ( which she only used a very tiny bit with their small stippling brush) I could see a difference. It didn't look like I was wearing foudation/concealer, and it was matte. Perfect!!"    Molly Dermer 2.4.10

Concealer!  Seriously, I never thought about doing it!  It IS essentially the same thing with the same types of ingredients.  So, I ended up having my own experience this afternoon.  I had to be at my daughters' school immediately after work today.  Obviously, since MY foundation doesn't last all day, I wanted to touch up my makeup before going.  As usual, I forgot to put something in my makeup bag...my foundation & beauty blender!  I remembered this conversation with Molly, so I grabbed my Boi-ing concealer by Benefit and tried a little on my cheek.  It seemed to be working so I applied a light, even coat all over.  Followed by my BE Matte foundation, the combination gave me a nearly flawless look to my skin!  The only issues was where my acne has ended up flaring up again...nothing covers that! 

So, if you are in a bind or even if you are looking to try something new for foundation, reach for your concealer!  You will most likely be impressed by the results!

Have you tried this??  Where did you get the idea from if you have?

YAY For Benefit!

Yes, Benefit has totally redeemed themselves with me! 

I got an email from Sephora today about a Free Laura Mercier Smooth Focus Shine Control Powder sample with purchase, which looks very nice!  But this isn't what we are talking about here...it is the product I discovered when I scrolled down through that email!  Benefit has a NEW EYE PRIMER!  Could this be why they discontinued my beloved F.Y...Eye?? 

The new product is called Stay, Don't Stray.  This is a primer for all around the eye meant for concealers and shadows...super cool!  I think this is a GREAT idea!  I don't know about the rest of you, but generally by the middle of the day, my under eye concealer is gone and my dark circles have reared their ugly head!  LOL...really, its NOT funny!

Reading about the product on Sephora's website, it says that it is a lightweight formula that will brighten the eye area, hydrate, and blend seamlessly to keep your eye makeup in place.  It comes in a universal nude shade, sort of like UDPP.  It says that it is packed full of vitamins and it paraben-free.

Of course, I scrolled down to check out cusomter reviews!  There seemed to be mixed emotions about the product.  But, the only cons I really found were about the pump packaging, not the product itself.  Reviews said that it dispensed too much product, however, it is rather easy to control a pump package just by using a lighter touch!

Everyone said it was crease resistant, but the formula seemed to dry rather quickly so you had to work fast to blend.  One person said she could put this all around her eye area and have no need for shadows or concealers it worked so well.  Overall, I feel that more people loved this product than not!

So, I am going to order it next week along with the Bare Escentuals Lashliner that I have been dying to try!  Of course, I will want to get free shipping, so I need some suggestions of another product I should get and review..;.any suggestions?  Anything that you guys saw, got and loved...or anything that you would like to see a review on???  Just let me know in the comments below!  ALSO...have any of you guys tried this??????

Benefit Sale-abration...Going On Now

And for a short time only!  Go to Benefit Cosmetics Online Store, click Buh-Byes on the top navigation bar, and there you will find TONS of items that are being discontinuted that are SUPER on sale!  Lipsticks for $9, kits for $20, eyeliner for $15...the possibilities are endless and phenomenal for anyone that adores Benefit products like I do!

Yes, generally their stuff is pretty high priced, but if you begin shopping for thier stuff online and forgo spending a fortune in the store, you can really save some cash!  With FREE shipping on $50+ orders, coupon codes that are issued, Benefit Beauty Bucks, and sales like these, you can get some of these great products for really cheap! 

Make sure to go check out the sale!  I don't think you will be sorry!

Let me know if any of you guys decide to get anything!  You know I love to hear about what you buy!

Much love always and happy shopping!

What Are You Thinking Benefit??

F.Y...Eye Primer no more?? REALLY? Now, personally, I think that is the WORST move Benefit could have made! I mean, this primer is phenomenal and gives UDPP a run for its money in my opinion. I think the only thing that kept it from taking the top spot regarding eye primers is the fact that it retailed for $5 more than UDPP.

I emailed Benefit today asking what the big deal was...obviously being nice...and I did receive a response this evening! (Suprise, suprise, a company that is on the ball when it comes to their customers inquiries! LOL!) BUT, the only thing they said was that it was discontinued and that they do offer Lemon Aid as their primer. Have you TRIED Lemon Aid? I mean, it serves a great purpost on me with the bluing on the inner portion of my eyes, but as a primer, UNDER shadow...I give it a big THUMBS DOWN! I had nothing but creasing the day i tried using it under my shadow and the staying power was, well, LAME.


I just don't understand why a company that has a real winner on it's hands discontinues it! Argh...BUT, you can still find it online. I just Googled Benefit F.Y.Eye Primer and found a good amount of options at online stores that buy up discontinued items as well as places like Belk (a department store for any of you guys that don't have one around). The prices ave ranged anywhere between $17 and $22. So, if you have the opportunity to get your hands on this stuff...grab it! I am going to buy up a few while they are still available!!! I will go back to UDPP when I absolutely HAVE to!




What do you think??

I Can Only Pick How Many (Nov Favs)?

I really didn't do any shopping this month, but I did by one thing that I fell in love with (and would repurchase anyday) and, also, rediscovered some things.  I ended up talking in this vid a great deal more than usual...sorry about that!  I think it is because I just haven't filmed in a while!  LOL!  Anyway, so I had to cut some things out of the vid, but I will post them here!  On to my favs!

CHI Keratin Mist - This is a leave-in strengthening treatment that is full of proteins that will do their thing on your hair from the inside out!  All you do is spray some on wet hair and style as ususal.  The mist will not only strengthen, but condition your hair, leaving it silky and smooth through styling.  I just love ti too!  I purchased it at the beginning of the month and I have seen a difference from day one.  I even use it on my daughters hair prior to a blow out.  I suggest this product to anyone that really styles the hell out of their hair and is looking for added protection.

NYX Jumbo Shadow Pencil in Milk - Everyone knows about these shadow sticks.  If you don't, boy are you missing out!  This is the first color I purchased and I will continue to purchase it until the day I stop wearing makeup!  I use it after my UDPP & prior to shadow to brighten up areas I will be applying lighter colors.  I have used it as a cheek highlight as well with an MSF over it, to set.  I use this just about every day.  Really, all of these pencils would be on my favs list if I had that much time!

Rimmel Spark It Up! Gleaming Eye Darkening Pendil in 610 Tiger's Eye - Woah!  Talk about a product that suprised the crap outta me!  This pencil is super smooth and pretty soft making it very versitile for the eye.  I love to apply it to my lower lash line and smudge!  It provides a sticky base so I have used it as a base for shadows to deepen colors and give a metallic finish to an otherwise boring shadow.  You can see in the swatch photo that it has a bronze/gold finish to it.

Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in Light - I LOVED this concealer when I got it, but stopped using it so much in the summer, because it was just too much on my face.  I picked it back up again to conceal my under eye area, rather than my Erase Paste, because I have been going to bed earlier these days.  Now, don't get me wrong, my Erase Paste is still my all time fav, but this works for every day use.  It leaves a smooth, powder-like finish on my skin that I just love and blends VERY easily!

MAC Select Cover-Up Concealer in NC20 - Yep, it happened...my face got SUPER mad and broke out like CRAZY this month for some reason!  (I attribute it to stress and my lack of H2O consumption this month!)  Anyway, I apply this with a Sigma 224...any fluffy dome shaped brush will do the trick for remarkable application.  I like it because it never looks cakey, even by the end of the day and I can cover break-outs with little or no effort at all!  If you have issues with break outs, you should really try it.  Get an NC shade so you can neutralize the red in the spots though.  Following application, set by stamping over some translucent powder.  Then, be mindful of those areas when applying your all over setting powder, or in my case, Bare Minerals Foundation.

MAC Pearl Cream Color Base - This will be my go to highlighter for the rest of my life, just so you know!  LOL!  Set it with.....

Bare Minerals Flawless Radiance - This creamy, beige-gold highlighter is BEAUTIFUL!!!  I hope you can see the effect on the left side of my hand in the photo.  I think this would be a great addition for anyone's collection.  It is versitile in that you can utilize it as not only a cheek highlight, brow high light but it is really pretty applied wet as a lid color or mixed in clear gloss for an interesting lip gloss.  :)  I LOVE this stuff!  I gotta find some more for cheap! 

Bare Minerals Blush in First Class - This has sat in my drawer for a while.  This was one of the colors I had in my stock in my eBay store.  (I do have a few left.)  Well, I pulled this one out the other day when I did yet another one of my neutral looks and it turned out to be the perfect blush to go with browns!  It has just a little shimmer to it and is a muted brownish rose color.  I REALLY love it!  It is the swatch above the Rimmel pencil in the swatch photo.  I think I am going to take 2 jars and press a pan of it so it is more portable.  I really do like the color and I think it would look great on just about anyone!

Well, I think that just about covers it for this month!  If you have any questions about these products, just let me know!  Also, if you are interested in any of the BE products that I have, just let me know and I will publish a post with some photos of what I have left.  All of the jars are $5 each.  I am thinking of putting a few lots on eBay with some MU bags.  They would make PERFECT xmas gifts since they are all BN!  :)

If you guys would like to see the video version of my favs, you can check it out HERE.

Thanks for coming by again today!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Benefit Friends and Family Online Sale

Hey everyone!

In addition to the Sephora Friends and Family Sale, I just found out about the Online Sale Benefit is having as well!!! To receive 20% off your online order at www.Benefit.com, just enter the coupon code FRIEND09!

This code is good until Saturday, October 31st!

This is a killer deal, especially for all of you that adore Benefit products as much as I do!!! I can't wait to get a few more things I have been meaning to try!! Woohoo!!!
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July Favs! There's a first time for everything!

I feel like July was a month of rediscovery of sorts! So many things happened in my life in general it's amazing that I even had a moment to notice makeup at all! Following the passing of my dog, getting a new puppy, and work slowing down a bit, I feel that I actually have a moment to get back on track with my passion! So, here is just a break down of a few of my favs from the month and some that I rediscovered when going through the mountain of drawers on my vanity!

I fell in love with my Lemon Aid (by Benefit) this month! When I purchased this product on eBay at the beginning of the summer, I absolutely hated it! It had claimed to be a primer, among other things. I found that it did it's job with neutralizing the color on my lids, but the primer part of the story hardly fit! So, I threw it back in my drawer planning to never use it again! But, low and behold, I found a use for this little pot of pure joy! The inner area of my eyes around my nose have a tendancy to look blue and almost bruised, so following UDPP/Erase Paste application, I dab a bit of the Lemon Aid in that area and my eyes are instantly brightened! I love this product!

After a great deal of searching, I found a CHEAP tinted moisturizer that works pretty well, as long as it isn't 97% humidity outside! LOL! This moisturizer is by Wet 'N Wild. I don't love the formulation, but the coverage and the color on me work pretty well under my Bare Minerals foundation. Plus, the price is SO right at around $3.50 a tube! For the money, it is worth a shot, I think!

When Marlena, our YT resident MUG, posted her eyeliner only look contest, I looked at it as an opportunity to scan all the drugstores in my area for liners I may not have found before! When I was in Walgreens, on this mission, I discovered a brand of liners (they also make glosses) that is super cheap, yet work super well! The brand is Jordana and I believe I purchased almost all of the liner colors they make as well as some of the lip liners out in their line! They have Kohl Kajal and Retractable Pencils in some of the most gorgeous colors I have ever seen! The colors I can compare to Urban Decay (the formulation is obviously different). These liners range in price from 99 cents to $3.99. I purchased their liquid liner in brown, which is like a marker, as well! I have been thoroughly pleased with these liners, for a drugstore brand!

Last, but certainly not least, has been my beloved Erase Paste (by Benefit)! I LOVE THIS PRODUCT MORE THAN ICE CREAM! (That's saying a whole lot since ice cream is my one weakness when it comes to food! LOL!) It covers the dark circles I often wake up with (from staying up "practicing" late every nite) and helps conceal blemishes that we all hate! This product comes in three color levels, so you will be able to find something that will work for you! I love to set it with Benefit's Powderflage to brighten these problem areas even more!

My top hair product has to be my Bed Head After Party! This product is what I use after styling to keep my hair from getting so frizzy in the humid air here! IT REALLY DOES WORK! The best part about it is that I stumbled across it at a discount store here in town and ended up paying only $3.50 for the bottle!!! (It retails for over $18 in drugstores here!) I couldn't ask for a better product to keep my flyaways at bay and keep my hair looking gorgeous and shiny all day!!

These are just a few of my top products for July! There are a great deal more that I will be putting into a video and posting on YouTube if you are interested. Once I have the link, I will edit this post so you can directly check out more of my favs if you are interested! I am going to be working on some contests for the next couple of days and will post some photos of my creations here to get you gal's opinions! (I value what my peers think about my work...that's what I feel makes us all better artists!)

Thank you all for following my blog! Once my numbers start to climb, I will more than likely post some give aways to say thanks, so spread the word and let's get the traffic flowing through this site!!! Also, make sure you got to YouTube, create an account and sub to my channel if you haven't already! You can click here --> www.YouTube.com/VanitysEdge and click the yellow subscribe button to be able to participate in some contests and giveaways that I will be having soon!!! Thanks again you guys! I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!