Total Beauty: 15 Best Primers to Make Eye Makeup Last

15 Best Primers to Help Eye Makeup Last

Sick of your shadows and liners ending up a smudged mess by the end of the day? Keep your makeup intact with one of these primers

This is a TotalBeauty.com eye makeup article You hear it over and over again from all the top makeup artists: Wear primer. Using a great primer can make all the difference in your eye makeup. Primer allows your makeup colors to be truer on your skin, prevents smudging, and helps makeup last longer. Convinced? Good. Now go get one -- and make it one of these reader faves. See reviews

No. 15: Paula Dorf Eye Primer, $25

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.8

"This primer is not drying at all and can be worn alone or with a very light eyeshadow for a quick natural look."

No. 14: Lancome Aquatique Waterproof Eyecolour Base, $24.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 7.9

"You only need to use very little, so it lasts a long time, and is good on days when I don't wear shadow, [since] it evens out my lids."

No. 13: Clinique Touch Base for Eyes, $14.50

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 8.2

"It even helps the crappy eyeshadows last a couple hours."

Want to see what was No. 1? Click here!

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Holiday 2011: Wet n' Wild Baked Palettes "Bake Off Contest"

Hello readers!

My Holiday 2011 review series continues with more offerings from Wet n' Wild. The holiday season is such a great time for makeup shopping! There are some truly great makeup deals to be found. Including these great palettes from Wet n' Wild!!! 

 As far as I know "baked" style shadows are a totally new offering from Wet n' Wild. Since I am such a big fan of baked blushes (see my Milani Baked Blushes review!), I just had to try out these pretty baked shadow palettes. At only $4.99 a palette...why not?!?!

These palettes are a Walgreen's exclusive item. So, if you are curious to try these out, just check your local Walgreens!

Tip: Walgreen's frequently runs BOGO 50% off on Wet n' Wild. So, be sure to check for sales and coupons! The current Walgreen's in-store coupon book has a $1.00 off Wet n' Wild coupon that you can use too!

For swatches, more photos, and my review, keep reading after the page break! :)

Wet n' Wild Holiday 2011: "I love Matte" Palette

Hello there my dear readers! I am so excited!!! I finally found the Wet n' Wild Holiday 2011 Beauty Bar at my local Walgreens!

I don't know about ya'll, but this is a release that I have been eagerly anticipating all year long! Wet n' Wild is one of my all-time-favorite brands. For drugstore eyeshadow, the quality can't be beat. Actually, the quality is even comparable to high end eye shadows. Plus, I adore the Wet n' Wild Holiday palettes from last year. So, I have been very eager to get my little hands on these palettes!!!

LOL, I must admit that I have been stalking the Walgreen's in my area for a few weeks now! For those of you that haven't found the display yet, be sure to check the asiles surrounding the beauty area in the store. The beauty bar display is on an side unit. The "beauty bar" display at my local store was a couple asiles down from the beauty department. Honestly, it could have been there for a few weeks because I hadn't been looking beyond the beauty area.

So, what is included in this Wet n Wild Holiday 2011 Beauty Bar display?

Limited Edition Holiday Palettes *and* some Wet n' Wild Bestsellers!

• Color Icon Brow and Eye Liners
• Color Icon Shimmer Pencils
• Mascaras
• Color Icon Eye Shadow Trios
• Color Icon 8-pan Eye Shadow Collection
  
  
  and the following Limited Edition (swoon!) Palettes:

• Color Icon Baked Eye Kit in "Baking a Cake" (6 pan)
• Color Icon Baked Eye Kit in "Bake Off Contest" (6 pan)
• Color Icon Baked Eye Kit in "Baked, Not Fried" (6 pan)
• Color Icon Matte Eyeshadow Colletion in "I <3 Matte" (8 pan)

I am doing reviews for the new Limited Edition Palettes. This review is for the "I <3 Matte" 8 pan palette. Keep reading for my review and more photos (including swatches!):

Total Beauty: How to Trim Your Bangs at Home

How to Trim Your Bangs at Home

Sick of spending your hard-earned money every month on bang trims? Skip the salon and do them at home with these pro tips

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article Sure, you'd love to trim your bangs yourself -- but the risk factor of looking like Courtney Love pre-makeover is high. We feel you, which is why we talked to Giovanni Vaccaro, hair guru at the Frederic Fekkai Salon in New York City. He shares his no-fail DIY bang-trimming tips. See them

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The Beauty Spotlight Team: Weekend Links

The holidays are heating up for the Beauty Spotlight Team. We’re all so busy but it doesn’t stop any of us from bringing our love of beauty to you. Most of us have picked out just one of our many posts from the past two weeks to share with you. We invite you to read these and then take a look through our blogs to see what else we have been excited about. Enjoy!

Joey is in awe of perfumer Mandy Aftel's talent, and nowhere is Mandy's genius more evident than in her Shiso perfume - a fragrance that is simultaneously beautiful and disturbing. Read her review over at Beauty, Bacon, Bunnies!

Lisamarie from Beauty Crazed is stuffing your stocking with cute gift ideas - check out what she is hoping to get from Santa this year!

Marcia from Beauty Info Zone has found a skincare system that’s working beautifully for her. Find out why Somme Institute has hit the spot for her.

Modesty Brown attended a MAC Trends workshop and shares the tips she learned as a non-makeup artist. There's also a little look at some of the trends from the the AW11 catwalks.

Are your hands suffering the effects of cold weather and dry heat? Then Lipstick Musings has the cure, courtesy of L'Occitane!

Julep Maven Sneak Peek Box: A Monthly Box for Nail Lovers (discount for my readers!)

Hey there readers!

Monthly/Quarterly sample box subscriptions sure seem to be the "thing" lately, or at least my thing lately! :) As ya'll know, I am a huge fan of Birchbox and New Beauty's Beauty Test Tubes. I mean, what beauty-lover doesn't love surprise boxes of beauty products delivered right to their doorstep! For me, these types of subscriptions are worth the cost just because it is a fun monthly treat! A present for yourself.

So, when I heard about the Julep Maven program, I immediately wanted to check it out...a monthly sneak peak box full of nail polish/nail care treats??? Sounds good to me already!

A bit about Julep:
So, have you heard of Julep? Julep is a company selling high-end toxin-free colorful and current nail polish as well as hand, nail, and foot care treatments. Julep is based out of Seattle and they actually have four boutique nail salons there. Their website offers a HUGE assortment of nail polish shades. You can even click by color family to view your fav colors. For you holiday shoppers, the Julep site also offers an assortment of gift sets.

Curious about the Maven Sneak Peek Box? Keep reading after the jump break for photos and my review of the American Beauty Sneak Peak Box!

Also, I have a special discount code for my readers: you can get your first Julep Maven Sneak Peak Box for only $5.00!

Total Beauty: Best Nail Polishes of 2011

Best Nail Polishes of 2011

Total Beauty doles out this year's Nail Polish Awards! See which brands you should choose for your next manicure -- and which you should avoid

This is a TotalBeauty.com nails article We tested the hundreds of nail polish brands and shades to bring you this list of the best (and the worst!) polishes. See which one is the most chip-proof, which delivers the most pigmented colors, and more. See the winners now

This is a Total Beauty syndicated post which does not

necessarily reflect the opinions of this blog. This site

can receive compensation for posting this material.

The Hold-Me Bag: A Classic and Stylish way to hold your Makeup!

Hey there lovelies!

With the exception of my bi-weekly Beauty Spotlight Team "What's in Her Bag" posts, I am realizing that I haven't done a makeup organization post lately. Shame on me (slapping own hand, lol! kidding ;))!

Makeup storage, makeup organization, and makeup travel solutions are some of my favorite topics to write about! I love to travel. But, it is always a major challenge for me to pack. What to bring? How to pack? It is just hard! I usually end up with at least 2 bags/makeup storage items when going out of town: 1 brush roll and one makeup bag. I don't like mixing my brushes into my makeup bag as I am way too picky. I don't want any brush hairs bent or damaged. I like everything to have its "place". Also, when you invest in good cosmetics, you want a bag that is going to be sturdy and formidable enough to protect your cosmetics from breakage.

When I first saw the Hold Me Bags, I was immediately intrigued! They have a brush storage area as well as an area to house your makeup. I just love the idea of a 2-in-1 bag. Plus, the interior patterns are super cute and it looks like the design would keep your contents organized well.

Keep reading after the page break for more pictures and my full review of the Hold Me Bags.

Mai Couture: Social Gloss in Femme Fatale (new release for Holiday 2011!)

Its the most wonderful time of the year...Yes, thats right, its time for all of the Holiday 2011 makeup releases! 

The luxury brand Mai Couture Cosmetics is releasing their first all-natural and paraben-free lip plumper, called "Social Gloss" for Holiday 2011. The Mai Couture "Social Gloss" range comes in a range of pretty pink and nude shades. I am a huge fan of soft pinks and nudes for the lips!

For this review, I sampled the Social Gloss in the shade Femme Fatale. For my review, swatches, ect...please keep reading!

Simply Smooth's Xtend Keratin Magic Potion (Review and Giveaway!)

A product that conditions and styles in one-step? Sounds great to me! Simply Smooth's new Xtend Keratin Reparative Magic Lotion is a dual-usage product designed to act as a light styling cream and a leave-in conditioner.

Xtend is infused with keratin. Hair products with keratin are a must for my highlighted hair! Simply Smooths Xtend claims to both extend the life of a keratin treatment as well as provide detangling benefits, smooth out the hair, provide frizz control, and to boost shine.

On any given day, I use a "cocktail" of about 3-4 hair products after shampooing and conditioning to detangle, strengthen my hair, protect it from heat damage, to style, and to add shine. I mean, really, how much would I love it if ONE product could do it all! It would save time and energy (not to mention money) to have an all-in-one product. So, I am thrilled to test out Simply Smooth's Xtend Magic Potion!

My Hair Background:
My hair is very long and heavily highlighted. While the highlights are beautiful, they really dry out and damage my hair. Salon chemical processes (like coloring or highlighting) strip hair of protein and cause damage. This damage can be combated by using good keratin/protein products. Products containing keratin/protein can strengthen the hair and prevent the breakage that often results from chemical damage. My hair is thick. But, it is also fine. So, I like hair treatments, conditioners, and styling products that provide protection and moisture without weighing hair down.

While protein and Keratin treamtents are nice (I do one every 6-8 weeks), they take a lot of time and effort. It is nice to have daily use products that are infused with keratin to use in-between deep hair protein treatments (much like how the use of a daily tanning lotion can extend the life of your fake tan).

So, I am very excited that BeautyStat.com send me a sample of Simply Smooth's Xtend Kertatin Reparative Magic Lotion to test out! How do I like it? Keep reading to find out!

Cover-It! Concealer Review Series: POP Beauty No-Show Concealer

It is time for another installment in my ongoing Cover-It Concealer Review Series. Yes, I am a tad concealer-obsessed. But, such is the case for any girl with super dark circles! I am on a life-long mission for the "perfect" concealer!

Now this is a fun and unique way to package a concealer! This No-Show Concealer by Pop Beauty is packaged as a dual ended concealer and highlighter. As a huge fan of both concealers and highlighters. So, I was excited to test this puppy out!

Why am I looking for a good concealer?
Well, primarily because I am plagued with very dark under-eye circles. In addition to needing a pretty heavy-duty concealer for my dark circles, I also need a good light-medium coverage concealer for redness around my nose area and on my chin. 

Basically all of the causes/reasons for Dark Under Eye Circles apply to me. I have allergies; therefore, I am plagued with redness and slight puffiness in the eye area. My allergies are not just seasonal, but year-round. So, I struggle with this throughout the year. Also, my dark under eye circles just seem to be hereditary.  So, in addition to the redness and puffiness, I have those dark purplish dark circles. Plus I never seem to get enough sleep!

What would I do without concealer!!! I am always excited to try out something new. Are you curious as to how I liked Pop Beauty's No-Show Concealer Duo? If so, please keep reading after the jump!

Total Beauty: Repair Your Damaged Hair STAT

8 Tips to Repair Your Damaged Hair STAT

Dried, fried hair is out. Healthy, glossy hair is in. See how to repair your damaged hair with these tips

This is a TotalBeauty.com hair care article When you're all bundled up for winter and your nose is red from the cold, your only redeeming beauty quality is your hair -- if it's glossy, that is. In order to maintain its health and vibrancy, hair needs to be treated and cared for just like the rest of our body. See the expert tips to inject life back into your fried strands now. See tips

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can receive compensation for posting this material.

November 2011 "Getting Gifty" Birchbox: Box Opening

Can you believe that it is already time for my monthly Birchbox Box Opening post? I don't know about ya'll, but for me, October really flew by! I know I seem to always say that, but for real! Maybe it is because this is my favorite time of the year. Or maybe because I am expecting a baby next month! :) Things have just been busy and exciting lately!!!  

Birchbox in a Nutshell:
Birchbox is a monthly sample box that I subscribe to. For just $10.00 per month, I get a lovely box of high end deluxe-size sample goodies delivered right to my door. These beautifully wrapped boxes are my monthly "treat" to myself. I have subscribed for almost a year now and have been consistently pleased with the contents of the Birchboxes. I have found it to be a great way to discover new brands and to branch out! Plus, you can earn points towards free products or product discounts with referrals, ordering off of the Birchbox Members-only website, and product reviews on the Birchbox site! Plus, the Birchbox site is full of great tips and gives a lot of extra information about the items in each month's box.

Are you curious about my previous Birchboxes? Be sure to check out some of my other Birchbox Box Opening Posts: Birchbox Introduction Post, Jan 2011 Birchbox, Feb 2011 Birchbox, March 2011 Birchbox, April 2011 Birchbox, May 2011 Birchbox, June 2011 Birchbox, July 2011 Birchbox, August 2011 Birchbox, Sept 2011 Birchbox, and Oct 2011 Birchbox.

Last month's Birchbox was spectacular! So, does the November Birchbox measure up? Keep reading to find out!

Surface Hair: Bassu Shine Spray

Hey there dolls!

Are you seeking shiny hair? I know that I sure am!!! My hair is very long and is somewhat dry/damaged highlights. I heavily rely on moisture and shine products to keep my hair looking shiny and smooth. Also, the use of good products can help prevent further damage. I like products that give moisture and shine without leaving you feeling greasy. Who wants to apply a product just to feel like you need to wash your hair, right?

This review is for the Bassu Shine Spray from Surface Hair. For my full review, please keep reading!

Anastasia of Beverly Hills: Brow Gel

Are you like me? Do you have unruly brows? My brows have a plethora of issues: they are thick, yet there are some sparse patches, they are long and they require trimming, they tend to grow in all directions. I know, I know, lol, these brows must be tamed!

Typically, I comb them out with a spoolie brush and trim as needed. On days that I have extra time in the mornings or on days that I want to look really polished, I fill them in with brow powder or a brow pencil. But, absolutely every day, as the last step of my makeup routine, I finish my brows with clear brow gel.

Typically I go cheap with brow gels. In the past I have used e.l.f.'s clear mascara/brow gel (which is okay at best) and Maybelline Great Lash clear (which I really do like). Honestly, I am not too picky with brow gel. I just want something to hold the brows in place and keep them in place.

For this review I tested out Anastasia of Beverly Hill's Brow Gel. I got this in my most recent Birchbox! For my review, keep reading!

Total Beauty: Best and Worst Lip Balms

14 Best and Worst Lip Balms

See which balms to pick -- and which ones to skip -- for your softest lips ever

This is a TotalBeauty.com makeup article As a beauty product no woman should ever leave her house without, lip balms are probably a staple in your purse, car, and desk drawer. For the most moist, plump, kissable lips, see what lip balms our readers say are the best and worst. Read reviews

THE WORST NO. 7: JUICE BEAUTY SPF 15 TINTED LIP MOISTURIZERS, $15

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

"The balm's surface has a rough, dotted-looking texture."

THE WORST NO. 6: CHAPSTICK TRUE SHIMMER, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.5

This product is "complete garbage that was created with a 5-year-old in mind."

THE WORST NO. 5: BLISTEX FRUIT SMOOTHIES, $3.99

TotalBeauty.com average reader rating: 6.1

"Stick to the cheaper Bonne Bell version. It's a lot better."

Want to see the rest on this list? Click here!

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Carmex Healing Lotion and Healing Cream: First Impressions and Giveaway!!!

Hello lovelies!

One of the fun things about being a Carmex Blog Squad member is that I get to test out all of these great new Carmex products!!!

From my familiarity with the brand from a lifetime of use, I know Carmex lip products are great for dry lips. But, Carmex Body Products? These are totally new to me.

My Skin Type:
My body skin is dry. Now that Fall weather is upon us, the cold makes my skin even dryer (and itchy, and irritated, ya'll know the drill). Plus, working in my occupation as a Speech-Language Pathologist, I was my hands and use anti-bacterial hand gel all day long. This wreaks havoc on my hands. I need my lotions and creams to be richly hydrating. So, I am thrilled to have these lotions and creams from Carmex on hand!

For this review, I am giving my first impressions of the new Carmex Healing Lotion and Healing Cream *and* I am offering a giveaway package for one lucky winner!!! For my review and details about how to enter the giveaway, please keep reading after the jump!

Spotted: Sinful Colors Lipgloss (whoo-hoo!): First Impressions

I am so excited!!! There is nothing like a new makeup find from one of my favorite brands to get me inspired to do a blog post the minute I get home!!! :D

While stopping by (stalking!) my local Walgreen's in search of the elusive new offerings from Wet n' Wild, I was thrilled to stumble across an end-cap display from Sinful Colors (darn, I should have snapped a photo of it!). The display housed some beautiful Sinful Colors polishes and...drum roll please, a great assortment of Sinful Color lip glosses!!!

Now, I knew there were going to be some changes coming up with the Sinful Colors brand since they were recently acquired by Revlon (I believe?). But, I wasn't expecting lip gloss! So exciting!

For those of you not familiar with Sinful Colors, you must stop by Walgreen's and check it out!  Sinful Colors offers great quality polish for only $1.99!!! Sinful Colors polishes have been my go-to brand for trying out new shades. And the quality is really great for a $2.00 polish.

I honestly have no idea how long these glosses have been out, but to me...they are new! :)

For my first impressions and swatches, please keep reading!

Freshen your face: MayaWater Facial Mist

Hello Dolls!

I have long been a fan of facial mists. You can use them for so many things. But most of all, I just like them because they feel so refreshing!

Some common uses for Facial Hydrating Mists:

• setting makeup
• freshening your face during the day
• adding hydration during air travel
• cooling your face after a workout
• cooling and hydrating your face while at the pool or beach (just keep in your cooler for a refreshing/cooling mist!)
• making powder makeup look more natural (spray when makeup is finished and pat on with brush)

For this review, I tested out Maya's Facial Mist in Pure. For my review, please keep reading!