Savvy Thinker » Truth in advertising

Images with truth in advertising

Karin — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 02:56:03 +0000

Mascara ads
I know I've spoken about it here before, but it seems rather ludicrous to advertise mascaras with various types of false eyelashes, none of which gives you the true idea of how a mascara really performs. For that, you might have to ask your best friend, or try them out and return them, if you don't like them, or if you are sensitive to any ingredients.

Skin care
How can we know what a skin care line does, when viewing ad that use heavily retouched photos or a model who has had a lot of work done on his or her face to show how much, supposedly, a skin care line does for one's skin/ wrinkles/ firmness/ or etc.

Where are the real folks? and how long will they remain real when bombarded with images that are manipulated (or faces that have been.) I put myself right square in the middle of this one, because I have several friends or acquaintances that have had major work done. Will I at some point? Well, so far, I'd rather travel with the money, if I had the money.

Image of Leslie Blodgett, CEO of Bare Escentuals, in Sephora
Imagine my surprise to come upon a near life size -- or maybe larger than life size, which fits her talents, image of Leslie Blodgett in Sephora. And she looks darn good! In this image she has allowed a few fine lines around her mouth to show. And you know they could have been airbrushed out. She rocks!

I love a lot of Bare Escentuals products, including their brushes. I don't use their mineral foundation, because I prefer a liquid foundation, but I love their lip glosses and eye and cheek colors.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Bare Escentuals BUXOM Lip Gloss "Sophia" Plumping! .15 Fl. Oz **NEW Still in Box

US $18.00

15m

Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips

6 Bids

US $10.50

17m

Bare Escentuals Vine Glimpse Eyeshadow .57 g Sealed

0 Bid

US $5.99

18m

Bare Escentuals Visualize Eyeshadow .57 g NEW Sealed

0 Bid

US $5.99

18m

Bare Escentuals Soft Focus Retractable Shadow Brush NEW

0 Bid

US $6.99

18m

10 Bare Escentuals Eyeshadow Colors

2 Bids

US $26.49

19m

Bare escentuals eyeshadow refresh .57g

US $9.00

19m

Bare escentuals eyeshadow restore .57g

US $9.00

19m

Bare Escentuals Praline 100% Natural Mini Lip Gloss

US $8.37

26m

Bare Escentuals WET/DRY SHADOW BRUSH New&Factory Sealed~Retails$18~FREE SHIP!

US $14.99

26m

Originally posted 2010-05-05 07:58:51.

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FOTD Maybelline Charcoal Smokey Eyes

Karin — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 11:10:48 +0000

This was my look today, trying the other color in the second print ad, but placing the colors more like the print ad for Emerald.

After yesterday, it seemed too neutral, but looking at the pictures and how I felt about my look today, it is definitely a keeper.

Eyes:
Base: MAC Luna, then BE Queen Phyllis
Lids, crease and drylined: in the order on the quad
Mascara: Maybelline Pulse Perfection

Lips: all Arbonne
Tickled + Gleam, edged with Nice pencil

These quads are really quite nice, especially for the money. I like that they are good sized but small enough to be easy to travel with.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don't steal my posts, you know who you are

Originally posted 2009-09-12 23:01:57.

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Review: Spinlash Mascara

Karin — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 08:15:20 +0000

Is Spinlash a gimmick? or a gimmick that has found its time? It's interesting that so many oscillating, spinning, and vibrating mascaras have come out at about the same time. Perhaps an inventor made a presentation to a major company -- and was turned down, similar to the story of the variating wiper blades for cars -- and then the idea folks at the major companies brought out their own spin, pun intended.

Ah well, we consumers reap the benefits.

I had not heard of Spinlash mascara -- I'd missed all the TV ads -- until my 13 yo came home and told me that one of her good friends had it. Did she like it? yes. Did it work? yes. And she wanted one...and wanted one... She's new to mascara and doesn't like it to look like she has it on, particularly, and definitely doesn't want any heavier places or clumps.

So, when I found one, I bought it to give it a try.

Here's what it looked like on me today. And this is the first time I've used it on the bottom lashes.

On the whole, the mascara is great. The wand is bigger than most and a tad heavier. There are dual buttons that work nicely to spin the brush in opposite directions depending on whether you are doing upper or lower lashes.

It goes on smoothly. I don't like to do multiple coats, so it took a couple of day's applications to figure out how hard to press the brush into my lashes to get the amount of mascara that I wanted.

It worked easier on the bottom lashes today than I had expected.

Unlike Lancome's Oscillation mascara, this brush doesn't have any particular sensation when you use it. LO can be addictive simply for the little fairy finger massage your lashes get. And sometimes do-it-yourself massage pampering is a very good thing.

Try it, you'll like it.

Karin
5 for how the mascara lasts and doesn't flake or smudge
5 for ease of application once you get the hang of it
3 for size of the wand, it's a bit bulky
1 that you can't change out the battery
4 for price $14.95, less than Lancome, more than Stiletto

Originally posted 2009-03-04 09:13:52.

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10 reasons to love cosmetics

Karin — Fri, 13 May 2011 17:58:24 +0000

10. Cosmetics enhance you -- you become the best you you can be.

why not look your best ...: natural, fun, but enhanced. We’re not going to lie, that’s what cosmetics do, they enhance your looks. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you can become a more beautiful you. Sasha

9. What you do today will have a direct bearing on what you look like in 5 years.
There are products that really work, changing your skin -- and there are some products that don't do a whole lot, it's only advertising -- and there are products meant only to have a cosmetic effect. Take your pick, but don't forget to include products that work -- from lip gloss to skin care.

8. It's an easy way to pamper yourself. Your skin needs as much pampering as you do. Enjoy taking care of yourself. Take time to let the sensations register. You are being good to yourself.

7. When you look your best, you feel better. When you look your best, even if you're not feeling 100%, you really do feel some better. And unfortunately, the reverse is true too! So do everything you can to have the best day possible. Putting on a good face takes on a double meaning when you are camouflaging.

6. Other people see you. If you won't do it for you, do it for them. Believe me, they do see you, and they talk. Make sure they have something good to say.

5. You look more polished and professional. It levels the playing field and helps you compete. That doesn't mean you have to go all out. If you've never used much makeup, begin small and go from there, but at least do something. A new lipstick or shadow color can update your look giving you a lift.

4. You can be a different you. Everyday can be a new you depending on what you wish to portray about yourself. There's no end to combinations that will bring out your different aspects. You can be the vamp, the ingenue, the career woman. You can be dramatic or natural, colorful or neutral.

3. You can enhance your best features and downplay your negatives. Who doesn't want to do this!

2. You look younger. The only time this doesn't matter is if you are in your 20s. All the rest of your life it makes a difference. Stay current in your thought and in your appearance.

1. It makes you happy. See above, for all the reasons. I can always use more happiness!

Do something fun today with your face.
Try something different. Let me know what you do.

What else can you add?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don't steal my posts -- you know who you are

Originally posted 2009-08-24 10:57:27.

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Review: Guerlain Success Eye Tech

Karin — Sun, 27 Mar 2011 01:00:21 +0000

Once in a while a product comes along that seems revolutionary. This is one of them.

I have a SA to thank for sharing this with me the other day. I could feel an immediate difference even with some other product likely still on my eyes.

It is pricey, but in this case you get what you pay for.

Eyelid lifter, wrinkle minimizer, anti-bags, anti-dark circles
What more could you want!

Most lifting products are drying -- that's what makes them work.
This is not drying, and it is not like other lifting eye creams I have ever used.

It can also be used as an eye mask, once or twice a week
I have not done this yet.

My take
The SA was turning 64 she said. Her eyes looked as if she could have had surgery, but she had not.

She and I both agree that the Orchidee eye cream didn't seem to do much. (I have had a sample.) I preferred the lip and eye cream to the Orchidee. But I prefer this cream over anything else I own. That, of course, means I have others to use up and not replenish.

My eyes are hooded, always have been, but they feel more open -- seriously! And they felt this way from the first application.

Do yourself a favor and find a counter that sells this. Let them put some on you. See if you don't agree.

In a month we'll have to see if we see a difference in my eyes. In the meantime, I feel a difference.

Do you use this?
Have you ever tried this? What do you think? It seems like magic to me.

Karin
5 for effectiveness
$$$ About $110 -- on a par with some Shiseido, La Prairie, Cle de Peau

Originally posted 2009-04-10 23:13:21.

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Beautiful skin — Holding back the hands of time

Karin — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 13:12:32 +0000

Holding back the hands of time seems like a full time job after a while! Well, not really, but still...

How does one get or maintain beautiful skin?
The long and the short of it is: prevent, solve, and maintain.

Does it really matter what you use or do?
How much is genetic?
Those are the million dollar questions. And companies are banking on the answer in research and development.

The answer is both. But with all the products on the market targeted to specific areas of skin, there is a product to solve nearly every skin situation from acne to dryness, even to wrinkles and sagging.

That said, my mother-in-law who had beautiful skin used only Jergens original hand lotion on her face for years. Then she stopped for some reason, perhaps because it was harder to find.

I'd be afraid to do that. I've used specific products from the time I was about 18. Some of them I am still using. The rest I try, rotate, return or rebuy.

Try some new products
Everyone finds products that work for them at a price they are willing to pay and can afford. But if you are still using what you've used for 10 years, you might consider trying some of the newer products available as some of them are cutting edge. Don't discount trying products from companies such as Olay or Avon, both of which have some good, and sometimes very good, skin care.

Add a serum, if you have not used one -- or consider a different one.

I think our skin gets used to a product and it ceases to work as well -- or it has reached its optimum level. Switching products will sometimes jumpstart the skin.

How can you get past the hype?
How much can you believe when images are photoshopped?
Good questions. Dunno. Try them for yourself; listen to your friends, if they have tried them; read blogs such as this one; check out reviews online at MUA or other places.

What about all the claims?
Frankly, to me, most of the claims sound the same. Large percentages see improved moisturization, lessening of wrinkles, smoother texture, brighter look... I always wonder if they are taking someone who has never done anything -- or if they are taking someone like me who has kept abreast of the products. It stands to reason that there will be greater results on a person who has neglected their skin than someone who has cared for it.

What do you do for your skin?
What are your specific concerns?
Is there something you would like me to discuss?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-01-30 08:23:38.

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Review: Arbonne Travel Palettes and shadows

Karin — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 08:36:19 +0000

I wanted to show you how beautiful the sets are, but I'm having trouble photographing the true colors. I will show them in several lights.

You need a container
When you buy Arbonne colors, you have to buy a container -- either
The Travel Palette $10, unless you buy one of the eye looks, then it is $5 (which these are) that holds several colors of shadows and blushes, as you can see, or
Custom Palette 1881 $3 that holds only two shadows or one blush or
Custom Palette 1882 $18 that holds 32 shadows and 16 blushes (a small container that folds in thirds and is divided by cool, warm, neutrals with their names on clear plastic sheets that protect the colors from each other.)

How it works
You simply remove the filler from the area you are going to place colors in. That way if you don't completely fill it at first, it still looks finished.

My take
I have been very happy with the colors I chose both for shadows and blushes. The shade of blush I've been using to highlight with is great for that purpose. I especially like that they do not smudge, just as they claim. This is super important for colors like the black or navy. They stay true all day. It may well be that I end up buying the entire triple palette of colors, at least of shadow colors, but I am trying to refrain...

The eyes have it with these 32 soothing, moisturizing formulas that enhance lids with gorgeous color that won’t flake or smudge. Arbonne

Audrey Eye look
I fell in love with these colors when I saw them on Shari and in her travel palette. They are simply beautiful together, moreso than the expensive Chanel palette I bought. I messed up the one blush moving it from one palette to another.
Blush: Left Savvy; Right Promise
Audrey eye colors are the bottom row. One beige is matte, as is the brown; the other beige is shimmery. The pink is a mid range color.
Middle row are the optional new colors, black and white (bright matte) which can be used in the Smoky eye look too.

Smoky Eye Look
I didn't buy the optional black and white eye shadows a second time to put in this palette, because I wasn't sure if I would use them consistently with these darker colors (I believe I will -- so I'll get them in my next order), and I didn't buy the two recommended blushes, as I need to try them first to see if they are too dark for me.

The navy is a little less bright than this photo shows, but it is not blackish, even though it is deep.

Miscellaneous color palette
These were colors that I wanted to try. Gray, deep amethyst and teal, soft amethyst, very light pink, lime.
The very light blush is what I use to highlight. I moved the other blush into my Audrey Eye palette, but I'm going to buy a second one and put it back in here -- and in the meantime use every bit that fell into the palette.

This also shows you there is a beautiful large mirror with each palette.

If you'd like to purchase any Arbonne, and do not have a consultant, let us know and we will help you.
Karin
www.savvythinker.com
don't steal my posts -- you know who you are

Originally posted 2009-08-27 09:08:22.

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LOTD Beauté two looks

Karin — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:37:41 +0000

I've really been enjoying the Beauté glosses. So far, they are truthful in their claims of volumizing the lips as well as moisturizing. You can see my review here.

I will update my review with these pictures too.

Lips: Love this color!
Isn't this a great color!
Beauté Urge (a red) rimmed with Beauté Paramour (and in the center)
This is what I had hoped the MAC would look like yesterday, but it was too pink.

Later in the day:
Heroine rimmed with Allure, using Allure up the middle also.
This is an absolutely perfect shade of neutral mauve. I felt it was me only better. I loved it!

Have you tried Beauté glosses yet?
What's your favorite color? How do you like them?

My take: I love the colors I've tried.
So far, my lips are fine. They feel volumized -- and it is very even. It's a whole lot easier than injections, which I've never tried -- not to mention some of the horror stories -- and no pain or stinging.

I have tried them over another lippie and I liked that too. It still felt volumized.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-10 22:52:39.

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FOTD Lancome makeover

Karin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:05:13 +0000

I wanted to try some of the new Lancome products, so I asked a SA to do a makeover on me.

She used the new Lancome minerals in the lightest shade, Natural Ivory 10. She tried the next deepest on one side (she says they get lighter on the face) but she felt it looked too dark, so she used the 10 on the other side. I told her to just put some 10 on the other side, so one side is a bit more made up than the other. I'd prefer it a bit sheerer.

The SA said the foundation doesn't look good on everyone, but she loved it on me, that it gave me a glow.

Since I don't normally wear mineral foundation, I think I'd like to go in to see if I can apply it correctly before I buy it. The brush is super scrumptuous! It feels like velvet, just like their claims. I am going to have to get this, at least.

*The Lancôme innovation: skin-renewing White Sapphire Complex* helps fight visible signs of aging. Skin looks brighter, revived and feels softer for hours.
* Experience the velvety brush for a blissful, effortless, controlled application.
*11 luxurious, long-wearing natural shades – free of talc, oil and fragrance
*Aloe, Vitamin E, Mica, Alumina, Bismuth Oxychloride

Blush: I'll have to ask her. She started off thinking browner, but was glad she chose this. [Update: Sheer Amarose]
Lipstick: Groupie, a gorgeous color. I wanted her to do it by itself, with no pencil. After cataloguing my pencils, I'm simply not going to get another one. (Maybe, LOL!) Lippies will have to stand on their own.

Eyes:
Eyeshadows were a duo, I think Emerald, Green on one side, a sort of sandy taupe on the other. She started thinking apricot and pink, but wasn't sure. I said try the green -- you're sure??!! Yes, I knew I could wear the green. Loved this color.

After applying a base, she applied the taupy shade up to my brows, then the green. She used a green pencil on the lower lid, then topped it with more of the green shadow.

Mascara: Extreme Black -- I don't own this one, but I'm going to. Talk about lash power! I don't know how I missed this mascara.

BookGirl said
She loved the lippie; prefers the way I do my eyes.

My take
Very pretty minerals, if they work for you, color and all. Loved, loved, loved the brush!! Loved the lippie and the eyeshadows.

How about you?
Do you own these shadow or lip colors? Do you wear the foundation? How do you like it on me?

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-14 19:49:38.

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Techniques: How to make comparisons

Karin — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 12:07:02 +0000

I had to laugh when my 13 yo asked to use the Spinlash mascara last night. (My review is here.) I knew it was right before her shower. She informed me that she was trying one mascara on one eye and Spinlash on the other to see how they both looked and worked. Good girl!

She is at the age where she would like to start wearing makeup, but she is afraid someone might notice and make a negative comment, never mind that other girls are putting it on with spatulas.

Her first foray into mascara was a few weeks ago, and so far, she has opted not to wear it to school. She felt it was too hard to apply, and she wondered if she had done it right. (She had.)

That reminds me of a story from my niece in years gone by. She had a gf whose mother was a hair stylist. Her mother forbade her to wear makeup. I said to my niece, "She puts it on at school, doesn't she?" And my niece was amazed that I knew. I wasn't born yesterday.

How much better it would have been for her mother, who had access to all kinds of great products, to provide her with good products in right colors, show her how to use them, and let her go at it. Or, give her some of her own products that she was no longer using. I might not spend the money for my girls' makeup, but it doesn't feel like I'm spending anything when I let them 'shop' in my stash. I have some lovely products, a little too dark for me, that look grand on this 13 yo.

I make comparisons between products all the time. Here's how:

In general, compare only one thing at a time.
If I'm comparing foundation, I do not compare skin care the same day or vice versa.

How would I know which was contributing to the look?

Compare over the course of the day Look at it in various lights.
How does it compare at first? How does it compare after I've worn it a bit? Does one side look more moist or dewy? Has it smudged? Is it irritating?

How does it feel?

Conversely, if you have a lot of oil or a steady T-zone, how is it holding up, is it disappearing? Is oil coming through?

Comparing foundations or skin care
I divide my face with an imaginary line up the middle. I learned this years ago from a consultant for Viviane Woodard who gave talks at women's groups with full makeup on one side and none on the other. That took chutzpa!

I use one product on one side, one on the other. Everything else is the same. I look at it in various lights and ask my daughters or a friend -- and sometimes even SAs if I'm around makeup counters -- which side they prefer. Surprisingly, or not, we usually prefer the same side.

The differences are subtle. Without being asked, and without drawing attention to it, no one would notice. But I notice; I'm particular; and I'm really looking for what is best.

If there's any doubt, I do it several times over the course of a few days, switching sides, so that it isn't my 'good' side that is providing the answer.

Eye cream
Use one on and under one eye; the other on and under the other eye. See which side is still hydrated and has less lines than the other over the course of the day.

Mascara
Try one mascara on one upper lash; the other on the other. Compare them over the course of the day.

Eye shadows or eye liners
I have been known to actually do two different looks, one on each eye. Most people don't notice, LOL. You can compare brands, similar shades, different formulations, etc. You can even be intentional, as for a mardi gras look.

Perfumes
One on each arm or one on each wrist. You could put one on your arms, one on your legs.

I am reviewing two now that will go up later in the day, but I'm waiting to describe the mid and end points. I've worn them for several days this way, but I haven't yet taken the time to describe them.

Lipsticks and lip glosses
You can put one on one lip and the other on the other and smoosh your lips together.

Or, you can try one, and when it is gone, try the next one.

Hair products
Generally, I compare on different days, but it is possible to compare products that tame frizz, for example, one on one side, one on the other. That way you know which you prefer and which you will re-buy. Or you could compare shampoos, by using one for the first wash, the other for the second, always remembering that the second sudses up more, so reverse it the next day.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-03-14 14:39:23.

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