Splurge a little, Save a lot

In life, there are certain instances when you pay more for the better deal. For example, you buy the name brand running shoes because they won’t hurt your feet or you shell out the extra bucks for the expensive mattress because you’ll get a better sleep. For this post, I’ll be doing a product spotlight on Lise Watier’s Metamorfix. Metamorfix retails for approximately $15, but don’t let the price scare you off; this product will save you plenty in the long run.

Lise Watier's Metamorfx
Retails for approx. $15

Metamorfix is a unique product that can only be described as liquid genius. Just one drop of Metamorfix transforms any eyeshadow into the perfect liner. You can see the results for yourself below.

Top: Lise Watier's Couleur Folie in 24 Carats without Metamorfix
Bottom: Lise Watier's Couleur Folie in 24 Carats with Metamorfix

This is where the value of this product really comes into play. Imagine this: say you own 10 eyeshadows (a frighteningly low number if you ask me); Metamorfix would turn every one of those eyeshadows into an eyeliner, for an average of $1.50 a piece. Considering that the average eyeliner costs approximately $8, that’s a pretty good deal. No, scratch that, that’s an AMAZING deal.

So, in short, if you wear eyeliner you need this product. It creates the perfect smudge-proof, budge-proof liner for a great value. The verdict: splurge/save.

Pucker Power

Our lips do so much in a day; smiling, eating, drinking, and for those of you who aren’t in a single slump such as myself, maybe even some kissing. Long-lasting lipsticks promise to last throughout the day without smudging or fading away. The question is can you add some serious staying power to your pout without subtracting some serious cash from your bank account?

Maybelline’s Super Stay 24hr lip color is a two-step lip gloss/balm combination that promises up to 24 hours of continuous wear. Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Lipstick is a one-step application that guarantees up to 8 hours of wear.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in True Vintage
Retails for approx. $6.99

Maybelline Super Stay 24hr lip color in Cinnamon Stay
Retails for approx. $12.99

I wore each color for one day without reapplying; these are the results.

Maybelline before

Maybelline after 12 hours

Rimmel before

Rimmel after 6 hours

The Maybelline contender stayed put relatively well, the balm wore off at the same rate as any lip balm would, but the color had hardly faded after 12 hours. Rimmel’s Lasting Finish Lipstick on the other hand hardly lived up to its promised 8 hours of wear, most of the color had faded after 6 hours leaving only the edges of my lips outlined, not such a good look.

You may have to reapply the balm throughout the day, but even without it, Maybelline’s Super Stay 24hr lip color doesn’t dry out your lips, which is a big plus. I’m not sure if it could last the promised 24 hours, but it would definitely make it through date night. The verdict: splurge.

Keep it Clean

“Cleanliness is next to godliness.” – Francis Bacon

I’m sure when Mr. Bacon coined this phrase back in 1605 he wasn’t thinking about makeup, but nevertheless, the saying holds true for cosmetics and brushes alike. For this weeks post I’ll be doing something a little different, instead of a review I will be giving you some tips on how to ensure that your makeup, brushes and sponges stay as clean as possible in order to avoid infections and breakouts. Pay close attention, there will be a test.

Brushes:

Brushes that are used to apply powders (think eyeshadows, bronzers, powder foundations) should be cleaned once a month. However, brushes used to apply liquid cosmetics should be cleaned once a week.

To clean your brushes you can use a solution specifically designed for makeup brushes, or you could just use a baby shampoo, much less expensive and just as effective. Once you’ve finished cleaning your brushes, lay them flat to dry to ensure that the bristles don't lose their shape.

Sponges:

Your sponges can last a surprisingly long time if you take care of them properly. Ideally, you should wash your sponge after every use, but once a week will do if you’re short on time. To clean sponges, rinse them out with warm water and a little bit of baby shampoo (make sure there is no shampoo left in the sponge or it will irritate your skin.) To dry, simply place the sponges on a towel and let rest. Throw out sponges after one month of use.

Makeup:

All makeup has an expiration date, and as heartbreaking as it is, it might be time to trash that discontinued lipstick you’ve been holding on to. Here is a basic breakdown of how long your makeup will last before it becomes a breeding ground for bacteria.

Mascara- 4 months (To get the longest life out of your mascara don’t pump the wand in and out of the tube. This forces air into the mascara, which allows bacteria to breed faster.)

 

Lipstick/gloss- 1 to 2 years

Liquid foundation- 1 to 1 ½ years

Powders (e.g. mineral foundation, blush, bronzer)- 2 years

Eyeshadow- 3 years

Eyeliner- 3 years with regular sharpening

Concealer- 1 year