BellaSugar

Reader Review of the Day: Almay Pure Blends Makeup

BellaSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:00:58 -0700

Almay Pure Blends Makeup ($12) is part of Almay's recently launched eco-friendly line. I'm usually a little bit cautious about drugstore stuff that says it's "natural," especially when it comes to skin care, because it sometimes means essential oils that irritate my skin, but reader longhornlass04 has had a great experience with this one. She says:

"I actually bought this on clearance, because I think they just updated the packaging. I'm big on spending very little on foundation if I've never tried it before. I got nervous when I first put it on, because I sometimes have a reaction to lavender, and the smell is lavender-heavy. However, my skin didn't flare up and it left it even-toned. After a week or so of using it, I noticed my pores began to look smaller. Wasn't expecting that. It's also very dewy, which I love on my combination skin. I just brush a little mineral powder on my t-zone and it's pitch perfect."

Found a foundation you adore? Or in the market for a new one and need the lowdown on what's hot? Pop over to the Product Reviews pages, where there are over 50,000 products for review, and a whole lot of info from other readers who've tried just about everything out there.

Reader Review of the Day: Almay Intense i-Color Eyeliner in Raisin Quartz

BellaSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 09:00:30 -0700

Reader Hottpink received the highest of compliments after wearing Almay Intense i-Color Eyeliner in Raisin Quartz ($7.50). Green eyes paired with a purple-toned eyeliner, shadow, or mascara are an eye-popping combo. Here's what she had to say:

I have been using this eyeliner since it first came out. The color is perfect because I have very green eyes and it makes them even more green. The last time I visited my parents my mom actually asked if I was wearing green contacts! It glides on very smoothly, smudges easily, lasts all day, and washes off well at night. All in all, this is a keeper.

If there's a product that gives your baby blues (or browns, or hazels, or greens) that extra something, we want to know. Go straight to our Product Reviews section to submit your opinion, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, check out more of the daily Reader Reviews when you're through.

Reader Review of the Day: Almay Bright Eyes Duo Eye Base and Concealer

BellaSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:54 -0700

If you're a regular Bella reader, then you'll know that I'm all about the multitasking products. Reader Supercoolnat really likes her Almay Bright Eyes Duo Eye Base and Concealer ($9), which works to mask undereye circles, as well as prime the lids for makeup. Here's what she had to say about it:

While I've successfully used other concealers for other parts of my face, I've never been satisfied with how they work under my eyes. They usually emphasize the unevenness rather than hide it - until this one! It's easy to use, and really does lighten under my eyes without emphasizing the uneven skin texture. I also like that it is liquid rather than cream, which lets me put a light layer without pulling on my skin or getting caked on.

Do you like what you see? Then go ahead and submit your own review on our Product Reviews site. Do it! Do it now.

Reader Review of the Day: Almay Pure Blends Eye Shadow

BellaSugar — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 14:04:30 -0700

If you've stopped by the drugstore lately, you've probably noticed Almay's newer line of eco-friendly products. Reader Tbrokemyheart16 purchased the Pure Blends Eye Shadow ($7.50) when her Target had two packaged together on special. What did she think? Find out below:

I have these in four different colors: Stone, Apricot, Steel, and Lavender. They aren't insanely pigmented, so they can be very wearable, but if needed you can build them up for higher intensity. Steel and Stone are a lot alike, yet still different. Apricot is a very nice neutral for my skin tone. Lavender is a nice color that will complement pretty much everyone. I definitely want to get more of these. They are inexpensive and well worth the price.

Are you interested in reviewing products? Oh boy, then the Product Reviews section is for you. Just submit your opinions and perhaps you'll be featured on this daily post.

See Seven Top-Rated Drugstore Foundations

BellaSugar — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 10:00:29 -0700

There are more than 760 foundations to review in our Product Reviews section. Since it can all get a little overwhelming, I've taken a lot of the guesswork out by collecting seven highest-rated (and affordable) foundations. Can you guess which one is most popular? Find out now.

View Slideshow ›

Doing Drugstore: Almay Clear Gel

BellaSugar — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:00:11 -0800

While deodorant's perhaps not the most exciting bath and body product out there, it's definitely a necessity. My pal PetSugar was raving about this brand so I pulled up her review to share:

I don't care if it says sheer, clear, invisible, or any other synonym, but it seems like nearly every solid deodorant I picked up left a white mark on my brown skin. After trying numerous products, I was fairly happy with Lady Mitchum Clear Gel except that sometimes it leaves subtle flakes on any dark clothing. One lucky day, I picked up this Almay antiperspirant on a whim and now I'm hooked.

Find out why she loves this sleeveless-friendly deodorant when you read more.

It's great for sensitive skin prone to those annoying bumps and redness and I love that there's no overpowering fragrance either. The one drawback of gel vs. solid deodorant is that this takes longer to dry so you'll need to plan accordingly before pulling a shirt over your head – luckily it takes me a while to get ready in the morning anyway!

Do you have a product you absolutely love (or won't ever buy again)? Check out our beauty product review section and share your take with us!

Battle of the Drugstore Eyeliners: Almay Vs. Revlon's ColorStay

BellaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 09:00:22 -0800

Faced with similar products and similar promises, what's a bargain hunter to do? For the sake of comparing apples to apples (instead of a splurge with a steal), I picked up both the Almay and Revlon long-wear eye liners each promising to last 16 hours. I planned a couple days to test these out but, at the end, I'm still undecided. Since everyone has different expectations with makeup, I noted key points about each. To hear my thoughts, read more.

Revlon ColorStay Eyeliner ($7.50)

Product: Black retractable pencil with a sharpener in the base.
At application: Flatter, fatter point (even at its sharpest) that glided on well but smudged easily.
By bedtime: A bit smudged but still very visible.

Almay Eye Liner ($7.50)

Product: Black retractable pencil with a sharpener in the base
At application: Smaller point required a steadier hand but allowed to get a smaller line super close to the lash line.
By bedtime: Less smudged, but also less visible.

My conclusion – If you're going for a smoky eye, I think the Revlon gives a more dramatic smudgeworthy appearance but for day-to-day simple lines, Almay may be the better bet for you.

Doing Drugstore: Almay Smart Shade Concealer

BellaSugar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 09:00:09 -0700

Color-changing cosmetics seem to be the big fad these days. Smashbox O-Glow, which changes from a clear gel to a pink cheek stain, gets most of the attention, but Almay is making a sizeable push for its own "Smart Shade" foundations, blushes, and concealers. The concept is pretty simple: The formula is white when it comes out of the tube, but it changes color when rubbed on skin.

Almay claims that it "transforms into your ideal shade," but watch the wording. This doesn't mean that the product magically senses your specific skin color and adjusts accordingly; it means that the end result will be a shade that should complement your skin. Don't be mislead into thinking that the product is that smart. (If such a result were possible, then Almay wouldn't need to make multiple shades, right?)

To find out what I thought of the concealer, read more.

I bought Smart Shade Concealer on sale for $6.99, and it has its pros and cons. On the bright side, the formula has SPF 15 to block those age-accelerating UVA rays. The light texture is easy to spread, and even if it's just for show, it's fun to watch the concealer change color.

Unfortunately, though, the shade-matching ultimately doesn't work for me. I tried 010, the lightest color, and it was too dark (and a bit orangey) for my fair skin. Of course, that's just my experience, and you might find a shade that works. The coverage is light, so it's good for small skin problems - but not opaque enough to cover every last bit of my Uncle Fester undereye circles. So between the gimmick factor and the so-so coverage, I won't buy this again. It's hardly a disaster, it's just not right for me. Have you tried this concealer? Did it work better for you?

Beauty Byte: Leslie Bibb Is Almay's Newest Ambassador

BellaSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 13:00:43 -0700

Almay has announced model and actress Leslie Bibb as their newest brand ambassador. You may remember this funny lady from Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, Iron Man, or even from her brief stint on Entourage.

This time, Leslie will be acting in commercials and appearing in online, in-store, and print ads. Also, I just discovered that she is going to be in the new Summer movie Confessions of a Shopaholic, which I can't wait to see. Looks like big things are happeneing for Ms. Bibb, no? Other Almay ambassadors include the lovely Elaine Irwin-Mellencamp (who kinda looks like Blake Lively, don't you think?) and model Marina Theiss. Do you think Leslie is a good fit?

View 3 Photos ›

Source and Source

Doing Drugstore: Almay Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Pads

BellaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 15:00:03 -0800

Recently I ran out of my favorite makeup remover, Lancome Bi-Facil, and thought I'd take a more affordable one for a whirl. I picked up a package of Almay Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover Pads ($4.94), which were reasonably priced considering that you get 80 pads in one container.

Almay makes these pads in oil-free and moisturizing versions, and I hemmed and hawed over which one to choose. In the end, since the pads were going on my eyes, I went with the moisturizing formula. A better name for the product might be Greasy Time Fun Pads, because, lemme tell you, these things are very oily. They'll leave a bit of oil on your eyes, which might be annoying if you wear contacts. I always blot up the excess oil with a cotton pad, because I don't want to have oily eyes.

So why is it that I still like these? To find out, read more

These pads are oily, but I think that's a fair tradeoff, just because they work so well at removing eyeliner, waterproof mascara and shadow. Usually I can get all of my makeup off with just one pad, and I don't need to rub. Because the skin around the eyes is so fragile, I like being able to gently remove any color. Plus, this morning, I used a pad to quickly clean my eyeliner brush-and while that's no substitute for a proper cleaning, it kept my Fluidline from drying on the brush.

So, should you buy this? That depends. If you can work with the oiliness, you'll be rewarded with an inexpensive and effective makeup remover. (Just be sure to wash your face afterwards.) If you absolutely hate feeling oily, don't even bother. The oil-free version might be up your alley, but since I haven't yet tried that, I can't speak to its effectiveness. But all in all, these pads are a bargain.