Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster-Green and Pretty

I bought the Tarte LipSurgence Lip Luster in BUFF for $24 at Sephora, hoping to find a greener lip product that actually moisturizes (I’m talking to you Burt’s Bees lip gloss-didn't hydrate for me). To my surprise, it scored a 3 on the EWG Skin Deep site, which was a little higher than what I would hope for in a more natural lip product (but even the Ilia Tinted Lip Conditioner got a score of a 3, which I love too much to give up). I'd say that anything a 4 and under I'm willing to use--you have to decide which hazard scores you're willing to live with and be a savvy consumer. Despite the score, I like the Lip Luster--it’s a cross between a lip balm and a lipstick with some shimmer. Also provides a minty, cooling feeling when applied. It’s a bit hydrating and I personally love the “Buff” color—it’s a warm, neutral pink color with a touch of shimmer so it looks natural on you, with just a hint of something extra. I used to have a MAC lipstick that did this for me, but since I’ve been slowly switching everything over, it had to go. I did notice that it’s a bit more shimmery in the sunlight, so if you’re looking for something less shimmery outdoors, this lip luster may not be right for you. Looks like a giant lip pencil but has a twist up bottom that allows you to advance the product as you use it. Now that I've tried and like LipSurgence, I may have to purchase them in other colors!

Pros:

-fairly hydrating

-comes in a twist-up crayon form

-contains less chemicals than your usual lipsticks

-color enhances lip color and adds some shimmer

Cons:

-scores 3 on EWG Skin Deep

-$24

EWG Skin Deep Score: 3

Click here to read the EWG Skin Deep report.

Tarte's MultiplEYE™ Lash Enhancing Primer

I have skimpy eye lashes….sad but true.  Yet I've managed to trick people and have gotten compliments on how long my eyelashes look. I can attribute this to two things: first, I use an eyelash growing product (it used to be Revitalash and now it’s Latisse), second, I use a lash primer. I use Latisse once or twice a week and while it does make my lashes a bit longer, they still look bare without any mascara. Oh and don’t ask me how safe the Latisse is for you…I’m not ready to give this one up just yet! Point two, this lash enhancing primer, is where this puppy comes in. 

I really like this eyelash primer—it goes on white and provides additional length and volume to my skinny lashes. I’ve used various eyelash primers in the past, but this one is my favorite because it doesn’t contain as much bad junk the other primers do. My only complaint about this is that you have to treat it like a mascara and mind the expiration dates-which means that in 6 months, you should throw this out and purchase a new one with a new mascara. I did a post on mascara hygiene a while back, click here if you want to learn more.

Pros:

-lengthens

-volumizes

-cleaner than other eyelash primers

Cons:

-needs to be replaced as often as the expiration date listed (or sooner)

-costs $22

-leaves white coating on lashes (don’t forget to put mascara over them, or it won’t look so pretty)

EWG Skin Deep Score: 2

Click here to read the full report!

Green Eye Products I Will NOT Be Re-Purchasing

I decided to write a post on natural eye products I've tried and didn't quite enjoy.  I realized all of my posts have been about my favorite things so far, and I sound like someone who loves everything I try. I'll say that 8 out of 10 things I try, I dislike, and those items get returned and get no review love.  There are plenty of products I've tried that I don't care for, and I want to include those honest reviews in case you get the itch to try these out:

1. Tarte Maracuja Eye Cream:  This eye cream for some reason doesn't spread very well and didn't feel hydrating enough around the eyes.  I felt like I had to apply a lot of product to get it to spread without me having to tug at my eyes.  It also claims to brighten the undereye area, which I didn't think it did.  I will use it up, but not be re-purchasing.  My sister has this and she seems to like it, so get a sample of it from Sephora if you're interested.  My sister's skin type is: perfect, but a little on the dryer side.  If this is your skin type, this may work for you. :)  

2. Pai Echium Anti Aging Eye Cream:  I'm on the fence about this one. It spreads easily and has a nice, light scent, but I don't think it does very much for the skin around my eyes. I like that it's natural, contains argan oil and hydrates a bit, but it doesn't do anything for fine lines or dark circles from what I can tell.   I'm currently trying out some other eye creams, so I'll keep you posted on what happens with those.  Maybe the skin around my eyes can't be helped, but I'm willing to try out a few more before I give up my search for the perfect, natural eye cream.  If I couldn't find anything else out there, I can see myself going back to this one due to it's good ingredients.

3. Mineral Fusion Eye Makeup Remover:  I did not like this at all.  First, it's a gel.  I hate gel eye makeup removers.  This and the MakeUpForEver Sens'Eyes are in the same bucket--anytime I try to use gel eye makeup removers, I get it IN MY EYES!! Tried this for the first time last night and I hated it.  Got it in my eyes AND it didn't remove eye makeup very well--I had to rub several times to get my mascara off, and even then, it didn't take it all off.  I felt like I aged my poor right eye by rubbing some wrinkles into it (for some reason, the right eye mascara was holding on for dear life last night).  Going back to my more chemical-laden liquid eye makeup removers until I find a good replacement