Estee Lauder Automatic Brow Pencil Duo in 05 Soft Brown

$23.50 for Brow Duo (includes 2 pencil ends) and $12.50 for refill

It's unfair that I've been using this for nearly two months (without needing my refill yet) and have not mentioned a word about it, but really, this replaced my Dior BrowStyler after it ran out and I no longer wanted to use straight eyeshadow. Estee Lauder Automatic Brow Pencil Duo is comparable to the Brow Styler from Dior in it's shape, use, etc. and the color 05 Soft Brown is very nearly identical, but there are several big differences.

Wearing Estee Lauder Brow Duo in Soft Brown 05, MAC Sweet Sunrise Lipstick, Hard Candy Tiki on lids, Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara, Nars Douceur Blush, and MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in N3

Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara in 10 Black

$30.00 for 0.21 oz/6g

We all know mascara goes bad rather quickly compared to a lot of other cosmetics, but really, when you are trying to get your money's worth out of a particularly expensive one (cosmetic or mascara)---well, just don't choose this one.

Chanel Inimitable Intense Mascara was seriously a wonderful mascara. When I first got it, I could not get myself to use any other; however, less than three months after I purchased this beautiful little tube, what started out as very mild eye-irritation at the strong scent became tears everytime I put it on. That's right, halfway into the shelf life this extremely expensive and highly rated product went BAD, and I do mean bad.

MAC Sweet Sunrise Lustre Lipstick from Naturally Collection

$14.50 for 3g/ 0.1 oz

 If you've had any interest in buying this lipstick and you can still find it, YOU BUY THIS LIPSTICK NOW. Short, sweet, and to the point, it's not drying, delivers good pigmentation, and lasts about three hours. MAC Lustre Sweet Sunrise Lipstick is ultra flattering and sold out almost everywhere, so go hunt it down...seriously, go, now, allons-y!

MAC Sweet Sunrise in mixed daylight and indoor

Wearing MAC Sweet Sunrise, Hard Candy Tiki on lids, Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara, Nars Douceur Blush, and MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in N3

Wearing MAC Sweet Sunrise, Hard Candy Tiki on lids, Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara, Nars Douceur Blush, and MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in N3

Wearing MAC Sweet Sunrise, Hard Candy Tiki on lids, Covergirl LashBlast Fusion Mascara, Nars Douceur Blush, and MAC Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation in N3

Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer and Sheer Envy Skin Perfecting Primer

$9.00 for .44 oz of bronzer and $8.00 for 1.3 oz of primer

I freaking love this bronzer! Oh wait, I should make this sound like a well rounded and unbiased review...but seriously, I'm totally into the look of this bronzer. Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki is basically more of a highlighter without being white or orange or brown (none of which look particularly good on my fair skin). It imparts a gold sheen that does not resemble a strobe light or glitter bomb exploding on my cheeks, staying subtle and natural while grabbing a tiny bit of attention for my bone-structure.

Hard Candy So Baked Bronzer in Tiki

In Tiki you're getting a lot of product that you really don't need that much of, plus this makes a great golden wash of an eyeshadow--in theory a multi-purpose product. There is at least one darker color for those lovely lasses out there who actually do see the sunlight, but it will do you no good to see that on me (it will just look crazy).

Second Annual E.L.F. Week is Coming in February!!

February 19th-25th, 2012 will be the second annual nothing-but-eyes-lips-face-products week here on Beauty and the Newb.  I'm so excited to show you the next batch of brilliant products from EyesLipsFace.com and JA Cosmetics.  The e.l.f. philosophy is all about affordability and access to colors and products anyone can work with (for profession or play) without guilt of the dreaded price-tag!

We've had a few sneak peeks of products outside of e.l.f. Weeks, like the dual ended concealer/highlighter and a super-smooth liquid lipstick, but now we have a jam packed lineup of about five posts a day--nothing but affordable, fun, and worthwhile products! We're talking brushes, primer, tint, foundation, powder, concealer, eyeshadow, liners--EVERYTHING you would need to know to make the right decision on these products.

More news (with photos) is coming as soon as I solidify the lineup for each day.

Can't wait? Check out 2011's E.L.F. Week here, or go straight to my recommendations!

Bang for your 3 Bucks: Wet'n'Wild MegaLength Mascara

$2.99 for 0.27fl oz/8ml mascara

I'm all for enjoying sleek designer packaging and the status that comes with whipping out that posh wand with a logo that makes people think you're a millionaire; however, let's fess up: 99% of what gets seen of each beauty product you buy is the product on your face! Next to no one stops you on the street saying, "I like your makeup, so could I see it's packaging?" But for the sake of this arguement...here's what the packaging is. Wet'n'Wild MegaLength Mascara has a thin, rubber spiked wand instead of wiry bristles, and a non-waterproof formula. I like how convenient the packaging is, with no bulges and bumps that make it obvious or bulky in, say, a wristlet. The metallic shine of the tube rubs off, as does the silver lettering.

Wet'n'Wild MegaLength Mascara wand

What wows me about this little gem is clearly not the packaging, which is a stong plastic but not of durable outer-design. The formula is worth every penny of this and more--staying power, no clumping, no drying out or crusting quickly inside the tube--I like this formula more than my Chanel Inimitable Mascara! For a tenth of the price, or three bucks, you get a well designed deliver system and a formula that does its job and does it well. That's rare.

Wearing Wet'n'Wild MegaLength Mascara

I get a whole lot of length with, again, no clumps, but I do have to wait for the mascara to die/set before looking to and fro. The formula is very viscous, which is good because you can work with it for longer--in the tube or on your lashes--but it will take a minute before the product won't transfer onto your skin. I thought it was irritating the first time I used it, but the resulting length and natural look of my lashes quickly changed my mind.

Wearing Wet'n'Wild MegaLength Mascara

This little sucker is also cheap enough that if I need to I can get another one or two for purses and work...otherwise I may lose it and be forced to use something I like less. The consistency is very close to Clinique's High-Impact Mascara which is one of my favorite mascaras of all time, so this is the budget-friendly, bargain mascara of the gods!

Wearing Wet'n'Wild MegaLength Mascara

Beauty Newb Rating:✪✪✪✪✩ (mascara)
Available online here, and at most drugstore retailers. I got mine at my local CVS!

Aveda Nourish-Mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze in Mango Juice

$18.00 USD for 0.24 oz

Readers who have read my other two reviews about Aveda Nourish-Mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze will know that whenever my lips are feeling dry and unloved, I use Lip Glaze to soothe them back into shape--within a single day! We're talking about lips on the verge of bleeding they are so chapped, and Lip Glaze makes them soft, hydrated, plump and healthy within 24 hours. Anyone else NEVER seen that before? I hadn't had chapped and cracking lips fixed faster than about three days since...birth, really, because no other formula can stick around over the thicker dead skin of flakes long enough to heal some of the skin beneath. Also, I may not know how they do it, but Lip Glazes seem to exfoliate off the flakes while it wears off, so there are no moments of "oh, I think I just eat a piece of my chapped lips"--gross! Has that ever happened to you? It won't happen anymore with Aveda Lip Glaze!

Aveda Nourish-Mint Rehydrating Lip Glaze in Mango Juice

Mango Juice is an iridescent coral with enough light reflection to distract people in a staring contest. It's dynamic but not overdone because the shine doesn't come from chunky glitter, just a shimmer that likes the light. I love how MLBB the pigmentation is, but how generally noticeable and unnoticeable Mango Juice is. Look at it this way--my lips don't become any darker or lighter, just prettier and luminous and fresh! Seriously, there's really nothing I don't like about these Lip Glazes...

Wearing Aveda Lip Glaze in Mango Juice

See two previously reviewed colors of this product: Cherry Blossom and Raspberry Tea!
Beauty Newb Rating: ✪✪✪✪✪ plus UNIVERSAL COLOR! (so six out of five stars....yes.)
Available at Aveda Salons and Spas internationally and online at Aveda.com.

My Skincare Archive: December 2011

December 31st, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Exfoliant
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion


December 16th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion


December 15th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Porcelain
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion
e.l.f. Mineral Blemish Powder


December 14th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion
e.l.f. Essentials Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Ivory
Evening--
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme


December 13th, 2011:
Morning--
e.l.f. Mineral Blemish Powder
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion

December 12th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Porcelain
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical  Kinetics Toning Mist
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion

December 11th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
e.l.f. Zit Zapper
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
e.l.f. Essentials Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Ivory
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion
e.l.f. Zit Zapper


December 10th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
e.l.f. Studio Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 in Porcelain
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion

December 9th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion

December 8th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Evening--
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Hydrating Creme

December 7th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion


December 6th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion



December 5th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion



December 4th, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion

December 3rd, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Exfoliating Cleanser
Aveda Tourmaline Charged Radiant Skin Refiner
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion

December 2nd, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Relief Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Outer Peace Foaming Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion

December 1st, 2011:
Morning--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion
Evening--
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Purifying Gel Cleanser
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Toning Mist
Aveda Outer Peace Acne Spot Relief
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illuminator
Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream
Aveda Botanical Kinetics Hydrating Lotion