Worth it? LAB2 Angled Brow and Eyeliner Brush

Wal-Mart is opening locations still (how are there so many…) and the newest one in my area features an expanded beauty section that includes brands like e.l.f. and Real Techniques. One day, I went to check out their Real Techniques selection and noticed a brand I wasn’t familiar with…LAB2? Who is this? At a glance, they seemed to have pretty clean, surprisingly professional-looking packaging and are priced in a very wallet-friendly drugstore price-point.. I snapped a picture to remind myself to look into them.

LAB2 Angled Brow and Eyeliner Brush - LAB2 Display

LAB2, which is actually written out, “L.A.B.²,” and pronounced, “LAB-squared,” stands for Live and Breathe Beauty.

Later, I went to look them up, never having seen them – I couldn’t locate a website, but I did find this entry on Justia Trademarks for the brand name, indicating that the rights are held by Pacific World Corporation – who also owns Sensationail, as it turns out, as well as some other drugstore beauty tool brands. Searching, “LAB Brushes,” or, “Live and Breathe Beauty Brushes,” or, “Live and Breathe Beauty,” at the time brought up nothing.

Although I didn’t come up with much about the brand, I DID find a YouTube Channel for LAB2, which features a few brief demo/tutorial videos and an intro to the brand. They don’t seem to have much else in the way of branding or social media presence, however.

Because I’m still on the hunt of The One Angled Liner Brush to Rule Them All, I picked up the LAB2 Angled Brow and Eyeliner Brush. Checking it out without opening the packaging, the synthetic bristles of the brush appeared to be cut with a greater level of precision than, say the e.l.f. angled liner brush. I figured that a $6 brush wouldn’t result in overwhelming disappointment if it didn’t work out.

UPDATE 2/26/2015: The proper name of this brush is the Get In Shape Brow & Eyeliner Brush!

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Worth it? COLOR ME Automatic Foundation Applicator

I was alerted to the Color Me Automatic Foundation Applicator thanks to an email from Ulta last week.

COLOR ME Automatic Foundation Applicator
COLOR ME Automatic Foundation Applicator

Electronics? Makeup? Color me curious.

The Color Me Automatic Foundation Applicator, which is exclusive to Ulta, is a powered, pulsing sponge applicator that is supposed to speed up application time for liquid, cream, and powder foundations. as well as give you:

…A smooth, almost retouched look.

The results are extraordinary: In a clinical study, most women reported cutting application time in half – and 70% of women reported an immediate improvement in makeup evenness.

I’d really like to know the application method of the women who reported the reduction in application time – how were they applying? Fingers? Disposable wedge sponges? Flat foundation brushes? If so, sure – it is likely that it sped things up for those users. None of those methods are particularly speedy or result in a smooth, even application if you’re trying to get it done quickly.

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January 2015 Favorites

January 2015 FavoritesJanuary 2015 Favorites
1. bdellium tools 714 Flat Definer, $8 / 2. L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Mascara, $8 /
3. Nail Tool Kit (from Amazon 3rd Party Seller), $12 (varies) / 4. Tree Hut Tropical Mango Sugar Body Scrub, $7

We’ve made it through January despite cold weather, colds and sinus fun, and so-so moods – here’s what made into my list of January 2015 Favorites.

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First Look: Silkn Flash and Go Freedom Unboxing

Silkn Flash and Go Freedom Box

“I love shaving/waxing/epilating/depilatory-ing!” said no woman ever.

I say, “woman,” because I do know of men that enjoy shaving.

Many moons ago, a laser hair removal school was in my area – if you’d be their guinea pig, you’d get a full course of treatments for something like 75% off (this was during the Land Before Groupon). Students were supervised and guided by a licensed, experienced instructor; and all of the students were either doctors or licensed estheticians. It wasn’t unpleasant, and the first session went well – but lasting results come from a course of treatments. Unrelated circumstances prevented me from continuing, but I have wanted to ever since.

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Clarisonic Mia 2 vs Olay Pro-X

Many moons ago, I was the happy owner of an Olay Pro-X Facial Cleansing System. Then, in late 2013, I upgraded to a Clarisonic Mia 2. Before I took the leap, I searched for a good, in-depth review of both systems so I could gauge whether or not it was worth bothering to shell out the money. I found a lot of, “Well like Clarisonic is just, you know, better. And it’s rechargeable. And sonic…but the Pro-X is nice if you’re on a budget!”

So, since I have experience with both, let’s pit the Clarisonic Mia 2 vs Olay Pro-X. Be warned, this is a very text-heavy post.

Clarisonic Mia 2 Olay Pro-X
Price $150 $30
Power Rechargeable w\ induction charger AA batteries (included)
Included Heads 1 1
Brush Head Price 1 for $27 (multiples cheaper) 2 for $12 (Amazon)
Included Cleanser 1 oz Clarisonic Gel Cleanser

.68oz Exfoliating Cleanser

Personally, I wasn’t impressed with either included cleanser so that much wasn’t important to me, but the investment in the Clarisonic Mia 2 vs Olay Pro-X is very different. The initial output is higher, and the heads are more expensive. I buy packs of four once a year at a discounted price and try to find a decent promo code (like at least 20% off that) and stack it with a great cash-back offer from eBates. Batteries, on the other hand, aren’t cheap – I recommend investing in a set of reliable rechargeable batteries to offset that cost.

Let’s look at the devices themselves:

Clarisonic Mia 2 vs Olay Pro-X (Olay pictured left) - backClarisonic Mia 2 vs Olay Pro-X

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Clarisonic Mia 2: A Year of Use

clarisonic

Clarisonic Mia 2: A Year of Use

A post on a Thursday? This must be special, right?. I alluded in my Weekend Trip Skincare and October Favorites posts, I own a Clarisonic Mia 2. At long last, I am so damn pleased to share this with you. I have used my Clarisonic Mia 2 to cleanse my skin daily for over a year just so I could get out of the device’s, “OMIGAW I LOVE THIS THING!!!” It was very important to me to deliver an assessment that isn’t penned with rose-colored lenses in the way; I feel that happens all too often when we make investment or luxury purchases.

You can check out my extensive assessment: Clarisonic Mia 2: A Year of Use skincare device here. (Originally shared as a guest post on a now-defunct blog that went down for shady reasons; I removed the references to it as the content was my own.)

I address:

  • the product’s performance in comparison with its claims (as always)
  • its pros and cons
  • brush and battery-charge lifespan
  • whether or not I think it is a good value
  • and if I would repurchase the Clarisonic Mia 2, if I had to do it over again

…among other things.