Sheer Cover: A Love Affair

It's no secret I'm a big fan of mineral makeup and I've always been intrigued watching the infomercials for Sheer Cover and have been wanting to try for awhile. I finally had the opportunity to test the kit and I'm totally in love! Here's why:

The Concealer: Oh baby, this stuff is industrial strength. This concealer covers everything, yet has a really light, creamy consistency. I apply under the mineral foundation to nix all traces of redness, uneven tone and under eye circles, then apply on top of foundation to any blemishes. The brush is great for precise application, but I also use my fingers for larger areas, like around the nose. 

Ease of Application: Sometimes mineral makeup can be an involved process with all the buffing and building coverage involved. I love that I can use either the regular brush or the denser kabuki brush and quickly buff the foundation over my face for flawless coverage.

Staying Power: Mineral makeup isn't exactly known for going the distance, but Sheer Cover really lasts through a long workday and into happy hour (or all night on the weekend). 

The Sheer Cover kit includes: 

• Two shades of mineral foundation
• Duo Concealer
• Conditioning Cleanser
• Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 15
• Extra Length Mascara
• Travel Pocket Duo
• Foundation, contour and concealer brushes
• Makeup case
• Tips and tricks DVD
• Application guide
• Compact of highlighters, lip glosses and eyeliner

Visit Sheercover.com to order and receive free shipping.

Proactiv: Beyond the Three Step System

So unless you live under a rock you know about Proactiv's famed three-step system for acne-prone skin. What you may not know is that the brand has a slew of other products perfect for those who experience the occasional breakout, but don't have a major acne problem. I had the pleasure of trying out a few products that definitely changed the way I think about Proactiv.

Clarifying Night Cream is hands down my new favorite skin care product. It contains all the ingredients that really improve skin - retinol, salicylic acid, vitamins, but it's gentle and non-irritating. This is perfect for in between skin when you don't need to use a serious acne medication, but you don't need a heavy duty anti-ager yet. Clarifying Night Cream improves skin's texture and tone, refines pores and just makes skin look glowy and amazing. 

I've seen people on the three-step infomercial rave about the Green Tea Moisturizer and it really is that good! It's the perfect daytime lotion because it replenishes moisture without feeling heavy and greasy. In fact, it actually feels light and refreshing and is perfect under makeup. Plus, I'm a total sucker for anything with antioxidants.

I'm a major lover of makeup removing cloths and Proactiv's Makeup Removing Cloths are super soft, I'm talking t-shirt soft, and thoroughly remove eye makeup. I reach for them when I'm feeling exceptionally tired (or lazy) at the end of the night, or anytime I need a quick refresh, like pre- and post-gym. Plus I love that the package is truly resealable so they won't dry out - a major towelette pet peeve of mine. 

Each of these products is available at QVC.com.


Disclosure: Samples were provided for editorial consideration.

My Love Don't Cost a Thing

After an embarrassingly long hiatus, I'm so excited to be back and I have so much news and reviews to share. I have been swamped as of late with multiple freelance projects and deadlines and as much as I love writing BITNB (and in the famous words of JLo my love don't cost a thing, but in the words of me, unfortunately my rent does) this little blog has had to take a back seat. 

BUT, I'm finally caught up and getting back in the swing and just in time for the holidays! Be on the lookout for gift guides (I know I'm not the only one who waits until the week before Christmas to shop) and fab party looks for NYE.

Pureology November Giveaway

Pureology's November giveaway features minis from the new Colour Stylist family of products. I personally love the blowdry cream and cuticle polisher. Visit http://pureology.com/discover/styling between now and November 30th for a chance to win one of the following minis:

Fortifying Heat Spray protective primer
Thermo-protective spray provides mild hold with Xylose Sugar. Primes and protects hair up to 400ºF when using thermal styling tools.

Anti Split Blowdry styling cream
Lightweight humidity resistant cream that provides mild hold and adds moisture and reflective shine for an effortless blow-dry.

Nourishing Nectar sculpting gel
Conditioning gel formula shapes and conditions hair with structure and shine while giving medium hold.

Cuticle Polisher shine serum
Lightweight cream-to-serum formula seals and smooths hair with intense shine and mild hold.

Strengthening Control zero dulling hairspray
Non-dulling finishing spray with a fast-drying formula that shapes hair with flexible hold and a radiant finish. Medium control with special no-water formula to protect hair color.

Holiday Gift Guide: CND

What I'm about to tell you may shock you: I hate getting my nails done. I know others look at it as this as a relaxing and pampering experience, but I find the process annoying and time consuming. If you're a DIY-er CND has some great new goodies that make cute holiday gifts for your friends, or yourself. 

Scentsations Sparkling Champagne Gift Duo houses a rich, foaming hand wash and hand and body lotion in CND's Sparkling Champagne fragrance, which I absolutely love. The formulas are hydrating and leave behind a slight little shimmer, which makes me feel very festive and holiday. $23.00

Scentsations Lotion Gift Set contains three hand and body lotion minis in scents that just scream holiday such as Cranberry, Black Cherry & Nutmeg and Sparkling Champagne. These minis are great to stash in your purse or your office drawer so you always have a moisturizing lotion on hand. $11.70.

Almond SpaManicure Snuggle Set contains an 8oz. bottle of Almond Hydrating Lotion, a .25oz bottle of Solar Oil, which keeps nails and cuticles nourished with jojoba, sweet almond oil and vitamin E, and a pair of snuggly soft toeless socks perfect for a DIY pedi. $20.90.

There are also gift duos of nail effects and treatments, which I'll write about in another post when I have time to swatch.

These sets are only available for a limited time at salons and professional beauty supply stores, so visit cnd.com to find locations.

Giveaway: Marc Jacobs Lola Velvet

Exciting news here at BITNB! One lucky reader will win Marc Jacobs Lola Velvet, a fragrance that not only smells absolutely delish, but comes in a gorge bottle you'll want to display prominently on your vanity.

Exuding a warm and seductive aura with notes of smooth vanilla, tonka bean and creamy musk that envelopes the skin, Lola Marc Jacobs captivates and enchants us with a collectible, limited-edition bottle. Featuring the original fragrance that wraps the skin in rich layers of sensuous florals blooming with a signature note of fuchsia peony, Lola has been reinvented with a sophisticated, yet lighthearted design.

Lola Marc Jacobs Velvet Edition Eau de Parfum Spray - 50 ML e 1.7 fl oz, $68.

There are two ways to enter. First, like the Marc Jacobs Lola page on Facebook and then either leave a comment below on why you love spritzing on a fragrance OR follow me on Twitter (@LRMbeauty) and RT this: Enter to win Marc Jacobs Lola! http://bit.ly/chj0UH  The giveaway is open to US residents only and the deadline to enter is 5pm Friday, November 5th.

Good luck!

Sephora Friends and Family Sale

Is there anything better than a Sephora friends and family sale? This one is online only and hurry up and order your goods because it ends November 3rd at 11:59PST. Just enter code FF2010 to receive 20% off. 

How was everyone's Halloween by the way? Yours truly had a fabulous time dressing up as Snooki and painstakingly creating the perfect orange tan glow. It took my entire compact of NARS bronzer in Casino, but I think the result was well worth it. For lips I'm wearing MAC Myth lipstick and a massive dose of MAC liner in Black Russian.