P
ros: Ummmm ... it's not as expensive as the others??? Oh, and it doesn't clump at all.Cons: Coverage was terrible and there was definitely not volumizing, as alleged. Now, it does say it works on making your lashes longer and stronger, so maybe it has to work over time.
The Verdict: It's a must miss. I love ya Smashbox, but this is a terrible mascara.
Let's talk about the anti-dark spot serums. I am still using the Chanel and not seeing any difference. I also received my super pricey Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum sample and I recommend that you use the promo code for this noted on the right hand side. The sample is deluxe and will let you try it for 4 weeks. The bloggers at Sephora don't seem to really think it works either. I wasn't thrilled with Shiseido's White Lucent Brightening Serum. All of these products are supposed to improve the appearance of darkened age spots. What I can say is that, I really think the better option, instead of trying to reverse what is done, is to work with the products that cover well and treat your skin well. I highly recommend (in fact, I consider it a Daily Sample Must Have) Philosophy Divine Illumination. And, this week, Sephora finally added it to their product line. You can now order it online too.
Now, since I am blessed with both aging dark spots and teenage acne, I am stuck trying out different zit-zapping products. Generally, I am a fan of Dermalogica for this and we all know what crap I think DHC Acne Therapy is. However, I continue to have this one pimple that will not stop re-appearing and that is where my focus is now. I tried La Roche-Posay Effaclar K Acne Treatment Fluid. I tried it several times and, not only did it not even take away the zit, it didn't help it from re-appearing. This is a must miss, despite the fact that it's $20! 
And, on the whole "trying to reverse what's already done" point - I really don't care for Ole Henriksen Express The Truth Night Cream. God it's soooooooo thick! There's no way it is working at night because it must be rubbing off on the pillowcase instead of soaking into my skin. I do believe that dry skin would be hydrated, but there has to be a balance so you don't feel so sticky at night. The product also stinks - like it's clinical or something. Yuck-ola!THE THREE MINUTE MAKEUP CURE:
Now, for a final, all around how-to-wear-the-tiniest-bit-of-makeup moment and still feel good, allow me to tell you a swarm of secret products. You know how sometimes you just don't want to do the whole makeup thing? At the same token, you don't have good skin tone, so just basic mascara and lipstick won't work. But you don't want to go through the whole concealer, primer, eyeshadow, everything routine, right? I finally found the 3 minute answer (if it takes you longer - you are doing it wrong!). In the winter, you may want to use the matte version of these products. For summer, however, which is most of southern California year round, I think this is it:
Step 1: On a clean face, start (yes start) with Stila Hydrating Primer. It has SPF 15 and will soak into your skin quickly, but give your fine lines protection from the tint in the moisturizing step. The other primers don't work as well as a base coat. No need to wash your hands. 
Step 2: For fair to medium skin, layer on Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer. If you have a great tan or darker skin, I recommend Stila Bronzing Tinted Moisturizer. Remember, this is not foundation, so don't overkill - just moisturize. Again, no need to wash your hands.
Step 3: Dab a quick swipe of Smashbox Under Eye Brightener in the typical "dark circle" area. Blend with your ring finger. You guessed it - still no need to wash your hands.
Step 4: Dab a quick swipe of your favorite eyelid primer. I prefer to use my basic moisturizer and just add a brightening Cream Colour Base, such as Luna or Pearl from MAC. Remember, only on the lid! No handwashing needed yet!
Step 5: Take a quick squeeze of your favorite tinting blush on your middle finger. I recommend Smashbox O-Glow. If you just can't stand the pinky blush of it, then try Smashbox O-Bronze. It's the same thing, but it makes you peachy instead of pinky! Quickly swirl onto the apple of your cheeks, working your way up the cheekbone. NOW you need to wash your hands.
Step 6: Grab your favorite simple base/blending color of eyeshadow. I prefer MAC 
Yogurt (defined as soft pale pink), but really any basic nude, vanilla, beige or soft pink will do. Take your favorite soft blending brush (again, I prefer MAC Tapered Blending Brush #224) and quickly swirl it in the pot and blend all over your eye.
Step 7: If your makeup has a tendency to come off during the day, I recommend a quick brush of a makeup setter. I prefer either BareMinerals Mineral Veil, MAC Prep & Prime Transparent Finishing Powder or HD Microfinish Powder.Step 8: No eyeliner ... just a quick couple swipes of your favorite do-all mascara. I recommend a softer black or brown as opposed to jet black. Remember, you aren't looking
completely made it and that will look "off". If you get some on your lids, since you are used to liner catching it, no worries! Quickly slide a Q-Tip over it and voila! It's fixed. If you really mess up (first off - stop trying so hard; secondly - next time don't try to coat so much on like you are used to and third:) dip your Q-Tip in eye makeup remover and blot/swipe.
Step 9: Run your favorite reverse lip liner around that pout (I prefer Cargo Reverse Lip Liner) and dab on some gloss that best resembles your lip color. I recommend Smashbox 
O-Gloss (it 
matches to your lips) or Dior Addict Lip Glow (which is more like your favorite chapstick, which also works during this phase, though I then recommend Smashbox Nude Liner) or - the gloss that most matches my lips and successfully stays on - which is Smashbox Quench Moisture Rich Lip Gloss.That's it! It sounds like a lot, but it really isn't and it takes just a few seconds. It lasts all day and makes you feel better than if you just ran out of the house (1) without anything on or (2) without a full complement of your makeup. I feel so much better about myself when my skin tone is more evened out and this routine definitely makes me look younger and like I got some sleep. It took some time to figure out what worked best and what kept me from saying "Hmmm ... just a bit of concealer" or "Hmmm ... maybe if I just tweezed" or "Hmmm, maybe some powder blush" etc. So, this is my answer to the whole thing. Maybe it's yours too! Hope it helps.
AND ... so you never forget what a little makeup can do ... check out the stars on the right!
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