My shine follows me everywhere like a bad habit. So thankfully the generous Cheri at Urban Apothecary reads this blog to know how my shiney complexion boils my blood. She sent along Got Blot and Make Under to see if she could resolve this problem child for me.
Got Blot is a transparent powder (do not be scared that it is pure white) that is appropriate for every skin tone. The powder is lightweight and no matter how many times you need to dab it on, it won’t build up like a pancake. It contains “tea tree oil to help fight …read more

Review from 8/2006:
When I was in Manhattan, a friend had mentioned that tarte’s Little Blot Book was the ultimate in shine control. As a girl whose shine sometimes affects even those wearing sunglasses, I knew I had to try it. Shine, with me, has been a never ending battle.
When I received my Little Blot Book, it indeed looked like a book. Adorable, yet stylish. When I popped it open, there was a decent sized mirror, mattifying powder, a small brush and blotting papers. It’s compact, yet still gives you an enormous amount of product.
I am an ingredients fanatic, so it …read more

The Lola Anti-Shine Gel was one of the samples I chose to come with my recent Sephora purchase. I’m always on the hunt for the perfect anti-shine product–one that will mattify but also be long lasting.
Unfortunately this anti-shine gel didn’t do much mattifying to suit my needs. The sample gave me about 3 uses and I applied the gel to my shinest areas; around my nose, my cheeks and my forehead. It did do some slight mattifying, but nothing substantial and certainly nothing that lasted a very long time.
I was disappointed since Lola Cosmetics has some really cute looking products, …read more

I know–as unbelievable as it may seem, today was the first time I placed an order with Sephora. Thanks to my lovely girlfriend Elke who sent me an egiftcertificate back in December.
Here’s what I ordered:
Benefit Realness of Concealness
Smashbox Photo Finish Primer
Imju Fiberwig Mascara
The samples I chose:
LOLA Refine Shine Anti-Shine Gel
Cosmedicine Medi-morphosis Self Adjusting Exfoliator
Prevage Eye Anti-Aging Moisturizing Treatment
I do wish they would’ve offered a better variety of samples. The majority were skin care samples and I was looking for more makeup related samples. However, I can’t complain–free is free after all. Of course, you will see reviews of these products …read more

Always on the hunt for an anti-shine product that will last for hours on end, I received Korres Lemon Anti-Shine Gel to see if it could combat my oily t-zone.
What they say:
A light-textured lemon-scented anti-shine gel that instantly refreshes and mattifies oily skin on contact. Ideal for acne-prone skin types, this refreshing gel can be used in place of moisturizer when skin is especially oily.
I’ve been applying the anti-shine gel as part of a step by step process in my facial routine, which have made my skincare issues turn around 360 degrees. I have been exclusively been using only Korres …read more

Back in December I received Benefit Cosmetics’ Dr. Feelgood. Dr. Feelgood is an invisible balm meant to matte the skin by absorbing excess oil.
I tried this product by applying it two different ways; over my makeup and under my makeup. The site indicates that you should apply it over makeup.
The product was much smaller than I thought it would be, however, you don’t need very much at all for coverage. I loved the scent of the balm. Yum.
I first applied this product over my makeup as suggested on the website. Using the sponge it comes with to apply it, it …read more

I shine like a wet seal. There. I said it out loud. I absolutely hate this t-zone thing I have going on, where my glands seem to be in overdrive lately and putting the glare into everyone’s eyes. Instead of Criss Angel Mind Freak, I am Shannon Shine Freak. *sigh*
So when I knew I would be receiving products from jane iredale to try, I decided to be bold and make a specific request to try Absence.
What jane says about Absence:
Absence forms an attraction barrier between the skin and makeup so that makeup can stay on longer, and skin stays shine-free.
Absence …read more