the end is where I begin

I went to Longs Drugstore recently and took the time to really comb the Beauty section.  I noticed that Revlon has released and re-released a whole bunch of their nail enamels--even those that were limited edition glitters!  I finally got my hands on Whimsical, a supposed Deborah Lippmann Glitter in the Air dupe.  However, Facets of Fuchsia and Blue Mosaic, two that I already own, have been re-released under different names.  Even the third glitter from that limited collection, Starry Pink, was re-released as Popular.  Facets of Fuchsia has become Scandalous and Blue Mosaic is now called Radiant.  The shade Naughty is a re-release of Perplex and is also supposed to be a dupe of Chanel's Paradoxal.  I didn't pick up Popular (Starry Pink) because I found it dull...the glitters in it weren't sparkly and it was unappealing.  I suppose it would be a nice subtle polish, but light pinks really aren't for me.  Apparently, the Revlon polishes are getting better in quality.  I wasn't a big fan of the formula for Facets of Fuchsia (it was too watery and thin), but I heard that the new formulas are good.  Some even cover in two coats!

I also stopped by the Konad section as all Konad products were 30% off.  I decided to get some nail stickers since I barely have time to do nice nail designs this semester.  You'll be seeing them on my nails soon! ^^

Truthfully, I was also on the hunt for the new Garnier BB Creams.  I did find them at Longs, but they were $14.39 instead of the retailed $12.99.  I will probably purchase this from Target since it'll be retail price.  ^^--Cheryl

When Sephora released the BB Creams by Bosica, Clinique, and Dr. Jart (which is actually an Asian company), I thought that was the extent of this "Asian invasion" on the mainstream Western beauty market...I was wrong.  Apparently, the popularity of BB Cream has extended to drugstore makeup as Garnier is now planning to release its own line next month.  Of course, I'm skeptical because most of the BB Creams I've tested from the other "American released" brands are terribly expensive and way too dark.  The problem with BB Creams in general is the limited color range--usually 1-3 different colors.  However, it does seem that the American companies are out to make some major money off of this popular Asian product.  The Garnier version will only cost $12.99 which isn't too bad considering those sold at Sephora range from $22-$40 for a regular sized tube.  The BB Cream I use, Etude House's Precious Mineral All-Day Strong, goes for about $16 on eBay and is originally priced at 14,500 won.  I am curious to try the Garnier line due to the fact that their products have been very good to me (think Dark Spot Corrector and Moisture Rescue Gel Creme), but return policies at drug stores often aren't cosmetic-friendly.
I'm very picky when it comes to BB Creams...and terribly hard to please.  I've tried a bunch and they've all failed to meet my expectations except for Etude House's...but even with that one I have some issues.  We'll see...but I do stand by the belief that BB Creams are better than foundation. ^^

You also have the opportunity to win a sample of Garnier's new BB Cream once it becomes available. Just go to their website and fill out the form. ^^

Edit: After doing a bit more browsing, I came across articles that state this year the "in" trend is BB Creams while tinted moisturizers are getting the boot.  Apparently Smashbox also has a BB Cream--who knew?  I know in Asia Maybelline and some of the other American drug store brands carry BB Creams, but maybe they'll be releasing them stateside. ^^
And thank God those feather hair things are listed as an "out" item this year.

--Cheryl

 I've been testing out the Skin Renew Dark Spot Corrector from Garnier since November 18th of this year and, wow, this thing works.  Acne scars have been one of the main issues I've had to deal with since I started getting acne in 6th grade.  It is one of the main reasons I started wearing foundation and concealer so early--I was really self-conscious of my acne scars.  It seemed that nothing I used to hide them worked--they always showed through whatever foundation I used...and to make matters worse, the acne wouldn't go away despite passing puberty.  Since I started using B.B. Cream and B.B. Compact powder, my skin condition has improved greatly, but while it helped minimize the acne, the scars were still there.  In the month and a half that I've been using the Dark Spot Corrector, the visible differences are really amazing.  The first week I noticed my skin looking brighter, but I went out today without my B.B. Compact powder.  I still applied B.B. Cream, but the coverage from the powder is what really helps prevent the really dark spots from showing through.  My skin looked really good today without the powder--and I'm sick.  I love love love this product.  It's one of the few skin care products that I feel actually work with my skin.  I also noticed that my problems with acne have drastically reduced.  While I still get the occasional pimple, they aren't as large, deep, and painful as they used to be.  The combination of the Dark Spot Corrector and the topical acne cream I've been using are like a miracle team for my skin.  I predict the appearance of a products post in the near future...

--Cheryl