One of the things that gets us going here at MBB is honesty. I mean, finding the truth behind claims about products is pretty much what we’re all about. It’s right there in the name, “Mythbuster”.  We do our very best to research ingredients and try everything out for ourselves rather than just regurgitating PR blurbs and reciting the company line that we’re handed. I think it’s readily apparent that if we don’t think something is effective or worth the price tag we’ll say so, and integrity is a core principle around here.

Another thing we feel is important is finding and supporting independent businesses, those companies who also believe honesty and integrity are priceless commodities. I have been very lucky to meet(virtually at least) bloggers and business owners who work their tails off everyday to do the right thing and present a product worthy of putting their name on. A lot of time, sweat, and tears have been poured into mixing, formulating, and fine tuning products until they’re just right for consumers. Nowhere I have I seen this in such force as in the mineral makeup(mmu) community. Custom blends, new products, and limited edition collections are a lot more work for an independent business owner than it is for a huge company with hundreds or thousands of employees at its disposal. The time and information I have received from some of these business owners is truly amazing and much appreciated. So when I started hearing more and more rumblings online amongst mmu lovers, I sat up and began to take notice. (more…)

I know I need to wear a daily SPF on my face and neck to avoid the damaging effects of the sun. Further more, I know that you need to be hyper-vigilant about using sunscreen while using retinoids, or after using facial skincare products with BHA or AHA’s. Even so, sometimes I still hesitate using a facial sunscreen.

Here is a list of some of the “excuses” I use to justify not using a facial sunscreen:

• the smell, many sunscreens have a chemical smell that really bothers me
• the feel, greasy and difficult to use with my existing makeup
• breakout factor, sensitivity to some sunscreen creams can cause breakouts
• the shine, even a little bit of moisture can add to my already summer oily-shiny skin
• sting my eyes,  don’t get a sunscreen close to your eyes or you’ll be teary all day long! (more…)

In addition to being a total cosmetics junkie, I am also a closet geek, and I love technology. Things with wires and buttons and screens get me all atingle, I just can’t help myself. One of my favorite sites for all that glorious geekiness is Woot.com, and all of its subdivivsions (shirt.woot? genius). Anyhow, the basic premise of woot is that they sell one item every day, for 24 hours or until it sells out. But sometimes, sometimes, you get lucky and there’s a woot-off. During a woot-off they run item after item until they sell out. This goes on for an unknown amount of time, and you kind of have to be at your computer for the whole thing unless you want to risk missing out on a screamin deal.

Lucky for us, Robyn, the lady in charge of everything over at Purely Cosmetics, is also a wooter, (more…)

I’ve been playing around with some of my newer stuff lately and tried something on a whim that I ended up really loving.
My friend Tracy is a recent convert/addict to Aromaleigh and their vast selection of colors, and she always snags a sample or two for me when she orders(I know, everyone should be so lucky). My lastest goodies were some of the glam glitters from the rocks!Sonic collection. These are super fine sparkly glitters that you must see to appreciate. I highly reccomend buying a sample or two at least. I wanted to wear some of my ultra glam glitters but I wanted to make sure they stayed all day no matter what I did. So I whipped out my Urban Decay cream shadows.

First I applied my usual primer (TooFaced Shadow Insurance, best stuff ever) and let it set a little, then I smoothed a little of my UD cream shadow in “Rehab”, a creamy taupe, over my lower lid. I let it dry for just a moment, then, while it was still a little tacky, I dipped a fluffy brush into my “rebelrebel” bronze glitter and patted it over the shadow. The glitter helps to set the cream shadow and the cream shadow really holds the glitter right where you want it all day long. I followed with a light highlighter color under my brow and in my crease to calm it down for daytime, and I love how it gives just a flash of sparkle peeking from my lids. It’s a fun way to play with glitter without looking like a club kid. Here’s a tip, the Beauty Blender sponge is amazing at grabbing and wiping away glitter or mineral shadow fallout under your eyes after application.

As an added incentive to try something fantastic and new, Aromaleigh’s rocks! mineral shadows and glam glitters are 25% off right now! This offer runs through 10 am EST on May 20th and you should definitely take advantage of this deal and the other goodies available in their coupons+deals section.

Here is a mention of DecoDiva’s experience with two cosmetic brands:  Purely Cosmetics and Vis-a-Vis.

The sweet Jen from MythBuster Beauty sent me some mineral makeup to check out. She sent me the Pearlescent Coral blush that I’m wearing from Purely Cosmetics.  I really like this color!  I feel like it adds warmth and depth to my cheeks without being overpowering.  I don’t think I own any coral blushes, either, so this is a really nice addition to my collection.

The lipstick I’m wearing is from Vis-a-vis Cosmetics and it’s a neutral pink color. I didn’t care for the exact shade, but it did feel very nice and moisturizing on my lips.

To read DecoDiva’s complete review visit her article at:   Green Eyed Jealousy Valentine’s Day FOTD.

So much makeup, so little time. 

Here is a list of my favorite cosmetic products for 2008, no small endeavor!  This past year I have  sampled more makeup than I have tried cumulatively in my entire life.  All of these beauty products passed my A+++ big cosmetic love status!

HD Invisible Cover Foundation ($40) - leaves my skin feeling natural, flawless and works well with my sensitive, break-out prone skin

DecoDiva created a stunning Green and Silver Eye that you could create this New Years Eve, or any evening where to really want to “knock their socks off!”  This is her step-by-step tutorial to walk you through this look.  And if you are on a budget – no worries, Aromaleigh and Meow Cosmetics offer generous sample baggies of many of their products for just $1.  Now we can all afford to get a wonderful selection of cosmetics and get a chance to try this look  for ourselves!

Start with a clean, moisturized face.

1. Put on Eye Shadow Primer.  (Eyeshadow Primer and Base from Aromaleigh in Light)

2. Put some black shadow on the outer vee area and a little in the crease. I used MAC Paint Pot in Blackground.

3. Apply some silver eye shadow all over the eye area, from lash line to eyebrows. I used Aromaleigh Fume (25% off, now $6). (more…)

Bionic Beauty is giving away to 3 of her readers a set of mineral makeup from SKINN:

• 1 High Definition Cotton Foundation – 0.3oz (8g) ($28.00 value)
• 1 Orchid Gel Tint – 1.3oz (38ml) ($24.00 value)
• 1 Triple Cover Conceal Wheel – 0.13oz (5g) ($16.50)
• 1 Kabuki Buffing Brush w/ Custom Print ($12.50)

Be sure to enter this incredible giveaway before January 17th, 2009 at this post:  Bionic Giveaway: SKINN Mineral Makeup Sets!

How many times do you have to say no to a tempting treat?  Once a week, twice a week, oh come on!  If you are like me it’s a constant saying no-to-treats battle.  I generally need a few treats daily to keep me smiling and content!

The remarkably beauty and eco-savvy Sally B created a line to treat our skin and it doesn’t add any calories, carbs, or guilt.  Just pure skin pleasure.

The Mythbuster Beauty Team got to sample several items from the Sally B Skin Yummies line.  Everything I tried, I loved.  Sally B’s skincare line is packed with high quality, skin nourishing ingredients.  No need to read through a mile-long ingredient list from Sally B. 

Body-Eco Lotion in Lavender ($32):  A fabulous lotion for the body, hands and feet this lotion offers just the right amount of moisture, absorbs well into the skin and has a fabulous sweet lavender scent.  Key Ingredients: Organic Tamanu Oil, Kukui Oil, Organic Green Tea, Organic Shea Butter, Organic Aloe.

Sally B’s Organic Sugar Scrub ($16 – 4oz, $30 - 8oz.):  “Most scrubs on the market are simple concoctions—either oil and sugar or oil and salt, and messy! And they must be stirred.  Salt can also be irritating to the skin and will certainly sting if you have any scratches.  Sally B’s Sugar Scrub is full of Shea Butter and Cocoa Butter and there is no need for stirring!”   So if this doesn’t convince you to try it, check out DecoDiva’s review:  Sally b’s Skin Yummies – Lemon Sage Sugar Scrub.  I’ve also heard that the Chamomile Neroli scrub is amazing.

B Glossy Organic Lip Gloss ($10) – I sampled this gloss in “Every Blond’s Pink,” a protecting lip gloss, with just a hint of pink tint that gives my lips subtle color and shine.  Sally B adds a bit of peppermint, which is perfect not overpowering, and this gloss can be used alone or layered with your favorite lip color.  Mo sampled “Copper Penny,” and DecoDiva loved her gloss in “Ruby’s Red.” (more…)

The Body Shop recently released a new mineral makeup line called Nature’s Minerals.  The Nature’s Mineral Line is best for those wanting to achieve a healthy, radiant complexion with ultra-fine minerals that blend evenly to protect skin and reduce redness and imperfections.

Nature’s Minerals might be a great match for you if you have: normal to dry skin, sensitive skin, and you are looking for light to medium coverage.  This mineral makeup line contains:

• Kaolin clay and Mediterranean clay that are absorbent minerals that provide long-lasting coverage.
• Mica adds luster that has light-diffusing properties to help disguise fine lines and pores.
• Titanium dioxide and iron oxide protect skin from the sun without clogging pores.
• Dermatologist-tested with no added fillers, preservatives or fragrances.

How would you like to try this new mineral makeup line?  This week Mythbuster Beauty is giving away one set of Nature’s Mineral Makeup including one full size foundation, blush, and eye color of your choice (total retail value of $56!). 

Rules:  To enter this giveaway enter your name and email address in the contest machine box below.  One entry per person and the deadline is at 1 am (EST) Monday, November 17th, 2008.  One winner will be chosen via Random.org and will be announced on Mythbuster Beauty, PRIZEY.Fetch, and contacted via email.  MBB will not share your email address with anyone, and only uses your email address to contact you if you are a winner.  This giveaway is open to residents of the USA and Canada only.

Best wishes to all of you and keep posted for two more giveaways tba soon!