Mary-Kate & Ashley Bare Effects Mineral Foundation

My mother gave me this unused and still sealed.  She bought it in a discount bin somewhere, but hadn't gotten around to using it.  She loves the discount bin for makeup to try out when she can find it.  It seemed like the perfect option to keep in my purse after foolishly going on vacation with no makeup in my bags:  small, convenient shape, what appeared to be a good color, and no need to buy a kabuki brush also as it had one built in. 
It claimed that you twist the top to dunk the brush into the powder, and then back up to apply in a similar fashion to any other loose powder minerals foundation. Repeat as needed, and twist back down to replace the cap over the brush when you are done.  I was thrilled with the concept.
I would love to report on the makeup itself, but I CAN'T. No matter how many times I twisted the bristles up and down into the powder, tried to use it in the up or down positions, no makeup came out through the bristles. When you try to apply the apparently nonexistant powder, the bristles fall out like crazy, leaving you with a foundation free face that feels like a shedding cat slept on it.
Thankfully, this product was discontinued in 2009, but clearly some stores still have it in their discount bins, and it is still readily available online. It used to retail in stores for 6.99. It now costs significantly more than that online.  I have even seen it as high as $20 each on ebay, though it usually runs about $10 each now. 
Had I spent any money on this product, I would be very annoyed.  Do not waste your money even if it seems like a great deal.  It's terribly obvious to me why it was discontinued.

Pandora Charm Bracelets VS. Connections from Hallmark

For years I wanted a Pandora Charm Bracelet, but they only come in a pricey Sterling Silver, or an exorbitantly priced 14kt gold, and I am allergic to silver.  Obviously, I can't/won't pay the gold prices.  Last year, on my birthday, my family gave me a Connections from Hallmark bracelet, and I have been VERY surprised by it.  I had no idea there was a charm bracelet collection so similar in appearance to Pandora that I could wear safely, and also afford.  I also had absolutely no idea a jewelry line exclusive to Wal-Mart would be of such good quality.
*side note: Pugster is somewhat less expensive than Pandora and sometimes claims to be steel, but I've found that after wearing it for a time, some kind of plating rubs off and I see a core resembling copper that makes me break out in hives.
It's all stainless steel (embellishments like crystals aside) and available in a price range for almost anyone.  
Pandora bracelets are priced from $45-$400, and their charms run from $35-$240.  Connections Starter bracelets are $15 and the charms range from $5-$12 each, and some 3 piece sets for $15.
The best I could do in comparing prices was to compare my bracelet and charms to the most similar (least expensive versions) on Pandora's web site.
                    Connections from Hallmark                                Pandora
Starter Bracelet                    $15                            Sterling lobster clasp bracelet    $45
Boy Charm  (x2)                  $18                            Boy Charm   (x2)                      $ 70
Girl Charm                             $9                            Girl Charm                                 $35
Crystals & Hearts                $15                             Shimmering Blossom                  $65
Elephant                                $9                             Elephant                                     $35
Key/Heart Dangle                 $9                              Filled with love dangle                $65
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Totals                                   $75                                                                            $315

Yes, over 4 times more for a bracelet from Pandora that, at a distance, would likely be impossible to tell from the one I wear.
I have worn my Connections bracelet day and night, only removing for showers (when I remember) for well over a year now, and see no discoloration or loss of enamels or crystals.  It still looks like the day I got it.
Yes, Pandora has a MUCH larger selection of charms to choose from, but Connections from Hallmark does have a nice array, and have added a number of new ones just in the time I have had mine. 
Conclusion:  Yes, I would like to someday have a gold Pandora bracelet; but, I am extremely happy with my Connections from Hallmark bracelet.  I would recommend it to anyone who likes the Pandora look but has metal allergies or doesn't have the budget for precious metals.