Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express Lift-Up [DISCONTINUED]
quix 11/20/2009 4:08:00 AM
I bought this mascara because I had forgotten to bring my beloved LashBlast to Malaysia with me and could find no Cover Girl. I have used Volum'Express products in the past and trust them to do the job, plus this was I think the one variation there I hadn't tried, so I chose this one. It was RM 33 ~ CAD 11, one of the cheapest ones there. In Canada, I'm sure the price would've been more like $8-9, down to $6-7 when on sale - but they do not sell this mascara in Canada, for some reason. The packaging is very eye-catching and cute, which is how I noticed the lack of it. Anyway, the mascara did a good job despite the heat and humidity. There was slight flaking and some smudging, but that could be attributed to the copious rivulets of sweat running down my face whenever outside. I'd say its standout function is probably volumising, which it does fairly well. Lengthening was also OK. Clumping was not too bad, although when it happened it happened in globs. Didn't notice much difference in curling compared to any other mascaras, despite that being touted as the other main function. One of these days someone should do something drastic use the mechanism of plants' photophilic movement to try and force a mascara to curl, because they certainly don't do much about it otherwise. But I digress. Overall this mascara proved satisfactory, and had I not experienced the transcendence of the OOMPH LashBlast provides me, I would probably still be using this mascara. Well, maybe not, since I found Fiberwig, which is another good mascara, a few weeks later. But if I was back in the less-populated makeup aisles of Northern Malaysia without mascara, I would buy this one again.
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast
quix 11/19/2009 8:33:00 PM
In general I am very fond of the rubber-bristled mascaras that CoverGirl has been releasing over the years. When I was in need of mascara in Malaysia and realised they don't have CG, I was disappointed about having to settle for Maybelline, with whose mascaras I have no quarrels. With this brand, I think if it works for you, it will continue to do so, while if you are unimpressed, you will continue to be. I am convinced, however, that CG has the world's best mascara locked up somewhere and is only releasing it in steps. I bought Fantastic Lash and LashExact and VolumeExact, then I bought this, and now I have LashBlast Luxe. Each mascara gets neglected for the one that comes after it. CoverGirl, I am on to you. (On the note of CG mascara trends, never ever buy their waterproof mascara, even if you're like me and love crying over books and shows. Any extra staying power is neither noticeable nor worth it. It is like concrete, and, worse, feels like it when you attempt to take it off. Also, Black that is not [Superlative] Black will be grey) I bought both the waterproof and non-waterproof version of this, for the reason listed above. I find the brush somewhat difficult to work with, which gives me inconsistent results. My lashes (pointing down, dark, fairly average) will look great with this mascara, but sometimes when I get things to work just right, they will look great to the point of almost fake. I put more work into this mascara than some others I own, but the result is worth it. Staying power is solid, and if you have a good curl it will keep it. A curl that has started to droop by the time you start to apply will not be saved by this mascara. It will flake, but not run, if you cry. Separation isn't an issue on those mythical times when the moon is just right, but otherwise you'll probably get a couple of instances of a few lashes sticking together at the ends. Thickening and lengthening are pretty freaking awesome. Results that are disappointing with this mascara would be considered good with others. This mascara was my HG until I succumbed to CG's evil plan and bought LashBlast Luxe. How does mascara that looks sparkly mauve on the wand go on looking black?!? I predict the next mascara will fix this issue.
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Eye Shadow -Wet 'n' Wild - Silkygirl Blockbuster Color Palette
quix 11/19/2009 8:05:00 PM
I bought 2 of these palettes at a Watsons' in Malaysia. I don't quite remember how much they were but between RM 10-20 ~ CAD 3-6. Note: the first ingredient in the list is talc, so this product may not be optimal for sensitive skin. The colours I bought were Bare Classics, neutrals, and Green Forest, self explanatory. I like them more than the Wet & Wild equivalent MegaEyes Trios (Egyptian Sands and Amazon Greens), although those provide more product. For one thing, these have 4 shadows. For another thing, I find these much richer and adherent in texture. The major clincher would have to be that they are not as sparkly!!! They are still shimmery, though. These shadows have good pigment, nice colour, minimal if any fading, and stay on well without creasing. However, I haven't used them without a base yet. The other colour selections, as can be found on the Silkygirl site (http://www.silkycosmetics.com/eyes.html) are mostly strange combinations, although there is a nice set of purples as well. I didn't get it because I thought it might be too cool for me. I have a few qualms about the packaging. First, the lid can shift back & forth, which doesn't feel very solid. I probably don't need to mention the cheap sponge applicator, though it has a narrow and a wide end, at least. My main issue is that the pans are just small strips and I'm worried I will run out before my next trip to Asia! There's a little guide on how to apply on the back of these, nothing unexpected but a nice addition. I hope to get pictures up at some point. All I have in front of me is the neutrals palette. I suppose it's not dissimilar to the middle 4 of the WnW Sandcastle palette (which also have more product, BTW).The top shade, highlighter, is a medium beige colour. It isn't as light as some highlighters, which to me is a plus, as many (Egyptian Sands, I'm looking at you) are too light for me. The next shade, for the crease, is penny-coloured. Of all the shades, this is the one I could best do without. The ruddiness of it makes it a bit harder for me to use. The third shade, all-over lid, is a medium brown with sort of a gold glow to it. The last shade, the liner (with that sponge? sheesh), is a dark neutral brown. I never really had a neutrals palette before, shameful as that is. Nowadays I try and keep my makeup toned down but glowing, and this palette is invaluable to that aim. It makes it easy to do a quick eye look for going out, so I always try and keep it with me now. The green one is useful for the same purpose when I want some colour in my look. When/if I run out, I will probably ask my relatives to send over more for me.
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Eyeliner -E.L.F. - Waterproof Eyeliner Pen - Plum
quix 11/19/2009 7:18:00 PM
It seems like the Plum may have changed somewhat from whenever I got it. Mine is a gorgeous and multi-faceted dark dark purple. I quite like the ELF liquid liners; they are my backup to my HG, the Wet & Wild ones. I may not buy a liquid liner outside of these two lines again. However, the ELF liquid liners are fairly dry by nature and can flake or crack. If you poke or scratch around your eyes a lot like I do (contacts and eye makeup only get along to a certain extent), that becomes a bit of an issue. I have oily lids otherwise so it doesn't bother me in that regard. Other than that issue, this eyeliner is great. I have the Midnight as well, which is flat and not as nice, but still very dark and rich in colour. The felt tip is a little thick and doesn't taper enough, which makes it harder to manage, but it is firm and fairly easy to use. Especially if you don't mind thicker lines. I use a Q-tip to thin down the lines to my preferred levels sometimes.
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Lip Gloss -E.L.F. - Hypershine Lip Gloss - Fairy
quix 11/19/2009 6:41:00 PM
IMO this is the best of the ELF Hypershine glosses. I got a pack of 5 in a kit. This is sort of opalescent and will add depth to any lipstick - much recommended in layering. It is packaged in one of those liquid lipstick clickup tubes where the liquid comes through the brush. You will need perseverance in clicking to get it to come out! I find the best way is to crank it, then wait a few seconds, as it oozes out slowly and you won't know if you're overdoing it until it's too late otherwise. If you are interested in the Hypershine glosses, I would recommend that you try this one first to test texture, scent, wear etc before ordering any of the others. It's very eye-catching.
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Eyeliner -Fyrinnae - Inks Liquid Eyeliner in Bionic Brown
quix 1/20/2008 2:07:00 AM
My experience felt as if it could only be described by channeling a Bridget Jones diary entry, as she is a joy forever. I will try to inspire my inner makeup diva to attempt this again, but I just don't think I can handle it. __________ 20/1 Cigarettes: 0 Number of times got liner on hands: 14 Amounts of glitter: infinite Got a call from Mum a while ago raving about products by this online makeup company: "You simply must try them, darling, rather than wasting your money on the rubbish you see in shops. Your wallet will thank me!" Wallet usually likes to frequent pricy bars but always afraid to tell Mum since already live under fear of running into her at one of them. Dutifully ordered from company in shades that match undies (v. in according to Cosmo), then promptly forgot until arrived last week (6 wks later). I felt obligated to try them out, they were so sparkly and pretty. Attempted the eyeliner, which is liquid and therefore Sophisticated (Cosmo again). I'd picked the plainest one I could (Bionic Brown) but it still had a bronzy gleam to it. 7:40 am Put on eyelids, easy peasy. Felt v proud at the undiscovered makeup mastery within me. The website had said I could apply it to my waterline so (once I found out what a waterline was - even makeup masters must start somewhere) I went about that in the same way as the top of the eye. 7:41 am Disaster strikes in the most vulnerable of places... forgot that even No-Tears shampoo makes my eyes water. I ended up with a BROWN SPOT right on my eyeball (fortunately did not affect sight) and on my contacts (also did not affect sight - strange). Forced to remove contacts and fish glasses out from squashed coat pocket. 7:45 am Consider giving up but then realise that a challenge such as this can only nurture the makeup master in me. 7:47 am Try again, this time "stamping" the tiny brush onto my undereye. Wonder why this look is so popular but decide as pale British woman, must add colour to face somehow. 7:49 am Eyes watering again, but no threat without contacts. Try to wipe eyes but only end up with brown streak and lots of gold glitter over hand. Why am I suffering in the name of beauty when I'm not even wearing my contacts? 7:50am Wash hands. Realise that am late for work and rush. 8:15am Slink by boss. He looks up and says, "Bridge, what happened to your eyes?" "I lost my contacts," I lie. "Well, you'll want to replace those soon, I'm sure," he says. "Your glasses are awfully crooked. But you're tarted up like a schoolgirl who wears black lipstick." 8:20 am Fluorescent lights confirm what even a man has noticed: the inner makeup master is a punk kid. Liner is thick and smudgy. Hands have inadvertently gotten covered in smudges from wiping watery eyes while driving. Try to remove liner and end up with reams of similarly-smudged toilet paper and smudgier eyes that now only have patchy lines. 9:30 am Still blinking; now eyes feel dry, stiff. Liner finally dry? ... well sort of. There's no point in a beauty product that needs hours to dry that I can't wear my contacts with. 1:40 pm Keep finding specks of gold sparkle on desk, clothes, hands. 2:30 pm Resolve to add colour by buying home hair kit instead if necessary.
15 out of 22 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -E.L.F. - Waterproof Eyeliner Pen
quix 1/20/2008 12:51:00 AM
Not bad at all! I bought Plum & Midnight simultaneously and found that they both had felt tips that were thickish, short, and not very flexible (just like me!). I find that any liquid eyeliner is made a breeze by using an angled liner anyway, so that problem was solved (sadly, it does not solve my little-teapot problem, but I assume it distracts). The consistency of these liners is very liquidy at first and stays that way for a while, but it gets very dry over time; cracking might be an issue if you have dry lids. I have oily lids so I like that the liner doesn't get gummed up with the eyeshadow (which can happen with acrylic pencil liners). This liner does fade somewhat over time, and the line will not remain as sharp, but it's definitely pertinacious, especially when it comes time to removing it. The colours are gorgeous - very rich and full of depth. Plum is almost mesmerising to look at once you swipe it because of all the layers to it. I find that the site shows the colours lighter than they really are (you can especially tell with black); if you have a flatscreen monitor like me, you can just tilt your screen back a bit and voila! Instant darkening effect. I was quite pleased with the quality of these liners for the price (let's pretend that my HG liquid liner isn't Wet & Wild for a moment). The only drawback for me, besides the tip that I don't really use anyway, is the driness it gets, which is why it got a 4. I will definitely buy the other colours - all the colours are well-chosen for liners - especially since I'm installing a stash of makeup at my SO's place now (what did he get himself into)!
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Misc Beauty Tools -E.L.F. - Mechanical Eyelash Curler
quix 12/17/2007 11:28:00 AM
I love eyelash curlers, and I like ELF, so of course I had to try this ;) It comes packaged cutely in a small plastic box; the cute part is how there's a little "latch" that will hold your curler together, as opposed to splayed, so it doesn't take as much room. I'm also impressed by the fact that it comes with an extra curling pad. The curler curls quite well, and amazingly quickly, but the reason I gave it a 4 is b/c I find it so very round! That makes it difficult for me to use it to curl the lashes on the outer corners of my eye to the utmost. I'm Eurasian and have almond-shaped, hooded/deepset eyes, so this is not likely to be the case for a lot of people. Usually, I find a good fit with any other regular curlers, but if you have been finding curlers too "flat" for you, this may be the perfect shape!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Cover Girl - Volume Exact Waterproof
quix 11/15/2007 1:00:00 PM
This is the mascara I go to for my "false lashes" look, if that says anything! Make sure to get Very Black and not Black, as Black looks like more of a blue-grey to me (I got Lash Exact in Black). I love the packaging, as you can keep the brush, which I also love, separately and then just cap the mascara tube itself. I find the brush really catches onto your lashes, and the grabbing it does really helps apply. Don't listen to the anti-clumping part of the ad; it does clump, although it's easy to remove said clumps. So why is it rated only a 3? This stuff has strangely-selective staying properties that do not work in its favour. While the mascara itself stays like CEMENT on your lashes (seriously... 5 days later and there was still a bit of VE on my lashes that I hadn't been able to get off), it also smudges. How is this even possible, I don't know. The smudging isn't that bad, but it's still ridiculous to have to put up with, especially from a mascara I can barely remove (oh yeah, say goodbye to a few lashes). I think I'd be best off with the VE in NON-waterproof judging by this crazy trait, since being wp helped the smudging not at all. Still, it's my best option for volumizing (or looooooooong-wearing) mascara at the moment, so if your eyes are very bacteria-resistant and you're pro at removing racoon eyes, I say go for it.
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Eye Shadow -Everyday Minerals - Net Surfing
quix 10/24/2007 11:09:00 PM
I bought a mini shadow of Net Surfing to go with my samples order (I still hadn't got the shade right by #3 and was feeling guilty), and I'm so glad I did! The EM site describes Net Surfing as "A violet and hidden red sparkle highlights", which makes little grammatical sense. In the jar, the shadow looks like a warm medium purple (a bit plummy in colour). The pic on the site is close but it's more ruddy-toned in person. When I put the shadow on, it applied very smoothly. On me, it looks like a gorgeous medium mauve. As I was putting it on, I was thinking that it would be a perfect shade for doing a purple smokey eye! After applying it, though, it looks like it would work best as the intermediate shade for that. It's definitely a shadow you can wear on its own; you can layer it to make it somewhat deeper in colour. I don't find this shade particularly deep and think it would make a great everyday shade. I really like the colour - it's great for my brown eyes! - so I think this may become an HG for me... too bad (since it comes in a 2.5g jar with a sifter) you can't take it anywhere tho!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -E.L.F. - Plumping Lip Glaze - Ruby Kiss
quix 10/14/2007 1:23:00 AM
This is a great colour on me (the tinted side, that is! LOL). It definitely is sheer, but very buildable; I wore it tonight and got it to look like the shade in the tube, at least until I layered the other side over top - then it became a medium pink. I would say that "glaze" is a good description of the consistency of this, although not too sticky. This lip glaze is a good value in that you get 2 products in one (I thought the packaging was quite nice): the tinted side, and the white frosty gloss, which I suppose you could use for other products if you wanted (see my problem with it below). ELF has really nice colours in this line, but unfortunately I have no urge to try them... the coloured side goes on slightly tingly, but the gloss side BURNS like no other! It was extremely distracting for around half an hour. If this is what lip plumping is, I want no part of it :( Another strange thing is that, while I tasted a slight minty taste, my boyfriend (after nearly obliterating the poor lip glaze), started frantically rubbing his tongue, saying that he had "a chemical taste that nothing was supposed to taste like" in his mouth. If you think you're woman enough to handle that and you're aching for plumper lips, I say go for it... just make sure they don't look too kissable. Product link here after the jump.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -E.L.F. - Luscious Liquid Lipstick - ALL
quix 10/14/2007 1:11:00 AM
I bought this product in Ruby Slipper, a nice berry shade. It's sheer but buildable and it looks good on me - definitely not too light (my complexion won't let me wear really light glosses!), but not too dark either, although I suppose it does fall on the dark side. Perfect for autumn and winter! I got the Plumping Lip Glaze in Ruby Slipper too (don't know if it was inadvertent), and it's definitely my colour. It lasts pretty well on me, has a nice shine without being sticky, and doesn't dry out my lips. The packaging is OK for me in a way - it only takes me 2-3 turns to get product to come up, unlike my Revlon Lipglide Sheer product, which can take a REALLY long time. I find that the best thing to do with this type of applicator is to *wait* a while after turning, as the product can take a bit of time to surface; otherwise, you get left with an excess of product! However, my major problem with the packaging is that the applicator is SCRATCHY. It actually has a sharp pokey point, hidden cunningly on it, that can hurt when I apply! Obviously, I have to apply with caution. I took a lippie off for that fault, but no one else seems to have that problem so maybe it's just a defect in mine. I hope it is, because I'll definitely buy this product again. Pink Lemonade '06, Maple Sugar, and Brownie Points all look good to me. The site for this product is here, after the jump.
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Blush -Everyday Minerals - Siesta [DISCONTINUED]
quix 10/9/2007 12:03:00 AM
I got this blush as part of the sample kit; it was in a 2.5g jar packed so full that I managed to press an e/s of it and STILL have 3/4 of the jar left! Anyway, so this blush is comparable to Wet n Wild's Naive, except lighter, more opaque, and a little shimmery - I used them both as eyeshadows one day and they really worked well together! Then I found out you're not supposed to use blush on your eyes, but since Siesta is a mineral blush (containing, according to EM, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide, Zinc Oxide, [may contain Ultramarines] - same ingredients as their eyeshadows), I should be OK! I'm guessing this is not one of the more pigmented blushes out there - I had to pile it on as a shadow - but that's fine with me since I can't apply blush without making it uneven, looking like a clown, or both. I'm warm-toned (NC30-35) and it provides me with a nice flush while its very slight shimmer gives me a nice glow. I've had problems with EM stuff not lasting on me (the rest of my sample kit didn't do so well), but this is the longest-lasting of the bunch for sure. I have tons of this sample left and it takes barely any to create a noticeable effect, so I'm thinking I'm good for... well, forever (that's how long my other blushes are lasting!), but I'd definitely want to repurchase it if I ran out. I'm not a fan of loose blush, since I'm too messy already and it seems so much more chancy, especially in picking it up on your brush, but this is a good enough colour that I'm definitely willing to make the effort.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Samples -Everyday Minerals - Free Sample Makeup Kit [DISCONTINUED/REPLACED]
quix 10/8/2007 11:48:00 PM
This is an amazing deal - you have to give it a try! You get 2.5g jars PACKED FULL (no sifters for me... so SUPER MESSY!) with 3 foundation samples, 1 blush sample, and 1 concealer sample. I got: blush or face color: Siesta 2.5g foundation: (Warm) Warm-Medium Beige 2.5g Intensive foundation: (Golden) Golden-Winged Butter 2.5g Matte foundation: (Olive) Olive-Golden Medium 2.5g Intensive concealer: Mint Color Corrector 2.5g Medium Beige was atrocious on me (I may use it as an orangey e/s...), Winged Butter was somewhat too yellow (makes the PERFECT undereye concealer shade on me tho), and Golden Medium was the closest, but too yellow as well as too olive (dull) for my cheeks. In terms of formulations, I think I actually like the Matte more than the Intensive, to my surprise. I don't feel like they have very good lasting power, but I've neglected them for my Luminesse samples so I can't be too too sure. I loved the Mint concealer, but again (see my review)...staying power not good enough for me. Finally, the Siesta blush! This has probably ended up being my favourite find in the kit after I sort of forsook the Mint concealer. The sample is so big that I managed to press it (I want it as an eyeshadow!) and STILL have 3/4 of the jar full - how amazing is that? I can see it lasting me forever, but if not, I'd definitely get the full size of it. I've already ordered and am anxiously awaiting another sample kit, along with some other goodies from EM (this is how they get you hooked!). I'll go over those too if anything drastic happens with them and my face (in a good way I assume... but also in a bad if it happens). It took 9 business days for my 1st package to reach me, and shipping was $4.87, if anyone in Canada's wondering :)
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Concealers -Everyday Minerals - Mint Concealer
quix 10/8/2007 11:41:00 PM
I got this as part of my free samples kit, and I love it: it's perfect for anyone with really ruddy cheeks! It does a great job of really subtly toning down the red without shouting GREEN at you like many green concealers do, I think b/c it's a powder. I need to cover it with foundation to make it look natural, but that's it. However, this *really* doesn't last as long as I need it to :( I definitely need to try it with a primer (if I ever get myself a primer) because I love the effect it has, but I really depend on it if I want to be able to wear blush without layering foundation on and it just doesn't have enough staying power for me. I'd give it 3.5 lippies because of that.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No