Eye Primer -BeneFit Cosmetics - Stay Don't Stray 
AntiqueGlitter 3/20/2013 9:31:00 PM
I have never used an eyeshadow primer that's bad. Even the e.l.f one I've tried was decent--at least it [somewhat] did the job! Stay Don't Stray doesn't do anything at all. I have somewhat oily eyelids, so creasing is almost inevitable when I wear eyeshadow unless I wear primer or a good base. I decided to stray from my usual Urban Decay Primer Potion this one time simply because I received this for free and wanted to try it out. Bad decision. It's supposed to be a primer for both eyeshadow and concealer, but I've only tried it under eyeshadow. Well, I applied it, and it turns out that it's tinted. The shade is probably NC20 or something of the like, because I'm NC30-35 and it's definitely too pale and too pigmented for my eyelids. After application, I applied eyeshadow, only to find that my eyeshadow was already creasing like a mothereffer after two hours, and it usually doesn't crease until 3 hours after (WITHOUT primer!). Seriously? This is pathetic. Not worth its $24. If you want something decent, save yourself $23 and get the e.l.f Eyelid Primer. Would I purchase? No.
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Lipstick -Revlon - Colorburst Lip Butter - Cherry Tart
AntiqueGlitter 3/12/2013 9:38:00 AM
I picked up Cherry Tart thinking that it'd be the perfect sheer red lipstick, but it's actually a bit too pigmented to be called "sheer." It has medium pigmentation that's very buildable. The shade I was hoping to get was a very sheer red that I can only achieve with this by lightly dabbing my lips with it, or layering on one thin layer, then dabbing with a tissue. But nevertheless, it's a great wearable red with a lustrous finish and some shimmer, though the shimmer doesn't show up on the lips. Like the other Lip Butters, it has a very smooth, creamy, hydrating formula that doesn't bleed or settle into lines. You do need to reapply after 3 hours (2 hours with eating and drinking), but I actually like reapplying lip products, so I don't mind. Overall, great for $7. I only own a few shades, but I will definitely be buying more (as soon as my local drugstores get Sweet Tart and the new Pink Lemonade, Sorbet, and Wild Watermelon shades in stock...). Would I repurchase? Not this shade.
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Concealers -Maybelline - Fit Me
AntiqueGlitter 3/12/2013 9:27:00 AM
Update: Lowering the rating to a 4. This turns oily on my face after 3 or 4 hours and by then, it's already wearing away. You must set it with powder to make it last, but even then, I can't guarantee it'll last all day, and I can't guarantee you'll be shine-free. I love the luminous/dewy look, but this is just plain oily on my normal/combination skin. I thought this was the perfect concealer, but apparently not. *sigh* Still searching for the perfect concealer... Original review: This is perfect for covering face blemishes and dark circles as it doesn't cake up, settle in fine lines, or settle in pores. It also has a very natural finish and lasts all day without looking, oily, fading or transferring. It might be oily by the end of the day for those with oily skin, but it's fine for my normal/combination skin. The one thing I would change about this concealer is the pigmentation. It's funny, because Maybelline says that it's "flawless that lets the real you come through." Well, nobody wants the real them to show through when applying concealer, but it's not sheer at all--it's medium-to-full coverage, but buildable. Its consisency is very nice. It's a creamy liquid that blends seamlessly into the skin and is best applied with fingers. I just dab it straight from the doe foot applicator to my face ("unhygenic" and "bacteria can get on the applicator from your face," I know, but I don't really care because bacteria also lives in your liquid foundation, liquid eyeliner, kitchen, bathroom, and in your mouth, so I'm not going to freak out for no reason here). Also, unlike cream concealers, you don't need to warm it up prior to application. The packaging is also perfect--it's thin and sleek, making it very convenient and travel-friendly. 25 Medium is the perfect match for my NC30-35 skintone with slight yellow undertones, albeit a bit too yellow, but I can make it work. This concealer is quickly replacing all my other [high-end] concealers. I used to have to use multiple concealers for different blemishes in multiple shades, but now I only need this one concealer. Not to mention that it's much cheaper than the others. This is probably the best $5 I've ever spent. Guess I won't be seeing my MAC Studio Finish and YSL Touche Eclat for a while. Would I repurchase? Yes.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Maybelline - Define-A-Line Brownish Black
AntiqueGlitter 3/12/2013 9:08:00 AM
I actually purchased this thinking that it was Define-a-Brow...Then I went home and after a few minutes experimenting with it I finally realized that it was an eyeliner. Oh well. Nonetheless, it's not a bad brow pencil at all. Brownish Black is actually more of a cool-toned dark brown than brownish black, but it definitely works for my naturally black eyebrows (no red undertones, thank God). It's very smooth and glides on easily. I can still do feather-light strokes, but this formula isn't the best I've tried for eyebrows. Then again, it's not meant for the brows, so I can't complain. As an eyeliner, it's pretty bad. It doesn't set itself, so it will definitegly smudge, especially seeing as how easily smudgable the formula is. The smudger is nice, but if you smudge too much, the smudger will actually start to remove the product. I also don't like how the smudger cap falls off too easily. Pretty cheap at only $5. But there are eyeliners that perform like a high-end eyeliner that are even cheaper than this (namely, Prestige and Milani). Would I repurchase? No.
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Eye Shadow -Maybelline - inked in Pink Color Tattoo
AntiqueGlitter 3/11/2013 10:40:00 PM
Update: Just wore this all over the lid, on tear duct, and inner 1/3 of lower lash line with Urban Decay Tease eyeshadow on the outer lid and MAC Vanilla eyeshadow on the browbone and I got so many compliments today! Original review: I rarely wear eyeshadow (when I say "rarely," I mean only a few times a year), but for some reason I needed to have this. When I finally got it, it was everything I was expecting and more. Inked in Pink is the most gorgeous shimmery frosted light pink. It's actually very wearable--it's not too frosty, and it's not bright at all. It's absolute perfection. Not to mention that the formula is incredible. I expected it to be like my Bad to the Bronze formula (which is somewhat hard and thick, but creamy and smooth nonetheless), but it's not. Either I got a bad Bad to the Bronze, or the formula for these new shades are different, because Inked in Pink is much softer, creamier, and smoother. I love it! This creamy formula makes application foolproof, as you can simply blend or pat it all over the lid for a quick wash of color, and you're all set. You don't need primer or anything, because once it dries, it's set and will stay put all day long without any smudging, patching, creasing, or fading. You can vigorously rub your finger on your lids and it still won't budge. Hell, you can shower or go swimming and it won't budge! Inked in Pink has officially got me hooked on eyeshadows now--okay, not "hooked," but I'm for sure going to be wearing eyeshadow more than just a few times a year now! I need to get Barely Branded next! You can't go wrong for only $6 each, compared to MAC Paint Pots that cost three times as much at $18.50. Goodbye, Paint Pots! Would I repurchase? Yes!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous mascara
AntiqueGlitter 3/7/2013 8:38:00 PM
I have tried so, so, SO many mascaras, ranging from the cheapest to the most expensive mascaras, to see if I can find anything better than Voluminous. But I can't. Would I say that Voluminous is the best? Maybe. Would I say that it's is the closest thing to "best" I've used? Yes. You’d think that with such a boring- and traditional-looking tube and wand, it wouldn’t be that great. But there is always comfort in the tried-and-true, and you can’t argue with thousands of raving reviews. I don’t know why I even bother continuously purchasing new mascaras. (Okay, actually, I know why: Because I’m a mascara fanatic and collector, to some extent, and I’m trying to look for a better mascara—while Voluminous is fantastic, it’s not amazingly mind-blowing.) I have mostly straight eyelashes that lack length. What I look for in a mascara is a lot of length, volume, and definition (prioritized in that order), with an ever-so-slightly wet formula so that I can easily build it. While this doesn’t give me ginormous eyelashes by itself, it delivers everything that I want, without clumps, flakes, or smudges. One coat gives some length and a bit of volume, but like any other mascara, I always layer on three coats to achieve the full potential of the product. I'd say it's pretty buildable, but after three coats, it clumps. If I ever do want ginormous eyelashes, I pair it with Dior Diorshow Maximizer, which is a mascara primer that delivers much volume, length, and separation so that any mascara you put on top of that just creates more drama. I’m not even finished with my first tube of this, but that’s only because since I have so many mascaras, I often switch it up as well as layer multiple mascaras simply for the sake of using them all up. Voluminous does begin to clump after a few months, but it’s nothing major at all. The clumping is just due to excessive air exposure—the same applies to any other mascara. Retailing at only $6, you really can’t go wrong. Would I repurchase? Yes.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Brows -Maybelline - Expert Eyes Twin Brow & Eye Pencils
AntiqueGlitter 3/3/2013 8:18:00 PM
I'm pretty sure this product has been discontinued. I have black eyebrows, so I went with Dark Brown. Dark Brown is a medium-to-dark brown with strong red undertones. Even when I swatched it on my hand I knew it would be red. I then lightly filled in my brows with it, and it looked horrendously red. I certainly don't blame Maybelline for this shade not matching my brows, but there are very few people with brows that are naturally reddish brown. That said, this pencil does the job. I guess it's good for people that don't need anything spectacular or needs a temporary replacement, but the wear time isn't great. It's also supposed to double as an eyeliner, but I haven't tried that because I think it's too dry for that purpose. It is, however, dirt cheap at only $3! Would I repurchase? No.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - ColorBurst Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti
AntiqueGlitter 2/27/2013 8:12:00 PM
Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters aren't what you'd imagine when you hear "lip butter"--they're very pigmented, and rather thick and heavy with a smooth creamy formula. I find that this description is consistent with all the shades that I've tried, including Tutti Frutti. Tutti Frutti looks like a pure bright orange in the tube, but it's actually a very flattering, wearable bright orange-peach. It does have a nice shiny finish. I'm NC30 for reference, but when I was NC35 it looked just as great on me! The best thing about this shade is that it's very buildable. You can put on one or two layers for a lovely pop of coral (because the pink in your natural lip color shows through), or you can layer on three to four layers for a brighter, more orange hue. I personally like to wear two layers, but if I don't want the shininess, I apply four layers then lightly blot twice. This shade, like all orange lipsticks, are best worn with bold eyebrows and minimal eye makeup. For me, I do need to reapply once or twice (especially if I'm eating or drinking) during the day, but I don't mind reapplication. It's also somewhat moisturizing, but nonetheless, it CAN emphasize dryness. It retails for around $7. Would I repurchase? Yes.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Misc Beauty Tools -Shu Uemura - Eyelash Curler
AntiqueGlitter 2/21/2013 2:34:00 PM
I've tried the MAC, Revlon, and e.l.f eyelash curlers, all of which are just meh. They made me think that all eyelash curlers are the same. But after hearing all the hype about the Shu Uemera one and how it's a must-have for makeup artists backstage at fashion shows, I had to have it. It changed my viewpoint on eyelash curlers. They are NOT, in fact, all the same, and this lash curler proves my point. Its shape comfortably conforms to the curvature of my eyes, unlike the MAC one, that was far too curved and its corners dug into my eyes (ouch). The pad also, for some reason, curves my lashes better than all the other ones I've tried. It doesn't crimp my lashes to a 90 angle--no, it actually curls them, and my lashes actually stay that way. If you have a problem with drooping, or de-curling lashes, heat your eyelash curler under your blowdryer for 2-3 seconds, which should be enough to not overheat, but just in case, touch it with your fingers to make sure it's not too hot before curling. $20 really is expensive for a basic eyelash curler like this one, regardless of its performance, but since one eyelash curler should last me a lifetime, that can justify its high price point. Would I repurchase? Should I somehow lose mine, yes, I would repurchase.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Maybelline - Super Stay 24 Hour Concealer
AntiqueGlitter 2/12/2013 10:15:00 PM
This concealer is absolutely fantastic for blemishes. It delivers full coverage with a matte finish. I don't recommend it to be used on dark circles not only because it isn't intended to be used on dark circles, but also because its thickness is not ideal for the delicate, thin eye area. I suggest you use a thinner, lighter coverage concealer for that, such as Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch. Superstay really does stay for a long time. It lasts all day without having to touch-up--no fading, patching, transferring, or oiliness. And I didn't even set it with powder! My only complaint that I blame myself for is the shade that I got! I purchased Ivory, because it looked somewhat like my NC30-35 skin tone (slight yellow undertones) in the store, but shame on Rite Aid's lighting and my lack of not seeing swatches before buying, because when I got home and swatched it, it was way too light! I was hoping it could at least match the lightest part of my face (jawline), but nope. I don't want to throw it away, so I'm just going to keep it to lighten my too-dark face makeup or use it as an eyeshadow base. I was considering Light, but that seemed like it had strong pink undertones. The only other options available were Medium Beige and Dark Beige. Next time I'm picking up Medium Beige for sure. Regarding the packaging, it's a plastic bottle with a doe's foot applicator. Not really special. I purchased it for around $7, which is about the retail price. Would I repurchase? Yes.
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Eye Shadow -NARS - Outremer
AntiqueGlitter 2/11/2013 6:00:00 PM
Outremer is a matte bright electric blue. I've been looking for an eyeshadow like this forever (okay, well, actually only since I saw it on the Anna Sui and Stella McCartney runway during NYFW), but everything I've seen was too turquoise, too dark, too purple, not bright enough, or had shimmer. But Outremer? Dude, it's 100% pure PERFECTION. The pigmentation isn't great, but that's what's so great about it--you can apply one layer for a nice wearable blue, or you can apply it wet or over a heavy layer of UDPP to apply true to its color (or pack on 4-5 layers). Its bright blue color makes my dark brown eyes pop! For a special occasion, I've worn it as a super dramatic, head-turning smokey eye, with this on the upper lid and lower lash line, Dior Diorshow Mascara in Azure Blue (it's the same electric blue as Outremer), a thin line of MAC Blacktrack on the upper lash line for a bit of definition, and soft nude lips. Can you say "glamorous"? For a more toned-down daytime look, I wore neutral eyeshadow on the upper lids and lined my lower lash line with this, finished with black mascara and a bit of black liner on the upper lash line. I have also worn it as a cream/liquid eyeliner. For liquid, I mix it with Fix+. For cream, I mix it with MAC Mixing Medium, or any white cream product. You can do this with any eyeshadow. You can also wear it as a mascara by mixing it with a white mascara primer. No matter what the look I create with this, I always get compliments! That's one of the reasons why I love it, but honestly, I love it pretty much for the color. Otherwise, the formula isn't that great. It's smooth, but it's not soft, nor is it very buttery. The longetivity, on the other hand, is great. On my bare semi-oily eyelids, it lasts for a good 7 hours. With a primer or base, it lasts all day long. The packaging is just the classic, iconic NARS black, ultra-slim, ultra-chic compact with a full-sized mirror. It retails at $24 for 0.07 oz. of product. Would I repurchase? A billion times!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -NYX - Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil - Milk
AntiqueGlitter 2/10/2013 3:59:00 AM
Milk is a matte, slightly off-white white that I think is a must-have for all eyeshadow wearers. It's fantastic as a highlight on the browbone and tear duct, and it can also be worn as a base to make eyeshadows "pop", or even on the waterline to make your eyes appear bigger and brighter. If worn as a base, however, it does tend to crease, as all the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils do. However, as with all cream products, the more your build, the more it'll crease. Creasing minimizes with a primer and/or MAC Paint Pot or Maybelline Color Tattoo underneath, but I shouldn't really have to. But, for the $4.50 price tag for a full 5 grams of product, I'm not going to complain (I bought mine for only $3.40 each from Cherry Culture, yeeeee). This seems cheap enough, but it's a total steal compared to Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencils, that cost $20 each for 2.8 g, or even worse, Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks, that cost $24 each for only 0.05 g! Would I repurchase? Yes.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -NYX - Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil - Cottage Cheese
AntiqueGlitter 2/10/2013 3:51:00 AM
Cottage Cheese is a metallic white that's great as a highlighter on the browbone and tearduct. It's a bit too pigmented and stark on my NC35 skintone for a face highlighter, but I'm sure it'll work on fair[er] skintones. Its pencil shape is fantastic for touch-ups and on-the-go highlighting! I use this in lieu of Milk as a base if I want my eyeshadows to have a bit more shimmer. It does crease a bit, but for some reason this creases less than the other shimmery shades. As with all cream products, the more product you build, the more it's going to crease. I find creasing minimizes with Urban Decay Primer Potion and/or MAC Paint Pot or Maybelline Color Tattoo underneath. But considering it only costs $4.50 each for 5 whole grams of product, it's fantastic enough as it is. As much as I love Urban Decay and Laura Mercier, I'd buy these any day over Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencils, that cost $20 each for 2.8 g, or, even worse, Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks that cost $24 each for only 0.05 g! Would I repurchase? Yes.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -NYX - Jumbo Eye Pencil in Iced Mocha
AntiqueGlitter 2/10/2013 3:43:00 AM
Iced Mocha is a taupe with silver shimmer. MAC Satin Taupe is similar, but more plummy. It can be worn all over the lid, paired with other eyeshadows, or as a base. I personally apply it directly to the lid, then blend it out with my fingers, but I know some people like to apply it with a brush. I personally only use a brush if I want to use it as an eyeliner, but either way works. I lowered the rating because it does crease. The creasing minimizes when I wear Urban Decay Primer Potion and/or MAC Paint Pot or Maybelline Color Tattoo underneath, but I really would prefer not to, and I shouldn't have to. But, as with all cream products, the more product you use, the more it's going to crease. But nonetheless it lasts a good 6 hours, despite the creasing, and it's great since it costs $4.50 each. I bought mine for $3.40 each from Cherry Culture! It's also DIRT CHEAP considering it has 5 g of product, versus Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Pencils, that cost $20 for 2.8 g, or even worse, Laura Mercier Caviar Sticks, that cost $24 for only 0.05 g! Would I repurchase? Yes.
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Eye Shadow -NYX - Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencil - Yogurt
AntiqueGlitter 2/10/2013 3:29:00 AM
Yogurt is a shimmery light pink-champagne that's very comparable to Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencils in Sin. It's versatile and can be worn as an all-over-lid wash, paired with other eyeshadows, as a base to bring out the color of other eyeshadows, or as a highlight (for eyes and the face, but for the face you might want to apply translucent powder on top). The formula is very creamy, smooth, and generally long-lasting. I apply it directly to the lid then blend it out with my fingers, but I know a number of people who prefer to use a brush. Either way works, really. However, I lowered the rating because it creases. Based on the other reviews here, I'm not the only one who has experienced this. The creasing does minimize with Urban Decay Primer Potion and/or a MAC Paint Pot or Maybelline Color Tattoo underneath, but the creasing isn't completely eliminated, and I would rather not need to wear anything underneath. Despite the creasing, though, it lasts for a good solid 6 hours. Also, the pricing is incredibly cheap! It retails for $4.50 each, but I bought mine from Cherry Culture for $3.40 each! With 5 g of product, you can be sure it's going to last you a long time. Would I repurchase? Yes, but mainly because I'd rather not pay $20 for UD 24/7 Shadow Pencils that have 2.8 g, or, even worse, $24 for LM Caviar Sticks that only have 0.05 g!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No