Concealers -MAC - PRO Conceal and Correct Palette
AntiqueGlitter 2/6/2013 9:47:00 AM
The unevenness of my skin tone is what makes foundation and concealer such a pain in the *ss AND a pain the wallet! My forehead is darker than the rest of my face, my temples are darker than my forehead, and my lower cheeks (around the jawline) is paler than the rest of my face. My inner cheeks have redness and the rest of my cheeks and nose are normal. So what happens when I have a pimple on my jawline, forehead, and cheek? I need to use three different concealers. This palette is the answer to my problem. Why didn't MAC come out with this before? I purchased this in Medium, which includes NW25, NC30, NW30, NC35, a yellow corrector, and a peach corrector. They also have this available in Light (NC15, W10, NC20, NW20), Medium Deep (NC40, NW40, NC42, NW43), and Dark (NC45, NW45, NC50, NW55). All the palettes includes a yellow and peachy corrector. Although the lightest shade is still a bit too dark for my jawline, I can deal with it. Nonetheless, this palette is still absolutely amazing! I can simply mix whatever shades, and I have my very own custom concealer! Concealer/corrector palettes aren't a new concept, but I like this palette better than all the other ones out there. My only complaint is that the coverage is not up to par with the opaque Studio Finish Concealers, but I guess these are buildable. When I run out, I'm just going to scoop out my Studio Finish Concealers (and other cream concealers) and put them in this palette, for convenience and its travel-friendliness. It retails for $40. Would I repurchase? Yes.
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Palettes -NARS - The Happening Palette
AntiqueGlitter 2/4/2013 9:13:00 PM
The NARS The Happening Eye & Cheek Colour Palette is a limited edition palette released for the NARS Spring 2013 collection. It includes a blush, four eyeshadows, and a bronzer. I purchased this in my recent NARS haul along with the And God Created the Woman Set (separate review) and a number of other products, and for the most part I'm pretty satisfied with this. Below, I listed all the shades along with their description, pigmentation level, and personal notes, when applicable: -Orgasm (blush): Peachy-pink with gold shimmer (good pigmentation) (best-selling) -Night Star (eyeshadow): Sheer peach with a sheen (decent pigmentation) -Gstaad (eyeshadow): Shimmery taupe (good pigmentation) (new, limited edition) -Kuala Lumpur (eyeshadow): Shimmery warm plummy mauve with gold shimmer (good pigmentation) -Coconut Grove (eyeshadow): Matte deep cool brown (excellent pigmentation) (darker than MAC Brun) -Laguna (bronzer): Warm brown with subtle gold reflects (good pigmentation) The eyeshadows in this palette are lacking in pigmentation, so I recommend you apply them wet, and/or layer them on top of a colored base. For that reason, I had to lower the rating. Orgasm and Laguna, however, are iconic shades, and they're also old favorites of mine. It kind of annoyed me that they keep including these shades in every single set and palette, but I guess it's a good thing since I don't need to repurchase them, right? Regardless, Orgasm is my holy grail powder blush and Laguna is a fantastic bronzer. Both deliver a lovely glow for my NC35 complexion. This palette retails for $65, and to the extent of my knowledge, it's currently only available at Nordstrom and the NARS website. Considering it comes with this many shades, this price is pretty reasonable. I personally only think it's worth it if you want to try out NARS eyeshadows and Orgasm and/or Laguna, otherwise, you can pass, but if you want it, by all means, get it! Don't let my opinion stop you! The packaging is a sleek classic NARS compact that's slim and very travel-friendly. Would I repurchase? No.
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Palettes -NARS - And God Created the Woman Set (LE)
AntiqueGlitter 2/4/2013 7:43:00 PM
And God Created the Woman is a Sephora-exclusive limited edition set of an all-neutral 6-pan eyeshadow palette, a short-handled #3 Eye Shader Brush, and a travel-sized Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Primer. The palette itself is smaller than I anticipated. Eyeballing it, it's longer than a NARS compact by about an inch or two, so it's not large, nor is it tiny. The included brush's length is longer than the palette as well. The 6 eyeshadows included are: Alhambra, Bellisima, Kalahari, Galapagos, Coconut Grove, and Night Clubbing. The first three shades are from NARS eyeshadow duos and the last three shades are NARS eyeshadow singles, so these aren't new shades. Below, I listed all the shades in addition to their shade description, pigmentation, and personal notes, when applicable. I marked my favorites with an asterisk (*): -Alhambra*: Shimmery pale pink-champagne (excellent pigmentation) (less frosty, more pink than Stila Kitten) (more shimmery than MAC Naked Lunch) -Bellisima: Matte cool taupe (excellent pigmentation) (cooler than UD Tease) -Kalahari*: Shimmery warm champagne (excellent pigmentation) (lighter than MAC Sable) -Galapagos: Chocolate brown with glitter (good pigmentation) (glitter is more refined on the lids) -Coconut Grove: Matte blackened brown (excellent pigmentation) (darker than MAC Brun) -Night Clubbing*: Shimmery green-tinged black with gold glitter (excellent pigmentation) (glitter is more refined on the lids) (to translate its true color--green tint, gold glitter, and all--on your lids, pat it on--don't smudge--with a very dense eyeshadow brush and apply it wet with MAC Fix+. Water works too, but I find Fix+ helps more with the glitter) This is my first experience with NARS eyeshadows, yet this is now my current favorite palette! This is one of the very few palettes that I'm actually content with all the shades. I think the eyeshadows are the perfect combination of cool, warm, light, and dark shades. They're gorgeous and well-coordinated, and, being a fantastic day-to-night palette, they're incredibly versatile at the same time--in other words, perfect! The formula is very smooth, finely milled, and buttery--just like my Dior and HG Urban Decay eyeshadows! I was excited to test the brush, as I've seen NARS artists use this brush in live demos and videos, but I'm not as 'wow'ed with the brush as I am with the palette. But, still. It's a keeper. It's a good quality brush that picks up pigmentation well. I haven't experienced shedding, but I've only used it twice. It's not super soft or too rough. I prefer my MAC 239, but this isn't bad by any means! It's a good addition to any brush collection! The set retails at $59. Supposedly, it's a $105 value, but these eyeshadows only have 0.03 oz. of product, versus NARS eyeshadow singles with 0.07 oz. of product--in other words, less than half of the available amount in the full-sized singles. Regardless, this set is still a fantastic steal, and the price is actually much less than I anticipated it to be prior to its official release. Considering it's limited edition and exclusive to Sephora, if you're interested, I would purchase it quick! Would I repurchase? No, because I doubt I'll finish these up. By the time I do, this set will be loooong forgotten.
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Maybelline - Lust for Blush Color Whisper
AntiqueGlitter 2/3/2013 5:07:00 PM
Lust for Blush is a soft nude pink that matches everything and looks fantastic for everyday wear! I also think it resembles MAC Angel fairly well. The only difference, I would say, is that Lust for Blush is a bit darker, and it's also sheerer (light-to-medium pigmentation, buildable to medium pigmentation) and delivers a glossy finish. For that reason, I actually slightly prefer Lust for Blush, because I don't have to blot it like I have to do with Angel, since I'm NC30-35 and Angel somewhat washes me out. The formula is very smooth and glides on nicely. It lasts for a few hours on me and it's not very moisturizing, so wear a balm underneath. But remember that Maybelline doesn't claim these to be moisturizing, nor do they claim these to be pigmented. They retail for about $6-$7 each. Would I repurchase? Yes.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Whisper in Bare to be Bold
AntiqueGlitter 2/3/2013 5:02:00 PM
Bare to be Bold is a beige nude with the slightest hint of pink. I think it's the pink, sheerness, and glossiness that makes this shade a wearable nude for all skintones. Although, personally, I find that this is one is sheerer than the others Color Whispers I own (Pin Up Peach, Coral Ambition, and Lust for Blush), hence the rating of a 4. It has light pigmentation and it's not as buildable as the others either. It works for my NC30-35 skintone, but it's not my favorite nude lipstick (that would be MAC Blankety). It glides on smoothly and lasts for a few hours, but I don't mind reapplication. It's also not very moisturizing, so I recommend you wear a lip balm underneath, but please note that Maybelline doesn't claim these to be moisturizing, nor do they claim these to be pigmented, so you can't blame them for its lack of moisturizing ingredients and pigments! It retails for $6-$7. Would I repurchase? No.
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Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Whisper in Coral Ambition
AntiqueGlitter 2/3/2013 4:53:00 PM
Coral Ambition is a pastel coral that leans more towards orange than pink. It's a great alternative for those who want to wear coral lips but are color-shy, as Coral Ambition is sheer, but it's buildable to medium pigmentation. It might not show up as well on pigmented lips, so I actually don't recommend any of the Color Whispers for those with pigmented lips, except for maybe the darker shades. The formula is very smooth; it glides on nicely and only stays for a few hours, but I don't mind reapplication. Also, they aren't drying, nor are they moisturizing, so if you have chapped lips then I recommend you wear a lip balm underneath. Please note that Maybelline doesn't claim these to be pigmented, nor do they claim these to be moisturizing. They retail for about $6-$7 each. Would I repurchase? Yes.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Whisper in Pin Up Peach
AntiqueGlitter 2/3/2013 4:46:00 PM
Pin Up Peach is a cross between peach and coral. It's the perfect shade for that lovely pop of color during the spring/summer, and it's looks fantastic on my NC30-35 skintone! Although I should mention that lipsticks look different on different people depending on how pigmented your lips are and what your natural lip color is. I have medium-pigmented lips and Pin Up Peach turned out to have light-to-medium pigmentation on me, but it's buildable to medium pigmentation. It delivers a glossy finish. For the most part the formula is very smooth and lightweight. It only lasts a few hours on me, but I don't mind reapplication. It's not moisturizing, nor is it drying, so if you have chapped lips then please wear a balm underneath! Please note that Maybelline does not claim these to be pigmented, nor do they claim these to be moisturizing. They retail for $6-$7 each. Would I repurchase? Yes.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Maybelline - Color Whisper
AntiqueGlitter 2/3/2013 4:35:00 PM
Maybelline Color Whispers are available in 20 shades: Go Nude, Bare to be Bold, Some Like it Taupe, Mocha Muse, Lust for Blush, Pin Up Peach, Coral Ambition, Orange Attitude, Wow Red-Reder, Cherry on Top, One Size Fits Pearl, Petal Rebel, Pink Possibilities, Faint for Fuchsia, Rose of Attraction, Made it Mauve, Berry Ready, Oh La Lilac, Mad for Magenta, and A Plum Prospect. I purchased Lust for Blush, Pin Up Peach, Coral Ambition, and Bare to be Bold. Please refer to my reviews for these individual shades for a description of each shade. For my next trip to the drugstore I'm definitely picking up Orange Attitude and Pink Possibilities next, because these are fantastic! Color Whispers aren't tinted lip balms; they're sheer lipsticks. Maybelline doesn't claim these to be pigmented, nor do they claim these to be moisturizing, so for those of you complaining about that, you can't really blame Maybelline for that. Prior to testing these out, I expected them to be glossy, sheer lipsticks that wouldn't last more than a few hours and would be somewhat drying. Well, I was right. The pigmentation is subtle but noticeable. On my medium-pigmented lips, I would say the pigmentation is about light-to-medium, although its smooth formula allows it to be buildable. I wouldn't bother with these if you have pigmented lips. It does give a little bit of a slip, and it only lasted about 4-ish hours, but reapplication isn't a big deal to me anyway. The finish is shiny, but not mirror-shine glossy. It's not very moisturizing, but it's not drying either. I find wearing a lip balm underneath helps. One of my favorite aspects of Color Whispers is the shade selection. More often than not, I'm often intrigued by a product's concept, but then I'm disappointed with the shade selection, so I move onto another product. This is what happened with Revlon Colorburst Lip Butters. I like the Lip Butters, but the shades are no-go, plus the name is misleading--they're more like opaque, creamy, heavy lipsticks than what you imagine when you hear "lip butter". Color Whispers, on the other hand, have shades that appeal more to me, and the formula is smooth, but lightweight and semi-sheer. In other words, these are PERFECT for me. I'm not too keen on the packaging--it looks kind of cheap, and I prefer Revlon Lip Butters' packaging more--but it's sturdy, and therefore tolerable. They retail for about $6-$7 each. Would I repurchase? Yes.
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Powder -Hourglass - Ambient Lighting Powder
AntiqueGlitter 2/1/2013 10:07:00 PM
I was interally debating whether to categorize this product as a highlighter or powder. I settled on powder because this is more of an illuminating powder than a spot highlighter. Ambient Lighting Powders are my first experience with the brand Hourglass, and I think it's safe to say that this product has left me with a more-than-satisfactory first impression. The concept behind this powder is very innovative, and--dare I say?-- genius. This powder is available in 6 shades: Ethereal Light, Mood Light, Diffused Light, Luminous Light, Radiant Light, and Dim Light, each of which are supposed to mimic its corresponding light. As we all know, lighting makes an incredible difference in appearance of our makeup. These powders were created to mimic the effect of its corresponding light and capture the way the light reflects off your skin. Think of it like your own personal lighting technician, only in compact form. I wouldn't go as far as to say it's that dramatic or amazing, but it IS a great illuminating powder. I currently only own two shades, Dim Light and Luminous Light, but I will be testing, if not purchasing, additional shades in the near future. I'm currently eyeing Ethereal Light in particular, although I'm definitely loving Dim and Luminous! Please read my reviews for the individual shades for a description of each shade as well as a review on its performance. If you're fair- or dark-skinned, don't let the colors of these powders intimidate you; since they're illuminating, they're sheer. The only thing that should transfer onto your skin is the glow and perhaps a tiny bit of color, so if you're interested in a shade, don't hesitate because of its color in the pan! Also, they don't control oil, nor are they meant to, so if you have oily skin, use a mattifying primer underneath. If you have super oily skin, you may want to use both a mattifying primer and a matte powder, then topping it off with this powder. Some blurring of pores and lines does occur, but it's not going to make them disappear. If you want them to disappear, use a pore- and line-minimizing primer, such as Benefit The POREfessional or L'Oreal Magic Perfecting Base. Otherwise, don't expect miracles! Regarding the packaging, it isn't spectacular; it's a simple compact with a full-sized mirror. The compact is actually too thick for my liking (I prefer NARS and MAC compacts), but it's tolerable. There is also a separate brush that was created specifically for this powder, called the Ambient Powder Brush, which you can purchase for $35. I don't particularly feel the need to purchase it, as I simply use a fluffy powder brush (MAC 150 or 129) to apply this, which works perfectly fine. It's definitely pricey at $45 for 0.35 oz., but I can imagine that one compact will last a long time. Would I repurchase? Yes.
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Powder -Hourglass - Ambient Lighting Powder in Luminous Light
AntiqueGlitter 2/1/2013 9:53:00 PM
Ambient Lighting Powders are supposed to mimic its corresponding light in its shade name. Luminous Light, according to Hourglass, is described as a "champagne pearl". It gives a lovely luminosity that's more like a healthy glow, versus a sun-kissed or surreal, angelic glow. Compared to Dim Light, it's less peachy and more champagne in color, and gives a more prominent glow than Dim does. There is minimal blurring of pores and lines. I don't recommend these for oily skin unless you wear a mattifying primer as these don't control oil. There is also a separate brush that was created specifically for this powder, which you can purchase for $35, however I don't particularly feel the need to purchase it, as I simply use a fluffy powder brush (MAC 150) to apply this, which works perfectly fine. It's definitely pricey at $45 for 0.35 oz., but I can imagine that one compact will last a long time. Would I repurchase? Yes.
8 out of 8 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Powder -Hourglass - Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim Light
AntiqueGlitter 2/1/2013 8:23:00 PM
Ambient Lighting Powders are supposed to mimic its corresponding light of its shade name. Dim Light, according to Hourglass, is described as a "neutral peach beige". Shade-wise, this seems pretty accurate. It's definitely a peachy beige. Dim Light delivers a subtle, but noticeable glow that looks absolutely fantastic under any and all lighting types. The luminosity is suitable for both daytime and nighttime wear. Its peachiness isn't too obvious on my NC35 skintone, but it does neutralize my slight yellow undertones somewhat. The finish is gorgeous! There is minimal blurring of pores and lines. I don't recommend this for oily skin unless you wear a mattifying primer as these powders don't control oil. There is a separate brush available that's meant specifically for application of this powder, but I don't feel like shelling out $35 when my MAC 150 brush works perfectly fine for this powder. It's definitely pricey at $45 for 0.35 oz., but I can imagine that one compact will last a long time. Would I repurchase? Yes.
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Neutrogena - All-In-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipes
AntiqueGlitter 1/31/2013 6:55:00 PM
These are great makeup removers! I only use these for my eye makeup because there's no way that a makeup remover can completely remove face makeup. They can remove the surface makeup, but I honestly see no point in using it on my face if I'm just going to cleanse my face later on, since my cleanser thoroughly removes face makeup. That said, one refill pack (the pack that doesn't come with the plastic case) only includes 25 wipes. 25 doesn't seem like much, but one wipe lasts me about 5-7 eye makeup applications (only mascara, occasionally eyeliner). It removes both washable and waterproof makeup. I bought them for about $6.50 for 25 wipes, which is actually somewhat pricey. If you use these for your face as well, you may want to get the store brand makeup removing wipes because I honestly think that they work just the same. The Rite Aid brand cost one dollar cheaper, and it came with more wipes. I should have bought that instead. Would I repurchase? Maybe.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -MAC - Mineralize Skinfinish Natural - Medium
AntiqueGlitter 1/30/2013 9:42:00 PM
I'll admit, the first few times I used this, it gave me break-outs, which made me steer clear of it for several years, but I gave it another shot, with the hype and all, and I like it (no break-outs). I don't love it, but I've hit pan--that should tell you something. It delivers light-to-medium coverage and a flawless semi-matte finish. On others it looks very natural and lovely, like a satin finish, but on me it's a bit too matte for my liking. It is, however, one of the most natural-looking powders I've encountered, right behind Bare Minerals. Luckily, though, I can just spritz my face with MAC Fix+ (magic in a bottle!) and it'll look much more natural with that hint of dewiness that I love. On one of gossmakeupartist's YouTube videos, he says that this can be applied damp (brush spritzed with water or Fix+) to give a beautiful finish. I still have to try that sometime. For those worrying about it getting a "wet spot" in the product, it won't, because this is a baked product. On the contrary, the coverage isn't buildable regardless of application method. I've tried it with the MAC 150, 129, 187, and a powder puff and it delivers the same coverage. I like to apply it with the 150. Other than using this for blotting and touching up throughout the day, as it does in fact control oil, and for setting makeup, you can also use it as a foundation if you're into powders with light coverage. Likewise, as these are sheer, you can also use a darker shade as a bronzer. I know a makeup artist who loves to use this for natural-looking contouring. I don't wear this everyday, but when I do, I use it as a foundation with a concealer and Fix+ on top, and then I put it in my bag for touch-ups, when needed. But...I absolutely hate that this doesn't include a mirror. MAC markets this as a touch-up/setting powder, yet it doesn't have a mirror? Nope, it just comes with an annoying, flimsy, cheap plastic...thing...that barely surpasses as a cover. I just toss that out. It'd be absolutely perfect if it came in the Studio Fix Powder or Bronzing Powder compact! Packaging Quality rating earns a 2/5. I own this in Medium Plus and it's a great match for my NC30-35 skin tone (I have slight yellow undertones). It's a bit too pink, but it works. I use Medium Dark in the summer when I'm NC35-40. For those of you wondering, all the shades have a neutral undertone. The Plus shades are ever so slightly darker and a tiny bit more yellow. It retails for $29 for 10g/0.35 oz. Would I repurchase? Yes.
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Concealers -Chanel - Eclat Lumiere Highlighting Face Pen
AntiqueGlitter 1/29/2013 8:11:00 PM
This is a comparison review of Chanel Eclat Lumiere to YSL Touche Eclat. Essentially, products like these are illuminating concealers. Since their illuminating aspect is their main feature, they're not meant to be used on lieu of a proper concealer, hence their coverage isn't up to par with other concealers. Eclat Lumiere has more coverage than Touche Eclat, which I actually dislike since my dark circles aren't very prominent in the first place, hence I prefer lighter coverage products on my under eyes. Touche Eclat provides just that. I recommend Eclat Lumiere for those with darker, more prominent dark circles. Because Eclat Lumiere has slightly heavier coverage, it looks less natural, and it's not even the slightest bit brightening. Touche Eclat, on the other hand, is more natural-looking and somewhat brightening. Also, both products are said to be able to be used as a highlighter. I strongly disagree. Highlighters have sheer to no coverage (only the light-reflecting particles should show--there shouldn't be any pigments), and these have enough pigment to be labeled as a concealer, and too much pigment to be labeled as a highlighter. I tried using it on my nose bridge and it simply ended up looking like I, well, put concealer on my nose. Eclat Lumiere lasts for 4 hours; Touche Eclat lasts for 7 hours on me. Both have a smooth, creamy, blendable consistency, but I prefer YSL's simply because it doesn't take forever to dry and set like Eclat Lumiere's does. I also prefer YSL's iconic luxurious gold packaging. :b Both feature a click pen with a silicone brush tip. For some reason, the Chanel associate matched me to 50 Medium Deep, the darkest shade. I'm NC35 (well, NC30 now, since for some reason I'm unbelievably pale this winter) and it's too dark! 35 Medium is probably my match. In Touche Eclat, 5.0 is too dark and 3.5 matches well. My biggest complaint of Eclat Lumiere is its price. I'm well accustomed to high-end prices, but this is way too overpriced--$40 for only 0.04 oz., which is no more than two months' worth of product. Touche Eclat also costs $40, but it has 0.1 oz.--more than double the amount! Would I repurchase? No.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -MAC - Select Moisturecover
AntiqueGlitter 1/26/2013 11:15:00 PM
(EDIT 1/29: Applied it with a concealer brush on my dark circles. This method actually gave coverage, but the coverage still wasn't good. But this is actually a good thing to me because completely covered dark circles looks extremely scarily unnatural on me--it covers just enough of my under eyes to still look natural on me! LOVE. Bumping up the rating from a 4 to a 5!) I purchased this because I wanted something a little lighter and less cakey than Studio Finish, despite my immense love for it. I was leaning towards Pro Longwear, but the whole pump-dispenses-too-much-product issue really didn't appeal to me. So I bought Select Moisturecover, which is just right. It covers my blemishes amazingly well, from dark marks to the occasional pimple, but the best part about it that will make me repurchase is the fact that it looks SO natural! Its hydrating qualities are probably the reason for this. Not that other concealers look unnatural on me, but I didn't even know concealers could look like my own skin! I'm not one that uses concealers for dark circles, but since Select Moisturecover's primary purpose is to hide dark circles, I tried it on mine, and it did absolutely nothing. Other than the fact that it somewhat settled into the lines (yes, I'm 17 and I've had fine lines under my eyes since age 11), it was like I had put nothing on at all. I tried to pat it on, rub it on, layer it, apply it and then blend out the edges--whatever I did, it didn't cover any of my dark circles. And my dark circles aren't even that bad in the first place! Also, the wear time isn't very impressive. It only lasts for a few hours before it begins to fade. I can set it with a powder, but then it wouldn't look natural, and that would defeat the purpose of even wearing this concealer in the first place, since the only reason why I'd wear this instead of Studio Finish is because how natural it looks. Do you see my dilemma here? Lol. I should also note that this runs a little dark...I'm NC35 and NC30 ended up being the perfect match for me (hence why it looks so natural!). The packaging is just the typical concealer bottle with a doe's foot applicator. It retails for $18 for a 0.17 oz. bottle. Would I repurchase? Yes.
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