Makeup Brushes -Sonia Kashuk - Large crease brush- white handle
starbuck65 2/15/2011 3:09:00 PM
I use this as a blending brush mostly but even though my eyes are smaller I can still use this in the crease. It is, hands down, my favorite brush for blending! I have the MAC 217,222,224,226, Nars 12, 13...the list goes on...and on...and on. I thought I'd just keep buying brushes but this one is it for me! It doesn't shed, it holds its shape well after washing. My other brushes tend to either be too long/flimsy or not quite firm enough to blend out shadows. This is absolute perfection! I have two, will buy more! It's probably my favorite brush that I own and I own loads! I love this brush!
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Eyeliner -BeneFit Cosmetics - Eye Bright
starbuck65 1/5/2011 8:05:00 PM
Yes, I'd buy it again. Is it a must have? Eh...I use it everyday in the inner corner shadows but I think a light shade of a heavy duty concealer might do the trick as well. It is a pale pink but once on and blended in it looks light, not pale pink, over my shadows, not white, just light. So, it does a good job of brightening. I would never, ever put this under my eyes as it would just cake up and look dry on me, but I can see how this could work for some. It also works well under my brows, I tend to use this more often than High Brow. I don't see any frost or sheen from this at all. It does brighten, it doesn't look dry or chalky on me so I'll keep buying this.
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Primer/ Corrector -Smashbox - Photo Finish Targeted Pore & Line Primer
starbuck65 1/5/2011 7:53:00 PM
I'd buy it again. I don't have large pores but I've noticed in a magnified mirror that this was something that I might like on my nose and for some reason my chin. It works well for me on my pores... as far as lines, I think it works pretty well, I prefer MAC P+P Line Filler on my expression lines on my forehead - works LOADS better but for pores this works just as well as MAC for me. It is quite a thick product so I imagine it would work really well on someone with more oily skin but having dry skin myself, it's fine.
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Eye Primer -Smashbox - Photo Finish Lid Primer
starbuck65 1/5/2011 7:45:00 PM
I was surprised by the low ratings on this primer, not that it's a remarkable primer, it's average. I didn't find that TFSI or UDPP or even e.l.f.'s dollar primer was any worse or any better. It's just a primer that keeps my eyeshadow on apparently for more than 24 hours because I fell asleep with my make up (don't tell anyone). It does even out the color of my lids ever so slightly but I don't have any real discoloration so if you want something that's going to do that as well as keep your shadow in place, this isn't it. I have dry skin but my eyelids are normal, not oily or dry. This is an in between primer for me. e.l.f. primer has quite a bit of dimethicone it it that some people describe as oily, TFSI is a bit drying, as are MAC paint pots. UDPP, on me, is no different than this on me. If you're a fan of SB try it, if you're on the prowl for a new primer, there are so many out there and this works as well as most for me. It's just another lid primer but I would buy it again, it serves its purpose which is to keep my shadow from fading away. What a mediocre review, huh? It's a lid primer. The End
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Rimmel - Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation
starbuck65 11/17/2010 8:03:00 PM
I'm blown away by this foundation. I'm 45, I have dry skin, rosacea, broken capillaries and hyperpigmentation. I love the idea of a long-wearing foundation, Estee Lauder Double Wear used to look ok on me, the last few years I find it very aging, the coverage is medium, but back then when it looked ok I didn't need the coverage. Now I do. I really like Chanel Pro Lumiere and Lift Lumiere, the Lift lasts a bit longer than the Pro, neither are long wearing but have medium to full coverage and look amazing on the skin which is better than something that looks horrible AND lasts. Revlon ColourStay is just a medium coverage on me. Rimmel Lasting Finish has a bit more coverage than the Chanel foundations, definitely more than EL and far more than Revlon ColourStay. I would still call this medium to full, closer to full. It has quite a bit of dimethicone in it, I find it pretty moisturizing as well, which is unusual for a long wearing foundation. And this lasts longer than any I've tried. It doesn't budge, transfer, fade... It did not settle in to lines, it did not dry out my skin at all. It does leave a bit of tackiness behind, it does settle down, and I let it settle for a few minutes just like the Lift Lumiere. I do set it with HD powder although it's not needed. I applied with the e.l.f. powder brush, as I do with all of my foundations. The consistency is not as thin as Chanel, but it's not heavy either. It's amazing that it gives the coverage that it does. The finish is between a satin and matte. It's not a dry looking matte but it's not dewy either. Because of the amount of dimethicone in it I bought a shade lighter to use under my eyes as well and it worked great! I love Chanel foundations, they make me look as though I have great skin and just popped a tinted moisturizer on, beautiful. The Rimmel makes my skin look absolutely flawless, not quite as natural, but not in a way that screams heavy coverage foundation either. I love the finish! If you need flawless coverage, try this! EDIT- Ive been using this for nearly 4 months now. I have recommended this to EVERYONE!!! It is hands down the best foundation I have ever purchased and so inexpensive. I used it on my sister-in-law, who has rosacea like I've never seen before, this covered it completely and she's tried everything including dermablend which left her skin incredibly dry and unnatural looking. I cannot say enough about this foundation, I pray they never discontinue it!
29 out of 29 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Cover Girl - Simply Ageless
starbuck65 9/16/2010 10:36:00 AM
I recently reviewed Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse, which I said I liked well enough to purchase again. Didn't love it, I do like it. Unfortunately I would have to order it, our NEX doesn't carry Maybelline at all. I decided to check out the reviews on the CoverGirl/Olay Simply Ageless because our NEX does, in fact, carry a whopping 4 or 5 shades of this. Despite mixed reviews I tried it anyway. I was expecting, based on not-so-great reviews, to open a thick, pasty, impossible to blend foundation. I swatches it with my finger...smooth, I swatched it on my arm to see the color, I thought I was going to hate it. My color generally is NW25 mixed with NC25, more NC in the winter, more NW or straight NW in the summer. I bought 235 MediumLight, I stopped self-tanning and this is the BEST color match I've ever had, EVER! Even if it weren't, I'd make it work. This foundation, on me, 44, dry skin (not flaky), broken capillaries, sun damage...covers much better than the Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse, which I do like. I had absolutely no problem whatsoever applying this foundation (used the e.l.f. powder brush), and it blended beautifully. The Maybelline is so light that you truly don't feel it on your skin, it's great for those days when you just need to even out but I like coverage. This is not as light but it is in no way heavy(Mac Studio Tech, StudioFix Fluid). It's not cakey, it doesn't make me look as though I'm wearing litres of foundation (Estee Lauder DW), it does not settle in to lines, I've heard some say it's drying? I have dry skin, I know dry, this is not dry on me at all, not even a tiny bit. It's really odd to look in the mirror after all these years of trying out foundations and see what appears to be really great skin without the heaviness of the typical medium+ coverage of most foundations. I absolutely love this, it might be my last foundation. This is my 3rd DS foundation, I have used countless HE, and I've loved a few over the years but this is hands down my favorite. It's amazing! I will buy it over and over and over again. Looking forward to trying the primer and concealer!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Maybelline - Dream Smooth Mousse
starbuck65 8/25/2010 10:57:00 AM
I like this foundation well enough to buy it again. As far as the complaints from others regarding the price, it's .49 oz, so maybe a bit for drugstore makeup? I don't know. It has nearly the same coverage as MAC StudioSculpt, is more buildable, in my opinion, and fantastic for dry skin and much easier to blend. It doesn't leave a heavy look, it's so, so, so, so light but still manages to have medium coverage. It's the first time I've ever used foundation under my eyes, I had read that gals were so I tried it, it's great. I have absolutely no problems with this settling in lines. I applied by BARELY dabbing in to it with the e.l.f. Studio powder brush, blended it out but stippled over where I needed a bit more coverage. This foundation is really easy to over-apply, it takes just a tiny, tiny bit- not something I'm used to. I'm liking this now, I have a feeling come winter I'm going to absolutely love this. My skin is DRY! This is marketed as a moisturizing makeup so I would not recommend to anyone with oily skin. Lasts all day on me in 115 degree heat, Will repurchase.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -E.L.F. - All Over Color Stick in Pink Lemonade
starbuck65 8/23/2010 8:53:00 AM
I love this...I'm 44, dry skin...I would love to be able to use a foundation with a dewy finish but they tend to make me look greasy all over... I have tons of cream blushes but I find they look paste-y and more opaque than I would like and they never look fresh on me. I have a ridiculous amount of shimmering highlighters which are okay. This is hands down my favorite make-up item that I own/have ever owned/will ever own. I apply as a blush with the e.l.f. studio blush brush by first running the brush back and forth across the All Over Color Stick then stippling it on to my cheeks, if I need to blend it a bit I use the synthetic kabuki. It leaves the most beautiful, fresh, pink flush ever! It's got a bit of frost to it, which looks fresh and youthful on dry and/or aging skin. If you have oily skin, it may not be what you're looking for as far as far as a cheek color but I'm sure would still look great as a highlight. My skin hasn't looked this fresh in years! Not only will I repurchase, I've already picked up numerous back-ups! As far as the price...I know some gals have complained that you don't get a lot for a dollar...really? REALLY??? Considering I paid $37 for my NARS Multiples, which in all fairness are bigger, still far more expensive ounce for ounce, these are a steal...practically free in comparison. And I like these so much better. The same goes for the All Over Cover Sticks (concealer)...they're not that much smaller than a MAC concealer, ounce for ounce-2 or three bucks worth compared to $16.50? I think you get a ton of product for a dollar.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -E.L.F. - Studio Blush - Pink Passion
starbuck65 6/22/2010 6:07:00 PM
I'm really picky about blush but I had to get this because of the color. I am so glad I did. It is absolutely gorgeous. My friend has NYX Pinky, to me it's not the same. The closest thing I had to compare it with , and it's no comparison, is Pink Swoon which is lighter, even in the pan, swatched side by side Pink Swoon looks like it has a bit of plum undertone so much so that It looked like Mocha in comparison. Pink Passion is not decidedly cool, it's just pink, like a softer, slightly lighter but still bright powdered version of NYX l/s in Narcissus but so much prettier (I don't like Narcissus). It's not powdery, it's not chalky, it's not shocking- atleast on NW25 skin- it's just so soft and beautiful. It actually looks natural, it's such a soft color which was so unexpected I thought it would be shocking. I LOVE IT! I'm getting back ups and if it does wear off quickly I won't care- I'll just keep touching it up which is amazing to me sice that's what I'm so picky about- I hate blush that wears off but this color is so worth every future touch up.
8 out of 9 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Lancome - Hypnose Drama
starbuck65 5/30/2010 7:53:00 AM
I bought this thinking that it would be a more dramatic version of Hypnose...It's not. Hypnose is one of the best mascaras I've used, love it. Hypnose Drama is one of the worst. The formula is very watery compared to the original, watery to the point that it's messy. Some reviewers said that it took a long time to dry, I thought it dried too quickly and unlike the original, once it dries you can't put another coat on. The brush is very different from the original, it's absolutely horrible, I don't like it at all and unfortunately the brush from the original is not interchangeable with the Drama. I did get a bit more length but not the volume compared to the original and despite combing through still looked spidery. I'll stick with the original formula- it's fantastic!
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Mascara -E.L.F. - Studio Mineral Infused Mascara
starbuck65 4/24/2010 4:20:00 PM
5 stars for how I purpose this mascara. I personally love over-the-top mascara, big, thick, long lashes-on top. This mascara will not give that to you. I would however, consider this office-appropriate as well as a lipgloss- and -mascara -kind-of-day mascara. The wand reminds me of, and I may be wrong, can't remember, but I think it was L'ancome's Occilating mascara in as much as it is a flexible wand and the brush itself looked familiar. At any rate, it's amazing for bottom lashes. I'm 44 and heavy duty mascara on the lower lashes isn't pretty anyway but it also casts dark shadows under the eyes. If you're my age or you just suffer from darkness under you eyes but still feel that you want to wear mascara on your lower lashes, this may be for you. The brush is great for both top and bottom lashes but it's the perfect size for lower lashes. The formula itself isn't terribly volumizing/ lengthening but it defines your lower lashes in one coat perfectly and with absolutely zero clumping. I've tried what I considered to be tame/useless mascaras on my lower lashes and they were still a bit too much or clumped my lashes together. This didn't. And it's black (black-black) and it stays black. I've had problems with other mascaras where the mascara/product itself seems to be okay but the intensity of the black fizzles out in a few short hours. This doesn't. It stays black all day and all evening. I've had no problems with smudging, flaking, smearing, fading. Nothing. And I like the way it dries down.It's not goopy like some mascaras can feel even though they are dry nor does it feel brittle. It feels like L'ancome's Hypnose when it dries. I really like this and for $3.00 it's a steal.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -E.L.F. - Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths
starbuck65 4/24/2010 3:23:00 PM
I have ridiculously sensitive skin. Although many make-up removing products, cleansers, wipes..., claim to be ideal for sensitive skin, I find that's not the case. Most dry my skin out even more than it is already and I find them very irritating. Most general cleansers formulated for sensitive skin but not marketed as make-up removers generally are not good at removing make-up-AT ALL. Before I go in to detail about e.l.f. cleansing cloths please know that I love MAC wipes, well I love MAC period.... but I know these have been compared to MAC. They are a bit different. I do get a slight tingling when I use MAC but no real irritation. I always, always, always rinse after using wipes, even though with MAC you don't have to, I couldn't bring myself not to rinse. So as far as having to rinse after the e.l.f. wipes, I would have done it anyway. Some may ask why I don't just wash my face...it is hard to find a cleanser for sensitive skin that really removes all traces of make-up, particularly long-wearing make-up plus it's like a mini exfoliation. I've had no problems with MAC, checked out the ingredients on the e.l.f wipes and ordered them. e.l.f. wipes remove make-up brilliantly They have quite a bit of dimethicone which I love, it removes make-up really fast. I have removed eye make-up, including Fluidlines,with with no problem, I just prefer Cetaphil or VCO for mascara/Fluidlines. My opinion is that e.l.f removes eye make-up better/faster than the MAC wipes simply because there is more dimethicone in them, think Gently Off or any eye make-up remover that you have to shake prior to use. MAC has dimethicone as well but I suspect less of it. I just don't like to rub my eyes with cleansing cloths, cotton balls...it feels like steel wool on sensitive skin. I have tried quite a few other brands over the years but I like MAC (and will continue to use them) and I like e.l.f. equally. I have rosacea and my skin can look irritated... often...but my skin has been looking very, very calm lately so I'll keep using these as well. My skin doesn't feel dry, not even a little bit, absolutely no irritation. I wanted to comment on was the fragrance. I know a lot of people are sensitive to that as well. Very subtle compared to MAC wipes. MAC has fragrance listed on the ingredients but it hasn't bothered me, well, I don't like the scent but it hasn't irritated my skin. There is no mention of an added fragrance on the e.l.f. wipes but it does have a subtle scent (added? I don't know) but I haven't had any problems with that either. My skin doesn't tolerate added fragrances well but I've had no problems with either. One more thing was the cost. Compared to MAC they are slightly less expensive but in my experience worth it. I suspect there are less expensive products in the drugstores but I would still recommend these to anyone. Even if you just occasionally use a product like this, they're handy to have around for the nights when you may be too tired to wash your face you can lie on your bed and wipe off your make-up... rinsing is no big deal. They come in a package of 20 which is perfect for traveling, vacation... Overall I'm extremely happy with these and will definitely repurchase and continue to recommend to friends. Good stuff!
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Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous in Carbon Black
starbuck65 4/6/2010 3:40:00 PM
EDIT: Ok, after reading a few more reviews on this mascara after I had tried this, it was mentioned that this mascara gets better with age, and it does. I went throught the first tube, bought the second and just had to suffer through the first few days of wet and clumpy mascara. It only lasts a few days, after that, not only is it great, it's one of my favorites! I don't like this mascara. I do like the intensity of the black however, it's not the blackest black I've ever used. The formula, and maybe it's just me, is very differnt from the Original formula. On me, this is clumpy and thick to the point that a spoolie can't even help and I like thick, clumpy mascaras. Bring 'em on...Not this one. It is voluminizing in that it's so thick that it leaves a solid clump at the base of my lashes but I can't get any seperation through my lashes at all. I didn't know it was possible but my lashes actually look shorter than they did before I applied this. I like the Original Formula. I bought this because it was the only Voluminous Mascara, the only tube-period, at the NEX. I'm really disappointed, I was actually excited to try it but unfortunately it didn't work for me. That's not to say it won't work for anyone else, I didn't like it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -E.L.F. - Complexion Perfection
starbuck65 4/6/2010 10:02:00 AM
I'm glad that I didn't see the reviews on this before I ordered it, atleast the ones in which it didn't work out for some gals. Nothing is going to work everybody but I may have been scared as some gals have found this to be drying and/or chalky! I am a NC25/NW25 mix for reference. I have dry skin however, I don't find it to be chalky or drying in the least. I'll tell you how I use this... 1. I mix the pink and the yellow on a fluffy NARS brush to set my undereye concealer. It's the best powder I've found so far as it doesn't dry out my undereye area.It really works to set the concealer but it's ridiculously brightening as well! LOVE IT! I like this even better than the HD powder for under my eyes and I didn't find that drying but this is much better. 2. Although I have dry skin I do tend to get a tiny, tiny bit oily around my nose. I use the green because I also have a bit of redness. 3. I have slight nose to mouth lines. It works great on the same fluffy brush to swirl just a bit of all of the colors together and run it down the line then gently wisk outwards. It really minimizes the appearance of the nose to mouth lines. It does not accentuate fine lines nor is it drying. 4. For some reason half way through the day I'll look as though I need to powder but not because my skin is oily, it's not, I just look like I need to blend and soften the look but just a buffing brush is not enough. I use the Complexion Brush from e.l.f. and lightly run it over all 4 colors and apply from my forehead, down the center of my face and above my jaw line. It completely refreshes my look, it brightens up my entire face without looking ghostly white but it seems to work better than a tinted powder in that it doesn't add more color, it adds brightness. In other words, I don't look like I put on more makeup, it simply looks fresh like it did when I first applied it. In addition to softening the overall look of my makeup it brightens me right up! 5. I have tried it as a setting powder with the Complexion Brush. I don't normally use it for that but I did try it and it works fine. These are the ways I wouldn't, couldn't or won't use it. 1. With the e.l.f Powder Brush. Love the Powder Brush but not for applying this. I would be ghostly. Buffing it in with the Powder Brush would work great. 2. I have tried this over clean, moisturized, primed skin to see if I could wear this sans foundation and the answer is no. I do find that it reduces redness beautifully however, it isn't enough to cover what I want/need it to cover. That's not to say it won't work for anyone else it's just not enough for my skin. Overall, I think it's a great powder for what I use it for. I immediately bought a back up, I don't want to be without this (ever)!
29 out of 29 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyes -E.L.F. - Under Eye Concealer & Highlighter
starbuck65 4/6/2010 8:49:00 AM
I wasn't really sure, based on reviews, that I wanted to even try this product but my curiosity got the better of me and I'm so glad it did! I want to mention that I've read a lot of complaints on the e.l.f. site about this product not covering dark circles. It's liquid concealer, if you truly have dark circles liquid concealers aren't your best bet anyway. I do have a some darkness and a lot of puffiness. Another complaint is that it doesn't cover blemishes. It's an undereye concealer, it's not meant to (check out the Studio Stick Concealer) HOWEVER, I often have a problem with concealers around my nose, it always gets cakey and dry and nasty after setting it with powder but since this is a thinner consistency I tried it anyway. It's fantastic around my nose, it's enough to hide my redness and thin enough not to cake up after setting with powder and it lasts ALL DAY! And the third, and final, complaint that I've heard was that the Highlighter has glitter in it. It does have light-reflecting particles but I absolutely would NOT describe that as glitter. It may be too much for someone's personal preference but it's not glitter. I don't even find that once blended in that it's particularly shimmery, just a bit brightening and ever so slightly light reflecting but hey, at my age, I'll take it! And the truth is if you have oily skin that's probably not something you're looking in to anyway. Just to give you a sense of my skin, I'm 44, dry skin and fine lines. The concealers that I do like, some better than others, are Clinique's All About Eyes and although it's a tiny bit drying, it is a bit brightening and it does reduce some puffiness. Lancome's Effacernes and Flash Retouche I like equally, I don't find them to be drying but setting with powder they can get dry after a few hours, but the coverage is amazing on me since I don't have a whole lot of darkness. Dior's DiorSkin Sculpt Lifting Smoothing Concealer I find is the best in terms of moisture out of them but I don't love the color, it's a bit bland on me meaning that it does not have a brightening effect but it's still a great concealer for me. Back to the e.l.f. LOVE IT! Color-wise, I mix NC25 and NW25 and ordered the Medium/Glow from e.l.f. The darkness that I do have is completely covered but I don't know if it's the actual coverage or the tone. It's a light peachy shade which we all know is perfect for disguising darkness. I only use undereye concealer from the inner corner to the center of my eye- under my pupil- I pat it on with the MAC 192, I absolutely love that brush for concealer-it's perfect. I start patting in the inner corner and extend down beneath my eye area just a bit to keep from getting the reverse raccoon eye effect. Essentially in an upside down triangle from the inner corner to pupil and down. I never use my fingers for liquid concealers as I find that they sheer out to the point on non-existence. I find that this is more moisturizing than my Dior, it reduces puffiness much, much better than my Clinique. The consistency is thinner than Dior but seems to cover great and it's really smoothing whereas the Dior says it's lifting and smoothing, on me it's just a non-drying undereye concealer, I do love it but the e.l.f., for some reason, smooths out my undereye area better. When I say "smoothing" I get the same effect that I've gotten with N.V. Perricone's Ceramic Eye Smoother. I'm shocked! The N.V. Perricone is $50.00, the Dior concealer is $31.00, the e.l.f. -3 bucks! I wasn't looking for a cheaper alternative to anything that I'm already using nor did I think I'd find anything I liked better, I just thought it looked like an interesting product and gave it a try. Now as far as setting this with powder I've been using the Complexion Perfection Powder (I tried one e.lf. product that I liked and have been on one big shopping spree with them ever since, I'm trying it all-haven't loved every single product but the Studio Line is amazing). I mix the yellow and the pink and dust lightly with the NARS-I think it's the #13, any large fluffy brush will do. I'll have to write a review on the Complexion Perfection, it is the least drying powder under my eyes that I've used to date. The only other ones that I've liked were the e.l.f. HD and MAC P+P Transparent Finishing Powder. My husband said, after the first time using the concealer, that my eyes looked really good. He didn't know why. He said I look 10 years younger. My friends couldn't put their finger on what was different, they just keep telling me that I look really, really good after staring at me trying to figure it out. Like every other product out there it's not going to work for everyone but it works for me. I am stocking up! My mother doesn't even wear, nor does she need, undereye concealer but I had to order one for her because she's convinced she needs it. EDIT- I spent the last few months using some of my other concealers that I already have plus I had to have the Mac Pro LongWear...I got this back out about a week ago and I can't believe I ever stopped using this even though it was strictly guilt that made me use the 5000 undereye concealers I already own. On me this does such an amazing job with reducing puffiness and brightening my eye area. I don't have a lot of darkness, just a bit but I put it on after foundation and it's amazing! I LOVE THIS STUFF!
12 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No