Lipstick -MAC - Style Curve
prncss 1/25/2011 9:24:00 PM
I was out on a quest to find the same shade of lipstick that I had seen Chloe and Kim Kardashian wear on their reality TV show. It is a bright purpley pink that goes so well with their olive skin tone and dark hair. After doing some research, I found out they use NARS Schiap. However, it didn't look the exact same on my lips. The makeup artist at MAC told me to try this shade. This is a Creme Sheen finish from the Stylishly Yours collection. In the tube, this looks dark purple with a bit of shimmer. It looks way too dark to wear on my lips without looking goth. However, after trying it on, I couldn't believe my eyes. On top of my pigmented lips, this is bright fuchsia with a purple tinge. It was the exact shade I was looking for, and it goes well with my dark hair and medium skintone. I pair this with Benefit's Wild Child lip shine to give it the added pop. Love, love, love it!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Chanel - Poudre Universelle Compacte
prncss 12/30/2010 2:43:00 AM
I would give this 3.5 lippies. This is definitely a finishing powder and not a foundation powder because it has only light coverage. This does not have buidable coverage because when you apply too much, it makes skin appear dry and cakey. It does feel very light like others have said. I have this in 110 Beige Claire which has a very light shimmer that imparts a very natural glow. The shade is equivalent to NC 25 which is a tad light for my NC 30-35 skin. It is good for those with yellow undertones. When applied with a light hand (I use my ecotools kabuki brush) this gives a soft airbrushed finish to my skin. However, like others have said, you still need concealer unless you have flawless skin because it does not even skin tone well. I have mixed thoughts about this product. I don't hate it but I don't love it. It is nice for the days when I don't want to wear too much makeup but it is basically useless for daily use. I would say this has average lasting power, definitely better than Bare Minerals for example. However, this is not recommended for sensitive skin. If I wear this for consecutive days, it makes my skin break out. This is probably better suited for normal/combination skin types with clear complexions, and those who are not sensitive to most powders.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Chanel - Joues Contraste in Pink Explosion 64
prncss 12/30/2010 2:29:00 AM
I hate to drag the ratings down but this was only a mediocre quality blush. Don't get me wrong, the packaging is absolutely top quality with the sturdy black compact, built in mirror, velvet pouch, and included brush. The blush has a pleasant light rose scent which sets it apart from other brands, and like others have said this is a Limited Edition blue based pink that imparts a very natural flush. When I wear this, it looks like I just went out for a jog type of flush. However, this was not pigmented. I tried the enclosed brush but that barely picked up any product. I used my good ol' EcoTools blush brush and Posh blush brushes to no avail. The only brush that works with this is my MAC 129 but even then I have to squeeze the bristles together with my fingers and dig it into the blush to pick up any product. I'm not sure if this was a defective batch but the actual product is very hard in texture. This is one of my least used blushes which is unfortunate because it is very pricey ($45 CAD). I can see how others would like this shade because it is very natural and flattering for fair skin types. However, I have medium tanned skin and yellow undertones so I need a lot of product for this to show on me. Also this does not have good staying power. I need to re-apply by midday.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Vichy - Purete Thermale Demaquillant Integral One Step Cleanser 3in1
prncss 12/30/2010 2:11:00 AM
This product does not work at all. To describe, it has the consistency of a runny lotion and the only good thing about this is that you do not need to use a lot of product and it is very gentle for sensitive skin types. A little goes a long way. Howver, it claims to be a cleansing milk, toning lotion, and makeup remover in one. Instead it deposits an oily film on the skin that does not wash off. I need to use an additional toner to take off the excess oil. Then it does not remove eye makeup at all. I need a separate eye makeup remover to do that. So this product neither cleanses, tones or removes makeup! It is absolutely useless. A cheaper drugstore brand would perform better. I've been using this for over a week so I gave it a good try but Im going back to my regular Dr. Bronner's castille soap.
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Crème -Revlon - PhotoReady Compact Makeup
prncss 11/27/2010 11:04:00 AM
This liquefying screen gimmick totally sucked me in but unfortunately I was disappointed by this product, despite the great color selection. First, this is expensive for a drugstore product. I paid $15 CAD and there is very little product (10g). Second, the compact is huge and awkward due to its unusually large rectangle shape. Third, this does not cover discolorations or evens complexion well. I have fairly clear skin and like all-in-one products that do not require a concealer but this did nothing to give me an even looking complexion. I would say it has sheer to light coverage. Also, it leaves my skin looking dull and worse off than it did before application. Furthermore, this gave me huge pimples. I tried using this periodically because I do not like to throw away make-up and wanted to use it all up, but the 4 or 5 times I've worn this I got acne from it. Would definitely not purchase again. I am much happier with Pur Minerals which is effortless, time saving, and covers well.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -NARS - Pro-Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
prncss 11/16/2010 5:04:00 AM
Like some of the other reviewers, I received this as a deluxe sample from Sephora. I was very skeptical because it seems that all makeup companies are trying to get on the primer bandwagon. However, I was pleasantly surprised. I like this even better than UDPP because it dries faster, has a powdery finish, and it actually works. I have oily eyelids and found the TFSI does not work that well with me. But by midnight, my shadow was just as fresh as it was in the morning. I was absolutely shocked! It seemed like a miracle and even beat my beloved UDPP. My only gripe about this product is the packaging and price. I like the doe foot applicator but the hard tube makes it difficult to use every last drop of product. Second, it is the most expensive of the three. When I need to pick up more eye primer, I would definitely pick this over UDPP because it dries faster and has a powdery finish, which saves me time in the morning waiting for the primer to dry.
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Powder -Pur Minerals - Pressed Powder Foundation
prncss 11/16/2010 4:47:00 AM
I kept seeing this on The Shopping Channel and at Shoppers Drug Mart but was reluctant to buy it because I was deterred by the cheap packaging, which reminded me of the much cheaper L'oreal True Match pressed powder. I decided to give it a try though after my beloved HG Everyday Minerals pressed powder ran out. I do love this but it is second to Everyday Minerals pressed powder. The Tan shade in Pur Minerals is perfect for my NC 35 medium tanned skin, and I love their extensive color selection. I had the cosmetician apply Tan and Golden Medium on both cheeks, and the golden medium was slightly orange with less yellow undertones. If you like bronzed skin, go for the golden medium shade. The Tan is more natural. This blends really easy (I use my Ecotools Kabuki) and only a little bit is needed. Like everyone else says, it has buildable coverage. As a 4-in-1 powder, this works really well to conceal and saves a ton of time, as opposed to Bare Minerals. BM does not conceal at all! If one is not careful, the Pur Minerals might get slightly cakey because very little powder is actually needed to cover your whole face. I can see this lasting me for awhile. The great thing about this is that it lasts all day and controls shine well, unlike Bare Minerals which seems to disappear by midday. Even though this is a powder, it has a creamy texture but not as soft and creamy as Everyday Minerals. In comparison, Pur Minerals is slightly on the dry side for my combination skin. This results in my skin looking dull sometimes. I still really like this though because it has amazing coverage, doesn't feel cakey on, has the perfect shade match for my skin, and is super fast and easy to apply. Definitely recommended.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -BeneFit Cosmetics - Some Kind-A Gorgeous
prncss 11/16/2010 4:25:00 AM
This broke me out only after a few uses so I suspect that it clogs pores. It is really unfortunate because I absolutely love the finish of this. It goes on creamy, blends like a dream without feeling cakey, and dries to a powdery finish. It also lasts well throughout the day. The medium shade is a perfect match for my NC35 medium tanned skin. I also liked that I did not need concealer, and found that it was a great all-in-one product. The downpoints about this foundation is that 1) It is pricey and the product gets used up really fast. You don't get a lot of product for the price. 2) It is a plasticky/latex smell but this goes away quickly. 3) If you have sensitive skin, it may break you out. If you are unsure about this product, Sephora sells a mini sized sample for $12 CAD which is a great trial product that will last for weeks. It is also great as a portable compact to keep in the purse but I think it is only available for a limited time.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Everyday Minerals - Romance Novel
prncss 6/1/2010 7:08:00 PM
I got this as part of the Utopia Blooms 25-piece set. This loose mineral eyeshadow is a nude pink shimmer. Unfortunately, this does not show up at all on my NC35 skin. Though this is supposed to be a shimmer, it is chalky and not shimmery at all. I like the Annabelle loose pigments better.
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Gels/Soaps -LUSH - Figs and leaves soap
prncss 5/30/2010 1:51:00 AM
This has a great fig scent that reminds me of the outdoors. The scent is not too sweet or overpowering. Also this does not have a gross film or residue, and does not leave you with dry hands after either. My hands feel clean after using this. However, I did not like the chunks of figs and leaves in this. A large leaf (over an inch long) came off from this while I was washing which could potentially clog my drain. Also, the soap itself looks like a pile of vomit with the cream color and all the various chunks in it. I'm almost embarrassed for my guests to see this in my bathroom. Furthermore, this soap breaks and crumbles easily so you end up throwing it out before it gets all used up. I didn't have this problem with the other LUSH soaps.
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Tinted Moisturizer -Bobbi Brown - Extra Spf 25 Tinted Moisturizing Balm
prncss 5/30/2010 1:41:00 AM
If you have fairly clear skin, need light coverage, prefer a dewy finish, have dry skin, and don't mind spending $60 (cad) a jar, then you will like this Tinted Balm. I feel that with most tinted moisturizers, I need to wash this off my face at night because I still consider it a form of makeup. But this is more like a night cream filled with good ingredients and essential oils that are actually good for your skin. After just 7 days of this, my skin was so moisturized and looked younger! This was the only tinted moisturizer I tried that made my skin look better. Although this is expensive, you only need a small dime-sized amount and the jar will last forever. I have been using this everyday for 3 weeks and I have barely made a dent. I take a small amount, rub it between my palms, and apply like a normal moisturizer. I apply my regular moisturizer underneath it. A word of caution, this is not recommended for those with oily or acne prone skin, and those who want a matte finish. This can be greasy at times so it needs to be applied sparingly. A good way to cut down on the grease is to use oil blotting papers or a light dusting of translucent powder. This gives me even and smooth coverage, and does not get blotchy. This will cover light undereye circles and skin discoloration, but it will not cover acne scars. You will need a full coverage concealer for that. This looks very natural and makes me look healthy. Some people complain that the jar is unsanitary but the jar is one of my favorite features because I can control exactly how much I want to use and when. If I accidentally take too much, I can put it back in the jar. You can't do that with a plastic squeeze tube. This is pricey but definitely worth it to me because it is a good quality cream. By the way, I have this in medium and I am an NC35 and it matches me perfectly.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -MAC - #213 Fluff Brush
prncss 5/30/2010 1:27:00 AM
I was over at a friend's house and borrowed this to do a smokey eye, not knowing what brand/kind it was. This brush was so ultra soft, picked up the eyeshadow effortlessly, and was the perfect size for my small eyelids (I'm asian). I can see why those with bigger eyelids would complain about the small size but it was just the right size for me (if you are looking for a big, dense eyeshadow brush, try the POSH one). I had to go out and get my own 213. This brush does not shed but the downside is that it doesn't work well with MAC eyeshadows. MAC shadows are hard and take more effort to pick up, and the 213 barely picks up anything. It works fine with my softer shadows like Urban Decay and NARS though.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Joe Fresh Style - eye shadow - all colours
prncss 5/13/2010 11:59:00 PM
I paid $4 for these. After seeing all the rave reviews, I bought one just to try it out but I liked them so much, I ended up going back to buy another 5. These are so cheap and comparable to the quality of high end shadows. Before I liked the L'oreal eyeshadows for drugstore products but these are far superior. They are very pigmented and not chalky at all. They are easy to blend and easy to pick up with a brush, and they have fairly good staying power with an eyeshadow primer. They don't have a lot of fall out either. My favorite shade is Espresso which is a mocha brown. This is the perfect shade for filling in brunette eyebrows!! I find myself reaching for this more than my Chanel eyebrow powder, as this shade is really natural and not too dark. It blends like a dream which is important because it is easier to fix eyeshadow mistakes than it is to fix a badly drawn eyebrow. Joe Fresh has a lot of unique colors that I have not seen in other drugstore brands such as Pebble which is a sparkly greyish-brown. Pale Pink, a light pink with shimmer, is perfect for highlighting and Black is an uber-dark black that is perfect for a smokey eye. Although I still love Urban Decay eyeshadows the best, these come a close second because of their value, quality, and price. Definitely recommend!!!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Wet 'n' Wild - Protein Mascara
prncss 5/13/2010 11:40:00 PM
I paid under $3 CAD for this from Walmart and I bought the tube with the new white and green packaging. I'm not sure if they changed the formula but I actually found the formula to be too dry. It was so dry that it barely coated my lashes. This did nothing for my skimpy asian lashes. It neither lengthened or volumized, and my lashes looked like there was nothing on them. I really like the small brush but the formula was a disappointment. I will be tossing this in the garbage.
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Mascara -Boots - No7 Intense Volume
prncss 5/13/2010 11:36:00 PM
I bought this on clearance for $4.50 cad (regular price is $14) at Shoppers. Now I realize why it is on clearance. It is definitely not worth paying full price or clearance price for that matter. This is only a mediocre mascara. It features a classic brush and the formula has a good consistency (not too dry or too wet). Also, it does not clump or smudge. However, this does not give me great length or great volume. I have skimpy asian lashes for reference. This has more of a natural defined look. Definitely does not give "intense volume" like its name. I would not buy again. There are much better drugstore volumizing mascaras out there (ie. L'oreal Voluminous).
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