Mascara -BeneFit Cosmetics - BADgal Brown
Sepolayla 3/21/2012 10:57:00 PM
Completely different brush to the other colours in the Bad Gal Lash range. It's much smaller and product tends to cling to the tip. I would repurchase because I like the warm glossy brown colour and a really soft, whispy, smudgy lash with this mascara. Pros Lovely colour Natural look Lasts all day without flaking or smudging (except on initial application at the root of the lash if that's the look you're going for) Easy to apply on bottom lashes Wand separates lashes Cons Not really lengthening Not really volumising Buildable only to a point Products clings to the tip of the point making blobbing a bit likely More product seems to cling to the brush than you can ever hope to get on your lashes I think this mascara is a good one for people who like to play around with effects. I like it when I'm going for natural, face-in-the-wind kind of look which is kind of whispy and smudgy. I find it can look volumising if you put a line of liquid/gel at the base of the lashes. I would not buy this if I was looking for an every day-to-night mascara in the colour brown. It's not volumising on its own and it's only buildable to a point. Putting this in front of a brown smoky eye would just render your lashes invisible, I think. I only use it in front of light/no eyeshadow.
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Brows -Shu Uemura - H9 Hard Brow Pencil - Seal Brown
Sepolayla 3/21/2012 8:59:00 PM
Did they change the formula on these pencils? I bought Shade 3 a few years ago but now that I've changed my hair colour I've switched to Shade 2. My old Shade 3 pencils is harder so the colour lasted longer on my brows (and my patchy bits where my brows should be but aren't) but it snapped quite easily. My new Shade 2 pencil is much creamier so it's lasting power is less but I might be able to use all the product this time instead of being forced to chuck the shards that have snapped off. Gave the packaging a 4 because they have so obviously shrunk the size of the pencil by about an inch in the past few years without changing the price, but I love the nib and the free sharpening service. What I love: The ashy shade (Shade 2, Shade 3 is warm) The lasting power (even the new formula is extremely long lasting - not so great if you get it wet though) Great look with minimal product (I use it quite a few times each week and get it sharpened about every three months) The formula - I think I do prefer the new one actually. With my old pencil it was possible to use too light a hand and just get no result. It was also possible to press too hard and snap the lead. Will definitely buy again - though love the fact that I won't have to shell out for a while haha.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Pressed Powders -Rimmel - Stay Matte Pressed Powder (ALL)
Sepolayla 3/21/2012 8:45:00 PM
I have two of these which came free with other Rimmel and products and that's enough. I like it. I have it in the lightest colour, Transparent. It's not transparent and it's actually slightly darker than my skintone but it is extremely useful. You can press it on lightly using a powder brush and it will cover redness in the t zone and help control oil there. I find it's a good product to press over my sunscreen which is always rather shiney for about twenty minutes before it calms down. You can also buff it which actually provides good (if rather obviously powdery) coverage. Not a day look for me but I'm ok with it occasionally for a night out. The only way I wouldn't recommend applying it is by dusting over the face. It clings to fine hairs something savage. You need a much more finely milled powder, probably a loose one, for that.
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Eye Shadow -Urban Decay - Naked Palette
Sepolayla 3/21/2012 7:50:00 PM
Wouldn't buy again because I'd need to go international to do it and the ratio of shimmer to matte is too high - as such I don't think I'll ever get through it all. I bought this palette in France when I was travelling for a year and sick of only having a choice of two Bobbi Brown Gel Eyeliners to use as both shadow and liner. It travelled really well and none of the shadows have shattered even after having some rather rough experiences. The mirror did crack on the very second day though. All it needed was a little bit of pressure applied to the top but luckily it didn't get in the eyeshadows. Have to admit, I didn't really test how the velvet case travels completely on its own. I kept it in the plastic box it came in for water and dust proofing purposes. My palette came with the shadow brush and not the double ended pencil. That was a disappointing surprise at first. I didn't check the bottom of the box before I purchased, obviously. But, as my trip wore on, I was grateful that that was what it came with. Although I haven't really used it since I got back, that brush did everything I asked it to while I was on the road. It applies shadow really well, can even be used for some rudimentary blending and is effective at smudging liner and for lower lash line work. Also liked the fact that it's a kit brush with a long handle: just a preference. Shadows themselves are really pigmented and soft. For a long time, the brush in the kit was the only one I had (and later I picked up a No. 7 Blending Brush) so for much of the time I was blending with my fingers. Not great if you're going for intricacy obviously, but for a variety of smoky eyes on a night out it was absolutely fine. I would say this is one to consider if you're going on a trip and want a variety of shadows for wearable night time looks. Just make sure to keep the case in something that will keep it protected from water and keep it closed. You don't want shadow dust all over your clothing.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Blistex - Lip Conditioner SPF 20
Sepolayla 3/21/2012 7:37:00 PM
I have been through so many tubs of this stuff. I have completely lost track of the number. But it's not my HG - I haven't found that yet. I'll go through the pros and cons. My lips are very dry and they chap easily. I exfoliate them several times weekly. Pros Soothing - if lips are so dry it's become painful this will ease the pain. Smoothing - formula smooths out the lips and flaking lips will take on a smooth appearance a few mins after application. SPF - and it is an effective SPF. As someone who has actually experienced sunburnt lips I consider a high SPF essential. Pot - means you can use all of the product. I circumvent any hygiene issues by making sure I always was my hands before applying, never re-dip a finer and never share it with anyone. Finish - gives a wet look effect without shimmer. I have lips with a naturally deep colour so I don't feel like I am wearing this product at the expense of my look. Cons Smell - like a hospital. Vile. Taste - like it smells. Vile. Like sucking on a vaseline lollipop soaked in dettol. (On the other hand, these clinical stinks do reinforce the message that it's working.) Smoothing - formula frankly produces a burning sensation on the lips. Also that constant stretching of the skin cannot be good for it and I'm sure that constant use will loosen the skin on my lips over time and make fine lines a bigger problem than they have to be. (A recent realisation; I have cut down on using it lately for this reason.) Superficial solution - not actually getting moisture into the lips, just smoothing their surface. Packaging - tracks on the lid poorly designed. It is way too easy to close the lid on this product in such a way that it's impossible to get it off ever again. Effect on skin other than lips - creates bumps around the lipline sometimes. Like blackheads on steroids or something? Don't quite know what they are but they're not good. So, yeah, more pros than cons. But, methinks, beware long term high-frequency use.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -MAC - Ebony Eye Pencil
Sepolayla 3/21/2012 12:08:00 AM
This was the first black eyeliner I ever purchased and it sucks!!! The girl at the MAC counter did my make-up for me and I guess because I told her I was a make-up newbie she gave me the "beginner" pencil. The conservative black, as someone else very aptly described it. It's not black, it's grey. The formula is really dry. I would've thought that if you were giving a newbie a pencil to dry you'd provide them with a pretty slick formula and something with a lot of pigment (like Smoulder) so that they had something easy to work with. It's products like this that scared me off doing eyeliner for such a long time - but so glad I've gotten over it now though. If you're a make-up newbie and you're looking for a black pencil that will stay on your waterline and also work pretty easily on the upper waterline I would stay away from MAC completely - UNLESS it's one of those time when they have Feline available. Otherwise go for BeneFit Bad Gal Waterproof Eyeliner (don't get the non-waterproof one - awful), Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Liner in Onyx or By Terry Crayon Kohl Terrybly Colour Eye Pencil in Black Print. My personal belief is that a good black eyeliner pencil is one of the staple products you should spend a bit more money on. It will improve your look - good pencils really don't wear off - and it will save your eyes because a good, soft waterproof pencil can line the upper lash line neatly without the need for you to stretch your eye.
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Lipstick -MAC - Satin Lipstick - Myth
Sepolayla 3/20/2012 11:17:00 PM
When I bought this lipstick, I had no real concept of what a nude lipstick was and what it was supposed to do. I had only been drawn to brights. My understanding was that a nude lipstick was supposed to make your lips the same colour as your face (I know!!) and that's what this did, so I purchased it. Didn't know if I liked it, but I'd heard nude lips were on trend, so I got it. When I saw it in natural light I hated it. I tried a light hand, a full sheath of colour, overlining with it.. I hated them all. Honestly, it made me look like I had a skin disease. But I'm giving this a 4 because eventually I got the hang. It won't come as any surprise - the key to making this work is lipliner. The one I use religiously with this lippie is Rimmel 1000 Kisses liner in Tiramisu (an orangey neutral - very similar to the colour of Estee Lauder's Crystal Baby.) And once I worked that out I've worn it on a few nights out and got compliments for it. Definitely not an everyday lipstick for me and would never wear it in the daytime. Am quite excited by other people's suggestions. Will definitely try mixing it with some other lipsticks and seeing what I can come up with. One for those who like to experiment - and a challenge.
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Lipstick -Christian Dior - Addict - 465 Singuliere
Sepolayla 3/20/2012 11:08:00 PM
Bought this because it looked so divine on Kate Moss in the visual. Under brilliant department store lights it almost looked as vibrant on me. When I got it home, I found it wasn't what I was expecting - much sheerer. But it is an extremely pretty colour and gives the lips that lovely wet look sheen. It's not drying either. Wouldn't repurchase but don't regret. Will try muting out my lips with it next and seeing if I can get that vibrant posie pink back.
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Makeup Brushes -MAC - # 239 Eye Shader Brush
Sepolayla 3/20/2012 9:03:00 PM
Ah, 239, where would I be without you? I have a lot of make-up brushes and tonnes of applicator brushes and (unless I'm using creams) the 239 is the one I always reach for. Great for: Packing colour onto the lid Going under the eye Doing a soft brow Smudging the crease colour (if going for quite a defined crease look). Have had this for years and it's never shed and it hasn't lost its shape. It's easy to clean (one caveat, see below) and dries quickly following a deep clean. It's dense. It's stiff, but not too stiff so you can smudge with it. The single complaint. White hair?? It looks classy when it's new but it can stain. I have serious OCD when it comes to stuff like staining so I have spent the hours to get mine clean again. I wasn't going to bother but when I dipped my green stained brush into a pale champagne eyeshadow guess what happened..? Yep, puke green eyes. I guess my experience shows that it can be cleaned again - mine look white as new now - but the upshot is that I now don't use the brush with some highly pigmented eyeshadows or bright pigments that it should be fine for.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -NARS - Cream Blush in general
Sepolayla 3/20/2012 8:47:00 PM
Addicted to NARS blushes - have far too many, including five of the cream ones. I have Enchanted (orange highlighter - discontinued I think), Penny Lane (pink, but not too pink, pale pink - there's kinda a goldy undertone in there), Gold Member (yellow gold), Lokoum (medium toned wine purple) and Cactus Flower (red with a hint of gold). Loves: Colours - all of them are wearable. Even the insane gold when I put a bit of a tint on my pasty pale skin. They're all kind of warm which goes well with my skin tone. Staying power - phenomenal. Not sticky - but not that pesky cream to powder thing either. They stay looking natural like a cream, they don't go patchy powdery. Blendability - superb. Could be betters: Colour range - look at how many powder blushes NARS does! Why is there such a limited selection of creams in this pan formula? Texture - they're quite stiff. This has positives too. Means they're not sticky, means they have staying power. May also be the reason that they don't have a cream to powder feel? But does mean they can be a pain to apply with a brush. It can be difficult to get the right amount on a brush. Tap the brush in the pan, you got nothing on your bristles. Push/rub the brush in the pan, you wind up looking like a science experiment. I tend to apply these with fingers. Overall, I do love them but if you're reading this wondering if you should buy your first cream blush from the NARS range then I would say no. Illamasqua cream blushes are better and they have a better colour range and you can usually them with brushes easily. I also really like cream blushes from Estee Lauder, Elizabeth Arden and Ellis Faas.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eyeliner -Bobbi Brown - Gel Eyeliner
Sepolayla 3/20/2012 8:21:00 PM
I bought a duo pack duty free when I was on a plane. It came with a little brush and the colours Black Ink and Sepia. I was travelling the world last year and for months these two liners and their little brush were the only eyeliner and eyeshadow products I had. They are both fantastic as cream liners and creams shadows and, one year on, there's still heaps of products in the jars and they're still going strong. I find the best way to keep gel liners creamy and usable is to keep them out of light and air. I kept the box they came in - the fact that it was double lined with insulating cardboard must've meant that it was literally black as pitch in that box. I'm pretty sure the box helped regulate temperature and also protected them from light. I also religiously screwed the lids on so tightly it was a fight to get them off every time. The reason I'm giving them a 4 and not a 5 is, even though they're great liners, they don't have as slick a texture as some of the other gel liners. Because of this I don't find them brilliant for precision work, and now that I'm back home I'm not reaching for them as often. But they were great travel buddies.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Brows -Smashbox - Brow tech
Sepolayla 3/20/2012 8:08:00 PM
Have this in the shade Blonde. It came with a wax and two quite ash blonde tones which match my brows and hair perfectly. I have a lot of brow products because they are the one part of my face that I play with daily. This is the one that I reach for most frequently. The wax is a really nice consistency. It's not stiff so it doesn't change the point of and angle brush and you can use just a little to coat all of the necessary parts of the brow. I loove the fact that it's not tinted. Only because a tinted wax is almost universally done in a warm shade and I like to keep things naturally ashy. The powders: Like the fact that there's two very complimentary shades instead of one for dark hair and one for light hair like I've found in many products. They are really finely milled and don't look like powder in your brows. They will seal up if you use the same brush for the wax and the powder but I have plenty of brushes so I find that easy to avoid. I use the darker of the two shades through the back of my brows and in any sparsely haired places and the lighter shade through the fuller front of my brows. This gives an extremely even look under both natural and artificial light. Only complaint is that this compact is tiny. The whole thing, lid included, is about the size of an AUD 10c piece. The three product pans together wouldn't be much larger than an AUD 5c. The wax side is an OK size I guess - but I'm relieved to hear that you can buy the wax separately because I can see it running out kinda soon. The powder pans are only a quarter of the compact though and some larger brow brushes - like the real techniques brow brush, which I love to use - barely fit. Don't quite understand what the benefit of such a tiny compact was supposed to be - the guy who sold it to me had no idea either. All I can think of is that it brings a nice increase to the profit margin.
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Lip Treatments -MAC - Tendertones [DISCONTINUED]
Sepolayla 3/20/2012 7:47:00 PM
I bought this in the shade Purring (mandarine orange) because I loved the look of it in the pot and orange colours look great on my lips. Surprise, surprise the colour doesn't really show up on my lips. Positives: Quite moisturising Smells good Gives wet look lips without shimmer which I love SPF Solid packaging - the same pot that they use for paint pots. Have only had this for a week or so but I'm willing to be the consistency will stay the same all the way down to the bottom of the jar. Pot packagin - can use all the product. Negatives: Doesn't last - especially if you eat or drink. Put something to your lips and this product will exeunte straight away. Colour doesn't show up (or at least Purring doesn't - you may have better luck with a red or fuschia) Wet feel - product doesn't sink into the lips Moisturising is superficial and if you have chapped lips this will do nothing for them. Won't buy again because the negatives are too many for the high price of this product. I get much better results with a cheaper chemist product like Lucas Paw Paw Ointment or Blistex stuff. But I will use all the way to the bottom of the jar.
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Lipstick -BeneFit Cosmetics - Silky-Finish Lipstick in Jing a ling
Sepolayla 3/20/2012 12:30:00 AM
I love this colour when it's not too warm out. Hot weather makes my lips go bright, bright red/pink and they completely drown out a colour like this one. I do love the way that it has light reflecting particles but you couldn't call it shimmery. I also love how it's a cool toned pink but it's flattery even paired with a nude face - you don't have to dress up to put it on. However, I'm giving it a 3 because it doesn't last and it clings to any dryness on the lips. It's also such a soft texture that it slip-slides about on the lips and you end up with very uneven colouring. Especially if you're someone who will smoodge their lips together alot when you can feel product on them like I am. It also has a weird relationship with its tube. I've nearly used mine up completely and the point of the lipstick now emerges somewhere over to the side of the tube - instead of inline with the slant designed in the tube. Alot of lipstick residue has also been left on the inside of the tube and has to be taken off with a brush. It's not ruined or anything - but it does rather impact on the feel you get when using the lipstick. I wouldn't pull this out in public because it just looks unco, not glamouress. However, will repurchase because it's such a gorgeous winter lipstick colour and it's moisturising. It's more like a non-sticky gloss than a lipstick actually. The fact that I've nearly used it up says a lot. I am a lipstick junky - always on the hunt for a new - and it's really rare that I push a lippie down to even half it's tube.
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Eyeliner -MAC - Fluidline Eye-liner Gel in Waveline
Sepolayla 3/19/2012 7:56:00 PM
I agree with some of the other reviewers here - the colour of this fluidline is too sheer to actually be usable as a liner. It's pretty good as an eyeshadow base though. So long as you work quickly it blends out fairly easily. I use a real techniques crease brush for that purpose. The formula seemed pretty dry even when I first purchased it, but I haven't had a problem with it actually drying out. I've had it for several years, keep it in a dark space and screw the lid on so tightly it's a fight to get it off every time. I won't buy this again. Recently I replaced it with Napoleon Perdis china doll liner in Heaven, which does work as a beautiful, satin blue liner. I will retain it for when I want to use a dark blue base under a smoky eye.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No