Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - Sugarbomb
daintydancer 4/16/2013 7:07:00 AM
Review is from 20 year plus senior pro UK artist. I like the cutsy benefit packaging, not great for a pro, we can't lag loads of stuff. I have to depot most into palettes, but I keep a few intact for personal use, hoopla and coralalista. Right, this is listed as a blusher? Users with medium or darker skin, in my opinion won't see much pigment, unless they are aiming for a really subtle glow, once again my pet grevience the SHIMMER, I don't touch any blushers with shimmer, they exagerate any skin imperfections or fine lines. it is not widely unsimilar to Naras orgasm, minus orange hues. Each of the four colours could only really be used solo for eyes, as you won't get a blush or contour brush to master it it's a nice highlight shade, but best for very young skins, shimmer will make any crows feet around the eye more obvious, so if you have them, avoid Texture is fine I love the colours, if it seem pricey, remember there is far more product in benefit boxes that any other top brands, for personal use, they last a long time
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -BeneFit Cosmetics - 10
daintydancer 4/14/2013 9:29:00 AM
It's important to know the review is by. UK senior pro veteran of 20 plus years. No, no definitely one of the worse benefit products I have tried, Pro artist hate shimmer bronzers. They are, a bone of contention amongst senior pros. bronzers, when used correctly, mimic where the sun hits the face naturally, and must look natural, the sun has no nasty shimmer. I never purchased it, It was given by a student for me to test. Benefit would have had a real winner here, if they had coordinated the high light pink with hoola, which I really like, strangely the pink,has less shimmer than the bronze, I think the intention of this product was, maybe, a dual hi lighter. shimmer bronzers, pick up fine lines, open pores, they are useless, for any skin imperfections, or fine lines, and don't get me started on HD use, yet there is an abundance of them,in comparison to matte Also the pigmentation is not the usual benefit quality. Users with medium to dark skin, would be far better to invest in a another product. I'm informed it is now being discontinued
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Liquid -Yves Saint Laurent - Teint Touche Eclat Foundation
daintydancer 4/11/2013 12:19:00 PM
20 year senior pro veteran review. First less I learned years ago was always buy the absolute best brushes and foundations I could afford, which is not easy for students. This just did not cut it for me, It is certainly no chanel vitalumiere, which I adore I could not give a damn about fancy pump bottles and boxes, bumping up the price.As an educator, this is silicon based, so don't use a water based primer, it wont wont after a few hours. I tested it on many skin types, As the name suggests I expected it to live up to the hype of touch eclat, it does not, coverage is build able, but has to be brushed or blended out for a sheer natural look, silicon can cause break outs, often in younger skin, great for an ol farts like me. but with choice I have in my kits, this is not one I would use personally. On mature skin I had to really drag it. This is my opinion which I am entitled to, does not live up to the hype, there are much better pro foundations, if I use silicon,base I prefer to use an airbrush line, like temptu or airbase. I use very little Mac foundations only full coverage which is a good budget concealer, Sorry YSL
4 out of 7 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Louise Young - LY45 super blender
daintydancer 4/11/2013 11:50:00 AM
blah blah 20+ years, surely I must be a senior pro by now. Sorry I can only do little reviewing, I am really busy, but when a product give me goose pimples. I just have to let the world know. This LY45 could possibly be up there with my LY34. both would get 10 lippies. Louise Young brushes are up there with some of the best quality Japanese brands. Even some of the senior Mac pro artists were stocking up on Louise Young brushes at the UMUA expo.last week end, one brand does not offer everything we need. Most of the senior pro veterans in film, tv, print, fashion and media, have some selection of LY brushes in their kits. They are made in the UK, we trust them not to let us down. They do not shed. LY45 is listed as a super blender, great as a depositer for whole eye area, I tried it in the socket, and with both cream and liquid cheekbone and temple highlighters and shimmer. This once again as so many LY brushes, is soooo versatile. I have hundreds of brushes, I did not need any more, but upon viewing I stocked up on another 6, to add to my exisiting 3, Now I'm after the super duper fan LY20 brush. If brushes interest you, feel free to read my reviews which I will gradually add as I put them to the test
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Makeup Brushes -Louise Young - LY14 SOCKET
daintydancer 4/11/2013 11:28:00 AM
It is important that viewers know I've been in this business just over 20 years, I'm a senior pro artists, as an educator I like to help make up junkies students, make informed choice. As much I I love my staple Mac brushes, There are many other quality brands. Anyway another CORKER from Louise Young. Socket or crease brush, its a larger brush, for socket, it is not a pencil brush, the range now has many new additions, you will for sure find every brush you need. The brand has taken the UK by storm, we are proud to have a great brand that is easily accessible. I paid for the whole 9 myself. I would describe it as a hybrid tapered/dome, it gets right into the eye socket, When in a rush I've also used it to blend shadow.. LY Brushes do not shed hairs, they are quality. So far all, have received 5 lippies from me, Packaging,is a plastic,disposable sleeve. Nothing fancy, which would add to the price. RRP in the UK is £14.50. 20% discount to established pro artists. LY cannot seem to do any wrong. I predict the next big sell out will be the SUPER FAN, a few of her brushes were completely sold out at UMA EXPO, So I'm ordering one fast. I'm no fan of YOUTUBE so called gurus, or viewers that foloow their every word. I'm old school but the few who have mentioned LY brushes, are credible make up artists. Louis Young taught Sam Chapman, whose aunty is the legendary Maggie Hunt. Lisa Eldridge. the delightful Charlotte Tilbury. I do not know Wayne Goss, but he seems really honest and passionate. Once again I can only salute you Louise Young
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Makeup Brushes -Louise Young - LY43 face Blender Buffer Brush
daintydancer 4/11/2013 9:23:00 AM
Slowly reviewing my stock of Louise Young brushes which I paid for, i'm a senior pro of 20+ years. I'm loving this whole line. As I was stocking up Sunday at UMU expo, A senior veteran of 30 years, in film, quoted, "THESE BRUSHES ARE THE DOG'S B******S, I have to agree. LY34 super foundation, is my baby.I have 2, for safety., Face buffer LY43, which I really put it to the test. I used it for buffing and circling both creams, and liquid foundations, both water and silicon based. I also used it on cream blush, highlighters. I even gave powder blush a go. It has great versatility The LY43 is very slightly domed, quite podgy. its quality is superb I've seem similar and imitations, but this is the best of the face blenders, that I have used. The ONE, great thing about getting. older is the years of knowledge and experience we gain. 20 years ago there was charles Fox and screen face, then Mac and shu uemura. Prior,to that It was hard work finding good brushes.Many reviews on MUA use Mac brush nos.as guide lines to compare, Of course I have my staple Mac brushes,the iconic 239 x 3. 219, 224 old version, 226 ltd edition, but the choice of brands now is amazing, Cozette, OCC, totally vegan, and a lot cheaper in the USA, The list is now endless. Huckodoodle, as I affectionately call them, are of the highest quality, like most Japanese brushes, but hell are they expensive.. That is why it is nice that we in the UK have another choice of excellent brushes, which are easily accessible. I have hundreds of brushes, yet still I added another 9 of these to my collection, all have lived up to my expectations, I'm a brush junkie, They are available on line or at Nordstrom now. Back in the day, I was taught to clean my brushes with a wipe of iso alcohol, lay them on their side. Wash thoroughly with baby shampoo, as needed. That is why I still have brushes 20 years on. Always invest in good brushes, Upon building my kit, I would buy 1 quality brush a month, Ooh those were the days, no photo shop, no youtube, Louise Young is now adding concealers and lip sticks, some time in the future. WATCH THIS SPACE.
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Eye Shadow -Louise Young - Essential Eye Palette
daintydancer 4/8/2013 6:29:00 PM
I've spent 30 mins trying to review Louise young's newest brushes, I await a response from MUA, as to why I have not been able to. Sorry to bore you all, my reviews are based on my being,a senior pro of 20 years I enjoy advising on building up student kits. I attended United make up artists expo in London at the week end, A pro only event, mostly free of non make up artist, bloggers, and youtube groupies. I'm not a fan of boring neutrals, so was delighted with the addition of the black, to smoke it up, and the addition of a beautiful rusty, brick colour, which makes the palette extremely versatile. The quality of the shadows is up their with the best, brush in the kit is nice, thats a first for a kit. Shadows are finely milled, fantastic pigment, 2 of the shadows I would use for brows, the black can also be used as a liner,us old pros, or old farts, whatever, were taught to use liquids or cakes, which many of us still favour. Kit contains. a generous amount of each colours. I pay for my own products. This is a great addition to any kit, nice for personal use and for travel. No less than I would expect from an artist that writes course work for HD And BTEC courses. New brush LY43 is right up there with super foundation brush, I'll review it and Ly45 super blender as soon as I get a response from make up alley, it maybe the problem is my awful lack of tech skills. UK prices are good, and can be bought at PAM or www.louiseyoungcosmetics.com. for my USA cousins, I believe they are now available at Nordstrom. Uk artists all love and support this brand,
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Blush -Sleek - blush - Rose Gold
daintydancer 10/9/2012 8:07:00 AM
It is important that you know this is written by a senior pro of nearly 21 years, when we review a product you get truthful reviews, I've been accused of being a make up snob, Whatever profession you work in you will use the best, equipment for your craft. First of all this is horrendous to open, I prized it open with a steel thin stick. It is nothing like Nars orgasm, quality is not finely milled like Nars, I do not use many nars products, this is a fraction of the price, so you get what you pay for, the shimmer is vile, best used on very young girls, with no lines or crows feet, I would only use as a highlighter, possibly cheek bones or maybe under brows, its is pigmented and wont work on celtic complections,. No pro would use this on a shoot, defo not for HD format, it is fine for students or females on a budget, There are far better budget drug store brands out there. many years ago sleek was aimed at the Afro caribbean community, hence the pigmentation. In the Uk other than super drug, it can be bought at most afro hair and beauty stores. A student gave me this to review, I gave it back
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Lips -Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics - Lip Tar - Divine
daintydancer 2/12/2012 2:25:00 PM
I purchased 6 lip tars at IMATS London Friday PRO only day. Glorious to browse just with fellow pros of 20 years. These really have become my HG. They are simply amazing,. The originals were pro primary colours to mix. Now David the creator, who is a fantastic ambassador to the industry, a truly decent creative artist who I respect and admire. has created usable colours. I use them personally also. I love to mix, I love grandma, hush is a great neutral colour, divine. I have most of them in my kit. With proper prep, these last better than most, only a pin prick amount is needed. They are suitable for vegans, no animal testing. They last forever, smell of peppermint. You can bet they sold out when the public were allowed in Sat and Sun. So sought after, they have become a cult product. Many brands have tried to replicate, but failed, They smooth on like a gloss, dry as a lipstick. Well done David keep great products coming. Not easy to get in the UK. love-makeup.co.uk, will send them to you, great service also. Just order a bunch and have fun mixing
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Eyeliner -Inglot - Eyeliner Gel
daintydancer 2/12/2012 2:04:00 PM
As a 20 Uk senior pro, I've tried the lot. I was just beginning to give up with gels and creams. They vary, from flaking,. inconsistent, lack of pigment. My no 1 issue with them is dry up so fast.Some within a week. I'm forever mixing 244, of Make up Forever 246 to bring them back to life No matter how much they cost. Most are rubbish. I attended IMATS London pro only day. Glorious it was, like back in the day, pre you tube. Space to browse,, which is how it used to be TRADE ONLY.for one whole day.I wrote a list of what I wanted and basically stuck to it. I do not buy into hype, after testing I purchased 3 , I can honestly say they are simply the best in the business, no sign of drying up yet, after 3 weeks, a good tip is to spoon a little out into an air tight small tester pot, hence saves keep opening the jar keeping them moist. They glide on, great pigment,with whichever brush I grab first. Creamy, more so than gel. If they do not dry up I have at last found the HG, and will purchase more, Inglot offered a generous 30%,at IMATS, which is better then the 20% offered to UK pros outside of IMATS. I was short of time, by the time I reached Inglot. they had a massive stand at the front. Dont waste your money on others these liners are the way to go. They cost £10 rrp in the UK, less 20% discount for pro artists.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Make Up For Ever - HD Blush (all)
daintydancer 11/17/2011 7:39:00 PM
senior pro review from a UK MUA veteran. I really like this product, so much so that I picked up 3 more last week. I've read complaints about the pump dispensing too much. Just hold your hand or finger over the hole, pump very gently with opposite hand,to prevent too much dispensing, . It is totally buildable, blends effortlessly, it looks so natural I LOVE the finish,it works on HD, which was it's original purpose. It may seem expensive without pro discount, but only a tiny amount is needed, any more will just be wasted. This is one of my favourite blushes and has become a staple in my kit> I adore most MUFE products once again I will say another hit for MUFE, QUALITY PRODUCT
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Kevyn Aucoin - The Expert Lip Tint
daintydancer 11/16/2011 9:03:00 AM
Pro review for a veteran UK senior MUA. Another belter from Kevyn Aucoin, who thankfully had just created his own cosmetic line, sadly just before he passed away nearly 10 years ago. Leaving the MUA community devastated. He was the most, creative, innovative, pioneering genius MUA of our generation. Eric Sakas, Kevyn's long term trusted friend, now steers this ship. as creative director and President. Absolutely what I expected, soft creamy buttery texture, high colour pay off, fantastic wearable shades for all skin tones. Some will complain about the price, but you simply get what you pay for, PRO QUALITY.Even if you buy 1 only, treasure having a little piece of the maestro, because he can never be replaced or replicated. It's not often you read a review like this from me, but I absolutely love his whole line. It's nearly 10 years since he passed. His name, books and products will live on forever, I SALUTE YOU. Kevyn the iconic MUA. KEVYN the man. R.I.P, we miss you dearly
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Eye Shadow -NYX - Rust
daintydancer 11/15/2011 7:48:00 AM
20 years in the industry. a senior pro 20 years in the industry, So a product really must meet my requirements, hold up under lighting for shoots or runway, more so products I use for HD tv. work must be super special. I absolutely adore this super pigmented colour, yes it is a real dupe for Mac cranberry, my only problem with NYX, shadows, the majority have way too much shimmer, not such a big choice with other formats. Lets wait and see what the fairly new HD lines offers. this is workable. I am lucky I can view products before I buy, but as many other artists and students have complained, they can buy on line only . I would like to see descriptions next to a product, i,e. matt, shimmer, satin, sheer metallic . It certainly would cut down on returns It has plenty of pigments,can be used and mixed for many versatile looks. NYX offers the most products of any budget brand, For students or aspiring artists the offer so much choice of decent products, Many senior pro's have plenty of NYX in their kits
3 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -NYX - Round Lipstick in Pumpkin Pie #630
daintydancer 11/15/2011 7:27:00 AM
Sorry NYX, first really bad review> sorry to bore your all been a senior pro artist for 20 years. I hate this colour, hardly any colour pay off yet it is one of the biggest sellers in the round lipsticks. You get what you pay for, I bought a haul and overall would not buy them again>.Save you money for the black label or matt, NYX glosses also decent quality.Many of the round label have a shimmer, which I absolutely loathe. Yes these are a steal for students, or people on a tight budget, but definitely not up to pro standards at all, I purchased 6 and this one I disliked the most, very sheer, did not last on lips a minute, although lips were thoroughly prepared for the shoot. Did not stand up to the lighting, Indian pink is a nice colour but has shimmer, Louisiana more pigment. a similar colour, but not near same league a nars, vitamin more shimmer, Strawberry milk and orange soda are my pick from this haul, matt but not matt enough to last on lips very long. My tip, use a primer, then neutral lip liner. NYX are decent lip liners. or Mac spice would be my choice, apply round lipstick, powder over with some HD powder then re apply, but that is time consuming for most people. Other than the two I mentioned, I'll stick solely with higher end matt products.SORRY NYX BUT IM ALWAYS HONEST
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Makeup Brushes -Louise Young - Large foundation brush
daintydancer 11/15/2011 7:03:00 AM
After 20 years as a senior pro artist. I have at last found my HG of foundation brushes, this brush is simply amazing, Nothing like traditional foundation brushes, most are too hard, wrong shape and streak. This is thick, domed, so soft, Its great for blending foundation,and more whatever formula it works..This is first review I've actually given 5, Never skimp on brushes . I think rrp is approx £24.50, proven working pro artists that meet criteria are offered 20% discount at PAM, where the staff are simply lovely and sooooo helpful. Students and aspiring artists, don't buy a bunch of low grade brushes. It is better to save and buy a few quality versatile brushes, keep cleaning they will last the distance. Rather than buying many that will not last, or do the job, You can create an airbrush look with it. Of the 300 brushes I own, there are only a handful of true staples, of which I own a few.. I have no affiliation with any brands, and will never accept products for reviews. I have no problem telling it like it is I've been around too long, I don't need free products ,Louise Young, unlike most you tube so called gurus, with the exception of a of approx 4 real pros, don't get me started on the others,. is a respected and credible artist within the industry. I would have expected nothing less of her products. If outside of the UK, use her website, I've now purchased a second one. The is her no 1 seller. I bought some more so will be reviewing those also. For us senior pros, this is what it's about. a senior credible, established working artist, designing realistic top quality brushes. LOUISE YOUNG WE WANT MORE PLEASE. Louise is right up there with David from OCC, humble, creative respected decent artists and human beings
8 out of 12 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No