Eyeliner -L'Oreal - Lineur Intense liquid liner - brush tip
jsc0215 1/3/2013 1:13:00 PM
The wand applicator is very long and was difficult to maneuver. The tip is so small that it accurately lines eyes without much difficulty. It gives such a sharp flick for a cat eye! But on that note, the brush is so flimsy that it's hard to make a precise line to connect the cat eye to the eye. The brush gets stuck between my barely there, down-facing, pin-straight lashes and the product gets all over my lid. Lineur Intense is very runny. It makes it easy to line the first 1/3 of my lid- the upper, innermost corner. Once applied, it looks somewhat 3Dish and gives a glossy effect. It's actually very pretty. The particular color I purchased, Carbon Black, is SO pigmented. It's almost like a lacquered black in color. It's so black. Probably the blackest blackest blackest black. Seriously. It's black. I love that once dry, it doesn't smudge and lasts for at least 6-8 hours before flaking. Even when I'm at the gym or stranded in the rain (I'm covered under an umbrella of course), it looks just as it did when freshly applied. Pros: - extremely pigmented - sharp, precise tip - smudge-proof - lasts about 6-8 hours before flaking - easily draws thin and thick lines Cons: - tip is too flimsy - product is very runny - takes forever to dry
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Powder -Make Up For Ever - Duo Mat Powder foundation
jsc0215 1/3/2013 1:09:00 PM
MAC SFF/Powder: NC35/C35 MUFE Mat Velvet+: 40 MUFE HD: 123/127 MUFE Duo Mat: 203/207 Lancome TIU 24H: 320 Bisque W/410 Bisque W ___________________________________________________ I like that the powder is fine and not at all chalky. Product doesn't settle everrrrywhere- just around the rim of the packaging. You can tell by one swipe of the finger that it's very opaque. Therefore, you can get a good amount of coverage with the correct type of brush. I've worn it through sweaty gym workouts, fog, (heavy, random, totally unexpected) rain and through sunny days. When used as the main foundation, something I really don't like about Duo Mat is that it has no oil control. Regardless of how often I blot my face, I always end up an oil slick. Personally, I find that it works best as a setting powder over liquid foundation and tinted moisturizer (for those lazy days). Its opacity, gives liquid foundation that extra oomph in staying power and looks vivid in photos. In terms of longevity, I'd say that this foundation lasts about 4-5 hours on bare skin before oil peeks through. Over primer or a tinted moisturizer, the staying power lasts around 7-8 hours. Not bad. Of course, when you take into consideration weather, the wear vary. Through wet weather under primer or tinted moisturizer, it lasts 5-6 hours and you better believe you need to blot (even if you're not normally oily, like I am). Pros: - great for everyday use - color match is great - matte finish - transfer resistant - photographs well Cons: - must be worn with a primer or tinted moisturizer - no oil control - packaging attracts fingerprints
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Liquid -Lancome - Teint Idole Ultra 24h
jsc0215 1/3/2013 12:59:00 PM
MAC SFF/Powder: NC35/C35 MUFE Mat Velvet+: 40 MUFE HD: 123/127 Lancome TIU 24H: 320 Bisque W/410 Bisque W ___________________________________________________ I find that the liquid is not runny, but not at all thick and has a very good consistency. Also, I had time to buff it without worrying about it quickly drying. Its semi-matte, almost dewy finish is absolutely beautiful. (So beautiful that it pains me to set it with any sort of powder.) But its formula is great enough that even without setting the foundation, it looks and lasts the longest time. When I was matched in July, I was getting over my Californian tan. I was matched to 410 Bisque (W). It actually melted onto my skin. Although I was darker than I normal, I was happy with how tan it made me! Later, in late August/September, I swatched 320 Bisque (W). Although much peachier than #410, I could tell that it would be suitable as my winter shade. Both looked great on my skin and had the right amount of yellow! I was completely amazed as this has never happened before (by that, I mean a foundation that just blends effortlessly onto my skin). When tested under normal weather (no rain), I found that within the first 6 hours of wear, my face looked exactly the same as when I first applied it, and my forehead wasn't shiny. But after 8-9 hours, I started to notice shine so I'd have to blot. After 12 hours of wear, my whole face ended up becoming shiny and I would need to blot again. But again, my face still looked just as when I first applied it (only shiny). Even when I've napped, I found that the foundation still looks great. In my tests, I find that it looks decent even after 19 total hours of wear. When I tested the foundation during inclement weather (when we had random spurts of rain and it was extremely foggy and humid), I decided to forgo the use of concealer and setting powder to fully test its capability. With one layer, TIU24 covered my redness, unevenness and blemishes with ease. I'm sure that even with a second layer, coverage would be emphasized, but would not look cakey. I find that it just looks like skin, such is the case with Teint Idôle. Although I don't have oily skin, it's best to have a few blotting sheets handy. I found that after 6-7 hours of (normal) wear, I started to get shiny and needed to blot. Also, I'd like to note that the foundation is transfer-resistant. When I lightly blew my nose or rubbed against someone by mistake, foundation didn't appear anywhere! But when I blew my nose roughly (haha, I blow my nose like an elephant. Yes, yes!), I saw traces of foundation on the tissue. I think it lives up to its claims. I was testing out a long-lasting lipstick (which did NOT last, by the way) and even though I was constantly rubbing off lip product, the foundation stayed put. Oh- and photographing in flash? Awesome. It didn't photograph with a white cast and kept me looking nice and even. When wearing this, I have no qualms over what to wear during a special event because I know I'll look human (aka not a ghost). Pros: - medium to full coverage - perfect amount of yellow - long-wearing (lasted over 16 hours) - concert-proof - demi-matte finish - photographs well - transfer resistant - not cakey - perfect for cooler weather since oiliness is at bay Cons: - packaging (gotta treat the bottle like porcelain…) - ok for warmer weather, but prepare to blot a lot!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Moisturizers -Neutrogena - Combination Skin Moisture Oil Free
jsc0215 1/3/2013 12:52:00 PM
My skin type is combination/normal and am EXTREMELY acne prone. The center of my forehead, cheeks and chin can become oily (though, not so much), the outer parts of my forehead and upper lip are dry. My nose and jaw area are normal. Complicated much?!! Within the first few weeks of use, I felt like the initial weight of the moisturizer was too heavy. (Maybe it's because I HATE the feel of moisturizers/lotions…) I hated the way it feels when it's settling into my skin. But, admittedly, once the moisturizer is set it moisturizes so well and makes my skin feel so baby soft. I also love that it doesn't make me break out and doesn't clog my pores! Also, after months of use, I've gotten used to that "heavy" lotion feel. (Others who've used the Neutrogena find that the moisturizer is "extremely light-weight." Lol. I think I might've been spoiled by Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel's light-weight, barely there feel. Because DDMG feels like water!) I've used this moisturizer for a couple of months and I really like it so far! Ultimately, I think this may have replaced Clinique DDMG as my HG. On the flip side, FWIW, my fiance uses this moisturizer as well, but he doesn't like it. He has normal skin and feels like it clogs his pores. He prefers the sensitive version over the combination (that I bought)! Pros: - moisturizes dry patches and mattifies oily spots! - cheap (under $10 and many coupons available) Cons: - feels like lotion! (but that's just a con for me...)
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Tinted Moisturizer -Smashbox - Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15
jsc0215 9/1/2012 10:35:00 PM
MAC SFF/Powder: NC35/C35 MUFE Mat Velvet+: 40 MUFE HD: 127 Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H: 410 Bisque W ___________________________________________________ I bought this tinted moisturizer in Medium over a year ago. I used it when I don't feel like putting on a face of makeup. I apply only a pea-sized amount and dot it to my entire face (one dot on each cheek, forehead and chin). Then I rub it into my skin in circular motions. Voila. Done. In the end, I will not be repurchasing this. I used up what I could before its expiration date in July. I like its coverage. It masked all my hyper pigmentation (caused by acne) and the redness caused by current, or healing, blemishes. I also liked that the moisturizer took care of my dry patches (blemishes) without making my face look too oily. At times, the coverage felt very heavy (something I hated when applying it in July while visiting California), but otherwise wasn't too bad. In other words, you can FEEL it on your skin and you don't forget that you have it on. Even after half an hour of applying product to face, it cakes around my nose and mouth. I also felt that the hotter it got, the more it slid off my face. Boo. _____________ Pros: - covered hyper pigmentation and acne - moisturizing - has SPF - matches my skin very well - travels well (no mess! rode with me in the plane, in the car and by ferry) - it did not break me out Cons: - felt heavy - cakey (even when only a small amount is applied) - transfers - can "slide"
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lips -L'Oreal - Colour Riche Balm
jsc0215 8/22/2012 1:10:00 PM
I LOVE the color #118 Pink Satin. It gives your lips prettiest pop of pink. The packaging is gorgeous as well. Many people thought I was using an expensive lipstick! I love it so much I bought two! One to keep at home, and one to have in my purse's makeup bag (so I always have access to it). I've gotten many compliments. :) One downside to this product is that sometimes, I find it to be greasy. _____________ Pros: - beautiful colors - moisturizing - beautiful packaging, looks expensive! - contains SPF for some lip protection - light scent Cons: - not a large selection of colors - can feel greasy
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Powder -MAC - Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation
jsc0215 8/22/2012 2:36:00 AM
MAC SFF/Powder: NC35/C35 MUFE Mat Velvet+: 40 MUFE HD: 127 Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H: 410 Bisque W ___________________________________________________ This is the perfect powder foundation. With a light dusting, I can achieve basic coverage (enough to even out my complexion)- and it's just enough! Add a little concealer and I'm good to go. Also, the C35 is very, very yellow. And it doesn't break me out. Can't love it any more than I already do! _____________ Pros: - medium-full coverage - matches my skin perfectly (aka very, very yellow- may be a con to some) - feels like you have nothing on! Cons: - can emphasize some dry areas, so be sure to moisturize in problem areas
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Bronzers -NARS - Laguna
jsc0215 8/22/2012 2:29:00 AM
MAC SFF/Powder: NC35/C35 MUFE Mat Velvet+: 40 MUFE HD: 127 Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H: 410 Bisque W ___________________________________________________ This is the first NARS product I've ever purchased. VeronikasBlushing's often raved about this bronzer, so I was eager to try it. I dust it around my hairline, jaw and cheeks. I'm medium-toned and this bronzer looks awesome on. (I'm sure it works well with other skin tones, too!) Sometimes I think it looks too dark (depending on whether it's cooler or warmer out), but in pictures I look really good! Something to note is that this bronzer is semi-matte, but it definitely has some shimmer to it (I have very, very yellow undertones, so I think the gold-like shimmer complements my skin). I don't think it's enough to deter someone from purchasing it (as it's such a lovely color to suit most skin tones). I can see it in person, but not so well in photos. _____________ Pros: - applies beautifully to suit most skin tones Cons: - shimmer may be off-putting to some
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Bobbi Brown - Powder Blush - Peony
jsc0215 8/22/2012 2:22:00 AM
MAC SFF/Powder: NC35/C35 MUFE Mat Velvet+: 40 MUFE HD: 127 Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H: 410 Bisque W ___________________________________________________ This is the first Bobbi Brown product I've ever purchased. And it definitely did NOT disappoint. At the counter, I was between peony and pale pink. Both are so pretty! I ended up choosing peony. I'm medium-toned and this blush looks perfect on. (I'm sure it works well with other skin tones, too!) I find it to be the best tint of pink on my cheek. Also, although the color appears BRIGHT in person, don't let that fool you! It applies beautifully. _____________ Pros: - applies beautifully to suit most skin tones - pan is magnetic (adheres SO well to my Unii palette) Cons: - bumps can form on the actual blush itself (I talked to the Bobbi Brown rep and he said that it was normal. It is most likely the oils from my skin reacting to the product. It didn't change the way the blush works, it's just not aesthetically pleasing. :-\)
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Revlon - PhotoReady Concealer SPF 20
jsc0215 8/22/2012 2:07:00 AM
I'm on the hunt for a great concealer. This was raved by Beauty Broadcast's Emily so I was really excited to try it. BUT, it was a big disappointment. When I applied the product to my problematic areas (redness around my nose, mouth and acne), it just emphasized my pores, smile lines and my acne... everything. _____________ Pros: - creamy texture - applies nicely - packaging makes it easy to use Cons: - emphasizes dry areas - doesn't conceal well- defeats the purpose!
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Mascara -Cover Girl - Lash Blast Fusion water resistant
jsc0215 8/22/2012 1:59:00 AM
This (and the L'oreal False Fiber) is my HG mascara. It just works. I have stick straight lashes that refuse to lift. With this mascara, my lashes actually lengthens, lifts, separate and hold the curl. I feel SO feminine and pretty whenever I put on this mascara. :) I also prefer this to the original formulation. FWIW, I get this in Blackest Black. One downside to this mascara is the handle. It's really difficult to apply because the handle is so... big. Like it's in the way or something. _____________ Pros: - lengthens, lifts, separates - holds curl - doesn't flake Cons: - handle is annoying
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Styling Products -Alterna - Alterna Bamboo Smooth - Kendi Oil
jsc0215 8/22/2012 1:57:00 AM
I have very coarse, thick kinky, but wavy hair. Oh, and I have a lot of it. A lot. My hair is up to the bottom of my chest- so it's about medium length. Also, I wash it every other day during the warmer months and every three days during the cooler months. This is my HG hair treatment and the only one I use (other than shampoo and conditioner). Can I say that I completely IN LOVE with this product? I love the way my hair soaks it up. Yum, yum, yum! After I've blow-dryed my hair, I immediately apply half a quarter's amount onto my palms and distribute the product to my ends. After my ends have soaked up the oil, I work my way up to the shaft of my hair being careful not to work it too close to my scalp (it would get oily). The only thing my hair lacks is hydration. And that's exactly what I feel it receives with the Alterna oil. It gives my hair the most beautiful effect- like I have long, flowing, healthy hair. I love it!! _____________ Pros: - adds moisture and shine Cons: - none!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -L'Oreal - Voluminous False Fiber Lashes~Waterproof
jsc0215 8/22/2012 1:35:00 AM
This (and the CG Lash Blast Fusion) is my HG mascara. It just works. I have stick straight lashes that refuse to lift. With this mascara, my lashes actually lengthens, lifts and holds its curl. I feel SO feminine and pretty whenever I put on this mascara. :) My only problem is that it's difficult to separate the lashes without using a separate comb. _____________ Pros: - lengthens and lifts - holds curl Cons: - doesn't separate lashes - difficult to remove even with oil-based makeup remover
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Maybelline - Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles
jsc0215 8/22/2012 1:29:00 AM
I bought this in the color brightener. I thought the color would be too pink, but it actually works well with my cool-toned yellowness. So, I was surprised that I actually like the color and product. I don't really have under eye circles or discolored bags, per se, but I like to lighten the area beneath my eyes. This is the only area I use this product. _____________ Pros: - creamy consistency - feels light-weight - applicator sponge- I like the squish sound it makes! Cons: - applicator sponge- it may not be the most hygienic way to dispense product
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Eye Primer -Urban Decay - Eyeshadow Primer Potion - Original (UDPP)
jsc0215 8/22/2012 1:19:00 AM
This is my favorite eyelid primer. It makes my eye shadows look brilliant whether I'm using MAC, UD, Revlon or Wet 'n' Wild shadows. It also lets the shadows last for hours. There's been instances where I've napped and forgotten to take off my makeup at night. My mascara will be on the pillow, all over my clothes and sheets... but my eye shadows and liner (although smudged) will look PERFECT and still brilliant. It's awesome. I only have a few issues with this primer. It stings just enough to irritate upon application. I'm not sure why, but it does. every. time. but the outcome is so wonderful that I let it slide (I have to wait about 2-3 min for the stinging sensation to go away though). I also don't like how it can feel creamy when dispensed on my finger, but then so oily when applied to my lid. _____________ Pros: - lasts ALL day and ALL night - shows eye shadows in its truest color - packaging (I love the tube!) Cons: - can be oily - slightly stings when applied
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