Eye Shadow -NYX - Bare my soul
reallyrita 5/16/2013 10:19:00 PM
I recently found myself stranded out of town with a make-up bag left at home. I found an Ulta and ran in to pick up a few items. I only use matte eye shadows and so I was directed to the NYX display. I can't find NYX products where I live so I was pleased to see the huge selection. I choose this color: Bare my Soul. It looked like it would work with my mascara and liner which had mysteriously appeared in my overnight bag even though the rest of my make up was still sadly at home. A winner! I did have my brushes and I just made a simple one color eye. I was not expecting too much and I did not have my primer with me either. I never wear e/s without primer as I have oily hooded lids that cause creasing among other issues. Much to my surprise, this e/s lasted the day and into the evening without moving around or ending up in what amounts to my natural crease. I liked the color. It is an easy to wear neutral. Nothing sexy or glam, but then, I was just looking for something to get by with. I actually really like this e/s and will definitely keep on reaching for it. I look forward to doing a more complicated eye look with this on the "hood". I wish I had access to more of these e/s but I can only buy them on line and I don't trust the colors unless I can see them for myself.
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Blush -Maybelline - Fit me blush - light nude
reallyrita 5/16/2013 7:50:00 PM
I was out of town without my makeup travel kit and I ran into an Ulta to get a blush. I have so many beautiful blushes at home that I did not want to spend much on a temporary replacement. I picked up this Fit me blush as it was cheap and the color looked like it would work with what I had brought with me to wear. If I was not in such a rush, I would have opened up my MUA app on my phone and read these reviews. I certainly would not have bought this blush after reading all the reviews. But, I did buy the blush and it does show up on my skin...very subtly but just a nice flush. It lasted nearly all day. And best of all, there was a bit of a glow but no discernible shimmer. Now, I am an NC20 at best and so quite fair. I gave the brush a really good swirl and picked up a decent amount of product. I am used to highly pigmented blushes where I just need a "tap" so this was definitely a bit more effort. I was pleased with the result and will continue to use now and then.
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Blush -Illamasqua - Tremble
reallyrita 5/10/2013 8:24:00 PM
I am working my way through trying out my new haul of Illamasqua powder blushes. I have been wearing this one recently and really loving it. Well, I love all of the ones I have tried so far. These are just lovely and long lasting. So easy to apply and blend out too. On my light olive toned NC20 skin, this blush seems to be a vibrant peach. I use a light hand as it is quite pigmented.
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BB Cream -Amore Pacific - Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
reallyrita 5/9/2013 12:06:00 AM
This product is not technically a BB cream. It is labeled a CC cream which stands for color correcting. It certainly seems like a BB type cream to me. It hydrates, has skin nourishing ingredients, is tinted and very light in texture. Amazingly enough, it also provides spf 50. This is a very unique product. You apply it with the special sponge that comes with it. You press the sponge into the "foundation" which comes in a sturdy compact and dab it onto the face. I have rosacea and generalized redness on my checks and forehead. I normally use a strong concealer for those areas, under my foundation. I was surprised to find that this light weight cream covered everything up nicely. No settling into lines and it lasts extremely well....all day, in fact. I am loving it so far as it is a nice change from my usual routine of moisturizer, sun screen, concealer and finally foundation. I just used this one light product. Now for the bad news: there is an overpowering powdery fragrance when you first bring the product close to you face. It does dissipate quickly, but it is strong. There are only a few shades available. I chose the lightest shade: tan 104. It looks dark and orange in the compact but goes on perfectly on my NC20 complexion. I have light olive undertones. It comes in a bulky compact that I don't see myself carting around with me in my purse. So far, the staying power is quite good so I don't really see the need to keep it with me through out the day. It is expensive. I paid $60 for it at Nordstroms. However, the compact comes with a refill. You don't need much so I expect this to last me at least several months before I need to add the refill. As the weather is really heating up where I live, I am enjoying using only one product on my skin instead of four and I am still getting really good sun protection. I have very sensitive skin in addition to the rosacea and so many beauty products irritate my skin and cause it to flare up like a sunburn. In spite of the fragrance, this product has not caused me any problems whatsoever. The coverage is a good medium but it is so natural looking that it does not appear that you are wearing any foundation at all. I wish it came in many more shades as it really needs to match your skin tone in order for it to look as if you are not wearing anything at all.
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BB Cream -Unlisted Brand - amore pacifica
reallyrita 5/8/2013 7:41:00 PM
This product is not technically a BB cream. It is labeled a CC cream which stands for color correcting. It certainly seems like a BB type cream to me. It hydrates, has skin nourishing ingredients, is tinted and very light in texture. Amazingly enough, it also provides spf 50. This is a very unique product. You apply it with the special sponge that comes with it. You press the sponge into the "foundation" which comes in a sturdy compact and dab it onto the face. I have rosacea and generalized redness on my checks and forehead. I normally use a strong concealer for those areas, under my foundation. I was surprised to find that this light weight cream covered everything up nicely. No settling into lines and it lasts extremely well....all day, in fact. I am loving it so far as it is a nice change from my usual routine of moisturizer, sun screen, concealer and finally foundation. I just used this one light product. Now for the bad news: there is an overpowering powdery fragrance when you first bring the product close to you face. It does dissipate quickly, but it is strong. There are only a few shades available. I chose the lightest shade: tan 104. It looks dark and orange in the compact but goes on perfectly on my NC20 complexion. I have light olive undertones. It comes in a bulky compact that I don't see myself carting around with me in my purse. So far, the staying power is quite good so I don't really see the need to keep it with me through out the day. It is expensive. I paid $60 for it at Nordstroms. However, the compact comes with a refill. You don't need much so I expect this to last me at least several months before I need to add the refill. As the weather is really heating up where I live, I am enjoying using only one product on my skin instead of four and I am still getting really good sun protection. I have very sensitive skin in addition to the rosacea and so many beauty products irritate my skin and cause it to flare up like a sunburn. In spite of the fragrance, this product has not caused me any problems whatsoever. The coverage is a good medium but it is so natural looking that it does not appear that you are wearing any foundation at all. I wish it came in many more shades as it really needs to match your skin tone in order for it to look as if you are not wearing anything at all.
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Eye Shadow -Rouge Bunny Rouge - long lasting eyeshadow in olive violetears
reallyrita 5/6/2013 11:03:00 PM
I would buy this one again in a heart beat if I ever lost or broke this sweet little eyeshadow. The color is hard to describe. It is a grey/olive with a satin finish. It pulls more grey on me than olive but there is that bit of green in there. With my brown eyes, this is just a fantastic color all by itself. I have not messed around with multiple colors with this one. I just fluff it on with a soft blending brush on lids and crease and a bit above. I finish with a dark brown eyeliner. This is very butter-y and blends out nicely. The staying power is terrific. I wear this without a primer and it lasts until I remove it at night. I always wear primer as I have oily lids and all eyeshadows migrate into the crease sooner or later. Not this baby. I am amazed! It is so nice not to have that extra layer on the lids. I bought a few colors from this line but I am loving this one so much that I have not even tried out the others. Reviews to come, eventually. I am impressed with this e/s. No shimmer here, just a nice satin glow. Perfect for maturing eyelids!
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Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Color Tattoo 24hr Cream Gel Shadow in Bad to the Bronze / on and on bronze
reallyrita 5/4/2013 11:16:00 PM
I should not have to buy another one of these because I use such a very little bit for each application. There is a lot in the little pot but if it starts to dry out I might rebuy. The shimmer in this color does mellow out to a more satin finish shortly after putting in on the eyelids. Good thing, because shimmer is not the way to go at my age. The color is subtle and does last well. If I just dash it on with my finger without a primer, I might get creasing as I do still have oily eyelids. With a primer and a more careful application, this stuff will last all day and into the night until I remove it. It is such a pretty color and does go well with a lot of other eyeshadow colors. It also looks quite good all on its own. I have Tough as Taupe as well and I find myself reaching for that one more often for some reason. I think it is easier to wear for an older eye. Good products both, though.
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Blush -Illamasqua - Lover
reallyrita 5/2/2013 10:09:00 PM
I noted that I would buy this blush again, but I would probably never need to rebuy. It is very pigmented and I only need a dab and tap and I have more than enough on my brush. The color on me is very soft apricot. It lasts most of the day. It is easy to blend out...not powder-y and does not emphasize my pores or dry patches. I am NC20 with a definite light olive undertone and this color, lightly applied, looks quite natural on me. I like the fact that I can see the color through the clear window on top of the case, and it is fingernail friendly to open. Great product, expensive, but you definitely get what you pay for with these blushes. I have six of them now!
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Blush -Stila - Convertible Color Camellia
reallyrita 4/21/2013 5:09:00 PM
I recently rediscovered this blush in my make up drawer. I had forgotten all about it while pursuing a love affair with my Tarte Amazon Clay blushes. The color works really well for me. I am NC20 with light olive undertones. This is a dense product that is not as creamy as most cream blushes are. I don't use it on my lips as I find it not moisturizing enough. I use a small stippling brush and kind of dab it on and then blend out. It is a peachy brown shade that can be quite subtle if used with a light hand. Good choice for a more mature skin. I just recently figured out how to use these cream blushes more effectively. A small flat top stippling brush helps to apply cream blushes gently without messing up the foundation underneath.
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Concealers -Ben Nye - Blue Neutralizer
reallyrita 4/19/2013 5:07:00 PM
If you have heavy blue/purple tinged dark circles, check out this little pot. It is dirt cheap and works just as well or better than expensive concealers. I had used the Bobbi Brown concealer and corrector and powder set up for several years and it did tone down the circles a bit. Faded after a few hours and settled into fine lines. I could still see the circles however. The Eve Pearl salmon concealer is creamer and does the job but it is expensive and hard to find. I have it and use it as well. But this concealer has the very best coverage. It is thick so I always set down a bit of eye cream first and let it sink in for a few minutes. I use a small, soft talon concealer brush to gently pat it into my blue eye hollows. I set it with a bit of Southern Magnolia Minerals "well rested eyes" powder. Any finely milled translucent setting powder will work well. I use a fluffy little eye brush to lightly and gently poof the powder on. I am NC 20 and I use color NB-1 blue neutralizer. The color looks really orange in the pan but it cancels out the blue and does not look orange when applied. Dark circles gone until I remove product at night with cleanser oil.
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Primer/ Corrector -Eve Pearl - Priming Moisturizer
reallyrita 4/19/2013 4:45:00 PM
I have tried several primers, both high end and drug store quality and this one has done the best by me. My face looks flawless when I wear this under my foundation. Also, my makeup lasts really well with no shine or fading. I have the primer with the astaxathin added. I believe it is available with or without. The feel of this one on the skin is more light gel-like than sticky or heavy feeling. Because I have mature skin which tends to be dry I was afraid this primer would give me a death mask matte look. It does not. I would not say "dewey" but then my foundations are not necessarily "dewey" ones. I like this especially under my MAC Studio spf15 foundation. I do not detect any scent. Maybe the primer with the astaxathin is fragrance free. It does not say so on the label however. Glycerin is the second ingredient listed. Water is the first! Very light feeling. I only use a tiny bit to cover my whole face. It is very expensive and I had to order it from New York. No samples were available so I was taking a real chance on this one. This tube will probably last me a long time as I do not wear foundation every day. I would definitely rebuy this as I like the way my face looks with it on. I often don't bother with foundation as I hate the way it can settle or fade or both as the day wears on. I will just use a tinted sunscreen (I use one by Bobbi Brown). This product has opened the door for me to use my foundation more often and with more confidence.
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Polishes -Zoya - Brizia
reallyrita 3/27/2013 4:50:00 PM
This is the prettiest nail polish color I have ever seen. I have quite a collection of OPI and Essie polishes but when I saw this "stand out" in a huge display of Zoya polishes I just had to have it. The color is a metallic silvery taupe/soft lilac shade. This is my first Zoya polish and I am sure I will be getting some more. The polish went on so easily and smoothly and I love the brush. It is a small brush but not too stiff. I have small nails so the brush worked out great for me. After reading about these polishes here and on other sites, I decided to get the other Zoya products to use with the polish. I am glad I did. The polish is still perfect after 10 days on my toes and that includes some beach-feet-in the-sand time. I did not have the drying issues that some people have had with these polishes but I did notice that the Armour top coat seemed a little bit soft after 30 minutes. I was afraid of dents. I decided to use the finishing drops. In 10 minutes, everything was quite hard and I was able to jump in the shower. I think the success of these products is to use the whole system.
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Lipstick -Too Faced - La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream - Spice Spice Baby
reallyrita 3/10/2013 6:28:00 PM
I am planning on getting a back up of this lipstick as soon as I can. It is the prettiest shade on my lips. It looks natural and it is very moisturizing and long lasting. It just might be my HG lipstick. It certainly is my favorite right now. It goes on so smoothly as well. I will have to check out the other colors more carefully but this Spice Spice Baby may be the best of their shades for me.
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Eye Shadow -Studio Gear - Eye shadow
reallyrita 3/5/2013 8:13:00 PM
I recently bought one of these eyeshadows to try. I have Moon which is a somewhat pearlized golden light taupe I use it on my lid with a fluffy blending brush and it sets up just right for me without.looking too shiny or frosted for my mature sye area skin. It lasts until I take it off with primer, of course. No creasing and I do have oily lids. It has been a one color, quick out the door look for me with a brown liner. I will probably use it with a three shadow application at some point. Right now, I am just enjoying the subtle look of it on my lids with only a dusting of "well rested" shadow from Southern Magnolia Minerals below the brow and down to the crease. A nice easy no make up 'make up" look. I happen to like the screw top with clear window. This shadow reminds me so much of my Mac Shadows. I wonder if this line is a down market arm of the Mac brand. I bought mine from Ulta and the price point was reasonable, but not cheap.
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Eye Shadow -Cargo - Essential Eye Palette Cool/Neutral
reallyrita 2/26/2013 10:57:00 PM
This is a substantial compact with some heft to it. The shadows are not exciting but they deliver...silky and long lasting and well pigmented. I can do a low key everyday neutral eye with this as well as something more dramatic. I like "cool" tones and this one is definitely "cool." I also appreciate having a palette where all the colors are usable for mature eyes. It was extremely difficult to track down. It was "out of stock" every where. I found it on Zappos...
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