Foundations -Revlon - Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup
tomakeupchick 4/1/2013 11:43:00 AM
I absolutely loved this foundation! I bought it on a whim after hearing rave reviews and was utterly surprised at just how good this was. I was able to match myself surprisingly well given the packaging. The packaging really makes it hard to see what the colour is truly like so I strongly recommended looking at online swatches or recommendations from others with a similar skin tone. What I love about this is how natural it looks. It has a solid medium coverage. Goes on easily ( you don't need much at all), lasts all day without transferring onto clothing. I always get compliments when I wear this. It truly does look very natural yet give very good coverage and will truly last all day long without melting, caking, getting shiny etc. My biggest pet peeve was the cost of this. It's over 20 dollars in Canada which is high for drugstore brand. The good news is that there are often sales so you can pick it up at a decent price if you're willing to wait. Overall this is a very good foundation and I would highly recommend it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Revlon - Nearly Naked Foundation
tomakeupchick 4/1/2013 11:37:00 AM
I was really torn between a 3 and 4 on this but ultimately settled on a 4 because this really is a very good foundation. The good: This has a very light thin texture which produces a very natural finish. I liked the texture because it didn't feel heavy or mask like and I like the finish - non cakey very nature. Neither very matte nor very luminous, just looked like natural skin to me.It has light medium coverage but is easily built up to solid medium coverage without loosing any of that natural finish. It dries fairly quick. Overall I loved the finish and the coverage. Definitely makes me look like me but better I am able to build up the areas that need a bit more by layer a second layer over the problem areas. Because it dries quick I don't need to wait forever to add that second layer. Lasting power was decent - its no colourstay but lasts a full work day without issues. Since it's spring here in Toronto I can't really speak to how well it will hold up in more hot humid temps. But the staying power is definitely enough to at least get you through the work day. The bad: I'm sure you have heard this before, but I am not a fan of the colour selection. I found a dramatic jump between colours and while I can make one work for me, I would have to mix to get a perfect match and I'm not a fan of mixing. As a neutral person I am not fond of this warm and cool selection as I found them either too pink or too orange. Compared to the other colour selections that Revlon has in its other formulations (for which I have no trouble getting a match) the colour range in the nearly naked line leaves a lot to be desired. Paler girls will probably be out of luck here, normally I fit into the medium range of foundations and in this line I was in the light range. The other gripe I had with this was the packaging - no pump. This is very runny and can get messy if you are not careful. I always end up pouring out more than I need or want. Overall a good formula with poor packaging. If you can find a match and don't mind the lack of pump definitely give this a try. It has good coverage and lasting power and a lovely skin like finish.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Treatments (Eye) -Garnier - Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller
tomakeupchick 5/28/2012 4:24:00 PM
I purchased this product after my beloved clinique all about eyes roller finally died. Since funds are a bit low at the moment and I loved the tinted Garnier eye roller (the anti dark circle one) I decided to give the puffy eye one a try. I bought it on sale for $12 and I wish I could get my money back. Now I wasn't expecting this to work any miracles. All I really hoped for was a nice cooling/moisturizing sensation, and, if I was really lucky, it would actually do something to help the bags under my eyes. I don't think that is much to hope for considering the regular price of this is $20. This thing failed on ALL counts.First of all, unlike the clinique or the tinted eye roller, this one tends to get "stuck" a lot and results in a very scratchy feeling under my eyes. Big no no. Last thing I want is something scratching the sensitive skin under my eyes. But I wasn't giving up on a it yet, I found that by cleaning my hand and wiping it on the back of my hand a couple of times to get the ball rolling, the scratchiness was greatly reduced. Although I did need to waste a lot of product this way. The next issue - this thing BURNS! After a couple of uses I noticed that my skin was burning and it hurt. I discontinued using the roller in order to ensure that it was indeed the culprit, and sure enough the burning feeling went away. As soon as I started using it again I noticed it drying out the skin under my eyes and then the burning. This thing didn't even give me any moisture! Finally unlike my beloved clinique roller, this thing cannot be used over makeup. With the clinique roller you can use it any time of day including over your makeup when your eyes get tired and it does not disrupt the makeup at all. Not so with garnier. Don't try it ladies, its a hot mess, your makeup will start disintegrating (and not evenly) so you have these weird splotches and runs. Not pretty. Not sure if I just got a defective one but I will definitely not be giving this another chance. Would not repurchase, would not recommend. But I do like the tinted one so you can try that ladies. Now I've thrown this away and I'm off to try the Nivea eye roller.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -Olay - Sensitive Skin Foaming Face Wash
tomakeupchick 5/22/2012 7:21:00 PM
I struggled as to whether or not to give this a 3 or a 4, as I did with the question of whether I would repurchase. In the end though, I found that this is an overall decent cleanser and well priced and I could very well see myself buying this in the future. My skin is combination and somewhat sensitive. I purchased this on sale and wound up getting the combination cleanser as well. My review of the product is as follows: Pros: - Price has gone up quite a bit in recent years but goes on sale fairly often and is definitely worth it on sale. I bought it for $5(CDN). - Cleansing. This does what it is supposed to do. It cleanses skin very well, even going so far as to do a great job of removing makeup. In fact it did well with everything except waterproof mascara but this isn't designed for mascara anyway. I just like to put a product through its paces and see what it is capable of. Overall I was very impressed with the makeup removing properties. - Left skin clean without overdrying. Skin felt great after - no noticeable tightness which some cleansers have. No offensive scents. Cons: DOES NOT FOAM! Now this is a personal preference of course but I love a cleanser that lathers up nicely. This one doesn't and as a result I often ended up using more product than necessary in order to get a bit of lather. This made me go through it rather quickly. Now this isn't a problem for most people but I feel if you are going to call something a foaming face wash - there should be some foam. Ultimately the 3-4 issue was totally due to the lack of lather which doesn't affect performance but does affect how much product I personally use and my own personal preferences. Seeing as how it did do such a good job at what it was supposed to - cleaning my skin without any unpleasant side effects- it definitely deserves a 4 and I will most likely repurchase it the next time it goes on sale.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Masks -Freeman - Facial Hydration Mask - Gogi Berry
tomakeupchick 5/22/2012 7:12:00 PM
I'm glad that I waited a while to review this product. Initially I liked it. It went on smoothly and left my skin feeling soft and moist. Fragrance is mild, not offensive. BUT and its a big one, after a couple of uses (not sure exactly why) I began to experience a burning sensation if I left it on for more than a minute. I was worried that maybe it was because of my perhaps energetic use of my facial brush while cleansing prior to using the mask. Tried it again without any brush or anything before hand other than a gentle cleanser (Olay foaming face wash for sensitive skin) and the problem got worse instead of better. Now the burning was instantaneous and severe. Good news is once I wash it off, no more burning sensation and there is no visible redness on my skin (thankfully). But there is no way I would repurchase. In fact I wouldn't even give it away, it went straight to the trash. Now about my skin, it is combination and I do still struggle with breakouts. It is mildly sensitive in that yes some things do bother my skin but for the most part I don't normally have this kind of reaction to products. I was extremely surprised by how painful this thing was. I am very happy that there doesn't appear to be any lasting damage - at least not any visible traces on my skin right after use. Unfortunately I didn't research before buying and I am not sure what ingredient could possibly have done this - I will leave it to far more knowledgeable MUAers who have serious skin care info. I would just advise to stay away from this product or ensure you buy it somewhere where you can return it. Bottom line - stay away. Would not repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Cover Girl - Lip Perfection
tomakeupchick 2/9/2012 4:49:00 PM
This product was very disappointing. I have never purchased a Cover Girl lipstick before, and based on this experience, I never will again. I wanted to try it because I had heard wonderful things and some of them were true. The pros: - good pigmentation - smooth texture that applies well - decent lasting time the cons - horrible taste. Now there is only one con but it is a big one. I have never had a problem with a lipstick in terms of the odour or taste being so problematic that I wouldn't use the product again. Sometimes I'm not to fond of the smell or taste but its a minor inconvenience and in time I do not notice. However, that was not the case with this. The taste is so vile that I actually had to wipe it off. I tried several times, hoping I would get used to it as I really liked the texture, colour and longevity (a couple of hours) but no. Each and every time I was extremely aware of this vile taste on my lips. Honestly it is like the lipstick is rancid or something. I feel as though it is toxic, that is how vile this taste is. Now I'm not sure if I got a dud, but I doubt it. I purchased this at a store that has a very busy cosmetics section and there is a lot of product turnover. The taste is so bad I don't even want to risk trying another one. There are plenty of other lipsticks with similar colours and nice texture that do not taste awful. I suggest ladies you try this out if you can. Definitely would not repurchase ever again.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Treatments -Maybelline - Baby Lips lip balm
tomakeupchick 1/16/2012 5:22:00 PM
So I bought into the hype and picked one of these up. Sounded great - something that would keep my lips nice and moisture during the cold Canadian winter and give me a bit of colour which is always a plus. Ultimately this failed on both counts and so I would not repurchase. I don't think these things do anything to moisturize my lips at all. It doesn't go on smooth, it feels gritty and doesn't last at all. Any other lip balm would do a better job of moisturizing the lips. Save your money ladies and pick something else to try. I sure wish I had.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Cleansers -L'Oreal - Revitalift Radiant Smoothing Cream Cleanser
tomakeupchick 1/4/2012 8:49:00 PM
This product claims to cleanse your skin by removing all traces of makeup and skin impurities, while also providing various anti aging benefits as well. I think that ultimately this is an average cleanser. As with most products, YMMV. I didn't find that this fully cleansed my skin as there was still makeup on my face after cleansing (and not waterproof makeup either). For reference I have combo skin, with occasional breakouts, and slightly sensitive. So fail on the move all makeup and impurities claim. Personally I normally use an oil cleanse to remove makeup and then use a cleanser but in order to fully test any product I like to try it out in a variety of situations/conditions so I can evaluate its effectiveness. As for anti-aging, I didn't see any. Honestly I don't think cleansers are on my skin long enough to really give me any kind of anti aging and lifting benefits, although I understand the gimmick here is exfoliating ingredients which I didn't find to be effective nor irritating. After careful reflection, I concluded that I would most likely not repurchase simply because I think there are better cleansers out there. Pros: - Not over drying. I was able to cleanse my face and was not left with that horrible tight feeling that leaves me running for moisturizer. - No irritating scent. It does have a mild scent which didn't disturb me in the slightest. - Excellent lather. Now this is a personal preference but this thing suds up in a flash. You only need the tiniest amount of the product in order to completely cover your face (in generous amounts), which results in the product lasting a long time. If you over do the amount of cleanser, you will have a mini sud mountain on your hands - you have been warned! - Does somewhat remove makeup and does an ok job of cleansing skin. -Didn't cause breakouts. Cons: - No lifting, radiance or shrunken/reduced pores were observed, despite these being the claims of the product. This didn't disturb me too much as I didn't buy it as an anti-aging treatment. I wanted a good cleanser, plain and simple. - Does not completely remove makeup. Now as I previously mentioned I don't normally rely on cleansers to do the makeup removal job but I do like to test them to see what they are made of. I experimented with different kinds of makeup and application of product methods (hands, vs scrublet vs mechanical device) and even changed the quantity of product used. At no time was I completely able to use my makeup. Please note that none of the makeup used was waterproof so this cleanser shouldn't really have had such a hard time clearing it all away. This leads me to believe it probably doesn't cleanse my skin all that well either. It did remove some makeup but not all, so if you are using this be sure to use a secondary method to ensure all your makeup comes off. In the end I would have to say this is just average. Considering the number of cleansers on the market I wouldn't waste time with this.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Concealers -Make Up For Ever - Full Cover Concealer
tomakeupchick 12/15/2011 11:48:00 AM
In my eternal quest for the perfect under eye concealer, I decided to try this MUFE full cover. I had heard good things about it and was excited to try it. It is VERY important to note that I am reviewing this product for use as an under eye concealer as I think for blemishes and other areas of the face other than the under eye may be better suited for this product. Unfortunately my conclusion is that this is just an average full coverage concealer with an above average price tag. As such I would not repurchase. The Pros: - Excellent colour selection. One of my main pet peeves with concealers is this light, medium, or dark business. That doesn't cut it with foundations and it won't cut it with concealers. MUFE as always provides an above average selection in terms of colour thus ensuring many people will find a match. My perfect match was 7 and I was quite pleased with the colour. Very good coverage. This is a full cover concealer and it does a very good job of hiding dark circles. It is very pigmented and so you only need the tiniest amount to cover. Think just a tiny drop from the squeeze tube - that is enough to do both eyes and you may have some left over. I think it would be excellent for use on blemishes or other discoloration. The Cons. The texture - very dry. This is why I feel this would probably work better on blemishes or other areas other than the very delicate under eye area. This concealer is not as smooth as other full coverage concealers I have tried (like IT's bye bye under eye) and this is part of what turns it into a hot mess. Even using tiny amounts and using a moisturizer under (for reference I have combination skin), I found it to become quite cakey and emphasize lines and wrinkles that I otherwise didn't know I had. Yes I suppose the darkness is gone, but its replaced by something equally ugly - cakey makup, collecting in creases. Longevity - Like all many other concealers this didn't last a full day on me(which might be a good thing all things considered). By the end of my workday the darkness is visible, along with some collected concealer in fine lines, which helped to highlight the lines :|. Price - Considering the fact that it was cakey and didn't last I think it is overpriced. There are comparable products at lower price points. Overall I would not repurchase. Perhaps for other uses such as blemishes or other areas other than the under eye, it may be better suited. I cannot comment on such for that was not my reason for purchase and that was not how I used it. For dark undereye circles I would definitely not recommend. There are other, less drying, full coverage concealers out there.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Stipple
tomakeupchick 11/11/2011 6:43:00 PM
oh E.L.F. this was such a disappointment. After the success of the powder brush and kabuki I was expecting great things from this brush. Unfortunately it just did not deliver. Like the other E.L.F. brushes the bristles are super soft. The problem, I believe, is that the brush is simply not dense enough. It does not work for stippling at all, too soft and too few bristles. It did not pick up the liquid foundation well at all. It doesn't particularly pick up any powder well either, although it isn't bad for blending. I would stay away from this brush, which although cheap $3, it simply isn't worth the money. Save your money and invest in the many other E.L.F studio brushes which are indeed great value.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Kabuki Face Brush
tomakeupchick 11/11/2011 2:02:00 PM
Another E.L.F winner!!!! This brush is amazing! It is the softest thing ever. I have had other kabukis and none compare. They have all since been tossed in the trash. This is the softest thing ever, picks up and blends makeup like a dream. Again the cost...worth ever penny. I believe it was $5 and totally worth it. I use mine daily. It gets spot cleaned daily and deep cleaned once a week, 0 loss of bristles. Bounces right back to its original shape looking as good as new. I have used it with a variety of powders and even some liquids, and I have no complaints. A fabulous product at a fabulous price. Definitely would repurchase,
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Powder Brush
tomakeupchick 11/11/2011 1:58:00 PM
Yes yes yes!!! This product definitely lives up to the hype. The bristles are super soft and the brush is dense. This brush is perfect for makeup application. I have used it with various powders and even to buff in some liquids. Picks up product like a dream, nice even distribution on the skin and so soft. I have had this for over 2 months, it gets spot cleaned daily and a deep cleanse weekly and I have yet to loose a bristle. Looks as good as the day I bought it. This brush is sooo cheap and so good! A must have. You will not be disappointed. And the best part of all is how incredibly cheap it was. $3!!!!! Why would you ever spend more when you clearly don't have to. I would definitely repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - Colorburst (All colors)
tomakeupchick 11/11/2011 11:18:00 AM
I think I found my HG lipgloss. The Revlon colorburst lipglosses are highly pigmented glosses that are never sticky or tacky and yet are quite long lasting. In my experience lip glosses fell into two categories either sticky and longlasting or none sticky and fast fading. But these new colorburst lipglosses (i have bordeaux and sienna sparkle) are a new breed. The colour does last quite a while (by lipgloss standards). The glossy shine is just enough, not too over the top and when the shine factor fades, there is still a hint of colour (like a lipstain) that lingers for some time. It goes on smoothly and evenly, feels great on, and has excellent pigmentation. However, it really is the longevity of colour that sets it apart from the rest. I paid $4.00 CAN for it and would most definitely repurchase. The only con is with the colour selection which is only ok but the product itself is very good.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -Rimmel - Sun Shimmer Bronzing Compact Powder (ALL)
tomakeupchick 11/11/2011 11:03:00 AM
I bought this product to use as a contour powder. The powder itself is matte, which is what I wanted and it is hard to find matte bronzer. I tested it extensively as I was afraid there would be some shimmer as it looked like there might be some in the package but there was no trace of shimmer at all. This truly is a matte powder (yay!) The problem with this is that the product is so poorly pigmented that I had to really pile it on before I could see it at all. I bought Medium matte and it didn't work for me. Cost was approx $5 CAN. Pros: - No sparkle/shimmer Cons: - very little pigmentation - powder itself isn't the best quality - doesn't last very long (fades within 2 hours). Ultimately I would not repurchase. I am disappointed because I really wanted to like this product. Unfortunately, this is a mediocre product at best Product was inexpensive but as it didn't work it proved to be a waste. I had to pile it on to see anything at all and then after all that hard work it doesn't last at all. Fading begins in about 1 hour. I believe there are better bronzers out there and I will continue my search.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Smashbox - Eyeshadow
tomakeupchick 11/11/2011 10:46:00 AM
I think smashbox must have reformulated their eyeshadows because they have improved a great deal. I had purchased smashbox eye shadow trios in the past and stopped because although I thought the colours were pretty I found the quality to be sub par in comparison to other shadows in this price range. The trios were not very pigmented, didn't last at all (like 1 hour tops before fading into oblivion) and rather dusty (that is the only way I can think to describe it) and I had vowed not to purchase smashbox eyeshadow again. I few weeks ago my local SDM was having a bogo offer on select smashbox products. By the time I got to the store only the eyeshadows were left. I was going to walk away empty handed when the SA told me they had reformulated the eyeshadows. I decided to give it a try and I am soo glad I did. These new shadows are wonderful! Pros: - Smooth texture. - Highly pigmented - Long lasting (8 hours plus with NO PRIMER) - blend well and easily. Cons: - Limited colour selection. The new shadows are just so soft and smooth, very luxurious feel and I cannot get over how pigmented and long lasting they are! I don't know what they did but they definitely did it right! I will be purchasing more and repurchasing when my originals run out.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No