Makeup Brushes -E.L.F. - Studio Powder Brush
velvetbow 5/6/2011 12:19:00 PM
Excellent product for the price. Absolutely lives up to the hype. The bristles are very dense and soft. Perfect for stippling and/or buffing. I find that it covers quickly and completely, and gives you a lovely, soft-focus, airbrushed finish. I've had mine for almost a month. Shed a few hairs upon first washing, but never again. It remains to be seen how long this baby lasts, but I plan on buying a handful more as back up.
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Mascara -Maybelline - The Falsies in Black Drama
velvetbow 5/6/2011 11:59:00 AM
Bought this to compare to the original Falsies. Some subtle differences: it is slightly darker than the original, however my eyelashes are already black so this doesn't do so much in terms of color for me; it also volumizes slightly better than the original formula. I can get the same effect with only 2 coats of Black Drama versus 3 coats with the original. *** It terms of clumps--it's all in the application. I'm guessing the formula is wetter than most so that you can build up. Go slowly and focus on individual or very small clusters of lashes, using the wider "spoon" side of the brush. Use the "skinny" side of the brush to comb through. *** One of my favorite aspects of The Falsies is how well it curls and fans my lashes out. I no longer use an eyelash curler and the curl holds all day even without the waterproof formula. *** I highly recommend for those who don't mind taking a little extra time to work up an excellent fringe. However, if you are pressed for time in the mornings, a more traditional, user-friendly mascara might be more appropriate.
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Blush -Bobbi Brown - Pot Rouge for Lips and Cheeks - Powder Pink
velvetbow 4/28/2011 1:53:00 PM
Love Bobbi Brown's Pot Rouge!!!!! I have this is Powder Pink and it works perfectly as both blush and lip color. Though not a stain, this product has staying power. On my cheeks, the color will last from 7a.m. to about 5p.m. with no touch ups. However, I have very dry skin, so the cream color adheres well and doesn't budge. Sometimes I dab it on with the pads of my fingers, but for the best sheer effect, I use a duo-fiber stippling brush. On my lips, I only need to reapply at lunch after I've eaten (It will, however, last through multiple cups of coffee and not leave markings on the cup.) A good coat of lip balm is needed if you use it as a lip color as it can be a bit drying. The colors itself gives a lovely, natural flush to both cheeks and lips. You will look as if you should be frolicking under Cherry Blossom trees in a twirly dress in Springtime. Will absolutely purchase again--but it looks as though I won't need to for a very long time. Have had this for two months, worn daily on cheeks & lips, and have barely made a dent in the pot.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Mascara -Maybelline - Volum' Express The Falsies
velvetbow 4/28/2011 1:35:00 PM
Holy grail mascara! My eyelashes are relatively long (for being Asian) and relatively curled (again, for being Asian) but very, very sparse. The Falsies in Very Black? Blackest Black? (Is there really a difference?) gave me the most amazing long, full and fanned out fringe I've ever had. I found that both formula and wand were key. Don't know if my application is "proper", but this is how it works for me: hold wand so that the curved side faces down. Use the thin side to put a thin coat on lashes first--gives the mascara something to grab onto. Do each eye. Go back to first eye and hold wand the same way. Apply thin side of wand to the base of your eyelashes, then slowly twist your wrist so that you are applying the wider "back of the spoon" portion of the wand to your lashes, then flick upwards. (Sounds complicated as I type this, but really, it can be done in one smooth motion.) This action loads color onto your lashes, combs them out, and curls them upwards--all in one artful wrist twist! Two coats is a great everyday look for me, but if I'm feeling vampy, I'll add a coat to the outer lashes. Best part is that I get no smudges and no flakes (and I didn't get the waterproof version) after a 10-hour day. And it wipes clean off with makeup remover towelettes. However, as great as this product is, I would not say it gives a false lash effect. In my experience, only actual false lashes do that.
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Liquid -NARS - Sheer Glow Foundation
velvetbow 4/28/2011 12:42:00 PM
In terms of color matching, this product is my holy grail. I have strong yellow undertones (Asian) and most foundations eventually turn pink or orange on me. I tried Nars Sheer Glow in Ceylan and found my perfect match! In unforgiving, natural light, there is no difference between this shade and the rest of my body. I have dry, eczema-prone skin and found that this gives just enough coverage to camoflage the patches while still letting skin show through. This is the only foundation I've ever tried that actually looks better after a few hours of wear. It imparts a glowing, radiant look without being shimmery or glittery. I wouldn't say it lightens my complexion, but it certainly brightens it. I've heard a lot of complaints about the lack of a pump, but this isn't a problem for me. After a good shake, I place my middle finger over the bottle opening, turn it upside down, then right side up, and use what's on my finger to dot color all over my face. If I need more, I clean my hands on a diaper wipe, and do the same thing. Then I stipple/buff it in with my E.L.F. flat top powder brush. No mess and no wasted product. My only complaint is that this color is not completely transfer proof. I shun powder, so use MAC Fix Plus to set my makeup. It helps keep everything in place, but my cell phone often comes away with my face make up. If they could make this formula transfer proof, I'd invest in a lifetime supply!
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