May 31, 2011

Swatch Posts Catch Up (May 2011)

Hello, Beautiful!

This is the May 2011 Swatch Posts Catch Up!

NOTE: The purpose of a Swatch Posts Catch Up is for easy reference and for readers who may have missed some posts. The links to the posts are sorted by product type (nail polish, foundation, eyeshadow, etc.).

NOTE: I only include links to posts that include swatches/pics of products; for all other posts (or to find something specific) you can go to the left side of this blog, scroll down to "My Posts", "Browse By Category", or "Search My Blog" to find what you're looking for.


Swatch Posts Catch Up: May 2011

* Click on any subject/product name below to view that post on this blog. *


FACE


EYES


LIPS


NAILS


A LITTLE OF THIS, A LITTLE OF THAT

  



May 30, 2011

May 2011 Favorites & Not-So-Favorites

Hello, Beautiful!

It's been awhile since I made a Favorites & Not-So-Favorites post (I don't think I made one in 2011 yet, but I might have, I really can't remember). I need to try and remember to make these posts every month!

I don't have the time right now to post pics of each Favorite & Not-So-Favorite item, but if I already have a pic of it I'll post it. If no, I'm sorry! Next month I'll do better!


Favorites: May 2011
[I'm only picking 5 Favorites for May, even though I have about 50!]

Bumble & Bumble Creme de Coco Shampoo & Conditioner
I've had my eye on this shampoo and conditioner for several months now. It's been at Target, but now Sephora carries the Bumble & Bumble line. I did buy them from Target, but picked up some other Bumble & Bumble products at Sephora.

I've been using this shampoo and conditioner for about two months now and it has quickly become my new favorite! I haven't even touched my bottle of WEN since trying these out! The scent is yummy; a subtle coconut-esque scent with maybe a hint of cocoa. It's a relaxing smell, but I'm sure it's not for everyone. My hair feels clean after I rinse the shampoo out and silky after the conditioner is rinsed out. Once my hair is dry (blow dried) my hair is soft, silky, shiny and extremely manageable. If I let my hair air dry with any shampoo or conditioner it never comes out nice (that's why I loved WEN so much).

I have long, fine, combo dry/oily hair and it's almost impossible for me to get second day hair from any shampoo/conditioner. I usually have to wash my hair before I go out anywhere unless I pull it back in a ponytail, and even then it can look greasy. However, I've been able to get really great second day hair when I used this shampoo and conditioner! I tested it and I was able to get third day hair, although by the third day it was looking rather in need of shampoo.

My only complain is the price tag; $22 for the shampoo and $23 for the conditioner... each bottle is only 8 ounces! They do have a larger, 33.8 ounce bottle for $56... which is a real value (it would cost $92.84 if you bought the 8 oz. bottles of shampoo separately to equal the amount in the 33.8 ounce bottle; you save $36.84 buying the value size bottle). When I need to buy more I will buy the larger sized bottle because it will save me money. I just couldn't buy that size right away without knowing if I liked it. But I don't like it... I LOVE it!

I love this shampoo and conditioner so much that I went back to Sephora's website to purchase the travel sized versions ($7 for the shampoo and $8 for the conditioner on Sephora's website). During the summer I travel to PA to visit family and other amusement parks so having travel sized versions of my favorites are an absolute must for me. They took their first trip just this past weekend to PA when I went to visit my family for my brother's girlfriend's surprise 40th birthday party.



Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment
This lip balm has officially become my favorite lip balm of all time! I'm actually angry with myself for waiting so many years to try it. I had always passed by the original version of this balm since the price tag turned me off ($22.50 for just one lip balm). However, after taking the plunge I am totally head-over-heels in love with this lip balm/treatment!

First, let me tell you how great it is as a lip treatment. My lips have been really dry lately. I had to switch my medication and as a result I've had the hardest time keeping my lips hydrated. This lip treatment keeps my lips perfectly hydrated, soft and smooth! The formula is soft and non-sticky.

Now let me tell you about the great color! This is the tinted version and I chose the Sugar Rose color, which looks like a deep berry rose in the tube (and really red online), but goes on sheer for a perfect kiss of color. I don't even feel the need to apply gloss most days because I love the color this gives me.

It is the perfect lip product to use on the days I go to the amusement park where I typically shy away from any glosses because they can become sticky in the heat and often don't hydrate enough. I normally just use a plain lip balm but then I still crave color on my lips. This is the perfect compromise of hydration and color.

As a bonus, this balm lasts a long time! I can put this on before bed, wake up and still feel the effects and still see some color. Of course during the day when you're talking, eating, etc. it will wear faster but it still lasts longer than other balms and certainly longer than most lip glosses I own. I do find myself re-applying this balm often, but not because I need to but because I want to. It feels so good on your lips!

The container it comes is in also a nice bonus; the cap twists on to lock it in place so you never have to worry about your lip balm cap coming loose or falling off.

This lip balm is scented like lemons and sugar, which at first I was a little put off by but now I like. I've found that all the great moisturizing lip balms I've had (like Philosophy's Kiss Me in the yellow tube) are lemon scented. Maybe that's part of the magic? I don't know what makes this magical, but I know I can't live without it now that I've tried it.

I even went back and purchased the original too (which is clear) since I would like a color-less option on days I do want to wear a gloss or lipstick overtop. This lip treatment is also available in Sugar Plum (a sheer plum) and the newest Sugar Honey (a sheer nude). I want to try the Sugar Honey version!

You can pick up this rose tinted lip treatment for $22.50 on Sephora's website.

One downside: the balm is really soft and it will melt in high heats! I had it in my car for 3 and a half hours on my trip back from PA to VA and it melted about 2 and a half hours into the trip. Granted my air conditioner broke and I had to drive with the windows partly down, and it was really hot out, but still, first time it melted since I had it. It didn't melt in the tube; it just melted once I went to put it on my lips. It re-hardened back up once I was home and I can use it just fine now, but just be careful on hot days!



Philosophy The Microdelivery Purifying Peel, One-Minute Purifying Enzyme Peel


This peel is A-MAZING! Seriously, this is so worth the $40 price tag. Most of the time a peel or mask will leave my skin feeling smooth and possibly a little brighter, but that's about as far as my results go. However, this peel did more. Not only did it leave my skin feeling smooth, my skin texture felt so much better, my complexion glowed, my pores looked smaller, and my whole face felt firmer..... and all in just 3 MINUTES!

I did a full review on this blog with before, during and after pics. Check that out by clicking here.

Yes, just 3 minutes is all you need - and technically you only need 1 minute. I just leave it on for the maximum time they say (which is 1 to 3 minutes, as tolerated). I didn't have any irritation or reactions to this. It just did it's job! At first I wasn't sure it was even working. It's a clear gel-like formula and you really don't know if you have enough on, but you do. It doesn't look like it's doing anything but then you wash it off and ta-da! Perfection! Out of all the peels I've ever owned, this is by far my favorite for being quick and effective!

Check it out on Sephora's website ($40 per tube).



Illamasqua Matt Primer

I've tried many primers, and you'd think by now I would have found "the perfect primer" and wouldn't need to keep trying primers. But I love makeup and I will always try new stuff, even if I think I've found "the perfect" of anything.

Illamasqua is a brand that isn't new, but is new to me. I've admired their brand for awhile but just recently purchased several of their products, including their Matt Primer.

I have to say, this primer kicks some serious ass in the awesome-because-it-works-for-me department. I know this primer won't work for everyone, but for me, well it's near perfection. It goes on nicely and makes my makeup stay on for a very long time.

I did a full review and swatches on this blog. Check it out by clicking here.

You can check out and purchase this primer on Sephora's website for $30



Pacifica Hawaiian Ruby Guava Take Me There set
I love tropical smelling products, and Pacifica's Hawaiian Ruby Guava is a really delicious tropical smelling scent! In fact, my 6-year old son is in love with this scent! I actually had to go buy him a body wash of it because he likes it so much :)

I had previously purchased their $5 Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Wash and their $5 Hawaiian Ruby Guava Body Lotion, which I loved! Then when my son loved it so much I went to go buy another one but decided to buy this set instead so I could get an extra body lotion and the roller-ball perfume.

I have the body wash in my travel bag, along with one of the body lotions. The other body lotion I have in my purse and the roller-ball perfume is also in my purse.

One thing I really don't understand is their pricing for the item individually; a 3oz body lotion is $5 but a 8oz body lotion is $18.... if you purchased three 3oz body lotions - which would give you 9oz of product - it would cost just $15... meaning you'd pay $3 less for more product. How does that make any sense? I know, it doesn't!

You can check out the set on Sephora's website ($18 for the Take Me There set), or check out each individual item on Sephora's website ($5 to $22 each item)



Not-So-Favorites: May 2011
[I'm only picking 5 Not-So-Favorites for May]


Dior DiorSkin Forever Compact Flawless & Moist Extreme Wear Makeup SPF 25
Okay, I should start off by saying that Dior is one of my favorite high-end makeup brands, and I love their Forever Extreme Wear Flawless Liquid Foundation. However, there is only one reason I had to return this product to Sephora: the overwhelming grandmom-like perfume smell!!!

If it wouldn't have smelled so badly I would probably be raving about how much I love this product. If you can get past the smell then you will probably love this product. This powder doesn't leave your skin looking dry or cakey; your skin just looks flawless. You also get great coverage from this!

I really, really wish they would take out the fragrance because this would be that perfect "I'm in a hurry and need to look flawless in a flash" foundation. But I'm sorry, the smell is such a turn-off. Even my husband commented on the smell, saying I smelled like an old lady - which isn't something I want to smell like being that I'm only 27 years old!

The shade selection is also a little lacking. A lot of the shades have pink or beige undertones to them, and I need a yellow or olive undertone base. I just couldn't find a shade that matched my skin all that well, and I honestly didn't care to try to find one that did because I knew I wouldn't be able to get past the smell of this product.

You can check this out on Sephora's website ($48 per compact)



Boscia Luminizing Black Mask
I'm an at-home mask/peel junkie. I love them! However, I don't love this mask!

First, you need to use a thick layer because if you use too thin of a layer it will be hell trying to get this off your face. But if you use too thick of a layer it will take forever to dry, and if you're impatient and don't want to wait more than 30 to 45 minutes for it to fully dry then you'll try to take it off and it will be hell to take it off too with some parts dry and other parts half-way dry and other parts not even close to being dry.

It also hurts to peel off. Kind of the feeling you get when you're pulling off a band-aid or if you put tape on your face and pulled it off (although I've never done that, I'd just think it would feel that way). I felt like it was pulling my skin too much. It left my face a little red and irritated, which of course goes away after awhile, but I didn't really see any other difference. The "luminizing" part is all a trick of your eye. The dark black mask will of course make your skin look brighter after you take it off. It does pull out some stuff, but not really a whole lot to really be worth using.

The amount of product you get doesn't last very long considering how much you need to use. I've used this 4 times and it's more than half-empty. If you did this 2x a week (like they want you to) then you'd have to buy a tube of this about every month. I don't think it's worth that, not at $34 per tube. Sure, that's only $4.25 per use if you get 8 uses out of the tube (and that's a big if), but still, not a great value overall.

I've used this more than once to really give it a good shot, but I just don't like it. I'll save it for friends to try but it won't touch my face again. I did take some before, during and after pics for a blog post, which I will eventually get around to posting. I'll go more in-depth with my feelings on this mask at that time.

You can check this out on Sephora's website ($34 per tube)


Illamasqua Nail Varnish in the shade Force
Let me say that I love the brand Illamasqua and I love their nail polish (Nail Varnish), but the shade Force was a disappointment.

I've seen lovely swatch pics of this shade online where it looked like an electric blue. At my local Sephora they don't carry Illamasqua so I had to buy it on Sephora's website - which also looked like an electric blue online (and described as so). When I swatched it I was like "WTF?!!". It wasn't electric at all. It just looked like a deep medium blue creme shade. Nothing electric about it; nothing like I expected.

I would have kept this because I love all nail polish, but I was so disappointed that I returned it to Sephora.

The formula of the polish was wonderful; a one-coater for sure. The color, however, not so wonderful and rather ordinary.

Check it out on Sephora's website ($14 each)



Tokidoki Prisma Lip Gloss in the shade Donutella
I finally decided to try some Tokidoki products out because I heard great things about them, but had always passed by them online and at the store. To me the brand seemed targeted towards tweens and teens, but I kept hearing people saying how it's not just for teens and to give it a try. So i did, but I ended up returning everything I purchased from the brand, including the Prisma Lip Gloss in the shade Donutella.

The shade Donutella is described as a sheer nude and is supposed to be high-shine and such. I didn't even open it, the shade looked that bad in the tube. Since I was already turned off by their Robbery Palette I just basically gave up on the brand. Maybe I shouldn't have, but at that time I just said "okay, not for me".

Check it out on Sephora's website ($15 each)



NARS Pure Sheer SPF Lip Treatment
I can't believe a NARS product would ever be on my Not-So-Favorite's list, because I love everything NARS, but sadly I found one product that I just didn't love. It's their Pure Sheer SPF Lip treatment.

For me, this wasn't hydrating AT ALL. In fact, I felt like it made my lips even more chapped! I was specifically looking for a tinted lip balm type product, and saw all the great reviews, so I picked up two shades: Angelique and Aurore.

I like the colors and the sheerness of this, but for a product that is supposed to be hydrating, I'm sorry, but it's not even close to being hydrating. Maybe I just have some of the worst chapped lips ever, and honestly I do have a hard time finding products to keep my lips hydrated, but now that I go back to the reviews on Sephora and sort them from low to high I can see I'm not alone in my feelings. I guess it works for some and not for others. It's too late for me to return them, and I don't have the boxes anyway, so I think they'll go up for sale in my blog sale after I make some swatch photos.

$25 each on Sephora's website.



May 28, 2011

Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation

Hello, Beautiful!

The Week of Make Up For Ever has come to an end, but I've saved one of the best for last: Make Up For Ever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation!

This is one of my all time favorite foundations! Just recently, Make Up For Ever launched the very first un-retouched foundation ad campaign. I think it's wonderful and really shows how great the foundation is. As a former photographer I know there is hardly anything anymore that doesn't get some retouching done, so to see a makeup ad free of retouching... well that is just a jaw dropper to me! I love it! I love that Make Up For Ever took this step and hopefully it will encourage other companies to produce un-retouched ads. Then we could really see how well their foundations look (insert evil laugh here). You can find the ad in several magazines or click here to view it online, which also shows other models showing off their un-retouched skin wearing this foundation.

Okay, time for swatches....


Make Up For Ever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation - Shade 120 Soft Sand
Shade Description: For medium light skin with yellow undertones.




Make Up For Ever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation - Shade 123 Desert
Shade Description: For light skin with olive undertones.




Both shades side by side:
[on left shade 120; on right shade 123]


Before & After pics:
I used shade 120 - Soft Sand for the before & after pics below. I used an e.l.f. Cosmetics stipple brush and used circular motions to apply the foundation.


Basic stats for Make Up For Ever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation:
Formula: liquid
Coverage: medium; buildable
Wear: long wearing to a point; it's not the type that you can put on at 7am and expect it to be on at 7pm, but it will get you through a typical day if pairing with a primer and setting powder.
Shade Range: really good; 26 shades available on Sephora.com
Container Type: pump top bottle
Cost: $40 for a 1 fl oz size
Availability: Found only at Sephora and Sephora.com
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses! (I HIGHLY recommend this foundation)


Formula:
A light-weight oil-free liquid foundation. Applies evenly and smoothly with just about any application method. Leaves you with an "invisible" natural finish.

Coverage:
This is a medium, buildable coverage foundation. I know the website says this foundation is medium to full coverage, but it's not a true full coverage. It may be full coverage to most people, but to those of us with true skin flaws to hide we know what a true full coverage foundation is and isn't.

Wear:
As I mentioned above in the quick stats, this foundation isn't long wearing enough that you could put it on at 7am and expect it to be perfect at 7pm. Most foundations are not that long, especially on their own. If you use a primer first and set it correctly with a setting powder you will get through a typical day just fine (unless you are super oily, in which case you may want to bring along blotting papers and be prepared for a touch-up).

It can last through some heat and humidity, but it's not waterproof so it doesn't hold up all that well. I am going to put this foundation to the Amusement Park Proof test to see how well it can wear in extreme conditions (heat, humidity, sweat, roller coasters, water rides and a really long day).

Container:
A pump-top bottle for easy application.


Cost:
$40 is a bit pricey, but not for a great foundation that will give you coverage and look great! I highly recommend this foundation to my friends and family all the time!


Some more thoughts:
Back when I had a photo studio, one of the makeup artists I worked with often would mostly use Make Up Forever's HD Invisible Cover Foundation on my clients. She made every client look flawless both on camera and off. In photoshoots, when using studio lighting, the right makeup is key. I can't tell you how many clients would choose to do their own makeup and end up looking terrible on camera because they didn't understand the way studio lighting reflects & deflects, or the way your face will absorb light (making you look washed out or white without the right makeup). Makeup needs to be heavier, colors need to be darker, and foundation needs to be more matte (for anyone who gets oily fast) for it to look great on camera. Any makeup artist can tell you that, and of course, any photographer can tell you that too :)

I ordered this foundation online the first night the makeup artist told me about it. When I received it, curious if it really would look like it wasn't there, I applied it to just half my face. When my husband came home I asked him to tell me which side of my face I had foundation on; he couldn't tell!

Now, two years later, I still LOVE this foundation! Easily one of my top three foundations of all time and I plan to use it for many years to come!

I personally like to apply this foundation with my fingertips or with a stippling brush. If I use a stippling brush I either use the actual stippling method or I will just swirl the product on in small circles.

Really though, you can't go wrong with application of this foundation no matter what method you choose. It blends in really well to an "invisible" finish while still giving you coverage.

Apply a primer before using this foundation to get longer wear from it. Just be sure to allow your primer to set/dry fully before applying foundation. After you apply the foundation allow it to fully dry before setting it with a setting powder. I like to wait about 5 to 10 minutes (I do other things while I'm waiting, like fill in my brows, brush my teeth, or start on my hair). Then apply setting powder generously to the entire face with a puff or a brush, allow it to sit there for 1 to 2 minutes, then gently brush away all the excess powder. This method of setting your foundation will give you the longest wear. Keep in mind using a setting powder will change the finish to a matte, but that's what a setting powder is meant to do. If you have oily skin you need to set your liquid foundations for best wear. If you have dry skin you may want to skip the setting powder unless you have a long day ahead of you.


May 27, 2011

Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation

Hello, Beautiful!

One of the lasts posts for the Week of Make Up For Ever! In this post I want to talk about the very first Make Up For Ever product I ever tried, their Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation!

At the time I was looking for a great foundation to give me coverage and last all day. I did some research and decided to try it out, and I'm glad I did! I loved it and still love it! It's one of the few foundations that I used to the end of the bottle and re-purchased (usually before I can even finish a bottle of foundation I'm using something else).

The reason I love it so much is because it does give me great coverage, helps control shine, is oil-free, and water-resistant! I think I first tried this back in 2004, just after my wedding (I wish I had tried it before my wedding because it would have been my wedding day foundation). It became my trusted foundation for days I had to work because I knew on early mornings I could throw it on fast and look great all day without worrying about it half-way through.

Onto swatches...



Make Up For Ever Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation
Shade: No. 35 Vanilla
Shade Description: For medium skin with yellow/beige undertones.





Before & After:
I used shade #35 - Vanilla for the Before and After pic below. I applied it using an e.l.f. Cosmetics stipple brush, using circular motions to buff it in.




Basic stats for Make Up For Ever's Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation:
Formula: liquid
Coverage: medium to full
Wear: long-lasting
Shade Range: 16 shades on Sephora.com
Container Type: A squeeze tube with twist-off lid.
Cost: $34 for 1.01 oz size
Availability: Found only at Sephora and Sephora.com
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Formula:
A liquid foundation that applies smoothly and evenly. A little goes a long way, so if you don't want full coverage you can use less or mix it with a little moisturizer for less coverage. It is water-resistant, but it's not waterproof (but I'd say it's pretty close to it). It gives you a natural matte finish.

Coverage:
This is a medium to full coverage foundation. To most it will be considered full coverage, but to others they may think this isn't a true full coverage foundation. You can layer this foundation over flaws/blemishes if you apply thin enough layers and it won't look cakey; just velvety.

Wear:
This is a long-lasting foundation, but it will depend on your skin type and activity level. Even though you don't need to use a setting powder with this foundation, it's recommended to use one to increase it's wear.

Shade Range:
16 shades that offer a wide range of undertones.

Container:
A squeeze tube-type container with twist-off lid. I actually like this squeeze tube formula, although when it gets down to the end I get a little frustrated trying to get it out.

Cost:
Really affordable for a great, high-quality, long-lasting, foundation!




Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara

Hello, Beautiful!

The Week of Make Up For Ever is almost over and concluding all the eye products that I own by Make Up For Ever I bring you Make Up For Ever's Smoky Lash Mascara!

I fell in love with this mascara the moment I tried it. Before using Smoky Lash I had been using Dior's DiorShow Mascara, which I thought was the only mascara I'd ever need. I gave up DiorShow Mascara (although that's still a great mascara) and switched to Smoky Lash. The reason: Smoky Lash made DiorShow look like an everyday, basic mascara (and DiorShow is supposed to be a va-va-voom mascara). Smoky Lash was my new go-to choice for when I wanted dramatic lashes and DiorShow was now my "natural look" mascara.

My lashes are naturally long, and I have decent fullness to them, so a mascara has to really be something special to make my lashes have that va-va-voom effect that I love. Smoky Lash did that for me without clumps and had great deep black color.

Onto some pics... (sorry, I forgot to take a swatch photo of the mascara on my hand and by itself; and I don't have the time to go back and do that, but in the future I'll add it)


Make Up For Ever Smoky Lash Mascara
Shade Description: A rich black





Before & Afters:
Just one coat used for each before & after shot. Click on the picture to see it larger.



Basic stats for Make Up For Ever's Smoky Lash:
Formula: mascara... I guess I never really thought about the formula mascara is; I guess it's a cream? I really don't know. Just mascara! :)
Coverage: full coverage
Wear: for me this lasts all day without flaking or smudging
Shade Range: only available in Rich Black (only the original version) and Extra Black (only the Aqua version)
Container Type: your standard mascara tube with mascara wand; see pics for wand details.
Cost: $22 for 0.23 oz size - or pick up the Smoky Lash Kit for the same price; Smoky Lash Kit also available in the waterproof formula.
Availability: Found only at Sephora and Sephora.com
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!


Formula:
A highly-pigmented mascara that gives you curl, volume and length. The mascara starts off clump-free, but the closer you get to the replacement mark (about 3 months) the more clumps I encounter. The clumps I do encounter are not bad at all; all the clumps can easily be brushed out with the mascara wand or with a lash comb. Non-waterproof version and a waterproof version is available.

Coverage:
I would say this is full coverage. I guess coverage really isn't an issue; I think all mascaras are full coverage (except for mascaras designed to tint your lashes - like blue and purple). It gives you nice rich color.

Wear:
I don't have any problems with wear, but not everyone can say the same. For me, this mascara lasts all day without smudging or flaking. I hear those that use the waterproof version have more flaking issues, but that's pretty typical with waterproof mascara formulas. I don't like waterproof versions, and I don't have any problems with my mascara running. I wear this to the amusement park and never need to touch-up my mascara, even after a water ride.

Shade Range:
This mascara is only available in Rich Black (for the original version) and Extra Black (for the Aqua - waterproof - version). To be honest, I think a rich black is the only shade you need if you do want va-va-voom lashes, so I don't miss other shade options. Honestly I don't ever use any other shade except black, but then again I do have darker features (dark eyes/hair) so wearing a brown mascara isn't the most flattering; it actually looks weird on me.

Container Type:
This mascara brush is nice; not huge (like DiorShow) but still does an amazing job at coating every lash.

Cost:
For $22 this mascara is worth it to me. Your lashes will thank you as they flirt with everyone they see (okay, that was kind of a lame remark to make, but hey, it's true). I do replace my mascara every 3 months (every 4 to 6 months if I barely use it), so it is on the pricier side for needing to replace it that frequently. It certainly would be cheaper to buy a drugstore brand mascara, but I just don't get the same results. Like I mentioned, my lashes are already pretty good on their own and not many mascaras impress me. This is a mascara that impresses me.


Make Up For Ever Glitter

Hello, Beautiful!

The Week of Make Up For Ever continues with their Glitters!!

I know glitter isn't for everyone, but I swear glitter is in my veins, haha. I can't get enough of it! As a former cheerleader I can't help but have a glitter addiction. For every game I cheered at I seemed to cover myself in glitter (as did the rest of the squad); if there would have been a glitter pool we all would have taken a swim.

Glitter is just pretty and when worn correctly it can look really stunning. Make Up For Ever's glitters are a beautiful choice for makeup glitter.

Let's get right into swatches...


Make Up For Ever Glitter
Shade: No. 4 White Violet
Shade Description: An opalescent white; looks white then looks purple. Really pretty in person! Pics don't do this shade justice.


** For some reason the glitter looks like it has a gold sheen to it in the photo below, but it looks more like the photo above. **



Basic stats for Make Up For Ever's Glitter:
Formula: fine loose glitter
Coverage: buildable
Wear: depends on how you apply it
Shade Range: 14 shades on Sephora.com
Container Type: round jar with sifter; screw-off cap
Cost: $13 for 0.14 oz size
Availability: Found only at Sephora and Sephora.com
My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses!


Formula:
This is a fine loose glitter great for face, body and hair.

Coverage:
Glitter is really a sheer type of coverage, but can be built up depending on how you apply it. It can be as dense as you'd like.

Wear:
I like to apply my loose glitters over something wet, like a cream shadow, so they stick better. Even without a base this glitter applies and stays in place pretty well. Wet a brush, then dip it in the glitter and apply. You can even use Make Up For Ever's Eye Seal to make this glitter waterproof.

Shade Range:
14 pretty shades available on Sephora.com and I would want to own them all just because I love glitter that much.

Container Type:
Glitter containers can be messy, but I don't find this one to be messy at all. The sifter is nice; not allowing too much product to escape. I don't find it messy, but I'm also pretty careful with my glitters because I don't want to clean up glitter later on.

Cost:
$13 isn't too bad for a Make Up For Ever product, but it may seem expensive for glitter to some people. However, I don't use glitter all that much and one jar is going to last me years. When I look at it that way I know it's affordable.




May 26, 2011

Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup

Hello, Beautiful!

The Week Of Make Up For Ever is going to end with foundations (but still two more non-foundation products to post tomorrow), and today I bring you my ultimate "amusement park proof" foundation: Make Up For Ever's Face & Body Liquid Makeup!

This "foundation", and I use that term loosely, doesn't provide any coverage for blemishes or other flaws, but it will even out skintone, last all day, and look undetectable.

I love this waterproof formula; I just wish it provided more coverage. The good thing is you can layer it to build up slightly more coverage, but light coverage is about all you'll get from this, maybe medium coverage depending on what your definition of medium coverage is. I pair it with a concealer for flawless skin on even the hottest of hot days.

One quick tip/fact that I need to mention: This is a water-based gel formula. It will separate some in the bottle and look clumpy. This is NORMAL. Do not try to dilute it with water or think it's old and can't be used. Just shake it up and you're good to go!


Onto swatches...

Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup
Shade: #32 - Alabaster Beige
Shade Description: For light skin with yellow undertones




Make Up For Ever Face & Body Liquid Makeup
Shade: #34 - Honey Beige
Shade Description: For medium skin with beige undertones





Both Shades:



Before & After:
Shown before, after one layer and after two layers. I used shade #32 Alabaster Beige and a stipple brush from e.l.f. Cosmetics, applying it in circular motions (for layer 1) and more of a stippling motion for the second layer. I allowed the first layer to dry for about 1 to 2 minutes before applying the second layer, but if I was doing this for non-swatch purposes I probably would have waited 3 to 5 minutes between layers.




Basic stats for Make Up For Ever's Face & Body Liquid Makeup:
Formula: water-based gel (most would call this a liquid)
Coverage: sheer to light; buildable
Wear: lasts all day, even through a hot sweaty day at the amusement park!
Shade Range: 16 shades on Sephora.com
Container Type: a bottle with a pump top; although the older ones do not have a pump top
Cost: $38 for 1.69 oz size
Availability: Found only at Sephora and Sephora.com
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!


Formula:
This is a water-based gel foundation, although I call it a liquid foundation and so do most others. It will separate in the bottle and look clumpy; that's normal and all you need to do is shake it up and it's ready to use. It feels very light-weight; practically invisible on your skin. Can be used on the body too.

Coverage:
You're only going to get sheer to light coverage from this foundation, even if you build it up. It will even out your skintone and make a flawless,  natural canvas. You just need to use concealer to cover all blemishes and other flaws. If you want to use it on your body just know it won't cover flaws, such as stretch marks. It's just meant to even out skintone. If you do apply on your body make sure you apply a thin layer, allow to dry for three minutes, then blot the excess with a tissue before getting dressed.

Wear:
This will last all day, even on oily skin. It's a waterproof formula that you can count on. I wear this to the amusement parks and it will last through heat, humidity, sweat, roller coasters and water rides. I do tend to freshen up my makeup at the amusement parks half-way through the day, so I will re-apply this, but I really don't need to.

Shade Range:
Because this foundation is so sheer you have a lot of wiggle room with shade selection, however, with 16 shades available you're likely to find a good match for your skintone.

Cost:
Not too expensive for a great waterproof foundation formula. If you go to the beach or amusement parks a lot this foundation will be beyond well worth it. If you just want a really natural looking foundation that feels weightless, then this will be worth it as well. However, if you're looking for coverage then you'll be highly disappointed.



Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer

Hello, Beautiful!

The Week Of Make Up For Ever continues with one of my favorite concealers: their Full Cover Concealer!

This concealer is really great for two reasons: it will cover your flaws and it will stay for a long time because it's waterproof!

TIP: Be careful when selecting your shade; this concealer tends to darken as it dries! I suggest picking a shade that is one to two shades lighter than your skintone to avoid having concealer that's darker than your skintone! It doesn't darken dramatically, but it will a little - which is why the shades below look so light, but they will adjust better to my skintone after I apply them. I ended up with three different shades because I didn't realize it darkens, but I did realize it looked way different in the store than it did when I got it home. I just mix the shades I have to create whatever tone I need at that time of year. I think I use shade 6 the most.

Onto swatches...






Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer
Shade: 4 - Flesh




Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer
Shade: 6 - Ivory





Make Up For Ever Full Cover Concealer
Shade: 8 - Beige





Before & After Examples:
  • First example is covering a curling iron burn scar (on my hand)
  • Second example is covering part of a tattoo. It's only shown using one coat; I could build it up for more coverage.
  • The third example is just shown over my hand.


Basic stats for Make Up For Ever's Full Cover Concealer:
Formula: a dense liquid
Coverage: medium to full
Wear: long-wearing; waterproof
Shade Range: 12 shades on Sephora.com
Container Type: squeeze tube; twist-off cap
Cost: $30 for 0.5 oz size
Availability: Found only at Sephora and Sephora.com
My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!


Formula:
This is a dense (thick) liquid concealer. Oil-free and waterproof. Long-lasting and a natural matte finish.

Coverage:
Medium to full coverage depending on how you apply it. Buildable so you can layer over the really trouble areas. If you have problem skin (like I do with my adult acne) you can blend Full Cover Concealer with their other foundations - Face & Body or Mat Velvet + Matifying Foundation - for even better coverage!

Wear:
Long-wearing with it's waterproof formula. Set with a setting powder to make it last even longer!

Shade Range:
12 shades, which is pretty good for a concealer! Like I mentioned at the beginning of this post, beware when selecting a shade for you. They tend to dry darker so choose a shade that looks a little lighter than you'd normally go for. The best thing to do is to try them out and exchange them if you need to.

Container:
A squeeze tube with twist-off cap.

Cost:
This is a pricey concealer at $30 for a tube. But the tube is large and you only need a small amount to get great coverage. One tube will last you a very long time! The $30 is a great investment if you're looking for an amazing concealer!