Tarte Miraculous Maracuja Makeup Setting Spray - review [Spoiler Alert: HOLY GRAIL STATUS!!]

Hello, Beautiful!

Makeup setting sprays - and primer sprays - are one of those makeup products I can't help but try, but at the same time I'm a little skeptical of just how much they really work. Of course, being the crazy makeup obsessed person I am, I will keep trying them until I find one that I can call holy grail. So one day I was browsing the QVC website (the beauty section, of course) and saw the Tarte Miraculous Maracuja Makeup Setting Spray. I had never heard of it or seen it before, and without even reading the description I purchased it. Knowing how much I love the Tarte Maracuja oil, I was sure if anything that at least it would hydrate my skin. Let me just tell you, I'm so glad I purchased this because it's now holy grail status!!!

Check out all the product info, along with my full review, after the pics!

Tarte
Miraculous Maracuja Makeup Setting Spray

 

Tarte Maracuja Makeup Setting Spray Info & Review

Cost: $28.00 (2.75 fl oz full size)
Availability: Available on the QVC website, eventually on the Tarte website, and everywhere else Tarte Cosmetics are sold.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

PRODUCT DETAILS...

An innovative misting spray that can be used before or after makeup application as the perfect primer or finishing touch to any makeup look.

Helps to prime and set makeup in place with the miracle of Maracuja and plant extracts. This spray helps to set makeup and is infused with good-for-you ingredients for the look of a dewy, radiant finish that will last.


MY REVIEW...

First, let me start by saying at the time I wrote this article, I'm only able to find this for purchase on QVC's website. No where in the description does it say it's a QVC exclusive for such and such amount of time (which QVC normally will list), so I can't say for sure if this is a QVC exclusive or not. They may have mentioned something in an on-air presentation but I never saw this presented on-air. Of course, eventually this will be sold on the Tarte Cosmetics website, at Sephora and Ulta -- I can't imagine why it wouldn't be sold there -- but until then, if you want to get your hands on it, you'll have to go through the QVC website.

Now, let's get onto the good stuff.... let's talk about how this is the primer/setting spray to top them all!

I have used this as both a primer and a makeup setting spray and I've been using it now for a few weeks in various ways so I have a lot of input to share.

As a primer, this really impressed me. I have used other makeup setting sprays as primers before, but they never truly worked - except the one from Victoria's Secret, which has been discontinued... that stuff was great for priming! I haven't tried the Smashbox Primer Water (yet) so I can't compare that. But what I can compare is how well this spray worked as a primer compared to other makeup primers I own and use.

To use as a primer, I sprayed it four times and kind of closer to my face than I would if I were setting my makeup. I sprayed once for the forehead/nose area, once for each cheek, and once for the chin/nose area. Then I let that dry completely and proceed with my makeup application. As a primer it held my makeup in place and helped prolong the wear, just as a regular primer would - if not even better. Sure, it doesn't fill in pores or blur imperfections, but it creates a great base for your makeup to adhere to and it locks it down for hours and hours.

As a makeup setting spray, I think it works equally as well. It locks in makeup and helps prolong the wear, while also making your face less powdery if you went a little over board with powder. I do love it as a makeup setting spray, but I feel I really see this product perform as a primer. I've been using this as a primer now almost every single day. It's perfect because it is a weightless, invisible layer - and in the summer you don't want more and more layers on your face to slip, slide and melt off.

I don't know how this will work for those that have really oily skin. My skin is combo, and it leans more dry but if I'm outside in the heat I will sweat my face off in the t-zone without any hesitation. It works for my skin tone and I really hope it will work for others.

If you've been fed up or frustrated with makeup setting sprays because you don't think they really do much, then I suggest giving the Tarte Miraculous Maracuja Makeup Setting Spray a try because this stuff went above and beyond all expectations I had. I'm really impressed with this product and think it's a stand-out product worth the $28 price tag.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this product? Have you tried this, or would you consider adding this to your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below!

xoxo with love & beauty,
Crystal Valentine

Mehron Barrier Spray - pics & review

Hello, Beautiful!

Do you love setting sprays as much as I do? Or maybe you're just getting into them for the first try or two. I love makeup setting sprays, but find the good ones to be expensive (and even some expensive ones aren't that good). I have yet to find an affordable makeup setting spray that works - that is, until now! In this post I will share with you my review on the Mehron Barrier Spray! This spray is multi-purpose and I'll explain how I use it in my review below.

Mehron Barrier Spray
(This product is clear, but the pink background makes it appear pink.)

 

Mehron Barrier Spray Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $8.95 (1 fl oz full size)...$10.95 (2 fl oz full size)...$20.95 (9 fl oz full size). Available on the Mehron website, on the Camera Ready Cosmetics website, and everywhere else Mehron is sold (costume shops and some beauty supply stores will carry this brand). CLICK HERE to locate a store near you.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

Product Info...

Mehron Barrier Spray was developed as an under base for 3-D Gelatin appliances to increase durability. But, Barrier Spray is a "wonder spray" that also works to insulate sensitive skin from harsh adhesives, to set and preserve makeup, and also can be used under makeup to stop sweat!

It's a makeup sealer for all types of makeup applications - for the everyday woman to the fully body painted model. From stage to the catwalk, on camera, under heavy lights and everyday wear, Barrier Spray keeps your makeup looking perfect and fresh all day!

Barrier Spray is a clear, alcohol-based, cosmetic grade film that is designed to create a barrier between the skin and the makeup. When applied to clean, dry skin it reduces sweating from behind the makeup and provides protection from allergic reactions to makeup, latex and adhesives like spirit gum.

To Use: Hold the pump bottle at least 14 inches from the skin. Three sprays across the face is enough. Repeat if wanted, but not needed.



My Review...

I am in LOVE with the Mehron Barrier Spray! This is the ultimate in setting sprays, especially for these hot summer months! Not only is this great to use as a final step to set makeup, but I love using it before makeup to help prevent sweating and in turn, help prevent my makeup from melting off.

I will admit that I hate the sprayer; it sprays out too harshly - especially if you are anywhere near your face. They say to hold it 14 inches away for a reason; listen to that instruction. You could transfer this into another bottle with a sprayer that you prefer, if you find that you also don't like the way this liquid sprays out on your face. I did test it out in another bottle with a different sprayer (using an old mini Urban Decay All Nighter bottle) and I enjoyed the application process more.

It's really easy to over do it with this setting spray because of habit from using other setting sprays (which I sometimes liberally apply). You don't need to over do it with this product. Three sprays is enough. You can repeat if you want (after it's fully dry), but it's not necessary. I don't find that big of a difference repeating the process or just the three sprays - so stick with three so you don't waste extra product.

When you spray it, I suggest holding your hand up and above your head, and tilting your head back. Then spray three times, letting the setting spray fall onto your face. Please, KEEP YOUR EYES CLOSED! This is an alcohol based setting spray and if you have sensitive eyes it can burn. I always keep my eyes closed for any setting spray.

It does have a kind of strong alcohol scent, but that goes away completely after it is dry.

When it first applies it does feel a bit wet, and as it dries you will feel your skin kind of tighten. If you touch your skin it may feel sticky for a minute until it's fully dry. Once it's dry you will notice prolonged makeup wear and your makeup will look better and stay in place for longer.

If you want the ultimate stay-put routine with this product, then you'll want to use it before your makeup (to help prevent sweating and to protect your skin from the makeup), and then as a last step.

Also, with some setting sprays you can layer products on top of them without any issues. I find that with this product it creates such a good seal on your makeup that if you try to apply another liquid or cream on top, it may kind of disturb the makeup in a weird way. I don't find that problem with powders though.

You could use this as an eyeshadow transformer, the way you would use MAC Fix+, but honestly that's not what the intended use is for and I would not recommend it for that use since this is an alcohol based setting spray.

Overall, this is an amazing makeup setting spray that actually works! If you haven't tried this you need to go out and buy this. I don't say that about many products but this is one I highly recommend. I know that some places sell this for as low as $5.99 for the 1oz (and you'll still get plenty in that 1oz size), so go for it! I don't think you'll be disappointed! I know as soon as I'm out of the 2 oz size I'll be purchasing the 9 oz size for sure!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this setting spray? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Boots No. 7 Hydrating Mineral Water Spray - pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

Drugstore makeup setting sprays are hard to come by for some reason, but the Boots No. 7 Hydrating Mineral Water Spray is a dual purpose type of product -- it will hydrate your skin and also help to set your makeup. Check out my full review below, including all the product info, after the pics!

Boots No. 7 - Hydrating Mineral Water Spray

 

Boots No. 7 Hydrating Mineral Water Spray Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $9.99 (3.38 fl oz full size). Available on the Boots website, at Target, at Ulta, at Walgreens, on the Drugstore.com website, and everywhere else Boots No. 7 skincare is sold.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

This non-greasy mineral water spritz instantly hydrates and leaves skin feeling fresh. It cools, refreshes and hydrates all day long.

To Use: Keeping eyes closed, hold 12 inches from the face and spray onto the skin in a fine mist. Use as part of your cleansing routine after your moisturizer to lock in hydration or to set make-up or any time throughout the day to hydrate and cool skin.

I honestly never was into hydrating sprays because I always had oily skin, but over the past year my skin has been dramatically changing to combo and even to dry skin. It's going through weird phases and I've been using more and more hydrating products.

I use this mainly to set my make-up, after I apply any powder products to my face to help take down some of that powder look. It's also a great prep spray to use after you apply a moisturizer and before you apply your foundation. It's affordable too - which is the best part, as products like this are harder to find in the drugstore.

I think this is a nice option that works well, and if you're looking for a makeup setting spray/hydrating spray that's affordable, then this is for you!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this spray? Have you tried this or is this on your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

 

Colorescience Setting Mist - Clarifying and Face Primer - Skin Mattifying: pics, swatches, reviews

Hello, Beautiful!

I have two products from Colorescience to help prep and set your makeup all day long, especially if you have oily and acne-prone skin (like me). In this post I will show you the Colorescience Setting Mist - Clarifying and the Colorescience Face Primer - Skin Mattifying. Check out my full review on each product, including all the product info, after each set of pics!

Colorescience Setting Mist - Clarifying

 

 

Colorescience Setting Mist - Clarifying Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $35.00 (4 fl oz full size). Available on the Colorescience website, at Dermstore, and everywhere else Colorescience products are sold. Click here to find a retailer near you.

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

The Colorescience Setting Mist - Clarifying, restores your skin. This nourishing mist is especially formulated to target oily and blemish prone skin. Prevents excess bacteria with willow bark, and soothes the appearance of inflammation associated with blemishes with licorice extract. It also gives skin an antioxidant boost with pomegranate extract. Also contains lime and orange blossom aroma waters, as well as carnelian crystal gemstone.

This setting mist comes in a metal bottle and it arrives with a cap on it and the sprayer separate, which is nice because if you plan to travel with this you can just take the sprayer out and put the cap on tightly to prevent any spillage.

The products comes out in a nice wide mist, so you'll likely get your entire face with just one spray. I will say I don't like the smell of this at all; it has a strong skincare/SPF scent - I'm really not sure how to describe it but the scent and my nose don't really agree. It's not the worst smell in the world and you'll get used to it.

I will say it does set my makeup nicely, helping to prolong the wear. I like all the ingredients in it that help with my oily and acne-prone skin. I know my skin happens to react really nicely to anything with willow bark, so I especially make sure I use this when I'm having a bad breakout. I think it does a little extra to help my breakouts heal.

It is a bit pricey for a setting spray, but you do get 4 oz and it is more than just a setting spray. It will help with your blemishes, so it's like a skincare blemish-fighting product and makeup setting spray in one, which to me makes the price okay.

I'd say if you have oily and acne-prone skin and are looking for a product to set your makeup AND help with your blemishes, then this is it! If you don't have oily or acne-prone skin you could always try one of the other setting mists from Colorescience. They have three total: the Clarifying (the one I'm showing you in this post), and a Hydrating one (great for those with dry skin), as well as the Sunforgettable version.

Colorescience Face Primer - Skin Mattifying

 

 

Colorescience Face Primer - Skin Mattifying Info & Review:

Cost/Availability: $50.00 (1 fl oz full size). Available on the Colorescience website, and everywhere else Colorescience products are sold. Click here to find a retailer near you.

My Rating: 5 out of 5 Kisses!

The Colorescience Face Primer - Skin Mattifying helps to control oil and shine with a soft matte finish while the universal nude shade minimizes the appearance of blemishes associated with problematic skin.

This 2-in-1 product is your sun protection with SPF 20 and your blemish treatment with 0.5% salicylic acid. Ideal for acne-prone and/or oily skin. Also contains oat beta glucan and hydrolyzed rice protein.

I've already tried the Colorescience Face Primer - Skin Bronzing Wild to Mild in the past, but I much prefer this Skin Mattifying Face Primer! This mattifying face primer has a thick, mousse-cream texture that blends out smooth and sets to a beautifully soft matte finish. It does have a scent to it, but I can't really figure it out; I wrote down lemon-citrus, but I could be way off with that description.

One pump is all you need for your face to perfectly prime your skin. I really liked the way it made my face feel. It was velvety soft and smooth, allowing my makeup to apply beautifully. I did think it controlled my oil and held my makeup in place longer.

This combined with the Colorescience Setting Mist - Clarifying (shown above) are two great prep and set products to use for those of us with oily and/or acne-prone skin. On days my skin is giving me issues I like to use this primer and I feel like the included salicylic acid helps to treat my blemishes even while I have makeup on.

This is one face primer I really liked and would recommend to anyone with acne-prone and/or oily skin!

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this setting mist and face primer? Have you tried either one of these products or did you add them to your beauty wish list? Discuss in the comments below.

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray -- pics, review

Hello, Beautiful!

I've always wanted to try the Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray, but for some reason never purchased it. Then I ordered a mystery bag from Dermstore on Black Friday and when it arrived I was excited to see that one of the products included was the Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray.

Check out my pics, stats and review...

Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray

Basic stats for Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray:

Formula: liquid
Coverage: invisible

Wear: sets and prolongs makeup wear
Shade Info: This is clear, but there are 5 formula choices: Original (which is what I'm sharing with you in this blog post), No More Shine, 10 Years Younger, Moisture Lock, and Bridal.

Cost/Availability: $19 for 2 fl oz; $29 for 4 fl oz; $39 for 8 fl oz. Available on the Skindinavia website and everywhere else Skindinavia is sold.

Packaging: rounded bottle; spray top

My Rating: 4 out of 5 Kisses

Formula:
This is the original formula, which greatly extends makeup wear while maintaining color and preventing makeup from slipping, melting and creasing. Best for normal and/or combination skin, but my skin is oily -- although more combination in the winter (dry & oily) -- and this works great on me. This product is oil-free.

Did you know? Skindinavia's Makeup Finishing Spray was first used on movie sets to hold makeup under hot lights minimizing the need for touch ups and control excess shine. It's still used in Hollywood and on Broadway stages today.


Coverage:
Invisible on the skin; smooth finish.


Wear:
This product sets and prolongs your makeup wear.


Shade Info:
This product is clear, but there are 5 formula choices:

• Original -- Best for normal and/or combination skin. Keeps color vibrant without touch ups.
• No More Shine -- Best for oily and/or combination skin. Keeps makeup looking fresh while controlling excess shine.
• 10 Years Younger -- Best for mature skin. Makeup surface stays smooth and hydrated, keeping it out of lines and wrinkles.
• Moisture Lock -- Best for dry skin and winter weather. Moisture loaded formula keeps makeup looking vibrant all day.
• Bridal -- Best used for special occasions. Extra strength finishing spray that holds makeup in place for photography (only available in a 4 oz size).

Cost/Availability:
$19 for 2 fl oz; $29 for 4 fl oz; $39 for 8 fl oz. Available on the Skindinavia website and everywhere else Skindinavia is sold.


Packaging:
Rounded bottle with spray top.


Skindinavia Makeup Finishing Spray Review:
This past spring/early summer I looked into makeup setting sprays in prep for the months I spend at the amusement park. I ended up purchasing a small bottle of Urban Decay's All Nighter, and I was pretty happy with it. Still, I lusted after the Skindinavia line of setting sprays because it seemed superior and had so many rave reviews. The reason I didn't buy a bottle is because the price was a lot higher than I wanted to pay for a spray that I didn't even know would work or not.

When I received a bottle in my Dermstore Black Friday Mystery Bag I was beyond thrilled. I spray this 3 to 4 times at the end of my makeup application. I recommend keeping your eyes closed until your really sure there is no spray still floating around because it can burn your eyes for a second if you open them too soon. It's not like I opened my eyes immediately after spraying, but I waited 2 or 3 seconds and when I opened my eyes I guess some came directly into them. It's not awful or anything, but it's something I want to point out -- especially those with contacts or sensitive eyes.

For me, this setting spray did work really nicely, but I'd love to see how well it works during the hot summer months. I can never fully judge a product until I've seen how it performs in both the summer and the winter. If a product can work well in both those months then it's one I'll re-purchase for years to come. My skin gets very oily in the summer, which is why I look forward to fall and winter so I can use other products (foundations mostly) that I can't use in the summer. Anyhow, back on track with the review...

This is a fast and easy way to set your makeup, which I like. I've been testing this out several times and so far it's worked pretty well. I even tested it when I went to the Jason Mraz concert and it held up really well there (even though I also used a setting powder on top to double it up; my makeup didn't budge all night). There was one time this spray really failed and I really don't know why. It had turned my face into some kind of melting mess just a couple hours later, yet it had worked perfectly several times before that incident and ever since.

Another plus is the fact this would be great for travel or keeping in your purse. Unlike a traditional setting powder -- which is usually messy to travel with and requires the use of a brush -- you would only need this one bottle; no other tools necessary. You could easily set your friend's makeup and not worry about sharing makeup brushes. It's a user-friendly product.

The only downside is these setting sprays seem to go fast. The Urban Decay bottle (which was only 0.34 fl oz), barely lasted one month and I didn't use it all that much. From my experience, this type of product goes quickly. But with 4 fl oz in the bottle I own, I'll get plenty of uses. Plus, I have three bottles total so I'll be good to go for at least a year or two (considering I don't use this every single day).

I would love to try the Skindinavia No More Shine formula, as well as have the Bridal formula for special occasions where my makeup will be put to the test (like weddings and concerts).

Overall, yes, I would recommend this! I think if you're going to try one of the Skindinavia setting sprays you should first try a smaller bottle to make sure it works for you because it is a little pricey.

Now let me know what you think...

What do you think of this setting spray? Have you tried this or another setting spray? What are your thoughts? Discuss in the comments below.