Monday, August 25, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer NC15

Purchase Price $20


Check out www.maccosmetics.com for product info

Product Review:

Being a longtime fan of anything MAC trying this concealer was an obvious choice. Reading many reviews and seeing YouTube reviews definitely gave me the push I needed into purchasing this product. Being so fair skinned the NC15 is the lightest shade available and it is still a bit dark for me but this didn’t stop me from using it.

Applying with a Beauty Blender this concealer goes on with no issues and just a dab of this product goes a long way. The under eye coverage is great making any fine lines or dark circles disappear with virtually no effort or heavy application. Blemishes as well seem to vanish with a medium coverage that could be built up to full for those more stubborn spots. Extremely lightweight it truly feels as if nothing is on my skin after setting this is also beneficial as it does not seem to leave pores clogged as some heavier concealers do.

As there have been no issues of excess oiliness or drying of my skin I would recommend this for all skin types. The matte finish makes claims of lasting up to fifteen hours and I can attest to having no problems after wearing it for nine. The only drawback, if any, is the fact it comes packaged in a glass bottle that some have actually dropped and broken. This has only made me more cautious but will not deter me from keeping this on my shelf.

 

Monday, August 18, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

NYX Slim Eye Pencil (White)

Purchase Price $3.50 + tax

Retailer Ulta

Check out www.nyxcosmetics.com for product info


Product Review:

White eyeliners are a MUST. The diverse use of this product to achieve multiple looks is fantastic. Applying to the waterline will give you a great bright eyed wide awake look that will not go unnoticed. Lining the upper lid, as you would normally, along with splashing the right color combo of shadows or pigments you will get a psychedelic 60’s throwback making you feel down right groovy. A fun trick is to line the cupid bow of the upper lip with this and blend it out for a more full lip look. In comparison having used Sephora’s brand eyeliner in white, not the worst but far from the best, the NYX pencil is simply better at all the tasks I’ve required.

The pure white is not hidden behind any glitter or shimmer it is a bright white color. The formula of this creamy pencil is perfect for applying easily on the waterline as well as a tug free application on the upper lid. Without having any irritation issues after a full eight hour day I couldn’t find any bleeding or dulling of the color either. Best part about this pencil is, if white is not your color don’t fret as there are thirty-nine other shades to choose from. And the price is so ridiculously low for such a high quality product I will have to grab a hand full for my shelf.

Monday, August 11, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

Maybelline Dream Pure BB/Dream Fresh BB (both in Light)

Purchase Price $8.99 ea + tax

Retailer Local Ulta

Check out  www.maybelline.com for product info

Product Review:
Although these two may look like twins they are far from identical so here’s my breakdown of these sibling BB creams.

Pure BB – This is Maybelline’s first BB cream with blemish fighting properties by containing two percent salicylic acid making it an easy choice for those with acne prone or oily skin. A creamy consistency with a light makeup scent, not medicinal, that does not linger after it has dried makes this a great standalone product. This cream is a designed to be a light coverage product but can be built up to a suitable medium. I have noticed a long set time before being able to apply a powder. This has lead me to an issue of using this as a primer/base for liquid foundation, it simply does not work as one. It appears to break down to a smearing oily mess, which is surprising since it has no oil in it, which has too much movement on the skin and wipes off the skin.

There is a definite reduction in redness, breakouts, and is a great clear skin barrier when used just with a setting powder.

Fresh BB – After this one came out on the market I tried it with great hopes, all of which were dashed when realizing application with fingers and or brushes was a nightmare. So after purchasing a Beauty Blender I figured give this another shot and PRESTO what a night and day difference. I was able to get an even buildable coverage in a solid shade (still a tad dark/warm for my true tone) which worked for my “lighter/cleaner” looks. As with the Dream BB the setting time is longer than I would like so after application I usually do my hair and then finish my makeup look. Having great success as a primer/base I will often use this then go to my foundation (both powder and liquid have worked with this one for me) and then to a setting powder. Although having adverse reaction to anything containing SPF I have had minimal breakouts with this product.

Using both of these BBs I have no major complaints as they are great additions to my shelf. I however recommend if anyone were to venture out and buy these, purchase a Beauty Blender first as you will never regret having one regardless. The similarities were; the color of both (which happened to be a tad dark for me), the setting time, and price. But the differences between them was noticeable after weeks of use. I will be repurchasing the Dream Fresh BB due to its compatibility with one of my favorite liquid foundations.

Monday, August 4, 2014

On The Shelf

Overview:

L’Oréal Voluminus Miss Manga Mascara

Purchase Price $7.99 + tax

Retailer Local Ulta

Check out www.lorealparis.com for product info

Product Review:

Almost out of no-where came this wonderful find that should be on everyone’s lashes. The eye catching packaging is for the true manga/anime fan hands down, but this is a mascara for ANYONE! Pretty in pink “360° Flexor Brush to build bold volume” works but newbies to the ways of the wand be careful as this will take a few strokes to find the proper application pressure. This “Voluminus” formula does work as it thickens and adds visible length. As it does not seem to separate each lash but at the same time does not exactly clump. Non-irritating, quick to dry, and a solid black color are major pluses to this drug store priced mascara. Do not be fooled by the price on this one, because two coats and anyone will have va-va-voom lashes without the smudging. Easy to remove with a makeup remover or lotion.

Having stayed true to my higher end brand mascaras I was in total disbelief when this worked greater than I could have ever expected. I gave up on a lot of “drug store” priced products especially mascara since all the ones I used always smudged or were irritating and never accomplished their claims. Hopefully this is more than just a gimmick to sell more mascara for L’Oréal and they will continue to have this one around for a while because this is simply a natural repurchase for my shelf.