Tag Archives: concealer

Products I’ve Used Up and Mini Reviews, Vol. 001

Posted on September 14, 2012 | Leave a comment

I love using stuff up.

I feel like it justifies my shopping habits, especially to my dear, sweet husband. :) “See, honey? I DO use all of these products.” So for today, I have a post showing you what products I’ve used up recently and some thoughts on how they performed for me. I think this is a cool idea (sadly, it wasn’t my own) because there’s only so much we can tell from a couple weeks of use, versus using the products for a month or more.

So what have I finished up?

Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch Highlighting Concealer in Ivory (the writing on the packaging has rubbed off)

I LOVE this product. I’ve talked about it several on occasions after first purchasing it on my honeymoon at the beginning of May. I have used it every single day since then (four months isn’t too shabby), appreciating the coverage/brightening combo that is lightweight and doesn’t crease- just put on a light, even layer. I have repurchased this.

L’Oreal EverCreme Shampoo and Conditioner

I also bought these on our honeymoon (hey! I was coming off of a spending ban) and have been nothing but impressed. These have also been favorites of mine, improving the condition of my scalp and making my hair feel more moisturized. These are sulfate-free and concentrated- a little goes a long way. I’ve also repurchased this set.

TRESemmé Leave In Split End Conditioning Treatment and Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray

Leave In Split End Conditioning Treatment: I had been using this throughout the summer while I was refusing to do anything but let my hair air-dry. I love how it smoothed out my frizz and added some weight to my curls without weighing them down. As for the “split remedy” claims, there is nothing that fixes split ends other than cutting them off. NOTHING. But the appearance can be diminished with smoothing conditioners like this. I did buy another one when I forgot mine while traveling, but I don’t feel compelled to purchase again.

Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray:  This is SUCH A GREAT PRODUCT! Sorry I just needed to get that out. I have no idea how many of these I’ve used now, as I’ve been buying them for years. It works so well and always leaves my hair feeling soft and looking shiny. I don’t see a reason to spend more when this is so awesome!

Sally Hansen Salon Formula Nail Polish Remover and Up and Up (Target) Makeup Remover Wipes

Sally Hansen Salon Formula Nail Polish Remover: This was a cheap and effective polish remover. I have no complaints about it, though I wasn’t bowled over, either. I really want to try Essie’s or Zoya’s polish removers, so I probably won’t repurchase just for that reason.

Up and Up Makeup Remover Wipes: These were also inexpensive and effective, but weren’t amazing. They took off my makeup well enough, though I still had to use two, if not three, if I wanted to take off my eye makeup. I want to try another brand to see what else is available, but I will keep these in mind if I’m not finding anything I like.

 

That’s it! Those are the products I’ve used up most recently. What have you used up lately? Let us know n the comments!

 

Much love,

Laura

→ Leave a comment

Posted in Empties

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Laura’s Essentials- Basic Makeup Kit: Fresh Face

Posted on July 27, 2012 | 2 Comments

After many years of beatin’ my own face, I feel like I have a really solid base kit to work from. I have experimented and edited it many times, but this group of essentials has been pretty consistent. I thought it might be handy to do a series focusing on these tried-and-true basics for those of you still working out the important elements of your own kits.

My recommendations are twofold: first, I’ll suggest the fundamental elements that I think make a well-rounded, personal makeup kit. Then I’ll recommend a product in the category, like a specific concealer or brand of lipstick, for example, that I’ve tried and can attest to it’s awesomeness. I think this might be more helpful if you’re looking for a place to start!

Keep in mind that the products I recommend are just that: a place to start. If the foundation or mascara I choose doesn’t work for you, identify exactly what it is that you don’t like and take it back to look for something else! Drugstores, Ulta, Sephora, Target, and Walmart have excellent return policies, so keep your receipts. Don’t be afraid to try something new because that’s how you learn!

Here’s a peek at the upcoming posts in the series:

  1. Fresh Face
  2. Everyday Eyes
  3. Lickable Lips and Some Optionals
  4. Fabulous and Functional Makeup Bags

*****

A little photo disclaimer: 

The products I’m showing you are ones that I own and have used, which is why I feel comfortable including them in an essential kit. Because I have used them, they look BUSTED. These products have battle scars from all the face beatin’!

*****

We’ll bust open the makeup bag by starting with the face products:

Laura’s Essentials Kit: Face Products

Foundation:

What base you choose is incredibly subjective, more so than just about any other makeup item. What works best for one person with oily skin may be the worst option for someone with dry skin. I chose a liquid foundation because it’s a consistency that works for a wide variety of skin types in general, and you can apply as much or as little as you need.

I picked Maybelline Super Stay 24HR Foundation. It’s an amazing drugstore option that really is long wearing, so it’s perfect for an exhausting work day. I specifically picked an option that doesn’t have SPF, because you can always layer sunscreen underneath your foundation, after your moisturizer. (SPF causes flashback in photos, which is a white cast and is NOT cute. Trust me, I’ve been there.)

I’ve used this base on days where I don’t want as much coverage (it’s a solid medium- to full-coverage foundation) and sheered it out by mixing it with some lotion. Voila! Instant tinted moisturizer. You can find Super Stay foundation anywhere Maybelline products are sold for around $10.

 

Concealer:

I picked concealer based on two common issues: under-eye brightening and blemish covering.

For under-eye brightening, I chose Maybelline Dream Lumi Touch. It’s been a fantastic product and I really have dropped all other under-eye concealers once I started using this. It’s lightweight, easy to use and to blend, and doesn’t crease on me. Just can’t rave about this product enough! I use the shade Ivory, and you can find this anywhere Maybelline is sold for around $8.

For blemish concealing, I chose yet another Maybelline product (it’s not intentional!): SuperStay 24HR concealer. I’ve tried quite a few concealers, but this is the one that has worked the best for me time and time again. It’s creamy, pigmented, and lasts!  Again, buy this anywhere Maybelline is sold for around $8.

 

Blush:

Guess what? This isn’t another Maybelline product!! I know I sound like a broken record, but I’m SUCH a fan of e.l.f. Studio blushes! The shade in the photo is Candid Coral, but I hear great things about Tickled Pink, too (a NARS Orgasm dupe, perhaps?). There are some shades in this range that are too sparkly for my taste, but overall, they’re very pigmented and incredibly easy to use. Very pleased with these! Best of all, they’re only $3 and you can buy them at Target or e.l.f.’s website.

Laura’s Essentials Kit: Face Products

*****

If you have any questions, please ask! I might have left something out that you want to know. I hope you’ve enjoyed this first installment and I’ll see you next week for part two!!

Thank you for reading and have a great weekend,

Laura

P.S.- Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter! It’s pretty fun. ;)

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Cheek Products, Foundation/Bases/Powders

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Cover Up!

Posted on June 22, 2012 | 2 Comments

Happy Friday, lovelies!

I think it’s safe to say that we all love makeup and want to look flawless every day, yes? But sometimes (a lot of the time?), we don’t have the energy/time/will to put on a full face of makeup before we head out for the day. We find those “cheats” that help up do less in the mornings, yet yield results almost as good as if we stood in front of the mirror for half an hour.

One of my favorites is to only put foundation/concealer in my T-zone, which is where most of my blemishes are. Time is cut because I’m not putting on a full face of foundation, yet I still get the desired results of evened-out skin tone and spot cover. The product I’m showing you today works perfectly for this purpose, and more!

Essence Cover Stick in Matt Sand

I have absolutely no idea why there is no “e” on the end of “Matt”.

Essence Cover Stick in Matt Sand

Essence Cover Stick in Matt Sand (This photo has been edited to be the most true to color as possible.)

Obviously the packaging is incredibly convenient, due to the stick form, but the product is actually really great as well. It goes on with a cream-to-powder finish that doesn’t dry out on my skin. (There is nothing cute about concealer-covered flaky dry spots. UGH.)

Essence Cover Stick in Matt Sand swatches (natural light)

Essence Cover Stick in Matt Sand swatches (with flash)

Please ignore the sparkles in the above photo! The Cover Stick doesn’t have ANY sparkle, shimmer, or glitter in it. I had been swatching other products. Ooops!

I was really surprised at just how well this covered, especially for a $2 product! It lasts about 6 hours before wearing off, especially if you’ve been sweating or if you have oily skin. (Setting with a powder will always help products last longer on the skin.)

The biggest issue with this product for me is the shade range. As in, there’s only 3. Let’s face it: that’s just not realistic. To my knowledge, Matt Sand is the lightest shade and even that’s a wee bit dark for me. Hopefully Essence will get it together and offer more shades that accurately represent their customer base!

If this looks like a product you’d be interested in, you can purchase it at Ulta stores or at Ulta.com.

So what do you think? Interested in trying it out?

 

I hope you’re all doing great, and again, HAPPY FRIDAY!

Much love,

Lo

→ 2 Comments

Posted in Foundation/Bases/Powders

Tagged , , , , , , ,