Review: Boots Anti-Blemish and Concealer Duo

The applicator for the blemish treatment is a roller ball. Not liking that too much.


The applicator for the concealer is just a doe-foot spongy one.


Here's a swatch of both:

The red circle is where the blemish treatment is.

First off, the I have a gripe with the packaging, specifically that of the blemish treatment. The roller ball sucks! It takes forever to dispense the product-I could barely get any out to even show you the texture. I think it would be better as a gel, like most blemish treatments, and in a squeezable tube. As for effectiveness, I don't think that this one quite comes up to par with my other anti-zit gels. I've been using a Clearasil one that works a lot better. Honestly, I didn't see much of a difference in the size of my blemish, only a decrease in redness and even that was after three days of use, so it is not very effective.

The concealer on the other hand, is also problematic. The color selection is horrible as there is only one shade!!! What's up with that!? It matched me, but I've very fair, so it's not going to work well for someone even just a bit tanner than me. The formula is very creamy and applies well, but doesn't have much lasting power, even with a primer and a dusting of powder. The texture is very nice, however. It's very creamy. I wish my foundation was this creamy. But on pimples, it fails.

I usually like Boot's products, but this one is a skipper, I'd say.

Info:

Price:

Ingredients:

Disclosure: The product featured in this post was bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

Review: CoverGirl TruBlend Whipped Foundation

This is a review for CoverGirls TRUblend Whipped Foundation, which I have in shade 405, ivory.




I don't know how well you can see the texture, but it is very smooth. Also, I've heard people compare this to Maybelline's Dream Mousse foundation, but let me tell you, they are two completely different products. This foundation is definitely more liquid-y. Also, I really like how it came in a small, compact glass jar. However, the container get's dirty really really quickly. There is no excuse for it to look like this only a week after I opened it!

Exhibit A:


Exhibit B:


Here's a show of texture:

It's very very smooth.


I have to say, I was shocked by how well this foundation performed. Unlike other mousse/whipped formulas, it is very heavily pigmented. I would say that this is a mid to heavy coverage foundation, depending on how you apply it. Often times, I would forgo concealer to get rid of redness/discoloration because this foundation took care of it. And unlike other heavy-cover foundations, this one feels sooooo light on your skin! I can't even begin to describe just how light weight this foundation is. I could barely feel it on and it looks very natural, not cakey at all! Usually, foundations with heavier coverage will be heavy liquids that look thick and mask-like, but no such problems with this one!!!

Also, the finish is very matte, something that I absolutely love as I struggle with oily skin. However, even though it doesn't look like it needs a dusting of powder, I would still recommend that you use powder as alone, this foundation doesn't have great lasting power. With powder, it held up well, but it did wear off in a couple of areas, so definitely powder.

Other than lasting power, I would say your only concern may be to find a suitable shade match. I think anyone in the midtones should have no problems, but if you are really light or dark, you may have trouble finding a shade match. Also, if you are pale and yellow toned, the shades will probably be off as the lighter shades are all pretty cool toned. Overall, I recommend this foundation if you're looking for a quick time saver in the morning-it applies quickly, with great coverage, so you may have time to skip the concealer and powder.

Info:

Price: $9.24 (0.94 oz)

Ingredients:Cyclopentasiloxane, Glycerin, Water, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, Methicone, PEG 10 Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Benzyl Alcohol, PEG/PPG 18/18 Dimethicone, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Disodium EDTA, Mica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide

Disclosure: The product featured in this post was bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

I Hit Pan In My Beloved Lancome Absolue Concealer!!!

Well, actually, I hit pan quite a while ago, haha! As you can see from the very beat up container, I've really been using it a lot! This is one of the BEST under eye concealers I've EVER used! I'm not kidding! No matter how dark my dark circles are, this baby covers them up WITHOUT EVER LOOKING CAKEY!!! The coverage is effective and very natural looking, and it wears well throughout the day. I have a problem with oily skin, but this doesn't budge throughout the day as long as you set it with powder. I highly recommend this one to everyone!!!

Info:

Price: $30 (discontinued-I found it at TJMaxx for $7.99!)

Ingredients: Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Gylcerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyglyceryl-4 Isotearate, Petrolatum, Nylon-12, Cetyl Peg/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Hexyl Laurate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Pentylene Glycol, Linalook, Paraffin, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) extract), Diphenyl Dimethicone, Padina Pavonica Extract, Cellulose Gum, Aluminum Hydroxide, Magnesium Sulfate, Limonene, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Tristearin, Dioscorea Villosa (Wild Yam) Root Extract, Acetylated Glycol Stearate, Acrylates Copolymer, Hexyldecanol, Fragrance, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Butylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea, Totopherol . May contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide Iron Oxides

Disclosure: The product featured in this post was bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

Review: Laura Mercier Lip Stain in English Rose

Ok, so this review is for the Laura Mercier Lip Stain in English Rose, which is a Limited Edition shade I actually acquired through a swap. I went through a lip stain phase last summer after trying Benefit's Benetint. Combine this with my addiction to mauve-y lip colors, and you've got a hit!!! Well, almost...





Here's a swatch on my hand:

As you can see, you can go really really sheer, or you can layer it on for a deeper, more done look.

Here is a very thin coat on my lips:


And here it is layered on:


Firs off, I am absolutely loving this shade. I don't know how well you can see the shade on my swatch, but there's a great one from KarlaSugar here. I'm really loving this shade! It's mauvy but not grandma-ish. Anyhow, I should start off by telling you that these aren't really lip stains. They are more moisturizing lipsticks than lipstains, as they do not stain your lips. They do, however, last longer than your average lipstick. The reason I think they do is that they are a bit thicker and more moisturizing, so you won't rub your lips as much, wearing away the color.

The actual formula is great. One of the reasons I do not wear lipstick often is that it tends to dry out my lips, leaving them looking all crumbly and peeling (ewwww!), but I do not have the same problem with these lip stains. Also, they don't have much of a smell or a taste, so if you are one of those people who hate scented/flavored lip products, you should definitely check these out! One more major pet peeve: it is packaged in a pot. Now, I do have a lip brush that I carry with me, but come on, be honest: how often are you in a hurry and just dip your finger in? Most of the time I do not have the time to stop, find a mirror, break out a lip brush and apply the product, so even if dipping my finger into the product grosses me out, I'll still do it. The size of this thing is also a plus. You get a nice looking/feeling glass jar that holds 0.21 oz of product!!!!! Usually, lipsticks are somewhere in the vicinity of 0.12 0z, so if this is a substitute for a red lipstick, for instance, it really will last you a lot longer as you get more product, and a little bit really goes a long way.

Tip: Try applying this OVER a clear gloss. I know this sounds weird (over? why not the opposite?),but it really does make a difference in the look. If you lightly apply it to you lips over a clear gloss, gently blending it in with a brush, you get a much lighter looking application than the other way around, but with the same color. One of my pet peeves is how when you wear lipstick under a gloss, it tends to look goopy, like you're wearing too much. If you apply this product (or any tubed lipstick-just use a brush) over a gloss, the look is much more flattering.

Anyhow, check out these babies if you're in the market for a long lasting lipstick. If you're looking for a real lipstain, however, beware!!!

Info:

Price: $20 (retail, o.21 oz)

Ingredients: Polybutene, Hydrogenated Polydecene, Triethylhexanoin, Glyceryl Dilaurate, Dicalcium Phosphate, PEG-7 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Candelilla Cera, Octyldodecanol, cera Microcristallina, Polyglyceryl-2 Diisostearate, Mica, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ethylcellulose, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propylparaben, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Achillea Millefolium Extract, BHT. May Contain (+/-): (CI 77891), (CI77491), (CI 77492), (CI 77499), (CI 75470), (CI 15850), (CI 45410), (CI 19140), (CI 15985), (CI 42090), (CI 73360), (CI 45380).

Disclosure:The product featured in this post was bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

Review: Sonia Kashuk Eye Marker

Sorry for the blurry image! It kept rolling :(


Why is it that products made in other countries seem so much better?


The applicator, as you can see, is slightly different from the traditional liquid eyeliner brush or felt tip. It is a felt tip, but what makes it better is that the liquid goes through it, and doesn't goop, so you get less mistakes.


Here's a swatch:

As you can see, you can go really thick or much thinner. The liner itself isn't as opaque as others with a brush or felt tip, but that is only because the applicator is a bit harder.

Here it is on my eye (what the heck is up with those lashes!?):



As you can see from the photo's above, it applies very well. I think that it is easier to use than liners with brush applicators because you don't even have to drag it across the lid if you don't want to. You can actually just press the side of the applicator to the lid. Do this all across and you get a nice and even line as the applicator is very firm. It also wears very well. It did smudge slightly in the inner corner, but I've gotten that with just about every liner that I've tried, high and low end (just check out my review of Smashbox's Jet Set liner here). Overall, the formula did wear well.

This product isn't perfect, however. One gripe I have is with the packaging. The cap can be difficult to remove as it doesn't have any texture on the outside so it can be hard to grip. Sometimes I tug and I tug and all of a sudden it gives and I end up with liner on my hand. However, feel good knowing that there is no way that this baby is coming open in you bag :D Another thing that my bother some people is the finish. It dries slightly glossy, but not really enough to bother me. If you are a die hard matte person, this might irritate you. I think that for the price, however, this liner is a gem!

Info:

Price: $5.99 (exclusively at Target)

Ingredients: Not listed on the product and I could not find them online.

Disclosure:The product featured in this post was bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

Upcoming Reviews!

I was just at the store and picked up a couple of items I wanted to let you know about in advance!!!

First off, the new Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Foundation (is anyone else annoyed by these really really long names!?).
















Image from Target.com.

Next up is a Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Paradise.












Image from drugstore.com.

Finally, I got the Maybelline ColorSensational Gloss in Touch of Toffe.












Image from drugstore.com.

Stay tuned for these reviews and more!!!

Review: Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner

As you can see from the beat up picture, I've had this eyeliner for a while. I went through a cat-eye phase a few months ago when I went out and bought a bunch of liners, and this one was the first. It is a waterproof gel eyeliner that is similar to Mac's Fluidline. The shade I own is Midnight Black.

Here's a swatch:














I used a small rounded eyeshadow brush from Sonia Kashuk to apply this, and as you can see, you can go really thin or really think. I've also heard that it can be used as an eyeshadow base, but I think that it's a bit too drying for that. In fact, that's the only problem with this eyeliner-the formula is a bit too dry. If you've used the Fluidline from Mac, you will really notice a difference in texture.

Here's an application:




























It does stay on well, however, with only a bit of minor smudging around the tear duct. Overall, the liner held up well, especially since I have pretty oily eyelids. The application was very smooth, no tugging as promised, and no skipping either. I think it would have been easier if I had applied it with an angled eye liner brush, but I've yet to get one.

As far as value is concerned, I'm not entirely sure that this liner is worth it, especially since for seven dollars less, you can get a Mac Fluidline that is the same exact size (they are the same size -.1g-the Smashbox packaging is more compact) and is a lot creamier. It's a good liner, I just don't think that the price is worth it.

Info:

Price: $22

Ingredients: Isododecane, Polyethylene, Cyclopentasiloxane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Phenyl Trimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Lecithin, Barium Sulfate, Propylene Carbonate, Phenoxyethanol, Propylparaben, Butylparaben. May Contain: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77489, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Carmine (CI 75470), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77289), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ultramarines (CI 77007).

Disclosure: The product featured in this post was bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

Review: Clinique Moisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief

Clinique Moisture Surge gel is an intensive moisturizer meant for skin that is really in need of moisture, and let me tell you, it does the job! First off, it is a gel, which I really like as I have fairly oily skin and creams make me feel greasy. The texture of this is perfect-it's liquid-y, but not thin. When you put it on, it feels heavenly, very light weight.

I don't know how well you can see the texture in the above image, but it is very nice. I highly recommend this to someone who doesn't like greasy creams. I bought this because last week I completely stripped my skin. I had run out of my Bliss Foaming Face wash and borrowed a bit of a friends Clearasil gel cleanser. It left my skin with peeling dry patches everywhere-my cheeks, right under my brows, around my chin, sides of my nose, even my forehead!!! My skin was red, like I had windburn and PEELING!!! I was wholly unprepared for this as my skin is oily so I don't usually deal with dryness. But after three nights of Clinique Moisture Surge, my skin was back to normal.

Here it is right after I applied it:


Here it is after it's absorbed:

I don't know if you can tell, but it leaves my skin with a sheen. My skin immediately felt silky and smooth, and the gel absorbed within a couple of minutes, so no grease face, haha! I've really been liking Clinique's gels. I've never come across such great moisturizers for oily skin. Other brands advertise for oily complexions, but nothing I've tried has beaten Clinique's light weight, non greasy formula. Now if they could just add some SPF... And interestingly enough, I've been able to apply this over my foundation during the day if I notice a dry patch without displacing my makeup! And I've heard of people using this as a mask (applying it to damp skin for five minutes and then wiping off) but I fail to see how this can be more beneficial than actually letting the gel absorb. Anyway, I've had a really good experience with this moisturizer and highly recommend it to anyone with oily skin!

Has anyone else tried this moisturizer? Feel free to let me know what you think in comments!

Info:

Price: $34-$46.50 (depending on size)

Ingredients: Water, cyclopentasiloxane, butylene glycol, glycerin, birch bark extract, lady's thistle extract, green tea leaf extract, saccharomyces lysate extract, sucrose, aloe barbadensis leaf water, trehalose, hydroxyethyl urea, sorbitol, oleth-10, tromethamine, caffeine, hydrogenated lecithin, hydrolyzed extensin, sodium hyaluronate, tocopheryl acetate, palmitoyl olgiopeptide, caprylyl glycol, dimethicone, glyceryl polymethacrylate, peg-8, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolumer, magnesuim ascorbyl phosphate, carbomer, hexylene glycol, disodium edta, phenoxyethanol, red 4 (CI 14700), yellow 5 (CI 19140)

Disclosure: The product featured in this post was bought by me for the purpose of my personal use. If you have any further questions about disclosure, don't hesitate to ask in the comments.

I'm Back! And mega sales at Sephora!!!

First off, HAPPY HOLIDAYS! sorry for the long absence. I just can't seem to stay on top of EVERYTHING that's going on, and I've finally been able to get a few days to relax, so I'm going to make the most of them, haha!

And some good news: Sephora's is giving an extra 20% their already discounted products!!!



Also, there's a really nice weekly special this week!!! A Lip Fusion lip plumper for $10!!! Originally they are $38!!!



The only downside is that they are only offering it on the shade sun, which is a peachy tone. I think it'll fit many skin tones, however, so go for it!!!

Here's the swatch from Sephora:


Lemme know what you think if it if you take advantage of the sale!

All images are from Sephora.com.