Archive for the ‘Make Up’ Category

Benefit’s Confessions of a Concealaholic Review | Medium Skin Concealer Kit Covers Blemishes

Thursday, September 23rd, 2010

Benefit Cosmetics Confessions of a ConcealaholicConfessions of a concealaholic is a set of 6 concealers designed to hide anything you want to hide. It is devised for the medium skin tone.

The kit contains:

  • That Gal- a brightening facial primer.
  • 2x Boi-ing- an industrial strength concealer (01 for fair skin and 02 for medium )
  • Erase paste – Brightening camouflage for eyelids and face (for medium skin)
  • Lemon aid – Color correcting eyelid primer (pale yellow)
  • Eye bright – Instant eye brightener ( pale pink)
  • 2 brushes
  • A step by step lesson on how to apply the products correctly

I personally find it a bit strange how Benefit has mixed light and medium shades together into one kit, as some of the shades will be too light for medium skin and vise-versa. I suppose 2 shades could be mixed together to create one perfect shade.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Good value
  • Covers imperfections
  • High quality

Cons

  • Chunky case ( one patrons opinion)

To Sum Up

Most users think confessions of a concealaholic is an excellent buy at $36 for the set. They like how it has everything to hide all those horrid imperfections.

The only downside I found one patron commented on is the chunky case that the kit comes in. Compact is usually a plus for most of us, good for travel and fitting into that already bulging makeup draw.

Buy Benefit's Confessions of a Concealaholic

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Natural Mango Butter Lipstick by Korres Review | Moisturizing & Non Sticky with an SPF 10

Tuesday, September 21st, 2010

Korres Mango Butter Lipstick SPF 10Korres have brought out a Mango butter lipstick. It is contrived to moisturize and hydrate lips with mango butter. The lipstick also contains Candelia cera this should help soothe dry lips.

It is also made of all natural ingredients and doesn't contain Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Phthalates- Petro Chemicals, which a lot of cosmetics do.

There is 12 different shades to choose from, there is a 47 Russet, anything from a natural nude to a bright red color.

You will be glad to hear that these lipsticks do contain an SPF 10. A very important factor in my book, as this protects the lips from sun damage and also the risk of premature aging.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Moisturizing
  • Sheer with a glossy finish
  • A little shimmer
  • Non sticky
  • Natural
  • SPF

Cons

  • Too orange ( opinions of a couple of users)

Ingredients

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate) (6%), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) (2%). Other ingredients: Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Isostearyl Isostearate, Diisostearyl Malate, Polybutene, Octyldodecanol, Polyethylene, PVP/Hexadecene Copolymer (VP/Hexadecene Copolymer), Candelilla Cera (Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax), Calcium Sodium Borosilicate, Cera Microcristallina (Microcrystalline Wax), Ozokerite, Calcium Aluminum Borosilicate, Anise Alcohol, Aroma (Flavor), Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Lecithin, Mangifera Indica Extract (Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract), Phenoxyethanol, Silica, Tocopherol, Tocopheryl Acetate, [+/- (May Contain) Mica, CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake, Red 7, Red 6), CI 77491 (Iron Oxide), CI 15985 (Yellow 6 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 45410 (Red 28 Lake), CI 77492 (Iron Oxide), CI 77499 (Iron Oxide), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 19140 (Yellow 5 Lake), CI 17200 (Red 33), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride)].

To Sum Up

It seems that Korres have done a exceptional job with these lipsticks. Most patrons found the trio hydrating, non sticky and they favored the fact that there is an SPF.

However, there are a couple of users who found the shades too orange for their skin tone. If you prefer a orangey shade, this collection might be worth a try.

Especially at $21 for the set, many korres fans think that is a bargain and I would agree it is a very reasonable price.

Buy Natural Mango Butter Lipstick by Korres

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Flawless Dollskin Cheek By Tarina Tarintino Review | Natural Crease & Fade Resistant Blush

Monday, September 20th, 2010

TARINA TARANTINO Dollskin CheekI haven't really heard of Tarina Tarantino before today so I took a glance at her site. It was very interesting seeing how she started out, just selling odd bits she had made in her apartment. Going from model-makeup artist-jewelery designer. I know its not relevant but I love her pink hair!

Dollskin Cheek by Tarina Tarantino is a blush devised to provide cheeks with a natural glow that lasts all day long. It is also designed to be crease and fade resistant.

Tarina says, "Unique micronization technology provides the most ultra-fine particle size possible, which results in enduring, crease- and fade-resistant application".

There are 5 different shades available, these should be suitable for all skin tones. By layering higher pigmented definition can be achieved.

It is made without parabens, which are preservatives used in a lot of cosmetics and some pharmaceuticals.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Luminous sheen
  • Creamy
  • Natural looking
  • Highly pigmented
  • Glides on smoothly

Cons

  • Dull ( one reviewer said)
  • Expensive

Ingredients

Talc, Zinc Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Octyldodecyl Stearate, Silica, Nylon-12, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Manganese Violet (CI 77742).

To Sum Up

Dollskin blush has first class reviews with patrons admiring the great color that glides on for a natural look. They also like how it feels kind of creamy on their skin.

There was one user that wasn't bowled over by this product. She says the color is dull and it made her look pasty.

It is quite lavishly priced at $25 a go but most patrons think it is worth it.

Buy Tarina Tarantino Dollskin Cheek Blush

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bareMinerals Mineral Veil by Bare Escentuals Review | Flawless Matte Finish with SPF 25

Sunday, September 19th, 2010

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals SPF 25 Mineral VeilMineral Veil by Bare Escentuals is a natural powder that gives your makeup a finished airbrushed look, says B.E anyway.

It is formulated with an SPF 25 for sun protection, which is one of the most important factors for me when choosing makeup.

This powder also helps eliminate shine, therefor making skin appear mattified. It should help minimize fine lines and pores, while lasting all day long.

There are 2 options for Mineral Veil, either the translucent powder or a lightly tinted shade for a bit of color. Both are suitable for all skin tones.

Like other most other Bare Escentual products Mineral Veil doesn't contain Parabens- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates, so good for those of you that like to keep it natural.

Users Conclusions

I have summarized below users opinions of Mineral veil from sephora.com:

Pros

  • Sheer coverage
  • Sun protection
  • Oil absorbing
  • Flawless finish
  • Lightweight
  • Natural

Cons

  • Pasty looking skin (one ladies opinion)

Ingredients

Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Corn Starch Modified, Zinc Stearate, Silica, Magnesium Stearate. MAY CONTAIN: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

To Sum Up

It was hard to find any bad comments about Mineral Veil, there was just one lady who said it makes her look pasty and pale.

However, most other bareMinerals fanatics aspire to it, saying it gives flawless coverage, provides sun protection, is natural looking and lightweight.

Patrons think it is reasonably priced at $19 a pop considering it does so much.

Buy Mineral Veil by Bare Escentuals

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Bright & Natural Lip Stains by Tarte Review | Long Lasting Glossy Color

Friday, September 17th, 2010

tarte LipSurgence Natural Lip StainJust like other products from Tarte this lip stain is made with natural ingredients. The lip stain is designed with LipSurgence(TM) technology which Tarte says, "is clinically proven to increase moisture content by an astonishing 6000%".

Tarte Natural Lip Stain is formulated with peppermint, just like the best selling cheek stains it should give a natural flush that lasts all day long. With the help of the LipSurgence(TM) technology increasing skins water retention. It will give a fuller lip appearance, which will make lips more hydrated and smooth.

Like other Tarte cosmetics this doesn't contain Parabens (no toxic preservative)- Sulfates- Synthetic Fragrances- Synthetic Dyes- Petro-Chemicals- Phthalates- GMOs- Triclosan. This could be an appealing trait for those of you that like to keep it natural.

This stain is available in 6 pinky natural looking shades.

Users Conclusions

Below I have summarized the opinions of the ladies that have used the lip stain:

Pros

  • Glossy then matte when dry
  • Long lasting
  • Non drying ( most ladies think this is a good thing as it can be wiped off if a mistake is made)
  • Feels nice on lips

Cons

  • Bright colors (some users liked this)
  • Moisturized when first applied then dried lips

Ingredients

All shades contain:Ricinus Communis (Castor) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceide, Vegetable Oil, Candelilla Cera, Cera Alba, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Castor Oil Bis-Hydroxypropyl Dimethicone Esters, Ozokerite, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Dimethyl Isosorbide, Stevioside, Salicornia Herbacea Extract, Palmitoyl Hexapeptide-14, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Tocopherol, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Red 27 (CI 45410). (+/-): Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77499), Red 28 Lake (CI 45410), Red 28 (CI 45410), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).

To Sum Up

Tarte have seemed to made a average collection of lip stains. Quite a few patrons think the stain is so-so, but the range of colors seemed a little bright for some who just wanted a more natural shade. Although just as many ladies liked the brightness of the stains.

Most users thought it was long lasting and very moisturizing. However, they found the moisture surge only lasted a while after application, then seemed to dry out their lips once it had dried.

If you fancy giving Tarte lip stain a try it retails for an expensive $24. Could be worth a try, especially if your a fan of the brighter shades.

Buy Natural Lip Stains by Tarte

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Chanel Inimitable Mascara Volume Length Curl Separation Review | Waterproof Brown or Black Formula

Tuesday, August 31st, 2010

Chanel Imitable MascaraChanel Inimitable Mascara is formulated to give lashes volume, length, curl, great separation and it should be waterproof too.

Apparently it has a unique brush design that helps deliver all the above. Personally I can't see any difference from this brush to any of the standard ones. Chanel just says it's unique but doesn't go into detail about how it's unique. An important detail that maybe it should remember to add in.

Users conclusions

Pros

  • Lasts all day long
  • No smudging
  • Gentle for sensitive eyes
  • Dark black

Cons

  • Expensive
  • No better than cheaper brands

Tips

A great way for applying mascara quickly but flawlessly is to put the wand as close to the bottom of the lashes you can, then pull up slowly while twirling the wand. This should give an even coverage without having to do another coat.

Also, when dipping your mascara in the tube don't pull in and out to coat with formula. This just pushing air in coursing mascara to dry up quicker. Just twist the wand around a couple times while in the vile to coat.

Ingredients

I was unable to find the ingredients contained in this mascara other than that it contains Pro-Vitamin B5.

To sum up

On the whole users found that it worked reasonably well, but considering it can cost up to $60 they didn't think it gave them the wow factor that Chanel promises. You can get it for $10 or under on ebay.

A few people did love it though and found it worked for them. So I suggest if you are thinking of buying it, test it in the store to see what you think first. After-all it is a lot of money to spend on a mascara that may not work!

Buy Chanel Inimitable Mascara

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Clinque Quick Corrector Review | Natural Medium Coverage Liquid Concealer

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Clinique Quick Corrector ConcealerClinique Quick Corrector is a concealer is designed to give a natural medium coverage to any imperfections.

What sets this apart from other concealers is that it is a liquid formula and comes in a lip gloss like vial with a sponge tip applicator.

As it is a liquid it should make it easier to blend and make it less likely to crease, unlike some of the cream concealers.

I think Clinique is a reasonably good brand, although from personal experience I wouldn't go singing its praises. I have only tried a couple of products but didn't work for me.

It can be a little over priced, but I know Clinique works for a lot of people who won't use anything else.

Users Conclusions

The Quick Corrector has good reviews. Here are some of the pros and cons users had to say:

Pros

  • Blends well
  • Looks natural
  • Good for sensitive eyes
  • Quick & easy
  • Doesn't crease

Cons

  • A little orangey

Ingredients

I cannot find a complete list of ingredients for this product.

To Sum Up

According to most users this liquid concealer covers blemishes, blends well and is quick and easy to use.  A lot of ladies like to keep this in their handbag for quick touch ups while they're out and about.

A few users complained that it is too orangey for their skin tone.

It is hard to pick a concealer that matches your skin tone because a lot of the products out their seem to have a yellow/orange undertone, which is not suited for people who have a more pinkish undertone.

A porcelain colored concealer is usually better suited for people with a pink undertone.

The price is very acceptable at $14, making this concealer one of the cheapest ones I have reviewed so far!

Buy Clinque Quick Corrector Concealer

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Avon Ideal Shade Concealer Stick Review | Natural Coverage For Dark Circles & Blemishes

Wednesday, August 25th, 2010

Avon Ideal Shade Concealer StickAvon Ideal Shade Concealer Stick is designed to provide full coverage for dark circles and blemishes. It comes in a wide range of shades to suit very light or dark skin tones.

It comes in a lipstick like form instead of the usual pot form that most concealers come in. This lipstick like design is quick and easy to use. It doesn't even require the use of a concealer brush as it can just be dotted directly onto the skin.

Avon have a lot of decent products that are reasonably priced, that makes them even more appealing.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Quick cover up for blemishes
  • Easy to apply
  • Covers dark circles
  • Non irritating to sensitive skin

Cons

  • Doesn't cover scars or birth marks

Ingredients

SQUALANE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE, OZOKERITE, BEESWAX/CIRE D'ABEILLE, ISOPROPYL, LANOLATE, NYLON-12 , ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, POLYETHYLENE, ZINC OXIDE, SILICA, RETINYL, PALMITATE , ASCORBYL PALMITATE, BETA-CAROTENE, BENZOIC ACID, TALC, PARAFFIN ,BIS-STEARYL, ETHYLENEDIAMINE/NEOPENTYL, GLYCOL/STEARYL, HYDROGENATED DIMER DILINOLEATE , COPOLYMER, DIMETHICONE, TOCOPHEROL, BHT, LECITHIN, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL, HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE , C12-15 ALKYL BENZOATE

Tips

For best results for any concealer pat on the problem area them gently smooth out. Concealers can be used under or on top of foundations. Just don't use to much or it will look cakey.

To Sum Up

Avon's concealer stick has been rated very high with users. They are very satisfied with the coverage and how quick and easy it is to use. A couple of people were disappointed that it doesn't cover scars.

If you fancy giving Avon Ideal Shade Concealer Stick a try it retails for $6. Which is a total bargain considering most other brands cost 3-4 times as much.

Buy Avon Ideal Shade Concealer Stick

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Boi-ing Natural Industrial Strength Concealer By Benefit Review | Covers Dark Circles & Impurities

Tuesday, August 24th, 2010

Boiing Concealer by BenefitBoi-ing is a concealer designed by Benefit. It apparently is industrial strength so go easy when applying. This concealer is formulated to cover the darkest of circles and any other impurities such as , broken capillaries, scars and boo boo's as well as still looking natural.

Boi-ing comes in three shades light, medium and dark. If you aren't sure the best color to suit your skin tone, it is always best to pick the medium.

Benefit say that this concealer is industrial strength, but it doesn't go into detail about how this different from other concealers. I have compared the ingredients from this concealer to a few others and they seem to be practically the same, so if this product is industrial strength so is most other products.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Covers dark circles
  • Goes on smooth
  • Lasts all day
  • A little goes a long way

Cons

  • Thick and waxy (few users said this)

Tips

Warm the concealer first by patting between two fingers, this will make it smoother to apply. Whether you use a brush or your finger to apply the concealer try not to use a huge amount other wise it won't like natural and will be more likely to build up in the creases.

Ingredients

Dioctyl Adipate, Octyl Stearate, Talc, Beeswax, Carnauba (Copernicia Cerifera) Wax, Petrolatum, Corn (Zea Mays) Oil, Octyl Palmitate, Propylene Glycol, Butylparaben, Ctiric Acid, BHA. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.

To Sum Up

Most patrons of Benefit agree that this concealer does cover most problem areas and lasts all day long. However, a few users find it to be too heavy and waxy. Applying a thinner layer would help to make it appear lighter.

It is quite pricey at $18, although no users I found mentioned the high price.

Buy Boi-ing Natural Industrial Strength Concealer by Benefit

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Urban Decay Liquid Eyeliner Review | 24 Hour Wear, Smudge Proof & Quick Drying

Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

Urban Decay Liquid EyelinerUrban Decay Liquid Liner Eyeliner is designed to last all day and night without smudging. It comes in 14 different shades from black, a shimmering neutral or a sparkling bright color.

The bottle itself has been designed for ease of use due to the shape of the lid, it should fit in your hand nicely. The formula should dry quickly for less risk of smudging and should have a subtle shine.

I personally love the effect of a liquid eyeliner, but applying it isn't always easy I know, but practice makes perfect. When perfected it looks gorgeous!

This liner does sound like a good buy if you are looking for that shiny and glossy style, which is popular for a night town with a bit of glamor. Urban Decay is a well known brand among younger circles, although its products are sometimes a little over priced.

Users Conclusions

Pros

  • Glossy finish
  • Worth the price
  • Great definition
  • Easy to use
  • Quick drying
  • Doesn't smudge

Cons

  • Brush is a little big for smaller eyes
  • Not good for everyday wear as too shiny

Ingredients

Water (Aqua), PEG 75 Lanolin, Propylene Glycol, Beeswax (Cera Alba), Cetearyl Alcohol, Polybutene, Polysorbate 20, Triethanolamine, Shellac, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Simethicone, May Contain (+/-): Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77288), Carmine (CI 75470), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140).

Tips

To get a more defined line use the very tip of the brush, or if you like a thicker line lay the brush flat. It will look better if you can make the line in one sweep, it takes a steady hand and practice but its worth it for gorgeous eyes.

To Sum Up

Urban Decay has pulled in good reviews for this liquid eyeliner with most users impressed with the precision and ease of use. However, a few ladies found the brush a little big for small eyes.

If you can, try and test it before you buy. This eyeliner is quite pricey at $18 considering some brands cost as little as $10 and can be just as good.

Buy Urban Decay's Liquid Eyeliner

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