Laura Mercier Lip Glace

Heavy, in a good way!

The first time I tried this gloss, I thought I was going to dislike it. It smelled and tasted a little waxy, and the consistency felt heavy and sticky. But on subsequent wearings, I've come to LOVE it! I'm one of those lip balm / lip gloss freaks who has to reapply every 10 minutes because my lips feel too dry. And with this, the heavier consistency means it stays on MUCH longer than any other type I own. I even wear it when I'm just sitting around the house, just because it makes my lips happier. And my color, a YLBB pink, somehow stays subtle while brightening my whole face. Minus one for the smell/taste, but otherwise it's close to a 10.

May 7, 2008

Cover FX Mineral FX Pure Mineral Foundation SPF 15

Adequate, but you can do better

I own 2 other types of Cover FX foundation as well as their base and powder, and I'm a fairly big fan. (Especially of the excellent cream foundation.) I'm also a huge fan of mineral powder foundation, so I figured this would be a slam dunk. As it turns out, it's a perfectly adequate addition to the Cover FX line. Takes only seconds to apply, and it makes my skin look noticeably better without looking makeup-y. The downsides are that it tends to run a bit darker than the same color in the other foundations and the applicator dispenses far too much powder at one time (messy). Given the excellent range of mineral powder options at the moment, even in the drugstore range, you can probably find something just as good at a lower price point.

May 7, 2008

Cover FX Cover FX Total Coverage Cream Foundation SPF 30

Best of their (very good) products

I have used the lighter Cover FX liquid foundation for several months and like it, but I decided to give this "heavier" formula a try for my wedding day. (I have fairly rosacea that shows particularly well in flash photography -- needed all the help I could get!) As it turns out, I like this even better than the other formula. It covers better and, at the same time, oddly looks more natural on my skin. Lasted through the whole wedding day and looked fantastic in the photographs. Since then, it has become my go-to for most everyday wear as well. I like it best with a foundation primer underneath (doesn't have to be the Cover FX brand) and applied with a makeup brush (but the supplied sponge is fine too). And a set of powder on top does help the staying power. Again, the Cover FX powder works well, but any finely milled powder seems to work just as well and look just as good. My only caveat is to be sure the color matches your skin tone well. This is one time where it might be worth going into the store (e.g., Sephora) and having someone test your options on your skin. With something that gives this much coverage, you don't want your face to look white/orange/whatever when compared with your neck!

May 7, 2008

Cover FX Skinprep FX Treatment and Priming Serum

Necessary Add-On to Cover FX Foundation

I recently purchased Cover FX foundation, and I knew from reading reviews (even before the Cover FX rep hit me up in Sephora) that this really is a necessary add-on to the foundation. Somehow the foundation doesn't work well on its own -- it needs the Skinprep as a base. The feel of this product is a slippery silicone. It feels somewhat heavy on my face when I first put it on, but it then sinks in quite well. (And, to it's credit, it hasn't broken me out at all.) People with normal skin generally won't need a separate moisturizer underneath. However, on dry days I've used a light moisturizer underneath (you could also add a sunscreen if you're worried that the SPF 15 in the foundation isn't enough) and it didn't seem to change things for the worse. The Cover FX rep enthused that she wears this as a moisturizer at night too, but I can't imagine that it beats any "real" moisturizer on the market. Too heavy and slippery, and I don't think its REAL purpose is moisture. Basically, I don't see any use for this product if you don't also use the Cover FX foundation. But if you do, it's necessary -- and I'll do whatever I have to do for my beloved foundation!

November 29, 2007

Cover FX Natural FX Water Based Foundation SPF 15

Love the Coverage, Though it's a Bit High-Maintenance

I recently bought this Cover FX foundation in hope of covering my hopeless red-face from rosacea in time for some engagement photos. After a few weeks of use, I'd have to say it's everything I'd hoped for! Covers my rosacea beautifully without looking heavy or overly makeup-y, and it looked natural in the photos. I recently wore the foundation on some marathon travel days that included an overseas, overnight flight, and it even held up through that! It also hasn't caused me to break out, which was a bit of a worry given that it's so much heavier than what I'm used to. The downside is that the product is a bit high-maintenance. To get the most out of it, you really do have to use the Cover FX prep product and set with a loose powder. (Which can either be the Cover FX powder or any high-quality powder that you have on hand. I use Prescriptives because I already owned it.) Somehow the combination of prep/foundation/powder acts chemically together to create the magic -- I've read reviews by people who tried just the foundation without the others and had a less-than-ideal experience.

November 29, 2007

Neutrogena Clean Lash Tint

Great Product for Everyday

I am notoriously fickle about makeup, but I have bought tube after tube of Neutrogena's Clean Lash Tint. Love the way it darkens my lashes slightly without looking overdone and without the slightest hint of clumps. I wear it every day, and will even use it to form a good "base" before adding something more dramatic for a night out. The only downsides are that some tubes come out a bit dry (assuming these are the ones that have been on the store shelves for longer?) and it's not the LEAST bit water-resistant. The slightest tears leave me racoon-y. (Though, on the flip side, it's very easy to wash off and doesn't leave that under-eye mascara residue that I hate...))

November 29, 2007