Makeup
- pixie_dust » See my profile
- Points: 73600
- Reviews: 491
Here are all my reviews:
-
I was having such a difficult time finding a shimmery highlighter with a fan brush for my cheek bones. I didn't want to spend an arm and a leg for something that I would use only some of the time. Then, I came across this product! It fit perfectly into my budget and works really well, with just the right amount of shimmer. It is such a versatile product and can be mixed with other products or used by itself, and can be pretty go everywhere and is convenient enough for purse or travel! This is a good product. The only issue I had was that the product tends to separate a bit. Maybe mine was just old, but it didn't seem like it. I just shake it up and it works fine. :)
October 14, 2014
-
After rave reviews, I tried the Sonia Kashuk concealer quad and to be honest, just wasn't all that impressed. I found it dry and a bit chalky, so when I discovered an ELF version at a fraction of the price, I HAD to check it out. So many of the ELF products have been "wins" for me, so why not? The packaging is super cute as so many of the ELF Studio packages are; it comes with a small application brush, but I didn't find it all that useful. The Quad comes in a Light, Medium and Dark option. I am fair to medium, depending on the season, so I picked up 2 of the Light versions off of the website. I swatched the colors and found the texture to be ultra creamy, so my "chalky nightmares" were dissipating. LOL However, as creamy as it is in the palette, I found the product to not have great coverage and also to be difficult to blend. The only product I don't mind doing a little extra blending for a flawless application is eyeshadow, but not concealer. The Light comes with 4 total colors; 2 of a bit of a yellow undertone and 2 with a pink undertone. I am more of a yellow to neutral, so I found it easy to mix the two colors together and use it that way. However, I do think the pinkish color would be nice to counteract any blue under-eye circles that some have. All in all, it IS a decent quad and I would recommend giving it a try. I found it to be easier to use and creamier than the SK version at a fraction of the price. For me personally, I think I prefer concealer that isn't in a pot or stick for future use. They just seem to be a little more difficult to blend (even when using my damp Beauty Blender) and a bit dryer in texture.
October 14, 2014
-
I wanted to just LOVE this foundation, and I almost felt guilty coming into this after hearing so many great reviews about this foundation! My skin is oily in the summer and combination in the winter. I really love the texture but I had a few problems with this. One, it isn't buildable as some other reviewers have commented on. A little goes along way, and when you pass that point, it looks cakey. The application is also tricky - I found it easiest to use my Beauty Blender. My fingers added more product than I needed and I didn't find a brush as easy to work the product in. I would put a dab on the back of my hand and use a damp BB to apply and blend into my face. Two, the colors just weren't that plentiful. There are about 8 shades and True Ivory 103 was too light and Soft Beige 200 was a bit too dark and too pink. I did blend the two together, but I hate to take that extra step if I don't have to. Three, the immediate finish of the foundation was matte (which I actually don't prefer; I like a more natural or satin finish); however, it didn't keep my oil at bay. I tried this both with and without a primer (the Rimmel Stay Matte Primer actually) and didn't notice any difference in the longevity of the product or the matteness. Within about 3 hours, I had to blot. I would prefer 4-5 hours before blotting (for an oil control foundation), especially with a primer. If you are dry, you will definitely want to avoid this foundation (even if you are combo/dry I would say) because it will stick to dry spots and make skin look a bit dull IMO. It just didn't look like "skin." I would consider this foundation a matte finish absolutely, however, it just doesn't "stay matte." The packaging is so cute and the price point at $4.99 is incredible! I just wish it would control oil better and was a bit more buildable. Also, as a sidenote, I find that this foundation almost made flaws more noticeable; probably due to the "matteness" of the product. Others have said that Revlon Colorstay Creme looks better as the day wears on, and I think this product does, too - probably because the oils from the skin make the product look more natural. I also tried applying primer OVER the makeup and used a setting spray, but I still didn't really care for the finish of the product.
September 27, 2014
-
I resisted and fought the BB for so long! I refused to spend $20 on a "sponge;" I had no idea how wrong I was. I spent waaaay more than $20 in BB "impersonators." The biggest problem is that the impersonators were way too dense and thick that it made it super hard for the sponge to create that flawless, dewy finish or to blend around curves such as the nose or eye area. Think the latex sponges of the 90's but TWICE as dense - it made the sponges almost hard in comparison. The BB is NOT like that at all. It is incredibly soft, flexible, pliable and is just so easy to use - I can't tell you how pleasantly surprised I was! It was so worth the $20 - I can't even tell you. It gives a flawless, poreless, natural finish with no streaking (as SOME brushes can do). You MUST have this!
September 27, 2014
-
This is one of the worst eyeshadows I have ever tried. :( I just loved the colors in my trio, West Vintage (a beautiful, deep green and purple - should have been perfect for Fall!); however, the quality is just so poor that it was just disappointing! I first tried it without a primer to see how it would perform on its own, but within just a few hours I could see that a primer was required. Unfortunately, I think even a cream base shadow WITH a primer would be best (and who wants to go through additional steps??). The colors in all of the trios look so pigmented and intense (and with a name like "HD" I had high expectations) but the pigmentation was just so poor - I had to reapply and reapply, and then blend and blend some more. There was also more fallout than I would like. To further add to this, I have never had a shadow not last through the day, especially with a primer (creasing yes, but not fading or streaking). These shadows faded throughout the day and about 6-8 hours in, I literally could WIPE away the shadow off of my eye. That was how much it was just not sticking to my eyelid. I hate rating products as a "1;" I feel like there is at least SOME redeeming quality about most products - this one is the color, unfortunately, they just couldn't pull it off in the pigmentation or staying power.
September 27, 2014
-
My skin is a grease monster in the summer and combination in the winter. Needless to say, I have issues with large pores in particular on my cheeks! So, I am about to get a little "gross" here! IMO, pores are like potholes in a road - they have to be "filled" before they can be "smoothed." There are a lot of products, including foundations, that can do this well but I was quite impressed with the NYX Pore Filler (Ha! Filler! See??). It literally "blurs" imperfections and fills in the pores with a beigy-nude, greaseless, airy light textured product. For those of you that are scared of parabens, one warning; this is loaded with parabens. (Check out the research! Parabens are ok - I promise. :) I have been using this product for months and it does exactly what it claims to do; if you don't use a primer, this can easily be used as one or might may your other primer obsolete. The only reason I didn't give it a 10, and the reason I probably won't be repurchasing, is because I don't find the product necessary in my routine. Pores can be "filled" with concealer or stippling foundation, or even buffing foundation in circles to fill the pore and then smooth. So as well as it DOES work, I just can't see adding yet ANOTHER product to my endless list of HG and "must have's."
September 27, 2014
-
Not me but the polish color! LOL I purchased this in Little Hottie over the summer; it is a hot pink/fushia with glitter. What I really like about this line is that the color options are so pigmented, intense and eye-catching. As soon as I walked past the display, I had to spin around and grab it! Hard Candy (available only at Walmart and online) is definitely a pretty budget friendly line and the nail polish was no exception - at about $3 or so a bottle. However, as much as I loved the color and the variety in the line, it didn't stand up to my "pedicure test." I bite my fingernails (I know, I know!) so I usually have clear on my nails, but I get a pedicure every month. I always bring my own polish and usually don't spend more than $3 for a polish. I don't touch up my nails between pedicures, so I have high expectations that the polish will last and still be pretty 4 weeks from the time it is first applied. If it chips, that is a problem. The majority of polishes last the full 4 weeks with no issue (I used to apply a clear polish every weekend to extend the length of time the polish lasts, but lately I am getting lazy about this!); this one took me to about 3 weeks. In all fairness, I don't often wear glitter polish and I am thinking that with the different texture, it could have caused some premature chipping; it only happened on the big toe and it is easy enough to touch it up really quick before I am due for the next pedicure. I am still really impressed with this line and the color options available - they are just so eye catching, I can't even say it enough! I think it is worth it to risk having a touch up after several weeks. Again, I can't speak to the nails, but I was pretty pleased with the texture and appearance of the polish on my toes!
September 27, 2014
-
I was wandering through the drugstore makeup aisles, desperately looking for a more natural looking mascara for my low key makeup that day, but refused to spend $8 or $10 for a "once in awhile product." (I usually have more makeup on and therefore will wear a more intense, volumizing mascara most days.) I thought I would take a gamble and purchase a WNW mascara; I have had good luck with a lot of their products but was unsure if their mascara would pass the "test." To my pleasant surprise, it was just what I wanted! It provided length and incredible definition. It has a rubber mascara wand, very similar to CG Lash Blast but much more budget friendly (about a $4 savings!). I have been using this for several weeks now (this "once in a while product" has turned into a daily product!) on both my upper and lower lashes; it lasts through the day without any flaking or smudging. For a more natural look, I use 1-2 coats and for a more intense look, 3-4. I would definitely recommend this and have no issues with repurchasing this product again. It also washes off easily with my facial cleanser.
September 22, 2014
-
IMO the shampoo is not great, but the conditioner, like so many other HE conditioners, smells divine and left my hair smelling good, soft and shiny! I am impressed. It is a very whippy, creamy conditioner that smells fruity - with pomegranate. I usually leave it on for a few minutes and rinse out with cold water. I have long, thick hair but I really didn't experience the issues with residue that others have mentioned. However, as in my shampoo review, I must mention this last caveat: I had a ton of breakage/fallout while using this shampoo/conditioner line. I can't prove that it is either the shampoo or the conditioner, but I can say that I am healthy, my diet hasn't changed, I take a multivitamin, get enough rest, etc, and treat my hair well. I also haven't switched any other products for my hair other than this. Shortly before this line, I was using the Color Me Happy line and did not notice all the fallout I have been experiencing lately. The other day at work, I was just pulling clumps of hair out of my ponytail. I didn't take any stars off as a result of this, in case I am the only one, but I still wanted to pass on the information just in case! I have since switched to a new line and am waiting long enough to write a review of my findings.
September 18, 2014
-
Up until recently, I have not tried Herbal Essences products in years. Prior to Long Term Relationship, I was using Color Me Happy which was just okay. However, I just came off of a prestige shampoo that was just as awful as it was expensive and my budget was screaming for me to try this. One of the biggest issues I have with HE shampoos, at least the ones that I am aware of, is that they contain BOTH Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate - this is way too drying and is totally unnecessary. I LOVE lather so I would never go without; however, this takes lather to a whole new level that can cause issues with dryness when using long term. The challenge with that is often times when hair is damaged or dry, nothing can really correct it fully except a good haircut; a problem for those of us with long hair! Anywho, I digress. (For drugstore shampoos with ONLY Sodium Laureth Sulfate {the better of the two!} check out Dove products and Clear Scalp & Hair.) So, for this shampoo, I hated the texture. I think HE was trying to create a "creamy" feeling shampoo; however, the texture was just really off. On top of that, the color coming out of the bottle is a very sick looking pink. It lathers well (too well) sort of like detergent and the smell was off (ironically, the smell of the conditioner was divine!); I can't really describe it. It just wasn't that great. I didn't take any stars off for this, but I must mention it: I experienced a lot of breakage and fallout from my hair while cleansing it, combing it and throughout the day. MUCH more than I have ever seen with any other shampoo/conditioner, including the Color Me Happy Line. I can't say for certain that it was as a result of this product, but I can say that my diet hasn't changed, I am not sick, I take a multivitamin and am healthy. The other day at work I was just pulling clumps of loose hair out from my ponytail. Personally, I think it is the product but it is next to impossible to really be sure.
September 18, 2014
