Makeup
- volta » See my profile
- Points: 149575
- Reviews: 566
Here are all my reviews:
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I tried a sample of this and I think I had an allergic reaction to it because after I wiped and washed it off, I had about 100 small little red bumps ALL over my face and neck. I haven't had a reaction this bad in a long time. Yes, it did exfoliate quite well, but it's not worth it. Hopefully all the bumps will be gone by tomorrow, or at least most of them. This also has the worst orange smell to it that was unpleasant for me. I'm very disappointed!
March 5, 2012
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I normally steer away from tinted moisturizers because they either make me too oily, or make my skin feel dry because there's not really much moisture in them. Also, I have quite bad skin (regardless of my tireless efforts), so sheer color isn't for me and I have to opt for full coverage foundation even on days when I feel so lazy and don't want to do makeup. When Nars jumped on the tinted moisturizer bandwagon so late in the game compared to other brands, I had faith because I knew that Nars was holding back to create something that was going to excel above other tinted moisturizers. First off, there are NINE colors to choose from--which is plenty more than the average three or four that brands usually make. Therefore, you're more likely to find a shade that is actually going to fit you and you're not going to look awkward with a mask of a different color. There's spf 30 in this too--which is quite common among other moisturizers. This isn't going to leave you with a shiny slick like other moisturizers can, it leaves you with a dewy complexion (hence the name Radiance). What I find that separates this from the other brands is that this makes claims that it can REDUCE hyperpigmentation and even the skin tone in as little as four weeks. I do have a bit of pigmentation on my chin from hormonal acne, but I'm curious to see if I see any improvements (it's far too soon to tell). I feel that I do get quite a good amount of coverage with this--far more than other tinted moisturizers. Of course you're not going to cover everything, but I noticed that my complexion looked SO much more even, even though I could still see a few dark spots. A lot of people are going to freak out when they see the $42 price tag, but they do not realize that you get a MUCH bigger bottle than other tinted moisturizers which are close to price in range. So far, I think you get your money's worth. Even before the tinted moisturizers officially launched in Sephora stores (when they were only available at Nars boutiques), within a MONTH, this product has already created a cult following and in most places are already selling out. So give this a try! You'll love it!
March 2, 2012
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Lately my skin has been going through extreme turbulence--one month it's dry, the next it's normal, the next after that it's an oil slick. Needless to say, during my oily time I bought one of these powders. As much of a HUGE Nars fan I am, I was still a bit depressed to pay $45 for a pressed powder. What I love about it is that it's ultra refined and it never looks cakey on my skin--even on my super dry flakey patches on my chin. This absors oil and kills shine very well too. These powdered foundations come in many more shades than the original pressed powders. Large Sephora stores will have few, but they won't have the full line unlike Nars boutiques. The colors will match anyone beautifully. This powdered foundation has SPF 12 in it, as well as the fact that it gives better coverage than the standard pressed powders. What I don't like is how big and bulky the packaging is. I do like that it has a big mirror, but this "compact" reminds me of one of the older Blackberry phones in terms of size. It's not pocket-friendly, that's for sure. The bottom raises to reveal a cheap white sponge. That really irritated me!!! Yeah, I suppose you'd be able to replace them easily with any sponge from the drug store, but if I'm going to pay $45 for a pressed powder, I want a pretty sponge--not a cheap and flimsy piece of latex! Also, even though you think you find a shade that is closest to you, unless you buy this at a Nars boutique, you're not going to have easy access to ALL the shades to ensure that you find the best fitting shade for you. I would like a little better consistency between what Sephora stores and Nars boutiques offer. Fortunately for me, I still rely on liquid foundation because I need the fuller coverage. Therefore, I'm only going to need a little bit each day to remove shine and touch up on areas needing a little bit more of coverage. However for someone who relies solely on a powder foundation--unless you're a Nars loyalist, you may run out of this extremely quickly and another $45 will be used up.
March 2, 2012
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I have Cactus flower which is a coral red with lots of gold shimmer. On your cheek it blends beautifully to reveal a golden radiance. What I love about the Nars cream blushes (other than they're some of my favorites), it's that you only need a little bit to create a perfect healthy flush. I recommend using a stiff contouring brush with a small head for maximum control. Also, I like that this isn't drying--it's far from drying, cream blushes are recommended for dry skin because the moisture particles in the cream. Since it's not drying, it's not going to dry and emphasize any dry patches you may already have on your cheeks. I've used many cream blushes and sometimes I'll rotate blushes and go a long time without using cream blushes, but then to my disappointment find out that they've dried up. This isn't the case with Nars cream blushes. You can leave the case open for a very long time and it will stay creamy. One of my biggest complaints is the lack of colors. There are a total of seven colors (sold in Nars boutiques), and I think Sephora only carries 4-6 of those. I would like to see cream version of some popular powder blushes (the cream blushes are a different texture and consistency than The Multiple) but also a few more wild colors. It's $28 for each blush--the same price as powder blushes, but I think that I use up the cream blushes far faster than the powder versions.
March 2, 2012
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This spray has several uses. You CAN use it to set your makeup. After you finish putting on your make up, spray this evenly on your face and let it dry for one or two minutes. It will give you a natural or satin finish (depending on your skin and make up finish), but if you do not like how it looks, you can top it off with a little translucent powder. This is going to adhere your make up to your face so it stays on much longer than if you weren't going to use this. It WON'T make your make up look perfect ALL day, it will just prolong the wear of it. This is also great for people who use powder foundations because not only will it add a little moisture to your face because powders can be a little drying, but it will also adhere the powder together so your face looks less powdery--great for people who HATE when their powder is visible. This can ALSO be used throughout the day to "fix" your makeup. Basically, what this does is that throughout the day, if your face feels a little tight and dry, mist this on your face to add a little moisture and "revive" your makeup's finish (by making it look dewy). OR let it set on the skin for 30 seconds to a minute (don't let it dry completely) and pat off with your fingers or a tissue for a more natural finish. This is also going to keep your make up cooler (great for summer) so your make up is going to last longer and decreasing the risk of melting off your face. The only reason I'm taking off a star is that I've compared this and the Urban Decay setting sprays and I like the UD sprays better--only because you can choose the finish it gives you and they're different options for dry or oily skin. But believe me, I always use a setting spray because it makes a huge difference!!
February 29, 2012
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I have the Green shade (310) and it's the perfect serpent green with shimmer in it. What I adore about Make Up For Ever shadows is that it's nearly pure pigment. You're going to love how rich it goes onto your eyes and you won't have to use too much of it. Make sure to use an eyeshadow primer beforehand, but I've noticed with MUFE shadows is that it lasts quite well even without a primer. These shadows are so easy to blend and it's the right amount of shimmer--not too much. It won't look like you're going to a rave, but it's enough to capture the light and sparkle beautifully. These are also wonderful to use on a smokey eye or perfect for a date night. Give these a try!!! $20 per shadow can seem extremely pricey, but you're not going to find many shadows that compare on pigmentation or quality. I also love how you can take the pans out and put them in an artist palette.
February 29, 2012
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This is going to be more for MEDUIM coverage and brightening. It's not going to cover serious hyperpigmentation or super dark circles. You can use this to brighten areas such as your laugh lines and upper cheekbones (think of Yves Saint Laurent's Touche Eclat), but this isn't going to add radiance like the Touch Eclat will. This will brighten the areas around the eye, but it's not for people who need a lot of coverage. This is best for people who only need a little bit to cover, but it is buildable. Personally, I don't like the plastic tip to apply onto skin. Click the product out and put it on the back of your clean hand and use your finger or a concealer brush to pat onto your trouble spots. Don't stroke it on--pat it.
February 29, 2012
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For most people (even make up savvy people), they do not know how to use this powder correctly. I admit, I was one of them too. You only need a TINY amount of this powder to cover your entire face. What I LOVE about this is that it's Talc free which Talc can become toxic over time. It's 100 percent silica, but it's NOT going to cause breakouts or won't shimmer. Also, I like that this doesn't completely give you a flat matte finish. It gives you a very natural complexion without oily shine. The BIGGEST tip is to pour a TINY amount into the cap and work your brush into it. If you can see powder globs on the brush, then you're using too much! After learning how to use this powder properly, I have fallen in love with it and it's the perfect powder to touch up throughout the day to remove shine and excess oil. One little jar will last you a very long time, but imagine how long the full size jar is going to last you! Give it a try--and DON'T use too much!!!!!
February 29, 2012
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This is one of the most heavy duty concealers I've ever used. What I LOVE about it is that even though it's super highly pigmented, you get a large bottle that is going to last for ever--so don't be frightened away by a $30 price tag because this will probably last you a couple years (even though I still recommend you throw it out after a year due to chemicals unsettling and possible bacteria growth). Also, the amount of shades that you can choose from will assure you get the best color matching. A HUGE tip is to choose a color that is TWO shades lighter than your foundation because this concealer tends to dry a little darker than what comes out of the tube initially. This is going to cover everything and I love the texture of it. The liquidy texture will blend best on top of liquid or cream foundations, but make sure you apply this first before powder foundation. Go to Sephora and ask for a sample before you commit to it. This is going to change your opinion of what a concealer should be like!
February 29, 2012
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There are several different kinds of primers for everyone. The classic shade 0 is translucent and works for everyone. Shade 1 is green is going to color correct redness (perfect for rosacea or very pink skin). Shade 2 is mauve and that's going to brighten yellow or sallow tones (great for olive tones) Shade 4 is caramel and is perfect for darker skin tones because foundation often looks ashy on dark tones so this will warm the complexion. Also, on medium skin tones it works on going down a shade of you're in between and it's GREAT for contouring as well! Shade 5 is wonderful for making fair tones more radiant and brighter (especially if your skin is so fair that it's lighter than most foundations--it makes your skin more fitting to fair foundations as well). Shade 6 is great for evening hyperpigmentation and Shade 7 is great for brightening medium or light skin tones or if you want to move up a shade if you are in between shades.... Hands down, this is one of my favorite primers EVER. It goes on super lightweight onto the skin and the best thing is that it has NEVER caused me to break out, yet this had the best coverage and wear under foundation. It feels very refreshing on the skin and it has sodium hyaluronate in it so it helps your skin retain moisture better. This is the best primer to prepare your skin for MUFE foundations! I never EVER wear foundation without this!
February 29, 2012
