Make-up Reviews
My excitement about Giorgio Armani Lip Wax in my previous blog entry is warranted as after testing out one for my very self I must say it’s quite a gorgeous little product.
Giorgio Armani Lip Wax is comparable to a MAC Mattene but if you’ve used any of the Mattene’s before you’re probably very familiar with how difficult they are to apply and blend. Giorgio Armani Lip Wax blends flawlessly onto the lips leaving behind seriously pigmented color and gorgeous lips.
The formula is matte however it’s so silky and smooth it feels like you’re applying a powder to your lips. They call the finish a patina satin effect, I call it perfection. The texture is virtually weightless on your lips and it feels as if you’re lips are bare of any color at all but when you look in the mirror there is no doubt that you’re wearing a gorgeous shade of Lip Wax. The formula is very long wearing with little need for touch ups in between.
I tried the shade selection 6 which is a beautifully popping red with a touch of maroon to it. I normally don’t fair to well with reds but lately I’ve indulged my need for red with some rather great shades and I’m very excited to have this color added to my selection of sexy reds.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this product is the fact that color is buildable and versatile. You can go very sheer, very deep, extremely dark, or add a bit of gloss to really get an outstanding look. If you’re scared of bolder shades you can easily tone it down by using a lighter hand but if you crave a wicked, sexy look you can easily take the color up a few notches by building color up.
Each Lip Wax is housed a slick black lacquered compact with mirror. I’ve never indulged in Giorgio Armani Beauty do to the lack of kawaii packaging but I must admit that the design of the compact is quite elegant and posh. Loves it!
The only minor rant I have is that the colors are limited to six shades but honestly that’s actually plenty since the colors will work with pretty much any eye or makeup look you’ll be doing. The selections are both work friendly and of course they’ll spice up any evening look!
Simplicity won out for the look I created below because I wanted my lips to be the star of the show. I did two separate finishes with the Lip Wax, one I’m wearing gloss and the other I am not.
Without Gloss:
With Gloss:
Honestly, if you’re looking to indulge your need for a super pigmented lip product that’s both sexy and elegant this is something to seriously consider adding to your beauty arsenal.
The Muse likey…alot! Muse Approval for purchase!
Simply adoring Giorgio Armani Beauty Lip Wax and heading to my local counter to see more of the color selections available today! Expect some new face of the day photos as soon as I spoil myself with some more colors.
See more of the color selections available by clicking here.
Purchase some at Giorgio Armani Beauty (You can get Free Shipping with your purchase of $75! Don’t forget to check out the stunning Fall eye palette while you’re visiting the site! The Muse likey!)
Want these?
Tried ‘em already?
Love ‘em?
Favorite buys from Giorgio Armani Beauty?
Tell the Muse!
Discover other great popping shades of lip color by clicking through some past reviews!
Urban Decay Lipstick Review
MAC Queen’s Sin and Red Romp
MAC Naughty Nauticals Featuring Port Red Lipstick
Vincent Longo Lip Vinyl
You have to be excited about this review right?
As discussed in my earlier article Benefit has introduced a brand new product called Powderflage and guess what? It happens to be brilliant.
Ok, although Benefit Powderflage gets a big hooray from me there is one minor rant that I should get to first.
The fan brush.
I was quite excited about the fan brush that came with the kit. It was very cool that Benefit was including a brush for application with Powderflage and I was both thankful and happy to have something to use with this. Although, I was worried that a fan brush wouldn’t be so great for application, I still felt like it was rather a nice item to include. I’ve always used my 190SE to apply this type of powder. The 190 fits snug under my eye and picks up just the right amount of powder for this delicate area. But hey, I was willing to try out a fan brush to apply the powder! Why not! The Muse is all about adventurous new makeup techniques!
Umm…
The fan brush…..
Can you say mini? Can you say very, very, very small….wow…..
I was a bit disappointed at the minuscule size of the brush. What in the world was I supposed to do with this?!
The brush is ridiculously tiny.
Well….
Aside from my minor rant about the brush I will proceed to turn that frown upside in a second when I tell you about how the brush actually works even though it’s size is ridiculously tiny!
Now Benefit went ahead and brought back the wonderful packaging from days of old. This excites the Muse and makes her very happy. The Muse remembers when Benefit used to sport this style of packaging for most of it’s cosmetics. I remember when Benetint and Glamazon came in a cardboard tube like this. I also happen to remember when Mr. Frosty and other eye pencils by Benefit came in cardboard tubes as well! Am I dating myself or do you guys remember that too? I love that Benefit is returning to it’s roots and I hope in the future they’ll continue to re-introduce this great packaging.
Anyway enough gushing about the packaging eh? You want the review dontcha?
So Powderflage what’s it for? Who can use it? What’s it do? Etc…etc…
Powderflage makes some big promises. It promises to banish dark circles and brighten up your eye area it also promises to erase fine lines. Does it? Yes, but with a trick.
This super fine powder is weightless and near transparent. Although it sports a slight shimmer and a shade of pink have no fear as the formula is pretty much colorless. Now I’ve tried a similar product from Laura Mercier which I reviewed in the past, I wasn’t too thrilled with the Laura Mercier version for a few reasons one of which was the fact that it settled into fine lines. To add insult to injury the product was also very white and not so transparent as it claimed so each time I applied my under eyes were left looking quite ghastly and ghostly.
Now Benefit Powderflage gets it all right. The powder’s formula is a good deal lighter in comparison to Laura Mercier so it doesn’t settle into my fine lines plus the fact that it’s so light it breezes across my under eyes brightening them up without leaving behind a layer of product that not only ages me but also makes me look quite white and pale around the eye area. Yes, it does indeed erase fine lines and gives an airbrushed, flawless finish to my eyes. Loves it! And yes it does indeed brighten the eye area up making it appear not only flawless but awake and refreshed.
Does it work at covering dark circles?
No. I personally don’t believe you can use this on it’s own to cover heavy dark circles however if you’re younger or need lighter coverage than yes absolutely you can get away with using this as your concealer.
Personally I need extra coverage so I conceal my eyes using my normal concealer and I proceed to follow up with Benefit Powderflage for a bit of extra coverage, extra brightening, and it also happens to work a treat at setting and holding my concealer in place all day long.
Now as I said I was quite devastated by the tiny little fan brush but turns out it makes the absolute perfect item for “flagging” on Powderflage!
The powder is so very fine that you’ll need something tiny to pick it up and in comes Benefit’s small little fan brush that helps apply Powderflage like a dream. The fan brush picks up just enough product to smooth under your eyes while fitting the contour of the eye beautifully well. It’s size is ideal for getting just the amount of powder where you need it without ever leaving behind a heavy layer that will settle into fine lines. A few strokes and your eyes will look beautifully awake and ready for the world. In the end I’m happy that Benefit thought to include such a great little brush for application so you see it’s not bad at all but quite helpful!
Do I love Benefit Powderflage? YES! I adore it. It’s fabulous! We have another winner from Benefit here.
Wakes up my tired eyes, sets my concealer beautifully well, erases fine little lines in an instant, and of course makes me look flawless and gorgeous!
This one you have to try out! Well worth your time in the Muse’s opinion!
I’m slapping a big Muse Approval on it!
Get it!
I’ll be mad if you don’t 
Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder Review
Benefit Posietint Review
Benefit B Spot Review
Benefit Erase Paste Review
Is it me or do you feel like Fresh Cosmetics get terribly overlooked since everyone is always concentrating on Fresh’s skincare, bath and body, and perfume selection.
I simply adore a majority of the perfumes Fresh puts out plus the skincare is truly out of this world but really, sometimes, I like to take a second and remind myself what a great little line up of cosmetics Fresh has available.
Since I’m on my concealer kick still I thought I’d review one of my favorite concealers that happens to be from Fresh.
Fresh Absolute concealer is definately an answer to any and all under eye woes. It’s a heavily pigmented, moisturizing concealer that does a superb job of erasing both fine lines and dark circles.
At $22 USD for a rather tiny pump jar of concealer this could sway you to pass it up but I urge you to try it once and I pretty much guarantee you’ll love it. The formula is nicely moisturizing although slightly on the runny side however I really don’t mind in the least as I use a very tiny amount anyway so the product has no time to make too much of a mess as I blend. A little goes a long way as this is heavily pigmented in a major way. It’s probably one of the most pigmented concealer I have stashed in my beauty arsenal. This blends super well and I’m very impressed with the way it simply glides across my under eye area. This is something to say considering how dry my eye area is concealers don’t glide, believe you me, so to have one that glides as I blend makes me want to fall to my knees in thanks. The concealer pretty much lasts all day long with no touch ups in between. You put it on and it stays…and it stays it and stays….until you take it off. The concealer doesn’t crease nor does it cake it virtually erases very fine lines and creates smooth flawless coverage. Please…remember…a little goes a very long way.
One minor rant is that the pump distributes way too much product and until you’re used to the trick of using it you’ll end up pumping out a rather large amount of product which you’ll waste because you won’t need that much. Don’t make the mistake of pressing it down quickly or pressing it down far the way I did. Very gently push down with a slight wiggle to your finger tip and hope for the best. The packaging definately can use improvement in this department. Even when I’m being gentle too much product comes flowing out which completely ticks me off.
All in all I really like this one but it can use an improvement on the packaging. Aside from that coverage is really good, it blends beautifully, and the price isn’t bad at $22 USD since a little goes a long way.
The Muse stamps it with an approval for purchase!
Definitely worth checking out! The Muse likes it!
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer Review
L’Oreal Visible Lift Concealer Review
Patricia Wexler, M.D. Instant Airbrush Concealer Pen Review
Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Concealer Review
Physicians Formula Circle RX Concealer Review
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Review
Lancome Maquicomplet Coverage Concealer Review
Jelly Pong Pong Nicola Roberts Dainty Doll Concealer Review
Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base
Eyeko Touch Up & Go Concealer
Cargo Blu_Ray Concealer Review
Lorac Double Feature Concealer Highlighter Duo Review
I’m still rounding up concealers and today I’m bringing you a review of Lorac Double Feature Concealer and Highlighter. This concealer is brand new from Lorac. Tired of all these concealers yet?!
As you can see above the packaging is an interesting pull out design. Unroll and you’ll end up with directions, alternate uses for the product, and detailed photos for use. It’s like a little cardboard newsletter that unrolls with the box.
Well done Lorac on creating a very interesting concealer duo! I should start my review by saying I don’t approve of lipstick style concealers in a tube. I’ve tried a few and all are really bad simply because the formula is so very difficult to blend and ALOT of tugging is involved.
Lorac got a tiny bit inventive with this new concealer. I originally purchased this assuming that it consisted of three parts. I was thinking it was a concealer, a rollerball setting powder, and a highlighter. Turns out I was quite wrong! It’s a concealer, highlighter, and a rollerball applicator. This does not come with a powder, why I was thinking the rollerball was a powder is beyond me
.
Turns out the rollerball is what makes this such a fine product. The concealer is somewhat your typical stick concealer which I’m not too fond of. The formula is creamy however it doesn’t glide as easily as I’d like it to under my eye but the rollerball ends up making the concealer into something special. If I had to use the concealer on it’s own without the rollerball I’d be highly disappointed as it does involve some tugging to get on and of course tugging to blend.
So how does it work? Simple. Swipe the concealer gently under each eye, proceed to roll over the concealer using the rollerball applicator, continue rolling until your concealer is completely blended in. The rollerball does such a good job of blending the concealer you won’t need to pat or rub with your fingertips. The effect is an airbrushed look that erases fine lines, dark circles, and bags. However, it does deserve to be mentioned that this involves a good deal of tugging. I tried doing this gently but it doesn’t completely blend as well with a lighter touch. It disturbs me that I have to roll so hard to get it blended. Less tugging on the eye are is always good and this involves a considerable amount of tugging.
After you’ve blended your concealer you can take the opposite end of the applicator which houses the highlighter and dot under your eye. This gives a tiny bit of shimmer and light to the eye area. I mistakenly did three dots and I got a rather shiny, disco ball look going on under my eyes so use this sparely and you’ll achieve the desired effect of a hint of brightness and highlighting under the your eye. The highlighter doubles up as a cheek and brow bone highlighter as well. The color of the highlighter is a creamy light yellow gold with a hint of shimmer. This comes with a sponge tip applicator however I do not recommend using the applicator to blend as it’ll add WAY too much of the product and you will end up sporting some seriously shimmer under your eyes. The effect sometimes looks mannequin-like or sports almost a clay-like look which I really don’t like but if I use alot less I get the desired effect of a brighter eye area. I’m not sure if I’d recommend using this under the eye if you’re older I may stick to using this as a highlighter on my brow bone.
The duo is available in three color selections and although the lightest version worked well for me I can’t help but be disappointed at the lack of variety in shades. The colors range from light, medium, to dark but even the darkest selection doesn’t appear to be suited to ever all deeper skin tones.
Blended
Aside from that mild ranting I did I love this. Would I buy it if it wasn’t a duo? Absolutely not as the stick concealer isn’t that fabulous however since the rollerball actually aids in making the concealer rather wonderful plus the highlighter gives a rather lovely bright look to the eye area I definately liked it. It’s $24 USD and available from Sephora now if you’re lemming it. I did forget to mention that the wear on this is wonderfully good which is what made me like it even more.
Generally speaking I could probably just purchase a rollerball somewhere on E-bay and use it with a stick concealer however this comes all together and makes concealing your eyes an absolute breeze while offering great coverage and an airbrushed finish.
The Muse likes it with a few minor problems that could use improving! But it’s definately not bad and worth checking out for yourself!
Love it?
Want it?
Tried it already?
Tell the Muse!
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer Review
L’Oreal Visible Lift Concealer Review
Patricia Wexler, M.D. Instant Airbrush Concealer Pen Review
Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Concealer Review
Physicians Formula Circle RX Concealer Review
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Review
Lancome Maquicomplet Coverage Concealer Review
Jelly Pong Pong Nicola Roberts Dainty Doll Concealer Review
Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base
Eyeko Touch Up & Go Concealer
Cargo Blu_Ray Concealer Review
Although it has it’s cult following Maquillage is not my favorite branch of Shiseido cosmetics. Maquillage has some seriously great releases just nothing that every caught my eye so much that I was panting after it!
However, after much debate I decided to indulge in a Shiseido Maquillage Neo Climax Lip after reading quite a few raves for this particular item.
Neo Climax Lip is a combination lipstick and gloss that comes in a rather slick push up style packaging. I love the packaging and the applicator. Twist and the applicator saturates with color, swipe across lips and done! The applicator is a smooth plastic head which I normally don’t fancy but in this case it works very well and fits comfortably to the contour of your lips while delivering color and gloss.
The formula is where the problems begin for me with this one. You may recall my review on L’Oreal Infalliable Lipgloss and one of my main rants with the product was the strange waxy feeling of the gloss Neo Climax Lip happens to sport a similar formula. Although I like both glosses it’s very difficult getting used to having a waxy film on your lips. In all fairness this particular formula allows the gloss to have super long lasting power however dealing with it all day is difficult. It just just feels like I have a mask around my lips which is rather weird.
Aside from my rant about the formula I have to say that the color I picked is so outstanding that I’ll definately be using this again even though the formula isn’t to my liking.
The color is a very light shimmering shade of peachy pink that matched so perfectly with my skin tone and just brightened up my entire face. It gave me both a look of health and innocence that was simply stunning or at least I thought so. I don’t have the number for this color at the moment but I’ll correct this post later today with the correct number. I believe it was PK 356 but don’t quote me on that.
I’ve been looking for a color like this my entire life it seems. It’s just a combination of peachy, pink, and sports that natural look to your lips.
I simply love it.
I was so deeply impressed with the color I’ve decided to Muse Approve Shiseido Maquillage Neo Climax Lip for purchase. I think I will be indulging in a few more colors and if they are anything like the one I tried I’m sure to be VERY pleased.
The Muse likes this one and is temporarily putting bad formulas aside and entertaining her joy for an amazing color!
Likey!
Craving more great gloss posts? Find ‘em below!
Jelly Pong Pong Lip Cushion
Tarte Double Dose Lipgloss Review
Aube Gloss Frutina Summer 2008 Review
MAC Dazzleglass Review
Dior Summer Collection 2008: Ultra Addict Gloss Reflect Review
Tried this?
Love it?
What are some of your favorite glosses that you love to hate?
Tell the Muse!
Wow I’ve covered ALOT of concealers these past month haven’t on? And guess what? I’m still going strong and bringing you a brand new batch of concealer reviews this week!
If you missed my introduction please see my Good, Bad, and Great Concealer post to see what’s been reviewed so far!
Today I’ll be reviewing Eyeko’s Touch Up and Go Concealer which promises to wake up my eyes and put my blemishes to bed. I don’t use concealer to conceal blemishes so I guess under the eyes it will be!
Does it deliver on it’s promise?
Not quite.
Although the packaging is super cute, and the price is just right, plus the fact it comes in a click pen makes the Muse happy doesn’t mean that it’s an awesome concealer. The bad begins when the product is only available in one shade…uh oh…not good. The worst begins when you figure out what an unflattering nude, beige, slightly peachy combination it is.
Although it’s pigmented enough to conceal dark circles brilliantly well I felt like the color did nothing for my eyes. The color matches my skin perfectly however speaking for myself and I’m sure many others prefer concealer a shade or two lighter than your foundation. In this case the concealer matches the tone of my skin and does nothing for brightening or waking up my eye area. Although it does conceal my dark circles it fails to create a fresh, awake look and I blame that on the color. The formula is moisturizing and dense while blending very well however the wear is two hours if you’re lucky. It contains a blend of Jojoba for moisture and a soft touch.
Sometimes the Muse gets suckered in by cute packaging and can convince herself the product is really good because she’s so in love with the uber sweet packaging however in this case it’s just bad.
As I said it is inexpensive at £5 and it’s probably good if you don’t mind the color or the lack of wear but personally I didn’t like it.
Thumbs down on this one.
It’s a trash and not a stash!
Tried it?
Love it?
Which are your favorite “pen” concealers?
Tell the Muse!
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer Review
L’Oreal Visible Lift Concealer Review
Patricia Wexler, M.D. Instant Airbrush Concealer Pen Review
Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Concealer Review
Physicians Formula Circle RX Concealer Review
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Review
Lancome Maquicomplet Coverage Concealer Review
Jelly Pong Pong Nicola Roberts Dainty Doll Concealer Review
Clarins Instant Light Eye Perfecting Base
You have to be excited about this post.
Urban Decay hasn’t had lipstick for a very long time and now relaunches with 22 shades for Fall 2008. They went right ahead and did it big time baby!
I can’t begin to tell you how exciting it was getting four of these bad boys to test out and review for you. They are simply thee most gorgeous lippies around at the moment as far as the Muse is concerned!
Let’s focus on the awesome packaging first. Each shade of lipstick is housed in a large, heavy container with two-toned light and dark purple swirls decorating the outer lid with a goth mini dagger handle on top. The casing of the lipstick tube is a shiny metallic purple that contrasts beautifully with the swirly lid. If that wasn’t enough of a presentation Urban Decay went an extra mile and embedded each lipstick with Urban Decay and a tiny dagger. The entire packaging creates not only a posh feel to each lipstick but also holds an edge of dark and dangerous! Just how the Muse likes her lipstick! Dark, edgy, dangerous, and most importantly posh!
Now I read a review recently that said the formula was horribly gritty due to the mass amount of glitter in the lipstick and that’s not completely true. Depending on the color you choose the amount of glitter may be more or less! It also deserves to be mentioned that even if the color is overdosing on heavy shimmer and glitter the texture was in no way gritty. I felt like each color I tried had a wonderfully moisturizing, melty formula that simply glided onto my lips leaving behind beautifully pigmented popping color!
I’m completely serious when I say I want every single color for my very own (After all I do own every single shadow Urban Decay has put out thus far)! Go ahead and try to stop me from buying all these for my collection! I’m completely in lust and love with these.
Strangely enough I have also read that the lipsticks had an overpowering smell and taste but I didn’t notice either. I did notice a tiny faint perfumed cherry taste to some of the colors where as others had no taste at all.
The shades I tried out were 5150, Voodoo, Gravity, and Hotpants. Out of those four I wasn’t loving Hotpants. Hotpants is a heavy duty frost and I just couldn’t love it since it made my face look full and very round (as if it isn’t all those things already right? yak!).
Wearing Hotpants
The other three shades fit me perfectly and were very deep and perfect for fall! 5150 was my favorite. It’s advertised as a coral but I felt like it was a cherry shade! It looks beautiful paired up with pink shadow!
Wearing 5150
The other two shades that completely captured my heart were Voodoo and Gravity both of which were really deep shades that are completely flattering for the Fall. Voodoo is a deep, dark pink that almost looks maroon where as Gravity is a rich red.
Rockin’ Voodoo
Sporting Gravity
Oops forgot to label this little guy!
Here are some swatches of each shade! As you can see 5150 does look kinda Coral like in my swatch however it comes out very cherry red on my lips!
Here are some pictures of a MAC lipstick side by side with the new Urban Decay lipstick! You can’t tell all that much but the Urban Decay dwarfs the MAC lipstick! It’s alot heavier as well due to the posh packaging of the Urban Decay lipsticks!
I’m slapping the coveted Muse Approval on these new lipsticks from Urban Decay! They sport beautiful packaging, a gorgeous pigmented, moisturizing formula, and just that little goth dagger alone makes it worth a purchase!
The Muse likes ‘em! You need these. Go now get some! Urban Decay Lipsticks are on sale at both Urban Decay and Sephora! Have a lookiee at the 22 shades and tell me which you are loving, liking, lemming!
The Muse wants to try:
Gash
Wanted
Pistol
Buzzkill
Ugh choices, choices, choices!
Check out more reviews from the Urban Decay Fall Collection by clicking through the Muse’s past posts!
Urban Decay New Matte Eyeshadow Shade in Electric
Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil Review
Oh yea baby daily concealer post time!
I know, I know you’ve been waiting ALL day for this little entry haven’t you? I fear I’m boring you with my spotlight on concealers lately but hopefully you’ve found at least one out of the batch I’ve reviewed so far that works for you!
Today I’m reviewing Lancome’s Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer. That rolls right off the tongue doesn’t it? Is it bad to admit I have no idea how to properly pronounce Maquicomplet?
I noticed that I never really review concealer in the proper light. I don’t use concealer to cover pimples or problem skin. I’m too bloody old for acne and I don’t have anything that needs covering that my foundation doesn’t already do. I’m kinda disappointed in myself because I should really review it from all angles. But I only use concealer for under eye coverage plus even if I have a pimple pop up I think layering concealer or foundation on top of it is rather gross and causes me to break out further! Yak!
Anyway!
Apologies for never properly giving you the deets on covering up pimples or problem skin with concealer!
However, Lancome Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer does a mighty nice job of concealing my dark circles and extra baggage! Maquitcomplet comes in nine shades that pretty much suit all skin tones and while carrying the correct tints to neutralize problems like dark circles. For instance I have the most lightest shade available which has a perfect yellow base to conceal my dark circles.
The packaging is a wand style applicator which for me is just as great as a click pen. Smoothing and blending this on is simple and mess free with the provided sponge tip applicator. Stroke on, pat into place, and your dark circles are gone. The product is pigmented enough to conceal dark circles perfectly however my baggy eyes weren’t as fresh looking as I’d have liked after use but I still find the product offers excellent coverage for dark circles. The formula is a thin liquid however it is creamy and quite moisturizing. I had no problems with creasing under my eyes after blending and wear lasted for at least six hours before I needed to touch up.
The price might scare you at $27.50 USD however if you’re lemming this after my review you can head on over to Bergdorf Goodman and indulge in a gift with purchase!
Spend $35 USD and with any Lancome purchase you’ll recieve a chic grey and burgundy tote filled with gorgeous samples of Color Fever Gloss and Lipstick, an eyeshadow quad, blush, mascara, Bi-Facil, Absolute Premium BX Face and Night Cream, and a Three Piece Brush Set!
Plus Lancome is always giving away something so purchasing a concealer at $27.50 USD plus nabbing a great GWP is well worth it dontcha think?
I’m actually going to head to my Lancome counter to nab that bag of goodies! I’ll be purchasing the Maharani Jewels Quad…perfect excuse to splurge $40 on a palette when I’m getting such an awesome gift! Review to follow!
The Muse likes Lancome Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer and thinks it’s worth looking at to cover up your dark circle woes!
Check it out at Lancome or your nearest Lancome counter!
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer Review
L’Oreal Visible Lift Concealer Review
Patricia Wexler, M.D. Instant Airbrush Concealer Pen Review
Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Concealer Review
Physicians Formula Circle RX Concealer Review
Bobbi Brown Creamy Concealer Review
A new day and a new concealer lovies!
Time to continue on with my quest for the perfect concealer.
Here’s a cheap one for you that works pretty good. Excited? Don’t be too hyped! It has it’s flaws sadly.
Physicians Formula Circle RX Concealer covers virtually everything and anything and stays on all day. It’s one of the concealers I grab for when I need SERIOUS coverage. If you’re sporting major baggage, deep, dark circles, and just generally bad problems with your under eye area here in lays your solutions.
This stuff sincerely covers anything and everything. It’s extremely pigmented and blends easily into the skin creating a very matte, fresh look to your under eye woes. It’s a yellow based concealer which we all know helps combat dark circles but this does double duty at fighting off severe dark circles and any other drama you have going on under your eyes. Although the color appears to be very yellow it does blend in well and creates good coverage that lasts at least 10 hours or more. The formula is moisturizing enough but I did find it quite drying under my eyes however if you have younger skin this might not be a problem for you. The formula is extremely dense as well and lacks the watery texture that most liquid concealers sport. It’s like a thick cream almost which accounts for ease of application.
Overall, it’s a rather great concealer that does have a few flaws.
The packaging design is both good and bad. One good thing is the very nifty slanted applicator that makes applying easy. Swipe under your eye, blend, and go. Nice. However, the lid is so difficult to get off that you’ll end up removing both the lid and applicator if you tug too hard. Major flaw in my opinion and rather annoying as well.
Secondly, the formula is drying to my eye. If you have dry skin you might want to use this only when you need the 12 hour sleep effect look otherwise avoid it as a daily concealer.
Lastly, it does contain a cocktail of parabens that may turn you off to purchasing this.
Aside from this rants I do think the concealer is a good deal at around $7-9 USD. It does a superior job of covering EVERYTHING and anything plus it has sincerely fantastic wear time.
Is it worth picking up?
Yes, for the price it’s worth having on hand for the days you get an hour or two of sleep and need to look awake and fresh!
Tried it?
Like it?
Not really?
Tell the Muse!
Tomorrow……Bobbi Brown Concealer……Worth the cash? We’ll see!
Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer Review
L’Oreal Visible Lift Concealer Review
Patricia Wexler, M.D. Instant Airbrush Concealer Pen Review
Sometimes the Muse is lazy.
On the lazy days when it’s just too much effort to go through the process and hassle of removing makeup using a ton of different products I like to reach for a quick wipe to just remove it all in one shot.
Biore makes some rather great wipes to remove all your make up in one go and of course MAC does a version that’s absolutely awesome!
But I’m guilty of adoring the kawaii in products and neither MAC nor Biore has the cute factor going on!
Agreed?
Soooooooooo I found a cute face wipe to remove all my makeup (even waterproof mascara!) in one go!
Meet Eyeko Face Off Wipes:
At £5.00 for 20 wipes I’m saying you’ll be sporting both a cute way to get it all off simply and quickly! Likey!
Sorry but sometimes the cute factor wins!
At £5.00 for 20 this isn’t the cheapest option you have available but I do find it’s a rather cute way to sport your face wipe around! Traveling with these is ultra nice as they are each individually wrapped which can’t be said for most removers which come in a larger container.
Each wipe is pre-soaked with a cleaning solution that contains Vitamin E and other good for you ingredients. The wipes are extra large so one should do your entire face plus they work extra well at removing waterproof mascara in a hurry however some rubbing is required which is why these are good for quick removal and not recommended for daily use (who wants to be rubbing their eye area daily to remove makeup right?).
Ewwwwww! After use!
For travel, quick and simple makeup removal, or just lazy days Eyeko Face Off Wipes get a Muse Approval for purchase. Cute, simple, quick, easy, and awesome for travel make these a must have for the Muse!
Learn more about Eyeko products by visiting their website.
UK Portal
US Portal
The Muse highly recommends stopping by both as each has a different line up of products to enjoy!
Love these?
Which all in one wipes do you use?
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Eyeko Summer Releases 2008
Learn about more ways to get all your makeup off by clicking through some past reviews!
Heroine Mascara Remover Review
Etude House Eye and Lip Remover Review
Philosophy Purity Foaming Cleanser Review
Clarisonic Skin Care Brush Review
Today I’ll be reviewing Patricia Wexler M.D. Instant Airbrush Concealer in continuing with my spotlight on Good, Bad, and Great Concealers!
Patricia Wexler M.D. is one of those brands that I end up buying due to all the fancy stuff I read on the packaging. I buy into all that hype that’s written all over the boxes, packaging, and adverts.
Wrinkles gone in an instant, dark circles concealed forever, a newer, fresher face awaits you!
Um yeah…right…sure.
I’ve purchased three products by Patricia Wexler M.D. so far and all have been a major disappointment one of which happens to be the Instant Airbrush Concealer.
The packaging is simply awesome as it’s a click style pen concealer which I absolutely love and lust after when it comes to concealers. I love pens simply because they make concealer application so easy, hygienic, and simple!
The Patricia Wexler M.D. Instant Concealer is a tad bit of a high price at $19.50 USD. It is considered a Beauty on a Budget find however since it doesn’t work too well that’s a bit of a high price to pay for it.
The concealer is lightly pigmented and offers ok coverage plus the pen style applicator as I mentioned is an added bonus however the formula is lacking in this concealer.
The concealer is not only drying to the delicate eye area but it also creases into fine lines plus the texture is extremely watery which makes it a delightful mess to apply. Instead of brushing it on and blending you’ll find it dripping down your cheek before you have the chance to pat it into place, the formula is that watery!
Contrary to reviews I’ve read once you’ve successfully blended your eyes will look quite well rested and your dark circles will be quite concealed however any fine lines under your eyes will be displayed a bit more prominently due to how drying the formula is. I’ve read that the coverage is ultra light and doesn’t conceal well and those reviews would be correct however on days I was awake and had a good solid 8 hours of rest the coverage was enough to make my eyes look good. My main problems lay with the fact that the product was not long wearing, crept into my fine lines, and dried my eye area terribly.
Major rant for the fact that this comes in only three shades so anyone with darker skin than a medium will have trouble finding a good match for their skin tone.
Although the packaging is brilliant and the formula is wonderfully light yet pigmented it has too many flaws to be a truly great concealer! I’ve seen better budget finds that are cheaper and work better! I can recommend it if you’re seeking lighter coverage and aren’t concealing a ton of extra baggage. It’s also pretty good if you’re not sporting dryness under your eyes however I think it might be safer just to spend your $20 on a better concealer!
Tried this?
Love it?
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Make Up Forever Lift Concealer Review
L’Oreal Visible Lift Concealer Review
To start off my review of concealers I thought I’d go with Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer since I use it often!
ALOT of hype surrounds Make Up For Ever’s Lift Concealer.
I couldn’t count the numerous reviews raving about this particular concealer that I’ve read all over the internet. I’m hear to say it lives up to most of the hype and does a damn fine job of concealing all your under eye woes.
The concealer comes in five shades and although that’s not a big selection I think it’s safe to say you’ll find a match for your tone in the five available options. I use Pink Beige 1 which is the lightest shade available. One thing I don’t particularly like about the color is the fact that it’s a very fleshy shade with a tiny bit of unflattering beige to it, thankfully the color works well on my skin tone.
Now the formula is pimped out as having skin-firming benefits however I haven’t experienced that. It also contains vitamins A and E which regenerate the skin but again I really haven’t noticed much of a difference in my eye area since using it other than the fact that it does a wonderful job of making me appear awake and fresh!
It virtually conceals all problem areas under my eyes. Dark circles, fine lines, and extra baggage literally disappear creating a flawless, wonderful finish for my makeup. The formula is extremely moisturizing however I don’t like how watery the product is and I’d have prefer a bit of a denser product. This blends easily and beautifully and as I said the color goes perfectly wonderful with my skin tone.
I’ve read many raves about how long the concealer holds out but I felt that I needed touching up after at least 3-4 hours or so. I’d have loved for it to last longer in all honesty but I guess we can’t expect miracles from a concealer but I did somewhat expect more from Make Up For Ever as a majority of their products are unstoppable, smudge-proof, waterproof, last all day items but I didn’t find that the case with the lift concealer.
Props to the great packaging that keeps your hands and fingertips away from the majority of the product. I actually don’t bother touching the tube at all. I simply dot some on with the long tipped applicator and blend with my fingers! This makes bacteria and germ obsessions a little bit less of a problem for the Muse.
The concealer is $21 USD and for some that may be a bit of a high cost but personally I think the quality is brilliant and since the product is so pigmented a very little goes a long way which means you’ll be working on a tube for about 6 months to a year without having to replenish your supply.
I experienced no problem with the concealer creasing or becoming cakey. I also never noticed the product creeping into my fine lines which is a total plus for me as I always feel that as soon as concealer begins to crease into the fine lines it makes me appear older! The formula pretty much blends in perfectly well and does a very good job of actually concealing fine lines without settling into them.
Although it’s not pure perfection the good outweighs the bad with Make Up For Ever Lift Concealer and I find I reach for it daily to make myself appear fresh, awake, and gorgeous.
I like it and I definately approve it for purchase! It’s definately part of my daily beauty ritual and does what it promises!
Not holy grail material but definately good stuff!
The Muse likes it! Alot.
L’Oreal Visible Lift Concealer Review
Alot of hype surrounds NYX eye shadows. I’ve read many a review, many a post, and many a discussion about how wonderful NYX eye shadows are and how close in pigmentation they are to MAC.
I personally never purchased any NYX eye shadows until recently when I came across a display at Harmons and my eyes were drawn to the NYX eye shadow color in Hot Orange.
It’s such an awesome Summer shade.
Although Hot Orange is quite a gorgeous shade it’s not without it’s flaws. As I mentioned this is my first time purchasing an NYX eye shadow and being a MAC girl myself it’s definately difficult to compare MAC to NYX in quality but you can perhaps chalk that up to your Muse being very picky about cosmetics.
This particular shade is a bit gritty as it contains a healthy dose of what appears to be non cosmetic glitter, really chunky pieces of the type a glitter you’d use for some after school crafts are something….yak!
The pigmentation is pretty good on the shadow and it blended pretty well aside from the glitter getting everywhere. I did notice that the texture was not as silky as a MAC eye shadow and I did have to swipe a few times and build the color up to get the desired vibrancy that I’d get easily with one swipe from a MAC shadow.
On the plus side the color is such a great Summer shade. The orange is wonderful by itself or combined with some golds or yellows from your collection! Plus the price can’t be beat at $4.99 USD!
For the price I’d say it’s worth checking out and it’s a very nice Summer Beauty Budget Find! Will I buy NYX again? Possibly!
If you’re trying to keep your beauty budget tight this is a great little find to add a bit of wicked color to your Summer makeup routine!
The Muse working NYX Hot Orange (or at least trying to work it!):
Want another beauty budget find? Check out the review for the mascara the Muse is wearing in this Face of the Day picture! Wondering about my blush? It’s the cheap Bobbi Brown blush I picked up in Woodbury! Clickie!
Enjoy some other Summer Must Have Cosmetic findings by reading some past posts!
NARS Lipgloss in Misbehave
Too Faced Eye Shadow in Mess in a Dress
Redpoint Airbrush Effects Whipped Blush
The Muse’s favorites for Summer Sizzling Eyes
I admit that I’m easily jaded when it comes to new collections, cosmetics, makeup, skincare, etc..lately. It’s difficult to impress me more and more. I try so many new and exciting items and many disappoint however I have come across a product that has the greatness to become an absolute cult favorite in my humblest opinion.
As part of it’s exciting Fall Collection Urban Decay has released a concealer pencil entitled 24/7 Concealer Pencil. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about this product. I was a bit disappointed with the Too Faced Mineral Water pencil I recently tried so when I heard about Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil I expected much of the same outcome when testing it out. Most of these pencil style concealers are difficult to blend, feel waxy and hard, and just aren’t pigmented enough to cover up problem areas, etc….
Not the case for 24/7 Concealer Pencil.
Wow, simply wow.
Get one. Immediately. You need this product in your beauty arsenal. It’s absolutely essential you have one!
First off the name is completely fitting with the product. Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Liners are extremely popular with the masses due to their creamy consistency and effortless glide across the eye. It just so happens that the 24/7 Concealer Pencil has an identical soft, creamy formula as the eye pencils!
Urban Decay’s Potion Primer has become a staple and essential cult item with many makeup fans and I think this new concealer has the potential for that greatness! First of all the general idea of fitting a moist, creamy, blendable concealer into a pencil is absolutely awesome. Have you ever successfully used a concealer pencil that contained a formula with all those key benefits? I haven’t.
The color I got was CIA which is the lightest shade available. It might have been a bit too light but I don’t mind as I liked the way it brightened my eye area up and created a nice awake look to my eyes.
The product is richly pigmented and will cover up any and all problems in particular dark circles under your eyes. It’s advertised as a concealer for blemishes, under eye circles, redness, etc….I’ve used mine for only my eye area and I’m impressed with the results. It woke up my tired eyes and offered excellent coverage for dark circles and the extra luggage I sometimes sport around my eye area.
The texture is a soft, creamy moisturizing concealer that blends with little effort. The idea of not having to dip into a pot for my concealer or squeeze a mess of liquid out of a tube totally pleases me to no end. Just swipe and go. Easy. Simplicity like this is worth the price! The formula is not drying nor does it settle into fine lines. It smooths beautifully under the eye covering up problems while creating a matte, flawless finish.
The product sports a dose of Vitamin E and also contains a new ingredient called Microsponge which absorbs excess oil and prevents further breakouts and clogged pores. The absorbing excess oil is pretty exciting for those that sport oily lids. A bit of this will be a wonderful prep to mattify your lids in preparation for your eye makeup.
I’m also loving this for after eye makeup touch ups. I get major fall out and I find that after I apply my shadow, pigments, etc…if I swipe a bit of this under my eyes and blend it gets rid of my fall out mess and gives me a fresh under eye area minus chunks of shimmer and glitter from my shadow.
The portability of the product is a major plus. Tuck it in your purse for quick touch ups on the go! Perfection!
For some reason the finish, texture, and formula quite reminds me of YSL’s popular Touche Eclat Radiant. The only difference being Urban Decay sports a pencil design and is heaps cheaper! It’s safe to say that this can easily be used as a quick highlighter as well for quick touch ups to your face. Smooth a little down the sides of your nose and blend outwards for a fresh face.
The pencil is available in four shades and comes with it’s own sharpener for $16 USD. It’s available for sale now from both Urban Decay and Sephora.
This comes with my highest rating of Muse Approval and I recommend going out and grabbing one as quickly as you can! It’s truly an outstanding product and a must have item! Urban Decay has a winner on it’s hands here and I predict it’ll be extremely popular once the word gets out!
Want to try this?
Already have?
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Too Faced Mineral Water Review
Dior Skinflash Radiance Booster Pen versus Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat Radiant
I recently read about Tarte Peaches and Cream Oil-Free Powder Foundation over at 15 Minute Beauty Fanatic.
After reading Christine’s raving review I promptly looked up more reviews for the product and decided I must haves it now! Let me tell you there are quite a few raves surrounding this little product. Although I’m a Tarte fan this is the first time I’ve even heard about this. The worst part about the entire product is it’s freaking limited edition! Ugh! How awful is that? What convinced me further to want to try this out was I got at least ten e-mails over the past two weeks asking “Muse have you tried Tarte Peaches and Cream Foundation?” and I sadly had to say no that I never even heard about it!
This is probably thee best product you’ll run across at the moment that offers really good yet light coverage plus dries down to a matte, powder finish which is perfect for those humid, hot days. I probably can’t get away with wearing this in the Winter when my skin is drier but right now when I’m sporting a bit of oily skin it’s pure perfection.
A little tiny dab goes a long way. Simply squirt a small amount on your fingertip and go to town smoothing it down the sides of your nose and spreading outwards to your cheeks, under your lip line, sides of chin, etc….these are areas I need coverage as those are dull spots for me and also shadowy. After this I have a beautiful working canvas for the rest of my makeup or since the coverage is so natural I can simply leave the house with this on and some gloss!
It contains plenty of good for you ingredients like vitamins a, c, and e plus it has an SPF of 20 which is a total plus for me! The color does appear slightly strange. It has a very weird orange beige tinge however it does blend in flawlessly in and leaves my skin looking fresh and awake!
In my quest for perfect, flawless skin Tarte Peaches & Cream definately gets added to my Summer Must Have list! The fact that it offers excellent coverage while remaining light and natural plus keep my skin matte in the Summer sun makes it a perfect addition to my Summer Must Have Makeup List!
The Muse sportin’ some Tarte Peaches and Cream!
As you can see from my FOTD (excuse my tired eyes! Didn’t have much sleep last night eep!) the foundation gives a rather fresh, dewy look to my skin!
This retails for $35 USD however allow me to direct you to Tarte’s site now and get 40% off during their Friends and Family Sale! Click!
In a world of Yay and Nay this one gets a big yay! The Muse likes it! Alot!
Tarte We Wish You Wealth Palette
Tarte Eyelash Curler Review
Tarte Double Dose Lipgloss Review
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