Beauty Buy, Blunder & Break: Mascara

It has been much too long since I've posted a beauty review, but fear not, I have been trying more drugstore-brand cosmetics, and keeping tabs on what sucks and what doesn't. Lately, I've picked up a lot of new mascara. Let's start with the good. (Then we can move on to the bad and the ugly... or rather, mediocre.)

Buy: L'Oreal Double Extend

As you can see, this mascara requires two applications...

The first is the "Fortifying Extender" and the second, the "Color Magnifier".

The first is white and the second, the color of the mascara. I felt the "Fortifying Extender" applies sort-of a tubing on your lashes that really does what it promises - lengthens. This two step process is worth the effort; it was, by far, my most favorite mascara I've tried as of late. Retail price on this is $10.95.

Buy: L'Oreal Voluminous Power Volume 24H w/Collagen

OK, wow, so far L'Oreal is 2 for 2. This mascara has a thick brush and delivers on the volume. Retails for $7.95. I prefer the Double Extend, but this is a safe bet.

Break: Nuance Ultra-Defining

Here's why I'm calling this one a "break". Retailing at $9.79, I expect better, specifically I expect waterproof. However, I really like the tiny brush, as I do believe it aids in separation of lashes.

Personally, I prefer my lashes long and separated, as opposed to voluminous. I didn't have issues with flaking or transfer to my under-eye, but this mascara barely lasts through the whole day. C'mon, Selma, you can do better than this. I'm also giving it the "break" rating for the packaging. It's sleek and simple. 

(I wish other brands would follow suit on the packaging aspect. The more it looks like MAC, the better, m'kay?)

Blunder: Almay One Coat Thickening

Oy. OK, not only does this NOT thicken, lengthen or do much of anything you expect mascara to do, but it flakes off throughout the day. Not even worth the $5.99, which is the least expensive of the bunch.

Beauty Blunder: Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush

I picked up Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blush™ because the packages were small (no wasted packaging for a brush I wasn't going to use) and the colors looked pretty. The package said something about being lightweight like a powder but melts into skin like a cream. I wasn't sure if I was dealing with powder or a cream blush, but I figured, what the hell(!) and picked up the colors above. I paid $7.99 per .19 oz container at CVS.

I chose the following colors by holding them up to my face in a mirror. I realized that the closer the color was to my natural lip tint, the more flattering it would be. (I'm still working on this theory.)

#60 "Coffee Cake", #10 "Pink Frosting", #15 "Rose Petal"

As you can see above, the blush doesn't contain a whole lot of pigment.

I only used one blush (#60 "Coffee Cake") but that was all I needed. As I've stated previously, I don't like cream blush, and this turned out to be cream blush. (Surprise!) I think they could have indicated this on the package, but it was very vague.

The problem with cream blush is you must use your fingers (messy), you have to sculpt the color on your cheekbones (difficult) and it doesn't allow for even application, like a brush does. I needed to apply a fairly large amount of blush to get the desired intensity, it didn't spread evenly, and within a short number of hours it had worn off.

Fail.

(This is NOT a sponsored post.  As stated on my "About" page, all beauty products reviewed are purchased by me.  The opinions contained herein are my own, and are not influenced by any person/Corporation, etc.)

Beauty Bank: Facial Cleansing Wipes

I had pretty much given up on cheaper wipes, and was planning on getting a 100 MAC pack, but I was at Target and saw these Boots No7 Quick-Thinking 4-in-1 Wipes for $6.99 and figured, what the hell!  They're only $6.99 for 30, making them only $0.23/wipe.  (And you know I busted out the calculator on my phone and did the math before putting them in my basket.)

These wipes claim to "cleanse, tone, moisturize and remove eye make-up", hence the "4-in-1".  I don't know about all that.  I wouldn't advise using these wipes in place of your moisturizer and toner, but they do remove makeup.  They won't remove waterproof mascara, but as you may remember, I've accepted I'm unlikely to find a wipe that will, whilst keeping my eyes in tact.

The Boots wipes have a pleasant smell - very, very light, almost non-existent.  They are soft on my skin and successfully remove all makeup.  They aren't drying either.  I have finicky skin (I guess you could call it sensitive) and I didn't have any adverse reactions to these wipes.  The packaging is simple and attractive (I know, really important).  The pop top is nice, it keeps the wipes from drying out in the package.  I would purchase these wipes again.

(This is NOT a sponsored post.  As stated on my "About" page, all beauty products reviewed are purchased by me.  The opinions contained herein are my own, and are not influenced by any person/Corporation, etc.)

Beauty Bank: Foundation Brush

Another win for Essence of Beauty brushes!  This time I picked up their Foundation and Powder Brush.  CVS sells this brush for $10.49, but I believe I used a couple coupons and got it for less than $10.  Essence of Beauty brushes always contain a $1 off coupon inside every package for a future purchase.  That's how they keep ya comin' back for more!  This brush is made with all synthetic materials, so all you animal lovers can sleep well at night.

To give you an idea of what a foundation brush will cost you, MAC sells theirs for $33, Sephora sells theirs for $25 and the Body Shop has one for $23.

I use this brush strictly for foundation.  Why use a brush for foundation instead of a sponge?  A sponge wastes product, putting half on your face and soaking up the other half.  Using a brush will not only give you a better application, but it will save you money, as it doesn't waste your product like a sponge does.  Plus, it's better for the environment.  You can wash your brush over and over again and it will last much longer (possibly a lifetime).  You can wash a sponge too, but eventually it will either fall apart or the buildup will just be too much, you will want to toss it.

The Essence of Beauty Foundation and Powder Brush's bristles are strong enough to withstand a cream foundation and a liquid foundation.  They are also soft to the touch.  The application is even and accurate.  The brush is built well; the bristles are held strongly in place and they don't fray.  

Overall, this is a great brush.  Especially for the price.

(This is NOT a sponsored post.  As stated on my "About" page, all beauty products reviewed are purchased by me.  The opinions contained herein are my own, and are not influenced by any person/Corporation, etc.)

Beauty Break & Blunder: Face Cleanser

Since I've had such great luck with Nuance makeup products, I thought I would try the skincare line.  I picked up the Walnut Facial Scrub (originally $7.99) and Chamomile Cream Cleanser (originally $7.99) when CVS was offering buy one get one 50% off all Nuance skincare items.

Walnut Scrub: Beauty Break

I liked the texture of this scrub.  It was exfoliating, but not harsh.  The smell was nice, as well.  My skin felt a bit cool after use - very fresh.

Chamomile Cream Cleanser: Beauty Blunder

I did not like this cleanser at all.  I felt the scent was an attempt to mimic higher end products, but it was way off.  It smelled cheap.  I couldn't get past the scent.

Both cleansers were inexpensive, but not cheap.  Additionally, I broke out in a rash that I think was caused by one of these cleansers, but I'm not sure which one.  I think it was the scrub though, because I used it more than once and as soon as I stopped using it, my skin cleared up.  I would recommend the walnut scrub, but with caution.

Beauty Break: Makeup Remover

Having completely given up on finding a wipe that removes waterproof mascara without taking my eye with it as well, I figured I had no choice but to bring in support. 

I picked up Nuance Salma Hayek Cucumber & Rosewater Dual Phase Makeup Remover at CVS for $7.99+tax.

Details from CVS.com: "With chamomile & lavender extracts. Softens and conditions while lifting away impurities and waterproof makeup. Inspired by my grandmother, my products are designed to help every woman enhance the nuances that define her individual beauty. - Salma. Cucumber, rosewater, chamomile & lavender extracts nurture and soothe the delicate eye area. Mimosa, blue agave, camapu & prickly pear extracts soothe, hydrate and firm skin. Glycerin, a lightweight moisturizer, softens and hydrates skin and lips. Ophthalmologist tested. Dermatologist tested. Not tested on animals. Fragrance free. Hypoallergenic. Gluten free."

Pros:

Packaging - I know it sounds trivial, but the thing you often miss out on with drugstore products (compared to department store) is the attractive packaging.  Next to my MAC products, this bottle fits right in, as do most Nuance items.  (Also, once shaken, the liquid has a bit of a sparkle to it!)

It's gentle and it works.  The Nuance makeup remover really is gentle.  It feels soft on my skin and isn't too greasy.  It doesn't burn my eyes.  And, it actually works!  It removes my waterproof mascara relatively quickly and with very minimal rubbing.

No fragrance - As stated in the description, the Nuance makeup remover is fragrance free, which is refreshing.

Cons:

Price - At $7.99 for 4.3 oz this remover is pretty expensive and doesn't last very long.  I purchased mine a little over a month ago, and it's almost gone.

If the price doesn't bother you, and you're looking for a fragrance free makeup remover that's aesthetically pleasing, I suggest picking this one up.

*Note: There is a pink liquid and clear liquid that separate.  Shaking is required before use.  The bottle shown here is a full bottle, with the clear liquid on top.

Beauty Blunder: Facial Cleansing Wipes

I'm still searching for that perfect wipe, and I was way off with this one.

up & up Gently Gone makeup remover cleansing towelettes

Package states on the front "gently removes all types of makeup, including waterproof mascara".  Yeah, not so much.

Let's start with the 1st claim - gentle.  Nope.  These wipes are rough on your face and even worse on your eyes.  They smell like baby wipes.  Given the smell and the feel, they probably aren't far off.

Now the last claim  - removes waterproof mascara.  Bzzzz!  NO!  Not for me at least, but I wasn't willing to scrub my delicate eye skin to try harder. 

I think I paid about $4 for these, and because of Target's return policy, I can't get my $4 back.

Beauty Bank: Powder Brush

Did I forget to mention in my review of the Essence of Beauty Kabuki brush that every Essence of Beauty brush purchase includes a $1 coupon towards your next Essence of Beauty purchase?  With said coupon + $3 ExtraBucks coupon in hand, I headed over to CVS to look for a better brush for blush.  (Currently I'm using a brush not intended for blush and I'm using it for bronzer & blush.)  I picked up this powder brush (again, not intended for blush, but I'm a rule-breaker), priced at $9.99.

Some Essence of Beauty brushes (this and the Kabuki included) are made with animal hair - not synthetics.  If you're morally opposed to wearing fur/leather, you probably don't want to purchase these brushes.  A small amount of research on the matter reveals that you really can't be sure through what route the manufacturer is getting the hair - whether it's humane or not.  Just want to throw that out there.  I've tried synthetic brushes, and I don't get the same results.  (Don't hate me, PETA.)

[If you're still reading]... this brush worked wonderfully for blush application!  The first swipe was very even and gave me a very natural look.  The shape of the brush works well for blush, covering my cheekbone perfectly, but it would work well for all over face powder, as well.  I tend to wear more blush than the average gal, so I just did a few more swipes and I was good to go!

Just like the Kabuki brush, the Powder brush is firm enough to get a good application, but very soft on your skin, at the same time.

Beauty Bank: Bronzer

Remember when I mentioned in my review of the Physician Formula Happy Booster Bronzer that it was not "a perfect replacement for MAC bronzer" and it might have to do with "going from a mineralized powder to not"?

That got me thinkin'... (don't worry, it didn't hurt, much)  So I decided to set out to find a drugstore-brand, mineralized powder, bronzer or otherwise, that would compare in color to my MAC Mineralize Skinfinish bronzer.  Face powder would work, as long as it's the correct color.

I'll be honest, there aren't a lot of mineralized powders at the drugstore, but I was able to find 1 and it came in a shade that was just right.

Enter Nuance by Salma Hayek Flawless Coverage Mineral Foundation in Medium Deep.

This is a powder foundation, so it works just like any face powder.  The single tone is perfect - no weird pink hearts to avoid here!  It kind-of just melts into your skin, looking very natural and even.  I use a few applications under my cheekbones to get the perfect depth of color for contouring.  It blends very well and is never splotchy.  On top of all that wonderfulness, the packaging is attractive.  It's simple and black - just like MAC.  Not much wasted space either, so you won't have to worry about storing a bulky compact.

$13.99 @ CVS

I knew there was a reason I liked Salma Hayek.

Beauty Bank: Foundation

Having run out of my CoverGirl & Olay Simply Ageless foundation (and having the desire to do another product review), I thought I would try something different.

I remember seeing Stef @ If Curves Could Talk wearing Maybelline mousse foundation, so I thought I would give that a try.  When I got to the store, I noticed Maybelline offers two mousse foundations - Dream Smooth (ideal for dry to normal skin) and Dream Matte (ideal for normal to oily skin).  I actually have dry to normal skin, but I find that most foundations make my skin feel very greasy half-way through the day, so I decided to try the Dream Matte.  Dream Smooth comes with an applicator sponge and 0.49 oz product while Dream Matte comes with no applicator sponge and 0.64 oz product - at about the same price.  I'll take more product, thank-you-very-much.  I paid $6.57+tax at CVS.

To deal with no applicator sponge, I picked up a pair of Sonia Kashuk round sponges for $3.99 at Target.   

Bonus!  I get 2 sponges, so when one is old and crappy, I can just chuck it and move on to the next!*  You can get sponges everywhere and for less than $3.99 - here's some for $1.99.

(Note: I originally purchased this foundation at Target, but I got the wrong color.  When I went back to exchange for the correct color, I learned that Target does not accept returns on opened cosmetics!!!  Don't buy your cosmetics here, unless you're sure you're keeping them.  Being a Libra, I'm never sure, so I will go to Walgreens or CVS from now on.)

On to the review... I really like this foundation!  Maybe it's even love?  The texture is very true to the name - mousse - it has a light, whipped feel.  The pigment is nice, as well.  The coverage is buildable, light - medium.  It evens out my skin without looking cakey and without hiding my freckles.  (If you're looking to hide your freckles, don't look to me, I love freckles!)  I don't get a greasy feeling half-way through the day.

What more can I say?  I think the proof is in the pictures.

without foundation

with foundation

* I don't actually chuck my sponges, I wash them and use them until they are falling apart, and then I chuck them, only because they aren't recyclable.  'Cause I'm all about the triple R's.

Beauty Bank: Bronzer

I ran out of MAC Mineralize Skinfinish bronzer.  Mineralize bronzer from MAC will set you back $27, while their "regular" bronzing powder will only set you back $23.

I went to my local CVS (forget Walgreens!) and found myself staring at a wall of Physician's Formula bronzers.  (Excessive?  I'd say so.)  Settling on 1 bronzer was a difficult, confusing task.  I'm not kidding.

You've got Cashmere Wear™ Ultra-Smoothing Bronzer, Magic Mosaic® Multi-Colored Custom Pressed Powder, Summer Eclipse® Bronzing & Shimmery Face Powder, Shimmer Strips Custom Bronzer, Blush & Eye Shadow, Powder Palette® Multi-Colored Face Powder, Powder Palette® Mineral Glow Pearls... the list goes on and on.

Told 'ya

I ended up with Happy Booster™ Face Powder and Bronzer.  (They got me with the promise of happiness!... not really.)

This bronzer promises to "promote a feeling of happiness by mimicking the effect of Endorphins and helping protect the skin from environmental stress."  Um...ok.  (I hope you don't really believe that.)  It was priced $14.49 at CVS with a $3 coupon, coming to $11.49 - half the price of MAC.

I purchased the shade "bronzer".  The color is nice -  dark enough to get color with one sweep, but not too dark on my fair skin.  This is the darkest shade offered in the Happy Booster line.  I'm not sure that it will show up on darker skin. The application is smooth, not streaky and it blends well.  It does have a slight sweet smell that I like, but others may find unpleasant.

It's not a perfect replacement for MAC bronzer though, it sits on top of your skin more than MAC, which may have to do with going from a mineralized powder to not.  Also, I don't like the one pink heart.  I don't see the point of adding pink to your bronzer - it's too small to use by itself as blush, but it's too big to ignore.  I just sweep my brush around the whole palette and blend the pink in with the bronzer.

pro: the half moon brush that comes in most Physician Formula bronzers fits perfectly into a MAC blush.  Handy to keep at your desk or in your bag for an unexpected makeup emergency situation. (i.e. after-work date, networking event, drinks with the girls, etc.)

Beauty Bank: Kabuki Brush

As we've learned, a brush needs to be soft AND firm, in order do its job and not break your face.  This one is just that.

Essence of Beauty Kabuki brush

I picked up this kabuki brush from CVS for $9.99.  To give you an idea of the cost of other kabuki brushes - Sephora's is $24, Kashuk Tools @ Target is $20, Bare Escentuals' is $28, you get the idea.  A kabuki brush is good for all over powder.  It's pretty large, so you'll cover a lot of ground with it.  I also tested the kabuki with blush and bronzer, and it does a decent job with those as well.  All in all, this brush is a very good value.

Beauty Bank: Recycling Program

or

or

Did you know that MAC offers a recycling program?  Bring 6 empties into any MAC store and get a lipstick, lipglass, or eyeshadow of your choice for FREE*.  Bring your empties to a MAC counter and receive a free lipstick.  This is a $14-$15 value.

I recycled this weekend and picked up a lipstick in a shade I probably wouldn't buy.  It's a great way to try something new!

*Some exclusions apply.

Beauty Bank: Brow Powder

Ever since MAC discontinued their brow shader, I've been sad, but also looking for a replacement.  And a pencil won't do.  I like using a brush and powder because I get a better shape with the brush.  I use the angles of the brush to define the angles of my brows.

Eyeshadow won't do.  Brow powder is not the same as eyeshadow.  If you use eyeshadow on your brows, be prepared for it to smudge when you look at it, and fade throughout the day.  By the middle of the day, you may not have any brows left.

MAC Brow Shader

A trip to Sephora found me a new brow powder, named Anastasia, but for $22.  (Eek!)

Anastasia Brow Powder Duo

I was certain that I wouldn't find a drugstore brand, as brow powder is not very popular (though, I don't know why, it's way awesom-er than pencil).  Enter Nuance by Salma Hayek exclusively at CVS.  Thanks Salma!  She's got nice, big brows, so as expected, she really came through with the Shape & Define Brow Kit.

This kit comes in 2 colors - medium blonde and brown.  I paid $9.99, but it's currently on sale for $7.99.  It comes with brow powder, wax, highlighter and two tools that I don't suggest using.  (Get yourself a nice brow brush for this.  It'll be worth it.  I use this one, but here's one that's cheaper (though I cannot attest to it's quality).)

As you can see, it has a mirror on the front of the package.  That mirror slides down to cover the contents.  The packaging is sleek and attractive.  There isn't a bunch of extra stuff that you don't need, taking up space.

Both color options are nice and neutral - the brown is a little warm and the blonde is cool.  The highlighter is slightly gold.  Keep in mind, when using a brow powder that when you apply the wax, either before or after, it will darken the powder.  If you're blonde, I don't suggest adding the wax, unless you're going for an 80's Madonna look.  However, if you're brunette and you're looking for a cool brown, use the blonde + the wax.  You'll get that cool brown you're looking for.

Maybe it worked in the 80's, but not so much now.

If you aren't sure about using a brow powder and brush, here are a few pics of the process.  I hope they are helpful.

I start at the base and brush upwards, towards my arch

I stop my brush stroke at my arch

New brushstroke - I start at the beginning of my arch and brush down towards the tip of my brow

Twisting the brush, to make a fine brush mark, I finish off my brows with a fine line

Beauty Bank: Lipstick

Have you seen this commercial?  Gwen Stefani is wearing L'Oréal Paris Infallible Le Rouge in Ravishing Red.

The price on L'Oréal's website is $9.99.  I paid $10.49 because I (stupidly) picked this up at Walgreens (and they rip you off!). 

Let's compare this to MAC Matte Lipstick in Russian Red.  MAC lipstick retails for $14.50 and the price doesn't change from one MAC to the next (pro!).

The pigment in the L'Oréal lipstick is nice.  It does last quite awhile.  But, it is not smudge-proof, as the commercial would have you believe.  The Ravishing Red is a nice classic red color, just like MAC's Russian Red.

Wearing L'Oréal Infallible Le Rouge in Ravishing Red

Wearing MAC matte lipstick in Russian Red and MAC lip pencil in Redd

I struggled with what rating to give the L'Oréal Infallible lipstick.  It was either the "bank" rating I decided on, or a "break" rating.  I felt that for a drugstore brand, I should be saving more than $4 (or $4.50 if I had purchased elsewhere (i.e. not Walgreens)).  The reasons I went with "bank" are:

1.  I like the size of the stick.  It's small enough to get a precise application without the use of a pencil.

2.  I like the texture.  While it has lasting power, it's not overly dry.  (I have to admit, the MAC matte is dry, but it's the only way to get staying power.  If you go with a Cremesheen, for instance, it will not last very long, for me anyway.)

3.  I had to consider that while it's not a great savings, it's more accessible, being that it's available for sale at Target, CVS, Walreens, Wal-Mart, etc. (you get the point).  Therefore, there may be more savings in time or gasoline to pick up a tube of L'Oréal lipstick as opposed to MAC, which is only available at MAC stores or department store counters.

Since I've owned this lipstick (about a week), I've worn it 3 times.  That's about as much as I've worn my MAC and I've owned that for at least a year.  I think that says a lot.