Today, I was going through my makeup cubbies, reorganizing a few things to get more out of the little space I've got and realized I've bought quite a bit of makeup this past month, some that I love, some that I like, and some that I thought I liked, but could probably do without.
I plan to do a monthly favorites for this month since I have a few things I really love, but I also want you guys to hear about the not so great products as well, so I am going to go over all of them here. I'm going to try and keep each review short to spare you any boring details.
I apologize for the quality of the pictures. I took them with my camera phone really quick. I didn't have time to set up nicer pictures.
August 2012 Collective Makeup Review
Rimmel London Eyebrow Pencil in 004 Black Brown ($3.79) - HIT
I've used this in the past, and I like it a lot. At
first, it is harsh when sharpened, but after it has dulled, it blends easily
and has a soft texture. The brush on the end helps with blending the harsh
lines and is truly an all-in-one brow tool.
Use: for this, I trace around my brows to create an outline, then fill in with light strokes. I will go back in with the brush to blend out the lines I traced earlier so that they don't appear drawn on.
e.l.f. Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Boldly Bronzed ($1) - MISS
This eye liner pencil is ok. I originally said it
was great, but I’ve learned that it swatches on really creamy and pigmented,
but it doesn’t go on as smooth on the eyes. With enough pressure, it will go on,
but I don’t recommend applying a lot of pressure like that. I wouldn't recommend using this every day as the skin near
our eyes is so thin, and constant pulling and heavy pressure
can be bad over time (i.e. wrinkles and sagging). But as an accent, using it a few times shouldn't be too bad, and it's very affordable.
Use: so far I have only used this on the lower lash line, and since it doesn't go on very smoothly, I hold my skin taught and apply in small strokes.
L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Foundation in W6 ($10.99) - HIT
I have been wearing this foundation everyday since I bought it. It has a great formula and really provides a luminous glow. My only complaint is their color selection. I have ALWAYS had a hard time finding a good match with drug store makeup which is why I favor my Sephora over any of the drug store brands.
Use: I apply this using a Sonia Kashuk stipling brush. I have to set it with a bronzer or powder foundation to get the color to match, as this is a bit light (note: this is darkest shade they offer in their warm shades).
Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray ($12.00) - HIT
I have always wanted to try this out, and when I saw it in the those bins they have as you wait in line at Sephora, I couldn't help but grab. I'm so glad I did. I have only used it twice, because I've only really needed something like this two times. Both times, it worked like a charm. I didn't have to touch up, and even when I broke a sweat (since the A/C at work isn't working), everything stayed in place.
Use: I spray a few times into the sink to make sure it is coming out properly, then I spritz it twice from an arms length away.
L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Lumi Concealer in Medium ($10.99) - HIT
First off, I was a bit upset that this concealer cost the same as the foundation. However, I have learned to live with it as I love this concealer! It goes on smooth, with no creasing and works as a fantastic highlighter. Medium is the darkest shade they offer and it works really well with my tan/olive complexion.
Use: I click up 4-6 times, or until the concealer starts to show through the brush tip. I swipe it on with the brush under the eyes, on my nose (down the shaft) and on my cupid's bow to add a light shimmer. I don't really use the brush tip that comes with it, other than to apply it, but to blend it in, I use my ring finger or a concealer brush.
Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara in Blackest Black ($6.65) - MISS
I'm torn with this mascara. It does exactly as it says, it provides AMAZING length. However, it doesn't help hold curl, so if you have naturally curly lashes, this will be great if you want very defined, extended length lashes. But if you're like me and have very straight lashes that don't hold curl well, this will not help that. I liked the Falsies, because they didn't just provide volume, but they actually held my curls. Also, I like the brush, as it really separates my lashes, but that's about it.
Use: I curl my lashes, then apply the mascara to my top lashes. I don't apply mascara to my bottom lashes as I barely have any and they tend to fall out when I use mascara on them, so I just don't.
NYC Cosmetics Metro Quartet Eyeshadow Quad ($3.99) - HIT
I already had the Best of Broadway and it has been my favorite quad, and so I had to try out another one. With Fall/Autumn around the corner, I really wanted purples, and this is PERFECT! It is a great price and every shade is very pigmented. I love this quad, and look forward to wearing it a lot for the fall. The colors are great on their own, together or with other brands/palettes.
Use: I usually follow the 'recommended' directions on the palette, but I have also used the colors individually, mixed with other palettes.
e.l.f. Brightening Eye Color Quads in Natural and Silver Lining ($1/each) - MISS
First impression, I was pretty impressed for it only being $1. The positives, the color lasted all day, with very little wear, even with no primer. The negative, although the colors look very bright and the swatch looks very pigmented, the color really doesn't show up on my eyes. This applies for both quads. It may just be my complexion, but even if I packed it on, you couldn't really tell the difference between the gray and purple. The gray was so light. The blue was very pigmented, but the white barely showed up. I even tried applying it 'wet' and it still didn't do much. The natural quad looked like it would be great, but none of the colors from this quad showed up, even in a swatch. Again, it could be my complexion. I will not repurchase these $1 eye shadow quads.
e.l.f. Cream Eyeshadow in Candlelight ($3) - MISS
Much like the quads, I was impressed with this the first time I used it, but this is also a disappointment. The first use was very creamy, and the mini brush is fantastic! I can see myself re-suing that brush with other cream shadows. However, since then, the cream has gone on quite chunky and is very hard to blend. It almost feels like it has hardened after I first opened it. I love the color and it is very pigmented and makes a great base if you plan to wear light colors, but the clumping makes me want to toss it out.
Use: I use this as a base, and apply using with the mini brush, then blend using my ring finger, all over the lid.
MAC Pro Longwear Eyeshadow in Carefree (CCO for $14; orig. $21) - HIT
So, this is my first MAC eyeshadow. I only one other MAC product, which is a lipstick, and I adore it! I would own more if it wasn't so expensive. Considering I am an engineer, my job doesn't require me to look 'camera ready', so I can't justify the need for such expensive cosmetics. However, I went to the Cosmetic Company Outlet at the Outlet Malls and the price was so significant, I couldn't say no. As far as the eye shadow, it is fantastic!!! The downside... I bought this to be an everyday highlight, and it swatched as a beautiful cream color, but it looks yellow on my eyes. Bummer.
Use: this was intended as a highlight, and I still use it as a highlight occasionally, but I have been using it more as a lid color.
Wet n Wild Idol Eyes Creme Shadow Pencil in Pixie ($1.49 sale) - HIT
I am very impressed with this. There isn't an Ulta close to me and I really wanted to get some NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils, so when I saw this in Walgreens, I figured this would be a cheap alternative until I get some time to head over. It was very pigmented, very creamy and a wonderful base color. I plan to buy a couple more soon.
Use: apply this all over the lid and crease as a base color for light shades.
e.l.f. Blush in Twinkle Pink and Tickled Pink ($3) - HIT
After the other e.l.f. products, I'm excited to say that I ADORE these blushes. I love pink blushes, and both of these are actually the same shade. The difference is that one is matte and the other is very shimmery. They are very pigmented and affordable. They are a bit powdery, so you have to be light with the brush when you dip it into the powder, if you don't want to lose any of it all over the place.
L'Oreal Colour Riche Caresse Lipstick in 181 Sheer Linen ($7.99) - HIT
I've mentioned this before, but I'll say it again, I've never been a lipstick fan... until now! Before I bought this, I only owned 3, and 2 of them I didn't even buy or pick out. And the 3rd, I only wore when I went out to socialize (i.e. drinks, dinner, dancing). I got asked a few times what my fav lipstick was and couldn't really provide an answer. Then I saw itsjudytime wearing this lipstick and thought, I should try it, it looks amazing! Long story short, it IS amazing! It goes on creamy, very moisturizing, long-wear, and the perfect nude color! It even has a light peachy smell. It matches my natural lips pretty darn closely and really enhances them. AMAZING!
Revlon Lip Butter in 005 Sugar Frosting ($6.49) - HIT
After such a successful go with the Caresse line, I wanted to try another brand. I had seen so many people rave about the Revlon Lip Butters, and everything Holly Ann-Aeree has ever suggested has always been amazing, so I took her word for it and got this one. It is a very bright pink, the brightest pink they have on display, and most people probably would've avoided it, but I love pink glosses, so I took a risk. I'm so glad I did. This formula is also really moisturizing and has great staying power as well. The color is not as bright as you would think. I have very pigmented lips naturally, and this adds a nice pop of color, without being too pink. This color may not be for everyone, but over my lips, it looks fabulous. I love both of these lipsticks so much!!!
Express Lip Gloss in Caramel Drop ($7) - HIT
I never intended to buy this lip gloss, but when my husband and I were short $3 for our "Spend $150 and get $60 off" coupon, we scrambled to find the 'cheapest' item they had in store. This was it. Lip gloss. I am impressed! First off, it smells like sugary candy, which I love in lip products. Second, it is very smooth and a sheer pink. Third, and the best part, it's not tacky! Many tube lip glosses I've ever purchased have been tacky, where I get those sticky strings of gloss between my lips if I accidentally put too much on. This does not do that, even if I do put an excessive amount on, and I love that! I have been wearing it every day over the two lipsticks and it just gives it a nice kick (and it looks great in pics).
eos Lip Balm in Summer Fruit ($2.99) - HIT
I've had my eos Sweet Mint Lip Balm for quite some time and I love it so much, but I am quickly running out of it, so I got this one. The pink is what really attracted me, not really the scent/flavor. However, it's just as good as sweet mint, although I prefer the flavor of Sweet Mint, but I would definitely get it again. eos lip balms are so moisturizing and they provide a really nice base for lipstick. I know that my lips are always dry since I don't drink enough water, which is why I never wore lipstick, but this helps a lot, in preventing those lines and creases that you get when you wear some lipsticks.
LAST BUT NOT LEAST....
L'Oreal Infallible 24 Hour Eyeshadows in Bronzed Taupe and Iced Latte ($6.99; bought on a BOGO 50% deal) - MEGA HIT
I am in love!!! I wore this yesterday and again today and probably tomorrow as well. This eye shadow blew me away. The colors are so pretty and shimmery, and super pigmented! I hate when you get a shimmery color and it is too light that you have to waste a lot of product and pack it on to get the desired look. With this, a little goes a long way! Each shadow comes with 3 grams of product, which is double what you get in a standard MAC eyeshadow (1.5g), and so I can see this lasting for a long time. I am actually going back to Walgreens to see the if the BOGO 50% deal is still going on to get a few more shades. My only complaint, they only come in 12 shades.
So that is it for makeup items for the month of August. I did get a lash curler and stipling brush, some hair tools and clothing, but I wanted to keep the focus on makeup!
If you want to see more tutorials, hauls, reviews, have any suggestions or recommendations, please send me a message, send me a tweet, post on my Facebook or comment below!
Thanks for reading!
