Anabel
Member Since: September 24, 2010Reviews
Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara
full blown Just because I found the perfect mascara (twice, here and here), doesn't mean I stop looking...looking is half the fun. Not to mention, that fails just reinforce success. Evidently, this is not just mascara, it's a nutriet... +
full blown
Just because I found the perfect mascara (twice, here and here), doesn't mean I stop looking...looking is half the fun.
Not to mention, that fails just reinforce success. Evidently, this is not just mascara, it's a nutriet infused formula to keep your lashes healthy and shiny. It's also buildable so you can re-apply coats without clumping.
After two coats it got a bit clumpy and was a bit too "wet" for me. I don't think it's really a buildable formula. It does something, but compared to my favourites, it falls short.
Dislike it.
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Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner
I was looking for a new pencil liner and was feeling indecisive. It happens, a lot. So I threw a bunch of brands (MAC, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Bobbi Brown, and Lancome) into a bowl (I have a pretty glass bowl for such occasions). I pulled out... +
I was looking for a new pencil liner and was feeling indecisive. It happens, a lot. So I threw a bunch of brands (MAC, Smashbox, Urban Decay, Bobbi Brown, and Lancome) into a bowl (I have a pretty glass bowl for such occasions).
I pulled out Smashbox and then went and bought their Limitless Eye Liner. I liked how the name just rolled off my tongue.
It's not the sharpest point, and the colour didn't seem rich, but I gave it a go.
After 16 hours. I desperately need sleep.
It glides on and stays put.
Like it.
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St. Ives® Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub
Since joining CA a while back I've noticed this is still at the top of the list. It seems I'm in the minority. There's nothing wrong with it, per se, but for my sensitive skin it feels like I'm scratching off a layer. It was great... +
Since joining CA a while back I've noticed this is still at the top of the list. It seems I'm in the minority.
There's nothing wrong with it, per se, but for my sensitive skin it feels like I'm scratching off a layer.
It was great when I was in my teens. But as skin matures....so must your beauty regimen.
I prefer to be rubbed...gently...softly...versus sandpaper exfoliation.
But that's just me.
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Urban Decay Naked Palette
One of the BEST things ever. Every girl should own this. It's all your basics in one. It has changed the way I pack. This is the only palette you need to take. Leaves more room for shoes.
One of the BEST things ever.
Every girl should own this. It's all your basics in one.
It has changed the way I pack. This is the only palette you need to take. Leaves more room for shoes.
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bareMinerals Prime Time Foundation Primer
My final primer recommendation. A natural product jam-packed with plant extracts, antioxidants and vitamins. It was satiny and glided on smoothly.
My final primer recommendation.
A natural product jam-packed with plant extracts, antioxidants and vitamins. It was satiny and glided on smoothly.
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Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating Primer
Another primer recommendation for foundation users: It's oil free and contains Hydraplex12 extract (derived from desert plants). I liked this a lot because my it absorbed it so well and left my skin super soft. I liked it so much I'd use... +
Another primer recommendation for foundation users:
It's oil free and contains Hydraplex12 extract (derived from desert plants). I liked this a lot because my it absorbed it so well and left my skin super soft.
I liked it so much I'd use it just as a hydrating moisturizer in winter.
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Laura Mercier Foundation Primer Oil-Free
A few people have asked me about face/foundation primers. Specifically, "what does it do?" Now last week may answer would have been "no idea". But just because I don't care about something, doesn't mean I won't put in the time to... +
A few people have asked me about face/foundation primers. Specifically, "what does it do?"
Now last week may answer would have been "no idea". But just because I don't care about something, doesn't mean I won't put in the time to find out. Now I have the answer.
I consulted my go-to at Holt Renfrew, a random at Sephora, and the Clinique woman at The Bay. I also Yahoo'd and Google'd.
Then it gets even better. I went out and got myself the "Top 5". Not my list, I think it was In Style's. I have a stack of magazine clippings full of useful and useless knowledge. In the interest of full disclosure, the Laura Mercier one was gifted. I'm a big Laura Mercier fan and got some perks a month ago.
Foundation primer is basically a pre-step, which to me implies it's not necessary; unlike powder, which is a required step in order to put your best face forward.
The most straightforward definition of a primer is that is a specific-duty moisturizer. That specific duty being to fill in pores and lines to create the smoothest surface for your foundation or powder to rest.
Yes, it's that simple.
Is it good for you? The experts side-stepped the question by saying it's best to use a primer that is free of perservatives and chemicals, oil-free and preferably mineral based.
My advice, if you use foundation already, then you should absolutely use a primer. It will create a healthy barrier between your skin and your makeup and increase its longevity. See below.
If you do not use foundation, then don't. Just don't.
Hence I will file this post under "Skip it".
But I'm no expert - at least not one that works in beauty. I prefer to have beauty work for me.
For those that want a primer, let me break down my top 3:
1. Laura Mercier's Oil-Free Foundation Primer
It's lightweight and water-based. I found it glided on my skin and didn't feel heavy.
I'll review the other two too.
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Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer
to tint or not to tint By now it should be crystal clear that I do not use foundation. I don't review it because I don't even want to try it. That said, I recently started thinking about tinted moisturizer. Specifically, I was curious... +
to tint or not to tint
By now it should be crystal clear that I do not use foundation. I don't review it because I don't even want to try it.
That said, I recently started thinking about tinted moisturizer. Specifically, I was curious as to whether it could help even out skin tone. You see, I, like everyone else, wouldn't mind perfect looking skin. I have reminders of my many, many rashes and the occasional mother of all pimples. A spot here and a scar there. I've learned to live with them, in fact, you could say I embrace them. I've been blessed with parents who, however critical they are, always reminded me that being beautiful has nothing to do with looking perfect for anyone can feign pretty, but real beauty runs deep and flows amongsts flaws. That is a rough translation. Pretty poetic isn't it?
That said, there are rare occasions when I need to put forward a "perfect" face. In search of a foundation substitute, I played around with some tinted moisturizer. I've also tried something called BB cream. When I was in Asia a couple of years ago, it was EVERYWHERE. For more information on BB cream, go check out that girl I told you about yesterday. After further perusual, I decided I like her. Something about her is genuinely sweet. And oh, she uses foundation and BB cream.
Now introducing Laura's tinted moisturizer:
PHOTOS
That's a dollop of nude. The colour may not be exactly right for me.
I will continue experimenting.
Left of the Line - Bare
Right of the Line - Moisturized
That's pretty neat. It won't mask imperfections, but it seems to give your skin a nice sheen. It blended well and left my skin hydrated. My analysis would be that the pigments reflect the light to minimize uneven skin tone.
I'm not entirely sold on schlepping this on my face everyday, or even once a month. I like fresh flesh so that every spot, scar, and indent can breathe free. But, I would use this for special occasions.
Like it.
N.B. I listed the price as Average because it's fairly costly.
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Sephora Collection Doe Eyed Felt Eyeliner
kpop! I'm through hating on Sephora...for now. But let it be known, that I am still not a fan of some of the chicklets who work there. Let's put those b*tches aside so I can talk my new eyeliner. I marched into my nearest Sephora to get... +
kpop!
I'm through hating on Sephora...for now. But let it be known, that I am still not a fan of some of the chicklets who work there.
Let's put those b*tches aside so I can talk my new eyeliner. I marched into my nearest Sephora to get yet another UD 24/7 pencil liner, until I heard voices. The sweet sound of kpop. Yes, kpop was blaring through Sephora in downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Now, if you're not familiar with kpop, brace yourself, some say it's the next "fad" to hit the US.
The kpop reminded me to return to my new make-up movement - a little more avant garde, a little less girl next door - so I switched gears and racked my brain thinking of a liquid liner. Lucky for me, I'm a visual person and I remembered this, a friend sent it to me. I watched a few the other day. I don't know much about this girl, but her tutorials are pretty good.
All the pieces in my brain came together and eureka, the answer came to me, felt tip liquid liner. Sephora Collection has one and it's an often overlooked brand. I think it may be the packaging. It's bad. But the products are good and the price point makes it quality.
Felt tip translates to a muted finish. It's not as sharp or intense as a liquid liner, but applies like one. It's softer and not completely opaque which, in my opinion, makes it more forgiving. Especially for me - I have shaky hands and the attention span of 2 year old.
Love it
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Laura Mercier Flawless Skin Face Polish
poised and polished Oh Laura! I didn't know you had skin care. I really like Laura Mercier. She's my go-to for basics: eye primer, concealer, blush, and powder. The latter is mostly for my sister since she's a pow(der)puff girl... +
poised and polished
Oh Laura! I didn't know you had skin care. I really like Laura Mercier. She's my go-to for basics: eye primer, concealer, blush, and powder. The latter is mostly for my sister since she's a pow(der)puff girl. I'm more of a teletubby.
After I discovered Face Polish, I went out and got it. I literally just washed my face.
The name is bold - Flawless Skin - and the colour is pretty. It's not your run-of-the-mill exfoliating scrub. It smells lovely too, like a mixture of apricot and rose. Although, I'm getting over a cold, so I could be off.
It's described as a creamy clarifying scrub that gently exfoliates the skin. It's also dermatologically and allergy tested. I found it a bit harsh on my skin so I needed to use a lot more water to soften up the microbeads.
My skin is really soft right now. Smooth. Like a baby's butt. It's also a little tight, which may be the clarifying properties of the polish.
Taking everything into consideration, I would skip it. It was a little rough for my sensitive skin. And at the price point, I would opt for a number of other products (e.g. Ole or Bliss).
Sorry, Laura. You can't win them all.
Skip it.
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