shannt
Member Since: June 5, 2010Reviews
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Eclat
Price 3/5: This is definitely an expensive product, especially for the tiny amount. Quality 5/5: The consistency is quite runny, though the brush traps the product so leakage won't occur. Unlike most illuminators, the reflectors in the product... +
Price 3/5: This is definitely an expensive product, especially for the tiny amount.
Quality 5/5: The consistency is quite runny, though the brush traps the product so leakage won't occur. Unlike most illuminators, the reflectors in the product are so finely milled that they are impossible to detect. The product is fragrance-free, and hasn't caused any break-outs for me. This product has a minimal pink tone, and despite having yellow toned skin, this works very well for me. (For reference, I am a MAC NC 15 or Revlon 150 Buff, and own the product in shade 2)
Effectiveness 5/5: Firstly, the touche eclat is not a concealer, it's more of a highlighter. Because it's so highly recommended for the undereye area, many automatically think it's meant to conceal dark circles. While it does somewhat cover pigmentation (depending how much you use), it's main purpose is to reflect light, making the user look less tired. I use this on the bridge of my nose, my chin, my undereye area, and the tops of my cheekbones to brighten up my face.
Packaging 3.5/5: The container has a brush applicator with a clicker on the end to dispense the product. While the packaging is hygienic, I find that the clicker an annoying feature. It's hard to get exactly the amount needed since the amount difference between one click and two is a lot. I usually use about a two click amount, but would go for 2.5 if I could. However, the appearance of the container itself it amazing. Classic YSL gold packaging.
Overall, a fantastic product. Expensive, but well worth the price.
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Revlon ColorStay Makeup with Softflex
For reference, I bought this product in 150 Buff for combination/oily skin. Price 4/5: $14 is a bit much for a drugstore foundation, but since I consider the quality to be on par with MAC studio fix fluid, $14 is well worth it. Quality 3.5/5: The... +
For reference, I bought this product in 150 Buff for combination/oily skin.
Price 4/5: $14 is a bit much for a drugstore foundation, but since I consider the quality to be on par with MAC studio fix fluid, $14 is well worth it.
Quality 3.5/5: The formula is very runny. Although it's oil-free, it's not fragrance free, so it may irritate people with sensitive skin. The mixture smells like soap with a tiny trace of paint. It is only SPF 6, so I really don't know why they bothered to put SPF in it at all. However, due to the low SPF content, it photographs okay with flash. Although the formula is runny, this foundation sets very quickly, so rather than dabbing it all over the face then blending it out, I would suggest concentrating on one area then moving on. Using a dry sponge to apply it will result in streaks, so wet the sponge first. This will also slow the quick drying time. The formula does have pretty good shine control, but makes my skin feel dry and a bit stiff when I'm wearing it. (I use less than a dime-size amount)
Effectiveness 4/5: Although the consistency is different, I find that the finish is comparable to MAC studio fix fluid in the sense that it dries very matte, but not unpleasantly so. It has medium-buildable coverage, and can be built up quite a bit before looking overly cakey. Although it says it's for combination skin, I find that this product does tend to accentuate flakey areas of my face. Although this colour has predominantly pink undertones, and my skin has yellow undertones, it still blends pretty well into my neck.
Packaging 2/5: The packaging looks like a dupe for MAC studio fix fluid, except that the lid doesn't have rounded edges or the matte rubber finish. I don't like that it's a screw-top bottle since bacteria can easily enter it, and I find that unhygienic.
Overall, a good foundation to have. Good to have if you're unwilling to splurge on high-end foundations, but still want products similar in quality.
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Clinique Superbalanced Makeup
Price 2/5: Normally, $30 would be a very reasonable price for a high-end product. However, since the product itself was so disappointing, $30 really isn't worth it Quality 3/5: The formula itself is pretty runny. I like that it's oil-free... +
Price 2/5: Normally, $30 would be a very reasonable price for a high-end product. However, since the product itself was so disappointing, $30 really isn't worth it
Quality 3/5: The formula itself is pretty runny. I like that it's oil-free, fragrance-free, and allergy tested. It doesn't have any SPF which would have improved it skincare-wise. However, the lack of SPF means that it photographs well. It feels very moisturizing.
Effectiveness 2/5: This product was really disappointing. The coverage was very light, and left a greasy-feeling on my skin. The finish is dewy rather than matte, which may be a plus for some. The coverage is buildable, but the finish goes from dewy to grease-slick when piled on.
Packaging 2/5: The screw-top bottle is an unhygienic design since bacteria can easily enter it. I would have preferred a pump-bottle.
Overall, this product seems more like a tinted moisturizer to me. I would only recommend this to people with dry, unblemished skin.
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MAC Studio Fix Fluid Foundation SPF 15
Price 4/5: Pretty reasonable for an over-the-counter foundation. Price may seem steep to some, but not much product is needed per application, so it should last at least a few months. Quality 3.5/5: The formula is rather viscous (think chocolate... +
Price 4/5: Pretty reasonable for an over-the-counter foundation. Price may seem steep to some, but not much product is needed per application, so it should last at least a few months.
Quality 3.5/5: The formula is rather viscous (think chocolate syrup), and has medium-buildable coverage. Not necessarily recommended for more than 8 hours of wear because the finish tends to get patchy with time. The product may also oxidize (usually happens after a nap), and appear paler that the initial application colour. Even though the formula is oil-free, it does break me out once in a while. Additionally, due to the SPF component, the formula doesn't photograph well with flash. The SPF ingredients reflect the flash of a camera, and will make your face appear white-cast in pictures.
Effectiveness 4/5: A little goes a long way with this foundation. The coverage is pretty good, and the finish is matte, but not unpleasantly so. A dime-sized amount is usually enough. If I use any more than that, I find that the finish tends to look cakey and unnatural. Rather than using more to cover all your flaws, I suggest using less and investing in a good concealer.
Packaging 2/5: I don't like that my particular foundation doesn't come with a pump (although I think now you have the option to pay more for a bottle with a pump). Screw top containers like this are unhygienic, since bacteria can easily get in. The lid, which has the consistency of matte rubber, makes foundation smudges look really apparent, and started to peel on one of my bottles after about 2 weeks.
Overall, an okay product. Good coverage and finish, bad design. Opt for the pump-bottle.
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Physicians Formula Organic Wear 2-in-1 Bronzer & Blush
Price 3/5: For a drugstore product, this bronzer's price is pretty steep. (Approx $14 in Canada) However, since it's organic, I was willing to pay the price. Quality 3.5/5: Pretty good, but has a somewhat odd smell comparable to vegetable... +
Price 3/5: For a drugstore product, this bronzer's price is pretty steep. (Approx $14 in Canada) However, since it's organic, I was willing to pay the price.
Quality 3.5/5: Pretty good, but has a somewhat odd smell comparable to vegetable oil. Luckily it's not that noticeable. I like that it's not as shimmery compared to other bronzers. The glitter in this bronzer is more finely milled, and doesn't make the product more prone to cracking/crumbling. (I know because I've dropped it multiple times)
Effectiveness 4/5: Since the shimmer components are not as effective, it can be used on the whole face without giving the effect of a disco ball. Personally, I use it for contouring. My skin tone is pretty pale (MAC NC15 or Revlon Colorstay 150 Buff), but it's not too harsh as a contour, and looks quite natural.
Packaging 3/5: I actually find the packaging to be really cute, and the leaf imprints on the actual bronzer component are a nice touch. However, the mirror my compact detached itself somehow. The brush that it came with can also be quite harsh and applies the product in a streaky fashion. I recommend using your own brushes unless you're on-the-go and have absolutely nothing else. Additionally, the paper packaging can get quite dirty, but I don't really mind since it's supposed to be earth-friendly.
Overall pretty good. The product suffers a little for its earth-friendly image, but it's worth it.
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L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Liner
This eyeliner is AMAZING. I have tried many different brands of liquid liner including high-end ones, yet I keep coming back to this one. Price 5/5: Since it's a drugstore product, the price really can't be beat. It's like getting a... +
This eyeliner is AMAZING. I have tried many different brands of liquid liner including high-end ones, yet I keep coming back to this one.
Price 5/5: Since it's a drugstore product, the price really can't be beat. It's like getting a high-end product for a drugstore price.
Quality 5/5: I use this product every day and I've never experienced any irritation. The carbon black formula is more intense than the previous black colour that l'oreal was selling, and lasts all day without requiring touch ups.
Effectiveness 4.5/5: This liner is perfect for a beginner to use. Since the tip is felt rather than a brush, it's stiffer and more cohesive. The tip is more comparable to using a marker rather than a brush. It 's able to create precise lines in varying thickness, depending on the user's preference. The only reason why I did not give it 5/5 is because it's not waterproof. If you were to tear excessively, or if water somehow gets splashed onto your eye, you may have to re-apply since the product will become faint.
Overall fantastic. I have lots of back-ups of this product in my drawer just in case l'oreal decides to discontinue it.
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