**
This is just really pretty. Its a really pigmented coral color with some gold shimmer.
A liquid blush. I've never been a fan of them until recently when my skin changed a bit and I was no longer running after the super matte look.
This will be as intense or as light as you want. I've used it as a blush and lip stain...super pretty and many times people think I'm not even wearing makeup.
I wish my cheeks were naturally shining and dewy but they're not. No one has to know that though ;)
I applied with my fingers but many people use a good old sponge.
I also think a stipple brush would work well with it.
Too Faced Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer
This can actually be used along too...its a primer that instantly smooths imperfections and makes your skin look so pretty.
I can see my pores blur a bit when this is on.
I've worn this with some blush and mascara and no one even detects it...its amazing. If you're looking for a primer that will give you a matte finish - this is it!
Gorgeous Fall color...deep wine and not at all bad on moisturizing considering its a matte lipstick and they are typically very drying. If you're looking for a deep wine shade...this is the one!
I bought mine today and just love it...this stuff was sold OUT everywhere when it first came out so yay for me!
You definitely want to make sure you use a lip liner with this one...without should be fine but it might bleed so just to be safe.
L'oreal Voluminous Mascara with the curvy brush in Black Noir
My all time favorite mascara...I've tried so many and always come back to this. In fact, I've never been without a tube of it in my makeup bag. This will thicken, elongate and comb out your lashes so they look full and beautiful. I discovered it in high school and I will just die if they took this off the shelves.
I would say this is Voluminous's high end counterpart. Although you need to be careful with Hypnose's formula...its easy to end up with tarantula lashes with it since it stays wet longer. That is also on purpose...allowing you to apply more coats and get the results you want.
Now, if you're a mascara fiend like I am:
Use Voluminous as a primer and then Hypnose on top...VA VA VOOM! ;)
(keep a lash comb handy if you're new to layering mascaras)
I am notating this pencil specifically for South Asians with pigmented or dark lips. This color will neutralize your natural lip color and let the actual lipstick show up the way you want it to. You want to use this if you have trouble making lipstick give good color pay off.
I love it on its own and with lipstick. I use this practically everyday...even with chapstick it looks good!
This is a cream blush...a cross between pink and plum. Beautiful deep color for Fall and so so natural.
You will love putting this on and might use this on your lips, cheeks, eyes, anywhere you think you need some color but not too much color.
Use your fingers to apply. If you're having trouble finding the right spot for cream blushes:
Take your index finger and middle finger and place them next to your nose. Right where your index finger ends is where you can start applying your blush.
I also use this one almost everyday. I wear it with foundation or without...if you're having a blah day and just need a healthy glow...this is it!!!
**Dior Diorshow Mascara
**
SGC - this one’s for you!
I have a long term love-hate relationship with this mascara.
Pros: It does what it says…the formula applies perfectly and smells like rosewater!!! The wand is amazing…it will separate as it works on your lashes. The more coats you apply, the prettier your lashes look. If you choose to do one coat, your lashes will look naturally very long and pretty.
Cons: The ONLY con is that it flakes. I have bought this many times over the years hoping they fixed this problem but not yet. The day I wear Diorshow, I know I will have beautiful lashes for majority of the evening but by the end of the night, it will be flaking off in small particles.
What’s interesting is my eyes don’t really bleed eye liner or mascara. Even if I cry…I never have runny/flaky liner or mascara issues. This is the only mascara I find that does that. I love it and I hate it!
Hands down one of the most effective anti-aging treatments I have ever used. This isn't for the faint of heart though - its a Retin A product and the one I am reviewing is the Level 6. For those who don't use retinol products...start with the Level 3 and work your way up.
This will help with discoloration, uneven texture, fine lines, brightening, acne, blackheads, etc. Use this at night and you'll find yourself with beautifullllll skin in the morning!
You will see results and you'll see them fast with this stuff...but starting out with a gentler version is recommended if you're not used to anti aging products.
I had high hopes for this because I generally do like L'oreal products. I find they're really good quality for being drugstore. This retailed around $8 and some change...with tax about $9. Its a sort of flexible felt tip eyeliner.
Fail.
This could have been the drugstore counterpart of my Stila eyeliner but it isn't so my search continues. It goes on beautifully but dries up and doesn't stand the test of time or weather. I put this on around 5pm and could see the liner begin to wear off around 8pm...three hours? No way. All I did was take the train home.
The other annoying thing is that merely popping the pen back into the pot isn't enough to get more. You have to screw it back on, off and then continue working. Not fun.
I have been looking for that single versatile color that can do just about anything and I think this is it.
Its a matte, natural skin tone color by Makeup Geek that is gorgeous on South Asian skin and virtually undetectable at times. You can use this as a neutralizer, base color, blending color, whatever!
I have to say...I am quite pleased with the quality of MUG shadows so far...will review more but I think they are definitely in the same league as MAC and some higher end brands. Very little fallout, soft, easy to apply and worth every penny!
I bought this out of sheer necessity. I was out of my moisturizer at home, it was one of those late night runs to CVS where you go for something else and you come back with a few more things ;) This feels like a gel when you pump it out. Surprisingly, it goes onto your face very smooth and not greasy at all. I was impressed with the feel and quality of it. Drugstore? Really?
What I love about this is that you barely feel it on, its perfect for summer and you don't need a whole lot of it. Just one pump and you're good to go even if you have dry skin. It does not clog pores, feels so light and does not interfere with anything else you might be targeting in your skin care routine.
Again, its a summer moisturizer so not ideal for people who tend to get really dry during the colder months. It might be a good choice for someone who has oilier skin though.
L'oreal Sublime Sun Advanced Sunscreen SPF 50+ with UVA/UVB Protection
This sunscreen feels like a primer...the consistency is very silky and thin. It doesn't go on sticky, no white cast, no residue, no pore clogging, no breakouts, nothing. It disappears into your facial skin and you cannot detect it once its been absorbed...another drugstore fab find!
I cannot say enough good things about this. The bottle is small, not bulky so you can carry it everywhere to reapply as needed (if you even reapply). I've been using this for the past two years now. Prior to this, I was using Clinique's Cityblock SPF 40 but it was way too thick and applying makeup over it felt yucky in the summers.
Its one of the few products that remains in my makeup bag..everything else gets switched around according to season, my skin's needs and of course my mood!
So it looks white in the pan but has a very pretty gold-ish glow to it. You can use this as a highlighter but not just under the brow bone. Tops of your cheeks, above your cupid's bow, under your foundation even if you like that "lit from within" look.
The shimmer in this is subtle but can be built up to the kind of intensity you're looking for. I positively love it.
Its pricey at $45 but I think its well worth it because you don't really need a lot of it. If you don't like wearing makeup, this might be exactly what you're looking for. It will smooth over your skin, won't budge, won't look like makeup, feel like makeup, etc. What you end up with is smoother skin...and who doesn't want that? I actually wear this alone on days when I cannot be bothered do an entire face routine.
It does feel a little thick out of the tube but I don't mind since it disappears into my skin and literally glides on.
