Beauty Product Reviews | Page 3

Not worth the price, but a cool concept.

Sally Hansen jumps on the magnetic nail trend with their new Magnetic Nail Color. This new nail line is "Summer's hottest nail trend that allows you to create a gorgeous 3D nail art effect in just seconds. This unique formula was specially developed with metallic particles - just hold the built in magnet over wet polish to reveal a unique design on the nail". Sally Hansen has 8 magnetic shades available. Sally Hansen nail products are DBT, Formaldehyde, and Toluene free. This polish was made in America. Sally Hansen is owned by Coty Inc, who has a questionable animal testing policy, so please research it and form your own opinion before purchasing any Sally Hansen or Coty subsidiary products. I was sent this nail polish free for review purposes by Influenster. Sally Hansen products are widely available at drug and grocery stores, and most major retailers. Sally Hansen Magnetic Nail Colors sell for $9.99 for .31fl oz (9.17ml). This polish was made in the USA. Sally Hansen's Magnetic polishes have chunky but functional packaging. The cap, with attached magnet, pulls off to reveal a smaller cap. The bottle; glass obviously; is short and round. The front portion of the label features only the name of the product. The back bit includes directions, two simple steps to create magnetic nail designs, peeling back the label reveals the same directions written in french and the full ingredient list. The magnet is really convenient. It's large enough for even the longest and widest nails. There is a lip at the base of the magnet meant to be placed on your cuticle to help balance the magnet and keep you from denting your polish with it. Of course I've managed to mess up a couple times, but no big deal, it chips right off the magnet when it dries. The brush is pretty simple. It's short, flat and wide. It spreads well and covers my nails in one stroke. No splaying bristles or any icky stuff. The cap seems to be attached well. So how does magnetic polish work? To put it in the simplest terms, there are little metal bits in the polish that react to the magnet. #science. Using magnetic polish is super easy, probably the fastest form of nail art. You apply the first coat then let it dry. Moments later, apply the second, thicker coat, hover the magnet over the wet polish, immediately after application. The magnet only needs to be in place for 10-15 seconds for the design to form. I don't know if it's just me but my nails feel a little bit funny while the design is forming, like you can feel the magnetic attraction. Remove the magnet and suddenly..NAIL ART. It takes almost zero effort and doesn't require a super steady hand, so it's perfect for the nail art inept (that includes me). The design isn't anything super unique just some wavy lines, but it still looks cool Sally Hansen calls the design 3D, but I'd call it holographic. Polar Purple applies really well. It goes on smooth with even coats. No brush strokes, which is impressive for a metallic finish polish. Though you need two coats for the magnetic design to be at it's best; if you want to use Polar Purple as a regular polish or only have the design as an accent nail, this polish is opaque in one coat. I love opacity. This polish dries super fast, dry to the touch within seconds. I swear it's the fastest drying polish I have. Great right? Yeah, but here's a big let down. Tip wear sets in almost instantly and this polish chips horribly. I know I tend to have wear issues even when others don't, but really it's not just me this time. I read reviews on Influenster and it seems like a lot of people are having this problem. I normally get really great wear from Sally Hansen polishes, so that makes this polish's chippy nature twice as disappointing. The color of Polar Purple is interesting. I'd call it a dusty, greyed purple, but it's one of those colors that isn't so easily defined. The color can vary depending on how many coats you've applied and how long it's been exposed to the magnetic. Polar Purple varies from a rich intense purple to a smokey, dull mauve. Definitely interesting, but not necessarily pretty. Very fall/winter. While I'm glad to have finally tried a magnetic polish and like Sally Hansen as an overall brand, this magnetic polish let me down. The formula can use a lot of improvement, the wear is really really poor. The color is nice, the design is cool, the packaging is functional and the product is really easy to use over all, but what does that matter if the results only last a little while? The concept and science behind magnetic nail polish is neat, but it's a trend I'd rather skip if all magnetic polishes are this finnicky. I'm really disappointed by Sally Hansen's Magnetic Nail Color. This brand is capable of way better lacquers. Also the $10 price tag is way too high for the brand. I could buy a China Glaze, O.P.I, Orly, or Zoya polish for less than the cost of this polish. I only recommend Sally Hansen's Magnetic Nail Color if you have a coupon or a sale is on. I wouldn't purchase this product, I'm kinda glad I got it for free

Revlon's Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains are a kinda new lip product. I'm a little late on reviewing these, they came out just a couple of days before I left America. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you might remember that I quite liked Revlon's Just Bitten stain in Gothic , so I expected to like this product as well. Revlon calls their Just Bitten Kissable balms a "pampering balm fused with a lightweight lip stain in an adorable chubby crayon". This product claims it'll give "smoother, softer lips with a perfect flush of color that lasts hour after hour. Revlon also mentions that 100% of women found these moisturizing. This stain/balm combo is available in 12 shades, I have Rendezvous, a coral. My Mum picked this up for me at Walmart for between $6-7, with a dollar off coupon. I've seen these sell for as high as $9. Revlon products are not tested on animals and are made in the USA. Many bloggers consider this product to be a dupe for Tarte's Lipsurgence pencils, though I can't confirm that because I haven't tried them. Packaging is a short, chubby, plastic crayon that matches the color of the product.The cap fits on firmly, combine that with the compact size and you have a purse and pocket friendly product. This balm stain twists up, but doesn't sharpen, so eventually you'll have a blunt tip after enough use. Am I the only one who thinks these look a little bit naughty when you twist them up? Sorry I'll grow up. The packaging merely features the name of the product and shade, in English and French. I'm unsure about Revlon's Balm Stain texture. Revlon calls it a gel, but I find it pretty waxy and a little sticky, not moisturizing or drying. It applies easily enough, though it doesn't glide on quite as easily as I thought it would. This product feels a little bit heavy on my lips, similar to how Revlon's Lip Butters feel, but waxier. The texture kinda reminds me of cheap lip balm, the kind that doesn't moisturize and just kinda sits there. These balm stains go on with a satin finish, but it only lasts about twenty minutes, after that it flattens out to a matte finish. The color of Rendezvous fades to a soft pink with coral hints, and wears for about 3-4 hours, which is good wear time for me, but I have problems keeping lip color on. The color of Rendezvous, pre fade, is really pretty. It's a true coral, the perfect balance between orange and pink. It looks quite orange in the tube, but it swatches and wears more pink on me. In the tube Rendezvous looks like it has shimmer, but it comes across as more of a sheen or glossiness when I wear it. Rendezvous is bright, and kinda warm, but I feel like I pull it off well. I also like the toned down color it fades into. My mum randomly chose this color for me. Well not entirely randomly, she typically goes for corals herself, but either way, good job Mum. I don't dig the taste/scent of Revlon's Just Bitten balms. It's very strong and kinda reminds me of menthol cigarettes. Ew, that's not what any lip color is supposed to taste or smell like. Luckily it doesn't last very long. This product is so strongly minty that it made Mum's eyes water. I guess that's what causes the slight, pleasant tingle upon application though. There are a couple things I don't like about Revlon's new Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains, mainly just the slightly waxy texture and the flavor that makes me feel like I've just been smoking. However, I'm will,ing to overlook both of those things because I like the color of Rendezvous and the way it wears. The shade selection is decent, enough to suit most people's tastes. Packaging is neat and functional, kinda innovative, at least on the drugstore level. The price is fair for the amount of product you get. I would repurchase Rendezvous, but probably won't grab any other shades. I've already recommended this product to a few people in person, and I would recommend it to my readers too.

fun to peel

Freeman's Cucumber Facial Peel Off Mask is a "clarifying mask that gently peels away impurities while cucumber extracts leave your skin smooth and silky". This mask is ideal for normal to combination skin. Freeman products are meant to be mostly natural. Freeman does not test on animals and makes their products in the USA. I bought the little .5fl oz (15ml) travel packet at Rite Aid for $1.49, 25% percent off. The full size tubes contains 6fl oz and sells for $3.99. Packaging for the travel size mask is a little green packet. A coupon came attached at the top of the packet offering a $1 off a full size Freeman product. I love coupons! The front of the packet features the name of the product, written in white, and some cucumber slices splashing in water. The back of the pouch includes plenty of product and company info, directions, and a full ingredient list. Very informative packaging. This little pouch isn't the most functional though. There's no way to reseal this packet, which sets the product up for drying out or leaking. I hold the packet shut with a paper clip, which is effective, but I shouldn't have to do that. This mask is a very thick, sticky gel, it has a similar consistency to super glue. It also smells like pickles. I like pickles, but I don't know if I want my face to smell like them. The scent doesn't go away either, it lasts the whole time you wear the mask and even after it's peeled off. Applying this product evenly is a little difficult because of how thick it is. You're directed to keep the mask on for 10-15 minutes, but I leave it on for 12-15 minutes, because it doesn't dry evenly within 10 mins. Some parts dry instantly, peeling on it's own, while other parts are still too gummy to be peeled off even after 15 minutes. Most of the mask peels off in one or two pieces, small bits left behind. Be careful not to get any in your hair or eyebrows or else peeling will be a little painful. My favorite part of this mask is definitely peeling it off, it's fun, and a little bit gross in a good way. I love peeling half off and being like "Mum my face is peeling!". She never falls for it, but we both giggle. I don't see a lot of results from Freeman's Cucumber Facial Peel Off Mask. I think it tightens my pores a little bit, and it seems to bring my chin acne to head a little bit faster, but it doesn't seem to treat or help my skin in any way. It doesn't make my skin smoother like it claims. It just doesn't seem like it does much. I have normal to combo skin, so it's not like this mask isn't meant for my skin type. Disappointing. What are my overall thoughts on Freeman's Cucumber Facial Peel Off Mask? Meh. Ingredients aren't as natural as promised. Packaging needs to be redesigned, there are 3-5 uses in each travel size pouch, so it shouldn't be something that you just rip open. I really like the inclusion of a coupon though, it definitely encourages you to buy a full size version of the travel size mask, good marketing. The product is a little too thick to apply evenly and takes almost twice as long to dry as advertised. Some spots never dry, while others dry very quickly and get tight and uncomfortable. Results are minimal, so I wouldn't repurchase this mask. If you're curious about Freeman's Cucumber Facial Peel Off Mask but I wouldn't call it a skip either.

Great to have, yummy, but not necessary

Lush encourages you to "scrub your lips smooth with their Bubblegum lip scrub." Bubblegum is an "ode to all things pink, girly, and sugary." This lip scrub is made of fair trade sugar and castor oil to make your lips "enticingly soft while satisfying your sweet tooth". This lip scrub is cruelty free and vegan. My jar was made in Australia by Jess, who looks absolutely terrifying on her made by label. I bought my jar of scrub at the Lush in the Queen Victoria Building (which I discovered is technically in Town Hall). Bubblegum contains 25g (.9oz) of product. I paid $9.95 for this lip scrub, it sells for $8.95 in the States. Pricey. Bubblegum comes in a clear glass jar with a black, plastic, screw on cap. The cap features a label with the name of the product, and Lush's logo and tagline. A black label wraps around the jar, containing a full ingredient list, vegan symbol for quick reference, directions, and some company info. Very informative and thorough for such a little label. I think this little jar is kinda adorable. Good job Lush. The only downfall is the scary "made by" sticker on the bottom. Bubblegum is a bright pink, densely packed sugar scrub. The sugar granules vary in size and are fairly abrasive. Before I go on about use, let me warn you, do not get Bubblegum wet. It will turn into a solid rock of lip scrub. I speak from experience. Anyways. According to Lush, you're meant to "rub a little gently into lips to scrub them smooth and soft, be sure to lick off the excess". Bubblegum is best used on wet lips, it might be a little too rough for dry lips. While Bubblegum is delicious, I don't really recommend licking this scrub off unless you like munching on your own dead skin. Plus the castor oil in this scrub can have a laxative effect (you'd probably have to eat a lot of this scrub for that to happen though.) I will admit to occasionally sneaking a little bit of Bubblegum before hand, just a few granules. I prefer to rinse this scrub off, but go ahead, lick away the little bits left in the corners of your mouth. Bubblegum is a pretty effective lip scrub. It exfoliates well, and leaves my lips a little bit moisturized. They're smooth, soft, and any rough, dry skin is gone. Plus it makes my lips taste good. What's not to like right? The fact that it's no more effective than my St. Ives Apricot Scrub, or even what some honey and brown sugar could do. Regardless of being unnecessary product, it gets the job done. After use I apply lip balm and some vaseline to seal in the moisture. I use this scrub every other day. Lush says that Bubblegum has the same scent as their very popular Snow Fairy shower gel. I can't vouch for that as I haven't used or even smelled Snow Fairy before, but if it's true, I want to. Bubblegum smells and tastes really good. I wouldn't say it's a bubblegum flavor though. It's more of a sugary sweet taste with some generic fruitiness to it. Very girly and sweet. Like. Lush's Bubblegum Lip Scrub has been on my wishlist for quite a while, I'm glad I finally got it. However, it's completely unnecessary. Your current scrub will do just as good, though it probably won't give you that little bit of moisture I get from Bubblegum. The flavor and scent are really nice and sweet, and the name and packaging are cute. Do I recommend Bubblegum? Only if you have a spare $10 and feel like treating yourself to something nice, but not needed. I probably won't repurchase Bubblegum, even so, I wouldn't need to for a while, there's a ton of product. I guess the value isn't quite as bad as it seems, but it's still pricey for what it is.

Too wet.

Avon's Super Extend Extreme Mascara will help you "go to great lengths" according to the brand. Avon claims that this mascara makes lashes look up to 87% longer. The formula is supposed to contain "magnetic" fibers that instantly attach to the lashes, "extending them to extreme new lengths." I purchased this mascara back in May, didn't take it overseas with me, and have been avoiding reviewing it since I got home. After years of hating Avon mascaras, I tried and loved SuperShock. I bought Super Extend Extreme under the impression it'd be just as ballin', and was thoroughly disappointed. I'm back to hating Avon mascaras. I purchased this mascara at it's intro price of $3.50, it normally sells for $9.50, so I got a great deal. This mascara contains 7g, or .247oz. Avon mascaras are hypoallergenic and ophthalmologist tested. Super Extend Extreme is available in waterproof and washable formulas, in two colors. It's promised to be clump, flake, and smudge free. This mascara was made in the USA. Avon products are not tested on animals, except in their Chinese market Like all Avon mascaras, Super Extend Extreme comes wrapped in black plastic with warnings, directions, and a full ingredient list written on it. The tube is bright yellow, squared at the top, rounded in the middle, and back to squared at the end of the cap. A little silver band encircles the bottom of the cap. The tube only features the name of the product, written in black. The name mysteriously smudges off the tube. Weird. Almost as weird as the shape of the tube, but I guess it looks cool (the tube not the smudges. That's just bizarre). Super Extend Extreme's brush is large, and also weirdly shaped. Avon calls it the "Mega Length Brush". It's made up of "flexible, lash hugging bristles combined with precision comb bristles to build extra, extra, long lashes". The brush is actually a little hard to pull out of the tube. The brush is flat on two sides and round on the other two; the rubber bristles are shorter on the flat sides. The "Mega Length Brush" comes to a really weird point that makes getting into the inner corners awkward. Not really a fan of this brush, it's size makes it difficult to get to the roots of the lashes, the corners, and it's far too big to use on the lower lashes without disaster. The bristles seem spaced incorrectly to me, they barely grasp the lashes at all. This mascara's formula is very well and thick, it's actually kinda goopy. It has a gross, inky smell to it. The "magnetic" fibers seem to be more attracted the mouth of the tube than the brush and your lashes. This mascara is one of the wettest I have ever encountered, it stays wet for several minutes, and honestly seems to never completely dry even after several hours of wear. The thick wet formula weighs my lashes down, even with only one coat. My lashes don't have much natural curl to them, but this mascara straightens them all the way. This is not what a mascara is supposed to do, in fact it is the opposite. This mascara does not extend my lashes to the extreme, and the promise of extra, extra long lashes is laughable. It barely lengthens my lashes, and the length it does give is negated by my now straight lashes. Curling does not fix the problem because the mascara never fully dries. It's pretty awful. Obviously, if a mascara never dries completely, smudging is bound to happen. As you can imagine, removal is easy. Avon's Super Extend Extreme is awful. The worst mascara I've tried in a long while. The brush is weird, the formula is goopy, and the results are pitiful. No mascara should ever make your lashes droop, nor should any mascara smell have this weird, strong, inky scent. Packaging smudges, and so does the product it contains. I really regret buying this mascara, even if I got it on steep discount, it's turned me back off Avon mascaras. I'm probably going to toss it out after this post goes up. It's pretty obvious that I wouldn't repurchase Super Extend Extreme, and I certainly don't recommend it. If you're set on buying an Avon mascara, choose SuperShock instead.

Inglot Pearl 433 Eyeshadow is a neutral olive gold shade from the Freedom System. This was my first Inglot purchase and it quickly became one of the highlights of my makeup collection. Inglot doesn't offer very much information on their eyeshadow formula, if they do it isn't easy to find. I also don't like that Inglot doesn't give their eyeshadow names, I hate number systems. Inglot does say that their eyeshadow formula is paraben free. These eyeshadows are made in Poland and are not tested on animals. Pearl 433 is available in two forms: an individual pot containing 2.5g of product and sells for $12USD; or in a 2.7g Freedom System pan containing 2.7g, priced at $6USD. I have the Freedom System version. I purchased my shadow at the Inglot in Chatswood Westfield for $10AUD. Inglot can be bought online on the brand's website, freestanding stores and in select Macy's. Freedom System eyeshadows are sold in pan form, meant to be popped into Freedom System palettes. I won't be reviewing the palettes, unless it's requested. Each pan shadow comes in a little black box with the Inglot logo on the from and company info on the back. The shadow is also encased in a bit of plastic for extra protection. The texture of Inglot's Pearl 433 is so amazing. This shadow has the softest, most buttery smooth formula I've ever tried. It's densely pigmented without being chunky. Inglot really created something magical here. The smooth formula results in smooth application and effortless blending. Pearl 433 is absolutely loaded with pigment and has excellent color payoff. Pearl is an understatement for this shadow's finish. It's intensely metallic and reflective without being shimmery or glittery. It's a beautiful effect. Pearl 433 seems neutral to me, but may lean warm. It's an interesting color. I went to Inglot looking for a neutral shade, probably a taupe, but of the twelve shades the salesgirl pulled for me Pearl 433 had the best texture, payoff, and most unique color. It's a golden olive shade with tan undertones, it's not as warm as it sounds though. What makes Pearl 433 unique is how easily manipulated it is by the colors you use it with. Pearl 433 can turn into a taupe, bright gold, dull tan, or green olive depending on how it's been paired. I love the versatility and richness of Pearl 433, it's an amazing shade. Pearl 433 doesn't have the best wear, unfortunately. I haven't tried it one it's own, but I've mixed and matched it with four primers and bases, and it still creases a little no matter what it's worn with. That really disappointed me because of how high quality this shadow is otherwise. It also fades a tiny bit after 6 or so hours of wear. The wear really isn't bad, it's actually pretty average, it just isn't as perfect as I expected. This is really the only thing about this shadow that can be improved upon. One wear related bonus? No fallout, at all. Overall opinion on this shadow? Inglot's Pearl 433 may be the greatest eyeshadow I've ever used. The texure, payoff, and versatility of the shade are fantastic. The color is a unique neutral, which I love. It's wearable, but a little edgy; I love how easily influenced it is by other shadows. For the quality and size of the shadow, it's $6-10 price point is a great bargain. This eyeshadow has left me craving more Inglot products. I wish this brand was more easily available, I don't have an Inglot anywhere near me at home, so I'll likely only be able to pick their products up in Australia. This is a great shadow that I'll definitely repurchase and highly recommend.

Fluttery, long, soft, natural lashes

Maybelline's Mega Plush is the newest member of the Volume Express family. This mascara wasn't even officially released when I discovered it at Target. I'd seen a photo of it on tumblr earlier that same day, but because I hadn't heard any buzz about a new Maybelline mascara, I assumed it was a foreign version not available to me, like Colossal Cat Eyes. Mega Plush is now officially available wherever Maybelline products are sold (at least in the USA, I'll get back to you on Aussie availability). Maybelline makes a bunch of claims about Mega Plush. First off is the claim of a "revolutionary gel-mousse formula containing 40% less hard waxes for massive volume with a supple touch", meaning this mascara is lightweight and meant to keep your lashes soft and flexible, or "never brittle or flaky" in Maybelline's words. Mega Plush is available in waterproof and regular washable formulas, in 5 shades, I have the shade Blackest Black. I purchased my .3 fl oz (9ml) tube for $6.64. This product is ophthalmologist tested and safe for use with contact lenses. Unfortunately Maybelline products are tested on animals, so be conscious of that when purchasing their products. This mascara was made in the USA. Can I just go ahead and tell you that I love Mega Plush's packaging? Actually, just the color. The tube is the same round, plastic shape all Volume Express mascaras come in, nothing special, though semi iconic on the drugstore level. But let's focus on the color. It's the prettiest ever shade of aqua. I love it for that alone. The fuchsia logo looks great against the aqua tube, and is stylized in the same cute, playful, bubble letter way most of Maybelline's new product's logos are. The logo seems to be bulging in the middle in both the tube and the packaging, which is cute, and suits the name of the product well. The brush, which Maybelline makes a big deal about, is called the "Flexor" brush. Sounds kinda..villainous, well as villainous as a mascara brush can sound..so not very. Well anyway, the "Flexor" brush features a joint 2/3 of the way down the wand, which is meant to make application easier, but in my opinion it's useless, so I won't go on any further about it. It's also not new, I'm pretty sure Falsies and One by One had the same joint. The brush is kinda football shaped, with the fullest, longest bristles in the middle, they taper and get more sparse on tip and end. The traditional bristles are quite long and defined, and kinda go every which way. Because of the variety of length and direction in the bristles, I found the "Flexor" kinda perplexing and concerning at first, but I've grown to love it and the results it gives. For application, Maybelline suggests a sweeping motion, but I personally employ both sweeping and wiggling actions to apply Mega Plush. I brush and sweep the first coat through my lashes, which delivers natural but noticeable length, while separating my lashes significantly. Mega Plush also gives me a nice amount of lift that I didn't expect, I actually think that's the best part of the mascara, coupled with the separation.The second coat, which I apply mostly via wiggling, adds fullness without disrupting the fluttery definition from the first coat. A third coat isn't necessary in my opinion, as I absolutely love the results I get from the first two. However I'm not sure if Mega Plush actually makes my lashes Mega Plush, you know what I mean? I think I'd need more volume for them to be mega plush by my standards. In fact I think this mascara is a little bit disappointing in the volume department, especially since it promises "massive volume", but I think most Volume Express mascaras do that. So the claims about your lashes never being flaky or brittle? Totes legit! My lashes feel soft, light, like I don't even have mascara on. They're even quite soft to the touch. Mega Plush truly doesn't flake off either, and best of all, it never gives me itchy lashes. So, Mary, tell us more about the ~revolutionary gel mousse formula~ Maybelline seems so excited for? Well honestly it doesn't look any different from a normal mascara, except it seems a little glossier on the brush. The real difference is how the formula feels. It's incredibly light. So light it feels like the tube is empty (I didn't get jipped on product, it's all in there). It's a thin texture, but not so much that it's watery, and it's neither too wet nor dry. It actually does feel like a gel, which is so different from any other mascara I've used. I can agree that it's revolutionary, at least a little bit. Mega Plush's wear is just a tad better than average. It absolutely doesn't flake at all, nor does it smudge. The best part of this mascara is because of how light it is, it holds the light and curl it gives all day long, I think that's what makes it special. Removal is a cinch, rinsing off with just a bit of cleanser or makeup remover. That's something I like about Maybelline's washable formula. It stays put all day, but rinses off with almost zero effort. I tend to shy away from Maybelline's waterproof formula, as I find them too thick and nearly impossible to remove. I kinda love Maybelline's new Volume Express Mega Plush mascara. I want to wear it every day. There isn't a single thing I dislike about this mascara. The tube is a great color with a cute logo. The brush is a little over hyped by Maybelline, but between it and the super lightweight, super unique formula, I get fantastic, fluttery, lifted lashes that I just adore. Please excuse my gushing, but I flove this mascara. Best of all the $6-7 price point is spot on, especially since Maybelline drops coupons left and right, and is nearly always on sale somewhere. I definitely would repurchase Mega Plush, and I can't recommend it enough. As soon as you're done reading (and commenting) on my review, you should probably go straight out and buy it. Now. Go. I hope you find this mascara as exciting as I do.

Pretty good, but not epic.

Almay's Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover is America's #1 Makeup Remover, apparently.This makeup remover is mineral oil based, but is also available in an oil free version, which I have not tried. The formula features aloe, cucumber, and green tea and is 100% fragrance free and hypoallergenic. Almay products are not tested on animals and are made in the USA. They are also dermatologist and ophthalmologist tested. I purchased my 4 fl oz bottle at Ulta for a little less than $6. I purchased this because I was tired of Avon's Moisture Effective makeup remover and all of it's suck. Packaging for Almay's Moisturizing Makeup Remover is a clear plastic bottle with a white screw on cap. The cap is like the childproof kind on medicine bottles. Dislike, its kinda hard for me to take off. The blue and white label features images of cucumber slices and aloe leaves. There's lots of product info on both the front and back of the bottle, which is always nice. Because this is an oil based product, any remover that spills out and down the bottle will cause the label to peel off a bit. This isn't a matter of poor packaging, just a matter of chemistry. Another thing to mention is that this makeup remover does not have any sort of dispenser, just an open mouth at the top of the bottle. Not particularly practical or hygienic. I have a lost Q-tip floating around in there. I also tend to spill a bit of product each time I use it. Boo for wasted product. So onto the formula, which once again is fragrance free, and contains aloe, green tea and cucumber, all of which are soothing, de-puffing ingredients, great for the eye area. Almay claims that this remover conditions, hydrates, soothes, and fends off dry lines, but I don't really believe any of that. Makeup remover stays on your face for like 30 seconds, it's not magic. However their claims about easily removing longwear lip products and waterproof mascara? Totally legit. Though you may need a few swipes, this stuff can remove even the most intense mascara. It's pretty impressive, especially considering the results I got from other makeup removers. I don't like everything about this remover though. As well as it removes makeup, just a little bit of mascara residue stays behind, so I usually one of Almay's Makeup Remover Pads. Because this is an oil based makeup remover it can make your eyesight a little bit blurry right after use. This can be minimized by thorough rinsing. Either way, your vision will return to normal after just a few blinks, and this product will not sting your eyes. I like Almay's Moisturizing Eye Makeup Remover, but it's not the perfect remover I'm questing for. It's a definite step up from the previous remover I used though. This remover is very gentle, like most of their products. This is great if you have a sensitive eye area, or sensitive skin in general. If you aren't keen on the idea of slathering mineral oil all over your face, choose the oil-free alternative, though I can't speak for how it works. I'm not sure if I'll repurchase this remover, or continue on my quest, but this isn't a bad makeup remover at all.

Shade 110; Porcelain

Maybelline's Fit Me! Foundation is a sheer coverage foundation that "lets the real you come through". This is my first Maybelline foundation, and only my third one ever, so please excuse me if this isn't my best review. This dermatologist, oil free foundation is available in 18 shades, which is a wide selection by drugstore standards. Every shade is promised to match natural tones, and features SPF 18. Unfortunately, Maybelline products are tested on animals, so please keep that in mind when choosing their products. Maybelline does not list where this product was manufactured. I purchased my 1 fl oz bottle at Ulta for $7.99, but I've seen this foundation priced as low as $5.50. I have the slightest shade, 110, Porcelain. Packaging for Fit Me Foundation is pretty simple, but not exceptionally functional. There's no pump or any other type of dispenser, you just pour it out on to the back of your hand or a palette. That has the potential to be messy, wasteful, and unhygienic. The packaging is pretty plain, but looks ok. A rectangular, clear glass bottle that isn't bulky, but doesn't feel too fragile either. The twist on cap is made of black plastic. The Fit Me logo and number of the shade are both stickers, which tend to peel up at the side, making the product look cheap. Fit Me applies pretty well. My preferred method of applying this particular foundation is with a dampened cosmetic wedge, but I've also used a foundation brush. A dollop a little bit larger than an american quarter is enough to cover my whole face, neck, and if needed, my ears. When applied with a damp sponge, this foundation blends flawlessly, as promised. However, when applied with a foundation brush, it didn't blend well, and looked quite streaky. Honestly, I think it was the brush's fault. The finish of of Fit Me foundation is lovely. It's a sheer to light coverage foundation, but its fairly buildable. Despite it's sheerness, Fit Me provides surprisingly good coverage. I recommend pairing it with Rimmel's Match Perfection Concealer, as it has a very similar texture to Fit Me and they blend together perfectly. Fit Me has a beautiful, glowy, dewy, yet natural finish that makes skin look healthy and youthful, without appearing greasy or oily. Because of the sheer nature of Fit Me, it won't make your skin look flawless, but it will even out your complexion, brighten it, and mask any minor imperfections. I can comfortably say 110 is the best, closest color match I have ever had. It matches my skin tone perfectly,so well that I have a hard time seeing where I've applied foundation and where I haven't. The dewiness gives it away though. I compared it to my beloved BYS Age Defying Foundation, which I previously thought was a near perfect match, and it looks at least half a shade darker in comparison. There's something so satisfying about finding your perfect color match. It makes me wonder how Maybelline was able to capture my skin tone in a way that no other company has (except Rimmel). Porcelain ought to be renamed after me, or at least have it's number replaced by my favorite number. Fit Me wears pretty well under normal circumstances. I'd say I get about 8 hours of wear from it without a primer. I can't comment how it wears with a face primer, as I don't have one, but I am meaning to get one. In those 8 hours I have no wear issues like settling into lines or pores, and certainly no caking at all. The dewiness does tend to mattify after a couple hours though. Removal is no problem at all. A quick swipe of a face wipe, or just washing your face should remove just about all of this foundation. Your toner should take care of any remaining residue, not that there will be much. I've read a lot of negative reviews for Maybelline's Fit Me, saying that it causes break outs, irritation, some even go as far as to say it ruins their skin. I haven't suffered any such adverse effects, but my skin does seem a tad more oily than it was before I started using this foundation. Maybe I would have worse results if I wore this on a daily basis, but I just can't be bothered to wear foundation every day. Perhaps if you have naturally oily, acne prone, and/or sensitive skin, you should avoid this foundation, but personally I don't find it as damaging as some reviews would lead you to believe. One quick note is that Fit Me doesn't have a strong, gross smell like some foundations. I has that "makeup smell", but at least it isn't perfumed, or smell like buttered popcorn. I really like Maybelline's Fit Me Foundation. Mostly because, as the name of the product implies, it really does fit me. Porcelain (110) is like my skin tone in a bottle. This foundation gives just the right about of coverage, with a natural, dewy glow. Best of all, this foundation is extremely affordable, and available is a good variety of colors, so just about everyone can enjoy it, provided you have the right skin type. I'll likely repurchase this foundation when I finish this bottle up.

Meh. Overhyped but ok

NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils are a "radiant eyeliner that doubles as an eyeshadow".These chubby pencils are some of NYX's most popular and talked about products. These shadow pencils are available in 32 shades, a "rainbow of vivid hues" according to NYX. These shadow/liners were made in Taiwan and are cruelty free and hypoallergenic. Each pencil retails for $4.50 or so, depending on where you buy. I purchased the three Jumbo Pencils I have at Ulta, but NYX can also be found at a variety of etailers, as well as select drugstores. NYX says these pencils are "sealed in a recyclable, eco-friendly case". By that, they mean a white, plastic, pencil-like tube with a clear plastic cap. Me and these plastic caps do not get along. They're made of a very flimsy, soft plastic that cracks a little more each time you put it back on the pencil. Because of these cracks, the caps have a hard time staying on, putting your pencils at risk for drying out. Despite these pencils being plastic, they are not automatic, you still need to sharpen them. Any double barreled sharpener will work, but both NYX and I recommend their pencil sharper. These pencil are pretty messy to sharpen. Many people favor depotting their jumbo pencils, there are multiple tutorials for doing so on YouTube. NYX says the formula of their jumbo pencils are a blend of mineral oil and powder, but I don't see "mineral oil" listed in the ingredients. Lolwat? The first few ingredients are beeswax, and a few other waxes. Even though they're wax based, these pencils don't have a waxy texture at all. They're pretty creamy, without being overly soft. They don't melt or break when used. Jumbo pencils apply smoothly to the eyelid in even strokes, but can skip a bit if your eyelid isn't taut. I suggest adding just a little bit of gentle resistance in the outer corner, without tugging on the skin. Though NYX classifies them as eyeliner, I don't recommend using them as such, unless you're seeking a very thick line, or want to create a smudgey look. While I'm pretty sure Jumbo pencils are waterline safe, you shouldn't bother, they disappear after a few blinks. As an eyeshadow, NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils aren't so hot. They never quite set, and crease within 20 minutes, and are gone within two hours, even with a primer. What most people use these pencils for is as a colored eyeshadow base. While they have a great texture to be used as a base, and they really do help intensify the color of any shadow placed over them, they still crease and smudge after 5 or 6 hours. If you need a bright look to last for only a little while, like for a photoshoot, or a quick trip out, these are great, but don't expect to look fantastic at the end of the day. I will admit, it's not complete the product's fault that I'm not a big fan. I didn't exactly choose the most practical colors. I have three Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils; Black Bean, a satiny black, Rocky Mountain Green, a bright emerald green, and Purple, a frosty blue purple. Do you reach for a frosty, blurple cream shadow every day? Me neither. Perhaps if I bought a more practical shade, like Milk or Cottage Cheese I'd use these more, but the bright, pretty colors drew me in. NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils are another one of those products that YouTube gururs and makeup fanatics seem to adore, and I can't get into. These are really a "meh" product for me. I don't regret buying them, as I do get some use from them, but I won't purchase any more shades. I don't get enough use to justify having a bunch of them, nor do they wear well enough for me. I recommend these if you're looking to play around with colorful eyeshadow bases or cream shadows, because they're good for the price. They might even work out well for you if you have dry lids. These pencils are an ok product, but personally, they're a skip in my book.