Beauty Product Reviews

Amazing for heatwave brows

I've been an Anastasia convert for years now. The last few weeks have seen temperatures in the high 90s with about a billion percent humidity, which means that even with primers and setting sprays my brows disappear by noon. In looking for hot weather alternatives, I found a sale kit which included brow powder, clear brow gel, and the most amazing double-tipped eyebrow brush.

If you're not used to working with eyebrow powder, I would recommend starting here. The color saturation is dark enough to be dramatic while still looking realistic. The dark brown kit contains a dark brown powder as well as a dark ash blonde one making it suitable for a wide range of skin and hair color combinations. The angled brow brush is on the small side which is a benefit for detailed brow work. It's stiff enough to use for creating the thinnest brows while soft enough to avoid scratching. The other end of the brush has a traditional brow grooming tool. The included brow gel acts as an additional step to set the brow powder. It was easy to use, though I found myself wishing the applicator was a little smaller. Added bonus: the compact has a tiny mirror for touch-ups (though I didn't find I needed to do any).

While I'll still experiment to find the perfect products at every price point, this is definitely going to become a staple for both my personal and professional makeup kits.

Multipurpose must-have

My best friend has been a devotee of Rosebud Salve for as long as I can remember. After fifteen-plus years, I can completely see why.

I picked up a tin during a recent Sephora order (solely for the free shipping upgrade). I didn't have high hopes for a $6 lip gloss. I was wrong; oh, how I was wrong!

Rosebud Salve applies smooth, but not greasy. It gives the slightest pink tint that looks more like natural flush than makeup. The scent is faint and of fresh-cut roses as opposed to being cloyingly sweet or overly perfumey. It fades quickly when applied.

I have used the product as a lip balm, a highlight for cheekbones, to tame unruly eyebrows when I don't have time/strength/sobriety to pencil them into submission, to moisturize dry cuticles, to cover ashy spots on my hands, to smooth the frizzy baby hairs around my face, to massage the sore spots on my feet after too much time spent in too-small too-tall heels, and even as a quick ointment for my niece's bouts of prickly heat. It lasts through eating, drinking, kissing, talking, and has the added bonus that it actually conditions my lips. I'm a biter, so having something that didn't transfer to my front teeth was such a godsend. I also love that my hair did not stick to my lips once.

With average use, I figure one tin can go for at least a year. I've had mine for about three months and there's barely a dent. This is always in my purse or pocket.

More of a wash than a pop

This was the first NYX shadow color that I purchased. I had a specific look in mind and was having the worst time finding the right color on short (i.e. three hours before call time) notice. Bright Green, aptly named, was exactly what I wanted. At least, it was what I wanted in its container...

The shadow itself is smooth and blends flawlessly. Unfortunately, on my skintone this color was a living nightmare. At first, it did not show up. I had to keep layering to get even the slightest hint of color. When the color did appear, it was far yellower than the shadow looks in the pot.

I have since purchased other shades and been happy with them, but I stay away from bright/light colors. The deeper greens and blues are true to color, but it seems that the shadows have to be applied with either a heavy hand or a very wet brush to get rich tones. Definitely something to keep in mind. I keep a few in my kit for bridal looks as well as for daywear and youth makeup, but I wouldn't recommend them for avantgarde, dramatic/editorial, or drag makeup.

sweetest addiction

Lip Junkie is billed as a "cooling lip gloss." The packaging is the standard for the brand, but the product itself has the edge factor that makes it interesting to look at. I chose Naked, as I already swear by the lip pencil in the same shade.

I am extremely picky about lip gloss. I want color, shine, a little flavor, and no stickiness. This delivered from the start.

I tried Naked on its own as well as with the liner by the same name and was happy with the results for both. On its own, the color is very sheer but leaves the lips looking shiny, healthy, and full. The tube applicator has no flocking and is small enough to be applied directly for those who don't use/carry brushes.

As a general rule, I dislike mint. The scent and flavor is definitely minty, but has a sweetness that keeps it from feeling too much like toothpaste. The mint does give the lips a little extra fullness, but it doesn't burn or leave the rashes that I've experienced with other products.

Urban Decay seems to have mastered making a gloss that is neither sticky nor oily. It feels as though it's sticking to the lips when first applied, but in autumn winds my hair didn't stick to it. Hours later, it still held its color and a little shine through drinking (from a glass). The shine looked more natural than made-up and is an easy day-to-night staple.

Exactly what I expected

This was an "in a pinch and no one carries the product I've been using for years" purchase. I have always preferred using powder eyeshadow to make my own colors for liquid liners, and this is a conduit for such. It's fairly idiot-proof, although it's more liquid than I would have liked. The dropper ensures that you don't get your product muddled with colors which is perfect if you're like me and use a different color every day. You only need a little, so it lasts for a while. The downside is that it doesn't really help to make standard shadow-used-as-liner any more long-wearing than normal, but otherwise it lives up to all its claims.

"Revolution" is an understatement

I went for a complimentary makeup application as part of an Urban Decay promotion and I had my first encounter with this eyelash curler. As a rule, I hate them. My eyelids are always pinched, and my lower lashes are the ones that need curling. This was the first time in life that I enjoyed this menial task.

I'm looking forward to trying it out on false lashes...

Like dipping your brushes in baby oil

I tried the brush cleaner on a whim - a friend swears by it and made me a tester to see whether it would trigger my allergies. It didn't make me break into hives, but I will not touch it again. I'm sure all the makeup was out of the brush that I used it on, but there was such an oily aftermath I ended up replacing the brush altogether. If you have the time to wait around for the oil to absorb, I'd imagine this is fine. I definitely wouldn't recommend it for synthetic bristle brushes, nor would I advise it as a quick cleaner when working on multiple clients in one session. Honestly, I don't recommend it at all but there are people who use it.