Beauty Product Reviews | Page 5

Highlighting!

I have this in Eco-Cheek, a pearly peach color. It defines my cheekbones in very a flattering way, and I love how it highlights my face. It gives me a warm glow in any light. Unfortunately this was a limited edition stain...I think it's most comparable to the 'Tipsy' shade, so I'll have to try that when I run out. I like to smear it across the apples of my cheeks (just once!) and then blend out the edges so it appears natural. I wouldn't recommend this for any of the darker shades, though, especially on light skin; it would look clownish. But this shade gives just the right amount of color that I look flushed, not fake. I whole-heartedly recommend it. This blush works with everything!

Not natural feeling

I have this in Bal de Mai (160), a pearly rose color. It definitely has a creamy texture when first applied, then dries to a matte finish. Even though it's not drying, it doesn't quite feel natural. I'm probably just being picky, but I don't like actively noticing how my make up feels on my face. I love that the formula stays on after a meal and the glamorous packaging, though. It's not advertised as a natural product anyway, so I'm not sure what I was expecting. But the color is really pretty, not overpowering.

unsurpassable

This was one of my impulse buys at a MAC counter because I knew it would be gone if I didn't purchase it immediately. 'Unsurpassable' is comprised of various hues of green and a pretty indigo shade marbleized together. This color combination doesn't seem very flattering, but when mixed together creates a sparkling metallic silver. The colors are also brilliant on their own. I love all sorts of shimmery stuff, so when I saw this, I had to have it. I also experienced fallout when applying this eyeshadow, but it happens to me with every sparkly eye product I use. I just dab my under eye area with the corner of a makeup removing towelette before applying concealer. Takes a couple of extra seconds, but what can I say? I love my sparkles!

so moisturizing!

I also have this in Tiger Lily, and the color is extremely subtle. I was so afraid it would come off as orange on my lips as my skin is so pale, but it just leaves a very light wash of color. The moisturizing properties of this lip balm are by far its best quality. My lips are noticeably smoother after use, and the formula glides on like butter. Great for those who like all-in-one products!

Awesome deal

I actually really love this palette because the shadows are divided into complimentary colors, whereas in the past kits, they were arranged in a seemingly random pattern. This makes it easy to create a specific look, from a smoky silver to a muted plum eye. In my experience, these eyeshadows are well pigmented, but most of them are shimmery and metallic. They definitely have better staying power with a primer (I use a primer regardless of brand, so this isn't such a big deal to me). I also love that the color choices are wearable for everyday; I thought I would never use the 'blues' portion, but it shows up on my light skin as a silver, and it's quickly become my favorite. It really makes brown eyes pop! But overall, I think the shadows would be flattering on everyone. The blushes are indeed small, which is one of the reasons I gave it four instead of five stars. The peachy colored blush barely shows up on my skin, which is disappointing as I was looking forward to trying it, while the mauve blush is too overpowering. The bronzer and the highlighting powder are very nice, though. I also liked that they included the eyelash primer and 'Lights, Camera, Lashes!' mascara...they're great introduction sizes. I'm not sure about the primer, because I can't tell if it's making any difference. However, the mascara doesn't clump at all, lengthens, separates, and really holds a curl. I may have to purchase this when I run out of what I have! In the past Tarte included lipgloss pans in their sets, but they were tacky feeling and of poor quality. I'm glad they didn't include them here...I think it would have ruined the idea, but that's just my opinion. If you plan on purchasing this, I would also recommend the holiday eyeliner set...the colors seem to directly correspond to this kit.

I love this because it doesn't look like I'm wearing mascara, but it does a great job of holding a curl and looks so natural! It separates, lengthens, and doesn't clump lashes. It also has pretty good staying power; I've only occasionally had it smear under my eyes, but that was 8 hours after application. It's one of the best drugstore mascaras I've used, and even rivals most department store brands! You really can't beat that for $10.

Love Burt's Bees!

I absolutely love this cleanser! It cleans my face without completely stripping it, and has a nice cooling feeling. If I break out, I leave a small amount on the affected area for a few minutes. I've found that it actually speeds up the healing process. I have combination skin, and this basically does everything I want it to do by providing moisture and treating problem skin. It doesn't lather, which I thought I would mind, but the results are so good, I don't think I'll ever use anything else. I highly recommend this!

Pretty and soft

I have this in Jasmine, which is a pearly red (at least on me...in the tube it's more of a reddish pink). I really only wear it on special occasions, but the shade is classic '50s and beautiful, and I love a vintage look. This lipstick is also very moisturizing and comes in a wide range of colors. My lips are typically pretty dry, but I didn't experience any feathering while wearing this. While this isn't advertised as long-lasting, it has enough staying power to last through a meal. It also smells nice and the packaging is really cute. They're also quite affordable at around $15 (US) each!

Light and airy

I like the feel of this moisturizer because it's water-based, so it absorbs easily, keeping my skin soft. I have combination skin, and while I get the occasional break out or dry patch, I want something that I can use no matter what state my skin is in. For the most part this works. While I'm not sure if this is my absolute favorite of those I've tried, I do like the SPF 15 and the subtle fragrance. I think for a natural facial moisturizer, this is also well priced (under $20).

Clean

I really only use these to remove my eye make-up, but they do a good job. You do have to run these over your face a few times if you're removing more than foundation and blush, though. I have noticed a slight brightening around my eye area since using these, which is a plus. They're also biodegradable and smell good, too =)