Beauty Product Reviews

Perfect color payoff, non-drying texture

I searched for a red that wasn't too brash but not too demure, either. I found it in Candy Apple. Worn alone it definitely gives my lips a red look but it's not so opaque that it looks like I swiped from a tube a bunch of times. It dries down a bit so lips aren't left feeling greasy or slippery but it still retains its shine. I have worn this over Maybelline 24 hour lip gloss (Coral) and the combo is amazing. I have fair (almost porcelain) skin and there's nothing I have to complain about with this product.

Easy to use as an everyday product

I received a sample of this in a Sephora order so I figured, What the heck, I'll try it. Lo and behold, it's become a staple in my everyday beauty routine! The most attractive thing about it is the color payoff it gives my shadows. There is a true-to-the-pan color effect that makes applying eyeshadow so gratifying. It doesn't crease and evens out skin tone, especially near the bridge of my nose where I can look a little sallow. I swear, I'm tempted to use this as a concealer, also. I will definitely be purchasing this again (and again and again)!

They really don't crease!

I own Tattle Tale, RSVP, Tidal Rave, and whatever the silver one is called. I use all of them as a base to enhance whatever color goes on top, and I really like them. I've had a lot of misses with cream shadows but the dry down time on these is quick and they feel light, never crepe-y. I wouldn't wear them alone as a shadow just because they aren't bold enough for me, but they will always make a great base and sometimes, highlighter.

Inconsistent textures across the brand

I get why everyone raves about MAC: they offer a wide range of colors, have frequent launches, and have an affordable price point. Thing is, I don't feel that all their finishes have the same criteria throughout (blendability, texture, color payoff). The only two finishes that are really worth it to me are Veluxe Pearl and Matte2, and just sometimes, Frost. Forget the Lustre; it has tons of fallout and little color payoff. The regular Matte shades have spotty application, and the rest are just average. Even at that, the textures within themselves seem to be inconsistent between launches. For example, why is a Veluxe Pearl fantastic in one collection, but crappy the next? I stayed away from MAC for a while but have been purchasing their shadows again lately; however, I'm much pickier now than before. This is a brand where you will either rave or leave because it's hard to be an in-betweener.

The BEST pearl shadows out there

I started using Shu Uemura and became a huge fan just before they left the U.S. It has been so sad not having the counter at my local Nordstrom store. I can't say much for their matte shadows because I don't own that many, but I'm in love with their pearl and metallic options. The shades blend like butter and have amazing color payoff. These are products you can wear without an eyelid primer and still have good payoff and longevity. There is a huge color range and they offer some unique colors, too, that are not found in many other brands. Sure, there are some other brands that have soft shadows like Shu, but I haven't found the blendability, softness, nor color payoff like these.

Soft glow, nice finish

This foundation has been the only one to hold a candle to my Make Up For Ever HD foundation. I was looking for something a little more dewy than a natural finish (like MUFE HD) and I found it in the NARS Sheer Glow. The only drawbacks are that I feel that it's worn off by the end of the day, and sometimes it can make my t-zone look a little slick after 5 - 6 hours. I also have to mix it with a lighter foundation to get more of a pink tone, but other than that, I really like it.

Truly an HD product

I used this foundation for over a year straight. It leaves such a smooth flawless finish and does NOT settle into my pores. It lasts all day and hides any shine. I've found that it provides an even better finish (if that's even possible!) when paired with the HD primer (transparent). The only reason I stopped using this was because I wanted to compare it to other foundations. There really is no match to it, although the closest I've found has been NARS Sheer Glow foundation.

Great product if you use it everyday

I agree with most other posts, this is the HG of drugstore liners; however, I was using mine almost everyday until about a month ago. I went to start using it again and it had significantly dried up. I own the brown, eggplant, and black. The black is in the best condition out of all three. The eggplant is the worst, maybe because of its pearlized finish? I wish they would have stayed as moist and soft as when they were purchased. I think I'd rather spend the money and go with a department store brand because of longevity.