thefabzilla

Yes, you read it right. ZOYA is back with a flash promo and it's happening now!!! I just ordered 3 lacquers and paid $10 for shipping, that's it! Oh wait, I added Blu from Spring 2013 collection (not included in the promo). Don't delay, it runs from 1/7-1/13/13. I logged in to my account today 1/6 and was able to use checkout code ZOYA2013.

*link for your convenience only*

Guess how much I paid for this Buxom "In the Spotlight" set during the Black Friday madness? Yep, only $10. Both are full sizes! So which one deserves a repurchase down the line? Better yet, which one goes down the drain? Rave or rant? prepare for the highs and lows beauties.

The highs. I'm a fan of the Buxom lip gloss line so I was happy to add this Big and Healthy Lip stick to my list of must-buy's ($19, Sephora). This particular shade is called Shanghai, described as deep raspberry with creamy matte finish. Like the lip gloss, it tingles for a few minutes although much less subtle. The wearability is about five hours; it survived coffee-sipping but succumbed to greasy-feasting.

Repurchasing? Surely!

Now the lows. I can't for the life of me find any amplification with this mascara. The dial wand is supposed to give you two results. Crank it up for volume and thickness, crank it down for length and definition. Neither gave me that. Nada. Even with my mascara technique (how to keep lashes curled all day), this failed big time. It clumps and the worst part, it started to smudge at mid-day. The mediocrity is not worth the $22- tag. Nice try but I won't be repurchasing.

{ top: natural lashes }
{ bottom: 2 coats of Buxom }

Any product fails lately? I have a few more, buckle up!

Kathryne

Blushing Noir: Make your pucker stand out with MAC Night Blooming Mattene!

BeautyTidbits: Enter to win Playboy VIP Fragrance Set for Him & Her Giveaway.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Beauty Resolutions to Consider from Lola's Secret Beauty Blog for 2013

Polarbelle: Polarbelle finds Sation's Holiday Golightly Collection nail polishes match her Northern Christmas.

datyorkLOVES: Find out what the Top 10 Post of 2012 are for datyorkLOVES!

TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla got playful with 2013 color of the year (Emerald Green) where else but her eyes. Plus check out how you can incorporate this amazing color into your wardrobe.

Beauty Info Zone: Everyone has a best of 2012 list but do they have a worst? Find out what Marcia from Beauty Info Zone names her worst product of the year.

Mama Fashionista: Looking for a budge-proof lip stain? Mama Fashionista found just what you need at the drugstore from New York Color!

Beauty Professor: Adding to her Tom Ford obsession, the Beauty Professor reviews her latest acquisition, cheek color in Frantic Pink!

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog invites you to get ready with her!

Portrait of Mai: Despite the spooky name, these Darling Girl Cosmetics Zombie Apoca-Lips duochrome color shifting glosses aren't so scary!

Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: To prep for 2013, I start by recapping the great moments of 2012. My favorite post of the year!

BeautyJudy: "The Beauty Loser" is back on BeautyJudy! Do you have any weight loss resolutions? Find out what's working for Judy this time around.

Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater and her family say buh bye to acne! Check out her review of Relogy natural acne treatment system.

Lipgloss Break: Angela from Lipgloss Break shares tips on how to stay motivated toward fitness goals in the new year!

Earlier I posted my review on Evologie, a relatively new skincare line targeting what we all hate- Acne! Whether you're a teenager or in your late 40s, we share the same sentiment: how to get rid of it.

So how does winning a 6-month supply of anti-acne products sound to you? I had positive results with this brand so I thought of sharing this good news to y'all.

For complete details, hop over to Evologie Facebook Page, it's right here.

Good luck!

Kathryne

*links for your convenience only; giveaway is hosted by Evologie*

'Shoulda trust my gut and not the sugary-sweet sales talk. I was looking for a pore reducer/filler to replace Clinique. If you don't know yet, I have open pores, no thanks to genetically-linked greasy face and acne scarring which date back to jurassic years. I have read good reviews about Clarins Lisse Minute Smoothing Base (sold in red jar) so that's what I have in mind when I visited my local Nordy's. Long story short, I was swayed to try this because "it's better than the one sold in jar because it has more skin benefits" as advised by the lady in red (Clarins associate).

What is Clarins Instant Smmoth Line Correcting Concentrate ($32.50)? it's a "magic makeup base" (as printed in the box) which is rich in dermaxyl, a line-correcting peptide that can be applied directly onto lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores throughout the day. It's non-comedogenic and allergy-tested.

Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethycone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, hydrogenated oil, Vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Silica, C12-15 Alkyl benzoate, Pentaerythrityl tetraisoearate, Distear-dimonium hectorite, Tribehenin, Tocopheryl acetate, Ceramide 2, Silica dimethyl silylate, Acacia senegal gum, Butylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Hexylene glycol, Triethoxycaprylysilane, palmitoyl oligopeptide, Cl 77891/ titanium dioxide, Cl 77019/mica, Cl 77491/ iron oxides.

Why a fail then?
Clarins is known for using plant extracts in most of its products. In fact, that's their niche in the cosmetics industry. If you look at the ingredients above, I've only spotted one: acacia senegal gum, which is no.13 on the list (oh Mr Researcher, we forgot the plant so let's add one! *smh*).

Reading further, there is nothing unique in the ingredients that makes it the "magic" corrector. Dimethicone, Cyclopentasiloxane, Butylene glycol, Dimethicone crosspolymer are common concoctions in a makeup primer- they blur pores and lines.

Finally, it didn't really do much to my pores. I tried both ways- under and over makeup and it just didn't blur or fill in the pores. I had wayyy better results with MDSolarSciences, a tinted gel sunscreen that works like a primer (and it has dimethicone too). I can't evaluate it in the wrinkle category as I don't have serious issues with it yet (whoa! oily skin delays wrinkles, the only thing I lurve with this nasty grease!)

So the moral of the story was.... when it sounds too good, it probably isn't. I know I can return it but that means driving all the way to downtown, get mighty pissed with Hawaii traffic, and go on an unplanned shopping splurge. Oh well charge it to experience then.

Have you tried this yet?

Kathryne

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany swatches (and swoons over) two gorgeous Pure Ice polishes!
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Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Julep Maven box with nail polish to match your style!
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So I started spring-cleaning rather early and while purging, I realized I've amassed lip products ranging from matte, gloss, stain, balm, drugstore to satin, sheen, high-end. Name it, chances are, this junkie might have tried it. Shoot, yet it feels like I don't have enough. #beautybloggerproblems.

So in my serious attempt to use them all (again) and curb my insane appetite from procuring new lippies, I'm starting a new series here in my blog which we shall call Lips Showcase. It's nothing fancy, just moi wearing some of my favorite lip products. I may include links to previous reviews if need be.

Let's start with my favorite drugstore brand what else but Wet n Wild. Forgive the flimsy packaging but love the pigmentation. At less than $2, you get saturated color from WnW Mega Last Lip Color.This particular shade 908C a.ka. Sugar Plum Fairy is dark berry from the tube but it's bright berry pink on my lips. It lasts pretty long (about 5 hours) and leaves a decent stain even after downing a greasy meal.

What say you? Have you tried this?

xo,

Kathryne

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany swatches (and swoons over) two gorgeous Pure Ice polishes!

BeautyTidbits: Harshleen looks back on her favorite skincare products from 2012.

BlushingNoir: See why the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette should be your (and everyones!) must have for 2013!

TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla shares the highs and lows of Buxom Big & Health Lipstick & Amplified Lash Mascara

Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: Ask me anything! Post your questions on the Facebook page or Twitter about makeup/hair/working as a makeup artist and I will answer with a YouTube video or blog post (or both!)

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: DermOrganic Argan Oil Infused Haircare Cleansing, Conditioning & Treatment products are so amazing that Lola's Secret Beauty Blog wants the world to know about this phenomenal line!

Fabulous Awesomeness: Mina Slater shares swatches and a review of CoverGirl Blast Flipstick shades Minx, Stunner and Vixen.

datyorkLOVES: datyorkLOVES Weekly is back! Catch up on mani's, reviews and a blog sale with FREE shipping!

Advice Sisters Web Site: Argan oil is a super-trendy ingredient. It has many benefits and uses in beauty products. Alison of the Advice Sisters reports on a bunch of hair care and beauty products featuing argan oil. Which one will be your favorite?

The Lacquered Lady: The Lacquered Lady shows of her favorite polish from the China Glaze Cirque du Soleil collection.

Lipgloss Break: Enter to win a Julep Maven box with nail polish to match your style!

Beauty Professor: Can titanium really make a difference in a hair straightener? The Beauty Professor tries the Blowout Beauty 1" Titanium Straightener and discovers the answer!

Beauty by Miss L: Miss L tried another natural, vegan & cruelty free eye makeup remover.

Mama Fashionista: Julep is starting the year of (b)right with their Resort Collection! Check out what Quinn received in her Julep Maven It Girl box this month.

Polarbelle: Polarbelle found the perfect all around palette in the Too Faced Return of Sexy palette set.

The Beauty Delicacy: How to keep your peepers pretty + hydrated this season with Ahava

Peek & Ponder: Ashley from Peek & Ponder reflects on her most popular beauty posts of 2012

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Do you have any New Year's Beauty Resolutions? Pammy Blogs Beauty shares hers here!

Painted Ladies: Make Up For Ever's New Pro-Multi-Use Powder Foundation Has Entranced Sheila from Painted Ladies

Midnight Manicures: Midnight Manicures: Find out which Skin Care Treatment is one of Jeanie's must haves for 2013, Reviva Labs Non-Chemical Skin Peel to the rescue!

Hmmmm so how do I remove makeup? let me count the ways. Baby wipes, micellar water, liquid makeup remover, gel, oil-based. Cream maybe?

Like everything else, removing makeup is a personal choice which for the most part is influenced by experience. Some eye makeups, especially waterproof eyeliners and mascaras are pain in the arse.

Enter Urban Decay Melt Down Makeup Remover ($24, Sephora).

Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Isododecane, Methylheptyl Isostearate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Polyacrylamide, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Sucrose Stearate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Laureth-7, Glyceryl Caprylate, Isononanoic Acid, Rubus Idaeus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Carapa Guaianensis Seed Oil, Prunus Serotina (Wild Cherry) Fruit Extract, Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Oil, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Organic QCS, Tocopherol, Daucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract, Spilanthes, Acmella Flower Extract, Gardenia Tahitensis Flower Extract, Pseudopterogorgia Elisabethae (Sea Whip) Extract, Physalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract, Citric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide.

So I bought this stuff hoping it will solve my beauty dilemma. After a long day at work, I just want my long-wearing makeup gone pronto. With a cotton pad, I squeeze a pea- sized amount and rub it onto my eyelids and brows; then a teeny weeny size on a q-tip for the remnants along my lash line. While it did remove stubborn eye makeup, I had to use 2 to 3 cotton pads and a q-tip to take off everything. It didn't sting or irritate my eyes but it has slight floral scent which you may or may not like (I'm okay with it).

Can I live without this? Of course! It's nice but I don't think I'll buy this again. At $24, I'm better off finding a drugstore alternative which may deliver the same performance if not better.

What's your fave makeup remover of all time?

Kathryne

Blame fatigue! I kept on saying nuisance instead of Nuance. So I hope I got the spelling right: N.U.A.N.C.E. Yeah, that makeup line from hot tamales Salma Hayek. And I mean it in a very provocative manner.

Part of my makeup challenge this year is to leap outside my comfort zone and try other brands I usually don't care about. Not in a snobbish kind of way though. For instance, when I go to Long's (CVS) or Walmart, my feet always lead me to Wet n Wild shelf and ignore the neighbors. Finally I caved in and said Como estas Salma!

So what is this ~~nuisance~~ Nuance discovery about? It's a concealer in a typical lipstick-like presentation. Oh wait, there's a creamy-ish addition.

Light/Medium, about $9

The stick has super dry texture that renders medium coverage while the cream is practically useless (it didn't conceal dark under eyes). Should you give up now? Not yet, there is hope after all. If the cream is used as base, the stick concealer applies smoothly, hallelujah! Which brings me to the next conclusion. On their own, these two are utter nuisance but when used together, they balance the scale of so-so performance. Alright let me put it this way, it's like your average student in a classroom of brights and idiots, if that makes sense.

Can you tell the difference?

Let's finish the scenario. See what makeup can do to that plain fez up there? Well I guess nothing much, hahaha!

Seriously, I think it somewhat illuminated my under eyes. And just so you know, I always set my concealer (regardless of the brand) with a loose powder to avoid cakiness.

Have you tried Salma Hayek, I mean her cosmetics? If yes, what do you recommend?

Oki gonna call it a night now *yawns*

Kathryne

Earlier I told you that I'm going to dish out occasional updates about mah skincare saga with Mia 2 (Clarisonic). So I bought this gadget before Christmas because I promised myself to be more skincare- conscious in 2013. $150 for a spinning brush ain't no cheapo girly! But if I can spend money on makeups, then it makes sense to invest on my barenaked face. Got only one skin til wrinkles run deep. And dry.

So what happened after a month of using it nightly? First, I had to recharge it last week (about 20+ days from initial use) so the power did last long, amen to that!; Second, I am still in awe to see makeup juices as I rinse the brush, eew!; Third, I still gravitate towards the faster setting; Fourth, I am impressed how it deeply cleans my face. You see prior to Mia 2, there are still traces of makeup when I tone, considering I have washed my face already. Lastly, I feel that it complimented my current skincare routine (which I will share next time).

So is this something I can't live without? It's only been a month but yeah I feel dirty without Mia 2. I seriously can't wait to reap the long term results of this brush. It's a woman thang!

'Til next ish....

Kathryne

So I came from work today and opened this box-o-goodies from my very good blogger-friend Moxie from Moxie Reviews! I think t'was last week when I tweeted that I am so desperately hunting the elusive Wet n Wild Fergie makeups over here in Hawaii. Funny thing is, my mom who's in California also went out on a mission to find me some Fergie. Yeah that's how desperate I am! Long story short, ma-dear was able to snag some lippies and eyeshadows but not blushes so Moxie came to my rescue!!! Many many mahalo's, I like everything and I'm so excited to use these beauties!!!!! You're really sweet my friend!

If you haven't done yet, check out and follow Moxie Reviews, she blogs about cruelty-free products. And she's a fabulous dog mama too!!!

You bet I'm rocking this blush to work tomorrow.

xox,

Kathryne

Chickettes.com: Add some glitz and glam your nails for a night out on the town with the Gelish Sizzling Summer Nights collection!
Beauty Fiends: Curious about mineral foundation? Julia at Beauty Fiends has been testing Ferro Cosmetic's Ultimate Mineral Foundation. Find out what she thinks!
Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: My YouTube channel got a facelift! Now you can find your favorite tutorials and product reviews organized into playlists. Enjoy!
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Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Looking for a whole new customizable Beauty Box experience? Then take a look at Wantable!
Polarbelle: Want to know how to really plump your lips? I'd like to suggest EnvyDerm lip plumping gloss.
TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla starts a new series- Lips Showcase. What is it? Hop over to her bloggity blog.
Vicerimus: Like the Suede finish, but not feeling like wearing it as a full mani? Do Suede accent nails!
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The Beauty Think Tank: Revlon has debuted the new Photoready BB Cream - but the question on everyone's mind... is it obnoxiously shimmery?
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Pinked Polish: Holy Holo Stamping Batman!!!!! Stamping with the beautiful Halo-graphic. :)
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Never Gonna Give You Up: Kara swatches and reviews Daily Lacquer's I'll Fly Away.
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Love At First Site!: Beauty Elixir by Caudalie. A review. I decided that is was high time that I shared with you my views on the Beauty Elixir of Caudalie, which is said to have been inspired by the elixir of youth that Queen Isabelle of Hungary used!
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The Convenient Beauty: Dress up your lips with this opulent Tom Ford Black Orchid lipstick.
Amber Did It!: Amber takes you over the rainbow with a colorful saran wrap mani.

I am officially a spoiled woman, and proud at that! I'm sooo feelin' the lurve from my blogger friends! I received another lovely surprise, this time from the fabulous Tina of My Highest Self Blog! And you know one funny thing (again), the Wet n Wild Fergie makeups that my mom sent me from California (yeah she understood my desperation of not having this Fergie madness here in Hawaii), arrived the same day! I was smiling from ear to ear when I opened their packages. Tina got me the bolder colors and my mom (as to be expected), neutral ones! Like how awesome is that?!!!

Thanks so much Tina for your kindness and generosity! I super love everything. If there's one thing to cherish about this blogging thingimajig, that would be meeting wonderful people like you!

If you haven't done yet, please visit and follow My Highest Self; Tina blogs from makeups, to skincare, to fashion, and everything a mommy should know about beauty and lifestyle!

Have a great (longggg) weekend!

Kathryne

Fergalicious you asked? Moi used my new Wet n Wild Fergie makeups (eyeshadow, lipstick, blush)! You see HubZilla and I had a lunch date; okay, before the ~~lunch~~ date, I had to stop by Ala Moana Center to shop. Woot! I scored fabulous deals from Bath and Body Works, Victoria's Secret and Sephora!

While individual reviews are pending, let me show you what I used for today's FOTD featuring Wet n Wild Fergie:

Desert Festival for eye makeup; Carnaval in Rio shimmer palette for cheeks; Bebot Love for lips.

Other products: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-hr Foundation, Nuance Salma Hayek concealer , MDSolarSciences tinted mineral screen gel, Stila smudge stick stargazer, Milani mascara.

'thought I'd curl my hair, just because.

And here's a quickie peek at my OOTD!

instagram quality #blur

my laid-back glam style

driving by Waikiki

Hungry tummy, we tried this small crepe place by Kaimuki.

what to eat?

portabello mushroom crepe.
not the best kind, surely won't recommend.
but quality time with Hub, that's what matters!

Hope you had a great weekend!

Kathryne

*Fergie makeups gifted by mom and blogger friends Moxie and Tina. The rest of the makeups were purchased by me*

Emily Hudspeth, hair design and makeup artist: My YouTube channel got a facelift! Now you can find your favorite tutorials and product reviews organized into playlists. Enjoy!

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Endless Summer: Elena shares her thoughts (and FOTD!) about a new product from Miracle Skin Transformer - Vanish Instant Imperfection Corrector.

Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: If a highly effective power-packed anti-aging serum filled with anti-oxidants is on your list of wants- then Lola's Secret Beauty Blog thinks that you should check outvbeaute Undercover Agent STAT!

BeautyTidbits: Got sensitive skin? Skin Care Heaven Chemical-Free SPF 30 might just be what you're looking for!

TheFabZilla: When a product fails. TheFabZilla shares why Clarins Instant Smooth Lining Concentrate is a joke.

Portrait of Mai: To protect yourself against the chilly weather, enter this giveaway of winter essentials to win a L'Occitane Ultra Rich Body Lotion and Jack Black Lip Balm

Painted Ladies: http://www.painted-ladies.com/breaking-down-beauty-use-scotch-tape-as-an-eyeshadow-stencil/

Advice Sisters: LISI Cosmetics flatters all types of complexions. Alison Blackman of advicesisters.net. investigates

Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor's recent birthday introduced her to the Sisley Phyto-Blush Eclat in Pinky Coral. What a gift!

Midnight Manicures: Looking for a soap that will leave your skin healthier and looking great? Try Reviva Labs All Natural Seaweed Soap

Mama Fashionista: They had her at Paris! Find out more about Quinn's new fave hand cream from NUXE Paris!

datyorkLOVES: HTF Ellen Tracy Gun Metal Gray Nail Polish *Photo Heavy Post

Pammy Blogs Beauty: Pammy Blogs Beauty's Cover-It: Concealer Review Series continues with her review of Make Up For Ever's amazing HD Concealer. Does it have what it takes to battle Pammy's Dark Circles?

Polarbelle: Are you looking for a lip plumper that doesn't burn but is moisturizing and comfortable to wear? Polarbelle has one for you!

Ever wonder why I rarely show my teeth in photos? For one, my face looks disfigured when I show my teeth, #notmybest. Second, I'm a tad conscious because my teeth are not perfectly aligned. I have discussed this with my dentist, and that would require some extraction and brace. I'm kind of old to handle the pain and whatnot. So there, I'm learning to love my flaw. Add the oily face, sheez!

Crooked as they are, there's one thing I don't want them to experience. Ever. What good is a nice and expensive lippy when teeth are....

fake yellow teeth; color-manipulated for visualization purposes

You get what I mean? C'mon, not even the brightest red lipstick, smokiest eye makeup, and flashiest Louboutin can hide that yellow smile of shame! Love coffee and tea? ha, culprits to stain. Needless to say my friend, if you have not considered whitening at this point in your life, think again. And again.

So I had the opportunity to try Crest 3D White Strips (Whitening Power 4) that promise to bring noticeable white teeth after three days and full results in twenty days. Retailing for $49.99, this box has 20 treatments, each with one upper and one lower strip.

How-to:

1. Peel strip from backing liner
2. Long strip is for upper teeth; short for lower teeth
3. Apply gel side to teeth
4. Wear for 30 minutes
5. Remove, of course

How was the feeling? I did have transient tingling sensation (one tooth), but very minimal to say the least.
Is it safe to use? I can't speak for your teeth, but in general it is. That is if you don't overuse or wear the strip more than the recommended amount of time.

How long will this last? Per instructions, after 20 days of religious use, effects can last for a year. Not bad!
HubZilla tried it too, how was his experience? There's a noticeable difference in his teeth after the first use. He had no sensitivity issues, quote unquote.

I'm no teeth expert so I won't bore you with facts that you probably know already. Brush & floss after meals.

Smile you're on cam!
flash those real teeth, who cares!

Have you tried Crest or other teeth whitening products? how was your experience?

Kathryne

*Sponsored post as part of One2One Network campaign for Crest 3D White. Links for your reference only*

Okay a lil story time. T'was early 2000, when my face was sabotaged by acne. I wanted to hide the flaws badly so I decided to amp up my beauty routine. VMV, MAC and Laura Mercier were my go-to foundations then. While they did give me the camouflage I needed, it was for a very short time, two hours at the most. I was constantly retouching with a pressed powder. My makeup bag can pass for a vanity counter with the amount of cosmetics (powders, blush, etc.) in it. Reason being, nothing lasts on my genetically greasy face.

Fast forward to present-day triviality. If you are still wondering why a makeup won't even get you thru the fourth hour, maybe you're missing something in your arsenal. Can I just say that ever since I discovered the wonders of a face primer, my makeup bag was downsized to bare minimum? Save for occasional blotting, I hardly retouch with a pressed powder anymore. #truth

So let's touch base on the real subject matter- a face primer that I recently tried from Too Faced. Oil-free and sensitive skin, two powerful claims that tickled my fancy. Ready to dissect?

$30, 1 oz, Sephora

Ingredients

Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Polysilicone-11, Nylon-12, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Polysorbate 40, Isohexadecane, Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Disiloxane, Butylene Glycol, Enantia Chlorantha Bark Extract, Oleanolic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Cycloheptasiloxane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Cyclodextrin, Polysorbate 20, Retinol, BHT, BHA.

Dimethicone is a popular ingredient in face primers because it forms a protective barrier on the skin. It can also fill in lines and pores on the face and helps makeup last longer. Having said that, this Too Faced primer did deliver. My makeup was intact way past eight hours. It's noteworthy to say that I didn't have to use a separate pore filler, which is always a great thing!

Now comes the downside. Much as I love that it's made for oily and sensitive skin, I don't like the smell. It's not awfully bad but my picky nose isn't a fan of the slightly chemical scent. I'm smelling hints of clorox, yeah that's how I associate the scent. So that breaks the deal for me! Not buying it again.

What's your favorite face primer?

Kathryne

*purchased this*

Wearing bronzer knows no season, at least in my makeup routine. What about you? Do you skip it during winter time? I don't! I speak as if the mighty sun ever hibernates here in Hawaii. But you get my point, my medium skin tone lacks warmth sans bronzer.

Milani is a drugstore brand I am slowly getting into. Happy with their mascara and liquid eyeliner, I bought this bronzer to see if it continues to earn a spot in my vanity.

#01 Bronze Glow
0.42 oz/ 12g, About $9, Walmart

Tan-in-a-pan for all skin types! That's what the packaging says beauties. And it's indeed XL, as big as my palm! Squint a little dahling and you'll see specks of shimmer on both sides.

Ingredients

Talc, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Zinc Stearate, Dimethicone, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, Zeolite, Sorbic Acid, Methylparaben, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Propylparaben, Tetrasodium Edta, Butylparaben, Fragrance (Parfum), Bht, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract.+/- May Contain: Mica (CI 77019), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ultramarines (CI 77007), Manganese Violet (CI 77742), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide (CI 77510), Carmine (CI 75470), Chromium Oxide Greens (CI 77289), Chromium Hydroxide Green (CI 77288), Red 7 Lake (CI 15850), Red 6 (CI 15850), Red 7 (CI 15850), Red 30 Lake (CI 73360), Yellow 5 Lake (CI 19140), Yellow 6 Lake (CI 15985), Blue 1 Lake (CI 42090).

So how d'ya like the bronze(r) woman? Ugh! that signature drugstore face powder smell, the very one I so despise. Yeah the grandma scent *insert sad face here*. Available in only two shades, I picked up #01 (Bronze Glow) wild-guessing that it would give me just the right amount of glow. Nothing dramatic compared to #02 Fake Tan which looks way darker from the pan.

Oompa Loompa Level Alert! Apply it light-handedly or you risk looking more orangey than glowy! The darker shade is to be blamed for my demi-oompa in the first photo above. I used it to contour my sides and the lighter shade for my cheeks.

Oompa no more. I only used the lighter shade this time.

Reading between the lines, your guess is as good as mine. Nice try but definitely not repurchasing.

Have you tried this one yet?

Kathryne

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