A-ha! You thought, “Oh, first Wednesday of the month fell on the first day of the month…no favorites until next week.”
April Fools on you – I actually managed to get my March 2015 Favorites up regardless!
Last Friday I launched a giveaway for an Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Liner and Revolution Lipstick in Naked. If you haven’t entered, yet, go do so – entries close April 3!
I mentioned in my February Favorites that I was really loving the Revolution Lipstick in Naked – so when I was planning the Vernal Equinox Giveaway, I decided to pick up one of the sets for myself. Exclusive to Ulta, the Ultimate Pair set from Urban Decay features a 24/7 Lip Liner Pencil and a Revolution Lipstick in Naked. They also offer a red version with shades 69 and F-Bomb, respectively.
The value of this set is unbelievable – $26 for both the full-sized lipstick (regularly $22) and lip liner (regularly $19). I was originally planning on a self-imposed no-buy for myself for March, but this was too good of a deal on something I already really wanted, having the wee version of it.
I own wee versions of the Revolution Lipstick in Naked and, courtesy a friend, Catfight. Given that, I already knew the formula was nothing short of amazing. Being simultaneously creamy and long-lasting is no small feat, but these lipsticks feel great and don’t need to be reapplied frequently – and it isn’t just because this is a, “user-friendly,” whose wear is naturally less noticeable; hot-pink Catfight holds its weight in the longevity arena without looking prematurely worn.
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in NakedThe Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked is the first full-sized tube I have from the line. When I unboxed it, I was pleasantly surprised at the weight of the tube – to me, heavier-weight packaging feels sturdier and slightly more luxe. I’ve talked about packaging before – heavier, sturdier package make me feel like my product is safer.
This warm-ish mid-tone pink that has a creamy, almost-but-not-quite glossy finish. It catches light nicely without looking wet. I find it very flattering on my light, neutral-to-warm skin (NC15-NC20ish in MAC at the moment). It gives you a pretty, polished look without screaming for attention. It’s pretty much appropriate for anything life might throw at you…with the exception, perhaps, of a Rocky Horror reenactment.
On me, applied after I’ve fiendishly consumed my morning coffee or tea, I find that Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Naked wears for about 3-4 hours before needing to be touched up, persisting even through drinking water. Wear is described without the 24/7 liner that came in the set. I’m not crazy about liner for lighter, neutral lipsticks like this, so I’m still trying to figure out how I like it best.
From the two shades I’ve tried the formula seems consistent in terms of application and feel once its on. From reading, I discovered that longevity wasn’t quite the same throughout, but you’ll have that with different levels of pigmentation. The quality, overall, is absolutely there and if you’re in the market for a fantastic lipstick, I recommend (any) of these. Personally, I still struggle with the idea of paying $22 for a single lipstick – MAC at $16 is the high end of, “I’m OK with this,” for me but this lipstick is really good. Since I was able to get it and the liner for $26 as part of The Ultimate Pair set, it was easier to deal with. I would still hesitate to pay full price for another lipstick by itself even though they are crazy good… Instead, I’d opt to wait for a 20% at UrbanDecay.com, or using Ulta points for a discount, or the semi-annual VIB sale at Sephora.
It’s already time for my February 2015 Favorites – and here I was last month mentioning January being cold. That was cute and misguided of me.
January 2015 FavoritesWe’ve made it through January despite cold weather, colds and sinus fun, and so-so moods – here’s what made into my list of January 2015 Favorites.
Brands L’Oreal Paris and Maybelline feature products that are very similar to one another (like their gel eyeliners) and for good reason – both drugstore makeup brands fall under the L’Oreal Group’s portfolio.
I’ve finally had the opportunity to test both L’Oreal and Maybelline gel shadows – Maybelline’s Color Tattoo (available for $6-ish on Amazon and at drugstores, etc) formula, and newer (to me – not new in general), L’Oreal’s Infalliable Eyeshadow (available for $7-ish on Amazon and at drugstores, etc). Now that I’ve had adequate time to play with L’Oreal’s Infalliable offering (and have really, really come to enjoy the latter), I wanted to share a comparison and review.
First, let’s check out the packaging of the L’Oreal and Maybelline Gel Shadows:
On the left, we have Maybelline’s Color Tattoo, lid down. The bottom of the glass pot includes information about which sub-line it is from (this is Barely branded, which I talked about in my Color Tattoo post – it is from their Metals sub-line), and also boasts that it will wear for 24 hours. That said, unlike my accidental 28 hour test of Maybelline’s gel liner, I haven’t made a point to push this past a normal day. The cap includes more information about the product, such as the shade name, batch number, and product volume (4 grams or .14 oz).
On the right, we have L’Oreal’s Infalliable Eyeshadow, also lid down. The L’Oreal packaging is a bit more simple, not as loud with the font used, and it allows for an unobstructed view of the product inside (this is Bronzed Taupe). The pot is lower profile, sleeker, and is more of a squared shape with a round screw-on cap. Like its Maybelline cousin, the cap has a sticker featuring batch, color, and volume (3.5 grams or .12 oz) information on the cap. A notable difference is that unlike the Color Tattoo, this Infalliable Eyeshadow features acrylic (plastic) packaging; this makes it lighter (and sturdier!) which I personally consider a plus, but glass is more-often associated with luxe when it comes to product packaging…something L’Oreal usually tends to pursue.
Opened, the L’Oreal and Maybelline Gel Shadows are two different scenes – the Maybelline Color Tattoo has the product right there in your face, but the L’Oreal Infalliable Eyeshadow has a little secondary lid that sits atop the product. Though it isn’t loose or of such a consistency that it may escape if you accidentally invert it, I imagine this secondary lid is to help tamp the product in place to keep it from drying.
L’Oreal and Maybelline Gel ShadowsI’m going to be a little backward and share swatches before sharing consistency details. I’ve swatched the L’Oreal and Maybelline Gel Shadows on the back of my hand. Both products were picked up with a finger and applied with one swipe over no primer – this is how they are out of the pot. You can’t see it in the photo so well, but the L’Oreal Infalliable shadow, pictured left, is a bit more even in one pass than the Maybelline Color Tattoo. They are both great; excellent pigmentation and color payoff. Both L’Oreal and Maybelline gel shadows pictured are frosty metallics, but Bronzed Taupe features a shinier, almost wet-look finish on my hand here compared to Barely Branded, which looks satiny in comparison.
Now, my favorite part: the formulas. Though these are both gel-type shadows the formulas and consistencies could not be more different.
Maybelline’s Color Tattoo formula, though gel, is actually somewhat stiff. Although they recommend applying with a finger for best results (like you might do with pigments), I found that using this non-flat shader brush gave me the best results. I apply with my finger from time to time and usually regret it – I just can’t get an even application with my finger unless I pat, but I find patting this product with my finger doesn’t give me great color payoff, even if I press, unless I pick up a TON of product. Once it is on, it dries swiftly and does not budge. I like using Barely Branded as a base for other gold or light-neutral eye looks or to use in a single-shade look for lazy days. I have oily lids and this is fine through a ten-hour (office!) workday without additional primer.
L’Oreal’s Infalliable Eyeshadow formula is much softer – we hear the word, “buttery,” tossed around a lot to describe product texture in the beauty world but seriously, this reminds me of butter. Not room-temperature butter, firmer than that, but still definitely smooth – it glides on BEAUTIFULLY with a finger or a brush. I actually prefer using a finger with this to swipe or pat it on my lid. That is invaluable to me – as much as I love makeup, I reeeally love sleep, which sometimes means I don’t have as much time to do my makeup as I’d like…I like not having to grab another tool, and I love that it is so easy to work with. I haven’t used this shade as a base yet because I feel like it would be more appropriate as a base for a darker look (which I don’t do a ton of), but it is also fantastic for lazy or single-shade days (which I’ve had a lot of lately).
In the past two weeks I’ve REALLY been loving using the L’Oreal and Maybelline gel eyeshadows in Brozned Taupe and Barely Branded in concert to create a nice, neutral two-step eye that is appropriate for work. Slap on mascara and wham, you look like you put some effort in when really it took like, oh, maybe two minutes tops (before coffee). They’re definitely worth their price tags.
I did not plan all along to do an annual favorite round-up, but jumped on the bandwagon after being inspired by too many other bloggers and vloggers to count, let alone name.
beautyblender PRO – The only difference between this and the original is the color. I need to replace mine now, but I have worn this little sponge out. It really does deliver a no-brainer, no-fuss, excellent application. I order mine from MakeupGeek or Amazon (being careful to seek legit ones and buy safely) so as to avoid paying full retail but also to ensure I’m getting the real thing.
Sigma F80 – Still my foundation-applying champ. I tend to use my beautyblender more in the winter, but this brush is fantastic for creating a flawless, picture-perfect canvas.
Sonia Kashuk no. 27 Angled Liner Brush – Stiff but not stabby bristles makes this ideal for gel liner. At under $10, too, it is a great steal.
Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer – I like this more than the Maybelline Fit Me! concealers although those are decent, too. The sponge applicator is goofy but the product itself is so good that I ca overlook the annoying applicator. The whole line is good, my shade varies on the season.
Maybelline Eye Studio Lasting Drama Gel Liner 24H – They aren’t joking about the 24 Hour claim. This stuff is matte, pigmented, doesn’t cake or flake, and is cheap – like $7-9, and there are frequently coupons available.
LORAC Pro 2 – You may remember my big to-do about this, and I still like it as much as I did. The shadows are so buttery, blendable, amazing. You can make so many eye looks with this palette, just like with its predecessor.
Urban Decay Naked – Yes, still. Yes, probably forever. Urban Decay’s original iconic neutrals make my heart sing. They’re good for work, good for play, good for daytime, night, lazy days, and days where you actually do feel like looking as though you give a bother.
Josie Maran’s Argan Oil(s) – Original and Light. My face likes them, the smallest bottles last me a REALLY long time (as in, I’m still on my original bottles of both – need to repurchase the regular variety soon though). I was skeptical about these, but have really come to like them a lot.
Pond’s Original Fresh Wet Cleansing Towelettes – These are my favorite makeup removing wipes. They’re gentle but effective, and remove most makeup without trouble. To date, the only thing I’ve had an issue with using these on is Benefit’s they’re Real! Push-up Liner. Otherwise, they’re awesome.
Clarisonic Mia 2 – I used it for a year before reviewing. It is a great skincare tool – though if you don’t have sensitive skin, save your money and get the Mia. If you’re on a budget the Olay Pro-X is a good place to start with face-washing gadgetry.
China Glaze Gelaze – Love the formula of these gel polishes, also love that I don’t need to bother with a base coat of gel. Fewer layers to cure means less bulk on the finished nail. It looks feels, and wears better. Also Shocking Pink is bright and amazing…just sayin’.
Seche Vite – I don’t tend to use gel polish on my toes (though I will use Gelaze), so I need to keep an RNP top coat on hand. It smells strong, but it is the best I’ve found. I buy mine at Sally Beauty, but Ulta carries it, and I believe Target and Wal-Mart do, too, now.
Red Carpet Manicure Glitz and Glamorous – This showed up in my December Favorites, but I use it throughout the year. I like it so much, in fact, that it was what was on my nails for my wedding.
