Covergirl Simply Ageless Corrector Concealer Review

Weekly Cheap Secret:

OK, so I purchased this because Ellen DeGeneres is the face for this product line. Well, that was one reason. The other: I have been looking for a concealer to love. Currently, I have been using MAC Studio Finish Concealer with SPF 35. I have not been impressed with the MAC concealer to cover dark circles. It’s too thick and I have to mix it with Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch to make the MAC concealer smoother and more manageable. (I miss Prescriptives.) Anyways, I thought I would give this Covergirl concealer a try. Ellen made me buy it.

Here’s what I’m looking for: a creamy, easy to smooth concealer to use under my eyes to cover up both redness and darkness. I’m in my mid-20’s, no real lines yet, and I am light with yellow/jaundice undertones.

The consistency of this product is so smooth. I purchased the Corrector to use as a  concealer since my complexion is exactly this color. The others available were all wrong. I think this is supposed to be a 2-in-1 product but I don’t get it. It isn’t a substitute for eye cream. It really is a “swirled” product with Olay added?  In the pot the texture is very nice, it looks dewy and the color is perfect. On my skin, the formula looks less dewy, too dry for my tastes. Since the color is perfect for me, it does cover up discolorations well. I feel this stuff shows more “lines” on me. It isn’t that it settles in the lines. It is that it doesn’t. It settles around them, leaving me with little blue-ish fine lines. That is annoying.  At first I thought I was using too much. I don’t think I am. I think it is doing that line thing after hours of wear. It’s a shame because I do find it a nice consistency and color. I just wish it was dewier and wore longer.

I’m still using this stuff so it isn’t terrible. I’m using it because my eye area looks better with it than without it. It just isn’t fitting my needs. I think I may be too picky when it comes to concealer. I think I can find something wrong with any formula by any brand. I do like this much better than using the MAC concealer alone. The MAC stuff makes my under eye area look terrible (and adds years)  if used alone. I also don’t love the MAC when mixed with the Clarins. So for now, I am using this Covergirl product until I find something I like better. I may use the entire jar. I may not. I just don’t think I will repurchase. Also, I need to state that I am using the Corrector. Does it even feel the same as the Concealers in the line? And maybe I’m getting the lines because I’m not using a concealer over it?

Retails for about $10.99. That isn’t super cheap for a drugstore product. But, it is cheaper than department stores. The MAC I used was about $16.50 + I was using the Clarins product. The Covergirl tub is quite generous, much larger than the MAC pot. Plus, if you shop around you’ll find coupons or BOGO. So, yeah, it doesn’t do what it claims to do, but it isn’t awful. I’ve used worse. It is available at drugstore.com.

 

Benefit Cosmetics High Beam Complexion Enhancer Review

I can’t believe that I haven’t talked about this product sooner. I’ve been using if for over 5 years. It’s one of my favorite products. Benefit High Beam really is a supermodel in a bottle. It does wonderful, wonderful things for my complexion. It’s a shimmery pale pink creamy liquid that I use on my cheeks, brow bones, down the nose, cleavage, etc. It blends in nicely without looking too OTT. It makes my skin look healthy and dewy. I love to mix it with cheek stains for a soft, glowing, and long-wearing flush. I also like to wear it over bare skin on my cheeks and around my brows, imagine a huge “C” shape with my usual face powder over it. This makes my skin look almost perfect. Did I mention that it even works well mixed with concealer, even concealer used under the eyes?

This creamy liquid creates a “glow” without being glittery. Yes, obviously, it contains shimmer but not huge shimmers, just microfine shimmer that doesn’t set in creases or set on top of the skin. I really do love this product for my fair, normal-type skin. No clogged pores or greasy feel.

My only real complaint is the packaging. The packaging is glass, imagine a “nail polish” bottle including that brush. This isn’t my favorite for travel or really for “hygiene” since I am smearing it on my face and then putting it pack in to breed some freaky germs or something. That being said, I don’t think that anything really gross is brewing in there and I haven’t had a bottle break (yet).

The bottle retails for $24, I find that it is worth it since I use it for many different purposes. It is available at www.benefitcosmetics.com.

 

Bobbi Brown 2010 Cabana Corals Color Collection

I love coral makeup. Corals, peaches, apricots, salmons do so much for my complexion. I know many people stray away from coral, thinking of their Italian-American great aunt with the deep olive skin paired with electric coral lipstick, sandaltoe pantyhose, and open toe “bone” colored pumps. I think great-aunt is a Sophia Loren-ish fox, but I have learned that many people dislike the look. I think coral works on the peaches and cream complexions and the deeper Floridian complexions. I many not wear MAC Morange lipstick everyday but I do wear lots of soft shades of coral/peach. It is one of the few things that can liven up my pale, pasty PNW vitamin D deficient complexion. Bobbi Brown’s Cabana Corals is a “fresh take on an old favorite”. It’s a collection of coral shades that are so everyday neutral.

FACE: There is a Nectar Shimmer Brick. This is an amazing complexion enhancing shimmer powder compact with warm peach, coral, beige shades. This is better than bronzer for my skin tone. It also looks great used as an eye shadow.  There is a Pink Quartz Shimmer Brick. This is a shimmery blend of warm pink, mauve, and sands. This one creates a soft, candlelit rosé sparkling wine look. It is very pretty. Both retail for $38. There are new shades in the Pot Rouge for Lips & Cheeks. First things first, I love this versatile product. Cabo Coral is a peachy pink/salmon that really works for me. It adds a petal softness to my complexion and looks very natural. There is Calypso Coral which is a brighter coral. This works better for medium complexions. These go for $22.

EYES: There are a few new shades of Eye Shadow. Caviar is a black brown netural that makes a perfect lining shade. Navajo is an eye opening white with a hint of pink. Both colors are great for everyday wear and retail for $20. And there is the Extreme Party Mascara that I haven’t tried. It goes for $22.

LIPS: There are a few new shades of Shimmer Lip Gloss. Coral Sand is a peachy gold shimmer. It reminds me of NARS Orgasm lip gloss. There is Golden Nectar which is a warm neutral coral shimmer. Sunset Beach is more pink than coral with shimmer. It looks great with a tan. These retail for $20.There are 3 new shades in the Metallic Lip Color. Calypso Glaze is a warm pink shimmer. It looks very nice with a bronze smoky eye. Coral Glaze is a “nude” with a hint of peach shimmer. It is a very pretty neutral that looks like it belongs with thick cat eye makeup or smoky eyes. Coral Reef is a medium pinky coral that would work wonderfully with copper eye makeup. There are 2 new Lip Colors. Cabo Coral is a warm pink coral. I also like this Cabo Coral. It looks very nice with green eye makeup. Guava is a medium “lip color” pink. It is a better than natural color. All lip colors go for $22.

I think like most Bobbi Brown colors, that these are great everyday staples. I see them working well with paler peaches and cream complexions and those with a tan. I feel many of these colors work well with charcoal smoky eyes, metallic bronze eyes, smoky green eyes, and even “boring” matte beiges. The colors are nice and will take you from spring to fall. All items are available at specific department stores and bobbibrowncosmetics.com.

 

More of the 1940’s: Get The Look of a Wintery Esther Williams

This 1949 pic of Esther is a bit grainy but she is still looking great. This gal transitions nicely from mermaid to snow bunny. This is how you get this wintery look:

FACE: Esther’s complexion is luminous even in the harsh winter air. Apply an illuminating foundation during these “dull” times. A nice one with more coverage is Clarins True Radiance Foundation. Apply an illuminating concealer under the eye area if needed. Almay Bright Eyes Concealer + Eye Base is a multi-use product that provides coverage and not just “shimmer” like most eye illuminators. Apply this product to lids as a base as well. Set makeup with a loose powder. Bare Escentuals BareMinerals Hydrating Mineral Veil is nice for dry winterized skin. Apply one of my favorite complexion pick-me-ups, Benefit High Beam. down the cheek bone. Blend. Apply MAC Blushcreme in Ladyblush to cheeks. Apply as much as you see fit and blend.

EYES: Brows are pencil perfect. Fill in perfectly shaped brows with a powdery eye pencil like Lancome Le Crayon Poudre Powder Pencil (not pictured) in your shade. Sculpt in to place with the spoolie. Eyes are very simple and it is all about flirty lashes. The base has evened out your lid. Apply a nude-to-you shadow. For Esther, this would be something like Laura Mercier Mineral Eye Powder in Gemstone, a sheer light peach. If you feel a bit more definition is needed. Apply a light brown shade to the crease. Try a shade like Maybelline ExpertWear Eyeshadow in Silken Taupe. Line top lashes with an eye liner to “thicken” lashes. I would apply a smooth liner such as Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Liner . Curl lashes and apply a lengthening and curling mascara like L’Oreal Panoramic Curl Extreme Mascara. Apply a few coats to top lashes and one coat to bottom lashes for a wide-eyed look.

LIPS: This is such a classic beauty look. Apply a rose lip liner such as Dior Crayon Contour Lip Liner in Candy Rose . Apply a satin rose lipstick like Milani Velvet Lips Lipstick in Lavish, a mulberry rose. Add some shine with a clear lip gloss with silver shimmer such as Lipstick Queen Shine in Silver Saint. If you really want to warm up in winter, apply DuWop Moon Venom. This adds a silver sparkle and lots of lip plumping “burn”.

And for a fragrance to finish this flirty mermaid-turned-snowbunny-look, I recommend Karl Lagerfield Kapsule Light EDT, a mix of juicy citrus, flowers, and winter spices.

 

Prescriptives Well Suited Fall 2009 Color Collection

Prescriptives Well Suited fall collection reminds me of Dior’s fall collection last year and a slew of others. The inspiration is menswear and fabric. Once again, masculine chic is in this fall: vests, fedoras, button ups. It’s a bit dandy, Garbo, and 70’s Charlie Girl all in one. I’m not complaining, I love this look for fall fashions. Well Suited collection has those perfect shades for fall and since it is Prescriptives there is a compact/color for all complexions, eye colors, hair colors. The focus for this collection is on the eyes. All limited edition items come in a tweed like packaging. All items are available at Prescriptives.

EYES: There are 3 Eye Compacts that retail for $40. Each compact contains 5 eyeshadows. The Warm compact contains shades of warm beige, warm medium brown, soft olive drab, warm dark brown, and a calm ocean teal. I really think that this compact would be very flattering on blue eyes since the warm shades will provide a nice contrast. The Cool compact contains light pink shimmer, dirty mauve, dusty grey, soft burgundy plum, and a rich eggplant. I think this compact would look amazing on hazel and green eyes. Those cool plum shades will make the green stand out. The Neutral compact contains a light beige, cool light brown, deeper brown shimmer, lead pencil grey, and a matte black. This compact should go with all eye colors. There are 4 shades of the new Long Wearing Kohl Liners. It is like a kohl but with a retractable tip. It retails for $17.50 and comes in Black, Slate, Brown, and Blue. Evidently this liner is supposed to wear nicely on the inner rim of eyes because it is waterproof and smooth. (I never do this, my eyes are too small as is). Lash Envy Mascara has been relaunched for the collection.

LIPS: There are 4 shades (3 LE) of Colorscope Lipcolor for $17.50. There is Posh Honey (creamy latte cream), Posh Ginger (warm copper shimmer), Posh Nude ( a super soft mauve cream), and Posh Pink (creamy light plum berry). Obviously, the lips are sheer/nude for this collection. My favorites are Posh Honey because it is a great lipcolor that goes with a smoky eye and Posh Nude because it is so “everyday”.

FACE: There is a Finishing Powder in Translucent for $28. It is a sheer shimmer pressed powder complexion perfector.

 

Estee Lauder Sensuous Gold 2009 Color Story Collection

Estee Lauder has attempted to make “warm tones of sun-baked nudes and rose, lit with glimmers of gold look flattering on every skin tone.” It is a collection of “rose golds” with “glimmers”(AKA big pieces of shimmer flakes). It is a pretty, neutral collection and I imagine that it will really work for many people. It’s sexy in a Victoria’s Secret supermodel way, I mean just look at bronzed up Hilary Rhoda, the model above. I say that it will not work on all skin tones. But, if you have warm or olive undertones, it should really work. They have “amethyst” colors too. These are warmed up plums and berries. Instead of thinking as those as warm cools that cool toned complexions can wear, I think of them as cool tones that warm complexions can wear. Does that make sense?

EYES: There are 2  Sensuous Gold Signature Eyeshadow Quads that retail for $35. To be honest, I was not really impressed with either of these. It’s the formula. I know you’ve seen it before. It looks like it has been dusted with shimmer flakes. The shimmer is not mixed throughout the powder so you’ll get one use that will be super, super shimmery. It isn’t ugly, it’s just deceptive, I guess. Plus, I don’t see this formula wearing very nicely on a mature eye area. The colors are pretty, but I just recommend trying before you buy. There is Rose Amethyst, shimmery shades of plum, pink, and gold. The other is Rose Gold, glimmery shades of rose/pink and gold. Double Wear Stay In Place Eye Pencil has been relaunched. It’s a nice long wearing formula. Another item includes Sumptuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara. I haven’t tried it so sorry, no insights.

FACE: There is a Gilded Rose Shimmer Powder that retails for $36. It’s a baked and marbelized shimmer powder with gold, rose, peach, taupe, sand colors like that. It’s pretty but no better than any other baked and marbelized complexion enhancer on the market. However, it does come with a nice wide, flat brush. And of course Double Wear Foundation has been relaunched.

LIPS & NAILS: There are Signature Lipsticks in a pretty rose gold container. This have been dusted in shimmer also. They retail for $19.50. There’s Cinnamon, Plum Amethyst, Rose Amethyst, and Terracotta. All are warm and range from rose to bronze. There are 2 new Pure Color Multi-Gloss. These have colored layers of shimmer and go for $18. There is Amethyst and Rose Gold. There are 2 Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Black Amethyst, a rich blackberry, and Rose Gold, a shimmery warm rose. Both retail for $18.

And of course there is the Sensuous EDP, a modern wood scent that really isn’t too bad. And to “honor” this collection, they’ve released limited edition products in this scent. A solid perfume, perfume, body oil, body cream, and touch on fragrance. Prices range from $39.50-$120. I am really interested in the body oil. Remember Tom Ford’s Youth Dew Amber Nude body oil? That stuff was amazing.

This isn’t a collection that I feel I must have but it isn’t bad. I do like the warm plums. This collection because of the warm gold undertones could really make blue eyes pop and it will really compliment brown, hazel, and green eyes. The warm tones will work very nicely with olive and tan skins or anybody with golden undertones. We all know that rose gold looks great on redheads so imagine the shades with “rose gold” in the title will look wonderful. It’s just the shimmer factor that may put some people off due to age or the fact that they don’t like to be glitzy during the work day.

 

Guerlain Summer Splash 2009 Summer Color Collection

Again, I have fallen for a Guerlain color collection. This is of no surprise for this happens quite frequently. I love the Summer Splash collection, it is so beachy without being overly “tan” and “bronzed”. The packaging is beautiful and glamorous. The company describes this collection as “a mermaid basking under the sun.” I like the sound of that.

EYES: I have found a new favorite. I absolutely love The Loose Powder Kohl in Lagoon Blue. This is a shimmery sea blue with a hint of gold. It is a “warm” blue. It really works with my complexion. If you think you can’t wear blue, I bet you can wear this. I am light with warm undertones with blue eyes, I imagine that this would also work well with medium complexions with brown eyes. It goes for $34 and I think it is worth every penny. I mean just look at the packaging! There is an awesome eyeshadow quad, Ombre Éclat. It comes in a nice rose gold shaded compact with 4 shimmery shadows: white, rose gold, tan, and aqua. Once again, this is a very kind color combo for my complexion. I think natural redheads, dyed redheads could pull this one off too. It goes for $58. I think it is worth it. The formula is so smooth. The Le 2 Guerlain Waterproof Mascara is out at $35. It’s even available in a teal blue! I haven’t tried this. I’m trying to spend less on things like mascara. The single shadows, Ombre Éclat are available in special shades: Pearly White, a white gold shimmer, and Pearly Brown, a nice sandy brown shimmer. These go for $34.

LIPS: There is the Kiss Kiss Stick Gloss in 3 shades. This is a great formula that provides shiney, sheer color in a stick. There is Corail des Mers, a glossy coral, Grenades Des Iles, a brownish/coppery rose, and Rose Des Sables, a warm rose. These go for $30 and are in the pretty summer packaging.

FACE: It isn’t my little pearls of perfection, but it is so nice. I am in love with Illuminating Powder in Poudre des Sables. This is a pressed shimmer powder housed in a mother of pearl like packaging. The print resembles a shell and it is a mix of gold, rose, sable, tan. It is a flattering shade even for paler gals. It goes for $65. The Blush 4 Éclats Sculpting Blush has been relaunched. This is a great formula available in a variety of shades with a nice, soft fragrance. It goes for $48 and provides a nice glow. There is also an Illuminating Pressed Powder relaunch. These are like pressed, super shimmery Météorites. It is lovely with pearly shades of beige and pink. It reminds me of seashells and goes for $65. These are both great complexion enhancers.

Overall, as you can tell, I love this collection. I know I am biased because it really works for my complexion! Hey, we all get lucky sometime, right? This collection is available at most venues that carry Guerlain such as Nordstrom and other department stores in your area.

 

New Complexion Enhancers by Too Faced & TheBalm

I am a fan of the complexion enhancer. I love shimmer and glimmer. Too Faced has released a new shimmer powder: Absolutely Invisible Candlelight Powder. It is a soft golden ivory shimmer that will warm up pale to medium skins. It comes in a compact with a glam chandelier on it. I love it because I love how Too Faced does shimmer. It retails for $25. TheBalm has released a new shimmer powder: Mary-Lou Manizer. I am not wild for the name being that I think being an “izer” of any type isn’t cool. It’s a beautiful golden ivory shimmer powder that works nicely with light to medium skins. It makes a nice eyeshadow and highlighter for face and body. It comes in a mirrored compact with an under arrest blonde pin-up type gal on it. This retails for $22.

Both powders are very similar. Both are multi-use powders that provide a “soft” shimmer. Too Faced’s contains anti-oxidants. TheBalm’s is talc and paraben free. You can pick them up from Sephora.

 

Get The Quick & Easy “Natural” Look of Jaclyn Smith

Sometimes you just want a “natural” makeup look. It is more of a “neutral” look because you wear cosmetics but nothing “screams” out. I really love this look, sometimes. I usually will do one bold thing so it is nice to have a 70’s laid-back but polished look. Pair this with a big floppy hat and you’re ready for summer. I’m using Revlon cosmetics to create this look. They’ve recently came out with a “Beyond Natural” line that really reminds me of some 70’s cosmetic’s trends.

First even out the complexion with a light foundation or powder depending on your skin type. The Beyond Natural Skin Matching Makeup is nice for normal to dry skins and the Mineral Foundation is nice for normal or oily skins. Apply concealer where needed, try Beyond Natural. It also has a nice highlighting cream which is a great addition for this look. Jaclyn’s skin is “glossy” above the cheekbones and down the nose. Normal to dry skins should blend this on the cheek bones and down the nose. Cheeks are warm. Apply Beyond Natural Blush Bronzer in Nude. There are also darker shades for darker skintones, try Plumberry.

Brows are natural and shouldn’t be filled in. Apply a brow gel if you have super unruley brows. Otherwise, leave them be. Eyes are simple. Take a large fluffy brush and apply Matte Eyeshadow in Vintage Lace, soft beige, from lashline to brows. Using a light hand, blend Matte Eyeshadow in Rich Sable, chocolate brown, into the crease. If you are super pale, you could leave the Rich Sable step out. To give the illusion of thicker lashes, line the top lashline with a soft black liner pencil such as Matte Luxurious Color Kohl Eyeliner in Black Truffle. Apply the line thinly and use a soft hand. Apply mascara, a bunch of layers to top lashes and one to the bottom. Try a product like Beyond Natural Defining Mascara in Black.

Take a bit of the highlighting cream included with the concealer and dab it over the top lip and blend upward.This will give a “pouty” look and keep color from running. Apply Beyond Natural Cream Lipgloss in Spice or Deep Spice for deeper skintones (both are warm nudes). It is shiny and provides medium coverage. (If you must have a lip liner try, Colorstay Liner for Lips in Nude.)

It sounds like a lot but it isn’t. A look like this should take less than 10 minutes, especially if you leave out lip liner and brows.

 

Weekly Cheap Secret: Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Powder Foundation

Weekly Cheap Secret:

It took me a long time to get on the mineral makeup bandwagon since makeup is made of “minerals” anyways. I was constantly drawn into every Bare Escentuals infomercial ever. I didn’t even wear foundation or really needed but I wanted to feel good about swirling something on my face. Those infomercials did a great job because I felt like I was doing my face a disservice by not using the products. So I got my hands on a sample and used it for a week and I really wasn’t impressed. I found that it clumped to any of my dry patches or to any patches where my day cream was applied a little heavier. In the middle of the day I was oilier than if I used no products at all. And by the end of the day, it was gone. But, anyways this isn’t a review about that.But, I want you to know that I have tried the big name in mineral makeup.

Years passed and I got bit by the mineral hype again. This time I purchased Maybelline Mineral Power Powder Foundation because it was cheap. Oh and I had a coupon. I purchased Nude which is much darker than I had imagined. I am not wild about the mini kabuki brush that is included. I now use it for cleaning wild mushrooms. I used my NARS kabuki/bronzer brush with it. It applies very smooth and nice with the tap and swirl method. It provides much more coverage than Bare Escentuals. This doesn’t mean it is “too” much at first but it has potential to really build. You can apply more where you need and it still looks natural, no clumping. The bonus is that the coverage is even and wears like that all day sans primer! I’m kind of happy I have the darker shade because it makes a great bronzer alternative. Since it is so easy to blend I can blend it down the jaw and it works. If I want it lighter I just mix in some lighter loose powder and apply. I do not use a powder with this product usually because shine is not an issue. I do like a dewy look. That is my one complaint (other than the brush), I feel the powder doesn’t look luminous enough and that is what the company is using to sell the item. It does have a tendency to accentuate some lines because of the “luminous” minerals. It looks a bit dry-ish. Just look at the models for the line, it looks like that on the skin. Luckily with my own oils that come out throughout the day, the foundation keeps from looking too flat and one dimensional. My skin actually responds positively to this foundation. No break-outs and it actually looks better, even with foundation off. My skin looks healthy. I finally feel like I have found what works with my skin. I still use concealer under my eyes if needed. I need to add that I have pretty happy skin that is on the normal to dry end of the spectrum. I have some discolorations and baby the hell out of my skin. No line issues since I am in my mid-20’s. The powder is a bit messy and I do not apply it while wearing my clothes. I get foundation all over my tops. I apply it over the sink so I just wipe it down after application. This is an issue with all loose powder foundations. And I am sure that it doesn’t help that I am using a full-size kabuki brush and not the little mini brush that is included with the foundation.

There are nine shades, not that much of a variety. It is a bit hard to find that “perfect” match. But, you can find a close one and make it work or purchase two and mix them. There are many more choices in the Light category (4) than in Dark (1). I purchased Light 4 Nude. It is a bit on the orangey bronze side. The other options looked too cool in the packaging so I went for the warmest and it is really warm. It really works well in the summer when my skin accidentally gets some color. I kind of like it because when I use I don’t have to apply a bronzer. I want simplicity in the summer! It is a good price at about $8.00 (depending where you shop) for .28 ounces. (Bare Escentuals is $25 for .3 ounces). I wish I could get it without the brush for like $5. The packaging is simple and easy to use. Overall, I will keep using it whenever I feel like wearing foundation. Why should I flirt with other mineral brands if I found something I like? And it is cheap.