I don’t really use my glitters enough, and I have so many! Here’s a new one that BASTAR sent over recently. It’s pretty affordable at $8.75 a pop (compared to the OCC Mirrorball Glitter which is $14). I find this a little more finely milled, and I experienced less fallout. Thumbs up from me on the glitter. The glitter glue didn’t impress me much though, it didn’t get tacky and it was more like a very watery Urban Decay Primer Potion or something. I’d skip it and just buy the glitter and use a tackier primer, like TFSI or Fyrinnae’s Pixie Epoxy. 

For reference, I’m also wearing: NYX Cake Powder, Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hyperliners, Urban Decay Big Fatty Mascara, and Revlon Lipstick. 

If you want to try out these BASTAR glitters I have a discount code for 50% off for you: BBGLITZ. 

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for editorial consideration, but it (quite obviously) does not impact how I feel about the products. Our priority is to you first before anything else. See our disclosure policies here.

Hello lovely followers - today (Chi-Chi makes her glorious return to posting hooray) I come with my thoughts on the entire Yes To facial towelette line, since Yes To was nice enough to send samples of their entire line for review! Here are my brief thoughts on each line. Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Facial Towelettes | $5.99 for 25 ct | link: These towelettes are supposed to cleanse, exfoliate and brighten the face and complexion, with Vitamin C and Lycopene active ingredients which are supposed to promote healthier and smoother skin. I found these towelettes to have the most product in each towelette compared to the rest of the ones in the line – which I like a lot better. Also, this removed most of my base makeup with minimal rubbing, but struggled with waterproof eyeliner and mascara. After using the towelette, my face felt refreshed, not too sticky, and looked temporarily brighter. I don’t think that this product is strong enough to provide long-term brightening effects, but if you’re looking for a quick fix, I definitely recommend. This is the only towelette type that I would repurchase. Recommended! Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes | $5.99 for 30 ct | link: These towelettes include cucumbers and aloe vera to provide a gentle cleanse for the skin, and are supposed to remove makeup while nourishing the skin. I am on the fence about this product. On the one hand, when my skin is having a reaction to another product that I am testing, it’s a godsend since it calms down my skin almost immediately. However, when my skin is doing pretty good, the towelettes dry out my skin like no other. ???? Really confused. With that said, I recommend these for people with sensitive skin or for people who are sensitive to the ingredients in the Acne Blemish Clearing towelette version. As for makeup removing properties, these towelettes were decent – can take off base makeup and non-waterproof point makeup with relative ease, but struggled with waterproof makeup. All in all, a tentative recommend. Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Blemish Clearing Facial Towelettes | $7.99 for 25 ct | link: These facial towelettes targets towards oily, combination and acne-prone skin contain acne fighting ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, tomatoes and witch hazel to combat acne and clogged pores. In my experience, these unfortunately broke me out more than when I didn’t use them; I got little white bumps all over my face the week and half I was testing them. :C Also, the towelette didn’t cleanse my face as deeply as I expected (it’s supposed to help fight clogged pores but it didn’t cleanse them????), making it an absolutely necessary to use a separate facial cleanser with this product. When it comes to removing makeup, this took off light base makeup (tinted moisturizer), struggled with foundation and did not take off any waterproof makeup without considerable rubbing.  Not recommended. Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes | $7.99 for 30 ct | link: Finally, these facial towelettes’ ingredients contain apple and lemon peel to moisturize and cleanse the skin – hoping to nourish aging skin. I like these towelettes when I’m not wearing any makeup that day and I just need to clean my face without using a cleanser. It doesn’t particularly remove makeup well, but it’s moisturizing, very slightly brightening (less than the Yes to Grapefruit towelette), and refreshing. With that said, I don’t really see the anti-aging benefits and I’m lost on how a cleansing towelette is supposed to ‘diminish fine lines and wrinkles.’ I probably won’t repurchase simply because I like the effects of the Yes to Grapefruits towelettes so much more, but these are nice too. Recommended!  Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for editorial consideration, but it (quite obviously) does not impact how I feel about the products. Similarly, links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them we get a small commission (of less than 10%, so literally pennies). Our priority is to you first before anything else. See our disclosure policies here. High-res

Hello lovely followers - today (Chi-Chi makes her glorious return to posting hooray) I come with my thoughts on the entire Yes To facial towelette line, since Yes To was nice enough to send samples of their entire line for review! Here are my brief thoughts on each line.

Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Facial Towelettes | $5.99 for 25 ct | link: These towelettes are supposed to cleanse, exfoliate and brighten the face and complexion, with Vitamin C and Lycopene active ingredients which are supposed to promote healthier and smoother skin. I found these towelettes to have the most product in each towelette compared to the rest of the ones in the line – which I like a lot better. Also, this removed most of my base makeup with minimal rubbing, but struggled with waterproof eyeliner and mascara. After using the towelette, my face felt refreshed, not too sticky, and looked temporarily brighter. I don’t think that this product is strong enough to provide long-term brightening effects, but if you’re looking for a quick fix, I definitely recommend. This is the only towelette type that I would repurchase. Recommended!

Yes to Cucumbers Hypoallergenic Facial Towelettes | $5.99 for 30 ct | link: These towelettes include cucumbers and aloe vera to provide a gentle cleanse for the skin, and are supposed to remove makeup while nourishing the skin. I am on the fence about this product. On the one hand, when my skin is having a reaction to another product that I am testing, it’s a godsend since it calms down my skin almost immediately. However, when my skin is doing pretty good, the towelettes dry out my skin like no other. ???? Really confused. With that said, I recommend these for people with sensitive skin or for people who are sensitive to the ingredients in the Acne Blemish Clearing towelette version. As for makeup removing properties, these towelettes were decent – can take off base makeup and non-waterproof point makeup with relative ease, but struggled with waterproof makeup. All in all, a tentative recommend.

Yes to Tomatoes Clear Skin Acne Blemish Clearing Facial Towelettes | $7.99 for 25 ct | link: These facial towelettes targets towards oily, combination and acne-prone skin contain acne fighting ingredients such as Salicylic Acid, tomatoes and witch hazel to combat acne and clogged pores. In my experience, these unfortunately broke me out more than when I didn’t use them; I got little white bumps all over my face the week and half I was testing them. :C Also, the towelette didn’t cleanse my face as deeply as I expected (it’s supposed to help fight clogged pores but it didn’t cleanse them????), making it an absolutely necessary to use a separate facial cleanser with this product. When it comes to removing makeup, this took off light base makeup (tinted moisturizer), struggled with foundation and did not take off any waterproof makeup without considerable rubbing.  Not recommended.

Yes to Blueberries Brightening Facial Towelettes | $7.99 for 30 ct | link: Finally, these facial towelettes’ ingredients contain apple and lemon peel to moisturize and cleanse the skin – hoping to nourish aging skin. I like these towelettes when I’m not wearing any makeup that day and I just need to clean my face without using a cleanser. It doesn’t particularly remove makeup well, but it’s moisturizing, very slightly brightening (less than the Yes to Grapefruit towelette), and refreshing. With that said, I don’t really see the anti-aging benefits and I’m lost on how a cleansing towelette is supposed to ‘diminish fine lines and wrinkles.’ I probably won’t repurchase simply because I like the effects of the Yes to Grapefruits towelettes so much more, but these are nice too. Recommended! 

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for editorial consideration, but it (quite obviously) does not impact how I feel about the products. Similarly, links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them we get a small commission (of less than 10%, so literally pennies). Our priority is to you first before anything else. See our disclosure policies here.

So Chi-Chi already reviewed a few Yes To products which we were both sent and I’ve used these enough to feel comfortable giving my opinions, now. Here’s the dish: Yes to Cucumber Soothing Eye Gel - $14.99 - You may ask if you ‘need’ an eye gel, and the short answer is no, because they’re just heavy duty moisturizers that are eye-space space, or so several dermatologists have told me. They’re just an additional step to your regimen you may want to try. I…don’t like this, it tingles. I’ve asked a few people to try this as well and they also say it tingles. It’s not a particularly pleasant tingling, it feels kind of burning the first time you use it and if you stop using it for awhile the burning comes back. Skip. Yes to Cucumber Daily Calming Moisturizer - $14.99 - While this has it’s upsides — nice creamy, almost primer like formulation, goes on smoothly and has nice SPF coverage, I also think it emphasizes redness (reviews online have mentioned it brings out rosacea) and isn’t quite enough to counteract dryness / flakiness that my acne medication can bring out in my chin. I think there are better moisturizers out there at this price point. Skip. Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Serum - $19.99 - This is definitely my favorite product out of everything currently available from the brand, and when it runs out, I’ll more than likely be restocking immediately. I definitely notice it working on lightening up my acne scars with consistent, daily usage. You have to be a little careful with pumping too much, and it smells weird (I don’t like the smell of the grapefruit line of products in general) and it’s a lil’ goopy BUT it’s a super thin product and works great and is pretty cheap for a scar serum so WUDDUP. Try it. Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Body Creme - $9.99 - I’m of the same opinion as Chi-Chi on this product. This is strongly fragranced with that grapefruit smell (which I’m not a huge fan of), but it’s basically a body butter. i don’t think it lightens up much really, it’s basically just a moisturizer. While I didn’t experience any negative side effects, break outs or redness etc, i also don’t think I experienced any…effects… in general. Yes to Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask - $1.99 - These single serve masks are perfect for party sleepovers or traveling. I got 5 uses out of mine actually, I probably could have gotten more. I think it’s a nice mask to alleviate redness, minimize pores. The effects are subtle of course, but it’s nice and if you just want a cheap quick pick me up treat yo self kind of mask this is a nice one to try. I was also sent over their lip butters, I think the berry and pomegranate ones are my favorite, I keep one in my jacket or bag at all times. Chapped lips are not kawaii. I think the great thing about the Yes to Brand is the multiple brands within the company that cater to specific concerns (you can see them all here) and the fact they have very funny packaging and their products are paraben and pthalate free. All the packaging is recyclable, sustainable, and they give back to the communities. While some of these products don’t work for me, I’ve been a fan of the brand since high school (So many backups of their discontinued Yes to Cucumbers Leave-In Conditioner!!) and I’ll continue to try stuff out from them because they’re one of my favorite drugstore brands. Hope you liked this review.  Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for editorial consideration, but it (quite obviously) does not impact how I feel about the products. Similarly, links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them we get a small commission (of less than 10%, so literally pennies). Our priority is to you first before anything else. See our disclosure policies here. High-res

So Chi-Chi already reviewed a few Yes To products which we were both sent and I’ve used these enough to feel comfortable giving my opinions, now. Here’s the dish:

  1. Yes to Cucumber Soothing Eye Gel - $14.99 - You may ask if you ‘need’ an eye gel, and the short answer is no, because they’re just heavy duty moisturizers that are eye-space space, or so several dermatologists have told me. They’re just an additional step to your regimen you may want to try. I…don’t like this, it tingles. I’ve asked a few people to try this as well and they also say it tingles. It’s not a particularly pleasant tingling, it feels kind of burning the first time you use it and if you stop using it for awhile the burning comes back. Skip.
  2. Yes to Cucumber Daily Calming Moisturizer - $14.99 - While this has it’s upsides — nice creamy, almost primer like formulation, goes on smoothly and has nice SPF coverage, I also think it emphasizes redness (reviews online have mentioned it brings out rosacea) and isn’t quite enough to counteract dryness / flakiness that my acne medication can bring out in my chin. I think there are better moisturizers out there at this price point. Skip.
  3. Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Serum - $19.99 - This is definitely my favorite product out of everything currently available from the brand, and when it runs out, I’ll more than likely be restocking immediately. I definitely notice it working on lightening up my acne scars with consistent, daily usage. You have to be a little careful with pumping too much, and it smells weird (I don’t like the smell of the grapefruit line of products in general) and it’s a lil’ goopy BUT it’s a super thin product and works great and is pretty cheap for a scar serum so WUDDUP. Try it.
  4. Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Body Creme - $9.99 - I’m of the same opinion as Chi-Chi on this product. This is strongly fragranced with that grapefruit smell (which I’m not a huge fan of), but it’s basically a body butter. i don’t think it lightens up much really, it’s basically just a moisturizer. While I didn’t experience any negative side effects, break outs or redness etc, i also don’t think I experienced any…effects… in general.
  5. Yes to Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask - $1.99 - These single serve masks are perfect for party sleepovers or traveling. I got 5 uses out of mine actually, I probably could have gotten more. I think it’s a nice mask to alleviate redness, minimize pores. The effects are subtle of course, but it’s nice and if you just want a cheap quick pick me up treat yo self kind of mask this is a nice one to try.

I was also sent over their lip butters, I think the berry and pomegranate ones are my favorite, I keep one in my jacket or bag at all times. Chapped lips are not kawaii.

I think the great thing about the Yes to Brand is the multiple brands within the company that cater to specific concerns (you can see them all here) and the fact they have very funny packaging and their products are paraben and pthalate free. All the packaging is recyclable, sustainable, and they give back to the communities. While some of these products don’t work for me, I’ve been a fan of the brand since high school (So many backups of their discontinued Yes to Cucumbers Leave-In Conditioner!!) and I’ll continue to try stuff out from them because they’re one of my favorite drugstore brands. Hope you liked this review. 

Disclaimer: These products were sent to me for editorial consideration, but it (quite obviously) does not impact how I feel about the products. Similarly, links are affiliate links, which means if you purchase through them we get a small commission (of less than 10%, so literally pennies). Our priority is to you first before anything else. See our disclosure policies here.

Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Black Eyeliner: Not A Winner.

This is after an hour!!! An hour!!! On lids that are not oily!!!! As in, so not oily, I do not even use primer anymore because I only wear liner now anyway and none of my liquid liners require priming!!!

Like honestly, when I first purchased it, I liked it for tightlining, but even just tightlining, it goes everywhere… I didn’t even tightline this time, but it’s literally on my eyebags. I look like I’ve been crying.

F- Would not buy again good riddance ew gross gonna chop it up and throw the remains at people I don’t like bleugh goodbye

(This has been a professional review by Arabelle, a very professional review, with a product she brought herself with her own money, and she has no idea why she is talking in third person but whatever it’s been a long day and this terrible eyeliner is kind of traumatizing alright) 

Hello loves!! Here are a couple of skincare/bodycare reviews including Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream and Dark Spot Correcting Body Creme. 

The company Yes to was nice enough to send both Arabelle and I products to review from both their new(ish) line, Yes to Grapefruit, and some of their older lines as well, and we’re both excited to share our thoughts about them! We’ve both been using the products for about a month now, so without further ado…

1. Correct & Repair Dark Circle Correction Eye Cream | $15.99: This eye cream claims to “lighten and brighten those gorgeous peepers” by the three active ingredients in the eye cream, including Grapefruit (rich in Vitamin C and Lycopene), Crambe Abyssinica Oil and Licorice Root. I used it as directed, using a pearl-sized amount and gently dabbing it on around my eyes.

My first reaction was “this isn’t particularly moisturizing,” and that didn’t change over the course of the month. If you have a dry under-eye area, I would not recommend this unless you want to layer on another eye cream with more moisturizing properties. There is a slight grapefruit fragrance to the eye cream, so if you’re sensitive to fragrance, be warned! It does fade after a couple minutes, but it’s still there. It’s also slightly sticky on application, so I recommend waiting a couple minutes after application during the day if you’re going to use concealer. 

Does it work? …eh. My opinion is eh. I don’t expect miracles, but it didn’t really work on my dark circles at all (at least any long-lasting effects). It does, however, brighten the eye area, which is really nice for a radiant look. Also, even though it’s not marketed as a moisturizing eye cream, I would appreciate some moisturizing factor, since the eye area is so sensitive. 

Recommended? Nope. It’s nice for a temporary brightening fix, but for something that actually brightens your under eye area more permanently? No. With that said, I have used it for a month, so I’ll check back with you after two months and report if anything has changed.

2. Yes to Grapefruit Dark Spot Correcting Body Creme | $9.99: This product is supposed to ‘make the skin feel firmer, more resilient, softer and smoother’ while brightening your skin. First and foremost, the description on how to use this product is absolutely adorable (see here), and it makes me smile every time I see it :3. When it comes to the creme,  it’s a lightweight white-colored creme that becomes colorless when massaged into the skin. It also has a light grapefruit scent that is prevalent throughout the entire collection, so again for people who are sensitive to fragrance, steer far away! This takes a good ten to fifteen minutes for the fragrance to fade away completely.

My main problem with this creme is that it is sticky on application. Quite sticky and this is during the harsh Midwest winter, so during the humid summers, I cannot imagine how uncomfortable it will feel. Once it does soak in, it leaves my skin happily moisturized during the whole day without reapplication. Also, it leaves my skin feeling very smooth and silky.

Does it work? Somewhat. When it comes to moisturizing and smoothing the skin, after the uncomfortable soaking in period, absolutely. Dark spot correcting? Currently not at all. Overall brightening? Very slightly. Firmer? Not that I can tell.

Recommended? If you like the scent of grapefruit and you’re looking for a new body creme. If you 1) don’t like grapefruit 2) can’t bear with stickyness 3) expect fast results - not recommended. Depending on how I like this when it gets warm (probably in July at this point -_-), I might repurchase. I have trouble with dry skin patches especially on my legs, and this creme keeps it at bay.

Disclaimer: These were all provided for editorial consideration but that doesn’t influence my opinions on the products! See our full disclaimer here.

powderdoom:

Christmas Haul! You’ve already seen one of the holo polishes here. Since this is a lot of stuff I won’t list it all but let me know what you’d like to see a review of — keep an eye out for swatches of the polishes and shadows at the very least. 

I’ve had plenty of time to use these things so here are my thoughts real quick:

  1. The Naked Basics is now my go-to everyday eyeshadow palette. Totally love it.
  2. The finishing sprays do have noticeable differences — they’re not the same formula with different names, if you’re cynical. I find that the Cooling & Hydrating one is great for dry skin if you want to set your makeup but have hydrated skin, but it also doesn’t help your makeup last as long as All-Nighter. I’ve been reaching for All-Nighter because it honestly totally helps my makeup last 12+ hour days.
  3. Murad AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser is my favorite exfoliating cleanser now. I find the Dermalogica one kind of a hassle to use now because the grit can get in your eyes. The Olay Fresh Effects one is very similar to the Murad one though. However, I feel like my skin is more nourished and balanced with this one.
  4. The Layla polishes are magnificent holo polishes. I wore JUST these polishes for like two months straight and couldn’t stop staring at my nails. Downsides — it’s a very thin formulation and there is noticable wearing by the third day. These don’t last very long, even with generous topcoat. I think buying one is worth the splurge if you don’t have a holo, though — that is, if you can find it.
  5. The Deborah Lippmann polish was a disappointment for sure (pics here). Not really a duochrome, it just reads as a weird gold color with no green to me. And it started chipping the second day. Blah.
  6. Honestly haven’t used the Geek Chic lippies often enough to make an extensive review but they are so, so creamy. Will get back to you on these.
Been testing out these products amongst others on and off since before NYFW. I have to say, I’m pleasantly surprised! Here are my thoughts: Olay Fresheffects BB Cream - $14.99 -  I have learned by now not to expect too much from Western BB Creams, so I went into it thinking it would be a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen or a tinted sunscreen and I wasn’t surprised. It’s a little bit of both, and doesn’t provide any coverage. I was a lil concerned it’d be too dark for me (I’m super pale) but since it provides zero coverage that’s not a problem. I mean, it’s not really a BB cream. It also looks a bit glowy in pictures even after powder. However, I got a lot of compliments on my skin while wearing this and concealer alone so maybe that is a good thing? I am not quite sold. Olay Fresheffects Makeup Removal Clothes - $4.99 - I really really like these. I stopped using makeup removing clothes awhile ago because they add up especially if you wear makeup frequently like I do. However these are super moisturizing and remove everything well with minimal effort. You still need to use a qtip for eye makeup but it’s pretty sweet. I still prefer using cleansing oils instead but when I’m too tired I am so happy to have these around. Olay Fresheffects Moisturizing Lotion - $14.99 - Hands down my favorite product out of the bunch, it was instantly love. SO smooth, it felt practically like a primer. It is my favorite moisturizer I have tried in awhile.  Disclaimer: These were all provided for editorial consideration but that doesn’t influence my opinions on the products!  High-res

Been testing out these products amongst others on and off since before NYFW. I have to say, I’m pleasantly surprised! Here are my thoughts:

  1. Olay Fresheffects BB Cream - $14.99 -  I have learned by now not to expect too much from Western BB Creams, so I went into it thinking it would be a tinted moisturizer with sunscreen or a tinted sunscreen and I wasn’t surprised. It’s a little bit of both, and doesn’t provide any coverage. I was a lil concerned it’d be too dark for me (I’m super pale) but since it provides zero coverage that’s not a problem. I mean, it’s not really a BB cream. It also looks a bit glowy in pictures even after powder. However, I got a lot of compliments on my skin while wearing this and concealer alone so maybe that is a good thing? I am not quite sold.
  2. Olay Fresheffects Makeup Removal Clothes - $4.99 - I really really like these. I stopped using makeup removing clothes awhile ago because they add up especially if you wear makeup frequently like I do. However these are super moisturizing and remove everything well with minimal effort. You still need to use a qtip for eye makeup but it’s pretty sweet. I still prefer using cleansing oils instead but when I’m too tired I am so happy to have these around.
  3. Olay Fresheffects Moisturizing Lotion - $14.99 - Hands down my favorite product out of the bunch, it was instantly love. SO smooth, it felt practically like a primer. It is my favorite moisturizer I have tried in awhile. 

Disclaimer: These were all provided for editorial consideration but that doesn’t influence my opinions on the products! 

Hello lovely PD followers! Here’s a mini review of Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup in Caramel 260 $9.99 | link. I purchased this foundation recently because I finished another foundation in my collection (Estee Lauder Invisible Fluid Foundation). …and the YouTube hype train is focusing on this foundation so of course, have to see if it’s actually good. 

The color range of this foundation is alright, but nothing to be amazed about since if you’re very pale or darker than me you’re probably not going to find a match. Caramel is the second darkest shade, and compared to other Caramel Revlon foundations that i own, it runs a tad lighter. More on that later…

The consistency of this foundation is very liquidy, and since this doesn’t have a pump (why do all foundations not come with pumps this would be better with a pump), it’s very easy to accidentally get too much product. It also does not break me out which is wonderful for my ridiculously sensitive skin.

Application of the foundation is pretty easy, I either use a stippling brush, an expert face brush (Real Techniques ilu), or my fingers. It looks light on my skin when I first buff it into my skin, but it oxidizes and melts into my skin for a pretty good match. It really does feel like I’m wearing nothing, especially when I applied it sheerly. Lightest feeling foundation I own. It dries down to a semi-matte finish on my skin.

The coverage is light but can be built up to medium - it doesn’t bubble up or gather in my pores either which is a welcome sign because all of my drugstore foundations I own do that. It covers all of my light acne scarring and lightly covers the darker scars; however, you will need concealer if you have darker hyperpigmentation or darker acne scarring for a flawless finish. This is by no means a full coverage foundation.

The wear of the foundation is surprisingly good on my combination skin. I have an oily T-Zone and normal everywhere else, and it lasts without a powder for around 5 hours before it starts to fade. With a powder, it lasts around 8 hours, which is the most time I’m usually wearing foundation anyway. I do have to blot my face after four hours.

Overall recommendation: Would I recommend? Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter coverage foundation and if you find a color match. Is it the best thing ever? No not really and since it’s permanent just wait for a sale, coupons or go to Target/Walmart. I like it (a pump would make this a stronger yes tbh) and I get compliments when I wear it. It’s a good product.

Since I currently have a pretty intimidating backup of products to properly review, I thought I’d do a group mini review of what is on my face currently and kill five birds with one stone. These were all c/o also, getting that out of the way. Urban Decay Naked Basics: This has already been mentioned twice, go see the swatches & monthly favorites here. In summary, though: Matte, pigmented neutral shadows in travel friendly packaging. Kind of an essential.  Jane Iredale Finishing Powder: Also reviewed here before. I’m trying to give my skin a break from layers and layers of makeup so I’ve just been using sunscreen, concealer and this when I have to wear makeup for work.  Olay Total Effects Moisturizer SPF 15: Light moisturizer with tiny amount of SPF. I have pretty red skin right now from a harsh acne breakout and dryness, this did tone correct like it promised, but not a huge amount. I also don’t think SPF 15 is saying much. I am not incredibly impressed but if you have oily skin with a small amount of redness you might appreciate this. I’m not quite sold. This is probably most useful as something to be layered on top of — you can find other products that do all of what it offers, but better.  Buxom Menace Lipstick: Satin finish, rich wine color. The raspberry / rich wine lipstick family is my favorite so obviously I’m in love. This is satin finish, super vivid — one swipe does it. VERY moisturizing, also, probably one of the more hydrating formulations, but not to the point where it slips on your lips and looks sloppy. Very impressed, and it has beautiful packaging. Call me a fan.  Too Faced Highlighting Powder Duo: I prefer liquid highlighter (Benefit’s High Beam, forever) because especially with my dry skin, shiny highlighting powder like this just looks chunky and noticeable on me even with a light, light hand. It’s a good product for me in the summer but right now, I’m a sad panda.  So — mixed bag. Kept it short and to the point though. Let me know if you’ve tried these products and what you thought about them — especially the Olay and Buxom! I haven’t heard much hype about either.  High-res

Since I currently have a pretty intimidating backup of products to properly review, I thought I’d do a group mini review of what is on my face currently and kill five birds with one stone. These were all c/o also, getting that out of the way.

  1. Urban Decay Naked Basics: This has already been mentioned twice, go see the swatches & monthly favorites here. In summary, though: Matte, pigmented neutral shadows in travel friendly packaging. Kind of an essential. 
  2. Jane Iredale Finishing Powder: Also reviewed here before. I’m trying to give my skin a break from layers and layers of makeup so I’ve just been using sunscreen, concealer and this when I have to wear makeup for work. 
  3. Olay Total Effects Moisturizer SPF 15: Light moisturizer with tiny amount of SPF. I have pretty red skin right now from a harsh acne breakout and dryness, this did tone correct like it promised, but not a huge amount. I also don’t think SPF 15 is saying much. I am not incredibly impressed but if you have oily skin with a small amount of redness you might appreciate this. I’m not quite sold. This is probably most useful as something to be layered on top of — you can find other products that do all of what it offers, but better. 
  4. Buxom Menace Lipstick: Satin finish, rich wine color. The raspberry / rich wine lipstick family is my favorite so obviously I’m in love. This is satin finish, super vivid — one swipe does it. VERY moisturizing, also, probably one of the more hydrating formulations, but not to the point where it slips on your lips and looks sloppy. Very impressed, and it has beautiful packaging. Call me a fan. 
  5. Too Faced Highlighting Powder Duo: I prefer liquid highlighter (Benefit’s High Beam, forever) because especially with my dry skin, shiny highlighting powder like this just looks chunky and noticeable on me even with a light, light hand. It’s a good product for me in the summer but right now, I’m a sad panda. 

So — mixed bag. Kept it short and to the point though. Let me know if you’ve tried these products and what you thought about them — especially the Olay and Buxom! I haven’t heard much hype about either. 

By now you have probably seen swatches of this at least a trillion times (I really like Leesha’s swatches), but here are mine. Since my visit to Urban Decay Headquarters (pictures here) I have been kept busy with fashion week prep and back to school prep so I haven’t had enough time to thoroughly test this until just now. I’ve used it several times now and I’m quite fond of it! I’ve been using Naked2, Faint, and Crave daily, and Venus is a great brow highlight. 

For a big matte shadow lover like me this palette is such a good buy and it’s sooo travel friendly too. In an ideal world they’d come out with another version of this for darker skintones because I know this would be so chalky on dark skin. Perhaps time will tell. For pale skinned babes who want some matte neutrals (which are surprisingly hard to find), this is a good bet.

This product was provided for editorial consideration but it doesn’t impact the review — honesty to our readers is our #1 priority.