10. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Invisible Cover Concealer #350.

When the weather is hot, my cream concealer just won’t do because of caking issues. Instead I have been using this great click pen liquid concealer by MAKE UP FOR EVER, and I really like this one. It takes care of dark circles without the need for setting powder. It dries completely without any stickiness, so it is excellent for minimal makeup summer days when I just don’t want to fuss with too many products.

9. Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge.

Sonia Kashuk is my #1 reason why I am annoyed that Target is still not in Canada.  The Sonia Kashuk blending sponge is an essential tool in my makeup bag for perfecting the skin on my face and under eye area.  Used wet with my MAC Fix+ Rose, about 10 swipes of my tinted moisturizer or foundation all over my face and I’m done.  Flip it over to the pointed side and blend out under eye concealer in a jiff.  It is really that easy.

8. MAC Eyeshadow in Arena.

Many a summer day my eye makeup was very minimal.  Some days eyeliner was not even used.  When I felt like putting on a “me but better” face, 9 times out of 10 I wore MAC Arena.  This shade is so versatile on my skin tone (about NC35 – NC37) because I can use it as a light lid colour or as a highlight.  If I am really pressed for time, I just highlight my eyes’ inner corners and brow bone and I instantly look more awake.

7. MAC Lipstick in Viva Glam V.

Here I am again, telling the world about my undying love for MAC Viva Glam V lipstick.  Seriously, if I were to have a BFF in lipstick form, Viva Glam V would be it.  The shimmery mauve is oh so easy to wear, and the Lustre finish makes it more comfortable to wear than other MAC formulas.  Oh, and did you know proceeds from all Viva Glam products go towards MAC AIDS fund to support those living with HIV and AIDS?  Now I won’t feel so bad getting backups of this amazing lipstick.

6. Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free in Almond.

On days when I want to even out my skin tone more than usual, I reach for this instead of my usual foundation.  Laura Mercier’s tinted moisturizers are well-known in the beauty universe, and rightly so.  This one provides a heavier coverage than your regular tinted moisturizers, so it covers your minor imperfections while still letting your skin show through.  I find the oil free formula is great for oily skin like mine and it has never broken me out.  This was a great buy!

5. MAC Hipness Blush.

This has become my default blush. The almost-matte coral is incredibly flattering on any complexion. It’s not the most pigmented blush I have, but it can be built up to a super intense colour when layered.  The nice thing about Hipness is that it works with a warm look as well as cool colours.  So if someone were to ask me which one blush I would take with me on a deserted island — obviously this someone is not in their right mind! — I would definitely pick my Hipness blush.  Because we’re tight like that.

4. Dior Addict Shine Eau de Toilette.

This is the latest addition (I almost typed addiction, ha!) to my small perfume collection.  I like to switch to a lighter scent in the summer months and this is what I’ve been wearing this scent all summer long.  I’m not fluent in perfume-speak, but it smells like a fresh floral on me.  It starts off more citrusy, but as it wears through the day, it begins to smell like a fresh field of flowers.  It is always a nice surprise whenever I catch a whiff of this scent.  It is summer in a bottle.

3. Annabelle Zebra Bronzing Powder in Haute Gold.

What a great bronzer and a great price!  Everyone I know who has used this — fair and tan — shares my love for this bronzer.  Fact: I totally cracked up when some Glitter Geek readers were fooled into thinking I wasn’t wearing bronzer in my original review.  I looked like I had naturally glowing skin like I’m not wearing any makeup. That is all.

2. Pure + simple All Natural SPF 30 for Oily/Impure Skin.

I don’t know why I haven’t yet posted a review on this, but it has seriously saved my face from those horrible itchy patches I got last summer.  It’s a physical sunscreen, which means that I look like a powder-face geisha after I put it on, but it works.  On most days I just wear my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish Natural (Medium Dark) over it and everything looks as it should.  Non-greasy and doesn’t smell revolting.  It can be found at Pure + simple spas in the Greater Toronto Area or online.

1. Cover FX ClearPrep FX Matte Foundation Primer and Anti-Acne Treatment Gel.

My favourite primer continues to save my face from turning into a greaseball every day I wear it.  It is pricy, but if you have oily skin and think there is nothing out there that’ll help you, you should really give this ClearPrep FX a try.  And normal to dry skinned beauties, be not afraid! I didn’t find ClearPrep FX to be drying, either.  I tell everyone about it, so tell your friends!

Now That I’ve Shared Mine, What Are Your Go-To Products This Summer?

Disclosure: The bronzer was sent to me for review, and I bought everything else. Wow, that’s a lot of new products!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 35 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Cover FX, Dior, Laura Mercier, MAC, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Pure + simple, Sonia Kashuk | Tags: blush, bronzer, brushes, concealer, eyeshadow, lipstick, perfume, primer, sunscreen, tinted moisturizer

Swatches: no base / over Urban Decay Primer Potion

For a $4 eyeshadow, the pigmentation and quality of this eyeshadow blew me away.  It’s almost unbelievable, really.

What do you think?  You likey?  Scherbie approves!

Excellent taste, Scherbatsky!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 10 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Swatches, joe fresh | Tags: eyeshadow, Scherbatsky

Now that I have shown you what we were up to in and around San Francisco, it’s time again to talk makeup.  Well, now that I think about it, it’s always time to talk about makeup.

Illamasqua Powder Blusher

Canadian Sephora sadly lacks the amazing Illamasqua, so I wanted to check out the brand’s blushes (naturally!).  They have incredibly smooth mattes that I wanted to take home, but I felt too guilty about hauling so much.  I did swatch some of the blushes though, so everything’s not lost.

The blushes really were that pigmented on the back of my hand.  I wanted Hussy and Excite.

Urban Decay Naked Palette

My friend from work and I have been stalking Sephora in the past couple of weeks to see if we can snatch up the coveted Urban Decay Naked Palette. When I saw this in SF, my neutral loving self literally skipped towards the cashier with one in my hand. My fellow Canadians, if you are able to hold out for a trip to the US, I would suggest buying there instead. It is US$44 / CDN$53.  For reference I am MAC NC35 / NC37.

(...)
Read the rest of Makeup From Sephora Powell, San Francisco: Urban Decay Naked Palette and Illamasqua Blushes. (222 words)

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 18 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Illamasqua, Makeup, Swatches, Urban Decay | Tags: blush, eyeliner, eyeshadow, palette

Pigmentation Level

When applied dry, Chic Plum leaves just a whisper of colour on the lids.  If you’re one who likes a more natural look to your eye makeup, then I would recommend this in a heartbeat.

Using it wet pumps up the colour intensity; the shimmery pink side especially becomes 100% opaque.  It is the most stunning frosty pink I have ever seen!  The grayed purple side is more stubborn; it is still not opaque after a few layers.

Staying Power

I have oily eyelids and so I never go without my eye primer, so keep that in mind.  I didn’t experience any fading or creasing with these eyeshadows. They stayed put from the morning until I take them off in the evening. That’s pretty impressive, especially for that low price tag!

Blendability

The shimmery pink side is easily blendable, and that’s to be expected of all shimmery eyeshadows.  The grayed purple — again — is harder to work with.  I find that I have to take my time to blend it out in the crease, and I find it even more difficult to blend when foiled (applied wet).

The Low Down

If you are going for natural, sheer makeup, then this well-coordinated duo will give you the most bang for your buck.  Those who aren’t colour shy (like me) might be a little disappointed about the intensity of that grayed purple.  Make sure to have a good crease blending brush, or at least some time and patience. I like it, but I’m not in love.  Rating: B-.

Pictures and Swatches

Swatches: shimmery pink (dry / wet), grayed purple (dry / wet)

Disclosure: This product was sent by Groupe Marcelle for consideration only.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Marcelle, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: drugstore, eyeshadow

Nancy Oh! / Bonavista / Winterton / Barren / Changeling / Mummer / Figgy Duff / Little Heart’s Ease
(click to enlarge)

Ingredients

Eyeshadow Pigment Reviews

Nancy Oh! is a dark plum with a slight blue duochrome.  The colour payoff is excellent, and it looks even better foiled or applied over a base.

Bonavista is a very shimmery mid-tone silver.  I think it would make a rockin’ grey smokey eye.

Winterton is a white with very fine shimmer.  It is one of the smoothest pigments in the collection.

Barren is a light olive with fine gold sparkles.  This is the least pigmented of the bunch so I don’t like using this dry.  I find that the texture was also on the chalky side.

Changeling is a greyish aqua with barely there gold sparkles.  I had the same problems with this as Barren — it was quite chalky.  It’s also a colour that is difficult for me to pull off, so it might be better suited for those with fairer skin tones.

Mummer is an incredible chocolate brown.  It is very pigmented and smooth with or without a base.  Definitely one of my favourites.

Figgy Duff is a shimmery beige.  It works well as a highlighter, and it is just as smooth as Mummer.

Little Heart’s Ease is a shimmery rosy pink.  This colour screams Springtime, and its pretty colour is well-complemented by its smooth texture and excellent payoff.

Trussle is a taupe that I unfortunately didn’t receive.  We love taupe!  I’m going to look for a swatch of this online… or maybe buy it.

The Low Down

Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of these pigments.  At only $6 per 5 mL jar, these pigments are a good deal considering the high quality pigments you are getting.  I did not have any problems with fallout when using these.

I recommend: the really delicious neutrals like Winterton, Mummer and Figgy Duff.  If you like colour, get Nancy Oh! and Little Heart’s Ease.

Look for: Trussle, the taupe.  This reminder is for me, anyway.

Skip on: Barren and Changeling.

Disclosure: These products were sent to me by Tval Skincare for consideration only.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup | Tags: eyeliner, eyeshadow, minerals, tval skincare

My personal faves: Off Kilter, Jinx (worn here), Spin The Bottle, Chick Flick, First Kiss.

Which ones do you like?

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Sassy Minerals, Swatches | Tags: blush, eyeshadow, minerals

NARS Cordura Eyeshadow Duo

While I love bright looks, most of the time I am wearing something more wearable like browns, peaches, and golds. I just know Cordura would make the most beautiful chocolate smoky eyes.

The eyeshadows, like most NARS powders, pack amazing pigment and are very finely milled. The lighter eyeshadow has the finest micro shimmer. The deeper one has more apparent shimmers, not as smooth as the other, but is still buttery enough to make me go oooooh!

How about some swatches?

You need this, and you know it.

I can’t even begin to explain my love for these eyeshadows. No wonder I’ve been dying to get it for about a year now. That’s right, a year. I guess this is the start of our happy ending. Rating: A+.

P.S. I’m using a new camera that I bought recently, the Canon G11. So far I kinda love it! It’s so precise that it’s picking up my fine arm hair LOL.

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 27 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, NARS, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: eyeshadow

Clockwise from top left: Helium, Pinked, Nymphet, Toxic Garden

Note: the eyeshadows were swatched heavily so that you can see each eyeshadow’s full potential.  I will talk about pigmentation of the eyeshadows separately below.

I first read about these eyeshadows from Rae of theNotice and was definitely intrigued.  It was also when I described Toxic Garden as “booger green.”  (Isabel, I’m still both impressed and embarrassed that you caught that comment.)

Helium

Helium is a light shimmery neutral.  This one actually contains some peachy pink glitter and not that finely milled.  At first glance it looked a little bit like MAC All That Glitters, but Helium is lighter and more glittery.  If you’re like me and not a fan of the glitter, you can blow or tap it off.  You’ll still be left with plenty of pigment and sheen.

Pinked

Pinked is a bright pink with low shimmer.  It’s not something that I would usually use on my eyes, but I think it would be a fabulous bright blush.  It is very pigmented, but it’s easy to work with; you can definitely apply this with a light hand.

Nymphet

Nymphet is a light shimmery turquoise.  This is so finely milled and pigmented; definitely the best of the four.  Its texture feels like the MAC’s Veluxe Pearl eyeshadows, which I LOVE!  Because it’s cool-toned, I don’t usually wear colours like it, but of course I have to try!  I think it would look awesome paired with a bright purple.

Toxic Garden

Last but not least, Toxic Garden is booger green.  LOL, just kidding.  Well, sort of.  Yucky in the pan, this colour applies sheer and appears more of a golden green on me.  I’ve paired it with a dark green and a greenish taupe, and it didn’t look at all like booger green!  You might even describe it as pretty.  *gasp*

All in all, I think Annabelle did a great job with these eyeshadows.  My least favourite of the bunch is Helium because of the glitter.  If I were to recommend just one, it would have to be Nymphet.  It’ll be perfect for Spring!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 17 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Annabelle, Makeup, Reviews, Swatches | Tags: eyeshadow

You asked for swatches.  You got ‘em!  I think my early favourites are Chick Flick (warm rose shimmer) and Off Kilter (silvery lavender with green and purple sparkle).  Off Kilter is just so… glittar-tastic!  LOL.  ’kay I’m such a nerd.

Top row / no flash

Top row / with flash

Bottom row / no flash

Bottom row / with flash

Which ones are your favourites?

Curious minds always wanna know!  Post them in the comments.

P.S. Ugh I need sunlight to properly show you guys swatches of these.  They’re much more beautiful than what you see here!

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2010. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Makeup, Sassy Minerals, Swatches | Tags: blush, eyeshadow, minerals

Auraline Mineral Eyeshadow Luxury Pan in Bright Violet, $3

Side by side comparison: MUFE 92 and Auraline Bright Violet

Comparisons

• Colour. Judging by the swatches, Auraline Bright Violet has a little bit more blue in it compared to MUFE 92. So not an exact dupe, but this is as close as it gets.
• Texture. Both are very smooth, with the same matte finish.
• Pigmentation. MUFE 92 is more pigmented, only swiped 2x using my finger, while the Auraline Bright Violet took about 3x. But, 3x the swipes is still pretty incredible for a $3 pan of eyeshadow.

So?

What do you mean, so? This eyeshadow rocks! I’m pretty impressed with it, looking at how it faired against the famous purple of MAKE UP FOR EVER. Rating: A+++++

© Arianne for Glitter Geek, 2009. | Permalink | 8 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Categories: Auraline, MAKE UP FOR EVER, Makeup, Swatches | Tags: dupes, eyeshadow, IMATS, poor girl's guide