Back That Thang Up!

If I have learned anything during all my years of shopping for things, from clothing to food to makeup, it's that if you absolutely love it then you better buy more than one.  Yes, my darlings.  Companies are so quick to discontinue, redesign or "limited edition" the heck out so many of your faves - especially cosmetics - that it would behoove you to grab an extra one (or two) of these items to save yourself from possible frustration, lamentation and an onset of depression upon hearing that your beloveds are no longer available.  After suffering a few heartbreaks of my own, I became a quick study of the retail game and have even added certain foods to the list of things I buy in multiples.  But for now, I'll share with you some of my makeup faves that I've made a concerted effort to get backups for.

To anyone that has read my blog early on, this item should be very familiar.  In fact, it's one of the first eyeshadows I reviewed.  It's L'Oreal HIP's eyeshadow duo in Sassy.

I focused primarily on the taupe side of Sassy in my earlier review, but the duo as a whole is ab fab.  If you love taupes and you don't already own this, you need to get it.  I absolutely LOVE taupes!  Therefore, I had to get a backup.  Birthday Boy unknowingly bought a second backup to win some favor in my eyes.  Well, it didn't work.  But I digress.  To the victor goes the spoils and now I have two backups of my beloved Sassy taupe.

CoverGirl's Ebony Bronze bronzer from their Queen Collection had my heart when I first laid eyes on it then sealed the deal when I applied it to my face.  It is a gorgeous, deep brown without the spectacle of sparkle and I grabbed two backups when I saw it on sale.  Sadly, the other one shattered, but is still useable... and use it I shall!

The next item is a very pretty blush from Wet 'n' Wild called Berry Shimmer.  If you're at all familiar with Wet 'n' Wild products then you know that they are a fairly inexpensive drugstore brand so procuring a backup for this number was not too heavy an investment.

Berry Shimmer is a reddish-pink with subtle gold pearl.  It's a finely milled, high-perfoming blush that totally belies its low price point.  If you haven't given WnW's blushes a try, I urge you to do so.  This one in particular is awesome.

I missed out on this one when it initially became available with one of MAC's limited edition collections so when I saw it later at The Cosmetics Company Store (a discounted makeup outlet) I grabbed two.  It's MAC's Mineralize Skinfinish in Brunette.

MAC's Mineralize Skinfinishes are frosty highlighters that bring a veil of color to the cheeks as well as a shimmering glow.  They come in many variations and color configurations, but it's the Brunette that I really wanted.  It's the only Skinfinish that I own thus far and I am lovin' it!

I saw this beauty in a magazine ad and nearly broke my neck to get to the nearest drugstore to get it.  Of course, my store hadn't received the item yet.  So after mercilessly stalking the store for a few days I finally hit pay dirt.  At long last I was able to get my hands on Revlon's limited edition Illuminance Créme Shadow in Eternal Summer.

I have a lot of the other Revlon cream shadows in my stash, but it was the colors in this one that made it a "must have" for me.  And of course it being limited edition made the situation all the more dire.  I had to have it.  And so I bought two of them before they disappeared forever.

With the collection of several lukewarm reviews and nearly retina-burning neon swatches, I honestly didn't think this lipstick would work for me.  It can be a tricky color to pull off and the unforgiving, drier texture doesn't help in the least, but I took the plunge.  And when I got it and played around with it a tad... I ended up being besotted with it.  Therefore, I was compelled to get an extra double dose of MAC's Viva Glam Nicki lipstick.

Viva Glam Nicki is one of those lipsticks that looks one way in the tube (a bright, yellow-pink), but can apply as a totally different hue.  Depending on how you play it up, it can go from straight pink to pink-coral to a subdued salmon and that's what I like about it.  It has a satin finish so it applies smoothly, but will lay on and expose every crease, crack and crevice on your lips so exfoliating prior to application is a must. 

Another favorite of mine that I've spoken about in an earlier post is MAC's Brown Script eyeshadow.  It is super smooth and super pigmented.  Got my backup for this at a discount from The Cosmetics Company Store.

And this one I just could not resist, y'all.  No, it's not limited edition or anything, but if you read my post gushing about it then you know that a girl simply couldn't help herself.  This LORAC Front of the Line Pro liner is so ab fab that I had to get a backup.  I had to!  What if for some reason LORAC stopped making it?  What if all the stores that carried this liner spontaneously and simultaneously combusted, thus bursting into flames and ruining any chances of me buying another?  Crazy?  Far-fetched?  I dunno.  It could happen... Not probable, but certainly possible.  Regardless, I got me a backup, so there!

So I list all this and say all this to say... no, to implore you that if you really, REALLY like something, whether it's a pair of shoes, a bangin' top or outfit, and especially if it's a cosmetic item, please back that thang up!  It'll save you miles of legwork in trying to find a dupe or reasonable substitute for an item you know deep in your heart can't readily be replaced or duplicated.  Companies are way too fickle to remain lax on this.   Securing multiples of your beloved items early in the game can save you from a heap of heartache later on.  It's a savings in time and effort that can't be aptly quantified.  And it's a savings that I most earnestly pass on to you.

Ace of Base - Eye Essentials

A good eyeshadow primer is an essential tool for creating a vibrant, long lasting, professional looking eye.  Unfortunately, I wasn't privy to the power of the primer when I wore my first ever eyeshadow look.  I had seen a starlet with a beautiful smoky eye paired with a nude lip on the cover of an Essence magazine, feverishly looked up the makeup credits on the inside and bought every item listed for that look.  For my birthday I did up my face, put the dark purples on my eyes, spread the flesh nude across my lips and headed out the door, loving how I looked.  Well, I left feeling like a fierce fox only to return home hours later looking more like a raggedy raccoon because all the shadows had left my eyelids and migrated to the circumference of my eyes.  Some research later revealed the key ingredient I was missing: primer.  Lesson learned.

Primers, as I also found out, are a very personal thing.  What may work well for one person, another may not find as effective in keeping oily lids dry and shadows intact.  The following are three that I have on deck with one recent addition that I have yet to use, but am anxious to try out.

Too Faced Primer Insurance was the very first primer I'd ever bought.  I had heard so many good things about it that I decided to give it a try.

The primer is a cream colored base that applies and dries down clear on the eye.  I find it to be effective in keeping my shadows on, however, I have noticed that I sometimes have to work harder to blend them out as Too Faced tends to grab the shadows and have them stay put exactly where I initially applied them - like a stubborn blotch of color on the lid.  Also, the formula is susceptible to separating, dispensing an oily mess instead of a solid concoction from time to time.  So while it is a good primer, it's not my favorite.

Next up is a base that needs no real introduction.  Urban Decay's Primer Potion is the preferred primer for most and has a legion of faithful devotees.  I have a mini one.  Actually, I have many minis since they come free with most of their palettes so I've never had to invest in the full-sized version.

Shaped like a vertical genie's lamp and equipped with a doe foot applicator, this cream colored primer dries down virtually colorless as well.  I have no real qualms with UDPP; it works well on my lids, but I don't think it lasts as long on me as Too Faced.  But it is a good one.

Now NARS' Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base?  O.M.G.I.L.O.V.E this!  Ok, where should I start?  This is my absolutely favorite eye primer, hands down.  It is beyond fabulous, y'all.

This stellar primer is an off-white marvel that dries down clear.  Not only does it keep my eyeshadows in place, but this is the first base where I actually noticed an increase in the color vibrancy of my shadows.  Not only that, it lasts all day on my oily lids with no hint of fading at all.  Applying, blending, maintaining - it's a high-performing gem that's left me helplessly devoted and thoroughly impressed.

Last, but certainly not least, is LORAC's Behind the Scenes Eye Primer.  My sister has this one and loves it so, naturally, I have to give it a go.

This creamy, beige primer dries down to a color-free base just like all the others.  I have yet to use this, but I have been so enamored with a slew of other LORAC products that I feel pretty confident that this will be more of a "hit" than "miss" with me.  Very excited to try it in my next look and I will be sure to follow up with you guys on this one!

So, as stated earlier, finding a good, reliable eyeshadow base is a personal journey every makeup maven must take.  But with all the options, ranging from liquids and creams to paints and even concealer for some, you're bound to find a product (or two) that works exceptionally well for you and fit your individual needs.  And if you've already procured your holy grail(s) then that's fantastic!  But if you have yet to do so, I hope this helps you on your quest.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance ($20), Urban Decay Primer Potion ($20), NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base ($24) and LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer ($21) can all be found at Sephora and beauty.com.

Eve Lom Cleanser

So here I go again, trying out something else new.  This sample facial cleanser has just been sitting around in my stash so I finally decided to break it open and see what it's all about.  Well, that was three days ago that I first started using it and I must say that it is very different from any other facial wash/cleanser I've ever been exposed to.  And that's part of its charm.  Let me bend your ear for a moment so I can tell you a little bit about the Eve Lom Cleanser.

I had never heard of Eve Lom nor her cleanser, but was intrigued by Vogue magazine's bold declaration of it being the "best cleanser in the world".   It's touted as performing the duties of three products as it not only cleans, but exfoliates and moisturizes all in one application.  And it comes with its own special setup and specific instructions to help fulfill such claims.

The sample came with a packet of the cleanser as well as a small muslin cloth to be used for the process.  I normally wash my face with only my hands, but was fully willing to implement the Eve Lom approach to skin care. 

The muslin cloth is about the size of my hand and is very light on the skin.  Its purpose is not only to help clean, but also to exfoliate and encourage blood circulation.

The cleanser is not your run-of-the-mill, lather & rinse type of fare as it comes with unique instructions that support optimal efficacy of the product.  In fact, it's not a bubbly, foaming cleanser at all, but rather a topical treatment that relies on a combination of hot and cold water applications to manipulate the pores as it cleans, tones and moisturizes.

 

Now I was really excited to put this product to work!  I mean, with such detailed instructions for a facial cleanser I naturally inferred that its ingredients must be pretty upper crust... that is, until I read the back and saw that the very first or primary ingredient listed is mineral oil!  WHY?!  Why would such a cheapo ingredient be included in a higher priced product such as this?  I sucked my teeth, but was determined to push on anyway.  Determined to continue with the trial sample, but keeping in mind this may not work out for me and my face.

The actual cleanser itself kinda reminded me of tapioca pudding upon first glance as it appeared to be somewhat thick and bumpy looking like it had small beads in it.  However, I believe it was just some of the oils that had naturally congealed as the heat from my finger (and later my face) changed it to a thinner consistency, causing the "beaded" oils to all but disappear.  Also, I found it to have a strange smell, which I attributed to the various oils it comprises.  It wasn't exactly off-putting, but it wasn't exceptionally pleasant either.  I don't know how to describe it other than it smells like a mixture of raw, natural oils.  It does eventually dissipate, but I thought it was worth noting for those who are extra sensitive to smells.

"Melted" cleanser

Well, like I stated earlier, I have been using the cleanser for about three days now and guess what?  I have had NO breakouts as of yet and my skin actually feels and looks great.  My face feels clean after using and moisturized once dried.  I've only been using it at night and refer back to my Boscia during the day, but I am very pleased with the results so far.  Won't be changing out my rock star lineup of products for this since it's a little on the pricier side and I'm not in the market for a new cleanser, but I am enjoying the sample, nonetheless. 

Best cleanser in the world?  Not too sure about that.  But it is (so far) a very, VERY good one indeed.

Eve Lom Cleanser can be found at beauty.com and comes in various sizes, including 1.6fl oz., which retails for $50.

Ace of Base - Face Value

Do you wear a primer under your foundation?  Only after seeing my made-up, oil slicked face in a group photo some years ago did I learn the benefits of wearing a primer under foundation.  A good primer will help keep the natural oils in your skin at bay while creating a smooth base on which to apply your makeup.  I have two stellar ones that I keep in rotation at the moment and one that I recently procured that I can't wait to try out.

L'Oreal's Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base is a drugstore favorite to many and with good reason.  Besides it being a somewhat reasonable price and easily accessible, it follows through with what it promises: smooths lines, controls oil and minimizes the look of pores.

This fragrance-free primer has a stiff, mousse-like texture and although it has a pink tint to it, it applies clear.  When used alone, it provides a matte finish to the face.  Under foundation, both powder and liquid, it provides me with a suitable barrier against oil and shine for most of the day.  Pairing it with my MAC Studio Finish concealer allows for flawless coverage.  However, I have noticed that under my MAC ProLongwear concealer it starts to pill or cause the concealer to break up, if you will, upon application.  And that's where my next primer comes in...

You should know me by now - always ready to try something.  I heard about this for so long and then finally bit the bullet after receiving a sample and liking it... a lot.  Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer is a well known staple in the makeup world.  It is infused with vitamins and antioxidants to help soothe the skin while filling in lines and evening out the complexion.

Photo Finish comes in a variety of tints and finishes, but I have the original.  This clear, gel-like primer has no discernible smell and very little is needed to achieve maximum results.

While the aforementioned primers are silicone based, this little number from Laura Mercier is not.  I received this baby version of her foundation primer with a makeup kit and haven't used it yet.  But I am so ready to.

This vitamin rich, water-based primer has a slight peach tint to it.  It feels and applies like a light lotion before disappearing as a matte barrier onto the skin.  It has a faint, unobtrusive fragrance to it that fades quickly after application.  I'm really curious how it will perform under my LM Tinted Moisturizer...  In fact, I think I'll be putting it to the test this week.  Yeah, I think I'll do that. 

If you can confidently wear foundation without a primer underneath then that's fantastic.  However, if you're like the rest of us that need the aid of one to keep our faces intact throughout the day, but haven't found a good one yet, I hope this helps in your search for viable options.

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base can be found at various drugstores, Target and beauty.com, and retails for $13; Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer can be found at Sephora and retails for $15 (0.4 oz)/ $36 (1 oz); Laura Mercier Foundation Primer can also be found at Sephora and retails for $32 (1.75 oz).

Peachy Keen

I did a post not too long ago on summer corals and although this lovely number wasn't included, it would be remiss of me not to even give it mention since it qualifies on all fronts as a perfect lippie to don during this season of the sun.  It's flirty and light, both in application and color, and is a peach of a color.  Hence the name of this wonderful little item from Revlon - Peach Me lipstick.

 

Peach Me is a gorgeous orange-pink shade that doesn't seem to lean heavier towards one tone than the other.  Rather, it is a perfect balance of the two (orange and pink), making it an ideal wear for a wide range of complexions.  It is from Revlon's Super Lustrous line of lipsticks and has a pearl finish.

 

Besides it having no discernible taste or smell, it applies smoothly, feels moisturizing on the lips and wore well on me for hours without fading.  And opaque coverage is easily achieved in just one swipe.

So if you're into the corals and the peaches for the good ol' summertime, you should probably look this one up.  And if you do... let me know what you think and how it worked out for you.

Revlon Peach Me can be found at various drugstores, Target and Walmart, and retails for $8.

Flash of Fuchsia

Who's afraid of a little neon?  You know I'm not.  And if you're just as brave and adventurous as I am then have I got a wallop of a shadow for you!  Some may already be familiar with this one, but for those who aren't, please allow me to babble a bit about Make Up For Ever's #75.

MUFE describes #75 as a "bright fuchsia pink" and it definitely is that.  It is a brazen hue of neon from the brand's vast array of colored eyeshadows, many of which double as blushes.  And like all of their single shadows, #75 can be removed from its magnetic compact for placement later into a larger palette. 

The color absolutely pops in the pan and is highly pigmented.  Although it has a matte finish, it is not chalky at all and blends nicely in application.  One caveat: because of its strong pigmentation, a good base is recommended to prevent the color from staining the eyelids... or cheeks, for that matter, if using a heavy hand.  But in reality, you would only need to lightly dust the cheeks to achieve an adequate presentation of the shade.

When I think of summertime, I think of bolder, brighter colors.  And even though you may not be ready for a neon pink all over the eye, you could line your bottom lash line with the color.  Or just a dab on the apple of your cheeks may be enough of a toe dip into neon territory for you, but my point is to allow yourself to push the color envelope a little and at least try a bolder color.  Be brash for a moment.  Take a chance on cheeky, if not for just a second.  And while you're at it, take MUFE's #75 for a spin.  It's a high performing shadow that's pretty darn cool to play around with.

Make Up For Ever #75 can be found at Sephora and retails for $20.