1.27.2015

Recent Beauty Product Finds: Hits and Misses

I make no bones about my love for makeup, skincare and hair products. I could never, ever work at a place like Sephora or Ulta because I'd probably end up spending my entire paycheck within the store. Although I'm pretty brand loyal on a few staples, (cough, cough...my Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation), I never shy away from trying something new. The way I see it, life is entirely too short to stick to clear nail polish and beige lip gloss.

Now. My experience with these could be completely different than yours, so don't let me deter you from buying (or liking) whatever your heart desires.

For what it's worth -- and I realize it's not worth much -- here are a few of the things I've tried this month and my honest thoughts.


The product: Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer - I like it!

What it does: This stuff is both a heat protectant and also a blow dry primer. This means that it is supposed to make your hair nice and smooth while also shaving minutes off your drying time.

Thoughts: The first time I used it, I couldn't tell a tremendous difference in the amount of time it took to dry my hair. The second and third times though, I made sure to start with a completely wet head and was super impressed. It cut about ten minutes off my drying time!




The product: Tarte Lights. Camera. Lashes. Mascara // Best in Faux - Not for me.

What it does: A two-step fiberlash mascara, Tarte's formula is supposed to give you the look of fake lashes.

Thoughts: I really liked the initial look that it gave my lashes, but the fibers were constantly falling into my eyes all day. For anyone that wears contact lenses, this is the nail in the coffin for a mascara. I wanted so darn badly to give this one a thumbs up, but I just couldn't. For everyday use, I'll take my Lancome Hypnose Mascara.



The product: Redken Pillow Proof Two Day Extender Dry Shampoo - Not a fan.

What it does: This stuff works as a dry shampoo to buy you a couple extra days between washes.

Thoughts: Really not a fan. Of all the products I tried, this was my least favorite. Maybe (probably) it was just my specific hair texture, but it gave my hair a weird texture and honestly made it feel more dirty. I ended up shampooing it out that night. What I DO like? My Bumble and Bumble Prêt–à–Powder Dry Shampoo/Volumizer. It's light, airy and smells terrific. And, best of all, it actually does make second or third-day-hair feel clean.



The product: Nars Soft Touch Shadow Pencil in Hollywoodland (a pale gold) - Get it today!

What it does: This pencil is actually a stick eyeshadow, but I used it as an eye brightener and fell in love! A little more pricey than what I'd typically spend on shadow, (because I'm cheap...err, frugal), but well worth it.

Thoughts: Do not pass go, do not collect $100...get this little miracle stick now. I applied just a tad right into the inside corner of my eyes and it really did give me a more rested look. I noticed that my eyes looked brighter throughout the day and the formula seemed to be long-lasting.

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So, there you have it. My recent product purchases, both the good and the less than stellar.

I'm curious to know...what was your last beauty product purchase and what did you think? Give your two cents below!






15 comments:

  1. I recently started using the MK primer and it's pretty good. I might be looking to switch when I'm done with it though. However, I'll never NOT use a primer with foundation again, I see why it works!

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  2. Ok, so that Nars pencil shadow sounds like something I need. I used to think maybe I was just one of those lucky women who didn't have to deal with darkness around the eyes. Well - throw a toddler and a rough pregnancy into the mix, and voila! The dark eyes have appeared. And it looks as though they might be here to stay. I have my tips and tricks to cover the circles, but am always looking for new thing. This brightener sounds perfect! The price is a bit steep, but usually their products are worth it. Thanks for the suggestions, Leslie!

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  3. I love beauty recs! I may need to try that Nars shadow pencil to help my new mama dark circles...

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  4. I swear by Lancome mascaras-- they never disappoint. I'm adding that shadow pencil to my wish list. I love light golds and anything that gives a well-rested look!

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  5. Here is a beauty question for you. As a girl with curly hair that requires a blow out, how do you deal with product build up?

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  6. great review! i need to check out bumble and bumble's dry shampoo -- i love that brand AND that eyeshadow pencil looks great great. xo jillian - cornflake dreams

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  7. You're so right about Tarte's mascara -- I wanted to love it, but by the end of the day I'm always wiping off black specks, and my eye's are begging for me to get my contacts out and the little bits of mascara that got in there too! I'll be going back to Urban Decays Perversion -- Love the look, and I get so many compliments when I wear it.

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  8. I love Bumble & Bumble products (except paying for them haha). I might give this one a try, especially if it smells good.

    I love the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick. Lasts freaking all day!

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  9. Ahhh! I have been searching for a blow dry primer. Thanks for posting. Will try this one next.

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  10. I love the idea of that Nars shadow pencil! But does it clump up and get cakey in your creases? The lat time I tried a product like that, I didn't like the texture. Love this list!

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  11. The best product I've used lately is Maybelline Volum' Rocket! I was completely out of mascara and needed a quick fix, and I'm not sure if I'll buy anything else now.

    XX, SS || A Little Seersucker Sass

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  12. Thank you for this!!!

    I hate when Dry Shampoo makes your hair feel off, and less clean. I know a lot of women use the dry shampoo on fresh washed and dried hair to give it texture and I'm always like NOOOOOOO! I love my hair the first day after a blow out. It's so light and soft... by day 3-4 then YES I need that dry shampoo, but I'm with you - I want to feel fresh and clean, not gritty. I have to try that Bumble and Bumble you suggested.

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  13. Leslie,
    Thank you for taking the time to post on your hit or miss products! I know you're super busy but this really helps. I think I will get the pillow protector hair spray and see how that works for me. Thanks again!

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  14. I have been wanting to try the pillow proof blow dry express primer! I will have to give it a try now! Thank you for the reviews!
    Jamie

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