Savvy Thinker » Aromaleigh

Need input: Choosing between brands of mineral eye shadows

Karin — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:15:26 +0000

Since there are a bazillion different mineral eye shadow companies abounding, how do you choose which brands you will investigate to wear, if you wear mineral eye shadows?

Repackaging
I understand there are companies that only repackage. I'd prefer not to buy those, and I don't think I have, but I wouldn't mind if I had made an informed choice to do so. That's what's behind Mineral Makeup Mutiny.

Companies I wear:
Aromaleigh
As anyone knows who has been reading my blog, I love Aromaleigh (which I found via a perfume site.) AL is really cutting edge in my book.
Meow
I also like Meow. The colors are lovely, including the blushes.
Fyrinnae
Fyrinnae is lovely, but different in application techniques. Also cutting edge.
Bare Escentuals
Additionally, I like and own many Bare Escentuals shadows and facial colors. BE may not be quite as cutting edge as AL, but they have some beautiful sets.
Mary Kay
Most of MK's minerals are pressed, which have their place. All of the above companies' minerals are loose. I don't consider MK minerals to be cutting edge. They are better than average, but they are more mainstream. Their 2009 Fall/Xmas shadows come in a wand and are loose, but I didn't care for the look when I tried them, albeit I did not have my proper brushes with me.

Outside of these companies, are there others which are not on my radar screen?
Do you find that you can wear some brands, but others you are sensitive to?

Why do you love them?

Are there any you'd like to see me work with?

Karin

Originally posted 2009-11-17 13:45:06.

Online Stores

FOTD Meow eyes, NYX lips

Karin — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 09:24:49 +0000

I was happy with the way this turned out.

I spread out my Meow samples and thought what did I want to try:

Eyes:
Base: Nude Frost (there is some question as to whether this irritates me, but so far, so good today -- I gave it a rest, then tried again today) then my sparkly eye mix
Lid and Crease: Meow VandalEyes Misdemeanor (lime)
Crease and drylined top and lower: Meow VandalEyes Shoplifting (deep vibrant purple)

The lime is a little lighter and brighter than it photographed. You can see the glitter liner on the eye to your right.

Lined: Estee Lauder Plum Grey pencil (which turned out to be more grey than I remembered, so I went over the line and past the line with Meow)
Glitter lined over the top of liners: GirlActik Lavender -- gorgeous color, this line was my first foray into glitters, before AL Rocks! glitter
Mascara: (top, to your left) Mark Scandalash Indigo (purple)
Mascara : (top, to your right and lower lashes) Estee Lauder MagnaScopic purple
The EL is a tad darker.
Brows: La Prairie pencil

Finished look:

Primer: Smashbox Purple Primer
I like the color lift that this gives.

Foundation: Revlon Age Defying Liquid Color 04
I like this foundation and use it often.
Rouge: Mary Kay stick from a limited line
Powder: Lustre Aromaleigh Twilight supernatural powder
Nice gleam. Used my normal powder brush, not a FO.
Blush: Meow Masterpiece Water Lilies Love this color!
Lips: NYX Round Gloss Apricot 19
This is gorgeous and vibrant when applied heavily. Later it softens to a delicious stain-y look, but it is still moist with product on the lip. You can see how it looks here.

I quite like Meow mineral shadows. I am sampling several types, but they all seem to be equally pigmented and equally easy to use.

VandalEyes are our newest, most highly pigmented collection of multi-purpose eye shadows. Silky smooth and designed to be extra long wearing, they're intense and powerful but they are *not* for the faint of heart...Can be applied dry for a bold look, or foiled (applied wet) for the most intense color and sheen.

I'd love to try more of their Masterpiece blush line.

Masterpiece Blush Gallery: Our newest blush collection, uniquely formulated and unlike any other blush you've ever tried. They're sumptuously sheer, and sweep on your cheeks invisibly, leaving only a pure wash of gorgeous colors behind!

Karin

Originally posted 2009-03-23 13:32:53.

Online Stores

FOTD AL eyes + AL lips

Karin — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:21:19 +0000

Finally! I'm current -- this is my FOTD today. I wanted to wear the same eye colors as yesterday.

Comparing two lower lash mascaras one is Tarte; the other is Guerlain's Le2.
AL concealer.

Back to trying to use up the discontinued Chanel foundation. Primed with Laura Mercier. My usual sparkly mix of powder, then SCA Hyaluronic as a bronzer.

Blush: AL Dolly

I'm trying uploading directly vs. using Photobucket. The images are smaller. But it is a lot faster for me except for waiting for it to upload into wordpress.

Lips: AL Gala + AL Pinafore (on each lip, then smooshed) + rimmed and topped in center with Beauté Paramour Love this color!

Day 2 into Arbonne:

And we finally have some rain around here -- all the ponds are low. I'm going to enjoy the rain!

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don't have a representative, go here.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-05-18 11:27:19.

Online Stores

FOTD AL + Lashes + MAC lips

Karin — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:54:19 +0000

It's kinda fun to wear lashes again and to get out my stash.
Eyes
Base: Nude Frost + BE Queen Phyllis
Inner lid: AL pavane en pointe
Outer lid: AL odile en pointe
Upper lined inner corner: MAC blackgraph pencilto fit into lashes
Lower lined: Clarins Midnight Flashpencil
Lashes: Ardel Sophisticated
Glitter dry lined: Lancome Hologramme Micro-pallettes (white with multi glitter) to match into glitter line of lashes
More lashes

You can't really tell from the picture, but there are tiny bits of glitter through the lashes. Time will tell if it sticks or falls off.

Lips
MAC Love Alert Dazzleglass

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2009-11-28 09:32:07.

Online Stores

FOTD Meow and Aromaleigh

Karin — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:12:14 +0000

The trouble with having so many choices is that it is difficult to make a choice! I started out thinking of one thing, and ended up with another, quite happily I might add, but making the choice was just one too many choices today. Is it boring to have only one choice -- or is it supremely simplifying? Don't answer that!

I so totally did not know what I wanted to do. But I was happy with it, when I was done. I thought I was going to do AL, then saw the bag of Meow samples and changed my mind. Somthin' simple.

Base: Nude Frost, then BE Queen Phyllis
Lids: Meow Amy F ScandalEyes (Pale rose)
Crease and dry lined: Meow Jessica R ScandalEyes (Grape)

Blush: Meow Water Lilies Masterpiece

Lips: AL Smitten, rimmed and up the center with Beauté Heroine

Have you tried either Aromaleigh or Meow eye shadows?
I like them both. Each of them apply very easily. I have way more AL than Meow, simply because I started with AL and her colors are so gorgeous.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2009-11-11 17:54:54.

Online Stores

FOTD Aromaleigh teals + lippie

Karin — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 11:58:38 +0000

Time for a FOTD again...it's been a while since I've posted a new one.

Eyes: I wanted to go back to some AL old standbys, colors that I love, as well us use a new sample I received.
Outer corner: Lilypad satin petals frost
Crease and lower lash dry lined: Jade pure eyes frost -- looks deep, but goes on brighter
Lined: Black powder on top
Over lined top and bottom: Delilah bete noire glitter -- these glitters look wonderful; I'll be trying out more over the next couple of days.
Mascara: BE Buxom

Face:
comparing two shades and formulas of foundation, applied over Hourglass Veil primer, each side of my face, all else is the same [Olay cream on right; Revlon liquid on left]; Chanel cream blush under my sparkly powder mix; Arbonne Promise as blush; Mary Kay highlighter up the center of my face.

Lippie AL Sweet Tart Gothic Lolita Collection over Down Under Healing lipbalm
This is a beautiful neutral shimmery pink.

Warm mauve pearl from Summer 2009 Natural mineral lip products have an average lifespan of 6-9 months due to the nourishing base oils and butters used in their formulation.

What do you think?
It's no secret I love AL colors. So far my AL lippies have held up well, all but one color which I replaced, lasting over the time frame AL lists for their lippies.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-03-09 11:41:50.

Online Stores

FOTD Weekend look Lancome AL BE Beauté

Karin — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:42:16 +0000

Wow, this sure photographed well! This is my new gauze top. I love the style with cut away sleeves.

Eyes:
Base: Beauticontrol Pink, then my sparkly shadow mix
Crease: AL Grape pure eyes matte -- I forgot about this one and how much I liked it until I spotted it again -- I didn't think it went on as easily as the first time, but I was happy when I finished
Lids: AL Dandelion Satin Petals Frost -- a very soft yellow
Lined top and lower: Clinique Blacker Violet pencil
Mascara upper: Lancome Fatale; Lower: Tarte

Primer:
Foundation: Lancome Minerals and Powder; my sparkly facial mix
Blush: BE Beauty
Highlight: M*A*D Alter Ego -- looks beige but pulls iridescent pink on the skin

Lips: all Beauté
Paramour/Heroine 1/2 and 1/2, rimmed with Allure

What do you think?

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-26 22:50:46.

Online Stores

Aromaleigh Minerals

Karin — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 22:50:47 +0000

As I wrote in my previous post, Aromaleigh has a wide variety of colors to choose from. If I were starting to look into minerals, I think I would look only here. I don't think you could go wrong. Plus they have a forum, a gallery of photos (don't let any of these scare you; the colors can be applied with any degree of subtlety, easily), and a blog by the founder.

I took advantage of their sample program and ordered a number of them. There is free shipping with any order that is only samples. The samples are packaged in small zip lock bags. It would be very easy to take these along on a trip instead of taking full size jars along. And you can fit a lot of colors into a small space.

Additionally, when I ordered, I was gifted with a few samples, including a bit of their lip balm, which is very nice, and with my second order a colored lipstick, which I haven't tried yet.

I sampled two of their Glissade foundations: Ivory (1CL) and Alabaster (G-00). I made an educated guess by looking at their color chart and knowing I needed lighter than the lightest one in BE. I didn't want anything too yellow or peachy. Neutral leaning toward pink is always a good choice for me.

Ivory is perfect, Alabaster was a little light, but perfect for mixing with minerals I already own that are too dark. For my second order, I ordered both in full size, I thought, but accidentally ordered Ghost (which is almost white.) I haven't tried that one yet, but it might work well, again, lightening mineral foundations that are too dark.

Judging from my success, I believe you could take an educated guess with your own skin tone too.

There are several ways to buy their eye shadows -- by color families or by types of shadow (matte or shimmer or glitter.) I ordered samples in a variety of colors and types, pretty much staying away from the totally matte. I use them dry as liner also. They also have a sealant, which I have not tried as I have another brand, which allows you to wet any shadow for liner.

They blend beautifully, probably better than BE.

I didn't get a chance to look up the ones that other people had recommended until today, and then I realized that I had ordered only one of these, so in my next samples I will try a couple of them.

Other people recommended:

Circe, Brianna, Lilith (this is the one I tried and really liked), Arielle, Cossette (dusty rose with a hint of copper). Lola (icy, but subtle, gray that makes blue eyes pop). Ophelia. Sophie (cool basic shade that blends well with most any other color). Lorelei (lifts darker colors, giving a nice shine)...

With every order there is a sample of eye shadow called Le Mystere. It is a limited edition made up of left over minerals from mixing other colors. I've received Le Mystere #63 twice now, and it is a favorite. The only way to keep this is to use it sparingly, find someone who wants to part with theirs or perhaps you could buy a full size.

Here's what I tried either because I chose them or they were included with my orders (3 samples came with each order):

Pinks: Pandora;
Greens: Nanette, Severina, Isadora, lilypad, basil (loved this one), jade, azure, drama queen;
Purples: Hydrangea (a beautiful light one for over all base), Isabella, Lillith, Penelope, verbena, orchid, desire, amethyst, lush memoir;
browns: Balsam;
glitter (Rocks): paranoia, ribbons, evil woman; pretty please, reverberation, disintegration

If you like neutrals, they have a wide selection of gray and heather toned colors as well as browns. Their browns are workable with my brown eyes, as their selection is wide enough that there are browns in the right tones. (Often browns are too yellow toned for me to wear. They just make me look blah.)

I find the glitters go over the whole eyelid after color and don't look too glitzy. They are perfect. Even the brightest colors blend well, as do the darks.

Let me know if you have tried Aromaleigh and what shade, and let me know if you're going to try. Really, you'll be happy you did! Not only do I want to try more sample shades, but I also want several full size.

Karin

Originally posted 2008-08-06 17:39:33.

Online Stores

Serums that work — or not

Karin — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:19:35 +0000

Here are some thoughts on various types of serums and the links to posts where I have written more specifically. Some of the serums are pricing their way out of my price point. There are actually some that are over $1000 being marketed in Japan. I suspect some are worth it; others are not.

Whenever possible, let a beauty advisor put some on your skin. See if it is possible to get a small amount to try at home before you commit to a big purchase.

This is only a partial list, as I have thought of them. I will continue to update, as I think of it.

Body Serum
Arbonne has a wonderful body serum and body lotion. You can find my review at the above link.

Facial Serums
There are also serums targeted for eyes.
Anti-Wrinkle
La Prairie CELLULAR Retexturizing Booster
This just might be a miracle product. Whenever I apply it, I see immediate results. I generally use it for several days at a time, then I give it a rest and use it again when I see the need. It is expensive, but it really works. I think it works better than Renova. Price: $185.00 | 30 ml / 1.0 oz. (Unfortunately, it's possible this is no longer available. I have not tried any of the comparible LP serums to see if a newer one is as good.)

Serums with Vitamin C
Many companies have C-serums because they work. I have used C products for years. Mary Kay is one of the companies that has just added a C formula. If you can't beat them, join them. The important thing is to find a C serum that works for you, then use it.

Here's a partial list of companies that have C-serums: Awake, MK, Aromaleigh (generic), Lancome, Estee Lauder, Prescriptives, Avon, Lumene. Choose the link above to see my thoughts on each.

Arbonne has a number of excellent serums, including lifting, RE9 (with C), and Revelage (whitening) I won't be without the lifting or the whitening.

Avon has been a leader in skin care, very innovative. They were the first line to come out with an alpha-hydroxy -- and it made a big difference in my skin. Their anew products are excellent. I do not care for either of their pump serums that they had a couple of years ago, because they smelled so bad. I recommend smelling them before buying to see if they still smell. I didn't notice a huge difference like I did with their alpha-hydroxy products. Some of their products are targeted by age.

Beauticontrol
Beauticontrol makes several serums that I like. Some are targeted for 30's, 40's, and 50's skin. I've liked Regeneration Gold for years. It's a two step process that mixes when you pump it. It used to be that one was red, the other white. Now one is green, the other white. I do not know if it is the same product. Regeneration Platinum Plus is supposed to be the next step up, but it rolls on my skin, so I use it only on my neck and chest and bought more of the Regeneration Gold. They make C products, but I've not tried them as I have others that I am using at the moment.

Chanel Serums
Chanel makes a number of serums, and they are all excellent. It depends on your price point and your skin concerns. Sublimage products kept me moist even in the dryness of Las Vegas, using no other moisturizers layered in. The Radiance line has an excellent hydrating serum. As an aside, I did not care for Sublimage eye cream.

Clarins
I have used Super Restorative Serum. I likely might buy it again. I like what it says it does; I'm not sure I saw it doing it. I tended to use it more for hydrating than anything else. When I opened the container, when it seemed empty, there were still several days worth of product left. I put it in a small jar and used it to the last drop.

On the whole I like Clarins products, so I suspect their other serums would be good too. Their beauty advisers are generally knowledgeable and happy to help you. They are good about giving small samples to try.

Cle de Peau serums
Cle de Peau is the high end Shiseido line. CdP makes a number of serums, and they all feel good. I'm not sure how to choose one over the other. I have one. I'm not convinced it does anything particularly, but that might be because I tend to use others that I have.

Dior Serums
Dior makes some excellent serums. Capture Totale and HydrAction are two that I have tried. Capture Totale came highly recommended by a woman in NYC who swears by it.

Guerlain serums
Orchidee Imperiale is their highest, newest line. It is excellent. Super Aqua-Serum came highly recommended on the strength of one older woman who works for Guerlain whose skin is exceptionally beautiful. It's a toss up which is better. Take your pick. They also have Success Future and Substantific serums. I get my Guerlain from Claire at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Call 702) 732-7008 or email GuerlainPalazzo.STORE@lvmhuspc.com

Hydrating serums
La Prairie CELLULAR HYDRATING SERUM is an excellent hydrator, one of the very best. It is lightweight. It works by binding moisture to the skin and restoring the skin's natural moisture barrier. A little goes a long ways and it stays fresh in the bottle. I use it generally on very cold days or whenever my face feels like it needs more moisture from the inside out. Price: $185.00

La Prairie Serums
Like Chanel, these are excellent, and it depends on your price point. I have not tried the latest lines.

Shiseido serums
Shiseido has a number of serums that are all excellent. Again, it depends on your price point and what you are hoping to accomplish.

Signature Club A
Super Strength High Potent-C Anti-Wrinkle Capsules $29.50
I like this a lot. It's in my rotation of C products.

Retinol Wrinkle Penetrating Capsules 12 Hour Release $32.50
This is in my rotation. I like it a lot.

Viviane Woodard
I've used these products since I was 18. They have a number of serums, including specialized ones to use at night. Their day time serums are very good and moderately priced. The evening ones really give your skin a boost. They are used only periodically. Unlike ones by La Prairie that are also used only occasionally, these will not break the bank. Likely they perform different functions, but they help the skin.

Whitening serums
Many companies offer whitening serums. They started first in Asian countries. It's not surprising that Shiseido has one. If you want to break up an age spot the fastest possible way, then your best bet is laser. Be sure to use SPF every day along with these.
Arbonne Revelage is an excellent whitener, which works by breaking up dark spots from below and keeping them from forming from the top.

Mary Kay TimeWise® Even Complexion Essence
I consider this more of a preventative, than a curative. I want to see faster results. I have no patience.

What serums do you know, use and love?
As I think of more, I will update.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-01-28 20:49:42.

Online Stores

FOTD Aromaleigh eyes + Cover Girl lips +

Karin — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:15:12 +0000

I felt like wearing turquoise on my eyes today, and outside of the Summer set by Mary Kay, my go-to for turquoise is Aromaleigh. Kristen has beautiful shades of greens, turquoises and teals, and I probably have most of them, at least in sample sizes, which are quite long lasting. They are vibrant and beautiful, if you are on a quest for this color.

I also felt like doing a 5 min makeup today, which I did. The only reason it took longer is because I kept thinking of things I wanted to take pictures of, such as the Chanel container and my powder. So I would digress to that. Aromaleigh is really fool proof. Easy to apply; always looks great and lasts all day. I knew I could do a 5 min makeup with AL. And I had a busy, busy day today, meetings, errands, music lesson, pick and delivery to school and more.

In all honesty, there were two things I meant to do and got sidetracked: concealer, and some of the new Arbonne white shadow in the inner corners of my eyes. That would have taken 30 sec. I just forgot.

Eyes: all Aromaleigh, except where noted
Base: Nude Frost, then BE Queen Phyllis
Lids: Azure
Drylined Top: Aqua Nightmare (love this color!)
Drylined bottom: Caribe, just a touch more blue
Mascara: Stiletto
Tightlined top: NYX pen black
Brows: Merle Norman powder

Primer: Avon Magix
Foundation: L'Oreal True Match, N1 Soft Ivory While it looks like this foundation covers well, when applying it, I'm a little disappointed in how sheer it looks in the pictures. I like my skin to show through, but I like it a little less sheer. I will likely use this more as a highlighter in the future, if I try it again, and it is equally sheer.
Rouge under my sparkly mix of powder: Chanel stick
Blush over: Arbonne Promise
Hightlight: Arbonne Bashful lightest blush

Lips: CG 912+928 + Stila Silver Mix
First: Guerlain liplift primer and conditioner and all round magic product
912 and 928 are plumping colors
1/2 and 1/2 each color, one on each lip, smooshed; then Stila-Silver Mix gloss when some of the lippie was gone to refresh it...this lipstick (928) is the one that hurt my lips after using it exclusively for months. After using every lip balm known to man and still having problems wearing anything on my lips, I remembered I had the Liplift. It fixed the problem with one application. I now have one in my purse and in the bathroom. And I made sure I used it before these colors. I never felt the product sting my lips. 912 is a particularly pretty soft shade. Perhaps tomorrow I'll show it alone.

What do you think?
Do you like to use plumping lipsticks or teals and turquoises for shadows? What is your favorite AL color?

Kristen's birthday is coming up and she'd love to have people participate in nominating her business. See the info here.

Karin
www.savvythinker.com
do not steal my posts -- you know who you are

Originally posted 2009-08-28 17:41:19.

Online Stores