Savvy Thinker » Comparing http://savvythinker.com thinking about life, playing with makeup Sun, 12 Feb 2012 10:15:26 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Review: Comparing Guerlain Cologne du 68 and Guerlain Moscow http://savvythinker.com/review-comparing-guerlain-cologne-du-68-and-moscow/ http://savvythinker.com/review-comparing-guerlain-cologne-du-68-and-moscow/#comments Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:44:57 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=4137

In many ways Guerlain Moscow reminds me of 68, so I thought today I'd compare the two to see if my scent memory was on the beam or not. There is that certain Guerlain flavor to both of them which adds a particular sameness -- I wasn't wrong about that.

I hesitate to call it Guerlinade. I suppose I'd call it Fruit and Guerlinade because both of these have some fruit in them. At the same time this is not your usual teeny bopper fruit, this is grown up fruit. Both of these can easily be worn by a man or a woman (68 is marketed towards a man, but it is good on me.)

I put 68 on my left arm, and Moscow on my right arm at the same time. I was careful not to mix the two (very often I will apply to one arm, then transfer to the other by blotting my arms together.)

Guerlain 68
68 was sweeter from the get-go and the stronger of the two. As far down as vanilla is in the list of notes, you wouldn't think it would be so dominant.

Notes for 68, if you can believe it:

Notes for Guerlain Cologne du 68: bergamot, green mandarin, lemon, clementine, orange peel, blood orange, sweet lime, grapefruit, basil, fennel, star anise, lavender, bay leaf, cypress, elemi, thyme, myrthe, bigarade, mandarin, petit grain, lemon petit grain, pear, violet greens, lierre, gentiane, seve, blackcurrant, freesia, lily of the valley, hazel leaf, cyclamen, cardamom, coriander, black pepper, pink berry, nutmeg, ginger, jasmine, frangipane, magnolia blossom, orange blossom, peony, rose, carnation, ylang-ylang, lychee, fig, blackberry, immortelle, lentisque (mastic), opoponax, amber, benzoin, vanilla, cistus, heliotrope, iris, tonka bean, sage, musk, patchouli, agarwood, cedar, sandalwood, vetiver, vegetable musk, praline, myrrhe and lichen.

Or a shorter version, again if it can be believed:

green tangerine, lemon petit-grain, limette, star anise, coriandre, cardamom, pepper, immortelle, opoponax, and cedar.

Guerlain Moscow
Moscow was spicier -- maybe it's the absinthe and the red currants. You definitely get red currants in the beginning -- and I like that note. (Kilian has an absinthe too -- perhaps I'll compare it to Moscow tomorrow, though as I remember it, the Kilian has lavender in it, so it is quite different.)

Notes: Musk, fruit, wood...vanilla, bergamot, red currants, absinthe, lemon, plum

It is now several hours later. Neither is strongly discernible to my nose, but putting my arm up to my nose, both smell pretty nearly alike. Perhaps having both is not a necessity, but they are quite different in the beginning.

Here are the verdicts from my scent testers (2 teens, 1 20 something, and a preteen):
Could they smell it when I walked past them two hours later?
Yes, they could smell it; it was light, not too strong. Then I let them smell each arm so they could tell me which one was still evident. I could smell 68 more.
20 something: She could smell the Moscow and likes it better.
Pre-teen: She could smell the 68, but likes the Moscow better.
Teen (10th grade): She could smell the Moscow. It's not too strong.
Teen (8th grade): She could smell both. She could smell it when I walked away, not when I walked toward her. She liked them.

Isn't that funny!

Re-spritzed: (I've never respritzed before today.)
Me: 68 smells reminiscent of Shalimar now, the original vintage. Between the two, I can't smell Moscow, though putting arm to nose, Moscow is spicier.
20 something: Still likes Moscow.
Pre-teen: Oh, that's fruity (the blend of the two.) I like it!
10th grader: I smell vanilla now. (Yes, there's vanilla in both.)
8th grader: I like it!

So there you have it! I still think it's funny.

Hey, Claire (Kyler and Jorganne), what do you think? from Guerlain at the Palazzo in LV.
Do they remind you of each other? Which lasts longer? Which do you prefer (not fair, I know, when you sell it!)

Don't forget that both of these are available at Guerlain at the Palazzo in Las Vegas. Stop in if you are there -- or phone (702) 732-7008 or email GuerlainPalazzo.STORE@lvmhuspc.com. Be sure to tell them you heard it from me. They will treat you right and take good care of you. I always have fun there.

Do you have either of these? Do you have both?
Do you have a preference one over the other?

My personal preference: I wish the bottles were smaller and cost less.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-07-22 14:04:17.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/review-comparing-guerlain-cologne-du-68-and-moscow/feed/ 0 FOTD AL eyes + AL lips http://savvythinker.com/fotd-al-eyes-al-lips/ http://savvythinker.com/fotd-al-eyes-al-lips/#comments Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:21:19 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=3481

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

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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.

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

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Day 2 into Arbonne:
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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 ]]> http://savvythinker.com/fotd-al-eyes-al-lips/feed/ 0 Comparing 3 green perfumes http://savvythinker.com/comparing-3-green-perfumes/ http://savvythinker.com/comparing-3-green-perfumes/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:44:08 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=6613

I've been hankering for greens in fragrances lately, so I thought I'd do a comparison of 3 that I particularly love. I wore one on each wrist and the third on my forearm. I wanted to see how they wore throughout the day, how other people perceived them, which lasted the longest, and which was my favorite among them.

Chanel # 19 was introduced in 1970. (I have a mini bottle from one of the sets, so this was dabbed.) It's notes include (and I don't smell the tuberose):

bergamot, neroli and tuberose, vetiver, leather and musk.

or

* With floral and green notes of Neroli from Grasse and Galbanum from Iran
* Combines with May Roses and Irises from Florence
* A cypress tone with a subtle and woody note of Vetiver

Vent Vert by Balmain was created in 1947. I have both the vintage version and the more modern version, but for this comparison I used the vintage. It is a spray.

Original:
Top Notes: Galbanum, Citrus, Gardenia, Peach
Middle Notes: Rose, Muguet, Hyacinth, Orrs, Jasmin
Base Notes: Oakmoss, Vetiver, Styrax, Musk

Top Notes: Greens, orange blossom, lemon, lime, basil
Heart Notes: Rose, galbanum, lily of the valley, freesia, hyacinth, tagetes, ylang-ylang, violet
Base Notes: Oakmoss, sandalwood, sage, iris, amber, musk

Ma Griffe by Carven was introduced in 1946, but to me, it still is timeless. At one time it was close to a signature fragrance for me. The gardenia and other florals in it are not particularly strong. In many ways it reminds me of Guerlain's Chamade, perhaps because of all the galbanum. This bottle is also vintage and a spray.

Top Notes: Gardenia, greens, galbanum, aldehydes, clary sage
Heart Notes: Jasmine, rose, sandalwood, vetiver, orris, ylang-ylang
Base Notes: Styrax, oakmoss, cinnamon, musk, benzoin, labdanum

Over the course of several days, I applied the fragrances in the same manner and refreshed throughout the day.

My take
They sure are similar!

Which lasted the longest?
Between Vent Vert and Chanel No 19, the Chanel was longer lasting. I tried to apply the same amount to each wrist, though they were in different formats. Both started out essentially the same, equally strong, and both had odd top notes, because both are vintage. But that burned off quickly. I was surprised that even in the beginning they were alike.

I applied more of the Ma Griffe because I applied that to my forearm and transferred it to the other forearm. It lasted about as long as the Vent Vert, maybe a tad longer.

What do they smell like?
Vent Vert and Chanel No 19 are both crisp greens. Ma Griffe is a bit softer.

I brought some fresh flowers into the house this week and cut their stems before putting them in water. I had all 3 of my girls smell the cut edges of the stems because that is the scent that most fragrance houses are trying to put into their fragrances to capture the real essence of cut flowers. Honestly, I could have worn the stems, they were so fragrant, though I bet people would have wondered about me!

Who liked what?
Book Girl didn't like Ma Griffe. She felt it smelled 'old.' I told her it wouldn't as soon as it settled down. It is grownup, though. By contrast, Cathy's favorite was Ma Griffe, which is also mine. None that I asked could smell a lot of difference between the Vent Vert or Chanel No 19.

So there you have it! If you are looking for greens in a fragrance, you can look into these, and you won't go wrong with any of them. It all depends on what you like best on you and the price point.

Have you worn any of these?
Is one your favorite?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2010-05-03 06:12:23.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/comparing-3-green-perfumes/feed/ 0 Review Kilian Pure Oud compared to Tom Ford’s Oud Wood http://savvythinker.com/review-kilian-pure-oud-compared-to-tom-fords-oud-wood/ http://savvythinker.com/review-kilian-pure-oud-compared-to-tom-fords-oud-wood/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:23:01 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=3964

Pure Oud is the first in Kilian's Arabian Nights series. And if you like oud, you likely will like this.

Again, I had the good fortune of sniffing the entire Killian line, including Pure Oud, at SAKs in Las Vegas. Sergio Gonzalez is the expert on the line, and he will be happy to help you. Phone 702-967-1266. Be sure to tell him you heard it from me.

How to describe Oud if you are unfamiliar with the note -- oud is well loved in the east but may be less well known in the west. Its mystique is such that agarwood is in short supply in many places, for oud perfume oil is made from the fragrant resin found in Aquilaria or Agarwood trees.

Oud is thought to be the Biblical aloe, as well as both an aphrodisiac and an aid to spiritual meditation. No wonder it is loved and treasured!

The only note in this fragrance, according to Sergio, is Oud, hence the name Pure Oud. And this Oud comes from Dubai, which is supposed to produce the best Oud.

But others smell leather, saffron, and tobacco notes in it. I catch nuances of these notes also.

It is both woody and resinous and dry. It is not particularly sweet. Certainly suitable for either a man or a woman, it will likely be a best seller, despite the fact that it is more expensive than the rest of Kilian's line -- over $300 -- because it is Oud.

Contrast this to Tom Ford's Oud Wood, which is also lovely but entirely different. Ford's is sweeter and stronger in a different way.

notes for Oud Wood: rosewood, cardamom, Chinese pepper, oud, sandalwood, vetiver, tonka bean, vanilla and amber

If the two weren't so expensive, I might have both. As it is, I will have to decide which calls to me more. Pure Oud is both sharper and more velvety than Oud Wood.

Have you smelled them both?
Do you own either? What do you think?

Coming up: Other Kilian fragrances including the September release of Back to Black aphrodisiac, delicious as it is!
You can see an overview of all Kilian fragrances here.

Karin

Originally posted 2009-07-10 21:53:02.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/review-kilian-pure-oud-compared-to-tom-fords-oud-wood/feed/ 0 Comparing Guerlain Moscow to Chanel Coromandel http://savvythinker.com/comparing-guerlain-moscow-to-chanel-coromandel/ http://savvythinker.com/comparing-guerlain-moscow-to-chanel-coromandel/#comments Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:36:53 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=5981

I'm laughing at myself today. Sometimes ya just gotta do what ya gotta do!

I have so many fragrances that sometimes it is hard to choose, and if it's been a while since I've worn something, I need a scent nudge to remember how it smells on me or how it makes me feel or how it enhances my mood. But I don't want to pick the wrong scent for the day, because if it doesn't match what I hoped for, I'd be better off going scentless.

Yesterday I wore Guerlain 68 for a while, but it wasn't doing it for me. It didn't have enough going for it or for me. I'm looking for a deeper fragrance to match the weather, I guess.

I've been thinking of Coromandel for a couple of days, but first I was drawn today to Moscow. Then I thought, why not wear both at the same time, not one later, you might like it!

So I have Moscow on my left arm and Coromandel on my right. I smell good!

And to top it off, I'm burning a scent tart Autumn Fruit by Yankee Candle. That's yummy too. Interesting that they all go together.

The stars have aligned!

Moscow Notes: Musk, fruit, wood...vanilla, bergamot, red currants, absinthe, lemon, plum

Coromandel Notes~ "named for the Chinese lacquered screens Gabrielle Chanel collected, is a spirited oriental with amber and dry notes". Orange peel, frankincense, patchouli, chocolate, vanilla.


Coromandel is much more in your face. It overpowers Moscow on the first spritz, but as it settles down, the two are equals.

Moscow has a little more fruit (plummy) but this is not a teeny-bop fruit, oh no! This is grown up.

And Coromandel has that patchouli-chocolate thang going for it. I'm a sucker for both, unless the chocolate is fake smelling or the patchouli is too dry. This is just perfect.

Often if I layer a fragrance, I just spritz one on top of the other, but this I believe I would do exactly the same again. Each is more interesting with the other, but I would not want them blended. I like the distinctness of them both, and I get to enjoy two fragrances, not one.

If you like plum
Another plum is Rochas Femme, but I don't wear it as well.

Notes for Femme
Top Notes: Peach, plum, bergamot, lemon, rosewood
Heart Notes: Ylang-ylang, jasmine, May rose, clove, orris
Base Notes: Musk, amber, oakmoss, vanilla, patchouli, benzoin, leather

You might also like
Ghost (deep night) (pretty bottle too, it looks like the moon.)

top: hibiscus, rose petals and ambrette grains.
mid: Jasmine, spicy sandalwood and warm frankincense tones
base: vanilla, musk, ambergris and apricots

Notes: Rose, apricot, peach, vanilla, musk

So, asking a friend which she prefers, she likes them both, but Moscow might have the edge. But I love what Coromandel is bringing to it, having the edginess of the patchouli-chocolate along with it. I actually like them both together better than I've liked either one of them alone.

Do you wear either of these?
Do you have a favorite chocolate? patchouli? plum or fruit?

And I'm listening to Christmas music on my iPod -- jazz at the moment. I hope you are having a great day!

Karin

Originally posted 2009-12-10 12:18:03.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/comparing-guerlain-moscow-to-chanel-coromandel/feed/ 0 Review: Comparing Guerlain mascaras Le 2 and Maxi Lash http://savvythinker.com/review-comparing-guerlain-mascaras-le-2-and-maxi-lash/ http://savvythinker.com/review-comparing-guerlain-mascaras-le-2-and-maxi-lash/#comments Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:18:51 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=1927

Today I compared two Guerlain mascaras.

I had worn each individually, but never compared them against each other.

Le 2
I like the wand. The twist is quite ergonomically pleasing. The lower lash brush is teensy and works very well for both the lower lashes and the little lashes in the upper inner corners of your eyes.

I also have an Avon dual one, but I prefer the Guerlain. I'll have to do a side by side comparison, which I haven't done.

Tarte has a mascara which is supposed to be the only one for lower lashes, but I know both the Guerlain and Avon were on the market. It might be one that is only for the lower lashes. I have not seen it or tried it. Have you? Have you compared it to the Guerlain?

Maxi Lash
I recently received a full sized one as a gwp. It has a very pretty container:

I couldn't see any particular difference in appearance between the two. This picture was taken after wearing it for a full day, even with some rain.

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Both held up equally well. Neither of them smudged. They both felt light weight. Neither one bothers my eyes.

Take your pick! The Le 2 is more expensive, but if you want to try the tiny brush, this is the one to get.

Enjoy!

Karin

Originally posted 2009-03-14 19:02:12.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/review-comparing-guerlain-mascaras-le-2-and-maxi-lash/feed/ 2 Comparing the two Lancome looks http://savvythinker.com/comparing-the-two-lancome-looks/ http://savvythinker.com/comparing-the-two-lancome-looks/#comments Fri, 11 Nov 2011 23:21:39 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=3026

Yesterday's done by the SA, using the mineral foundation:
Lancome concealer used here. Groupie is the lippie.

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Today, done by me (Fyrinnae eyes):
No concealer here. Lippie just done less strongly.

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My take:
I was happy with the way it went on for me. I prefer the coverage more sheer than yesterday's. Today, it looks less made up and more like my own skin. But these two pictures do show how different looks can be achieved with the same foundation.

What do you think?
Which do you prefer? How do you like the color and coverage on me?

Karin

Originally posted 2009-04-15 17:02:42.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/comparing-the-two-lancome-looks/feed/ 0 Review: D&G Comparing Rose The One with The One http://savvythinker.com/review-dg-comparing-rose-the-one-with-the-on/ http://savvythinker.com/review-dg-comparing-rose-the-one-with-the-on/#comments Thu, 12 May 2011 05:09:33 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=5403

Rose The One
I was able to try Rose The One in person tonight, and I have to say it is a nice addition to the original The One.

What are the notes?
Rose The One

notes: blackcurrant, pink grapefruit, mandarin, lily of the valley, rose, litchi, peony, Madonna lily, ambrette seed, sandalwood, musk and vanilla.

The One

top: bergamot, mandarin, lychee and peach,
mid: Madonna lily, muguet and jasmine,
base: of plum, vetiver, vanilla, amber and musk.

How do they compare?
The main difference for me is the addition of pink grapefruit in Rose The One. That comes across strongly in the beginning, perhaps even stronger than the rose. But citrus notes burn off fast from the top notes, leaving a gentler, softer version of The One.

Both fragrances begin with almost a fizz, but the fizz is stronger in Rose The One, as you would expect, because of the tart aspect of the grapefruit.

Does it resemble the original The One?
Unlike some flankers that have no resemblance to the original fragrance except for the name, Rose The One stays true to the original concept, while making it more wearable with the addition of the rose and pink grapefruit and softening it.

My Take:
I found over time that The One was a fragrance so distinctive that I tired of it. I couldn't layer up over it to get another fragrance later in the day, which I like to do.

I like citrus in a fragrance. And I have trouble wearing roses. But Rose The One is one I can wear. I'm really happy that it has a lighter feel to it than The One. I prefer it.

Have you tried it?
Do you wear either of them? Which do you prefer?

Karin
www.savvythinker.com

Originally posted 2009-10-26 19:26:44.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/review-dg-comparing-rose-the-one-with-the-on/feed/ 0 Review Prime Time http://savvythinker.com/reviewprime-time/ http://savvythinker.com/reviewprime-time/#comments Sun, 23 Jan 2011 01:15:13 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=2677

Updated to include my review of L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Base. And also as a reminder about the value of using a primer.

To prime or not to prime, that is the question.
If you’ve not used a primer, try one and see what you think. Get a makeover and ask that they use one.

If you truly don’t like a primer, return it, if you bought it at a physical store. There are enough primers out there now, that you can find one that you love.

If you are using a primer, I’m guessing you will never go back to without.

Why prime?
What is the purpose of primer?
Primer perfects your look. It makes the surface of your skin silky with less visible imperfections, so you use less foundation. Your products glide over the top, meaning you need less foundation to cover.

What is primer made of?
Usually there is some silicone or one of the ‘cones’ in it to create a smooth surface on the skin.

Some folks even use Monistat gel for an inexpensive alternative.

How does it work?
Most primers are the last step before applying your foundation.

Primer slips over the skin, creating a light barrier, usually with silicone. Foundation glides on easier, goes on smoother, and covers better with less product.

Under a certain age, some primers will stop oil from coming through and messing with your look.

Once a certain age, a primer may act like spackle, one even has that name, gently filling in lines and pores to give a smooth surface for foundation and optically take time off your age.

Is it strictly cosmetic or is it also corrective?
All perform a cosmetic service; some are also corrective.
Color correction
Some primers color correct or add a sheer layer of color. Others are clear. Both Smashbox and Revlon Vital Radiance have multiple colors to correct.

Guerlain Meteorites Perles
Light-Diffusing Perfecting Primer; Base Perfection. Great little powder balls that color correct and do other neat things.

Contact Claire at Guerlain at the Palazzo in Las Vegas for all your Guerlain needs. (702) 732-7008. If you're in town, stop in to visit!

Vital Radiance Smoothing Face Primer, SPF 25, Petal 002, Cool, 1 fl oz which has been discontinued, can still be found on occasion. It came in two colors, cool and warm. I use cool.

Smashbox Photo Finish Color Correcting Foundation Primer is another good one. I use the purple. Purple will also bring a foundation into a cooler tone. One minimizes red tones; one minimizes yellow or sallow tones; one minimizes dark circles, veins, and dark spots. (The best thing for dark spots is using a lightening product or having them removed either by laser or by freezing.)

Some have added ingredients that benefit your skin.
Aromaleigh Easy applicator pump bottle. Very nice product.

The best "canvas" for any type of makeup is a perfect, smooth canvas. This is what we are all seeking, and for many, mineral makeup brings us one step closer.

Lock in hydration while smoothing and retexturizing your skin's appearance and maximizing your makeup...

With natural oils of Safflower, Grape and Camellia, Vitamins E and A and advanced polymers... our primer combines nature with science to get your skin where you need it to go.

Less is more, just like with mineral makeup. Your primer can be blended with your moisturizer or sunscreen, or used on it's own. It can even be combined with a small amount of powder to create an easy to apply mineral makeup/primer combination that smooths to a velvety finish. Aromaleigh


Arbonne Virtual Illusion makeup primer
Supposedly acts like a natural botox to improve the surface of your skin.

Create a flawless canvas for makeup application with this advanced primer. A blend of vitamins, skin-perfecting pigments, advanced cushioning and anti-aging ingredients work in harmony to help tone, smooth and minimize the visual appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and enlarged pores. The result is a velvety, matte, radiant finish.

GABA, hyaluronic acid, polypeptides, gamma orizinol, light deflecting pigments, B-glycherritinic acid; horsetail extract, green tea leaf and grape seed extracts

Guerlain
L’Or – has real flecks of gold in it and creates a lovely look.
Again, contact Claire, see above.

La Prairie
I have not tried this white one.

La Prairie for eyes

Shiseido Benefiance Facial Lifting Complex also works to firm.

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer SPF15 with Dermaxyl Complex (Unboxed)

Here are some good ones:

L'Oreal Studio Secrets magic Base.
Great value; works good.

Avon Magix evidently stops oil too; has a fairly heavy consistency; is generally well liked by everyone. Very reasonably priced at $10.

Smashbox – comes in clear (I like the purple better), purple (to correct skin tone, but it works to cool up colors of foundation that are a bit yellow),green (ditto, I haven’t tried this one) and an apricot one that has ingredients to benefit skin (I like the idea of this.) To me they all feel the same, but the clear one seems to do less. Placebo effect, likely!

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer oil free spf 15 $52

I loved this product. It has a slight radiance to it which makes my skin look perfect. This is something I likely will be buying. 132 people reviewed it at Sephora, giving it an average of more than 4.5 stars.

Today I compared it to Chanel's SHEER ILLUMINATING BASE. Both illuminate; Hourglass seems more slippery. I preferred the look of Hourglass once I had on my foundation and sparkly powder mix. I generally use Chanel's only up the center of my face as a highlighter.

It is water-resistant and 100% fragrance free, oil free, and paraben free. It does not have an odd smell because of ingredients. I smell nothing.

It neutralizes the skin, creating a smooth, uniform slate for makeup application. Don't forget the slight radiance which evenly distributes light to soften and camouflage skin imperfections and fine lines. It also protects from oil breakthrough, so your makeup stays looking fresh longer.

It has no
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates

The SPF is formulated with naturally-derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide rather than chemical sun-blocking agents.

These work, but I don’t like them as well
Laura Geller Spackle – Sephora sampled this.
It started out white and got taupe colored when exposed to air. The sample was in a pot. The full size is in a pump which would eliminate exposure to air.

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer - Oil Free
Sephora sampled this also. It was one of the first on the market.

Revlon It’s OK, but I didn’t like it as well. Comes in two formulas.

Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer for Normal/Combination Skin (Pack of 2)

Sheer Cover Light weight. Still, it is nice.

Smashbox Highlight and Prime together
You can read my review here. I don’t like the dual delivery system. It doesn’t feed evenly. You have to cover one side to make sure the other feeds. I love the color though. Would be better to have just had the highlight to use as you wish, and add to your primer or not, as you wish. Or have two separate tubes in the set vs. 2 in 1 tube.

How about perfecting your look even more?
There are products you can apply over your makeup that filter out and soften lines, similar to when Doris Day was filmed through a special lens.

Clarins makes a great one!
Use this around your mouth or eyes, wherever you need extra help. Try it out at one of the counters.

La Prairie
Pink colored, quite a heavy consistency. Pricey. No better than some and less than others. Evidently, it comes in gold too. I think it is quite thick.

The eye product tends to roll some, but the look is pretty.

Signature A Wrinkle Filiment
is heavier, similar to La Prairie’s, but apricot colored.

MAC Prep and Prime

Prep and prime is a face primer. I like prep and prime better than Smashbox Photo finish because it doesn't have that slick feel to it. It's not all silicone. I recommend it. Miranda

MAC Black eye primer

I also bought MAC's black eye primer. It makes a huge difference in how the eyeshadow looks. Want a paler, more natural look, use a skin toned primer. Want uber kapow and drama for evening, use black primer! Miranda

Do you use a primer?
Which one(s) do you use or have you tried?
Let me know if I left out any that you particularly love.
Nearly every line has a primer in their arsenal now. I'd like to hear about any good ones!

To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don't have a representative, just contact me, and I'll put you in touch.
Karin


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Arbonne Face Makeup Primer (New) Arbonne Face Makeup Primer (New) Paypal US $34.20 4d 6h 58m

Originally posted 2010-05-22 12:58:20.

Online Stores ]]> http://savvythinker.com/reviewprime-time/feed/ 3 Comparing Arbonne mascara to Lancome Fatale mascara http://savvythinker.com/comparing-arbonne-mascara-to-lancome-fatale-mascara/ http://savvythinker.com/comparing-arbonne-mascara-to-lancome-fatale-mascara/#comments Wed, 05 Jan 2011 06:50:31 +0000 Karin http://savvythinker.com/?p=3692

This was how I looked first thing this morning.

Arbonne is on my upper left. Lancome is on my upper right. I used Tarte on the lower lashes.

Photobucket

12 hours later, the Arbonne side is still going strong. There is some smudging and a bit of flake on the Lancome side. I'm sorry, but I couldn't get a good picture to be able to show it. That's just the way it worked out. I used the Arbonne two step mascara, but I totally forgot to use the second step. The first step is mascara; the second step is a shiny clear finish that separates. I usually use both; today I forgot because I got sidetracked.

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

Karin

Originally posted 2009-06-08 20:54:43.

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