Book Girl and I went to see Alice in Wonderland this morning. Neither of us particularly wanted to go, but we went anyway. We chose to see the non-3D version. I might go back and see the 3D version.
What a good time we had! I highly recommend it — and this is from someone who never enjoyed the books, though I might just have to revisit them.
Johnny Depp is perfect as the Mad Hatter — and he isn’t too over the top. Mia Wasikowska is equally perfect as Alice. Both carry a large portion of the film. Both are fun to watch.
Crispin Glover plays the Knave of Hearts, also perfectly.
Then you have Michael Sheen’s voice as the White Rabbit, and Alan Rickman as the Blue Caterpillar.
Who can forget Helena Bonham Carter as the Red Queen — as delightful a villain as you would care to meet — or Anne Hathaway as the White Queen. I couldn’t quite figure out if she were good or bad.
Tweedledee and Tweedledum added their own brand of humor.
Let’s talk specifics.
The makeup and costumes were wonderful.
The CGI was seamless, including the characters of the White Rabbit, the Dormouse, and the March Hare, all of whom were a delight to watch. And the dog Bayard was especially lovable.
What I liked the most
It’s very hard to single out what I liked the most. Because I had such low expectations, I really was surprised by how well I liked it. The comments coming out of the theater were all positive. The children were absolutely silent during the showing, no fidgeting or noise making. So it kept them entertained also.
I think I like how well all the characters played off each other. I loved the makeup and the costumes. And I loved the real/imaginary animals.
I loved the moral of the story, how it could be taken on several levels — just as a good yarn or something deeper.
It is not a dark show, even if the trailer looks dark. It is really quite a delight.
Have you seen the movie? If so, which version did you see?
Did you like it as much as we did? If you want to see something fun, don’t miss this one!
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I sleep on my side. Generally, I would wake up with deep creases across my chest up to my neck. I have been faithful about using products on my chest the past few years, but nothing has really done much.
Except, it’s been 5 days using Arbonne’s body serum and lotion on my chest, arms, feet.
The first day when I woke, I had no deep creases.
Here’s what I look like after 5 days.
Repeat after me: they better never discontinue this product. I will never be without it.
What do you think?
Pretty amazing, isn’t it. Do you use these products? If you have a need, you should!
I’ve been using 3 pumps/arms (now I use 4, one for each quadrant); 1/2-1 pump on my chest; 1 pump/foot of the serum. I haven’t made a dent in the serum. I might have used up about an inch of the lotion — 1 pump covers both arms, basically; 1 short pump for each foot; short pump for my chest. I use whatever is left over for my hands.
To buy Arbonne from Bookgirl, if you don’t have a representative, just ask me.
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Finding a color that works for blonds that isn’t too dark or too yellow, is a trick.
Here are some favorites of mine that were collected over time:
Top to bottom:
Powder: Merle Norman — Perfect shades when mixed and matched together;
Pencils: Chanel, Clinique, La Prairie, Prescriptives (love the tiny diameter and the tiny brush, also that it feeds up and doesn’t need to be sharpened — comes in only two colors), Mary Kay, Tova, Avon, Revlon (this tends to be darker) (packaging has changed now, but has gel at one end.)
Swatches:
Generally, brow pencils are harder. They draw well on the brow, not so well without a brow bone behind them. La Prairie is not pictured, it wouldn’t draw and just made my skin red, sorry about that! Then the red showed through some of the other colors, so look at the bottom.
Left to right: Powder:
Merle Norman lighter color (barely visible on skin, but shows up well on brow), then deeper color; Pencils: Chanel, Clinique, Mary Kay, Tova, Avon, Prescriptives, Revlon first without gel, then with gel.
Do you have any other colors or brands that you particularly like?
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If you loved Harry Potter, be sure not to miss Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief.
Book Girl and I went to the midnight showing last night, crazy people that we are. The medium sized theater was about 2/3 full.
But you can bet that the second movie, for there will surely be one, will pack in more than one theater in each complex.
First, I just really couldn’t get into the book(s). I read them. But couldn’t have told you what they were about. Then, I listened to parts of the audio books as Book Girl wended her way through all of them.
Ah, but the movie is a different sort. Immediately understandable. Highly entertaining. Great CGI. My only caveat is that the fight training scenes looked amateurish, which may have been the whole point.
The background
The author wrote these books to help his own son understand the gods. His son is both ADHD and dyslectic. So is Percy Jackson.
The story
Percy finds himself in the middle of a coming war between Zeus and Poseidon unless he can return Zeus’ lightening bolt, which he has been accused of stealing.
Not only did he not steal it, but he has no idea that he is a demi-god — the son of Poseidon and his human mother.
Three friends
Once again, we have three friends, similar to Harry Potter. Percy, Annabeth, and Grover play are older. Together they survive and conquer.
Special effects
The CGI will have you on the edge of your seat more than once.
The characters
Assorted gods, demi-gods, centaurs, satyrs, and humans, etc.
The actors
Pierce Brosnan plays a prominent part. I won’t give it away.
Brandon T. Jackson is Grover, Percy Jackson’s bodyguard. He adds a lot of humor to the story. In a way, he reminds me of the taxi driver in Total Recall.
Alexandra Daddario (Annabeth) plays a much more likable character than Kate in White Collar, USA Network’s television series that we love. She is the daughter of Athena and is also a demi-god.
Logan Lerman is perfect as Percy Jackson. I don’t know him from any other work.
Jake Abel is Luke and will feature in other films. He is the son of Hermes, and is also a demi-god.
Rosario Dawson plays Persephone. She is key to Percy’s survival.
And don’t forget Ulma Thuman as Medusa — she makes the part. And there is some comedy in it too.
My take
Definitely 4 out of 4 star.
I think I’d like to read the books now that I’ve seen the movie.
Some of the special effects might be too scary for young children on the big screen. OTOH, no one has seen creatures like these, so we don’t expect them in a dark alley — though I was watching the lights coming home at 2 am.
It’s definitely interesting to think that not so very long ago these gods and goddesses were believed and feared. I was wondering who thought of them in the first place, how did they evolve into a religion at the time.
I’ve been to Greece and seen what is left of the temples and thought of what they might have been like when brand new and people believed.
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This is a little more of a made up look than I’ve been wearing lately, but it is really the same amount of product. I could tweak it with a little glitter on my lips, but wanted to show it as-is.
I wanted to try a few E.L.F. products because they are so inexpensive.
Mineral Shadows
The mineral shadows come in the same jar as BE and are about the same size. They compare favorably with BE. They are not as sparkly as AL or Meow, at least the colors I chose. The minerals were the most expensive of any of the products I ordered — $3 each for full size.
Lip liner pencils
The pencils are called Feather-Proof Moisturizing Lip Liner. It has not migrated. For $1, it is worth trying. They have a pretty good mix of colors, most of them are fairly neutral with nuances of color. Spice is not at all orange, but more of a true neutral. I like it, even though it wasn’t what I ordered.
Waterproof pen liner:
This worked well yesterday. The felt tip is sharper (in feel) and dryer than the Mary Kay one that I loved that is discontinued. I forgot to try the black today. I used Midnight yesterday and it did well. Again, $1.
Eyes: All dry except where noted Base: Trish McEvoy, then my beige sparkly mix Crease: E.L.F. Caffeinated mineral Outer corners: E.L.F. Glamorous mineral Inner Corner: Meow because photo made it look matte, which it doesn’t in RL — don’t know why the camera does this — and of course, in RL you don’t go around with one eye closed; it is a flash of color when you blink.
Drylined E.L.F. Royal mineral, top and lower outside pencil line, then wetlined on top, very pretty wetlined
Pencil lined, top and bottom (no MAC, LOL) E.L.F. Plum brightening eye liner Mascara: top BE Buxom; lower Lancome Definicils Brows: Victoria Jackson pencil
Face:
Comparing Lancome foundation on one side and Chanel on the other
Revlon Primer E.L.F. Persimmon Shimmering Facial Whip glimmer up middle of face (this would be good to give your face color in winter or whenever you needed a pick-me-up, placing it differently on your face) E.L.F. Spice Lined lips and filled in (they sent me this by mistake, not the one I ordered, but I thought I’d try it anyway) E.L.F. Blossom Hypershine Lip Gloss E.L.F. Bitter Went over lip line and inside with E.L.F. Pink Lemonade All Over Color Stick (such a cute little size, almost a sample)
And my glimmer powder mix.
Shimmering Facial Whip: this is a nice product and comes in several shades. The browner ones would be good for getting a tanned look without being in the sun. I might try one of those next. This has an Allure Choice Award.
Multipurpose, on-the-go whipped colorant is vitamin B, C and E packed to instantly brighten and sooth skin with no greasy after-feel.
Squeeze a pearl-sized [more like a dot] amount onto finger and blend into cheeks, eyes, or lips.
Hypershine Gloss
This was not as visible as some glosses I own. It has some taste, but it was not at all objectionable. I punched it up with more lip liner. I intentionally chose a neutral, as well as to the color range I don’t usually buy. If you can’t do that for $1, when can you?
Hyper, glass-like shine infused with micro-mirror technology to reflect light. Smooths lips on contact with a conditioning shine that lasts for hours. Create that natural lip stain of color that’s sheer, subtle and beautiful!
Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara
Book Girl has gorgeous thick lashes that almost brush her sunglasses. Any colored mascara looks mascara-y. I thought this might give her some definition, but still look natural. She tried it yesterday, and it worked well.
Achieve glossy, shiny, healthy-looking lashes and brows with the infused long wearing conditioning agents in our wet gloss lash & brow mascara. Looking pulled together has never been easier!
Today she is using the AL clear mascara. She says this went on with more product on the first application. Both feel equally light.
All over color stick This would be good for airplane travel.
This worked well. It’s quite a darling little size. I wouldn’t mind an array of colors. I would think this would work better for dry skin than for oily.
Duo Eye Shadow Cream
This is the only product I bought that I haven’t tried yet. I thought I might try it as a dark base under minerals.
My opinion, you can’t go wrong for the price.
The actual packaging, not of the product, but of the containers is not as rich as NYX. NYX has more of the look of MAC.
These are not as high-glam or as Indie in appearance when on as AL or Meow, but some items, like the lip pencils, are more than favorable for drugstore lines, especially for price.
I think my girls would enjoy having some of this. It would make good stocking stuffers. Or even birthday favors.
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Eyes:
Base: Beauticontrol Pink
Revlon Lilac Shimmer Perle (has sparks)
This will be my alternate to Queen Phyllis (which is off white.) Milani #06 Royalty, also wetlined lower (remember the spark on this is only on the top — too bad — so now there is no spark on mine) Lined top and lower: Shiseido Soft Black liquid Over lined: Avon blue sparkle gel
Imagine a line down the center of my face.
I used the same primer, cream blush and my sparkly powder mix on both sides of my face. I used Revlon Age Defying Spa Face Illuminator in Light Pink 020 up the center of my face. The only difference is the foundation.
My Left side Cover Girl 210 Simply Ageless cream foundation — made to camouflage effects of aging. My Right side Maybelline Matte Mousse #2
Until you compare it when applying it, the Matte really doesn’t look particularly matte. But in comparison the CG is slightly illuminating. CG would be the one that would lift lines by illumination.
The difference is very subtle, but the CG definitely is more illuminating.
The cream feels quite creamy, but not oily. The mousse feels like it glides on, so it likely has some kind of ‘cone in it. I like them both. If I were in the least bit worried about a T-zone in summer, I’d use the mousse. As it is, I can wear either of them year round. The colors I used are pretty nearly identical.
CG has an interesting way to determine what color you use. I bought mine at CVS, which didn’t have it, but at Target they had a chart. You place your hand under it, and when your skin disappears into the sheer chart, that is the color for you. Based on that, I bought 210, which is perfect for me.
Comparing
Lips: AL Pout + Karma + Silver Sparkles up the center
Showing the sparkle of the shadow:
Have you tried these two foundations?
What do you think? I like them both.
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Book Girl and I went to see this one the other day. I thought I was going to another movie — Letters to Juliet! But When in Rome is one we thought we’d like to see from the previews, and the other one will be coming out soon, so we will see that one then. I did feel silly, however, to wrap my head around seeing a different movie than I expected!
When in Rome is a cute fantasy movie. Beth (Kristen Bell) is a workaholic, a young curator at the Guggenheim, working for Celeste (Anjelica Huston who plays her with delight.) Unlucky in love, she heads to Rome for her sister’s (Alexis Dziena) (who plays her usual dipsy part) whirlwind wedding. While there, she meets Nick (Josh Duhamel) and when it looks like her hopes for this possible relationship are dashed, she takes coins from the fountain, instead of tossing a coin to wish for love.
You can imagine the fun when the men who tossed the coins begin to pursue her aggressively. One is Danny DaVito, who is the only one who can deliver the lines he is given. Another is Jon Header (Napoleon Dynamite) — he gets more handsome by the day — who plays his part hilariously. Dax Shepard plays a ripped model, hilariously, in love with himself, now in love with her. Then there is the painter…
It takes her a while to realize they have been hit by a love spell because of the coins she took. Half the fun is how she is going to get out of it.
The cast includes a lot of all-stars. In addition to those mentioned, Don Johnson plays her father. Peggy Lipton is Priscilla. Even Shaq turns up.
Our theater was fairly full. There was a woman behind us with an infectious laugh. She belongs in a soundtrack. It was as much fun listening to her enjoy the movie, as it was for us to enjoy it.
There is one twist I didn’t see until the very end. It adds some fun too.
Have you seen this movie?
I give it 2.5 or 3 stars. It’s not Shakespeare, but it sure is fun. If you want to have a lot of laughs, suspend reality, and just have a good time, this is a movie to more than while away some time with.
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Chanel foundation (discontinued) and Chanel eyes.
Base: Dior Ombre Plume
Quatre Irreels with some Quatre Ors Violines to line. (Both are from other seasons.)
Clarins Midnight Flash to line top and lower. Then Jordana waterproof Luna Lavender
Mascara top: Lancome Oscillating; lower: Tarte
Brows: La Prairie pencil
Concealer: Dior Skinflash
Powder: my sparkly mix + BE Mineral Veil as a bronzer
Blush: MAC Moon River + BE Beauty
Lipstick: NYX Love Angel, from the amazingly cheap haul — My take: this was a very pretty color and not one I would have bought if it weren’t in the package. So getting the package gives new colors to try. I simply reapplied this one throughout the day. If you notice, it seems to separate at the lines, but smooshing it smooths it down again. I’m not sure why it does that. It has a slight taste and smell that is not objectionable.
I thought this was a soft, pretty look. It’s not a look I wear very often, but it bears repeating. It was quite nice.
Karin
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I first read about The Multiple about a year ago. An Asian MUA wrote in her blog that this was her favorite go-to product. That she used it on eyes-cheeks-lips-bronzer-etc. It piqued my curiosity. No one sells Nars locally so I tend to be less familiar with the line. I put it on my list for when I was out of town. Then I never remembered until more recently.
When I first looked at it, her color was too strong for me, so I hesitated to buy. It took a second trip before I felt I knew which color I might like to try. For $37, I didn’t want to make a mistake!
Nars The Multiple
The Multiple is the original all-in-one, cream-to-powder, multi-purpose makeup stick. With fingertip application, The Multiple highlights, sculpts, and warms eyes, cheeks, lips, and body in an array of shades from sheer accents to mauve and bronze. Sephora
The Back Story
In 1996 Harper’s Bazaar did a story featuring six of the top makeup artists of the time. The direction for each was to pick their favorite model, pick their favorite look and the magazine would credit every product used.
Carolyn Murphy was the choice of François Nars. François was inspired to showcase beautiful, translucent looking skin – a departure from the heavily matted skin in fashion at the time. François choose to use a single lipstick on eyes, cheeks and lips to add a touch of color and a healthy glow. Nothing else was added.
NARS was credited with exactly the one product. The caption read: “NARS Brown Out – Tangier Lipstick on eyes, face and lips”
Soon customers started buying lipstick for eyes, face and lips to re-create the beautiful skin they’d seen in Harper’s Bazaar, but we all know that lipstick is not the best for face and eyes. This led François to create a universal texture – The Multiple was born. A revolutionary stick for the entire face in a cream-to-powder formula that was oil-free. You can see the picture online at Nars.
I’ve used this for my cheeks before, but had not tried it for lips until today.
The texture
I felt it started out creamier in the container. The top feels drier, more powdery now, I think — I’ll have to check it out at a counter — but it still works fine. If it continues to dry, it might not work as well.
If you use this, what is your texture like?
It felt a little dry on my lips until I used gloss in the center.
My take: Cheeks
I like it for rouge (under my powder) and also as blush (over the powder.) Eyes I haven’t tried it on my eyes yet. Maybe tomorrow. Picture will follow, if I do. Bronzer I’m sure it would work well. I think my color, Riviera, is more suited as blush. My finished lip I thought it was soft and pretty.
Using Beauté technique
See more about the technique here. See other pictures of the lippie here. Lips: Nars Riviera, on entire lip MAC Kitty Power glitter eyeliner, used to rim. This is a gorgeous shade, very pretty on the lips. I’ve used it less so far on my eyes. NYX Chandelier in center. This is a pretty orchid pink shade.
Have you tried The Multiple?
What is your favorite color? Do you tend to use it for only one thing or do you use it in multiple ways?
Karin
5 for concept — I like the idea of getting multiple uses. I’ll probably take it if I travel.
$$$ a little pricey
5 for Riviera; I like it a lot. If you choose a color that is right for you, you’d likely feel the same.
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You all know how much I love most Avon products. It should be no surprise that I tried this one. Avon is quite innovative in its skin care products. They are the first in many skin technologies and have a state of the art facility.
Pluses
The packaging is gorgeous.
The pump works great.
Complaints about the product
Like most people, I find the smell off-putting.
And others complain about how you don’t know it’s empty until it’s empty. They wish it were see through. I agree with that, but the packaging is quite beautiful.
It would be nice to put less money into the packaging and add a bit more product. OTOH, this is an expensive product for Avon at $54. It is rarely on sale, and when it is, it is in combo with other products that you likely have not used up yet. And would people be willing to spend that money if the packaging were cheaper? It’s the total aura that makes us even believe something is worth trying, let alone that it might work.
What did I think?
This is a product I decided to finish off in my quest to use up product. About the same time I read something that mentioned how it changed the look of your neck, so I decided to concentrate using it on the lower half of my face and upper part of my neck.
And I got about 2 days warning that the container was almost empty. For a couple of days, the product came out sporadically. I wondered if it were empty. It seemed fairly quick, but OTOH, I had used it for about a year 1-2 times a week, maybe, so it was about due.
But was it empty?
I’m one of those people who cut open containers to use it to the last drop. I wondered if this container would come apart and what I would find.
A la the Urban Decay eye shadow base which folks cut open and find more product left than they had likely used:
I popped off the plunger with a nail file. I pulled out the container with pliers. I wondered if the container would be like some others I had that were under pressure.
No, this was simple plastic. There was very little left in the container. That impressed me and was a good sign. The design of this container offers full usage with very little waste. Isn’t that nice to know! If that container had been opaque with a sealed top, you would have no idea how well it emptied.
The top came off easily. I cut it open and used it all up this morning. I could have taken it apart tomorrow and had a fresh days supply. It probably would have been about two days worth because I only use one pump.
Does it work?
That’s a hard thing to say. If you use good products already, like I do, there aren’t dramatic results. I liked the feel every time I used it. I do think my neck looks better in the last couple of weeks. (I had never put it on my neck before; I only put it on my face.)
The smell leaves shortly, but it is off-putting. I think it smells a bit like fish.
This past weekend, I was going to buy the next generation Elixir Premium ($68) which was on sale by my Avon rep. I liked the look of it better on my hand. It looks as though it has some shimmer to it. But after hitting the air for a second, it smelled stronger and worse than the original. I decided to pass on it.
If you want a great Avon product that smells as good as it supposedly works: buy Anew Intensive Age Treatment. I’ll possible review that later. Let me know if you need a rep, and I’ll give you a link to my rep.
How do I rate it?
I’ll give it a 3. It is expensive by Avon standards. They need to work on the smell. I’m sure I would have used it more, if it had smelled better.
But I used the empty container to hold a few lip pencils. It’s really quite pretty.
How about you?
Have you ever used this? What do you think? Did you see a difference? Did you buy it more than once?
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I’m not sure that is strictly true, but it was true for me. I found Girlactik and fell in love with some of the products before I ever knew an Internet search would likely find me more companies than I could possibly sample. I tried one glitter, then I ended up, as usual, buying several. If one is great, would 4 or 5 be better?
I’ve used the Lavender in one look here. It’s a gorgeous bright but deep lavender.
Because I like the Girlactik so well and because the glitters were around the caps, I transferred them all to ziplocks, the way AL’s come as samples. That way I don’t lose a single piece of glitter.
The colors I have (I love all that I have): White Gold; Lavender; Multi-Jewels; Champagne. I thought I also had Multi-Bronze, but I don’t see it in my stash. It might still be in a container.
Pearl Base (a soft pink with glimmer) is used under light ones:
There is a savings if you buy the products together. This is White Gold:
They do have a darker base for darker colors.
I find applying the glitter over eye pencil works just as well.
Star Shadow
This has an Allure Choice Award. Girlactik Beauty Star Shadow is a wonderful, lush, silky shadow. I only have one color, Buttershine, a soft beige, that I bought for a base or highlighter. If you like the color, you’d likely like it.
Edit: I didn’t realize they could be applied wet or dry. I’ve only tried dry.
One of the nicest compliments I’ve received was from a young girl working in the shop where I bought it. She thought it was terrific that I was wearing the glitter — it looks great! I knew I’d love it. She said most women who weren’t her age wouldn’t even look at it.
Have you tried any girlactik glitters or other products? What is your fave?
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Updated to include my review of Hourglass primer (and comparing it to Chanel’s Illuminating 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!
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.
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.
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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This is the first time I’ve used the NXY shadows that came in my amazingly cheap haul.
NYX TS29, White, Tropical, Silver (this looks like a soft blue) Brows: La Prairie pencil Mascara: BE Buxom on top; took picture before I put any on the lower lashes Lined lower: MAC Light as Air + Mac earthline below that
I don’t know which came first, the shirt or the eye colors. The shirt is one of my many Ts from Target. This one is so soft with 3/4 sleeves. I knew I could wear the color, so I assumed I could wear the color on my eyes. The funny thing is that without having tried Aromaleigh’s reds on my eyes, I don’t know that I would have tried an orange — apricot, yes; orange, no.
Primer: Smashbox Foundation: Lancome minerals + Lancome mineral translucent powder + my sparkly mix Blush: MAC Moon River mineralize blush Blush Later: MAC what was left on my fingers from the Popster lip conditioner Highlight: AL Magnolia , up the center of my face — this is the perfect shade for me; I can use the others, but one is light and I have to be careful not to use too much; this one is a 5 second application, with no errors. Concealer: Dior skinflash Lips: MAC Hello Kitty Popster tinted lip conditioner, rimmed with Beauté Paramour
I was really happy with the way this turned out.
How about you?
Have you tried any of the NYX shadows?
My take:
I’d give this shadow set a 5. They were easy to use, very nice packaging, with a super mirror which was unexpected.
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I had never heard of Hourglass Cosmetics until they came across my computer from another blog. Now I see it’s being written up in a lot of magazines, including Allure.
A luxury line with a modern edge. Carisa Janes
I like the fact that while it is considered a luxury line, it is moderately priced, instead of off the scale.
Carisa Janes has created this cutting-edge line which is formulated with the latest in cosmetic technology. Since I had never heard of her, I did a bit of sleuthing.
Carisa Janes has been a creative force behind many different brands during her extensive career in the beauty industry, dating back to 1996. She began her career as an assistant product developer at Urban Decay. After that, she developed and brought to market Body & Soul, an upscale niche cosmetics line that received a lot of press attention when it first launched due to its unique packaging. Next, as head of her own consulting firm, Isa Design, Janes oversaw the creative direction for multiple skin care and cosmetic lines, including teen brand Sugar Cosmetics. Marie Redding
Something else that is nice: you can sample a friend with up to 3 free samples, which is how I got to try it. And I sampled a friend this morning. It takes about 7-10 business days to receive your samples.
The products are available from Sephora online. I do not know if they are carried in some Sephora stores. You can do a search at the Hourglass site to see a store locator.
Here’s what I tried 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.
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.
Liquid foundation $60 SPF 15
I was sent 1.5 Nude. It is a little deep and yellow for me. I would prefer another color, less yellow, but it looks fine once it is on. When I choose a color for me, I choose a true neutral, neither pink nor yellow.
There are two other colors that are lighter: Ivory and Porcelain. Additionally there are 5 colors that are deeper.
A medium coverage treatment liquid foundation.
What it is formulated to do:
Veil Fluid Makeup provides luminous, long lasting coverage for a flawless complexion while fighting the signs of aging. Sephora
Tinted Moisturizer $55
I was sent Ivory, the lightest shade. It is lighter than 1.5 in the liquid foundation, but it is still deep and a bit yellow for me.
Hourglass Illusion Luminizing Tinted Moisturizer is an ultra-rich formula that offers moderate coverage for an even, natural, flawless finish. Added Instalift® firms and tightens the skin, producing visible results within an hour of application. Hyaluronic Filling Spheres™ help minimize the appearance of wrinkles while increasing skin’s hydration levels, delivering a healthy, dewy radiance. Sephora
I did not notice any particular firming or tightening. It did look nice going on.
It covers nicely, as it is quite pigmented, so for an easy every day look, this is very workable. There is enough coverage that my skin doesn’t look bare, unlike some tinted moisturizers that just melt away. I used this after my normal moisturizing as a foundation.
Sephora users rate both of these more than 4 star but not as strongly as the primer.
Have you tried Hourglass cosmetics?
There is also a full color line for eyes, face, and lips.
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I was gifted with two shades of Rimmel Kiss and Stay Lip gloss. It comes in a dual ended wand. One end has an opaque color; the other end is a glitter gloss.
Here’s what Rimmel says:
New Lasting Finish Kiss & Stay
2 quick and easy steps for 10 hour high fidelity colour with enduring shine.
Step 1: lightweight non-sticky liquid lip colour bonds to lips.
Step 2: unique liquid pearls gloss top coat seals and magnifies colour with a crystal shine gloss effect for the ultimate glass shine finish that will stay put.
At last, a comfortable lipgloss that stays around.
I tried these three. 100 English Rose a medium shade of pink that looks red on, with a bit deeper light pink glitter than 300 has.
I applied the pink/red opaque color first to my bottom lip, then the glitter gloss on my top lip and smooshed both lips together.
Whoa! red and vibrant! I like red, but this was unexpected. The color was so strong and vibrant it surprised me. I can’t imagine how it would have looked if I had applied it to both lips with just a little of the glitter gloss over it.
First Kiss 110 Opaque applied only to bottom lip; gloss only on top and smooshing lips together. This is a medium pink with light purplish gloss. Applying it this way, it looks like gloss, and I like it.
300 Eternal Kiss a plum shade with light pink glitter.
While it is recommended that the opaque color be applied first, then the glitter gloss, I applied the glitter gloss on both lips first, then the opaque very cautiously over the glitter. It looks like gloss that way. It still had high shine and reflectivity. It didn’t seem to affect the lasting power.
What it feels like
It really feels and looks like lipstick, but it feels drier, though it isn’t. A little odd, if I think about it.
I expected it to be more like gloss and less like lipstick. I like a lipstick to be a lipstick and a gloss to be a gloss.
How it lasts
It has very good lasting power, and it is different than others I have.
But the name is a misnomer. it would get on whoever you are kissing, for sure.
What about you?
Do you have it? Do you like it?
Karin
2 Sticky, but not gooey as lip glosses usually can be. Two hours later when there was only a stain left, when I pressed my lips together, they stuck a little to each other, being a bit tacky.
3 Moist, but it feels drier than most lip glosses or lipsticks.
5 Does not drift.
1 I’m not real enamored of the feel, but I do like the look.
1 Name is not on the wand, so it would be hard to replace, if you used it up.
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is a wonderful, lush, silky shadow. I only have one color, Buttershine, a soft beige, that I bought for a base or highlighter. If you like the color, you’d likely like it.
which has been discontinued, can still be found on occasion. It came in two colors, cool and warm. I use cool.
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.)
