Category: Reviews

Milani Prep+Set+Glow Illuminating Transparent Powder

On By thehannahhardyIn ReviewsLeave a comment

Claims
–Natural, healthy glow
–Blurs imperfections
–Sets makeup
–Adds all over radiance
–Lit-from-within finish

Price
–$9.99 at milanicosmetics.com, Walgreens, Target
–$8.97 at Wal Mart

Pros
–Affordable
–Perfect for dry skin
–Cruelty free
–Vegan
–Sets makeup but doesn’t cake
–Lives up to all of its claims
–Easily accessible

Cons
–None

Final Thoughts
I am OBSESSED with this powder. I have dry skin, but I’m not into the super dewy, glowy look. Most setting powders are mattifying and don’t look the best on dry skin, but they set your makeup well. I was looking for a product that would set, but not necessarily mattify and accentuate my dryness and I finally found it. This one sets, but doesn’t mattify or cake. It just gives a beautiful, subtle glow. I use this product every single day and it is a dry skin dream. I can’t be without it!

P.S. I use it with this brush. I swirl the brush in and then go in and set. I use a light hand and a light amount of product.

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It’s really hard to get a swatch of a transparent powder, but I tried.
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AM & PM :: My makeup was set and was still in place at the end of the day. You can see the subtle glow it gives a little better in the picture on the right.

approved

 

Dupe or Duped? Liquid Glitter Shadows

On By thehannahhardyIn Dupes, ReviewsLeave a comment

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MILANI HYPNOTIC LIGHTS EYE TOPPER

Claims–Weightless :: Dries quickly :: Minimal fallout :: Holographic effects of pearls and glitter

Price–$9.99 at Target :: $11 at milanicosmetics.com :: $10.99 at Walgreens

Shade Range–4 (my shade: Luster Light)

Pros–Cruelty free :: Affordable :: Glitter/something extra for an eye look without the mess :: Minimal fall out :: Wear alone or over shadow

Cons–Shade range

Final Thoughts–I love the duochrome finish. It’s not as pigmented as the Stila one. It looks better worn over a shadow and is a little too sheer to be worn alone, although you can build it up. It is an eye topper and is meant to be worn over a shadow, but I wanted to mention how it looked on its own as well.

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STILA MAGNIFICENT METALS GLITTER & GLOW LIQUID EYE SHADOW

Claims–Maximum sparkle, minimal fallout :: Dries down smoothly :: Lightweight

Price–$24 at Ulta, Sephora, Nordstrom, stilacosmetics.com

Shade Range–15 (my shade: Kitten Karma)

Pros–Cruelty free :: Shade range :: Wear alone or over eye shadow :: Pigmented :: Glitter without the mess

Cons–Expensive

Final Thoughts–I love this and they are so loved and raved about for a reason. It gives a little something extra to any look. It’s easy to use and apply and pigmented enough to wear alone, though you could use it as a topper as well. It blends and applies well on top of powder shadows. A little goes a long way so one tube will last you a lifetime.

No flash :: Flash

There are some differences in these two products, but the point of these products is to add glitter and glam without the mess of a loose pigment/glitter. You are going to get the same effect with both products so save your monies and grab the Milani.

Dupes

Mask Monday: Formula 10.0.6 Pores Be Pure

On By thehannahhardyIn Mask Monday, Reviews, SkincareLeave a comment

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Claims
–Eliminate impurities
–Instant complexion perfection
–Clear clogged pores

Price
–$6.99 for 3.4 oz at Ulta, Target, and formula1006.com
–$2.99 for 1 oz at Ulta & Target

Pros
–Ingredients :: salicylic acid, bentonite
–Affordable
–Easily accessible
–Doesn’t claim to be hydrating, but I found it to be
–Skin felt clear and clean without feeling stripped
–Packaging :: squeeze tube, mess free

Cons
–Don’t love strawberry scented things
–Cruelty free status unclear

Final Thoughts
I loved the slight tingle and heat, it made me feel like it was working. My skin felt so plump and hydrated after rinsing. I was really impressed with this mask and would love to try more products from the line. I purchased the travel size to test and I wouldn’t buy the full size because of the scent, but the actual product is good!

IMG_4551approved

Foundation Friday: Morphe Fluidity Full-Coverage

On By thehannahhardyIn Foundation Friday, ReviewsLeave a comment

Claims
–Long-wearing
–Sweat proof
–Water-resistant
–Full-coverage
–Transfer resistant
–Great for all skin types

Price
–$18 for 1.0 oz at Ulta & morphebrushes.com

Shade Range
–60
–My shade: F1.10 Fairest with Neutral Undertones

Pros
–Affordable
–Oil free
–Paraben free
–Full coverage
–Long lasting
–Wasn’t too matte for my dry skin
–Didn’t cake on my dry skin
–Fragrance free
–Shade range and tones
–Cruelty free
–Shade match for me
–Easy to blend
–Worked well with my concealer/powder combo

Cons
–Availability :: can only get online, Morphe stores, and select Ulta stores

Final Thoughts
I got full coverage with one layer and I didn’t have to use much product. I got full coverage in one layer using a brush and a sponge. It covered ALL of my redness. At first, it didn’t want to stick to my nose, but that’s not unusual. I got it to stick using a sponge. I was worried that it would be too matte and drying on my VERY dry skin (thanks, cold weather), but it wasn’t. I do think it would dry down/set and not be tacky, but I always set with a powder regardless. Since my skin is dry, I use a fluffy brush and do a very light dusting. I almost bought shade F1.3 (fairest with pink undertones) because I have VERY pink undertones, but I think it would have been too dark. F1.10 was definitely the shade I needed. I think this is a great, full coverage foundation that is affordable.

Primer: Too Faced Hangover RX, elf Blur Stick
Powder: Milani Prep+Set+Glow
Tools: Morphe M439 and Real Techniques Sponge

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Before & After
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No makeup :: Foundation only :: Full face
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AM & PM (after the gym, but I don’t sweat a lot there)
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Swatch
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Shade comparisons

approved

Hauled it…how was it?

On By thehannahhardyIn Hauls, Reviews2 Comments

haul

A few weeks ago, I shared a HAUL. I actually purchased these products and started using them before that post went up, so I’ve had plenty of time to test all these products out and form opinions on them.

Keep reading to see which products I liked and which ones were a bust!

Side Note: I love watching Haul videos on YouTube, but hate when there is no follow up. I’m over here wondering if those products worked out. Were they good? Do I need it? Should I avoid it? HELP A GIRL OUT. LET ME KNOW.

elf

  • Prep & Blur Stick, $8
    • Repurchase
    • Blurs pores really well
    • LOVE
  • Jelly Highlighter in Bubbly, $6
    • This WILL NOT blend over powder. Most creams don’t, but I forgot to use it and wanted to try it anyway, major mistake.
    • I put on my foundation, tap this on my cheekbones, and set with translucent powder. You can still the highlight peeking through.
    • I apply a powder highlighter on top and you get BLINDED. You can certainly skip adding the powder highlight if you want something more natural.
    • LOVE
  • Color Correcting Stick in Correct Dark Circles Light, $4
    • Creamy
    • A little too dark for me, but I can make it work
    • VERY pigmented, just need a little
    • Easy to blend
    • LOVE
  • Brow Gel, $5
    • Note as good as my beloved Tarte gel
    • Will use on days where I don’t want to take the time to use a pencil, but want some color
    • When I do my brows, I start with a tinted brow gel and then fill in with a pencil. You can’t do that with this one. This gel and a pencil just don’t work well together.
  • Poreless Putty, $8
    • Everyone is LOSING THEIR MINDS over this primer because it’s supposed to be a dupe for the Tatcha primer.
    • This provides a good, smooth canvas for foundation, but it didn’t do much for my pores.
    • It also wasn’t cute on my dry skin. I used it all over and only around my nose where my pores are larger and it just wasn’t a good look for me.
  • Eye Makeup Remover Balm, $4
    • Perfect for removing stubborn liner and mascara
    • Run over my lash line and wipe all the makeup my initial remover missed
    • LOVE this
  • Solid Brush & Sponge Cleanser, $4
    • This is just as good as more expensive solid cleansers
    • Will be buying several of these next time I order
    • LOVE
  • Smoothing Eye Serum, $8
    • I keep it in my mini fridge so metal rollers stay cool which helps depuff
    • Hydrates and smooths
    • LOVE

Wet n Wild

My friend Owen delivered her sweet, identical twin girls at 24 weeks. She and I have several mutual friends, but got to know each other through blogging. She is so sweet and has the cutest little family. Her sweet girls, Molly & Lucy, are in the NICU and have a long road ahead before they can join their parents and older sister, Vivian, at home.

A PayPal was started to help with expenses and if you have it in your heart to donate, you can use this link. If you aren’t able to donate, prayers are always welcomed and completely free. I know God has a special plan for these girls!

Mascara Monday: L’Oreal Unlimited Length & Lift

On By thehannahhardyIn Mascara Monday, ReviewsLeave a comment

Claims
–Instant lash-lift effect, lengthening mascara
–No clumps, flaking, or smudging
–Two-position wand for customized look
–Flexible, tapered brush

Price
–$12.99 at Walgreens

Shade Range
–2
–Waterproof option available

Pros
–Easily accessible
–Innovative design and packaging
–No flaking or smudging
–Separated
–Lengthened
–Volumized
–Grabbed each lash and lifted it up; could really get to the root and wiggle up
–Bending the wand allows you to get close to the inner corners and coat every lash
–Waterproof option available

Cons
–Expensive for drugstore
–Bulky packaging, not easy to store
–Not cruelty free

Final Thoughts
I LOVE the way this makes my lashes look. I hate that it’s so pricey though! There are definitely other options at the drugstore that are just as good and cost less. However, I don’t think you would be disappointed if you wanted to splurge on this. The bent tip really allows you to get close in the inner corner and get every.single.lash. I don’t know that I’ve tried another mascara that does that.

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approved

I was sent this product free for testing purposes. All opinions are my own.

My friend Owen delivered her sweet, identical twin girls at 24 weeks. She and I have several mutual friends, but got to know each other through blogging. She is so sweet and has the cutest little family. Her sweet girls, Molly & Lucy, are in the NICU and have a long road ahead before they can join their parents and older sister, Vivian, at home.

A PayPal was started to help with expenses and if you have it in your heart to donate, you can use this link. If you aren’t able to donate, prayers are always welcomed and completely free. I know God has a special plan for these girls!

 

Foundation Friday: Wet n Wild Photo Focus Stick

On By thehannahhardyIn Fair Skin Products, Foundation Friday, Reviews1 Comment

Claims
–Long-lasting coverage
–Semi-matte finish
–Infused with Argan and Sunflower Seed oils for intense moisture and seamless blendability

Price
–$5.99 at Target, Walgreens, wetnwildbeauty.com

Shade Range
–21
–My shade: Alabaster

Pros
–Affordable
–Shade match for me
–Gluten free
–Talc free
–Fragrance free
–Buildable coverage
–Cruelty free
–Vegan

Cons
–SUPER tacky so you have to set it
–Cakey
–Clung to dry patches
–Not very creamy, tugged going on

Final Thoughts
You get medium coverage with one layer and full with two. I could not get this to stay on my nose. This happens sometimes, but usually between a brush and a sponge, I can make something work. Not with this one! It looked SO cakey with and without being set with powder. It did have good coverage though, it covered all my redness with 2 layers. The first day I tried it, it made me SO oily. I looked in the mirror and my forehead was shining. I rummaged in my purse and found an oil blotting sheet and was shocked. My skin has not needed an oil blotting sheet or even gotten oily in YEARS. It was just AWFUL on my dry skin. The next time I tried it, I thought extra prep and moisturizing would help. NOPE. I love the original Photo Focus Foundation that is liquid, but this was a major FAIL.

Day 1
—Too Faced Hangover Rx Primer
—elf Blur Stick
—Milani Prep+Set+Glow Powder
*This is my usual primer/powder combo that works well with almost every foundation I use and try*

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Before & After
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No makeup :: Just foundation :: Full face
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AM & PM
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Sorry if this is gross, but look how oily this foundation made me. I was SO shiny. My skin is dry AF and I never get oily.

Day 2
—Origins GinZing Moisturizer & eye cream
—Physicians Formula Rose All day Serum Primer
–Becca Hydra Mist Powder

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Before & After
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No makeup :: Just foundation :: Full face
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AM & PM
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You can see how it’s not clinging to my nose and how it just looks cakey and bad. My skin just looked like it was begging for moisture.

notapproved