Tag: affordable

Dupe or Duped? Lavender Setting Powders

On By thehannahhardyIn Dupes, Fair Skin Products, Reviews, Splurge or Save1 Comment

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Fenty Pro Filt’R Insant Retouch Setting Powder
vs.
Makeup Revoltuion Conceal & Fix Setting Powder

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FENTY PRO FILT’R INSTANT RETOUCH SETTING POWDER

Claims–Superfine, weightless, filtered, photo-ready look :: reduce shine :: blur the look of pores and fine lines :: set, perfect, and brighten without caking or settling :: hypder smooth filter that won’t flash back

Price–$32 at Sephora, fentybeauty.com for 0.98 oz

Shade Range–8
My Shade–Lavender

Pros–Cruelty free :: finely milled :: smooths and blurs :: under eye area looks PERFECT :: doesn’t cake or settle :: lavender is the perfect brightening shade for my my fair skin :: mess free packaging with cap :: shade range

Cons–Expensive :: Sephora exclusive

Final Thoughts–This the under eye powder that I measure all other powders against. There is nothing I don’t like about this product, except the price. It’s expensive, but I am more than willing to pay the full price because it’s THAT good. My under eye area looks FLAWLESS no matter what concealer I use. This is the perfect tone for my fair skin and I can’t say enough good things about it. I take the sifters out of my loose powders because I like to be able to dunk my sponge in. Even though the sifter is out, it still doesn’t make a mess and I’ve traveled it like this as well.

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MAKEUP REVOLUTION CONCEAL & FIX SETTING POWDER

Claims–Ultra finely milled :: melts into the skin to set makeup in place :: water resistant :: flashback free :: talc free :: serious staying power

Price–$11 at Ulta, revolutionbeauty.com for 0.45 oz

Shade Range–10
My Shade–Light Lavender

Pros–Talc free :: affordable :: vegan :: cruelty free :: brightens :: shade range :: unique packaging

Cons–Availability (Ulta online only for this shade) :: Packaging is a little bulky and messy if you take the sifter out

Final Thoughts–I was so STOKED when I saw this on Ulta’s website because I just knew it was going to replace my beloved Fenty powder. Wrong. The packaging is unique in the fact that you can use it like a compact or a loose powder, but it’s a little bulky. As I mentioned above, I take the sifter out of every loose powder and I shouldn’t have done that to this one. It makes SUCH a mess and powder falls out every time you pick it up and move it. It feels a little heavy on the skin, the shade is more white than lavender, and it doesn’t give the same blurring effect. The Fenty powder has a very smooth texture and though this one is formulated without talc, it has a very heavy, talc feel. Mine made such a mess that I ended up tossing it.

So, dupe or duped?!

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Images are from Google. I wanted y’all to see what they look like with the sifters in place.

duped

These are not dupes formula wise, but the MUR is not a bad option if you don’t want to pay $32 for setting powder. I totally get it.

P.S. Fenty has smaller sizes of some shades for $18 so you could grab the smaller size to test!

 

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J Cat Beauty Staysurance Water-Sealed Zero Smudge Concealer

On By thehannahhardyIn concealer, Fair Skin Products, ReviewsLeave a comment

 

Claims
–Medium to full coverage
–Won’t creak or cake
–Hydrated, flawless look
–Lightweight
–Combats dark circles, redness, and imperfections
–Waterproof

Price
–$7.99 at Ulta, jcatbeauty.com
–0.83 oz

Shade Range
–16
–My shade: Shell

Pros
–Affordable
–Fair skin shades!
–Cruelty free
–Easy to blend
–Wand holds enough product for both under eyes, don’t have to keep dipping in
–Covered blemishes and dark circles well
–Lightweight

Cons
–Online only
–Shade range :: need more medium & deep shades

Final Thoughts
It’s very rare that a brand has awesome fair/pale shades, but lacks medium and deep shades. Props to J Cat for thinking of us pale people, but the shade range REALLy needs some work. I hate this online only because this is a really good and affordable concealer. It worked under my eyes and on a pesky blemish.

Corrector: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Brightener
Powder: Fenty Pro Filt’r in Lavender
Tool: Wet n Wild Sponge

swatches

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approved

 

Catrice One Drop Coverage Weightless Concealer

On By thehannahhardyIn concealer, Reviews1 Comment

Claims
–Full coverage
–Long-lasting
–Moisturizes while correcting the appearance of dark circles and imperfections
–Sweat-resistant

Price
–$6.99 for 0.23 oz
–Ulta, catricecosmetics.com

Shade Range
–4 at Ulta
–8 at catricecosmetics.com
–My shade: 003 Porcelain

Pros
–Hyaluronic acid
–Vegan
–Cruelty free
–Full coverage
–Easy to blend
–Didn’t settle/crease
–Affordable
–Little goes a long way

Cons
–Shade range
–Lightest shade too dark for me

Final Thoughts
The shade range is total garbage. I bought the lightest shade and had to use a white concealer to make it work. A concealer in dropper packaging like this is interesting and I had never tried one like this before. Dropper packaging tends to be a little messy and the product very liquid-y and runny, but this one wasn’t. The consistency was perfect and I was really impressed with the formula. It was very easy to blend, full coverage, and didn’t settle or crease (any more so than usual concealers, I have fine lines so everything settles/creases to an extent). Catrice needs to work on the shade range, for most of their products, but if there’s a shade for you or you’re willing to mix, I think you’ll like it.

Corrector: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Brightener
Powder: Fenty Pro Filt’r in Lavender

swacthIMG_0660approved

Foundation Friday: Makeup Revolution Conceal & Hydrate

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

Claims
–All day radiance and glow
–Won’t settle into fine lines or cling to dryness
–Particularly beneficial for dry skin
–Medium to full coverage

Price
–$12 for 0.7 oz
—Ulta, revolutionbeauty.com

Shade Range
–16 at Ulta
–50 at revolutionbeauty.com
–My shade: F0.5

Pros
–Affordable
–Hyalouronic acid
–Packaging, pump!
–Cruelty free
–Shade match for me
–Easy to blend
–Lightweight on the skin
–Medium to full, buildable coverage

Cons
–Availability :: Ulta or online, not all shades available at Ulta
–Less than standard 1.0 oz
–Couldn’t find a primer/powder combo that worked on my dry skin. Looked dry, cakey, and clingy

Final Thoughts
I usually test foundation using a primer and powder that I love and that I know works with my other foundations. I can also tell pretty quickly if I like or don’t like a foundation. I tried several different combinations over a few days trying to get this one to work because I was so excited about this release. I love the original formula and knew this one would work even better for my dry skin. At the bottom of this post, I’ve included the different combinations I tried and some notes. I love the packaging update with the addition of the pump. F0.5 is my perfect shade in MUR products, but Ulta didn’t have it available in this product so I went with F0.2 which is the next closest thing. It definitely worked, but definitely leans a little more yellow. I’m super bummed this didn’t work for me, but I’ll be sticking with the original formula.

Primers:  Urban Decay b6 Primer Spray
Powder: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Setting Powder with damp sponge
Tool: Elcie Sponge

swatch

Mayb1
Before & After
Mayb2
No makeup :: Foundation only :: Full face
Mayb3
AM & PM

notapproved

DAY 1
—Primers: First Aid Beauty Coconut Smoothie, Urban Decay b6 Spray, Revlon Pore Reducing
—Tool: Elcie Sponge
—Powder: Catrice Prime & Fine Waterproof Mattifying Powder with Equate Brush
–Skin looked cakey and dry, Nose was a hot mess. Overall, it just looked awful and I could not get home to remove it fast enough.

DAY 2
—Primers: First Aid Beauty Coconut Smoothie, Urban Decay b6 Spray, Revlon Pore Reducing
—Tool: Elcie Sponge
—Powder: Revolution PRO Hydra Matte with Equate Brush
–I tried the Paint Pot trick (Nikkia Joy) on my nose and upper lip, hooping it would help the foundation stick and not break up. NOPE. Overall, it was improvement from Day 1, but still not good. Nose, chin, & upper lip were all a clingy cakey mess.

DAY 3
—Primers: Urban Decay b6
—Tool: Elcie Sponge
—Powder: Maybelline Fit Me Loose Powder in Fair with damp Wet n Wild Sponge
–I still didn’t love how it looked, but it was the best combo thus far. My nose still looked rough and it wore off on my chin. It was the first day that upper lip didn’t look like a cakey clingy mess.

DAY 4
–I mixed the Conceal & Hydrate with the Conceal & Define
—Primers: irst Aid Beauty Coconut Smoothie, Urban Decay b6 Spray, Revlon Pore Reducing
—Tool: Elcie Sponge
—Powder: Catrice Prime & Fine Waterproof Mattifying Powder with Equate Brush
–Looked dry, cakey, and clingy around my nose. Upper lip looked better, but not the best. Best combo of them all, but still not good.

After this, I just gave up and label it a no.

Juvia’s Place I Am Magic Concealer

On By thehannahhardyIn concealer, Fair Skin Products, ReviewsLeave a comment

 

Claims
–Full coverage
–Blendable
–Evens and blurs out skin imperfections
–No heavy feel, weightless, coverage
–Formulated for all skin types and tones

Price
–$14
—Ulta, juviasplace.com

Shade Range
–24
–My shade: J24

Pros
–Affordable
–Large doe foot applicator
–Simple, sleek packaging
–Shade range
–Shade match for me
–Cruelty free
–Easy to blend
–Full coverage
–Under eye area looked blurred and smooth
–Lives up all claims

Cons
–Availability :: Ulta or online only

Final Thoughts
I loved the foundation and was hoping the concealer would be just as good and it is! The shade range is impressive and there is a shade light enough for me as a skin tone match and to use as a brightening shade. I prefer a brighter under eye so I went with J24. If I wanted to use this for spot concealing, I would go up a shade. Like the foundation, it gives a blurred, smoothed finished. It was very easy to blend and sets so nicely with powder. You can’t beat the coverage or the price. This is definitely worth checking out and a product I am glad to have in my collection.

Corrector: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Brightener
Powder: Fenty Pro Filt’r in Lavender

swatchIMG_0135approved

Makeup Revolution Conceal & Hydrate Concealer

On By thehannahhardyIn concealer, Fair Skin Products, ReviewsLeave a comment

Claims
–Lightweight finish
–Boost of moisture
–All day hydration
–Hyaluronic acid
–Covers blemishes, evens skintone, counteracts dark circles
–Sheer, satin finish
–Won’t settle into lines
–Smooth, delicate application

Price
–$10
—Ulta, revolutionbeauty.com
–0.45 oz

Shade Range
–50 at revolutionbeauty.com
–16 at Ulta
–My shade: C0.2

Pros
–Affordable
–Hyaluronic acid
–Cruelty free
–Easy to blend
–Lightweight
–Don’t have to dip in multiple times
–Full coverage
–Under eye area looked soft, smooth, and blurred

Cons
–Availability :: Ulta or online, not all shades available at Ulta

Final Thoughts
My perfect shade in the Makeup Revolution line is 0.5, but Ulta didn’t have this shade available so I went with C0.2. This shade was a little more yellow, but it worked and brightened up the under eye area. It was super easy to blend and I loved that I didn’t have to dip in multiple times. My under eye area looked like it had a filter on it, it was so smooth and blurred. If I wanted a shade to spot conceal, I would definitely need C0.5, but C0.2 works for a bright under eye which I prefer. I love and recommend this 100%. A foundation was released with this concealer and I’ve been testing it as well. That review will be up Friday so be sure to come back!

Corrector: Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer in Brightener
Powder: Jeffree Star Magic Powder in Translucent
Tool: elf Total Face sponge

IMG_2924IMG_3225approved

August Favorites

On By thehannahhardyIn Favorites, Monthly FavoritesLeave a comment

August was a slow month for manicures (yesterday’s post) and favorites so I don’t have much to share. However, I REALLY love these few things and I’ve been using the crap out of them all month long.

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  • Secret Treasures PJs from Wal Mart
    • There are few things in life that bring me as much joy as pajamas, especially soft and cheap pjs. These from Wal Mart fit the bill. The set was around $12 and sadly I can’t find them online. All I know is the brand is Secret Treasures.
    • I got the short sleeve, v-neck shirt in a larger size and the ankle length pants in my usual size. I like to my pjs to be loose and flowy. The material is so lightweight and soft which is perfect for me because I’m hot natured AF.
    • Another good thing about this brand is you could mix and match. You get ankle length pants, long pants, shorts, bermuda shorts, a short sleeve top, a tank top, etc. Each piece was sold separately so you could mix and match. GENIUS.
  • Colour Pop Just A Tint Lip Tint in Chimichanga
    • I’ve been looking for a sheer red lip for what seems like ages. I love a bold, red lip, but sometimes I want the red look without having to worry about lip liner and reapplying.
    • These provides just enough color, is hydrating, and comfortable.
    • If you want a red lip, but aren’t ready to jump in with both feet, give this one a go!
  • CoverGirl TruBlend Undercover Concealer
    • I did a full review on this here so I won’t go into detail, but it’s good.
    • It’s full coverage, has a good shade range, and won’t break the bank.
  • elf Total Face Sponge
    • A few of the YouTubers I watch have been raving about this sponge so I picked it up to give it a try. I don’t know what it is that makes it so good or extra special, there are definitely comparable sponges at the drugstore already, but I haven’t stopped using this.
    • I usually do my foundation with a brush, but I’ve hardly touched my foundation brush this month. I’ve been using this for foundation, concealer, and powder.
    • If you want a cheaper alternative to the beautyblender, I highly recommend this one.

FavLipCombo

I can’t quit with this lip combo. I usually don’t even like nude lips, but since I discovered this combo, I can’t stop wearing it. I use the Jordana Lip Liner in Tawny, then Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick, and top it off with Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb in Fenty Glow. The lipstick and gloss are great on their own, but wearing them together is just pure perfection. The sunnies are Karen Walker Super Lunar sunnies in Crazy Tort & Gold if you care.