Tag: drugstore

Mascara Monday: CoverGirl Exhibitionist

On By thehannahhardyIn Mask Monday, ReviewsLeave a comment

Claims
–No flaking or smudging
–Lashes are full and defined with one coat
–Volumizing

Price
–$10.99 at Ulta
–$7.99 at Target
–$7.94 at Wal Mart
–$9.99 at Walgreens

Shade Range
–3
–Waterproof option

Pros
–Wand shape
–Affordable
–Pretty packaging
–Length
–Separation
–No flaking or smudging
–Easily accessible
–Cruelty free
–Volume
–My lashes looked bomb

Cons
–None

Final Thoughts
Y’all my lashes looked BOMB with this mascara. It is definitely one of the best mascaras I’ve tried this year. I got length, volume, and separation without flaking or smudging, what more do you need from a mascara? The wand shape is similar to the Too Faced Better Than Sex, but this is even better and even cheaper.

IMG_0795IMG_1017approved

Concealer Wrap Up

On By thehannahhardyIn ReviewsLeave a comment

At the beginning of March, I started what I called, “concealer-thon,” and reviewed a new concealer every Wednesday. I wanted to create a post so there was one place to come get quick, concise info on these concealers, similar to this post I did on foundations.

IMG_8448.jpg

Essence Camouflage+Matt
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $3.99
–Amount:
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 3
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match for Me: No
–MEH

LA Girl Pro HD
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $4.99
–Amount: 0.28 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 30 concealers, 10 correctors, 3 highlighters
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match for Me: Yes
–APPROVED

Jeffree Star Magic
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $32
–Amount: 0.115 oz
–Where to Buy: jeffreestarcosmetics.com, morphebrushes.com
–Shade Range: 31
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match for Me: Yes
–APPROVED

Catrice Liquid Camouflage 
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $5.99
–Amount: 0.17 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 17
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: Yes (at the time of the review, no. Shade range has since expanded)
–APPROVED

Rimmel Stay Matte
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $5.49
–Amount: 0.23 oz
–Where to Buy: Walgreens
–Shade Range: 20
–Cruelty Free: No
–Shade Match: Yes
–MEH

Huda Beauty The Overachiever
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $30
–Amount: 0.34 oz
–Where to Buy: Sephora
–Shade Range: 20
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: Yes
–APPROVED

NYX Can’t Stop Won’t Stop
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $8.50
–Amount: 0.11 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 24
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: Yes
–APPROVED

Milani Conceal + Perfect Longwear
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $7.97
–Amount: 0.17 oz
–Where to Buy: Wal Mart
–Shade Range: 18
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: No
–APPROVED

LOreal Infallible Full Wear Waterproof
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $12.99
–Amount: 0.33 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 25
–Cruelty Free: No
–Shade Match: Yes
–APPROVED

Morphe Fluidity Full-Coverage
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $9
–Amount: 0.15 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 31
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: Yes
–APPROVED

elf 16 HR Camo
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $5
–Amount: 0.2 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 18
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: Yes
–APPROVED

Makeup Revolution Conceal+Define 
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $7/$10
–Amount: 0.11 oz/0.33 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 24
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: Yes
–APPROVED

BH Cosmetics Studio Pro Total Cover 
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $5
–Amount: 0.35 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 12
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: No
–APPROVED

Colour Pop No Filter
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $6
–Amount: 0.14 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 30
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: Yes
–APPROVED

Kylie Cosmetics Concealer
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $20
–Amount: 0.22 oz
–Where to Buy: Kylie Cosmetics
–Shade Range: 30
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match for Me: Yes
–APPROVED

Tarte Shape Tape
–Coverage: Full
–Price: $27
–Amount: 0.33 oz
–Where to Buy: Ulta
–Shade Range: 30
–Cruelty Free: Yes
–Shade Match: Yes
–APPROVED
—I haven’t done a dedicated review on this, but it’s good. 

 

Mascara Monday: Maybelline Lash Sensational Curvitude

On By thehannahhardyIn Mascara Monday, ReviewsLeave a comment

Claims
–Curved brush and stem fit closer to the lash line
–Arch brush grabs each lash from the root
–Curvy full fan effect

Price
–$9.99 at Ulta
–$9.99 at Walgreens
–$7.99 at Target
–$6.94 at Wal Mart

Shade Range
–2
–Waterproof option

Pros
–Affordable
–Easily accessible
–Ophthalmologist tested
–Allergy tested
–Dermatologist tested
–Wand grabs and lifts each lash
–No flaking or smudging
–Length
–Lives up to all of its claims
–Separation
–Lashes stay lifted and curled

Cons
–Not cruelty free
–Not much volume (doesn’t claim this though)

Final Thoughts
I got this because the wand shape is similar to my beloved Benefit Roller Lash that I have yet to find a dupe for. The wand grabbed, coated, and lifted each lash. As I mentioned above, this doesn’t give much volume, but it doesn’t claim to. This is the closest dupe I’ve found for Benefit Roller Lash and I much prefer this price point. I think this plus a volumizing mascara like Too Faced Better Than Sex would a be a dream combination. If you like long, separated, curled lashes, you will love this.

I primed with the Loreal Mascara Primer like I always do.

Image (9)approved

LA Girl HD Pro Concealer

On By thehannahhardyIn Fair Skin Products, Reviews2 Comments

IMG_0376IMG_0377

Claims
–Crease-resistant
–Opaque coverage
–Creamy, lightweight texture
–Longwearing
–Camouflages darkness under the eyes, redness, and skin imperfections

Price
–$4.99 at Ulta
–$5.99 at lagirlusa.com

Shade Range
–30 concealers
–10 correctors
–3 highlighters
–My shade: Fairest

Pros
–Affordable
–Shade range
–Cruelty free
–Full coverage
–Easy to blend
–Worked with my corrector and powder
–Minimal creasing and settling (I have fine lines under my eyes so everything creases and settles a little bit)
–Shade match for me

Cons
–Packaging
–Availability

Final Thoughts
This is has been a hyped up, raved about concealer for years, but I was never able to test it because there wasn’t a shade light enough for me. Fortunately, LA Girl fixed the problem and there is an amazing shade range. The packaging freaking sucks, but I can look past it because this product is so good. I’ve been reaching for it every day, over my Shape Tape and Jeffree Star which I both love. If you haven’t tried this, give it a go, you won’t be disappointed!

collage swatch

Image (8)

approved

Foundation Friday: Flower Beauty Light Illusion

On By thehannahhardyIn Fair Skin Products, Foundation Friday, ReviewsLeave a comment

Claims
–Buildable coverage
–Soft luminosity
–Weightless
–Wears endlessly

Price
–$14 at flowerbeauty.com
–$12.98 at Wal Mart
–$13.99 at Ulta

Shade Range
–15
–My shade: L0 Shell

Pros
–SPF
–Long lasting
–Packaging, it’s very heavy & lux feeling and it has a pump
–Cruelty free
–Weightless
–Buildable, medium to full coverage
–Lives up to all of its claims
–Worked with other complexion products
–Luminous, but not overly dewy, finish

Cons
–Shade range
–Not all shades at all retailers

Final Thoughts
I feel like the shades all lean very warm and yellow, but L0 did work for me. The coverage is buildable and builds to full which I prefer. The finish gives a healthy glow which I prefer to a very wet, dewy look. The shade range was recently expanded, but it still needs improving. The first day I tested this, I used a moisturizing, luminous primer and it was a fail. I don’t have oily skin, but I got very oily/dewy and had to use a blotting sheet. Once I used the blotting sheet, everything was fine, but it’s been a LONG time since I’ve had to blot. The second day, I used a more mattifying primer and it held up and looked much better. I do like this, I just had to figure out the best way to use it for my skin.

Primer: elf Blur Stick
Tools: Morphe M439, Wet n Wild Sponge
Powder: Jeffree Star Magic Star Powder in Rose

PicMonkey Image

IMG_9987
Before & After
IMG_9986
No makeup :: Foundation Only :: Full Face
IMG_9988
AM & PM (it’s worn off my nose because allergies)

approved

Plethora of Primers

On By thehannahhardyIn Reviews1 Comment

I kinda, sorta have a primer problem. I love to try new ones and my collection currently overfloweth. That being said, I’m going to share reviews on the primers in my collection as a way to help myself declutter and only keep what I really love. Some of these I got samples of to try before buying so I don’t actually have the full size product.

IMG_8447

There’s a lot to talk about here so brace yourself! Also, if I’ve reviewed it before, I’ll include the link to the original post.

NYX ANGEL VEIL

Claims–Creates a smooth, uniform canvas :: makes makeup last with a satin smooth finish

Price–$16 at Ulta :: $11.99 at Walgreens :: $11.29 at Target :: $16 nyxcosmetics.com

Pros–Cruelty free :: easily accessible :: all over smoothing :: so soft, love the texture :: lives up to its claims :: creates a smooth canvas for makeup application :: packaging

Cons–Expensive for drugstore

Final Thoughts–I usually reach for something more hydrating, but I LOVE this. It makes my skin so smooth and makeup blends like a dream on top. It doesn’t blur or fill in my pores, but it doesn’t claim to so I just use a different primer for that. I use this with foundations that are more dewy and hydrating, I can’t use with my matte foundations because it’s too much on my dry skin. It’s very similar to the Hourglass Mineral Veil and that one is SUPER expensive.

Keeping // Approve // Recommend

MAKEUP FOREVER STEP 1 HYDRATING (sample)

Claims–Preps normal skin and restores balance :: leave a more evenly-toned appearance, and increases foundation’s hold

Price–$37 at Sephora and makeupforever.com

Pros–Hyaluronic acid :: smooth texture :: hydrating :: easy to blend in :: packaging

Cons–Expensive :: not cruelty free :: Sephora stores or online only

Final Thoughts–I liked this and it was hydrating, but it’s expensive. There are other, cheaper options that do the same thing i.e. NYX Hydra Touch.

Not buying // Approve // Recommend

LOREAL VISIBLE LIFT RADIANCE BOOSTER

Claims–24 hour hydration :: lightweight :: non-greasy :: never settles into lines and wrinkles :: instantly brightens, smooths, and evens skin with a radiant finish

Price–$12.99 at Ulta :: $10.99 at Target :: $11.99 at Walgreens :: $10.97 at Wal Mart

Pros–Added immediate radiance and hydration :: helps matte foundations work on my dry skin :: packaging :: smoothing :: looks great alone on no makeup days :: skin looks healthy

Cons–Not cruelty free :: contains talc :: expensive for drugstore

Final Thoughts–This is a thicker formula than I usually care for, but I make it work by warming it up between my fingers before applying and that helps. I LOVE the glow/radiance it gives my skin. The thickness is my only hang up, but that might not bother others.

Decluttering // Approve // Recommend

MILANI PRIMER PERFECTION HYDRATING + PORE-MINIMIZING PRIMER

Claims–Hydrating, oil-free formula :: soften the look of fine lines :: adds a radiant, healthy-looking glow :: minimize the look of pores

Price–$9.99 at Ulta :: $7.49 at Target :: $9.99 at Walgreens :: $8.97 at Wal Mart

Pros–Packaging :: smells good :: smooths :: cruelty free :: affordable :: easily accessible

Cons–Too thick for me :: didn’t fill in pores :: didn’t notice any radiance/hydration :: felt heavy

Final Thoughts–This was way too thick and heavy for me. I might could over look that if it helped my large pores, but it did nothing. Total bust for me.

Decluttering // Don’t approve // Don’t recommend

MAYBELLINE MASTER PRIME HYDRATE + SMOOTH

Claims–Refine the look and feel of skin and keep makeup in place from AM to PM :: non-oily :: weightless :: wear lone or underneath :: smooth and even out skin tone

Price–$9.99 at Ulta :: $7.99 at Target :: $9.49 at Walgreens :: $7.94 at Wal Mart

Pros–Affordable :: packaging :: smooths :: easily accessible

Cons–Not cruelty free :: didn’t feel/notice any hydration :: too thick for me

Final Thoughts–This created a smooth base, but didn’t hydrate. It was too thick and my dry skin needs more hydration than this gave. It definitely smooths, but I’m looking for more than that from a primer.

Decluttering // Don’t approve // Don’t recommend

TOUCH IN SOL NO PORE-BLEM

Claims–Blurs the look of pores and wrinkles :: light, silky texture :: preps for flawless makeup application

Price–$18 at Sephora and Ulta :: $12.98 on Amazon

Pros–Cruelty free :: vegan :: hypoallergenic :: no parabens, sulfates, phthalates :: light texture :: blurs pores :: works for my dry skin :: smooths for a flawless makeup application :: fair price

Cons–Only at specialty stores or online

Final Thoughts–I got this in a Boxycharm and I love it. The texture is perfect! It’s SO lightweight and almost feels like water. I didn’t think this would work as an all over primer for my dry skin, I was planning to just use it where my large pores are, but it totally works! It blurs pores and smooths everything out for makeup application. Only decluttering because I love my elf Blur Stick and I don’t need both.

Decluttering // Approve // Recommend

PHYSICIANS FORMULA ROSE ALL DAY SERUM

Claims–Tighten & brighten skin for a radiant glow :: enriched with rose water to help soothe, calm, & hydrate the skin

Price (Full Size)–$12.99 at Ulta :: $14.95 at Walgreens :: $7.89 at Wal Mart :: $7.89 at Target
Price (Mini)–$6.99 at Target

Pros–Affordable :: hypoallergenic :: paraben-free :: oil-free :: cruelty free :: vegan :: gluten free :: gives a radiant look/finish to the skin :: smells good :: easily accessible :: will be buying the full size

Cons–Expensive :: packaging is a pain in the mini size

Final Thoughts–I’ve tried several radiant primers, but this is by far my favorite. I purchased the full size because the mini was on my nerves. With the mini, it’s super hard to get any product out, but I don’t have that problem with the full size. If you like a radiant finish and/or have dry skin, you will love this.

Keeping // Approve // Recommend

MAYBELLINE MASTER PRIME BLUR + PORE MINIMIZE

Claims–Smooth & even out skintone :: blur lines :: boost glow :: disguise redness :: weightless :: non-oily :: prolong the wear of makeup

Price–$9.99 at Ulta :: $7.99 at Target :: $7.94 at Wal Mart :: $9.49 at Walgreens

Pros–Affordable :: easily accessible :: smoothing

Cons–Not cruelty free :: didn’t blur or fill enough for me :: very silicone & slippery

Final Thoughts–This was big flop for me. I think the elf Blur Stick does a better job at minimizing my pores. I don’t like the super silicone-y and slippery feel of this primer. It reminds me of the original Smashbox Photo Finish Primer and I don’t love that one either.

Decluttered // Not Approved // Do not recommend

Other primers currently in my collection that I’ve already reviewed
—Colour Pop All Star
—elf Blur Stick
—elf Poreless Putty
—Catrice Prime & Fine Smoothing Refiner

 

Keeping
–Catrice Prime & Fine Smoothing Refiner
–elf Blur Stick
–NYX Angel Veil
–Physicians Formula Rose All Day Serum

Decluttering
–Colour Pop All Star
–elf Poreless Putty
–LOreal Visible Lift Radiance Booster
–Milani Prime Perfection Hydrating + Pore-Minimizing Primer
–Maybelline Master Prime Hydrate + Smooth
–Touch In Sol No-Poreblem
–Maybelline Master Prime Blur + Pore Minimize

I went from 11 full size primers to 4. I’m going to call this a win! I still love trying new primers, but I want to be conscious about keeping a tighter reign on what’s in my drawer.

Rimmel Stay Matte Concealer

On By thehannahhardyIn Fair Skin Products, Reviews1 Comment

Claims
–Creamy
–Long-wearing
–Humidity-proof
–Feels comfortable all day
–Hide imperfections and dark circles
–Sweat-proof
–Heat-proof
–24 hour shine control
–Skin looks less fatigued

Price
–$4.97 at Wal Mart
–$5.49 at Walgreens

Shade Range
–20
–My shade: Porcelain

Pros
–Affordable
–Easy to blend
–Worked with powder & corrector
–Minimal creasing
–Full coverage
–Easily accessible

Cons
–Not cruelty free
–Shades lean yellow
–Applicator is small, had to dip in several times

Final Thoughts
This concealer is really affordable and has really good coverage. I didn’t love that I had to keep dipping back in to get more product and I don’t go crazy with concealer like some people do. The shade is more of a perfect match, rather than a lighter shade for brightening and I have the lightest shade. I used a little bit of the white Colour Pop concealer to give a more brightening effect. There was minimal creasing and settling. This isn’t anything to rave about, but it’s not bad either. Just meh!

IMG_7938meh