Product Review: Tarte Clean Slate Flawless Brightening Primer

For someone who doesn't get to sleep for more than 4hrs a day (like me!), having dull skin is a usual thing. But of course, you don't need to suck it up! Here's one product that has been helping me achieve that bright, fresh-looking skin despite the lack of sleep...

Tarte Clean Slate Flawless Brightening Primer

A waterproof, 12-hour primer helps makeup stay in place longer while brightening skin for a healthy, glowing complexion.  

This  hydrating base not only helps keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours of perfect wear time, it's also a quick fix for tired or sallow skin—just one application gives the appearance of a healthy, youthful complexion. The lightweight texture is ideal for a base under foundation to wake-up your makeup but can also be worn alone as a treatment to counteract dullness. Whichever application you choose, skin is left smooth, feeling hydrated and looking flawless.  

It has Vitamins A and E, natural preservatives that also act as anti-inflammatory emollients to fight free radical damage and prevent premature signs of aging while brightening skin.

I've been using it almost everyday since I got it months ago and have also used it on some of my clients, mostly those with matured, dry skin...and all of us have only one thing to say about it...LOVE! 

The packaging is lightweight, portable and comes in an easy-to-squeeze tube

It comes off first as a shimmery white lotion...

that when you try blending, becomes a sheer, purplish-pink in color

but gets absorbed by the skin quickly, without any noticeable shimmer

What I Like:

The smell. It's kinda citrusy, very refreshing that I look forward to putting it on every morning before my makeup.

Lightweight and hygienic packaging that really lets you control the amount of product you get from the tube

It goes on smoothly, and gets blended on the skin easily

Really helps in brightening up the face, making it look hydrated, fresh and looking well-rested (which is a must for ME!)

It has anti-aging properties...yey!

Despite the light consistency, it has silicon, but it's not thick or heavy on the skin

No allergic reactions

Gives skin the soft-focus look without any shine, therefore looking flawless and more even

Can also be used on the undereye area to help with the discoloration, so you don't need as much concealer after

I know it's supposed to be hydrating, but it does help keep my oiliness at bay.  I think my face can look oil-free (dewy, yes) for a good 3-4hrs.

What I don't Like: 

Well, it's addicting.  I just love its citrusy scent that I end up putting on more. (laughs)

It's kinda expensive at Php1450 for a 30ml tube.  But you only need a little, so I'm sure this tube will last 3-4 months (or more) even if used everyday.

It doesn't have SPF, which I really don't mind.  I put on sunblock first before primer and most of my foundations/powders have SPF anyway.

By the way, it has "Berry Bright," that delivers natural arbutin which helps to inhibit skin pigmentation.  So your skin will really brighten up, and look more even after some time.

Now, do I look puyat at all to you?

(just don't mind the eyebags, please)

^_^

Tarte is not available locally, but you can buy this, and other Tarte products (and more!) from StuffinStyle.  Check them out, they also have an ongoing holiday sale!

Have you tried this?  Or might have tried other Tarte products that you think is worth checking out?  Lemme know!

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Product Review: Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Brightener

I'm a big fan of highlighters, but in my case I use it only on the undereye area.  It's a must-have for me and I also use it on my clients.  I apply it right after I'm done with the eye shadow application, before I do the contouring and other finishing touches.  

I've tried several highlighters already: YSL and The Body Shop's (which I reviewed here) to name a few.  I've also used that of Revlon's, the Age Defying Spa concealer which have been my HG for quite a time.  So when I got this Primer + Highlighter from Revlon, a few months back, I'm just happy because it"s like hitting two birds in one stone.

Revlon Photoready Eye Primer + Highlighter

 "Smoothes, perfects and brightens eye area by reducing the appearance of fine lines and crease on lids…use anytime, anywhere on face as a brightening 'pick me up'!"

Like the other highlighters I've used, this comes in a click-style pen: twist the bottom and the liquid comes out of the brush tip.  

swatch

It comes in a single shade - peachy pink and at first look you'd think it wouldn't work for those with dark skins.  As highlighter, it won't. But as a corrector, it would.  Just top it off with the person's shade of powder and it will nicely correct any pigmentation under the eye.  

Unlike the other Photoready stuff, I don't see glitter on it. If it does have, they might be super tiny to be seen by the naked eye.

after blending

As a primer, it does help in bringing out the vibrancy of the eye shadow:

Left: With Revlon Primer + Highlighter
Right: Without


Let's check how it fares when used as an eye primer:

bare lids

apply it using the brush and blend it using your ring finger

after:

It evens out the skin tone on my lid, and provides a smooth slate for my eye shadow

With eye shadow on:

I love how it makes blending a lot easier.  I've tried other primers before and blending it in can be such a pain, leaving my lids looking chalky and uneven.  This one really makes the lid looking soft and bright, just top it with powder and you can leave it just like that if you prefer. 

It does its job of keeping my eye shadow stay put the entire day. There's a tiny bit of creasing, but nothing that a good smudging using your ring finger won't be able to fix. And I'm still thinking that my uber-rich eye cream is sometimes the culprit.  

Maybe. 

Now as a highlighter:

With the previous photo as reference, you'll see that I have dark undereyes.  Well, that's the result of getting only a max of 4-5hrs of sleep on most days!  So yeah, don't be like me!

Brush it on the undereye area and again, using your ring finger, blend it in using gentle tapping motions

the result:

see how it brightens and lightens the area?

As with all liquid, you need to set it so I top it off with loose translucent powder.

I've read some reviews that it doesn't help on the brightening side.  And that when they try to blend it, it sort of disappears.  I've experienced that on my first few tries, most especially when I tried blending it with a sponge.  What I did was to wait for a few seconds after brushing it on, and then using my ring finger, I blend it in using tapping motions.  Again, tap..don't swipe. It works for me, might work for you too!

For a roundup:

What I like:

 As with other Revlon Photoready products, the black packaging is really nice.   Unlike that of the Age Defying concealer, the markings on this one don't fade.

The applicator brush.  And this also dispenses just the right amount of product each time you twist

It's a good eye primer, actually it's a great one!  I love how it smoothens and evens out my lids.

It works as a highlighter and a corrector

Priced at Php700++ (more or less, I forgot how much) it's pretty much affordable.  And you get two products at a price of one, a good deal na.

It doesn't settle on fine lines

No allergic reactions. 

You only need a small amount to work with.  So yeah, the above photos where I have the swatches are definitions of "too much" LOL.

I can use it pretty much on anybody.  Well, not as a highlighter though.  But as a corrector.

What I don't like:

Hmm, nothing.

Will I repurchase?

The first one I got as a gift, I've already bought two more.  One for my clients and another one for me.  

If I am to choose between this and the Revlon Age Defying Spa concealer, I would have to say I'll go for the latter. Just because it has anti-aging properties.  It works as a highlighter and corrector too, but I haven't tried using it as a primer.  But why choose when you can have both.  Ahh, let's not complicate things, shall we!?

^_^

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Product Review: Yves Rocher Perfect Primer

Yves Rocher Perfect Primer in 02 (Apricot)
Fix and Illuminate

This primer, infused with rose, preps skin for makeup and helps it last longer, to ensure a flawless complexion all day long. Enriched with musk rose oil, Damask rose extract and Damask rosewater, it instantly fades fine lines and imperfections, such as enlarged pores and signs of fatigue. Skin texture is visibly smoother.

Your complexion is beautified, unified and radiant. Its very comfortable, fluid, light and non-oily formula, quickly penetrates and compliments all skin types.

There are 3 shades available: 01 Rose, 02 Apricot and 03 Beige.  

I got the 02, was supposed to get the Rose but it was OOS.

after blending

with just the primer on

(I didn't bother posting my before pic, I am sure you had enough of my scary, bare face already LOL)

What I like:

Cute packaging that comes with a pump that you just have to twist to close/open.  The pump works efficiently and you can easily control the amount it dispenses

 It doesn't have a silicon feel to it. So those that are allergic to silicon would love this too!

Moisturizing

No allergic reactions

Gets easily absorbed by the skin, blends easily

You only need a little so this 15ml bottle will last probably 1-2months

Makes skin radiant, looking well-rested. You know me, I only get to sleep 4-5hrs a night during weekdays and at midweek, my skin already looks tired and dull.  With this, it helps me fake better-looking skin

Blurs out skin imperfections and make fine lines less visible

I don't know why, but I kinda like the smell.  It's smells like roses, nah, actually I really can't tell how it smells like. But for those who dislike scented stuff for their skin, don't get this. The scent's kinda strong and it stays on, but disappears once you put on your foundation.

What I don't like:

I still get oily after 1-2hrs. Definitely not for those who want to stay matte all day.  

A bit expensive for Php650/15ml bottle. Or am I just too kuripot? (laughs)  It was on sale when I got it more than a month ago, though.

Will I repurchase?

Yes. This is good for those days my skin needs some kickin'!  It gives me the glow that I need so I don't mind if I have to blot every now and then to keep the oilies away.

To know more about Yves Rocher and their latest product offerings/promo, like their Facebook page.

Have you tried any of their products? Let me know which ones you like and/or dislike.  Let's exchange notes, shall we!?

^_^

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Product Review: Clinique Lid Smoothie in Cashew Later

Remember last weekend when I went home to visit my family and had a weekend of endless eating (and eating, and more eating)?  Well, aside from that, it was also a time to dig into my mom's makeup bin on the lookout for some good stuff. And as usual, I didn't end up disappointed.

Here's a review on one of my "recent haul" from Mom:

 Clinique Lid Smoothie Antioxidant 8-hr Eye Colour

Creamy, crease-resistant eye colour wears for 8 hours. Instantly cools thanks to a unique applicator. Nourishing ingredients coax fine lid lines into a blanket of smoothness. Antioxidants help protect eye-area skin.

Available in 12 colors

It comes in an easy to squeeze tube with a stainless steel tip applicator which is cold.  The cooling sensation is actually relaxing, but I still recommend applying this using your fingers or with a brush to ensure even application and so you won't put too much.

Cashew Later

Though this is supposed to be a cream eyeshadow, I like using it as an eyeshadow primer.  It can also serve as a nice lid wash and an awesome highlighter.  It's a bit shimmery so this works great on your matte eyeshadows, making them not look too flat.

can be used as a great lid wash for those lazy days 

works as a great base for eyeshadows

(Top: without the lid smoothie underneath, Bottom: with the lid smoothie underneath)

Above is a recent EOTD using Clinique Lid Smoothie as eye primer.  Pictures are taken around 9am.

And here's how my eye makeup looked after more than 10hrs:

 

(Sorry about the lighting though, my camera's usually on AUTO when taking pics at night.)

As you can see, the colors didn't move at all.  My undereye concealer already faded a bit and my upper lid area's more oily but my eye makeup's still intact.  

If that isn't awesome, I don't what else is!

^_^

PROs:

travel-friendly packaging, easy to squeeze tube and you actually get to see how much product is left

cooling tip applicator is a great pick-me-upper in the morning!  Though using a brush or your finger is still recommended

has a lovely shimmer, which is just good to liven up some "blah" eyeshadow colors

help makes the eyeshadow color pop

you just need a tiny weeny amount for the entire lid, so I am guessing that this little tube would last for months even when used everyday!

No allergic reactions

No weird scent

No creasing for hours!  My eye makeup looks the same as if I've just applied it

can be a great lid wash for those lazy days

I forgot to put the cap after using it in the morning and the product didn't dry out.  Hopefully this won't be like UD which dries up after some time.

CONs:

The price.  It's Php1550/7ml tube so it's pretty much expensive than your usual eye primers

Shades can be too subtle if you love "loud" colors, so if you have this you can use it as a great base

I am loving this and though Mom initially let me just borrow this for a while, she eventually told me I could keep it. Yey!  

I want to buy the other shades soon.  Or maybe, Mom would!?

^_^

Product Review: Benefit Stay Don't Stray

When I was on my way to Dubai, I told myself that I have to make sure that I check out their malls because I was told that they have really enormous malls.  And geesh, it really is true.  Our malls here are no match with the size of their malls there.  A day really isn't enough to check out an entire mall.  But you know me, there's only one section I'd be interested to check out first...can you take a guess?

^_^

The funny thing is, when I should be checking out brands that aren't available locally, I check out those I'm familiar with first.  Well,  my reason is to compare the prices here.  And contrary to what I first thought,  makeup are much expensive there.  But thanks to Mr. X, I was still able to get a "few" stuff.

First, let me do a review on my favorite eye primer as of the moment:

Benefit Stay Don't Stray 

Stay-put Primer for concealers & eyeshadows

*This dual-action power primer works 360° degrees around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant and true...you'll wonder how you ever lived without it! Comes in a neutral nude shade that is universally flattering and a custom airless pump that is sooo easy to use - just a dab'll do ya! Sodium Hyaluronate hydrates and fills in fine lines. Vitamins C & E help fight signs of aging.

(*taken from Benefit)

yes,  my dearies...what I got is a tester. Nope, I didn't steal it LOL!  I got it as a freebie when I got other Benefit stuff in Debenhams at Ibn Batuta mall.  The saleslady's a Filipina and she's just so kind to throw in freebies when I told her I'm a makeup artist back here.  And mind you, this tube is still half-full (or more!)  

Unlike other primers I have, this one comes with a pump making it more hygienic.  Packaging is really cute (of course, it's Benefit!) but what I don't like about it is tends to dispense way too much product. A little goes a long way so you don't really need to pump it on fully. Also, it would be great if we get to see how much product is left. 

swatch

as you can see, it's a bit thick so you really have to blend it well to avoid caking.

blended in

 

Left: with primer

Right: without primer

As you can see, it does really make a difference.  It makes the color pop and really does its job of keeping your eyeshadow stay.  

Here's another proof:

I've washed my hands and rubbed the swatches to see whether they would stay.  And yes, the one with the Benefit primer underneath passed the ordeal!  Thumbs up!

Now, on my eyes:

my bare lids

as you can see I have a bit of discoloration on my lids and on my under eyes.  and no matter how much sleep i get, it stays that way.  so yes, primers/concealers are my saviors!

I didn't use it on my undereyes.  But I will soon and will do a separate review for that.  For now, I just used it as an eyeshadow primer and I just love how it neutralizes the discoloration on my lids.  You can actually use it alone and you'll have fresh looking eyes even without makeup.

The primer, once well blended on the lids provide a smooth canvas for your eyeshadows so blending is a breeze.  Some primers are just too tacky and will give you a hard time blending your eye makeup making it look cakey.  There was a little bit of creasing the first time but it was because I didn't make sure my lids are dry first before putting the primer on.  So what I did the next time was I didn't put eyecream on my lids anymore (just on the undereyes) and made sure my lids are dry.  That did the trick and my eyeshadow stayed the entire time without any creasing.

I love this primer to bits and have been reaching out for it often. I am definitely going to get one after i finish my "free" tube.  I am not sure how much this costs here, and I wasn't able to ask how much it's being sold in Dubai but it costs $26 in the US (online store price). I must admit, I didn't bother checking this out at first because I still have a lot of eye primers...good thing the saleslady gave it as a freebie, yeyy!