Beauty stuff ain't easy! How informed we can get by the internet & the upteenth flow or reviews and tutorial, you never know how it will work on you unless you try.
Venturing into Kjaer Weis foundation was one of these things: the reviews were praising it as the next savior; I found it a bit difficult to work with: Dry texture, slightly sticky formula, etc.
Kjaer Weiss foundation is a bit dry
Similar with Hourglass Primer n. 28...Or perhaps the opposite. "Darn, that stuff is slippery! Did someone left the lube out there?"
Since Frankening it up has been a thing since...I guess 2004 (nailpolish board Makeupalley), or longer I made some good sense out of the two and mixed them.
Sometimes I just use the primer on my skin first, and smooth the dryer texture of Kjaer Weis over it.
It is not something you might never read about before but I really like the way these opposites attract and seem to work as a base for me.
The moral of this Story:
Try some concoctions before you chuck away your good stuff!
Sometimes I get weird makeup-cravings before the actual need is there...
Is that a certain kind of makeup-prevision, or a mere knowledge of seasonal skin-change?
So I've been getting "On your Marc...get set...Autumn" in terms of foundations, and a primer. I've ordered them when my summer skin had been behaving more than good (thumbs up on innerbeauty tons of superfoods and gentle skincare). And even, dare I say...being satisfied; I was foreseeing this day I would look at my skin and see the imperfections and the need to have more cover.
Oh well, imperfect skin does make a beauty-lover more adventurous in making it look better...And perhaps being a more astute blogger than a flawless blogger who doesn't really need it.
Marc Jacobs' new Re(Marcable) Full Cover Foundation Concentrate claims to have a heavier coverage than I normally would opt for (some on beautyprofessor). I still caved because the same beautyprofessor claims it has "un-scented serum-esque" properties and "the velvety aftermath results in blurred pores, concealed
imperfections and a very natural finish".
It was predominantly my own curiosity that gotten me into the new Primer: Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Face Primer.
Everyone worth its visits to healthgurus like Deliciously Ella will get a Pavlov-reaction of hearing about C.O.CO.N.U.T.S (I'd just spell it gently here).
The reaction would be squatting (or other crossfit-related activities), looking for Kale to complete Coconut, and finding a slower juicer than you had before!
(ps: don't mind my irony: I'm one of them)
Or, Sinning in 2015 is totally different than 1995:
Same letter, different E...
Was it Rihanna who started it????
Around 2011: pre-Paleo-hype!
And now everything coconuts reminds us of 'zzzzee exotic' and 'not from a lab' so it must be pure (?)
But honestly my inner system reacts quite well on everything coconut so I love to try the primer for it.
Let's go for the aesthetics first. Marc Jacobs Under(cover) Perfecting Coconut Primer is in a white glass bottle with a enormous bottle cap and a matte sheer bottle that shows the content.
Opening the big 'hat' shows us a pump-dispenser:
So it pumps into a nice, equal blob:
It has this most moisturizer-ish feel. Also in the way it spread, slightly unsightly:
On me, it keeps the feeling of being a moisturizer; though a calming one I'd probably going to love when winter starts and my skin-sensitivities too.
I do not think it does a lot in making my pores appear smaller: Pore me :( On the other hand, my makeup stays fresher for 2 hours more.
So I'm primed like a real #Paleo #crossfit woman. What about the foundation? Marc Jacobs Re(Marcable) Full Cover Foundation Concentrate in 34
I took the hat of in advance, and the bottle is a similar matte, only with a silver dispenser. Weirdly, How happy I've been with the Coconut Primer's pump, the Foundation has a totally different structure of dispensing. I personally have the tendency to be messy, and this system of drops does not really help me. And there's also a certain ridge in there that somehow samples up my foundation:
I wonder why Marc Jacobs got the Coconut primer right (imo) and made the foundation a different dispenser? As for the coverage: I consider it on the heavy side.
spreadability
I took the enddresult photo with a extra bit of light:
I like the high coverage, but I'm slightly underwhelmed with the smoothing effect. The vertical lines in my arms are still visible.
I also miss the lumiscence that I often get from other foundations.
In any case, this will become my foundation on days that I need high coverage. However, I do find it needing extra work to keep it looking natural: I am thinking extra highlighter, another primer that does fill out pores and lines, and the likes.
Ofcourse, my opinion is all personal because this foundation might work like a dream on a different skintype. Still I believe a foundation should be easier to work with anno 2015.
Personal concensus: I like the Coconut primer for being so gentily priming and ticking of my #paleo #healthygirl box. The foundation, slightly underwhelmed.
Oh,
by the way. In this post I said something about E. So (disclaimer:) I
have never done drugs in my young years...just hanging or clubbing with
good and lousy friends and the occasional wine/cocktail etc. But the
pun behind the E numbers is that many people who are living so healthy
these days have been quite naughty before. But that's life and
generation amnesia, right?
Before I'm gonna wish you all a wonderful 2015, I'm gonna share some of the last Empties of 2014:
Yarok Feed Your Roots Mousse for hair: This mousse is absolute love for me. I have a mild psoriasis condition and every bit of chemical on my hair can trigger my skin into producing more. This mousse is totally natural, but works even better than any chemical I tried so far. #repurchase in bulk!
Lierac Body-slim Destock Nuit:ahhh, those French and their thin thighs. So if you question me if/whether their anti-cellulite works, I would say: Yes, but...The but(t) is always the problem (area) about: so I think it gets the extra results with the training, the green juices and the lack of alcohol. Mind you, I'm still taking my sugar too much and I'm certainly not a skinny thighs. However, it will help with some millimeters and sometimes that's all a woman needs. This particular version is for the night: it helps, but it smells a bit funky. I willhave already repurchased the daytime version with my famous 10% caffeine.
Rituals Heavenly Hamman Bathoil: This brand from Holland sure gotten far and popular. I love the combination of fresh & mild of this blend.
Rouge Bunny Rouge Metamorphosis Mattifying primer: I really like this one, however, it's pricy and I found a lovely dupe. Btw, I'm gonna try to find an organic primer that functions well.
FutureDerm Time-Release Retinol 0.5: This retinol potion really is gentle for the skin and I can still see a good result when using it: smoother, more decongested skin.
I had more things I've used up, but I couldn't be bothered photographing a zillion of samples that were simply nice, but not earth-shockingly special.
The Eyeko eyelash curler is a freebie with Instyle UK of this month
*
The Givenchy ActiMine Primer in Mango: I had been eyeing this one up for a while but I hesitated between this slightly older primer or the latest Clarins Eclat Minute Base Illuminatrice de Teint in Rose. I think the opacity of this one is higher and I love the colour-correcting properties of the mango-orangy colour: it's perfect to mask some darker undereye circles and it gives a lovely boost to lacklustre skin. Thus, it's a CC before everyone was all about calling everything a CC.
*
I bought a new Bobbi Brown Eyeliner because my older one had become half-empty and slightly dry
*
A cute rose-gold necklace from etsyseller DelikatNY
*
Finally, the NARS Gaiety. I hesitated for almost a year but have it now. It's wonderful as a highlighter without shimmer but a lot of freshness
Ok, enough dodgy wordplay for someone in the prime of her life...
Speaking about life and ageing: Rouge Bunny Rouge has issued their latest primer aimed for maturing skin. I can discuss all the beautiful explaination and butterfly words that RBR attacted to this products: "If only men came with these wonderful & beautiful wordisms too". But I will leave that up to the skilled word-poets on the RBR website
They call it the Original Skin Primer and also the bibical reference to the beginning: Genesis. Our cult-fans already know that it is not their first primer...Their mattifying Metamorphosis & their moisturizing primer Prelude in the Clouds.
This would be my first introduction to both the cult (Metamorphosis) & the new (Genesis).
The keywords of the information is that they amped up the *special polymers that act as fillers* in Genesis. Also, *Evermat* as THE wonderpotion that is claimed to have "medicinal properties, reduces pores and shine, refines skin texture and reduces sebum secretion"
RBR provided a generous sample that was filled to the brim.:
As you can see: it is a bit past-like, au contraire the thinner & lotiony substance of Metamorphosis:
:
And blended:
Genesis gives a white cast over my (faux-tan) skin. Metamorphosis is almost skin-like
I have been testing it for a couple of days:
day 1 I had Genesis on my left part & Metamorphosis on the right part of my face day 2 I had it the other way around day 3 I had a whole day of Genesis alone same day 4 day 5 I went to Metamorphosis again
day 6 Metamorphosis- whole face & wrinkles- Genesis
Day 7 (well, most of you know the story): makeup-free day
Verdict:
Genesis feels slightly silicony
Metamorphosis feels wonderfully absent
both primers hold up the makeup for the whole day equally!
Genesis diffuses wrinkles & scars a bit better than Metamorphosis
However, Metamorphosis feels better on the skin
Metamorphosis is better in absorbing oils
Genesis leaves out a slight white cast on NW25 skin whereas Metamorphosis is almost sheer
I cannot say anything about the anti-wrinkle & other properties due to short testing
it does not cause any outbreaks on me
*
In general, my skin is still young enough to reach for the thinner consistency of Metamorphosis. Moreover, I prefer Metamorphosis for the thinner and almost absent feel without compromising on its longevity. I think sampling would be the best option if you can. For the moment I use my sample of Genesis on the parts that need more 'filling' and the rest of my face will be 'Metamorphosis'.
*
Availability:
Rougebunnyrouge.com still provides samples of Genesis as a freebie and the full-size is available over here. PeriliouslyPale still has a code going one (a onetimer: RBR-PERILOUSLYPALE) that will last until 31-12-13.
Disclaimer: finally one of my notoriously lengthy reviews again
Lately I'd merely touched upon some products in my 'using, used, gonna use..."-category. I like reviewing products more in dept, but if I find out that every blogger has been doing that before, I feel 'meh' about bringing forward my own opinion.
But now: This Works In Transit "Camera Ready" hybrid product!
Mask, Moisturizer & primer in 1
I have a combination of a great enthousiasm and mild suspicion for hybrid products. It amazing to find something that can multitask. However, even if our feminine ability makes it easier to multitask better than our more testosterone-fulled other halfs, it doesn't always mean every task will be done with full precision.
So, the goal of this multitasker: BEAUTY! (what else for this blog)
(Actually, it would not be my only goal: I am about pampering, relaxation and other things as well, but hey, This Works has done a lovely way to tag on the cartbox)
But to return to the goals: easing signs of fatigue, boosting hydratations & prepping skin for photo perfect makeup...
haven't I heard this one before about 15 years ago???
YEP
In so many ways it is similar to Clarins Beauty Flash Balm...but I will return to that later.
I like the presence of Argina Spinosa and Borago Officinalis, or argan oil & borage oil that are high on the ingredient list (hence strongly dosed). The rest of the ingredients do not sound bad either, but I would loved Rosa Damescena to be higher on the ingredient list as it's an excellent beautifyer and smells delicious as well.
How to:
For adults only? that makes perfect sense but I once saw this document about child Pageans that worried me senseless.
I am deliberately not a mother (yet) for a variety of reasons but I totally question the sanity of parents who make their youngsters look like a Barbie doll on speed and let them compete. I could write whole articles about this phenonemon, but that would be better for University :). The HBO "living dolls" documentary is quite accurate if curious.
Swatches/application:
the blob
It takes really long to spread that blob into something that absorbs into the skin.
Texture: as seen above: a little bit can be used for a larger part of the skin
Scent: I found it somewhat Nivea-ish on a softer level
hybridity: it doesn't fully penetrate into the skin which is the perfect element for a good primer. However, by not fully absorbing does mean that the super-moisture element should be compensated by a real moisturizer. For a mask? I have better masks with more intensivity. I didn't find my skin to be better after wearing it for the whole week, so no.
feel: somewhat balmy and in a way a bit too heavy for summer.
price: I think €37.21 is quite expensive for 40 ml
packaging: Hard plastic in a hygienic pump. You cannot really measure out the dosages, though.
irritation-proof? My skin tolerates it in a mild manner.
Promise-worthy? -erasing fatigue?
yes, but only in compensation of the necessary makeup. (I had a irregular week sleep/activity-wise so it was perfect to test this one for it)
- Boosting Moisture?
Yes. My skin feels soft after a week. Sidenote that my body is in colloqual terms "not having it" by acting up (flares, etc), something that normally doesn't happen in summer (it's normally my happy-body-time). My face is relatively calm.
- Preps skin for Perfect Makeup
Somewhat, but leave out "perfect". I think there are better primers out there but in combination with the moisture/mask effect I feel it is nice.
CONCLUSION:
I discussed the hybridity about hybrid products in the beginning, and I think it's best to refer to it as the title says: prepping for "Camera ready skin" (primer). There has been a reason I haven't rebought the classic Clarins Beauty Balm at that time being: too balmy, didn't really prime & it smelled too herbally. This one smells more neutral, but still it has same qualities that I wouldn't rebuy. Also, I couldn't say I gotten better skin after a week. I stared at the mirror and though: "darn, I need to get that terrible-but-effective Green Peel again" because my tiny acne-scars gotten visible again.
I complained about not having my beauty-Mojo a couple of posts ago.
FaceQ Hello Kitty Sheet-Masks on a happy plate
In the meanwhile I bought some new vanities:
This Works has a new line going on named "In Transit": aimed for the frequent Travellers. I am still looking for my perfect primer and 'Camera Closeup' has the right name & raves (see here & here) to get me curious. My review will be there soon after I have tried it for a while
I have gotten in a neo-teenager period, facewise, which means I had to buy a good pimple buster: Skin Doctor 'Zit Zapper'also has the right name & reviews . I hope it will make my skin behave because combatting the wrinkles is a task high enough for my vanities right now : ).
Rouge Bunny Rouge is having an awesome sale (hurry, still a couple of days left). Some eyeshadows that I was already curious about went from €24.00 to €14.40. The teal top one is Mysterious Tinamou and the bottom Periwinkle Cardinal. I also bought the peachy Tantalising Lovebird. The lipstick was the only colour on sale: Perfume of his Gaze. It has been reviewed as too sheer & neutral (here) but since it has been discounted from €24.00 to €9.60 and I love a sheer with a sparkle in a pretty tube I though "oh well".
Product availability:
The Hello Kitty FaceQ sheetmasks were bought from ebayseller whitecat3845724: I gotten 2 free masks when buying 5. The This Works & Skin Doctors are from lookfantastic.com: they give out a free Macademia Haircare kit worth £45 when you spend more than £50: code THGMAC.
I'm keeping up my "use it up" spirits in the [almost] 5th month of 2013. And even though I am totally au contraire anything that could hint towards "no buy" (I really have to, though): I've picked some investment tools instead:
* [almost] Used: Kiko Instant Perfection Primer:
This is one of the products that is not the most perfect or the most hyped about, and I still love it! Perhaps travel melancholia (buying it in sunny Mediterranean) and perhaps it is not too silicony and feels totally fresh and healthy on the skin.
I'll absolutely repurchase when I get to any of the Kiko selling countries.
*Using: Hakuhodo Brushes
I've jumped the beauty-bandwagon on buying the most popular brushes on the block. A modest haul to start with, mostly eyeliner based (the infamous K005 for tightlining), brow (K016) and that fluffy diffusing J5522BKsl
still "gonna use" over here, my Hakuhodo haul
I've based my collection on the extensive reviews of makeupartist Sweetmakeuptemptations (especially this post), Arsaromatica had aperfect posttoo, ofcourse TheNonBlonde and my regular read of DrivelaboutFrivol.
Ehm, there will be more brushes...[extends that "no buy" even further into the future]
Gonna Use: Dior Diorskin Nude Tan in 001 Miel/Honey:
Something to fake the tan with...I picked the lightest shade for it's lack of orangy tones, and because I'm quite light-skinned anyway.
At the time posting this post it is actually more of Using...Used...Used, but let me continue:
Using: Lotree Luminious Moisture Tinted SPF30 PA++
This lotion functions as a moisture-adding and glow-enhancing step. Oilier skins or skins that are hydrated enough can use it as a moisturizer. At this time being, the temperature has risen and the extra SPF30 PA++ provides me protection.
When blending in with my Adesign foundation brush, it provides me a gorgeous glow with a tint of peachthat has the correcting ability to brighten up a sallow complexion. Not something uncommon after this long winter period.
USED 1: Nude Pro-Genius Treatment oil (sample)
I liked this oil but not enough to purchase a larger sample. It smells slightly like macademia nut and has no essential oils or other fragance additives. That is perhaps the reason I will not purchase: Sometimes I prefer a facial oil to smell like an essential oil, e.g. Pukka Ayurveda Nourishing Face Oil smells like Rose Geranium, and an essential oil that speaks to you helps you to relax at nighttime when you are most likely to use a skin-oil.
I am still baffled that Nude skincare took out their brilliant and beloved Cellular Renewal Serum. According to Londonmakeupgirl they are reformulating it and will launch it on the market again, but why take the fantastic older version of the market?
Used 2: L'oreal Pro-Keratin Refill Mask
I have discussed it before over here and here. I am enthousiastic about it and feel it works in reconstructing my hair, but I am not really fond of the ozonic scent. I will repurchase it, ofcourse.
I'm such a chatty blogger but I will keep this round of "using, used, gonna use" concise.
1. Using: Sofina Primavista Smooth Base Coat primer in Yellow:
I've talked about my Rudolph (red nose) syndrom yesterday. This primer doesn't just make pores appear much smaller, but the yellow cancels out most of the redness too.
I've bought it a while ago and revisited it recently...and my nose thanks me for it
2. Used: Christophe Robin Creme Lavante/ Cleansing Cream with Citron
I once got a GWP of this and I liked it enough to repurchase in large. Anyway, sometimes it happens that you like the sample but feel *meh* about the full-size: that happened (but I still emptied it because it's still good). It works as a no-poo sort of cleansing conditioner (see what the no-poo method is over here, trust me, nothing to do with the toilet). I started to get *meh* about the scent which reminded me of Cif cleansing lemon scent. And, I am not really a no-poo person: I love to shampoo my slightly-greasy roots with foamies...sorry for that.
3. Gonna Use: La Prairie Cellular Treatment powder Foundation I finished up my Poor Burberry and hope to be much gentler for this luxury babe...
I have been delightfully surprised by NARS spring range for 2012. Not that I have bought a lot, yet, but I really like the zest that comes from the colours.
Quite unexpectantly, for me at least, NARS released some other products as well. Actually, I already saw a promotion of the tinted moisturizer in some British glossy, so I wasn't completely surprised.
What did I get:
The Pure Radiant tinted moisturizer:
The 143 BLKR eyeshadow
NARS threw in the freebie with the discount code: the Blush Super Orgasm in a mini size and their latest Pro Prime Pore Defining Primer
Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in St. Moritz
Clearly, I went for the tinted moisturizer: I really like their Sheer
foundation but I have days that less-is-more and I do not want to go out
completely barefaced but still polished.
As for the colour, I went slightly darker because I wear my tinted moisturizers the most during summer. In summer I have a slight tan (mostly from faux-tans, my dears). Actually, I got another one than I initially ordered: I'm quite sure I decided to go for Annapurna (medium with peach undertone) and gotten St. Moritz.
St. Moritz has been described as a
Still, it looks matching on the browner tone of my arms (the colour I will resemble most in summer).
I haven't been trying it that much because I just got it. According to NARS it "helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation and dark spots for a brighter natural glow".
I'll keep an eye on that claim and hope to see the results on that one.
As for the finish: It really reminds me of my favourite Urban Decay
tinted moisturizer. It smoothes down some irregularities without masking
the face. I actually prefer it over Urban Decay right now, because it
absorbs a bit faster into the skin.
2. Freebie Pro Prime Pore Defining Primer
A NON-silicone emulsion that feels like a moisturizing milk. It feels really nice on the skin and I don't feel that too-present feeling that some silicone primers have.
Also, I just tested it once. I think it defines some of the larger pores and slightly contracts them. It isn't, like the silicone ones, a spackle buster (putting silicones in your pores to fill them up). I think more of it as a temporarily tightener for pores.
3. 143 BLKR eyeshadow
NARS' compacts looks so beautiful when just out of the box
I have read tons of raves about Lhasa and it looked really good in
swatches. I also had seen 143 BLKR online and seen them compared with
Lhasa.
Lhasa looked like the easiest, to go for taupe. That made it also a
bit too similar to a couple of other taupes I have. Seeing the lavender
undertone of 143 BKLR I decided I needed that one. Also, the fact that
it is more difficult to get from other websites than the official NARS
website. I'm a sucker for difficult-to-get, limited edition stuff: call
it the hoarder and collecter in me :D
So beautiful, this dusty lavender
Yes, I have been trying it and I really like what it does to the greenness of my eyes. Also, as a bit of a fashion-lover, I like how it is a sort-of pastel colour without going sugar rush on me. It's like a grown-ups woman ticket to a bit of pastel on the eyelids and defining the colour.
I have read some reviews about bloggers regretting going for 143 BLKR over Lhasa and I believe it is a more complicated colour. It actually veers to the cool side and some eyecolours do not really come to live with a cooler hue. In general, I think reading a couple reviews of women who have similar colouring/eyecolour and makeup-strategies as you do can help you to decide if you need/want this shade.
I won't review the mini blush Super Orgasm. I would never use it on my cheeks because Hello Glitter but I actually like it as a peach colour on my eyes. It is pigmented as an eyeshadow too.
He he, nice one NARS. Still considering the Mexican Rose lippencil...that colour looks too good to pass away.
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