Review + Swatches: Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation, Makeup Setting Spray + Kat Von D Lock-It Concealer Creme

Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation ($40 for 30ml/1oz)

Packaging: The bottle looks like it's made of metal, but it's actually plastic & feels lightweight. So, it's great for travel. I like that it allows you to see when you're running low on the product. It also has an airless pump, which makes it easy to get out every last bit without wasting a single drop.

Scent: It's fragrance-free and doesn't smell like anything during application.

Color: It currently comes in 24 shades. Those ending in ".5" have a cool undertone, while those ending in "0" have a warm undertone. It also oxidizes just a tiny little bit within a few seconds of application. I didn't experience any oxidation throughout the day and it didn't make me oompa loompa orange like other reviewers have mentioned. Shade 4.0 has a strong yellow undertone and matches my NC30/35 skin tone perfectly. (For reference, my other foundation shades are L'oreal True Match W4, Dior 021 mixed with 031 and Burberry Cashmere in Beige No.26.)

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Swatches + Review: Collective Haul (MUFE, MAC, Chanel, Urban Decay)

I'm back with another haul! Some of these items are re-purchases, while others have been in my collection for a while now and have been rigorously tested. 

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Swatches + Comparisons - Chanel Foundations + Concealers

I remember trying Chanel foundations about 5 years ago and while I did like their formulations, the undertones didn't quite match my skin very well. Since I've been really enjoying their cheek products lately, I decided to give their foundations another try, hoping that maybe they have expanded their color range.

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Review + Swatches - Becca Under Eye Brightening and Backlight Targeted Colour Corrector

Most concealers work well for covering minor blemishes, but finding one that covers dark circles is more of a challenge. Peachy concealers are suitable for counteracting the bluish and purplish undertones of dark circles, while pink concealers work best for those with grey undertones. Make sure you understand the undertone of your dark circles because pink concealers can accentuate the bluish undertones of dark circles (in color theory, pink + blue = purple). 

MAC Pro Longwear concealer in NW20 and MUFE HD concealer in R30 work best for counteracting my dark circles. They both have a pink undertone, but it's not too strong where it would accentuate the bluish undertones of dark circles. They also can be worn alone without having to layer a yellow based concealer on top, even for those who have a warm complexion like myself. They are also one shade lighter than my skintone because I like the brightening effect. I just set it with a powder and they last all day without creasing or looking cakey. R22 has a stronger pink undertone and is lighter than R30. (For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35, MUFE HD Y345, L'oreal True Match W4, and Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031.)

For those who find that peachy or pink concealers are still not enough to diminish the appearance of dark circles, then I recommend using color correctors. They are not concealers, and instead are intended to correct discoloration. Therefore, they must be used in conjunction with concealers.

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Swatches + Comparisons - Collective Haul (Guerlain, Nars, Urban Decay, MUFE)

I had some of these products for a few months and others for a few years. -_-
I decided to group them together in one big post with mini reviews instead of making separate posts.

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Swatches: Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Crease-Control Concealer + Coupon Code 2013

I recently placed a Sephora order and received a free sample of the Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Crease-Control Concealer in all 3 shades. For reference, I'm a MAC NC30/35 all over my face, but prefer to use a concealer that's a shade lighter than my skintone because it brightens up my under eye area. I currently mix my MAC Pro Longwear concealer in shades NW20 and NW25 to get a perfect shade for underneath my eyes. I find that the Benefit Fakeup concealer in Medium works perfectly with my skintone. It's not too dark or too light and still brightens up my under eye area. The consistency is thick, but not as thick as the MAC one and it does not feel heavy at all. When I use my Royal & Langnickel BX-45 brush in a tapping motion, it applies the product smoothly and blends effortlessly. Also, the Benefit concealer is so much more moisturizing and doesn't leave a cakey finish. I have very dark circles and I'm glad to report that it covered them up very well. I just bought the NARS Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (review coming up soon) and used it to set the Benefit concealer. It faded within 4 hours, but I'm not sure if it's due to the formula of the concealer or the setting powder that I used. Whenever I use my MAC concealer, I set it with my MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder and it lasts all day.

By the way, Benefit is offering free shipping + a FULL-SIZE Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow/Liner in your choice of color when you spend $60. Enter coupon code NOCREASE at checkout. Offer expires April 30, 2013 at 11:59pm Pacific. 

Have you tried the Benefit Fakeup Concealer, yet?

*This post contains affiliate links. Like I mentioned above, the Benefit concealer was a free sample that Sephora provided when I placed an online order with them, using my own funds.

Review + Swatches: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer

From Left to Right: 160 Brightener, 120 Light, 130 Medium

One of my lovely friends (who's an extreme couponer) has been providing me with a lot of drugstore products for free. Some of them have been prize options for my giveaways, while others have been tested for review purposes. 

From Left to Right: 160 Brightener, 120 Light, 130 Medium

I decided not to give away the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealers* because I wanted to see if this product lives up to the hype. Alot of people have been raving about how well it conceals dark circles. Unfortunately, this product did not work for me.

First off, the shade range is very limited. The brightener shade in 160 and the light shade in 120 were too light for my NC30/35 skin tone. When I wore 160 underneath or over the medium shade in 130, the result looked ashy. Fortunately, 130 worked well alone for my skin tone. It did conceal my redness very well and my dark circles to some degree; however, my MAC Pro Longwear Concealer conceals my dark circles much better because it has a pinkish tint to it, which counteracts the purple & green tones of my dark circles. It is important to mention that Maybelline recommends applying the neutralizer shade in 150 underneath the concealer shade for "extreme dark circles." However, I don't have the neutralizer shade, so I can't comment on whether or not it helps with concealing "extreme dark circles."

From Left to Right: 120 Light, 130 Medium, 160 Brightener

The consistency of the product is not too thin and watery or too thick and heavy. It falls somewhere in the middle. It's creamy, but dries quick, while still giving me ample time to blend.

From Left to Right: 120 Light, 130 Medium, 160 Brightener

As for the packaging, I don't like sponge applicators in general because I find them to be unsanitary and difficult to clean. Maybelline claims that it is "protected with an anti-microbial system" and warns not to wash it, but to clean it with a "dry tissue only." Regardless, I still feel uncomfortable placing the applicator directly onto my skin. I prefer to touch the product with a clean finger and then apply it onto my skin. Even though I use this method, I still have concerns because the product gets soaked in the sponge, which causes a breeding ground for bacteria. Also, to get the product out, you have to twist the collar and when I first used this, it took about 15 turns before any product came out. Now, it only takes about 1-2 turns for the product to come out, thankfully.

The deal breaker for me was that it left an unflattering finish and it settled into my fine lines. (I made sure that my under eye area was fully moisturized and that the moisturizer was fully absorbed into my skin before applying the concealer. I also adjusted the amount that I applied and made sure to apply a light dusting of setting powder; however, it didn't make a difference in the finish.)

Bottom Line: If you don't have extreme dark circles and intend on using it to cover minor blemishes on the face, then this will be a great drugstore find. Unfortunately, it did not work well underneath my eyes. =(

Note: The Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Treatment Concealer contains 6ml of product and is available at Ulta, Target and drugstore.com for around $8. 

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored by the company.

Huge Collective Haul (Sephora, Mac, and Drugstore)

The title of this post is kinda misleading because some of the makeup pictured above 

have been in my makeup stash for more than 6 months. 

Some are even half empty. -_-

I just wanted to write this post to show you guys some of the makeup that 

I have not mentioned on my blog or written a full review about yet.

1. Make Up For Ever HD Microperfecting Primer in 0 Neutral ($32 for 1oz): It quickly absorbs into the skin, dries to a clear finish, and doesn't feel greasy. When I wear my Make Up For Ever HD foundation without the MUFE primer, my t-zone gets oily after about 4 hours. When I use it with the primer, my t-zone starts getting oily only after about 6 hours. However, I see no difference with the longevity of my makeup when used with my Dior Forever or L'oreal True Match foundation.

Left: Mac Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC25
Center: Rock & Republic Exhibition Pressed Powder in Chiffon
Right: Le Metier de Beaute Visage de Soie Finishing Powder in Shade 6

2. Mac Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC25 ($23 for 12g): My Mac foundation shade is NC30/NC35. I always buy a setting powder that is lighter than my skintone because the setting powder in NC30 & NC35 oxidizes throughout the day and makes me look orange. NC25 looks way too light in the swatch pictures; however, when blended into my skin, it matches me perfectly. It doesn't make my face look ashy or a shade too light. 

3. Rock & Republic Exhibition Pressed Powder in Chiffon ($10-$44 for 9g): The shade is a little darker than NC25, but it still matches me nicely when blended into my skin. I'm still testing this out because I'm not sure if this is what's causing me to break out. I haven't introduced any new products into my makeup or skincare routine. So, the culprit is either the pressed powder or my mentrual cycle. (I usally break out a week before my period.)

4. Le Metier de Beaute Visage de Soie Finishing Powder in Shade 6 ($40 for 9.9g): Shade 7 made me look orange and Shade 5 was way too light. Shade 6 looks ashy and grey in the swatch pictures, but once blended into the skin, the ashiness and grey tone are unnoticeable. The problem that I have with this powder is that it's too light when I use it to set my L'oreal True Match and MUFE HD foundation. It only matches me perfectly when I use it to set my Dior Forever foundation. Another issue that I have is the price. I see no difference with the quality of this powder and Mac's Select Sheer pressed powder, which is cheaper.

5. Mac Pro Longwear Concealer in NC30 ($17 for 9ml): I only use concealer for my under eye area because I have dark circles. When I first apply it under my eyes, it looks a shade lighter than my skintone, which I prefer because it brightens up that area; however, once I let it set for about 20 mins, it darkens a little bit and matches my skintone, which I don't like. It also doesn't conceal my dark circles that well because NC shades have a yellow undertone. NW shades have a pink undertone and are much better at concealing dark circles, since pink counteracts green and purple. NC30 is more suitable for concealing blemishes on my face. The consistency is not as thick as the Mac Studio Finish concealer (review), but the Pro Longwear concealer still does a great job at concealing blemishes and it does not look cakey. As for the packaging, the pump wastes alot of product because it dispenses too much product no matter how lightly you press it. However, a bottle lasts me about 9 months. (I don't recommend pumping it into a jar and then save the excess for future use because the concealer will dry up really quickly.)

6.  Mac Pro Longwear Concealer in NW20 ($17): NW20 matches me well during the winter months, but is too light for me in the summer months. NW25 is too dark for me, so I end up having to mix NW20 with my NC30 Pro Longwear concealer to get a perfect match for my under eye area when I have a tan. The hint of pink counteracts my dark circles very well, but I would not use this shade for any blemishes on the face because I have a yellow undertone. I reserve NC30 for that purpose.   

7. Mac Pro Longwear Concealer in NC20 ($17): NC20 is too light for me, but it's useful whenever I need to lighten up a darker shade. =)

1. L'oreal Paris Telescopic Waterproof Eyeliner in Black (around $8): I recently bought this because I wanted to try an eyeliner that was waterproof. It's watery and definitely not waterproof. The applicator is similar to the L'oreal Lineur Intense eyeliner, except the Telescopic one is thinner and pointier at the tip. However, it's difficult to make a thin line with the Telescopic eyeliner, not because of the foam tip applicator, but because the formula is just too liquid-y and runny. I will be returning this.

2. L'oreal Paris Lineur Intense Eyeliner in Carbon Black (around $8): I've been using this for the past 2 years., but I'm looking for a better one because it has a glossy finish and it's a hassle that I have to set it with a black eyeshadow (Mac Carbon) to make the eyeliner look less shiny and more matte. It also fades a bit in the inner corner of my eyes when my eyes get watery. However, I like it for the reason that it's just so easy to line my eyes with. (I am wearing this in all the eye looks on my blog.)

3. Tokidoki Waterproof Perfetto Pen Eyeliner in Sabochan ($16): I got this after the L'oreal Telescopic eyeliner failed on me. The Tokidoki one is also another failure. The shape of the foam tip applicator makes it difficult to line my eyes with. The tip is thin, but the side is a little too thick. So, when I hold it at an angle, I get an uneven application. I will be returning this.

4. Urban Decay Original Eyeshadow Primer Potion Professional Size ($29 for 0.85 oz): It makes my eyeshadows last all day without fading or creasing. It dries to a clear finish and sets quicker than the Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

5. Too Faced Shadow Insurance Primer ($18 for 0.35 oz): It's more creamy and takes longer to set, but it feels less drying than the Urban Decay primer. Aside from that, they both work the same for me and keep my eye makeup looking fresh all day., but if you have extremely oily lids, then the Urban Decay primer would be a better option.

6. Lancome Hypnose Waterproof Mascara in Black ($25): I got this for $20 at a Lancome Outlet store. I haven't opened it yet, but I will after my Dior Mascara gets clumpy and expires.

7. Dior Diorshow Iconic Extreme Waterproof Mascara in Extreme Black 090 ($28): One of the rules in makeup is that you're supposed to throw away any mascara that has been opened for more than 3 months. I don't follow that rule and actually, I break alot of makeup rules. I do what works for me. The formula of the Dior mascara usually gets clumpy after 4-5 months, so that's when I toss it out. I keep repurchasing this because it volumizes and lengthens like no other mascara that I have tried; however, it doesn't hold the curl of my lashes that well. That's why I purchased the Lancome mascara as a backup.

8. Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Rose & Shine 619 (around $6): Rose & Shine has a pearl finish.

9. Revlon Matte Lipstick in Mauve It Over 003 (around $7): This has a matte finish.

10: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Porcelain Pink 651(around $6): This has a pearl finish.

1. Hello Kitty Kabuki Brush with Leather Pouch/Case ($3): I never buy makeup products from Ebay because they're usually (1) fake (2) expired or (3) damaged & defective by manufacturer standards. I had a $3 Ebay coupon and it was going to expire soon. I didn't want the coupon to go to waste, so I decided to get a brush with the coupon. I didn't realize that the "MAC" logo was on the brush until I received the package in the mail. The seller didn't advertise it as a Mac product, but even if he did, I know it's definitely not an authentic Mac product. However, I don't mind because I got the brush for free. The bristles are made from synthetic material, which the seller didn't disclose in his listing, but it doesn't bother me because the hairs are soft and not scratchy at all. It does shed, but I don't mind it because the hairs don't stick to my face. They just get loose and I just have to pick them out of the brush. I like using it to apply liquid foundation when I'm in a rush, but I wouldn't pay $3 out of my own pocket for this brush. I mostly like it because it was free. It measures 2.5 inches in total.

2. Ulta Professional Wide Eyeshadow Brush ($9): I got this from a friend. The bristles are so soft and dense, but not as firm as my other eyeshadow brushes. It's great for applying highlight under your brows, blending and for packing color onto your lids. However, it may be too big for people with a small eye area. It measures 7.10 inches in total.

3. Royal & Langnickel Silk Synthetic MD Eye Shader Brush BC411 ($10.99): I got this for $5.93 when they were having a sale. The bristles are soft and firm. It doesn't pack on color as well as my other eyeshadow brushes because the BC411 brush is made from synthetic material, which tend to apply products lightly. However, this brush is great for applying cream eyeshadows and concealer, but I mainly use it for applying powder eyeshadows when my other eyeshadow brushes are dirty and for smudging. It measures 6.5 inches in total.

4. Royal & Langnickel Silk Eye Shader SM Brush BC410 ($15.99): I got this for $8.63. The brush is a little wider and thinner than the BC411 brush. The bristles are made from natural hair and it's great for applying highlight under the brows, packing color onto the lids and adding color to the lower lash line. I love this brush because it's thin and firm. The only thing that I'm not too ecstatic about is the color of the bristles. It just does not look attractive. I much prefer it to be black bristles, but this is just a personal preference. It doesn't affect the performance or the quality of the product. It measures 6.25 inches in total.

5. Japonesque Professional Medium Eye Shadow Fluff Brush ($19): I got this for free from Ulta for purchasing the Japonesque blush brush (mini review). The bristles are not as thin or firm as the Royal & Langnickel BC411 and BC410 brush, but they're soft. I like using the sides to pack color onto my lids and the tip to add color onto my crease because the tip is fluffy and not too thin. It measures 7 inches in total.

6. Royal & Langnickel Silk Sable Brow Angle Brush BC530 ($7.99): I got this for $4.31. It's too thick for lining my eyes, but I like using this to fill in my brows. It measures 6.5 inches in total.

7. Royal & Langnickel Silk Sharp Line Brush BC498 ($4.99): I got this for $2.69. It's too thin for filling in my brows with, but I like using it to set my liquid eyeliner with a black eyeshadow. It measures 6.1 inches in total.

8. Royal & Langnickel Silk Lash Comb Brush BC515 ($9.99): I got this for $5.39. The metal bristles do a great job at separating my lashes after I apply my mascara, but it's difficult to wash out the mascara residue that's left on the comb. Also, the metal bristles are sharp. Be careful not to poke your eyes out with it. It measures 6.75 inches in total.

9. Mac 131 Duo Fibre Brush ($40): I got this for $24 at an Estee Lauder Company Store. It's similar to a CCO, except the Estee Lauder Company Store is not open to the public. Click here for more info. The 131 brush picks up the right amount of product and lightly disperses my Mineralize Skinfinish (MSF) highlighter in Soft & Gentle (review & swatches) onto my skin. However, when I use it to apply regular powder blushes, they end up looking blotchy and uneven. The black bristles are made from natural hairs, while the white ones are made from synthetic material. Therefore, this brush is ideal for applying cream and liquid products. It'll also work for applying MSFs, but just not regular powder products.

This is such a long post. -_-
I hope the mini reviews are helpful.

Have you tried or would you like to try
any of the products that I have mentioned above?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.

Review: Mac Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

 Mac Studio Finish NW25

I have tried many concealers, but I just keep coming back to the Mac Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer.

My Mac foundation color is NC35. I use NW25 for my under eyes because the pink tone counteracts the green and purple tones of my dark circles. I use NC35, which is yellow based, for blemishes on my face. 

When I first opened the package, the concealer was very creamy. After I started using it, the product dried up in the pot. I can't use a brush to apply it onto my skin because it feels very dry. I have to apply it with my finger to warm up the concealer. I warm it up by rubbing my finger clockwise in the pot; however, I end up having a lot of product on my finger.

 Mac Studio Finish NC35

During the summer, the oils of the concealer settles on top. I either have to wipe the oil away with my finger or "mix it"  by rubbing the oil into the concealer. Either way, I am wasting a lot of product because an excess gets picked up by my fingers. However, I've had the NC35 concealer for about 10 months, and there is still 50% of the product left in the pot. 

This concealer is amazing. It lasts all day with setting powder. It also covers my dark circles and blemishes; however, you have to be careful. If you apply too much, it'll end up looking cakey. Another problem is no matter how little I apply, it settles into my natural fine lines under my eyes, but I haven't found a concealer that doesn't do that.

Although a lot of product gets wasted, I am in love with this concealer because it gets the job done. This will last you a long time, and is well worth it for the price of $16.50 for 7 grams at Nordstrom.  

Did this concealer work for you?

*This post contains affiliate links. None of the products mentioned are sponsored.