Swatches: GlossyBox USA November 2012

(GlossyBox USA November 2012)

(GlossyBox USA November 2012)

GlossyBox USA November 2012 ($59.81 Total Value):

1. Illamasqua Lip & Eye Medium Pencil in Honour .05oz ($20) - I received the full size! The formula is super creamy and glides onto to the skin easily without any tugging. When applied onto my skin, it translates into a chocolate brown shade that's perfect for a day time look because the color doesn't look too dark or harsh.
2. Incoco Nail Polish Applique in Sinderella Full Manicure Set ($8.00) - I received the full size! I never tried nail strips before because I was always worried that they would ruin my nails and that they wouldn't adhere well to my nails. These are actually really easy to apply and they stay on my nails extremely well. (They don't peel off.) The color is very festive and reminds me of the holidays. My favorite thing about these nail strips is that there is no smudging and no drying time. I just stick it onto my nail, buff away the excess with a nail filer and I'm done. These are so convenient! Just make sure you press the nail strips well onto your nails to prevent "air bubbles." (I did my thumb first and as you can see from the picture, there are some "air bubbles" on my nail.) To remove, just use nail polish remover.
3. Kryolan for Glossybox Blusher in Glossy Rosewood 2.5g ($9.00) - I received the full size! It's a bubble gum pink with a matte finish. It has regular pigmentation that's not too sheer or too pigmented when applied with a standard blush brush, such as the Studio Gear #13. (The swatches look extremely pigmented because I applied with a very heavy hand, just to show the color better.) It doesn't leave a chalky finish, but it fades and looks patchy within 6 hours. However, because the compact is so tiny, I just take this wherever I go and touch up throughout the day.
4. Nume Style Arganics by Nume Argan Oil 10ml ($4.99) - The full size costs $59/4oz. A little bit goes a long way. I love this stuff because it makes the ends of my hair look healthy and shiny, but not oily or greasy. (Just be careful and do not over apply it!) GlossyBox also provided a $100 gift certificate towards styling tools and hair extensions; however, I doubt I'll be using it because all the products are priced over $100.
5. Skin&Co Roma Truffle Serum 0.50oz ($17.82) -  The full size costs $36/1.01oz. It doesn't have a floral scent, but I can't pinpoint exactly what it is. The scent kind of reminds me of coconut. The formula is thin and liquidy and it absorbs quickly into the skin. It's suppose to "slow down the signs of aging;" however, I'm a poor candidate to test this claim as I'm still "blessed" with youthful skin. (Check back with me in the next year or two.)

For more information about GlossyBox, check out my previous posts of their August & September box.

Also, I hope everyone is enjoying their holiday and remember, 

there's still time to enter my massive giveaway. =)

*This post contains affiliate links and the products mentioned were provided by GlossyBox for consideration. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion. 

Swatches: DHC Skincare and Makeup for 2013

I was recently invited to a DHC event and I had a really great time. There were cocktails, appetizers, music and lots of swatching going on! Also, the staff was amazing and I had the opportunity to meet some wonderful beauty bloggers. Unfortunately, I forgot to bring my camera to the event. =( However, DHC provided a goodie bag for each of us. So, you guys/gals can at least enjoy the swatches. ^_^

DHC Deep Cleansing Oil

• available in three sizes: 6.7oz ($28), 2.3oz ($14), 1oz ($5.50)
• removes dirt, makeup and sunscreen completely and with ease
• contains only 8 ingredients with no added fragrance, colorants, mineral oil, parabens and sulfates
• won't clog pores
• antioxidant-rich olive oil helps protect skin from damaging free radicals
• with daily use, skin becomes softer, pores look smaller and complexion looks more radiant

I have been using and repurchasing DHC's Deep Cleansing Oil since high school because I love that it removes my makeup effectively and gently without tugging my skin. As most of you guys/gals know, eye makeup, especially waterproof mascara, is a b!tch to take off. Tugging around the eye area, which is the most delicate area on the face, causes premature wrinkles. However, the Deep Cleansing Oil, which is an oil-based remover, makes the removal process a breeze. 

I usually wet my face in the shower, then take 2-3 pumps of the Deep Cleansing Oil and rub it all over my face, including the eye area,then rinse with water. After that step, most of my makeup is removed and I'll use my facial cleanser to exfoliate my face and to remove any makeup that is left on my skin. When I don't use the Deep Cleansing Oil, I have to remove my makeup using a 3 step process. First, I have to remove my eye makeup using an oil-based product called the Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover. Then, to remove my face makeup, I have to wash my face twice with my facial cleanser, which can be a little harsh on my skin since it contains 2% salicylic acid. I have to use a good moisturizer afterwards to prevent my skin from drying out. (When your skin is overly dry, your body produces more oil to compensate, which in turn causes breakouts.) Therefore, I prefer to use the DHC Deep Cleansing Oil method.

I did have reservations about this product because I have oily skin and I was afraid that it was going to make my skin oilier and break me out. I'm glad to report that it does neither of those two evils and it actually makes my skin more balanced. 

I highly recommend the Deep Cleansing Oil for any skin types because it removes long wearing and waterproof makeup easily and gently without leaving your skin feeling tight or greasy.

Ingredients: Olea Europaea (olive) Fruit Oil, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Sorbeth-30 Tetraoleate, Pentylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Oil

DHC Pore Cleansing Oil

• available in one size, 5oz ($31), on January 1, 2013
• minimizes the appearance of pores while gently and effectively removing makeup
• 9 nutrient-packed botanical oils and an amino acid help unclog & minimize the appearance of pores, hydrate skin and promote a younger-looking complexion

Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-5 Dioleate, Triethylhexanoin, Water/Aqua/Eau, Polyglyceryl-6 Caprylate, Isostearyl Alcohol, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride,  Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Phenoxyethanol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Argania Spinosa (Argan) Kernel Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Butyl Avocadate, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Tocopherol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Butylene Glycol, Punica Granatum Extract, 10-Hydroxydecanoic Acid, Sebacic Acid, 1, 10-decanediol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Propyl Gallate

DHC Pore Face Wash

• available in one size, 4.2oz ($25), on January 1, 2013
• age-defying foaming face wash
• creates a lavish foam to cleanse and exfoliate skin and helps minimize the appearance of pores
• refines skin's texture with baking soda and fruit juice AHAs for a smooth finish with smaller-looking pores

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glycerin, Palmitic Acid, Lauric Acid, Potassium Hydroxide, Myristic Acid, Stearic Acid, Glycosyl Trehalose, Glyceryl Glucoside, Sodium Bicarbonate, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Isopropyl Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Pentasodium Pentetate, Butylene Glycol, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Citrus Reticulata (Tangerine) Peel Extract, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Peel Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Lactobacillus/Pear Juice Ferment Filtrate, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Laminaria Digitata (Horsetail Kelp) Extract, Plantago Major Seed Extract

The Pore Face Wash leaves a film and a tight feeling on my skin when used alone. So, I have to use 2-3 pumps of the Pore Cleansing Oil afterwards to remove the residue. It also removes makeup well, but I find that the Deep Cleansing Oil does a better job. 

I have visible pores around my nose area and I've been using the Pore Face Wash and Pore Cleansing Oil together for 4 weeks and I've noticed that the size of my pores are slightly smaller. However, they are still visible and I still need to hide them by wearing a silicone-based primer. I will continue using the Pore Face Wash and Pore Cleansing Oil together to see if they'll minimize the appearance of my pores even more!

DHC Kakonjuka Cream

• available in one size, 1.4oz ($32), on March 1, 2013
• intensive moisturizer that fights fine lines & wrinkles
• contains 6 Japanese & Korean botanicals (Maitake Mushroom, Platycara Strobilacea, Licorice Leaf, Great Burnet, Purslane, Reishi Mushroom), which soothe, hydrate and fight fine lines
• free of added colorants and fragrance

I absolutely love this moisturizer! The texture is thick, but it doesn't feel heavy on the skin. It does look a little bit greasy at first, but within a few minutes of application, the product fully absorbs into the skin and leaves a velvety grease-less finish. I love using this as a night moisturizer and as a primer for my undereye concealer because it's so hydrating and it prevents my undereye concealer from creasing or looking cakey. Also, it does not have a scent to it, which is a major plus for me.

Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Dimethicone, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Propanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Beeswax, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil,, Glycerin, Cylcopentasiloxane, Glyceryl Stearate, Pentylene Glycol, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Octyldodecyl Myristate, PEG-75 Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Butylene Glycol, Bisabolol, Glycosyl Trehalose, Phenoxyethanol, Hydrogenated Starch Hydrolysate, Grifola Frondosa Fruiting Body Extract, Maltodextrin, Hydrolyzed Platycarya Strobilacea Fruit Extract, Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin, Tocopherol, Polyquaternium-51, Arginine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Leaf Extract, Ziyu Glycoside, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Ganoderma Lucidum (Mushroom) Stem Extract

DHC Velvet Skin Coat

• available in one size, .52oz ($22.50)
• makeup primer with a sheer, non-greasy powdery gel texture
• mattifying, smoothes skin, fills pores and fine lines
• contains antioxidant-rich olive oil to help fight free radicals
• leaves a silky feeling

As I mentioned earlier, I have visible pores around my nose area, but those ugly holes magically disappear when I apply the Velvet Skin Coat primer over them. It's a silicone-based primer; therefore, it leaves a very velvety and silky feeling to the skin. Also, it's colorless and it doesn't have a scent to it. I highly recommend this because it allows foundation to glide onto the skin effortlessly and it leaves a poreless finish to the skin.

Ingredients: Dimethicone, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Hdi/Trimethylol Hexyllactone Crosspolymer, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Silica

DHC Designing Pencil Eyebrow

• available in 4 shades, Noir, Cocoa, Teal, and Plum ($9.50 each), on February 1, 2013
• highly pigmented eyeliner pencil 
• contains olive oil and squalane to nourish skin and for smooth error-free application

I've never had much luck with eyeliner pencils, which I suspect is due to my oily lids. I've tried many different brands, including those from the drugstore and department stores, but they all faded or smudged throughout the day even when I wore a primer underneath and set it with a powder. The DHC one was no exception. However, I do like that the Noir shade is highly pigmented and that it glides onto the skin effortlessly without tugging the skin. As for the Plum shade, I think I got a defect because when I was testing the one at the beauty event, it was so creamy and it applied smoothly onto my skin; however, the one that I got in my beauty bag applies blotchy. I do love the color, though. 

DHC Designing Pencil Eyebrow

• available in 5 shades, Black, Black Brown, Brown, Soft Brown and Gray ($9.50 each), on February 1, 2013
• eyebrow pencil that fills in brows for a polished appearance
• contains olive oil and squalane to nourish skin

The eyebrow pencil is not as pigmented as the eyeliner, which is a good thing because it does not leave a harsh line on the brows. Instead, it creates a more natural effect. I have the shade in Black Brown and it's a good match for my dark brown hair. I usually fill in my brows with MAC's Copperplate eyeshadow and I find that Black Brown is more brown and less grey. It still looks natural in natural sunlight and it lasts all day without fading even though it contains olive oil.

What DHC products have you tried and would recommend?

*This post contains an affiliate link and the products mentioned were provided by DHC for attending the beauty event. This does not affect my opinion about the products. I don't do paid or guaranteed reviews. My reviews are based on my own honest opinion.

Collective Haul (Lancome, Burberry, Shu Uemura, Mac, Clinique, Japonesque + Drugstore)

Hey beauties, hope all is well. I hauled quite a few stuff during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and around Christmas time. However, I returned most of the things because they either just didn't work for me and/or I didn't like them for one reason or another. The following products are items that I kept and have been using for the past month or so. (All drugstore products mentioned in this post were given to me for free from one of my wonderful friends. The rest were purchased by me, using coupon codes, ebates and gift cards.)

1. L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Waterproof Mascara in 630 Blackest Black around $7 - During the first few uses, it did nothing for my lashes. Still, I continued to use it and now when I apply the mascara, it lengthens and volumizes my lashes with 2 coats. However, it flakes throughout the day and makes the tip of my lashes curl downwards a little bit. Also, it starts to clump when I apply the second coat and I end up having to separate my lashes with my Royal & Langnickel BC515 brush (mini review).

2. Maybelline Volum' Express The Falsies Waterproof Mascara in 291 Very Black around $6 - It lengthens and volumizes my lashes with 2 coats. However, after 3 weeks of opening, it now clumps my lashes when I apply 2 coats and I end up having to separate my lashes with my Royal & Langnickel BC515 brush.

3. Milani Infinite Liquid Eye Liner in 05 Everlast around $6.99 for 5ml - The formula is goopey. So, I have to wipe off alot of the excess before applying it or else it applies very thick. Also, I wish it was a felt tip applicator because the brush applicator is a little too thick and a little hard to control. I have to be extra careful or else the liner ends up being too thick. Other than that, I love using it because it does not fade or smudge and it's waterproof. Just make sure to wait about a minute to let it dry & set. 

4. MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder in NC30 $23 for 12g - I got this at the CCO for $16.75. My Mac foundation shade is NC30/NC35. I always buy a setting powder that is lighter than my skintone (NC25) to set my Dior foundation because the setting powder in NC30 & NC35 oxidizes throughout the day and makes me look orange. However, NC25 is too light when I use it to set my L'oreal True Match foundation. So, I got NC30 and it's a perfect match for me currently when I use it to set that foundation.  

5. Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler $19 - I regret not getting this sooner. I used to own a Revlon eyelash curler because it's cheap and I thought all eyelash curlers were the same, but I was so wrong. The Shu Uemura eyelash curler curls my lashes effortlessly and it doesn't pinch my skin or break my lashes like the Revlon eyelash curler does.

6. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Eye Cream around $20 for 0.5 oz - Although I don't have any wrinkles (yet), I still like wearing this eye cream underneath my eyes before I apply my concealer. The eye cream makes my MAC Pro Longwear concealer apply more smoothly and it doesn't leave a cakey finish. I just have to make sure that I wait for the eye cream to fully absorb into my skin before applying the concealer or else the concealer will slide off throughout the day.

7. Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover around $9.99 for 4.75 oz - It removes waterproof mascara and eye liner really well, doesn't sting my eye and it doesn't feel greasy when applied with a cotton pad. However, it feels greasy when I touch the product with my bare hands. Also, please keep in mind that it does leave a white residue if you use too much, but this doesn't bother me because I usually wash my face with a facial cleanser afterwards. By the way, it's similar to the Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover, except that the Neutrogena one is cheaper. However, I prefer the Sonia Kashuk one because I only need to use 1 cotton pad for each eye in order to remove all my waterproof eye makeup.

8. Neutrogena Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover around $5 for 3.8 oz - The 5.5 oz bottle retails for about $6.50. It's similar to the Sonia Kashuk one. However, it takes 3 cotton pads to remove all my waterproof eye makeup. I recommend it for those who are on a beauty budget because it still gets the job done.

9. Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion Toner $12.50 6.7 oz - I got this because it's gentle and it doesn't dry or sting my face. It also removes any makeup that my facial cleanser missed. However, it has a thin gel consistency and alot of the product gets absorbed into the cotton pad, which is wasteful. Also, pieces of cotton from the cotton pad get stuck to my face when I apply too much of the toner. (I use Market Spa Cotton Rounds and Swisspers 100% Cotton Facial Cleansing Pads.)

10. Lancome Bienfait Aqua Vital Lotion $45 for 1.7 oz -  It has a watery consistency and feels very light. It quickly absorbs into my skin and my skin feels and looks moisturized after I apply it. However, when I apply any brand of liquid foundation, I can see some minor flaking, which is due to the fact that I use a facial cleanser that contains 2% salicylic acid. (Salicylic acid exfoliates the skin and can be drying.) Therefore, I need a heavier moisturizer when I'm wearing foundation. However, the Lancome moisturizer is moisturizing enough if I don't wear foundation over it.

11. Japonesque Professional Eye Detailer Brush Medium $19 - It is made from soft, natural bristles and is very similar to the MAC 239 brush (full review), except that the Japonesque brush is a little bit firmer, thicker and longer. The brush tip is thin enough to apply eyeshadow on the lower lash line and it does not feel prickly whatsoever. I actually prefer the Japonesque brush over the MAC 239 because it's easier to clean, it dries fast and it's less expensive. Compared to the Royal & Langnickel BC410 brush (mini review), the Japonesque brush is smaller, but not too small for packing on eyeshadow onto my lids. It is also great for applying highlight under the brows. 

12. Japonesque Professional Eye Detailer Brush Small $13.50 - It's made from soft, natural bristles and it's significantly smaller and thinner than the medium Japonesque Professional Eye Detailer brush. The small version offers better precision and is great for detail work. It also doesn't irritate my lower lash line. If I had to choose either the small or medium version, I would choose the medium version because it's more versatile.  

13. Burberry No. 10 Definition Liner Brush $32 - It is made from soft, squirrel hair. The brush tip is thin and it does not scratch or irritate my lower lash line. However, it's also a little bit flimsy and it's hard to control when I apply eyeshadow on my lower lash line. I still prefer my Japonesque detail brushes for lower lash line application. (The Coastal Scents C138 brush (full review) is pictured for size comparison.)

Hope you all enjoyed my haul. =)

Have you tried any of the products that I have mentioned above?

What have you bought during the holiday sales?

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

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.