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 + Comparison - Collective Haul of Cheek Products

I've been really enjoying products that leave a nice sheen to my skin without the glittery mess. 

The ones mentioned in this post have been great at perking up my dull winter skin.

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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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Haul: Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation + Gift with Purchase (value up to $136)

 

Von Maur is offering a 7-piece gift with purchase when you spend $39.50 or more on any Lancome products. There are 3 gift bags that you can choose from and I chose the High Resolution Mix gift bag because I wanted to try the pressed powder in the shade Bisque. The pressed powders that come in the other gift bags are too light for my skin tone. If you have any Lancome products on your wishlist, then this would be the perfect time to purchase them because of all the extra goodies you'll be getting. This offer expires March 18, 2012. Also, Von Maur always offer free shipping with no minimum order.

 

Absolue Mix Gift Includes:

• Absolue Premium BX Cream SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Color Design Lipstick in Curtain Call
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Ivory
• Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad
• Visionnaire Advanced Skin Corrector 7ml
• Nutrix Royal Body Repair Cream 2oz
• Black Cosmetic Bag

High Resolution Mix Gift Includes:

• High Resolution Refill 3X SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Bright Expert Dark Spot Corrector, 0.5oz
• Juicy Tube in Moulin Rose, 0.33oz
• Flash Bronzer Leg Gel, 2oz
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Bisque, 0.12oz
• Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara in So Black
• Pink Cosmetic Bag 

Renergie Mix Gift Includes:

• Renergie Lift Volumetry SPF 15, 0.5oz
• Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate with dropper 8 ml
• Color Design in All Done Up
• Flash Bronzer Leg Gel, 2oz
• Translucence Pressed Powder Compact in Ivory
• Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara in So Black
• Pink Cosmetic Bag

The gift with purchase definitely lured me into buying the new Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation ($44 for 1oz), which I ended up liking, but not loving. Lancome labels the shades using a number and letter system. C denotes cool, which is suitable for those who have a pink undertone. W means warm, which is suitable for those who have a yellow undertone and N means neutral, which is suitable for those who are neither cool nor warm. I went to get color matched at 2 different Lancome counters and both SAs recommended 320W, so that's the shade I chose when I placed my order online, but it ended up being too dark for my skin tone. For reference, I'm an NC30/35, L'oreal True Match W4, Dior Forever 021 mixed with 031, and MUFE HD 127. 

The Lancome Teint Idole Ultra foundation has a thick creamy consistency that glides onto the skin like butter and feels silky smooth. It blends easily and offers buildable, medium to full coverage. It does not emphasize dry spots if you exfoliate and moisturize well. Also, the finish is neither cakey nor fully matte, but looks natural and like skin. However, I still need to set with a powder on my forehead and nose area because my t-zone gets oily throughout the day. 

The main reason why I don't love this foundation is because it's not as long lasting as it advertises. My t-zone starts getting oily after about 4 hours of application. This also happens when I wear my L'oreal True Match and Make Up For Ever HD foundation. The biggest difference between these 2 foundations and Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra is the texture. The L'oreal True Match and the MUFE HD foundations have a more runny consistency and feel more moisturizing, which is why I prefer them over Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra, for the winter months. (For the summer months, I prefer a more mattifying foundation, such as Dior Forever, which keeps my oil at bay for at least 6 hours.)

One thing to keep in mind is that I never wear primers underneath my foundations except when I wear my MUFE HD foundation because I've had no luck with most of the ones that I've tried, including CoverFX Clearprep FX Matte, Philosophy The Present Clear Makeup, NARS Pro-Prime Oil-Free, Smashbox Photo Finish regular + light version, Laura Mercier Oil-Free, Lancome La Base Pro Perfecting primer and many others. The MUFE HD primer is the only primer that lengthens the wear time of my MUFE HD foundation; however, I see no difference with the longevity of my makeup when used with my Dior Forever or L'oreal True Match foundation.

One thing that I am loving about my order is the gift with purchase. The pink makeup bag is cute and great for travel because it's so spacious inside. It measures 8.25" x 4.25" x 3.25".

Bottom Line: I would still recommend Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra 24H foundation because it applies smoothly onto the skin, blends well, has good coverage and doesn't look cakey. My reasons for not loving it is strictly personal. (It doesn't feel as moisturizing as my other foundations and the shade is too dark.) Also, just because the foundation doesn't last long on my oily t-zone, it doesn't mean you will get the same result. We all have different textures, skin types and complexions. However, those with normal skin may benefit more from this foundation.

Here's a list of products that I packed in the bag (I don't carry all these products with me when I'm travelling, but this is just to show you how much stuff this bag can hold.):

• MAC Vera Flower Fantasy Face Powder
• MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder
• Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer
• Lancome Flash Bronzer Leg Gel (travel size 2oz)
• Dior Forever Foundation
• Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation
• Lancome Pressed Powder (travel size 0.12oz)
• Lancome High Resolution Refill (travel size 0.5oz)
• 2 L'oreal Lip Balms
• Lancome Juicy Tube (travel size 0.33oz)
• Dior DiorShow Mascara (sample size 5ml)
• Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara (sample size 4ml)
• MAC Pro Longwear Concealer
• Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion
• Lancome Bright Expert Dark Spot Corrector (travel size 0.5oz)
• 2 Maybelline Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Eyeshadow

Bloomingdales is also offering the same Lancome gift with purchase; however, you get to choose the products individually. This is definitely a better option for those who plan on making a $50 purchase or more, especially if you use Mr. Rebates to get cashback. However, Von Maur's gift with purchase was a better deal for me since they didn't charge tax and offered free shipping for my $44 order.

Are you a sucker for "gift with purchase" offers?

Have you tried the new Lancome foundation?

*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.