Some make-up item reviews

After a year of using items I thought I'd put down some of my experiences with certain products, for whatever that might be worth to others. DISCLAIMER: These are all just my (fairly amateur) opinions - YMMV! 🙂

L'Oreal Infallible Pro Gloss Plump - I bought this along with a L'Oreal lip stain I wanted to try out, as they were side-by-side on the shelf. The gloss went on nice and was very shiny, however, in under 15 minutes the lip stain ended up all over my teeth and incredibly smudgeable - coming off on glasses, napkins, everything and quite easily. At first I blamed the lip stain. However, I later used this same gloss with an alcohol-based lip stain which I'd never seen smudge, and it had the same effect (though not quite as severe). Grade D-: Maybe there's some kind of lipstick/stain this gloss won't make all smeary, but I'm not trying them all to find out. Boo.

LipSense (by SeneGence) - This is the alcohol-based lip stain mentioned above. Note also that it is a liquid, which may take a time or two to get used to when applying. It is a bit spendy comparatively, but comes in a wide range of colors and (apart from using with the gloss above), I've not ever had any smudge issues. When I want to remove it, a makeup wipe and about 60 seconds of effort removes it. For my money, I'd rather a little elbow grease to remove it and have the knowledge that it'll be there all night! (FYI they also sell their own glosses and they do not break down the lip stain!) Grade A+: Simply fabulous and luxurious.

NYX Glitter Brilliants and NYX Glitter Primer - I wanted to add some pop for an outfit and stumbled across using glitter eyeshadow - to be clear this is not glittery eye shadow, it is glitter. Just good old shiny bits applied on your eyelid (or wherever). I found it in Ulta and got the little tube of primer (adhesive) neatly sold right next to it. It takes very little of both to get good coverage (but DO apply it over the sink! lol). Grade A: Glam it up, girl!

MAC Magic Extension mascara - I received this as a freebie when buying some other MAC products. It appears to sort of add length to your lashes (maybe?), but it does tend to clump and be quite thick. I only use mascara on my bottom lashes and I don't feel they need this kind of 'magic'. Grade C: It's fine, but...I'm glad I didn't pay for it. lol

MAC Extended Play GigaBlack mascara - This is what the GF uses and what I used until I received the above item. It's a steady, deep black mascara and doesn't get clumpy. Grade B: My experience is limited, but I'd expect this is a solid performer.

Hollywood Fashion Tape - These are double-sided fabric tapes you can use to keep clothing items in place. I've used them to keep a bra strap on my arm with off-the-shoulder tops/dresses, or to keep pants from riding up, but I'd expect there are tons of uses. Grade A: An inexpensive investment you'll likely be glad you made when you aren't spending all evening tugging at your dress/top/whatever.

Smashbox Photo Finish Smooth & Blur Primer - I use a thin layer of this on my face before applying any makeup. It just helps smooth things out a bit. I don't remember how much I paid, but a little goes a long way - I've used maybe a third of this 1.7oz tube in a year? Grade B+: Like the mascara, I've not used many general primers, but I'd expect this one is pretty solid.

KISS Magnetic Eyeliner - Out of the gate I was using magnetic lashes - they just seemed simpler to use than glue-ons. Not knowing any different, this was first bottle I purchased. It's a black liquid with iron oxide in it, which the magnets on the lashes adheres to. Draw line, apply lash, done. I'm a basic kinda girl 😉 My second tube was the brand i-Envy, and I presumed they were all the same, but I think the KISS brand is a bit better for adhesion. Maybe they use more iron oxide, maybe it's just better quality...maybe my mind is playing tricks on me. Whichever it may be, my third bottle was KISS again. Grade A: Easy to use and holds well. Don't worry, you'll get better at it. 😉