Loreal Magic Perfecting Base Review

 Face, Inexpensive Products, Kroger's, Kroger's Grocery Store, Loreal, make up remover, Makeup Application, Oily Skin, primers, product review  No Responses »
Feb 272013
 

Loreal perfecting base I purchased the Loreal Magic Perfecting Base last month when I saw it on sale at Kroger’s grocery store.  I’ve had my eye on this primer since 2011 when I saw my friend and fellow Makeup Artist Jennifer use it for a photoshoot.  The reason I hadn’t purchased it sooner is because it was a bit pricey.  Before last month, I hadn’t seen it cheaper than about $13.  That’s a lot to me, for a drugstore primer that I haven’t used before.

Loreal Primer on Krogers shelfHere’s a picture of it on sale at Kroger’s.  I started to get 2 of them, but since I hadn’t used it before, I decided to wait and try it out first.  I ended up waiting too long to try it and by the time I went back, the sale was over. :-(  I’m not sure why it was a close out sale because the product hasn’t been discontinued.  I even checked the packaging and it was the same as the ones that were regular priced.

Loreal Primer openedHere it is opened.  I like that it’s a pale pink color.  So cute and feminine. ;-p

Loreal Primer on handHere it is on my hand.  The consisitency is similiar to a thick gel.  When rubbed into the skin, it just melts and provides a barrier between your skin and the product. It feels similar to MAC Matte gel, but a bit thicker.

Overall, it’s not a bad product, especially for less than $7.  I wouldn’t say it’s the best primer I’ve ever used in my life, but I can tell the difference between wearing it versus when I don’t wear a primer at all.  My makeup blends better and my skin is definitely smoother.  I didn’t notice that much of a difference as far as controlling oil, but I don’t think this product is even geared towards absorbing oil so I can’t hold that against it.  Again, I’ll say I can notice a difference when I wear it versus nothing, but I do have to blot a few times throughout the day. I’m proud to report it didn’t leave a white film so it’s safe for women of color to wear without appearing ashy. *whew*

Even though I do like the color ( my favorite colors are pink and purple.)  I don’t like the jar.  I’d rather squeeze or pump out my primer.  Yes, I know with jars, you’re able to get all of your money’s worth by scraping everything out, but I prefer tubes and pumps because they’re more sanitary.  Unless I find it on sale, I probably wouldn’t buy it again.

FOTD for Zumba Party In Pink Performance at Houston Rockets Game

 24/7 Glide On Pencils, Bold colors, Bold Lip, Breast Cancer Awareness, Cover Girl Queen Collection, Dramatic Eyes, Ebony Bronze, Event Coverage, eye shadow, False Lashes, How to, Lips, Loreal voluminous Million Lashes, M.A.C. Vanilla Pigment, Makeup Application, primers, Queen Collection, Skindinavia, Urban Decay 15th Anniversary, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencils, Vanilla Pigment, Voluminous Million Lash, Wet-n-Wild, Zumba Party in Pink  3 Responses »
Oct 152012
 

I had the pleasure of performing during the Pre-Game show of the Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs game yesterday. The experience was incredible. I participated in this event earlier this year so i definitely didn’t want to miss it this time.  The goal of the performance is to raise awareness for Breast Cancer as well as show people you can live a healthy lifestyle by working out while still having fun.

Yay!!! Finally got a picture with both of my all time favorite Zumba instructors!! :-D On the left is Rashard of Zumba with Rashard and in the middle is Karen of Cha Cha Zumba who is a breast cancer survivor.  These two ladies have made a huge difference in my life.  They are truly incredible in what they do  and how they motivate and encourage their students.  I’ll always be grateful to have them as a part of my new healthier lifestyle.  Just to give you an idea of how Zumba has worked for me.  Check out the picture below of Rashard and I at the last Zumba Party in Pink Zumba Performance at the Rockets game earlier this year.

Unfortunately this is a blurry cell phone picture but you get the idea. Zumba is so much more than just having fun.  I’ve come a long way since January and the majority of it is because of Zumba and particularly Karen and Rashard. :-)

Below we’re waiting for practice to start. The excitement is building up.

These were taken right before our Pre-Game show performance.  We all work out at the same gym with Rashard! :-)

Below is a group picture with our shero Karen!  She has such a wonderful spirit that just draws people to her.  Karen is currently featured on a bilboard and posters for Susan G. Komen. Go Karen!!!

So happy to have had my friends and family come out to the game to support Breast Cancer Awareness as well as cheer me on during our performance! Shout out to my cousin Jackie for wearing her Pink shirt and bracelets!!! :-)

The Rockets Mascot Clutch was trying to shoot the ball in the goal without looking.  He didn’t quite make it in, but had some really close calls. Ha ha! 

My batteries died on my camera. :-( I took these pictures of Jeremy Lin with my cell. He’s a lot shorter than I thought. Ha ha!

Since I was performing on the basketball court, I wanted to go all out with the drama for my makeup. I wouldn’t claim this as an everyday look for me, but I enjoyed it.  I stuck with the Pink theme for October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I pretty much did everything pink except my foundation. :-)

I only got a couple of pictures before I left because I ran out of time.  I took these with my phone so of course the quality isn’t as good.  *I need to get a better phone ASAP*

In the above pics I was wearing my 1st Lip look which was Wet n Wild Don’t Blink Pink with MAC Lipgelee’ Preppy

Here I’m wearing my Lip Look #2 Wet n Wild Don’t Blink Pink with Stila Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss in Giggle

Note to self…make sure to take pics right after doing makeup…not at the end of the day. SMH.  It looked a lot better than this, but I left the house in a hurry and didn’t get to take pictures like I planned. :-( This picture was taken without a flash

Here’s what I used below to create this look:

Face

  1. Isomers HD Primer
  2. MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder Loose (Before and After
  3. MAC Prolongwear Foundation NC45 (decided to give it another try)
  4. Cover Girl Queen Collection Stay Matte Powder in Golden
  5. Skindinavia No More Shine Setting Spray (Before and after)

Cheeks

  1. Highlight is a mixture of Nars Albatross blush, MAC Vanilla Pigment, and MAC Glitter in Reflects Pearl Glitter
  2. Cheek color is La Femme Blush in Fuchsia
  3. Contour is La Femme Blush in Purple Passion

Eyes

  1. Urban Decay Primer Potion
  2. NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk (on lid blended to brow)
  3. MAC Pigment in Milk on inner tear duct with MAC Fix+
  4. MAC Pigment in Fuchsia mid lid with MAC Fix+
  5. MAC Motif eyeshadow in inner crease
  6. Elf Cream Liner in Black on top lid
  7. Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeliner Pencils in Rockstar in water line and on bottom line smudged through lower lashes
  8. Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara
  9. Ardell False Lashes #111 (I cut them to make them wisp at ends)

Lips

1st Lip Look

  1. Kiehls Lip Balm
  2. Wet n Wild Matte Lipstick in Don’t Blink Pink
  3. MAC Lipgelee’ in Preppy
2nd Lip Look
  1. Wet n Wild Matte Lipstick in Don’t Blink Pink
  2. Stila Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss in Giggle
3rd Lip Look
  1. Stila Lip Enamel Luxe Gloss in Giggle by itself.  I’ll review this product in another post.

 

This is the song that we used during our performance.  It was soooooo much fun. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r4OwHk61EiA&noredirect=1

 

Face Of The Day for Houston FNO

 Fashion Night Out, FNO, FOTD, Lipglass, lipstick, M.A.C., M.A.C. prep and prime powder, M.A.C. Superslick liquid liner, M.A.C. Vanilla Pigment, MAC Naked Pigment, Prep and Prime Powder, primers, Tinted Moisturizer, Viva Glam  2 Responses »
Sep 102012
 

I didn’t get a chance to participate in the Houston FNO (Fashion Night Out)festivities last Thursday due to me having to work at the MAC Counter. I did want to at least share my FOTD (Face Of The Day) that I wore.

Face:

Isomers HD Primer

MAC Studio Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 in Dark

MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation in C7

MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Compact Powder

Cheeks:

MAC Vanilla Pigment for cheek highlight

MAC Style blush on cheeks

MAC Blunt Blush as cheek contour

Lips:

MAC Viva Glam Nicki lipstick and lipgloss

Eyes:

MAC Mineralized Eyeshadows Smutty Green and Blue Flame on lid and bottom lash line

MAC Texture in Crease

MAC Naked Pigment as Brow Highlight

MAC Superslick Liquid Eye Liner in On the Hunt

MAC Prolongwear Concealer in NW35 to carve out brows and under eyes

Lashes:

Ardell #118

Loreal Voluminous Million Mascara

My Updated Skin Care Routine

 African Black Soap, charged essence, clarisonic, cleansing wipes, coastal scents, Dr. Denese, eye creams, facial cleanser, M.A.C., moisturizers, My favorites, Oily Skin woes, primers, product review, Purity made simple, skin care, Uncategorized  No Responses »
Feb 062012
 

You know how some people brag about getting ready in the morning within 15min? Well I’m definitely NOT one of those people.  It takes me about 10min just to do my skin care before I even get to my make up. I did a post last year on My Skin Care Routine and why it takes me so long, I’ve changed a couple of things since then, so I thought I share them with you.

  1. Clarisonic
  2. Philosophy Purity
  3. Dr. Pericone Neuropeptide Face Activator this product is really geared towards anti-aging concerns, but I’ve noticed that it has helped my skin to feel smooth.  I use it as a toner.
  4. M.A.C. Lightful Charged Essence
  5. Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Eye Cream
  6. Dr. Denese SPF 30 Defense Day Cream
  7. Isomers High Definition Primer

My current system has been working really well.  I’m having fewer break outs and my skin has never been so smooth, even toned, and clear.  I’ve also noticed a reduction in the appearance of my pores.  I’d imagine that my skin would be close to perfect in complexion if I’d actually go through this routine 2x/day everyday.  Realistically, this isn’t the case.  At night, I’m usually too tired to go through all of this so I’ll just use my Ponds Wet Cleansing Towelettes and call it a night. LOL! :-)

I know that my Clarisonic is the biggest reason that my skin is clearer.  It will enhance any product I use with it.  But I’ve truly seen a difference in combining it with my Purity Cleanser.  Even more so than when I use it with my favorite Coastal Scents African Black Soap.  The only drawback is that Purity doesn’t help my oily problem as much as the African Black Soap did. :-(

What’s your daily skin care routine?  How long does it take you to prep your skin?

Oily Skin Troubles

 oil control products, Oily Skin, primers  2 Responses »
May 202011
 

I am convinced that I’m the oiliest person on this earth.  I have spent $100s of dollars trying to find products that would stop me from being oily.  After exploring numerous brands (both high end and low end), and complaining for years and years, I’ve finally come to terms with my skin type.  I just have to embrace the fact that I’m oily.  There’s no combination going on.  I’m oily all over, not just my T Zone.  *sigh*  I understand that oily skin runs in my family.  There’s definitely a genetic trait there.  I have no control over it, it was inevitable.  Hmph!!

I have found products that have helped to reduce the oiliness.  I recognize now that this will be the best that I can do.   Nothing will STOP me from being oily.  When I used to work for Clinique, my veteran co-worker, Joan, had to point out the difference between products not working at all and not giving the exact results you expect.  She made me realize that yes I could tell at least a slight difference when I used some of the products I was experimenting with below.  It’s not always the two extremes.   Here is a list of things I’ve tried throughout the years and my thoughts on the results.

I used quite a few Clinique products.  I checked the website and I didn’t see any of these products listed so unfortunately, I don’t have pics or current prices for these items.  I’m not sure if they are still available.  It’s been years since I’ve used them.  They were Pore Minimizer Instant Perfector,  Pore Minimizer T-Zone Control,  and Men’s Oil Control Hydrator (this worked the best out of all of the Clinique products).
I’m still on the hunt for the best oil controlling product.  I’ve found combinations of products that work well, particularly blending skin care with make-up products.  So far this is my routine (only when I have extra time in the morning…which isn’t the norm)
  1. Coastal Scents African Black Soap
  2. MAC Lightful Softening Lotion
  3. MAC Brightening Serum/Charged Essence/Clinique’s Total Turnaround Concentrate/Clinique’s Even Better  (which ever one I have available at the time)
  4. MAC Refined Skin Zone
  5. Dr. Perricone No foundation Foundation SPF 30 mixed with MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 (I mix these because I wanted a higher SPF that still matches my skin.  The Dr. Perricone product is a bit too light and it’s not a moisturizer.)
  6. I may skip step 5 and use MAC Oil Control Lotion if I’m wearing a Foundation with an SPF in it.
  7. MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder
  8. Various powders/foundations (just depends on the day and how much time I have)
  9. MAC Prep and Prime Transparent Finishing Powder again.  (This stuff is absolutely amazing.  It can be used before and after your make-up)
These steps will at least get me to 3pm without having to blot or reapply my make up.  If I use Revlon Color Stay, I can make it past 5pm.  
never let them see you shine
Retails for $20 for 1oz
Very disappointing.  I was a big Philosophy user before I worked for Clinique.  My mom introduced this line to me many years ago after watching demos on QVC. (LOL! I love my mommy for being brave enough to try skin car e based on TV advertisements)  This was before the brand was sold in dept stores.  The only place we could get it at the time was Sephora and on QVC.  I used to love Purity and Hope in a Jar and the Present.  However I still needed something extra for my extremely overactive sebaceous gland that caused me to be a “greasy monster”.  I thought this would do the trick but a big NO!  There was a minimal difference between me not using anything at all vs. using this product.   I would be oily by 9am.  ;-(
the present
Retails for $25
Much better than the above product.  I really didn’t have many problems with this.  It just wasn’t THE best thing for me.   I would still get oily by noon.  It’s a bit on the pricey side for me not to totally love the results.
La Base Pro
Retails for $42
The most expensive out of all of the products that I purchased.  Overall this wasn’t bad.  I liked the velvety texture of the product and the fact that a little goes a long way, however I was still oily by 12.  Not as oily, but I could feel it and see the shine.  It really did help my make-up look more like skin, and I didn’t have to use as much foundation when I used this product.

Prep + Prime Skin
This product retails for $28
I have to admit that I definitely see a difference with my make-up application, just as I did with the Lancome primer.  As far as controlling oil, ehh, it’s okay.  I do see a difference with my make-up staying on longer when I use it though.  I truly love using it on clients.

Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone
This retails for $19.50
I’ve already reviewed this product in my *Product Battles* Series.  It’s the best thing I’ve found so far in a Serum/Primer.  I can instantly tell the difference b/c you get an immediate matte finish.  It minimizes my pores and prevents me from being oily longer than the above products.  I can at least make it until 2 without blotting.

Matte
This product retails for $18
This WAS my go to product for controlling oil before the Skin Refined Zone came out.  I’ve reviewed this product in my *Product Battles* Series.  The finish is different.  It’s more similar to the Lancome Primer with that velvety texture that just glides on your skin.  It feels more like a gel than a serum.  It does help with oil but not quite as much as the Skin Refined Zone above.  I think I could get to 1pm without blotting/retouching.

*All images were taken from the companies websites