The Great Primer Search: Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer

The Great Primer Search 

Korres Pomegranate Mattifying Primer - $33

Just like any other product, there are 82 bazillion primers out there! However, when you're trying to detox your makeup bag one product at a time, it really does narrow down your options. After loving Tarte's Clean Slate I had a hard time parting with it, but wanted to find a silicone free option. 

Because it's silicone free, it feels like a second moisturizer and not a thick spackle-like substance. Having very oily skin, that silicone is typically what keeps me from being shiny, so I wondered how this would go. However, I do like that it is paraben, sulphate and propylene glycol free. And it smells very yummy!

As you can tell, it's slightly tinted and more on the yellow undertone side. However, when it's rubbed in, it is not as noticeable.

I did notice it kept my face oils at bay better than had I not used anything at all to prime. It didn't work as well as the Tarte Clean Slate, though. I am not allergic to silicone, so I am tempted to go back.

Here's the main con. If it weren't for it doing this ^ when I rubbed it in I would have worked through the whole tube. But at $33 it was just too much to deal with this "pilling." I returned it and have since purchased two even more natural primers I will let you know about soon: 100% Pure Luminous Primer  ($26) & The All Natural Face Foundation Primer ($11.50). The main reason I went with even more natural is that both the Tarte and Korres primers contain phenoxyethanol which scored a 4 on EWG's Skin Deep database. It doesn't seem too be too toxic an ingredient, as it doesn't bioaccumulate; but it is considered an irritant. 

Any one else having a hard time detoxing their makeup? If you have any tips/recommendations on what works really well and is natural, I'd love to hear about it!

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Guest Post! Valentine's Date Night Makeup Tutorial

Valentine’s Day Date Night Makeup

I just wanted to thank Tara for having me as her featured blog post for Valentine’s Day! It has been so wonderful to collaborate with her. When I read her profile and perused her blog I immediately fell in love with all of her cute posts. I noticed that we had a lot of similarities and so this was a great way to share our knowledge with eachothers’ subscribers. :)

 Hopefully, this look will provide you all with some inspiration for your date night or “singles awareness” night with your girlfriends. I wanted to do a sultry and sexy look that would be perfect for going for a night on the town :)

Products Used:

MAC Painterly Paint Pot

 Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit in “Light”

NYX Slide On Pencil in Pure White

 “Mauve” from the Lorac Pro Palette

“Light Pink” from the Lorac Pro Palette

 MAC eyeshadow in “Stars N’ Rockets”

MAC eyeshadow in “Fig 1” 

Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Black

 Milani Glitter Eyeliner in Purple

L’Oreal Power Volume “Black Smoke” Mascara in Black

Directions:

 1.)   Take Painterly Paint Pot and place all over the eye from the lids to the arch of your eyebrow. This primer will ensure that your eye shadow doesn’t crease and will make the pigments appear brighter.

 2.)   Fill in eyebrows with Milani Brow Fix Brow Kit powder. Filling in your brows with frame and shape your face.

 3.)   Using the NYX Slide On Pencil, draw under the arch of the brow and in the inner corner of the eye to bring light to the eyes. This will also make you appear more awake and will give the illusion of larger eyes.

4.)   Using windshield wiper motions, take a fluffy brush and sweep “Mauve” from the Lorac Palette in the crease of the eye. This will provide the transition color for the rest of the shadows and will make the eyes look deeper set.

 5.)   Take “Light Pink” from the Lorac Palette and pack the color onto the lid of the eye just until it hits the bottom of the crease.

6.)   Take “Stars N’ Rockets” and sweep this eyes shadow slightly above the mauve color. Blend together using a clean fluffy brush.

 7.)   Take “Fig 1” and place in a V Shape in the outer corner of the crease

 8.)   Take the purple Milani glitter liner and draw from the outer corner of the crease just to the middle section of the crease.

 9.)   Draw winged out liner on the top lash line with the Maybelline Gel liner in Black. Do a smaller wing underneath the bottom lash line.

10.)   Apply Mascara  to the top and bottom lashes

 And Voila! You’re looking gorgeous for a romantic/fun night out!

 If you would like to see more makeup tutorials and product reviews, please stop by my blog:

www.beautybooklove.com

 Love,

Anne-Marie

The Beauty Book

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Makeup Detox Episode 1: Gabriel Foundation

Gabriel Moisturizing Liquid Foundation - $28

One of my New Year's goals (I hate making resolutions...) was to replace my products with natural alternatives as I used them up. Firstly, using something up entirely is really difficult for me! Am I the only one? It seems my loyalty is lacking, and my tendency to keep buying and hopping around is terrible! However, I'm almost done with my MAKE UP FOR EVER Mat Velvet foundation, which I love, but it scores a 5-6 on EWG's Skin Deep database. For starters, it contains parabens (studies have found many types of parabens in breast cancer tumors: un-metabolized by the body) and many other chemical ingredients I'd like to do without. So, when that's gone, I need another foundation. Many makeup purists will would rule out all liquid foundations, but I just don't know if I can give them up... 

My first branch out into natural foundation was Gabriel Cosmetics' Liquid Foundation. I decided to do my shopping at Whole Body (the beauty/body care side to Whole Foods). I tried several brands on my hands or fore arms, and this was the most 'normal' consistency in there. That was a little disheartening. You all know how much I love Sephora, so I really wish they had more natural offerings. Even Tarte, Korres and Fresh sometimes have ingredients I don't agree with. So, I ventured out.

I felt I was going out on a metaphorical-makeup-purchasing limb, since the cosmetic department lacked any marketing materials to explain what the purpose of this foundation was (other than the obvious normal use). It also does not come in a box or anything with print on it to "sell" it or promote its benefits. I can understand why: less packaging is green (and less expensive for the manufacturer). However, it left me feeling I was making a decision without all the vital deets. The associate that helped me match the shade said it should work for my oily skin, but she seemed unsure of herself. She also assured me I could return it if it didn't work out, and that sealed the deal!

As you know, I'm as pale as it gets. So, I matched on the inside of my arm (her suggestion) to the Pale Ivory. The packaging is so-so. As you can see, it's frosted glass with a typical top. I honestly prefer a squeeze bottle, so I can get the most use. When I opened the tester in the store, the black square top came off the cap that screws on to the bottle, so I expected mine to do that over time. For $28, I typically prefer some sturdy and more inventive packaging.

It comes out very liquid-y. I'm used to my matte foundation being a bit thicker, so it was easy for me to dispense too much.

When I got home with the product I went online to read about it and saw that it was truly meant mainly to moisturize, and I don't need that. (It does say it won't make skin oily...) I already use my Korres gel moisturizer under my primer, so a moisturizing foundation is too much. It also doesn't help keep the oily-ness down to a minimum.

 I spread this in and around using my fingers. I generally use a blending sponge to help it set on the surface of my skin, so I didn't love how it settled in the lines on my hands.

When applied to my face it was more moisturizing than I would have preferred and the coverage didn't last all day as well as my MUFE does. I also became much shinier than usual. I know... natural makeup can do that! You might be asking yourself: "Are you looking for a miracle, Tara?!" Why, yes...

Because I wasn't "in-love" with it, I did end up returning it. And I appreciated how friendly the Customer Service associate at Whole Foods was! I had my eyes on some BB creams and other foundations I'd rather try, and considering foundations last for half a year with me, I want to make that investment with care. Knowing a BB cream will not give the coverage I want, I have purchased the Korres Mineral Foundation and have really loved how well it does over a tinted moisturizer (and the MUFE foundation). It (+ a BB cream) doesn't provide the perfect airbrushed look I want, but I think I will have to sacrifice that to keep toxins out of my body. (Or I will just have a long quest to discover what works)! But I am excited to let my skin breathe more and hopefully that will result in better skin that needs less coverage.

Have any of you discovered a natural alternative that meets all your needs? Share the wealth!

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Natural & Easy Sunday - FOTD

My First FOTD! 

(Face of the Day)

It's Lazy-Day-Sunday around here, so I went with a natural, romantic look. No eye liner, no HACing, no brow wax/powder & no lipstick. It was nice!

Tarte Smooth Operator BB Tinted Moisturizer in Agent 00 • Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer in Fair • Korres Mineral Foundation in Porcelain 

Korres Blush in 16 Pink/Rose with e.l.f. Blush in Pink Passion stippled on over it on just the apples • Benefit HighBeam on top of my cheek bones

Anastasia Tinted Brow Gel in Espresso • e.l.f. Luscious Liquid Lipstick in  Pink Lemonade

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer • Lorac Pro Palette CREAM as a wash, LT. BRONZE all over bottom of lid, PEWTER in the crease, GOLD lining the bottom lash line & WHITE in the corners and under the brows

Merle Norman Lash Lift Waterproof Mascara

This was my first time wearing a BB cream. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I'm used to foundation coverage, but I think with a primer and the mineral foundation it works well!

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January Beauty Favourites

It's that time again! Time to rave on and on about a few things I just couldn't do without in the month of January.

AND I made a video, again. I'm not sure I'm turning out to be a great YouTuber, but I'm proud that I learned how to add music to a video in iMovie. If that's all I get out of this, than good! (Along with learning that I use the word "um" entirely too much! I need to fix that.

Sorry it's so yellow looking... Again, me trying to use a different camera in different lighting. Fail. 

Bag Balm - $9
I've had this for years. It comes in a fun green tin with an udder on it. 'Nuff said, right? This is a great all-around ointment I use on my lips, feet and other rough skin. Only issue I've had was when it caused my nail polish to bubble up when I used it on my cuticles. It happened twice, so I know it was due to the bag balm. I'm not sure what chemically happens for a balm to do that, but it did. I don't use it on my cuticles any more if I have polish on. I use my Josie Maran Argan Oil instead.

Mario Badescu Drying Lotion - $17
I've used Murad & the Pro Activ mask as spot treatments many times, and this is, by far, what has worked the best for me. If you watch the video, you'll see better how the ingredients separate. You're not to shake it up but use a Q-tip to dip it all the way in and apply to the spot. I wouldn't get it anywhere near your eyes. It puts off a stinging vapor-like feeling/smell. It's most likely the isopropyl alcohol. It sort of looks like calamine lotion you used on your chicken pox as a kid, so you can definitely not wear this with your makeup like you can the Murad spot treatment.

Real Techniques Stippling Brush - $10

 I'd never used a stippling brush before, but after hearing all about it by Estee at Essie-Button, I thought I'd give it a shot! If you want to avoid mussing up your foundation and powder coverage by dragging a blush brush across it, this is the perfect fix. The white bristles stick out past the darker ones and help to grab the product. I believe these are mostly recommended for use with cream blushes, bronzers, highlighters, etc, but I love it for just my plain ol' fuschia blush.

Burt's Bees Nourishing Baby Oil - $9

 It smells sweet and yummy and makes for some super soft and smooth skin! I specifically love it for after shaving my legs, but it works for cuticles, too. I also love that it's natural and won't deliver any toxins into a baby's blood stream (or mine!). If you ever use baby oils, definitely switch to this one.

Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Concealer in Fair - $22

I'm on my third one, and that's a massive deal. I'm hardly loyal to products, always hoping to find something better. True to form, I left this concealer - my one true concealing love - to use another (won't name names, but the brand starts with a B and ends with -enefit) and came back! It's super smooth, creamy and great coverage. Only down side is I use it up pretty quickly. It opens like a lipstick but is so creamy you don't have to swipe or drag under your eyes. You can just dab or dot. I've found the best way to apply is to dab it on, do your eyes or foundation, etc and come back to it with a concealer brush after your skin has warmed it.

LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer - $21

Free shipping until 2/28/13 on everything!

I know I've talked about this a lot in my Pro Palette review & Sephora.com Haul when I got the Unzipped Palette. It's amazing!! Bottom line.

WoodWick Fireside Candle - $25

Who knew a lovely smell could come with a soothing sound! These candles crackle like a real fire, and it smells like one, too! It's not too masculine, but it leans more that way. If your hubs or better half isn't all about the floral, beachy scents - try this one. I burn it for hours and hours, and it last a long time. This is our second one along with several car air fresheners, too.

Have I convinced you to try any of these? If so, which ones and why? 

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Beware the Fake Naked 2 Palette!

Heed this my cautionary tale, for I hath been bamboozled*!

That's about as much silliness as I can muster. Back to real English.

How many of you are regular deal hunters? I sure am. I frequent Sharing Spree for those deals pretty often. About a month ago there was a  doozy of a spree for the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette for... Wait. For. It. ... $25! Yes - twenty-five dollars. I was so stoked, because I had already told myself I wouldn't be purchasing any more palettes after the Lorac Pro and Unzipped robbed me of quite a bit of mula recently. But how could I pass up a $50 palette for half off?

You might be a more realistic, logical person thinking, Tara, that's too good to be true. It's probably fake! Well, where in the heck were you?! In my defense, I had no clue that fake UD palettes were a thing, or I would have been paying attention to it. (Or rather no clue that counterfeit makeup was a thing!)

What first clued me in was the shades were terrible! I mean it. I'm no expert, but I have used quite a bit of shadows, and I felt like I was using chalky children's fake makeup... I was thinking, What is the deal with this palette? All these beauty bloggers are insane..." Then I started to notice small details.

Like, the mirror seemed warped, and I could hardly see myself as I used it. The pans containing the shadows are bent. When I looked at pictures online of the brush, the real one's bristles were a different pigment, and the font went the opposite direction of the one I have. Lastly I wondered why the writing/font was already wearing off (see the "U" on the brush?).

On the back of the real one there is a sticker with a batch number. This did not have one.

I also noticed that the palette comes with a lip gloss through Sephora. This one didn't. 

BUM - freaking - MER!!

After sulking and thinking all kinds of negative "what is this world coming to" thoughts I started to google it. I stumbled across The Beauty Belle's story of experiencing a similar problem. She has great photos of comparisons between the two (packaging and swatches).  An even better post regarding this is by Vicky Hoang. She even found more issues than I ever saw. I was really quick to toss my packaging, but there are many discrepancies in that, too!

I reached out to Sharing Spree and the company that sold it - Bella Sweet Boutique. Sharing Spree jumped right on it, refunded my money and is providing a shipping label to send it back. Kudos!

I'm thankful they responded VERY quickly. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for Bella Sweet. I see that there is an active deal for the same product on their Seattle page today with over 200 sold. So sad; I hope they both rectify it soon!

Ultimately, I know I got what I paid for. I think what bothers me the most is that we have no idea what ingredients are in the duped palettes. Since ingredients are important to me - and I try to avoid toxins as much as I can - it scares me to think what unregulated crap is probably in these fake 'uns! This article even quotes Interpol as saying counterfeit makeup helps fund terrorism and drug trafficking! Aaaah! It also relays that many tested counterfeits contain arsenic and mercury! So, if you are thinking, "I got it for cheap - might as well use it" please don't.

Now I'm doubting all my Amazon and Ebay purchases for Mac, Elizabeth Arden, etc products. Is it worth a bargain to risk putting arsenic and mercury in your bloodstream?

So, tell me: have you ever been similarly duped? Any of you lovelies own the real Naked 2 and can concur?

*Indicates the author is 99.2% certain it's fake. Obviously there is a chance in hell that it's real and Urban Decay just has some inconsistencies. I'm just saying for all y'all who want to be annoying literal. K?

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