MAX FACTOR Haul

 

This is my recent haul from Max Factor.

The set contains:

Masterpiece mascara in Black (full size)

Vibrant Curve Effect lip-gloss in #14 Majeste (mini size)

Nailfinity nail polish in #900 Ruby Fruit (mini size)

Second Skin Foundation in #70 Natural (mini size)

Kohl Pencil in Black (mini size)

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I’m planning to purchase Chanel Inimitable mascara, but I’m not willing to shell out $30, since I’ve never used mascaras with such a  brush. I’ve noticed that many compare Max Factor Masterpiece mascara with Chanel’s, so I’ve decided to check a cheaper version.

 

GUERLAIN Ombre Éclat Duo & Liner in #360 L’Heure Rose Review

 

This beautiful golden square compact contains all you need for an ideal eye make-up: 2 gorgeous shades of eyeshadow (light and dark ) and one cream eyeliner. There are several colour combinations: L’heure bleue, L’heure brune, L’heure d’ ambre, L’heure fumée, L’heure rose and L’heure bronze. I’ll review shade #360 L’heure Rose (pink combination).

Even though I adore Guerlain, eyeshadows are not their forte. Don’t get me wrong: the eyeshadows have a fine creamy texture, they never appear chalky, they look silky and they don’t crease for a very long time (even without a primer) but the pigmentation is in the range of a cheap drugstore eyeshadow. The testers in the store can be deceiving – every Guerlain eyeshadow I’ve tested in the store offered a decent pigmentation, only to disappoint me when I try it at home. I am not particularly dark (NC15-20), but it takes a lot of time and a lot of eyeshadow (applied with a brush over primer) to get a bit of colour. The pigmentation is slightly better if I apply it over greasier eyeshadow base (for example Clarins Instant Minute) compared to applying it over Primer Potion. The eyeshadows have a tiny shimmer, but it is barely noticeable and not over the top. I think it gives a nice dimension to the eyeshadow, preventing it from looking too flat.

Light pink shade is very light and I usually use it as a wash (a thin coat) and I apply a bit more i the inner corner of the eye.

I have to be careful with applying the darker colour because, if I apply a layer too sheer, I look as if someone had punched me in the eye. A thicker coat of darker eyeshadow prevents it from looking like a bruise.

The cream eyeliner is, on the other hand, very good. It looks very solid, but it applies easily with a brush and offers a very good pigmentation. It is also very longwearing. At first, the color (deep dark plum purple) seemed very similar to Guerlain eyeliner in Bohemian (from Beaute Slave collection), but Bohemian is much colder and has a hint of blue that the eyeliner from L’heure Rose does not have.

The compact is quite big: the eyeshadows have 2,5gr each and the eyeliner has 1,6gr. There are also two brushes included: one sponge tip applicator and one eyeliner brush (which is very good, only the handle is too short).

Despite the lack of pigmentation, I like this combination very much. I find it appropriate for a day-wear, it gives polished and elegant look. This would be ideal for those who can’t or don’t want to wear super shimmery/dramatic make-up.

I suggest to those who like this product to stock it up, because it seems it MIGHT get discontinued very soon.

BENEFIT Celebutante Review

This set is a great value. It includes mini lipsticks in Lady’s Choice and No Competiton, lipgloss in I’m With the Band, Highbeam illuminator, Benetint, bronzer/blush in Dallas, eyeshadows in Leggy and Dandy Brandy and two brushes (Fluff Shadow/Talent Brush and bronzer blush). All shades are very neutral and I think it could work with almost every skin-tone. A small booklet with lesson is also included. The product comes in a pink carboard box with magnetic closing which resembles a clutch and the mirror is on the inside of the cover.

Since each of the product can be bought separately in full size, I’ll give a complete reviews later.

Lipstick Lady’s Choice (0,04oz/1,2g) is a classic nude shade. No Competiton (0,04oz/1,2g) is a dark red colour.  Both lipstick are very silky and they are not drying.

I’m With The Band lipgloss (0,09oz/2,5ml) is a pink-orange shade which looks like a mixture of Chanel aqualumiere glosses in Candy Glow and Colibri, but more shimmery.

Highbeam (0,09oz/2,5ml) is an illuminator in light pink shade.

Benetint (0,08oz/2,5ml) works great as a lip stain. I have red lips and this brings out my natural colour without looking too tacky – I put some benetint and when it is dry, I apply lip-balm.

Eyeshadow in Leggy(0,04oz/1,2g) is very frosty light beige/pink. Dandy Brandy (0,04oz/1,2g) is warm dark brown.

Dallas (0,1oz/3g) is almost similar to my YSL bronzer, but much more pigmented.

The two brushes included are nothing special, but can be used for touch-ups. The fluffy side of the two-sided brush works OK when applying eyeshadow in the crease. The other side reminds me more of a concealer brush than eyeshadow brush. Bronzer brush is very soft and picks up a lot of pigment, but it doesn’t distribute it evenly.

I’m not the fan of a bulky carboard packaging, but nevertheless this is a great travel set.