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Doing Drugstore: Revlon Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer

bellasugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:00:20 -0700

As you may know, I often get to chat with makeup artists about what tricks they use to create beautiful makeup palettes. Continually, I hear about primers, primers, primers. And you know what? Those makeup artists know what they are talking about, so I decided to try Revlon's Age Defying Instant Firming Face Primer ($12.99).

First off, the smell of this primer is very odd. I can't quite place my finger on it, but it's rather potent, with almost a chemical/outdoorsy scent. Since I tend to get a little oily, I chose the normal/combination formula (also comes available for dry skin), and although it felt lightweight to the touch, within a few hours my skin looked a little more shiny than I would have liked.

Formulated with something called Botafirm to tighten the skin, the best part of my Revlon primer experience was an increased performance in the longevity of my foundation, and my makeup glided on more evenly. I also noticed that the product made my skin look brighter and softer, without causing breakouts — a huge plus.

All-in-all this primer did what it was supposed to do (create a smooth canvas on the skin), but I wasn't wowed by the supposed tightening factor or slightly heavy feel. Plus, the tube didn't dispense the product evenly, and I was disappointed that I seemed to waste so much of this relatively expensive drugstore item.

See reader reviews and add your own here!

A Philosophical Approach To Shine-Free Skin

bellasugar — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 09:00:20 -0700

Brand-new from Philosophy is a range of mattifying skincare products called Never Let Them See You Shine. Each of the three items aim to cut down sebum production and reduce the look of oily skin, while leaving your face feeling refreshed. The light blue formulas have a minty, sea-inspired scent and are best suited for those with oily and acne-prone sensitive skin.

After trying everything out, I really liked the way my face reacted to the scrub the best. It's thick, but it spreads easily and the beads are smooth as opposed to feeling grainy and rough — so they don't irritate your skin. Plus, the menthol is the strongest in the scrub; after you wash it off, your face feels soft, smooth and cool.

For an up-close look at each of the products,

To Prime or Not to Prime? That Is the Question

bellasugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:00:49 -0700

Makeup primers are a relatively recent invention, but they've become indispensable for some women. They create an even base for foundation, creating the illusion of smoother skin. Then again, they're one more step in an already lengthy routine. If I know I'll be having my picture taken, I use Smashbox Photo Finish to help my foundation look a little better. On an average day, though? I'm too lazy. Do you use primer?

To Prime or Not to Prime? That Is the Question

Primer all the way — couldn't live without it.

Feh. Who needs it?

Bellissima! Face & Body Mixing Medium

bellasugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 08:00:22 -0800

During my brief, but chock full 'o informational interview with MAC Pro makeup artist James Molloy, last weekend at the IMATS he told me about an awesome professional product from MAC Pro called Face & Body Mixing Medium. This is the same formula as MAC's most popular milky and semi-opaque liquid foundation, however, this version doesn't contain any pigment.

It provides the skin with sheer and even coverage and is a great way to help you mimic the look of natural skin because of its satin sheen sans-shimmer finish. I didn't even know a product like this existed.

You can also use it alone, add it to any luminizer, or use it to thin out liquid foundations. James said it is often used to create hydrated, dewy looks and is a product commonly found backstage during fashion shows. Don't you just love learning secrets from the pros!

Product Review: Chanel Blanc Universal Sheer Illuminator

bellasugar — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 08:00:51 -0800

I'm thrilled with Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base ($45), which is part of Chanel's spring collection. In essence, this is a skin primer, but somehow it feels like so much more!

The texture of this silicon-based formula is unique. The creamy white liquid goes on silky-smooth and has the consistency of a foundation, yet once you start to rub it in, it has similar qualities as a balm. All you need to do is put a little bit on a sponge or your fingertips and then spread it evenly in small circles.

I'll be honest: At first it looks a little scary because it's so white, but almost immediately, it absorbs into your skin and the color completely fades. All that's left is a velvety feeling that minimizes the look of your pores and leaves a bright and even finish on your face.

You can also use it just under your eyes or on the corners of your mouth for a soft dewy effect or you can mix it with your foundation for a really flawless, semi-matte looking face. And it wouldn't be right not to share the fresh floral smell with you. I'm not sure why it makes me feel so clean when I put it on, but the scent is really happy and refreshing.

Product Review: Urban Decay Lingerie & Galoshes

bellasugar — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 09:59:00 -0800

If this name doesn't get your attention, I don't know what will. This relatively new eyelash primer and waterproofing product from Urban Decay is called Lingerie & Galoshes ($17). One side of the tube contains a fiber-enriched lash primer to lift and lengthen. The other side houses a waterproofing solution so that your mascara won't run or flake.

Using it is easy. After you swipe a generous coat on all of your lashes, simply apply your mascara and let it dry for about two minutes. Then, apply the galoshes solvent on top of your mascara. Not only does waterproofing your eyelashes add shine, but now you can swim, cry and walk in the rain without worry.

While I love the idea of this product, there are two drawbacks. First, the smell of the waterproofing side is reminiscent of glue. And then, the idea and the gimmick of this product is really cute, but if you bought a plumping waterproof mascara you wouldn't really need it at all.

Having pointed this out, I like the cute lingerie and wellie logos on the tube, I appreciate the feeling of the flexible applicators, and I splashed some water on my face to see if the stuff really works — and it does! So you decide: Is Lingerie & Galoshes something you think you would be interested in buying?

See reader reviews of this product and add your own ">here!

Product Review: Laura Geller Spackle Trio

bellasugar — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 13:00:49 -0800

One of the biggest developments in makeup over the last few years is the popularity of primer. Think of primers as a base coat for "painting" your skin: They help makeup go on smoothly and last longer.

On that note, I've just picked up Laura Geller Spackle Trio ($30). It contains three primers — one each for face, lips, and eyes — in one container. Having everything packaged together makes a lot of sense, especially for people who travel frequently. Unfortunately, not every part of this product is worth packing.

Earlier this year, Whiplashgirlchild reviewed Spackle for the face. Her review praises the product for reducing the appearance of pores and helping makeup glide on evenly. I agree; it creates a very smooth canvas on which to put foundation. But I also agree with her other opinion: It's a good product, but there are less-expensive options that work nearly as well.

To find out which Spackle product worked well and which was a stinker,

Badass Face-Brightening Primers

bellasugar — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 10:00:04 -0800

Welcome to the first installment of my five-part series on brightening products for the face. Brightening creams, primers and foundations are easy and effective solutions for perking up tired-looking eyes and skin. They are safe, bleach-free formulas that are usually created with light-reflecting pigments to give your skin a well-rested, healthy and alive look. Makeup artists have been using these products for years, so it's time that you knew about the many different options in this category too!

Shiseido Makeup Brightening Veil SPF 24 ($32) is a colorless face primer that helps minimize the appearance of dullness, uneven skin and freckles for an all around radiant complexion. It contains Advanced Luminous Technology, which uses shimmer bits to create a soft, dewy and lustrous glow. It glides on like velvet and is extremely moisturizing. It is most effective when worn alone or under your favorite foundation. Available in one universal sheer shade.

For two more brightening face primers,

Get The Most From Your Makeup: Tinted Moisturizer

bellasugar — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:55:30 -0700

I hate to be the bearer of this news, but did you know that tinted moisturizer is really just face primer mixed with a light foundation? It's easy enough to make it yourself if you own these two products already. Here's what to do:

In a small bowl, mix two parts foundation with one part primer. Apply with your fingertips and smooth out the areas around your jawline, hairline and nose with a makeup sponge. Store the rest in a cool, dry and clean container and make sure it's sealed tightly to lock out bacteria!

Source

New Product Alert: Guerlain Lip Primer

bellasugar — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 08:00:46 -0700

The new Lip Lift Lip Primer ($27) from Guerlain has been out for just a few weeks now, but already, it's become a glowing success. It evens out your lip texture so that lipstick lasts longer, color is truer and it helps prevent any bleeding of bright colors.

What you might not realize is that Lip Lift also plumps up your pout ever-so-slightly thanks to the new micro-bead technology, which expands upon contact to add more volume and contour.

This product is an upgrade from their Liplift Beautifying Lip Fixative, but it doesn't contain SPF like the the Lip Fixative does. After trying it out, I really felt red-carpet ready. By this I mean, the texture is featherweight and your lips immediately feel smooth and tingly. But this isn't something you would use for a light layer of gloss, it's more for your done-up, bold lip look when you'd like your lipstick to stay put all night long.

Product Review: Benefit That Gal

bellasugar — Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:04:40 -0700

So now that I've had some time to play with my new Benefit That Gal ($27) makeup primer, I thought I'd report back to you with some of my thoughts. The pros of this pinky makeup primer are that it really does make a difference in the way your makeup comes out. It's really moisturizing and your skin is left with a dewy-like layer which makes for a great base.

At first I was scared by its Pepto-Bismol color and texture—and I definitely had to do a lot of blending (a tip: a little goes a long way). But to my delight, it was really airy, and the light reflectors didn't make me sparkly or anything; they just made my skin look like it was gleaming from the inside out.

The con is the strong smell. Again, many people might like a floral scent to their makeup, but I get frightened that my sensitive skin might react. Also, it didn't really even out my skin tone. It didn't make it worse, but I found that on the more red parts of my face (like my nose) it actually looked better when I applied it after putting on the rest of my makeup.

Have you had the chance to try it yet? If so, leave a comment and let me know what you think.

See reader reviews of this product and add your own here!

New Product Alert: Lola Refine Shine Anti-Shine Gel

bellasugar — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 07:00:30 -0700

Lola Cosmetics Refine Shine Anti-Shine Gel ($24) is a water based mattifying liquid that can be worn either under or over your makeup. Creator Victoria Jackson wanted to invent something absorbent that can be applied to the skin anytime you feel a like you're becoming a little bit greasy.

This blotting gel is formulated with tons of antioxidants like guava and grape seed which help to close pores, soften wrinkles and create a velvety smooth finish. It also contains caffeine, biotin and witch hazel extract to detoxify, energize and control sebum production. Lastly, hydrolyzed vegetable proteins ensure that your skin stays moisturized and firm.

It is suitable for all complexions and especially those of you who are looking for a way control shine. Also, here's a tip: if you apply it as a traditional primer, it'll make your makeup last longer!

New Product Alert: Benefit That Gal

bellasugar — Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:00:42 -0700

This summer, be "that gal" with the gorgeous, glowing complexion! Benefit Cosmetics has just released a new face primer called That Gal ($27).

This pale pink primer helps even out your skin tone and instantly livens up your face. It is made with raspberries and chamomile to calm, sweet almond and algae to moisturize and is infused with light reflecting particles to make you shimmer and shine!

You can wear it alone or under your makeup for an allover brightening and beautiful dewy look. Just twist the base until a small amount of creamy primer surfaces (go easy, because a little goes a long way). Apply with either a foundation brush or your fingertips in a small, gentle, upward circles. Have any of you tried That Gal or another Benefit skin saver? What do you think?

User Review: Trendyindc on MAC Prep & Prime

bellasugar — Fri, 29 Jun 2007 08:01:20 -0700

When I posted about MAC Prep & Prime, I hadn't yet tried it out. I still haven't, but after reading Trendyindc's review, I know what's next on my shopping list. Her user review makes it nearly impossible to keep from rushing out to buy it this minute. Here's her review:

As with most MAC products, you can tell the difference right away. I only had to use two tiny dabs to cover my face and got great coverage. I love that it is all one easy step (moisturizer and SPF) plus the oil control that doesn't interfere with my foundation.

I'm on my second day of using it, and for someone who lives in a humid climate, with oily skin, I now can go the whole work day without worrying about major ruboff and turning into a puddle. Great product, and I have a feeling the tube will last me through the summer!

Sounds good, yes? I want to hear about which products you love and don't love. Write your own reviews in the Beauty Product Junkies group, and I might post yours on BellaSugar too.

Do You Wear Primer Under Your Foundation?

bellasugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 04:30:54 -0700

Source

Do You Wear Primer Under Your Foundation?

Always

Sometimes

Never

New Product Alert: MAC Prep and Prime SPF 50

bellasugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 10:58:53 -0700

Primers are nothing new, but the SPF 50 sun-protection in this just-released MAC Cosmetics product stopped me in my tracks. Called Prep and Prime ($26.50), this multi-tasking potion acts as a moisturizer, a primer, and a sunscreen, so you can cut out a couple of steps.

All you need is a small amount, and it absorbs very quickly. Simply apply it after you wash your face and wait a couple of seconds before you begin your makeup routine. Another bonus: It contains oil-absorbing powder to help keep you looking matte all day.

User Review: WhiplashGirlchild on Laura Geller Spackle

bellasugar — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 08:00:35 -0700

Today's user review comes from WhiplashGirlchild, who graciously shared her thoughts on Spackle by Laura Geller ($21.50) last week in the Beauty Product Junkies group. (Write your own reviews in the group, and I might post yours on BellaSugar too!) Here's what Whiplash had to say:

About a year ago, maybe more, I purchased Laura Geller Spackle makeup primer from QVC. It came in a jar like the one on the left, but if you buy it from Sephora, it comes in a pump like this:

I used Spackle pretty religiously until I got my Bare Escentuals starter kit, and then I started using the BE BareVitamins Skin Rev-er Upper ($21) instead. So this morning, I decided to experiment. I put on my moisturizer as usual, and then put the Spackle on one side of my face and the Rev-er Upper on the other side. For the verdict,

Bellissima! DuWop Smoothset

bellasugar — Thu, 24 May 2007 10:13:00 -0700

When it comes to Summer makeup, I like a flawless finish without much foundation, and the DuWop Smoothset ($32) offers everything you need to create a natural-looking face from start to finish. This long, sleek compact — about the size of two business-card cases — contains a pair of great products: a priming balm and an oil-controlling translucent powder.

The balm can be used underneath foundation or alone with the powder to minimize pores and fine lines. It delivers nutrients like Vitamin E to the skin while preventing your face from looking oily. A little bit goes a long way; simply smooth it on your skin.

After applying the balm and foundation (if you choose), dust the sheer powder all over your face to set your makeup and even out your skin tone. It feels incredibly light and is perfect for those of you with sensitive skin. The Smoothset is available in three desert-inspired shades: Sahara (translucent light), Mojave (translucent medium), and Kalahari (translucent dark).

Simply Fab: Givenchy Acti'mine Makeup Base

bellasugar — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 07:11:22 -0700

Givenchy Acti'mine Makeup Base, $34, is a shaded skin primer that you apply before your concealer or foundation. The idea behind it is to provide your face with all of the essential nutrients it needs for the day. Think about it as breakfast for your skin.

It is made from a fantastic water-in-silicone formula which creates a smooth, even toned look while also correcting any redness, blotches or dullness. After an hour, your skin will look awake, unified, stimulated and nourished.

The benefits of a primer are that it will also hold your foundation/powder all day long. It has an extremely light texture, it won't clog your pores and it has a fresh and non-irritating scent.

My skin has some strong pink undertones. I tried the Kiwi color and it wiped out all signs of redness on my face. Now, I'm addicted! I can't wait to hear what you think. It comes in six different shades all with their own unique purposes.

To read about each one,