Category: Expensive

Expensive products are sold at high-end department stores or specialty stores.

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation

Product:  Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation.  If you don’t like to feel like you are wearing makeup, this high-definition foundation may spoil you from ever wearing anything else.

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost: $62.00 (1.0 fl. oz.) ($62 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  KohGenDo; Nordstrom; Sephora.

Container:  Glass bottle with pump, outer plastic cap, paper carton.

Description:  If you are not familiar with Koh Gen Do, this is another Japanese company.  I don’t know what it is with companies from Japan, but they have some exceptional products.  The line was formulated for use in the film industry and the entire product line functions well under the rigors of long hours on movie sets and flaw-enhancing high-definition cameras.  I have been using this line for over a decade.  I was introduced to the line on the set of a TV show and became an instant fan.

Formula:  Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation is a lightweight cream.  The formula provides light-coverage opacity and dries to a slightly velvety finish.  It feels silky to the touch and is hydrating.  The product was reformulated a few years ago and the bottle used to state that the SPF was 15.  The SPF is no longer listed, but it still contains Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, so there is sun protection in the formula.  Please note that the ingredients listed on Sephora are the old formula and are not current or correct.

Sensitivity:  Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation is free from fragrance, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and synthetic pigments and is appropriate for those with sensitive skin.

Animal Friendly:  The brand is cruelty-free and does not test on animals.

Company Claims:

“Designed to give skin the same youthful glow you experience right after a facial, Aqua Foundation’s long-wearing liquid formula instantly illuminates dull skin. Formulated with light-diffusing minerals to brighten and minimize pores, this lightweight serum foundation contains weightless skin-conditioning emollients that improve the hydration and health of skin for a flawless and comfortable complexion all day.

  • Nourishes skin with minerals from the deep waters of Bretagne
  • Contains soft focus pigments to brighten while reducing the appearance of pores and discoloration
  • Contains T3 Oil—our signature blend of jojoba oil, olive squalane and shea butter—to leave skin soft and supple
  • For all skin types
  • Sheer to medium buildable coverage
  • Natural, dewy finish

Discussion:  The Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation feels so light on the skin you can’t imagine that it is going to actually do anything to make your skin look better, yet somehow it does.  If you like a full-coverage makeup, this is definitely not the one for you.  This is for people who don’t want to look or feel like they are wearing any makeup on their skin.  If you like a “no makeup” natural makeup look, this foundation is one of the best to accomplish that look.  If you typically wear BB creams or tinted moisturizers you may love the feel of this.

Colors:  Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation comes in seven colors: 002-Cool; 012-Cool; 013-Cool; 113-Warm; 123-Warm; 143-Warm; and 213-Warm.  The cool tones have a slightly pink undertone.  If you prefer a neutral, ivory or yellow undertone, go with one of the warm shades.  Because the coverage is so light and it blends into the skin, the shades are pretty forgiving.  If you have very deep skin, there is not going to be a color in this foundation dark enough for you.  The shades are only for fair to medium-tan skin tones.

Shade Descriptions (In my experience):

002: Very pale beige for fair skin with a slight pink undertone

012: Very light beige for fair skin with a definite pink undertone

013: Light beige for fair to light skin with a neutral to pink undertone

113: Light beige for light skin with a neutral undertone

123: Beige for light to medium skin with a warm yellow undertone

143: Dark warm beige to light tan for medium to tan skin with a yellow undertone

213: Medium beige for light to medium skin with a neutral to yellow undertone

Morning Review:  I have used several bottles of this over the years, so I’m not new to this product.  For purposes of this review, after cleansing, I applied the Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation to bare skin.  (If I’m using this on a client or on set, I’d definitely apply primer first.)  There is no odor of any kind.  It disappears into my skin, makes pores appear smaller, and offers a light blurring coverage.  My freckles still show through but they aren’t obvious.  My skin feels softer and hydrated after application.  One pump is enough for a spot application; two pumps are required for full-face coverage.

Application Tips:  I applied this with fingers, a foundation brush and a blender sponge to see which worked the best.  I liked the finish the best with a flat-head foundation brush, but this foundation is fool proof and looks good no matter how you apply it.  If you don’t have a brush, just use your fingers.  If you have oily or combination skin, you will definitely want to set this with powder.  This dries to a natural, slightly velvety finish.  It takes a couple of minutes to set up completely.

Evening Review:  On my dry skin, Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation looked good for about 7-8 hours without any oxidation or color change.  It never cracked and my skin stayed hydrated all day.  My testers with consistent skin and combination skin got 6-7 hours of wear.  My tester with oily skin needed a touchup in about 4-5 hours.  Of course your results will depend upon many factors and may be different.

Overall Review:  I never wore foundation very often until I discovered Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation.  I don’t like the feeling of anything heavy on my face.  I also don’t like to look like I’m wearing makeup and prefer a more natural look.  Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation allows me to just make my skin look better rather than covered up.  This is also the only foundation I have ever found that I can wear every day that never makes me break out.  If you have been searching for a light weight looking and feeling foundation, this might be the answer.

Additional Information:  If you would like a little more coverage, you may prefer the Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation which is slightly heavier and offers more of a medium coverage.  The Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation also offers deeper colors and a greater twelve-color shade range.  If you would like to try either foundation, you can get samples for $3.75-$4.00 directly from the website with free shipping.  You will also receive a $10.00 discount coupon with your purchase of the samples that you can apply to a full-size bottle if you like it.

Here is the link to the samples page:  Koh Gen Do Foundation Samples

Pros:

  • Professional quality
  • Skin-nourishing ingredients
  • Light coverage blurs skin imperfections
  • Skin looks natural and not heavy
  • Quick and easy to use
  • Blends flawlessly
  • Good for those with allergies and sensitivities to fragrances, mineral oil, and other irritating chemicals
  • Pump keeps product sanitary

Cons:

  • Price
  • Some darker skin tones may not find a compatible match

Suitability:  Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Evening Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes. (If I can afford it.)

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Bottle BoxKoh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Pump

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Color Shade Chart

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Color 113

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Color 113

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Color 113

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation Color 113

INGREDIENTS:  WATER, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, DIPHENYLSILOXY PHENYL TRIMETHICONE, ZINC OXIDE, HDI/TRIMETHYLOL HEXYLLACTONE CROSSPOLYMER, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, PEG-9 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, MICA, DIGLYCERIN, SORBITAN SESQUIISOSTEARATE, PHYTOSTERYL/OCTYLDODECYL LAUROYL GLUTAMATE, GLYCERIN, SQUALANE, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, SEA SALT, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, ACRYLATES/POLYTRIMETHYL SILOXYMETHACRYLATE COPOLYMER, SODIUM CHLORIDE, SILICA, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, DIMETHICONE, PHENOXYETHANOL, STEARIC ACID, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, ALUMINUM DIMYRISTATE, NYLON-12, TALC, ZIRCONIUM DIOXIDE, TOCOPHEROL, LAUROYL LYSINE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, ISOSTEARYL SEBACATE, ZINC MYRISTATE, ALUMINA, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, DISODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA (LICORICE) ROOT EXTRACT, GLUCOSYL HESPERIDIN, MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, BETULA ALBA BARK EXTRACT, KJELLMANIELLA GYRATA EXTRACT, ALPHA-GLUCAN, ALGAE EXTRACT, ALPINIA SPECIOSA LEAF EXTRACT, GLUCOSYL CERAMIDE, HYDROLYZED CONCHIOLIN PROTEIN, ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8, IRON OXIDES.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Cover FX Custom Cover Drops

Product:  Cover FX Custom Cover Drops.  Is your foundation too light, dark, warm, cool or too sheer?  This product actually changes the color and the coverage!

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.33 Stars – Good

Cost: $42.00 (.5 fl. oz.) ($84.00 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Cover FX; Sephora.

Container:  Glass bottle, twist-off cap with attached dropper, outer carton.  (The container is not ideal.  Please see Cons below.)

Description:  Cover FX Custom Cover Drops is a small bottle of pure pigments in liquid form.  The concentrated drops allow you to tint or change the color of any lotion or cream makeup.  You can also add color and/or coverage to any mixing medium such as colorless primer, sunscreen or moisturizer.

Formula:  Cover FX Custom Cover Drops is a pigmented liquid.  The formula is not intended to be used by itself.  It must be mixed with another product which I am referring to as the mixing medium.  The finish is more of a matte finish than a dewy finish.

Sensitivity:  Cover FX Custom Cover Drops is free of fragrance, gluten, mineral oil, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and talc and is appropriate for those with sensitive skin.  The product contains a small amount of alcohol and the scent dissipates once the alcohol evaporates.

Company Claims:

“Create your ideal foundation or tinted moisturizer by mixing these revolutionary drops of pure pigment with your favorite liquid beauty products.

What it Does:

These award winning, revolutionary drops of pure pigment were not designed to be worn alone but instead allow you to transform all of your favorite liquid beauty products into your ideal foundation or tinted moisturizer.  With this breakthrough formula you can customize both your level of coverage and desired finish.  What you choose to mix Custom Cover Drops with will determine your finish.  For a radiant finish, add to products like oils, serums, or creams.  For a matte finish, mix with a mattifying primer or lightweight lotion.  The possibilities are endless!  Then, simply adjust your coverage by the number of drops you add.

1 Drop = Sheer Coverage

2 Drops = Medium Coverage

3 Drops = Full Coverage

4 Drops = Extra Full Coverage

Custom Cover Drops are NOT designed to be used alone. Failure to shake well before adding drops to your favorite product will distort the coverage and result in less than desirable results.”

Discussion:  There was a lot of buzz in the beauty industry when these were introduced a couple of years ago.  People seem to have a love/hate relationship with them.  If used properly, they are a wonderful product that allow you to customize colors and achieve perfect matches to almost every skin tone.  When they haven’t worked for people it is probably because they used too much.  The pigments are highly concentrated, so more is not better with these drops.

I have always custom mixed foundations to achieve the proper color for clients, so when these came out I was hoping they would make the matching process easier and they have.  If you don’t want to fuss with blending and mixing products together, you won’t like these.

Colors:  Cover FX Custom Cover Drops comes in twenty-four colors.  I won’t list all of them here.  I will explain their color system for this product:  There are four colors that begin with “P” for Pink undertones; there are 13 colors that begin with “N” for Neutral undertones; and there are 7 colors that begin with “G” for Golden undertones.  It is important that you know your undertone before purchasing this product.  There is a shade for everyone from very fair to deep.

Finishes:  Cover FX also makes a product called Custom Enhancer Drops that comes in two bronzing shades and four illuminating or highlighting shades.  Those drops will add a glow and a pearlescent finish to any foundation, moisturizer or primer.

Daily Review:  The hours of wear that you will achieve from using Cover FX Custom Cover Drops depends purely upon the mixing medium that the drops are combined with.  I really like to add one drop to sunscreen to turn the sunscreen from a ghostly white product to a nice natural tint.  Also, one drop is all it takes to completely change the color of an airbrush foundation.  A little goes a long way with this product and it works the best if you use the least amount possible.  If a foundation is too light and needs to be darkened or warmed up, one or two drops is all that is required for an entire face.

Application Tips:

  • Shake the bottle well to mix the contents as separation will occur.
  • Fill the dropper while the cap is still on the bottle.
  • Begin with one drop.  I never use more than two drops.
  • Combine the drops and mixing medium on a small sterilized palette or something similar.  Mix with a clean makeup spatula or small brush.
  • Make sure the drops and mixing medium are completely blended prior to applying them to the face.
  • If you apply the drops full strength to the face, the finish will be thick and unnatural due to the concentration of pigment.
  • Don’t empty the dropper back into the bottle prior to replacing the cap to avoid air bubbles.
  • Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.
  • Using 4 drops to achieve full coverage is simply too much and the finish will not look natural.
  • I cannot tell you what application method works best, i.e. brush, fingers, or sponge because I don’t know what you will be mixing it with.

Overall Review:  Cover FX Custom Cover Drops perform very well for their intended purpose.  The drops sound gimmicky, but they actually do serve a very useful purpose.  If you have a bunch of expensive bottles of foundation that you have only used once because they were too light or too dark, you can change the color with these drops.  If you don’t like to wear foundation and only wear sunscreen or tinted moisturizer, you can get a little better coverage or color by adding a drop or two.  As a makeup artist, they really help with custom matching and offer a lot of versatility.

If you like the idea of this product, but not the cost, I’m going to review similar products (one is supposedly a dupe) from Clinique, Hard Candy and NYX in the coming weeks.  The Hard Candy and NYX products are only $7 and $10, respectively.  We’ll see if they perform as well and if so, I will definitely let you know.  Please sign up so you don’t miss the future posts.

Pros:

  • Mixes well with a variety of products
  • Provides customization for hard-to-match skin tones
  • Wide range of colors will match all skin tones

Cons:

  • Price
  • Product dries out quickly once exposed to air
  • The bottle with dropper delivery system is messy, exposes the liquid to bacteria, and reduces the longevity of the product.  A squeeze tube would have been far superior.

Suitability:  Cover FX Custom Cover Drops is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Daily Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.33 Stars = Good.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Cover FX Custom Cover DropsCover FX Custom Cover Drops BoxCover FX Custom Cover Drops IngredientsCover FX Custom Cover Drops ShadesIngredients:  Ethyl Trisiloxane, Caprylyl Methicone, Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone, Isododecane, Dimethicone, Mica, Jojoba Esters, Triethylhexanoin, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Silica, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Water (Aqua, Eau), Alcohol, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3. May Contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35

Product:  Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35.  Five creams in one tube?  If you don’t want to pile a bunch of different products onto your skin, you may like this time-saving cream.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $39.00 (1.0 fl. oz.) ($39 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Smashbox; Sephora; Ulta; Major Department Stores.

Container:  Plastic squeeze tube, twist-off cap, outer carton.

Description:  Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 is a beauty balm with a nice amount of broad-spectrum sun protection.  This product contains five elements (moisturizer, primer, foundation, sunscreen and a mattifying agent) in one tinted cream.

Formula:  Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 is a lightweight cream.  The formula provides light-coverage opacity and dries to a slightly powdery but not dry-looking finish.  It is slightly hydrating and moisturizing but not overly so.

Sensitivity:  Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 is free of fragrance, oil, parabens, phthalates and talc and is appropriate for those with sensitive skin.

Company Claims:

“The 5-in-1 Miracle Worker!

Wonder why models in our L.A. photo studio hoard this 5-in-1 miracle-worker BB cream? It cuts down on prep time and instantly creates even, radiant skin.

    • Primes. Perfects. Hydrates. Banishes shine. Protects with SPF 35
    • Reduces appearance of fine lines & wrinkles in just 4 weeks
    • Wear alone or under foundation for more coverage”

Discussion: 

What is a BB Cream? 

BB Creams, or beauty balms, are just a fancy way of marketing tinted moisturizers that also contain sunscreen.  They provide slightly more coverage than a tinted moisturizer and less coverage than a foundation.

Who are they good for?

  • Anyone who likes a more natural look than a full-coverage foundation
  • Anyone who doesn’t like heavy-feeling products on their skin
  • Anyone who doesn’t have the time to apply separate moisturizer, primer, sunscreen and foundation
  • Anyone who wants only one tube of product to travel with

What is the difference between a BB Cream, a CC Cream and a DD Cream?

A CC Cream is the same as a BB Cream except they supposedly also contain color-correcting agents.  I have not found this to be true and when I use them, I see no difference in the products.  It is all about marketing.

A DD Cream is a product that stands for Dermatologically Defining, Daily Defense, or Dynamic Do-All, or any number of things depending upon the brand.  Once again, it is simply a cream that has a lot of ingredients so that you can use one product instead of three, four, or five.  (Some claim to replace eight, but that is just stupid.)

Colors:  Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 added three colors to the initial lineup and it now comes in eight colors: Fair, Fair/Light, Light, Light/Neutral, Light/Medium, Medium, Medium/Dark and Dark.  This a nice range of shades and there should be one to match your skin tone.

Morning Review:  I don’t like to wear a lot of makeup, so five products in one tube appeals to me.  Also, sometimes I have very little time to work on a lot of clients, so eliminating steps is a huge bonus.  After cleansing, I applied the Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 to bare skin.  This BB Cream has primer, moisturizer and sunscreen built in so you don’t need all of those extra layers.  It does feel slightly moisturizing to my dry skin.  If you have severely dry skin you may need a moisturizer underneath.  I would describe the coverage as light.  Even though it is not heavy, it definitely blurs imperfections and makes the skin look better.

Application Tips:  You will need to be careful with the tube.  The tube has a tendency to squirt out more product than you need, so to avoid this, hold the tube vertically and this won’t happen.

I have a lot of experience using this.  Over the years I have applied this with fingers, a foundation brush and a blender sponge to see which worked the best.  I like buffing it on with a flat-head brush.  A sponge with a dabbing motion will provide slightly greater coverage.  If you need thicker coverage, you can build this up a little, but if you are wanting full coverage this is not the product for you.  If you have oily skin, you will definitely want to set this with powder.  This sets up fairly quickly and dries to a semi-matte or satin finish.

Evening Review:  On my dry skin, Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 looks good for about 6-7 hours.  When I use this on clients with consistent skin and combination skin, they can expect to get 5-6 hours of wear.  Clients with oily skin will need touchups in about 4-5 hours.  Of course your results will depend upon many factors and may be different.

Overall Review:  Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 is a quick and easy product for those who don’t want the bother of applying several layers to their skin each day.

Pros:

  • Five products in one tube
  • Light coverage blurs skin imperfections
  • Skin looks natural and not “mask” like
  • Broad-spectrum SPF of 35
  • Quick and easy to use
  • Blends well

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • May not be hydrating enough for very dry skin

Suitability:  Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 is suitable for the following users:

  • All users except those with very dry skin (You may need a moisturizer underneath.)
  • This does not have any obvious reflective ingredients so this is also a good product for male actors, models and performers that need something lighter than a full-coverage foundation.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars = Very Good.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 Fair

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 Tube Box

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 Ingredients Box

Wow, what a list of ingredients!

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 Color Fair

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 Color Fair

Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream SPF 35 Color Swatch Chart

INGREDIENTS:  Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5 %; Octisalate 4%; Oxybenzone 2.5 %; Titanium Dioxide 1.10%

Other Ingredients: Water, Dimethicone, Butylene Glycol, Phenyl Trimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Glyceryl Stearate, Behenyl Alcohol, Trioctyldodecyl Citrate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Octyldodecyl Stearoyl Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Pentastearate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Triticum Vulgare (Wheat) Germ Extract, Hordeum Vulgare (Barley) Extract , Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Laminaria Saccharina Extract, Pyrus Malus (Apple) Fruit Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Trehalose, Oryzanol, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Urea, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Propylene Glycol Laurate, Glycyrrhetinic Acid, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sucrose, Glycerin, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Caffeine, Linoleic Acid, Cholesterol, Lecithin, Squalane, Sodium PCA, Isopropyl Titanium Triisostearate, Propylene Glycol Stearate, Stearic Acid, Polysorbate 20, Sorbitan Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Silica, Disodium EDTA, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-T-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Chlorphenesin, Phenoxyethanol.

May Contain: Mica, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Zinc Oxide(CI 77947), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Mica.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil

Product: Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil.  When only the best will do, you can’t beat this luxury brand.

Overall Rating = 4.25 Stars – Excellent Plus

Cost: $29 for .003 oz. ($9666.67 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By: Dior; Dillard’s; Nordstrom; Sephora; Major department stores everywhere.

Container: Plastic outer housing, snap-on cap, retractable pencil, outer carton.

Description: Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is a very slim retractable water-resistant eyebrow pencil that allows you to simulate actual hairs with the extra-small tip.  There is a built-in spoolie brush on one end and this pencil never needs to be sharpened.  Depending upon your facial cleanser you may or may not need an eye makeup remover to completely get this off.

Sensitivity:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is a fragrance-free product suitable for those with sensitive eyes or contact lenses.  I have never experienced any sensitivity issues personally and I have never had any complaints from clients or testers.

Company Claims:  “This ultra-fine retractable pencil naturally fills in brows and helps shape with precision.  Brush brows upwards to widen the eyes, then apply with light pencil strokes to fill in brows. Blend with the brush.”

Discussion:  If you ask most American women the first brand of makeup they used as a young girl, the response is usually something like Max Factor, Maybelline or Revlon.  The first makeup I ever bought and used was Christian Dior (as it used to be known).  I spent a lot of time in Europe in my late teens and twenties and Dior was common there.  This is, and always has been, one of my favorite lines of eye makeup.  Yes, Dior is expensive, but you can’t beat the quality of most of their products.  I’m not a huge fan of their skin care line as I stay away from anything that contains fragrance.

I have been discussing eyebrows quite a bit this month because they continue to be such an important trend.  There are so many options when it comes to eyebrow products that it can be daunting to find the right combination of products to achieve natural-looking eyebrows.

A lot of women draw their eyebrows on with their eyeliner pencil.  I do not advise doing this as an eyebrow pencil is very different from an eyeliner pencil.  An eyeliner pencil should be soft enough so as to go on smoothly and not tug on the delicate skin of the eyelid.  That same soft pencil will smudge terribly if used as an eyebrow pencil.  The formula for a good eyebrow pencil should be much dryer and firmer feeling than an eyeliner pencil for better staying power.

What makes a good eyebrow pencil?

  • Natural looking colors that aren’t too red or orange
  • Ease of application
  • No smudging
  • Good staying power
  • Waterproof or very water resistant
  • Nice thin point for control

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil meets all of my qualifications.

Colors:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil comes in three colors:  001 Universal Brown; 002 Universal Dark Brown; and 011 Light Brown.  I use 001 Universal Brown the most.  Universal brown is a cool medium brown.  Blondes should go with Light Brown and those with naturally black eyebrows or dark skin should go with Universal Dark Brown. 

Morning Review:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is step one in my eyebrow application when I don’t want to use a marker.  If I’m in a hurry and only have time for one quick step, this is the pencil I use.

The beauty of this pencil is that the diameter of the lead (so to speak) is so tiny that you can actually simulate individual brow hairs for a completely natural look, if you have the patience to draw them on.  Very few eyebrow products offer this much control.  It will look the best if you use lots of tiny short strokes.

If I have time, I will set this pencil and the eyebrow hairs with a gel to keep the brow hairs neat and flat.

Evening Review:  After twelve hours the Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil was still on and did not smudge, fade, flake or cause any irritation issues to my dry skin or sensitive eyes.  My testers with normal skin and oily skin had similar results.  It did come off with my makeup wipes at the end of the day.

Overall Review:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is probably the best eyebrow pencil I have ever used.  Yes, it is a splurge in terms of cost, but sometimes the cost can be justified by the results and this is one of those items that produces impressive results.  Sadly, this is too expensive for me to use on most clients on a daily basis.  When I find a less expensive dupe, I’ll update this post and let you know.

Pros:

  • Fine tip allows for precision application
  • Professional results
  • Colors are excellent and don’t look red or orange
  • Water resistant
  • Stays on extremely well without smudging
  • For sale at many US retailers

Cons:

  • Price
  • No professional discount program
  • I wish it came in a refillable package.

Users:  Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Evening Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4.25 Stars = Excellent Plus.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Ingredients: Talc, stearic acid, rhussuccedanea fruit wax, hydrogenated castor oil, cera alba (bees-wax), cera mictrocristallina (micro-crystalline wax), paraffinum liquidum (mineral oil), hydrogenated coconut oil, hydrogenated palm kernel oil, hydrogenated palm oil. Mica, tin oxide, Cl 19140 (yellow 5, yellow 5 lake), Cl 42090 (blue 1 lake), Cl 75470 (carmine), Cl 77000 (aluminum powder), Cl 77002 (aluminum hydroxide), Cl 77007 (ultramarines), Cl 77163 (bismuth oxychloride), Cl 77288 (chromium oxide greens), Cl 77289 (chromium hydroxide greens), Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499 (iron oxides), Cl 77510 (ferric ferrocyanide, ferric ammonium ferrocyanide), Cl 77742 (manganese violet), Cl 77891 (titanium dioxide).

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Tip

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Tip

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Spoolie

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Spoolie

Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil Tester Eyebrow Before

Tester Eyebrow Before

Tester After Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil

Tester Eyebrow After Dior Diorshow Brow Styler Ultra-fine Precision Brow Pencil (Makeup by Tester, not L A Rose)

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.

Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Product:  Today’s product is another product from the Japanese company that supposedly features age-old traditions from Geisha.  It is Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good

Cost:  $65 60g / 2.1 oz. ($30.95 per ounce)  Price Category:  Expensive

Sold By:  Tatcha, QVC and Sephora

Container:  Heavy plastic double-layer jar with screw-off lid, tissue wrap, outer decorative paper carton.  (Those of you who have followed my beauty and makeup tips newsletter know that I am not a fan of jars due to the potential for contamination.)

Description:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is the coordinating exfoliating powder I mentioned a few days ago when I reviewed the Tatcha PURE One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil.  This powder is a *physical exfoliation product.  This a fragrance-free Japanese rice powder that you mix either with the Tatcha oil or with water to exfoliate your skin.  You can control the amount of abrasiveness by using more or less liquid in combination with the powder.  The greater the powder-to-liquid ratio, the grainier and more abrasive it will be.  In reverse, the less powder-to-liquid ratio, the gentler the texture will be.

 *(For a description of physical exfoliation and the three different methods to exfoliate your skin, please see my discussion on the ExfoliKate page.)

Morning Review:  I used this product many times before posting this review.  I have used it with the Tatcha cleansing oil, with water, and have experimented using it in conjunction with other oils and liquids, as well.  I have also used this product on female and male clients.

The rice powder is white (naturally) and the texture is slightly gritty.  It is not as gritty as sugar or salt, but there is a definite texture to the powder.  There is a slight chemical scent similar to wet paint in its dry powder form.  Once you mix the powder with water the scent changes to more of a nutty scent.  This is a fragrance-free product so the scent is naturally occurring due to the ingredients themselves.  If you have asthma, be careful of breathing in or ingesting any powder products, as they could cause breathing difficulties.  (When in doubt, always consult a physician before using any new product.)

When using the product with oil, I first put a pump of the oil into my palm, then I sprinkle about a half of a teaspoon of the powder onto the oil, mix them together with my finger and then apply to my face with a gentle circular motion.  If you use too much powder, the oil/powder mixture gets very thick and you may need a couple of drops of water to thin it.  When I use the powder with water, I first wet my face with warm water, sprinkle the powder into my palm, add a few drops of water to my palm to make a paste, and then apply to my face.

The Tatcha powder does a very effective job of exfoliating my skin.  It leaves my face feeling soft, smooth and hydrated without any harsh abrasives or chemicals.  My sensitive skin does not feel irritated.  Please note that because I have sensitive skin, I do not rub vigorously, but very gently.  Please execute care when using any physical exfoliate and do not get too enthusiastic with scrubbing your face.

Caution:  I do not recommend using this, or any physical exfoliate, with a cleansing brush.  The doubly exfoliating effects would be too harsh.  I also do not recommend physical exfoliates for anyone with Rosacea.

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  At the end of the day my skin still feels smooth; it does not feel tight or irritated.   This powder effectively removes all types of makeup.   My makeup wipes do not find any traces of makeup, especially if used in conjunction with the oil.  Unlike most physical exfoliates that are intended for use once or twice a week only, the Tatcha powder can be used every day or even twice a day, if desired.  I personally use this as an occasional exfoliate or whenever I need to remove heavy amounts of makeup.

Overall Review:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is an excellent product.  Once again, the only downside is the cost, and the packaging.  The bottles are heavy and don’t travel well.  The Tatcha products come in beautiful, elaborate packaging.  Maybe that is a bonus to some of you, but I don’t buy products for fancy bottles, tissue liners and boxes.  I buy them for the contents inside.  I suppose it makes an impressive gift, but what other purpose does that serve?  If the company would package the product in less expensive containers and lower the price, this brand would be a lot more affordable for the average consumer.  They could still offer the fancy bottles in a gift edition for those who want to spend the extra money.  (Hello, Tatcha, are you listening?)

Please note:  I first purchased this years ago when there was only one formula and I have continued to use the initial “Classic” formula.  The product is available in 4 formulas from the Tatcha website:  Classic for Combination and Normal Skin; Gentle for Dry Skin; Deep for Oily Skin; and Soothing for Sensitive Skin.  The next time I order this I’m going to try the Soothing formulation and I’ll provide a comparison review to note the differences.

Skin Types:  Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive (but not Rosacea);
  • Consistent;
  • Oily;
  • Combination.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.5 Stars – Very Good.  (Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)

Tatcha POLISHED Classic Rice Enzyme Powder

Classic Ingredients:  Oryza Sativa (rice) Powder, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Potassium Myristate, Cellulose, Water, Papain (papaya Extract), Camellia Sinensis (green Tea) Leaf Extract, Hydrolyzed Conchiolin (pearl) Protein, Oryza Sativa (rice) Bran, Algae Extract, Glycerin, Dextrin, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Alcohol, Phenoxyethanol.

Formulated without:  Mineral Oil, Synthetic Colors, Synthetic Fragrances, Sulfate Detergents, Parabens, PEGs, PPGs, Urea, DEA, TEA or Phthalates.

Important:  Please read our full Disclaimer before using this or any product.