Tag: Makeup

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin

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Product:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin.  Is this drugstore brand really as gentle as it claims to be?

Overall Rating =  4 stars4 Stars – Excellent

Cost:  $8.46 for 4 oz. ($2.12 per fluid ounce)  Price Category:  Inexpensive

Sold By:  Neutrogena; Walgreen’s; Wal-mart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Plastic bottle with twist-off pump, outer carton.

Description:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is a no-frills water-based moisturizer.  This is a basic fragrance-free moisturizer that is readily available at most retailers.

Formula:  This does not contain any anti-aging antioxidants, cell-communicating ingredients or fancy bells and whistles.  It also doesn’t have any alcohol, stinky perfume or dye.  Sometimes, less is better.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is intended to be used twice a day following cleansing and after the application of lighter products such as serums.

Please Note:  Please do not use this product if you have a soy allergy.  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin contains soybean sterols so you will need to stay away from this one.

Company Claims:

“Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin is a lightweight, water-based moisturizer that provides gentle yet effective moisturization for even the most sensitive skin.

This feather-light, dermatologist-tested formula vanishes into skin—without leaving it greasy or shiny. Extra gentle and irritant-free, it is ideal for sensitive skin. And it contains no alcohol, which can dry skin.”

Morning Review:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive is a medium weight white lotion.  A little goes a long way, and for me, a full pump is too much product.  It is almost as thick as a cream but it does not feel heavy.  I don’t like thick creams on my face.  I also don’t normally use or like products with any amount of petrolatum as they usually feel too heavy on my skin and feel tacky and sticky.  I do not have that reaction with this moisturizer.

It is fragrance-free and has almost no detectable scent.  The lotion feels silky and it absorbs quickly into the skin.  My very dry, hypersensitive skin likes this product.  I do not experience any redness, itching, burning, nose running, eyes watering, or other negative reaction.  This moisturizer leaves my face feeling soft, hydrated and velvety smooth.  Makeup goes on very well on top of this moisturizer.

Please Note:  If you have Rosacea, this should be mild enough and should be quite safe for you, but please check with your dermatologist.

Please Also Note:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin does not contain any sunscreen.  Please use a good quality sunscreen with this product.  If using a chemical sunscreen, apply the sunscreen first.  If using a physical sunscreen, apply the sunscreen last.  (I’ll discuss this in detail in a future post.)

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars

Evening Review:  After several hours my skin stayed soft and did not get dry or tight.  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin really kept my skin hydrated without any irritation.  Normally, products with any amount of petrolatum make my T-zone oily and cause breakouts.  For some reason, I do not have that reaction with this product.

Overall Review:  Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is a basic moisturizer that simply does what it claims to do.  This is a good moisturizer for those who use topical products for acne or Retin-A.  If you use too many anti-aging products at once you can create a recipe for disaster.  Sometimes simple is a good thing.  This is the moisturizer that I mix with the AHA products that are too harsh for my skin.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is suitable for men as well as women.  Users with very oily skin may find this too moisturizing for them.  If it makes your skin feel oily, try using less, or mixing it with a little water to dilute it

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin is suitable for the following skin types:

  • All ethnicities;
  • All ages;
  • All sexes;
  • Oily (may need to dilute with water);
  • Dry;
  • Sensitive;
  • Consistent;
  • Combination.

Please see the Help page to determine your skin type.

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars, Excellent

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

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Box Front & Bottle

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture Sensitive Skin

Neutrogena Box Back

Ingredients:  Water, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, Petrolatum, Cyclomethicone, Soybean (Glycine Soja) Sterols , Isopropyl Isostearate, Cetyl Alcohol, PEG-10 Soy Sterol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Carbomer, Tetrasodium EDTA, Sodium Hydroxide, Diazolidinyl Urea, Ethylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben.

Formulated Without:  Alcohol, Artificial Fragrance, Artificial Color, Oil.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

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Product:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder.  A makeup artist’s best friend is, and always has been, powder.  This powder blurs away imperfections beautifully.

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.67 Stars – Very Good to Excellent

Cost: $38.00 (1.0 oz.) ($38.00 per ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Laura Mercier; Nordstrom; Sephora; Major department stores everywhere.

Container:  Plastic jar, sifter screen, twist-off cap, outer carton.

Description:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a loose powder used to set foundation makeup for greater longevity and to help minimize fine imperfections.

Formula:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is a tinted loose talc-based powder.  The formula provides very light coverage and controls shine with the addition of corn starch.  The texture is airy, light and silky feeling on the skin.  This also comes in a pressed-powder format for instant touchups or those who don’t like the mess of loose powders.

Sensitivity:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is fragrance free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.  However, please be aware that this product contains parabens and soybean oil.  If you are allergic to parabens or soybeans, stay away from this one and try the paraben-free, dye-free, oil-free Laura Mercier Translucent Invisible Setting Powder which also works very well but is not quite as silky feeling.

Company Claims:

“Set your makeup with this perfectly sheer, silky powder. Ideal for normal-to-oily skin of virtually every tone.

What is Translucent Loose Setting Powder

With multiple major awards and counting, Laura Mercier’s “best in beauty”, cult-favorite bestseller is your go-to setting powder. Loose powder feels luxuriously dense in the jar, feels incredibly soft and silky-light on your skin. Pros love the super smooth application: goes on evenly, blends effortlessly, provides great wear. Sets makeup without adding weight or texture.

Modern Matte Finish

Creates a modern matte finish with a touch of sheer coverage. The translucent shades work on virtually all skin tones.

Soft-Focus Effect for a More Flawless Look

Like all Laura Mercier Setting Powders, it has a soft-focus effect that subtly blurs the look of fine lines and imperfections. Doesn’t settle into fine lines or pores and never looks cakey.

Formulation Details

Oil-free (NOT TRUE). Non-comedogenic. Non-caking. Dermatologically tested.”

Discussion:  Makeup artists have always used loose powder to set foundation, blur imperfections and give makeup a soft matte finish.  Powder only came in loose form for many decades before the pressed powder compact was invented.  Powders were pretty much all the same and were talc based until about 20 years ago.  The invention of high-definition cameras completely changed the need for high-definition makeup.  Suddenly, you could see every line, blemish and pore on an actor’s face and they weren’t happy.  It took a while for makeup to catch up to the needs of the industry.

One of the first changes we began to see was the invention of finely-milled micronized powders and the addition and replacement of ingredients.  Silica and minerals began to be added to reflect light, and in some instances, talc has been completely eliminated in powders.  The formulations require chemists to work tirelessly to come up with new formulas to keep up with the demands of this ever-changing industry.

What makes this powder special is that it was specifically designed for use in the print industry.  Laura Mercier, a professional makeup artist, understood what needed to change to make powder less visible by high-definition cameras.  Ms. Mercier got it right with this one and it quickly became a favorite product of professional makeup artists everywhere.

Colors:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder comes in two colors that work for virtually all skin tones: Translucent is for very fair to medium skin tones;  Translucent Medium Deep is for tan to deep skin tones.

Daily Review:  This is an excellent powder to use for “baking” foundation.  Pour a very small amount of powder into the lid of the jar.  As a last step after makeup has been completed, apply Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder with either a powder brush or a velour puff.  I like to press the powder onto the face with the velour puff and then brush it off with a good-quality soft powder brush.  A little goes a long way with this powder and you don’t need much.  This feels silky to the touch and gives the skin a soft radiant finish like matte satin.

Helpful Tips and Tricks:

  • If you have asthma, always be sure to hold your breath while applying loose powder to prevent inhalation of the powder.
  • If applying with a brush, be sure to tap out the excess prior to application to avoid getting too much product onto the face.
  • If you are wearing any type of creams (blushes, contours, highlighters) make sure you are happy with those before applying this powder. Once the powder is on, you can’t go back and blend any cream products.
  • For additional longevity to your makeup use a setting spray on top of this powder.

Overall Review:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is an industry-standard product.  This is a staple in a lot of professional makeup artists’ kits.

Pros:

  • Professional quality results
  • Finish does not look dull or cakey
  • Light tinted coverage helps to blur skin issues
  • No white “flash back” in photos
  • Makes foundation last longer
  • Fragrance-free formula
  • Silky texture

Cons:

  • Not appropriate for those with paraben or soybean allergies
  • Does not come with the velour puff or any type of applicator

Suitability:  Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is suitable for the following users:

  • Consistent Skin
  • Combination Skin
  • Dry Skin (While the company does not state it is for dry skin, I have used it on dry skin for many years with excellent results.)
  • Somewhat Oily Skin (Seriously oily skin with do better with the Laura Mercier Invisible Setting Powder.)
  • All sexes  (I use this on men with excellent results.)
  • Not for use by those with paraben or soybean allergies

RATINGS REPORT:

Daily Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating = 2 stars2 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.67 Stars = Very Good to Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

(Please review the About 365 Cosmetic Reviews page for the rating info.)Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Box

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting PowderLaura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Reverse

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Velour Puff Sold Separately

Laura Mercier Velour Puff Sold Separately

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light to Medium Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Light to Medium Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Medium to Deep Color

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder Medium to Deep Color

Ingredients:  Talc, Magnesium Myristate, Nylon-12, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, EthylhexylPalmitate, Zea Mays (Corn) Starch, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Methylparaben, Lauroyl Lysine, Propylparaben, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylparaben, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Tocopherol, Methicone. May contain: Ultramarines (Cl 77007), Iron Oxides (Cl 77491, Cl 77492, Cl 77499).

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

Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup

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This post was updated on February 16, 2020.

Product:  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup for Face and Body.  This is one to reach for when you need serious coverage.

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

Cost: $39.50 (1.0 fl. oz.) ($39.50 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

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

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

Description:  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup is a waterproof opaque foundation with a UVA/UVB Broad-Spectrum Sun Protection Factor of 15.  This product replaced the popular product that was discontinued formerly known as, “Estee Lauder Maximum Cover Lightweight Makeup”.

Formula:  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup is a thick liquid to lightweight cream foundation.  The formula provides full-coverage opacity and dries to a powdery matte finish.  The formula is buildable for even greater coverage.

Sensitivity:  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup is fragrance free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Company Claims:

“12-hour wear. Natural-looking. Long-wearing.

This soothing liquid-creme makeup is designed to camouflage all skin imperfections, including surgical and acne scars, tattoos, birthmarks, sun spots and varicose veins. Helps protect with SPF 15.

BENEFITS:
Full, concealing coverage. Long-wear.

COVERAGE – Full

FINISH- Matte

FORMULA FACTS

  • Broad Spectrum SPF 15
  • Dermatologist-tested
  • Non-acnegenic; won’t clog pores”

Discussion:  If you like a full-coverage makeup, this one feels light on the skin but covers extremely well.  If you prefer a very light natural-looking or luminous makeup, this one is not for you.  I have fair skin with freckles and my freckles completely disappear when I apply this foundation.  They have a tendency to show through most foundations, but not this one.

Colors:  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup comes in sixteen colors (previously 8 colors):  1N1 Ivory Nude; 1N3 Creamy Vanilla; 1C1 Cool Bone; 2C5 Creamy Tan; 2N1 Desert Beige; 2W1 Dawn; 2W2 Rattan; 3N1 Ivory Beige; 3C4 Medium Deep; 3W1 Tawny; 3W2 Cashew; 4N2 Spiced Sand; 4W1Honey Bronze; 4W2 Toasty Toffee; 5W2 Rich Caramel; and 6W1 Sandalwood.  The 1N3 is a good match for my ivory-toned fair skin.  Colors with an “N” are neutral; colors with a “C” are cool; and colors with a “W” are warm.  For those with a very fair porcelain skin the lightest shade may be slightly too dark for you.

Morning Review:  After cleansing, toning, moisturizing and priming, I applied Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup.  If you have oily skin, you should skip the moisturizer, but do not skip the primer.  The primer will help to extend the wear of this foundation.

I have experimented applying this foundation with fingers, a foundation brush and a sponge beauty blender.  It sets up very quickly, so I have found that it works best with a flat-head brush by buffing it on.  If you need thick coverage, fingers will work better.

Helpful Tips and Tricks:

  • Make sure your skin has been recently exfoliated prior to using this foundation, especially if you have dry skin, or it will settle into the dry patches and be difficult to blend.
  • A little goes a long way; don’t apply too much product to your face. Work with small dots of product.
  • It dries very quickly so don’t apply it to your whole face at once; work in small areas at a time.
  • For heavy coverage, apply it with your fingers and pat it on, don’t rub.
  • For lighter coverage, apply it with a foundation brush or damp beauty blender sponge.
  • If you have dry skin, use a moisturizer or moisturizing primer first.
  • As this dries to a powdery finish, do not put any type of creams (blushes, contours, highlighters) on top of this, only powders.  Creams don’t blend well on top of powders.
  • For full waterproof coverage, set it with a fixing spray. I like Luminess, Urban Decay or MAC.

Evening Review:  On my dry skin, Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup does not budge and lasts for 10-12 hours.  When I use this on clients with oily skin, they can expect to get 6-8 hours of wear.  It will come off with regular facial cleanser; it will not rinse off with just plain water.  I have used this on models for outdoor water shoots with very good results.

Overall Review:  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup offers full coverage without a heavy feel on the skin.  It can be tricky to blend if you try to work on too large of an area.  As long as you work quickly and in small sections, it works extremely well.

Pros:

  • Professional quality results
  • Full coverage hides all types of skin issues and discolorations
  • Moderate Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 15
  • Waterproof
  • Fragrance-free formula
  • Skin-friendly ingredients
  • Long lasting

Cons:

  • Dries very quickly so you need to work fast
  • If your skin is extremely fair, there may not be a color light enough.

Suitability:  Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup is suitable for the following users:

  • All users
  • I would not use this on a man unless it was for performance purposes.  It can be difficult to blend over the man’s beard area.

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.)

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup Color 1N3 Creamy Vanilla

Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup Color 1N3 Creamy Vanilla

Without and With Estee Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Makeup

Ingredients:  ISODODECANE; ISOHEXADECANE; METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER; PETROLATUM; GLYCERYL STEARATE; DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE; HYDROGENATED STYRENE/ ISOPRENE COPOLYMER; MICROCRYSTALLINE WAX\CERA MICROCRISTALLINA\CIRE MICROCRISTALLINE; KAOLIN; CHOLESTEROL; ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF EXTRACT; FUSANUS SPICATUS WOOD OIL; TOCOPHERYL ACETATE; LINOLEIC ACID; GLYCINE SOJA (SOYBEAN) OIL; STEARYL GLYCYRRHETINATE; BISABOLOL; SILICA; PROPYLENE CARBONATE; METHYLDIHYDROJASMONATE; POLYETHYLENE; 2,6-DIMETHYL-7-OCTEN-2-OL; POLYGLYCERYL-3 DIISOSTEARATE; PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE; ALUMINA; PHENETHYL ALCOHOL; [+/- IRON OXIDES (CI 77491); IRON OXIDES (CI 77492); IRON OXIDES (CI 77499); TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891); MICA; BISMUTH OXYCHLORIDE (CI 77163)] <40794>

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

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters:

I previously discussed a lot of skin care products and that brought forth questions, mostly about not WHAT to use, but HOW to use them.  One of the questions I am most frequently asked involves the order in which products should be applied.  This seems to be universally confusing to most users.  People seem to wonder about how to apply skin care cosmetics in the correct order and why it matters.  The sequence in which you apply skin care products actually does make a difference and there is a right way and wrong way.

Too Many Products, Too Many Choices:

There are so many products to choose from nowadays, it is no wonder that how to use them all correctly is mind boggling for most.  After all, there used to just be cleanser, toner, day cream and night cream.  Then came eye cream, serum, moisturizer with sunscreen, moisturizer without sunscreen, sunscreen by itself, face primer, eye primer, lip primer, facial oil, micellar water, facial essence and the list just keeps growing.  (As I’ve been typing this, ten new things have probably been invented!)

Develop An Order:

To achieve the maximum benefit from your products, develop an order to your routine and it will be easy to follow.  What follows is a simple breakdown on how to properly coordinate your skin care products.  After all, why spend the money and go to the trouble to use them if you are not going to get the optimum benefit from the products, right?

Do You Need All of This Stuff?

Now, I’m not telling you that you need to use all of these products every day.  I don’t.  But, you can take a look at the list and you can see where your products fall in line with other products.

Skin Care Cosmetics Application Tips and Tricks:

  • Always begin with clean skin. Nothing is going to work well unless you are starting with a clean, fresh surface.
  • Exfoliate regularly. The products cannot penetrate through a layer of dead skin cells.  There is no point in putting skin care products on if they can’t be absorbed well.
  • Begin with the products that are the thinnest like water and then progress to the next thickest, and so on. Why?  Because if you start with a thick product, the thin one won’t be able to penetrate through it, won’t do any good, and you are basically wasting it.
  • Give each product a chance to be absorbed before you move on to the next product. (Depending upon the product this may be 20 seconds or two minutes.)
How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Cleanse First

Always Begin By Thoroughly Cleansing First

Thinner or Thicker?

Can’t figure out which ones feel thinner or thicker?  Here is a simple trick—Apply a dab of each product along your forearm, then turn your arm sideways and see which ones run or drip down first.  Make a note of that and apply them in that order.  If they all feel the same or don’t drip, then apply them according to how quickly and easily absorbed they are.  Rub  them in one at a time and count how long it takes for them to be absorbed.  Begin with the one that is absorbed the fastest and then progress to the next.  (You can also put them on a plate if you don’t want to put them on your arm, but that won’t tell you anything about the absorption rate.)

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Begin With The Thinnest Products

Begin With The Thinnest Products And Work Up To The Thickest Products

How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Cream Thin Or Thick

Does The Cream Feel Thin Or Thick? How Long Does It Take To Be Absorbed?

Your order may be slightly different than what is listed below because your products may differ in viscosity from what I am using.  The order below is a general guideline, only.

Skin Care Products Application Order:

Daytime:

  • Oil Cleanser
  • Foam Cleanser
  • Micellar Water
  • Toner
  • Facial Essence (Like a watered-down moisturizer-good for dry skin)
  • Serum
  • Acne Spot Treatment
  • Eye Cream (If your eye cream is heavy, put it on after moisturizer or facial oil.)
  • Moisturizer
  • Facial Oil
  • Sunscreen
  • Primer
  • Lip Protection
  • Makeup (A future post will discuss the proper order for makeup.)

Nighttime:

  • Eye Makeup Remover
  • Oil Cleanser
  • Foam Cleanser
  • Exfoliation or Facial scrub
  • Treatment Mask
  • Micellar Water
  • Toner
  • Facial Essence
  • Serum
  • Acne Spot Treatment
  • Eye Cream (If your eye cream is heavy, put it on after moisturizer or facial oil.)
  • Moisturizer
  • Facial Oil
  • Night Cream
  • Lip Protection
How To Apply Skin Care Cosmetics In The Correct Order And Why It Matters Give The Products Time

Give The Products Time To Be Absorbed Before Applying The Next One

Still Confused?  We Can Help.

Still confused?  Don’t know how to how to apply skin care cosmetics in the correct order and why it matters?  Message me with what you are using and I can quickly sort through the products to put them in order for you.

Coming… The Best Order for Applying Makeup:

I’m going to write another post that will demonstrate the best order to apply your makeup products.

Sign Up:

Want to be notified when the makeup application order posts?  Let us know in the Comments section below and we’ll send it to you.

Thanks!

Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green

Product:  Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green.  All light to medium skinned makeup wearers NEED this product.  This color-correcting concealer completely eliminates redness from Rosacea, blemishes, or injuries.  It is also a must following plastic surgery to hide red scars.

Overall Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.

Cost: $6.55 (.15 oz.) ($43.67 per ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By:  Physicians Formula; Walgreen’s; Walmart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Plastic twist-up tube, pull-off cap, blister package.

Description:  Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green is a heavy-duty waterproof cream concealer that neutralizes red areas/spots on the skin.

Formula:  Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green is thick and comes in a twist-up lipstick-type tube.  The formula provides full-coverage opacity.

Sensitivity:  Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green is fragrance free, hypoallergenic and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Company Claims:

  • Non-drying concealing stick.
  • Provides smooth, easy application.
  • Yellow hides blemishes, under-eye circles and other minor skin imperfections.
  • Green hides red blemishes and scars.
  • Flesh tone shades cover any minor skin imperfections.
  • Fragrance-free. Non-comedogenic.
  • Recommended by dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Discussion:  If I could only have a few products in my professional kit, this would be one of them.  I cannot do my job effectively on light or medium-skinned clients without a green color-correcting concealer.  Almost everyone has a slight redness around their nose or a few red-toned blemishes.  Green is the complementary opposite on the color spectrum from red and therefore neutralizes any red pigmentation.  If you look at the color wheel you can see which colors are opposite and will, therefore, cancel each other out.  If you have blue veins showing, apply orange to cancel them; a purple port-wine stain would require yellow, etc.

Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green Opposite of Red

People in magazines and the internet act like using green concealer is a new concept.  I have been using green concealer since the 1980’s when there were only two, Joe Blasco’s TVC-15 and Shiseido’s Green Veil.  Green concealer was invented by Max Factor back in the 1940’s when movies started being made in color as opposed to black and white.

Raves:  I have tried many other green concealers, but I keep going back to this one.  Some of the others are: Clinique (thinner, less coverage); e.l.f. (lighter, less coverage); Kryolan Erase Stick Neutralizer (very similar); Makeup For Ever Camouflage Cream Pot Green (very similar); Maybelline (lighter, oilier); NYX (lighter, bluer, less coverage, difficult to blend); Smashbox (thinner, much less coverage); and Wet N Wild (lighter, less coverage).

Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green works just like the professional product, Kryolan Erase Stick, only it does so without the stinky fragrance which is a huge bonus.

I cannot tell you how many times I have pulled this concealer stick out to use on clients and they panic thinking that I’m about to make them look like Frankenstein or a zombie.  That is, until they see the finished product, and their complexion is smooth, even, and all discolorations have been completely eliminated.  Sometimes the results are quite shocking.  Clients that suffer from terrible acne, red birthmarks or Rosacea never thought their skin could be one color all over until I show them how to use Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green.

Rants:  Today I have to get on my soap box.  I have seen a lot of negative reviews for this product from other blog sites.  When I read the reviews it is very obvious to me that the authors are not qualified to write a review about a product when they have no idea how to even use it.  This is not a fancy product.  It was designed to do one thing, neutralize redness, and it does so brilliantly.  It is not intended to be slathered on the face or sponged on like a primer.  In fact, I use so little of it that a tube lasts me for a very long time, even if I’m using it on clients on a regular basis.

It makes me very angry when an amateur wanna-be so-called makeup artist puts down a great product.  Why?  Because then people stop buying it, the product gets discontinued, and professionals like me that are trying to make you look good are at a disadvantage because we can no longer buy the products we need!

Colors:  Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick comes in three colors:  Light (fair-skinned flesh tone), Yellow (a true light yellow) and Green (a true light green).  The Green has been a staple in my professional makeup kit for over 20 years.  The yellow is for counteracting undereye purple shadows or bruises.

Morning Review:  After cleansing, toning and moisturizing and/or priming, apply Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green on any red areas prior to the application of foundation.  I apply this with a small detail brush about the size of a lipstick brush.  I then carefully apply foundation on top of the concealer and set the areas with a finely micronized high definition powder.  Once it is set, the concealer won’t come off.

Helpful Tips and Tricks:

  • Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green will not work well if you apply it with a sponge or your fingers.
  • Use a small concealer, detail, or lipstick brush for precise application.
  • The product needs to be concentrated on the specific area of redness and nowhere else.
  • Be careful when applying foundation on top so as not to remove the concealer.
  • If you accidentally rub it off when applying foundation, just dot some more green concealer on top of the foundation and carefully blend it with the detail brush.
  • To keep it in place for hours, set it with a good quality powder.

Evening Review:  Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green wears very well and stays on for many hours without the need for touch ups.  Even though this is waterproof, it will come off easily with regular facial cleanser.

Overall Review:  Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green is the best friend to professional makeup artists everywhere.  I swear by this stuff and so do others who know how to properly utilize it.

Pros:

  • True green color effectively neutralizes redness
  • Thick cream covers well
  • One tube lasts a long time
  • Takes very little product to cover imperfections
  • Waterproof
  • Fragrance-free formula
  • Skin-friendly ingredients

Cons:

  • None

Suitability:  Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green is suitable for the following users:

  • All users.  (This is a very good product for men to use as well as women.  I use this on male models, actors and performers.)

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.  I hope they never stop making this!

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

Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick GreenPhysicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick GreenPhysicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green Swatch

Before Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green

Before Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green

After Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green

After Physicians Formula Gentle Cover Concealer Stick Green

Ingredients:  TRIDECYL STEARATE,NEOPENTYL GLYCOL DICAPRYLATE/DICAPRATE,TRIDECYL TRIMELLITATE, CARTHAMUS TINCTORIUS (SAFFLOWER) SEED OIL,OZOKERITE,DIETHYLHEXL ADIPATE, ETHYLHEXYL STEARATE, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, ISOPROPYL LANOLATE,BEESWAX,KAOLIN,ASCORBYL PALMITATE,BHT,CETEARYL ETHYLHEXANOATE,CITRIC ACID,GLYCERYL OLEATE,PROPYLENE GLYCOL,TBHQ, VEGETABLE OIL, PROPYLPARABEN. MAY CONTAIN:TITANIUM DIOXIDE,CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS,IRON OXIDES,TALC, ULTRAMARINES.

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

DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Product:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer.  You can’t have a beautiful face of makeup if you don’t properly prepare the skin first.  Primer is your best friend when it comes to preparation.

Overall Rating  = 4 stars4 Stars – Excellent.

Cost Best: $22.50 (.52 oz.) ($43.27 per ounce)  Price Category: Mid-range

Sold By:  DHC Care; Amazon.

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

Description:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is a clear silicone-based product that improves the texture of your skin and blurs imperfections.  DHC (Daigaku Honyaku Center) is a company founded in 1972 in Japan that began with three olive-oil based products.  They are a direct sales and online catalog sales company and have been in the US since 1995.

Formula:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is a translucent colorless gel and is fairly thick.  It is slightly tacky feeling when first applied but then dries to more of a matte powdery finish that feels soft on the skin.

Sensitivity:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is fragrance and dye free and is suitable for those with sensitive skin.

Company Claims:

“DHC Velvet Skin Coat makeup primer instantly softens and improves the look of your skin. It minimizes the look of fine lines, pores and imperfections while reducing oiliness to help makeup glide on and last longer—with no “drying” time needed. Plus, it leaves skin feeling silky smooth. Look fresh and flawless, whether you’re wearing makeup or not.

  • Unique transparent, powdery gel texture
  • Apply before foundation or wear alone for a flawless, natural look
  • Can also be used on hands and neck
  • Used by professional makeup artists worldwide”

Discussion:  Back when primers were first invented I primarily used them on clients with oily skin to try and keep their makeup from melting off so quickly.  I then discovered their benefit for aging skin, enlarged pores and wrinkles.  I used to have a dozen different primers because I never could find one that worked with different skin types, until I found this one.  Somehow this primer works for everyone whether they have sensitive, dry, consistent, oily or combination skin.

Colors:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer only comes in one color, Clear.  It works will all skin tones and does not leave a white haze like some primers.  (For example, for fair-skinned clients I love Hourglass primer, but Hourglass does not work on dark-skinned clients.)

Morning Review:  After cleansing, toning and moisturizing, apply DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer prior to the application of foundation.  (If you are going to use a separate SPF, apply that prior to the primer and then proceed with foundation.  Yes, I know that others disagree, but they are wrong.  Why?  Because silicone –based primers form a film on your skin that will keep your SPF from being absorbed into your skin thereby reducing its effectiveness.)

On myself I would apply this with my fingers.  On clients, I like to smooth this on with a beauty blender.  Give it about 30 seconds to set and then apply the rest of your makeup as usual.  You should be able to use less foundation with this primer.

Evening Review:  After many hours, DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer helps to keep makeup from settling into fine lines, wrinkles, or fading away.  Makeup will last longer and touch ups will be required less frequently.

Overall Review:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer imparts a nice silky feeling to the skin, helps makeup go on easier, and adds longevity to the wear of foundation.

Pros:

  • Applies quickly and easily
  • Improves skin texture
  • Adds staying power to foundation
  • Removes easily with regular facial cleanser
  • Fragrance-free formula

Cons:

  • Can only be purchased online

Suitability:  DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer is suitable for the following users:

  • All users.  (This is a very good product for men to use as well as women.  I use this on male models, actors and performers.)

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 5 stars5 Stars;

Value Rating = 3 stars3 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4 stars4 Stars = Excellent.

Would Buy Again?  Yes.

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

DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup PrimerDHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup PrimerDHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer Swatch

Skin Before After DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Skin Before After DHC Velvet Skin Coat Skin Perfecting Makeup Primer

Ingredients:  Cyclopentasiloxane, dimethicone, vinyl dimethicone/methicone silsesquioxane crosspolymer, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, HDI/trimethylol hexyllactone crosspolymer, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, silica.

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

Lancôme Cils Booster Mascara Base

Product:  Lancôme Cils Booster XL Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base.  If you weren’t born with long, full, luscious eyelashes, a lash primer can definitely amp up the volume and make the most of what you have.

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

Cost:  $25.50 (.18 fl. oz.) ($141.67 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Expensive

Sold By:  Lancôme USA; Dillard’s; Nordstrom; Sephora; Ulta; Major Dept. stores everywhere.

Container:  Plastic tube with twist-off tapered wand, outer carton.

Description:  Lancôme Cils Booster XL Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base is a primer that is intended to be worn as a base coat under mascara.  As this is white in color, it cannot be worn by itself without looking very strange.

I would not describe this as a wet formula.  It is more of a medium-dry formula.  It has almost no scent other than a faint polymer smell.

Sensitivity:  Lancôme Cils Booster is fragrance-free and I have never experienced any sensitivity issues personally or from clients/testers.  This is suitable those who wear contacts or have sensitive eyes.

Company Claims:  “Give your lashes an XL boost. With just one sweep, this innovative mascara primer glides on and evenly coats and smoothes your lashes to maximize the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara. The magic behind this mascara base is the conditioning formula—featuring micro-fibers and Vitamin E—to add extra length and thickness to your lashes for added visible performance to your mascara.”

Benefits

  • Lengthens and thickens lashes without clumping
  • Maximizes the results of your favorite Lancôme mascara
  • Protects and conditions lashes
  • Smoothes eyelashes by coating them thinly and evenly—emphasizing even the shortest lashes
  • Intensifies color of your favorite mascara

Technology

  • Micro-Fibers
  • D-Panthénol and Vitamin E
  • Triangular, thin-shaped brush
  • Provides a white base for mascara to cover

Discussion:  Mascara primers serve a few purposes:

  • Coat the lashes to increase the diameter making them appear thicker
  • Provide ingredients that promote the health of the eyelashes
  • Act as a first coat of mascara thereby allowing for use of less mascara

Colors:  Lancôme Cils Booster comes in one color, white.

Morning Review:  Before applying mascara, coat both the upper and lower lashes thoroughly with a light coat of Lancôme Cils Booster.

Lancôme Cils Booster definitely makes lashes look thicker.  I would say the emphasis is more on thickness than length.  The company says the product contains micro fibers.  These are not like the thick fibers that you see in lash-extension type mascaras that can flake off and get into your eyes.  I did not actually see any fibers anywhere in the formula even when I inspected it with a magnifying glass.

Helpful Tips:

If you read reviews for this product you may find the information confusing, as some people say to apply mascara on top of the Lancôme Cils Booster while it is still wet, and others say to wait until the primer is dry.  Here are my thoughts:

  • If you apply your mascara on top of Lancôme Cils Booster while it is still wet and you use the wand that comes with your tube of mascara, you have just contaminated your mascara by getting wet primer on the wand. As soon as you put the wand back into the tube of mascara containing wet primer, your mascara will not perform the same and the mascara will produce terrible clumps.
  • When you remove the Lancôme Cils Booster wand from the tube, scrape some of the primer back into the tube so the brush won’t be too full of product.
  • Apply the Lancôme Cils Booster to one eye at a time as it dries quickly.
  • A light coat will work better than a thick coat.
  • After applying the primer brush through the lashes with a dry wand to remove clumps before applying mascara.
  • By the time you have finished with the second eye, the first eye is dry.
  • If you find that your mascara is clumping worse on top of the primer, it is because you are using too much primer.
  • If you are having trouble completely covering the white primer and some of it is still showing, first apply a light coat of mascara, then the Lancôme Cils Booster and finally another coat of mascara. By “sandwiching” the primer with mascara you will eliminate the potential for any graying or white showing through.

Evening Review:  Lancôme Cils Booster makes lashes look considerably thicker and makes mascara perform better.  After many hours there is no flaking or smudging of the mascara.  You can use Lancôme Cils Booster under any brand of mascara even though Lancôme would prefer that you use this over a Lancôme mascara.

Overall Review:  Lancôme Cils Booster Base de Mascara Super-Enhancing Mascara Base performs very well and provides excellent results for making the most of thin or sparse eyelashes.

Pros:

  • Makes thin lashes look considerably thicker.
  • Makes mascara go further as you use less mascara.
  • Primer gives mascara something to bind to.

Cons:

  • The tip of the wand is too bulky for my taste; I would prefer a narrower, more tapered tip for greater control and ease of use on the lower lashes. (I like the wand that comes with Clinique Lash Building Primer.)
  • Price

Suitability:  Lancôme Cils Booster is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

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.)

Lancôme Cils BoosterLancôme Cils Booster PackageLancôme Cils Booster Wand and SwatchLashes Without Mascara or Lancôme Cils BoosterLashes With Lancôme Cils Booster By ItselfLashes With Mascara By ItselfLashes With Mascara over Lancôme Cils Booster

Lancôme Cils Booster Before After

Ingredients:  AQUA / WATER / EAU, ORYZA SATIVA CERA / RICE BRAN WAX, COPERNICIA CERIFERA CERA / CARNAUBA WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE DABEILLE, STEARIC ACID, CANDELILLA CERA / CANDELILLA WAX / CIRE DE CANDELILLA, TRIETHANOLAMINE, PALMITIC ACID, ACACIA SENEGAL / ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, PANTHENOL, PEG/PPG-17/18 DIMETHICONE, SODIUM POLYMETHACRYLATE, MYRISTIC ACID, RAYON, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, POLYCAPROLACTONE, POLYQUATERNIUM-10, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, METHYLPARABEN, PROPYLPARABEN.

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

ELF Makeup Remover Pen

Product:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen.  If your makeup is always perfect and you never make mistakes, you don’t need this.  If you are among the other 99% of people (including me), this little pen is a stroke of genius.

Overall Rating = 4.25 Stars – Excellent

Cost:  $3.00 each (.12 fl. oz.) ($25 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Dirt Cheap

Sold By:  Elf Cosmetics; Ulta; Walgreen’s; Walmart; Retailers everywhere.

Container:  Plastic pen with snap-on cap, outer carton.

Description:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen is exactly what it sounds like.  This is a pen that looks like a marker only instead of containing ink, it contains makeup remover.

Sensitivity:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen is fragrance-free and neither I, nor my clients/testers, have experienced any sensitivities.  I have used this for several years without any problems.

Company Claims:  “Mascara smears? Uneven eyeliner? Quickly remove or correct small makeup smudges, smears and mistakes without having to take off the rest of your makeup! The gentle and non-greasy formula erases even long wearing and waterproof makeup for flawless touch ups, perfect for throwing in your purse or gym bag when you’re on-the-go! Infused with Vitamin E, Cucumber and Chamomile to moisturize and condition skin.”

Discussion:  ELF, also known as e.l.f. (which stands for eyes, lips, face), is a readily-available, very inexpensive makeup brand.  Some of their products rival much higher-end brands at surprisingly affordable prices.

What do you do when you have a makeup slip?  Grab a cotton swab with some makeup remover?  That will work, but it may remove too much makeup, leave cotton fibers on your face, or make matters worse.  ELF Makeup Remover Pen with its pointed tip will take off a tiny error without disturbing the rest of your makeup, which is a much better solution.

As a makeup professional, I don’t make a lot of blatant errors, but I occasionally have a line that I would like to be more precise, or a client blinks at the wrong time and this pen solves a myriad of issues.

Colors:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen  comes in one color, clear.

Daily Review:  If there is an area on your makeup that needs a precision fix such as a mascara dot, winged eyeliner edge or lipliner mistake, just swipe the tip and clean your mistake.  It dries quickly, doesn’t leave an oily residue, and you can go over it with makeup if you need to.

Helpful Tips:

  • ELF Makeup Remover Pen only works when the tip is clean, so be sure and wipe off the tip with an alcohol pad and clean it after each use.
  • If you don’t clean the tip and use it dirty, instead of removing a makeup error, it will smudge.
  • Once the tip can no longer be cleaned, pull it out and flip it to the other side to get double use out of it.

Overall Review:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen is a handy little tool that is effective and is very easy to use.

Pros:

  • Offers quick fixes
  • Small size for handbag or beauty kit
  • Good for travel with no potential leaking issues
  • Great value

Cons:

  • None

Suitability:  ELF Makeup Remover Pen is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 5 stars5 Stars;

Overall Rating = 4.25 Stars = Excellent.

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

ELF Makeup Remover PenELF Makeup Remover Pen BoxELF Makeup Remover Pen Box Reverse

ELF Makpeup Remover Pen Ti

ELF Makeup Remover Pen Tip

ELF Makeup Remover Pen Tip Removed

ELF Makeup Remover Pen Tip Removed

Ingredients:  Isododecane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Cyclohexasiloxane, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopheryl Acetate (Ve), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract,Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Propylparaben.

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.

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner

Product:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner.  If you tend to cry a lot, this eyeliner might be great for you!  (If you’re skilled with eyeliner, you probably won’t love the brush.)

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars – Very Good

Cost: $3.99 for .17 fl. oz. ($23.47 per fluid ounce)  Price Category: Inexpensive

Sold By: Wet N Wild Beauty; Walgreen’s; Wal-mart; Retailers everywhere.

Container: Plastic bottle with twist-off cap and felt-tip wand, outer carton.

Description: Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner is a very long-lasting liquid eyeliner formula.  The attached applicator is a felt-tip brush, just like the kind in the marker-type eyeliners.  You will need an eye makeup remover to completely get this off.

Sensitivity:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner 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:  “Cue the waterworks! This liner provides lasting definition that won’t let you down. It’s waterproof, smudge-proof, and super long-lasting. Use the precise applicator brush to create everything from subtle fine lines to bold dramatic looks.

  • Long-lasting waterproof formula
  • Won’t skip, smudge, or streak”

Discussion:  Wet N Wild is a very inexpensive brand that is readily available at most retail outlets.  Their line has expanded and the quality of their products has improved quite a bit in recent years.

I have always been a huge fan of the cat-eye and winged eyeliner looks and liquid eyeliner is the best formula for that.  I’m constantly buying eyeliners in search of the perfect formula.  I’m also on a quest to try and find an inexpensive one that performs well that I can buy in bulk for each client.

What qualities do I look for in a liquid eyeliner?

  • Nice deep color saturation
  • Ease of application
  • No streaking
  • Good staying power
  • Waterproof or very water resistant
  • No flaking
  • Small flexible applicator that provides good control

This one meets some of my qualifications, but not all.

Colors:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner comes in two colors:  879-Black and 880-Dark Brown.  I have not used the Dark Brown.  The Black is a very deep, heavily-pigmented jet black.

Please note:  The packaging has recently changed from a black bottle with a silver applicator to an all-black color scheme and the following colors have been discontinued:  881-Ultra Black; 882-Black Brown; 883-Smoky; and 884-Expresso.  If you see the older colors for sale, check the expiration date as they are old stock, and may not perform as well.  The product I’m reviewing is color 881 which has now been discontinued.

Morning Review:  I always apply liquid eyeliner after primer and shadows and before lashes.  I use liquid eyeliner on the upper eyelids, only, never the lower.  I also do not use liquid eyeliner for tightlining.

The first thing I noticed when I opened the bottle was just how much product was on the brush.  (I’m calling this a brush even though it is technically a felt tip.)  There was way too much product to allow for any kind of control.  I had to wipe quite a bit off on the collar before applying it.  Also, the formula looked very wet and shiny, so I did not think I was going to like it at all as I don’t like eyeliners that dry with a sheen.  The next thing I noticed was how firm the felt tip was.  It is very stiff with no flexibility.  I could not make this eyeliner look good with the attached brush as it made the line too thick.  I then tried it with my own eyeliner brush and was quite impressed at how evenly it went on.  It took a full 90 seconds for it to dry completely.  Once dry, the finish was a beautiful rich matte finish.

Evening Review:  After twelve hours the Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner was still on and did not smudge, fade, flake or cause any irritation issues to my dry skin or sensitive eyes.  My tester with oily skin said it lasted about eight hours on her before it started to fade and smudge a little.  The products did not come off with cleanser and I had to use an eye makeup remover intended for waterproof products.

Overall Review:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner is a very good eyeliner formula with a terrible applicator.  This is not such a bad thing for personal use, but I would not buy this one again, as I need something that comes with a good usable applicator for my clients.  If I need to have a stack of separate eyeliner brushes, that defeats the purpose for me.  If you wear a very thick line on your upper lids you may like the applicator.

Pros:

  • Very deep black color
  • Waterproof
  • Stays on extremely well
  • Very Inexpensive
  • For sale at most US retailers

Cons:

  • The rubber liner on the bottle doesn’t clean off the wand part very well so you get too much extra product on it.
  • I have to use a separate brush for application or it gets messy looking.
  • It takes a while for it to dry down completely so you have to be careful not to move your eyes too much or it will transfer to your eyelid.
  • Need more colors available

Users:  Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner is suitable for the following users:

  • All users

RATINGS REPORT:

Morning Rating = 3 stars4 Stars for formula – 1 Star for brush = 3 Stars;

Evening Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Average from Other Testers = 4 stars4 Stars;

Value Rating = 4 stars4 Stars;

Overall Rating = 3+ stars3.75 Stars = Very Good.

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

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Current Bottle

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Current Bottle

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Current Package

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Current Package

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Former Bottle and Package

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner Former Bottle and Package

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner On Eye

Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner On Eye

Ingredients:  Isododecane, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Trimethylpentanediol/Adipic Acid/Glycerin Crosspolymer , C11-12 Isoparaffin, Polypropylsilsesquioxane, C8-9 Isoparaffin, Trihydroxystearin, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Phenoxyethanol, Sorbic Acid, Tocopherol, Black 2/CI 77266.

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