Biz Time: L'Oreal
Showing posts with label L'Oreal. Show all posts
Showing posts with label L'Oreal. Show all posts
Drugstore Mascara Comparison
July 01, 20120 Comments

A long time ago I wrote another mascara comparison, but it featured mascaras from all price ranges (click here for that review, there is also a picture of my natural eyelashes). Well, today I'm focusing only on drugstore mascaras, at least the ones that are widely available in Slovenia (and probably all over the world). My favourite mascara still remains Helena Rubinstein Lash Queen Waterproof, but I've found some drugstore mascaras that are good and deserve a place among my favourites. I have quite long, thick lashes that refuse to stay curled and tamed. Long, thick lashes that look like I'm wearing falsies are kind of my thing. I may not wear much make up on most days (I tend to skip most of other eye make up), but big lashes and glowy skin is my signature look. 

Featured in this review are: Max Factor's 2000 Calorie Curved Brush, L´Oréal's Lash Architect 4D False Lash Effect Black Laquer and Maybelline's the Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof. Here is a comparison of the brushes:


Maybelline the Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof

I've already talked a bit about this mascara in my May favourites. I tend to wear waterproof mascaras as they hold the curl a lot better. I have very stubborn eyelashes when it comes to staying curled. They drop within seconds after curled and only waterproof mascara keeps that problem at bay. Collosal Volum' Express is a really good mascara, gives a lot of volume, length and doesn't clump them up. In that respect it actually comes very close to HR Lash Queen (so on my lashes like I'm wearing falsies), however, it is not as waterproof as it claims to be. After a hot day I was annoyed to see the all familiar panda eyes. It wasn't dark, but still for a waterproof mascara that is disappointing. Also it doesn't hold the curl long, with HR LQ my lashes stay curled all day. All in all it is a great mascara as long as you don't go swimming with it, also don't expect it'll survive any tears. I would repurchase. 


L´Oréal Lash Architect 4D False Lash Effect Black Laquer

I got this one a a gwp and initially didn't think much of it. But as it with most non-waterproof mascaras when the formula got a bit drier it became one of my favourite mascaras so far (my favourite non-waterproof for sure). I gives a lot of length, keeps them separated and also gives some volume. I know it doesn't look much in the picture but in person it looks so much better. Also surprisingly, it keeps the lashes curled for much longer than other regular mascaras. I will definitely purchase the waterproof version.



Max Factor 2000 Calorie Curved Brush

The only disappointment of the three. It sure gives a lot of volume, but it clumps the lashes a bit and doesn't give much length. My lashes drop like a rock with this mascara. It's just such a heavy, thick formula that the curl doesn't stand a chance. It's quite messy and I always end up with smudges on my lower lashline. I wouldn't repurchase. 


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L'Oreal Lumi Magique + My Current Make Up Routine
May 13, 20120 Comments

L'Oreal recently released a new line that contains foundation, concealer and a highlighting base. I got the latter, which I've only seen in Interspar supermarkets (here in Slovenia of course, I'm not sure about other countries) and not in our drugstores (a bit odd if you ask me). Anna from Vivianna Does Makeup describes it as a close dupe for Becca's Shimmering Skin Perfector (click for her review). It's certainly a fantastic product, I'd go as far as saying that it's one of my favourite purchases this year. Highlighters are one of my favourite products, but I much prefer liquid/cream forms that powder ones. They just give a much more natural glow.


I'll draw a comparison with a cheaper version of a similar product mybase by Essence. First the price: Essence costs around 3€ for 20ml and Magic Lumi costs 10€ for the same amount. Lumi Magique is much more liquidy and has a golden sheen to it, while Essence feels more thick and is more pink (swatches don't really paint the real picture, Essence is much pinker in real life). On the skin, Lumi Magique gives a touch more shine and that's why I prefer it, also it lasts longer. Both give that amazing ''lit from within'' glow that I absolutely adore. The packaging of Lumi Magique is a lot better, more sleek and sturdy. Also the pump is great because unlike with the Essence, you don't waste any product as it's really easy to get just a tiny drop of product. I use it on the top of my cheekbones, cheeks and sometimes I put a bit on the cupid's bow. You can also use both products as a base underneath the foundation or mix it with foundation.


Even though it's a lot more expensive than mybase by Essence I'd go for L'Oreal.  When I run out of Lumi Magique  I'll definitely repurchase. I've been wearing it every day for the past three weeks and I even got some compliments how great my skin looks. Highly recommended.

^These are my three favourite products right now. I've already written the review for Skin79 BB cream, I think mine's on it's last legs. When it runs out I'll get either the gold version or maybe I'll try the Missha M Signature one (I just want to try out some more of these Asian BB creams). Lumi Magique goes on my cheeks together with either Peach Dream Touch blush by Maybelline or Coralista. 
The last thing is a great concealer I recently found in Zagreb (yes, I've been cheating on my trusted Essence concealer and I'm not even sorry). It's Instant Anti-Age The Eraser Eye by Maybelline in Light (the second lightest shade, Fair is lighter). It has some peachy undertones, which are great for brightening under the eye. It even covers spots (as long as it's not a massive red one). The sponge is actually useful and applies and blends the product well. Another highly recommended product. I haven't seen it in Slovenian drugstores yet. What's the deal with that Maybelline?
The combination of these three products and some blush (Maybelline's Peach is my favourite for the moment) just make my skin look great plus even got me some compliments, which is always great. 

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L'Oreal Color Infallible Eyeshadows in 21 and 24
December 17, 20110 Comments

I absolutely adore L'Oreal's Infallible eyeshadows. So naturally, when they released three new shades (at least here in Slovenia), I just couldn't resist buying some more. I already owned three shades, reviews can be found here, here and here. New shades are 21 Sahara Treasure, 24 Bronze Goddess and 27 Goldmine (a true gold shade, I don't own it...yet). These are pretty expensive at 9.5 € per eyeshadow, but they are so worth it. I've already raved so much about them, but they are seriously some of my favourite eyeshadows. They are just so pigmented and soft plus their staying power is brilliant. I find that the best way to apply these is with fingers. I use my ring finger to apply the eyeshadow and then just blend the top with MAC 217.

Now for the actually shades: 
  • 21 Sahara Treasure is a nice, soft taupe shade with shimmer. It's one of my favourite everyday eyeshadows. I've been wearing it loads.
  • 24 Bronze Goddess is a simply gorgeous olive shade with gold shimmer, just stunning in real life (my pictures don't do it justice, check this post by delicate hummingbird). It's a bit like a much darker and more pigmented Patina by MAC and has quickly become one of my favourite shades ever. I tend to pair it with Urban Decay's 24/7 eyeliner in the shade Stash. 
These will probably become my most worn eyeshadows. They are just so easy to work with and have great staying power. I just wish that L'Oreal released some more shades, maybe something less shimmery.
 
 

I'm not really that satisfied with the quality of the pictures of swatches (the rest is fine), but it's close enough. Unfortunately my camera absolutely hates the lack of natural daylight, so winter is not the best time for doing swatches.

My friend was kind enough (well lets be honest, she's awesome) to get me some things while she was in London. More detailed reviews will follow, I'm just a little swamped at the moment. But these are the things she got for me:
  • Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor (I already used it once and it's a really good conditioner. Plus it smells divine, like some sort of candy)
  • Soap and Glory Heel Genius foot cream - super moisturising and smells very fresh and floral.
  • The Body Shop Coconut Oil Hair Shine - basically coconut oil in solid form. I use it only my ends, when they get dry. I love the fact it come in a tin, it's very travel friendly.
  • Natural Collection moisture shine lipstick in Rose petal - an absolutely gorgeous light pink shade, one of my favourites in my collection. 
  • Boots 17 Moisture shine in Beehive - super moisturising lipstick. I use instead of chapstick. It's more on the sheer side.
I'll have better swatches soon hopefully.

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Essence Stay All Day Eyeshadows
September 30, 20110 Comments

Since I was very pleased with the quality of the Stay All Day creme eyeshadow in shade 02, I purchased some more shades (and I don't think these will be the only ones in my collection). I bought 01 Copy Right and 06 Rock Chic.

01 Copy Right is a shimmery, warm brown shade, on my skin tone it's actually quite similar to Satin Taupe eyeshadow by MAC.
06 is a black with silver shimmer. It's a great shade if you want quick smokey eyes. All Stay All Day eyeshadows are very shimmery, but they apply very nicely and really stay put all day (click here for my previous review of these eyeshadows).

Here I'm wearing only 01 Copy Right and L'Oreal Volume Million Lashes Waterproof mascara:

I also purchased a new tube of L'Oreal Volume Million lashes mascara, but this time the waterproof version. Waterproof mascaras hold the curl a lot better than the ones with a regular formula. This one holds the curl very well. The formula is a bit thicker than the extra black version's. I've raved so much about Million Lashes mascara (extra black version) and this one is basically the same just a bit better, because it holds the curl better. I bought Maybelline's make up remover for waterproof make up as I find that Bioderma doesn't perform well when it comes to waterproof mascara. 
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My Top 10 Eyeshadows
July 18, 20110 Comments
I own a reasonable amount of eyeshadows, however I tend to use only a few and mostly it's neutral colours that complement my eye colour (which is grey, you can see it in this post). These are all single eyeshadows, I might feature my palettes separately, but I don't even own that much palettes anyway. So here are my chosen 10:
1. Row: Mac Satin Taupe, Mac Patina, Nyx Black
2. Row: Mac Wedge, L'Oreal Color Infaillible 012 Endless Chocolate, Make Up Factory Shimmer Creme 4
3. L'Oreal Chrome Shine 172 Beige Shimmer, S-he 065, S-he 035, ArtDeco 245


1. L'Oreal Chome Shine in 172 Beige Shimmer - is a very shimmery beige gold shade that really brings out my eyes. I find the the best way to apply it is with the sponge applicator, it sort of doesn't really work well with brushes, I honestly don't know why. Also because it's really shimmery, you have to be carefull when applying it or the shimmer gets everywhere. I bought it when I was in London and I don't think they sell this colour in Slovenia (actually the color selection of L'Oreal eyeshadows in our drugstores is really pathetic). I love pairing this shade with L'Oreal's 012 Endless Chocolate.

2. S-he 065 - is a brilliant highlighting shade. It's has a soft satin shine finish. I love using it just all over with some gel eyeliner. It's ridiculously cheap (1,95 €), however the size of it is also ridiculously small. 

3. S-he 035 - is a gorgeous dark blue with a satin finish. I love, love, love dark blue shades and this one is one of the prettiest I came across. I wear it over Essence kajal pencil in 13 Nightfever on the top lash line, when I want to wear something else than a black eyeliner.

4. Mac Wedge - is the perfect contouring shade for my skin tone. Also use it for contouring  my cheekbones.
5. ArtDeco 245 - I already featured it in my top 10 products post. It's my all-time favorite eyeshadow. The shade is sort of an old gold color, green-gold with a satin finish. The size of the pan is really, really small and it is a bit expensive (around 5 €), but the quality is fantastic.

6. Make Up Factory Shimmer Creme 4 - is the only creme eyeshadow I own. It's perfect for days when I'm in a rush, but I still want to wear something on my lids. It's really smooth and applies like butter. Unfortunately, since it is a creme eyeshadow, it does crease eventually, but I still find it that it lasts reasonably long. It's one of those shades that really complement blue/grey eyes because it's gold with some copper undertones. I also love using it as a base, especially when I'm wearing Urban Decay's Half Baked. Make Up Factory is only available in Müller, I believe this eyeshadow was around 12-14€.

7. L'Oreal Color Infaillible in 012 Endless Chocolate - I already raved a lot about the Color Infaillible range. Endless Chocolate is a gorgeous shimmery, bronzey brown shade. It's so versatile, I wear it all over the lid or just as a liner and it's also one of those shades that looks great in combination with so many colors. The staying power is excellent. The texture of these eyeshadows is like a pressed pigment and are really pigmented. These cost around 8 €.

8. Nyx Black - Another eyeshadow I featured in my top 10 products post. It's my most worn eyeshadow. I wear it as a liner on my waterline and top lash line. It's such a deep black shade that just lasts ages on your waterline. 
9. Mac Patina - One of the pretties shades ever. It's an antiqued gold shade that complements blue/grey eyes. It's not massively pigmented, you have to build up the color, but it just looks so gorgeous even by itself.

10. Mac Satin Taupe - Another really gorgeous shade for blue/grey eyes. It a brown taupe shade with some purple undertones. It's the prefect color for a neutral brown smoky eye. I love wearing it alone with just some mascara and black liner.

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