Haul + Mini Reviews: Nars, Smashbox, Mac, Lorac, etc.

Nars Light Reflecting Pressed Setting Powder (Shade: Translucent Crystal) ($36)

This is a finely milled setting powder that works to keep your makeup lasting longer. My issue is that it clings to my dry patches. Right in between my eyebrows and slightly above is where this powder particularly clings and exaggerates the area. On the rest of my face, as well as the oily parts, this powder works well. I think it’s a great powder but I would rather use a $6 powder from the drugstore that I can use all over my face and it’ll last just as long. I tend not to gravitate towards this powder due to that reason. Not a must have for me. 

Stila Eyes Are The Window Shadow Palette (Shade: Soul) ($49)

I have to say, I am very impressed with this palette. I actually completely changed my initial reaction to it. I thought it wasn’t a necessity and that it was easily dupable. Something that people just beginning makeup would benefit from and I also didn’t see myself reaching for it very often. It turns out, I use this palette all the time. The shadows are formulated in a way that makes it super easy to throw together a quick and put-together look. I have pretty oily eyelids and almost always have creasing at the end of the day. These barely creased on me! I am thoroughly impressed by that since it’s pretty rare. The combination of mattes and shimmers is excellent and the shadows are fairly pigmented.

Make Up For Ever Artist Shadows (Shades: M-660, ME-728) ($21 each)

These eyeshadows have the absolute perfect formulation in my eyes. They are very pigmented, have multiple finishes, and blend like a dream. They are the easiest eye shadows I have ever used and they are simply wonderful to apply/play with. I honestly could not say one bad thing about them and I give them all my praise!! I was completely shocked when I bought my first patch of these shadows and have continued to purchase them (trying hard to ignore the high price) since there is absolutely no equivalent that I have found (keep in mind that I have not played around with the most expensive makeup, ex: Tom Ford, Chanel, Burberry etc. So those could definitely have similar formulas). 

I initially bought the 30 artist palette from MUFE which was limited edition. Also, a seriously high price…$250. Ouch. But when you do the math you end up getting each shadow for around $8.33 which is $12.67 cheaper than if I purchased them individually. In my eyes that was a great deal and an awesome way to save money while trying out a huge variety of the new formulation. I always reach for these shadows when I want a fast, easy and put together look. These two shades that I bought were the first individual eyeshadows that I bought from the collection. I got M-660 because I wanted another transition shade with a color in between the two I already had. The second one I purchased, ME-728, was due to the fact that the glitter and shine and utterly beautifulness of the shade was screaming up at me and it was too amazing to pass up. I will continue to buy these shades and unapologetically think that the price is completely worth it. 

Smashbox Contour Kit ($45)

I have a complete review on this product here. Overall, I really love these shades for my skin tone and use this contour kit almost every single time I do my makeup.

Porefessional Mini Size($10)

I bought this on a whim (at the very tempting checkout shelf they force you to walk through) and am honestly disappointed. This primer has such high reviews and people love to rave about this. I found absolutely no difference in pore reduction or longevity of my makeup. This product seems to do nothing to my skin and I barely reach for it, unfortunately. 

Smashbox Photo Finish Oil Free Foundation Primer Pore Minimizing ($10)

Unfortunately, I feel the same about this primer as I did with the Porefessional. 

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy ($36)

I was told by the sales associate, who picked this eye cream out for me, that it would help reduce the puffiness and overall brighten my under eye area. After using it for about a month every night before bed I have noticed no difference. I didn’t feel like it was doing anything more than hydrating that area and cooling it with the metal tip. While that is a great thing for the long term I felt that was where this eye cream ended. I would rather use my gentle face cream than spend $36 on an eye cream that doesn’t do a lot. I think that the results from this cream can vary though, because everyone’s skin is different and I don’t have any serious problems under my eyes. I slightly regret buying this and getting persuaded to purchase.

Elizabeth and James Nirvana Mini Rollerball Set ($20)

Nest Rollerball (Indigo) ($25)

With both of these rollerballs I feel that scent is a very personal thing (plus hard to describe) and all I want to say is that I love the scents and the actual ball on the top of the product functions well. 

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil (Cruella) and Nars Satin Lip Pencil (Rikugien)

While I got these mini samples for free as a Sephora sample (it was my birthday month) this formula and exact shades are available in Nars' regular line. They each cost $26. I wouldn't consider this matte, it is more similar to a satin finish and I don't particularly like the satin finish as it looks considerably frosty to me. They are both extremely comfortable on the lips and slightly hydrating. They last an average amount of time.

Cruella

Rikugien

Mac Pro Longwear Lip Pencil (Shade: Staunchly Stylish) ($20)

Most of you have likely tried out a Mac lipliner so I won't go into too much detail. The color payoff is great but I find the pencil slightly drying so it tends to tug on my lips. I tend to reach more for my creamy drugstore alternatives. 

Lorac Pro Metallic Cream Eyeliner in Cobalt ($20)

I actually have not applied this to my eyes yet but swatched it is extremely pigmented and creamy. The silver top pops off to reveal a small brush and you twist off the black top to reveal the blue eyeliner. I love the packaging! I can definitely see it coming in handy in certain situations. The color is gorgeous and should really brighten up anyone's eyes that are brown/hazel.