Impulse Buys: Did They Work Out?

Over these last few years, I've been very good about properly researching and testing out products before I buy, but every once in a while, I see a new product and I just can't wait to get my hands on it.  I wouldn't REALLY call them impulse buys, but not looking at something in person first nearly qualifies in my book!

That often works out well, but I thought I would share my quick thoughts on the two products that recently fell into my online shopping cart and made it through check out before they made it to my local stores.  

First, I fell for the Korres Greek Yoghurt Nourishing Primer when I was buying a new cleanser. I quite like the Korres Greek Yoghurt Advanced Nourishing Sleeping Facial, so I thought this could be a hit too. Unfortunately, I didn't really like it. The somewhat yogurt like scent is fine for an overnight mask, but I just didn't like the scent first thing in the morning, though it dissipated on the face after about 20 minutes. The texture of the primer was also surprising - creamy, rather than the silky or silicone feel of other primers on the market. While this isn't a bad thing, I did find that I could feel the primer on my face - I can't describe it, and I wouldn't say it is tacky to the touch, but I could just feel it on all day and that was a dealbreaker for me. If it made my makeup look super amazing, or made my skin super hydrated, then I would keep trying it, but I didn't find it to be miraculous. Oh well, money saved! Thank goodness for our nice return policies. 

All this time, I had been staring at the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed on the Sephora site. It took forever for the Sephora locations in SF and Chicago to carry it, and by the time they had it I wasn't sure when I'd make it to one of those locations. So I ordered it, sight unseen. Yesterday, I swatched this in Sephora, and while I'm a big fan of the original formula, I think this one is far too sparkly for me. The powder is very fine and soft however, so I think those of you who like a shimmery highlighter will absolutely love this! 

All in all, I'm glad to have gotten my hands on these products, even if I didn't open the Becca one! (Yes, that is an ongoing problem I have, lol!) Have you tried either of these products? Do you buy things impulsively? Would you guys like to see posts like this in the future? I'd love to know all your thoughts!

This post contains affiliate links.  

Products That Didn't Work For Me, #3

Last month, I posted a round of disappointing products, and a lot of you really seemed to like the post. It is definitely hard for me to do these types of posts, as I generally just return or give away products very quickly if they don't meet my expectations. Since you guys seemed to like the previous posts (here and here), I'm going to make an effort to do this more often! 

I did find myself disappointed in a few products that have lived in my collection for some time: Dior Amber Diamond and the Urban Decay Naked palettes. They just weren't as exciting as I remembered, though perhaps that is my fault, as I hadn't used them in so long. It seems that I've now been spoiled by the soft, subtle textures of luxury brands like Burberry...!

Anyway, this time around I have two products that I was very excited for - Nars Pro-Prime Light Optimizing Primer and Becca Mineral Bronzing Powder in Duende. 

I purchased the Nars Pro-Prime Light Optimizing Primer this past spring, and had high hopes for its radiance enhancing properties. As you might know, the Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer is one of my favorite products, and I remembered liking some of the other Pro-Prime primers when I had tried it on during makeovers, so my expectations were high. 

This primer definitely has a nice finish, and seems to help tinted moisturizer or foundation wear better. However, there was more shimmer than I generally prefer, so that was a bit of a dealbreaker for me. I do think the finish and wear of this is better than the Laura Mercier Radiance Primer, at least from what I've seen so far, but I'm still in the process of testing that one so I can't make a definitive statement on that just yet!

Anyway, I think I was expecting this to be a more primer-like version of the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector (which I have yet to review but is SO subtle and gorgeous) but it isn't really. Oh well, there are plenty of other things to try, right?

I think I purchased this Becca bronzer last fall, and didn't even use it till this summer - YIKES!  I do love how finely milled and soft it is, so that aspect of the bronzer is nice. However, the shade just didn't look very good on me, and that was sad! I don't know what it is, but something just brought out the redness in my cheeks, and I remember when I first applied it, it looked a bit like a recovering sunburn. 

I imagine those of you who have fair skin would want to stay away from this shade, Duende, though I bet those of you with deeper complexions than mine could totally rock this bronzer. I am glad I tried this bronzer, since the texture is pretty nice. I think I'll be on the lookout for other shades, and perhaps try out some of their blush!

So what did you think of my experience of Becca Mineral Bronzing Powder in Duende and Nars Light Optimizing Primer? Have you tried either of these? Did they work for you? 

My Winter Foundation Roundup

Earlier in the winter, I suddenly became very aware of the fact that my skin was much paler than it had been. All of a sudden, none of my foundations (or my trusty Nars Tinted Moisturizer!) were the proper shade. I debated for quite some time about what foundations to get. Do I purchase Nars in a shade down, or do I branch out and try some other foundations, just in case? I wanted to splurge on Koh Gen Do, but in the end I was also curious about Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation and Fresh Umbrian Clay Foundation, both of which seemed right up my alley, and both of which I didn't have access to at a counter to try.

So, as much as I think the Koh Gen Do Moisture Foundation would be perfect for winter (maybe next month?!),  I managed to collect these three bases during the course of November.

I love Nars Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer, I really do. I know there are some mixed reviews out there, and that it just doesn't work for most people with oily skin. It is also yellow toned, so it may not work for those who prefer pink toned products either. However, the yellow tone and the natural, dewy formula are just perfect for me. It cancels out redness decently, has a light and pleasant scent while applying, and lasts all day. I prefer to pat it in for more coverage, or use a Real Techniques brush if I'm in a hurry. (For my original review and video application, click here. I almost didn't want to link it, as I do think the lighting is poor. But anyway, hope it helps even a little!)

I am really liking the finish of Becca Radiant Skin Satin Finish Foundation. If you recall, I wore it in my Femme Boulevard look post at the end of December. It is just as natural as the Nars, but provides just a bit more coverage overall. I would say it is light to medium coverage, depending on your application technique. It is nearly scent free too, which I enjoy - I can just discern a very faint scent, and I can only think to describe it as makeup. LOL. I imagine anyone who is sensitive to scents in foundation should be just fine with this one.

In terms of the shade range, Nars is the best match for me at the moment. For whatever reason, Becca Buttercup seems darker than it actually is once I apply it on my face, and I actually wondered in my look post if my foundation was too light! But, I imagine that is because I tend to sheer out my base products and my face IS lighter than the rest of me in general anyway. LOL. I did research the shades available, (Becca has a super helpful chart on their website!) and from what I can tell based on online reviews, the next shade up does appear to be a slightly big step in color.I am curious to try it for summer if I can get around to it!

Fresh Umbrian Clay Foundation was one that I had been desperate to try for a while after Claire and Taylor raved about it. I had such a difficult time trying to pick a shade, but Claire and Taylor were both extremely helpful in comparing their own shades and even doing some fast swatches. In the end, I chose the shade Chalet Girl, because Fresh describes it for "medium light skin with yellow undertones" and that is exactly what I like to hear when choosing a winter foundation.

I do have to agree with Claire and Taylor - this is a wonderful foundation. The finish is so natural, and the coverage is great too. In comparison to Becca Radiant Skin, I would say Fresh Umbrian Clay provides just a smidge less coverage. Unfortunately for me, and as you can probably see in my swatch photo above, Chalet Girl is too light AND too pink on my arm. It is not as noticeable a difference on my face, but it still not a proper match, so I ended up returning it. I do hope to try another shade one of these days, but I figured I ought to take it easy for now! 

All in all, I am really enjoying my picks for winter. My skin has been happy - no clogged pores, no breakouts, etc - with these foundations, and I quite like the natural finish. While I'd like to try a creamy foundation (Koh Gen Do and Sunday Riley top my list right now!), Nars & Becca are perfect everyday options for lazy me. :)

What do you think of these foundations? Have you tried any of them? Do you have any favorite foundations for winter? I'd love to know!

Give Your Eyes Natural Definition with Becca Eye Tint in Baroque

In October, I was really excited to purchase the Best of Becca set from Sephora. One of the full size items in the set was this Eye Tint, in the shade Baroque. I wasn't entirely sure about the shade, but Lisa Eldridge recommended it in one of her older videos, so I knew I had to try it! I think this shade is a really nice brown/beige. It is described on Sephora's website as a mushroom beige, and I'd say that I agree with this description completely! In terms of the packaging, I think the tube style really allows you to control how much you squeeze out. I do sometimes need to shake or lightly knead the packaging, as the product seems to sometimes separate in the tube, but otherwise I have no complaints. (Those of you who have more experience with Becca, is this just a fluke or typical of Eye Tints?)

I really think this is such a natural shade, as you can see from my light swatch in the center of the photo above. This gives my eyes some light contour and depth, and I love that. (I have flat Asian lids, and this adds dimension that I didn't think was possible!) It really looks as if I'm not wearing anything, and it lasts all day on me too. Woohoo! I can definitely see this being an everyday staple for a lot of people. :)

I love the uniqueness of the tube and creamy formula of Becca Eye Tints, and I highly recommend that you try one! What do you think? Are there other shades of Becca Eye Tints that I have to try? :)