CHANEL Vitalumière Aqua Foundation

Second skin, easy application and ultra-fine are its buzz words. I think it lives up to the hype. After applying a thin coat, my face looked very fresh, even and brighter. An added bonus is that the formula contains mineral sunscreen, which my dermatologist recommends.  I really didn’t notice any fragrance which is what I generally prefer for foundation.  There is no moisturizing qualities and the finish is basically matte, so I would recommend a good moisturizer before application. If you are after a more dewy look, this probably isn’t for you.

M·A·C ‘Wonder Woman’ Nail Lacquer in Spirit Of Truth

Great color – tons of work.  This inky, creamy blue had me smitten from the beginning.  It was the only piece I purchased from the Wonder Woman collection.  While the color looked divine, the polish dried slightly soft on my nails.  Any small bump created a divot in the polish.  I applied the color on Friday and it peeled off late last night. This actually was a good thing.  When I went to remove the remaining polish, the color was VERY stubborn.  Despite a base coat, my nail beds now have a not-so-flattering blue.  While the color is absolutely stunning, I do not think it was worth the trouble.

L’Oreal HiP High Intensity Pigments Matte Shadow Duo Striking

 

I wanted a low commitment way to try yellow makeup so I picked up this eyeshadow duo on whim.  I had heard great things about the High Intensity Pigments products from L’Oreal and with the sale at CVS, the price was right.  I was really impressed with the quality of shadow – very smooth and pigmented.  I found that it is designed to be built up, so I could get a very subtle and sheer layer of yellow.  I actually was pleasantly surprised.  The yellow looks fresh and compliments my skin (with lots of red) very well.  I would wear it with little or no liner. Maybe a powder liner using the other side of the duo.

Cover Girl Olay Simply Ageless Concealer

This double shot of makeup and anti-aging is a winner.  Aside from the fact the swirl of the two products looks really cool in the container, the concealer works very well under the eye.  While it does contain Olay Regenerist Serum, the pigment is just strong enough to cover up dark circles while still appearing luminous.  It is easy to apply because the consistency changes as you apply it to the skin.  While it looks cakey in the container, it turns to a smooth liquid on your skin.  Because of this, I recommend using your finger.  I try to use the ring finger because it offers the least pressure on the delicate eye area.  While you can’t really use this for blemishes because it is really creamy, I did use a little on my chin and nose instead of foundation and it works great!

 

L’Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara

I am a sucker for gimmicks and this double mascara sucked me right in.  It is offered in four colors – for green, blue and brown eyes and one suitable for all eye colors.   I bought the Black Quartz for Brown Eyes. I should have known this would be a disappointment since I don’t really understand how lashes can “illuminate” eyes.  One end of the wand adds volume and length with a traditional applicator.  Step two is done with the other end of the wand and a sphere-shaped brush.  The color of this step is a brown pearl with metallic.  The mascara did not stay on for long and the second step was more work for no payoff.  In my opinion, there are lots of drugstore mascaras that are far more effective.

L’Oreal Serum Absolute Advanced Age-Reversing Makeup

I’m on a drugstore makeup kick.  The next few posts will feature some of my recent finds at CVS.  After seeing digital pictures of myself playing in Napa this weekend, I decided my tinted moisturizer is sometimes not quite enough coverage. Because I had read about the beneficial ingredients in this foundation, it was at the top of my list.  The formula includes SPF 17, pro-retinol A and vitamin C.  Coverage is medium and smooth.  The finish is matte, so a cream blush would add a nice luminosity.  The coverage stayed all day with a great natural look.