Benefit PowderFlage

Benefit PowderFlage

$28

http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P222453&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5333

As I'm in the posting mood, I wanted to talk about Benefit Powderflage. I had been hearing alot about this product recently so I wanted to try it. It is a little on the pricey side at $28, but I thought that if it worked well then it would be worth it. For those that have not heard about this product, it is a powder under eye concealer that works to conceal lines/wrinkles in the under eye area. It can be used as a stand alone concealer or used to set your concealer. It comes in this cute packaging with a little brush to aid in applying the product. However, I just like to use my finger because I find that it works better.

I like to use this product to set my normal concealer in the under eye area. I use MAC's Studio Finish Concealer (see last post!)...and then layer the PowderFlage right on top. It does a good job in setting the Studio Finish and also brightening up the under eye area. I find it to work pretty well, but it's not an amazing concealer. It isn't heavy coverage at all, more like light to medium coverage for a concealer. It really is more like a powder that has brightening properties.

So over all, I think this works well to set my concealer so it will stay throughout the day. In addition, it does a good job at brightening up any dark circles you might have. I do like this product but probably wouldn't repurchase once I finish it. Only because I'm not sure that it gives that good of coverage when I already use a concealer. However, this product will last a really long time because you only need a small amount. I've had it for a while now and use it everyday, and the little container it comes in is almost full...so you will definately have it for a long time!~If it were cheaper than $28, I would consider buying it again.

So if you would like a product to set your concealer in and have good staying power throughout the day, then you may really like this product.

For anyone that has purchased this product, what are your thoughts?

More posts to come soon! I think I'm on a roll!

Concealers Mac Studio Sculpt vs. Studio Finish

Another post that I have been meaning to do for a while now! I had been trying to find a concealer that I like and think works well...I mean, who doesn't! I wanted a concealer for the under eye area to conceal the area and give better coverage. I don't have dark under eye circles, but for me if that area is not concealed I will look very tired! So alas my search for a good concealer. I had used some drug store concealers like Cover Girl (I don't even remember the name of the exact product) and they worked fine. But I decided to try a Mac concealer because I'd heard many good things about them. So here's my review on Mac's Studio Sculpt:

$16.50

Studio Sculpt Concealer:

I found the consistency of this product to be very thick. When I would put it on I would only need a tiny bit, which is good. However, it was very difficult to blend out because it was so thick. It would provide good coverage if you need a more heavy coverage under your eyes. It also does a good job of concealing blemishes as well. I also didn't get the correct shade which could have been part of the problem, but I just couldn't get passed the consistency and thickness of it.

Overall: A good product if you need heavier coverage for your under eye area.

Shade Matching: Ask the MAC Makeup Artist for help if you're unsure about your shade. For concealer I like to wear a shade lighter than my foundation so it blends in. That was my mistake with the Studio Sculpt!~Also, I found the NW shades to be very yellow toned which on my skin tone did not work....maybe it's the product or could be just did not match me at all!

$16.50

Studio Finish SPF 35 Concealer

I recently purchased this product after finishing the Studio Sculpt. I really love this concealer! It is not thick at all but provides really good coverage that I find is easy to blend. It is also very smooth and easy to apply. I found a shade that matches very well with my skin tone. On the plus side, it also has SPF 35 which I didn't know till I looked on the MAC website. So all in all, I think this concealer is great for those that would like medium coverage for the under eye area and don't want something so thick. I really am loving this concealer!

I would say that Studio Finish Concealer wins for this comparison.
If you have tried these two products, which one do you like the best?

Also coming up...Review of Benefit PowderFlouge/how I apply my concealer using this product.

Concealers Mentioned can be found on MAC's website:

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT157&PRODUCT_ID=4388

MAC's Greasepaint Sticks

So I have been meaning to post because I have a lot of new things to talk about! I will start out with something new that I am excited about. MAC's Greasepaint Sticks!~I have heard many people on YouTube talk about MAC's Greasepaint Sticks and how great they are. If you aren't familar with them, MAC's website defines them as bascially, an eye crayon. They can be used as an eyeliner or all over the lid for a smoky effect. I always passed by the Greasepaint Sticks whenever I was at MAC. However, I recently decided to try them when they came out with the Art Supplies Collection.

I first purchased the color Below Ground (seen below). It really does look like this color which is from MAC's website. This link will take you right to the Greasepaint Sticks.

http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CAT2205&PRODUCT_ID=6478

This actual color is true to the photo and is a light to dark brown with golden undertones. It is perfect for using as a base for your eyeshadow by putting all over the lid and into the crease. Then applying your lid color and darker eyeshadow color into the crease. Just make sure when applying this product, to apply with a light hand and blend out quickly as it will dry in and not move! I also like to apply a base before applying Below Ground to help with staying power and creasing. I like to use MAC's Paintpot in Soft Ochre. However, there are many other eyeshadow bases that you can use. I should do a blog post on that exact topic! I think I will!

I would say that Below Ground works great to enhance and make brighter any light neutral eyeshadow color. Below Ground will help to make them stand out a lot more.

What eyeshadows would I use to go over Below Ground? Sticking with my last post, I would still use MAC's All That Glitters. This is a light pink with golden undertones and to me is very sheer. Using Below Ground as a base really makes it more vibrant! You could also use MAC's Honey Lust which is a very pretty shimmery color. One of my favorite eyeshadows to put over Below Ground is another MAC eyeshadow in Grand Entrance. Now, I know this is no longer available...but a good dupe for this is MAC's Jest or Naked Lunch. Both are on the same order of q slightly sheer frosty pink/with gold undertones. You can also use any lighter more sheer eyeshadow of any brand!

In addition, you can use Below Ground to line your top and bottom lash lines. Just use it to line your eyes as you would with any pencil liner. It will create a great smoky look! Afterwards, I also use an angled brush and take a brown eyeshadow and smudge it a little bit. I like to use MAC's Tempting which has a lot of shimmer in it! I find this to make a neutral everyday look have some more excitement!

So thanks for reading! I have many more products to talk about and plan on posting more frequently.

Upcoming Posts:

MAC's Greasepaint Stick in Dirty

Eyeshadow Bases: Many Different Brands!

Eye Liner: Pencil vs. Gel Liner

Concealer: Benefit PowderFlage

Hair Products I'm loving