Lip Gloss Review: NARS Santo Domingo Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer

NARS Full Vinyl Lip Lacquer in Santo Domingo

Availability: This appears to have been discontinued.

Would I buy this? No.

Notes: This is described as a mauve pink. I'd have to agree with that and say that, for a gloss, this is fairly opaque. This is a beautiful color and the texture is very smooth without any stickiness or tackiness- it also doesn't have much of a scent. That said, this wore off in just about two to three hours or so so its lasting power is fairly nonexistent.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation, nor am I being compensated, to mention it on this blog. 

Highlighter Review: NARS Fort de France Highlighting Powder

BEHOLD the NARS Highlighting Powder in Fort de France

Availability: This retails at $38 for 13.9g (0.49 oz.) and is available at sephora.com, nordstrom.com, macys.com, bloomingdales.com, nars.com, bluemercury.com and saksfifthavenue.com along with their physical store/boutique locations.

Would I buy this again? No.

Notes: This is described as being a champagne shade. I'd have to agree - this is a very warm, golden champagne.
This feels quite smooth when swatched and I'd say it starts off sheer and stays fairly sheer unless you use it wet or layer it over a cream highlight. Personally it's too sheer and warm for my liking.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to mention it on this blog.

Primer Review: Laura Mercier Radiance Foundation Primer

Laura Mercier Foundation Primer in Radiance

Availability: This particular formulation has been discontinued and replaced with the Illuminating Foundation Primer formula.

Would I buy this? Perhaps.

What is this product? What is it supposed to do?

Product info according to sephora.com:

What it is:
A lightweight, creamy gel that creates an invisible barrier between skin and makeup to prime your face for color.
What it does:
Worn under foundation, this illuminating primer creates a smooth, flawless canvas for application, allowing foundation to glide on easily and stay fresh and color-true for hours. Ideal for all skin types, the universal pearl tint creates a soft focus effect to minimize the look of imperfections with a radiant finish. It’s the first step to Laura’s “Flawless Face.” Dermatologist-tested and non-comedogenic, it is formulated with antioxidants vitamins A, C, and E; Prestige Soft Focus Pearls; and skin-conditioning Jojoba.
What else you need to know:
Just as a painter primes a canvas, Foundation Primer—the original—was created by Laura Mercier in 1995 to prime the skin. After creating the industry’s first primer, she “reinvented” it and made a version that added soft highlights, luminosity, and radiance to skin. A lightweight, creamy vitamin-rich gel that prepares the skin for makeup application, it creates an even, invisible layer that acts as a buffer to outside elements and expertly holds foundation. This water-based formula not only keeps makeup staying fresh and color-correct for hours but also helps perfect skin tone over time.

Does this contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin:  A humectant which draws in moisture from the atmosphere into the skin.
Castor Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil: Hydrate the skin; contain anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties. Help reduce redness.

What is the texture like?

This feels like a lightweight moisturizer. 

Is this scented?
This has an "unscented" moisturizer type of scent.

What has my experience with the product been like?

I really love this primer in the sense that it genuinely makes my normally matte, cake-y foundation look radiant and natural on my skin. It's super lightweight and comfortable on. It helps keep my makeup in place all day. I'm very happy with it. My only beef is that I think it's rather pricey for the effect it gives. :/

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to, nor am I being compensated for, mentioning this on my blog. 

Mask Review: LUSH Rudolph Jelly Face Mask

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the LUSH Rudolph Jelly Face Mask

Availability: This has unfortunately been discontinued.

Would I buy this?:  Absolutely!!!

What is this product designed to address?

As this is a discontinued item I cannot pull up a product description. As you can see the packaging claims this mask is meant to cleanse the face. 

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Glycerin: A humectant which draws moisture to the skin's surface.
Meadowsweet: Has anti-inflammatory, tightening, astringent, and toning properties.
Kaolin: Regulates oil production.
Orange Peel: Has Vitamin C which brightens, lightens, and tightens the skin.
Orange Juice: Has Vitamin C which brightens, lightens, and tightens the skin.
Cocoa Powder: Rich in antioxidants.
Fuller's Earth: Absorbs excess oil from skin.
Rahssoul Mud: Nourishes skin and helps treat acne.
Tangerine Oil: This has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antiseptic, and brightening properties.
Brazilian orange oil: Has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

What is the texture like?

This has a lightweight, soft clay mask feel and is somewhat gelatinous. 

Is it scented?

This has a chocolate pudding scent with a hint of orange.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

     I'm actually writing this blog post on April 6th because ya girl is backlogged AF right now but OMFG why did I wait so long to bust into this and use it?!? First of all, this mask smells absolutely delicious, yummy, incredible, good enough to eat! Let's talk about what it does for the skin. After I wash this off my skin feels soft and smooth; it looks brighter and more even-toned whilst having a beautiful radiance. I love how this is technically a clay mask but because of the oils it contains and its jelly texture it doesn't exacerbate dryness the way traditional clay masks can. If it makes a comeback this holiday season I am going back for it!

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased this myself. 

Eye Cream Review: m-61 Hydraboost Eye Concentrate

Hello folksickles. Today's review will be for m-61 Hydraboost Eye Concentrate

Availability: This product retails at $84 for .5 oz. (15 mL) and is exclusive to bluemercury.com and macys.com along with their respective physical store locations (Macy's that have a bluemercury location within them)

Would I buy this?: Not at its price point.

What is this product designed to address?

According to bluemercury.com this is what the product is and what it does:
WHAT IT IS
This super-peptide and hyaluronic acid packed eye concentrate provides lasting hydration for up to 48 hours* and helps to visibly firm, smooth and reduce the appearance of lines.
*100% of participants in an independent, clinical study saw a significant improvement in the moisture content of their skin 48 hours post-application
BENEFITS
Hydraboost Eye Concentrate nourishes and replenishes the skin’s moisture levels while helping to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines around the delicate eye area. Formulated with four powerful peptides, a triple-action hyaluronic acid complex, vitamin B5, natural tamarind and centella asiatica, this eye concentrate provides lasting hydration and firming benefits.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to bluemercury.com:

Four peptides and a triple-action hyaluronic acid complex help to visibly firm, smooth and reduce the appearance of lines
Vitamin B5 binds water to the skin, helping to replenish the skin's moisture level
Natural tamarind helps to improve elasticity and hydrate while aloe and centella asiatica work to soothe the skin

What is the texture like?

This has a rich, yet refreshing texture. 

Is it scented?

This has a clean scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:
Initially I wasn't the biggest fan of this because it felt too heavy on my eye area. I'm unsure as to what happened that I like it now but... I do. I find that this doesn't really do much outside of hydration though, so if you're looking for something to de-puff or brighten the eye area this isn't it. That said, I've been getting dryness and eczema around my eye area lately and this really helps take care of it.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to mention this product on this blog.

Lip Gloss Review: Laura Mercier Baby Doll Lip Glace

Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Baby Doll

Availability: This is available at nordstrom.com, bluemercury.com, sephora.com, macys.com and bloomingdales.com as well as their respective physical store/ locations along with lauramercier.com. The retail pricing is $28 for 0.15 oz. for 4.5g.

Would I buy this? No.

Notes: This is described as a soft pink pearl. I'd say this is a coral-pink with a golden pearl. This is a beautiful color and the texture is very smooth without any stickiness or tackiness. That said, this wore off in just about two hours or so; so its lasting power is fairly low.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation, nor am I being compensated, to mention it on this blog. 

Lipstick Review: Laura Mercier Devotion Velour Lovers Lip Color

Laura Mercier Velour Lovers Lip Color in Devotion

Availability: This has been discontinued.

Would I buy this? Maybe.

Notes: This is described as a dusty rose. I'd say this is a deep rosy pink. The finish is satiny.  It wore for about 6 hours without much fading and didn't bleed; the wear is really comfortable  - it doesn't feel dry at all. It did come off when I ate though which isn't an issue for me personally but I know some people want their lipstick to stay put through eating.

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation, nor am I being compensated, to mention it on this blog. 

Laura Mercier Amethyst Caviar Stick Eye Color Review

Today's eyeliner review is going to be on Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Color Stick in Amethyst

 As a base and on the waterline and top lash-line

Availability: This is available at nordstrom.com, bluemercury.com, sephora.com, macys.com and bloomingdales.com as well as their respective physical store/ locations along with lauramercier.com. The retail pricing is $29 for 0.05 oz. for 1.64g.

Would I buy this? I think it's pretty but $29 is steep for what it is.

Notes: This is described as a soft mauve with pearl. I'd say this is a purplish mauve with a pink pearl, it's a bit plummy brown at certain angles too. This isn't waterproof, just putting it out there - but does stay put nicely (about 8-11 hours). It glides on very easily. Overall I think it's a good product but the pricing is steep for a what is essentially a cream eyeshadow. I could perhaps justify it if there was a color that really captured my heart but this isn't it. 

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation, nor am I being compensated, to mention it on this blog. 

Laura Mercier Rose Gold Caviar Stick Eye Color Review

Today's eyeliner/eyeshadow review is going to be on the Laura Mercier Caviar Eye Color Stick in Rose Gold

As a base and on the upper lash line and waterline

Availability: This is available at nordstrom.com, bluemercury.com, sephora.com, macys.com and bloomingdales.com as well as their respective physical store/ locations along with lauramercier.com. The retail pricing is $29 for 0.05 oz. for 1.64g.

Would I buy this? I think it's pretty but $29 is steep for what it is.

Notes: This is described as a rosy gold shimmer. I'd have to agree with the description. This isn't waterproof, just putting it out there - but does stay put nicely (about 8-11 hours). It glides on very easily. Overall I think it's a good product but the pricing is steep for a what is essentially a cream eyeshadow. I could perhaps justify it if there was a color that really captured my heart but this isn't it. 

Please let me know if you have any comments or questions.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation, nor am I being compensated, to mention it on this blog. 

Moisturizer Review: Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream

Today's review will be for the Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream

Availability: This retails at $22 for  1 oz. (28 mL) at sephora.com (exclusive to online), nordstrom.com, bloomingdales.com, ulta.com, bluemercury.com and macys.com or their physical store locations along with mariobadescu.com.

Would I buy this?: No.

What is this product designed to address?

According to sephora.com:

What it is: An oil-free night cream that melts seamlessly into skin to nourish and replenish.

Skin Type: Normal, Combination, and Oily 

Skincare Concerns: Dryness

Formulation: Cream

Highlighted Ingredients:

-Bladderwrack Extract: Supports softer skin.

-Collagen: Smooths the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

-Sodium Hyaluronate: Acts as a powerful humectant.

Ingredient Callouts: This product contains less than one percent of synthetic fragrances and is cruelty-free. 

What Else You Need to Know: This lightweight, seaweed-infused face cream is packed with moisturizing powerhouses and skin-smoothing proteins that deeply hydrate while you sleep. Bladderwrack, collagen, elastin, and sodium hyaluronate combine in a mineral-rich formula that unveils a glowing—never greasy—complexion come morning.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to sephora.com:

-Bladderwrack Extract: Supports softer skin. This is the seaweed that they use.
-Collagen: Smooths the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
-Sodium Hyaluronate: Acts as a powerful humectant.

What is the texture like?

This feels like a thick, rich cream and has a bit of a tackiness to it. 

Is it scented?

It has a very traditional cold cream scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

  Overall, this isn't a good fit for me. The texture is heavier than I like and between it being somewhat heavy and sticky I'm just not loving it and will be passing the remainder along.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to, nor am I being compensated for, mentioning it on this blog. 

Cleanser Review: Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

'Ello folksickles. Today's review will be for the Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser

Availability: This retails at $16 for 6 fl. oz. (177 ml) and can be purchased at sephora.com, ulta.com, macys.com, bluemercury.com and nordstrom.com along with their physical store locations as well as mariobadescu.com.

Would I buy this?: No.

What is this product designed to address?
According to sephora.com:
What it is: A resurfacing face wash that refines the look of uneven skin tone and texture.
Skin Type: Normal, Dry, Combination, and Oily
Skincare Concerns: Uneven Skin Tone, Dullness and Uneven Texture, and Pores
Formulation: Gel
Highlighted Ingredients:
- Glycolic Acid: Retexturizes and refines the look of skin.
- Marshmallow Extract: Hydrates, softens, and balances.
- Chamomile: Known for its calming properties.
Ingredient Callouts: This product is vegan and cruelty-free.
What Else You Need to Know: Formulated with glycolic acid and a botanical blend of chamomile, marshmallow, sage, St. John’s wort, and yarrow extracts, Glycolic Foaming Cleanser is the brightening solution that thoroughly cleans pores, promotes radiance, and helps diminish the appearance of dry fine lines and uneven skin tone.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?
Again, according to sephora.com:
-Glycolic Acid: Retexturizes and refines the look of skin.
-Marshmallow Extract: Hydrates, softens, and balances.
-Chamomile: Known for its calming properties.

What is the texture like?

This has a liquid-y gel texture.

Is it scented?

This sort of smells like kitchen cleaner.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

      I found that this did a good job of taking off the remainder of my makeup (I use a Makeup Eraser dupe) and left my skin feeling somewhat soft, not stripped at all. That said, it's not my favorite cleanser - I personally prefer something with a more creamy, hydrating texture.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to, nor am I being compensated for, mentioning it on this blog. 

Serum Review: M-61 Vitablast C Serum 2.0

M-61 Vitablast C Serum 2.0 

Availability: This retails at $96 for 30 ml (1 fl. oz.) and is exclusive to bluemercury.com and macys.com along with physical Bluemercury store and in-Macy's store locations.

Would I buy this?: No.

What is this product designed to address?

According to bluemercury.com:

WHAT IT IS
This radiance-boosting serum targets dullness and helps to protect against environmental stressors with 15% stabilized vitamin C. Increased levels of gallic acid and vitamin E allow this serum to naturally brighten, hydrate and nourish the skin.
BENEFITS
This advanced proprietary cocktail of 15% stabilized vitamin C combined with gallic acid and vitamin E helps to protect against environmental stressors and promote elasticity while boosting skin's radiance and tone. This lightweight, oil-free brightening formula is vegan, gluten free, paraben-free and phthalate-free.

Does it contain any special/beneficial ingredients?

Again, according to bluemercury.com:

Advanced 15% stabilized vitamin C helps to protect against environmental stressors and promote elasticity while boosting skin's radiance and tone.

Antioxidant gallic acid naturally brightens while vitamin E hydrates and nourishes the skin.

What is the texture like?

This has a watery, slightly viscous feel.

Is it scented?

This has a faint metallic scent.

My overall experience/comments on the product:

I found this to be alright and, as much as I love Vitamin C in skincare, I just wasn't moved by this. I think it's quite pricey for a serum that essentially just adds radiance to your skin. The texture is ok but I find myself wishing it were more hydrating when I used it. Low-key I wish they'd just mix their hyaluronic and Vitamin C serums into one because, frankly, dry and/or aging skin could benefit from both.

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation to, nor am I being compensated for, mentioning it on this blog.