Review | Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Crease-Control Concealer

Today's review is on something I've wanted to get the minute it was released. But, at the time, I thought I had so many concealers already, just sitting in my drawer, therefore I didn't need another one. That was until I went to Sephora one day and caved in. Ah... Who can resist a bit of Benefit and it's super cute packaging?

Anyway, if you have dry skin under the eyes, you'll love this: Benefit Fakeup Hydrating Crease-Control Concealer (mine is in Medium). Comes in a bullet, so it's pretty much like applying a lip balm under the eyes — but less weird, I suppose. It's very soothing and kind of feels like you have a protective barrier throughout the day. The concealer bit is on the center, surrounded by a hydrating balm on the outside — reminds me of the Clarins Crystal Lip Balms. You can stroke it directly under the eyes and then blend it, patting with your ring finger or a brush. I like to use the Real Techniques Setting Brush for this.
Before I tried this product, I assumed that it would crease really badly, since it's so hydrating and emollient, so I was really astonished by the results. Sure, it did crease a bit, but every concealer creases on me — even Make Up For Ever Full Cover or Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil. After I blended it the first time it creased, it didn't move for hours. Pretty cool. What I really like about this, is the fact that it makes the skin look really healthy and radiant. I even tried layering a bit of the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil on top and set it with a bit of loose powder, and it still had a slight glow showing through. Doesn't cake up or dry out.
It's formulated with apple seed extract and Vitamin E to hydrate the skin, making it look luminous and natural. I'd say this concealer has a medium coverage, but you can top it up with a more opaque concealer (or highlighter) just on darker areas, like the inner corners of the eyes, and it'll cover up. Also, the packaging is ideal to carry around in your make-up bag, to top up during the day. I might get the shade Dark and mix the two to get the perfect colour. All in all, a big thumbs up!

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Empties #3

Okay, time for another empties post. Because I want to throw away some stuff. Hah!
This time, I have a couple of hair products, some skincare bits and a mascara — I'm pretty sure you know which one. Yep, it's the Clinique High Impact Extreme Volume Mascara. You can read a proper review here, though, I should add that when it gets to the point where it starts to dry out a bit, the formula gets a bit gloopy. Considering that the bristles are so small, it's not ideal. But, it's still a good mascara nonetheless.

Since said mascara is a bit hard to cleanse away, a pretty nice product to take it off with is MAC Gently Off Eye & Lip Makeup Remover. It's dual-phased — formulated with both water and oil —, so you have to shake it in order to combine the two. Removes every trace of make-up, whether it's oil-based or water-based, including stubborn mascaras (case in point) and lip stains. It's gentle and suitable for all skin types. Formulated with Cucumber extract and Damascus Rose water to soothe and refresh. If you prefer this type of cleanser that you pour into a cotton pad and wipe away, opposed to a balm or cream cleanser and a warm cloth, this is a good option, for sure. It's quick and easy. Just hold the cotton pads in place for a few seconds and then gently swipe the make-up off and rinse. Easy-peasy.

If your skin is oily or combination, and you know just how frustrating a shiny nose can be, I totally feel you. My skin is combination, but whenever I'm out and about, especially in the sun or somewhere with a powerful AC, my nose gets shiny in a few hours. Powders just don't do it for more than that period of time. Obviously, blotting tissue is my friend, but I also need some sort of primer to extend the need to blot and powder during the day. I have tried many, many of them, and still haven't found an amazing one that lasts all day. The best I've tried so far, was this Clinique Pore Minimizer T-Zone Shine Control. I can't find it on the Clinique site/counters anymore, but I found it on Amazon (click here). It keeps shine at bay until mid-afternoon, which is pretty good, and it's very lightweight and colourless. Comes in a gel texture and goes on smoothly, leaving pores minimized and a velvety feel. Acts as a great primer under make-up and can be used over make-up, as well. Contains Salicydic Acid (which exfoliates the pores from the inside), Silica (to absorb shine), Witch Hazel (to tighten pores) and Clove Flower extract (to reduce oil production). Has quite a strong alcohol smell when you first squeeze it out, but goes away almost instantly, so it doesn't really bother me.
I was going to repurchase this, but since it has been discontinued, I got the Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector in Invisible Bright, instead. So far, so good. Goes on very smoothly, kinda like silicone.

Moving on to the hair department, I finished another bottle of Kérastase Nutritive Bain Satin 2. This shampoo is so rich and luxurious. If you have dry hair, you'll love this. The smell is incredible (redundant information, since it's Kérastase, duh!) and the formula is very, very creamy. I always let it stay for a couple of minutes before rinsing, to let the ingredients do their job. It's very moisturizing and provides a great level of nutrition, so the hair doesn't feel dry or dehydrated, even when you use harsh styling tools (ghd Styler, I'm looking at you!). Contains glucose, proteins and lipids to protect and repair the hair fiber. Just try it.

To close up, I'll end with a hair treatment — Goldwell DualSenses Rich Repair 60 Second Treatment. I was both skeptical and excited about the "60 Second" mention on the label. I don't have the patience to wait 15 minutes for a hair mask to work every time I wash my hair, especially on weekdays. Leaves hair feeling very soft and, most importantly, acts fast. The formula balances the lipid levels in the hair, making it supple and healthy looking. Definitely will repurchase.

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Review | Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara

Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara in Over Black 090

When this mascara from Dior came out, I was very excited to try it out. I've been very happy with the previous ones that I've tried from the brand, but not only that, this brush really caught my eye. The formula matters, sure, but for me, the brush does most of the job. Depending on the shape, length, elasticity and types of bristles, you can get different results. That's why I like to have different types of disposable wands, to use on other people, instead of a pack of 50 wands that look (and do) the same.

In terms of the formula, I really don't like the ones that get so thick, that you can't even see the shape of the bristles. So, I waited a month or two to purchase it, just to make sure and see how it dried out on the store tester. Needless to say, it was perfect. This formula kind of reminds me of the Benefit BADgal Lash, which I really, really like.
I would say though, this is one of those that are harder to take off at the end of the day. So, if you're not cleansing properly, you should start doing it — as in, the type of cleanser that you remove with a face cloth.
One of the benefits of this product is that it really holds the curl during the day. I find that it looks the same after 10 hours of wear, and it doesn't flake. The brush allows you to reach the base of the lashes really closely, and grabs even those fine and short ones, without messing up the lid — great if you're wearing a light eyeshadow. Use the curved side up to do this.
You'll be surprised by how well it works with just one coat. Seriously, it provides instant volume. *Adding it to the top five list*. Diorshow Iconic Overcurl mascara is available in three shades: Over Brun 694, Over Bleu 264 and Over Black 090 — which is the one I've got.

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