Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Makeup Minis

      
          As I mentioned in my first edition of makeup minis, I have so many makeup and cosmetic samples that need to be used. I constantly have a small collection of them on my makeup tray and stashed in other places, including my fridge! I certainly don't need a subscription service to samples, as I'm already swimming in them. Sampling can be fun because there are hits and misses. Here are my sample reviews in order from best to worst.

THE GOOD:

1. Burt's Bees Banana and Beeswax Hand Creme -  To be fair, Burt's Bees jar hand cremes are at HG status for me. The consistency is waxy and a little oily. It doesn't vanish as well as normal hand lotions. The moisturizing and healing capacity is amazing. In the winter, this is the only thing that can heal my painfully chapped hands.  My favorite formula is actually Almond Milk, but the Banana and Beeswax is nice too.

2. NARS Smudge proof eyeshadow base - I love this shadow base! It holds shadows and liner slightly better than Urban Decay Primer potion. The color is clear when applied. I've used up most of this sample, but I keep scraping with the wand hoping for more. I'm not sure if I will splurge on this in the future, although it is my favorite shadow base. The opaque bottle makes it hard to see how much is left and I don't like the un-hygienic wand. Because the bottle would be finished more quickly, I think it would become an expensive habit.


3. Smashbox Photo Finish lid primer - This is also a great shadow base. I'm surprised, since I haven't heard much about this before. I would say the eyeshadow and liner holding capacity is great. There is a color to the base that is more prominent than UDPP. It's almost concealer-like. I like how it covers up some of the vessels / imperfections in my lid. The color looks fine on my skin, but I think it might look odd on paler or darker skin tones. Again, I don't like the wand.





THE BAD: 
 
4. Benefit Ring my Bella fragrance - This is a fruity smell. It reminds me of Bath and Body Works' Sun Ripened Raspberry. I like raspberry, but I'm not that impressed, considering this is supposed to be a more expensive scent. The scent also seems rather synthetic.

5. Smashbox Lash DNA mascara - Can I count the number of ways I dislike this mascara? First, let's start with the pseudo-science-y name. I'm not sure what they were going for with "Lash DNA." Lashes don't even have DNA. Second, the barrel is impossibly large (see photo above).  Either you poke yourself in the eye, or end up applying to the tips. Third, the formula clumps. It's very volumizing, but incredibly clumpy. I've tried layering this on top of another mascara to add a little volume. It works, but adds too many clumps. I was glad to find it's been discontinued. 

         That ends this episode of Makeup Minis. Are there any mini hits or misses you've experienced lately? Thanks for reading!

Love, Dovey.

19 comments:

  1. Yeah was not a fan of the Benefit fragrance either - I should send it to my 16yr old cousin.

    I loved the mini Ren Frankincense Night Cream I received. I am contemplating buying a full size - $50 is not too bad for night cream considering I'm really close to paying 2x that amount for a Chanel night cream.

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  2. LOL! Sadly, I don't have a young cousin I can send mine to, otherwise I would. I agree about $50 for a night cream. That seems fairly standard now for so many companies. As long as it works, it's worth it!

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  3. I love the mini series, I need to start using my samples a bit more! x

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  4. Haha your lash DNA description was hilarious! Im surprised about the smash box eye primer, you're right, no one talks about it! I have the NARS eyelid primer, and I have been using it for months, and it just keeps on giving! True I cant see when it's about to end, but it does not seem to be soon. I blv there is enough in there to order one per each sephora FF sale before you need to replenish to save some $ =)

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  5. Rocaille- thanks! it's encouraging to hear that

    Lilladylife- now that's something I want to hear! I do think in terms of F&F to F&F sale (hehe) so that sounds like something I'll be picking up a NARS primer at the next one, which is due in late october, right?

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  6. hmm I was eyeing the burt's bee almond milk hand cream for a while and think it's time to make a purchase lol thanks for the review xx

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  7. I always thought Lash DNA was a weird name for a mascara! I'm glad I wasn't the only one who thought so :p I didn't know it was discontinued but I'm happy you're happy about it!! :p Burt's Bees hand creams are HG status for me as well :)

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  8. Great reviews! I'm a huge fan of the NARS Primer too, but am sad at how expensive it is :(

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  9. Thanks for the review! I need to try the NARS primer!

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  10. The Burts Bees hand cream and Nars Primer sounds great! May need to give them a try sometime Thanks for sharing!!

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  11. I really want to try the Burst Bee Hand Creme... I imagine it smells amazing!

    And I agree with you... Benefit fragrances are not great at all

    Sami xx

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  12. I've never tried any of the benefit fragrances, but I'll definitely have to check out the smash box and bars primers!

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  13. I love those Burt's Bees creams! They are wonderful for me terrible winter hands and they smell wonderful.

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  14. Totally agree about that smashbox mascara! Stopped using my sample... kind of a waste. I do like Ring My Bella, though. It gets a nice and subtle but lasting sort of grapefruity scent.

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  15. The Burt's Bees Banana and Beeswax Hand Creme sounds lovely! I tried the brands hand salve earlier in the year and it did a fantastic job at soothing and hydrating my chapped hands, but I wasn't overly keen on the scent. May give this one a go when my tub runs out!

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  16. "Lashes don't even have DNA" LOL

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  17. Amy, Jamilla, Kelly, Sami and Penelope - yes! I would def recommend them

    RD&L and Martha- I'm glad you like the creme too! I need to buy a new tub since winter's coming soon..

    Fables in Fashion - agreed =)

    Sarah - I guess that's why perfume is so personal! If it works for you, that's great =)

    Nat- I have a couple little tubs of hand salve lying around too. They're nice when you don't want people to smell you =P The banana and almond are certainly stronger!

    Tasha - =D!

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  18. I love this post. I haven't subscribed to any sampling service either since like you, I do have a lot of minis/samples to use up.

    I must try that Burts n Bees hand cream when it gets colder. My hands get terribly dry.

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