Shakeup Your Makeup

CoverGirl has introduced a new addition to the skin primer/perfector line up in the form of their truMAGIC Skin Perfector Soft Touch Base.  This compact can be used alone as a primer or on top of makeup as a mattifier, similar to Mally's Pore Perfector.  

The product comes in a large compact with a foam sponge applicator, which can easily be stored within the compact with the lid closed.  This is colorless, has no fragrance, and can be applied using your finger (under makeup) or with the sponge applicator (I recommend using this if applying on top of makeup).  

I am reviewing this as a makeup base.  I applied this with the sponge, but in hindsight I think using my fingers would be a lot more effective and efficient.  I have normal skin - not oily, and if anything slightly dry in the winter.  I paid special attention to areas under my eye and around my nostrils in an effort to minimize any fine lines that have developed there.  

In the two pictures below, the first without primer, and the second with primer, I don't notice a substantial difference, except the texture of the skin appears slightly (and I mean slightly) blurred in the bottom picture.  Unfortunately my camera died before I was able to take pictures with foundation on top of the primer.  

Overall, I found that my foundation went on smoothly on top of the primer.  I used Laura Geller's Balance 'n Brighten on top.  As the day progressed, the primer accentuated the drier patches of my skin, and my foundation stood out there.  I didn't really notice much of a difference in my fine lines or pores, so I don't know that I would use this as a primer, personally.  I do need to try this on top of my foundation as a mattifier/perfector to see if I could use the truMAGIC in that application.

In retrospect, would I buy this again?  Probably not.  I am in love with my Laura Geller primer, and will stick with that at this point, although I will always be on the hunt for a more cost efficient product to use.  

Have you tried the truMAGIC perfectors yet?  What are your thoughts?  

Retail: $8.99-9.99 at your local drug stores.  

A few new Wet 'n Wild displays at CVS.  The first is of the ColorIcon Powder Play collection of pallets - these are 5 colors, some neutral, some smokey and one that really pops out (in the center) full of color.  

The other new Wet n Wild display has their MegaSlicks "Love Stain".  The Megaslicks did have a $1 off coupon on them as well, making them$2.19 each!

Lastly there is a small display of new Sally Hansen Insta-Dry polishes.  There was one glitter in the bunch called Grape Gather, which I picked up to swatch later.  

Have you seen these yet or picked any up?  

The new products keep coming!  Another new collection from L'oreal - Extraordinaire by Colour Riche is a new lip color collection boasting richer color, smoother lips and shinier finish!  I have seen the advertisements in the January catalogs, but the color selection in person is fantastic.  I had a couple in my hand and decided to wait (not sure why!).   

I can't find much about the new Maybelline nail color collection, called Straight From the Shows (the Color Show line), but it was a collection of mostly rich cremes, and maybe one or two shimmers.  There were three colors that really stood out to me - two glitters (Emerald City and Diamond in the Rough) and a shimmer called Frozen Over.  Closeups of these are below.  

(Emerald City - Left and Diamond in the Rough - Right)

Frozen Over reminds me of a Sinful Color's shade called Cinderella, although Cinderella had more blue/color to the base.  Both are pictured side by side for comparison!

So have you seen either of these collections out yet?  Did you pick anything up?  Love to hear what your thoughts were!

The newest addition to the gel manicure phenomenon is L'Oreal's Extrodinaire Gel-Lacque 1-2-3 System, featuring a non-LED method to create gel nails.  The display has 14 colors to choose from - all creams - along with the base and top coat that go along with the system.  

Closeups off the bottles and color names below.  The individual colors were $7.99 each, and the base/top coat set was $12.99, so basically $21 to get started.  I am not sure if there were any coupons with it, but L'oreal coupons aren't difficult to come by if you check the weekly circular!  

Have you seen these?  Take a look at the pics below!!

Organix Hair is introducing some new products, which I recently spotted at Walgreens.  There are four new sets I saw on an end cap, all for $7.99 each.  This particular end cap only had Shampoo and Conditioner, so I'm not sure if there are any other new items in the collections beyond that, but here is what is new for 2014!

Organix Hair Sunkissed Blonde Lemon Highlights Shampoo and Conditioner

Organix Hair Hydrate and Defrizz Kukui Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

Organix Hair Quenched Sea Mineral Moisture 

and

Organix Hair Weightless Hydration Coconut Water Shampoo and Conditioner

This gorgeous baked eyeshadow was a Christmas gift.  I have never tried Laura Mercier before, but after Black Karat, I may very well be back for more!  

Black Karat is a one of Laura Mercier's Baked Eye Colours.  There are several to choose from (see snapshot from Sephora above).   The shadows are a good size (0.06 oz) - about the same size as the MAC Mineralize shadows.  

Black Karat is a deep brown, almost black base, with rich gold shimmer throughout.  Applied wet you get a very intense color and applied dry it is a nice wash of shimmer.  Below, my swatches are used dry, and over Fyrinnae Pixie Epoxy.  

This is absolutely gorgeous.  Have you tried these shadows?  What is your favorite color?