Five Faves: April 2012

Posted by Tamara in featured, suggestion | 4 comments

April was all over the map when it came to makeup; from neutrals to brights and everything in between.   Interestingly enough though, my favourites are relatively subdued. All of them are solid pieces though, so if you’re looking for some strong foundation pieces they should serve you well.

If you’d like a full or quick review of any of these product, just let me know in the comments.

Chanel Rouge Allure Extrait De Gloss in Insouciance
I have a love-hate relationship with this gloss. Everything about it is perfect. It’s glossy, but not obnoxiously so. There is a subtle infusion of the most finely milled glitter that you don’t really see, but adds fantastic dimension. The texture is smooth and cushy. The packaging is super luxe, with a nice heft and a satisfying click upon closing. Insouciance is a lovely nude on me, which is what irks me. I want more impact for the price point, but that said.. I have two; one to keep at home and one for my purse. Ahem.

~ $40 (@ Chanel counters)

Essence I Love Stage Eyeshadow Base
This little gem was a part of my gift bag from the essence launch party and it really surprised me.   My eyelids are notoriously oily and tend to make short work of most primers.   This drugstore find beats out plenty of more expensive alternatives (MAC Paint Pot & Too Faced Shadow Insurance I’m talking to you). It blends easily with a lovely texture that starts off creamy and dries down to a matte finish.   While I probably wouldn’t reach for this if I was aiming for more than 8 hours, it’s held up well thus far.

~ Most of their products are less than $5 (@ Shoppers Drug Mart)

Hard Candy Glamolauge Heavy Duty Concealer in Tan
Quite possibly the most pigmented concealer I’ve ever used.   Ever ever.   The little bit you think you need is way too much.   The pigmentation reminds me of OCC’s Lip Tars.   I love using it around my brows, under the eyes and any other highlighting.   I just wish they had a few darker colours.   Tan is workable at the moment, but as soon as I pick up my summer tan, I’ll have to put it away.

~ $7 (@ Walmart)

Lancome Les Ceillades Versatile Shadow Palette in Blondette Fatale
A limited edition item, this was launched in the fall of 2011 as part of the 29, Saint Honoré collection. This palette was part of my first major foray into Lancome at the same time I picked up Artliner liquid liner. While I immediately fell in love with the liner, this was tucked away before I got a chance to use it. As it turns out, I enjoy this too. It’s perfect for a subtle, neutral look that is both luminous and polished.

~ I don’t recall, but quads average $50-55 (@ Lancome counters)

Stila Natural Finish Oil-Free Makeup in ‘F’
Another product that sat unused for a time.   I picked this up at Winners at a steal of a price and it was only within the past few months that I fell in love.   The shade matches quite well, which for some reason I didn’t expect to find with Stila.   Ideally, it could have a bit more coverage – but I love it for work.   It polishes the skin without looking too heavy.

~ $12 (@ Winners)