Keeping Eye Makeup In Check with NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

After having waxed lyrical about Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI) and going on and on about how fabulous that little tube of wonder is, I then had to opportunity to test out the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base when I visited Hong Kong in May. I honestly didn't plan on picking up an eye primer since I was very happy with TFSI.

But you know what? I'm a makeup junkie and a lemming at that. I actually didn't get it immediately but after walking around for hours with a full face of NARS makeup on (I was testing out a number of products that day) and noticing that everything was sort of melting except for the eye makeup, I went back to the counter and grabbed that Smudge Proof baby.

Description:

This smudge-proof eyeshadow base uses a unique polymer and mineral powder blend to get a firm grip on color for long-lasting, gorgeous wear. Fortified with a special deep-sea extract and an antioxidant rice extract, it dries on contact and keeps the delicate eye lid smooth and ready for eyeshadow application.

I do like the simple, under-stated packaging but why must they add that irritating NARS "rubber" on everything? Haven't they realised by now that their rubber tends to go all kinds of funky in heat and humidity? Thankfully, nothing has happened to my tube yet.

The Smudge Proof base is a white cream but goes on colourless once you apply and blend it out on your lids. The texture is very silky, probably due to the silicone content, and it is very easy to spread. It smooths the lid surface, helps extend the quality and wear of eye makeup, and most importantly, does not cause my eyeshadows to crease.

It helps deepen the opacity of eyeshadows and makes them look more vibrant. I have also gone clubbing (which is a very rare occurrence) and returned home at 3AM with my eye makeup still looking fresh and intact. This is a true test of its namesake and it is indeed smudge proof! Hint : It's probably a good one to wear in the upcoming Christmas dinners and parties too :-)

Overall, I really like the NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base and can even say that it is on par with TFSI in terms of performance. However due to the price difference between the two, I'd still go for TFSI as it is more value for money. Smudge Proof costs US$24 for 0.26oz and TFSI costs US$18 for 0.35oz.

Ingredient List:

Isododecane · Talc · Cyclopentasiloxane · Disteardimonium Hectorite · Vp/Eicosene Copolymer Dimethicone · Cetyl Ethylhexanoate · Cyclohexasiloxane ·Sorbitan Sesquioleate · Trimethylsiloxysilicate · Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride ·Propylene Carbonate · Peg-40 Stearate · Sorbitan Olivate · Tocopheryl Acetate · Cera Alba (Beeswax) · Phenoxyethanol · Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate · Oryza Sativa [OryzaSativa (Rice) Bran Oil Extract] · Triethoxycaprylylsilane · Castor Oil Phosphate · Sea Whip Extract · Mica · Ci 77891 (Titanium Dioxide) · Ci 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride)

Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer N in 01 Dragee

Face primers are one of those things that are often overlooked by most (because they probably don't need it... lucky sods). As my skin is so fickle, with an oily t-zone and dry cheeks and a tendency to get flaky at certain bits, I need something that will help even out all these problems. You know, since I put in some effort every morning to make myself look decent, I'd might as well have my face full of slap last longer too.

I have heard many good things about the Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer N but I didn't get it until recently because it used to be bottled without a pump. As they have revamped most of their foundation packaging since late 2010, I thought now is probably a good time to give this product a go.

A pump makes everything easier, yo! No mess and fuss about pouring out too little or too much. Not quite sure why it took Paul & Joe this long to figure it out. Anyway, the shade I picked up is in 01 Dragee (pronounced "dra-zhay") and it's a pale beige-pink tint with a light sheen (no shimmer).

When applied and blended in, the light tint almost completely disappears but it still offers some slight coverage to even out my skin tone and redness. It also creates a smooth canvas for foundation and powder.

The consistency is a little watery and light and feels oh-so-nice on skin. I like that it is slightly moisturising and yet does not feel tacky. Although it contains silicones, it does not have that typical slippery, silicone-y feel (if you know what I mean) unlike most other face primers. It has a semi-matte, satin finish.

I have used this primer with liquid, cream and powder foundations, and it most certainly helps extend the wear of foundations. It also does not make me feel like the usual oil-slick, which is a good thing as I was initially a little wary that moisturising primers would be too heavy on my skin.

Like most Paul & Joe Beaute products, this primer has a light orange blossom scent, which I really like. It's one of the reasons why I love their products so much! If you're sensitive to scents, you may not like the primer but the scent dissipates quite quickly and is not intrusive. The packaging is pretty, as usual. That embossed chrysanthemum blossom always puts a smile on my face :-)

Pros:

• Lightweight consistency.

• Smooth texture.

• Slightly moisturising.

• Not tacky.

• Shade matches my skin tone.

• Helps foundation and powders last longer.

• Does not make me oily.

• Pretty packaging with pump bottle.

Cons:

• Expensive.

• Shades are limited and more suited for fair to medium skin tones.

• Contains silicones, so not suitable for those who are sensitive.

Overall, this is another Paul & Joe hit for me and I would recommend asking for samples if you'd like to try it out. The Moisturizing Foundation Primer N comes in three colour selections from 01 (fair pink-beige), 02 (medium yellow-gold), and 03 (translucent). They have SPF15 sun protection except for 03, which does not contain SPF.

Paul & Joe Moisturizing Foundation Primer N is available at Paul & Joe counters and Sephora nationwide. It costs RM126 for each 30ml bottle.

Ingredient List:

(01, 02) Water, butylene glycol, glycerin, dipropylene glycol, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, triethylhexanoin, nylon-12, cyclomethicone, neopentyl glycol dicaprate, apricot kernel oil, orange flower water, tocopherol, sodium hyaluronate, jojoba seed oil, lilium candidum bulb extract, BHT, triethanolamine, acrylates copolymer, carbomer, xanthan gum, stearic acid, sorbitan sesquioleate, cetearyl alcohol, talc, triceteareth-4 phosphate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, dipentaerythrityl hexahydroxystearate/hexastearate/hexarosinate, behenyl alcohol, sucrose polystearate, polysorbate 80, polysorbate 85, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, lecithin, hydrated silica, hydrogenated polyisobutene, hydrogenated lecithin, methylparaben, fragrance  (+/-) mica, titanium dioxide, iron oxides, aluminum hydroxide.

Etude House Goodbye Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence

When I first saw the Goodbye Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence at the Etude House store, I immediately did a little squeal (inside) because it was so cute. Honestly, who can resist such adorable packaging?

Product Description:

Moisturizing makeup primer masks pores to subdue sebum and improve makeup coverage.

How To Use:

Dispense onto hands and apply directly to visible pores.

The texture of this face primer is pretty smooth, similar to most silicone primers, but it does not feel overly slick. It has a lotion consistency that actually feels a little moisturising but it is not a replacement to your moisturiser, so you'd still need to use your basic skincare below especially if you have dry or dehydrated skin.

I apply it by dotting a tiny bit of product onto my cheeks, forehead, nose and chin, then gently spreading over my face, concentrating mostly in the middle where I'm oiliest. It has a light floral scent that is quite pleasant and it dissipates after a short while, so you don't have to worry about any smells lingering on your face if you're sensitive.

I use face primers mainly to control oil and not so much to cover pores. The Goodbye Pore Ever primer definitely helps because my face does not get oily as quickly. I have been using this under Paul & Joe S liquid foundation, which has a tendency to slip off my face after only 2 to 4 hours, but with the primer on, the foundation definitely adheres for much longer. I'd dare say, my foundation lasts the whole day!

Overall, I am really happy with this primer and would definitely repurchase should I run out. It has a nice scent, does not feel too slippery, does not break me out, provides good oil-control and is travel-friendly. I would recommend it to those with oily skin or enlarged pores but if you're sensitive to silicones or fragrance, this may not be the right product for you.

Availability:

Goodbye Pore Ever Pore Primer Essence can be purchased at Etude House for RM59.90. Each tube contains 20ml. They are now running a promotion for the month of September and with a purchase of RM80 and above, you are entitled to get RM20 off the primer.

Benefit Creaseless Cream in Skinny Jeans and Birthday Suit

When Xin organised a collective spree from Benefit, I decided to jump at the chance to get a couple of Creaseless Creams because I have read quite a bit on them and the general consensus seems to be pretty good. I used to own one many years ago, probably in a discontinued colour because I cannot find it on their website anymore. But I may have tossed it out because it was dried up and got rather gritty.

I couldn't really decide which colours to get initially but decided to go with Skinny Jeans and Birthday Suit because they seem to receive the most raves. I didn't even bother testing any of these out at the Benefit counters and just went with my gut instinct.

Skinny Jeans is a rather unique pewter-green shade that has gorgeous gunmetal finish.

Birthday Suit is a beautiful shimmery champagne, golden sand shade and it looks lovely as a wash, highlighter or base.

The texture is creamy and applies very smoothly over my lids. I don't recall the older version being this smooth so they may have reformulated the Creaseless Creams over the years. I use either a brush or finger to apply them and both methods work out quite effortlessly. It dries down fairly quickly as well and when it does, it is quite budge-proof.

The first time I used Skinny Jeans, I lightly swept some of theBalm eyeshadow in Makeout Mary (reviewed previously) over my lids to bring out more of the green. Powder eyeshadows seem to blend in quite well.

The next day, I used Birthday Suit as a wash over my lids with a winged eyeliner. I absolutely love this look and actually received quite a few compliments that day. Birthday Suit goes on as a subtle golden sheen across my lids.

I understand a lot of folks have had huge success with how long these Creaseless Creams seem to last on them but sadly, it was not really the case for me. They did start to crease on the inner corner of my eye after 6 to 8 hours but this is not bad considering that most eyeshadows on its own will crease after just a couple of hours. Also, it is very easy to smudge away the creased product with your finger so I didn't see much issue with this problem.

Overall, I am extremely pleased with Benefit's Creaseless Creams and won't even mind adding a couple more shades to my collection. I believe they retail for RM86 each at local Benefit counters but I got mine for US$19 (approx. RM58) from their website.

Shu Uemura Face Architect Sheer Refining Mousse Foundation

I first got to know about Shu Uemura's newest foundation release on The Makeup Blogette's blog and was immediately intrigued. I do like both the Face Architect liquid and powder foundation versions, so when I read they came up with a mousse formula, I knew I had to have it. But it was not available locally at that time and I thought it would be a good opportunity to look for it when I visited Hong Kong.

I came across a Shu Uemura outlet on Russell Street at Causeway Bay and saw that they had the mousse foundation. I tried on a few shades and came home with 7YR-L Light Beige as it was the closest match. When tested at the store, I didn't have any makeup on and my face was rather splotchy because it was late and I had been out and about all day. It felt quite nice and refreshing on my skin that evening.

Product Description (from Shu Uemura Malaysia):

Using Stuff I Hardly Use and Liking Them

I like having days off during weekdays, especially when it's a public holiday. But le hubby and I usually have some form of errand to run during such days and this means going out under the hot mid-day sun. Knowing that I'll be out and about in the terrible heat, I decided to go for a minimal makeup look that is less prone to meltdown.

Since getting the Shu Uemura mousse base in BB Beige (limited edition shade), I have only used it a total of 2 times. That was because I was using my fingers to apply and it went on really heavy and streaky. I could never get it to blend out properly.

Today, I decided to whip out my trusty Beauty Blender sponge and the mousse went on like a dream. Just ignore the slightly discoloured bottom as I had not washed the sponge at the time the photo was taken.

Too Faced Shadow Insurance ~ The Ultimate Eyelid Primer

It is quite rare for me to declare something as Holy Grail material, especially when it comes to cosmetics. For countless years, I've had to deal with smudgy, creasy, messy eyeshadows because my lids are oily and nothing seems to stay on for long.

I first read about Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI) a couple of years ago but never got around to ordering it online. It was not available locally until Sephora opened its doors in KL less than a month ago. I was contemplating on purchasing Urban Decay's Primer Potion (UDPP) as well (another iconic product) but I chose Shadow Insurance instead.

Product Description:

"Your full-coverage insurance policy against eye shadow fading, creasing, and melting. Our silicone-based eyeshadow primer transforms any eye shadow into a perfectly blendable, color-drenched, intensified version of itself, then locks it down perfectly until you take it off. Our skin soothing formula evens out the skin tone on your lids and smoothes out lines while it secures a barrier between the oils of your skin and your makeup, so no shadow catastrophes will ever happen again."

Tips & Tricks (recommended by Too Faced):

• Apply to clean, dry, lids using your finger.

• A little goes a long way, the product will blend in without being visible.

• Create shadow intensity for smoky eyes by placing Shadow Insurance on lids only, wait 30 seconds, then apply shadow.

My Thoughts:

I generally prefer liquidy products that come in tubes or pump bottles instead of doe foot applicators because I can control the amount better and it is a lot more hygienic. The first time I gave the tube a squeeze, a tiny bit of clear, oily film came out. I was sort of prepared for it because I read that the product may separate and you just need to give the tube a good shake or massage and the issue should not reoccur.

From the swatches, you can tell that the eyeshadow with TFSI is so much more vibrant. I was impressed with its longevity too because the eyeshadow stayed put even after wiping off gently with a piece of tissue.

I only needed a small amount to cover my whole eyelid, maybe the size of half a grain of rice. A little product goes a long way. The shade is quite neutral and light, in fact it goes on almost clear upon application. It has a silky, smooth texture and dries down quickly. I didn't have to wait the recommended 30 seconds and probably let it settle in less than 5 seconds. I felt that my lids were more evened out too. Eyeshadows go on very smoothly and can be blended easily.

* when freshly applied *

* after 12 hours *

What amazed me most was the fact that my eyeshadow did not resort to its usual disgusting mess. Typically, my eyeshadow would have migrated, separated and creased within a matter of a few hours, even when I've used a base or primer beneath. With TFSI, the colours pretty much stayed the same albeit slightly faded.

I kept checking at different points over the day and just couldn't believe that my eyeshadow was still there. TFSI is simply the best eye primer I have ever used! And trust me, I have tried quite a few (Paul&Joe, Canmake, Kose, Smashbox, etc.).

Pros:

• wonderful smooth and silky texture
• easy to apply
• quick dry down with matte finish
• eyeshadows / colours appear more vibrant and beautiful
• eyeshadows / colours stay on the whole day
• no creasing (finally!)

Cons:

• only retailed at Sephora locally, so it is not widely available

Ingredient List:

Isododecane, Talc, Cyclopentasiloxane, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Triethylhexanoin, Polyethylene, Trihydroxystearin, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, Isopropyl Lanolate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Propylene Carbonate, Dimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Phenoxyethanol, Tocopherol, Mica, Bismuth Oxychloride (CI 77163), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)

Availability:

Too Faced Shadow Insurance is available for RM69 at Sephora, KL. Each tube contains 0.35oz (9.9g) of product.

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

On top of foundations, I'm always on a look out for a good primer. Not just for the face but also the eyes as my lids are really oily and any eyeshadow will crease within a matter of a couple of hours. I have a few eye bases and primers but they don't really work well especially after a long day at work.

There are a few cult favourites amongst makeup artists and beauty bloggers and one of them is the MAC Paint Pot. I have neither Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) nor Too Faced Shadow Insurance (TFSI), which I can now get at Sephora in KL, that is if I finally go there. But MAC is easier to pick up at a nearby mall and I chose Painterly because I've read that this shade fits most skin tones.

The Paint Pot comes in a substantial glass jar and contains 5g of product. It may not seem like a lot but you'd only need very little each time so a jar will probably last more than a year depending on how much is used. To prevent the product from drying out, just ensure that the cap is screwed on tight when not in use.

Many people are not fans of the packaging but I like it. The glass jar feels solid and expensive. For a semi-hard cream based product, I suppose this is the best way to package it.

The shade is described as a "nude beige" and it appears a little brighter in my photos due to the lighting. It is a pink toned, flesh coloured shade that seems to suit my eyelids well. I am between an NC20 to NC25 but my lids are a little darker.

I swatched using a grey L'Oreal eyeshadow from a palette released last year, which I really like but has a tendency to fade and crease rather badly on my lids. The colour with the Paint Pot is smoother and more vibrant.

So, how does it perform and what do I really think of it? (find out after the jump!)

a tale of two primers

Paul & Joe is making me go bananas! After coming home with a bunch of items last Friday, I went back to the counter on Sunday. I need to have every, single stonkin' P&J product there is!!! I have huge regrets of passing them by for so many years. They had such pretty limited edition items before and I actually missed out on them. The only consolation for now is knowing that their Spring 2010 collection will be arriving soon.

After a rather terrible experience with the Clarins eyeshadow base, I decided I needed to get a proper eyeshadow primer and remembered seeing one on the P&J website. That was the main reason for stopping by their counter on Sunday but of course, I ended up coming home with a little bit more.

I wasn't sure if I really needed a face primer as well and since they had one with UV protection, it's probably like killing two birds with one stone. You will hear me say this a lot but I freakin' love their packaging!

On the same Sunday evening, I was meeting a girlfriend for dinner and decided to do an experiment to see how both the primers will work out. The eyeshadows pretty much stayed intact after 4 hours, which was quite impressive because they usually would have creased rather badly by then. Also, my face would normally be lit up like a giant disco ball from the 70s and I believe the face primer helped control the oil secretion to some extent. My t-zone was still oily but not as much.

The next day, I used the same primers and the same eyeshadow palette to see how well they will hold up after a full day's work. I still had to blot my face some time mid-day (I normally use about 3 or 4 blotting papers) but the powder foundation from the morning did not slide and budge as much. Although the eyeshadows did not crease, the colour intensity were definitely faded. The before and after photos were taken 8 hours apart.

I suppose I am quite satisfied with the results from these two primers. Not only did they enable makeup to go on more smoothly, the face primer offered sun protection up to SPF 40 PA++. Ideally, I would prefer something that can help mattify my skin more because my t-zone gets rather greasy even after a couple of hours.

I will be reviewing more of P&J in the coming months because I can definitely see myself going back again and again and again... :-)