Category Archives: Reviews Revisited

Reviews Revisited: Volume VII

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It’s time for Reviews Revisited, a weekly update on what I’m currently thinking about items I’ve previously reviewed. Although I’ve really enjoyed writing these posts, I’m starting to have trouble figuring out what to include in them – so if there’s anything I’ve reviewed that you’d like an update on, please let me know in the comments!

Let’s start off today with Maybelline’s new-ish Color Elixir glosses ($8.99 at drugstore.com or Ulta.com). I posted a review in November, after owning two for a week or so, and I’ve been regularly using them since. I’ve also purchased a few more shades (including two from the new Dare to be Nude limited-edition collection; review & comparison coming soon!). I think that pretty much says it all – I like these even more than I did at that time.  I find them quite comfortable to wear, moisturizing, and flattering. Highly recommended!

Reaching further back into the archives, back in January 2013 I posted about Shu Uemura’s Art of Travel Palette, which I got as a GWP. I had a very positive first impression, and while I still like it, I don’t find myself reaching for it very often. I actually no longer have the blush (depotted & sold), which was a touch too pale for my skintone.  I do really like the eyeshadows, and writing about this makes me want to use them more often!

I haven’t ever really reviewed the Japanese brand Addiction’s Cheek Sticks (available worldwide on Ichibanko for ¥3850, approximately $37), though I swatched two shades here. As you can see, I now own four shades – Suspicious, Amazing, Rose Bar, and Tea Rose.  I don’t have swatches of mine today, but So Lonely In Gorgeous has swatched the whole line here. I adore Tea Rose (neutral pink-brown) – it’s about half used up, and also really enjoy Rose Bar (dusty rose) and Amazing (bright pinky red).  Suspicious is a gorgeous color, a deep browned plum, but the texture is dryer than the other three and while I still find it useable, it’s just hard enough to blend out that I rarely reach for it.

Again, please let me know if there’s anything I’ve reviewed / swatched / mentioned that you’d like me to include in a future Reviews Revisited!

*I purchased the product(s) featured in this post. This post contains one or more affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.

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Reviews Revisited: Volume VI

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It’s time for Reviews Revisited, where I discuss what I now think about products I’ve previously reviewed.

Back in Fall 2012, I purchased a set of eight mini Fresh Sugar lip treatment balms from Sephora. The set included the six tinted balms that were available at the time (Petal and Cherry have been added; Coral is no longer available at Sephora, but is on the -->Fresh website -->) as well as two clear balms – the regular one and the advanced therapy one.

I didn’t really review these at the time – I just swatched them and noted that I didn’t find them to be particularly moisturizing as compared to some other favorites. I still agree with that assessment – in fact, I really think of these as sheer lip colors that as a bonus are a little bit moisturizing.  I do enjoy them as lip colors, and I continue to wear them regularly (except Plum, which is just too sheer for my tastes). I frequently reach for them on days when my lips are not in good condition, as they don’t cling to flakes or emphasize uneven texture. However, when my lips are in better condition, I usually prefer a different texture of lip product.  The Fresh balms are a bit too slippery, transfer too easily, and wear off too quickly to be something I really love all the time instead of something I like for certain occasions.

fresh sugar tinted lip treatment balm swatches

I even re-swatched them!

Fresh Sugar tinted balm swatches - Plum Berry Passion Coral Rose Honey

And without labels: Plum // Berry // Passion // Coral // Rose // Honey

Overall, if you like sheer, balmy lip colors or if you need something for flaky-lip days, I’d recommend these, with the caveat that they’re a bit overpriced for what they are.

Another item I’ve written about several times are the Maybelline Color Tattoos (various reviews here). I’ve written about a couple different limited edition releases and I also own a few from the permanent line. You’d think that means I love them, but I really don’t – most of them are too sheer to work well alone, and all of them are too drying for me to wear as bases for powder shadow (I think they work a lot better on those with oilier skin).  I’ve sold several, but still have seven, which is too many.

I was so excited to try the Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquers (aka Apocalips) that I ignored common sense and bought five to try out instead of one.  Then, I’d made such an investment that I convinced myself I really liked them.  And, they are a good quality product – but I really dislike the scent, I almost never wear them. It’s not that I can’t stand them – it’s just easier to reach for another one of my liquid lipsticks that doesn’t have the fragrance problem.

Reviews Revisited: Volume V

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Thank you so much to those of you who took the time to fill out my – your suggestions were so helpful! And it’s still open if you’d like to take it.  I’ll definitely be incorporating your feedback, starting with today’s Reviews Revisited post. I had stopped doing these posts, but several of you mentioned that you like them, so they’re back!

First – Givenchy Le Rouge in Brun Createur (I have the mini size that was a Sephora 100 point perk; one of the best they’ve had!). Continue reading →

Reviews Revisited: Volume IV

It’s time for Reviews Revisited, Volume IV, where I discuss products I previously reviewed. Past volumes are here. Today, I’m going to talk about some products that never got a full review – items that I just swatched and wrote up some initial thoughts.

I’ll start with one of the new (and permanent) Wet n Wild Five Pan Palettes – I initially posted them only a month ago, but I brought the neutral palette, The Naked Truth, with me on my trip so I’ve used it quite a lot over the past few weeks. I didn’t like it very much initially – the shadows are on the sheer and dry side – but it’s grown on me. The matte shades – base and definer – are definitely dryer than I prefer, but still work for (respectively) blending out and as a liner.  The eyelid shade is really quite lovely; the texture isn’t perfect, but it applies well and the color and finish are just gorgeous. I don’t have high hopes for the other palettes, but now that this one has grown on me, I’ll give them a shot.

Another more recent quick review was of Almay’s Shadow Softie in Smoke (review here // available here). My thoughts on the shade Smoke haven’t changed much – gorgeous shade, creases on me no matter what – but I also picked up a second shade, the matte purple Vintage Grape, which I do not recommend – it’s very, very sheer and not buildable at all. I would definitely return it if I hadn’t lost the receipt! I would consider buying another  Shadow Softie, but only on sale or clearance, and only one of the sparkling shades.

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes brush

Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes:
upper lashes brush // upper lashes brush from a different angle // lower lashes brush

And finally, from last May, Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes.  I’ve been using it on an off since I bought it – which means that I really need to throw it away approximately yesterday (I didn’t realize it was that old unless I looked up the date of my post!) – and it’s a good mascara, a nice brush, and utterly unremarkable. There’s nothing wrong with it, but nothing special about it either.

Reviews Revisited: Volume III

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It’s time for Volume II of Reviews Revisited, and I’m going to talk about some of the products I wrote positive reviews about and now – after using them for a while – still adore.  Everything in this post is highly recommended.

First up, Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream, first reviewed here. I’ve almost finished the pictured mini size tubes, and probably would have finished them had I not purchased & started using the full size ones. I’m saving the minis for travel, because they’re so small / lightweight and a perfect everyday base.  I love Missha Perfect Cover for everyday use, because it manages to look very natural, but still cover the redness in my skin quite well.
I wear it all year long, but I’ve been especially loving it this winter when my skin is drier. I tend to wear sunscreen under it these days, but I still appreciate that it contains an all-physical SPF 42 PA+++ since a little extra protection doesn’t hurt (and physical sunscreen can be layered with other physical or chemical sunscreens).  At around $12 – $15 for 1.7oz, it’s also one of the least expensive bases I own.

wnw fergie perfect pout lipsticks

Fergie Daily // Bebot Love // Old School Glam // Saraghina // Fuchsianista // Ferguson Crest Cabernet // Pagan Angel

Next, the Wet n Wild Fergie Perfect Pout lipsticks. A detailed review of one shade is here, and I have swatches of the seven shades pictured above here. I really like the formula of these, and I’m suprised that more people don’t write about them.  I find that the Perfect Pout lipsticks aren’t drying (though not moisturizing either) and are very long lasting – several hours, plus a lingering, evenly-fading stain.  The colors are also fantastic. My favorite, Ferguson Crest Cabernet is pretty much identical to MAC Rebel – which is popular for a reason! – and Bebot Love is a lovely nude.

And finally, let’s go way back into the archives to revisit Guerlain Chamade Rouge Automatic lipstick. As I said in the post, I love the color, the finish, and the formula – the only thing that’s not great is the price!

p.s. I’m leaving town tonight (for my honeymoon!) and will be back on January 7th.  I’ve scheduled several posts, but I may be very slow to approve/ respond to comments, as I expect to have only sporadic internet access.

Reviews Revisited: Volume II

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It’s time for Volume II of Reviews Revisited.  Today (as suggested by the lovely Driveller Kate), I’m going to talk about some products that I’ve changed my mind about since my initial review.

Let’s start with Burberry Pale Barley & Burberry Midnight eyeshadows ($29 each at Nordstrom; Pale Barley not currently available), which I’ve changed my mind about twice! Here are my original reviews; I initially adored both. Then I fell out of love, decided they were too subtle, and sold both. Now, I miss them – I wear subtle neutrals to work every day, and wish I still had them.

I purchased Burberry Trench at the same time, and have consistently loved it and used it – check out the pan! Continue reading →