Benefit Stay Don't Stray Review

I have a million eye primers ranging from Urban Decay Primer Potion, Too Faced Shadow Insurance, Laura Mercier Eye Basics, to MAC Paint Pots and the list goes on and back in February I was given Benefit's Stay Don't Stray Stay Put Primer for Concealers & Eyeshadows for my birthday which added to my ever increasing collection of primers.  Not that I'm complaining, it does come in handy especially when you're a makeup artist.  But this primer does have it's ups and it's downs.

Here are the UPS:

1.  My eyeshadow and concealer does tend to stay put for most of the day.  I work 7.5 hours in the day and my eyeshadow doesn't crease by the time work is over and my concealer is still on. Not much fading going on which is good.

2.  The application is easy.  It has a bit of a thick consistency but it glides on smoothly and is easy to blend.

3.  Eyeshadows and Concealers are easy to blend when put over top of it.  I like to use Benefit Erase Paste over top and it looks amazing!  Nice and smooth!

4.  I like that the color of it blends with my skin tone.  I'm a fair to medium skin tone.

5.  A little goes a long way so it can be used sparingly, that is if you can master the pump.  You'll see what I mean so keep reading!

Here are the DOWNS:

1.  The pump sucks.  I don't understand why these cosmetic companies keep coming out with silly unconventional packaging.  This is an eyelid primer not a foundation!  Too Faced Shadow Insurance got it right with having a tube of product.  It's much easier to get product out.  When I first pumped this I literally pumped out the size of a dime.  And I wasted so much product.  See the picture above?  That is exactly how much will come out if you're not careful.  It took me a long time to master the art of pumping because now I can pump out a tiny dot.  With practice you can too!  The key to getting as little product as possible out is a very slow and steady pump.  Gripping the pump with your index finger and thumb is the key!

2.  I found this to be a bit drying on my skin.  Maybe it's just me or the weather.  But I did find that when I used this my skin got a little dry and flakey underneath my eyes.

3.  I mentioned earlier that I like the shade it comes in but for my skin tone.  If you have a much darker skin tone I'm not sure if this is for you.  Their website claims that it's "neutral nude shade is universally flattering" but the color seems too light in my opinion.  It probably would have been better if the product dried clear.

So as you can see, it seems that the UPS outweigh the DOWNS but it is essentially up to you if you think you'd like this product.  Go on and test it out if you want but be forewarned especially with that darn pump!

Have you tried this product?  What's your take on it?  Feel free to leave a comment below.

Find this product at:

www.benefitcosmetics.com

www.sephora.com

Shoppers Drug Mart stores

Murale stores

$24.00 USD

Origins Multi-Grain Makeup Vs. Bare Escentuals Mineral Makeup

On days where I don't feel like putting too much effort into my makeup I usually reach for my powder foundations.  Two that I really like are Origins Multi-Grain Makeup and Bare Escentuals Bare Mineral Makeup.  But after using both of these products I tend to favour one more than the other.  Read on to see which one I prefer better.

Origins Multi-Grain Makeup ($25.00 USD)

This is not your typical mineral makeup that includes ingredients such as talc.  Instead it's made from oats, vitamins and natural SPF ingredients which are great for your skin.  One thing I noticed about this makeup is that it's not as finely milled as most mineral foundations are.  So it's a bonus that it doesn't make as much of a mess.  I don't apply this in the the same way as my Bare Mineral foundation because it doesn't really need to be buffed into the skin as much.  I like to use my Sephora #55 Professionnel Platinum Airbrush .  The coverage is light to medium but very buildable.  You don't need a lot of layers to get the coverage you need.  I love that it is weightless and feels like I'm not wearing anything on my skin.  As for the results, they are amazing!  I love the way my skin looks after putting this on.  It give me a bright healthy glow and makes me look alive and awake which is great for the mornings when you look dead and tired.  This foundation is quick and easy and will benefit you especially if you're the type that is always on the go.

Bare Escentuals Bare Mineral Makeup ($25.00 USD)

Everyone knows that Bare Minerals is the leading brand in mineral makeup.  I bought the started kit that comes with two foundation shades, a bronzer, mineral veil and 3 brushes (concealer, kabuki, powder).  The application I find is not as simple as it seems.  I feel like I have to really buff this foundation in to get the coverage I need.  The application process seems to take a lot longer than it does with my Origins Multi-Grain.  Also, I don't like to use the brushes that came in the kit because they don't deliver the results I want, instead I like to use my MAC 109 as I find that it buffs it into my skin a lot better.  I do love the end result though of having flawless looking skin.  But I find that it doesn't give me a that healthy glow that the Origins Multi-Grain Makeup gives me. Another thing I'm not too keen on is that this makes a huge mess so you have to be really careful. 

I guess you tell which brand I prefer.  Don't get me wrong I still like my Bare Minerals but Origins Multi-Grain Makeup beats it by far in my book!

www.origins.com

www.bareescentuals.com

Have you tried any of the two?  Which do you prefer?  Feel free to comment below.

BLOG SALE!!!

Hey Everyone! In case you’re wondering I’m getting rid of all this stuff because I’ve been neglecting them and they really need a loving home.

WARNING! This post is picture heavy. So I’ve decided to purge my makeup collection. Below you’ll find used and new makeup. I will indicate whether the items are new or used beside the picture.

PLEASE READ RULES CAREFULLY BELOW:

1) METHODS OF PAYMENT: PAYPAL , E-MAIL WIRE TRANSFER (if you live in Canada and bank with any of the 5 major banks)

2) SHIPPING:Canada & USA only:
$4.00 (CDN) flat rate for small items ($1.00 each additional item)
$6.00 (CDN) flat rate for larger items ($1.00 each additional item)

Tracking numbers: If you would like a tracking number for your parcel please state that in the email and I will charge an additional $2.00 (CDN)

INSURANCE IS NOT PROVIDED

3) Please e-mail me at donnamariedeleon@gmail.com and let me know which items you’d like to purchase and which method of payment you will be using. I will then send you an invoice.

- If you are using PayPal I will charge an additional $2.00 (CDN) for PayPal fees
- If you are using e-mail wire transfer there are no additional costs

ONCE PAYMENT IS RECEIVED (NOT PENDING) I WILL SEND YOUR PACKAGE OUT EITHER ON THE SAME DAY OR NEXT DAY.

4) I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS

5) ALL ITEMS ARE IN CANADIAN DOLLARS

6) FIRST COME FIRST SERVE

7) PENDING ITEMS MUST BE PURCHASED WITH 2 DAYS OF REQUEST

8) NO REFUNDS OR EXCHANGES – ALL SALES ARE FINAL


Okay I think that’s it…Oh and FEEL FREE TO SPREAD THE WORD...HAPPY SHOPPING!!!

(SOLD)
MAC Eyeshadow in Knight (new in box)
$9.00

(SOLD)
MAC Eyeshadow in Sugarshot (new in box)
$9.00

(SOLD)

MAC Eyeshadow in 100 Strokes (new in box)
$9.00

 (SOLD)
 MAC Eyeshadow in Glamour Check (new in box)
$9.00

MAC Mineralize Blush in Light over Dark (new in box)
$20.00

MAC Mineralize Eyeshadow in Engaging (used 3x - practically new)
$10.00

(SOLD)
MAC Slimshine Lipstick in Rock Out (new in box)
$9.00

Victoria Secret Very Sexy Lipglosses (used 98% remaining in all)
(L-R: Intimate, Secret, French Kiss)
$4.00 each or $10.00 for all

MAXMELL Makeup Kit (used 5x - most items are untouched)
$8.00

(SOLD)
NYX False Eyelashes (new in box)
$2.00 each or $5.00 for ALL

NYX Eyeshadows (used 2x)
Dallas, Hawaiian Coffee
$3.00 each or $5.00 for both

Red Earth Eyeshadows
(These don't have names just codes, all used 90% remaining)
PK094, MS118, BE033
$3.00 each or $7.00 for all

MAC Solar Bits
(SOLD) Bronzescape (new - I accidentally spilled this - 50% remaining) $6.00
Scatterrays (used-80% remaining) - $8.00
or $12.00 for both

(SOLD)
MAC Lipstick in Fantasia
MAC Dazzleglass in Get Rich Quick
MAC Lipliner in Cedar
MAC Cosmetic Bag (small in size)
I'm selling all these items together (all new). I bought 2 sets at the MAC Warehouse Sale. It was one of their charity packages. I bought it for $5.00 so I will sell all of these for $5.00 as well.

(SOLD)
MAC Charged Water in Youth Aura (new in box)
$15.00

(SOLD)
MAC Charged Water in Revitalizing Energy (new in box)
$15.00
(SOLD)
MAC Fix + (new in box)
$15.00
(SOLD)
MAC Fix + Rose (new in box)
$15.00

Shu Uemura Depsea Water Facial Mist (new-no box)
$17.00

(SOLD)
MAC Curiositease: 5 Softsparkle Eye Pencils (new in box)

$9.00

(PENDING)
Makeup Brushes (all gently used)
Coastalscents Kabuki on a stick - $4.00
Coastalscents Pink Delux Oval Shadow brush - $2.00
Coastalscents Pink Angle Taklon Liner Brush - $1.00
Coastalscents Pink Round Crease Eye Brush - $1.00
Studio Tools - $1.00
E.L.F Sponge Tip Smudge Brush - $1.00
Coastalscents Chisel Mini Detail Brush - $1.00
or $10.00 for ALL

(PENDING)
MAC Adoring Carmine 4pc Limited Edition Brush Set (used)
Brush bag, SE190, SE187, SE168, SE194

$20.00

Bridal Trial: Xelanie

A few weeks ago I did a bridal trial with Xelanie who's wedding is coming up next month.  Xelanie normally wears a bare face from day to day so she wanted to keep the look natural.  Here's the result of our trial.

Before

After

Products used:

Foundation: MAC Face and Body in C4

Powder:  LAURA MERCIER Translucent Setting Powder

Concealer: LISE WATIER Concealer Wheel

                 BENEFIT Powderflage

Eyes: BENEFIT Stay don't Stray eye primer

        MAC Rubanesque Paint Pot        

        COASTALSCENTS Eyeshadow from the 28 Neutral Palette

        WET 'N WILD Creme Liner in Black

        MAC Sign Sealed eyeshadow (used for eyebrows)

        COVER GIRL Lash Blast Volume Blasting Mascara in Black

Cheeks: TARTE Cheek Stain in Blushing Bride

             MAC blush in Mocha

Lips: MAC Lipliner in Subculture

        Estee Lauder Lipstick in 117 Rose Tea

        MAC Lipgelee in Jellybabe

Enkore Makeup HD Stipple & Swirl Brush Review

 Koren Zander

If you don't already know who Koren of EnkoreMakeup is then you better hurry up and check him out on YouTube!  He's one of the top Beauty Guru's on YouTube's How To & Style Category with over 87,000 subscribers to his channel.  He's also #48 on YouTube's most subscribed (All Time) Guru's.  If you're a regular watcher of Koren, then you'll know that he has his own online store.  He has handcrafted makeup brushrolls and he even has his own makeup and makeup brush line which are available on his website.  He's full of so many beauty tips and creative ideas that it will leave you wanting more videos from him.  He recently made a new channel featuring his arch nemesis Enkorinne.  Be sure to check her out on YouTube as well!

Because I like Koren so much, last December I decided to buy the HD Stipple and Swirl from his brush line.  This brush was designed to be like that of the MAC 109 and MAC 187 put together.  I was so excited to get this brush but when it arrived and I tested it out I was quite disappointed with the quality of the brush as it had horrible shedding.  It would shed when I washed it and it would shed on my face while I applied my foundation.  And I'm not talking about 3 or 4 little hairs.  This was like at least 10-15 hairs.  The hairs looked like tiny fine cut hairs which reminded me of facial hairs right after your husband/boyfriend shaves.  I had to let Koren know about my concerns so I emailed and DM's him on his Twitter.  He was very quick to respond and said he would contact the manufacturer regarding this matter.  I was then informed that the little hairs were probably due to the fact that the black hairs were laser cut and they had probably not vacuumed all the hairs out.  My brush was shedding so bad that I could no longer put it use.  I told Koren how sad I was about it and he took action and had the manufacturer re-produce a new brush that would have a crimped ferrule which would help with the brush not shed too much.  To my surprise he would send me a new brush FREE of charge!

I received my new brush in the mail the following month and in the beginning I noticed major shedding again!  I was told that this would go away with a couple of washes and uses.  So I decided to give this brush a chance.  And Koren was right!  After a few weeks my brush is no longer shedding and the results of liquid foundation application with this brush are flawless.  I not only use this brush for foundation but for multiple uses as well.  It can be used for liquid foundation, blush, contouring and highlighting.  This brush is much better than the first as it is more dense.  This is a great brush if you're looking to have that flawless airbrushed finish.  If you already own a great brush that delivers great and flawless results and you like it then I'd say this isn't a brush that you don't necessarily need to have.  But if you're a brush freak like myself then you'll definately want one of these in your collection!

Here are some pictures of both brushes and how they compare.

Top: 1st brush

 Bottom: 2nd brush

Top: 1st Brush

Bottom: 2nd Brush

Left: 2nd Brush

Right: 1st Brush

Left: 2nd Brush

Right: 1st Brush

www.enkoremakeuponline.com

www.youtube.com/enkoremakeup

www.youtube.com/enkorinne

Do you own any of Koren's brushes?  What's your opinion?  Feel free to comment below.

How to Repair Broken Makeup from a Compact

Have you ever dropped a makeup compact and shattered the makeup in it?  Well here's a video that demonstrates how you can fix that broken makeup.  This is also beneficial in the long run.  So anytime you drop and break your compact instead of going out to buy a new one try this out.  It's also a great money saver!

This video was made by my little sis Crystal aka: PrettyTips on YouTube. Be sure to check out her videos and subscribe to her channel!

T-Dot Beauty Bloggers Party it Up with BALMSHELL!

On Wednesday night I was able to attend the Balmshell Beauty Blogger Party located at their office in downtown Toronto.  After a long and tiring day at work I was almost hesitant in attending but thank goodness I went because I would have totally regretted it!  

 L-R: Fiona, Andrian, Jennifer, Karyn

I went down with none other than Fiona (aka: fionaman on YouTube).  Upon arriving I was totally wowed by how cute and very girly the office was.  It was decorated with red balloons and you could see Balmshell's signature colours black and hot pink all around the office. Bloggers were offered drinks by Girls Night Out Wines who was also a sponsor of the event.  We munched on yummy appetizers and food and indulged in delicious cupcakes made by Adjoa of Pretty Sweet Boutique. 

Cupcakes by Pretty Sweet Boutique

Also on display were the Balmshell Lip-Glosses.  We also had the opportunity to test some of the glosses out.  I tried 3 of them on but the one that won my heart was Confessions of a Call Girl a pretty orange/choral color which I thought would be great for the spring season.  I also tested out the cheek stains and ended up picking up Blackmail Betty which is a deep dark berry color. 

I had the privelage of meeting the founders and creators of Balmshell, Jennifer and Fiona Lees who are two of the nicest and sweetest twins you'll ever meet!  I also got to meet the lovely Adrian, who by the way was the only brunette at Balmshell and Balmshell hottie Karyn (aka: LoveBalmshell on Twitter).  I felt so tiny standing next to the Balmshell beauties and Karyn kept telling me how cute and tiny I was.  She even asked me to take a pic with her very tall boyfriend and bartender of the night.

 L-R: FIONA, JEN from Spiced Beauty, ARIANNE aka Glitter Geek

I had so much fun meeting all these lovely beauty bloggers.  It was so nice to finally meet everyone who I talk to on a daily on Twitter. 

A big thank you to Balmshell for hosting such an amazing get together!  I'm looking forward to future Balmshell products and expanding my collection.  Also looking forward to more awesome events like this one!  I think I did unleash my inner Balmshell that night!

For more pics check out my Fan Page on Facebook!

www.balmshell.com