Review: ELF's High Definition Powder

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 5 out of 5
Size: 3.5 oz
Price: $6
Where To Buy: eyeslipsface.com
Would I Buy Again: Yes

The high definition loose powder creates a "soft focus" effect to the skin. Masks fine lines and imperfections for a radiant complexion. The incredibly soft and invisible powder is great for on-screen and everyday wear.

 I love this product! I almost didn't get it but I'm so so glad I did. Basically its a very fine finishing powder that is suppose to 'blur' flaws or whatever. I didn't get it for that though, I just wanted something that would help with oil control and I think it does.

I put this on after my foundation, powder, and blush. To apply, I leave the puff over the sifter, put 3 fingers under the strap and my thumb under the bottom of the container, then I just flip it upside down and give it a shake, put it right side up and blot the puff on a small area of my face, using short stroking motions to blend it in. I do this a few times to cover my whole face. I think using the puff applicator to apply it makes it way less messy then using a brush. You don't waste product and you can control exactly where it goes. Remember to wash the powder puff every once in a while as it will get dirty, warm soap and water works just fine.

I find that this does help with oil control, but of course not 100% (nothing does that for me). What I really like though is that in the middle of the day when I'm getting oily I can blot with a piece of tissue and then put the HD powder on and look like I just put my make up on without looking cakey at all, as you might if you put on a regular face powder.

That for me is what makes this so amazing. I'm going to get some level of oil on my face in the middle of the day no matter what, and being able to suddenly look fresh and clean really means a lot to me. I'm sure there are other powders that do something similar but for the price of ELF's I think this is an amazing product. It is a really really fine powder too, if I run my fingers over my skin after putting it on I don't feel any grittiness which I've had with other silica powders.

PROS:
-very fine texture
-helps a bit with oil control
-mattifies
-easy to apply and blend in
-can reapply in the middle of the day & look like you just put on your make up

CONS:
-not available to many (if any) stores
-packaging is a little bulky if you want to travel with it, but you can transfer a bit to another jar if you like


Ingredients: Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica

Small Fyrinnae haul: new primer and eyeliners

Fyrinnae has a new gel primer and they finally have their liquid eyeliners, which I have been wanting to try for ages but didn't want to spend $10 on and chance not liking, in a sample size. Primer sample is $1, eyeliner samples are $3. I will do a in-depth review of each item next week. For now here are pictures and swatches.

The sample liners are a bit smaller then my pinkie finger, 2ml. The full size are 10 ml.
The brush, while very small works great, in fact I'd say the short bristles help you have more control of placement.



You Want Me: purple with blue flashTurquoise Tease: shiny tealFlattery: neutral reflective brown, great great color!

Review: MAC Prep + Prime Face Protect SPF 50

Quality: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 4 out of 5
Size: 1 oz
Price: $28.00
Where To Buy: maccosmetics.com
Will I Buy Again: Yes, for sure.

A skin-protecting cream with SPF 50. Applies under makeup to prime the skin for the sun. Featherweight, fast-absorbing, oil-free, invisible. Will not affect the look, texture or long-wear integrity of your makeup. Specially formulated with oil-absorbing powder, helps prevent oil breakthrough. Provides high-level broad spectrum sun protection. Worn daily helps guard the skin against discolouration, premature aging, dryness and other effects of sun exposure. Suitable for all skins.



I get all warm and fuzy just thinking about this primer. I have very oily skin, I've tried a few primers, different foundations, face powders, whatever, and none have been able to do what MAC's Prep + Prime SPF 50 has done for me.

Oil Control: When I'm not wearing primer my skin becomes oily 4-5 hours after applying foundation (sometimes sooner on bad days), and by 3 or 4 pm I have to blot (I just use tissue). When I wear the Prep+Prime my skin gets a little 'dewy' after a few hours but it rarely gets to the point when I feel like I need to blot. Even if its 10 o'clock at night, my face will still look only dewy or just slightly oily.

Foundation Wear: My usual face products are Revlon's Colorstay Foundation, followed by a pressed powder. I apply my foundation right after the primer because it CS is easier to blend with something else underneath. With the Prep + Prime my foundation lasts all day and if there aren't any lines around my nose or mouth (from smiling).

Breakouts & Pores: I almost always have one or two new zits everyday, and I don't find this to have affected my skin in that way at all. I usually just use the primer on my forhead, nose, & cheeks, and my breakouts are always around my mouth and cheeks. So this primer hasn't made me breakout more or less. Also its never clogged pores or caused any other skin irritations.

Application & Removal: The formula is light and easy to apply. I just use a little dot for each cheek & one for my nose and forehead. I've found using a bit more makes it work even better at controlling oil. This washes off just fine with my Olay face cleanser (it has little exfoliating beads), I don't have a problem with this staying on my face when I don't want it there.

Packaging: This comes in a little sparkly black tube that is narrow on the top and has the opening on the bottom. Its only 1 ounce, which I think it a rip off for $28. Also I think it will be a pain to get all of the product out when I start getting to the end. I would probably cut it open if not for the fact that I would not be able to take the empty tube back to MAC for a free lipstick or whatever. I only use the primer on days when I know I'm going to be away from home all day, otherwise I feel like I'm wasting it and I don't want to have to rebuy this all the time.

PROS:
-controls oil
-wears well under foundation
-no funky smell
-SPF 50
-doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts

CONS:
-expensive for such a small amount
-packaging could be better