Tarte's Cloud 9 - FAIL

Oh man oh man oh man oh man.  This product was definitely a huge disappointment.  My first cheek stain ever, and it sucked so bad.  I was so excited to try it out, and when I actually did, I was so sad.  In my opinion, there are several reasons why Tarte's Cloud 9 Cheek Stain failed.

First, the color didn't show up on my NC30 cheeks.  There was absolutely no difference.  I tried to check myself out under different types of lighting, only to find out that the product looked like it just wasn't there.  Perhaps if a very fair skinned person tried it out they might have better luck, but as for me, I guess I was too dark.

Second, the consistency of the product was a bummer.  It felt like I was rubbing wax onto my cheeks.  Bleh!  And once I had finished application of the product, my cheeks were screaming for air.  If you have oily or acne-prone skin, this product is not for you!  I could definitely tell this stuff was blocking my pores.

Third, there is no smell!  It is advertised as having some kind of grape smell, but honestly, I tried to sniff it a zillion times and I still couldn't discern a scent.  I was very disappointed with this aspect of the product, because I had been hopeful that since it was purple, it would have a nice smell.  At least give me a little bit of a berry smell, come on! 

Fourth, Tarte's Cloud 9 is not very easy to use.  The way you get more product to come up out of the tube is if you push up from the bottom, and once the product has come out, there is no way to push it back down.  It would have been nice if it was like chap stick, where you could twist the product so the stuff goes back down the tube, but no.  With my luck, I accidentally pushed too much product up and I couldn't stuff it back down.  Plus, in trying to do so I damaged the product that was sticking out of the tube.

So all in all, Tarte's Cloud 9 was a FAIL.  I would have to describe it as such: it's like a big purple glue stick that applies no color, has no scent, is very sticky and gooey, and you don't want this stuff on your face skin.  If you did get some of this gunk on your face, you would probably want to wash it off right away, which is exactly what I did as soon as I tried it out.

Don't waste your money, avoid Tarte's Cloud 9.

Love,

Geneys  :o)

Amazing Oil Control!

MAC's Oil Control Lotion is amazing!  If you are concerned about shine on your face like I am, try this product out!  My makeup artist applied this stuff on my face as a primer for my makeup, and it worked just as well as any other primer I've ever tried, but even BETTER.  I had been using the Smashbox Photofinish Primer before, but when it came to oil control, I would have to say that it was second rate compared to MAC's Oil Control Lotion.

I tried running around all day with MAC's Oil Control Lotion on, and by the end of the day there was no shine at all.  And even when I constantly wiped the sweat running down my face, my makeup stayed put.  I did not have to blot my face at all or add any extra powder because MAC's Oil Control Lotion had absorbed everything.  It was just amazing, how my makeup really adhered to this lotion.

Actually, its effectiveness is evident when you first apply it to your face, because it goes on wet, but then it dries really fast and takes away any shine you had before.  Then during the day you don't have to worry about refreshing your makeup because it will always look fresh with this lotion.  Plus, it is really beneficial to your skin since it contains antioxidants and a balanced pH level to help you prevent future breakouts.  What more could you ask for, really?

I would highly suggest that you give this product a shot.  It really works wonders!  Think about it: you wouldn't need to worry about the shine on your face, you wouldn't have to run to the bathroom to touch up your makeup throughout the day, and you can go out in the world with the confidence that you have a fresh face!  If you are interested in getting this product, MAC's Oil Control Lotion is available at www.MacCosmetics.com for $29.50.  And trust me, it is sooo worth it.

Love,

Geneys  :o)

Smashbox Photo Finish vs. Smashbox Photo Finish Light

For a while now I have been faithfully using my Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.  It is absolutely wonderful.  It acts like a moisturizer that my skin just drinks in and at the same time it is an awesome base for blending your foundation.  Although it feels somewhat oily when you first apply it onto your skin, it is absolutely oil-free.  The consistency of this product is like no other.  It's just magical!

But today I decided to try something a little different.  I had received this sample from Sephora a while back with something else I had ordered, and it had been sitting around asking for my attention the whole time.  Agh!  OK!  I will try you, Smashbox Photo Finish Light!  I grabbed the small tube and rubbed a dab of it onto my skin.  Wow.  I was amazed by the original Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, but this Light version really took things to new heights.

The Light version of this product is less thick but still does the same job.  Actually, it feels very light, and it is still very moisturizing and lets you blend your makeup with ease.  Reading up on the reviews of this product, people seem to really like it because it is better for oily and acne-prone skin, like mine.  It also contains properties that help your skin become healthier and more flawless over time.  

Wow.  I think as soon as I finish my Smashbox Photo Finish Primer, I am switching to Light!  And if you have oily or acne-prone skin, I highly suggest you do the same, too!  You can get it at www.Sephora.com for $36.00.  You'll love it!

Love,

Geneys  :o)