Review: Benefit they're Real Mascara

Not too long ago Benefit launched they're latest mascara offering, they're Real, which is labelled as beyond mascara because the formula is supposed to be good enough you'll look like you're wearing false eyelashes.  Here's how the product worked for me.

I received a few samples from Sephora when they had these as their VIB 100-point perk in stores.

Let's start with some numbers:

Product images source: Sephora.com

It appears that the smaller tube costs less per ounce compared to the full size tube.  At the moment, Sephora has a special set where you get both sizes at the prize of the full size product which brings the cost per ounce down even more.

Values aside, now let's look deeper into the actual product.

New Product: Sigma Beauty Expert Brow Design Kit

Sigma has recently revealed that they are currently working on a series of kits to help just about anyone perfect their make up skills with sets containing essential and one of a kind tools and products for specific parts of their make up routine.  They are aiming to provide everyone with several different kits targeted at different parts to create that flawless result.

First out from the collection is the Brow Design Kit which contains a 15 piece set of tools and make up products for everything brows:

New Products from stila for Fall 2012

stila is going into fall with neutral shades this year.  The new additions include a new foundation-concealer combo, a matte eye shadow palette, white eye liners, 2 lip glaze trio and 4 new lip glaze shades.

Shades of Skin: My Foundation and Concealer Colors

As I try new products, my foundation and concealer (well, mainly foundation as I don't go through concealers all that much) collection expands and inspired by a blog I stumbled upon recently, I thought why not list them out in a post and update it accordingly as I try new foundations and concealers?

This could also help work as a guide when comparing shades and as a reference in related to other products as I feature/review them on this blog.  Bear in mind that some of these products might not match my skin tone and I will try my best to put a remark at the end of the product name for those that I do remember and update accordingly as I use the products more.  Also, some of the products that I have are in sample/travel/mini versions and not full size or just products that I've tried previously.

Last updated: 23 July 2012

[L] - Liquid, [C] - Cream, [P] - Powder, [M] - Mineral, [T] - Tinted Moisturizer, [B] - BB Cream, [G] - Gel

New Products in July from Sigma

I always get excited when companies release new products.  In July, Sigma adds 3 more products to their expanding line of products.

Recently on July 11, Sigma introduced 2 new brushes added to their Sigmax line, the F88 Flat Angled Kabuki and it's mini twin P88 Precision Flat Angled.  Both brushes are available for purchase individually or as part of the updated 10 brush Synthetic Essential Kit.  The brushes will also be included in the updated Synthetic Kabuki and Synthetic Precision Kits respectively.

Review: real Techniques Core Collection Brush Set

When I was in LA last year, one of my besties asked me to get her some real Techniques brushes from ULTA.  She was a big fan of the Pixiwoo sisters and this was Sam's brush collection.  I wasn't even aware of the brushes til then and I couldn't resist trying them out for myself.

This is going to be a review of the real Techniques Core Collection Set that comes with 4 brushes and a convertible case/holder.  The brushes are only available via the set and are not sold individually.

All of the real Techniques brushes are fashioned with a long aluminium ferule and a black rubber-like base.  Their brushes are also color coded and the orange ferrules of the core collection focuses on a flawless base.  The brushes are made with Taklon fibers which are super soft and plush synthetic bristles.  The ferrules are imprinted with the real Techniques by Samantha Chapman name on one side and the brush name on the other for easy reference.

Case - closed for packing and travelling

Case - opened and laid flat

Case - folded back in half to work as a brush stand

The case is made of black nylon material with a velcro closure and folds like a pocket book.  On the inside, the brushes are held to the case with an elastic ribbon conveniently sewn to the case to fit the 4 brushes on one side while still having room for more storage on the other.  The top part of the case folds back and tightened with a toggle at the end of a string to form a stand.

Brushes

Top to Bottom: Contour Brush, Pointed Foundation Brush,
Detailer Brush, Buffing Brush

Make Up Basics: Eye Primer and Base

For this next post for the Make Up Basics series, let's dig into eye primers and bases.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Make Up and Beauty Bloggers/Gurus at IMATS LA

I've missed blogging and it seems that my last post was 3 months or so ago.  I'd like to start this post off with an apology for my lack of posts.  This year has been rather hectic and I'm going to make an extra effort to get back to more frequent posts and as promised in my last update video, more content and giveaways too (get excited!).

I was in LA for a few days for some shopping and IMATS (International Makeup Artist Trade Show) last month and it was so much fun.  I felt this year had a lot more interesting exhibitors compared to last year (my first IMATS in 2011!) and the crowd wasn't as crazy either despite tickets selling out.  Not only were there great promotions and discounts, I got to meet a lot of my fave beauty bloggers/gurus as well.  I missed out on some though (Jen aka From Head To Toe, AndreasChoice and Promise) but it's OK.  I didn't get that many things at the show but I did pick up some items that I felt I really wanted.  I'll do a separate IMATS haul post soon.

This year I chose to only go on Saturday but spent the whole day there from before the show started til 5pm.  Be forewarned though, this is going to be a picture heavy post.

Welcome to IMATS LA 2012
" The Wristband Counters "

Early birds in line to get their wristbands

Me, in line.

OOTD: Cardigan - UNIQLO, Top - Cotton On, Jeggings - Ms READ,
Shoes - Vincci, Bag - LV

IMATS LA 2012 Wristband

Wristband - Check! Now we wait for them to
open the doors for the day.