Penny's New Powder

Hello Dears!
That pain-in-the-a*s Penny here again! LOL!  Just want to tell you about another new product trial. Well...new to Penny anyways.

For many years I have tried various powders to set my foundation or to wear alone for sheer, shine-free coverage during the warmer seasons. As posted in previous blogs, some of my favorites include M.A.C.'s Blot Powder ($23), and M.A.C's Mineralize Skinfinish Natural Powder ($27)....used individually or together with the blot powder used only for touch-ups late in the day. Very few products will last ALL day, so I will at least touch-up at the end of the day if I'm going anywhere other than home.

Recently I came across quite a few positive reviews about Make Up For Ever's (MUFE) HD Micro Finish Powder ($15-$30, Sephora), and finally decided to try it. My final motivator was that it now comes in a travel size for $15 at Sephora and Sephora.com. Penny's gotta watch the budget. LOL! This powder is described as: "A universal translucent finishing powder to be applied over foundation or worn alone."  It goes with all skin tones. Well, I have used this powder to set my foundation and I love its staying power. This super fine (micro) white powder blends smoothly and does not leave an ashen look to the skin as some translucent powders can. It is a mineral silica powder that gives a matte look. But Penny's favorite use for this powder is to set my concealer. Often times you have to be careful with powder around the under eye area as it can settle into fine lines. I have also had the problem of creating a 'reverse raccoon' look where the powder used to set all that concealer I've piled on in an attempt to cover my super dark under eye circles, becomes 'too light' and shows up as white circles under my eyes (especially with flash photography). *sigh* However, this powder is so fine it disappears under my eyes but helps keep my concein place.   I apply my make-up to clean, moisturized skin, in this order:

1. Primer
2. Foundation (I use liquid or cream)
3. Concealer
4. MUFE HD Powder under eye only to set concealer
5. MAC Skinfinish Natural all over to even out complexion
6. MUFE HD Powder all over the face to set (read full story...)

Penny's Pesky Problem - Eyeliner Run

Penny here. I have often been asked about keeping eyeliner in place. I too struggle with this problem, no matter how 'long wearing' the brand claims to be.  How many of you have had the following issues?

1. You apply your eyeshadow primer, your eyeshadow, and your eyeliner, but half way through the day you notice black smudges underneath your bottom lashes and you look like you had a good cry at lunch. WTH? (This can happen whether you lined your upper lid or your lower lash line). 

2. Or how about those of us with oily lids, heavy lids or monolids; when the eyeliner transfers to the upper part of the eyelid.

These things can be a nuisance for Penny. Especially when the rest of the look has come together nicely. LOL!  So I've researched and tried a few of the following tips: (read full story...)

Penny's Plethora of Products (Part II)

Hello beautifuls...here we go again. Penny has been a busy girl these past few months. LOL!

M.A.C Peacocky Collection (Mega Metal Eye Shadow) - This is one of the

latest collections by M.A.C. I purchased the eye shadow called Unflappable. MAC describes it as a “frosted black with purple pearle.” I saw it on one of the make-up artist and it was very pretty; she was actually wearing three colors from the collection. Her complexion was very similar to my own so I thought I’d try it for one of my smokey eye looks. Unfortunately it just looked ‘dirty’ on me; none of the pretty purple metallic shimmer showed through. It’s supposed to be a long lasting formula with intense colors. I will probably return/exchange it. It is also a huge pot of eye shadow…would probably last for years. LOL!
- MAC store & counters, $19.50

M.A.C CremeSheen Glass (Lip Gloss) - This is a pretty peach gloss but more sheer than expected. I purchased the color called Richer, Lusher. It is definitely creamy but would probably be best used on top of a lipstick.
- MAC store & counters, $18

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Gloss - I love, love, love my Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss. They look pretty and wear well. I also really like the color, creamy texture and long wear of Revlon’s ColorBurst Lipstick. So when I saw the new Revlon ColorBurst Lip Gloss naturally I had to try it. Unfortunately Penny is puzzled by the ‘lipgloss’ that feels and looks like lipstick. I’m not impressed with the texture of this gloss; which is thicker than the Super Lustrous, but doesn’t wear as well. Revlon advertises this as having “5x more shine” but to me the shine is lost quickly. Nice colors, but not impressed. Will give it one more try by using it on top of their ColorBurst Lipstick.
- Target, from $6-$8

Lancôme Blush Subtil Sheer Delicate Oil-Free Powder Blush - Penny is not big on blush but feels like it is necessary to complete ‘the look’…finish the face…and for others to find my cheeks. LOL! After receiving a gift in Sheer Amourose, I sampled this fine powdered blush and have come to like the smooth, natural, light look and feel. It applies evenly and lasts.
- Bloomingdales, $29.50

Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow Quad Smooth Hold - Nice colors. Great powder and application. I was able to try the colors in Innocence Couture, on a colleague and the colors applied smoothly, evenly and blended great. Penny also likes that the colors come various finishes…sheen, shimmer, matte and metallic.
- Bloomingdales, $42

Clinique Blushwear Cream Stick - Penny has always been hesitant about cream blu

shes because I’m not confident that I will know how to apply them evenly. But one of the looks I tried over the holidays recommended a cream blush under a powder blush for staying power so I tried this Clinique blush in the color Peachy Blush and liked it.
- Tap lightly directly from the tube onto the cheeks and blend with your fingers.
- Bloomingdales, $19

Bobbi Brown Cream Eye Shadow - Like cream blush Penny was a bit apprehensive about cream eye shadow. This Bobbi Brown formula blends evenly and is now my favorite ‘base’ coat for almost any eye shadow look. The colors I have are Cement - a grayish taupe & Bone - a light cream-yellow.
- The trick is to scoop a very small amount onto the back of your hand, tap onto the entire lid lightly, and quickly; blends best with your fingertips.
- Always keep the jar covered tightly as too much air exposure will cause the formula to dry and become more difficult to blend.
- Bloomingdales, $22

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
Penny