Duel: Maybelline Ultra Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner vs. NYC LiquidEyeliner

Maybelline Ultra Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner vs. NYC Liquid Eyeliner
For the record, I bought these both last week and both in black.  They are both completely new to me.  I have been trying to find a good alternative to felt tip liners as they dry out too fast and I don't find them easy to do a cat eye with.

Let the duel begin!

Maybelline Ultra v. NYC Liquid Liner

Maybelline Ultra Liner Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

From Maybelline.com:  

• Waterproof liquid liner delivers all-day wear
• No skipping, no smearing
• Precision brush for perfect application
• Safe for sensitive eyes and ophthalmologist-tested (contact lens safe)

Shades: 2 - Black, Brown
Size: .25 fluid ounces
Price: $5.49 [Target]

My thoughts: This brush was a bit harder to work with than the NYC.  I didn't find the formula as fluid as I thought it would be. The product tended to cake up a bit where I went over it trying to get a bit more pigment. It tended to flake off even if you ran your finger over it (not 100% waterproof ).  I did put some on the back of my hand and it stayed in through water, but not soap and water.  I also ran some water over my lid and it stayed, but I didn't put down or rub at it.  So I think swimming would be safe but probably not rubbing your eyes after because of the flaking.

NYC Liquid Eyeliner
From www.newyorkcolor.com:
Ever dreamed of having Audrey Hepburn's glamorous look?

NYC New York Color will make you look as charming as New York’s most famous actress with its Liquid Eyeliner.  Just elongate your lash line to shape and define your eyes like never before.

Choosing your style has never been so easy, with its mistake-free applicator, do fine or bold lines without the fuss.  You’ll get the Oscar of the hottest intense look.

Deep and strong color

Perfect line, high-precision applicator

Fast-drying, smudge-resistant formula

With skin conditioning ingredients

Dermatologist tested

Shades: 2 - black and pearlized black

Size: 0.5 fluid ounces

Price: $2.99 [CVS]

My thoughts: This had a much better brush than Maybelline.  It was muchc more pigmented and opaque than the Maybelline as well.  It was almost in between a laquer and matte finish.  I found it stays on if you don't rub your eyes.  It definitely didn't flake off or get patchy where I built it up.

NYC (L) v Maybelline (R)

WINNER: NYC Liquid Eyeliner

The pigment, opaque formula, and smooth application made this one the winner for me.  The brush is better on the NYC liner as well and the pigment doesn't fade out as fast with one swipe (as you can see in the photo above).  At about three dollars cheaper than the Maybelline Ultra Liner, it's a true bargain as well!

Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation

I've been hearing such good things about this Airbrush foundation from Sephora I just had to try it!

 

Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Foundation
From Sephora.com

• Airbrush foundation with an ultrafine mist for flawless makeup results at home
• Blurs imperfections seamlessly and controls shine for up to 10 hours with a satin-finish
• Weightless, micro-fine pigments of InstaBlend technology ensure color lays down smooth and seamless
• Buildable coverage level—from light to full—for a flawless look every time
• Mineral-rich red algae extract protects the skin from environmental stresses and helps smooth the skin for a soft-focus, airbrushed finish that lasts
• Oil-free, noncomedogenic, and dermatologist-tested
• Formulated without Parabens, Sulfates, and Phthalates

Shades: 9 Shades [There used to be less - around 5]
Size: 2.5 oz
Price: $28 [Available at Sephora]

Sephora Airbrush Foundation -- Light

I have been reading rave reviews about this foundation for a long time, and was wondering what all the fuss was about.  I know Sephora brand makes some pretty good items, but for $28 you could go for a lot of other "name brand" higher items at Sephora or Ulta.  All the positive reviews must have meant something so I decided to give it a try.  I bought the foundation in the shade 'Light' and a Beauty Blender at the same time because people seem to like using the two together. 

Instructions: Shake the can for about five seconds, use some sort of hairband to protect the spray from getting in it (I use this one), and spray in small circles all over face holding can ten inches from your face.  Immediately stipple into face with a wet beauty blender.  You can also use a brush to buff it in instead of the Beauty Blender.  You can build coverage by going over areas again either by spraying directly on your face or on a sponge or brush then spot concealing where you need a bit more coverage.

This foundation looked so great.  I had airbrushed makeup for my wedding, and this looks almost just as good as a professionally airbrushed makeup.  It makes my skin look perfect and not cakey one bit.  I only set my undereye area with powder, where I used concealer, and that's the only place I looked slightly cakey.  I think I could've skipped concealer altogether and just stippled more foundation there instead.

I don't think I got too shiny.  The only area was maybe my nose, but compared to other foundations this held back my shiny t-zone area very well.

The only downside I've heard, is this tends to run out pretty quickly if you use it daily.  The average foundation is usually one fluid ounce but since you are spraying this, you have less control about how much you're using at a time.  Because of this, I would use this for more special occasions or on the weekend.

I will definitely be buying this foundation again and think it's great for special events and pictures.

Sephora Airbrush Foundation -- Light

 

Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser

I mentioned in my post about the Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Night Moisturizer, that I used it after the Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser and said I would talk about the cleanser more too, so here we go...

Neutrogena Pore Refining Exfoliating Cleanser
[Claims from Neutrogena.com]

• Visibly reduce the look of pores just by washing your face
• Pores can look up to half their size in just one week
• Exfoliating micro beads gently sweep away dead surface skin and smoothes over rough, uneven patches
• Alpha-hydroxy formula penetrates deep into pores to remove dirt, oil and makeup that can clog and enlarge pores
• Skin is instantly smoother and more even toned, and pores appear smaller and less visible.

Price: $7.59 [Target - sales frequently, and BOGO deals or gift cards]

I use this cleanser at night to exfoliate and detoxify my skin from the day's impurities.  The micro-beads do a great job of getting out any remaining makeup, dirt or gross stuff that may still be in my pores.  It does exfoliate my face without being too harsh as the beads are very small and not too grainy.  The formula helps my pores look smaller, especially in my problem area around my nose.

There is already a backup of this cleanser in my closet because I am almost done with this bottle of it, so I will definitely be coming back to this cleanser again and again.

Warning: Just don't get this one near your eyes, it does sting a bit if you do get too close.

Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 15

I have been searching for a great drugstore tinted moisturizer.  Sonia Kashuk is a raved about brand sold exclusively at Target, so I picked this up in the second lightest shade, Linen [24].  The brushes and makeup remover are fan favorites, so I was hoping this would be great.  I have her travel blush brush and love it.

First off, the claims from Target.com...
Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer With SPF 15

• Sheer lightweight formula in place of foundation for aatural healthy glowing complexion
• Infused with a vitamin complex that helps stimulate collagen production to keep skin cells looking stronger and younger
• SPF 15 to prevent future sun damage
• Won awards in April 2014 and November 2012

Price: $13.69 [Target] - 1.75 fl oz

The color Linen was unfortunately was too pale for me, making me look much paler and almost sickly.  Beige or Honey would've definitely been a better color choice for me, however, I hated the texture so much, I probably won't be exchanging this for a better shade.

This formula is so thick that it was hard to spread over my face.  It almost seemed to skip over spots because it wasn't spreadable or fluid enough.  I went over my face twice, hoping for a bit more coverage on the bare patches.  The result looked more like foundation than anything else, but not even a great foundation.  It made me look all one tone, but in a bad way.  In my mind, a tinted moisturizer would let my freckles show through a little bit, and just even out my skin tone while also giving my skin some moisture and a little protective SPF.  I am starting to think that tinted moisturizers are putting more emphasis on the tint than the moisture and this one definitely lacked moisture.

When this product was in it's previous incarnation (the white bottle) people seemed to like the formula better.  I never tried it when it was in it's previous packaging, but I can understand why people wouldn't like this formulation.  It was a big miss for me.  I definitely don't hold this against the brand though, and I will be trying more products from Sonia Kashuk!

Skincare Sunday: Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser

Neutrogena Fresh Foaming Cleanser
Claims from Neutrogena.com:

• Cleanser and makeup remover in one
• Effectively removes dirt, oil and makeup
• Removes eye makeup, without soaps or oils that can sting or irritate the sensitive eye area
• Soap-free, Oil-free, Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores), Hypoallergenic, Dermatologist Tested

Size: 6.7 fluid oz
Price: $4.99 {Target -- I bought this as part of the Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle System - you essentially get the cleanser for free if you add up how much the items cost separately.}

This cleanser reminds me a bit of the Origins Checks and Balances Frothy Face Wash {read my full review here} in that this doesn't leave your face feeling dry and tight.  This would be great if you have normal to dry skin.  Since I have combination to oily skin, this just wasn't enough for me.  I prefer something just slightly stronger than the Fresh Foaming Cleanser that leaves me feeling a little more clean and tightened up in my pores.

As for the 'makeup remover' claim, I don't think it removed any more makeup than any other face wash.  I prefer to use a makeup wipe to make sure I get everything out of my pores before washing my face, but I skipped the wipe just so I could see how the cleanser measured up.  It got most makeup off, just not all my eye makeup and anything waterproof like eyeliner or mascara.

Overall, this is a good cleanser.  It just isn't my holy grail (HG) or the perfect cleanser for me.  If you have more normal or dry skin, this would probably be great.

February 2015 Favorites

Wow, February just flew by...here we are at March 1st already!  It shaped up to be a beautiful sunny day here and it melted some of that crazy snow outside.  It's definitely making March a bit more lamb-like.

Here are my first round of monthly favorites here on Beauty Freckled.  I hope you enjoy them!

February 2015 Favorites

- Maybelline Fit Me! Matte + Poreless Foundation and Matte + Poreless Powder [$5.99, $6.99 - Target].
See my full review here, but I am loving this foundation and powder together, and the powder goes great with other foundations as well.

- Real Techniques Setting Brush [$6.39 - Target]
This brush is great for setting under-eye concealer or for those problem areas you're concealing.  I love it just for setting my oily t-zone as well so I can leave my cheeks more dewy.

- e.l.f. Studio Blush in Mellow Mauve [$3 - Target]
I want to pick up more of these blushes.  The color payout for the three dollar price tag is awesome.  These have Nars dupe packaging, and they even have a dupe for the famous Orgasm/Laguna duo.  Mellow Mauve is a beautiful nude, almost dusty-rose color, goes great with any look, and great in any season but especially fall/winter/spring. (The elf HD blushes look good too!)

- Wet n Wild Fergie Centerstage Collection To Reflect Shimmer Palette in Rosé  Champagne Glow [$5.79 - Walgreens]

This is a great drugstore powder highlighter in a rosy champagne color for the cheekbones.  Looks great on its own as a blush too.

- Milani Matte Lipsticks [5.49 - Target]
The colors are super pigmented, go on super smooth, and last a long time.  They aren't too drying considering the matte formula.

What did you love in February?