Product Review: MUFE- HD Microperfecting Primer.
What it is: HD Microperfecting Primer To Go
A lightweight, oil-free complexion corrector, which enhances the skin’s texture and primes the skin for makeup application, is now offered in a convenient travel size.
What it does:
HD Microperfecting Primer deeply nourishes, moisturizes, and softens the skin, creating a glowing effect. It forms a protective layer on the skin, which allows foundation to glide on easily and last longer.
Exclusively Sold at Sephora: $15.
I got this primer as part of the MUFE Rock For Ever Makeup Kit from last Christmas & didn’t start using it until these last two months, since I had misplaced it somewhere in the depths of my makeup collection. To be honest, this face primer caught me off guard since it is a lightweight, cream-based primer, with a different texture, compared to prior primers that I had been previously using. I love that it absorbs quickly and that you don’t have to wait for it to set into your face, so you can go right along with your foundation routine after applying it. Also, it doesn’t smell weird at all (unlike some primers that smell kind of funky or have an off-putting smell). This MUFE primer has a cucumber extract mixed with Vitamin E lotion scent, that is fresh, pure and clean- which I happen to like very much. The staying power for this primer is pretty exceptional- especially during the winter, when my skin gets a bit out of hand because my t-zone is still oily, but manage to have dry patches on certain parts on my face- so, this primer balances both moisturizing my skin and keeping it oil and shine free. Also, a little goes a long way- you do not need much of it to apply all over your face.
I honestly enjoyed using this primer during the winter time, so we’ll see if I still have some left to use during the spring (when my skin starts getting a bit more on the oily side) to see how it holds up my makeup. I would probably repurchase this primer maybe next fall- the price isn’t that bad for the travel size, since you get about 0.5 oz and it’s lasted me about 2 months (granted, I do use a different primer on occasion). I would give this primer an A! I love it’s performance, packaging (squeeze tube, with a fine-point tip), lasting power and how it makes my skin feel after putting it on (soft and moisturized).
Product Review & GIVEAWAY!! MAKE UP FOR EVER’s HD Microfinish Powder. (Giveaway now, closed).
Product Info/Claims:
A universal translucent finishing powder to be applied over foundation or worn alone.
What it does:
Sets the foundation and slightly mattifies skin without changing its natural contours. This 100% mineral silica powder softens the appearance of imperfections. Completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. One universal shade for all skin tones.
What else you need to know:
It’s completely translucent and goes on any skintone. Its talc-free formula does not dry the skin and is formulated with 100% silica. Dermatologically tested. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder is an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner.
Exclusively Sold at Sephora: $30 for 0.35oz
I was really curious to try MUFE’s reputable High Definition Microfinishing Powder after hearing many good reviews about it. From my understanding it wasn’t just another mattifying transluscent powder, it was supposed to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and set your makeup regardless of the color of your foundation or you could just wear it by itself. I was introduced to this product about almost two years ago and was able to purchase it with a MUFE Christmas kit from last year and get it additionally as a deluxe sample with my Sephora VIB points. I’ve used this powder several times and liked what it did for my skin, especially since I’m always looking for products that can mattify my face and not look super shiny. I usually apply this right after using liquid foundation or concealer, making sure I blend it in evenly so it wouldn’t look cakey or too noticeable or powdery (or pasty white), like other translucent powders that don’t set in right with your skin (tone).
I found that you can use this specifically on your t-zone area especially if you have a oily/combination skin because it helps with oil control and shine. I’ve also used this by itself before putting on foundation and it felt just like a primer; mattified my skin and made it feel silky smooth like any other silica or gel based primer. I don’t use this product quite often; I find that it comes in handy during the summer time, when my skin starts to get a bit oily or have trouble setting my makeup to make it last longer. I find this HD powder to be very similar to Bare Escentual’s Mineral Veil. However, there are some distinct differences- the color and texture. Mineral Veil has more of a natural tint to it and is a light, smooth powder that easily blends in with your foundation, whereas the MUFE HD powder is a pure white-based, featherweight/light powder that kinda has this soft, airbrush finish to it if you use it properly.
I do suggest putting on this powder before you put on any blush or bronzer, just because it might not blend well and powder down the color your going for with either of those products. Orrr- you can also use MAC’s Fix+ to take away the powdery look and make it blend and set in along with your other makeup.
However, I have encountered a few cons with this product: I do suggest to use this product sparingly and make sure you take the time to blend it in right, because it can look a bit like baking flour on your face if you don’t buff it in. Also, I would only suggest this product to fair and light medium skin tones, only because I’ve read reviews from people who were darker skin tones & didn’t like it for being more of a white based powder & were not able to blend it in to match their skin tone perfectly. The price is quite steep for just this product alone that isn’t all that necessary to your everyday skin or makeup routine. I only find that this product is useful for me the summer, so I don’t use it quite often or need it as much.
Overall, it is a good product for what it does for me- keeps my face from looking all oily and shiny, it feels soft and lightweight- it isn’t cakey or heavy. I probably wouldn’t repurchase this product by itself unless it came in a kit, just because of the price and the amount of product you get in a little container. I do want to try other powders out there, but for now, I’ll just stick to what I have… my beloved mineral veil, but more on that later ;)
**** GIVEAWAY! ****
I do have a deluxe-sized sample (2g/0.07 oz- it’s just as big as the mini/travel size, just a bit smaller) to giveaway to one of my followers if any of you are interested in trying out this product or just ran out of yours. All you have to do is like this post & message me to enter (or reply) telling me either if you want to try it or if you have already tried it (& what you liked about it). I’ll be picking a winner on Monday night (11.28.11-11:59pm PST) & message you with details.
A few disclaimers:
You must be 16 or older and live in the US. I’ll probably do an International giveaway later for those interested.
xoxo- Cynthia.
Product Review: MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Smoky Lash Mascara.
Product Info/Claims:
Smoky Lash (in Black)
Size: 0.23oz
What it is:
A mascara that gives the lashes curl, volume, length, and intense pigment.
What it does:
This ultra-pigmented mascara was specially designed to give the lashes an exceptional volume-enhancing effect with infinite lengthening and immediate curling.
What else you need to know:
The tough, dense brush of this Sephora-exclusive mascara penetrates into the roots of the lash to ensure that lash is completely coated with mascara.
Available at: Sephora for $22.
MAKE UP FOR EVER never seems to cease to amaze me, I fell in love with this mascara after the first sweep/ coat. I love how it made my lashes look full and voluminous, with a hint of lengthening as well. My lashes are already slightly curled, so this mascara helps enhance the look to my natural lashes with out making them look clumpy, dry or boring. The bristles on the wand are exactly what I look for in a mascara brush; full, round, abundant and lengthening- that it does its job in separating and adding a coat of volume to my lashes. I do find this product to be long-wearing and clump-free, it is not a dry formula, it is a little wet at first, but settles in nicely after a couple of uses. & it’s very complimentary to both my dramatic and natural eye-looks.
Bottom Line:
Does this product live up to it’s claims and expectations?
Yes. I found that it both added volume and length, not so much curling. It is very pigmented and a true black, so it adds that drama to your eyes. & you don’t need more than two coats on your lashes.
Will I repurchase it again?
Yes; the price doesn’t bother me so much, that I would be more than willing to repurchase it again. I will say this though, if you are looking for an affordable and drugstore dupe, I would say that L’oreal’s Voluminous Carbon Black is a respectable and comparable mascara to Smoky Lash & you do get the same effects. Well, at least I do & think so.
I hope all of you lovelies found this review somewhat helpful or insightful if you’re looking into buying or trying out this mascara. Let me know what you think or if you feel any differently about this product and why. I hope you all are having a good day!
xoxo, Cynthia.
