Update September 7, 2024: Bobbi Brown reformulated the bronzers to be talc-free in early 2024. Click here to read my review of the new formula and swatch of the shade Golden Natural (including comparison swatches).

I’ve had several Bobbi Brown products on my wishlist for years, but something always held me back from giving them a try.  So back when it was announced that Bobbi Brown the makeup artist was leaving her namesake brand, I decided it was time to try those wishlist items before the new creative team changed any of her formulas.  The shade selection is what held me back from trying the bronzing powder.  I did not live near a Bobbi Brown counter (and still don’t actually) so I had no way to see the shades in person and decide what would work for me.  I finally landed on trying these two shades, Elvis Duran and Deep.  The good thing about this formula is that it is very buildable, so I think there is some wiggle room in the shade selection.  I prefer using Elvis Duran, but I can work with Deep by using a light hand.

Update September 7, 2024: Bobbi Brown reformulated the bronzers to be talc-free in early 2024. Click here to read my review of the new formula and swatch of the shade Golden Natural (including comparison swatches).

Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder comes in 6 shades and is $44.00 @ Macy’s.

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I recently decided to give the MUFE lip liner formula a try and it immediately reminded me of the Maybelline Shaping lip liners.  I have been using the Maybelline liner formula since 2017 and am a big fan of the formula, but it does seem to dry out before I can finish the product.  The reason I know it dries out is because eventually what is left in the pencil falls out, meaning that as it ages it dries and shrinks down, no longer fitting into its housing.  All liners like this (twist up) can dry out, so I’m not saying there is something extremely wrong with the product, but it does mean that I’ve been repurchasing it before I actually get to use the entire product. The MUFE liner is not a traditional pencil formula, but it does need to be sharpened, whereas the Maybelline is a twist up that does not need a sharpener.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Lip Liner (discontinued) vs Maybelline Shaping Lip Liner

Maybelline Colorsensational Shaping Lip Liner Divine Wine, $7.99

vs

Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Aqua Lip Waterproof Liner Pencil 11C, Discontinued

At first glance, the price difference between these two items seems like a no brainer.  However, you get more product in the MUFE liner.  The Maybelline pencil only has .01oz of product, while the MUFE has .04oz, so you will have to repurchase it less often if you intend to use it regularly.  Additionally, considering my experience with the Maybelline drying out, it has to be replaced before you actually make it through the product.

In terms of formula, Maybelline is drier to apply (even over lip balm).  I find that it dries down matte with no tackiness and lasts well throughout the day.  The MUFE formula has a smoother application and looks smoother on my lips.  The MUFE liner does remain feeling tacky, although it technically does dry down, in my opinion.  So, if you use a lip liner as a base for lipstick to improve longevity, you may want to look into the MUFE option.  The fact that it remains tacky will give your lipstick something to grab onto.  As an alternative, MAC Prep + Prime Lip ($20.00 @ Ulta) is clear, making it more versatile for this function.

Both MUFE and Maybelline claim that these liners are creamy and long-wearing.  The MUFE claims to be waterproof, but I’m not sure.  Both liners transfer slightly onto my cup when drinking, but I would still consider them long-wearing.  Compared to a pencil style lip liner, they are both creamy. You do have to sharpen the MUFE liner, but it is creamier than most pencil lip liners I’ve used.

Due to the value for money, smoother application, and appearance on the lips, I’d buy the Make Up For Ever 11c Aqua Lip Liner, not the Maybelline Divine Wine lip liner.

The only instance in which I’d recommend the Maybelline Divine Wine lip liner over the MUFE is if you wear lip liner as a lipstick.  The Maybelline may be better suited to your taste because it dries down completely and doesn’t have a tacky feel when your lips touch.

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Have you tried either of these lip liners?  What has your experience been?  If you haven’t tried either, what is your favorite lip liner?

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UPDATE February 2021: Becca Cosmetics has announced they will be closing their brand in September 2021.

This has to be one of the least talked about blushes these days.  I used to hear the occasional mention of them, but lately, it is all about the Cover FX blush duos or more recently cream blushes.  I typically stick to matte blushes because I often get breakouts on my cheeks, but I was pleasantly surprised that these look more satin once applied.  They do not accentuate any texture that I have and I haven’t used any other formula that looks as healthy on my dry skin.

While this formula is easy to blend, it is quite pigmented.  I suggest using the fluffiest blush brush you own and starting with a small amount.  Snapdragon is not as luminous or as pigmented as blushed copper and dahlia.  So if you are nervous about the pigment level but still curious to try out this formula I would give Snapdragon a try first.

The luminous blush line has a total of 6 colors and they retail for $34.00.

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Make Up For Ever (MUFE) Artist Color Eyeshadows, $17.00

If you are not familiar with these eyeshadows, they are sold individually in a plastic case that is intended to be temporary.  MUFE is a makeup artist brand, so the intention is that you build the palette you need for the jobs you work.  The brand does obviously cater to the general public as well, but they stick to their artistry roots.  So you will have to purchase a sturdier case for these items unless you already have space in a zpalette or similar magnetic palette.

$17.00 per shade (compact to hold the pan is not included)

All compacts regardless of size are $2.00 (you need the extra small size to hold 1 eyeshadow)

Bundle prices:

Buy 2 shades + a small compact, $29.00

Buy 3 shades + a medium compact, $39.00

Buy 4 shades + a large compact, $49.00

Buy 6 shades + an extra large compact, $59.00

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Disclaimer:  I purchased all products featured with my own money.  For my full disclosure policy, click here.

These blushes are quite hard to capture on camera, but I did my best.  While both colors have shimmer in them Dominate has a heavier sheen and more noticeable shimmer particles than Savage. 

(discontinued) NARS Dominate, $30

NARS describes the shade Dominate as a shimmering deep plum.  When applied sheerly on the face, the plum tone is more pronounced.  I do not enjoy the shade dominate for my preferences, I find it has too much shimmer in it.  When I look at it on my skin the shimmer particles sink into my pores.  Unfortunately, I couldn’t capture the sparkles in either shade on camera without losing the actual color of the blush.

Update 2024: NARS has reformulated their blushes to be talc-free. Click here to see swatches of some of the reformulated shades.

(discontinued) NARS Savage, $30

NARS describes Savage as a shimmering red brown and when applied to the face you can see that reddish tone come through more than the way it swatches.  Savage is my favorite of the two shades.  It has a less intense shimmer running through it that makes me look healthy and doesn’t accentuate my pores.

Update 2024: NARS has reformulated their blushes to be talc-free. Click here to see swatches of some of the reformulated shades.

Both shades are buildable, so I think they would work for several different skin tones.  I was pleasantly surprised that dominate was easy to apply lightly.  In my past experience, NARS blushes apply better with natural hair brushes and these are no exception.  They always apply splotchy when I try to use synthetic brushes.  I think NARS blushes are ok, but I’m never blown away by them.  I think there are better formulas at lower price points. However, if you are looking for great colors that work for a variety of skin tones, they definitely excel at that.

NARS blushes retail for $30.

What’s your take on NARS blushes?  Are they worth the hype?

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Disclaimer:  I purchased all products featured with my own money.  For my full disclosure policy, click here.

The blushes in this collection are being marketed as having a “Fingertip-friendly bouncy powder” formula.  They retail for $29.00 wherever bareMinerals is sold.  I don’t have a lot of experience with this type of formula, but I’d say they are like the Colourpop super shock formula.

Continue reading “bareMinerals Bounce and Blur Blush Swatches” →

If you are interested in these or any Clinique products, now through March 21, 2020, Clinique loyalty members can get 30% off any order (exclusions apply).

Clinique Lid Pop – Willow Pop, $19.50

When I purchased Willow Pop I was hoping for gold that leans green, but this shade is definitely a straight-up green.  So basically, the name is accurate.  The shade is very pretty and it works well, it just wasn’t suited to my taste.

Clinique Lid Pop – Grape Pop, $19.50

Grape Pop has a nice texture, it is smooth and buildable.  But there is something about the color that ends up looking a little dull once it is on my eyes.

Clinique Willow Pop and Grape Pop Swatches

These are decent shadows, but I think their All About Shadow line of eyeshadows is better quality for the price.  Some of my favorites are the quad in morning java (see swatches here) and the single in chocolate covered cherry.

Update February 15, 2022: Clinique Lid Pop Eyeshadows seem to have been discontinued, but if you can find any remaining inventory, they retail for $19.50.

If you enjoyed this post, please consider sticking around. You can check out my Brands A-Z index if you want to know what products I have posted about in the past.

Disclaimer:  I purchased all products featured with my own money.  For my full disclosure policy, click here.