BridgetJones
Member Since: March 17, 2019Reviews
essence I Love Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara
With over 20 years within the cosmetics/makeup industry, I have used everything from $40 prestige to $2.99 mascaras, and have never understood why some women pay a lot for mascara when there are absolutely AWESOME, inexpensive dupes available!... +
With over 20 years within the cosmetics/makeup industry, I have used everything from $40 prestige to $2.99 mascaras, and have never understood why some women pay a lot for mascara when there are absolutely AWESOME, inexpensive dupes available!
Last Christmas, I bought a duo gift set of Essence's I ❤️ Extreme Crazy Volume (regular, pink tube) and the waterproof version (blue tube). Though I can't say I was thrilled with the waterproof version—different style brush, formula flaked, different result—I swear the regular version is a near-dupe for $33 BeneFit "They're Real". Also, a near dupe for long-ago discontinued, also pricey Smashbox Hyperlash mascara.
$4.99 for "wow" factor? Yes, please! (especially since mascaras should be replaced every 3 months)
I love that I'm not only able to get every little lash, but also right to the root and waterline, giving the illusion of thicker lashes. Layered in 2 coats, applied over a primer: WOW!
The consistency is buildable, but not too thin or watery. I've found that the product wears for about 8 hours without beginning to scatter or smudge. No irritation when I wear my contact lenses either.
Unlike BeneFit's "They're Real", I ❤️ Extreme Volume Mascara from Essence is a breeze to remove at the end of the day. An oil-based product is not necessary, nor is tugging at lashes; just a quick sweep of micellare water, eye makeup remover, or a regular cleanser, and it's GONE! No residue left behind.
There is no need to pay more for a mascara, unless you feel the need to have prestige products in your arsenal. (Save the money for better skincare and foundation!) The only complaint I have about this product: it's not available in black/brown, brown, navy, or aubergine (if I want a softer look).
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Face Atelier Ultra Foundation
As an independent, professional level, indie brand, Calgary-based FACE atelier is small but mighty! Well known among authentic, working, experienced industry professionals, it is a shame that the brand isn't as well-known among novices and... +
As an independent, professional level, indie brand, Calgary-based FACE atelier is small but mighty! Well known among authentic, working, experienced industry professionals, it is a shame that the brand isn't as well-known among novices and consumers.
The star product of FACE atelier Cosmetics is its Ultra Foundation, and for good reason: it kicks a** on the competition, letting the product (not marketing) speak for itself, delivering incredibly flawless, adjustable, truly professional results for a diverse range of skin tones and mediums.
Pigment: an incredible amount! A little goes a long, long way!
Finish: satin.
Versatility: can be used in an airbrush machine; applied with fingers, sponges, or brushes—all produce gorgeous results! It can also be diluted with moisturizer to create a more sheer application.
The formula GLIDES on weightlessly, is sweat and water resistant, without SPF (no flash bounce-back!), suitable for HD use, floats atop of the skin, and is BETTER than Armani Lumnious Silk, for a fraction of the cost!
Available in two sizes: PRO (in plastic pumps) and Retail (glass bottles), I prefer PRO for its size and weight. I wear Porcelain in winter and Wheat in summer.
The product can be bought from the company's website (also: samples of products for $1), select retailers (including Kleinfeld's bridal boutique at The Bay, downtown Toronto), various online sources, and the odd professional industry tradeshow (The Makeup Show, not I.M.A.T.S.)
If you haven't tried it, you're missing out, and I suggest ordering samples directly from the company's website: https://www.faceatelier.com/category/complexion/
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Jouviance serum lèvres repulpant Plumpfx
Pucker up!💋 After using up the final remnants of what remained in my tube of LipFusion XL (discontinued) and having read negative reviews for LipFusion's more expensive XXL formula, I was on the hunt for a comparable product to produce the... +
Pucker up!💋
After using up the final remnants of what remained in my tube of LipFusion XL (discontinued) and having read negative reviews for LipFusion's more expensive XXL formula, I was on the hunt for a comparable product to produce the results of XL.
Canadian dermatological brand, Jouviance offers bang for buck, delivering results with its affordable, effective products. I've always been pleased with the brand whenever trying various items over the years. Their PlumpFX Serum is no exception!
Except, I'd hardly call it a "serum". It's a treatment product doubling as a smooth-textured, very slightly tinted lip gloss. (Think: your lips, but with subtle, natural enhancement.)
Not only is it a DUPE for pricier (discontinued) LipFusion XL, but delivers the same smoothness, mintiness, hydration, and subtle plumping results ... costing quite a bit less at $32 (regular price), and an even better price when on sale at SDM/beautyBOUTIQUE (plus, PC Optimum Points!)! I liked mine so much, I also bought a tube for my mother's stocking stuff this past Xmas.
Buy Canadian. Pay less. Get results. It's that simple.
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COVERGIRL Exhibitionist Mascara
I'm always game for trying dupes for high-end/prestige cosmetic products. It seems that COVERGIRL (Coty) sought to replicate TWO different cult favourite mascaras with their latest offering, Exhibitionist: the brush and volume of Too Faced's Better... +
I'm always game for trying dupes for high-end/prestige cosmetic products. It seems that COVERGIRL (Coty) sought to replicate TWO different cult favourite mascaras with their latest offering, Exhibitionist: the brush and volume of Too Faced's Better Than Sex mascara, as well as tube-formulation of Blinc mascara. For $13.99 (Shoppers Drug Mart), it was a fraction of the cost of the aforementioned, and I hoped for the best. I bought the regular formula in Black, not waterproof.
Sadly and although a lot of consumers really like or love Exhibitionist Mascara, I am not one of those people who will repurchase the formulation. Not only was there no "wow" factor with the volume or results, but both times I tried it, I ended up with little black speckles/flakes on my cheeks within hours of applying, as well as irritated eyes (contact lenses). Thankfully, Shoppers Drug Mart accepted my return (with receipt), and Coty Cosmetics sent me a $20 voucher to purchase something else. (Great customer service!)
Mascara is a really personal choice. Every user has their Holy Grail formulation and go-to. (Hell hath no fury like a woman or man whose favourite mascara or foundation has been discontinued!) COVERGIRL Exhibitionist is not, nor will ever be, my go-to.
Word to the wise: always keep your sales receipt when purchasing new cosmetics, regardless of where you've purchased from. Shoppers Drug Mart can be hit/miss for accepting return (depending on each store and its Associate Owner's policies); many SDMs will only accept in-store cosmetic returns if the customer has had a reaction to a product (i.e. allergy or irritation), not based on liking a product or colour. If items are ordered/purchased from Shoppers' online beautyBOUTIQUE site, YES, even used products may be returned to any SDM for a refund! Some beautyBOUTIQUE locations will accept in-store purchase returns only for high-end products or in the instance of an allergy/irritant in a budget brand. London Drugs and Walmart have much better return policies for budget brands. Use it, don't like it: it can be returned for a refund if you have the receipt.
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