What holy grail products are you still on the hunt for? Have you found any contenders?
Still looking for my favorite daytime and evening moisturizers… I’ve found many I like, but I’m not yet 100% satisfied with my choices!
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An eye cream that addresses dark circles, dryness, fine lines and puffiness equally well 🙁 I’ve tried more than 40 eye creams and I’m seeking the miracle worker that does all four jobs.
I had issues with dark circles forever people thought I was tired all the time I went to a Dermatologist & she evaluated I had clogged ducts underneath my eyes . She ended up zapping them with a smal laser . I actually made the skin underneath better a cleared the dark circles but my eyes were swollen and red for awhile. . I would look into it because I was the same buying eye creams & de puffers !!!
Good idea – I’ll see a derm, too! My Mum has a narrowed tear duct, so I’ve probably inherited something like that…. Thanks for the tip!
Unfortunately, no such product exists. 🙁
I was watching Farah Dhukai on youtube who recommends a very easy make-it -yourself undereye cream and I actually began using it and it makes a big difference. Try to combine evening primrose oil with pure vitamin e and apply a small amount every day (morning and night) with a q-tip. It makes your undereye area look super smooth and supple. Not sure if it fixes the dark circles, but maybe it will depending on what is the reason of your circles. I was born with them and nothing gets rid of them unfortunately. I tried pretty much everything as well.
Renu,,, Have you ever tried La Praire Cellular Revitalizing Eye Cream?
And Christine,,, what do you think about it?
I used a sample and OMG!!! The sensation is amazing!!! But I don’t really know if it will work well and as it is veeery expensive, I wanna know some view points, of course.
Thank youuuu!!!
Kisses and smiles,,,
Sorry, I don’t currently use eye creams!
How Lucky you are! 😀 😀 😀
I don’t like it but I am trying to be more disciplined. I have to! =/
A moisturizer that doesn’t make me greasy, absorbs fast into the skin, and doesn’t break out my skin, yet is hydrating enough. Also, white foundation that doesn’t look cracked/dry around my flaky skin due to dermatitis (to mix with a normal foundation to get it to match my NC05 skintone, as I’ve given up hope on finding one that matches me straight out of the bottle!).
Irene I have dermatitis as well so I can totally understand your pain about the flaky skin. I am not able to help with the white foundation as I’m not as light as you are however I would recommend that you try “Ultra repair cream” by “first aid beauty” which you can find at sephora (small size for $12) that is my HG lifesaver after I developed lesions around my hairline area and severe dry patches which would almost bleed if bothered. I have been to many many dermatologists but this is really the only thing that works. Good luck 🙂
Chanel has a great whitening base/primer. You should check it out, it’s awsome.
I have the same problem! Have you tried Face Atelier Zero Minus? I mix it with my foundations for a better Colorado match.
I was JUST going to recommend that as well!
That’s the one I currently use! Heard about it in one of Lisa Eldridge’s videos 😀 Unfortunately, it does have a tendency to make flaky skin more noticeable, so I’m on the hunt for one that doesn’t. I’m curious about Illamasqua’s white foundation, but I’ve swatched it on my skin at Sephora and it doesn’t look too promising, so I won’t buy unless I can try a sample first.
If anyone’s looking for a white concealer to custom blend, I use Keromask and it’s awesome! Buy samples if you can, since a little goes a long way and it seems impossible to me to finish an actual bottle before it goes bad.
have you tried mac’s face and body in white?
I haven’t, although I’ve heard it looks great! It can only be mixed with other shades of MAC Face And Body foundation because of its formulation though, so I’d have to get some samples first before buying two whole bottles in case it doesn’t work for me.
Face and Body white is great!
I’m NW-10ish. I use a mix of N1 + white.
You should try C1 + white, if your skintone is yellow based. 🙂
Have you tried Dolce & Gabbana Perfect Finish Creamy Foundation? I’ve been using it for a couple of months and love it. Their lightest shade, Classic 60, is close to a match for my NC05 skin, though it would be a bit lighter in a perfect world. It looks way too dark in the jar, but applies much lighter. It reminds me very much of Chantecaille Future Skin, but offers better coverage. It’s somewhat hydrating and applies easily and beautifully. Hard to find counters to test it, but Sephora has it online. Hope this helps.
You just helped me! I have been thinking about trying this and now I will. Thank you!
Thank you Eliz! I’ll see if I can find it somewhere in NYC to try it out.
I agree with you 100% on the moisturizer problem. I don’t have dry, flaky skin like you do, I have oily skin and good moisturizers that won’t make me oily are so hard to come by!
Kiara, I actually have seborrheic dermatitis, which means my skin is oily and acne-prone with dry flaky patches 🙁 I currently use the SkinMD Natural Shielding Lotion, which absorbs like a dream and it’s hydrating enough for me during summer, when my skin is oilier. You should give it a try!
i used to have flaky skin and tried tons of different moisturizers/salves-from drug store to la mer-and nothing helped. i finally discovered dermadoctor born to be mild cleanser and all my flaky skin is gone! i use it once a day and moisturize well (cerave or embroilisse). my husband (who won’t use any other skin care) even started using it and reminds me to get more if we are running a little low! trust me, that says a lot:)
forgot to tell you…i also went to the dermatologist about it because the flakes were so bad and a prescription cream didn’t work. i never thought the solution would be a cleanser!
I second the Cerave moisturizer (I personally love the Cerave PM) and a gentle cleanser (I personally change up between the Cerave Hydrating Cleanser and the Olay Foaming Wash for Sensitive Skin). Another moisturizer I like is the Glycolix Elite Facial Cream Ultra Lite.
I’m also prone to breakouts and flaky skin but the flakes are not from dermatitis–at least, I don’t think it is.
i have dermititis as well! when it gets bad, i skip foundations altogether as they will all cause caking… instead i go with a good tinted moisturizer / tinted sunblock…. one of my eternal faves was La Mer’s tinted sunblock! And set with La Mer’s translucent powder to give that polished look without caking!!
Use paulaschoice.com … She has a whole, easy to use database (beautypedia reviews) dedicated to reviewing products based off of performance and ingredients… especially ingredients. I went from dry, flakey, rashy, super acne-y skin to really decent-perfect skin just switching over to even drugstore recommendations from her skincare database (i’m a college student, can’t exactly afford high end, or even paula’s choice products themselves). As of right now, at least I know my own holy grail -drugstore- skincare products, and I look forward in the future to upgrading to nicer, maybe more luxurious options using this same database.
I have a similar skin type to your previous one you described…what drugstore products are your favorites?
Most of the reviews on the Paula’s Choice database of products that aren’t from their own line just seem very unfair and biased to me, though. Like, they almost literally said my favorite scrub from Clinique is poison in a bottle, yet for me it’s been a holy grail for years and years and nothing comes close to helping my skin as much as that does!
Foundation for my acne-prone, combination, yet EXTREMELY sensitive yellow-toned skin (NC-42). It must be light and have enough coverage to hide completely the scars left from my compulsive skin picking, but also delicate enough to not cause breakouts.
I haven’t found my holy grail brow filler. I like MAC’s Fling, but I want something even lighter and cooler-toned that makes crisp lines without pulling out the few hairs I have.
You should try an eyebrow cake from Illamasqua!! You can image search it, it looks super clean 🙂
anastasia brow wiz maybe would be good. lots of colors.
To be honest? Everything. There are many products that I absolutely love and those I consider a staple, but I don’t think I consider anything a holy grail. While I’m happy with most products I use, I am constantly on the lookout for something even better.
For example, I love my Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin, and I use it every day year-round; but I would love it even better if it has a good built-in sun protection (broad spectrum SPF 50 is ideal) as well as antioxidants and anti-aging properties. Alas, it’s just a good, basic moisturizer that doesn’t freak my skin out, and as long as I can add a serum and sunscreen to my routine, it’s good enough for me.
Try Paula’s choice moisturizers with SPF. She has everything from oily, combo, dry and sensitive skins. Some of the best ones from her line are tinted moisturizer (looks neutral in a tube but blends in with no color on the face, which is awesome) from RESIST line (SPF 30) and her Hydralight SPF 30 moisturizer. No fragrance, no irritants, very good formulas and are perfect for people with oily to combo skin. If you don’t want to purchase a full bottle, just contact a representative and ask for some free samples, or even order some on the website. Shipping is also free.
I have used samples of their moisturizers and I quite like it. While I would consider making it my staple moisturizer, due to Australian sunscreen & labeling regulations they can’t offer their best sun protection here (SPF 15 is the highest they have for Australian market, I believe). Not to mention the marked up Australian price is a bit out of my comfort zone for something I use everyday, then there’s the issue of the products only available online. It’s a pity because I do like them. >:
Have you tried Meccas to save face sunscreen?
It is just fantastic the best skin care product I have ever brought.
It doesn’t cause the white glow with flash photography, it goes on completely matte and doesn’t interfere with makeup. I actually could not be without it.
Bought the Clarins diagonally striped blush. Works well on my fair skin. Also bought the 2 Tom Fords 3 pan palettes in the pink and browns. Have finally ordered my Naked 3 UD and bought my UD eye liner complete collection.
An eye cream n concealer for me 🙂
badly need recommendations
I’m still looking for the perfect under eye concealer. I have a couple that I like but haven’t found an exact match yet. Mostly I mix several to get good coverage.
A holy grail eye cream. At the moment I’m using Clinique Even Better Dark Circle Corrector, and although it’s decent I’ve yet to find one that really addresses the problem of dark circles!
Moisturizers as well and concealers!
you should try LUSH toners and face creams, they are great! I always suffered from dry skin and the combo from LUSH did wonders for me, needless to say I had tried tons of products from Neiman Marcus, Sephora, Bloomies, Nordsroms, spend thousands of dls. and never got a great result. Try it!
I’m looking for two lipsticks from the Rihanna Mac collection (nude and talk that talk) and the black haute coutor lipstick… Was two seconds from getting it let me put it in the cart then said sold out smh
I think I might have found my HG day/night moisturizer. Been using the Future Solution LX series from Shiseido and while my wallet hates it, my face thus far is showing nothing but looooooove for it. I actually get people asking if I’m wearing makeup or not when I am most certainly not, it’s a nice change from, “…..uh, are you sick honey?”
Still looking for my HG concealer though for my crazy undereye dark circles from a lifetime of insomnia, I always have to custom mix one to work.
Concealer! The only one I`ve used so far that doesn’t crease, covers decently and is REALLY waterproof is the MAC Pro Longwear. All the other ones I’ve tried were a huge disappointment.
Try Clarins Instant Light Brush On Perfector. I bought it because the store didn’t have a Clinique one I was going to buy. I just love it. It does not crease and looks great. There are only 3 colors, I think. I don’t have very dark circles in the undereye areas, nut this concealer still makes a difference.
Mascara – I thought I’d found it but it appears to be discontinued 🙁
I wouldn’t mind a thoroughly amazing setting spray either, the few I’ve tried so far weren’t as fab as I expected…
My favourite setting spray right now is the urban decay de-slick oil control spray… the all-nighter doesn’t quite do the trick for me personally as I’m kind of oily, but the de-slick works like a hot damn.
A truly yellow-based long lasting foundation (everything looks too pink on me!) and a compact neutral palette for traveling. So far the closest I’ve come across is Dior Golden Flower but it’s quite too sparkly 🙁
The perfect under eye concealer. I always seem to find something wrong with my current “favorite”. I can’t help but change it up to try something new. A little pit of purple always shines through no matter how much a salmon color conceals it. 🙁
A concealer for my worst under eyes circles that doesn’t dry out my already dry under eyes and doesn’t settle into fine lines and is the right shade.. Mac prolongwear works better than most I have tried, over an eye cream.
Off the topic: Christine my comment on urban decay anarchy face palette hasn’t been approved in a week. I just wanted to know how scandal compares to madame batifole rouge g. They look quite similar in your swatches but I still want to know.
Hi Mariam!
I haven’t had time to compare the two for you yet! As soon as I am able to swatch them for you, I will let you know the answer! 🙂
The perfect peachy, warm pink lipstick! 🙁 I’ve gotten a few that were close but when I put it on my lips the blue pink in my lips ruined it ;__;
Have you tried using a concealer or lip erase before applying the lipstick? If I’m set on a true to tube colour, that’s my plan of action.
It depends on the color of your lips but you might find a great shade from Hourglass, the have a collection of 6 nude lipsticks. Hopefully one will be great for you, I have # 3 and it is beautiful!!!!
I’m always looking for a “better concealer” for my dark circles. I’ve got a few good ones – Hourglass, IT Cosmetics, MAC Pro Longwear – but still, I’m always looking for something better.
An eye cream that reduces the appearance of fine lines (not expecting a miracle, I will settle for the illusion of fewer lines) and an under eye concealer that isn’t so thin that it fades after a couple of hours, and isn’t so thick it looks caked on. Ellis faas concealer is good but not perfect.
The perfect foundation (or any base, really) – oil controlling, lightweight but pigmented enough to be built up to medium coverage, and a perfect color match
I also want the perfect MLBB lip stain. Benefit posietint might be it!
You should check out Hourglass foundation. It is the best foundation I have ever tried. I have combo skin with a pretty oily t-zone. I had never been able to find a foundation that lasts all day. I have probably tried close to a dozen different foundations with and without about 5 different primers. I even once had a dermatologist that I probably just couldn’t get foundation to last all day. I use a tiny bit for a lighter coverage, but you could definitely build it up. I use the primer with it. Lately, I have also been setting it with Ambient light powder, too. To give you an idea of how good it is, I was recently on a transatlantic flight (about 14 hours travel time) and when I washed my face that evening, I still had some foundation on my face. and even when I was wearing some long-wear foundations, they were usually gone by noon.
As for what I am looking for, an under eye concealer and a blush that will last even half a day.
which of the hourglass foundations and primers are you using?
I absolutely second that! I was having a really hard time finding a good foundation and Hourglass blew me out of the water. It’s spendy but totally worth. Definitely get a sample before you invest though.
BTW, I actually use the Illusion tinted moisturizer, which really provides moderate coverage. Also the Veil Mineral Primer is what I use and, I think, what many are calling one of the best primers out there. I couldn’t agree more. I like it better than any other primer I’ve ever used (Smashbox, Benefit, etc).
Honestly, the best foundation formula I found is actually mixing my Marc Jacobs gel foundation and CoverGirl 3 in 1 outblast foundation. MJ by itself is a nice foundation, but WILL separate once your face becomes oily during the day. And the CG was way too chalky for me. I then decided to try mixing them since both products were just sitting on my counter and now I absolutely love it. Once applied with a round bleding brush or a beautyblender the coverage is flawless and last all day long. I have to blot once mid-day and powder my t-zone with MAC’s blotting powder after blotting and it’s back to being fresh again.
A good volumizing curling mascara for my sparce-straight lashes. My lashes need a miracle.
I’ve been using UD Supercurl mascara and I really like it. It makes my eyelashes look SUPER curled, even if I don’t curl my eyelashes.
I’m still looking for my perfect concealer–one that doesn’t accentuate my fine lines and is the perfect peach color to hide the blue-tinged circles that I have. The Nars Creamy concealer is too drying and the Bobbi Brown corrector is difficult to spread thinly. Maybe I just need a better under eye cream!
A good waterproof eyeshadow, eyeliner and body paint.
And a polish that doesn’t chip or peel from chlorine!
I’m still searching for the perfect solution to dark under eye circles. I’ve found some good ones but none that were perfect.
Everything. I still feel like there may be something better out there, no matter what the product. But if I had to choose one thing specifically, i would have to say eye cream. I have tried SO MANY!
I’m still searching for a few Holy Grail status items. I think the biggest one, that I think about almost every time I do my makeup, is highlighter. I have a few that I like, and lots that I don’t, but I haven’t found that one that has the look I want. Benefit’s Watt’s Up is ok, but looks glittery on me, MAC’s Soft and Gentle just doesn’t do it for me, same with the Balm’s Mary Loumanizer and the Sleek highlighter in the bronzer/highlighter duo. I keep trying them, hoping I’ll all of a sudden fall in love, but it hasn’t happened. I’d love to find something that’s luminous and beautiful on my fair skin without being glittery.
Try a lightest shade of Laura Mercier’s matte highlighter. It’s very nice and is not glittery. Also, Hourglass ambient powders can be used as highlighters and some shades are not too shimmery, you just gotta try them first and see which ones you like best.
Thank you so much for your suggestions! I’ll check out Laura Mercier and Hourglass the next time I’m at Sephora. They’re both brands that I definitely need to explore more!
If you don’t mind a cream-to-powder product, NARS Multiple in Luxor is one of my favorite non-glittery highlighters. The other Multiples are a bit too sparkly for me for everyday wear, but Luxor has a soft pearly finish. Check it out if you have the chance.
Have u tried Kevyn Aucoins ‘The Celestial Powder (in) Candlelight’? Its my absolute FAV 4 my light complexion! Creates a gorgeous luminous glow WITHOUT glitter!! That’s right–NO glitter here! 😉 Will achieve the perfect soft glow when applied w/a light hand OR can also b built up if u prefer ur highlight-er 2 make more of a statement. It’s now being sold at ‘beautylish.com’ if ur interested! HTH!! 😀
An undereye concealer that DOESN’T CREASE! I feel like I’ve tried them all… Bobbi Brown, Nars Radiant, various by Benefit (Erase Paste and Fakeup), much more… no luck -___-
If you haven’t tried Shiseido yet. I would suggest that.
MAC pro longwear concealer works well for me and doesn’t crease. It’s my go to and my freelance kit staple.
Definitely sunscreen! It’s such an important product, but finding a good one seems to be near impossible. I have oily, breakout prone skin (although my skin is completely clear when I use the right products). Every single sunscreen I have tried have broken me out, not all badly, the “best” ones just clog my pores if I’m lucky. And then there’s the problem with greasiness, white cast or heavy fragrance.
Makeup wise I’m always on the hunt for a better concealer (I have extremely dark circles and some fine lines), and a lipstick that stays on longer than 1-2 hours and most importantly doesn’t dry out my lips or give me that nasty white ring of lip goo.
Neutrogena has an SPF 45 oil free waterproof sunscreen that I love. It’s not greasy, but it sinks in like a moisturizer. The name escapes me, but it’s in a blue bottle and it smells like citrus 🙂 I’m incredibly breakout prone and sensitive to scents, and so is my dad, but w both swear by it.
Have you tried Skinceuticals sunscreen? It is really expensive, unfortunately, but I dole out the money because it is just that good and sunscreen is really important to me.
I totally agree! I’ve been trying sunscreens for years, and Skinceuticals’ had the best performance under makeup that I could find. 😀
But… I’m still struggling to find the perfect moisturizer. 🙁
Biore Aqua Rich Essence SPF50 is my holy grail sunscreen! Absorbs in like a minute and leaves a matte finish It’s pretty cheap, but as it’s Japanese you’d have to get it on eBay, Sasa, o some other online store.
Under-eye concealer. My skin is combination, but the my under-eyes are always so dry due to allergies. Plus my dark circles and olive complexion often make concealers look ashy. My fallback is Bobbi Brown Corrector + concealer/YSL Touche Eclat, but I keep searching for one product that can correct, cover, and brighten without feeling dry or cakey on.
I agree with Renu, except my eye area tends towards greasiness, so I need something that helps dark circles, fine lines, puffiness but doesn’t turn me into any more of an oil slick than I already am! Always on the hunt for the “perfect” mascara as well!!
The only mascara I keep coming back to (and I’ve tried high and low end favourites) is Covergirl Clump Crusher. It gives me natural volume and length while not clumping or spidering.
Agree with you on clump crusher!! I have tried so many mascara but I always come back to this one because it doesn’t clump or flake off onto my cheeks. HG status for me.
the Premier Cru the Eye Cream by Caudalie is fantastic. my eyes had never looked better when i was using it. it made my dark circles disappear. it was gradual and i didn’t really notice it until i realized i wasn’t using concealer. unfortunately, it made my eyes dry on the outer corners. i didn’t know it was the eye cream until the bottle ran out and the dry redness disappeared (my dark circles reappeared, however). it is expensive, but it is worth every penny and it lasts a really long time. i think it took me almost a year to go through the bottle. i will probably buy it again when i finish what i switched to, even though it caused the dryness…it just did everything else SO well. it will probably work great for you if your eyes are oily.
Do you know of any products that can keep oily skin shine free all day?
Because a girl can dream 😉
– a perfect MLBB lipstick (i.e. long-wearing and not dehydrating)
– a primer/moisturizer that would rid me of dry patches without having to exfoliate first
– a hair gel to style my fine hair without weighing it down
Foundation… Such an elusive one, that one. ¬_¬
I’m still on the search for my holy grail foundation. I’m pretty happy with my skin care. I’ve been using the same products for about a year now.
a foundation that won’t slide off my nose, but at the same time won’t look dry on my cheeks. oh and it would have to cover the massive amount of redness on my cheeks and nose (although i think i’ve found something that is making the redness lessen). concealer-for said redness, dark circles, and spots (doesn’t have to be the same one) and an eyeliner that will stay on my waterline
May I ask what you use for redness? I have a huge problem with facial redness by my nose and chin with no solutions in sight .:(
i couldn’t remember the name of it when i posted earlier. it is called Redness Relief Calmplex by SkinMedica. i found a pack of sample tubes on amazon for pretty cheap. some of the reviews said it caused burning, but i haven’t experienced any. i previously tried the redness relief cream by dermadoctor and that stuff stung like crazy.
i recently had surgery and my surgeon recommended a scar cream by skinmedica. i figured i might as well try something else by them as well since i like the scar cream.
i’ve been using the redness relief calmplex for about two weeks and i think my redness has lessened a bit. i think it might be my imagination, but i use it under my regular moisturizer (i have dry cheeks) and so far no break outs or irritation so i’m going to keep using it. you should definitely check it out.
Not sure if this is available in the US but the Apostle Skin Brightening & Tone Correcting Serum by Antipodes is suppose to be pretty good at reducing skin redness. I haven’t got an issue on redness but my face is a plate of freckles. Whilst using this serum, it did brighten and even my skin tone out, maybe it did even lighten my freckles but @ NZ$65 for 30ml and a beauty wish list the size of Texas, I haven’t been able to repurchase this product to give it a good fair test.
http://www.antipodesnature.com/shop-skincare,shop,8,1,8.html
Basically everything, but I am honestly content right now with trying a few things out, playing around, experimenting to new things. Granted, if I stumbled upon a holy grail item I certainly wouldn’t complain. 😀
However, the one holy grail I wish I would just find already is mascara. I *thought* I found it with the $2.99 Jordana Best Lash Extreme Volumizing Mascara. It’s done the best for my lashes over all other mascaras I’ve tried – practically every CoverGirl and Maybelline mascara along with Too Faced Lash Injection and Better Than S*x (not sure if there is a filter here, don’t want to get my comment denied!) an Origins mascara, a Clinique mascara, and lastly a few Rimmel ones that my mom loves – but none make my eyes as feathery and soft and clump-free as the Jordana mascara. I don’t know what it is, but the mascara can be built up, but it doesn’t make lashes look spidery which is the biggest problem I have. It gives length, but most importantly V-O-L-U-M-E! Without clumps, which is a big plus. Also, my favorite part is the formula makes my lashes really really soft. Like, feathery soft. Not crunch or spiky at all. I picked it up at Walgreens on a whim in July and immediately fell in love.
But.
BUT.
🙁
(sad but)
I think I’m allergic to it because I noticed that whenever I wear it my eyes get really irritated and I have little red bumps from where the ends of my lashes touch my eyelid. So I concluded I must be allergic. :((((((
I still use the mascara, but not as much because of the irritation. I would definitely recommend it to someone who has issues with wanting volume, but not spidery or clumpy lashes. It might not irritate you. And it’s only $2.99!!! Best part.
I want to try the new double ended Covergirl mascara in the pink tube and the double ended purple and black mascara from Maybelline. Hopefully one of those will be good.
I’m with you on a volumizing mascara. I’ve been using essence “I (heart) extreme” for only about $5 for a fat tube, but I’m going to go give Jordana a try. You can’t get too volumizing for me. I never want to spend more than $10 for mascara, and even $10 is something I consider pricy for mascara. I find the cheaper ones work very well to give me the volume I want. Thanks for the Jordana tip.
Moisturizer for the dryer parts of my face (eyes, forehead.) I have found my holy grail hair pin, but i’m always looking for ways to keep long hair up and pain free. Oh, and lippies. Dry lips plus few opportunities for touch up throughout the day make lip color difficult.
Try Kiehls ultra facial moisturizer- HG for me!
A great eye cream for dark circles! I’ve tried a bunch and have a few faves, but I feel like they lose efficacy as I use them longer (is it just me?!) I like Clinique All About Eyes and just tried a sample of a Dr. Brandt eye cream that I think I need to try a bit more of…but I’m still hunting. Any suggestions anyone?
I’m on the same boat… I can say that I tried the Dr. Brandt one for 6 months and it didn’t work for me at all. I was going to try the All About Eyes, how well would you say it worked for you?
I’m still hunting for a permanent dupe for my Holy Grail lipstick, MAC’s “Fresh Salmon” from the Spring forecast 2010.
I’m also always trying new foundations on the hunt for a perfect skin texture… MAC studio sculpt SPF 15 has come the closest by far.
Two totally elusive HG items for me…
1. Perfect Nude/Pink or Beige/Pink Blush without shimmer. Lancome Miel Glace without shimmer is what I’m looking for, but I cannot find anything close that pulls more pink than brown. Just tried Tarte Exposed, but it pulls kind of plum vs. pink.
2. MLBB Lipstick – criteria being a non-rose-scented formula without SPF that won’t dry out my lips. Just ordered Chantecaille Lip Chic in Tea Rose and Dior Addict in Rose Deshabille, so we’ll see if I have any luck.
Moisturiser that doesn’t make me oilier, absorbs quickly, doesn’t make my natural redness worse, doesn’t leave dry patches on my cheeks but doesn’t sit on top of my forehead (my worst place for oil since I must have bangs) doesn’t smell terrible, and preferably doesn’t come in a tub!
Concealer that doesn’t fade within an hour on my nose, but doesn’t slide off the rest of my face or cake up like crazy.
Lipliner that doesn’t make tiny blackheads show up on the very edges of my lip… lines, but also doesn’t force me to slather on lip balm for the next three days to make up for the dehydration.
A good auburn mascara, there don’t seem to be any out there right now. I had a great one but it was Max Factor 2000 Calorie and you can’t get it in the US anymore. I still have a few tubes I stocked up on but I would really like a good replacement.
My best friend is a redhead and used to be able to buy a pale gold from Kiko that is now discontinued… we were able to dupe it my mixing Lancome cils booster mascara primer with a bronzy-gold benefit creme eyeshadow (I cant remember the name). I took the stopper out of the cils booster, scooped the primer out, and mixed it with the shadow until it looks right. They are of similar texture so they mix easily and the result is perfect! I just am very vigilant with sanitizing everything with alcohol… Try it out!
I haven’t found many HG products yet. I have very high standards. I’m still looking for my HG: foundation, concealer, serum, eye cream, lip balm and mascara. There are dozens of products I really enjoy in each category, but nothing I 100% no questions asked *love* 🙁
I’m still looking for my HG night cream and foundation, but I think I found my HG day cream. REN Global Protection Day Cream. It’s perfect for my combination skin that’s dry but very easily gets oily not properly moisturized (under or over), acne-prone and sensitive. My niece (a makeup/beauty lover herself) noticed the difference in my skin before I told her about it!
A hair serum (or anything, really) that will grow back all the hair that I’ve lost over the last several years.
I have so many eyeliners….some have come close to HG but I always get transferring to my under eye area or smudging. I need something that will stay put, even for tight lining. I keep buying and trying and no luck yet. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I would like to share my secret for under eye concealer. I have dreadful purple/blue circles. The best I have found is the salmon concealer by Eve Pearl. She has a range of colors for all skin tones, even darker ones. I am light yellow/olive and I use “light”. I first lay down an eye cream and let it absorb for a few minutes. Then I apply the concealer with a little concealer brush. It works well with a finger too. I gently blend out and then I fluff on a very light dusting of Southern Magnolia Minerals’ Well Rested powder. This stuff is so light and I only use a tiny bit. Just very recently I have been trying out Nars Translucent Crystal fluffed on. That is very nice but I will probably just stick to the SMM powder. This combo never creases on me and never budges until I take it off. My under eye area is not dry or flakey to begin with so I don’t have to cope with that problem. Unfortunately, the Eve Pearl product (which is supposed to be an under eye treatment as well…but who knows?) is very expensive and very hard to find. You can order on line though. Also, no samples are available. Although you can buy a single color, the pans do come with two colors in each color range so you can blend them. You get a lot of product though.If this stuff does not crease or cake up on me, it probably won’t on a younger face than mine. I am betting that I am one of Christine’s older followers!
Thanks for the concealer tip! As far as no-budging eye liners, my favorites are Clinique Quickliner for Eyes Intense (they have some surprisingly gorgeous shades) and Laura Mercier’s new Longwear Creme Eye Pencils (you can get a deluxe sample of Slate, a nice charcoal grey, with a lauramercier.com purchase). If you are a contact lens wearer, you have to be careful with the Clinique Quickliner as it can transfer to your lens before it is set, which coats the lens causing blurriness. I’m really impressed with the new Laura Mercier pencil and will try some other colors. It is not as pigmented (at least in the color Slate) or quite as long-wearing as the Clinique, but it’s a breeze to apply and does stay put throughout wear. Hope this helps!
Thanks. I will definitely search both of them out. I am pretty desperate. If these work out for me, I will finally be content with my eye make up routine.
The revlon gel eyeliner doesn’t transfer on me! And everything transfer on me!
Well, I meant to say that I am betting that I am one of Christine’s oldest followers! 🙂
🙂
Black eyeliner that actually STAYS on my waterline for more than 15 minutes. I’ve tried so many eyeliners in different forms, it’s ridiculous. >.<
Oops! Posted reply before I was finished. xP Also looking for a good MLBB lipstick, and a good red lipstick.
I’m still hunting for HG facial cleanser and facial and body moisturizers. I’ve tried many products in each of these categories that I really like, but whenever I finish one, I usually get the itch to try something new. This let’s me know I’m not in love with the product. When I fall in love with a product, I don’t stray or feel the need to replace it.
I would have to say an undereye concealer. I purchased all the best ones on the market, like Tarte maracuja concealer, NARS creamy concealer, IT cosmetics undereye corrector, Benefit’s erase paste and even one by MAC and every single one of them still wear off and crease on me. I have terrible undereye circles and the structure of my undereye area is prone to creasing so none of them fix the problem. Like they are nice products and I still use them, but if you know of any other ones do share!
You should try Kat Von D tattoo concealer. Good coverage, and no creasing! 🙂
I have incredibly dark under eye circles, and I find Benefit Lemonaid works great to counteract the purple in them. Just a little bit of product will brighten the area, and then I can use less concealer on top. My favorite super high coverage concealer is Keromask, they sell samples in small jars that you could get to try it out!
An everyday light-medium coverage bb cream- not tinted moisturizer- in the correct color (yellowy toned) that feels lightweight and controls oil. I love missha signature complete but find it leans too pinky on me. I’m an nc20-25. Any recommendations?
Skin79 Orange Vital is the most yellow toned bb cream I own, and it might work for you, though it could be a little pale. Skin79 does make other yellow toned bb creams, so you could look up some reviews!
Earlier this year I was on the hunt for the perfect BB cream but then after testing several of them with the right color undertone (I’m yellowy too!) I realized that BB cream itself doesn’t work well for my combination skin.
I started using tinted moisturizer again. The closest thing that I have to a HG is the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (I got mine from the Nordstrom website) in the shade “Nude.” I probably read almost all the reviews that I could find on Google before buying this product since I wasn’t sure it was right for me and I LOVE it. I also recently purchased Bourjois Healthy Mix Foundation in shade 52 and so far I’m liking it.
Although if BB cream is what you really want, try Diorskin Nude BB Creme in Shade 2 (I almost purchased this one!) and I hear Smashbox BB Cream is a good one too.
Hope this helps!
I don’t have many HG items I’ve found! The thing I’m most desperate for is a good brow-filler. I’m a redhead, but my brows are not red at all, and look really bad filled in to match my hair. Looking for something pale blond, preferably in a retractable pencil, and not too pricey because I go through a lot of brow stuff. I loved Maybelline Define-a-Brow in light blonde, but they discontinued my color,
Always on the lookout for a better foundation and concealer. I have extremely fair skin, neutral tones, with freckles. Most light foundations pull too pink/orange/yellow on me, and are too dark. I have Sleek Revive foundation right now in Linen, and it’s one of the fairest I’ve found, but I don’t love the formula. I use Missha Real Signature BB Cream in 13 for everyday or natural looks, and it’s a good match for me. I’m using Hard Candy Glamoflauge concealer right now in Ultra Light, and it’s one of the best I’ve found – I like the MUFE Full Cover formula, but their lightest shades don’t match.
I am still on the hunt for a perfect eyeliner that once in the waterline doesnt transfer onto my contacts. Tho i see loads of people cant find there perfect moisturiser ive used for years dermalogicas skin smoothing cream hydrating booster and map 15. Amazing for a combination skin that suffers with heavy acne x
BROWS. The Chanel brow pencil in Noir Cendre is the best match colorwise, but it’s not fine enough to draw on all the missing hairs (and I am missing whole sections of brow) – especially the heads of the brow. A straight fade/fill looks really fake because I am missing so much, but it’s the only pencil that’s a good colormatch plus doesn’t stick/cling (powder skips horribly) and actually lasts. (Benefit Instant Brow is fabulous colorwise, too, but it pulls out my already fragile/loose hairs.) Really, I just need something that can lay fibers down even better than the Benefit Gimme Brow. I do like Gimme Brow a lot, but it only deposits fibers on hair, not on the bald areas. Right now I draw those hairs in individually with a black fine tip pen liner that’s dried up enough that it looks grey. (Looks pretty real, but it’s a buttpain and it’s not quite real looking enough to me.)
Products without -cones. It seems as though there are fewer and fewer of them and they give me cystic acne.
I would like to find the perfect illuminator, the one Victoria Beckham uses 🙂 she always looks perfect, flawless.
Concealer that doesn’t settle into creases or pores.
do try Nars concealer!
I’m on an eternal search for the perfect foundation primer that doesn’t feel heavy, helps control oil, smoothen my pores, and doesn’t contain silicons! Hourglass seems promising so far… but after prolonged use, i’m starting to see some small oil seeds emerging…. :'(
I really don’t have any HG items right now.
My main hunt is for skincare. Moisturizers & acne treatment. My skin had some dry patches from acne scars. My skin from the past few months have been in a constant state of blemishes. I’ll get less acne one week and more the next. It’s not a full-on breakout, but I’m getting frustrated of trying to use diff products to treat and heal my skin.
I wish I had something that would work for me and work fast.
And eyeliners/mascaras always seem to smudge under my eyes despite using waterproof formulas.
I’m still on the lookout for my Holy Grail red lipstick – I’ve found the exact colour, which is Le Metier de Beaute In the Know Bordeaux, but I want an actual LIPSTICK in this shade. If anyone has a recommendation for a dupe, please do let me know!
Setting powder, night cream
Armani Silk Lipstick Nº19.
Have bought one on Makeupalley, but it seems it was a L.Edition.
I haven’t been able to buy something like this.
I only had two holy grail products… and they were both discontinued :'( *cries bitterly*
Holy grail products for line fillers! I’ve heard of smashbox’s, mac’s and la prairie, but I dont think they’re well worth the money. What do you think? 🙂