Month in Review | December 2016
ColourPop Peachykeen Super Shock Quad
Here’s a look at the top 25 products reviewed in the month of December, plus a summary of how many products and brands were reviewed and a break out of ratings! 🙂
I think it’d be fun to go through what we used, purchased, resisted, and so forth each month, here are some questions:
- What were your favorites from the last month?
- What didn’t impress you?
- Did you return anything you purchase?
- Or successfully resist temptation?
Bandit is a deep red-brown with warm undertones and flecks of fine, silver sparkle over a mostly matte finish. It had intense, opaque pigmentation...
Bandit is a deep red-brown with warm undertones and flecks of fine, silver sparkle over a mostly matte finish. It had intense, opaque pigmentation...
Desert is a medium brown with a satin finish. It had opaque color payoff with a smooth, creamy texture that wasn't too wet and applied evenly. This...
Desert is a medium brown with a satin finish. It had opaque color payoff with a smooth, creamy texture that wasn't too wet and applied evenly. This...
ColourPop Peachy Keen Super Shock Shadow Quad ($18.00 for 0.28 oz.) includes four warm-toned neutrals. Three of the shades are ones we've seen...
ColourPop Peachy Keen Super Shock Shadow Quad ($18.00 for 0.28 oz.) includes four warm-toned neutrals. Three of the shades are ones we've seen...
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer ($399.00) is the first beauty offering from a brand that's primarily known for their vacuums. I was both curious by my...
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer ($399.00) is the first beauty offering from a brand that's primarily known for their vacuums. I was both curious by my...
Sugarpill Pumpkin Spice Liquid Lip Color ($18.00 for 0.21 fl. oz.) is described as a "rustic copper pearl with warm golden reflects." It's a...
Sugarpill Pumpkin Spice Liquid Lip Color ($18.00 for 0.21 fl. oz.) is described as a "rustic copper pearl with warm golden reflects." It's a...
Coloured Raine St. Germain Cocktail Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a light-medium gold with warm, yellow undertones and a metallic finish. It was...
Coloured Raine St. Germain Cocktail Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a light-medium gold with warm, yellow undertones and a metallic finish. It was...
Coloured Raine Blue Magic Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark blue with strong, cool undertones and a frosted sheen. It had...
Coloured Raine Blue Magic Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark blue with strong, cool undertones and a frosted sheen. It had...
Coloured Raine Who Me Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a deep coppery bronze with warm, red undertones and a frosted sheen. The consistency was...
Coloured Raine Who Me Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a deep coppery bronze with warm, red undertones and a frosted sheen. The consistency was...
Coloured Raine Golden Olive Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a medium-dark golden brown with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The pigmentation...
Coloured Raine Golden Olive Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a medium-dark golden brown with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The pigmentation...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Hot Cocoa Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium-dark, orange-brown with warm undertones and a creamy, lightly...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Hot Cocoa Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium-dark, orange-brown with warm undertones and a creamy, lightly...
Urban Decay Roach XX Vintage Nail Lacquer ($10.00 for 0.30 fl. oz.) is a deep, reddish brown with warm undertones and shimmer that shifted from dirty,...
Urban Decay Roach XX Vintage Nail Lacquer ($10.00 for 0.30 fl. oz.) is a deep, reddish brown with warm undertones and shimmer that shifted from dirty,...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Truth or Bare Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is medium pink with warm undertones and a creamy, lightly glossy finish....
Marc Jacobs Beauty Truth or Bare Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is medium pink with warm undertones and a creamy, lightly glossy finish....
Marc Jacobs Beauty Shush, Blush Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deep, plummy rose with warm undertones and a cream finish. It...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Shush, Blush Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a deep, plummy rose with warm undertones and a cream finish. It...
Exhibit A is a bright, medium-dark orange-red with a matte finish. The pigmentation was incredibly opaque, while the texture was soft, smooth, and...
Exhibit A is a bright, medium-dark orange-red with a matte finish. The pigmentation was incredibly opaque, while the texture was soft, smooth, and...
Surratt Beauty Brillante Idée Artistique Blush ($32.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark coral-orange with warm undertones and a satin finish. ...
Surratt Beauty Brillante Idée Artistique Blush ($32.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark coral-orange with warm undertones and a satin finish. ...
Chanel Ardente (175) Rouge Allure Luminous Lip Colour ($37.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, medium orange-red with warm undertones and a satin finish. ...
Chanel Ardente (175) Rouge Allure Luminous Lip Colour ($37.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a bright, medium orange-red with warm undertones and a satin finish. ...
Make Up For Ever Iconic Red (400) Artist Acrylip ($24.00 for 0.23 oz.) is a bold, bright medium-dark pinky red with cool, blue undertones and a...
Make Up For Ever Iconic Red (400) Artist Acrylip ($24.00 for 0.23 oz.) is a bold, bright medium-dark pinky red with cool, blue undertones and a...
Coloured Raine Bay Breeze Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a bright, light-medium lime green with warm, golden sparkle over a metallic finish. The...
Coloured Raine Bay Breeze Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a bright, light-medium lime green with warm, golden sparkle over a metallic finish. The...
Coloured Raine Secrets Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a deep bronze with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The consistency was smooth, creamy...
Coloured Raine Secrets Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a deep bronze with warm undertones and a pearly sheen. The consistency was smooth, creamy...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Slow Burn Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is medium-dark, rosy mauve with warm undertones and a creamy, lightly shiny...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Slow Burn Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is medium-dark, rosy mauve with warm undertones and a creamy, lightly shiny...
Kennedy is a bright, light-medium orange with warm, yellowy undertones and a satin finish. There was just a smidgen of very fine gold shimmer in it,...
Kennedy is a bright, light-medium orange with warm, yellowy undertones and a satin finish. There was just a smidgen of very fine gold shimmer in it,...
Coloured Raine Flashy Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a bright, light-medium gold with warmer undertones and a metallic sheen. It almost looked...
Coloured Raine Flashy Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a bright, light-medium gold with warmer undertones and a metallic sheen. It almost looked...
Makeup Geek Witty Iconic Lipstick ($15.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a deep red-brown with warm undertones and a glossy, cream finish. It had rich, opaque color...
Makeup Geek Witty Iconic Lipstick ($15.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a deep red-brown with warm undertones and a glossy, cream finish. It had rich, opaque color...
Coloured Raine Downtown Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a deep copper with warm, red undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had intense...
Coloured Raine Downtown Eyeshadow ($6.99 for 0.064 oz.) is a deep copper with warm, red undertones and a sparkling, metallic finish. It had intense...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Yours to Try Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium peach with warm, orange undertones and a satin finish. ...
Marc Jacobs Beauty Yours to Try Le Marc Liquid Lip Crème ($30.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a medium peach with warm, orange undertones and a satin finish. ...
1. What were your favorites from the last month?
I didn’t get around to using the Dior Holiday collection until December, and I loved it. Kept going back for more!
2. What didn’t impress you?
I was unimpressed by most of the holiday offerings this year, from other brands.
3. Did you return anything you purchase?
Nope.
4. Or successfully resist temptation?
Never. Well… I resisted purchasing the Dior holiday blush and highlighter via ebay *pats self on back*
1. Favorites: Tarte’s Skin Twinkle Lighting Powder (got it for Christmas) and NARS Audacious lipstick in Vera.
2. Not impressive: MAC’s holiday collections. Cute packaging but that’s about it.
3. Returns: One of Bite’s lip glosses. It was so sheer that it might as well have been clear.
4. Resisting temptation: Oy, do I ever? I bought so much that I’m VIB Rouge at Sephora this year!
What were your favorites from the last month? Fantasy Allure Enchanted Rose liquid lipstick. The formula is REALLY impressive (more mousse vs. liquid, not a runny formula by any means), I love the color, and the wear is unlike any product I’ve ever used. It’s flexible, full-coverage, and comes off without too much fuss (although it is one of the more difficult formulas to remove — this stuff really HOLDS)
What didn’t impress you? The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge. I’m used to using a Beautyblender pro, and the two just are nowhere near similar. This brand has been getting a lot of hype lately and I think it’s well-deserved, but this particular product just didn’t work for my heavy, thick foundation like the BBpro does.
Did you return anything you purchase? The Miracle Complexion Sponge is on its way back to Walgreens today.
Or successfully resist temptation? The Kat Von D Alchemist Palette. I have most, if not all of those shades in the form of a loose pigment, so while it’s got pretty packaging and the colors are pretty, I unfortunately have an overabundance of palettes, so this one (along with the upcoming PastelGoth palette she is releasing soon!!!) will have to be a pass.
Favorites from December are my Queen of Hearts palette and individual Coloured Raine eye shadows. I didn’t receive them until later in the month but they have pretty much been my only shadows used since I received them. If anyone else has purchases them, just a heads up, they are so soft and buttery that they will shatter easily if you dip your brush in to hard. One of my shadows arrived completely shattered but the company sent out a replacement immediately. Although not a new product, and actually it is 3 products, I found the best combination for my foundation and that really excites me! Chosungah 22 Luminous Light one pump, Marc Jacobs Remarkable foundation and one drop of facial oil. Perfect for me.
What didn’t impress me? A Revlon face palette. I don’t even know why I bought it except that it has eye shadows, blushes and lipsticks in one palette for traveling. I thought it would be handy for my trip to Seattle in about a month. However, the shadows lack pigmentation, the blushes are even worse and of course, the lipsticks are open to the rest of the products in the palette which is something I hate. I can’t blame the product as I knew it wouldn’t work but hope springs eternal.
Did I return anything? No not in December.
Success in resisting temptation? Not really. I purchased Artis Oval 8 brushes for both my daughter and myself and we both love them for applying foundation but both felt they were a little too big for doing anything else so had to purchased to Oval 7 brushes and a round 5. So no, didn’t resist temptation much at all. I am super impressed with how the brushes apply foundation and use so little product. I don’t think I would like the smaller ones for applying eye makeup but for face products they are great.
1. Favorites: The new Nars blush palette in warm tones (unfiltered I). I have been using it non-stop since I got it.
2. Not impressive: Most holiday collections. I skipped EVERY holiday release except Anastasia Allison and I didn’t like it. It was one of those crumbly liquid lipsticks.
3. Returns: None.
4. Resisting temptation: Not good at it. I bought a lot of makeup in November and December due to the Ulta 20% off couson, the Sephora $25 coupon plus the VIB Rouge sale. I also have a bunch of Sephora cream lip stains headed my way. I am so excited about the shade expansion!
Anastasia, crumbly – I bought Heathers a while back and wore it twice and was so annoyed about how gummy/crumbly it got toward the inside of my mouth. I have never had that problem with other liquid lipsticks! Back to KVD Everlasting I go…
There are a sprinkling of drop dead awesome shades in the Smashbox palettes, STFU and the burgundy being the standouts from Smoky, but there seem to be a few mehs or drawbacks to all of them. A few would have very brisk sales, if they were released as singles, notably the big blue pan in the bold palette. I really must be disinclined towards them, bec I do not automatically recall the shade names. These Smashbox shades would make a fab dyi palette, even if they continued with big pan/little pan sizes. Mufe a/s continues to impress me. #4 palette has phenomenal transition/crease shades. Bijoux, and a whole lot of CP are seeing frequent app. Nars spring blush palette 1 is excellent and varied. Nothing did not impress me, though some did not suit me. No returns. Looking at the tops of 16 lists, I realize I resisted hundreds of dollars of temptation! No regrets, though, bec most are perm. Cue Piaf (the singer for whom the cat was named). Je Ne Regrette Rien is an early mid century anthem that somewhat prefigured feminism. Somewhat.
1. What were your favorites from the last month? The expanded color range of Sephora Cream Lip Stains. Prayers were heard on this one!
2. What didn’t impress you? A lot of the holiday offerings were ho-hum. Usually I buy one for the value alone but not this year.
3. Did you return anything you purchased? No… I never return anything unless it’s just horrid. The last time I returned something it was the Hourglass Immaculate foundation.
4. Or successfully resist temptation? I did not buy any of the Kat von D/Too Faced Better Together products, but on New Year’s Eve I toyed with buying the Tarte/grav3yardgirl Swamp Queen palette because it was on sale… I caved! Ugh!
1. Favorites? Laura Mercier radiance matte primer; Colourpop Desert and White Rabbit eyeshadows; Bite’s Amuse Bouche duo Rosegold/Fig; Tom Ford Snowdon lipstick; Guerlain Peau de Lingerie foundation.
2. What didn’t impress ? FAB’s exfoliating pads, just a tad too strong for my skin. Almost all holiday collections didn’t impress me.
3. Return anything? Nope.
4. Resist temptation? The opposite — I gave in a lot, lol.
I was so impressed with the Coloured Raine eyeshadows that I’ve ordered several of them.
Also intrigued by the Acrylips, and ordered the Dark Purple. But it almost seems like a different product than the one you reviewed, Christine! It’s not opaque on me at all, is really translucent, not that pigmented, not glossy, and looks much duller, in both color and finish. No detectable red tones. Now, it’s not unusual for a lipstick to look quite a bit different on me than it does on you, Christine, but usually it’s a case of the color looking much warmer or more orange next to my cooler undertones. I’m going to try shaking it up a lot, and layering it with some other products, before returning it. It’s just not flattering on me, and I’m not sure why; usually, if a lipstick looks grayer, that looks good on me, but this one doesn’t. I think I should try one of the reds instead, but I can’t decide which one to try. I tend to look best in either very pink, blue-based reds, or deeper, darker reds, whether cool or warm. A super-bright red can look a bit much on me, and mid-tone ‘true reds’ are also not ideal on me, as they end up looking warmer on me than they really are. I’m leaning toward the Raspberry Red, as it looks like it’s a bit darker… I like the Lilac, but am afraid it may be a bit light for me. I love the Coral Pink, and wonder if it has enough pink in it to work well on me… I may have to order them in order to find out, because Sephora still only has them online, and they’re LE.
Liking my After Dark palette, although mostly not the best colors for me (they run a bit dark, and red). Should work better paired with my Full Spectrum palette.
Disappointed that I missed the Holographic palette, still hoping I might catch it in-store if I get out in the next week or so…
No returns yet, although the Dark Purple Acrylip is headed in that direction. I’m always resisting temptation, but I try not to dwell on it too much, lol!
What were your favorites from the last month?
The Zoya holiday collection (Enchanted) was fantastic this year and the first collection in awhile I purchased every single one (Olivera especially is so gorgeous in person). Same with the metallic holos from their fall line that I purchased last month (I really took advantage of that sale).
Not a new product, but I finally discovered Aquaphor to fight a horrible case of chapped/peeling lips after an adverse reaction to another product and that stuff is FANTASTIC. I will never be without it.
What didn’t impress you?
It’s not a new product (just new to me last month) – Josie Maran’s Whipped Argan Oil face butter. I’m just not impressed for the price. I’ll use it up, but not repurchase it. I don’t feel it’s that hydrating (for something that calls itself ultra-hydrating) and just isn’t that special. I’m far more pleased with the Argan Pumpkin facial oil I got from Chagrin Valley Soap for a third of the price. If I’m dead set on another cream, I think I’ll try the Origins one I should have bought when I got the Josie Maran.
Did you return anything you purchase?
I didn’t return anything, because I just don’t do that (though I really should get over that).
Or successfully resist temptation?
I successfully resisted most of the holiday offerings. I really wasn’t that impressed. I wish I had picked up the Tarte blush palette though, but I couldn’t justify more blush. And I really wanted the Anastasia lip gloss set (really, I just wanted Raisin) and I resisted placing an order with Anastasia (since it wasn’t offered at Sephora or Ulta).
I could not resist temptation. The Queen of Hearts Palette is on its way to me, and a friend delivered the MUFE Lip Ink from the US.
I really, really love the Lip Ink, despite the fact that I’m really not great with a brush yet. It’s a rich, vivid red that has a translucent quality to it. Wash & wear, it’s not, though. Funny, I was unsure about liquid lipstick, but I prefer at least Colourpop’s to the traditional bullets.
Aaand… an old, solid ivory bracelet I found in a second-hand shop in Haifa, back on a shelf, jammed in an old velvet bag. There are more. I may be unable to resist them.
Favorite products of December: NARS Unfiltered Blush Palette I and UD’s Moondust Shadow in Solstice.
Did not impress: Tom Ford’s foil lip color in Aperture (horrid on me), Seadragon (only moderately more acceptable than Aperture), and MAC’s Mariah lipstick in I Get So OCC. surprisingly enough, MAC’s formula is so much more comfortable on the lips than Tom Ford, but all these colors are not good with my skin tone.
Returns: I should return the above mentioned lipsticks but I’m exhausted from the holidays.
Resisted: I wanted but did not get the new UD palette or the new Coloured Raine palette.
Gave into temptation: NARS Unfiltered II palette (its a bit light for my medium warm skin tone but it is lovely for that springtime barest hint of pink that I become obsessed with every February and March).
Favorites: Almost everything I bought from Colourpop last most has been a hit for me! Especially Bijou and Wink Ultra Satin l/s’s, Prickly Pear, Mittens, Muse, Babykins, Thirsty Girl, Hammered and Puppy Love e/s’s. Also, from MAC x Mariah Carey Butterfly Bling l/g and I Get So OCC l/s.
Not impressive: 90% of all the holiday garbage that got spewed out on us this autumn! Most was either very poor quality or bored me to tears.
Returns: Nothing. Yet. KVD Alchemist may go back if I cannot get it to look ok on my cheeks as a more edgy cheek highlight instead of just a 4 pan eyeshadow palette. Tried Amethyst on yesterday with UD Bittersweet blush, and it looked like it was too white based on my face. Will see how the other shades do first.
Resisted: A lot! And yet not enough! Off hand, nothing specific comes to mind, though. But I’m pretty sure that some red lipsticks were involved…?
What were your favorites from the last month? UD Vintage Vault Vice Lipstick in Bruise, MAC Star Trek lipstick in Kling It On, MAC Nutcracker Sweet lipstick in Saucy Little Darling and Magic Powder in Sweet Vision, e.l.f. Beautifully Bare Satin Lipstick in Touch of Berry, UD Naked Smokey, Notoriously Morbid Mystic Matte liquid lipsticks, Medusa’s Makeup Blush in Dangerous Liaison.
What didn’t impress you? Too Faced x Kat von D collection; most of this year’s holiday collections. E.l.f. Daily Face Cleanser: A friend gave me a tube. It’s OK, but not great. The formula is kind of runny, and it’s slightly drying. I would not buy it for myself.
Did you return anything you purchased? No
Or successfully resist temptation? Tarte Tarteist Pro Palette, UD All Nighter Foundation (though I will probably buy it in the future), Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts Palette
Favourites from last month: Clarins Joli Rouge lipsticks in Spicy Cinnamon and Ginger; Clarins Super Restorative Foundation in Linen. Perfect shade for me.
Not Impressed with: lots of the holiday offerings – sub par eyeshadow palettes and too many lip gloss sets (I don’t use lip gloss)
Returns: Nope
Resisted Temptation: For eye shadows, yes, but for skincare sets no. I bought a few whilst they were on sale and stocked up on foundations too.
What were your favorites from the last month? I really wanted to get the Coloured Rain Queen of Hearts palette but couldn’t afford it. The thing that’s most impressed me is from my M&S beauty calendar, Filorga Time Filler serum. It leaves my skin feeling smooth and works on my wrinkles. Even my fiancé noticed the difference!
What didn’t impress you? Too Faced’s Holiday collection, it was full of sugar and spice and not much else.
Did you return anything you purchase? No, you can’t in the UK unless it’s faulty or defective ?.
Or successfully resist temptation? Yes, loads! The Coloured Raine palette, the Tarte blush wheel, Mac Nutcracker Sweet collection (though I did submit to the Sweet Copper duo!). Etc etc etc.
What were your favorites from the last month?
I played a lot with blush in December since I had a horrible cold and stopped wearing eye makeup most of the month, plus blush helped me look a bit less dead! I’ve been using Bobbi Brown blush in Flame, a touch less orange than NARS Exhibit A but definitely in the same category of blush. I’m quite fair so it’s a surprising choice, but applied with the lightest hand possible it looks like the most natural flush! I got it on sale and it seems to be discontinued or at least gone from Sephora. I’ve also been wearing Dior Healthy Glow Awakening blush and IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores blush in Naturally Pretty all the time.
What didn’t impress you?
Most of the holiday collections, including MAC. I kind of collect MAC limited edition lipstick packaging (but only if it’s the original bullet shape with LE design) so I went to check out Nutcracker in person and not only are the shades super dupable but the packaging was kind of cheap looking!
Did you return anything you purchase?
I purchased a full-size bottle of Elizabeth and James Nirvana Bourbon and returned it unopened and unused, not because I don’t like it (I love it, it’s my fragrance soul mate) but because I got a bottle as a Christmas gift.
Or successfully resist temptation?
Quite a bit actually, all the new ColourPop stuff as well as the Makeup Geek sale! Plus lots of other stuff I forced myself not to buy at Sephora. I’ve gotten better at not getting stuff I already have dupes for, or even just similar products that aren’t exact dupes.
My favourites of the month were L’oreal Infallible eye shadows! I bought my first one this month and i’m in LOVE!
what didn’t impress me this month: Urban Decay All nighter foundation! It looks super blotchy and sinks into my non prominent pores. So glad I got just a sample!
What were your favorites from the last month?
I discovered MAC Modern Twist eyeliners…they are my new favorite eyeliners. Pretty easy to use and easy to remove! (This is important since I have sensitive eyes.) I also really like the new Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Blushes. I rediscovered my Diorsnow BB Cream – it’s so nice!
What didn’t impress you?
I was very excited for the IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination concealer, but it’s very thick and I guess by illumination, they mean ghostly? One of my favorite concealers is It Cosmetics Eyelift in a Tube but I’m starting to think that the Bye Bye Under Eye Concealer in that is a different formula.
Did you return anything you purchase?
I returned a couple of NARS Velvet Eyeliners because I had really wanted Kaliste, but that store didn’t have it, so I bought some other colors as a consolation, but then I found Kaliste at another store.
Or successfully resist temptation? I can’t think of anything specific, but I’m getting better at resisting because I remind myself that I have quite a collection and probably already have whatever color!