Month in Review | November 2016
Here’s a look at the top 25 products reviewed in the month of November, 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?
simplehuman Rose Gold Sensor Mirror Pro ($250.00) is the latest and greatest in the brand's mirror family. I'm so, so pleased with what they've done...
simplehuman Rose Gold Sensor Mirror Pro ($250.00) is the latest and greatest in the brand's mirror family. I'm so, so pleased with what they've done...
Tom Ford Dylan Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark red with neutral undertones and a satin finish. The pigmentation...
Tom Ford Dylan Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a rich, medium-dark red with neutral undertones and a satin finish. The pigmentation...
ColourPop Sailor Super Shock Shadow ($5.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a light-medium, golden beige with warm undertones and a lightly metallic, sparkling...
ColourPop Sailor Super Shock Shadow ($5.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a light-medium, golden beige with warm undertones and a lightly metallic, sparkling...
Tom Ford Ashton Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a cream finish with a subtle...
Tom Ford Ashton Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and a cream finish with a subtle...
Surratt Beauty Peau de Pêche Artistique Blush ($32.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a bright pop of medium orange with warm,...
Surratt Beauty Peau de Pêche Artistique Blush ($32.00 for 0.14 oz.) is a bright pop of medium orange with warm,...
Makeup Geek Firework Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is muted, dark coppery brown with warm, orange undertones and a luminous sheen. The finish was...
Makeup Geek Firework Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is muted, dark coppery brown with warm, orange undertones and a luminous sheen. The finish was...
Makeup Geek Ablaze Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark copper with warm, red undertones and a golden shimmer-sheen finish. ...
Makeup Geek Ablaze Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a brighter, medium-dark copper with warm, red undertones and a golden shimmer-sheen finish. ...
Jouer Topaz Powder Highlighter ($24.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a light-medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. This is a more typical...
Jouer Topaz Powder Highlighter ($24.00 for 0.16 oz.) is a light-medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. This is a more typical...
Bite Beauty Mauvember 2016 Amuse Bouche Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark pinky plum with cooler undertones and a satin finish. ...
Bite Beauty Mauvember 2016 Amuse Bouche Lipstick ($26.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark pinky plum with cooler undertones and a satin finish. ...
Makeup Geek Daybreak Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a light-medium peachy orange with warm, yellow undertones and a luminous sheen. This had a...
Makeup Geek Daybreak Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a light-medium peachy orange with warm, yellow undertones and a luminous sheen. This had a...
Tom Ford Cristiano Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a bold, bright medium-dark orange with strong, red undertones and a mostly matte...
Tom Ford Cristiano Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a bold, bright medium-dark orange with strong, red undertones and a mostly matte...
Tom Ford Mitchell Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with neutral-to-cool undertones and a cream finish. The...
Tom Ford Mitchell Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with neutral-to-cool undertones and a cream finish. The...
Tom Ford Dominic Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is an incredibly deep red with cool, blue undertones and a satin finish. It had nearly...
Tom Ford Dominic Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is an incredibly deep red with cool, blue undertones and a satin finish. It had nearly...
ColourPop Far Side Super Shock Shadow ($5.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a medium-dark, golden brown with warm undertones and flecks of golden bronze sparkle. ...
ColourPop Far Side Super Shock Shadow ($5.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a medium-dark, golden brown with warm undertones and flecks of golden bronze sparkle. ...
ColourPop Koosh Super Shock Shadow ($5.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a light-medium, golden taupe with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had good color...
ColourPop Koosh Super Shock Shadow ($5.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a light-medium, golden taupe with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It had good color...
Tom Ford Jared Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark fuchsia with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. The...
Tom Ford Jared Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a bright, medium-dark fuchsia with subtle, cool undertones and a semi-matte finish. The...
ColourPop Strapped Super Shock Cheek ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a muted, medium peach with warm, brown undertones and a hint of pink paired with a...
ColourPop Strapped Super Shock Cheek ($8.00 for 0.15 oz.) is a muted, medium peach with warm, brown undertones and a hint of pink paired with a...
Tom Ford Ben Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a deep, plummy brown with warm, reddish undertones and a semi-matte finish. The...
Tom Ford Ben Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a deep, plummy brown with warm, reddish undertones and a semi-matte finish. The...
Makeup Geek Luster Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a light, rosy copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. There was a lot of shimmer...
Makeup Geek Luster Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a light, rosy copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. There was a lot of shimmer...
Estee Lauder Sly Ingenue (430) Hi-Lustre Pure Color Envy Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and very fine...
Estee Lauder Sly Ingenue (430) Hi-Lustre Pure Color Envy Lipstick ($32.00 for 0.12 oz.) is a dark plum with subtle, warm undertones and very fine...
ColourPop Femme Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick ($6.00 for 0.11 fl. oz.) is a deepened, grayish purple with neutral-to-warm undertones and a cream finish....
ColourPop Femme Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick ($6.00 for 0.11 fl. oz.) is a deepened, grayish purple with neutral-to-warm undertones and a cream finish....
Makeup Geek Rekindle Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a light-medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It looked pinker in...
Makeup Geek Rekindle Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a light-medium, rosy copper with warm undertones and a metallic sheen. It looked pinker in...
Makeup Geek Ignite Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a medium-dark, coppery bronze with warm, reddish undertones and a metallic sheen. The color...
Makeup Geek Ignite Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a medium-dark, coppery bronze with warm, reddish undertones and a metallic sheen. The color...
Makeup Geek Midnight Sun Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a soft, light-medium gold with warm, yellow undertones and a metallic finish. It had...
Makeup Geek Midnight Sun Highlighter ($20.00 for 0.25 oz.) is a soft, light-medium gold with warm, yellow undertones and a metallic finish. It had...
Tom Ford Christopher Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with warm, brown undertones and a satin finish. The...
Tom Ford Christopher Lips & Boys Lip Color ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark plum with warm, brown undertones and a satin finish. The...
What were your favorites from the last month? Bite Mauvember, Make Up For Ever C506, MAC Full of Joy/Dame blush duo
What didn’t impress you? Tom Ford Cool Eyeshadows Palette, Soap & Glory Ultimattte Eyeshadows Palette
Did you return anything you purchase?, Tom Ford Cool Eyeshadows Palette, Soap and Glory Ultimattte Eyeshadows Palette
Or successfully resist temptation? The VIB sale sucked me in, so, no.
What were your favorites from the last month? NYX control freak brow gel, ABH Trust Issues liquid lipstick, Stila eyeliner pen, MAC Vex E/s, ABH Buon Fresco e/s, Paula’s Choice Resist moisturizer with 0.1% retinol
What didn’t impress you?ABH Modern Ren. The colors didn’t apply as bright as in pan, so I gave it to my sister. Jury is still out on Pat McGrath Silver kit, could be a keeper or a return. I also got the deluxe sample of the 10 Derick Lam perfumes which I would return in a heartbeat if it had cost money, but luckily it did not. Oh, I did pay $10 for two Phlur perfume samples (Hepcat and Siano) that I really didn’t care for either. Lol
Did you return anything you purchase? Not yet.
Or successfully resist temptation? I got a huge Black Friday/Cyber Monday haul, most of which I’m still waiting on, but let’s be honest, there could always be more. 😛 I held off on PC Redness Relief serum and moisturizer for dry skin with SPF 25, PC Oil Booster trial size, MAC Stone lip pencil, OCC Synth and Derelict Lip Tars, NARS Funny Face l/s (my all time fave lipstick but I have so many, I can’t say how often I’d realistically reach for it)… I could go on, there are always plenty of products I’m keeping an eye on.
Favorites: Aside from baby clothes (SQUEE!) Herbology jasmine oil. Never did I think so could feel so feminine at 6 months pregnant.
Didn’t impress: Anastasia brow pencil. The color is nice but the pencil is so hard it’s hard to get payoff.
Returned: Dr. Jart overnight hydrating mask. What a waste of $$
Resisted: TF$$ lippies, even with the Sephora sale I just couldn’t justify the $$ when we have a baby on the way.
How exciting for you! I love buying baby clothes for my grand children and as far as they are concerned, resistance is futile!
1. Last month’s favorites? Kat Von D’s MetalMatte Palette and my LunatiCK Contour book. Such great finds! Also Mother from KVD’s Everlasting Liquid Lipstick range. It wore perfectly through my first ever drag performance so she’s a KEEPER!
What didn’t impress you? I have to say, I really was hoping to be SO blown away by Cle De Peau’s releases this season, and I just wasn’t. I only purchase refills of my Luminizing Face Enhancer from them, but I’ve always wanted to be wooed in to try something else. 2016 is not the year for that!
Did you return anything you purchase? I’m a returnaholic, so, most definitely. I tried a Kat Von D set that came with Bow & Arrow, and that went back. The formula didn’t match up with my faves from her range. I’m also returning the Real Techniques Core collection. The buffing brush is not dense like it is advertised (it actually has quite a bit of give and I would recommend it more for buffing in powders/bronzers/blushes) and the ferrules overall are WIDE-open. I foresee a nightmare cleaning these brushes, especially the Contour brush.
Or successfully resist temptation? I continue to successfully resist purchasing Tom Ford cosmetics or brushes. However, I saw Pat McGrath using a Tom Ford brush on Violet Chachki’s instagram, so I don’t know how long I can hold out before I cave. I am a brush junkie at heart. <3
That big Lunatick looks so cool friendly. I eye it periodically, but it’s a lot of product. They have singles for that now, right? Think I’m getting a new aging disease…makeup dementia. Forgot 2 names today and s/t forget specifics on availability, sales. Maybe it’s really trying to dial down the obsession.
Yes, they do sell singles now. I’d recommend trying one or two of the ones that look appealing first, then stocking up if it really suits your fancy. For me, I’ll use all the shades at least some, so it’s a worthwhile investment for me. (All the shades, I believe, are the same size as a typical Sugarpill shadow at .12 oz.)
November favorites: Guerlain’s Rouge Saphir, Viseart Bijou Royal, NARS Sara Moon duo in Indes Galante and blush in Impudique, and NARS Hardwired eyeshadows in Outer Limits, Lunar, Parallax, and Pygar.
Returns: Chanel Architectonic palette.
Resisted: I resisted Bite Beauty’s Mauvember and now I really regret it.
First, I want to thank you for making all the eyeshadow looks colorful again. The rolling over feature was cool, but I love seeing all your looks laid out.
My favorite this November was a Natasha Denona eyeshadow palette in Number Two, I think. The shadows are beautiful, easy to blend and last a long time. I’m definitely picking up some more of them.
My least favorite was an Armani magnetic liquid lipstick. It dried my lips out and I returned it because it was so expensive. For $40 it should be comfortable to wear.
I resisted all the red lipsticks released for the holidays. I already have a lot, so I passed. I did get the pink Givenchy one though. It has a beautiful gold case and the color is a nice change for the holidays.
What were your favorites from the last month? From what I bought: Urban Decay Vice Lipstick in Troublemaker; ColourPop Ultra Satin in Femme; Tarte Wing Workers Deluxe Tarteist Eyeliner Set; bhCosmetics Carli Bybel 14 Color Eyeshadow & Highlighter Palette; Nyx Ultimate Shadow Palette in Brights; Juvia’s Place Mini Masquerade Palette.
What didn’t impress you? MAC x Mariah Carey collection
Did you return anything you purchased? No
Or successfully resist temptation? I resisted the Too Faced Chocolate Chip and White Chocolate mini-palettes, even though they looked really cute. I just didn’t need the colors. I resisted Black Friday sales except Notoriously Morbid, and all the Cyber Monday sales.
I have read elsewhere about the Carli Bybel Bh cosmetics eye shadow palette – it looks fabulous, how have you found it?
I dont know where to buy online but I bought mine at Ulta for $15. My teen daughter and I love it. I have not seen any Carli Bybel videos but I have heard of BH Cosmetics and wanted to try them. The colors are rosy and metallic. Lovely and pigmented. Highlighters are nice:)
The texture is soft and on the dusty side, but otherwise it’s amazing. The highlighters are really intense and look great on the eyes, too. The shadows are really pigmented and beautiful, and friendly for fair skin. Everything blends beautifully.
What were your favorites from the last month? Definitely my Armani lip magnets and By terry rouge click sticks.
What didn’t impress you? Nothing I can think of. I’ve been happy with everything I’ve purchased. For new releases that didn’t impress me? The Marc Jacobs liquid lip; color selection look really drab.
Did you return anything you purchase? No, but generally I don’t return unless it’s really problematic. Partly from good choices beforehand and partly for literally owning my choices!
Or successfully resist temptation? I’ve resisted temptation on the Tom Ford Warm palette and shimmer shots, plus more recently the lips and boys release. My resistance is a work in progress though!
I’ve accumulated a lot of make up in the last couple of months. My favorites are lipsticks by Tom Ford and By Terry. I was less impressed by Nars Dual Intensity Sexual Content blush. I returned a Face Stockholm Lip Peeling because the amount was tiny for the price, and resisted temptation to buy another highlight – I have enough of those
What were your favorites from the last month? The eyeshadow part of the Estee Edit palette; good ol’ MAC Tempting which I pulled out after ignoring it for months; Becca’s Backlight Primer and MUFE Olive Grey eyeshadow. For lips, MAC Rebel (I didn’t used to like it but suddenly, I’m loving how it looks) and Shiseido’s Bloodstone
What didn’t impress you? That Nars Give in Take palette…I was so sure I was going to want it/couldn’t live without it, etc. and then I saw it. I picked up Sephora Cashmere Coat instead, as it’s a dupe for the one eyeshadow I was coveting big time and I am so happy.
Did you return anything you purchase? Nope – not something I like to do so I research purchases carefully
Or successfully resist temptation? Again, it would be the Nars Give In Take palette.
EL’s pure color blush in Lover’s Blush has become a favorite as I use it almost everyday, it’s very versatile.
I returned Bite Beauty’s Mauvember lipstick as it was too similar to other lipsticks I own
What were your favorites from the last month? Sephora Favorites Glow for It kit! I love all of the products in it!
What didn’t impress you? I was a bit disappointed with Buxom’s Twilight Tryst eyeshadow. Wasn’t very pigmented. I’m going to try it over a black base next time.
Did you return anything you purchase? No
Or successfully resist temptation? I have had to resist a lot of Colourpop items I feel, like those lip mini sets!!
Favourites of the past month: Loved some of the Tom Ford lippies like Travis, Lorac Cool and Warm palettes I thougt were great and some of the Colourpop shadows were lovely.
Not Impressed: the Tom Ford Eye and Cheek palettes; Huda eye shadow palette and the Natasha Denoma palette
Returns: No can do here.
Successfully resist temptation: No – some of the advent calendars and beauty deals here in Aus I took advantage of and stocked up on skincare.
I think I misread the question and wrote about the products reviewed. Oh dear!
Favourite of the month: The Sephora It palette in nudes. Just love it – lots of taupe shades. Another favourite is the Laura Mercer Translucent setting powder.
Not impressed: So far, everything I have purchased lately I have loved.
Returns: No
Successfully resisted temptation: Nope, not at all.
1. What were your favorites from the last month? Burberry Gold Shimmer palette and gold gloss; Estee Lauder Victoria Beckham eyeshadow palette (not sure if that counts for November, but I bought it in November. I think. I buy too much s**t sometimes).
2. What didn’t impress you? EL Victoria Beckham lippie in Brazilian Nude. I think it may have been a bad batch because it smelled like playdough and was patchy.
3. Did you return anything you purchase? The Brazilian Nude lippie 😉
4. Or successfully resist temptation? I resisted the Tom Ford Winter Soleil collection, even though there are a couple of the lippies I really want. I did NOT resist the Tatcha Plum Sunrise lipstick that just came back in stock this morning (technically that doesn’t count for November so I’ll revisit this in December lol). FYI for anyone who wanted that one and missed it (like moi).
Thank you for the heads up on the Tatcha lipstick, Nicole! I was hankering after this one when it was first released, but didn’t get around to ordering it. Order placed. ?
I bought 2 ABH liquid lipsticks which I feel are too drying for my taste, I have been moisturizing my lips beforehand, but still not too happy with how dry it feels. Also purchased Ciate London’s Chloe Morello palette, need to experiment more with the colors to give a definite answer as to whether I absolutely love it.
Favorite for month: the lip glides, when they restocked. ‘Fall’ colors have to be my favorites. And from the latest Ulta thing, the nip & fab sy-nake and no needle fix. One powerhouse combo as/under lid primer. Serious smoothing: not only am I a dinosaur, but I have small barely controlled psoriasis patches on my inner mobile lid: not flaky, but prone to lines and discolored. At least temporarily, the lids look well under 40. Those two do not work as well on lip lines, guess because they’re deeper. Bought so little, that there were no disappointments or underperformers. Returned nothing. Resisted vast, copious quantities, but my appetite is curbing and the perm things I want will be around for the next set of sales. No bf/cm and minimum on earlier sales. It helped that I couldn’t get the Zoeva to go through. There is a new procedure/hoop to jump through with the plastic. Gave up after 3 tries. That alone saved me at least a couple of C notes, but I would like to be able to order again there eventually. But that NARS is zeroing in on me with the spring blushes, esp the first one, that is not springy. It looks as if those may remain online only…and that looks like a trend. Looks as if there will be a whole slew of products we will have to buy on trust and by reputation. I’m going to call it the CP effect. We accept/expect that, but it’s a completely different gig. If I want to pay TF or even FN prices, I ought to be able to test it. So many stores show stuff behind ‘glass’ with a bunch of boxes on an end cap and no exploration, esp for holiday. Is this a case of touch it and reject it, and it’s all in the packaging, anyway? Continuing in this online only trend will decrease stepping outside your comfort zone. As in mufe, yeah, that trio should work. And even if the colors were misjudged, it would likely be good quality. Other brands, maybe not so much. At least I’d be going with the tried and true. Which brings me back to NARS blush… idk how this turned into a rant, but not sure I’m sorry.
Favorite products last month? Burberry Kisses Lipstick in Devon Sunset #61, KVD Requiem Everlasting Liquid Lip, Derma E CoQ10 Serum, MAC Mineralize Mascara, Armani Black Ecstacy Mascara, NARS Tribulation Blush, MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadows in Fathom’s Deep and Silver Sun
Return anything? No but… I really should have with the Boots and Soap and Glory stuff
What didnt Impress? YSL Babydoll mascara. It clumps, difficult to remove and stinks! Boots Holiday palette. Very dusty. A highlighter from Soap and Glory. Color is too subtle
Did you resist temptation? Yes and no. Obviously not enough but I did manage to put off the Anastasia Modern Renaissance palette. Im waiting to buy in December to get my birthday present from either Sephora or Ulta. It is one of the only premade palettes Ive been tempted to buy though…
What were your favorites from the last month? I’m having tons of fun with all my new mini lipsticks (and Bite Beauty Mauvember and Givenchy Heroic Pink and MAC Leap of Delight and NARS La Main Bleue); Surratt Beauty blushes; new colors of Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powders; Giorgio Armani and Touch in Sol liquid eyeshadows; EL x Victoria Beckham and EE Edit eyeshadow palettes; and Wayne Goss, Chiuhodo, and Make Up For Ever brushes especially. I actually have so many new things (purchased while they were on sale) that I’ve been saving some of them to play with in the coming couple of months!
What didn’t impress you? I’m pretty happy with most of what I’ve purchased, I think! There have been things you’ve reviewed that didn’t impress me, but I tend not to remember them, lol. Oh, yes! Those Tom Ford lip colors that came with the dreadfully dry pencils attached were an epic disappointment.
Did you return anything you purchase? I returned a cleansing conditioner that somehow managed to make my hair more tangled, and a product that I bought by mistake because the description on the website was confusing.
Or successfully resist temptation? I really let myself go pretty wild this year. It’s nice to be able to do that once or twice in your lifetime, I think. And, for the past few years, there have always been a couple of things that I really regretted passing up. Even so, there were some things I wanted but didn’t get. I wanted to purchase a bunch of Surratt Beauty eyeshadows, but decided not to without more reviews to go by, since they’re a bit expensive, even on sale. I tend to resist Colour Pop eyeshadows, because I use a lot of colors per look, and opening and closing the little pots, and keeping track of them all and using them up before they dry out seems like a bit of a chore. I also resist a lot of lip colors that have to be applied with a wand, because I’m a klutz who likes bright/deep lip colors (except for the NARS Velvet Lip Glides, love those). I’ve been holding off on buying a second fragrance and on stocking up on (even more!) gorgeous natural-hair brushes. I’ve been good about resisting new lip, cheek and eye colors if I have a dupe that I like. I’ve been pretty good about resisting new highlighters — I tend to apply them so subtly that subtle differences in color/finish are barely noticeable on my face. Resisting new mascaras (and Sephora’s Lash Stash) was easy now that I’ve found my HG mascaras. There are many pretty things in the world — I would love to try/own them all, but it’s not realistic on so many levels! I resisted a couple of new Paula’s Choice skin care products, even on sale — not 100% sure I should have don that, but I would have had more things open than I could use up before some of them started to lose their effectiveness.
What were your favorites from the last month? Rimmel Kate Moss lipstick 14, Tarte Wheel Blush palette, MUFE Artist palette #4, Bite Amuse Bouche lipstick in Molasses
What didn’t impress you? Bobbi Brown bronzer in Golden Lights (somehow it was really orangey on my skin tone), MUFE Aqua XL eye pencil
Did you return anything you purchase? Nope
Or successfully resist temptation? UD Naked Ultimate palette, any Tom Ford products (even the VIB sale couldn’t justify the price…)