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What beauty products are you still on a quest for?


What beauty products are you still on a quest for? Which ones are you still looking for that holy grail item?

All, because I have no ability to stop at “OMG THIS IS THE BEST!” as I fear there is another best that I just haven’t tried yet!

Thanks to Vanelle for today’s question! Have a question idea? Submit yours here.

By the way…

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SMAUNFACE! (8/5!) aka the Tech Guy, aka @shauntechguy.

140 Comments

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Meesh Avatar

Happy birthday to the Tech Guy!

I’m still in on the quest for something that will keep my skin clear FOREVER AND EVER AND EVER . . . OK how about a more realistic goal? I’m on the hunt for a foundation that suits my skin and won’t break me out!

Bianca Avatar

perfect foundation.
i have mufe hd but it just doesnt cut it for me.

AND PERFECT MOISTURIZER.
my skin is so dry and gross by the end of the day ):

christina Avatar

have you tried cetaphil? after i started using this moisturizer, i don’t get dry patches anymore and at the end of the day when i wash my face, it is pretty soft.

Anastasiya Avatar

Have you tried the Nivea? I’ve been using it for a year, I LOVE it. I have the night cream too and i wake up with great, soft skin. give it a try! I got it in Canada, not sure where you’re from and if you have it. It’s called Light Moisturizing Day Care

Amy Avatar

I’m on the hunt for a foundation that I can’t sweat off, won’t wear off and actually matches my skin color. Under $15.

A concealer that will actually help disguise my acne scars instead of just making them look a little less red than before.

A blush that doesn’t make me look like I got into Mommy’s makeup and a lipstick that doesn’t peel off of my lips. Or at least a blam/moisturizer that will get my lips into good enough condition that I can wear lipstick without it all ending up in the middle of my mouth in clumps peeling off and taking skin with it. Every lipstick I’ve ever worn has done that.

Michele Avatar

Have you tried a lip primer? You are probably allergic or sensitive to a common ingredient in lipsticks. I used to have the same problem and the only way I could wear lipstick was if I used an Elizabeth Arden Lip Conditioner first(I think that’s what it was called). Fortunately, it seems to have gone away on it’s own but I know exactly what you’re going through. No fun at all!

Vickie Avatar

foundation! i cant find one that i love enough to buy a new bottle. also something for the redness in my cheeks. i would love to wear blush but because of the redness every blush ive tried just makes the redness look even more inflamed

happy birthday Shaun!!!

Petra Avatar

Oh damn, me too. I’m about 1/3 far on each, I really want to use at least one up – but instead I’m going to go buy another one today. Dianne Brill is pulling out of the market here, they have everything (everything, seriously) on sale for ~9$.

Shannon Avatar

Try using Lush’s “coalface” – it’s supposed to reduce oil & help mattify skin. I bought some for my husband who has EXTREMELY oily skin and there has been a significant difference over these last few weeks. I use it a few times a week and have had no ill effects so it’s gentle enough for sensitive/acne prone skin as well.

Marina Avatar

I really like Laura Mercier’s matte setting powder in shine control. It worked for me, but I know other people have trouble with it…

Courtney Avatar

I’m on the hunt for the perfect under-eye concealer to hide my dark circles; I’ve tried so many and they all seem to settle into my fine lines and look cakey. 🙁

Happy Birthday Shauntechguy!!

Patty Avatar

I seem to have the exact same problem! I’ve found my HG combo: Smashbox concealer in the twist tube set with Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, great coverage and the veil keeps it from settling into fine lines. I really hope this helps!

Justice Avatar

The perfect everyday natural shimmery eyeshadow. I’m too dark for All that Glitters, or it would be perfect!! Any recommendations? I’m NC43

Justice Avatar

Yes, I actually have sable 🙂 But it is just a little too purple for me, you know? It’s nice, but I need something more brown. Thank you though 🙂

NeenaJ Avatar

Try Bare Escentuals eye shadow glimmer in “Summer”. It’s described as “Light bronze sand” and is just beautiful. You can test it at Ulta, Sephora or a B.E. store.

Justice Avatar

I FOUND IT!! Physician’s Formula Shimmer Brick in Sunset Strip is FANTASTIC. I am SO impressed by this product- I’ve never been this impressed by any makeup before, not even MAC, Makeup For Ever or Nars! I DEFINITELY RECOMMEND THIS PRODUCT! IT IS MY HOLY GRAIL!!!

Yumi Avatar

foundation
moisturizer
mascara
suncreen
facial cleanser and exfoliator
…among other things! i’m never satisfied either, i keep wanting to try even if the product is reasonably good! keeps things interesting i say.

Kai Avatar

I am still on the quest for the perfect “go to” makeup palette . The coastal scents 88 palette… eh . Willing to try it again w// the 42 double stack palette because the blushes look great. The NAKED palette seem sgood, but a little pricey for me. I want to try the NYX S102 palette but haven’t heard any reviews, so i dunno.

I’m just looking for a good palette that i can use for both day and night, that has colors that look good on my skin (nw45) and is a good price.

until then, THE QUEST CONTINUES !

Kaylynrenee Avatar

Foundation
Undereye concealer that won’t settle into my fine lines
A skin-matching e/s (still
Haven’t made it to the Burberry counter to try Trench!)
The perfect pink lipstick

Happy birthday to Shaun!

macloli Avatar

I’m on the hunt for shu umera lashes. The company has decided to stop selling in the US….that also means no more amazing lash curlers for us 🙁

Alexandra Avatar

the ONLY product that is my HG for years now is Mario Badescu’s Sea Emollient Hand Cream. Never found a hand cream to replace it, so far. As for the make-up…no HG, still searching and changing am replacing. =)

Maria Avatar

I just found what I think will be my HG Moisturizer but I’m still looking for a foundation that is one pale enough for me and doesnt make me yellow or orange and two doesnt breakout my dry sensitive skin.

Happy Birthday Shaun 🙂

dolce aria Avatar

Since I’ve tried Eve Pearl’s foundation, we can knock that off the list. Right now, i’m always looking for new eyeshadow colors, mascaras, lip colors. I like my skincare things, i like my foundation, though I’m afraid I’ll run through it too fast and it will be expensive to replace….. For forever, foundation adn mascara were my nitpicks. Right now, I’ve been running a monthlong trial of the Cargo Lash Activator and Lash Activator night. my lashes were fine before, now they’re SO thick that half my mascara’s give me clumpy-frizz barbie hair-after the blowdrier lashes, even with a careful application. I can’t wait to actually write about it, and have done with it.

Shannon Avatar

Happy birfday @shauntechguy! Thanks for helping create/maintain this site, we appreciate it 🙂

Seems some common ground here – lots are looking for the “perfect foundation” – and so am I! With my sensitive, acne prone, combo/oily “maturing” skin – I either look orange or a ghost, breaks me out, or cakes around my eyes and settles funny or just slides off my oily face after a few hours. So yes, concealer & foundation are issues for me.

And of course, I have been trying to locate the UD Naked palette but the only companies that ship to Canada (UD & Sephora) are constantly out of stock! Grrrr *shakes fist*

Ashley Avocado Avatar

1. the perfect undereye concealer
2. a mascara that actually makes my eyelashes appear significantly longer, fuller, and NOT clumpy (though i’m convinced this doesn’t exist and am therefore a slave to false lashes)
3. the perfect peachy-nude and/or peachy-coral lip… i have dozens of these colors but every time i convince myself i have found THE perfect combination, i change my mind and decide it’s missing something…

Alison Avatar

Hrmmm… I’m not sure how it will be on your skin, but the only liner I’ve found that doesn’t budge on me all day (on the lash line, not on the waterline) is SANA’s Extra Heavy Eyeliner. I find its fantastically easy to use, as I just need to apply it in the morning and it doesn’t budge unless I cry/rub my eyes soon after or take a nap. I don’t even feel it when I’m wearing it. Plus, the pen is very easy to use, steady and doesn’t skip or bleed. You can get it at sasa.com.

Ceriene Avatar

Happy Birthday, Shaun!

I’m still on the hunt for the perfect foundation, like many of the girls here. I’ve heard good things about MUFE’s Matt Velvet+ and I like the sound of your Philosophy Supernatural Superbeautiful review, so I’m hoping to try those soon.

Also, the perfect mascara- that holds a curl, lengthens, volumizes and doesn’t make my top lashes stick to my bottom lashes when I blink!

Hilana Avatar

Firstly, happy birhtday Shaun! 🙂

Foundation and powder that would get me that perfect airbrushed look!
And then of course, the perfect nude nail polish.
they are either too beige or too brown. I don’t know. They just never look like I want it to look.

Lulle Avatar

I’m still looking for a really good foundation: all the products I tried are either drying out my skin, making it oily, looking dull, or just not concealing anything.

I also haven’t found my HG mascara yet. I hate the “volume” mascara trend we’re having, these just make your lashes look like giant fat spider legs, clumping together. I’m looking for definition, ++ curl and length, how come is that so hard??

Sarah Avatar

An eyeliner for my waterline which stays put..
and a HG foundation.. i have one which i like a lot ( vichy dermablend ) but i still believe there is better out there!

Alyx Avatar

Im looking for everything. Perfect daytime eyeshadow, suitable blush, fabulous lipstick, and most of all a moisturizer for oily, acne skin. Those things are out there, I just have to find them.

Happy Birthday Shaun!

Daria Avatar

I really love Mario Badescus Control Moisturizer for Oily Skin ( $18) and it sounds like I have similar skin to yours! Hope that helps:)

Christine Avatar

I agree with you Christine. I couldn’t have said it better myself. The best HG item I’ve found is my NARS Sheer Glow, so thankfully I no longer feel the need to keep looking for more foundations.

Rissy Avatar

Happy birthday shaun! 🙂 hope its a good one!

And I guess I’m still looking for a better tinted moisturizer… though korres has gotten super close. Idk I’ve been breaking out though… idk if its from the TM or hormones. :/ and an eyeliner that does not smudge on the water line… even fluidline smudges after a couple hours 🙁

Victoria Avatar

To keep eyeliner on my waterline, I put down an eyeshadow and then a matching fluidline. I do it all the time with MAC carbon and then blacktrack! It stays forever.

Morena Avatar

Sephora has an eye primer (Sephora brand) for $8!!!!!!!!!11
You can use it for eyeshadows and glitters

SOme Sephoras sell a small sized urban decay primer potion for $8 also, but it doesnt last long. And I’ve seen a two-for one deal with the regular-sized ones too. Just like the eyeshadow 2 for 1 deal that t hey have going on now, they have the same for the primer potions at the store

Rosanna Avatar

Happy Birthday Shaun! Thanks for all your hard work on the site!

Looking for a perfect:

Mascara (that lengthens, volumizes, keeps a curl, and is in glossy black – all in preferably non-waterproof formula) – I could use fake lashes though….(and I do sometimes but it’s expensive replacing them)

Foundation (long-lasting, medium coverage, matte but not drying because I have dry skin and not heavy). NARS Sheer Glow is pretty close but I would prefer it matte/natural and it’s okay for my dry skin, it’ll still accentuate dry flakes a bit.

Eyeliner for Lower Waterline (staying power…) I’ve tried MUFE, GOSH, Shu Uemura, and Chanel – nothing stays on my “entire” waterline for too long. The edge corner is always gone first..

Moisturizer (the MOST important for my dry skin) Something that keeps it hydrated all the time and prevents dry flakes/patches

Miss Silver Avatar

Because of my ODC, I try not to think about it. My OCD gets worse when I’m under a lot of stress, and my tick is that I have to have two of everything. And because I’m now a make up junkie, I drool at the sight of a new mascara or eyeshadow or brush or whatever else. Dammit, I am trolling the auction sites again! But make up is so good….

I guess the one item that I’m still after is a good liquid blush.

Almus Avatar

Oh! I just remember I am looking for a good medium blue-grey khol eye pencil (when I say “good” I mean easily blendable mainly =D)

I bet there is someone around who can help me =D (fingers crossed ^^)

Btw,hb techguy!

shuz4ever Avatar

Happy Birthday Shaun!

Am yet to find a single HG product in any category…be it face wash/ concealer/lip balm/shampoo/ foundation…my quest continues…so many products to try, such lil time;-)

Petra Avatar

If my skin’s condition was consistent, I probably would have found some HG items already. I really love Dior’s Nude foundation, as well as Vichy’s Aera Teint one (it’s fab but it does accentuate any flaky bit of skin, which even I have with my oily skin). I have recently tried Dianne Brill’s Freshwater pearl foundation and I really like it, it’s really like not wearing anything – but it doesn’t cover much.
For powder I’ve really been going to one product for years, and it’s Manhattan’s Clearface (or sg like that) powder. It’s not good for setting, but perfect for replacing foundation. And it’s cheap.
For brows I might have found my HG in MAC’s browsets (shame they discontinued my shade in GirlBoy). My brows are very sparse and light, so this is evry natural and quick for me.

JennyT Avatar

Ive started to go back and collect things from past MAC collections. Im still on the hunt for the cool eyes palette from the patternmaker collection …havent had any luck 🙁
And a few things from the hello kitty collection but fakes are so rampant online so I cant bring myself to bid on anything.

Chiara Avatar

Happy B-day Shaun!

I’m still on a quest for about everything :p Definatly foundation, and maybe even more : The perfect application!

HovercatMittens Avatar

I still want to find my perfect mineral foundation match and something to stop the oiliness. I have the UD spray and it does nothing so I need a better oil control primer too 🙁

I still want a full size mac your ladyship. RE-PROMOTE MAC KTHXBAI! 😀

Julie Avatar

Mine would be the perfect lipstick…I still haven’t found it. Man, I wonder how much lipstick I’ve unintentionally eaten so far in my life…

Anyway Happy Birthday Shaun!

bxboricua Avatar

a good liquid foundation with staying power that doesn’t break me out (for special occasions)…happy birthday to Shaun the Tech Guy!

Sara Avatar

For me, it’s always a perfect eye cream and setting powder!

And Happy birthday Shaun!!! You and Christine are adorable, and keep up the good work @ Temptalia!

Cherie Avatar

Happy bday Shaun!!!

I’m on the hunt for the perfect face cream, foundation (although NARS and Lancome are pretty close) and mascara! I’m also looking for the perfect rose pink with slight berry colour lipstick.

Katie Avatar

It may be easier to name what I am NOT on a quest for!! Actually, the two things I really keep looking for is the perfect blush color and the perfect lipstick color. I know a lot of formulas/brands that I like, but never seem to find the right color that lights up my face. I am really eager to try Angelika blush by NARS after seeing the review on this site. Christine, your lip swatches always make me want to buy lipstick!! I have bought some great colors thanks to you!

Also, happy birthday Shaun!! Have a great birthday and thanks for all the great reviews!

Keener Avatar

I think EVERYTHING. I want a great tinted moisturizer that offers a little more coverage than most, I like my foundation as well, but I keep wanting to try others to see what the higher end brands are like. I want the perfect red lipstick, pink lipstick, neutral lipstick, matte pink blush that leaves just a flush of colour to my NC45 skintone, a great cleanser/moisturizer system that helps prevent acne, a lip scrub that works, a balm that I can wear on it’s own and I’m sure there’s other!

Michelle Avatar

Happy Birthday, TechGuy!

I’m still looking for a HG eye cream, one for daytime & one for bedtime.

I guess I’m still looking for a HG foundation too. Even though I like MUFE HD foundation, I feel there is something better out there for me.

Kelly Avatar

I am looking for a super wonderful, impossibly fabulous mascara. It’s my favorite beauty item and one I never leave the house without wearing, but I can’t seem to find THE ONE. I like Lancomes Hypnose the best, but it’s still not HG. Still searching, but the chase is fun right?!

Chantelle Avatar

Skin care product that prevents breakouts, delivers a natural even tone and controls shine! My skin is also sensentive and it is out of control right now. I am breaking out every 2-3 weeks. I am contemplating whether to try the Kardashian PerfectSkin line… Any suggestions? I am a warm dark tone and I am hoping to find a shade of red lipstick (if there is one) that won’t make me look like a circus clown.

Cherokee Avatar

On the quest for a really good moisturizer with spf, night cream and eye cream. Just found what I think is my HG concealer which is MAC Select Moisture Concealer. It works really good for me without looking made up.

Deb Avatar

CONCEALER! I’ve got some purple-ness under my eyes at all times and a seemingly permanent acne scar on my cheek, and I just can’t find the right product. Ugh, it is driving me crazy! I am furiously working to finish the Smashbox one I have before I try another, and I’ve got my eyes on the YSL one that everyone seems to like. But I fear I will never be satisfied! I’ve been let down so many times before…

Jessie Q Avatar

Eyeliner. I’m absolutely terrible with them, and I haven’t found one that suits me yet. I need one that’s impossibly easy to work with, at least to start. 🙁 Also, undereye concealer.

Alison Avatar

Hate to repeat myself, but I highly recommend SANA’s Extra Heavy eyeliner pens. I’m personally pretty terrible when it comes to applying eyeliner and liquid eyeliner, but this pen is super easy to use and does what its told.

Maca Avatar

The perfect eyeshadow shade that’ll make my green with brown around the pupil and gold flecks eyes pop. I’d like a burgundy that’s not too burgundy, but not too purple either, and not too dark that would make it look black, but no too bright so I can use as an eyeliner. I’m picky. 😛

Linnea Avatar

The perfect eye cream.

I realize that there isn’t a cream out there that can do everything (wrinkle treatment, dark under eye treatment, and general skin tone treatment).. but maybe one day.

Valentine Avatar

I am on a neverending search for a moisturizing, long-lasting lip balm that is affordable, comes in a cute, non-fussy package, contains broad spectrum SPF, and is the perfect shade of corally pink. When Korres Lip Butter Gloss Sticks finally launch in the US, I’ll see if they’re what I’ve been waiting for, as I love the formulas but hate the pot packaging.

vanelle Avatar

Awwww yay! My question made the list! When I saw it I nearly cried…lol.
Thanks christine.

Happy birthday Shaun..birthdays are special.

I’m on the hunt for a good under eye concealer. Nothing is cutting it and a good neutral everyday eyeshadow combo. I like all my shadows but nothing makes an everyday look. So frustrating. Its amazing how many people are still on the hunt for their HG foundation. I’m still looking for a good everyday one too. I LOVE Nars sheer glow, but I need something with a thinner layer.

Julianna M. Avatar

Makeup removed. I’m rotating Ponds wipes. Almay pads, and just added Ponds. I just want to get my waterproof mascara off without turning my eye into an red scratchy mess.

Morena Avatar

Makeup – I currently use MAC’s studio fix and I hate it!! I want to try Makeup Forever HD foundation next. I have their face & body and its great for day time. But since its HD is pricey I might do one of the other MAC foundations, liquid or powder havent decided yet. Makseup forever’s face and body can be my day foundation, for when i want something shear, and MAC (or HD) can be for when i want something heavier.
And I just bought 3 lipglosses from MAC’s Dare To Wear collection.. I bought the hot pink color, the red, and the baby pink glittery one. Scrated those off my with list! Yay!

Hair products – My hair is curly, and I want to buy Ag Recoil (expensive.. $17) and Curl Keeper (also expensive) OR Kinky Curly. I;ve used all 3 of these and would go back to them.

I want to buy some heels from Guess and some cute clothes from greatglam.com and some more gym-wear from http://www.garotacarioca.com.br

thats it for meee…

Steph B Avatar

I have Shroom and love it, but it isn’t what I’m looking for. I want a nice peachy-brown with a satin, not frost, finish. I love the way the color makes me look so awake and really brightens my eyes. I just find the frost a bit too much for work.

Jessica Avatar

the perfect foundation. it is so hard to find a foundation when you are darker skinned because everything is so red. i think i’m a NW40-43 but i have yellow undertones, so i could very well be an NC color; so confused X-(. Plus, I have oily skin that oxidizes the makeup so it turns red!

but once i go on accutane, my skin will be acne and oil free so i will finally be able to get matched 😀

Anna Avatar

The perfect foundation, like a lot of other girls have said.

Hair products for my hair that’s wavy at the top, straight at the bottom layers. I want the perfect products that will keep my hair nice, wavy, frizz and poof free so I don’t have to run a flat iron through it all the time.

Alison Avatar

At the moment, my personal quest is to find the most flattering lip color in a great formula that I possibly can. Something that makes my skin glow.

I also wouldn’t say no to an eyeliner tool that makes my heavier eyeliner looks even… >.< I often find that if I flick or build up my eyeliner that I have trouble matching the two sides, especially considering the fact that my eyes aren't really mirror images of each other and aren't naturally even.

Naturally, like most people, I would love a tinted moisturiser or foundation that just matched my skin perfectly. Though I'm not really in the habit of wearing foundation often, so this isn't really a quest so much as a wish.

Oh, and a nude glowy eyeshadow: Not shimmery, but with a glow. And natural, not too white or to muddy. Something that fits with my skin tone.

I also wouldn't say no to a miracle acne scar treatment!

Sharon M Avatar

Happy Birthday, Shaun — thanks for all you do in maintaining this site; we all appreciate it!

I’m still looking for the perfect foundation, one with light coverage that doesn’t look cakey after being applied or settle into the lines on my face. Also, a tinted moisturizer that has the same properties and isn’t too yellow… my skin is NW 15 (NW 20 in summer) and very cool undertones.

Helena Avatar

Skin care and foundation.
Also, not quite about holy grail products, but I’m still questing for the whole Alexander McQueen collection. If anyone wants to send it me, be my guest. :p

Christopher Avatar

MAC MSFs in Perfect Topping and very yearning – Lightscapade.
also Illamasqua products. I know they sell them on Sephora.com but I can’t seem to find them at any of the stores I go to!

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