Product Review: MAC Fast Response Eye Cream

MAC FAST RESPONSE EYE CREAM $28.50 USD

The super-charged, caffeinated cream with instant effects. De-puffs, erases the look of dark circles, firms, soothes and softens skin around the eye. Special optics act like magic to fade away lines.

PRICE
I'm really not all that down with spending nearly $30 on a single product. A makeup brush I'm more inclined to drop the cash, but I find myself less willing to shell out the dough when it comes to something that will eventually deplete itself. But on the flip side to this frugal situation, $30 is an affordable fee when it comes to taking care of something as important as the skin around the eye.

PACKAGING
The MAC Fast Response Eye Cream is presented in a travel friendly squeeze tube with a black screw top. Also an easy item to toss into your handbag or purse for those late mornings when the snooze button wins.

As part of the packaging, the tube is equipped with a built-in needle tip to allow for controlled gradual product dispensing. This is a very useful feature especially when a little goes a long way and this is one product you don't want to be wasteful on!


PRODUCT CONSISTENCY
The consistency of the MAC Fast Response Eye Cream is not runny like milk yet not firm like gel. It is also very lightweight and smooths easily into the skin and finishes with a soft and silky texture. This is why I bought the product!!


THE EXPERIENCE
The comparison between where the product is on the back of my hand to where it isn't, is more convincing of it's ability to fade away lines than on my eye. On my eye, it doesn't erase deep creasing but it does smooth out some of the hardly noticeable fine lines.

And in smoothing out the skin, my eyelids feel like silk when I have this on! If you don't have oily eyelids, you could probably get away with using this as an eyeshadow primer as well. I can't because as the day wears on, I notice my crease starting to secrete oil.






WHAT I LIKE

• The way it makes my eyelids feel; soft, smooth, and silky.
• It smells lovely... just as all MAC face products normally do.
• The needle-point dispenser and overall packaging.
  

WHAT I DISLIKE

• Price tag. But in retrospeck, taking care of your eyes is priceless.
• If you put too much, there are eraser-like shavings.
  

YOU'LL PROBABLY LIKE THIS IF...

• you're looking to smooth out the skin texture around your eyes.
• you have normal eyelids and want to double up on an eye cream and eyeshadow primer. As an eyeshadow primer it won't enhance your eyeshadow color, but it could very well keep your eyeshadow from creasing.
• you like the effects of caffeine and think your eyes could use some outside of your normal morning brew.
• the packaging is spot on for you.
• you like products where a little goes a long way. Such is the case with this product. Looks small but enough to feed your eye for months!
  

YOU'LL PROBABLY DISLIKE THIS IF...

• $30 does better at feeding you for a day than an eye cream. Hah!
  
• you're not fond of a siiilky, smooooth, sooooft eye. Hah (x2)!

OVERALL
I like having the MAC Fast Response Eye Cream on my eyes even when I'm sans makeup because it seems to give my eyes a naturally matted look even despite the fact that it doesn't keep the oils away like traditional eyeshadow primer. And nothing can beat the smooth and silk texture it gives to the eyes. Just knowing that my eyes start out that way before I apply my eyeshadow makes the experience that much more fun.

I can't necessarily say that it visually "super-charged" my eyes as I didn't feel wide-eyed like I had just drank a cup of coffee. But the way it makes your eyes feel definitely made up for that.

If you were to buy this, I know that you will definitely enjoy the way it makes your eyes feel - NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT :) Did I say that enough in this review?!? ;)

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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Haul: Some Drugstore Nick-Nacks

The one thing I love about the Sunday paper is the ads. I mean, who doesn't? If there is one thing I'm always scouring, it's the beauty products that are marked with those "$$$ off" or "%" tags!

This week's island Longs sale includes CoverGirl's Lash Blast for only $4.99. This is my HG mascara so I made sure I picked up a couple.

After madly chucking the CoverGirl Lash Blasts into the cart in fear of a crazy Lash Blast lovin' mob ready to fight me for the remaining "Very Blacks", I dilly dallied around the aisles and picked up a few other things: Paddle & Point Applicators, a retractable lip brush, and (2) 1 oz. screw-top containers to house some natural skin care products I make (entries on those to come).


I decided to buy a lip brush because 1) I don't have one, and 2) I didn't exactly feel like spending $19+ dollars on one at MAC. So I opted for the QVS Retractable Lip Brush breaking the bank at around $4.


With firm nylon bristles...


and a detachable cover that pushes the brush out,...


this grips-like-a-pencil mechanism is made for lip product application. Although one thing that will suck is having to clean it all the time - joy!


Overall, the bristles on the QVS Retractable Lip Brush are very firm which I can see as being too firm for those used to or looking for something feathery. The thing I like about the firmness is that the lip brush applies product with precision. And as you glide the product over the pouters, the brush bristles fan out making the bristles more flexible (less firm) to evenly distribute the product.

I'm not at all picky on this devise so this will do for me.

I also picked up some Paddle & Point Applicators because when it comes to filling in my eyebrows, I feel like the regular Q-Tips are taking away too much with the ends of the cotton fraying out instead of being tightly wrapped around the shaft.


This dual-ended Q-Tip is shaped for versatility.


Equipped with a pointed end for getting in to the nooks and crannies of things...


to the rounded end made perfect for cleaning up the excess eyebrow powder left behind when doing my eyebrows.


And for less than $2, this is a definite must-have for any makeup bag!

Has anyone else done a little drugstore hauling lately?

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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Product Review: CoverGirl Lash Blast

COVERGIRL LASH BLAST $7-8 USD

"Get a blast of lush, volumized lashes! LashBlast's patented volume-boosting formula and patent-pending brush are designed to max-out each and every lash, leaving you with the ultimate big lash look. Now in waterproof, too!" ~CoverGirl.com

PRICE
It's priced around what your average budget mascara would cost. And when you find something that works, this is a very decent price to pay over and over again.

PACKAGING
The CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara is a plump little sucker. It is quite the handful. Why CoverGirl had this design in mind? Perhaps it's the gimmick of volume, but with a bigger than normal wand, I guess it was only proportionate (or rather appropriate?) to make a tube just as big.

I don't know if I can say that I like or love the tubby of a tube, but this may turn off an audience who are more content with the slender packaging of regular mascaras.

I do wish the container consisted more of the smooth plastic material as the CoverGirl Lash Blast is comprised of a slightly textured plastic. I notice that if I have just washed or put lotion on my hands prior to applying mascara, that they don't grip as well as they would had the material been the sleeker plastic.


THE WAND
The CoverGirl Lash Blast features a Volumizing Brush and to be more exact on its construction, let's just say... fatty, fatty, fatty! A thicker wand designed for volumizing each and every strand with the help of "50% more bristles" than CoverGirl LashExact. And with promises to remain clump-free, I have experienced none other than a promise delivered.

This bristles on the wand look precision sharp, but are dense enough to separate lashes yet soft enough to apply mascara at the very base of the lash. I don't have to scratch the rim of my eyelid to do so; unlike other mascara wands I've tried.


PRODUCT CONSISTENCY
The "volume-boosting formula" almost seems gel-like to me. Reminds me of MAC Blacktrack Fluidline.

THE EXPERIENCE
All I have to say is that CoverGirl Lash Blast is my Holy Grail of mascaras! Even after 3 coats of it on my eyelashes, they weren't weighed down in any way (no eyelash primer used either), there was minimal grouping of the lashes (which normally gives off a sparse looking effect), and at the end of the day, no obvious raccoon or football player eyes.

I normally do 2 really good coats of the mascara and I can rest assure knowing my peeper wings will stand sturdy throughout the day. Because of the fattiness of the wand, it is a bit harder to get those loner hairs near the outer corners. I find that the wand doesn't do as good a job on my lower lashes but that's probably because I don't have any. But these are all things I can work around.









WHAT I LIKE

• It doesn't leave a clumpy hot mess on me lashes or on me wand.
• The volumizing brush. I like that there are so many bristles because it helps to separate the lashes and really comb them through maximizing a look of fullness with each strand.
• It doesn't dry to a dull finish, but a nice satiny sheen.
• With proper curling, I believe it does volumize the lashes.
• It doesn't transfer (smudge or smear) to the bottom of my eyes as fast as most mascaras do. Albeit that you can't go 12 hours without some worn out residue, but it was pretty longlasting in staying put.
• Washes off fairly easily (remember folks! rub GENTLY. gentle = less wrinkles)
• Didn't irritate my eyes and I wear contacts.
• It comes in waterproof as well for those that need that kind of security.
  

WHAT I DISLIKE

• Overall it is great but I'll note that the wand is a bit oversized for my very outer lashes. Challenging to find the right angle in which I can do some good defining with out smearing gunk in my eye, near my eye, or on my freshly done eye makeup!
  

OVERALL
I personally LOVE this mascara. I will definitely purchase another tube of this when I run this to the bitter end. The wand and the formula is what really does it for me because I enjoy the fact that I can slather (well not that much) the mascara across my lashes and then use the wand to comb through it after without having to worry about flakes getting all over the place or in fear of further groupies forming. The pointed tips of the bristles really do a great job at reaching in and breaking up most lash cliques who vow to stay true homies to the end.

Lash Blast, you're a winner in my book. You have captured my heart and I hope I have done you right by saying a good few things about you :)

YOU'LL PROBABLY LIKE THIS IF...

• you are seeking a mascara that can do some really good separation by giving individualized attention to each strand.
• you are fond of gel eyeliners and would like to try a mascara of similar consistency.
• a lightweight mascara is in your standards.
• you like L'Oreal Voluminous and want to change up the scene between brands.
  
• you a looking to keep the artificial dark under eye circles away at least until a decent hour.
• a budget friendly mascara fits your wallets needs versus a $20+ one.
• fat orange tubes just scream "please, buy me".
• you are looking for mascaras that also offer waterproof versions.
• the wand seems like it's exactly what you've been looking for.
• a mascara delivers on being clump-free.

YOU'LL PROBABLY DISLIKE THIS IF...

• anything bigger than your average slim mascara wand makes you uncomfortable.
• you're not fond of gel-type formulas (I'm not sure if it IS gel that is the formula, but the formula resembles that of a gel-type consistency).
• you're not ready to leave your already possessed HG mascara. I don't blame you. If you find something that already works, stick with it until your curiosity stops by again.
• MAC Neo-Sci Fi is going to be enough orange for you this year.
• ... as you can see, I'm making up some irrelevant reasons to dislike the product, because I really don't have anything else but great things to say on this one!

Hope everyone is having a dry weekend so far. We're getting some April showers here on the island but nothing a full length, end-to-end, pot o' gold rainbow can't make up for :)

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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Product Tip: Paint Pots Deserve The Spa Treatment Also!

The MAC Paint Pot. Great as a base, packaged adorably in glass containers, a multitude of colors to choose from... it's just a MAC Collector's dream!

MAC Paint Pots were (and still are) a HUGE deal when they were released in August 2007. After befriending them and adopting most of them, I can proudly say that my Paint Pots do get the ultimate spa treatment.

From my recent post about mingling with the Pros at the Nordstrom's MAC Technique Class, it seems that some light was shed on storing the infamous jars of color. Storing the Paint Pots upside down helps keep the product from drying out.

I've been doing this for quite some time now and thought I'd share with you exactly how I store mine.

Since I have more than a handful of these glassed beauties, I store them upside down in an empty CD spindle container. When arranged like how I've done below, the jars fit nicely with a little tough love. This is my "I-don't-have-a traincase" way of doing things. And with CD burning almost a reflexive pastime, most people are bound to have a couple of the spindle containers laying around.


I keep my Paint Pots stored in the bedroom since the steam from the shower causes the bathroom to fluctuate in temperature. Considering that most people shower on a daily basis, that's a lot of temperature changes your Paint Pots have to go through. And don't forget to factor in other people that use your bathroom. More chances for it to spoil sooner.

When I'm doing my makeup and I am using a Paint Pot, I still make sure to keep them facing upside down. So in between loading up my brush with product, I just face it down on the counter on top of a clean piece of toilet paper (aka Paint Pot BFF). That way it isn't touching any not-so-clean surfaces yet making it easy to grab product without having to screw the lid on and off each time.


So what happens should your Paint Pot take a turn for the worse and become deathly ill (symptoms of this are noted as dried out product and possible cracking)? When things dry out, our gut says to quench the thirst. Here are a couple of ideas you may want to put to the test:

• Scraping off the top layer.
• Add a bit of mixing medium or Fix+ to help moisten the Paint Pot.
• Moisturize the bristles of your brush with moisturizer prior to dipping in the Paint Pot.

When trying to bring life back to your Paint Pots, transfer part of the product to another container to test. This will allow you to keep the remaining separated in case the test doesn't turn out to your liking.

Paint Pot Maintenance:

• Store MAC Paint Pots in an area where room temperature is constant; not in the bathroom or car.
  
• Transfer part of the product to a smaller container and replenish as needed.
• Ensure the lids are tightly screwed on when not in use.
• Always keep Paint Pot jars faced upside down; when in use and not.

MAC Paint Pot sure can be high maintenance products, but better to take care of them like the good makeup parents we are.

Do you have other products that are worthy of the spa treatment?

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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Product Review: L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara

L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara $6-9 USD

For lashes with intense length. Telescopic® Original Mascara enhances your lashes with intense length and unique lash by lash separation. The flat side of the patented flexible Precision Brush lengthens lashes up to 60%, while the comb side of the brush separates lashes with exact precision for a clump-free result.

• Ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested.
• Removes easily with soap and water.
• Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
• Fragrance-free.

PRICE
Depending where you go, I've seen this mascara go for almost $9. This give you folks an idea as to how things can get incredibly overpriced here on the island. When it comes to budget cosmetics, I really don't like paying more than $7 for a mascara. I think I paid around $8 for this, but only because I had to dip into the raves that I've been reading on it.

I think $9 is overpriced for any budget mascara, but if I really dig the product, I'll dig into the purse for the extra coins to make the purchase.

PACKAGING
Creatively, it's housed in a telescope-shaped cylinder. I actually like that it has a gradually increasing (or decreasing depending on your forte) shape because since I keep all my tools in my brush belt, it makes for easy grabbing without mistakenly snatching the wrong one. I have quite a few mascaras lined up next to each other so the indentations on the cap help to identify through touch if I've selected the correct one in a quick pick.

THE WAND
Telescopic is paired with a patented flexible Precision Brush which helps to create intense lash length while separating each strand. I honestly have always been edgy about wands like these because I actually prefer a volumizing wand instead; I like the full lash look over the lengthened lash look.

When I first withdrew the wand from the tube, I already felt my stomach turn because I had a preconceived notion as to what the results would be before even trying it. I tried a combing mascara before which tainted my mascara experience to wands that contained anything less than a million reaching bristles. So immediately I was turned off when seeing the Telescopic wand but told myself to suck it up and try it so I can see what was making everyone go coo-coo for Telescopic. To my surprise, it does work rather well. Another lesson in not to judge a book by its cover.

I haven't really noticed the flexibility of the wand. It doesn't seem to bend freely without some sort of resistance. I really like being able to bend the wand myself. I find it fun!

The concept of the wand is similar to that of MAC Plushlash in the double purpose wand construction. A flat side to lengthen, another side to separate. Plushlash, however, has volumizing bristles to accomplish both lengthening and volume whereas Telescopic is deemed ready only for length and separation as the wand is made with short bristle teeth.

PRODUCT CONSISTENCY
The formula itself is not thick or tar-like but a nice gel-like formula; reminds me of MAC fluidline consistency. This is definitely why it is easy to wash off with soap and water; although that is not the case with fluidline. That is a murder to wash off! It also does remain clump-free as advertised.

Although the formula itself doesn't clump, it does like to clump the hair strand together as more coats are applied.

THE EXPERIENCE
L'Oreal promotes Telescopic's formula as being "infused with ultra-lengthening polymers and nurturing oils" which help to give added length to the lash as well as a soft and smooth finish.

Honestly, I don't know if it really lengthens the lashes, at least on mine they don't really seem to lengthen noticeably. I think it bolds my lashes giving off the illusion that they are longer but as far as adding length, not on my suckers.

The Precision Brush tends to make groupies of my lashes as it's way of making them look separated. And since I don't use my metal teeth eyelash comb, the already grouped lashes regroup even more with each coat like relatives during the holidays. I personally think that 2 coats is enough for me. Anymore than that and I imagine we're in for Alfalfa-hairstyle looking lashes as a result of the grouping. Remember Alfalfa from the Little Rascals?

The one thing I do like about the grouping is because it does give a bolder look to the lashes. It really makes it look really black in color which I am heavily fond of because of my tanner complexion.

WHAT I LIKE
- The intense darkness it adds to my lashes for not being the Carbon Black version.
- The teeth-like bristles create a somewhat uniform separation.
- The mascara formula glides on to the lashes smoothly and makes them look nourished unlike others that are dry and leave a coarse finish to the lashes.
- The undereye smudging from upper lashline application was more eminent after an 8-hour period whereas a mascara like Voluminous smudges during the last stretch of an 8-hour period.

WHAT I DISLIKE
- I wish Telescopic expanded their line to include a volumizing brush using the same formula.
- It was a tad bit heavy on my lashes. This is why I curl them straight up with I use this mascara because the weight brings them down to where I actually would like them to be.
- I didn't get to experience the 60% of extra length in lashes. That really would have been nice.

OVERALL
I really do like Telescopic. I will sometimes wear L'Oreal Voluminous in combination with this mascara just for the volumizing properties, but Telescopic on its own does just fine also. I definitely wouldn't mind purchasing this product again once it runs out or my 3 months is up, whichever comes first.

YOU'LL PROBABLY LIKE THIS IF...
- you are blessed with a nice full fluff of lash. This would look amazing on those!
- you're lashes are short and are looking for a more pronounced way to tell the world that you do have some.
- you dig the patented Precision Brush design.
- you're looking for a good non-clumping, lash separating mascara.

YOU'LL PROBABLY DISLIKE THIS IF...
- you're looking for a volumizing mascara. Best to try out L'Oreal Voluminous.
- you only like working with bristles on the wand versus teeth.

Are you still looking for your Holy Grail mascara or have you stumbled on it already? Please share!

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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Tutorial: Homemade Mixing Medium

Save your money and a phone call to MacPro for the Water-based Mixing Medium. I mean, why spend that much money if you can buy Glycerin and make it yourself, right?

Mixing Medium can be used in a variety of ways. It can be used to thin out liquid foundation that is too heavy in viscosity, foil eyeshadows in pigment form such as my recent Base Trials using it on it's own or over Urban Decay Primer Potion, or with powdered makeup to create anything from sheer to opaque effects. MACPro also suggests that you can use it to adhere "MAC glitter to the skin". The great thing is you can be as creative as you want with it.

Mixing Medium is simply made from two ingredients: Glycerin and good 'ol H2O. Glycerin, found in numerous cosmetics products, is a humectant which means that it will retain moisture and water content in the skin. It can be found at regular drugstores like Wal-Mart and Target. I bought my Glycerin at Wal-Mart, and if I can remember correctly, in the aisle where the First Aid materials are. If in doubt, just ask an associate and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Word to the wise: Make this in SMALL batches.

Because you are simply just mixing Glycerin and water together, the resulting by-product is not made to last long because you are omitting the preservatives which keep any product long-lasting. I would say to keep any given batch for no longer than two weeks, so make accordingly. I left mine in the plastic container just to see what would happen and it molded after a while. You definitely don't want to mess with your eyes in that manner so please, err on the safe side.

What You'll Need:
- Glycerin
- Water
- Container to keep it in (closed top container or spritz bottle)
- Measuring spoons

The Recipe:
3 Parts Water
1 Part Glycerin

Step 1: Gather your materials.

Step 2: Pour the Glycerin into the measuring unit of your choice. I used a 1/2 tablespoon which is A LOT. Unless you plan on using A LOT of Mixing Medium within 2 weeks, I would suggest using either 1/4 or 1/2 teaspoon.


Step 3: Pour the Glycerin into the container.


Step 4: Now add the water. It doesn't matter if it's distilled, purified, or straight tap. Whatever you are most comfortable with. I'm using purified water. Remember, the recipe is 1 part Glycerin, 3 parts water, so repeat this step 3 times.


You've combined the ingredients. See the Glycerin?


Step 5: Mix the ingredients. I just capped the container...


...and swirled it around to mix it.


Now to use it.

Either pour some of the Mixing Medium into another clean container (or the lid) or dip a clean brush into the Mixing Medium. If at anytime there is too much product on the brush, simply dab it on a clean tissue.


To convert black eyeshadow to eyeliner, use your brush that contains Mixing Medium on it and scrape the edges of the pan. Avoid going for the middle in case the Mixing Medium doesn't work well with the eyeshadow so as not to ruin the entire pot/pan. Some will look filmy after in the area where scraped. MAC Sketch is one that will look filmy so be sure to keep your brush along the edge.


Voila... black liner.


And based on using 1/2 tablespoon, you only used this much. So a bottle of Glycerin will definitely last you awhile especially if you use a smaller measuring unit!


You can also opt to pour the mixture into a spritz bottle like this and just spray your brush as needed.

So go at it folks! Enjoy your same makeup, under a new light :)

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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Product Review: L'Oreal Cream Shadow Paint

Its happening as we speak! Budget cosmetics companies are stepping up to the plate and claiming a piece of the pie in this ever changing makeup hungry era. Inspired by products of the high-end clique, companies like L'Oreal and NYX are showcasing their talents to compete with the big-timers.

With the high performing crease-free MAC Paints that apply as a cream and dry to a powdery finish, we are now ready to up the ante to compare it with L'Oreal's newly released HiP Cream Shadow Paints. With properties very close to that of the MAC Paint, the consumer finally has it's shot at a semi-cheaper buy while continuing to shop for other household items like that darn toilet paper that just doesn't seem to refill itself.

L'Oreal HIP Cream Shadow Paint $10-11
PRICE
I believe that one thing our supposed "budget cosmetic companies" are going to face if they want to play this game is the gawk and hesitation that will come from new makeup users as well as some of their loyal and beloved fans. On a personal note, I tend to associate cosmetic brands to be budget safe. In short, nothing in the double digits especially if they're sitting next to a Wet 'n Wild rack happily shoving $2-3 lipstick in your face.

But being a fan of L'Oreal mascaras, lipsticks, and hair color for a long time, I had a good taste of product quality already from this company. And it didn't surprise me one bit that they wanted to take on the challenge to compete in the high-end market. So my expectations for their expanding HiP Collection, which is tailored towards more modern and trendy looks, was that it should be a bit heavier in price. And if you think about it, it's actually a great deal considering you're getting more in the tube (0.25 oz. versus 0.23 oz. of MAC Paint) AND a short-handled dense application brush similar to MAC's 242!

My opinion though is that they need to strategically market their price by having their own storefront as opposed to sharing wall space with other labels whose tags are DOLLARS cheaper. It reminds me of when Hubbo and I did Real Estate a few years ago and you'd see this amazing house with all the bells and whistles stuck in between two houses that were in dire need of a face lift. Property values are determined by the comparables in the neighborhood, not by how much upgrading you do. So word to L'Oreal, "move your property to a better part of town, yo... PRONTO!!"

But good news is, unlike many high-end brands, L'Oreal is able to offer price breaks with their BOGO offers and periodical sale slashings.

PACKAGING
Starting with the outside plastic casing that everything is packaged in, I think overall it just makes the presentation look more professional. L'Oreal definitely brought their A-game in this one. Plus, if you've own a MAC Paint like Bare Canvas, you'll know how happy we all get when we open the tube and the contents scatter out like it's elementary school recess. Speaking of which, the Crease Shadow Paint is not any different. You close, you open, it oozes. Deal with it.

I was even more impressed that they took the extra step to provide a completely sealed off opening, similar to the tubes that contain the color in hair dye, which needs to be pierced prior to the first use.

In the plastic casing that the Cream Shadow Paint comes in, there's a small well at the bottom which offers you a convenient place to put your product while you use it. The actual paint that is, not the tube. Personally, I don't care much for this feature as I'd rather just put the paint on the back of my hand, but if this knocks your socks off, then more power to you. ROCK ON!

And last but not least, the enclosed application brush. I don't own any of the HiP Pigments, but from the pictures it does look like the pigments are paired with a blending brush as opposed to a firm bristle brush like what's included here. And for comparison purposes, I placed it next to the MAC 242 to show you just how very similar they are. To me, the only difference is bristle quality and the handle length. The bristles of the HiP brush are more synthetic in feeling whereas the bristles of the MAC 242 seem to be slightly thicker in girth. But the HiP brush is nearly just as firm as the MAC 242.

CONSISTENCY & TEXTURE
L'Oreal's Cream Shadow Paint is definitely more creamier than a tube of MAC Paint. The Cream Shadow Paint also seems to be much softer, almost airy, because it is creamier. But when applied and allowed to dry, the final finishes are the same, powdery.

I chose the lightest Cream Shadow Paint in Secretive (807) but as you can see from the swatch, and in real life, it is nowhere near as light as Bare Canvas. It actually reminds me of MAC's Soft Ochre Paint Pot except in the consistency and texture of a creamier paint. And when I catch it at the right angle, I note a very VERY subtle hint of shimmer but not enough to even bat a lash about.

WHAT I LIKE
I really like the fact that L'Oreal even came out with this product! That means I can wander into the cosmetics selection of my local Wal-Mart with Hubbo and he'll think I'm just hoarding cheap makeup, lol.

Ok, but on the real note, I like that you get more for less money. A bigger tube of product AND a brush for nearly $6-7 cheaper! I also dig that the tube is completely sealed off giving me peace of mind in knowing the product hasn't been tampered with. And with the consistency being a bit creamier, it doesn't completely dehydrate my oil well of an eyelid.

WHAT I DISLIKE
I probably will not ever use the brush it came with. The handle is short and I just feel more at ease using my MAC 242. I also wish they had more colors to choose from since the only selections available are neutral-based. But I guess it's good from a company standpoint to test the waters first with neutrals then expand from there.

And although I am getting more product with a stretched dollar and I'm very impressed with the quality of most (if not all) their products, I'm paralyzed by the mere conscious fact that the display sits right next to other mediocre brands with "you get what you pay for" prices. If you were to house it in it's own setting where it's nowhere near other retailing budget cosmetics, then paying $10-11 for the Cream Shadow Paint wouldn't even make me think twice. L'Oreal seriously needs to fix the illusion because I believe most folks will see the same thing and will only be swayed to purchase because they've had a good experience in the quality. But as for impulse buying, the price is a no-no. We're a visual world that doesn't like to think about the justifications behind a company's actions.

OVERALL
But no matter how much gripe I got on the price, again L'Oreal has redeemed itself with another reputable creation. They are really setting the bar high with the HiP line. I just hope it continues.

YOU'LL PROBABLY LIKE THIS IF...
- you are digging the quality L'Oreal is tossing out these days.
- you are seeking a more affordable alternative to MAC Paints.
- you want to keep something in your travel kit.
- you're trying to conceal your makeup obsession in the price tag.

YOU'LL PROBABLY DISLIKE THIS IF...
- you already sold your soul to a specific cosmetics line and are not interested in venturing out.
- you're not interested in drugstore brands.
- you don't dig the ooze byfactor.
- you think of the price before the quality.

Can you see yourself getting HiP?

Aloha,
Mrs. Lynne

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