MUFE High Definition Elixir

Product: MUFE HD Elixir is a serum to help hydrate dry skin before moisturizer and makeup.

Price: $ $ $ $
You can find MUFE HD Elixir v exclusively in stores or online at  Sephora or Make Up For Ever for $38.

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦
 MUFE HD Elixir comes in a 0.40 oz thick glass vile with a black screw on top.  The applicator is a dropper.  You simply squeeze the top to either take in or release the serum from the dropper.  The elixir is a clear, slightly thick liquid that feels watery to the touch.

Claim:  HD complexion collection uses innovative formulas to create a new generation of makeup that is invisible on high-definition cameras and to the naked eye. This unique, lightweight elixir absorbs quickly into the skin, instantly hydrating and brightening the complexion. The breakthrough formula contains D-Panthenol and Glycerin to ensure an immediate boost of hydration (+520% after 15 minutes) that lasts throughout the day (+175% after 6 hours). Argatensyl is added to provide an immediate smoothing effect. Each ingredient was specifically added to prepare skin for high- definition makeup—so you can count on the camera picking up the perks of this perfecting formula. *
Ingredients: Water, Glycerin, Methylpropanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Glycerides Polyglycerin-10 Esters, Pentylene Glycol, Xanathan Gum, Mannitol, Sclerotium Gum, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Argania Spinosa Extract (Argania Spinosa Kernel Extract), Ethylhexylglycerin, Panthenol, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Biosaccharide, Gum-1, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Parfum (Fragrance), Carbomer, Acetyl Tetrapeptide-9.

Pros:

• Moisturizing
• Non Greasy
• Absorbs Quickly
• Lightweight
• A Little Goes A Long Way

Cons:

•  It's On The Expensive Side
• Don't Like The Dropper Applicator

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
 This winter has been harsh on my skin.  Normally I have combination skin but I was getting dry patches in area that normally would be oily.  I tried using a thicker moisturizer but it didn't help at all.  It was hard to wear foundation because it emphasized the dry patches on my face and looked flaky.  I had heard about MUFE HD Elixir before but never felt the need to get it because my face never was that dry.  Not until now.  I order my elixir from Sephora.com.  I was very excited to try it because I was desperate to find a solution for my dry, flaky, patchy skin.  Every morning after I cleaned my face and before I applied my moisturizer, I added a dot of the HD Elixir to dry areas of my face.  I would pat it onto my skin until it was fully absorbed.  Then I continued with the rest of my skincare and makeup routine.  After a week of use I no longer had dry patches on my skin.  I was so happy.
My skin didn't get better over night..  MUFE claims that 15 minutes after applying your skin will be hydrated 520%.  Claims like that are hard to tell. I couldn't tell the difference the first day.  Three days later, a week later I could definitely tell the improvement to my skin. Now that I don't have dry skin anymore I still continue to use my HD Elixir, just not as much as I first started.  With this elixir you don't need to apply a lot.  A little really does go a long way.  The elixir has a watery gel like consistency that feels very light and is absorbed quickly into your skin.  It doesn't feel or make your skin look greasy.
I fell in love with this product.  If it had any down falls it would be in the packaging and price.  I personally don't like the dropper as an applicator.  I would have preferred a brush applicator of some kind.  Also the price is a bit high ($38 for 0.40 oz).  It's a good thing you only need to use a little at a time.  But it works so well, it at almost justifies the price.  Other then those two drawbacks, I would buy this product again and recommend it for anyone with trouble dry skin.


* As stated on Sephora.com

The 19 Best Concealers

The 19 Best Concealers

If there's anything worth investing in for flawless skin, it's one of these secret face makeup weapons

To con•ceal/ Verb

1. Keep from sight; hide.
2. Keep (something) secret; prevent from being known or noticed


Why did we momentarily blast you back to a pre-college past with some SAT definition prep? Well, because life was an oyster then, wasn't it? No, no, we kid. It was to argue that "to conceal," in its plain context and without the negative connation that it's usually associated with (read: weapons and lies), is a great ability. Bags, blemishes, redness and under-eye circles aren't your friends. But, face makeup like concealer that allows you to cover them, is not only your friend, but also perhaps your closest confidant.
To help you find your new best kept face makeup secret "friend," we rounded up the highest rated concealers as reviewed by Total Beauty readers. These consumer-favorite makeup products go above and beyond to keep your skin looking flawless. But before we "out" the makeup concealers that came out on top, check out these quick tips for natural-looking concealer application:

• Makeup artist Patty Bunch says instead of globbing on a ton of concealer for under-eye circles, combine a light, moisturizing concealer with your face lotion so that it doesn't look so dry and caked on.

• For the most natural makeup finish, apply your concealer before your foundation. After you hide your pimples and skin discolorations, make sure to blend a bit of cream around the sides of your nose, where even if you don't have broken capillaries, you often get unflattering shadows.

Now, see the 19 best concealers. You won't want to apply face makeup without them.

 

By Anna Jemenez

Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara

Product:  Benefit's BADgal Lash Mascara is sexy, sultry, pure unadulterated black mascara for full, voluminous lashes. It's as BAD as you want to be!*  It can also come in Plum & Blue.

Price: $ $
Benefit's BADgal Lash come in two size.  The smaller (.14 oz) is $9, while the larger (.3 oz) is $19.

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
BADgal Lash comes in a fat black tube with a silver top.  Like all mascara it comes with a wand applicator.  The wand itself has a large dense brush.  As for the formula, it's nice and creamy and does not glob on to the brush.

Claim: The BADgal line of mascaras from Benefit are full of "BAD-itude!" The rich, sexy formula and oversized brush build thick, beautiful and bodacious lashes.**

Pros:

• Not Clumpy
• Good Seperation
• Gives Volume
• Holds a Curl
• No Flaking

Cons:

• The Brush Is Too Big For Those With Small Eyes

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I heard a lot of good things about this mascara and decided to finally give it a try.  I bought the smaller size to test if I would like it.  And I do.  I thought the mascara worked really well.  I had no problems with clumping or flaking.  The formula was creamy and didn't glop on to the brush.  The brush itself was big with dense bristles.  It works great to sepeate your lashes giving them more volume.  However, since I have small eyes I sometimes found it awkard to use because it's so big.  Also, it held a curl to my lash well.  Usually I buy a waterproof formula because they hold a curl but Badgal Lash did the job eventhough it wasn't waterproof.  I like Benefit in general as a brand.  I like the names they give their products and how they package.  They've hit another home run for me with BADgal Lash.  I definately would recommended giving it a try.

* Statement made by Benefit Cosmetics
** Statement claim found on Sephora.com