The Junk Drawer: PP50

I haven't done one of these posts in a while. This one is dedicated to a primer. Specifically, MAC Prep + Prime SPF 50. To my surprise, it wasn't that cheap. $30 for 1 oz. However, I typically don't mind paying the money for a product that works for me.

The first thing that bothered me about this product was the packaging. It comes in a hard plastic squeeze tube. For those who use it regularly, you might have a problem squeezing out that last bit unless you cut the sucker open. This ended up not being a big deal to me, though, mainly because I won't be finishing it any time soon.

The product itself does its job. Overall, I think it's an ideal primer. My makeup lasted all day -- even in the 90-something degree humid weather. I also liked that it had a lot of SPF in it. If your skin can tolerate it, you'd probably like it. The formula is like a lotion (because of the SPF, the regular P+P has more slip) and it has a slight, bearable lotion scent. 

Unfortunately, this primer broke me out like nobody's business. I'm pretty sure I have never experienced a breakout like this with a makeup product before. I had small pimples all over my cheeks. No bueno, folks. Just to be sure, I discontinued use of the primer and sure enough, my skin cleared right up. To be EXTRA sure, I tried using it once more. And sure enough (again), I broke out like crazy.

So now it lies in my junk drawer. That is, until I dump give it to my bestie. Like I said before, I think it could be a great primer if your skin tolerates it well. I haven't had any breakout issues with their regular Prep + Prime formula (which I think is great, by the way). 

The Junk Drawer

I was cleaning out pictures on my camera last night that date back to August. I came across products that I totally forgot to review or mention. Today, I'll be sharing with you two MAC shadows: Nocturnelle (frost) and Black Tied (velvet). Both colors are gorgeous but they're both in my junk drawer as well.

I purchased Nocturnelle online and the moment I received it, I was so sure that I was going to love it. In fact, I was so sure, I tore open the box and threw out the receipt. I'm not necessarily a 'think before you do' type. Anyway, it's absolutely gorgeous in the pan but the color payoff is less than fabulous and it's not as pigmented as I expected. I mean, you really need to work this color to make it work for you but when paying $14.50, it should be so hard. I still love this color and who knows? Maybe I'll whip it out and see if I can play with it a little more.

I actually like Black Tied but I like Urban Decay's Creep BETTER. The color is similar, but the textures are different. Creep is smoother than Black Tied with nice color pay off. Again, I like Black Tied but Creep is in my Naked Palette (which I use a lot) so it's also a matter of convenience.

The Junk Drawer: Part II

Hello, hello! I'm sorry that it's been almost a week since my last post. Now that the holidays are coming, everything has been crazy busy but I have a lot of new things to talk about so stay tuned!

Okay, so this will be part II of my 'Junk Drawer' series. I'm actually loving this because I'm going through things that I never used but I'm starting to get happily reacquainted with. Remember that Stila Major Lash mascara I talked about last time? Still not my favorite, but it's good for when I'm opting for that 'natural' look. So yes, I'm liking it more than I did before but I still don't recommend it for sky high, blow your mind lashes.

Today, I've been looking at my paint pots from MAC. Generally speaking, I LOVE PAINT POTS. They are hands down, my favorite bases. However, I have two that I just don't use. Keep in mind, this series isn't just about products that I dislike; it's also about things I genuinely like yet can't seem to make it work for *me*.

Groundwork, Coral Crepe

The two paint pots that I'm talking about are Coral Crepe (LE) and Groundwork (Permanent) from the Pret A Papier collection. Overall, I didn't like that collection because as I remember, all of the colors were more complimentary to warm-toned gals.

Frankly, I have no idea why I bought Groundwork. It's not eye-catching or special. I think it was just an impulse buy. Coral Crepe is gorgeous. I think that Paradisco is the perfect mate for this color. Absolutely beautiful, I just never used it like I thought I would. However, I now feel more determined than ever to make this work. I think you could make a nice smoky eye with this using colors like Smog or Dark Horse from the UD Naked palette.

I'll let you know how it turns out in my next 'Junk Drawer' installment.

The Junk Drawer: Stila Major Lash Mascara

So, 'The Junk Drawer' is going to be a new series on this blog, documenting the things that collect dust. I'll talk about products that I bought but didn't like, products that received a lot of hype but didn't work miracles for me. Also, I'll mention products that I genuinely like but never seem to use. I have a hard time throwing things away (unless they're gross). I like to tell myself that maybe someday I'll find some use for it. Maybe this'll help me get rid of those things and clear some much needed space in my linen closet!

Okay, so this product is the epitome of what this series is all about (for me). I didn't buy this, but I won it in a raffle at my sister in law's baby shower. Stila Major Lash mascara was part of a set from the Glam in a Can (Can Couture). This was the only thing I didn't like from the set. It doesn't do anything for my lashes. I have short, thin lashes that requires something that packs a bigger punch. I'm not sure if it's the formula or the brush or maybe both. It doesn't lengthen or thicken. Loreal Telescopic knocks this one out of the park!

As far as I know, Stila discontinued this mascara (probably why they threw it in the can). It's now called MAJOR Major Lash mascara which is suppose to be better. I hope it is.