Eyeliner Staying Power Comparison

I have previously reviewed the Kryolan SkinLiners, but haven't posted pictures of swatches, so along with swatches of these bad boys, you'll get comparisons to three easily obtainable eyeliners.

  I almost always wear brown eyeliner, since I feel it creates a more harmonious look.  I don't even own black liner, since when I'm going for a bold look I use an unexpected color, usually combined with some of the brown liner for better definition.

Let the testing begin!

In order from left to right:

1. Maybelline Lash Stiletto in Brownish Black

2. Kryolan SkinLiner in #21 (Brown)

3. Kryolan SkinLiner in #50 (Teal)

4. Maybelline Creme Gel Liner in #02 (Brown)

5. Loreal MicroLiner in Precisely Plum

After 15 seconds of warm running water:

After one swipe with a tissue:

After scrubbing vigorously under warm running water:

Numbers 1-3 have marker-like applicators that allow for precise placement of ink-like pigment.  I'm a big fan of this style of liner, but there are drawbacks to these formulas: mainly staying power.

#1 Flakes off in little strips that get all over your face. I think the second picture does an excellent job of showing that tendency.  I almost never use this liner, and will not purchase it again.

Big change on #2, eh?  What a disappointment!  This is the worst experience I've had with a Kryolan product.  A silver lining (other than the fact that the liner turns silver) is that it doesn't so much smudge as it just disappears.  Still, I won't purchase it again.

#3 is ok; at least it doesn't smudge.  I was impressed that you can still see it a bit in the last picture, because I  scrubbed really hard.  I'm looking forward to trying some of the other vibrant colors.

#4 is the clear winner.  This stuff is my go-to eyeliner, for obvious reasons.  I haven't found anything better, and although this review has only covered 5 different liner, I've tried plenty.  I love this for when I'm going to be outside all day, whether running, sailing, swimming, or riding.  Give it a try!

#5 is a pencil liner.  I don't like using pencil liners because I don't like the feeling of dragging the hard tip across my eyelids--it wigs me out.  Still, this stuff has good staying power, and is subtle yet interesting.  I'd purchase it again, but I use it so rarely that I think this one will last me another year or two.

More Kryolan!

DermaColor Light Setting Powder in N1

I feel neutral about this setting powder.  It has a very fine texture, and does a nice job of setting my cream foundation and concealer, but for some reason I don't love it.  I think the main reason is its scent; I don't like using scented products because they tend to irritate my skin.  I can't say this stuff has caused a problem, but I guess I can't shake my ingrained bias against similar products.

I generally use Bobbi Brown's Face Powder in Pale Yellow (1) to set my makeup, but I like the texture and color of the DermaColor better.  

Kryolan SkinLiner in 50 (Teal) and 21 (Brown)

I don't believe that looking beautiful and being active should be mutually exclusive. To those who say otherwise, I bite my thumb at them. Hah!

I bought these two liners because I'm always on the search for an eyeliner that will stay put regardless of what I'm doing.    This product is meant to offer smudge free, waterproof lines wherever it is put.  I am very happy with the staying power of the teal liner, but the brown liner doesn't stay on nearly as well.  The formulas must be different.  

Now that I have taken a good look at the Kryolan website, it says that #21 is not meant to be used in the eye area (at least, not in the US), so I imagine whatever ingredient isn't in the clear is what is causing the issue.  My recommendation?  Use the colors that are cleared for use in the US, because they seem to have superior formulas.

For the Love of Kryolan

 Kryolan is a 66 year old German company that focuses on providing makeup for film, theater, etc.  They opened a store in Chicago last year, but it took a while for me to go check it out, since I'm not in film, theater, etc.  Also, I was afraid the makeup would break me out, since most of it has oil in it.  

Eventually, my search for a light enough foundation made me go on a mad hunt for Illamasqua, since they have some of the lightest foundations around. (FYI, some Sephoras have some Illamasqua goodies, but not their full product range.)  So, I made the pilgrimage to Chicago to see this stuff for myself.

Oh, the joy and excitation--just look at all that stuff! Surely this place would have something that matches my skin tone.

This picture was taken from the Kryolan site.  Go check it out!

Oh my goodness.  These hallowed halls have not one product that matches my skin, but five! Can you believe it?  Five options for this significantly lighter than NC15 girl!  Somewhere in my inner consciousness I can hear Count von Count counting each one and laughing delightedly.  

I only bought three, but I'll be heading there again soon, since my face tanned a bit from sailing so much recently.  No worries, though--I'll return to my pale complexion in the coming months.

From left to right:
1. UltraFoundation Cream in Fair Olive
2. HD Micro Foundation Cream in #205
3. DermaColor Setting Powder in Light*
4. Bobbi Brown Face Powder in Pale Yellow*
5. DermaColor Camouflage Creme in D1W

*Note: Numbers 3 and 4 are reviewed here.

1.

UltraFoundation Cream in Fair Olive

I can't say enough good things about this product.  UltraFoundation and I were meant to be, and I can't imagine wanting to wear anything else.  Finally, I have a foundation that has buildable but natural coverage, that doesn't dry my skin out, and actually matches my skin tone perfectly!  As an additional bonus, this stuff doesn't irritate my acne issues, and it isn't scented.  This is the holy grail of foundation.  

Like the UltraFoundation, I use a foundation brush dampened with water to apply this to my face.  I don't know why it works better than a dry brush, but it does.

The one caveat about this stuff is that while it stays on better than the Micro Foundation, it still needs to be refreshed mid-day.  Really, though, what makeup doesn't need some tlc during your lunch break?

The packaging isn't as attractive as the Micro Foundation, but its increased functionality makes the aesthetic sacrifices worth it.  The top screws on and off, so getting into the makeup takes almost no effort.  I rarely leave the house without this in my purse.

2.

HD Micro Foundation Cream in # 205

This stuff is nice. It has a very fine texture, and is meant to be worn for high definition TV work. I find that bright lighting can make this stuff look pretty luminous, so don't overdo it. I put it on with a foundation brush dampened with water, and am amazed at the coverage every time. I like that the product isn't scented. This shade is a bit pinker than I normally would like, and it requires relatively frequent reapplication, so it isn't my favorite.

As for the packaging, it is very pretty. The cream comes in a silver metal container that has the Kryolan face on the top--very chic. However, I find it quite difficult to open.

5.

DermaColor Camouflage Creme in D1W

I have never used a more highly pigmented makeup product.  I got this to use as a concealer under my eyes, but it does a good job other places too.  This stuff can cover anything up--even black tattoos. Like the other cream products I've reviewed, it has a creamy consistency that works best if you warm it up a bit on the back of your hand before you apply it.   Like the previous two products, it isn't scented.  I'll definitely purchase this again.

Bang Blocker

     I decided on a whim a few months ago to give myself some bangs.  They're so cute, but I didn't consider how much of a pain putting on my makeup, washing my face, etc would be once I had them.  I tried using headbands to pull my bangs out of my way, but the end results were reminiscent of Alfalfa.  It took more effort than I was willing to put in to make my bangs behave after I had gotten them all wonky with my headband (which, by the way, never seemed to stay where it belonged).  The worst part, though, was that sleeping with my bangs on my face was starting to give me forehead breakouts.  I needed a change.

     Enter Dariya's Maegami Tomeru... Front Hair Stopper.  No.  Bang Blocker... Hmm... Fringe Foiler?

     The smiley face on the package claims it is perfectly suited for keeping your hair out of your face while applying makeup.

     Talking velcro and lame translations aside, these things are great.  They're basically large strips of velcro that you stick to your head.  They come in different shapes, but the most popular ones are square.  I intend to get some bow shaped ones next.  These look a little silly, but work beautifully.    You don't have to worry about them sliding off while you sleep, you don't have to worry about your bangs getting creased, you don't have to worry about anything.  Yay for small miracles!  It is unbelievable they're not popular over here.  I like this product so much that I've decided to upgrade to a cuter bow shape (if I can find it) this weekend during my Chicago beauty haul.  

     I've seen these for sale in hyaku-en stores, which are the Japanese equivalent of dollar stores.  I was lucky and got mine as a complimentary gift when I ordered some circle lenses.  You can get them online for about 1 to 3 bucks, assuming someone isn't trying to fleece you.   

Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleansing System

Choices, choices...

Clarisonic Mia           vs.            Olay Pro-X

      I had been thinking about getting myself a Clarisonic Mia for a while, but was on the fence. I hadn't been convinced it was as great as people said it was, especially for the price.  I had decided to get one after trying my sister's over the holiday break, when I got this little gadget as a stocking-stuffer.  I was not impressed.  I didn't believe something so cheap and low-tech could compete with the sonic powered Mia.  I spend some of my free time shadowing in a dental office, and when we want to get our instruments clean we use a sonic cleaner.  I've seen it work wonders.  If you were to try to convince me you could do the same job as well in the same amount of time using a scrub brush, I'd politely say something with absolutely no meaning while secretely thinking you were hopeless.

      Since using the Pro-X for the last two months, I've come to a satisfying conclusion.

      The Mia is like this nice, new Lotus Elise.  It has a shiny, sleek exterior, and tons of research and work has gone into making it the best it can be. The price reflects that, and driving it will make you feel like hot stuff. However, it isn't going to do a much better job of getting you to your destination than something less flashy, say, this  Subaru Impreza.  The reason?  Limits.  In this case, speed limits.  You can break the rules and go faster, but there could be painful consequences.  And truthfully--the only reason you like the Elise is prettier and  you had to give up more to own it.  This is similar to the Mia vs. the Pro-X.

      Mia is great, and I feel that my time with her was too short.  Honestly, though, you can only exfoliate your face so much before things begin to go downhill.  I'm not trying to remove contagious disease transmitting crap from my face.  I just want to slough off the dead cells whose time has passed without getting carried away.  The Pro-X allows me to do that, while still feeling proud of myself for reigning in my compulsive spending.  I recommend you try it.  I use it in the shower every day, and that, combined with my Missha BB Cream, has kept the desert from overtaking my face for about a month.

Liquid Foundations for Fair Skin

Liquid Foundation Reviews

I have incredibly light skin.  It is also dry, and usually flaky.  I used Bare Minerals for about 5 years, until one day I buffed all of my flakes to full attention and decided something had to change.  I've been looking into other options for the past year.  So far, I've only found one foundation that actually matches my skin, but its formula is the pits.

My arm is nowhere near the color of my neck, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that none of these foundations looks like they match.  Can you guess what looks best in person?

numbered from left to right

1. Photogenic in Iviore by Lancome

2. Doublewear in Ecru by Estee Lauder

3. Doublewear in Bone by Estee Lauder

4. True Match in Porcelain W1 by L'Oreal

5. Trublend in Ivory 1 by Covergirl

6. Amazonian Clay in Fair by Tarte

7. HD Foundation in #15 by Makeup Forever

8. HD Foundation in #20 by Makeup Forever

9. Studio Fix Fluid in NC 15 by MAC


1.
I'm a fan of this product.  The formula is meant to be moisturizing, and although I wouldn't quite agree with that, I'd say it doesn't dry me out as badly as most other foundation.  It leaves a matte finish, and although I generally prefer a satin or dewy look, this isn't so bad.  
If you rub it between your fingers, the product's texture begins as a creamy liquid and dries to a silky powdery finish.  I also like its scent.
Unfortunately, the color just isn't quite right.  It is almost light enough, and almost neutral enough, but isn't quite right. In other words, it matches my splotchy red face, but not my neck.  Also, it is only SPF 15. Bummer.


2 and 3
They really mean it when they say Doublewear.  My cleanser doesn't remove this stuff.  I find it more drying than other foundations, but that is generally what you get with a long-wearing formula.  It tends to make my skin look a bit crepey, even though I'm only 25.

Did I mention Doublewear only has SPF 10?  Although it is nice that the makeup will stay on all day, the bad news is you're not going to want ruin it by putting on more sunscreen.

The shades are not at all complimentary for my skin, neither in undertone nor in shade.  Bone is too yellow, Ecru is too pink, and both are too dark.  The neutral tone was obviously too dark, so I didn't even try it.


4.
This is the best match I've found for my skin yet, although I am considering trying the Neutral version.  If you're pinching pennies, give this one a try.  If you are concerned about the texture your skin will have while wearing it, then I recommend you look elsewhere.  When I wear this, it looks like I've gotten chalk all over myself.
This stuff has a piddling SPF 17.  Sure, L'Oreal can say their product protects against the sun better than more expensive products, but I figure it is mostly to make them feel better, since I'll get more rays than that can handle walking to and from my car on any given day.


5.
I don't think what I could say about this product would even qualify as a review.  I can only rant.
Finally, I find something in a drugstore that matches my skin tone decently.  Oh, but what's that?  You say you have to put things in it to break my skin out?  Really?  And you say that you're going to make it so that it clumps up in weird patches when I've worn it for more than an hour?  Say it isn't so, Covergirl.

I want to believe that Ellen wants the best for me. Turns out, she doesn't--otherwise she wouldn't have told me how great Covergirl is.  I don't hold this against her, though.  I hold it against the other cosmetics companies who didn't want an awesome person to model their superior formulas.  I want Ellen to represent a better brand.
 Don't waste your time or money on this product, regardless of how tempting the color appears.


6.
Boy, is this stuff yellow.  Its consistency is very thick, kind of like... mud.  This didn't put me off, though.  I've worn this on at least 7 different occasions.  At first it seems kind of nice, but by the end of the day, you remember that it has Amazonian Clay in it.  Oh, that's why my face looks like a cracked riverbed.  I get it now.
I would normally enthusiastically recommend this product to people with oily skin, but I can't with a clear conscience.  I get a break out every time I put this on my face.  I want to love this stuff, since not only is it light colored with great coverage, but makes me feel like an Amazon warrior putting on battle armor.  (Yes, it is fun to have such an active imagination.)   I have a problem with this stuff.  It is like the boyfriend who is super attractive, so you keep coming back to him even though it didn't work out last time.  I need an intervention.


7 and 8
What you've read about this stuff is true.  If it matches your skin tone, it is great.  Neither shade is light enough for me, but I highly recommend it to those of you who aren't so fair.  You'll get great coverage that isn't too mask-like, particularly if you apply it with a stippling brush.


9.
This foundation always gets rave reviews.  I don't like it.  I also don't like the people who keep trying to sell it to me.
  It doesn't matter how many MAC counters I go to, they always try to sell me this stuff if I mention I'm not happy with my foundation.  To be fair, I introduced the subject so I could tell if this was a MAC thing, or if I happened to hook up with an oddball.  I am tired of people trying to sell me makeup that is clearly too dark, just because their brand doesn't offer anything that actually matches.  I understand they want to sell their products, but I think part of good customer service is knowing where your customer can get what she is looking for, even if you don't carry it.
The foundation is too dark, showcases my fine lines, and doesn't have a pleasant scent.  There, I said it.  I'm finished.


I hate ending a post with such a negative tone, so here is a picture of an adorable oinker to get your mind right.

Found here, but no idea who took the photo.