Clinique Moisture Surge

General 

This stuff is meant as a moisturizer, I think. Idk. "Extended thirst relief." Sounds great, huh? Well it is. It intentionally notes that you can put it on before or after (wat?) makeup. Whatever their purpose for this was, other than relieving thirst, I'm using it as a primer. I got this as a 100PT gift at Sephora a couple weeks ago. It's a 1.0 oz product and the regular 1.7 oz product sells for 36USD. So, wow, bargain.

Pros 

Everything, got damn. This really does relieve the thirst of your skin and SO easily. It is so light on the skin, and absorbs so quickly; you'd honestly never know it was there. It works miraculously as a primer. I used to be devoted to Laura Mercier moisturizing primer. I would preach for it all day every day. I have tried every primer out there and nothing has been better than this random Clinique thing. Also, it lasts forever. See after the cut for how little you need to use to easily cover your entire face. 

Cons 

None yet. 

Verdict: JESUS TAKE MY WHEEL, IT'S AMAZING.

Holo Glitter Polish Comparison: Seduction by ME vs. City Sparkle by Prevail

General 

Do not be confused. These are not holo like Chanel "Holographic." They are GLITTER holos. They are absolutely gorgeous in real life, and these pictures do not do them justice, but just keep in mind, they are a zillion little pieces of holo glitter, not a smooth, singular, chrome holo. 

Pros

Both are sf stunning it's unreal. It's impossible to capture how they react with light, I actually prefer these to regular chrome holos because there's so much more going on and according to the transitive property, that means there so much more beauty.

Cons 

Well, ME sucks with application. It's clumpy and ridiculous and I would have returned it if it wasn't a final sale policy. It would just take a lot of patience to deal with, but the outcome is still pretty. Prevail has no cons though. 

Verdict: Prevail is the clear winner on formula alone. Both look absolutely lovely, but Prevail's formula is perfect and applies evenly and easily (enough). Plus, it's cheap! You can find this brand at any Duane Reade in NYC.

Picture of Stella #3

Viridian by Illamasqua & Nail Junkie by Sinful Colors

General  

Both these polishes are spectacular, really solid formulas that get the job done quickly. 

Pros 

Everything. Even the cheap SC polish evenly distributes and is quick to apply. You can definitely get away with a single coat of Viridian. 

Cons 

Nail Junkie is a bit goopy, but it's pretty easy to deal with. For a $2 nail polish, I definitely cannot complain for even a moment. Sinful Colors can be hit or miss, but this is definitely one of the better shades. 

Verdict: Both are worth it completely.

Picture of Stella #2

Scandal by Illamasqua

Blush pictured is Superdupernatural by MAC.

General

This is a remarkably pigmented, completely matte, pink-coral lipstick. It's definitely one of the best, if not the best, Illamasqua lipstick I've tried. This is a slightly more muted, matte version of YSL Rouge Volupte #27 (see below).

Pros

That photo was taken after ZERO touchups or reapplications after 8 hours of wear, during which I ate and drank.

Cons

None, really. It's slightly drying but definitely in the better half of matte formulas out there.

Verdict: Definitely go get this right now if you're looking for a coral, or a perf summer lipstick.

Metallic 4 Life by OPI

General 

Ignore the schade tip wear. I took this after a couple days. I wasn't down to have that much glitter on my nails, so I applied 1 coat of this over 2 coats of OPI What's a Tire Jack?. 

Pros 

I thought it came out looking really fff and lovely, especially because it looks equally as good in every type of light. One coat gave you a FUCK TON of glitter, so it really gets its job done. 

Cons 

It was a really heavy formula, in that the glitter was wanting to spill every. fucking. where. It's also goopy and hard to work with at times. One coat was more than enough on top of the black base. Also, the real downfall here is that this polish majorly chips. After only 3-4 days, I have chips all over the damn place, and my manicures can usually last a week. Also, some of the glitter sticks up and was catching onto my chiffon skirt. Wtf. This is after 1 coat, and with a top coat over it.

Verdict: Skip it unless you're really loving the look.

Picture of Stella #1