Three Beauty Products I’m Loving & Three That I’m Not

I debated doing a favourites type post as I haven’t done one for a while and I couldn’t seem to find enough products to makeup up a whole post’s worth, so I thought I’d try something a bit different. I’ve tried to keep things as all things that I’ve yet to review yet (bar one), to save any recent repetition (as basically most of my Base to Full Face could have been in the one’s that I’m not category.)

The Three That I’m Loving

1/ The Wet Brush Pro

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I’ve put off replacing my old Wet Brush for about 6 months now and reluctantly treated myself to a new one. I’m so glad that I have, I’m not sure what the difference is between the ‘Pro’ and normal ones – I don’t have an old one to hand any more, but it seems to be the same size, weight etc from memory, but somehow it seems to brush my hair even faster than it did when my original one was brand new. It was starting to take me about 20 minutes to brush my hair as my old one was missing of so many bristles, but I’m done in under a minute, not only that but it seems to keep my hair knot free for longer. Not only that but the wet look effect (circa MAC Alluring Aquatics collection) is super pretty too.

2/ MAC Prolongwear Foundation

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I picked this up at the airport on the way to New York last January, it had been an old favourite (this is my most used foundation ever) – and at the time I didn’t like anything in my collection, so went back to my old faithful that I hadn’t had in around 6 months. For some reason when it was back in my life we didn’t get on like we did before, and it sat in my drawer basically unused for most of the year. I re-cracked this out recently as I needed a new one to try and finish up as an everyday one and this was one of the few that wasn’t too dark for me in my winter drained skintone. I’m back in love with this again, it lasts all day and offers a good medium coverage, I’ve even been skipping the powder some days with this if I’ve been in a big rush. I’m planning on doing a full review on this soon

3/ Tarte Tartist Mascara

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This is the one product that I’ve spoken about and reviewed before, when I reviewed it I liked this mascara but I didn’t love it, the more I use it the more I love it. It adds length and a bit of volume and it’s very separating & defining. I normally prefer something that adds more volume, but one of the reasons I’ve really been enjoying this is when I’ve been reviewing eyeshadows you can still see a lot of the shadow poking though. I’m not sure whether I’ll end up repurchasing it, as I always love trying out new ones for review, but I’ll definitely keep in mind trying more Tarte mascaras in future.


The Three That I’m Not Loving

1/ Liu Jo – Scent of Liu Jo

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It pains me to say that I’m not loving this perfume so much. The bottle is beautiful and it smells amazing. The fruity notes of Lemon and Fig are stunningly balanced by jasmine, lily and violet leaf. The trouble is after an hour I fail to notice it anymore, I’m not sure whether it’s because we’re just coming out of winter and I’ve spoilt myself with my heavy, opulent winter fragrances like Tom Ford’s Black Orchid which one spray lasts about 3 days of on a scarf, but I’m so sad. I had this pegged as my wedding perfume when it first arrived, but I’m going to put it away for a month or so whilst my heavier winter favourites transition out of rotation but initially I’m disappointed.

2/ Mally Evercolour Shadow Stick in Moonlight

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I received this in my last Tili Box, and it swatches on the hand/arm beautifully. It’s a gorgeous champagne shade which has very fine subtle glitter which glistens in the light. The issue I have with this is when I apply it to the lid it, I can’t get it to get as opaque as it swatches on the arm, it’s like my smoother lid texture just doesn’t allow the product to grip on properly. I’ve heard good things about the other shades, so maybe it’s just this particular one – but these are almost £20 – I could get myself one of the famously good By Terry ones for a couple of times more. I think I’m going to pass this on to my Mum and see if she has better luck with it, she’s just discovered shadow sticks.

3/ Benefit Goof Proof Brow Pencil

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When Benefit relaunched their brow line last year, I finally found the product that worked for me in Gimme Brow. I picked up all the other different brow products on the back of the Glamour promotion and have just started putting the others to the test. Sadly, the Goof Proof Brow Pencil doesn’t live up to the expectations that Gimme Brow set for me. The feeling of the pencil is kind of dry and it’s hard to build up as much pigmentation as I’d expect and want. The thing I dislike the most is the shape of the nib, the rounded diamond shaped nib creates a really fuzzy edged line that just doesn’t look great. I plan on doing a full review on this, if you love this though, please let me know – I’m wondering whether I’m just being an idiot.

Left: Goof Proof Middle : Mally Shadow Stick Swatched Right: Closer to how Mally Shadow Stick looks on eye
Left: Goof Proof
Middle : Mally Shadow Stick Swatched
Right: Closer to how Mally Shadow Stick looks on eye

So that’s my three current favourites and three things that have left me unimpressed over the past month or so. Have you tried any of these – and were they a love or not?

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65 Comments

  1. February 27, 2017 / 7:23 am

    The wet brush sounds really good! I bought a Tangle Teezer recently to take with me when I stay at my boyfriend’s but I wish I’d gone for something more along the lines of a wet brush. The Tangle Teezer works fine and my hair doesn’t get knotted but my hair is thick so I prefer something with a handle. I hate brushes with cheap bristles and the squishy pad bit, I’m quite particular lol. The foundation and mascara sound lovely too 🙂

    • February 27, 2017 / 9:22 am

      I used to have a tangle teaser but found the bristles were so short they just pushed the knots to the underneath of the hair and made them more difficult to brush out, find my Wet Brushes way quicker than my Tangle Teaser, i’ve even binned it now! I hate cheap hairbrushes too, if you’ve got thin hair you can get away with it, but us thick haired gals need something with industrial strength! xxx

  2. February 27, 2017 / 8:02 am

    I want to try that Benefit brow pencil as I already have pretty bushy brows, and need something not-so-pigmented 🙂

  3. February 27, 2017 / 9:00 am

    I love goof proof! I find it so easy to use! I have had a very love/hate relationship with Mac studio fix. It seems that even if I buy exactly the same shade each time it looks different! I am thinking of giving another try again soon when I’ve got at least another finished. I’ve whittle my collection down to only 4 bases now so I’m planning on using them xxx

    • February 27, 2017 / 9:19 am

      Would you say your Goof Proof is the same as mine, now wondering whether my one is just a bit dodgy?! I only bought Mac Studio Fix and didn’t like it as much as pro longwear, I’ve always been matched as NC25 but last time I went in and had my makeup done they used NW25 and it looked so much better on me! I am trying to clear mine out, a lot of what I have left is super dark shades that I can only use when I’m really tanned! xx

      • February 27, 2017 / 10:31 am

        I got mine from glamour too but I found it quite a soft pencil and it didn’t transfer on my hand (apparently it’s not really meant to) I’ve used up so much foundation as I didn’t want it going to waste! Think I’ve finished 5 bottles recently xx

        • February 27, 2017 / 12:17 pm

          Hmm, maybe it’s a difference between shades, I presume that you’re not using the darkest! Yes me too, I’ve been on a clear out since October, foundation is so bulky it soon ends up taking up a lot of room!

          • February 27, 2017 / 12:17 pm

            No I wore 2/3 I think! I’m pleased at how I’ve whittled them down! So satisfying to use them up! X

  4. February 27, 2017 / 9:49 am

    I am loving my Bourjois Helathy mix right nof for foudation. I also like that Mac one too. I am not a fan of designer’s parfums if you understand me. I rather go for Versace or Bvlgari ones that are on the market for a long time in parfume world. I like your post. Thank you for good informations. 🙌🏻💋

    • February 27, 2017 / 12:19 pm

      I really didn’t get on with healthy mix, found it slipped and slided all over my face and always felt greasy wearing it! I smelt the perfume in duty free whilst I was in Italy and ordered it from Amazon, I have a mix of perfumes I love from all different price ranges, a £3 one from Body Shop and a £70 one from Tom Ford are both in my top 5 – so I don’t let brand or price put me off as I’ve founds lots of hidden cheaper gems. Just a shame this one doesn’t pack as much as a punch as I’d hoped, maybe I’ll feel differently in spring!

      • February 27, 2017 / 12:23 pm

        I agree with you. I always get mad when I try parfume in shop and after an hour later I can’t smell it anymore. And I test parfums in that way so I can’t be wrong with pick 😊

        • February 27, 2017 / 12:26 pm

          I had it in my Amazon basket for ages, I knew I must have liked it to put it in my amazon basket when I got home, but couldn’t really remember anything else about it! xx

  5. February 27, 2017 / 10:08 am

    I really liked how you did three loves and three disappointments in this post; although I’m actually a big lover of the Goof Proof pencil! The Tarte mascara sounds brilliant, I’m desperate to get my hands on something (ANYTHING) by this brand and wish it was easier to get in the UK. Great post lovely.

    Kara
    http://www.spreadthesparkle.co.uk
    💗

    • February 27, 2017 / 12:20 pm

      Me too, the selection on QVC is so small and half the time when I see something they either don’t stock it or it’s out of stock. Been wanting the Tartelette in Bloom palette for about a year and it never seems to be in stock when I check! It seems like it’s just me on the Goof Proof ha, everyone else is on board so far! xxx

  6. February 27, 2017 / 10:33 am

    I’m so tempted to try a wet brush, and I agree that the look of it reminds of of the MAC Alluring Aquatics collection too, I currently use a Denman brush and I like it but I feel like I need more…
    Also, I agree, I’m not sold on Goof Proof either 🙂

    Rosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
    My Instagram | Instagram

    • February 27, 2017 / 12:23 pm

      I had Denman brushes all the way through my teenage years, they seem to take forever to deteriorate, they’re so well made! I always borrow my mums when I stay at hers and I find the bristles really sharp on them, I don’t know if it’s just that style or if it’s all of them – but it gives such a strong poke in the head! xxx

  7. Sherry Scribbles
    February 27, 2017 / 1:54 pm

    I have heard nothing but praise about that mascara and really want to try it myself now. I loved all your photos in this, you really do have a knack for it. I’m gutted you didn’t get on with the Goof Proof pencil however. This is my daily tool for my brows for work!
    Sherry x

  8. Dawn
    February 27, 2017 / 2:55 pm

    Very informative and interesting post!

  9. Nadine
    February 27, 2017 / 4:30 pm

    I had no idea Liu-Jo made perfumes! That is disappointing that the fragrance doesn’t last long when on. It kind of renders it pointless because then it won’t provide that extra bit of confidence a perfume is supposed to.

    I am quite intrigued by that wet brush. Lovely post! 🙂

    • February 27, 2017 / 5:24 pm

      I have never really known who Liu Jo is, I bought a pair of sunglasses in duty free a few years ago – and this perfume but we don’t have the brand stocked here or stores. I must just gravitate towards her unknowingly in duty free! xx

      • Nadine
        February 27, 2017 / 5:31 pm

        I also don’t know too much about the brand other than the fact that it’s Italian. I have a handbag from them and the store where I work stocks one or two items from them but I have never really heard of them outside of work.
        Haha pretty perfume bottles are enough to attract any woman! xx

  10. February 27, 2017 / 4:08 pm

    So need to get a wet brush, my hair gets a tangled mess! Love the Tarte mascara and such a shame the Mally stick doesn’t show up well. It must be the colour. It looks so pretty swatched which is a shame. I tried the Benefit brow product in store and couldn’t get on with it either xx

    • February 27, 2017 / 5:25 pm

      Seriously, if you have tangles the wet brush will be a lifesaver! It’s gone from taking me 40 minutes to brush my hair to it being done even better in about 3! I saw you say your Mally stick is great, must have just been unlucky with the shade! xxx

      • February 27, 2017 / 5:27 pm

        I definitely need one then. My hair is so knotty now it’s grown. Mine’s a darker bronzey shade so it does show up well xx

  11. February 27, 2017 / 4:55 pm

    Great post!! I really love the photos !

  12. February 27, 2017 / 5:23 pm

    Thanks for the heads up on that brow pencil girly! Loving your favorites!

  13. February 27, 2017 / 5:40 pm

    Oh too bad about the Mally Shadow Stick! I had heard such great things. You might be right – the performance could differ from shade to shade.
    Perfumes with poor lasting power are so disappointing! I often find that some of the really cheap perfume last a LONG time but the more expensive ones don’t – so odd.
    I’ve only sampled the MAC Pro Longwear foundation and I found it didn’t really set properly on my skin.

    • February 28, 2017 / 9:20 am

      I agree with you on perfumes, I try not to be a snob about brands as even the cheapest things can be surprising!
      That’s so strange Prolongwear works so well for me, I’m wearing it half with a powder, half without today to test a powder out and even the unpowdered side feels like it’s set in place!

  14. discoveringsooz
    February 27, 2017 / 7:31 pm

    Do you use an individual eye primer? I always find that helps to keep my colour on longer. A great review! I love it when theres good and bad to balance! Love Sooz x

    • February 27, 2017 / 8:18 pm

      I don’t tend to under eye pencils as they’re normally fine by themselves, I did try that with this though and unfortunately it made no difference 🙁 xx

      • discoveringsooz
        February 27, 2017 / 8:38 pm

        Bloody hell! Hopefully as youve said the ithers will be better! Love Sooz x

  15. sophieinwonderlandxo
    February 27, 2017 / 7:48 pm

    I really need to try the mac foundation! Such a shame you didn’t like goof proof i love it! Xxx

    • February 27, 2017 / 8:19 pm

      Go getcha self a sample. Everyone pretty much is saying the love Goof Proof, I’m going to have to go to a Benefit counter and swatch it, I’m wondering if mine is dodgy now!

      • sophieinwonderlandxo
        February 27, 2017 / 8:25 pm

        I defo shall do! Yeah maybe yours is a bad one! I love it!

  16. February 27, 2017 / 8:25 pm

    I totally agree with you about the goof proof pencil, very underwhelmed 🙁

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  18. February 27, 2017 / 8:53 pm

    The wet brush is my must have product! Chris even has one for his beard! I recently picked up a fold
    up wet brush for £1.50 in boots!! It’s a life changer. I completely agree about the goof proof brow pencil too – I just can’t get it to work for me! 💕

    • February 27, 2017 / 10:08 pm

      I only have this and an eyeshadow palette (which I keep forgetting I own!), I’m definitely not too in the loop with Tarte, if this hadn’t have come in a beauty box I doubt I would have even tried this! xx

      • February 27, 2017 / 10:12 pm

        Haha! I definitely need to try at least one product from them in my life ;p xo

  19. Valerie Nguyen
    February 28, 2017 / 2:54 am

    Crazy how you don’t like the Benefit brow pencil! I’ve been using their Gimme Brow gel and it works wonders for me. I also love that MAC foundation. I’ve been thinking about going back to it. Thanks for sharing your current likes and dislikes. x

  20. March 1, 2017 / 12:54 pm

    I’m definitely struggling with eyebrow makeup at the minute, what I thought worked for me before no longer does and it’s frustrating! Like your point about the pencil being too dry – I get that but my powder doesn’t quite sit right either! So maybe I need to invest in the powder you use instead!

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    March 1, 2017 / 5:00 pm

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  22. March 2, 2017 / 11:26 pm

    Wet brush Christ what is this I’ll google sounds incredible I’m actually so excited by a brush 😂😂😂😂 great post 💕💕💕 xx

  23. March 3, 2017 / 8:52 pm

    I love the contrast of the products you love and ones your not so keen on! I find it so informative to find out why someone doesn’t like something. I have also tried the benefit brow pencil and wasn’t sure, so I am testing it out more see what I come up with, so I;m glad it isn’t just me!

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