As you know, I wear a full face of makeup mostly every day. This includes mascara, shadows, primers and liners. Even if you don’t wear as much eye makeup, it is so essential to completely remove any and all of it before calling it a night. You want an eye makeup remover to be gentle on the eyes, contain ingredients that do not scorch your eyeballs and of course, remove all the makeup in the least amount of time possible.
My favorite, all-time, holy grail eye makeup remover is the Lancome Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover. But the curious, beauty junkie that I am, of course, am always on the lookout for comparable products, hopefully at a more reasonable price. Hence, this Battle of the Brands.
LANCOME BI-FACIL DOUBLE ACTION EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
4.2 fl. oz.$29.00
6.7 fl. oz.$39.00
The most unique feature is the visible double layer of remover, where the name “double action” comes from. The “Lipid” layer removes makeup while the “Water” layer contains emollients to refresh and condition the skin. It removes even waterproof mascara and is safe for those with sensitive skin and contact lens users.
As for the cons of this product, although a little goes a long way, I prefer to saturate a cotton pad with the remover and place the pads on my eyes to soak in. Because of that, I go through the product quite quickly which is a con since it is quite pricey.
MAC PRO EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
1.0 fl.oz.$10.00
3.4 fl. oz.$21.00
The packaging of the remover is traditional MAC where the top is rubberized and the remover is a pretty shade of purple. MAC claims that the product calms, hydrates and soothes skin with cucumber extract and can remove waterproof mascara. The remover is also lightweight and non-oily. Of course, upon completion of the remover, the plastic container can be 1 of your 6 “Back to MAC” items.
And the winner is. . . . LANCOME!
The extra money is worth it! This remover leaves the eye area so smooth and conditioned. There are times when I do not even feel the need to apply a moisturizer after using it. Although MAC advertises their remover as “hydrating”, I find the product to leave my eye area dry and stiff. My eyes scream for moisturizer after using this remover. I believe this happens because the remover is “non-oily”, therefore drying our the skin and with replenishing moisture into the skin.
To not completely bash MAC’s remover, I find that as long as I immediately apply moisturizer, I do not run into any problems and actually enjoy using the product.
When it comes to concealers, I can be very picky. I like a full coverage but natural, demi-matte finish that brightens and conceals. My under eye area tends to get dry so I have to moisturize every time I apply my concealer.
Application: After applying a generous amount of concealer in an upside down triangle under my eyes, I ALWAYS blend out the concealer with a Beauty Blender. I feel this technique gives off an air-brushed look that blends out any and all edges seamlessly. I gently bounce a damp beauty blender over the concealer, pressing the product into the skin and the creases under the eye.
*BEST IN BEAUTY TIP #1- Look up while pressing the concealer directly under the eyes so the product is pushed into the creases). Look up when applying setting powder under the eyes as well.
Concealer Shade:I normally purchase two different shades when trying out a concealer; a shade that is about two shades lighter and a shade that is about 3-4 shades lighter. The reason for this is two fold:
(1) I prefer a lighter, brighter under eye; and
(2) I use the lightest color directly under the eyes and use the other shade underneath to help ombre and blend the concealer into the foundation for a more air brushed look.
HIGH END CONCEALERS
MAC Prolongwear Concealer
"NC" are cool, neutral toned concealers/ "NW" are
warm toned. $21.00
I believe this is the first concealer I have ever tried and it was love at first sight. The concealer is long wearing, opaque, and does not crease. This is my holy grail, #1 favorite concealer. Although you can feel the concealer under your eyes, it photographs beautifully. My suggestion with this product is to make sure your under eye area is moisturized prior to use as it may appear cakey if the area is dry. The only thing that would make this product perfect in my book is if it was packaged with the same formula in a tube with a sponge applicator as opposed to a pump in a glass tube (I’ve had way too many close calls where the concealer almost cracked on the floor).
$28.00
2. Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer
Love, love, love! The applicator of this product is a dream. The sponge application is long and flat on both sides. I find this allows for an even coverage and applies the concealer quicker due to applicator’s size. This product blends out perfectly and completely evenly. I really cannot find any cons to this product other than I wish more product was included as I went through several tubes quite quickly.
3. Sephora Collection Bight Future Gel Serum Concealer
$14.00
The Sephora Collection has improved their formula on most of their products, specifically their concealer as it made my Top 3 High End Concealers list. The formula is amazing; if MAC Prolongwear Concealer and Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer had a baby, it would be this concealer. The only con to this product is the applicator. It does not pick up a lot of product and does not smoothly cover the under eye area. I actually use the applicator wand from the Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer to apply this product.
DRUGSTORE CONCEALERS
$8.99
Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer
By far, this is the most opaque, thick but natural looking concealer that the drugstore has to offer. The product comes in a tube that has to be squeezed to release product. I place a generous dot of product on the back of my hand and use a brush to apply it under my eyes. I apply the color “Light” right underneath my eyes and then apply “Light-Medium” in an upside down “triangle” shape under the eye and I let the concealer set for about 30 seconds before blending it out.
2. Maybelline Fit Me Concealer
$6.99
This concealer surprised me in a good way. Upon applying the product under my eyes, my first impression was that the concealer was going to be too sheer. I was surprised because the concealer blended out beautifully for a very natural look. If I want a more hi-lighted, full coverage look, I add another layer subsequent to the first layer drying. This concealer builds ups beautifully and will not crease or look cakey. I use the color “Medium”. My favorite feature of this concealer is the applicator. It places and moves the product exactly where you put it.
3. Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer
$9.99
There is a great range of colors that this concealer comes in. Although I have tried a few of their shades, my two favorite shades are “Neutralizer” (neutral, yellow undertone) and “Brightener” (brightening, pink undertone). The applicator is also unlike any other concealer listed above where there is a circular sponge that you sweep under the eye, applying the product. You have control of how much product you want to use by turning the applicator accordingly and you have control of exactly where you want the product and how opaque. The only downfall for me is that I do not think it blends seamlessly with only one coat. I believe to get an even layer, two coats must be applied and blended.
Hope you guys enjoyed this post! Let me know below what your favorite concealers are and if you have any questions.
So, what better way for you guys to get to know me than with a good ole’ Question and Answer. I have seen the “Get to Know Me” tag numerous of times on YouTube and other beauty blogs, and although it is impossible to get to know anyone from only these questions, I thought it would be fun anyways. Now, let’s get started with this tag!
1. What is your name and do you have any nicknames?
Gabrielle but I am usually called “Gab” or “Gabbie”. Of course, my husband and I have nicknames for each other. He calls me “penguin” because I prefer to keep the AC in the house low and cold =)
2. When is your birthday?
October 7. Love to all my Libras!
3. Where were you born?
Brooklyn, New York.
4. What is your occupation?
I work full time as a certified paralegal for a sole practitioner in New Jersey, specializing in plaintiff litigation and defense, MVAs, slip/falls, medical malpractice, real estate, Estate planning & litigation and municipal court matters. Now, I can add “Beauty Blogger” to my resume =)
5. What’s your best feature?
In my opinion, my best physical feature would be my eyes (they are blue) and my best non-physical feature would be my determination to succeed.
6. Do you have any piercings or tattoos?
No tattoos due to my nightmare of needles. Currently, only my ears are pierced. As a college dare, I used to have my belly button pierced but since then, the hole has closed.
7. Are you left handed or right handed?
Right-handed.
8. What’s you favorite color?
Pink or Tiffany blue.
9. Marital status?
Married to an amazing man. Est. 08/03/2013
August 3, 2013- Addison Park, Aberdeen, NJ
10. What is the last concert you went to?
Shinedown concert at the Best Buy theater in New York City. I am not too much of a rock music lover, however, Shinedown is by far an amazing rock band.
*A little something extra- Our wedding song is “I’ll Follow You” by Shinedown. Check them out below. Thank me later.
11. What is your favorite movie?
Old school movies- Grease, Dirty Dancing, Goodfellas
Current movies- Ted, Pitch Perfect 1, Bridesmaids, Meet the Millers, any Fast & Furious
12. What is your favorite TV show?
I am a reality TV junkie! I will watch anything on Bravo, MTV or E! or Oxygen.
13. What is your favorite restaurant?
High End- Ruth Cris & Melting Pot
Average Cost- Houlihan's
Affordable- any and all diners
14. How often do you clean the house?
Since I work over 40 hours a week, my cleaning days are designated to the weekends.
15. What is your favorite quote?
“Everything Happens for a Reason”. Simple yet so true.
16. What is your favorite makeup look?
Fully smoked out, dark and sexy neutral smokey eye with a classic, glossy nude lip and wispy lashes.
17. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?
Naturally wavy and frizzy.
18. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?
My aunt is an amazing hair dresser and dyes my hair every 5 weeks at my home.
19. Do you wear the same style everyday or do you change it?
When my hair has just been washed, I always where my hair blown out and down, parted to the left side. Since I do not wash my hair everyday (I try to only wash my hair 2-3 times a week to avoid damage & oxidation), usually by day 3, I will wear my hair teased with a headband or teased with a side pony braid. On days that I do not care and my hair will not cooperate, I will wear my hair in a messy but neat bun.
20. How long does it take for you to put on makeup?
On weekdays, it usually takes me a half hour. If I am not under any time restraints and it is the weekend, I can spend up to 1-1 1/2 hours playing around with makeup.
21. What do you do first? Face or eyes?
You may think this is strange but during the week, when I have to go to work, I will start with my face and then do my eyes. I do not usually do heavy eye make up as I have to look professional. Any other time, I always start with my eyes to avoid fallout from eyeshadow sticking onto tacky foundation. Starting with the eyes first also allows me to manipulate the eyes/eyelids/skin without disturbing the placement of the face makeup.
22. Do you collect makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?
My name is Gabrielle and I am a makeup junkie.
23. How often do you wear false eyelashes?
Only when going out on the weekends.
24. Do you do a full face of makeup everyday?
I will not lie, so do not hate- Yes, I wear a full face of makeup everyday because I enjoy every aspect of makeup and wearing my daily make up routine empowers me to have a good day.
25. Do you wear makeup when your home alone or with family?
Usually not, unless I am bored and want to try a new look.
26. Will you leave the house without makeup?
Of course, makeup is an enhancer of your inner beauty. It shouldn't define who you are or limit your life.
27. How many high-end products do you have?
I will admit that although I love drug store makeup (perfect for experimenting or finding color matches) most of my collection is higher end makeup. While many might disagree, to an extent and with exceptions, I find that higher-end products (while price might be ridiculous) last longer on the skin and are of better quality, creating a flawless look.
28. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you’re getting dressed?
Unless there is an event or special occasion, my fashion decisions are based on my mood while I am getting dressed (and what is clean).
29. How often do you change you handbag?
Usually the handbag changes every season. Currently, I am sporting the Louis Vuitton “Delightful NM MM Damier”.
30. What time do you wake up and go to sleep?
I am usually in bed watching TV or on social media by 9:00PM and wake up at 6:30AM for work during the week. On the weekends, I will usually sleep till 9:30AM.
31. How tall are you?
Five feet =)
32. How many pets do you have?
Two Maltese dogs: Pickles, 5 years old & 10 lbs./Louie, 5 months and 3.7 lbs.
Pickles and Louie- Fall 2015
33. How often are you on Blogger?
I am on Blogger everyday and will try to post new blog entries three times a week.
34. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?
I keep an ongoing list of products in my Sephora basket on the iPhone app. If I happen to be in the store, I will reference my list and check out those products. If I am no longer interested in the product or if I have purchased it, I will take it off of my list.
35. How did you come up with your blog name?
Through buying and trying tons of products and brands and by making a lot of beauty mistakes and breakthroughs, this blog’s purpose is to narrow down and advertise products that are the best in beauty.
Well, that was a long post! I hope you have enjoyed getting to know me and hopefully, we have things in common. Of course, if you have any questions you would like me answer, please leave a comment below.
I would love to say that I am a beauty expert; however, I am just like every other woman out there. My mission is to find the perfect color-matched foundation, the most comfortable pair of Loubs and the secret to beauty, inside and outside.
Ever since I could remember, I have always been into skin care, makeup and shopping for the latest trends with the best deals possible.
As a full-time professional, homeowner, wife and mother to a Maltese puppy named Louie, I do not always have the money and time to spend on expensive brands or hour long home “spa” routines. Sometimes I need the quickest solution possible. Other times, I have the ability to sit and create makeup looks that some may call, “on fleek”.
Also as a lover of writing, I created this blog for all things beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, sharing my opinions and experiences.
Although confidence is the best accessory a girl can wear, a little lipstick and blush could never hurt.
Kisses, X&O
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