Products I almost purged, but I’m glad I didn’t.

Yaby – World of Pearl Paints Palette

Ooft, blast from the past! You can find the swatches here. In a nutshell, a collection of freaking awesome brights and an utter inspiration to look at, but really freaking shimmery – some shades are downright frosty. This sat in the back of the drawer for yonks, occasionally I’d admire it for a moment… and become totally overwhelmed by the frost factor. I just couldn’t bring myself to blogsale it so one night at 3am I was creating garish looks at my vanity (I can’t be the only one?), determined to find a use and HELLO! A vast selection of tear duct and central lid highlights to transform an otherwise boring eye. Smokey eyes, glossy eyes, powerful brights – I have a reflective highlight that fits. Would I recommend purchasing a pricy palette for this purpose alone? Probably not, but I do reach for it and it inspires me so it STAYS.

Chanel – Vitalumiere Aqua in 20

If you read my original review, you’d know that I was on the fence with Vitalumiere Aqua; I love the second skin finish but it wasn’t a year round foundation for me, most months it made my my skin look parched and flaky. Flashback to the day of purchase: It was a rare occasion that I let a sales assistant apply my makeup (an absolute sweetheart, by the way) yet VA never looked as good on me as it did that day. I wracked my brain, she used Le Blanc de Chanel Sheer Illuminating Base… DUH. I own that. I mixed the two in a 50/50 ratio and the clouds parted, the sun shone and behold, beautifully creamy complexion. When used as a mixer, Le Blanc de Chanel also lifts a foundation shade (half a shade to a full shade, depending on the mixing ratio) which allows me to wear VA in shade 20 (which is now too deep for me, even in the midst of summer).

Chanel – 24 Brush

Imagine a 17 year old Karima, clueless about life makeup but determined to learn everything. There I am at the Chanel counter, Yes…This 24 brush. This would be a good crease brush.
A CREASE BRUSH. I kid you not. Turns out a typical crease brush is about 20 times that size and I even considered tossing it because I was a noob and what the hell. Years later, I was navigating my way around pin point concealing and holy carp, best pin point concealing brush of life. Incredibly tapered for precise application yet soft enough that a little scribble blends to perfection. I rush back to the counter to purchase a trillion more and they discontinue this mofo! Confused and lost at the Chanel counter, we’d come a full circle.

MAC – Prolongwear Concealer in NC20

I gave this a rather mediocre review in a concealer smackdown; it’s not hate but I strive for perfection and it reads a little dry on my under-eye area. After much trial and error, I’ve found that a thin layer of Sisley Black Rose Mask underneath helps to alleviate the crepey appearance to the point where I can wear it comfortably. The shade NW20 is clashing and jarring with my skin tone so that one goes but I’ve found an unlikely but awesome use for NC20 – the nose bridge. Strange as heck but it’s the only product that seems to stay put as I put on and take off my glasses multiple times throughout the day. So glasses wearers, if you struggle with migration around the nose bridge…. you’re welcome.

SUQQU – Dual Effect Powder Foundation in 002

The first time I tried this, I downright hated it; powdery, dehydrated-looking skin. Everything that you’d avoid in a powder product. I really liked the idea of some additional coverage on the nose (perpetual Rudolph here) so I experimented with different application techniques until my significant other announced – No, I can’t see product on your skin (my control test or reference point, he can stay). My findings: A minute amount pressed onto the nose (with a powder puff) sets my foundation, eliminates unwanted shine and provides an extra degree of coverage. A slightly heavier hand and it’s a hot mess so I couldn’t use this alone. Also, I steer clear of this powder if my skin isn’t in the best condition texture-wise because it will absolutely pick up on flakiness. It’s not perfect but it’ll do for now – any suggestions for an awesome, non-powdery powder foundation? Too much to ask?

xxkarima