Makeup - Try Day Friday Reviews

Happy Friday to you all! It's that time again when I thought I'd do a review on a few products that I've been using lately. These products, I'd like to say are currently holding me over until I purchase new makeup items that are currently on my shopping list.

One product that I'd like to start with is the Instant Radiance Hydrating Serum by Make Up Forever.  I purchased this .40oz bottle for $38 from Sephora over a year ago and quite surprisingly, it has lasted this long.  I'd like to say this bottle will last me one more week till it runs dry. Here's is some info on the product...

WHAT IT IS:

It's a unique serum that provides instant and long lasting hydration to the skin after 15 minutes of applying.

It's specifically designed to prepare the skin for HD makeup as its formula hydrates the driest and most marked areas, such as the eye contour and the mouth's fine lines.

HOW TO APPLY:

This HD Elixir can be used as the first step of the makeup routine before the application of a primer and foundation.

MY REVIEW:  

When I was first recommended this product by a beauty insider at Sephora, I was a bit reluctant to purchase it because it was $38 and in such a small bottle.  Since she reassured me that this would hydrate my skin before applying any makeup, I decided to give it a try.

The bottle itself is made of glass and comes with a pump and dropper.  The Elixir is a fresh gel-like texture that feels slippery yet smooth upon application.  There is a slight smell to it, however it went away after application. It absorbs rather quickly and most importantly is lightweight.

This Elixir does what it says - HYDRATES.  A little drop goes a long way and it sure made my skin feel soft! The fine lines became minimal and gave me a fresh dewy look and feel with or without foundation.  The product works great especially in the winter time.  

WOULD YOU PURCHASE THIS AGAIN?  

Yes, I may purchase this again in the future as it did work for me. The only thing that I didn't like about it was that the dropper isn't able to reach the rest of the left over serum at the bottom of the bottle, therefore you have to just wait for the serum to trickle down when you turn the bottle upside down so that you can get those last drops out. Overall, it's a good product.

The second product that I had used for a month is the Skin Renew- Anti Dark Circle Eye Roller by Garnier.  Due to the dark circles that became more apparent over time because of lack of sleep, I purchased this product at Target for $11 to see if it was worthy of being purchased again...

WHAT IT DOES: 

This product is used to reduce the appearance of aging on the skin and helps moisturize the skin to keep it healthy. The product states that it instantly corrects the appearance of dark circles and brightens the skin around your eyes within 1 week.

HOW TO APPLY:

Gently roll on under the eyes from the inner corner to the outer corner one or two times.  Use fingertips to smooth any excess. Apply as often as needed throughout the day.

MY REVIEW:

After a month of using this product, I was absolutely let down due to the fact that it did not correct the appearance of the dark circles under my eyes as it states it does nor does it moisturize the skin.  In fact, this product comes in a few different colors to match the skin which acts more like a concealer than an Anti Dark Circle corrector. How deceiving. 

After rolling the product on lightly (which I have done below my wrist) with only one swipe, more tends to come out feeling very watery.  This was the only color that was closest to my skin tone as I believe there were only 2 or 3 to choose from. 

The liquid felt very heavy and left my skin feeling dry and scaly looking underneath my eyes if anything. 

After smoothing out the excess liquid, this left my skin looking a bit cakey, therefore I usually had to apply foundation on top of it for the most part or just completely removed it to avoid the overall appearance. 

I'd have to say, this product did NOTHING for me.  The only good thing is that it's gentle to the skin and what makes it appealing is the roller ball itself. Other than that, it is a complete waste of money.

WOULD YOU PURCHASE THIS AGAIN?

Unfortunately, because this did not do anything for me and costs quite a bit for a product that's off the counter, NO.

Lastly, the third product I have been using is the Clean Makeup Water-based Foundation by Covergirl. I purchased this from Target on a whim for about $4-6 after getting off of a flight in my hometown of San Diego as I had forgotten to bring my foundation along. 

WHAT IT IS:

It's a water-based formula foundation that also comes in  "Sensitive Skin" and "Oil Control"formulas.  Said to not clog pores, it is Noncomedogenic and Dermatologist tested.  This foundation is "good to your skin" as it contains Noxzema ingredients.

HOW TO APPLY:

Shake the bottle. Using a disposable wedge or your fingertips, apply a small amount to the center of your cheek and forehead.

Avoid creating a mask by blending towards the edges of your face, concentrating on uneven areas and increasing intensity towards the hairline. Then finish off with a dusting of a pressed powder/loose setting.

MY REVIEW:

I'd have to say, for a Covergirl product that comes at a decent price, I was quite impressed with the coverage that this gave me. After purchasing this in "Classic Ivory", it closely matched that of my skin tone. 

It glided on pretty easily and blended perfectly to a point where it looked like I wasn't wearing it at all! It doesn't feel heavy on my face and seems to stay on quite well. There is so much liquid in this formula that it can last for a very long time. My only gripe would be the smell of this product which comes off a bit too strong for me, but other than that, it works well. If I would have taken the time to look, I would have purchased this in the "Sensitive" formula since I do have sensitive skin.  This will be my backup foundation for the meantime ;)

*Have any of you tried these products before?*

**Any suggestions for PRIMERS, CONCEALERS and FOUNDATIONS for sensitive to dry/oily combo skin?**

Your feedback is always appreciated!!! XoXo...