Shen's Addiction's Top Makeup Picks from 2010


 Finally, I was able to gather a few of my favorite makeups for the previous year.
Let's start with the foundation that I found worked best for me this year. 


Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation with SPF 15

Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation provides a light coverage that has a light texture. It also has a broad spectrum UV protection which is great for everyday use. On good skin days, meaning lesser to no pimples and only dark spots to deal with, I would always gravitate to this foundation. It feels very nice on the skin and it's very easy to blend. Skin Foundation seems like a mate between a tinted moisturizer and liquid foundation but non of the stickiness. Best of all, it's very photogenic on photos and it is my exact skin shade. No white cast which is definite plus for when I attend events and when picture taking was necessary. This is surely worth taking with me to 2011... :)

Click here for the detailed review.

Revlon Colorstay Makeup (Liquid Foundation)

If you want a cheaper alternative to MAC Studiofix, this is your best bet. Jheng first introduced me to this product, telling  me how it is one of her favorite foundation to date and I  agree with her. Revlon ColorStay Makeup provides a medium to heavy coverage. If you are going to an event but suffering from cystic acne this foundation efficiently covers it. Use a sponge to dab gently but firmly on the spot you wished covered and set it with a powder. That's an advice Jheng gave me. I also admired how water-resistant and sweat-proof this foundation is.





Dr. Jart BB Cream in Black Label

2010 was a year that made me rethink my thoughts on BB Cream and so far, the best that I've tried that didn't cause me trouble with is the Dr. Jart BB Cream Black Label. I find that this one does not aggravate my pimples and though the shade is similar to most BB creams, it is easily mended by a good foundation powder. I also think, although I can only vouch for it. that it somewhat heal my pimples and makes it dry a lot faster.

But since not all of us could afford such luxuries, I would recommend Purederm BB Cream that is only a fourth of the price of this one.



VMV Skin Savvy 60 Cream Foundation

Pimple-ridden? Sensitive skin? But still need a bit of coverage, then Try VMV's Skin Savvy with SPF 60 as your makeup saver. It's one of the best foundation I've tried for my pimply skin earlier of year 2010 as it does not cause further breakouts. It's my go-to foundation for whenever I get hormonal breakouts as it is the most safest for already bad skin.

Of course, do not expect a good coverage with this one. Although the light coverage is pretty decent coupled with a powder foundation. Also the high SPF already provides me enough protection that I could skip another pile of product on my face. Really recommended to those who still get breakouts and those who have really sensitive skin. 


Pure Blend 2-1 Mineral Concealer & Foundation

I have been a Perfect Blend user since it came out but I recently discovered that Pure Blends 2-1 Mineral Concealer & Foundation works really well even for my oily skin. It's actually my new favorite formula. Although this gives an illuminating finish that is best for normal to those with very dry skin, this is actually nice with those oily but behaved skin. Want to have an added glow much like those you see on the pages of magazines without resorting to illuminizer or skin mineralize finisher? Then this is for you. You'll look dewy without the oily feel. Though it doesn't last as long, I just love this foundation. I can always remedy that with a retouch.

Benefit Lyin' Eyes Brush-on Concealer

I've been sparingly using the Benefit Lyin' Eyes for more than a year now because of the results it gives me. I use this for those days I know I can't retouch as much. It's so good I'm afraid I'll ran out of it immediately. Thanks to Gracie for giving me one of this because I sincerely doubt I could have had a chance to try this had it nor for her.

It effectively evens out my dark under eyes that you'd hardly see a trace that I've had less than 8 hours of sleep. What I like best is that its not too light that I look ghoulish on photos. Rather it just blends on my true skin tone. Although for photos, I would set thise with my Ellana Awake Mineral Concealer to make my under eyes lighten and my cheeks pop.


Revlon Age Defying Spa Concealer 

It's no surprise how much I love Revlon's Age Defying Spa Concealer as its my favorite undereye concealer. The shade in 02 blends well against my skintone and gives me that prepped look. Best of all, it doesn't settle on my under eye lines (sadly, I have them! huhuhu!). But I could make them temporarily disappear with the Age Defying Spa Concealer as it has illuminating properties that reduces the appearance of fine lines. It also has anti-oxidant ingredients to help with those wrinkles.


I usually set this with my Ellana Pure Blend or Perfect Blend Foundation or if I have more time, Ellana Mineral Concealer in Radiant. I never really liked the too white under eyes as seen on TV's and magazine ads. I would just want my under eye to blend with my regular skin tone and I'm able to achieve it with these Revlon Defying Spa and Ellana Mineral Foundation.

See my detailed Review here.

NYX Rouge Cream Blush 

Having an oily skin makes one think that using a cream blush is next to a taboo. But I learned in makeup school that a good cream blush is makes your regular powder blush stays on longer.


When Sol introduced me to NYX Cream Blushes I knew I had a treasure on my hands. I love this Boho Chic pink-toned cream blush as its a good base for all my favorite pink blushes. I use a stippling blush like MAC 187 or Charm Duo Fibre Brush to apply a small amount onto the apples of my cheeks.

Maybelline Clear Smooth Minerals Blush

It may come as a surprise but I often associate this one with my NARS Orgasm. Not so pink nor too peachy just like the ever so popular high end blush. Best of all, it's mineral and it's easily available. This is really a nice blush for everyday use and with the amount of product you'll get, you'll be using this a long time. I should know because I have yet to use up even half of this pot.




Pureglow Shades of Hue Mineral Blush

With the number of times I've used my Pureglow Blushes, I knew I had something good in my stash. My favorite shades of Hot Pinch and Rosiest Rush  have found its way to my everyday FOTDs. It has the right amount of shimmer that does not highlight the oiliness of my skin and it stays for decent hours.

To see the shades I've tried, click here.



  

MAC Bronzing Powder in Refined Golden

This limited edition bronzing powder from MAC has been with me since the end of 2009 and I have yet to hit the pan even with how frequent I use it. It has been my favorite contour powder for more than a year now. Aside from Ellana Mineral Bronzer in City and Light Roast, this is the only Bronzing Powder that I think blends well with my skin tone and provides my face that slimmer look without it looking overly done.

Ah basta, I love this! No explanation needed, really. :)  


 Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion 

Do I really need to tell you how much I love Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer. Since I discovered this through my multiply/girltalk friend Nikki Z who sold me her extra UDPP, it's been my go to primer ever since.


Second to this is the Smashbox Photofinish Eye Primer that my BFF guy Joel gave me for my birthday last year.

See my comparison with other products here.
Wanna see the time I rescued the products inside UDPP? Click here!



Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner

If you are on the look out for a good working gel liner without the high price tag, then the Maybelline Eyestudio Lasting Drama Gel Liner is the one for you. I'm on my second pot of the black variant of this and it works well as those that I've tried in the past.

Although I must warn you that I've never used it without an eyeprimer nor have used it without an eyeshadow. :)

See detailed Review here.

 The Body Shop Special Edition Kajal Eyeliner

The TBS Kajal liner is the softest eyeliner I have ever tried and whenever I use it, it makes me feel exotic as those Hindu women who darkens their beautiful large eyes. Although the staying power is not as good as their pencil counterparts, set it with a black eyeshadow and it'll stay on longer.

With no poking fears and how easy it is to remove after, I am all over this eyeliner. Besides, it's such a unique piece of makeup that engage my friends to ask what it is. Nice conversation piece, I tell you. :)

See my feature about The Body Shop Autumn Collection here.



The Body Shop Eye Color in Golden Peach (Smoke and Fire Collection)

I love all sorts of eyeshadow but the The Body Shop Eye Color in 41 or the Golden Peach became indispensable to me when I saw how it opens and brightens my eyes. It was the only eye shadow I used while I was in Cebu because it made me appear wide awake and ready for the trip ahead of us.

This shade really stood out for me especially when I'm in a rush and have no time to do a complete makeup look.

This is also a nice dupe for MAC Expensive Pink.

Blinc Mascara

This is a holy grail mascara when it comes to staying power and it is really not going to smudge on you no matter what you do and you don't even need a makeup remover to remove it!

For detailed Review, click here.








Maybelline Magnum Mascara

 Oh Magnum Mascara, how do I love thee... Let me count the ways...
1. It really coasts my lashes and make them appear thicker.
2. Doesn't smudge.
3. Affordable
4. Available in all Maybelline counters.
5. Makes my lashes appear longer.

For detailed Review, click here.





Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara

Not many cosmetics grow on me but this one did. I love the formula or this mascara and needless to say that it seem to wroking on me as my lashes keeps improving and I did have lesser lash falls. It is surprisingly easy to apply, too.

With benefits of Grow Luscious along with it's immediate results of thicker and longer lashes, this one has made the cut.

Click here for detailed review of Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara.




Revlon Colorburst Lipsticks


When it comes to lipsticks, I'm not really picky. But when I saw how opaque and how it easily glides on to my lips, I have been a fan. Not only does the packaging is very attractive along with the top part which tells you what color of lipstick. And with how many shades to choose from, you'll really go crazy with this.

I've two more shades of these Color Burst lispticks from Revlon, check it out here.






Avon Ultra Color Rich Mega Impact Lipsticks

Avon Mega Impact Lipsticks actually reminds me of MAC's Lipstick finish in frost. This has been earning raves from my friends and I'm no surprise because of how subtle it is when applied but has a nice register on the cameras.

Just look at the photos I took when I was reviewing it. Simply click here.







Urban Decay Book of Shadows Palette

Of course, my latest favorite makeup palette for 2010 are my Urban Decay Book of Shadows palette. I just love all of the colors (no matter how much they repeat some in other palettes). Click the links below for the features I did of them.






MAC Tartan Tale Lipstick Collection

Just before the year ended, I renewd my love affair with MAC because of their Tartan Tale Lipstick Collection. I just love every lipstick that came out and I do wish that I could have collected every single one of them. but alas, I could only amass three of them.

Here's my collective haul post on MAC Tartan Tale with photos and swatches.




There you have, my top picks for 2010. I can't wait to use many if not all of this until it ran out. I think 2010 was the year for me to appreciate more of the traditional makeups, thanks to the many opportunities for me to try them. But I also notice that I still gravitate towards mineral makeup a lot as much as I did from '07 to '09. 2010 was also the year that I became much more conservative with how many products I put on my face, makeup-wise. I hardly use finishing powder or primers unless I need to. I guess, with each year, I grow and learn more about makeup and then I realize that some of them are highly important while others you can compromise.

What about you? Have you gathered your favorite makeup pick from 2010? What are you bringing with you in 2011? :)

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6 comments

  1. thanks for sharing your faves! i'm going to check out a few of them. :)

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  2. great post! i love reading what are the favourites by others :) now i'm curious about the BB foundation!

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  3. Ms. Shen, I just went to the body shop earlier today and the Kajal Liners are on 50% discount :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Great post! I think I'll try some of the items on your list, specially the mascaras :)

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  5. I hope I can still get the Body Shop Special Edition Kajal Eyeliner. Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Fringsterrific7/5/11 3:33 AM

    Hi, I just would like to ask. Where can I find The Body Shop item prices online? thanks!

    ReplyDelete

I would love to hear from you!