I've heard a lot of great things about Charlotte Tilbury but I haven't felt the need to buy makeup recently (other than the Hermes Poppy Lip Shine <3).  Turns out Sephora threw in a Hollywood Flawless Filter sampler with my recent order, so I decided to share with the class!

CHARLOTTE TILBURY
Hollywood Flawless Filter Swatches

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Swatches

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Charlotte Tilbury
Product:  Hollywood Flawless Filter Primer & Highlighter
Coverage:  Sheer to Light
Dewiness:  Semi
Scent:  None
Oxidation:  Slight
Price:  $44.00
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Bloomingdales, Nordstrom

I've never heard of this product before, but I receive a sample with all colors in my recent Sephora order.  Charlotte Tillbury's Hollywood Flawless Filter is intriguing.  After reading many reviews, this product appears to have several different applications.  Some use it as a foundation on their good skin days, others use it as a primer, highlighter, or an additive to their current foundation.  There seems to be a lot of possibilities!  Users claim that it gives their skin a healthy glow without looking greasy.

The ingredients include some hydrating properties such as Squalane and Glycerin; so it could be promising for those with dry skin.  It also includes Mica, which has caused quite a stir in the makeup industry due to being linked to child labor in India.  I am not too familiar with the controversy, but Refinery 29 wrote an article about it here.  However, according to this reddit thread; Charlotte Tilbury claims that their Mica is ethically sourced when reddit users reached out to them.  So that's good news :).

Onto the swatch!

SWATCH

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Shades

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Swatch on NC37 in Artificial Light

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Swatch on NC37 in Natural Light

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter Swatch on NC37 in Direct Sunlight

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter feels very smooth, light and creamy - it glides on like a dream.  The product does not really look like a highlighter, but when you blend it into your skin it reveals a lovely pearlescent sheen.  It just blends so beautifully.  I found that it could also make a nice foundation if decent coverage is not needed.  As a foundation, the Shade 4 Medium appears to be a good match for a N37s who lean neutral.

I wouldn't say the Hollywood Flawless Filter is dewy, but it definitely has some sort of shine to it, and it does feel hydrating too.  I like how this product has many applications so there is a little something for everybody.  The shade range is limited though - but after all it is not really a foundation is it?  The formula also seems water and sweat resistant.  In fact, the swatches would not wash off easily with dawn dish soap; so an oil cleanser / makeup remover will be required.  It's a very interesting product to say the least.

I've taken a lot of time to properly care for my skin and to heal any impurities (I used to have acne.  You can read about it here).  I'm happy to say that now I can go without foundation, but my skin does need a little boost to get that glow.  

Whenever I travel my skin gets a little sad.  I think it's because of the long flight, dry air, and probably not enough water.  When I got to Japan, my skin needed a little more love; so I picked up these masks to help provide additional moisture.

KOSE
Clear Turn Skin Plumping Mask Review

KOSE Clear Turn Skin Plumping Mask Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Kose
Product:  Clear Turn Skin Plumping Mask (Hada Fukkura Moisture Mask)
Scent:  Light Citrus, Pleasant
Price:  $9.00 for 32 pairs
Where to Buy:  Amazon, DokoDemo, YesStyle

I picked up Kose Clear Turn Skin Plumping Mask (Hada Fukkura Moisture Mask) at a small shop in Nara, Japan.  I believe I paid only ¥900 - which is a steal given the quantity.  I haven't seen anything like it back in the States so it caught my attention.  This product claims to help remove fine lines and wrinkles caused by dryness, and also helps plump the skin.

Kose Clear Turn Skin Plumping Mask Packaging

All of the masks are stacked in a resealable package.

The Kose Clear Turn Masks are very thin.

I like how the package is resealable, but I don't think it seals all the way.  It might be better to also put it in a ziploc bag to prevent the masks from drying out.  The instructions say that these masks can be used on the undereye area and on the laugh lines around your mouth.  Wash your face and remove one sheet at a time to apply, then remove after 10 minutes.  It also says the mask can be used morning or night, and to not use it on sunburned or irritated skin.

INGREDIENTS

For the price and quantity, Kose Clear Turn Skin Plumping Mask has a surprising amount of skincare goodies.  For those of you interested though, this product is not vegan as it includes Marine Collagen and utilizes Methylparaben as a preservative.


Notable Ingredients:

• Astaxanthin - A powerful antioxidant derived from micro algae that helps protect the skin from photodamage, stimulate collagen production, and reduces hyperpigmentation.  
• Hyaluronic Acid - A very effective humectant that boosts the skin's moisture content, prevents dehydration, and preserves skin moisture. 
• Hydrolyzed Elastin - aka Marine Collagen.  Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles and increases skin elasticity.  Achieves this by helping the skin retain it's moisture.  
• Retinyl Palmitate - A Vitamin A derivative and powerful antioxidant known for it's anti-aging benefits.  Helps protect the skin from UV rays.  

BEFORE AND AFTER

FINAL THOUGHTS

I admit that I was a dummy and used the Kose Clear Turn masks before fully translating the ingredients (I am not fluent).  I was just excited to use them and my skin needed a little love :(.  It turns out that it contains Retinyl Palmitate and for some reason my skin cannot tolerate any kind of Vitamin A or it's derivatives.  It gives me large, painful acne or sometimes even a rash.  Unfortunately, that is what happened after I used this product.  I got two very large pimples on the application site.  However, this is an issue unique to my skin.  I think it's still a great product.  I gave them to my boyfriend and he has used them without issue.

You really get a lot for the money:  32 pairs (64 sheets!) for only $9, and the ingredients are nice too!  The masks do a good job moisturizing and I believe that continued use will ultimately benefit the skin.  It won't break the bank - that's for sure!

Rating

With hair appointments in short supply due to the pandemic, one may wonder if there is a convenient solution to cover up grays in a pinch.  In today's spotlight, we will take a look at EVERPRO Gray Away Root Touch Up Powder.

EVERPRO Gray Away Root Touch Up Powder

EVERPRO Gray Away Root Touch Up Powder Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Everpro
Product:  Gray Away Root Touch Up Powder
Shade:  Black / Dark Brown
Price:  $9.99 USD
Where to Buy:  Amazon

I purchased Everpro Gray Away Root Touch Up Powder at my local Target to cover up a few grays that were coming in.  This product makes several bold claims, including "Self-adjusting color technology blends undetectably and matches hair color perfectly" and "Protein-infused powder leaves hair soft, shiny and natural to the touch." It sounds like a bunch of hooey, but does it serve it's purpose?  Does it cover grays and last all day?  Let's find out.

PACKAGING

Gray Away packaging includes a convenient mirror for on the go.

BEFORE AND AFTER

EVERPRO Gray Away Root Touch Up Powder Before & After

I don't have many grays but you can see that EVERPRO Gray Away did not provide 100% coverage despite using quite a bit of product.  It does definitely tone down the visibility of the gray hairs though and helped them blend in with the rest of your hair.  I think Gray Away will be most effective if your grays are still pretty short.  If there has been some time between dyes then you might need something more robust like the EVERPRO Gray Away Root Touch Up Stick.

Also, EVERPRO Gray Away Root Touch Up Powder did not make may hair feel softer as it claimed.  In fact, my hair actually felt a bit chalky to the touch.  It also does transfer which is to be expected, so try not to touch or scratch your head as it will wind up on your fingers.  Luckily, the packaging is pretty small so it is convenient for on the go retouches.  It also comes with a handy little mirror as well.

Gray Away lasted pretty long throughout the day as long as you don't touch it, and did a great job adhering to those hair strands.

FINAL THOUGHTS

EVERPRO Gray Away is decent for blending grays but I did have to use a lot of product to get the job done.  I don't even have that many grays.  I found that it's better use this product as a dupe of Mamonde Pang Pang Hair Shadow; which is meant to cover uneven hair lines and make your forehead look smaller.  It's excellent for that.  A much better solution to cover gray hair is actually EVERPRO Gray Away Root Touch Up Quick Stick as previously mentioned; since it's like a big hair crayon with more concentrated coverage.

Pricing & Availability

Amazon

In conclusion, EVERPRO Gray Away Root Touch Up Powder is okay for covering gray hairs, but fantastic for balancing your hairline.  I wrote a review about it here.  However, if you're in the store and see the Root Touch Up Quick Stick, buy that instead to cover your grays.

Rating

When I saw that Hermès is getting into the makeup scene I squealed like a little girl.  Give it to me, NOW!  How am I going to write an unbiased review?  God I don't even know, but I will definitely try!

HERMÈS
Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine Review

HERMÈS Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Hermès
Product:  Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine
Coverage:  Sheer
Scent:  Flowery Perfume
Flavor:  Perfume Flavor :(
Price:  $67.00
Where to Buy:  Bloomingdales, Hermès

Hermès describes this product as "A surprising lip shine that elegantly enhances and amplifies the natural radiance of the lips.  A translucent, slightly orange-toned formula enriched with mother-of-pearl micro-particles.  A fine, rich and comfortable texture."  Is this an overglorified tinted lip balm?  We'll find out.  But first, here is some packaging shots:

HERMÈS Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine Box

HERMÈS Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine Case

HERMÈS Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine Gold Coin Detail

HERMÈS Rouge Hermès Poppy Lip Shine Close Up

I think I'm in love. Look at that PACKAGING.

SWATCH

Hermès Poppy Lip Shine is a sheer orange color.

BEFORE AND AFTER

It's hard to capture the Poppy Lip Shine's beauty in a photo.

This packaging is simply luxurious.  Hermès Poppy Lip Shine comes in the iconic orange Hermès box.  The interior of the box slides out to reveal a canvas pouch protecting the Lip Shine within.  The Lip Shine case is weighted with a magnetic cap closure and an exquisite gold coin on the end.  As far as packaging is concerned, I would not expect anything less from Hermès.

The texture of the Hermès Rouge Poppy Lip Shine is somewhat gritty but comfortable - most likely due to the mother of pearl micro particles.  The color is a sheer and lovely orange.  When it is applied to the lips, your natural lip color will blend with the orange of the Lip Shine resulting in a bit of a coral shade.  The effect is a beautiful shine that is not too loud.

The downside of the Hermes Rouge Poppy Lip Shine is that the formula can be somewhat drying.  It can feel moisturizing at first, but the feeling is not long lasting.  In addition to this, the color will also need reapplication every few hours or so; especially if you eat or drink (obviously). 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Okay - so is it worth it?  That's kind of a hard question to answer.  If you are a big fan of Hermès then you will most likely find value in the $67.00 Poppy Lip Shine.  I have also heard that the Hermès lipsticks will be refillable in store at a cost of $42 per refill.  So you wont be paying $67.00 every time.  However, I can't find any official information regarding this from Hermès, and I don't know if this applies to the Lip Shine as well.

That being said I do really like the color and the shine.  It's great for a day when you want to look polished but don't want to bother with lipstick.  Can you find another product that probably gives the same effect?  Of course.

Pricing & Availability

BloomingdalesHermès

So this is where I am at now.  I love Hermès, I love the Rouge Poppy Lip Shine, and will definitely purchase it again.  It's perfect for my lifestyle because well... I don't wear lipstick really.  Just keep in mind though:  This product is a sheer tinted lip balm with pretty little pearls in it.  It's not going to change your life.  If you are okay with that fact, like the packaging, and the expense is not an issue for you then by all means go for it :).

Rating

I had a lot of trouble finding detailed information on this bag so I decided to write this review to provide my readers with lots of photos in order to make an informed decision.  I hope this is helpful to those who have been looking at this bag, but are hesitant to pull the trigger!

Strathberry Allegro Mini
Bottle Green Handbag Review

Strathberry Allegro Mini in Bottle Green Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Strathberry
Product:  Allegro Mini
Color:  Bottle Green
Construction:  Calfskin Exterior, Microfiber Lined Interior
Removable Strap:  Yes
Adjustable Strap:  Yes
Strap Drop:  21 inches to 23.5 inches (53.34 cm to 59.69 cm)
Cross Body:  Yes, depending on body size.
Price:  $645.00
Note:  Strap drop is based on all three studs being secured into the holes of the strap.  You could theoretically go higher or lower if you don't use all of the studs, but it may look odd.  Studs appear to be removable with a flat head screwdriver.  See photos for reference. 

The purpose of this post is to provide lots of photos of the Strathberry Allegro Mini handbag, as well as describe my experience purchasing from Monnier Freres.

I purchased the Strathberry Allegro Mini online from Monnier Freres, a French retailer.  I was worried because the reviews for this company were hit or miss.  However, I really wanted this bag in the Bottle Green color and there were only three places that I could purchase it:  Strathberry.com, Lane Crawford, and Monnier Freres.  Since it was sold out on Strathberry.com, I decided to get it from Monnier Freres; as Lane Crawford is based in Hong Kong which was shut down due to the pandemic (I couldn't find any confirmation to see if Lane Crawford was still shipping).

Here are some other Strathberry bags I found for sale at The Real Real.

Though I love my YSL cushion I am always interested in trying something new.  When I was returning home from Australia I came across an Armani Beauty pop-up at the Sydney Airport. This is where a stunning red cushion case caught my attention.  If this is going to be love, it will end in heartbreak because lo and behold it is not widely available in the U.S.

Armani Beauty My Armani
Cushion to Go Foundation Review

Armani Beauty My Armani Cushion to Go Foundation Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Armani Beauty
Product:  My Armani Cushion to Go Foundation
Shade:  5.5
Coverage:  Sheer to Light
Dewiness:  Semi
Scent:  Too Subtle to Pinpoint
Oxidation:  Barely
Price:  $58.00 (Does NOT come with a Refill)
Availability:  Scarce (see Where to Get It below)

When you first open the My Armani to Go Cushion Foundation box you are greeted with a gorgeous red and black cushion compact case.  This case feels sturdy and has a good weight to it.  Definitely doesn't feel cheap.  The cushion case also has a nice sized mirror inside.

The puff is slightly pointed on one side for easier application.

The sponge disperses just the right amount of product.

I love everything about the case.  The bold red color, the snap closure, the weight to it - everything.  I like how the puff is slightly tapered on one side to aid in application around the eyes and nose.  They really thought this product through.

SWATCH

Armani Beauty My Armani Cushion to Go in Shade 5.5 Swatch on MAC NC37 (forearm is slightly lighter than face).

BEFORE AND AFTER

Armani Beauty My Armani Cushion to Go Foundation Shade 5.5 on MAC NC37

The My Armani Cushion to Go puff looks and feels just like a normal k-beauty rubycell puff, but with a tapered edge.  Also like rubycell, it does not absorb a lot of product so there isn't much waste.  The mesh sponge within the case does a good job of keeping the formula secure by preventing leaks and releasing just the right amount of product.  All in all - the packaging is good!

As for performance, after a few hours I checked my oily t-zone to see if it had started pilling or sliding around my face.  I am happy to report that for the most part it stayed put throughout the day (without primer).  There was slight settlement into the fine lines underneath my eyes but this can be prevented using primer, a setting powder, or by blotting the area with tissue after application.

The My Armani Cushion shade 5.5 is similar to YSL Touche Éclat Cushion B50 but leans slightly more pink.  To compare to Korean shades:  It is lighter than Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion 33 and Innisfree LongWear Deep Beige 31, but darker Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion 25 and Laneige Anti-Aging / Pore Control 31.  I would say that it still falls within the "good match" range for NC37 skin tones, and could possibly be used by NC40's due to it's blendability.  You can check my master swatch list here to see how it compares!

The Armani cushion formula similar is to a lightweight tinted moisturizer.  What is nice about it is you don't really feel it on your skin and it has no discernible scent.  I think it might be kind of flowery but the scent wasn't strong enough to pinpoint.  The My Armani Cushion to Go foundation has somewhat buildable coverage but not enough to cover serious skin issues.  In the image above, I had a small blemish on my jawline due to a pimple that had healed.  You can see that the cushion did a decent job evening it out but I wouldn't rely on it to do much more than that.

HOW DOES THE ARMANI BEAUTY CUSHION COMPARE TO KOREAN CUSHIONS?

The Armani Beauty My Armani Cushion to Go is very similar to most Korean cushions; with a few exceptions.  The Armani cushion holds the foundation within mesh pot rather than a sponge - so you cannot flip it when the product runs low.

This cushion also does not contain as much SPF as Korean cushions since it only has SPF 23; as opposed to Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion / Laneige BB Cushions which have SPF 50.  Keepin mind though that everyone should be using a stand alone sunscreen since SPF from foundations are simply not enough to be effective.  I like to refer to this video of Wayne Goss demonstrating how much foundation is actually required in order to achieve the amount of SPF protection listed on the packaging (you should really watch it).

Korean cushions do have a serious lack of shade range.  Unfortunately if you live in the U.S. you will still have the same issue with the My Armani Cushion to Go.  The only shade available on the Armani Beauty USA website is Shade 2 Ivory (Why?).  If you want any other shade, you will have to order it from overseas from stores like Selfridges.  The shade range outside of the U.S. however is much more forgiving than it's Korean counterparts - coming in at about eight different shades to choose from.

The My Armani Cushion to Go foundation has the same amount of product as many Korean cushions with 0.53 oz (15 g) in the pot, but does not come with a refill.  This means that you are getting significantly less product for your money.  The cushion + case is $58.00 USD, and the refills are $44.50 USD each from Selfridges... You also can't purchase refills in the U.S.

Aside from those differences, if you put an Armani cushion and a Korean cushion side by side, you would find the case, puff, and performance are very similar.  If you are a fan of Korean cushions and like luxury makeup, then the My Armani to Go Cushion foundation could be an easy transition.

No - the refill does not fit into any Korean cushion compact.  Just thought I'd throw that out there!

FINAL THOUGHTS

At last - I am heartbroken!  Why?  Because I love this cushion and I can't buy my shade in the U.S.  It's expensive but I would certainly rebuy it because everything about it is great.  It definitely helps achieve a "you, but better" look.  The Armani Beauty My Armani Cushion to Go Foundation is a good choice for those with no major skin issues and are looking to simply enhance what they have.  The sheer to light coverage will not do much to cover acne and will do only a decent job covering very minor blemishes.

I would repurchase this cushion in a heartbeat if I could.  The case is beautiful, the puff is great, and the formula is fantastic.  It does a good job matching my NC37 skin tone as well and blends beautifully.  The price is on the high end, but I feel that it is well worth it.  One thing to keep in mind though is I do not wear makeup every day, so it will last me quite a bit longer than those who require daily use.

In the end, if you have a Korean cushions obsession like I do and have access to the Armani My Armani Cushion to Go; then definitely give it a try!

Rating

Master Swatch List

Continuing my search for the perfect brow, I turn my focus to Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen.  After already trying Urban Decay's Brow Blade and many other brow products, I am interested in seeing how well this affordable alternative can perform.

Ardell Stroke A Brow
Feathering Pen Review

Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen Review

INFO SHEET

Brand:  Ardell
Product:  Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen
Shade:  Medium Brown
Color Payoff:  Highly Pigmented
Price:  $8.99
Where to Buy:  Amazon, Sally Beauty

Ardell claims that this product is both waterproof and smudge proof.  It's affordable too!  I picked mine up from Sally Beauty Supply since Ulta did not have it in stores (shame).  Sally does not have any testers so I had to rely on the swatch on the box as well as online swatches to make my decision.

SWATCH

Ardell Stroke A Brow - Medium Brown Swatch

Ardell Stroke A Brow Brush Tipped Applicator

Notice that there is practically no feathering in the swatch; which is a good sign.  Ardell Stroke A Brow has several shades to choose from:  Taupe, Medium Brown, Dark Brown, and Soft Black.  Worrying that Dark Brown and Soft Black would be too dark; I went with Medium Brown.  When I first swatched it, it was practically black!  I think that since it was new, a lot of product was coming out of the applicator.  But as time went on, the product coming out lightened up a little bit into a dark brown... If this is Medium Brown then what the heck does Dark Brown look like?  Vanta Black?  A void in the universe?  I guess my brows will just be darker than usual today.

BEFORE AND AFTER

Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen has good staying power.

The applicator is a brush tip instead of a felt tip - which is nice for accuracy.  The brush holds it's shape very well, not too soft, and allows fine lines to be drawn.  There is a bit of a learning curve when it comes to using the Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen.  If you take too long during the application process, then the ink flows towards the back of the pen; so the brush tip will appear to dry out.  You will have to put the cap back on and tap it gently against the counter to bring it forward again.  This was really frustrating to me when I first started using Stroke A Brow since I was still learning and I was slow.  While the pen does allow you to draw individual hairs; it can take too long to apply it this way and cause it to dry out.  To get around this, it is best to apply the product using a lot of short, quick strokes to fill the brow areas that look "thirsty" and then go back and draw a few fine hairs at the end and beginning of the brow.

Another thing I noticed is if you have any skin care products or sunscreen on your brow it will hinder application and won't really adhere to the skin.  I suggest wiping the brow area clean prior to using the Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen in order for the product to transfer better.  It dries quickly so there isn't much of a waiting period after application.

The product is highly pigmented so a little goes a long way.  I found that it is long lasting and does not fade throughout the day.  It also performs well on combination / oily skin.  I did apply it before bed to see how well it would do in that scenario, but found that the product did flake a little bit over night due to contact with the pillow.  No transfer, though!

FINAL THOUGHTS

I like the Ardell Stroke A Brow Feathering Pen a lot.  I find myself reaching for it far more than my other brow products (DiorShow, Urban Decay Brow Blade, ABH Dipbrow, etc.).  The formula is nice and has good staying power.  If you can get past the learning curve then it will work quite well.  You are probably wondering if you can redraw your entire eyebrow one hair at a time with this product.  While it CAN draw individual hairs, drawing one hair at a time can take too long and cause the tip to dry out while in use.  The best way to use this product is to sweep the brow quickly with short strokes, and then add more definition at the beginning and end of the brow.

The shade range is an issue though.  Medium Brown really is very dark.  Since the product is highly pigmented it can be easy to overdo it.  If you have patchy brows like I do, I recommend using Stroke A Brow to even out the patchy areas first and then do the rest of your brow with a pencil or ABH Dip Brow.  This will give your brow a little more structure and depth; resulting in a natural look!

Pricing & Availability

AmazonSally Beauty

Rating