Double Review: Loreal Miracle Blur and Loreal Pore Vanisher

Primers at the drugstore are a fairly new occurrence. I'd say they started showing up within the last year or two and Loreal was quick to jump on the bandwagon with not one but two options. Though neither of these is actually marketed as a primer, I use them as primers.

The tube on the left is the Loreal RevitaLift Miracle Blur. This product claims to be MORE than a primer. What that really means I'm not exactly sure, but it claims to "instantly erase the look of lines, wrinkles, and pores" and mattify the skin. It comes in a regular formula and an oil-free one as well. I have the oil-free version, but I first tried this product in a sample of the regular formula. That one did just what it claimed to do. It smoothed out my skin and left my skin matte. The oil-free formula however, has not given me the same results. I chose the oil-free formula because I have oily acne-prone skin and thought it would work better for me, but it didn't. Ironically, I find the oil-free version feels overly greasy. It has that slick silicone feel which I find bothersome in a primer. I can feel it on my skin after I apply it, which is uncomfortable and I just feel like my foundation is sliding off my face. I don't find that it increased the longevity of my foundation either. For $24.99 for 1.18 oz I expected better. You're better off going for something like Smashbox Photo Finish Primer if you like the silicone based primers.

The tube on the right is the Loreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Pore Vanisher. Obviously, the sole purpose of this product is to minimize the appearance of pores. It also claim to "shrink actual pore size in one month." It is meant to be used as the last step in your skincare regimen morning and night. Though I have not put the pore-shrinking to the test, I have used this product in the day under my makeup to minimize pores and help control oil. I do find that this product leaves my skin smooth and does help with oil control throughout the day as well. I do not think it has worked any miracles on my skin, however. I will continue to use it but will not pay another $20 for 1.4 oz. I have heard some say that this product is comparable to the Benefit Porefessional, but I personally would rather pay a bit extra for the results that the Porefessional delivers.
 Overall I prefer the Pore Vanisher over the Miracle Blur.
Here is what both products look like:

Review: NYX Butter Glosses

I have seen so many good reviews of these glosses it was kinda hard not to go out and buy them. Let me just say: They are worth the hype. I'm not in love with the color range, but the quality of the glosses is awesome. The colors range from lots (and lots) of nudes to pinks and a few random colors like red, deep purple, and orange. It took me a while to find the colors I really felt would suit me but after watching some swatching videos I took the plunge. The two colors I own are Tiramisu and Vanilla Cream Pie.

These are both colors swatched on my hand. Tiramisu is on the left and Vanilla Cream Pie is on the right. As you can see, the pigmentation of this is slightly sheer. You do get pretty good color payoff but they are not completely opaque. They feel light and moisturizing on the lips. They are not sticky at all but very smooth and somewhat creamy. They have a sweet vanilla scent and last pretty well on the lips. I would say about 2-3 hours. I haven't been a huge lip gloss lover since I was in high school but I think I have officially been converted back. You can get these glosses anywhere NYX is sold (Target, Ulta) and they cost around $5 each. Get you some ;)

Review: Herbal Essences Naked Cleansing Conditioner

I have to admit I did not expect to like this product as much as I do. Lately I've been trying to show my hair a bit more TLC. My hair is a little on the dry side. It is pretty thick and its got some wave to it. To keep it from getting too dry I do minimal dyeing and heat styling, deep condition 1-2 times per week, and wash and condition every other day. I've been trying to get on the sulfate-free wagon for a while now and it seems there has been more and more options every time you turn around. Herbal Essences recently came out with this new "Naked" range. The only product that really sparked my interest was the cleansing conditioner, as I have had a quite terrible experience with Herbal Essences shampoo before (completely dried out my hair and scalp). This conditioner says it has no sulfates, parabens, or colorants and claims to gently cleanse your hair and leave it feeling moisturized. I found the conditioner to be a nice thick consistency and it did in fact leave my hair feeling moisturized. I wouldn't say it should be used in place of a regular shampoo but it is perfect for when you're in between washes. I use this every other day (on the days I don't wash my hair) and I really like it. It has a very light minty smell which I enjoy and leaves my hair soft and not stripped of all moisture. Overall I give this product a thumbs up and recommend it if you are trying to wash your hair less often. I purchased mine at Target for $4.74 for 16.9 oz.