Rating is out 10 out of 10, with a full point given for each of the ten sections listed above. Points per section may be issued in the following denominations: 0,.0 .25, .50, 1.0. For further clarification, the sections listed are worth a total of 1.0 point and are:
- Company Profile & Personality: (available information about company, cruelty free status information, philanthropic efforts, unnecessary controversy, indie company vs mainstream)
- Price: (product cost, availability of product, shipping cost, available coupons)
- Purchase Process: (order time vs receipt of product turn around, availability of product, email notifications including shipping & tracking number, email notification for delivery)
- Packaging: (was the item securely package, decorative packaging efforts including information card about the product, upcoming sales, or the company itself)
- Pigmentation: (via swatches)
- Color Payoff: (via application to the area applicable)
- Product Application: (ease of application of product, for example for eyeshadow, is there fall out, creasing, etc.
- Performance: (longevity of wear)
- Product Value: (price to product amount ratio, i.e. price per gram + product quality + consumer response (popularity of the product and consumer response) + repurchase option)
- Overall Product Presentation: shade variation (if eyeshadow), women of color friendly, pale people friendly, universally applicable to many skin tones, desire for repeated use, would you repurchase the item again, is this product associated with a particular trend or is does it market the companies individuality, does the product set a new & innovative trend, is the product effective (does it do what it’s designed to do), does the product have potential multiple application opportunities (i.e. can the product be used as a blush & lipstick), is the product limited edition or a permanent product, is the product part of a collection, is the product consistent (from shade to shade, if an eyeshadow palette) from color to color in a part of a collection and does it function and operate the same each time applied.
Reviewing the Following Week's Products
Palette & Product Rotation Week 11
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| Juvia's Place The Nubian II Eyeshadow Palette |
REVIEW:I am a huge Juvia's Place fan. For the amount of product + the quality of the shadows, it's absolutely criminal that the price is so affordable. This palette is worth way more than the money I paid for it. Among my favorite shadows are "Egypt", "Jezebel", and "Nefertiti". An absolutely fabulous palette capable of exotic looks and well as some everyday shades appropriate for the workforce.
RATE: 9.25/10 I think this particular palette is perfect for people of color, which of course, I can appreciate. Yet, at the same time, pale and medium skin folks can rock these colors too. The palette is incredibly diverse in terms of reaching multiple skin tones, as well as the color story itself.
ROTATE: I love this palette so much that I bought my middle niece one and I purchased a backup for myself. Definitely staying in my collection and probably will be put into a rolling pan project.
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| Okolan The Burgundy Palette |
REVIEW: I picked up this little palette from SHOPHUSH because I was interested in trying more of the brand's eyeshadows. It is supposed to be a replica or "dupe" of the Kylie Cosmetics Burgundy Palette. I recently purchase two palettes from Kylie Cosmetics, but I can really speak to their quality because I haven't used them yet. However, I can say, from my research and watching videos demonstrating Kylie's Burgundy Palette, I feel comfortable keeping this little guy as a more than decent comparison. The shades are very beautiful - reminiscent of the highly favored Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette from ABH, but for a 1/4 of the price. Shadows are a bit chalky, but they do blend well. I don't mind a little kickup as long as the shadows apply properly, and that's what we have with this palette.
RATE: 6.75/10 I think for the price, the product is quite decent. The pan sizes are on the small side and it's a little dustier than I prefer, but I'll live. The shimmers are decent, but prettier with a wet brush. I think the palette is worth the $10 I paid for it and performs well and is decent quality for the price.
ROTATE: I am making an effort to go through all my palettes in a more efficient manner. The truth is that I have these types of shades in two other palettes that I can think of off the top of my head. This palette is not really a necessity in my collection and I think I am going to pass it along.
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Bare Mineral Complexion Rescue (1), Hard Candy Long Wear Primer (2),
NYX Angel Veil (3) & Smashbox Studio Skin (4) |
1.
REVIEW: I am paring down my foundation collection to five foundations from the drugstore and high-end markets, and I am trying to decide who is going to make the cut. I like this foundation, BUT I don't know if it's Top 5 worthy. The foundation is a gel serum and the shade is a perfect match, but it doesn't provide much coverage and it's not a true matte finish.
RATE: 7.0/10 Definitely a good foundation, but I don't think I choose it to be in my Top 5. It does have a nice finish, but again, I prefer concrete on my face.
ROTATE: I will be finishing up this foundation but I don't intend to repurchase.
2.
REVIEW: I used this primer for two weeks straight and I noticed a change in the wear time of my makeup. I was quite surprised This primer is effective and on the less expensive side of the scale.
RATE: 8.5/10 For the amount of product, the price of the product, the effectiveness of the product, you can count this primer as a winner.
ROTATE: I plan to finish this product and I will definitely repurchase.
3.
REVIEW: A lot of people ride hard for this primer, and don't get me wrong, it's a good primer. However, I find the Hard Candy Primer listed above more effective with a lower price point. I think NYX can't make up their mind if they are drugstore, affordable, or something different.
RATE: 7.5/10 This is a good drugstore alternative and it is similar or a dupe for the Hourglass Veil Primer. I still contend it's a tad too expensive for the drugstore.
ROTATE: I will be finishing this product, but I am uncertain regarding whether or not I will repurchase.
4.
REVIEW: This is definitely a good foundation, but nothing really stands out for me. The color match is off and so I don't wear it often. It is definitely long wearing, but again, nothing is really wonderfullu\y outstanding about this item.
RATE: 6.5/10 It's a good foundation, but it won't make my top five.
ROTATE: Looking for a new home for this item.
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NYX Strobe of Genius Highlighting Palette & City Color Be Matte Blush in Coconut
REVIEW: Definitely a more than decent drugstore highlighting palette. The variation in colors are interesting and creative, I believe these shades are wearable for a variety of skin tones and you might be able to pull off these colors at your 9 am to 5 pm job.
RATE: 7.5/10 Major points for being an awesome alternative to higher-end brand highlighting palettes, but I stil think that NYX is too expensive to be called "drugstore" .
ROTATE: Will keep for now as a good "drugstore" alternative and for comparison purposes.
REVIEW: This is a stunning blush for medium to tan colored individuals. Just a beautiful wash of color on your cheeks that lasts all day. Particularly pretty in the summer time and plays well with other face products. Hard to believe it was only a dollar! My absolute favorite drugstore/affordable blush. I fear on lighter/paler skin it would look a bit muddy though.
RATE: 9/10 For the wearability, longevity, beautiful color, and ease of application PLUS the insanely low price point, this is indeed a fantastic blush and a sweet deal.
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ROTATE: I have no intention of getting rid of this blush. Absolutely one of my favorites.
Palette & Product Rotation Week 12
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Nivea Post Shave Balm (Sensitive) & Benefit Porefessional Primer
REVIEW: The Nivea Post Shave Balm was made famous by the beauty guru of all beauty gurus - Nikkietutorials. She was on vacation and ran out of moisturizer and needed to use something before applying her makeup. She saw the Nivea in her boyfriend's bag and decided to give it a try. She, and many others have reported that the balm acts as a primer making foundation adhere to it because of the amount of glycerin. People world wide were purchasing the shave balm and finding equally stunning experiences. I use this when I want my makeup to LAST. It doesn't blur or fill in pores, but man oh man, my makeup does not budge when I use this little trick.
RATE: 8.0/10 This post-shave balm is amazing as a primer, but it lacks the two things that I need, blurring effects & pore-filling.
ROTATE: WIll continue to use this product and plan on repurchasing.
REVIEW: I am not sure what is so amazing about this product. It does smooth out your face, but it's not the best on the market by far. When I first began blogging, this was all the rage, but I have found better products that do the same and more (Tarte Primer).
RATE: 5.0/10 It does what it says it is supposed to do, but there is nothing super wonderful about the product. For the amount of hype, and the significant YouTube influence, you would think that this product was made of gold, but it is definitely not. Seen better, use better....
ROTATE: Using what's left of my big tube and donating all of my mini samples, and deluxe samples.
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Physician's Formula, Becca Preseco Pop, Milani Rose Blush
REVIEW: This blush is a little light on the pigmentation side. You have to build it up considerably to get any decent color payoff. Physician's Formula is constantly shamed for excluding people of color and lacking diversity in their line, so maybe that's why I have to dig in the pan to get any results.
RATE: 5/10 I don't mind building up a product. It's perfect for those of use brushes with a heavy hand, but I don't like to reapply numerous times to get color. Beautiful color, but too much work.
ROTATE: I will look for a new home for this product.
REVIEW: I got this highlighter from Becca in a Boxyvcharm and this is my first time using it. I have the shade Opal from the same line, which I am working on panning. I found that this highlighter was stunning. Very creamy in texture, amazing color payoff, and extremely long-lasting.
RATE: 8.5/10 I am so fortunate to have received this in Boxycharm. I think this is one of the best highlighters I own and it looks great on my skin tone. Additionally, I think it would look great on a variety of skin tones - from Medium to Deep.
ROTATE: Keeping this one.
REVIEW: I really love Milani's blushes, especially the "Rose Blushes". Given the fact that Milani is a drugstore brand, the beautiful aesthetic of the rose figure of the blush is definitely eye-catching and very posh for the drugstore. This particular blush applies so beautifully and lasts all day on my skin.
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RATE: 8.25/10 One of the best drugstore blushes. Buildable, smooth, works well with many skin types.
ROTATE: I will be holding on to this one!
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Dose of Colors Blushing Berries & Butter London Natural Charm
REVIEW: I am a big Dose of Colors fan. I think their shadows are amazing, especially the smaller five-pan palettes. I really enjoyed using this palette and found it blendable and very easy to use with minimal fallout. This array of colors is so stunning, especially for those green-eyed and brown eyed people.
RATE: 10/10 One of the best eyeshadow palettes to come out during the holidays (2017). I am not one for all matte palettes. I am a shimmer/foiled shades girl all the way, but the formulation of this palette is incredible.
ROTATE: Staying put with me!
REVIEW: Butter London is one of the most underrated and under-reviewed makeup brands on the market. This neutral palette packs quite a punch. Lovely buttery shadows that are rich in pigment. A fantastic everyday work palette that is even suitable for evening eye looks.
RATE: 10/10 Not sure why I wait so long to try these shadows. Just exceptional shadows that create wonderful eye looks. I am in love with this palette and can't wait to use it more.
ROTATE: Keeping this one for a long time!
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The Balm Nude 'Tude
REVIEW: I have had this palette for well over a year and I am just putting it into a rotation. I kept this in rotation for two weeks and I never touched it. It just doesn't appeal to me. The shadow seem fine, but the pans are so small and I truly have all these shades 10 times over. It's just not something I really want to try. Sorry. But cute packaging for sure.
RATE: ?/10 I don't think it's fair to rate this since I didn't actually try it!
ROTATE: This is currently for sale on my Poshmark. I think someone can love it more than I can.
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Laura Lee Cat's Pajamas
REVIEW: Excellent debut eyeshadow palette for YouTube sensation Laura Lee. Of all the palettes in this rotation, I used this one the most. Great shadow, both pigmented and blendable. Great selection of colors, and cute packaging. Very fond of this palette.
RATE: 9/10 Definitely one of my current favorite palettes along with fellow YouTuber Christen Dominique's Latte Palette. I am not a big Laura Lee fan and I am not thrilled with her association with Jefferee Star, but her palette is solid.
ROTATE: Staying with me! Looking forward to using this palette more!
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