Tag: Review

L’Oreal’s Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara Primer/Base is a primer that adds instant thickness to lashes, amplifying the performance of any mascara applied on top. Despite these selling points, this mascara primer has some issues and ultimately doesn’t replace what multiple coats of one great mascara can do.

Housed inside a soft metallic pink tube is a light pink-tinted, wax-based primer with a fluffy white brush that, according to L’Oreal, contains over 200 bristles. We didn’t count them all, but for certain the brush is packed with soft bristles and they work to evenly coat lashes, creating a thick base for mascara to cling to.

L’Oreal’s directions state to let this primer/base dry before applying mascara, but we found this is bad advice, as doing so causes mascara applied afterward to drag over lashes, resulting in a slightly messy-looking application.

In contrast to the directions, if you apply mascara with lashes still wet from primer the results look much better, particularly for thickness and separation.

Ultimately, what you can achieve by taking the time to do this extra makeup step isn’t so great that you can’t get the same results from successive coats of a single mascara. We’re also disappointed by the inclusion of fragrance, as this risks irritating the eyes. If you’re keen on experimenting with other lash primers, you can find our favorites here.
By the way, although L’Oreal mentions rose oil in their claims, this product contains the non-fragrant rose hip oil, listed as Rosa canina.

Pros:

Creates a good base of thickened lashes for mascara to adhere to.
Fluffy, bristle-packed brush applies primer evenly.
Cons:

Contains fragrance, which poses a risk of irritating the eyes.
Waiting for this to dry before applying mascara doesn’t produce great results.
Doesn’t replace what multiple coats of a great volumizing mascara can do.
Jar Packaging: No

Tested on animals: Yes

Content courtesy of Beautypedia & Nairobi fashion hub

L’Oreal’s Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Stick is an outstanding way to add subtle, shimmer-free-yet-softly-radiant cheek color. It works beautifully on its own or over makeup (for best results, do so before setting with powder).

The fragrance-free twist-up stick formula is suitable for all skin types except for those with acne, because the waxes and thickeners that keep this in stick form could trigger breakouts.

Talk about easy application! Simply twist up a small amount and dab or dot onto the apples of your cheeks. The cream-to-powder formula blends easily using a sponge, brush, or a clean fingertip. Once set, this stays in place and resists fading.

Most blushes come in more shade ranges than the two that L’Oreal offers: Cheeky Dimension and Sexy-Flush. Both are attractive and workable for most skin tones. Worth noting: The color intensity is fairly strong, so a little goes a long way if you have fair to light skin.

Other than the shortage of shades, Infallible Longwear Blush Shaping Stick passes with flying colors!

Pros:

• A quick way to add a healthy flush of color to cheeks.
• Works well alone or applied over makeup.
• Smooths over skin and blends beautifully.
• Results stay true, no fading or streaking.
• Fragrance free.

Cons:

• Only two shades offered, which won’t suit all skin tones.

Jar Packaging: No

Tested on animals: Yes

Content courtesy of Beautypedia & Nairobi fashion hub

L’Oreal’s Infallible Longwear Highlighting Shaping Stick is an excellent way to add subtle to more obvious highlights anywhere you choose, and it works beautifully on its own or applied over makeup (for best results, do so before setting with powder).

The fragrance-free twist-up stick formula is suitable for all skin types except acne-prone, because the waxes and thickeners that keep this in stick form could trigger breakouts.

It couldn’t be easier to apply: twist up a small amount and dab on skin wherever a highlight effect is desired. The cream-to-powder formula blends easily using a sponge, brush, or a clean fingertip. Once set, this stays in place and resists fading.

Regardless of format, most highlighters come in a wide variety of shades, but that’s not the case here. L’Oreal only offers two colors, Slay-in Rose and Gold is Cold, but both are sheer, attractive, and workable for most skin tones. Given that both shades offered are good, we’re not coming down too hard on L’Oreal. By every other standard, Infallible Longwear Highlighting Shaping Stick passes with flying colors!

Pros:

• Great way to add subtle to more obvious highlights.
• Works well alone or applied over makeup.
• Smooths over skin and blends beautifully.
• Results stay true, no fading or streaking.
• Fragrance free.

Cons:

• Only two shades offered.

Jar Packaging: No

Tested on animals: Yes

Content courtesy Beautypedia & Nairobi fashion hub

L’Oreal’s UnbelievaBrow doesn’t bring anything new to the table in the world of brow-grooming products; however, it’s a good option, especially if you like a more dramatic brow look.

This brow gel comes in a plastic tube with a sponge-tipped wand applicator, reminiscent of a lip gloss. Separate from this tube, you also get a mini brush with a spoolie on one end and an angled brush at the other.

There’s a 3-step application process: you’re supposed to use the sponge to apply color to brows, then use the brush to distribute it to areas with sparse hair, and finally brush through brows with the spoolie.

The issue we have with the applicator is that it’s somewhat flimsy and small, and since it comes separately, its less convenient than most other brow gels (not to mention you’re more likely to lose it).

That said, the result of the application technique is a dramatic, filled-in brow look that works well for an evening out. While this might not be for everyone, it doesn’t look unnatural or cartoonish.

This gel doesn’t leave brows feeling stiff or sticky, and as claimed, its waterproof and smudge-proof, holding up admirably through a full day of wear. L’Oreal promises 48 hours of wear, but we promise if you sleep with this on, the results the next day won’t look so fresh!

Turning to the colors, there are several options, most in varying shades of “brunette”. There’s no option for auburn, or lighter blonde brows, so the selection is limiting.

While this gel has a couple of misfires, overall it’s a good option, especially if you like the look of fuller, thicker brows.

Pros:

• Adds thickness to sparse brows without feeling sticky.
• Brow gel is waterproof and doesn’t smudge as advertised.

Cons:

• Separate applicator is inconvenient.
• No option for those with auburn or light blonde hair.

Jar Packaging: No

Tested on animals: Yes

Content courtesy of Beautypedia & Nairobi fashion hub 

L’Oreal is no stranger to creating fantastic mascaras, and their 2-step Voluminous Superstar XFiber Primer + Fiber Mascara perfectly confirms this.

As the name implies, you get two separate products packaged in a dual-sided tube. Step 1 is the primer, a sheer black tint that builds a foundation for Step 2, the curved-brush mascara.

The primer separates and lengthens lashes so well, you might be tempted to stop there if dramatic lashes aren’t your thing. But adding the mascara ratchets results from good to beyond great—the second step merges with the first to create a very close approximation to false eyelashes or lash extensions!

Lashes are lifted, super long, and voluminous without looking clumpy or spidery. It’s a very clean appearance but remarkably impactful, and the combined formulas wear without a hitch.

Whereas false eyelashes and lash extensions can be difficult and time-consuming to remove (assuming you’re trying to be gentle and not damage your real lashes), Voluminous Superstar XFiber Primer + Fiber Mascara washes off completely with a water-soluble cleanser, no pulling, peeling, or rubbing needed.

If you opt to use step 2 alone, you’ll find that the mascara portion isn’t too impressive. It’s OK, but too mild-mannered to deliver superstar lashes. You have to begin with step 1 to get wow-factor results, and the extra step is totally worth it.

What about the fibers? We didn’t detect them, although Step 2 contains rayon, a fiber typically used to make clothing that’s fine for lashes. That’s a good thing because with such fibers you want to see their effect without seeing the fibers themselves, either on your lashes or as fallout on skin around the eyes. The bottom line is that whether the fibers are evident or not, they don’t flake and likely enhance this mascara’s performance.

Pros:

• Tinted primer + mascara produces beautifully defined, dramatic lashes.
• Ideal for those who want impressive length and thickness.
• Comes close to creating a false lash/lash extension look.
• Wears without a hitch.
• Removes with a regular cleanser.
• Fragrance free.

Cons:

• The mascara side alone isn’t too impressive.

Jar Packaging: No

Tested on animals: Yes

Content courtesy Beautypedia & Nairobi fashion hub

L’Oreal’s Age Perfect Hydra-Nutrition All-Over Honey Balm is a soothing way to tackle dry skin, and although it’s pretty good, it’s not without faults.

First and foremost, this comes in an opaque plastic squeeze tube, so its beneficial ingredients are protected from light and air that can cause them to lose their effectiveness. The rich, cream-gel texture is moisturizing yet not overly thick and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue.

There are plenty of hydrating and moisturizing ingredients included, among them shea butter, apricot, sunflower, passionfruit, and rice bran oils, and the honey ingredients that play heavily into this product’s advertising (honey, beeswax, and royal jelly). All will help dry skin appear plumped and smooth, and have antioxidant benefit, too. You might say honey is the bee’s knees!

This also has a relatively strong honey scent, but it doesn’t come from those ingredients. Instead, it’s because of the inclusion of fragrance + fragrance ingredients, among them geraniol and citronellol. The scent isn’t overpowering, but it does linger a bit, and fragrance of any kind puts skin at risk of irritation (see More Info for details).

Overall, this is a good moisturizing option, but if it was fragrance-free, it would’ve earned a spot on our best moisturizers list.

Note: while L’Oreal claims that the type of honey in this product, manuka honey, is extra “nourishing,” it is no more or less special for skin than any other type of honey.

Pros:

• Gel-cream texture is moisturizing without being overly thick.
• Absorbs quickly without a sticky residue.
• Includes numerous hydrating and moisturizing ingredients.
• Many ingredients have antioxidant benefits as well.

Cons:

• Contains fragrance and fragrance ingredients that pose a risk of skin irritation.

Jar Packaging: No

Tested on animals: Yes

Read more info about Why Fragrance Is a Problem for Skin

Content courtesy of Beautypedia & Nairobi fashion hub 

L’Oreal’s Rouge Signature Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick is yet another entry into the brand’s growing lineup of liquid lip options. Sadly, it isn’t among its best!

The packaging is a sleek, slightly bullet-shaped clear tube with black accents that has a standard sponge-tipped wand applicator inside,the fluid lipstick inside is lightweight and just a couple of swipes provides fully saturated bold color impact. It applies evenly, sets to a soft matte finish, and comes in a wide variety of colors.

This liquid lipstick holds up well for about four hours without fading, although we found that it begins to bleed towards the end of its wear time.

Now for the problematic part: the formula contains a high amount of drying denatured alcohol, which over time does damage to skin, particularly the delicate skin of the lips (see More Info for details). This also has a strong fragrance, and fragrance can cause skin irritation. We do wish L’Oreal would ease up on the fragrance in their makeup, as it’s not doing your skin any favors.

While this has some pleasing aesthetics, the potential problems it causes just aren’t worth it. There are far better options to be found on our list of best lipsticks.

Pros:

• Provides lightweight yet fully saturated color to lips.
• Comes in a good variety of colors.
• Doesn’t fade.

Cons:

• Bleeds towards the end of its wear time.
• Contains a high amount of skin-drying denatured alcohol.
• Includes fragrance, which can irritate lips.

Jar Packaging: No

Tested on animals: Yes
Read More Info Alcohol-Based Products

Content courtesy of Beautypedia & Nairobi fashion hub

L’Oreal’s Infallible 24HR Fresh Wear Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25 is lightweight as claimed, but the ingredient that helps it achieve that texture won’t do your skin any favors.

This fragranced, fluid foundation comes in a glass bottle with a pump dispenser and is easy to spread, but because it dries very fast, you must blend quickly.

It provides medium coverage of imperfections and sets to a natural-looking soft matte finish that’s best for those with normal to combination skin. When it comes to shades, L’Oreal offers a good range of options for those with fair to deep skin tones.

It wears well for the most part, with no fading at all, though it does crease slightly towards the end of its wear time, which can be buffed out. It provides SPF 25, but unfortunately that’s below the global standard of SPF 30 for optimal sun safety.

Even if you’re not eyeing this for sun protection, your skin will have to deal with the high amount of drying denatured alcohol this contains. There’s a strong alcohol smell when you first open the bottle, and that’s a big part of why this formula dries so quickly. While the alcohol contributes to this formula’s lightweight texture, over time it can create a lot of problems for skin. See More Info for details.

While this is waterproof and sweatproof as mentioned thanks to advertised oil-absorbing ingredients (including two forms of silica), one of those “oil absorbers” is the aforementioned alcohol, which can lead to increased oiliness.

All of this adds up to a disappointment, since L’Oreal has some great foundations (which can be found on our list of best foundations), but unfortunately this is not among them!

Pros:

• Lightweight texture is easy to spread.
• Provides natural-looking medium coverage.
• Comes in a good range of shades for fair to deep skin tones.
• Wears well without fading and minimal creasing.

Cons:

• Contains a high amount of skin-drying denatured alcohol.
• SPF 25 is below global standards for optimal sun protection.
• Contains fragrance and fragrance ingredients, which can trigger skin irritation.

Jar Packaging: No

Tested on animals: Yes

Read more Info about Alcohol-Based Products

Content courtesy of Beautypedia & Nairobi fashion hub