Makeup Minis Vol.12

ABOUT MAKEUP MINI SERIES
Makeup Minis is where I feature deluxe samples I received with my online and/or in-store purchases. I’ll give you a short description of the product, my initial impression and whether I plan to purchase a full-sized version. I am only listing 3 items per volume to keep the post short and fun! :)

 

Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Mascara

Givenchy
Noir Couture Volume Mascara

First of all, I am truly impressed with Givenchy for making the sample tube identical to the full sized version! Look at those inverted studs! I like! I also like the formula as well — intense black, not too wet, not too dry, holds curls all day, stays put, and best of all, it volumizes like crazy without clumps! The wand is perfect size, too, as it also reaches the corner lashes nicely. :)

Full-sized purchase?
Oh yes!

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ For Face

Shiseido
Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ For Face

This sunscreen baffles me. For the life of me I do not understand why it is favorited by so many people. To me, it feels thick, doesn’t absorb well, and leaves a strong white sheen, not to mention its heavy sunscreen scent. Of course, unless I rub it in real well but I really don’t have time for that when there are many others that perform better and quicker.

Full-sized purchase?
No

Fresh "Clear" Sugar Shine Lip Treatment

Fresh
“Clear” Sugar Shine Lip Treatment

You know how much I love Fresh lip products so I had high hopes for this and luckily it didn’t disappoint. It is lightweight, non-sticky, and provides high shine. My lips feel super moisturized with it on! It has that sweet lemony scent typical of most Fresh lip products, too. Clear contains lots of beautiful sparkles to give your lips a fuller appearance.

Full-sized purchase?
Yes!

Purchase

Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Mascara:
US$32 at Sephora

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ For Face:
US$17.55-31.50 at Sephora ○ Nordstrom

Fresh “Clear” Sugar Shine Lip Treatment:
US$18.50 at Sephora

Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Mascara:
At Givenchy counters

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ For Face:
At Shiseido counters

Fresh “Clear” Sugar Shine Lip Treatment:
At Sephora stores

Join the Conversation

18 Comments

  1. says: Sunny

    Told ya Noir Couture Volume is great! So glad to hear you like it, too! Kudos to Givenchy for making such a cute miniature!

  2. says: Lena L

    The Shisiedo Ultimate series used to be my favorite, but I have to agree with you here.
    I used the liquid version but couldn’t finish my last bottle and moved on to Sofina. Now I’m happily using the UV Shield from elta MD.
    My sister still uses the creme version that you reviewed religiously. I guess it works for dry skin.

    1. says: Jaa

      Hmm… I can see being a good option for dry skin. Elta MD? How do you like it? I’m always on the lookout for a good sunscreen. :)

  3. says: Kira

    The Givenchy mascara is gorgeous *_* But it’s Givenchy, enough said lol. Sephora’s Glossy Gloss is a great clear gloss as well! Probably one of the better ones of the ones I’ve tried, but no sparkles! :)

  4. Yeah, I’ve tried that Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF 50+ as well, mainly because of all the raving reviews it got, but I really didn’t like it that much either.

  5. says: laura

    I feel the same way about the Shiseido sunscreen! It’s soo thick and leaves my face super white! I wore it to the pool once because it’s waterproof but the water made me look even whiter LOL…it was really awful.

    1. says: Jaa

      LOL! Yeah, it puzzles me why so many people love it! It just doesn’t get along with me at all. White cast is a major no-no for me when it comes to sunscreen!

  6. says: Sylirael

    As a rogue, I can’t really argue with anything that has ‘lots of beautiful sparkles’ :-D A plumping illusion is always welcome, right, kissyjaa? KISSYJAAAA! ;-D

  7. says: Liz

    Ahhhh, the signs of the times. LOL I used to really like that Shiseido because it felt like a nice primer back when nice and light face primers were not that prominent. Sadly it broke me out so I ended up returning a full tube, but I did like it a lot. This was maybe 4 years ago. I may not be so crazy about it now if I re-tested.

    Intrigued now about the Givenchy mascara but I fell for a Revlon and really stocked up on it. Can’t look at mascaras until 2016 now, LOL!

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