Holy Grail Beauty Products

[Frozendiva]

The place to discuss your faves - the ones that don't let you down (cleansers, toners, makeup removers, foundations, brushes, etc.).

 

Things for me include:

 

Lancôme Bi-Facil eye makeup remover

Clinique All About Eyes - for eye puffiness

Chanel Rouge Coco - Boy

[NutMeg]

Fun !

 

Lancôme Bi-Facil eye makeup remover

Estée Lauder bold volume lifting mascara

Givenchy Acti'Mine wake-up skin make-up base SPF 15 - looks good on his own too

Shiseido Serum Sillky feel shiny finish - great for preventing long and curly hair from becoming a huge mass of mess in humid weather

Burt's Bees Coconut foot creme

Vichy aluminium-salt free deodorant - no yellowing on white clothes, no whitening on black!

[PRgal]

Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment.  I think I own EVERY SHADE in the tinted balms and most shades in the gloss (aka Shine)!  My favourites are Honey, Fig (only available in balm) and Nude and Berry (drugstore-wise, I LOVE Maybelline's Baby Lips).  I am also now completely obsessed with Charlotte Tilbury's Wonderglow primer.  It's expensive at $65 Canadian, but you don't need a lot and it lasts a long time (Holt Renfrew FINALLY joined the 21st century and is beginning to roll out e-commerce.  Seriously, what took them so long?  And it's only beauty products until 2016).  I tend not to wear heavy foundations, so my regular go-to product is Amore Pacific's cushion compacts.  They SEEM expensive, but you're really getting two in one - each package comes with a refill, so it's more or less the same price as Lancome's version. 

ETA:  I also have quite the collection of BITE Beauty lip products.  However, I *STILL* can't bring myself to wear bright red lipstick.  It just seems...fake on me.  

Edited November 6, 2015 by PRgal

[luckyroll3]

Every Urban Decay nude pallette

Fresh Sugar lip balm (my favorite is the plum)

Origins Modern Friction

Nars Velvet Matte lip pencils (especially Train Bleu)

Nars blush (Orgasm and Taos)

Rimmel Kohl waterproof eyeliner

Clarisonic Aria cleansing brush

OCC Lip Tar

[Frozendiva]

PRGal, Holts will soon be facing major competition from Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue. Toronto will get both a Nordies and a Saks next year. The Bay's e-commerce site (although not so hot - very slow) is probably killing them.

 

I know that I am a tad unhappy that Holts has cut out most of the makeup lines' gift with purchase promos. They want the makeup business all year round and not a few times per year for a major sale. Um, people like gift with purchase time and will buy more at that time!  I buy a good amount of makeup and occasionally, I like a little reward. I think there'll be an Estee Lauder Re-Nutriv one, and probably a Sisley one that has just ended?

 

My Holts is pretty tiny and there are rumours of a new store here at some point or a move to West Edmonton Mall. The lease for the current downtown location ends in 2017. I'm hoping it stays downtown and is part of the new hockey arena/Ice District re-do of the downtown area.

 

We're supposed to be getting some Tom Ford stuff this month - I think lipsticks and eyeshadows. We normally get a few new things during the holiday season. Otherwise, it's ordering from other stores. Like shoes. There is a wondrous binder filled with all shoes that Holts carries throughout the country, from which we can order items. Which probably applies to higher end clothing (we don't get the very expensive brands - mainly the moderate stuff) and makeup.

[callie lee 29]

Cover girl foundation on classic ivory - 25 years in still using it.

Bars blush in orgasm. My friend got it for me for my birthday and I LOVE it.

Estee Lauder Idealist is a great product I only but when I see it at TJ Maxx on sale, but it's fantastic.

I have yet to find a mascara that's my goto.

[Frozendiva]

Lancôme Definicils mascara (I will buy L'Oreal Voluminous in a pinch)

Estee Lauder Sumptuous mascara

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair

Essie nail polishes - inexpensive, good quality. I also like the OPI minis.

Oil of Olay cleansing cloths

MAC blackground black eyeshadow base (can't find the NYX one here)

Chanel Pirate red lipstick

[ikmccall]

I wish Chanel would make the original Vamp nail polish again.

[Frozendiva]

I wish Chanel would make the original Vamp nail polish again.

Try 18 Vamp in this holiday season's collection.

[NutMeg]

Fun trivia - went to sleep last weekend without wiping out mascara (not my usual Estée Lauder but another brand that makes my lash look extra long). In the morning, I had the panda eyes that (rain, night, etc.) I never had with EL. So I'll guess I'll stay with this new brand when I'm sure I'm spending the night at mine's and no rain is expected, and otherwise stick with EL (I cannot tell you how many times, even when crashing back at mine, I forgot to wipe it off, and it was still lookng good in the morning).

[OakGoblinFly]

Speaking of mascara, my go to of late has been Benefit's They're Real; I get great results - lots of length & volume with no flaking.  The applicator makes it really easy for me to "wing" out the outer corners of my lashes.

[MargeGunderson]

For makeup removal, I swear by Simple's micellar wipes. One gets off everything on my face and I don't even have to do a second cleanser afterwards.

[PRgal]

Speaking of mascara, my go to of late has been Benefit's They're Real; I get great results - lots of length & volume with no flaking.  The applicator makes it really easy for me to "wing" out the outer corners of my lashes.

 

Benefit's They're Real! is one of my favourites!  Have you tried their blue or brown mascaras?

[MargeGunderson]

Benefit's They're Real! is one of my favourites!  Have you tried their blue or brown mascaras?

They have brown? Black looks too harsh on me so I'm always looking for a new brown to try.

[PRgal]

They have brown? Black looks too harsh on me so I'm always looking for a new brown to try.

 

Brown, black and blue.

 

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/theyre-real

 

There's this, too:

 

https://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/theyre-real-limited-edition

[MargeGunderson]

I just ordered the brown from Sephora- thanks for the recommendation!

[Princess Sparkle]

-Nars blush in orgasm used to be my go-to, but I recently switched to Deep Throat, and I've actually found it to be slightly more flattering.  

-Speaking of Nars, their velvet matte lip pencil in Dragon Girl is one of the few lip pencils I've had to re-buy multiple times.  Flattering on anyone I've ever seen it on.

-L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara.  Supposedly, this formula and the formula for Lancome Definicils are the same (makes sense, since they're owned by the same company).  

-Makeup Forever Sense-Eyes is the best eye makeup remover I've ever had.  Non-greasy, takes off EVERYTHING, and I've even used it in a pinch to take off some stubborn lip stains.

-DHC Cleansing Oil.  Takes off the rest of my makeup without a problem and doesn't dry out my skin.

 

Also, if anyone is in the market for a gentle exfoliator (I have extremely sensitive skin, so I usually can't handle a whole lot of exfoliation), Bosica's Exfoliating Peel Gel is amazing.  Very gentle, but you can actually see the dead skin coming off your face.  Actually, any of the Boscia skin care line counts as a holy grail for me - I slowly switched over my cleanser and moisturizer to their products, and that, combined with their Konjac sponge, have done AMAZING things for my skin.  It's brighter and less red.

[Dahlia]

Lips 2 kiss is my holy grail lip rejuvenation system. I've been using it exclusively for 8 years and they actually look fuller now than they did when I was younger

I was even asked Who does your lips? When getting filler in a scar from a cyst removal!

Edited November 27, 2015 by Dahlia

[Petunia13]

Count me in with the rest of you in loving Nars lip pencils. I really enjoy the colors and formula.

[Petunia13]

Kat Von D Lock-It foundation. 

LOVE!!

 

Aveda conditioners work really well with my hair but I do like to change my hair products often anyhow. I think that's good for my scalp and long hair. 

goody hair clips, pins, pony holders. They're plain and if I leave them on my desk or in the gym or cars i can just replace one easily immediately for cheap. 

[Janet Snakehole]

If you are looking for a lengthening and curling waterproof mascara, Heroina Make Long and Curl is the absolute best I have ever tried. It gives my average lashes the doll lash look. It stays on through sweaty heat. Only issues are that it is hard to find (have to order on Amazon) and it is hard to take off at the end of the day. 

[Scatterbrained]

Glo Therapeutics Pumpkin Enzyme Scrub.  I use it when my skin is acting up, feeling too dry or too oily.  It always seems to even things out.  I normally don't like scented products, but find the smell pleasant enough.

I have dark circles under my eyes.  Sometimes people think I have bruised, black eyes.  I have found that using cle de peau concealer and lancome's touche Eclat together helps make things look more natural.

[Petunia13]

I really like Josie Marans whipped argan oil moisturizer right now.

For nails I have never found a brand whose colors I liked as much as the ones at urban outfitters or American apparel. Even the nudes or neutrals have a different oomph. 

[Princess Sparkle]

I am a bit of a lipstick fiend (I have 20 different shades of red lipstick, and I regret nothing) and I recently got Smashbox's new Always On matte lipstick in their limited edition shade Bawse, and I can already tell it's a holy grail product. The red was insanely flattering (I can tell it's a 'good on everyone' shade) and it held up all day, even through eating tacos. 

I also never thought I'd be recommending products from either one of these people, but here goes - Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick and Kylie Jenner's lip kits are actually pretty great. I own four separate KVD liquid lipsticks, and those don't budge (neither does her tattoo eyeliner, which is also great). I tried the Colourpop dupes of the Kylie Jenner lip kit colors, and while the colors are the same, I found that the Colourpop lipsticks came off after eating, whereas Kylie Jenner's stayed on well. 

[Athena]

10 hours ago, Princess Sparkle said:

I am a bit of a lipstick fiend (I have 20 different shades of red lipstick, and I regret nothing) and I recently got Smashbox's new Always On matte lipstick in their limited edition shade Bawse, and I can already tell it's a holy grail product. The red was insanely flattering (I can tell it's a 'good on everyone' shade) and it held up all day, even through eating tacos. 

I also never thought I'd be recommending products from either one of these people, but here goes - Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick and Kylie Jenner's lip kits are actually pretty great. I own four separate KVD liquid lipsticks, and those don't budge (neither does her tattoo eyeliner, which is also great). I tried the Colourpop dupes of the Kylie Jenner lip kit colors, and while the colors are the same, I found that the Colourpop lipsticks came off after eating, whereas Kylie Jenner's stayed on well. 

I too am a lipstick fiend. I have about 15 red lipsticks. I prefer matte too so I'll look out for the Smashbox but as a Christmas gift to myself. I need to stop buying lipsticks. Which other red and/or matte lipsticks do you like?

I've heard good things about the Kat Von D one and it sells out constantly at my Sephora. As for Kylie Jenner, mixed reviews on some of her lip products.

[Misslindsey]

11 hours ago, Princess Sparkle said:

 

I am a bit of a lipstick fiend (I have 20 different shades of red lipstick, and I regret nothing) and I recently got Smashbox's new Always On matte lipstick in their limited edition shade Bawse, and I can already tell it's a holy grail product. The red was insanely flattering (I can tell it's a 'good on everyone' shade) and it held up all day, even through eating tacos. 

 

I am the same way with lipsticks and also have way too many shades of red. I prefer matte reds. Kat Von D's Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in the color Outlaw is one of my holy grail red lipsticks. I love Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic's Lip Tar in Stalker and Black Dahlia (not a red, but one of my favorites to wear).

Kat Von D's Lock it foundation, Hourglass Immaculate liquid powder foundation, and Dr. Jart Black Label BB cream are a few of my holy grail products.

A couple of drugstore holy grail products for me are Simple Micellar face wipes and Burt's Bees lipsticks.

[Princess Sparkle]

1 hour ago, Athena said:

I too am a lipstick fiend. I have about 15 red lipsticks. I prefer matte too so I'll look out for the Smashbox but as a Christmas gift to myself. I need to stop buying lipsticks. Which other red and/or matte lipsticks do you like?

 

My absolute favorite red is Mac's Russian Red. I know most people love Ruby Woo, but it skews too orange on me. I love the Viva Glam 1 too. Just like @Misslindsey, I love KVD's Outlaw, but if I'm in the mood for something darker, Nosferatu is good as well (and FYI - Colourpop's Avenue is a perfect dupe for it).   I'm also a big fan of Laura Mercier's Paint Wash in Red Brick - surprisingly long lasting.  Oh, and the Sephora Cream Stain in Always Red is GREAT - for something that's relatively inexpensive, it lasts for quite a long time. Oooh - Urban Decay's Gash is a favorite of mine (I bought the special reissue about 6 months ago, but with the new Vice relaunch, it's out again) and I also bought their new Ms Mia Wallace and loved the color - it's a darker red, but it's wonderful. 

I'll quit while I'm ahead, or I'll be talking lipstick all night....

[emma675]

Alright, lipstick fiends, I need a recommendation for a good long-wear one that's creamy and doesn't give me that nasty, goopy build up along my inner lip. Any thoughts?

Edited July 25, 2016 by emma675d

[Princess Sparkle]

So, if you don't mind a liquid lipstick (which can be a bit drying), I think the Stila All Day liquid liptick is the creamiest.  If you'd prefer something not liquid, I think YSL's Rouge Volupte lipstick is the longest lasting, but it's on the pricey side ($37/tube).  Now, I have had the same tube for almost 3 years, so it does last for awhile because it's very pigmented (side note - YSL's red muse also goes in the "best red lipstick" category).  However, if that's too much for you,  I would go with Mac.  Though, if you really want to make a creamier lipstick last, line and fill in your lips with a matching lip liner first.

Edited July 25, 2016 by Princess Sparkle

[luckyroll3]

Fellow lipstick junkie here!  I'm also a fan of Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics, especially once I learned to apply them correctly (although, it must be much easier now that they switched to a wand applicator from the tube).  My other favorite is Coloured Raine - their matte lip paints are phenomenal and last all day.  I apply at 6:45 in the morning and still have decent coverage, without reapplying, when I get home at 8:00 pm.  Plus, many of the colors are designed to work well with the skin tones of people of color. 

[Misslindsey]

5 hours ago, emma675 said:

Alright, lipstick fiends, I need a recommendation for a good long-wear one that's creamy and doesn't give me that nasty, goopy build up along my inner lip. Any thoughts?

I think Bite and Nars have really nice creamy lipsticks. Bite is a bit more long wear for me, but I love the formula and textures that both brands have.

[Minneapple]

Bite lipsticks are my absolute fave. Though MAC does come a close second. Urban Decay is also very creamy, but not as long-wearing as those two.

For the liquid lipsticks, I find Kat Von D's to be a little less drying than Stila's. What I like to do with those lipsticks is apply a bit of lip balm or chapstick, then wait a bit for my lips to absorb the balm. Then I apply the lipstick, wait for it to dry, and apply a very light coat of lip gloss on top. Voila.

I may have to give the YSL lipsticks a try. It's not too much pricier than my Dior Addict.

[luckyroll3]

48 minutes ago, Minneapple said:

What I like to do with those lipsticks is apply a bit of lip balm or chapstick, then wait a bit for my lips to absorb the balm.

This is great to do, especially for MAC lipsticks.

[Petunia13]

For now. I like the look of matte so don't layer a gloss above the liquid lipstick. However, a clear or opaque type balm above gives that moister feeling and helps soften the appearing of a liquid lipstick settling in lip lines, without adding shine. 

I have this awesome balm that I got from my Union. Lol why is it always promotional lip balms like the ones from Yelp parties, or the union, or event favors...are always the best in scent or taste or moisturizing?? 

[Frozendiva]

I was a bit disappointed that the new vinyl YSL mascaras were pulled from the shelves.

I like the Bite lipsticks, some MAC. Haven't tried UD yet. I find both MAC and UD to be overwhelming in terms of choice. I would love to spend an hour with a makeup artist - simply shopping. Helping me find the right products.

Estee Lauder owns the Tom Ford line, so its lipsticks, especially the sculpting ones, are usually very good quality. I do also have a fondness for some Chanel lippies and the occasional Dior. I wish Chanel would re-issue the old Premier Rouge lipstick. I wore it sparingly as it was limited edition. I liked the Dior rose one that came with the holiday 2015 collection. Am on a low-buy til the fall collections and must use up some of the gift with purchase ones I have.

[Princess Sparkle]

11 hours ago, Frozendiva said:

I like the Bite lipsticks, some MAC. Haven't tried UD yet. I find both MAC and UD to be overwhelming in terms of choice. I would love to spend an hour with a makeup artist - simply shopping. Helping me find the right products.

 

You may know this already, but in case you don't - at Sephora, the people in the store wearing the black tops with red stripes down the sleeves are all certified makeup artists.  The workers in all black go through a Sephora certification, but the ones with the black and red tops are certified makeup artists, so if you ever ask them for help, they should be able to give you some good advice.  And since no one in the store works on commission, they're pretty honest with what works best rather than which is the most expensive.

[Frozendiva]

I usually only visit a Sephora store 3-4 times per year. Normally, I do not get much help as the store is crowded. So I do my research, do some swatches. I might buy in-person if the item is in-stock, but I buy online a lot (eBates, Aeroplan points, etc.). Maybe once a store opens closer to me and is not a 45 minute drive, I might visit more often,

[Petunia13]

Occasionally I have had excellent help from the makeup artists and color specialists at Sephora. To the point that they knew dupes and personalized a look. It really helps if you want a perfect match foundation or to copy a pic you've seen or color correct an issue. The right person will nail it and be fast. 

I just dealt with one today and she recognized I was no slouch myself in the color stakes. Hahaha. Speaking of I'm not getting Bawse it's beautiful but way too brick toned for my native cool/neutral skin. 

I think working at Sephora must be fun if you're passionate about beauty. 

[Spunkygal]

This may not exactly be a holy grail beauty product question, but does anyone have a razor they love when shaving their legs? I've used Venus for a while but that little moisturizing strip does not last long. I do use Skintastic shaving gel and store the razor away from water but would like to try something else as far as razors go. 

[Princess Sparkle]

On 7/26/2016 at 1:08 PM, Frozendiva said:

I usually only visit a Sephora store 3-4 times per year. Normally, I do not get much help as the store is crowded. So I do my research, do some swatches. I might buy in-person if the item is in-stock, but I buy online a lot (eBates, Aeroplan points, etc.). Maybe once a store opens closer to me and is not a 45 minute drive, I might visit more often,

I am now realizing how I have taken it for granted that I have two Sephoras within 15 minutes of me.  

[auntlada]

5 hours ago, Spunkygal said:

This may not exactly be a holy grail beauty product question, but does anyone have a razor they love when shaving their legs? I've used Venus for a while but that little moisturizing strip does not last long. I do use Skintastic shaving gel and store the razor away from water but would like to try something else as far as razors go. 

I used to use Gillette Sensor Excel (I think) but they apparently discontinued it. I have a Schick something now, but I don't like it as well. I liked the flat wide handle of the Sensor Excel. It made it easier to hold and not cut myself.

i have quit using razors on my legs, though. I just use Nair. It lasts longer, and I never cut myself.

Edited July 28, 2016 by auntlada

[Spunkygal]

Thanks, Auntlada! I never thought about Nair and being a hot mama of a certain age, I don't have that much hair to shave. I may also Google to find the Gillette Sensor Excel even though it is discontinued. I've found several of my favorite discontinued items online. And when I find those items, I buy LOTS of them. If I die tonight, when my sister goes through the house, she is going to think "crap! was she running a black market for Borghese lipstick, Revlon Moon Drops lip moisturizer......and more!"

[Frozendiva]

8 hours ago, Princess Sparkle said:

I am now realizing how I have taken it for granted that I have two Sephoras within 15 minutes of me.  

I work in the downtown area and there is no Sephora. There is one at a mall just off downtown but unless I have a 1.5 hour lunch break, getting to and from there does not work. By the time the weekend comes, I really don't want to go near a mall or shop unless I have to. With the new hockey arena and development, the downtown area is going through a redevelopment, so maybe things will improve. My beauty departments downtown are the Bay, Holt Renfrew (the US Saks/Neimans), and Shoppers Drug Mart. The Shoppers closer to my home carries brands like Urban Decay. The nearby mall is undergoing a major facelift and will eventually be getting a Sephora, so my prospects will improve during the next few months! I am quite grateful that the Gratiae/Era Ageless/Soap Stories store finally closed. No more daily harassment and pondering ways to shove the soap up the, well, nevermind.

[Frozendiva]

I did venture to one of the Sephora shops in my city on Friday.  Came out empty-handed. After a few pushes and shoves from other customers, I walked out.  A couple of women who shoved me a more than once got a glare and an 'excuse you' from me.  Also got a couple of pushes from a couple of women when I went to look at something. Get over yourselves. Yes, my eye was attracted to an item. No need for you to stampede over and push me aside so you can get to it first.  No real excuse from crap behaviour from other folks in a shop. And it's certainly not limited to Sephora and is becoming increasingly common. Maybe they were all looking for Pokemons and I was right on top of one.

Ended up being lucky enough to order the Bite Beauty three lipsticks (nude) for $28 Canadian and an Urban Decay eyeshadow. Picked up a lipstick for 10% off at the Bay (Lipstick Day) and on Saturday, the Estee Lauder Doublewear eyeshadow base - don't know if it is being discontinued or what. The last one I bought lasted me well over 1.5 years.

[Scatterbrained]

On July 27, 2016 at 3:02 PM, Spunkygal said:

This may not exactly be a holy grail beauty product question, but does anyone have a razor they love when shaving their legs? I've used Venus for a while but that little moisturizing strip does not last long. I do use Skintastic shaving gel and store the razor away from water but would like to try something else as far as razors go. 

I use a Schick Quattro Titanium blade because it is nickel free and I have nickel allergies.  I use  Oil of Olay Utlra Moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter as a lubricant.  

[MargeGunderson]

I think the Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta extra strength peel treatments are now on my must have list. I've been using them daily for almost 2 weeks and I really notice a difference in texture, evenness and clarity. I did have a small breakout about 4 days in but it cleared up quickly. I wish they weren't so expensive but so far they seem to be worth it.

[Princess Sparkle]

I use the his brand, but the ones for sensitive skin (I tried the extra strength ones once, and it felt like my face was getting burned) and those are great too.  They were a 100 point perk at Sephora a little while back, and I drained my points balance just to get as many of those pads as possible.

[theredhead77]

On 7/27/2016 at 0:02 PM, Spunkygal said:

This may not exactly be a holy grail beauty product question, but does anyone have a razor they love when shaving their legs? I've used Venus for a while but that little moisturizing strip does not last long. I do use Skintastic shaving gel and store the razor away from water but would like to try something else as far as razors go. 

I got so sick of paying $$ for razors, queried my friends and ended up trying Dollar Shave Club and their 6 blade razor. I love the handle and the blades. I have very fine hair I don't go through blades fast and can easily pause the membership until I'm ready to re-order. Their customer service is fantastic too. If you have a friend who uses them ask for a referral link. Your friend will get a $5 credit too.

[Wings]

On 4/29/2016 at 6:52 AM, Petunia13 said:

 

Kat Von D Lock-It foundation. 

LOVE!!

 

I love this foundation!  There is no better coverage anywhere.  I get compliments on my skin regularly.  It covers the sun damage on my chest beautifully, too.   Nars blush, color Sin.  Add shea butter to my list of must haves and I am good to go.  

I have tattooed eyeliner and highly recommend it.  You have to go to a tattoo artist, not a cosmetic only technician.  The difference is in the needle they use.  Cosmetic permanent make up people are not licensed to use the better needle so it ends up tickling and is unbearable.  Tickle is such an innocuous word.  It is impossible to sit still and out of the question to tolerate.  The proper needle does not cause this.  They put a numbing cream your lids but you do feel little pricks.  It is not all that painful and well worth it.  

I will continue to read all of this thread now.  After all that tattooing has probably been mentioned.  :^)

[PRgal]

I currently have an obsession with coloured mascara - basically mascara that isn't black or brown.  I've been buying Clinique's Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara in "Bodacious Black Honey" for the past year or so.  I think it's a Sephora exclusive (at least in Canada).  I've also tried purple and green.