Review: Benefit Dr. Feelgood

Okay. Technically Dr. Feelgood is supposed to be used as a makeup setter. I use it as a primer, though, since I hate all other primers I've tried. Dr. Feelgood is a translucent, mattifying "complexion balm" meant to smooth pores and fine lines. In my experience, it has done exactly what it's supposed to do. I put this on before I put on any other makeup. And I only put on a LIGHT layer. This is key with this product. If you put a ton on, you'll be able to feel it, and you'll be able to see it, and it'll be flaky and gross. You only need to use enough to get by. And remember: You can always go back and get more product if you end up not having enough on the sponge.

I know many people have complained about breaking out because of this product and have completely written it off and have told other people to write it off, as well. Now, listen, I get the whole "breaking-out" thing. My skin is crazy, too. Yes, I encourage you to stop using a product if it causes you to break out. But everyone's skin is different. The only thing you can really do is try a product for yourself.

Overall, I love this product. I love the Vitamin E and C, which help to create a smooth base for my makeup, and, actually, I have gone out in public with just this product on my face, and with a little mascara, and have felt perfectly fine. It is a clear product, which is great. All other primers I've used have had a weird tint to them which never matched my super-pale skin. It does have a light scent to it, sort of lemony and powdery I guess, but the scent doesn't bother me. Also, let me note the packaging really quickly. It's adorable. Now, I'm a sucker for things in cute vintage tins. This has got to be one of the best I've seen.

Do I recommend this product? Definitely. It makes my skin silky and smooth, it takes away the oiliness and shininess of my skin, it's cute, and it works. It's not cheap, at $28.00, but a little goes a long way, and I've had my tin of it for over five months and have barely used any of it. I bought mine at Sephora, but it's available for purchase at Benefit's website, as well as many other retailers and etailers.

(Image via Google. My own product is in no state to be photographed.)

Review: Lipstick Queen Medieval, or, perfection in a tube

Let me just say right now that this is my HG lipstick. It tops every other lipstick I have in my collection, hands down. I was intrigued by this lipstick for ages, and I finally broke down and bought it over the summer. I'm so, so happy I did. It's the perfect sheer red that fades excellently. It just glides on and it's..well, it's heaven. I love this stuff. It's more like a balm than a true lipstick, which I like, because regular lipstick can get a little weird-feeling after wearing it too long. This wears great, too. It just lasts and lasts, through meals and multiple beverages and everything. I don't want to call it a stain, because it's not as annoying as most stains. But it does leave a lovely hint of red on your lips even after it's faded. Oh, and it has Vitamin E, and that's always a plus. Now, Medieval is going to look different on everyone. My lips are naturally somewhat dark red, so this color is perfect for me. According to the Lipstick Queen site, though, this color is flattering on all skin tones, since it's sheer and buildable.

It comes in a pretty brushed dark red metal tube with gold lettering.

The color looks slightly intimidating in the tube, but it's not that dark when it goes on. Unless you want it to be that dark! Like I said, it's buildable.

I applied it just as I would any other lipstick or lip balm, meaning I covered my lips once or twice and then smoothed it out with my finger. I love this color. I really do.

I also love the backstory behind this lipstick. Poppy King, the creator of Lipstick Queen, wanted to recreate the look that medieval women got when they put lemon juice on their lips to stain them blood red (They had to do this since wearing lipstick was considered a sin.).

The packaging is pretty spectacular, too. It's this awesome tarot card. Each image symbolizes something, and if you go to the Lipstick Queen site, you can read what each image means. (And yes, the images are supposed to be upside down.)

(I don't know what's up with the coloring. It got all wonky for some reason.)

It's 20 dollars, which I know is a bit pricy for a lipstick, but, trust me, it's worth it. I bought my tube from the Lipstick Queen website, but it's also available at Barney's, QVC, Blackbird (blackbirdballard.com), and possibly a few other online stores.