Hard Candy is so nostalgic for me and I am happy that they are still around because reading about them in the late 90s issues of Seventeen magazine was always a monthly highlight for teenage Jayne. I wasn't really allowed to wear makeup until I was 17 or 18 so being able to play freely with whatever the hell I want now makes me SO HAPPY. No more strict Asian parents asking you what's on your face and what the boys at your school will think! It's ok though, I may not have had makeup, but I had every Nintendo gaming system from 1988 until the Wii!
Though these are not limited edition products, Hard Candy released a number of fun, new things that I have seamlessly phased into my summer makeup routine including that highlight on my cheekbones! I mean, SERIOUSLY!
Starting with the Look Pro! Metal Eyes* ($8.98 CDN) kit, this is for those that don't feel like spending on the Pat McGrath kit and comes with four metallic shadows, black eyeliner, dual ended brush, mixing medium and a well to do it all in. On their own, the shadows are fairly pigmented and applied most easily with a patting motion of the finger.
Mixing these with the liquid was challenging for me as I had a hard time determining what was a good liquid:powder ratio. The more diffuse the look, the more liquid you needed, but then came the challenge of actually getting some of the shadow into the well. I thought that just a swipe or two of shadow on the brush would be enough, but what I ended up having to do was actually scratch off shadow into the well and then mash it into a light cream. Then, I could apply it to my eyelids with the flat side of the dual ended brush.
Mixing these with the liquid was challenging for me as I had a hard time determining what was a good liquid:powder ratio. The more diffuse the look, the more liquid you needed, but then came the challenge of actually getting some of the shadow into the well. I thought that just a swipe or two of shadow on the brush would be enough, but what I ended up having to do was actually scratch off shadow into the well and then mash it into a light cream. Then, I could apply it to my eyelids with the flat side of the dual ended brush.
Next up, are two products from the Sheer Envy Color Correct series - the Cushion Wonder* and Perfecting Powder*! I am so lazy that I almost never colour correct (I will use the "U" again because it's just too hard to go against nature). I did it ONCE last week because my dark circles were just too intense for me to look put together for work.
The Perfecting Powder ($7.98 CDN) is a colour correcting setting and mattifying powder containing finely milled lavender, green, yellow and orange pigments. This is great little overall finishing powder that ensures every part of your face receives the proper "correction'!
The Cushion Wonder ($6.98 CDN) also comes in green, lavender and peach and is a weightless serum-like concealer packaged in a plastic tube with a cushion tip. I have the yellow which is intended for dark circles and blue veins. I am not a huge fan of these types of tips, but you do feel a little pampered when you use it as it does feel soft on the skin. You can see from my swatch, a little goes a verrrrry long way. The serum consistency gives this a high spreadibility so be careful!
The Fast & Fabulous Translucent Loose Powder* ($6.98 CDN) is your standard weightless, mattifying loose powder. I just apply it all over my face after foundation or BB creams as some of the Asian ones can be quite dewy. It is completely colourless making it work for all skin tones.
This is my most favourite product out of everything! The Sheer Envy Prismatic Highlighter Rainbow Pearl Powder* ($7.98 CDN) is a rainbow pearl powder that isn't as finely milled as some of the more luxury brands, but it sure does the job! I apply lightly with a fan brush on the top of my cheekbones and I feel almost magical!
This Stroke of Gorgeous Kajal Supreme Eyeliner Duo* ($7.98 CDN) has a 12 hour smudgeproof kajal liner on one side and a jumbo eyeliner marker pen on the other. It is unfortunate that I only like 50% of this product. The kajal side was lovely - smooth to apply as long as long lasting. The eyeliner I found rough on the skin which led to tugging on the eyelid and did not give as fluid of a line as I had hoped. I am passing on this as I am fine with having two separate products for eyeliner.
I am in total awe of people of those who can do lip art and those who have the LIPS to do it! My lips are far too small and lackluster for that sort of thing, but the Lip Artiste Lip Contouring Wand* ($7.98 CDN) is intended for anyone who wants to give their lips a bit of life. I have the Wine to Burgundy shade which is fairly neutral and I think would work for most.
Use the liner end to line, fill lips in with any lip colour and then apply the metallic highlight shade to the center of the lips to bring in light and fullness. I'm also going to pass on this because as much as I love lip products, I am not a fan of multi-step lip products which is probably why I never line my lips to begin with! I just want to swipe the colour on and go!
Use the liner end to line, fill lips in with any lip colour and then apply the metallic highlight shade to the center of the lips to bring in light and fullness. I'm also going to pass on this because as much as I love lip products, I am not a fan of multi-step lip products which is probably why I never line my lips to begin with! I just want to swipe the colour on and go!
Now, we get to my second favourite product - the Wet Ever Bold Hold Lip Lacquer* ($7.98 CDN) comes in seven shades with the one I have being the shade Genius. Firstly, the metal box this lip gloss comes in is one that's fairly luxe for drugstore though I probably won't hang on to it because it's a bit bulky.
There is so much colour in one swipe! The formula is SUPER glossy and looks thick, but really isn't. It's obviously not transfer-proof, but I'm sure you could have already guessed that! It makes your lips look so luscious and yummy that you won't care. I know I didn't!
Now, it's time to put it all together!
Face:
L'Oreal Infallible Pro Matte 24HR Foundation in #103 Natural Buff*
Fast & Fabulous Translucent Loose Powder*
Eyes:
Apply Urban Decay Primer Potion* all over the lid and under eye.
In the mixing well, apply the chocolate brown shade from the Look Pro! Metal Eyes* Kit and wait for it to set.
Apply the gold shade DRY to the lower lash line using a small smudge brush.
Line lower water line and upper lash line with Stroke of Gorgeous Kajal Supreme Eyeliner Duo*.
In the mixing well, apply the chocolate brown shade from the Look Pro! Metal Eyes* Kit and wait for it to set.
Apply the gold shade DRY to the lower lash line using a small smudge brush.
Line lower water line and upper lash line with Stroke of Gorgeous Kajal Supreme Eyeliner Duo*.
Apply any mascara. I used the Hard Candy 1000 Lashes Fiberized Lash Weave Mascara*.
Apply your favourite lashes. I went with some fluttery Ardell Faux Mink ones that I got from PBunnieP!
Cheeks:
Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush in Rose
Sheer Envy Prismatic Highlighter Rainbow Pearl Powder*
Lips:
Wet Ever Bold Hold Lip Lacquer in Genius*
All Hard Candy products featured are available only at Wal-Mart.
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