Hit or Miss: Cult Status Vol 2

Today is part two in my Cult Product series, where I review much loved items in the beauty community and share my experiences good and bad. Today's round up I have had mostly positive experiences with. Please remember these are just my opinions, and if something does not work for me, it doesn't mean it does not work. These are all best selling items I am reviewing over this series so they are all clearly working for a lot of people. 

 

Sigma Brushes
Sigma brushes were originally released with the same numbering system as Mac. This was helpful as it made it really easy to compare like brushes across the Mac and Sigma lines. Sigma have since developed their own numbering system, I suppose to try and create a distinct stand alone brand image for themselves. I originally purchased a basic eye kit from Sigma, and it did serve me well at the time, but I really was lacking a few key brushes. I ended up purchasing the Mr Bunny Kit, which has a range of face and eye brushes made with the Sigmax technology. From my research, Sigmax is an exclusive synthetic filament developed by Sigma, which is said to create a more flawless high definition finish to the makeup application. I actually can notice a big difference between my Mr Bunny brushes versus my original eye kit, which is really just a little meh in comparison. I cannot explain exactly what it is, but I just find that the Mr Bunny brushes are softer, hold their shape much more, and blend better. All Sigma brushes are synthetic so they are great to use if you are Vegan or just looking for a more affordable alternative to Mac brushes. The synthetic filaments also lend themselves well to the application of cream products. Natural fibres are hollow and tend to suck in the product so you are not receiving the most economical application.

Do I Recommend? I recommend the brushes with Sigmax technology. I would personally skip the other brushes as there are definitely better quality alternatives out there.

NYX Mega Shine Lip Glosses
At circa $5-$6 these glosses seem like a no brainer right? If you are looking for a juicy lip gloss with a sheer lip tint, at a bargain price, then look no further! I will be honest, I actually prefer these glosses to my Mac Dazzleglass and Lip Gelees which I have spoken about previously. The formula is not at all sticky and is of surprising quality for the pricepoint. The pigmentation is sheer but is lovely on top of a lipstick. There are a few glittery glosses in the range, but I prefer the non glitters. My favourites are Nude Pink and Nude Peach. The taste is the only real potential issue with this gloss. I personally do not mind it- it taste like Cherry Starburst which I love! But I have heard a lot of negative reviews on the taste so it really isn't for everyone.

Do I recommend? Yes, but do your research on the colours as they are not of equal quality. My recommendations are the Nude Pink, Nude Peach and Beige (which isn't beige at all!)

Benefit They're Real Mascara 
Did you know 1 of these mascaras is sold every 10 seconds apparently? Crazy right? I am a big fan of lengthening mascaras so I was very intrigued by Benefit's claims surrounding this product. 

According to a consumer panel survey conducted by Benefit
94% saw dramatic length and volume
90% saw base to tip curl
94% saw visible lift
100% saw long wearing results

Of course we can't all believe marketing hype and I usually quite skeptical of these kinds of claims. I mean, what mascara DOESN'T claim the above? I decided to try it for myself, being a big fan of Maybelline The Falsies at the time, I felt like they had big shoes to fill. The result? WOW! I have never had a mascara that curls, lengthens and volumises all in one, and it is the blackest of blacks. The formula is not too wet like The Falsies, and I do not find that I have any clumping issues. (I usually apply two coats). My favourite part about this product is that my lashes STAY CURLED. This is quite a feat considering my left side lashes are stubbornly straight  They're Real is hands down my H.G mascara. It is just a pity it is so pricey ($38 in Australia) If you purchase on the Benefit website, prices are in line with America, however you need to spend $120 to obtain free shipping, (not hard to do, but annoying if you only want mascara). 

Do I recommend? ummmmm duh!

Nars Blush in Orgasm 
This product needs no introduction, and I have in fact already spoken about this product in my Nars Swatch Post LINK. For a fuss free everyday cheek that suits everybody, peachy pink Orgasm is a good one to have in the collection for many looks, day, evening, summer, winter, the possibilities are endless. The pigmentation is great as is with all Nars blushes in my experience however,  there is quite a bit of shimmer to this blush, so if you are not one for goldy shimmer I would steer clear. I love this blush for low maintenance days and I find that I do not need to apply a highlighter when I use this product, as the shimmer lends itself enough glow for me with the shimmer particles, so it is also good if you want a minimalistic makeup collection. 

Do I recommend? Yes, especially if you are not a blush junkie and just want one blush to work across all looks. 

Mac Mineralise Skin Finish in Soft and Gentle 
My favourite highlighter to date! This peachy pink Mac wonder has attracted a lot of attention over the years, and for good reason. Sweeping this product on the high plains of one's face will instantly lift the complexion and give a healthy glow, without being too glittery or frosty. I also love sweeping this product across the eye in the summertime, for an easy fuss free eye look, on the days I am not in the mood to create a layered and contoured eye. Yes this product is pricey, but you definitely get your money's worth. In Australia this product is $55 and the States is $30, but the container holds 10 grams of product. I have been using my Soft and Gentle religiously for the past year and a bit, and I have barely made a dent in this pretty swirled dome shaped product. 

Do I recommend? Yes! This is my HG highlighter so far in my highlighter journey! 

Please feel free to share your experiences with these products in the comments section. I love hearing other peoples reviews and experiences good and bad. 


Jen xox