Reuniting With Old (Makeup) Friends

I get to try out new to me makeup and especially skincare products all the time. But sometimes there’s nothing like going back to old friends, makeup friends that is. That’s what I did this evening when I was getting ready to go to a new book club meeting in the neighborhood.

Lumene Color Correcting Cream

Sadly, my local CVS store doesn’t carry Lumene CC Cream any longer, but Amazon does. At any rate, I still have a little more left in the tube.

Lumene, a brand from Finland, was inspired by the Arctic light, ie lumen, a measure of the brightness of light. It’s sold primarily in Scandinavia.

As a Color Correcting Cream, it is supposed to even out skin tone, especially redness. It’s a medium weight foundation that comes in two shades, Light and Medium. I guess that Lumene feels they don’t need a Dark shade in Scandinavia, but that may be short-sighted! However, Light is just about a perfect shade for me. It just about covers my dark spots, but I often apply a dab of concealer.

I love this foundation because it’s so easy to apply. Plus it is has such a lightweight finish, it is imperceptible on my skin.

Lumene CC Cream is made from natural, local ingredients. It is cruelty-free, vegan, affordable at $18, and has sustainable policies. Check out Lumene CC Cream if you’re not familiar with it.

Melt Slick Waterline Pencil

I often forget I own this terrific waterline enhancing pencil from Melt. I have several wonderful and rich Melt gel eyeliners, but I hadn’t tried any of their pencils before I bought this one about a year or so ago.

Like my other favorite pencils (Victoria Beckham and Korres), the Melt Slick Waterline Pencil glides perfectly across my waterline, and it stays put without fading for hours. It covers my normally red waterline. And it gives my eyes some brightness but is not jarring like a white waterline pencil can be.

My shade is Ivory which is currently sold out. Other skin tone shades are Apricot, Caramel, Olive, as well as other colors like Milkweed (white), Cacao (dark brown), Black Onyx, and Rich Brown that looks like burgundy. $19

Benefit They’re Real Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara

Benefit is still one of my favorite brands of mascara, after all these years. Sadly, they are not cruelty-free, because they sell their products in China, boo. But I do make an exception, and I buy them still from time to time because I like them so much.

Tonight, I grabbed the mini Benefit They’re Real Magnet Extreme Lengthening Mascara from my mascara drawer. Frankly, it needs to be tossed since I opened it a while ago. But for me, this mascara has the absolutely best wand! I love it. I will buy another fresh mini to replace this one. $16 (I remember when the minis from Benefit were $12.)

Milani Power Lip Lasting & Moisturizing Gloss Stain

IMHO Milani Power Lip Gloss Stain was the best lipgloss ever made. Why in heaven’s name did Milani ever discontinue it? It was glossy, non-sticky, totally moisturizing, and when it did wear off, it left color behind. You applied it with a built-in nylon bristle brush. The perfect lipgloss. Period. The end.

Fortunately, I found an unopened package with my favorite pink shade, Macaroon, in my lipstick drawer. I hope it lasts forever.