The In-store Swatching and Testing Thread

[greeneyedgirl107]

Going in-store is SO much fun.  And a lot of that fun has to do with testing and swatching products.  I thought it would great for us to have a place to chat about what products we explored in-store.  Are there products that you want to test-run some more in store before making a purchase?  Are there products that you knew instantly weren't for you?  Were there products that presented differently in-store than online?

[greeneyedgirl107]

I tried Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Brow Definer 3-in-1 Triangle Tip and liked it well enough but the Soft Brown is a little too dark for me, as I have a heavy hand.

I tried Cecred hair oil, but it was too syrup-y for me.  It did seem to absorb quickly. 

I also tried Moroccanoil Mending Infusion Styling Hair Serum 2.5 oz/ 75 mL for split end minimizing but I didn't notice too much.  However, I'm having a good hair week so my ends look better than usual. 

Also tried NYX pomade pencil but the browns were too dark.

[CynthieLu]

This sounds like a productive in store trip @greeneyedgirl107. My favorite shades for brow pencils are from Benefit, they just do their pigments so good. 👌

[greeneyedgirl107]

@CynthieLu 😆 

[greeneyedgirl107]

I've been swatching/testing brow products.   I'm interested in Kosas's brow pencil, but idk if I can find the right shade.  I'm also interested in a couple by NYX, but there are more from that brand I want to try.

For detailing, I liked Benefit Cosmetics Precisely, My Brow Detailer Microfine Waterproof Eyebrow Pencil .  I also want to try Kosas Brow Pop Nano Ultra-Fine Detailing + Feathering Eyebrow Pencil but there weren't testers in store that were the right shades for me.

Then, there are brow gels.  I thought I liked Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow+ Tinted Volumizing Eyebrow Gel but the third time I tried it, I wasn't impressed.  NYX brow glue might be a front runner, which I'm surprised by.  Clinique's brow gel really defined the hairs, but it came out too fluffy for me.  I probably need to test some more.

[Sunnysmom]

I wondered about the Kosas @greeneyedgirl107. Benefit is always a tried and true. Have you checked out Merit’s or Westman Atelier’s? I’m not great at brows plus mine aren’t very full and these have been pretty easy for me to handle plus having good shades. Who knows. I like Merit’s because it isn’t as goopy as Benefit’s. Just fyi. 😊

MERIT Brow 1980 Volumizing Tinted Eyebrow Gel-Pomade Brown Black 

Westman Atelier Bonne Brow Defining Brow Pencil Slate 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@Sunnysmom thanks for the recommendations!  I haven't tried them, so now I will!

[greeneyedgirl107]

I swatched Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick N8 - Flamingo Fling Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Stix High-Shine Gloss Stick N9 - Icy Amethy$t and at least one other.  I found the online pics to seem accurate...which disappointed me.  I was hoping for more color and less shimmer.  At least my wallet will be happy.

I tested The Ordinary Multi-Active Delivery Essence for Hydration 3.38 oz / 100 mL and while it felt nice enough, I don't think it's what I'm looking for.

I also tried liquid blush by Juvia's Place.  I guess it went all right, but I'm such a klutz with blush that I was really hesitant with it.

[greeneyedgirl107]

I swatched several of NYX Bling glosses, and want them all!  I wish elf had testers of their Glow Reviver lip oils.  

[greeneyedgirl107]

I had too much fun swatching highlighters at Ulta yesterday!  I just wish there were more testers available by Revolution Makeup.   

I can't wait to share a Pic of what I ordered today in the hauls thread...

I was frustrated with only having two cheeks, tho!  I would have liked to try Anastasia Beverly Hills Sugar Glow Kit® Powder Highlighters Marshmallow/ Gumdrop/ Butterscotch/ Starburst but I stumbled upon it last!  I meant to go to Ulta again today but frankly forgot.   Was too busy at work anyway. 

[greeneyedgirl107]

I popped into Ulta and wound of swatching a ton.  Many MAC...none seemed like my style but I didn't make my way to the pinks yet.  Their grape lip blam read a warm pink which wasn't what I was looking for.  Bobbi Brown Extra Lip Tint Bare Punch (not sure of exact shade) was SO barely pigmented.  At least I was able to remove something from my loves list.

I tried on Youthforia Dewy Gloss 3am because it looked so wrong that it had to be right.  It wasn't bad but the pigment didn't last.  What was left over was a nicer version of my lips.  But the price point is deterring me for that subtle of a look.

I swatched CLINIQUE Pop Plush™ Creamy Lip Gloss at Macy's in Strawberry and Sugarplum. They've been sold out everywhere online and of course these was true at the counter.  I finally got to get a decent swatch of IT Cosmetics Pillow Lips Solid Serum Lip Gloss in Marvelous.  It seemed promising albeit light. 

[CynthieLu]

Sounds like a very productive day of swatches @greeneyedgirl107 

And figuring out what to keep or remove from your loves list is pretty handy to narrowing down your next purchase 😄

[greeneyedgirl107]

@CynthieLu I'm becoming one of those people that shops in store with my phone!  I need to come up with a Dislikes List so I can keep track of shades that just didn't do it for me.

[CynthieLu]

Lol I love it ,like a Pass list. For shades it would be alot to keep track of thou 😅 @greeneyedgirl107 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@CynthieLu we need to make an app for that!

[CynthieLu]

I was out in a big city and got to go into a large Sephora *ooh it was awesome! My local is small*

I got to smell (Finally 😁)

TOM FORD Electric Cherry 🍒 

TOM FORD Cherry Smoke ( I liked this one alot,  it reminded me of the candy Nibs)

I also got to give the Kaja Wink Stamp Long Waterproof Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen a try in person. I liked the way it stamped, look at those little wings!

And I think it's a viable option for me when my current stamper runs dry

 

[greeneyedgirl107]

@CynthieLu I'm so thrilled that you got to experience the TF and the Kaja Wink Stamp Original Waterproof Wing Eyeliner Stamp & Pen Original - Ink Black !  Like being a kid in a candy store, I'm sure!

I grew up in a somewhat metropolitan area for lack of a better term, and it's so hard these days to be stymied by "smaller" stores.  I hope you get to go back.  🙂 

[CynthieLu]

It was so fun being in there 🤩 @greeneyedgirl107 

They had a vast selection, ahhh it was thrilling! 🖤🤍

[CynthieLu]

Great thread idea @greeneyedgirl107 

I was instore last week testing out swatches of highlighters 😉

Saie Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter was so fun to do in person 🤩

[greeneyedgirl107]

@CynthieLu I think stores need to have an outdoor patio where we can see in natural light without having to leave the store.  Wouldn't that be great?!

[CynthieLu]

Natural lighting options, there's another good idea girl! 💡 🌞  lol! @greeneyedgirl107