WOW! I’m in love!

[juliaru]

WOW! I’m in love! I would've never thought I can get that exited about makeup but SN is phenomenal! I’ve just received my first order today and I’m like a kid in a candy store. First of all, the shipping was unbelievable fast. I placed the order on Thursday afternoon and it was here Monday. It’s almost too good to be true. Let me start with saying that this is by far the best mineral makeup I’ve ever tried (and I tried a few). I accidentally stumbled upon the brand name on makeupally.com. I was so frustrated with trying new makeup all the time looking for that perfect shade that I decided to do some research this time. And BINGO! I ordered Warm Gold kit in medium and was very skeptical until I mixed it up and couldn’t believe my eyes. I literary look like those models on TV when they demonstrate Bare Minerals or Sheer Cover (tried them both and was extremely disappointed) – my skin is flawless. And let me mention that I have very “problem” skin (freckles, acne, large pores, you name it). SN not only covered all the problems but it also feels like I have no makeup at all. I keep feeling my face in disbelieve. The fact that there are so many samples available is incredible and the prices are beyond affordable in my opinion. For the price of one little jar of foundation from other brands I’ve got everything from primer and concealer to blush and bronzer and variety of eye shadows. The only thing I didn’t get was mascara because I have one I already love. I’m e-mailing all my friend and telling them about SN. The world should know about it! I wish I discovered SN long time ago myself. Karen, I hope you stay in business for years to come because I like many others am hooked and will be devastated if there is anything happens to SN. I usually don’t review a product without using it for a few weeks but I couldn’t help it with SN. It’s just so perfect! THANK YOU!

[zeebs]

I am also in love with SN makeup. Ask my hubby... I am addicted to products. Ask my colleagues... "that woman has more sprays and creams than a Walgreens store". Really, I've got a problem. And for the last couple of months, the number of OTHER (i.e., inferior) products has been shrinking and the SN products have been slowly but surely taking over my makeup table. I am definitely in love with this site!

The other day I went to Sephora and the only things I even considered buying were liquid eyeliner (can't get SN's to give me the results I'm looking for) and a professional quality brush for applying my SN powders. I decided against the eyeliner (after all, I can just foil the eyeshadow!) but am thinking of going back for the brush.

I ran out of SN foundation the other day, and I was majorly bummed out about it, and I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth, and there was a brand-new jar of BE foundation sitting on the medicine cabinet! I honestly don't remember buying it, but there it was. So I was like "jackpot!" and applied some... and was very, very disappointed, because it is NOTHING like SN, and costs six times as much!

So I had to order more SN. The BE is relegated to my OTHER makeup bag...

[juliaru]

I already emptied two thirds of my makeup drawer yesterday and probably will have to trough away the rest when my next SN order arrives (yep, I’ve already placed another one).
Speaking of the eyeliners, I like the Espresso one I got from SN but it’s not as creamy as I expected it to be. Is it normal or do I have a bad batch? Although, I guess it doesn't matter because it goes on great, it's just more solid than what I thought it was going to be.
Another question I have is about expiration date. Can the mmu go “bad”? I don’t use a lot since I work from home. Basically, I don’t ware makeup everyday (although, it may all change now since I got SN ). So, I was wondering, if there is a certain timeframe that it has to be used up or thrown away?

[JenW]

Welcome to the forum, juliaru!

It is so fun to hear from the new customers who are just discovering SN. I hope we can help you here with any questions you might have.

On the eyeliner, it sounds like yours is normal. The texture is not as creamy as traditional gel liners, but it has much less tendency to clump in application and will last a very long time. Also, there is nothing to dry out like in the traditional gel liners. It does take a little practice to get used to them, but for the natural ingredient trade off, the SN Cream Liners are well worth it!

[EtherealJane]

Another question I have is about expiration date. Can the mmu go “bad”? I don’t use a lot since I work from home. Basically, I don’t ware makeup everyday (although, it may all change now since I got SN ). So, I was wondering, if there is a certain timeframe that it has to be used up or thrown away?

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I've always heard that mineral makeup doesn't go bad, really. Most people say about 2 years or so, but since it's just minerals, bacteria can't grow in the jar unless you introduce it yourself. So don't put your brushes in the jar directly--tap some onto the lid or in a mixing bowl and then use your brushes from there. Also, don't get water or any liquid in your jars.

The only bit I'm unsure about is the silk in SN foundation. I've never before used a foundation that has silk in it, so I don't know if that changes the expiration issue any, but I'd imagine not. Regardless, this stuff will last much longer than any traditional type make up.

[JenW]

EtherealJane is right on about the expiration. As long as your brush is not introduced to the packaging you should be fine even longer. I tend to shake my minerals into a 'swirly bowl'. (I use a melamine condiment bowl.) Not only does it keep the minerals free of contamination from my brushes, but you can load your brushes more evenly, and there are no corner edges to be rough on your brushes. It takes a little to get used to, but it really works better in the end.

As far as silk, it will put a two year expiration on a product even if you don't contaminate the jar.

[juliaru]

Great info and great tips. Thank you guys! What about eyeliner then? I get the brush directly into the container, will that “contaminate” it? And how do you clean the eyeliner brush? For all my other brushes I use a special spray I got from Ulta. This is for everyday use, and then I “shampoo” them once a month or so. What’s the proper way of taking care of the eyeliner brush? I just wash it with soap after each use. Is this ok to do or is there a special solution I should be using?

[Rhys]

Mild soap is fine - I only wash my brushes in things that I'd put on my face.

[JenW]

I plan on using my eyeliner for about 2 years. It may be less depending on eye irritation down the line (you know when you need a new one without guessing sometimes). When I use the liners, I make a tiny 'ditch'. I will probably use the same ridge for a few months and then make a new one. I wash my eye brushes weekly, but I have several.

[tizzylou]

I should be able to use my eyeliner alot longer than 2 years, but only because it was very hot when I ordered, and some of mine must have melted and then resolidified back in the lid to my pod, so I have been using what is in my lid and have yet to touch what is in the pod itself. I'm not complaining, it just extended the shelf life.