SAY WHHAAAT.
Apparently Forever 21 had just launched their new expansion of cosmetics and beauty products with the 'PREMIUM COLLECTION' introducing "a full range of elevated essentials from skin care to lip gloss, to artistry brushes, and everything in-between".In other words, it's not just that cheap teenager glitter lipgloss you see in plastic little tubes or neon blue eyeshadows -- It's now for grownups, with a little less glitter and neon, and an upgraded price tag.
Now if you know me, you'd know how easily skeptical I get about the legitimacy of things. What are these beauty/makeup items doing at a clothing store? Is this gonna give you a rash? Who'd really even buy this stuff?
And if you REALLY know me, you'd know how curious I'd be -- I'll quickly lose sense of priorities, question life, and give into it. So I strolled around the setup and glanced at what they had available. They had lots of testers out and a cleaning station, which got me thinking, "Maybe this is actually 'legit'..."
I knew I was in need of a face moisturizer and an eyebrow kit at the time, so those definitely got my immediate attention first. I also checked out their 'smoothing face balm' which just sounds like a fancier name for face primer. Below I've listed my initial impressions, which items I purchased, and my individual reviews with PROS and CONS.
GENERAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS:
- Nice minimalistic packaging in matte black and white
- Made in Korea - (at least it's not Made in China, thank god)
- Decent amount and sizes
- Looks and smells good
- But NOT ENOUGH info/reviews, description, or listed ingredients on the items, must retain box packaging for the details - (may seem kinda sketchy)
- Middle-tier price range ($5-$15), about the same--if not slightly more costly--as compared to average drugstore cosmetic prices
Purchased: Face Moisturizer, Eyebrow Kit duo powders, and Smoothing Face Balm
Love the minimalistic packaging.
Love the minimalistic packaging.
Face Moisturizer - $10.80 at Forever 21
First off, I'm quite indifferent about the Face Moisturizer. I don't mind using this daily, but there are better moisturizers out there for much less. This one has a nostalgic smell to it like baby powder crossed with sunscreen lotion which strangely reminds me of my childhood.
PROS
- Soft nice scent
- Feels hydrating with its light, spreadable, cream texture
- Gives good finish before applying any liquid foundation, BB cream, or concealer
- I prefer using it before sleep
CONS
- But MUST AVOID THE EYES, it stings terribly
- Does get too shiny for me throughout the day - I'd recommend this moisturizer for those with dry to normal skin (or if you have oily skin, use a really effective face primer after this moisturizer, however, this may be too heavy of products on your face already)
Eyebrow Kit in Dark - $10.80 at Forever 21
Next, I noticed the duo color shades of this eyebrow kit to be very ideal for my dark brown hair color. This product would be better if it included a wax base like the Benefit Brow Zings or the e.l.f. Eyebrow kit but if your eyebrow hairs are already trimmed, short, and sparse you can usually get by with just powder.
PROS
- Comes in two shade range: light kit and dark kit
- Moderate lasting/staying power
- Spoolie wand and flat angle brush are included - ideal for travel
- Gives softer and more natural look to your brows
- Best for filling in brows (not shaping), perfect for those with short and sparse hairs
CONS
- Not the best to shape brows, can't create sharper strokes
- Expensive / over-priced for its size and medium quality
- Pigmentation is light, could be better - requires multiple coats on my brows to get it darker
Smoothing Face Balm in White - $10.80 at Forever 21
I actually like this product most of all the ones I tried. This face balm is essentially a normal face primer. It has a silica base formula that glides on your skin and leaves a smooth matte finish. It's perfect for filling in any pores or uneven skin texture, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. I like to use this after a moisturizer and before applying any BB cream or foundation.
PROS
- It really works!
- Soft, lightweight, matte finish
- White cream dries clear
- Long-lasting, keeps my face texture looking smooth all day
- Great as a face primer
- Minimizes appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, pores, etc.
- Has a good light citrus scent
- Comes with applicator cap to scoop out product instead of having to dip fingers in
CONS
- Not for shine-control
- A little pricier than expected
- No other darker skin color base yet available
Overall Forever 21 Premium Makeup Collection is probably going to be a hit or miss for some users, and quite overpriced for those on a budget. I do like their packaging, and the fact that their beauty products are accessible for those who are shopping at Forever 21 for apparel as well.
I will note that I've been using these products above on and off still for the last month and they have not given me a rash, break out, or allergic reaction. But honestly, I'd personally stay away from the other main products like foundation, blushes, and lipsticks because they don't have a wide selection of colors available, nor a strong fan-base yet -- Best to be safe than sorry by going for brands that have a bigger rep for makeup and beauty.
Until next the next makeup move!
