InternDIVA: MUFE Smoky Extravagant + HD Microfinish Powder

InternDIVA: MUFE Smoky Extravagant + HD Microfinish Powder

After recently attending an event hosted by the beauty experts of Top 5 Management, I was finally “in the know” when it comes to celebrity beauty secrets (check them out in Kate’s post here!). From detailed step-by-step presentations on how to create the perfect DIY Red Carpet look to one-on-one discussions with the amazingly talented makeup artists and hairstylists of Top 5, I had a blast learning how to emulate celeb glam. 

Not only was I able to take away tips and tricks from the pros, but I also took home a fun bag of goodies thanks to Make Up For Ever. The sample-size products (which have become everyday essentials in my makeup kit) included MUFE’s Smoky Extravagant Mascara and High Definition Microfinish Powder.

MAKE UP FOR EVER SMOKY EXTRAVAGANT MASCARA

(Excuse my glow-in-the-dark ghost-themed Halloween nails)


Upon first impression, I was perplexed by the cone-shaped brush. Different from most mascaras, I wondered if the design had any effect on application. I was also surprised by how much of the actual mascara was pulled out by the brush, especially at the tip, and was worried I was being set up for another lash-clumping failure. 

Well, only one way to find out….

I must say, out of all the mascara I’ve ever used (besides my beloved They’re Real by Benefit), Smoky Extravagant has definitely won my heart. I was amazed at how thick and full my lashes were, and having Asian eyes you KNOW that’s an accomplishment. They looked more curled and longer than ever; not to mention that I was clump-free! It was a true shocker, especially since I have had bad experiences with voluminous mascaras in the past.

In terms of the brush, it really picked up all of the lashes, even the little ones in the corners. I found that angling the brush fostered an easier application, and that the precision tip worked especially well in separating the lashes. No flakes, no mess. As for longevity, it lasted all day for me so no re-application necessary.

MAKE UP FOR EVER HD MICROFINISH POWDER

Finishing powders have never been my thing. I never really saw a point when it came to everyday use, nor did I really look into them when it came to my seasonal beauty shopping sprees. BUT I did remember that this particular powder was used in LDiva’s matte red lip tutorial for Cosmopolitan, and I am 100% all about matte and bold red lips. 

So I decided to try out the trick for myself. I first exfoliated my lips with my toothbrush (to avoid flaking), but skipped prepping with lip balm because my go-to Chanel Rouge Allure Lipstick in 104 Passion is ultra moisturizing to begin with. After sweeping the lipstick on, I patted the HD powder right on top, dipping my finger back into the powder pot about three times. The good thing is that you really don’t need much to achieve the matte look, so I’m positive that this deluxe sample will go a long way. Also, because the powder is translucent, its white color is nothing to be afraid of – whatever shade of lipstick you choose will stay true, just the finish will change.

Instantly, my lips felt like velvet. Plus, I fell in looove with the way my lips looked. I have always adored the classic red, whether matte or shiny. And thanks to this pro trick, I can choose to go either way with the same lippie in a matter of seconds!

My favorite thing about the Microfinishing Powder is that it works for any lipstick you want to  ”mattify.” This way, you don’t need to go out and purchase a separate matte lipstick (yay for economical saving!). #BUDGETDIVA

Best of all, both the mascara and finishing powder are travel-size, which comes in handy when I’m not home and need a quick touch-up on the run. Thank you Make Up For Ever!

~Jessica

Note: This post is not sponsored. Samples were given for review.