Stars: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson and Rupert Grint
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy, and Mystery
Rating: PG-13
Overall Rating: ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣  

The final chapter begins as Harry, Ron, and Hermione continue their quest of finding and destroying the Dark Lord’s three remaining Horcruxes, the magical items responsible for his immortality. But as the mystical Deathly Hallows are uncovered, and Voldemort finds out about their mission, the biggest battle begins and life as they know it will never be the same again.

I have to admit that I did very much enjoy the final installment of Harry Potter, but overall  felt it could have been a bit better. Being that this was going to be the final installment of the ever successful movie/book franchise I was expecting so much more that what the movie delivered. The plot was very simple, the magical objects that held the key to Lord Voldemort where all easily destroyed, and the acting from two of the lead actors (Emma Watson and Rupert Grint) was very dismal (I do LOVE LOVE LOVE Emma Watson though!).

I was much anticipating this movie because of how boring the last movie was. I’m not saying that in a bad way either, I fully understand that part 6 was only leading into part 7 but still found it to be completely and utterly a waste of my time (sorry Harry). Understanding that part 6 was leading into part 7 made me want to see 7 so much more. I do feel as if part 6 was designed to be somewhat boring to lead you head first into part 7. And that I have to admit it did well.

As I said previously the means by which each magic object that held Lord Voldemort’s power were each obtained and destroyed was displayed as being very simple. I felt there should have been more involved and a bit more exciting. The first item, the cup, I though was silly in how it was obtained. (really? everything multiplying?) I do admit that the second item, the tiara, was a bit more exciting and less predictable. The third item (i won’t spoil what it was) I though could have been a bit more exciting. I mean… doesn’t Hermione know more magic tricks?

Now, I know that people disagree with my comments on Rupert and Emma but I stand by them. I don’t think the poor acting was completely their fault. I’m sure it has to do with poor script writing for them. They are such huge characters and it almost seemed as if their scenes could have been filmed in a days time.

The effects in this movie are absolutely stunning! Visually, I think that this movie is one of the best. It seems to be one of the least stunning out of the franchise but there are a few scenes that really take your eyes for a strong journey through the world of Harry Potter. One of the first items to really stand out was when the force field around Hogwarts was destroyed. Visually this was a very appealing scene to watch.

Even though I have never been a Harry Potter follower I have scene all of the movies in theaters and very much enjoyed all of them as they have been released. I am a bit bummed that the series is ending. The one things about the ending of this movie is that (1) its predictable, i won’t tell you why for fear of running the movie, and (2) it does successfully wrap up the series and potentially lead into a new series!

Mighty Morphin Power Rangers Micromen

Power Rangers where all the rage when I was growing up. They were the first obsession that i remember having as a kid. I also remember pogs, pokemon, tamagotchi (those digital pet things), floam, and those tiny skateboards that you controlled with you two fingers!

Manufacturer: Laura Mercier
Purchased At: Sephora
Price Point: $34.00 (us)
Overall Rating: ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣ ♣

A silky, sheer setting powder  infused with the finest French cashmere talc, this powder looks and feels natural. A unique light-reflecting ingredient creates a “soft-focus” appearance that smoothes fine lines and imperfections as it sets your makeup.

// container set upon packaging //

PACKAGING IMPRESSIONS: Overall, I feel that the packaging is great.  The outer box that the powder comes in is very chic. Its a light gray packaging that features a plain font and carries that traditional Laura Mercier logo. I do apologize that my box is dented, it was my only casualty in the review process The jar is a clear semi-frosted jar that features a top and bottom that are a purple/pink shade. The top has a shiny surface that does tend to grab onto fingerprints

The one thing that I am not a fan of in regards to the packaging is the lack of detail about the product. The majority of Laura Mercier products name the product, give a quick summary of what the product does (in one to two lines) and thats it. I for one enjoy a lot of information on the product especially when there are no store clerks available for assistance.

// bottom of container //

APPLICATION OF PRODUCT: Application of this powder was very nice. I tried application with MAC’s 150 brush as well as Sigma’s F30 brush first. In essence, both of these brushes are the same but application was flawless with both brushes. I also applied this product with Bare Escentuals Flawless Application brush. Although application was just okay with the BE brush it wasn’t great. Being a man I do have a bit of stubble even after staging and the BE brush seemed to deposit the powder right on the stubble thus making it look a bit more powdery than application with the other brushes.

// view of sifter //

TEXTURE/CONSISTENCY: The texture of this product does seem to be a bit lighter than other setting powders that I have found. I would compare the texture, oddly enough, to that of baby powder. Very lightly, airer, and tends to feel very fresh upon the kin.

CLAIM WORTHY: Sephora claims the that this product offers “A unique light-reflecting ingredient creates a “soft-focus” appearance that smoothes fine lines and imperfections as it sets your makeup”. I am always very skeptical when it comes to bold claims that can at times be hard to understand what exactly is being claimed. Now, I paired this setting powder with my Laura Mercier Silk Creme Foundation (which I want to review after more trials) and I do believe that my face did have a “soft-focus” appearance. I do believe that the foundation worked hand-in-hand with the powder to create this affect. I would compare the “soft-focus” appearance to an air brushed looked and that I do believe it provides.

OVERALL PRODUCT: Over the past year or so I have tried many setting powders. Most notably I have tried MAC’s Prep + Prime setting powder, MAC’s Mineralize Skinfinish Natural, Bare Escentuals Mineral Veil, and I also had a brief stint with Makeup Forevers HD Powder. All of them great powders but still seem to be a step below Laura Mercier. I have combination skin that tends to be a bit more oily in humid weather and controlling oil to prevent breakouts is big for me. I apply my makeup about 7:30 am and with most products I have to blot by 10:00 am and reapply around 1:00 pm. Not with this.. I have no need to blot until around 12:00 pm and generally never have a need to reapply.

I did choose not to swatch this product as of yet. The reason being that it is a transparent setting powder that has no color and does not just show up on the back of my hand. It ads a bit of a shine but its not meant to be warn alone. Its meant to be matched with foundation/tinted moisturizer. I will post with setting powder and without setting powder when I do the full foundation review.

Laura Mercier is the FIRST powder of all the above mentioned that I have found that go on without having that powdery after look and controls oil for hours. No need to reapply foundation or concealor. This powder lives up to every claim it makes.