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!

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!

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.

        I have all the tools that are required of me to reach my goals as well as the support system in place to push me to my end goal as well. I really just have to remain motivated and keep up with my goals. I didn’t gain my weight and get out of shape overnight so I have to consider that I am also not going to lose the weight overnight (although that would be amazing).

        In all other aspects this is turning out to be a great year so far. My job (again.. so far) is going well. I am on the fast track to a promotion if I keep my head in the game and stay focused. There are a few people that seem like all they want to do is bring me down and hold me back from these goals. I just have to remind myself that they are essentially nothing to me.

        I have really been enjoying getting to know my face and using cosmetics. The price I have been paying for a lot of these products is getting to be a little bit to much but in the end I think thats its worth the success I have been having and actually look forward to new products and new techniques that I can learn to better myself (and my face of course).

        I just received the Sigma brush sight (without the matching brush roll) and I can’t wait to try everything out! They are supposed to be comparable to the quality of MAC brushes but at a much lower price. I love MAC but the price for the average brush is a bit to much. Brushes are one thing that I truly believe are worth the money its just that right now I really don’t have the money to be spending. I have a few brushes from MAC and just hope to build my collection over the years!

        So my birthday present from Brian (and a bit from myself) is the Barnes & Noble NOOK Color. I am still a bit hesitant about the product. I mean, to be honest, I had to pay $150 (and Brian payed $150) for the machine. Now… I have to buy the books that I want to read on it.

THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

I have been using this product for almost a month now and I ♥ this product! I have very sensitive skin. I have to be careful with the products that I use (especially through the winter) because I could easily end up with horrible batches of dry skin and eczema break outs on my arms and legs.

I have been using the majority of this product line. The hand cream, body cream, and shower cream are my favorites. I don’t have a bath so I have been unable to use the bath bubbles and the Body & Body stores around me don’t sell the foot cream.

The product is described as the following…

“Wrap yourself in cashmere. This ultra-moisturizing body lotion is infused with soothing cashmere extract and rich shea butter to leave skin supremely silky. The perfect everyday luxury, it absorbs quickly to nourish head to toe, leaving skin addictively soft and lightly fragranced with a creamy vanilla scent that’s both fresh and comforting.

Revolutionary spa formula combines rich, moisturizing African shea butter with luxurious cashmere extract to envelop skin in supreme silky softness. Absorbs instantly to nourish skin and deeply hydrate with no after-feel

Creamy vanilla fragrance evokes warm, soft, luxurious comfort * Not tested on animals”

I agree with everything this product says that it offers. It all starts with a luxurious smell of vanilla and almonds. The hand cream is ultra moisturizing and its great to carry in my bag. It lasts for hours at a time so there is no need to reapply continuously. The body cream is great for hands, feet, elbows and knees. I have had dry knees and elbows my entire life and this the first time I haven’t had ashy skin <b>EVER</b>!

I also love the fact that I put the body lotion on in the evening and I wake up to the great scent in the early morning. At the same time its not so overpowering that i’m smelling it throughout the day because I do prefer colognes/perfumes daily.

This is a great product for the winter that I recommend for anybody!

ONE: The fix fluid is IN NO WAY transfer resistant. Being a guy wearing cosmetics to me this is a huge problem. I wear button-up dress shirts with a tie on a regular basis to work and I can’t wear any light colored shirts without getting them completely covered with Fix Fluid.

TWO: The Fix Fluid has very little staying power. I put the product on around 8 am and by 11am the product has almost vanished from my T-Zone. Now, I use TWO LAYERS of Fix Fluid to cover my entire face so that fact that two layers have vanished from my face still amazes me.

So this bring me to my first purchase and one that I have been wanting since September. The only reason why I have yet to purchase this product is because well.. I’m cheap! I wanted to get through the majority of my fix fluid before making another purchase.

THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

The Pro Longwear is supposed to correct the two items I hate most about Fix Fluid. It is supposed to last a full 15 hours! This I can’t wait to see happen. It is also supposed to be almost completely transfer resistant. I can’t wait to wear a white dress shirt with this product to see what happens!

I was surprised to find out that I had done a complete shade switch at the Mac counter. I was NC30 with the Studio Fix Fluid. Now, I bought the Fix Fluid in June when I had a VERY HEAVY tan prior to going on a vacation. When trying different shades in the Pro Longwear I found that I was now a NW25!! Shocking still!! lol. This makes sense considering that my face was looking a bit orange when applying the studio fix fluid! Either way.. I am VERY excited to try this product and can’t wait to do my first foundation review!

THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

Now.. as you all now. When you have to switch shades in your foundation you must also switch shades in your concealer! I decided to stick with the Studio Finish Concealer because it provides one of the heaviest coverages that Mac does offer and I have no complaints with it. I ended up going with the shade NC20 to cover up the little baggies under my eyes and the discoloredness. I believe that we went with NC20 as opposed to NW20 because my eyes tend to have a yellow/orange pigment to them.

THIS PRODUCT CAN BE PURCHASED HERE!

Next I got one of my favorite glosses from Mac. Its Partial To Pink in the Cremesheen Glass collection. This was one of the first products I bought from Mac as well. Its very light with just a hint of pink and shine to it. Its very pretty! I debated between Partial to Pink and Boy Bait because I have read so many great things on the Boy Bait. In the end, my Mac girl told me to go with Partial to Pink because Boy Bait was almost too nude for the face.

I am very excited to try the foundation and give a review! I will probably go back and forth between the new foundation and the old before I get fully used to it. Expect the review in a month or so. I want to get full use out of the product before I tell my viewers to buy or not buy!

ALSO: I used my own photos this time!!!! Please don’t mind if they are blurry/mis-sized as I am still getting used to how to put them into the blog.