Review - Almay Bright Eyes eye base + concealer

I got this product the other day because I ran out of both concealers I usually use. I didn't feel like running all the way over to Sephora so I just picked up something at the Rite Aid down the street. After a little hemming a hawing in the makeup aisle, I settled on the Almay Bright Eyes eye base and concealer, which I got for 40 percent off! (For around $7; score!)

As you could probably tell by the name of the product, it is both a concealer especially for the eye area and an eyeshadow base. According to Almay, the product contains a blend of marine extracts and white tea that "helps reduce the appearance of dark circles. Visually depuffs the eye area. Provides a smooth canvas for eye shadow application."

So what do I think of it?

When I first tried this product I really hated the packaging. Note: I typically use Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Concealer, which has a really cool applicator that allows you to put the smallest dot of concealer on a certain spot. This product is totally different. Basically, you have to squeeze the tube and the concealer comes out onto a little brush.

The first time I used this concealer, I found it really hard to control the amount of product coming out onto the brush. I had the same issue the second time I used it... so I really don't like that.

Now you're probably wondering how well the product actually works. My assessment is that it does what it's supposed to do. It does brighten and conceal the eye area very well. Check out my results:

As an eyeshadow base, however, it is just okay. It does not work as well as the Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer, which is what I generally use, but it's better than nothing. While it provides a smooth finish for eyeshadow, it does not help the shadow go on as vibrant as other eyeshadow bases I have tried.

Important Note: This product does not conceal blemishes completely. Even if you have clear skin with just a few discolored spots from past blemishes, this concealer will not fully conceal those areas.

My final assessment? 

This is actually a pretty ingenious product that works well as a concealer around the eye area and alright as an eyeshadow base. It will not fully cover blemishes, and the packaging could be better, but it is a good product for the price.

Getting to know... Celebrity makeup artist and YouTube beauty guru Kandee Johnson

I am so excited because today I have a special treat for all of you lovely Prettied Up readers. I was lucky enough to score an exclusive interview with celebrity makeup artist and You Tube beauty guru extraordinaire, Kandee Johnson!

She's done makeup for celebrities such as Janice Dickinson and Conan O'Brien and worked for big name television networks like MTV, CNN, and ABC but Kandee is probably best known for her insanely popular YouTube channel and beauty blog. With hundreds of thousands of YouTube subscribers and followers on Blogger, it's safe to say most of you already know and love Kandee.

I caught up with Kandee the other day to ask her some questions. Keep reading for our full interview.

How many lipsticks do you own? 5 gillion (ha ha ha) A ridiculous amount of nude shades!

Current favorite type of mascara: L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes (love it!)

Most essential makeup product: Oh golly. . . probably my Laura Mercier foundation. That and smolder eyeliner from MAC.

No. 1 beauty item on you’re currently lusting after: Oh man, I don't know. . . that's a tough one! Maybe some some Cle De Peau concealer (I've never tried it but everyone that uses it has raved about its amazing-ness!) ha ha ha

Biggest regret purchase: The Amazing concealer. I spend like $40 on it . . . and it was soooo not amazing! ha ha ha

First makeup memory: Either watching my little sister draw red lipstick on the underside of the dining room table . . . or staring with amazement at my moms makeup desk! ha ha ha

Thanks so much to Kandee for participating! I definitely have to try the Laura Mercier foundation and L'Oreal Double Extend Beauty Tubes mascara! Have you tried any of the products Kandee mentioned?

Getting to know... Shaylee of Cosmetically Curious

It wasn't until I started blogging about three months ago that I discovered that this whole world of beauty bloggers that I never knew existed. I am so happy to have found this massive online community of people like myself -- who love to talk about beauty products, share tips and learn from each other!

In this brand new regular feature here on Prettied Up, I'll be introducing you to some of the fabulous beauty bloggers I have come to know. First up, we'll be getting to know Shaylee of Cosmetically Curious! I caught up with Shaylee the other day to ask her some questions. Keep reading for our interview. 

How many lipsticks do you own? Not too many. I'm more of a balm/gloss girl. If you want a number -- five, and I don't use any of them!

Current favorite type of mascara: I have two: Revlon Grow Luscious and Ojon Restorative Lash Treatment & Mascara Duo.

Most essential makeup product and why: Concealer, concealer, concealer! If I have nothing else but concealer I'm happy! (You don't want to know how many of those I own!)

No. 1 beauty item on you’re currently lusting after: I can only choose one?! In that case, anything from 100% Pure's line! Preferably a kit of some sort. I'm really into natural products right now.

Biggest regret purchase: I do a lot of research before I purchase things so I (hopefully) rarely fully regret things. That being said, I hated my Tarte 4-Day Lash Stain, wow terrible! My lashes felt like sticks. They wouldn't bend, move and you cannot get it off no matter how hard you try.

First makeup memory: This is funny! My first makeup memory is this silver lip gloss I had and absolutely loved! I just saw a picture of me with it on and oh my god, terrible! I remember everything about that gloss - the taste, the smell, the color! Ack!

Thanks so much to Shaylee for participating! I'll make sure to steer clear of that Tarte 4-Day Lash Stain. Have you tried any of the products she mentioned?

My No. 1 most essential makeup product

You know how people ask -- if you were stranded on a deserted island but could take one thing, what would you bring? Well, in terms of makeup, what would your answer be? 

For me, the most important piece of makeup in my collection is, without a doubt, concealer.

See, I do not have perfect skin, by any means. About once a month I tend to break out. I'm actually just now recovering from a breakout on my chin. It's really annoying but it's just something I have to deal with.

Needless to say, I have tried tons of concealers over the years. Here are two of my absolute favorites:

Lancome Maquicomplet - $28.50