REVIEW | KEVYN AUCOIN THE SENSUAL SKIN ENHANCER

Awhile back, I did a post called ‘Disappointing Beauty Products‘, in which this product was included. I didn’t hate it, but for the price, I wasn’t necessarily floored by it, either.

At the time, I was dealing with some major skin issues and acne flare-ups, and everyone and their mother swore that this would cover it like nothing else out there. Well, when applied to my semi-oily skin, it did absolutely nothing for me. And then a few weeks ago, I was surfing Poshmark (which I’ll get into later) and found it for nearly half the retail price.
In my shade.
Eh, what the hell…..
I placed my order.

So let’s back up for a second here. First I want to share what it is, and what it claims, per Sephora;

Cover all your bases with The Sensual Skin Enhancer. This all-in-one, waterproof formula delivers complete coverage when used as a concealer, highlighter, an allover foundation, or to contour your features. Infused with jojoba and honey, it works to hydrate the skin, and it is formulated with minerals that support the skin and is sweat proof and transfer resistant for full coverage and long-lasting wear.

If you want to see my revised, full review, keep on reading!


PACKAGING 

img_0596Big things come in small packages? Yeah, basically. The whopping 0.63 oz of this multipurpose formula comes and small, burgundy pot with a twist off lid that simply says ‘Kevyn Aucoin’ across the top. The shade information can be found on a sticker on the bottom of the pot.

FORMULA

This stuff is incredibly thick; it’s easy to go overboard, in which case you’ll likely end up hating the finish and cursing your wasted money (much like I did at first). But when applied sparingly and blended rather quickly, it melts into the skin for a ‘your skin but better’ look. It’s very creamy and hydrating (get your powder ready, babes!) thanks to ingredients like honey and jojoba. One of the greatest things is that it comes in 16 shades (I wear SX03 for reference), broken down by tone and undertone, making it fairly easy to find the best match for you.
For a drugstore comparison, this is comparable in formula to the Hard Candy Glamoflague Heavy Duty Concealer.

APPLICATION & WEAR

So here’s what made me dislike it the first time around; I used way too much, didn’t use a primer, didn’t powder, and didn’t set it with a spray. All on acne-ridden, combination/oily skin. Admittedly, not my brightest move, and quite frankly, I should have known better.
However, what made me give it a second chance, is the fact that my skin has been drying out lately (I think it knows it’s about to turn 30), and because this is so hydrating, it was worth giving it another look.

So here is the best way I’ve found to apply it (at least for me);
I prime my skin with the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water (another product I didn’t love, but has grown on me), and then spot conceal with the Kevyn Aucoin SSE and a Real Techniques Fine Liner Brush to apply it. I then blend with a Morphe M173 brush, and set it with my It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Silk HD Anti-Aging Micro-Powder. If I’m feeling a little too ‘powdery’, I’ll set it all in place with the Smashbox Primer Water or some Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray.

So far, I’ve only used this as a concealer – quite frankly, putting this all over my face scares me, because it’s so heavy. And I’ve yet to apply it under my eyes because well, it’s thick. And creamy. And will probably crease. But hell, with enough powder to set it, it may work well. And this little pot will last literally forever because you need so little product to cover everything you want.
I’ll admit, I am glad that I gave this product a second chance. It lasts all day long, doesn’t slip around or break down once it’s set, and while I’ve yet to test the validity of the waterproof claim, I can tell you that it’s been rather warm and humid around here lately, and it stayed exactly where I put it. All. Freakin’. Day.

OVERALL RATING : 5/5


Have you guys tried this stuff yet? It’s available on sephora.com  (online only, it’s not sold in stores) and it retails for $48. I know, I know. That’s expensive. But given that I’ve figured out how to ride the learning curve like a pro, I’d totally pay full price again and again! Leave me a comment and let me know what you think!

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