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Sunday, March 31, 2013

Makeup Daily 3/30/2013

 Shimmery Gold Eyes With a Purple Pop & Sheer Plum Lips

 
 
various products used
 
 
 

Face...

  • The Balm Time Balm Face Primer
  • Kat Von D Lock-It Tattoo Foundation in L44-this is my quick, all in one foundation, no concealer needed with this foundation
  • NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation in #01 Ivory-this powder was way too heavy for this foundation, the finished look was very cakey....fail
  • NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in #720A Sunny
  • Laura Gellar Blush-N-Brighten in Berry 
 
For my eyes, I applied a matte cream shade under my brow bone, a medium matte brown shade through my crease and then topped that with a deep eggplant shade through my crease, outer corner, and lower lash line. I used a fluffy eyeshadow brush to dust a sheer sparkly gold shadow over my entire eyelid. I applied a black cream liner to my upper lash line and a deep eggplant shade to my lower lash line and waterline. I finished with two coats of mascara to my upper and lower lashes.
 
I love the subtle pop of purple on the lower lash line and waterline. I actually like the "skin gap" between my waterline and lower lash line...I think it gives the look a more smudgy, effortless feel

 

Eyes...

  • Milani Eyeshadow Primer in #01 Nude (from my recent Mini Milani Haul)
  • Too Faced Eye Shadow Duo in Teddy Bear & Heaven
  • Loreal 24 HR Infallible Eye Shadow in Smoldering Plum
  • Loreal 24 HR Infallible Eye Shadow in Gold Imperial-pretty sparkly gold shade, I applied this with a fluffy eyeshadow brush to give me a subtle wash of gold sparkle, rather than a heavy opaque gold color
  • Maybelline Eyestudio Cream Eyeliner in Blackest Black
  • Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Eye Shadow Stick in #006 Paranoid Purple- I applied this to my waterline and this stuff did not budge...no flaky or fading at all (see my full review here )
  • Benefit They're Real Mascara- I like the finished look of this mascara but I experienced a lot flaking through out the day
  • Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel 
 
 
sheer plum lips

 Lips...

Maybelline Baby Lips Lip Balm in #90 Yummy Plummy  

NYC Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss: A Review

Big City Blush, Pumped Up Purple, Coral To The Max

I think like most of you lovely ladies out there, I'm feeling some spring fever coming over me! I'm loving all of the bright and fun new spring lines hitting the stores and I must admit, I've been going a little crazy at the drugstores lately...but what else is new!

NYC has really been pumping out some new lip products lately so I picked up a few of their new Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss line and gave them a twirl...

Here's what I thought...

The Shades...

*All shades contain a small amount of silver shimmer*

#468 Big City Blush
 light pink
very sheer on the lips
great for those little/no makeup days

#474 Pumped Up Purple
muted purple/mauve shade
nicely pigmented
unique twist on an everyday neutral lip
love this shade

#472 Coral To The Max
bright coral shade
adds a bright wash of coral color to the lips, without being over the top
nice way to incorporate coral into your everyday look

Size Comparison: NYC Big Bold Gloss & a typical Revlon lipgloss


As you can see, these glosses are quite a bit bigger than your typical lip gloss...and the same goes for the applicator, its HUGE. When you pull this mega doe foot wand from the tube, it comes out with a ridiculously large amount of gloss on it so you must wipe the excess product off before you apply it to your lips or I'm not kidding...you will get lip gloss all over your face...and look like a shiny clown.


The Review...

I'm loving the feel of these glosses. They are smooth, comfortable, and moisturizing on the lips...and not the least bit sticky. Only problem is....if you're looking for plumping action...you're not going to find it here. They did not have any of that tingle or sting that is typical of these kind of plumping glosses. For some, that's a good thing. Not everyone loves that feeling on their lips (I don't mind either way) but unfortunately without it, you're really not going to notice any sort of lip plumping action going on.

Bottom line...
Do they plump? No.
Are they nice glosses? Yes.
They are smooth, pigmented, and feel great on the lips. So for just a couple of bucks a pop...you can't beat 'em!

Would I repurchase?
Yes. And with several more colors in the line...I might have to!

Saturday, March 30, 2013

Mini Milani Haul

I recently picked up a few Milani products that I've been hearing a lot of good things about...
 
Milani UltraFine Liquid Eye Liner in #04 Prismatic Purple
Milani UltraFine Liquid Eye Liner in #06 Emerald Glisten
Milani Eyeshadow Primer in #01 Nude
 
Prismatic Purple, Emerald Glisten, Eyeshadow Primer
 
 
Prismatic Purple, Emerald Glisten, Eyeshadow Primer (concentrated & blended out swatch)
 
So far, I'm loving the eyeshadow primer. It goes on smoothly, blends out nicely, and dries to a smooth, matte finish...and of course prevents my eyeshadow from creasing.

I'm excited to try these liners. I think these fun, shimmery liners are going to be perfect to add a pop of color to my neutral eye looks for spring. They seem to swatch nicely but do require a couple of layers to achieve this opaque color...which is OK with me. I'll definitely be trying these out and posting my results in an upcoming Makeup Daily.

Feel free to leave me a comment below and let me know about any new spring products you've picked up recently and what you think about them!

New Skincare Haul

Bioderma, Refined Coconut Oil
I recently picked up (and ordered) a couple of new products to add to my skincare routine in the hopes of aiding my dry, irritated skin problems.

Bioderma
$30/bottle from Amazon.com

I think just about everyone has heard about this product at one point or another but I decided to give this stuff a try after reading an empties post from the lovely Amanda of Beauties in Bloom in which she raved about this product. I, like most, have struggled to find a makeup remover that will remove my makeup without completely dissolving my eyeballs with irritation. My eyelids are especially sensitive and this has gotten substantially worse since I've started blogging and adding more makeup products to my daily rountine. So...we'll see, I've used this product only once to remove my makeup and I must say....not the slightest bit of stinging or irritation....so I've got high hopes!

Coconut Oil
$7 from Whole Foods
(located in the baking aisle)

This is another completely raved about product that I wanted to try out for some time now. Coconut oil has many uses from baking to hair care but I wanted to give it a try as my nightly moisturizer. I've done some research and I've run across claims from "brightening" to "dark spot fading" so I was interested to see how this stuff holds up. I have spent quite a bit money on pricey moisturizers and night creams so if all these skincare benefits can be achieved for $7 and a trip to my local Whole Foods...then I'm definitely willing to give it a shot. Again, I have only used this product a couple of times but the oil did absorb into my skin nicely and when I woke, my skin did feel very soft and moisturized...so we're off to a good start.

Thursday, March 28, 2013

Lip Butter Looks: Strawberry Shortcake

Lip Butter Look Challenge:

create a look inspired by my many (and mostly unused) Revlon Lip Butters 
 
Revlon Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake
light pink shade
Matte Grey Eyes & Soft Pink Lips
 

I tapped a medium matte grey shade all over my lid, then ran a dark matte grey through my crease and outer corner, added some black winged liner and false lashes to create this dramatic eye look

 
soft pink lip
 
 

The Look...

I love the combination of grey and pink so I knew I wanted to pair Strawberry Shortcake with a grey eye look. I went for a dramatic matte grey eye complete with false lashes, a light pink cheek and light pink lip. Strawberry Shortcake adds a pretty, soft touch to this dramatic eye look.
 
Look out for more looks inspired by my many (and mostly unused) Revlon Lip Butters
 

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Best Drugstore Kabuki Brush

I recently bought these three kabuki brushes at three local drugstore/grocery stores. All three are readily available and (relatively) inexpensive. I've spent the last several weeks using and comparing these brushes to find out which is the better drugstore kabuki brush.
 
Here's what  I found:
 
SOHO, Essence of Beauty, ELF

What I expect from my kabuki:
large, dense brush
soft bristles
easy and convenient storage
 
What I use my kabuki for:
apply a thin layer of powder to set my foundation
after I finish applying my makeup, I like to use a big kabuki brush to make sure my powder, blush, and bronzer are nicely blended together
 
*all three kabuki brushes were washed before photos and reviews*
 
SOHO Professional Kabuki Brush
Walgreens $18.99
 
"The SOHO Professional Kabuki Brush compact dome shape shape and ultra-soft goat hair bristles flawlessly blend powder onto the skin for a polished finish"
 
Pros:
  • largest of the three brushes-good for applying powder to my face and neck & quick overall blending
  • the handle was large and weighted which felt nice in my hand
Cons:
  • most expensive of the three brushes
  • felt very scratchy on my skin
  • shed like crazy after washing
  • bristles were not as compact as I prefer which gave me less control over my powder products.
  • this brush/stand combo made it impossible for me to store this brush in my makeup drawer. I have to keep it out on my vanity, which means I'm constantly knocking it over...annoying.

Essence of Beauty Kabuki Brush
CVS $9.99
 
"use this soft, durable kabuki brush to apply powder, bronzer, or blush"
"made of all animal hair"
(did not specify what kind of animal hair....this thing could be made of grizzly bear fur for all I know...eek)
 
Pros:
  • less expensive than the SOHO brush
  • applied powder to my face and neck evenly
  • blended my face products (powder, bronzer, blush, highlighter) together nicely
  • bristles are more compact, giving me more control over powder products. I would feel comfortable using this brush to apply a light dusting of bronzer all over my face.
  • brush is short enough to store in my vanity drawer
  •  
Cons:
  • not quite as soft as I prefer, still was a bit scratchy on my face
  • sheds quite a bit after washing (but less than the SOHO brush)
  • seemed to lose some of its original, compact shape after washing
  • Though this brush is smaller than the SOHO brush, I still would not feel comfortable applying blush with this brush like it claims...hello clown cheeks 
ELF Studio Kabuki Brush
Target/eyeslipsface.com $6
 
 
"this antibacterial synthetic haired Taklon Brush is softer and more absorbent and can be used with wet or dry products"
"use for powder, blush, and bronzer"
"provide a light to full coverage on your face or body to ensure a flawless finish"
"vegan friendly"

Pros:
  • ultra soft on my face, very comfortable to use
  • applied powder to my face and neck flawlessly
  • gave me a nice, even, overall blended look
  • no shedding to mention what so ever
  • maintained it's compact shape, even after washing
  • small, dense shape gave me tons of control with my powder products. I would feel comfortable applying powder, bronzer, and blush with this brush.
  • short enough to store in my vanity drawer
  • vegan friendly...at least we know this one isn't made of grizzly bear fur!
  • cheapest of the bunch

Cons:
  • Uhhh...I really don't have any....
Note: I only used this brush with dry, powder products. I did not use this brush with wet/cream products so I cannot vouch for its claims. I just prefer to use my short, dense synthetic brushes for my wet/cream products. 
 

The Winner...

No contest...the ELF brush is clear cut winner. The bristles are soft and dense, making it the most versatile brush of the group. It was comfortable to use, convenient to store, and the cheapest brush I tested. What more could you ask for?! Overall awesome product!
 

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Makeup Daily 3/26/2013

Soft Neutral Eyes & Mauve Lips

featuring one of my favorite new lip colors
 
 
various products used
 
 

 

Face...

  • Make Up For Ever HD High Definition Primer (sample)
  • Tarte Amazonian Clay Full Coverage Balancing Foundation in Fair
  • Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Treatment Concealer in #60 Brightener-my favorite under eye concealer, so brightening!
  • Laura Mercier Mineral Powder in Soft Porcelain-used to set my foundation
  • Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in #001 Transparent-used to set my under eye concealer
  • Revlon Photo Ready Bronzer in #100 Bronzed and Chic-light dusting all over my face
  • Cover Girl Cheekers Blush in Plumberry Glow
 
 
 

Eyes...

  • ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer- works just like my high end primers, and its only $1
  • Vincent Longo Trio Eyeshadow in #52119 Easy Rider-I purchased this trio from Hautelook.com, great for a quick, all in one eye look
  • Maybelline Eye Studio Cream Liner in Blackest Black
  • Tarte Smolder Eyes Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liner-deep eggplant shade (there's not a name on the liner!) smudged into my lower lash line
  • Laura Gellar I-Care Waterproof Eyeliner in Bone-on my waterline
  • Cover Girl Lash Blast Volume in Very Black
  • Revlon Brow Fantasy in Brunette
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel

 
one of my favorite new lip colors
 

Lips... 

  • EOS Lip Balm in Honey Dew
  • Loreal Colour Riche Lipstick in #560 Saucy Mauve-loving this pretty plummy/pink color!

 
 

Monday, March 25, 2013

Makeup Daily 3/25/2013

Subtle Gold and Navy Eyes & Hot Pink Lips

 
 
various products used
 
 
 
 

Face...

  • Cover Girl Outlast Stay Fabulous Foundation in #805 Ivory
  • Milani The Multitasker Face Powder in #01 Light-one of my favorite full coverage drugstore powders
  • Rimmel London Natural Bronzer in #021 Sun Light
  • Physician's Formula Happy Booster Blush in Rose-beautiful bright pink blush, really brightens up my complexion
 
I used the pale gold shade all over my lid and inner corner of my eye. I ran a dark navy shade through my crease and smudged into my lower lash line. I swept the pale pink shade under my brow bone, lined my eyes with a brown liquid liner and finished with two coats of mascara on my upper and lower lashes

Eyes...

  • Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Original
  • The Balm Shady Lady Palette Volume 1
  • Jordana Fabuliner Liquid Eye Liner in #02 Brown-not my favorite eyeliner, applies patchy and not very opaque
  • Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kajal Eyeliner in #005 Nude (see my full review here)
  • Maybelline The Rocket Volum' Express Mascara in Blackest Black (see my full review here)
 
 
 

Lips...

  • EOS Lip Balm
  • Wet N Wild Mega Shield Lip Color in #371S It's A Girl-fun hot pink shade for spring...smooth, creamy, and really cheap too!

Sunday, March 24, 2013

My Cover Girl Single Eyeshadow Collection

 

My Collection...

Cover Girl Eye Enhancers Single Eyeshadows
$3.50 at drugstores
 
French Vanilla, Champagne, #760 Tapestry Taupe
in order as above

 

French Vanilla- matte cream shade
This is a nice neutral shade I use for a brow bone highlight. Nicely pigmented but can be a bit chalky

Champagne-shimmery champagne shade
Pretty neutral (not too pink, not too gold) highlight shade. I use this shade under my brow bone or on my cheeks for a shimmery face highlight

Tapestry Taupe-shimmery taupe shade
One of my favorite taupe shades. Beautiful everyday neutral shade, very wearable
 
#445 Golden Sunrise, #730 Swiss Chocolate, #740 Brown Smolder
in order as above

 
Golden Sunrise-shimmery golden bronze shade
I like to sweep this shadow all over my lid for a pretty golden eye look.
 
Swiss Chocolate- reddish brown with fine gold shimmer
My least favorite shadow of the bunch. The pigmentation is lacking and the gold sparkle seems to just fly everywhere instead staying on my eye. Not impressed with shadow at all.  
 
Brown Smolder-matte medium brown shade
This is one of my favorite brown shades to blend into my crease, Very smooth and pigmented, great everyday shadow.
 

 

My Review...

I've found that brands like Cover Girl are very hit and miss. Some of these shades are absolute favorites in my collection and I can't be without them while others are a complete mess right from the start. My definite stand outs are Champagne, Tapestry Taupe, and Brown Smolder. The hot mess award goes to Swiss Chocolate. I had such high hopes for this shade because it looks really beautiful in the pan...but that's about it. The swatching, pigmentation, application, and fall out with this shadow is a complete nightmare. This is the only shade in the bunch that I would not repurchase. 
 
Check out my Makeup Daily 3/4/2013 post for an easy eye look using Tapestry Taupe and Brown Smolder