Face of the Day… and Sneak peeks of Favorites of 2015 II

On ma face today….

FullSizeRender

Primer: Maybelline Babyskin Instant Pore Eraser Primer

Concealers: Maybelline Fit Me and Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment in Brightner

BB Cream:  Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector Daily Anti Acne

Powder: e.l.f. Perfect Finish HD powder  and Rimmel Stay Matte

Bronzer: tarte Amazonian Clay Matte Waterproof Bronzer in Park Avenue Princess

Highlighter: Becca x Jaclyn Hill shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed in Champagne Pop (this is limited edition so make a run to your nearest Sephora or check it out online!)

Blush: theBalm Downboy and Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Mirage ( I can’t find this online so I guess it was discontinued or limited edition.  I got it last year in a holiday set.)

Eyelid Primer: Benefit Stay don’t Stray 

Eyes: Crease is a mixture of Unexpected and Creme Brulee from Makeup Geek and the lid is Prom Night.  Lower lash line is a mixture of Unexpected and Prom Night. Shimma Shimma was used on the brow bone and as an inner corner highlight.

Brows: Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Brow Gel 

Lashes: Avon Mega Effects Mascara and Sei Bella Defining Mascara (both in Black)

Lips: Chantecaille Luminous Gloss in Passionfruit 

 **I am not affiliated with any of these companies or products; they just make stuff I really like!**

Ulta Haul and the Story of the Sewer Lip Crayon…

My mom and I had a girls day and went to the Verizon store for them to tell me there was nothing they could do about my phone losing time, lunch, a movie (The Man from U.N.C.L.E  Soooo good had bad reviews which means it’s awesome) and then some shopping at Ross, Ulta and Versona. All that to say I’m going to share what I picked up from Ulta; and tell you the tale of the Sewer Lip Crayon.

Maybelline was buy one get one 50% off so I picked up my old favorite Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer in the Brightener shade and something new for me to try the Oil Control Translucent Pressed Powder in Soft Cameo.  I haven’t used it yet but I’ll give an update when I do.

 PicMonkey Collage

I’ve been using the Simple Micellar Water after cleansing to make sure I get all my makeup off and I have just a tiny bit left so I decided to pick up the All Bright Micellar Cleanser from Boots.  Also haven’t used this yet but I’ll let you know if it’s as good or not as the Simple.  Also I’ve never used Bioderma which is what I would consider the Grandfather (would that be grandmother..?) of Micellar Cleansers/Waters.

10177178

I was in search of a volumizng powder since mine disappeared… I found the Batiste XXL Plumping Powder and I have used this and it works pretty well.

300 (1)

I have heard great things about the Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation so I thought why not add to my foundation collection and give this one a try?  (sidenote I’m almost out of my Revlon Colorstay so I justified this purchase…  🙂 ) Guess what people?  This Foundation is the bomb dot com.  For real it is my new Favorite.  It is medium to full coverage and it somehow looks better the longer you wear it.

true_ivory

I also picked up the Philosophy Here Comes the Bride kit just so I could get the *free gift* which was this awesome Weekender Bag!  The Philosophy Kit will go to good use as I’m sure I’ll have a bride to gift it to at some point 🙂 

123

My sister in law bought my mom a makeup kit from Ulta and my mom fell in love with one of the lip crayons in the kit named Love Story.  While my mom was visiting my sister in Colorado she was applying her makeup in the car (does everyone’s mom do this or just mine…?) My mom opened her car door at a stop sign because it wasn’t closed all the way and her lip crayon which was on her lap fell off and rolled down the street into a sewer drain.  You can’t make this stuff up people.  So we were on a hunt to find her a replacement lip crayon in the color Love Story.  Our Ulta was out of that color so I ordered it online for her but the story was too good to not share.  I placed the order a few days after our visit so I texted her and let her know that I had ordered her ‘Two sewer lip crayons’ 

2223022

*Ulta is running the promotion online and in the store until the 29th of this month. Spend $30 on Fragrance and get this bag for free*

7 Days of Makeup Geek Day #4

PicMonkey Collage789

Applied Prom Night all over eyelid using Sigma E20;  Crème Brulee blended in crease with Sigma E35Drama Queen used as liner on upper lid and on lower lash line using using Sigma E15;  Applied two coats of Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara (review) to upper lashes and one coat to lower lashes.

PicMonkey Collage123

The rest of my face..  Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Foundation in Buff applied with a damp Beauty Blender.  Dusted face with Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder in Porcelain Ivory with Sigma F30. Used Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer  and light contour; applied with Sigma F35  and blended out with e.l.f. Studio Powder Brush.  Nars Deep Throat blush applied with Sigma F10.  On the lips is Revlon Color Burst Lip Butter in Peach Parfait topped with Revlon ColorStay Moisture Stain in London Posh. 

PicMonkey Collage456

The Entire Series:::

Day #1

Day #2

Day #3

Day #4

Day #5

Day #6

Day #7

August 2014 Favorites

564433_846445735896_1801978334_n

First off, do you like my beach picture?  I took it at Keawakapu Beach last year when I visited my sister in Hawaii.  Also don’t forget to check out the giveaway all the info is on the contest page! 

Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush

F35-2

Sigma Says:: Unique Feature: Small and tapered with a precise tip
Function: Subtle highlighting
Recommended Use: Apply highlighting shades onto the upper contours of the face. Diffused finish gives skin a natural glow.

Lara Says:: I actually find this brush very useful in applying bronzer and for contouring.  I can get just the right amount of product on the brush put it right where I want and then take a bigger fluffy brush and blend out.  Try your brushes out in different areas of your face and the possibilities are endless!! And extra points for Multitasking products/supplies!!

Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia

PicMonkey Collage4569

Pop Beauty Says:: This refreshing water-light luxe gloss will bathe your lips in hydration & protect with Vitamin E. We also added Jojoba oil, an exceptional moisturizer for maximum lip comfort. These sheer colour tints provide staying power as well as a cure for thirsty lips.

Lara Says:: I keep this is my purse so I always have it.  It has become my go to gloss and is great over any lipstick or just by itself.  It has a slight mint flavor and does tingle a bit when you apply it.  It has staying power with minimum stickiness.  If I ever use this up I will definitely be buying another!

Maybelline’s Dream Wonder Powder in Porcelain Ivory

 Dream-Wonder-Ivory-15-Pack-

Maybelline Says:: Maybelline’s Dream Wonder Powder is 100% Second- Skin Powder Foundation Perfection. Creamy glide, smooth flawless finish, perfect skin. Feels like powderless powder.

Lara Says:: This is probably the most amazing pressed powder I have found at the drugstore.  And you know I love it because I have recommended it to no less than 10 people.  It goes on smooth and doesn’t look cakey whatsoever and the coverage is buildable. So you can use it as a powder over your foundation and for touchups throughout the day (as I typically do). Or you can build it up to full coverage and wear it alone.  This is my second time repurchasing and won’t be my last!

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara

 PicMonkey Collage89

Mally Says:: This Volumizing Mascara has a unique formula that helps create the look of gorgeous, full, luxurious lashes. The combination of natural waxes and carefully chosen powders gives lashes an instant boost. The plush brush works with the powders in the formula to help thicken lashes without clumping, giving you gorgeous volume that lasts and lasts.

Lara Says:; I received this mascara in a birchbox and I love it! If you have been a reader of this blog for any length of time you know I call myself a mascara whore.  I cannot stay faithful to one and I feel  I am on an eternal quest to find the holy grail of mascara that curls, lengthens, separates and is volumizing… I know it exist and I will find it.  Until then this is pretty awesome.  I did a review which you can find here.

Herbal Essence ‘Naked Volume Dry Shampoo

 pp_ds

Herbal Essence Says:: The Herbal Essence Website:: refresh your strands, water not necessary. with natural tapioca, my formula absorbs oil and rejuvenates dirty hair for a clean feeling. invigorate your strands with the scent of white grapefruit and mint and feel naturally beautiful without parabens or dyes.

Lara Says:: Still my favorite after trying many. Clear application and it absorbs the oil and gives some volume and lift.  I did a review and comparison a few months ago, you can read it here.

 

And now for my one Un-Favorite/ Fail….

 

Benefit they’re real! push-up liner

download (1)

 

Benefit Says:: It’s the FIRST EVER lash-hugging gel liner in a pen! This matte black gel formula won’t smudge, budge or dry out, and the innovative soft AccuFlex™ Tip hugs your lashline from corner to corner. The closer the line, the bigger the eye!
91% said it was longwearing*
81% said it was waterproof*
88% said it hugged the lashline*
84% said eyes looked visibly larger*
*Results observed in a consumer panel survey on 32 women after 2 weeks

Lara Says:: I watched and read enough reviews that I was apprehensive to try this liner.  I received it in my last birchbox and I was not impressed.  First off, mine did dry out, as the cap didn’t want to stay on.  This may have only been an issue with the sample size I received and not the full size product but after about the third time the lid popped off after I put it on it finally stayed down.  And when applying I found that either I got nothing out or way too much came out.  For me I much prefer the use of a pencil or gel liner with a brush as I have more control.

Products Mentioned::

Sigma F35 Tapered Highlighter Brush $14.00

Pop Beauty Aqua Lacquer in Flowering Fuchsia $14.00

Maybelline’s Dream Wonder Powder $8.99

Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara $20.00

Herbal Essence ‘Naked Volume Dry Shampoo $4.97

Benefit they’re real! push-up liner $24.00

 

What Were Your Favorites from the Month of August? 

Starlooks 15 Shade Shadow Palette Part 1

If you read my blog you know I have a slight obsession with beauty subscription boxes.  Through my Ipsy box (or bag…) I was introduced to the brand Starlooks.  They are a Pro quality makeup line and on their site say they are comparable to Makeup Forever, Sephora, M.A.C, Chanel, Dior etc.  They also have their own beauty subscription box which I have not yet tried.

Ipsy has started offering specials where subscribers can buy brand name products at reduced prices for a limited time and there are also limited quantities.  When a Starlooks Fifteen Eye shadow Palette became available for $20.00 I placed my order immediately.  I knew from other bloggers that this brand ran on the expensive side, but to say I was shocked that the regular price for this palette was $99.00 would be quite the understatement.

PicMonkey Collage123

It was hard for me to pluck down $54 for a Naked palette ( I ended up using a gift card for a portion of it so I didn’t feel too bad…) so I can tell you it would take a lot for me to buy the Starlooks Palette full price.  And by a lot I mean I half expected these eye shadows to sing and dance.  When you look at drug store brands like Almay, Maybelline, and L’Oreal the palette’s they offer are usually quads which range from $6-$10.   And with all of these brands in my experience, they are hit or miss on pigmentation and longevity.

One of the ways I rationalized to myself the purchase of a palette like the Naked was the cost of each individual shadow.  There are 12 shades so the cost per “eye-shadow” would be $4.50.  Now that doesn’t sound so bad.  Granted with a quad from the drugstore the cost would be $1.50-$2.50 a piece but let me have this!!  🙂    With my math skills that would make each individual shadow in the Starlooks Palette $6.60 which is roughly the cost of a L’Oreal Infallible single or Maybelline Color Tattoo.

On Friday I will have swatches and a full Review for you so stay tuned!!

Products Mentioned::

Starlooks 15 Shade Shadow Palette 

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Ipsy

Eye Look with the Lorac Pro Palette using Matte Shades

photo 2 (3)                photo 1 (3)

Eyes:: Using e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow “C” brush theBalm DownBoy shadow/blush all over lid.  Layered Mauve from the Lorac Pro Palette on top using e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow “C” brush .  Lightly sweep Sable from Lorac Pro Palette over lid e.l.f. Studio Eyeshadow “C” brush.  Blend Espresso from Lorac Pro Palette in the crease using Sigma E-25 Blending brush.  Use the e.l.f. Studio Flat Eyeliner Brush with Black from Lorac Pro Palette as liner on lid and lower lash line. Rimmel London SpecialEyes Eye Liner Pencil in Panama used on Waterline and Tightline   Mascara:: Two coats of e.l.f. Studio 3-in-1 Mascara

Foundation:: Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation in Classic Ivory 2 and Maybelline Dream Fresh BB 8-in-1 Beauty Balm Skin Perfecter in Light/Medium, applied with Sigma F-15 Duo Fibre Brush Powder:: Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Natural applied using Sigma F-20 Large Powder Brush  Bronzer:: Physcians Formula pH Matchmaker pH Powdered Bronzer applied using Sigma F-25 Tapered Face Brush  Blush:: theBalm DownBoy applied using Sigma F-10 Powder/Blush Brush Lips::  L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche laLaque in I Laque you a Lot (limited edition unable to find a link online)

photo 4 (2)

 
 

Seven Days of Nude’Tude Day::5

Only two days left in the Seven Days of Nude’Tude!  I hope you are all enjoying this as much as I am!  Here is todays look….

photo 3 (5)

PicMonkey Collage

Eyeshadow:: Sassy all over eyelid applied with ring finger. Sultry in crease and lower lash line. Schitzo/Seductive as eyeliner.  Masascara:: Victoria Secret Volume Plumping 

PicMonkey Collage323

Foundation:: Revlon Colorstay for Combination/Oily Skin Equal amounts of Buff and Sand Beige applied with Sigma F80 Undereye/Nose Highlight:: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle in Light applied and blended with ring finger  Blemish/Redness Concealer:: Revlon ColorStay  Concealer in Fair applied and blended with ring finger  Powder:: e.l.f. Studio High Definition Powder in Translucent applied with Sigma’s F30 Large Powder Brush Bronzer:: Nars Laguna  applied with Sigma F25 Blush:: Nars Mistinguette from the Limited Edition Guy Bourdin One Night Stand Blush Palette (this is sold out online, you may be able to nab one for a hefty price tag on eBay, your best bet is to call around to your local Sephora’s and see if they have any in stock.) Lips:: e.l.f. Jumpo Lip Gloss Stick in Flirty and Girly 

 

***If you are interested in Sigma brushes the best bang for your buck is the Premium Professional Kit.  The kit is under $200 and includes fifteen brushes of the highest  quality.  Keep a look out for sales and coupon codes I bought mine with a 20% off code***