New Eyeshadow Technique
For some reason, I really hate the idea of putting shimmer all over my lid. What I have been doing now is using a matte shade in my crease and outer corner, and then patting either the same or a different one on the lid. Then, if I feel like it, I'll take a shimmer shade and put it only on the inner third of my lid. So, I still have obvious glitter, but it is not all over my lid.
I am not sure why I prefer this, but it's just something I've been wanting to do.
Additionally, I have just been less enthusiastic overall about eyeshadow, but I think it is because I feel like I have enough in my collection. I have and am panning the Modern Renaissance, and I have the Queen of Hearts palette, which I have wanted since forever. I also have a variety of mini palettes. I do enjoy and use all the different pieces in my collection, and when it comes to eyeshadows, I think I have been so effective in my own TMOs and Anti-Hauls, that I realize when to not be bothered. Which is most of the time. This also has translated to shopping in person, as I am less tempted by the makeup I see (especially the discounted higher end makeup at TJX, I've been so strong!).
All About Blush
While I think highlighter will continue to trend, and while I continue to love and use highlighter, I am all about the blush. Blush can be so scary until you know how to do it, and once I got my technique down I could not get enough.
For me, my face is a bit round, so I like to gently tap and sweep my blush away from the center of my face. I follow the "two finger rule" for blush placement, but sweep it up, like a highlight.
For a while I was about purple plushes, but in this cold weather, I actually am really embracing the corals and oranges!
Be An Adult, Use Sunblock
This is something I am trying to be good about. When I leave work, it is dark out, but I do this anyway- I use Cerave AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, with SPF 30. I use it as a primer. I also need to get in the habit of putting something on my face before I leave work, during the drive back. I am henceforth setting down to bring this with me, to put on my face before I leave!
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Battle of Maybelline Concealers
So I noticed that I have three concealers in my collection, and all of them are Maybelline. Today I thought I would review each of them, and ultimately decide which of the three I think is best.
Let's go in order of the swatches.
First up is Master Conceal by Face Studio, Camouflaging Concealer, in Fair. It contains 12 mL of product, and sells for $7-$8..00. The product is dispensed through a narrow squeeze tube. It is a little warm toned for me, but it is the lightest of the three. This was recommended as a drug store "dupe" for Tarte's Shape Tape concealer, by LivLovesHerMakeup. I've never used Shape Tape, but was interested in its purported coverage and staying power.
A main ingredient of this is dimethicone, and that for me is a huge factor for this not working out. The dimethicone gives this a smooth, mousse- like texture that it is easy to blend out, but it will break apart so easily on my face. It performs especially poorly as an undereye concealer, as my bottom eyelid and undereye area are both textued. The coverage was good at first, but faded quickly. This one was a fail for me . :(
Next, we have Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin foundation. This one comes in a bottle with a doefoot applicator. The one swatched below is in the color 01 Ivory, and contains 7.5 mL, and sells for $8-9. This one also contains dimethicone, but I don't think as much as the aforementioned one- I like the formula of this a lot more. Though it appears to be the darkest of the three (all of which are very light), it works well on the eye, blends easily, and does stay on pretty long. In terms of coverage, I would say it provides half the coverage of the first concealer, but for my particular needs this is fine with me. It does not feel as heavy as the Master Conceal. Furthermore, it has the best shade range of all products (albeit still limited), being the only offering that has a deep shade.
Finally, we have my third purchase of Age Rewind. It contains 6.0 mL of product, and costs $7-9 dollars. The swatch below shows how pink this is. The applicator and container, though, is a huge draw, because it does not waste any product. I have used this a lot, but sometimes think it is too pink, or sometimes think I can't really see a a brightening effect. It does wear well on the skin, though, and has the same amount of coverage as the Master Conceal.
 |
| (l-r) Master Conceal, Better Skin, Age Rewind |
First up is Master Conceal by Face Studio, Camouflaging Concealer, in Fair. It contains 12 mL of product, and sells for $7-$8..00. The product is dispensed through a narrow squeeze tube. It is a little warm toned for me, but it is the lightest of the three. This was recommended as a drug store "dupe" for Tarte's Shape Tape concealer, by LivLovesHerMakeup. I've never used Shape Tape, but was interested in its purported coverage and staying power.
A main ingredient of this is dimethicone, and that for me is a huge factor for this not working out. The dimethicone gives this a smooth, mousse- like texture that it is easy to blend out, but it will break apart so easily on my face. It performs especially poorly as an undereye concealer, as my bottom eyelid and undereye area are both textued. The coverage was good at first, but faded quickly. This one was a fail for me . :(
Next, we have Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin foundation. This one comes in a bottle with a doefoot applicator. The one swatched below is in the color 01 Ivory, and contains 7.5 mL, and sells for $8-9. This one also contains dimethicone, but I don't think as much as the aforementioned one- I like the formula of this a lot more. Though it appears to be the darkest of the three (all of which are very light), it works well on the eye, blends easily, and does stay on pretty long. In terms of coverage, I would say it provides half the coverage of the first concealer, but for my particular needs this is fine with me. It does not feel as heavy as the Master Conceal. Furthermore, it has the best shade range of all products (albeit still limited), being the only offering that has a deep shade.
Finally, we have my third purchase of Age Rewind. It contains 6.0 mL of product, and costs $7-9 dollars. The swatch below shows how pink this is. The applicator and container, though, is a huge draw, because it does not waste any product. I have used this a lot, but sometimes think it is too pink, or sometimes think I can't really see a a brightening effect. It does wear well on the skin, though, and has the same amount of coverage as the Master Conceal.
 |
| same order, no flash. |
To wrap up, Master Conceal was a total dud. I've been using Better Skin for a couple of days now, and really do enjoy the look and feel of it. I think it is tied with Age Rewind, as both are great concealers.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Milani Stellar Lights Highlighting Palette: Holographic Beams Review and Swatches!
Today I am super excited to talk about a brand new arrival to the drugstore- Milani highlighting palettes. I have been so impressed with Milani these past few months with their face powders, and with glee I snagged one of these in my local Walmart, sold for $10.67. Interestingly enough, the Walmart not only had a display, but two testers! I found this to be a good sign, and hope that more stores follow this example- especially with foundations.
There are two palettes in this line. From their website, they also dropped a whole line of single iridescent highlighters, the "Hypnotic Lights Powder" for $13.00 each online. I have a feeling that they will be slightly cheaper in stores. These Stellar lights palettes are also sold for $13.00 on the site too.
The first one in the line is called Rose Glow, and contains more neutral but also warmer colors, which would not work as well for me.
The second one, which I am reviewing today, is called Holographic Beams, and contains three different powders that have some sort of color shift.
The front of the palette. It came in sturdy plastic packaging, with a pretty wave design. These designs are meant to emulate the designs of higher end highlighting powders, such as from Makeup Forever.
Here is the back of the palette, with the shade names, as well as amount of product. Each pan contains four grams of product.
The palette opened, no flash.
With flash
Unicorn Dreams, Make Believe, and Other Worldly.
I. Unicorn Dreams is a purple-pink shifting duochrome with a strong metallic white base.
2. Make Believe is a lavender-blue shifting duochrome , also with a strong white metallic base.
3. Other Worldly is a warm gold metallic powder with an orange shift.
All three powders are beautiful, blend easily, and remain on the skin. I went through my collection to see possible dupes, and these are my findings:
 |
| Milani Make Believe (l), Wet 'n Wild Royal Calyx (r) |
From left to right, we have Nabla in Millenium (eyeshadow), Milani Unicorn Dreams, and Urban Decay Fireball.
The Nabla eyeshadow is has a greyer base to me, and flashes more gold and orange. Meanwhile, Urban Decay also has a stronger orange shift as well, is sheerer and less metallic than Milani.
Finally, we have Wet 'n Wild Precious Petals on the left, and Milani Other Wordly on the right. In this case, Precious Petals has a lighter gold reflect, while Other Wordly is far more orange. Other Worldly blends out excellently, though.
Now let's see how this applies on the face!
Here I've tried to create an "ombre" effect with the pink and blue: with the pink near my temple and blue farther down. My skin is a bit textured in this area, and I think I need to use a lighter hand with these powders. Other than that, I really like the effect that the powders create.
To wrap up:
This palette is an exciting addition to Milani's line. Not only are the powders beautiful in the pan, they are really nice to use.
Compared to the single highlighter I have from Milani, the strobelight in Afterglow, I feel these powders are not as dry, and do require a steady hand and moderation- both of which are variable for me.
Now that I have this palette, I am debating whether it is necessary to buy one of the Hypnotic Lights Powder singles- I would have to see swatches. But for now, I am very satisfied with the palette and excited to continue using it!
Sunday, November 26, 2017
Recent Use-Ups and Panning Progress!
Today I want to talk about a couple of items in my collection that I either used up, or made significant progress on.
To begin, I used up completely my 5mL spray of Demeter's Marshmallow fragrance. Now, this was a great fragrance, and I love the smell of marshmallows. But this was super easy to use up because it had ZERO staying power. I found that Demeter fragrances usually don't linger too long, but Marshmallow disappeared within an hour. I would not repurchase, but it did remind me how much I love marshmallow scented candles.
Lavanilla The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe, in Vanilla Breeze. Now, this deodorant is kind of pricey, but I do bring it with me to work, and I find that it works excellent as a refresher. It does not replace antiperspirant for me, but I will only wear this on weekends by itself. After this second one, I do not think I would repurchase, only because it is so expensive, and I would like to explore more affordable alternatives.
In my Wet 'n Wild six-pan palette in Greed, I have hit pan in the shade that, at first glance, resembles Brulee. However, it is a bit more cool toned than Brulee. My goal is to hit pan on that salmon shade, too.
In terms of significant dips, I have actively been trying to pan Primavera and Burnt Orange, from the Modern Renaissance palette. Primavera has been very stubborn for me, even though I try to use it consistently, I just find that I have better light-golds in my collection. As for Burnt Orange, I am happy to say there is a significant dip, and I should be hitting pan soon. Ultimately, my goal is to hit pan on at least 50% of the palette.
That is all I have today!
To begin, I used up completely my 5mL spray of Demeter's Marshmallow fragrance. Now, this was a great fragrance, and I love the smell of marshmallows. But this was super easy to use up because it had ZERO staying power. I found that Demeter fragrances usually don't linger too long, but Marshmallow disappeared within an hour. I would not repurchase, but it did remind me how much I love marshmallow scented candles.
Lavanilla The Healthy Deodorant Sport Luxe, in Vanilla Breeze. Now, this deodorant is kind of pricey, but I do bring it with me to work, and I find that it works excellent as a refresher. It does not replace antiperspirant for me, but I will only wear this on weekends by itself. After this second one, I do not think I would repurchase, only because it is so expensive, and I would like to explore more affordable alternatives.
In my Wet 'n Wild six-pan palette in Greed, I have hit pan in the shade that, at first glance, resembles Brulee. However, it is a bit more cool toned than Brulee. My goal is to hit pan on that salmon shade, too.
In terms of significant dips, I have actively been trying to pan Primavera and Burnt Orange, from the Modern Renaissance palette. Primavera has been very stubborn for me, even though I try to use it consistently, I just find that I have better light-golds in my collection. As for Burnt Orange, I am happy to say there is a significant dip, and I should be hitting pan soon. Ultimately, my goal is to hit pan on at least 50% of the palette.
That is all I have today!
Saturday, November 25, 2017
What is new with the blog?
So, you can see the blog has went through a bit of a design overhaul. I am still playing around with it, of course, but the longer I've been blogging, the more I want this project to turn into a proper blog.
What is this project?
For me, the strongest part of my blog has been my TMO's/anti-haul. A TMO, otherwise known as a "Talk Me Out" is a feature that involves me going through and convincing someone they don't need a product. It is for my benefit, as well as for whoever it is reading it.
I just got into YouTube and beauty about two or three years ago, and definitely felt the pressure to buy all the things. This directly conflicted with the fact that I really don't like to spend money. But I did anyway, many times excessively, and came to important realizations about the beauty industry, consumerism, and self-expression as a result.
Aside from my TMO's, I have many product reviews. I especially like to review drugstore products, though I will from time to time splurge on bigger ticket items. I personally like to review cult-favorite makeup products, to see if they are actually worth the hype.
Overall, this blog is evolving, and I suppose I am evolving too. I always considered myself a creative writer, but this blog has very much pushed me when it comes to writing conversational pieces that are also informative. This blog has pushed me to be smarter with using images and media, too.
I never assumed I would have an active readership. I still don't, and I know I do not. And that's okay. I just intend to keep on doing what I am doing, and see what comes next.
What is this project?
For me, the strongest part of my blog has been my TMO's/anti-haul. A TMO, otherwise known as a "Talk Me Out" is a feature that involves me going through and convincing someone they don't need a product. It is for my benefit, as well as for whoever it is reading it.
I just got into YouTube and beauty about two or three years ago, and definitely felt the pressure to buy all the things. This directly conflicted with the fact that I really don't like to spend money. But I did anyway, many times excessively, and came to important realizations about the beauty industry, consumerism, and self-expression as a result.
Aside from my TMO's, I have many product reviews. I especially like to review drugstore products, though I will from time to time splurge on bigger ticket items. I personally like to review cult-favorite makeup products, to see if they are actually worth the hype.
Overall, this blog is evolving, and I suppose I am evolving too. I always considered myself a creative writer, but this blog has very much pushed me when it comes to writing conversational pieces that are also informative. This blog has pushed me to be smarter with using images and media, too.
I never assumed I would have an active readership. I still don't, and I know I do not. And that's okay. I just intend to keep on doing what I am doing, and see what comes next.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
Essence Haul and Review!
I am all about new affordable makeup lately, and up until now I have never really tried Essence Cosmetics. (I also really want to try Catrice, but that's another story).
I decided it couldn't hurt to do a small little Essence Haul, and give in-depth reviews, especially for the products that are cult faves.
The items I bought were:
1.) Essence Make Me Brow: Now, I've mentioned before that aside from plucking, I don't touch my brows. I want to see, however, the difference this will make. I have dark brown brows, but decided to get the color Soft Browny Browns, which is a little lighter. I don't necessarily want to make my brows look darker, but rather fluffy and fuller. So far, I really like it and I plan on using this in the future.
It is really easy to use, keeps my brows shaped, and does exactly what it needs to do. For $3.00, what's not to like?
2.) Pure Nude Highlighter:
I've been testing this out for a couple of days, and while I did have to adjust my eyes to a more subtle highlight, I found that i really liked the effect. When swatched, the highlighter reads very yellow on my skin, but when blended out, it gives off a pearly sheen. There is a natural, classic, feel to this powder, as if it comes out of a different decade. I do feel that is lasts on the skin.
My only other "subtle" highlighter is WnW Reserve Your Cabana, (RYC) but they are completely different products. I've swatched them both below:
As you can see, RYC is lighter, more matte, while Pure Nude is reflective, and you can definitely see that yellow/orange tint.
I really like the Pure Nude highlighter. It cost me $5.00. I probably would not repurchase because I do have so many highlighters already, but if I ever was in need of one, and just wanted subtlety, I would not even think about splurging on higher end ones, while this is available.
3.) Lash Princess, False Lash Effect mascara. Okay, I want to start by saying I really loved the packaging on this. The corset-y design on the cap is rubberized, and makes it really easy to to grip. The brush itself is tapered, but not drastically so. I do feel it creates a dramatic effect with just one coat, and the design of the bristles makes it easier to reach all of my lashes. This was a good purchase, and for five dollars, I would happily repurchase.
4.) Metal Lipstick in Iron Maiden. I saved the most exciting (for me) for last. This was completely an impulse buy, but I am so glad that I ended up buying it. This five dollar lipstick is part of a completely metallic line of blues, yellows, greens, and pinks. Iron-maiden, a rose-gold with greyish undertones, was the most neutral, and I was afraid it would skew a bit orange. Not the case at all.
The formula is creamy, not heavy, and there is no discernible smell or taste. It does not last as long as my other lipsticks- like maybe 2 hours, but I don't care. It's lovely. It does not dry out the lips, either.
I have swatches below.
I also compared it to one of Bite Beauty's holiday duos from last year, as some of them had metallic shades. Specifically, I was obsessed with Bronze, and thought that I would never find another brand to make something to glittery and metallic. But I was wrong.
All in all, Essence is a solid affordable brand that I highly recommend, especially for those products that higher-end brands sell, but there's no real reason to splurge for them. I am specifically talking about mascara and brow gel here.
I know I am not always going to be in the mood for a subtle highlight, but when I am, the Pure Nude highlighter will be perfect.
As for the lipstick, I know I will use this up quickly, but that's okay. I will happily buy a second.
I decided it couldn't hurt to do a small little Essence Haul, and give in-depth reviews, especially for the products that are cult faves.
The items I bought were:
1.) Essence Make Me Brow: Now, I've mentioned before that aside from plucking, I don't touch my brows. I want to see, however, the difference this will make. I have dark brown brows, but decided to get the color Soft Browny Browns, which is a little lighter. I don't necessarily want to make my brows look darker, but rather fluffy and fuller. So far, I really like it and I plan on using this in the future.
It is really easy to use, keeps my brows shaped, and does exactly what it needs to do. For $3.00, what's not to like?
2.) Pure Nude Highlighter:
I've been testing this out for a couple of days, and while I did have to adjust my eyes to a more subtle highlight, I found that i really liked the effect. When swatched, the highlighter reads very yellow on my skin, but when blended out, it gives off a pearly sheen. There is a natural, classic, feel to this powder, as if it comes out of a different decade. I do feel that is lasts on the skin.
My only other "subtle" highlighter is WnW Reserve Your Cabana, (RYC) but they are completely different products. I've swatched them both below:
As you can see, RYC is lighter, more matte, while Pure Nude is reflective, and you can definitely see that yellow/orange tint.
I really like the Pure Nude highlighter. It cost me $5.00. I probably would not repurchase because I do have so many highlighters already, but if I ever was in need of one, and just wanted subtlety, I would not even think about splurging on higher end ones, while this is available.
3.) Lash Princess, False Lash Effect mascara. Okay, I want to start by saying I really loved the packaging on this. The corset-y design on the cap is rubberized, and makes it really easy to to grip. The brush itself is tapered, but not drastically so. I do feel it creates a dramatic effect with just one coat, and the design of the bristles makes it easier to reach all of my lashes. This was a good purchase, and for five dollars, I would happily repurchase.
4.) Metal Lipstick in Iron Maiden. I saved the most exciting (for me) for last. This was completely an impulse buy, but I am so glad that I ended up buying it. This five dollar lipstick is part of a completely metallic line of blues, yellows, greens, and pinks. Iron-maiden, a rose-gold with greyish undertones, was the most neutral, and I was afraid it would skew a bit orange. Not the case at all.
The formula is creamy, not heavy, and there is no discernible smell or taste. It does not last as long as my other lipsticks- like maybe 2 hours, but I don't care. It's lovely. It does not dry out the lips, either.
I have swatches below.
I also compared it to one of Bite Beauty's holiday duos from last year, as some of them had metallic shades. Specifically, I was obsessed with Bronze, and thought that I would never find another brand to make something to glittery and metallic. But I was wrong.
All in all, Essence is a solid affordable brand that I highly recommend, especially for those products that higher-end brands sell, but there's no real reason to splurge for them. I am specifically talking about mascara and brow gel here.
I know I am not always going to be in the mood for a subtle highlight, but when I am, the Pure Nude highlighter will be perfect.
As for the lipstick, I know I will use this up quickly, but that's okay. I will happily buy a second.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
[Updated 11/18 with reviews] Ipsy November 2017 Product Reveal and Reactions
1.) Let's begin with the Too Faced Primer Spray, which is worth $.50. This means that the bottle will be tiny, and I am hardly going to get any decent use out of this. Which is whatever. I just bought an awesome setting spray from Hard Candy, and I have been using Cerave day cream as my moisturizer/primer. So this is not going to make a difference in my life.
Review: This smells exactly like the primer in lotion form, which is a nice smell. I needed a couple of spritzes to cover my face this morning, so I honestly don't know how much product is left. I really can't make a judgement call at this point, other than it did feel cooling on the skin. But that hardly convinces me to buy it.
There has been a lot of discussion lately about the expectations for sample sizes, and my own thinking is that Ipsy does owe it to its customers to not send embarrassingly small products. Because this is not a "sample" in the traditional context, it is still a service. This spray was hardly of any value, did not add anything really to the bag, and was a shame.
2.) Naked Cosmetics loose eyeshadow in Mother Nature #06. $15.00 have gotten a champagne pink shimmer from them before, and it was okay. I am not sure about the color on this though. I have tons of variation on the same blue-brown pigment...
Review: I've swatched and applied this eyeshadow and it is quite beautiful. The product itself is very messy, because it is a loose highlighter with lots of glitter, and it required me to us Pixie Epoxy. The finished look was okay, but not something I am going to use every day. Not thrilled with it.
3.) Tini Beauty highlighter stick- reddit could not find a price, but it is 3.5 g of product, which is not a lot. I assume this is a sample size, and would price it at about $3- $5.00. Now, I have tried a single eyeshadow from Tini Beauty before and really liked it. So I have hopes, even though I don't tend to like cream highlighters.
Review: I am not going to use it. The shine is not intense, it feels greasy, and I can not get over the smell. It's horrible.
4.) Crown Brush, $5.69. I could always use another brush in my collection, so this is much appreciated.
Review: This is a nice brush. I will happily continue to use this.
5.) Tarte deluxe sample blush in ??? color has not been revealed yet, $7.77. I am kind of excited to be trying out a tarte blush for the first time, and actually I hope I can depot it for my blush palette. If I had to choose, I am hoping for "Quirky".
Review: I did not get Quirky, but Feisty, a vivid matte peach. I really like this blush. It is not patchy as some Tarte blushes are, but very easy to blend. Winner!
Total bag value: about $32.00. Not too bad, and similar to last month. Of course, the real value is determined by how much I actually enjoy these products. But more on that later.
Overall: A lot of disappointments in this bag, but not enough to warrant a cancellation. We'll see what December brings!
Best Drugstore Eyeshadow Primer!
A while ago, I was signing the praises of the Milani eyeshadow primer. But that tune has changed. The more I used it, the more that -yes, even though it is very similar to UD Primer Potion- it was not doing that great of a job.
A person with more textured eyelids, as well as drier eyelids might prefer the Milani primer. Personally, I feel my lids are pretty textured, and they are neither oily or dry, but the WnW does a great job for me. I have no need to buy any primer besides the WnW (and actually just purchased my second one!).
So in comes the Wet 'n Wild Photo Focus eyeshadow primer.
Now, on MakeupAlley, the Milani primer carries a 4.4 rating, with 82% of people saying they would buy it again. On that same site, the WnW one ALSO has a 4.4, with less reviews, but with 85% of people saying they would buy it again.
Now, on MakeupAlley, the Milani primer carries a 4.4 rating, with 82% of people saying they would buy it again. On that same site, the WnW one ALSO has a 4.4, with less reviews, but with 85% of people saying they would buy it again.
Guess what, the Wet 'n Wild is even better.
I tried my hardest to do swatch comparison pictures, but they were coming out really badly. When I went to wipe my hand with a makeup wipe, though, I was shocked at how easily the products on the Milani side wiped off, while the WnW side not only stuck around after the first wipe, but the second, third, and fourth wipe. It was stubborn. I still have a slight green mark on my hand. I'll insert a picture of that below.
 |
| Milani was on the left, and WnW on the right |
These two products have very different formulas, so that could be a consideration for those of you who might have different skin types or concerns than me.
Wet ‘n Wild
|
Milani
|
-$4.70, for .34 fl oz
-creamy, lotion-like consistency that creates a sticky base
-extended the wear and increases intensity of shadow products, significantly
|
-$6.00, for. 30 fl oz
-slightly tinted, with oilier consistency, creates a smooth base
-does extend the wear of eyeshadow products, but not as long as WnW
|
A person with more textured eyelids, as well as drier eyelids might prefer the Milani primer. Personally, I feel my lids are pretty textured, and they are neither oily or dry, but the WnW does a great job for me. I have no need to buy any primer besides the WnW (and actually just purchased my second one!).
In sum, if you are in need of a primer, don't bother with the high-end ones. Give the WnW one a go!
Emergency TMO: KvD Mini Metal Matte palette!!!
I am calling an emergency TMO because the news of this palette just dropped. This palette is:
The mini Metal Matte palette, which will retail for $39. It contains 5 Metal Crush shades, and five mattes. The original Metal Matte palette, limited addition, cost $60, and instead of ten shades, contained 22 (9 metal crush and 13 matte).
Now, "Synergy" and "Flash" were also in the original palette, as well as ALL of the matte shades. This means the "new" additions are Thunderstruck, a red-purple shimmer either called Raw Power or Man Power...can't tell, and the pink shimmer called (I think) Doce.
Might I make a prediction and say she she will also drop another one of these that is the "cool" version?
Okay, so I needed to do a quick TMO because I really wanted to buy this. I missed out on buying the Metal Matte original, and this is a mini version, and everyone loves minis!
But I need to take a step back. Because the more I think about it, the more problems I see.
One. The mattes were of a weaker formula than the Metal Crush shadows.
Two. I don't think there is enough shade variety among Bone, Feather, and Suede. It's all very light, and seems like a waste (see my TMOs of ALL the Coloured Raine mini palettes).
Three. 39 dollars. That's not a mini palette price. My standard is Tarte's Pro to Go, which cost twenty something. Because the original was so huge, this one is more along the size of an average palette.
Again, it is very warm, with shimmers that are not that interesting. For me, this is a weaker version of the Queen of Hearts palette. I have this.
I also have this in the form of the Tarte Pro to Go, which I would buy instead. Seriously. All the mattes are lovely, and there is a Bronze shimmer shade in their that is so complex and beautiful I cannot recommend it enough.
Four. The mattes are paired strangely with the shimmers. In this one, they are grouped according to color, instead of what you could pair on the lid/crease.
FINALLY, she sells her thundercrunch (lol) eyeshadow in singles. Yes, they are expensive, but less than this palette, and you would get a lot more use of one color you love, rather than a bunch you sort of like, or don't even really need because you do have dupes of this in your collection.
Whoo. Safely averted. Nice try, KvD. Let's see Metal Matte 2, or better yet, an actual permanent palette. byeeeeee
The mini Metal Matte palette, which will retail for $39. It contains 5 Metal Crush shades, and five mattes. The original Metal Matte palette, limited addition, cost $60, and instead of ten shades, contained 22 (9 metal crush and 13 matte).
Now, "Synergy" and "Flash" were also in the original palette, as well as ALL of the matte shades. This means the "new" additions are Thunderstruck, a red-purple shimmer either called Raw Power or Man Power...can't tell, and the pink shimmer called (I think) Doce.
Might I make a prediction and say she she will also drop another one of these that is the "cool" version?
Okay, so I needed to do a quick TMO because I really wanted to buy this. I missed out on buying the Metal Matte original, and this is a mini version, and everyone loves minis!
But I need to take a step back. Because the more I think about it, the more problems I see.
One. The mattes were of a weaker formula than the Metal Crush shadows.
Two. I don't think there is enough shade variety among Bone, Feather, and Suede. It's all very light, and seems like a waste (see my TMOs of ALL the Coloured Raine mini palettes).
Three. 39 dollars. That's not a mini palette price. My standard is Tarte's Pro to Go, which cost twenty something. Because the original was so huge, this one is more along the size of an average palette.
Again, it is very warm, with shimmers that are not that interesting. For me, this is a weaker version of the Queen of Hearts palette. I have this.
I also have this in the form of the Tarte Pro to Go, which I would buy instead. Seriously. All the mattes are lovely, and there is a Bronze shimmer shade in their that is so complex and beautiful I cannot recommend it enough.
Four. The mattes are paired strangely with the shimmers. In this one, they are grouped according to color, instead of what you could pair on the lid/crease.
FINALLY, she sells her thundercrunch (lol) eyeshadow in singles. Yes, they are expensive, but less than this palette, and you would get a lot more use of one color you love, rather than a bunch you sort of like, or don't even really need because you do have dupes of this in your collection.
Whoo. Safely averted. Nice try, KvD. Let's see Metal Matte 2, or better yet, an actual permanent palette. byeeeeee
Monday, November 13, 2017
October-November Faves
I have not written one of these posts in a while, and I do actually have things on the docket that I want to talk about.
This month is getting colder, and my skin is getting a bit drier. I also had an incident where I severely dried out my under-eye area on my face by over-applying acne cream. Not great. But one of the products on my list today really did help with this.
Let's begin with faves!
1.) Ziaja Goat's Milk Nourishing Night Cream,1.7 fl oz, $8.50. This stuff is so nice. It reminds me of Pond's Cream, just with a slightly lighter fragrance. That is not to say, however, that this rich cream is without fragrance. For me, it is not as floral as Pond's, but does take some getting used to. I think it's worth it, however. I had an awful patch of dry skin under my eye, and over the course of a few days this really helped heal my skin. Not a lot is needed, and it does absorb quickly. Highly recommend. Ziaja is one of those brands that I found out from Ipsy, but it is completely legit.
2.) Garnier Fructis 10-in-1 Rescue Leave in Spray, with cactus extract. 5.0 fl oz, $5.00. I never really talk about hair on my blog. I have long brown hair that is somehow both straight and wavy. It gets frizzy really easily. This spray has just been good for my hair, when nothing else really did anything. I feel like my hair has body and shape, and is manageable with this spray. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now, and this it is an excellent hair product.
3.) Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask. I was inspired to try this out from Brutally Honest Beauty, who loves this mask. And I can see why. It is a 10 minute cleansing mask that does not dry your skin out, and if you can buy it in-person, costs $3.00.
4.) Another recommendation from a blogger, this time VanedB, who had on her instragram Hard Candy's Sheer Envy Mattifying Setting Spray. On one hand my skin is drier, but with stress and time I do run the risk of getting oily. This spray is similar to WnW, for me, but with a finer and stronger mist, and more product. For 2.2 fl oz, it costs $7.00.
5.) I have been really loving Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, Matte and Poreless. It is just a great combo with my primer of choice, and is an all-around excellent, no-frills foundation. It just does what it needs to do, does not oxidize, and lasts. What did I wait so long to try this.
6.) Lastly, I have been using Cerave Day Cream as my primer, as primer = moisturizer, really. This has been doing an excellent job.
7.) Candle from Target, Cozy Nights.
Thanks for reading!
This month is getting colder, and my skin is getting a bit drier. I also had an incident where I severely dried out my under-eye area on my face by over-applying acne cream. Not great. But one of the products on my list today really did help with this.
Let's begin with faves!
1.) Ziaja Goat's Milk Nourishing Night Cream,1.7 fl oz, $8.50. This stuff is so nice. It reminds me of Pond's Cream, just with a slightly lighter fragrance. That is not to say, however, that this rich cream is without fragrance. For me, it is not as floral as Pond's, but does take some getting used to. I think it's worth it, however. I had an awful patch of dry skin under my eye, and over the course of a few days this really helped heal my skin. Not a lot is needed, and it does absorb quickly. Highly recommend. Ziaja is one of those brands that I found out from Ipsy, but it is completely legit.
2.) Garnier Fructis 10-in-1 Rescue Leave in Spray, with cactus extract. 5.0 fl oz, $5.00. I never really talk about hair on my blog. I have long brown hair that is somehow both straight and wavy. It gets frizzy really easily. This spray has just been good for my hair, when nothing else really did anything. I feel like my hair has body and shape, and is manageable with this spray. I've been using it for a couple of weeks now, and this it is an excellent hair product.
3.) Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask. I was inspired to try this out from Brutally Honest Beauty, who loves this mask. And I can see why. It is a 10 minute cleansing mask that does not dry your skin out, and if you can buy it in-person, costs $3.00.
4.) Another recommendation from a blogger, this time VanedB, who had on her instragram Hard Candy's Sheer Envy Mattifying Setting Spray. On one hand my skin is drier, but with stress and time I do run the risk of getting oily. This spray is similar to WnW, for me, but with a finer and stronger mist, and more product. For 2.2 fl oz, it costs $7.00.
5.) I have been really loving Maybelline Fit Me Foundation, Matte and Poreless. It is just a great combo with my primer of choice, and is an all-around excellent, no-frills foundation. It just does what it needs to do, does not oxidize, and lasts. What did I wait so long to try this.
6.) Lastly, I have been using Cerave Day Cream as my primer, as primer = moisturizer, really. This has been doing an excellent job.
7.) Candle from Target, Cozy Nights.
Thanks for reading!
Saturday, November 11, 2017
Best/Worst Amazon Makeup Purchases {Long Post}
Amazon can be a great place. Especially when it comes to losing money. Over the years, I have bought a crap-ton of stuff on Amazon, so I decided to do a retrospective on the all beauty items I've bought over the years, and sort them according to whether or not I thought they were worth. With items that I talk about on the blog frequently I won't go into detail. But for the notable ones, and ones I've never discussed before, I will. Much of these are "cult status" products, and some of them I don't feel earn that status.
The items I love(d) are:
WnW Trio Fair Trade Coffee
WnW Eyeshadow, Greed ($.98)
Revlon Lip Color, Fig Jam
Shiseido Bronzer, Oil Free in #01
Physician's Formula Eyeliner, bought for less than $5.00
Matto Fluffy Face Brush
The Balm Read My Lips in Smut (from 2013!) When I was in my last year of college, this was the only lipstick I owned. It was a shimmery metallic plum-mauve, and being obsessed with Romance Novels, I thought the name of this was everything. I used it all up, loved it, but would not necessarily repurchase anything like it nowadays. Looking back, it's so funny how frustrated I've been getting with The Balm's eyeshadow palettes. Back then, I thought I was buying from a small etsy-likekitsch brand, even though the lipstick was $13.00. So innocent.
Ziaja Goat's Milk (day and night cream) Okay, so this is a Polish drugstore with amazing products. I've used up the day cream in the past, and am using the night cream now. It has been so helpful with the dry and cold winter nights, and really reasonably priced, too.
L'Oreal in Amber Rush
The Balm Mary Lou Manizer (2016)
OG Nyx Cosmetics Blush in Taupe. Still using this when I am not up to using a cream contour. Still think it's pretty awesome.
Dr. G Daily Safe BB+ SPF
BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette: Yes, I did end up decluttering this palette. But as a brand, I do love BH Cosmetics, and I think being able to purchase their stuff on Amazon is a good option.
ILNP Nail Polish
Library of Flowers Hand Creme/Perfume
InnisFree no Sebum Powder
Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner
Zoya Aurora Nail polish
NYC Sunny Bronzer
Missha Sun Milk (both waterproof and non-water proof versions)
L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
Z-Palette Depotting Spatula
Lavanilla Deodorant: Do I expect this to replace antiperspirant? No. And it does need to be reapplied every so often. But I do bring this to work with my to freshen up, and I only wear this on weekends to cut down on the amount of time I spend wearing antiperspirant. This product was recommended by Livloveshermakeup.
Lavanilla Coconut Vanilla Rollerball Perfume
Anna Sui Fragrances
Palmer's Cocoa Butter
Now, let's get to the roasting.
Deals on Amazon Not Worth it:
Body Shop Vitamin E eye cream: I just don't think it suited my particular needs. I want something I can put on my eyelids, and this was not it.
Tony Moly Bunny Pocket Mist Sleek Spray: Don't buy this. Yes, it is adorable. But the mist does not travel.
Ruby Kisses Eyeshadow Primer
Georgie Beauty Eyeliner
Mizani Scalp Care Hair Shampoo: This burned! Head and Shoulders is so much better when it comes to scalp-care hair products!
It's Skin Baby Face Blusher in Lavender. Adorable. But does not show up on my skin, and I am pretty pale. Whatever.
LA Girl Concealer Trio: I will never buy color correcting products again. They are not for me.
Etude House Secret Beam Highlighter in Pink/White mix: Why?? Why??? This did nothing! It reminds me of the Hard Candy Prism highlighter. Very chalky and not up my alley at all.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation: This was bought when I BRIEFLY watched Kathleen Lights. Too bad this was too dark for me. And too dewy. I love the smell of it and wanted this to work so badly.
Maybelline Dream Wonder Touch Foundation in Porcelain Ivory: There was a period in time when I really wanted to figure out what foundation I could use, so I bought something I used to use in highschool. The applicator for this is silly, and it oxidized. What was I thinking???
*Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Mud Mask- Now I like this product a lot. But, I have not bought this on Amazon because in-store, you can get this for a little more than $2.00. On Amazon, you can't buy just one- you have to buy a two-pack.
TooGoo(R) liquid liner
Gudetama Beauty Sponge
Xtava Foundation: THIS EFFING RIP OFF. NASTY FOUNDATION. UGH. This was purchased before Amazon was cleaning its reviews and screening sponsored content. This was before Fakespot. This was before I learned to be critical. So I am skimming Amazon and looking at this magical and highly rated product and I am like...wow. I should buy. NO. The fragrance is heavy and smelly, it is cakey and oily, and it was just awful.
Rosebud lip balm (from 2012!) I really don't know what possessed me to buy this. Out of all the lip balms that have been proven time and time again to work, I choose this no-name brand balm that hardly moisturizes.....amateur moves, really.
LA Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation. Upon the recommendation of Tati from Glamlifeguru. More like Shamlifeguru, amirite? No really, Too dark and too dewy. Again, what was I thinking?
Eva NYC Dry Shampoo. $11 for a dry shampoo. I don't even remember it being notably good, just that it ran out really fast. There are better options, people.
Nest Midnight Fleur, travel sized. I used to love this scent in a roller ball, and then I lost it. A couple years later, I decided to buy this and BAM the scent was disgusting to me, which was a bummer.
The items I love(d) are:
WnW Trio Fair Trade Coffee
WnW Eyeshadow, Greed ($.98)
Revlon Lip Color, Fig Jam
Shiseido Bronzer, Oil Free in #01
Physician's Formula Eyeliner, bought for less than $5.00
Matto Fluffy Face Brush
The Balm Read My Lips in Smut (from 2013!) When I was in my last year of college, this was the only lipstick I owned. It was a shimmery metallic plum-mauve, and being obsessed with Romance Novels, I thought the name of this was everything. I used it all up, loved it, but would not necessarily repurchase anything like it nowadays. Looking back, it's so funny how frustrated I've been getting with The Balm's eyeshadow palettes. Back then, I thought I was buying from a small etsy-likekitsch brand, even though the lipstick was $13.00. So innocent.
Ziaja Goat's Milk (day and night cream) Okay, so this is a Polish drugstore with amazing products. I've used up the day cream in the past, and am using the night cream now. It has been so helpful with the dry and cold winter nights, and really reasonably priced, too.
L'Oreal in Amber Rush
The Balm Mary Lou Manizer (2016)
OG Nyx Cosmetics Blush in Taupe. Still using this when I am not up to using a cream contour. Still think it's pretty awesome.
Dr. G Daily Safe BB+ SPF
BH Cosmetics Galaxy Chic Palette: Yes, I did end up decluttering this palette. But as a brand, I do love BH Cosmetics, and I think being able to purchase their stuff on Amazon is a good option.
ILNP Nail Polish
Library of Flowers Hand Creme/Perfume
InnisFree no Sebum Powder
Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner
Zoya Aurora Nail polish
NYC Sunny Bronzer
Missha Sun Milk (both waterproof and non-water proof versions)
L'Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Perfecting Base
Z-Palette Depotting Spatula
Lavanilla Deodorant: Do I expect this to replace antiperspirant? No. And it does need to be reapplied every so often. But I do bring this to work with my to freshen up, and I only wear this on weekends to cut down on the amount of time I spend wearing antiperspirant. This product was recommended by Livloveshermakeup.
Lavanilla Coconut Vanilla Rollerball Perfume
Anna Sui Fragrances
Palmer's Cocoa Butter
Now, let's get to the roasting.
Deals on Amazon Not Worth it:
Body Shop Vitamin E eye cream: I just don't think it suited my particular needs. I want something I can put on my eyelids, and this was not it.
Tony Moly Bunny Pocket Mist Sleek Spray: Don't buy this. Yes, it is adorable. But the mist does not travel.
Ruby Kisses Eyeshadow Primer
Georgie Beauty Eyeliner
Mizani Scalp Care Hair Shampoo: This burned! Head and Shoulders is so much better when it comes to scalp-care hair products!
It's Skin Baby Face Blusher in Lavender. Adorable. But does not show up on my skin, and I am pretty pale. Whatever.
LA Girl Concealer Trio: I will never buy color correcting products again. They are not for me.
Etude House Secret Beam Highlighter in Pink/White mix: Why?? Why??? This did nothing! It reminds me of the Hard Candy Prism highlighter. Very chalky and not up my alley at all.
Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation: This was bought when I BRIEFLY watched Kathleen Lights. Too bad this was too dark for me. And too dewy. I love the smell of it and wanted this to work so badly.
Maybelline Dream Wonder Touch Foundation in Porcelain Ivory: There was a period in time when I really wanted to figure out what foundation I could use, so I bought something I used to use in highschool. The applicator for this is silly, and it oxidized. What was I thinking???
*Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Mud Mask- Now I like this product a lot. But, I have not bought this on Amazon because in-store, you can get this for a little more than $2.00. On Amazon, you can't buy just one- you have to buy a two-pack.
TooGoo(R) liquid liner
Gudetama Beauty Sponge
Xtava Foundation: THIS EFFING RIP OFF. NASTY FOUNDATION. UGH. This was purchased before Amazon was cleaning its reviews and screening sponsored content. This was before Fakespot. This was before I learned to be critical. So I am skimming Amazon and looking at this magical and highly rated product and I am like...wow. I should buy. NO. The fragrance is heavy and smelly, it is cakey and oily, and it was just awful.
Rosebud lip balm (from 2012!) I really don't know what possessed me to buy this. Out of all the lip balms that have been proven time and time again to work, I choose this no-name brand balm that hardly moisturizes.....amateur moves, really.
LA Girl Pro Coverage Liquid Foundation. Upon the recommendation of Tati from Glamlifeguru. More like Shamlifeguru, amirite? No really, Too dark and too dewy. Again, what was I thinking?
Eva NYC Dry Shampoo. $11 for a dry shampoo. I don't even remember it being notably good, just that it ran out really fast. There are better options, people.
Nest Midnight Fleur, travel sized. I used to love this scent in a roller ball, and then I lost it. A couple years later, I decided to buy this and BAM the scent was disgusting to me, which was a bummer.
Last Phase of the Declutter! Two eyeshadow palettes.
I've tested two eyeshadow palettes that I feel have been on the chopping block for a long time, but after trying both of them out one last time, I am pretty certain in my decision to nix them.
One is the Urban Decay Pulp Fiction palette. Honestly, I just feel that I waited too long to use this palette, or the mattes are just not for me and don't perform the best on my eye. They get really muddy and are very soft, which is not something I necessarily need. Furthermore, I just feel like the colors were getting dull. So, even though this appealed greatly to my movie-loving self, as eyeshadows I needed to let it go.
Lastly, I got rid of The Balm's Meet Matte Nude palette. I just can't with the shadows from The Balm. I just don't like them- the pans are huge, and though the dark browns perform okay, I've got dark browns in many palettes. And Matt Singh, a matte salmon shade, hardly shows up on the skin. It's ridiculous.
It has to be my mantra from now on to stay away from The Balm. Especially because they can be always found at such a low price at Nordstrom Rack, Marshall's, Burlington Coat Factory, etc. Tempting, but not worth it.
Overall, I feel better about the amount of palettes in my collection right now.
I own three higher-end eyeshadow palettes:
One is the Urban Decay Pulp Fiction palette. Honestly, I just feel that I waited too long to use this palette, or the mattes are just not for me and don't perform the best on my eye. They get really muddy and are very soft, which is not something I necessarily need. Furthermore, I just feel like the colors were getting dull. So, even though this appealed greatly to my movie-loving self, as eyeshadows I needed to let it go.
Lastly, I got rid of The Balm's Meet Matte Nude palette. I just can't with the shadows from The Balm. I just don't like them- the pans are huge, and though the dark browns perform okay, I've got dark browns in many palettes. And Matt Singh, a matte salmon shade, hardly shows up on the skin. It's ridiculous.
It has to be my mantra from now on to stay away from The Balm. Especially because they can be always found at such a low price at Nordstrom Rack, Marshall's, Burlington Coat Factory, etc. Tempting, but not worth it.
Overall, I feel better about the amount of palettes in my collection right now.
I own three higher-end eyeshadow palettes:
- Modern Renaissance
- Eyes Cream palette
- Queen of Hearts palette
two smaller discounted higher-end palettes:
- The Tease by Marc Jacobs
- Tarteist Pro to Go
and five small drugstore palettes:
- Maybelline x Shayla City Mini
- Downtown Sunrise City Mini
- Must Have Metallics by Milani
- WnW Greed palette
- WnW matte palette
and one large z-palette.
And the declutter continues...{Eyeshadow Singles}
I have not really discussed my collection of eyeshadow singles. It's been pared down over the last couple of months, but I still have a handful of eyeshadows that I do not use, for one reason or another.
Let's begin with my staples:
So these are the shadows that fell way back in my drawer- except for one- the Femme Couture Aurora Blue, which is a grey-looking baked metallic shadow with teal (heck, more like green) shimmer. I bought this today and it absolutely needs Pixie Epoxy to function. I have not yet used his on m eyes.
To the right of it we have Maybelline The Glo Down. I think the formula of this is excellent- as both an eyeshadow and a highlighter. However, I have way too many gold shimmers in my collection, and don't really need it.
Above those two we have the Too Faced Bullet Liner in Minx. I have barely used this eyeshadow pencil, but I want to. At first, I was scared of using it up, but no longer.
Above the liner, from left to right, we are starting with StarLooks eyeshadow in Gold Coast. I don't know why I am still attached to this eyeshadow. It is a olive-gold metallic, but of a smoother consistency. Ehhh....it's been shattered a couple of times and has hit hard pan. I think it's time to give it away.
Another one I am decluttering is my Colour Pop Super Shock shadow in Alchemy. This was the last one I've held onto, but honestly I have no interest in "toppers".
The last one I am giving up is a franken shadow composed by the blue-brown shadow from WnW. I got a sample of Lounge from UD, and unlike the WnW shadow, the formula is not as loose and stay on my eye better.
Over all, I think I feel a lot better when it comes to my collection, ad I do not feel like I am drowning in redundancy or guilt.
Let's begin with my staples:
I am not going to list every single eyeshadow specifically, but the ones on the chopping block are:
1.) Fyrinnae Zanzibar, which I mixed with Gilded Wings to make a green color, which is cool, but I don't use it. I like the idea of green eyeshadow more than I like actually putting it on my eyes.
2.) The Kevyn Aucoin roller ball eyeshadow- in the rectangular prism packaging. Okay so I got this on ebay for like $3.00, and though I believe it was legit, I don't think I would pay $3 or $20 something for this. It does not really stay on the eye, even with glitter glue or primer. I have a feeling that it is meant to be looser and provide subtle sheen, but that's not really my jam, always. I mean, I've never tried that before. I am going to hold on to it because I do feel that it is different in my collection, and maybe just try the whole loose wash of minimal color and sparkle thing, and see where that takes me.
My all-time faves: Ardency Inn Rose Gold single shadow, L'Oreal Amber Rush (actually, all of them- save the matte- have saved many a disastrous eye look due to the wet formula making it easy to cover mistakes- love them especially for that), Stila Kitten (gonna give props where they are due), and Wet n' Wild Brulee.
I also do like my Fyrinnae shadows, but honestly when I get ready in the morning, in my head they are more trouble than they are worth. I think they are beautiful, and do wear them for special occasions, but definitely not for the everyday.
With that in mind, I ended up decluttering Zanzibar.
To the right of it we have Maybelline The Glo Down. I think the formula of this is excellent- as both an eyeshadow and a highlighter. However, I have way too many gold shimmers in my collection, and don't really need it.
Above those two we have the Too Faced Bullet Liner in Minx. I have barely used this eyeshadow pencil, but I want to. At first, I was scared of using it up, but no longer.
Above the liner, from left to right, we are starting with StarLooks eyeshadow in Gold Coast. I don't know why I am still attached to this eyeshadow. It is a olive-gold metallic, but of a smoother consistency. Ehhh....it's been shattered a couple of times and has hit hard pan. I think it's time to give it away.
Another one I am decluttering is my Colour Pop Super Shock shadow in Alchemy. This was the last one I've held onto, but honestly I have no interest in "toppers".
The last one I am giving up is a franken shadow composed by the blue-brown shadow from WnW. I got a sample of Lounge from UD, and unlike the WnW shadow, the formula is not as loose and stay on my eye better.
Over all, I think I feel a lot better when it comes to my collection, ad I do not feel like I am drowning in redundancy or guilt.
Friday, November 10, 2017
MASSIVE TMO Time! New-ish Eyeshadow palettes (aka ANTI HAUL)
I am back tonight ready to TMO some new eyeshadow palettes.
The two I want to begin with are not as new as the others, and I feel like either I was purposefully ignoring their existence, or they just flew way past my radar- though I know I was aware of Colour Pop coming to Sephora. Let's...just look at them, shall we?
Both retail for $26, and though the price is steeper than Colour Pop's smaller size palettes that they've been releasing since the summer, the price is not the biggest grievance I have with these.
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On their sites, stacks of four shades are $48, while the Rust Stack, of five shades, is $58. A single eyeshadow cost $17....
Hm.
Their pricing seems shady to me. Okay so in a palette of four, each shade cost $12. In a palette of five, then, each cost 11.60, which is nice. They could have charged $60. But then why make the singles so much more expensive?
That seems a bit too much on the nose/to aggressive to suggest the palettes are a better deal.The price discrepancy is too large for me.
But let's move on to the color scheme. I have never purchased Melt, and probably will never, so I can't comment on quality.
But I can comment on the swatches and color scheme.
1.) Skeleton's Kiss- a little late for the spooky train aren't we? But anyway, this is a sheer duo chrome, and the promotional picture used to show how this can be both a highlighter and an eyeshadow was not flattering at all- showed major texture.
2.) Last Caress- A matte burgundy
3.) She's in Parties- a Cranberry metallic
4.) Meanstreak- a blackened plum.
Yes, the colors are cool, but I don't see how you are going to get distinct looks for this, especially because I think Skeleton's Kiss is kind of a dud. Too much to pay for a one-trick pony.
So, that's all I have for tonight. Happy not-shopping this holiday (lul)!
The two I want to begin with are not as new as the others, and I feel like either I was purposefully ignoring their existence, or they just flew way past my radar- though I know I was aware of Colour Pop coming to Sephora. Let's...just look at them, shall we?
Both retail for $26, and though the price is steeper than Colour Pop's smaller size palettes that they've been releasing since the summer, the price is not the biggest grievance I have with these.
First, I am not going to even discuss these as two distinct entities. I do not consider them that. I scoff at the idea they contain any variation in color that is meaningful. I laugh and then sob at the fact they are all shimmer and contain repeating colors, and that any company would be so brazen to suggest that either are worth your coin. Period. Goodbye. Moving on.
Now, being kind of drawn to vintage quirk and kitsch, one would think I would be interested in something like Besame's Snow White palette. WRONG.
For some reason, the inside of the palette is not being displayed on the Besame site. I found this image off of pinterest, and a reverse image search indicates its publication in many online blogs.
So here we go, a palette for $68:
To begin, I do not believe this is a well made palette. The pans are very ill-fitting, and crookedly placed. Strike one.
In terms of color selection, we have a lot of muted pastels. My issue is that the color red, in all its vibrancy, is a pivotal motif in the film. So why do we get instead a pinkish brick and a slightly darker and greyer pinkish brick? I see a lot of repetition over all in types of colors, but I am afraid that the point of this palette is a "wash of color" look that you can get at a lot cheaper.
Honestly, grab yourself Physicians Formula Canyon classics:
And two singles of blue and/or red. Done.
Furthermore, this feels like the first time Besame has done eyeshadow before, which is a huge drawback for me.
Let's look at the "smaller" eyeshadow palette in the collection, which retails for $42:
The inside of the palette reads "Make a wish...love's first kiss."
So, this is one criticism of the collection that I have not seen yet, but one that I feel is pretty important. Snow White was 13 years old, okay? 13. It was creepy in 1937, and it still is creepy now to develop a film and a whole line of cosmetics dedicated to this fictional 13-year old's "beauty."
Color wise, the smaller palette is more interesting to me because some colors seem more saturated, and one color looks like it has shimmer (the green), but still, same complaints. Very muted, uninteresting colors. And the Snow White on the packaging- her eye look is literally a wash of grey. So, yay?
I dunno folks. And considering the fact that Snow White has such toxic undercurrents of beauty=whiteness, do I really want to support that narrative? And are those pastel muted shades going to appear the same on every skin tone?
It just does not seem timely to put this out- and yeah, I know it is vintage. But what about a Disney Princess eyeshadow palette, with princess getting a shade or two? Or a Disney Villain palette?
Eh, I am going to gladly pass. On all of it.
What else can I roast?
Oh yes, this is a good one. This is a good one because yes, I kind of wanted it. This is the BH Cosmetics Zodiac palette:
So, this drew immediate comparisons to the precious snowflake of a palette, the KvD Mi Vida Loca Remix palette. And I only got into makeup way after that palette was released, so I did not suffer the pangs of FOMO when it was sold out.
So yeah, immediate comparisons due to the wheel design. Overall, I think it's a cute concept, but very similar to the points I made about the Nyx element palette- appealing to those themes or even identities fosters an artificial connection with a palette that you would not necessarily have otherwise. For example, I am a Cancer, but if those colors were called Matte Violet, and Baked Metallic Grey, would I care? Nope. And I still don't actually. Now even though I like the color pairings, the baked formula absolutely needs primer, glitter glue even, to avoid fall-out. The only mattes I've tried are from the Missy Lynn palette, and I ended up decluttering that, but they were not bad at all.
Overall, there are way too many sparkly light shades for my liking, and aside from that metallic green, I know I have these colors in one form or another.
I also think this palette took a cue from Tarte by putting a highlighter in the center of it, as with the Magic palette. I don't think that really is a universal highlighter, but I will update with swatches.
It does not anger me as much as the aforementioned palettes, but it is not something that is not necessary to buy.
Let's move on to Morphe, shall we?
This retails for $32, and is notable for having larger pans of a variety of skin tone shades, for the base or transition. Which is nice. I do think it is hi-larious though, that Morphe still wants to convince you that ALL THE SHADES are necessary, and all THEIR shades are distinct. For me, let's see which colors pop. The bright grapefruit red tone, maybe the orange next to it, and maybe that pinkish shimmer next to the orange, because it possibly looks like a duochrome. That's it.
Below, that olive green, a blue shimmer, and a green shimmer are the only ones distinct to me. Out of a palette of FORTY shades. While I think this palette is a push in a better direction for Morphe, we still have a long ways to go before I would consider buying anything from them. And considering this is holiday and short lived, I don't know if that day will ever come.
Okay, the last one I have to embed from Trendmood1:
This is the newst stack of eyeshadows by Melt cosmetics, called the....actually I don't know. They are only posting the names of the individual shadows.
On their sites, stacks of four shades are $48, while the Rust Stack, of five shades, is $58. A single eyeshadow cost $17....
Hm.
Their pricing seems shady to me. Okay so in a palette of four, each shade cost $12. In a palette of five, then, each cost 11.60, which is nice. They could have charged $60. But then why make the singles so much more expensive?
That seems a bit too much on the nose/to aggressive to suggest the palettes are a better deal.The price discrepancy is too large for me.
But let's move on to the color scheme. I have never purchased Melt, and probably will never, so I can't comment on quality.
But I can comment on the swatches and color scheme.
1.) Skeleton's Kiss- a little late for the spooky train aren't we? But anyway, this is a sheer duo chrome, and the promotional picture used to show how this can be both a highlighter and an eyeshadow was not flattering at all- showed major texture.
2.) Last Caress- A matte burgundy
3.) She's in Parties- a Cranberry metallic
4.) Meanstreak- a blackened plum.
Yes, the colors are cool, but I don't see how you are going to get distinct looks for this, especially because I think Skeleton's Kiss is kind of a dud. Too much to pay for a one-trick pony.
So, that's all I have for tonight. Happy not-shopping this holiday (lul)!
Makeup Collection: Declutters and Additions
So, for the past week I have noticed significant overflow in my makeup organizer, in the section where I keep lip products. As part of the acrylic organizer, the center "row" is divided into three: on the left is where I keep misc lip products, the center are my go-to brown/nude lipsticks, and the right is where I keep gloss.
Today I evaluated my collection, and decided to rid myself of two that I was just using.
1.) Trust Fund Beauty Lipgasm Gloss in {shrugs} from Ipsy. I had a couple of issues with this product, but kept it around for as long as I did because it was not a sticky gloss, and kept my lips moisturized. However, it smelled like paint, and had rather pointy applicator that was not pleasant to work with. If my lips were chapped, it would actually pull at the skin on my lips (shudders). If I had to choose between that gloss and my Nyx gloss in Praline..well, that's no contest. The TFB gloss is done with.
Speaking of this brand, why is it that no one has heard anything about it? No releases, no nothing? And ipsy promoted the hell out of it, I even got that stick highlighter- (That Glo Tho *rolls eyes* ) which was a complete fail. Perhaps, despite heavy sponsorship and promotion, the products were simply not that good?
2.) I also had to say goodbye to the Covergirl "Colorlicious Melting Pout" lipgloss in "Gel-ebrity." It was a beautiful brown opaque gloss, but the applicator was super frustrating and did not dispense product. Silly me, I thought popping the applicator off would solve this issue, but alas. It did not. Furthermore, that exact shade of brown is very similar to my most recent lipstick acquisition: Bloodline by Hard Candy. And I like that product more, so...
Stray observations:
3.) I am still holding on to a rather old gloss called Monster Gloss from Femme Couture Beauty. I bought this years ago from Sally Beauty, and it is a light gloss that has that red-brown shifting blue pigment. I keep it around because I think it is cool that right now, brands are trying to accomplish this, and charging an arm and a leg, for what other companies have been doing for years.
4.) I have a small Bite Beauty lipstick collection that I need to make more use of.
5.) My most used lipsticks are as follows: 1-Sin-a-mon from Maybelline 2-Touchable Taupe, also from Maybelline 3-Dolly, Buxom
Moving on to eyeshadow, I recently took a look at my z-palette and reorganized some shades, as well as nixed some others. These are the four I depotted:
Let's move from l-r, and top-bottom.
We are first starting with a frosted white shade, from the BH Cosmetics Foil #1 palette. This is a really nice, opaque shade, but completely extra in my collection. I don't really use white in my inner corner at all. So even though I was holding on to it for a while, it was time. I also have the Nyx crayon in Cottage Cheese, which pretty much serves the purpose that white shade had, and I would rather use the Nyx crayon up.
On the right is a frosted silver-green shade. I did not like this very much because I felt that the color was too muted. I do have a stronger green shade in my palette, and I know I would much rather have more distinct colors on my face.
Moving on, we have a copper shimmer also from the BH cosmetics palette. I am decluttering this because this is probably the most common duped color throughout my collection. It is a dupe for Amber Rush from L'Oreal, which I like better, as well as Sherbert from the Dose of Colors EyesCream palette. AS WELL as a shade from my Queen of Hearts palette, as well as a Rose Gold shade from my Milani metallics palette. And I enjoy all of those- not this one.
The next is also from the BH palette- this kind of indistinct purple-brown metallic. It swatches beautifully, but I don't get the level of sheen I want on my eye.
And last, is a gold-pink duochrome that was depotted from a Sleek palette. I just down wear this any more, and have since bought really nice pinky duochromes that I prefer.
What else?
I also destashed two L'Oreal mascaras whose time was up- The L'Oreal Paradise one, which I think is dreadfully overpriced, and the Voluminous w/ a Curved Brush. I used them both until the formula got pretty goopy and smelled a bit off, and have since bought the Voluminous Original in Blackest Black, on clearance for $4.00. It performs even better than the Lash Paradise, I feel. We'll see how it wears throughout the day, but I've got a feeling I've got a new HG.
I am also decluttering the Milani palette in Earthly Elements- because there was no need for me to have this. I have two brilliant oranges- slightly different- in the Queen of Hearts palette and Modern Renaissance. Besides the two mattes in the Earthly Elements palette, the rest I would not use, so it is not worth it to me to keep it. The brown matte, like the orange, performs beautifully, but I can dupe it a couple of times over in other palettes I own.
I am also getting rid of Boozy Brunch, which is a WnW dupe for Champagne Pop, from Becca. It's just too dark for me, and takes up way to much space in my drawer.
In terms of brow products, I will be decluttering two. There was a time I thought I actually needed special brow products, but I really don't. I use a wax to shape my brows, but that's it.
So, Soap and Glory Arch De Triumph is being kicked to the curb- though the highlighter pencil side was nice- a pink toned cream color that had a powdery formula once applied, the brown pencil side was useless. The pencil had no color payoff unless you pressed really hard, tearing out your brows in the process. Not fun.
Also, I am tossing Hard Candy Brow's Now! Brow Gel and Highlighter. I actually liked the idea of a brow gel, and did use a good portion of it. The highlighter end was a shimmer pinky-white shade that I would ever use, and like I said before, I like using clear brow wax, so I have no need for that.
In terms of what I added to my collection:
-I mentioned the L'Oreal Voluminous mascara, which I am totally blown away with.
-The Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts palette, which I feel has a perfect place in my collection, but I do want to hold off on using it until I pan more of ABH Modern Ren.
-Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Mask- finally I found one! Walmart was out of this and by chance I stopped in today and they had it! This mask, less than three dollars, I am hoping will be a good replacement to the Shea Moisture Clarifying Mask (which is $15...)
-Hard Candy Mattifying Setting Spray
-BH Cosmetics Setting Spray (which I bought before the Hard Candy one...even though I don't mind this one- formula wise- it keeps getting clogged in the spray, and I have to spray a bit before applying to get an even mist)
-A few weeks ago I also bought the Maybelline Fit Me in Matte and Poreless, which I repotted into an empty container (the Ordinary Serum Foundation fyi), so I use it with a pump bottle, which I am quite pleased with all around.
-Finally, I bought an empty eyeshadow quad from Sally Beauty from their house brand (formerly Sally's Girl), Bitzy. I really liked the design of it, and I am interested in smaller palettes (says the girl who bought the queen of hearts palette), so in it I placed my current favorite eyeshadow singles:
What I really also like about this compact is the mirror, as well as the rounded edges. This makes an excellent travel container for any of my single eyeshadows!
Thanks for reading!
Today I evaluated my collection, and decided to rid myself of two that I was just using.
1.) Trust Fund Beauty Lipgasm Gloss in {shrugs} from Ipsy. I had a couple of issues with this product, but kept it around for as long as I did because it was not a sticky gloss, and kept my lips moisturized. However, it smelled like paint, and had rather pointy applicator that was not pleasant to work with. If my lips were chapped, it would actually pull at the skin on my lips (shudders). If I had to choose between that gloss and my Nyx gloss in Praline..well, that's no contest. The TFB gloss is done with.
Speaking of this brand, why is it that no one has heard anything about it? No releases, no nothing? And ipsy promoted the hell out of it, I even got that stick highlighter- (That Glo Tho *rolls eyes* ) which was a complete fail. Perhaps, despite heavy sponsorship and promotion, the products were simply not that good?
2.) I also had to say goodbye to the Covergirl "Colorlicious Melting Pout" lipgloss in "Gel-ebrity." It was a beautiful brown opaque gloss, but the applicator was super frustrating and did not dispense product. Silly me, I thought popping the applicator off would solve this issue, but alas. It did not. Furthermore, that exact shade of brown is very similar to my most recent lipstick acquisition: Bloodline by Hard Candy. And I like that product more, so...
Stray observations:
3.) I am still holding on to a rather old gloss called Monster Gloss from Femme Couture Beauty. I bought this years ago from Sally Beauty, and it is a light gloss that has that red-brown shifting blue pigment. I keep it around because I think it is cool that right now, brands are trying to accomplish this, and charging an arm and a leg, for what other companies have been doing for years.
4.) I have a small Bite Beauty lipstick collection that I need to make more use of.
5.) My most used lipsticks are as follows: 1-Sin-a-mon from Maybelline 2-Touchable Taupe, also from Maybelline 3-Dolly, Buxom
Moving on to eyeshadow, I recently took a look at my z-palette and reorganized some shades, as well as nixed some others. These are the four I depotted:
We are first starting with a frosted white shade, from the BH Cosmetics Foil #1 palette. This is a really nice, opaque shade, but completely extra in my collection. I don't really use white in my inner corner at all. So even though I was holding on to it for a while, it was time. I also have the Nyx crayon in Cottage Cheese, which pretty much serves the purpose that white shade had, and I would rather use the Nyx crayon up.
On the right is a frosted silver-green shade. I did not like this very much because I felt that the color was too muted. I do have a stronger green shade in my palette, and I know I would much rather have more distinct colors on my face.
Moving on, we have a copper shimmer also from the BH cosmetics palette. I am decluttering this because this is probably the most common duped color throughout my collection. It is a dupe for Amber Rush from L'Oreal, which I like better, as well as Sherbert from the Dose of Colors EyesCream palette. AS WELL as a shade from my Queen of Hearts palette, as well as a Rose Gold shade from my Milani metallics palette. And I enjoy all of those- not this one.
The next is also from the BH palette- this kind of indistinct purple-brown metallic. It swatches beautifully, but I don't get the level of sheen I want on my eye.
And last, is a gold-pink duochrome that was depotted from a Sleek palette. I just down wear this any more, and have since bought really nice pinky duochromes that I prefer.
What else?
I also destashed two L'Oreal mascaras whose time was up- The L'Oreal Paradise one, which I think is dreadfully overpriced, and the Voluminous w/ a Curved Brush. I used them both until the formula got pretty goopy and smelled a bit off, and have since bought the Voluminous Original in Blackest Black, on clearance for $4.00. It performs even better than the Lash Paradise, I feel. We'll see how it wears throughout the day, but I've got a feeling I've got a new HG.
I am also decluttering the Milani palette in Earthly Elements- because there was no need for me to have this. I have two brilliant oranges- slightly different- in the Queen of Hearts palette and Modern Renaissance. Besides the two mattes in the Earthly Elements palette, the rest I would not use, so it is not worth it to me to keep it. The brown matte, like the orange, performs beautifully, but I can dupe it a couple of times over in other palettes I own.
I am also getting rid of Boozy Brunch, which is a WnW dupe for Champagne Pop, from Becca. It's just too dark for me, and takes up way to much space in my drawer.
In terms of brow products, I will be decluttering two. There was a time I thought I actually needed special brow products, but I really don't. I use a wax to shape my brows, but that's it.
So, Soap and Glory Arch De Triumph is being kicked to the curb- though the highlighter pencil side was nice- a pink toned cream color that had a powdery formula once applied, the brown pencil side was useless. The pencil had no color payoff unless you pressed really hard, tearing out your brows in the process. Not fun.
Also, I am tossing Hard Candy Brow's Now! Brow Gel and Highlighter. I actually liked the idea of a brow gel, and did use a good portion of it. The highlighter end was a shimmer pinky-white shade that I would ever use, and like I said before, I like using clear brow wax, so I have no need for that.
In terms of what I added to my collection:
-I mentioned the L'Oreal Voluminous mascara, which I am totally blown away with.
-The Coloured Raine Queen of Hearts palette, which I feel has a perfect place in my collection, but I do want to hold off on using it until I pan more of ABH Modern Ren.
-Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Mask- finally I found one! Walmart was out of this and by chance I stopped in today and they had it! This mask, less than three dollars, I am hoping will be a good replacement to the Shea Moisture Clarifying Mask (which is $15...)
-Hard Candy Mattifying Setting Spray
-BH Cosmetics Setting Spray (which I bought before the Hard Candy one...even though I don't mind this one- formula wise- it keeps getting clogged in the spray, and I have to spray a bit before applying to get an even mist)
-A few weeks ago I also bought the Maybelline Fit Me in Matte and Poreless, which I repotted into an empty container (the Ordinary Serum Foundation fyi), so I use it with a pump bottle, which I am quite pleased with all around.
-Finally, I bought an empty eyeshadow quad from Sally Beauty from their house brand (formerly Sally's Girl), Bitzy. I really liked the design of it, and I am interested in smaller palettes (says the girl who bought the queen of hearts palette), so in it I placed my current favorite eyeshadow singles:
Here we have ABH Amber, Vanessa's Vanity Tangy Dijon, Coloured Raine Angel Face, and ABH Fudge.
Thanks for reading!
Sunday, November 5, 2017
Subculture Inspired EoTD (w/ lots of pictures of my eye)
Good morning! November already....I am floored by how fast this year is going.
Today's eye look was inspired by one of my favorite youtubers- Makeupstruggles- who just put out a video last night on affordable palettes and whether or not they were worth it.
She mentioned the Maybelline palette collab w/ Shayla- and said that she found it too expensive for what it was, but it was a fine drugstore palette.
I agree, but I do want to feel like I am getting my money's worth in some way. I actually like the cool yellow shimmer in the palette- it works for me, I feel, as well as the two mattes.
So today I decided to incorporate this palette into my look, as well as other eyeshadow singles and palettes because why not.
Let's go over the look! Pictures ahead. And of course, be forewarned that my camera quality is not great.
We'll begin with the different eyeshadow products I used:
Finally, depotted from my Floriculture Palette by Tarina Tarantino palette, Deep Dahlia. The picture shows shimmer, but this more of a satin/matte shade, comparable to Rowdy from the Subculture Palette.
All of these combined to make the following color palette:
To make the the following looks:
I used the cream shade in the Shayla palette over my brow bone and crease, and then put Warm Taupe in my crease. On the lid, I placed the darker coppery shimmer from the Shayla palette, and then the gold glittery shade on top of that. I then blended the yellow shade out slightly above the crease ( I could have done this before adding Warm Taupe, but it occurred to me to use the yellow a little later). To make the look more complex, I placed Deep Dahlia in the outer corner.
At the time, I was not trying to create a look that could also be made by the Subculture palette, but here we are. I definitely think this is a cool look that I don't normally do, but would want to replicate again!
Today's eye look was inspired by one of my favorite youtubers- Makeupstruggles- who just put out a video last night on affordable palettes and whether or not they were worth it.
She mentioned the Maybelline palette collab w/ Shayla- and said that she found it too expensive for what it was, but it was a fine drugstore palette.
I agree, but I do want to feel like I am getting my money's worth in some way. I actually like the cool yellow shimmer in the palette- it works for me, I feel, as well as the two mattes.
So today I decided to incorporate this palette into my look, as well as other eyeshadow singles and palettes because why not.
Let's go over the look! Pictures ahead. And of course, be forewarned that my camera quality is not great.
We'll begin with the different eyeshadow products I used:
From Shayla's Citi Mini Palette, I used the top cream matte shade, as well as the bronze shimmer, and the yellow gold shimmer/glitter.
From the Indie brand Vanessa's Vanity, I used the shade Tangy Dijon. Because of this shade, I feel like the entire Subculture and Yes, Please palette is irrelevant to me. It is a beautiful mustard yellow.
From the Modern Renaissance palette, Warm Taupe in the crease. I have such a deep dip into this, but I am not entirely sure if I panned it or not. I want to use it up and my goal is to have five pans in the Modern Renaissance by the end of the month. I already have three. Though this shade is called "Warm Taupe," it is one of the cooler-lighter toned browns/taupes that I own.
Finally, depotted from my Floriculture Palette by Tarina Tarantino palette, Deep Dahlia. The picture shows shimmer, but this more of a satin/matte shade, comparable to Rowdy from the Subculture Palette.
All of these combined to make the following color palette:
To make the the following looks:
At the time, I was not trying to create a look that could also be made by the Subculture palette, but here we are. I definitely think this is a cool look that I don't normally do, but would want to replicate again!
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