May Makeup Haul

I moved this past month so I didn't really do much shopping. Here is what I did get:

Ulta

• L'Oreal Lineur Intense Eyeliner
• BareEscentuals Pink Delicious Lip Gloss Set
  
• NYX Shadow Palette

1. Jazz Night
2. Champagne & Caviar
3. Smokey Eye

Victoria Secret

• Eyeshadow Velvet Luster: Champagne, Private Beach
• Eyeshadow Velvet Matte: Devoted
• Matte Cream Lipstick: Breathe, Pretty

MAC

• Lipstick: Viva Glam V, Hug Me
• 109 Brush

Walgreens

• EOS Lip Balm: Summer Fruit
  
• Maybelline Shine Sensational: Minty Sheer
  

Urban Decay Lip Primer

Product: Urban Decay Lip Primer
I've always been a big fan of Urban Decay. Not only are their products pretty but they're usually of great quality. I've been using their eyeshadow primer for a while now, so I was very excited to see that they came out with a lip primer. I had high expectation just from past experience with their other products.

Claim: Color is truer, applies smoother, lasts longer, and will not fade or feather. The easy-glide formula feels velvety-soft, without the drying feeling often associated with long-lasting lip color. The formula includes SPF 15 (yay!) and moisturizing Vitamins A, C and E for a primer that protects and perfects. And, Urban Decay's pretty roll-up tube and slanted bullet make for precise, easy application.

Price: $ $
I bought this at Ulta for $20

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
This lip primer comes in a small, purple, metallic tube with silver flowery design. You twist the tube to reveal the primer. This contains only 0.07 oz of product.

Pros:

• Nice packaging
• Has SPF 15 & Vitamins
• Made my lipstick color seem truer
• Gives the lipstick color something to hold on to
  
• No Feathering

Cons:

• Does not apply smoothly or glide on easily
• Makes my lips feel dry
• Pricey
  

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥
I'm torn about this product. I think my expectations for it were to high and it just didn't meet them. The only great thing about it was the packaging. Everything else was kind of *blah*. This primer did not glide on to my lips when I applied it. It has a consistence of thick wax. It tugged on my lips. I had to apply it a little bit at a time. I even tried to warm it up my quickly rolling the tube between my hand but it didn't help in trying to make it glide on smoother. Because it was so thick, it felt like my lips were dry. It didn't dry my lips, it just felt that way.
As far as it's claim to make your lipstick last longer, it does but not by much. My lipstick just faded at a slower pace. With legless it really didn't help at all. I will say that my lipstick or lip gloss didn't feather. I will say that the lipstick seem to be attracted to this primer. It does give a truer lipstick color because it gives it something to hold on to. Over all I wouldn't buy this product again.

FOTD: Soft Purple

Face:

Sally Hansen Airbrush Spray Foundation in Medium to Deep
applied with a Kabuki Brush
Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Beige (Medium)
MAC/Hello Kitty Powder in Pretty Baby
applied with SS150
MAC/Hello Kitty Blush in Tippy
applied with SS168
Contour with NARS Love Joy
applied with MAC 109

Lips:
MAC Prep + Prime Lips
Ulta Lip Liner in Flesh
Maybelline Lipstick in Warm me Up

Eyes:
Tarte Eye Primer
Used NYX Runway Shadow Palette in Jazz Night
Color #1 (matte brown) on & above the crease
applied with SS224
Color #2 (soft greyish purple) on the 2/3 of the lidand under lower lash line
applied with ELF eyeshadow brush
Color #3 (shimmery purple) on 1/2 of the outside lid
and outside corner of lower lash line
applied with ELF blending brush
Color # 4 (silver) in the tear duck area
applied with SS266MAC Vanilla as a highlight on brow bone
applied with Sonya Kashuk small shadow brush
L'Oreal Linear Intense Liquid Eyeliner
Too Face Lash Injection Mascara

FOTD: Everyday Neutral Look

This is my Face of the Day Look and I wanted to go with something neutral that you can do for everyday.

Face:
Applied Neutrogena Healthy Skin in Natural Tan
with a Sonya Kashuk Blending Sponge
Then I applied Revlon Color Stay Powder in Medium/Deep
with a SS150
Contoured with NARS Love Joy
with MAC 109
Used NARS Orgasm for blush
using SS168

Lips:
MAC Prep + Prime Lips
MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick
Cargo Luxor Lipgloss

Eyes:
I used NYX Runway Palette in Champagne & Caviar
First, I applied MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot
Applied Color #1 as a highlight on my brow bone
using SS239Applied Color #2 all over my lids
using SS252
Applied Color #3 in the crease
using SS224
Applied Color #4 on the outer crease & on my
upper & lower lash line
with a SS219
Applied Color #5 closes to my upper & lower lashes
with a SS266
Last, I used Too Face Lash Injection Mascara

MAC To The Beach

MAC's To The Beach Collection came out on sale early online. The collection isn't launching in stores until the 27th. I'm so hurt because some items are already sold out. Everyone needs to hurry if they want to get this collection.

Check out the collection at:
MAC
Macy's
Nordstrom

However, I didn't see Macy's or Nordstrom having Marine Life and MAC was sold out.

L'Oreal Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner

Product: Lineur Intense Felt Tip Liquid Eyeliner in Black Mica (soft black).

The other shades it comes in are:

• Earthen Rock Brown
  
• Mineral Grey
• Carbon Black
  

Claim: A richly pigmented liquid eyeliner with a felt tip that can make a precise line or a wide wash of color. Color lasts up to 8 hours without fading.

Price: $
I bought this product for $7.99 at Ulta.

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
The eyeliner comes in a long gold tube. The handle makes up 2/3 of the length which is tapered for a better hold. The applicator is a felt tip and comes to a point. This liner is only 0.05 fl. oz. of actual product.


Pros:

• Easiest liquid liner to use
  
• Creates a precise line (thin or thick)
• Applies smoothly
• Can be long lasting
• Removes easily
• It's not runny/dripping
  

Cons:

• Smudges if touched.
  
• You have the shake the liner before apply or the color will look watered down.
• Wish there was more of the product.
• I wish it was waterproof.
  

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I actually really like this product. This was the easiest liquid eyeliner I've ever used. The shape of the felt tip applicator makes it really easy to apply a precise line. I do wish it was waterproof. The weird thing about this eyeliner that I never experienced with other liquid eyeliners is that you have to shake it before applying. When you shake it, you can hear the little ball inside jiggling around.The color will look watery if you don't. It can last a long time unless you accidentally touch it and then it smudges. For all it's faults, it's still a great liner. It's the only liquid eyeliner I've used this past month.

NYX Private Sale

Cherry Culture is having a NYX sale May 20th thru the 25th. All NYX products even those that are already marked down are now 25% off. Use the code NYX25.

NYX Round Lipstick

Product: NYX Round Lipstick is NYX top selling lipstick offering long lasting and non-smudging color.

I have the colors in Thalia, Paris, Earth Angel, Champagne, Rose Bud, Saturn, Tea Rose, Indian Pink, & Sky Pink.

All the colors are matte or shimmery/luster with over 100 shades.

Claim: A velvet textured lipstick formulated with mineral oil to provide moisturizing benefits and rich color.

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
Each lipstick comes in a black round tube with the NYX logo & writing on the outside. On the bottom of the tube is clear to see the actual lipstick color

Price: $
Originially, each tube cost $4 at retailers but I bought these lipstick for $1.99 at Cherry Culture. Either way it's still inexpensive.

Pros:

• Glides on smoothly
• Feels soft on the lips
• Great pigmentation
• So many shade choices
• Great price
  

Cons:

• It's as long lasting & non-smudging as any other lipstick.
  

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I love these lipsticks. They exceeded my expectation. I was surprised on how smooth they go on and how great the colors were on my lips. With so many shades, everyone can truly find the right shade for them.

E.L.F is giving free E.L.F. Professional Brush Set with an order of $20 or more. Use the code EGBST. This offer ends May 25, 2010, while supplies last. The 12 brush set includes:

• Eyelash & Brow Wand
• Blended eye brush
• Concealer brush
• Lip Defining Brush
• Smudge Eye Sponge
• Eyeshadow Brush
• Defining Eye Brush
• Eyeliner Brush
• Brow Comb & Brush
• Foundation Brush
• Blending Brush
• Total Face Brush

I have a few of E.L.F. Professional Brushes and they are pretty good brushes. This is good for those just starting out with make up or if you're looking for good yet affordable brushes.

Tarte Sale on HauteLook

HauteLook is having a sale on Tarte beauty products. Items are on sale for around 50% off their original price. Check it out at HauteLook.com This sale end Thursday morning. Things are going fast.

InStyle Best Beauty Buy 2010

The winners are in! InStyle's list of the very best hair, makeup, and skin products on the market. We asked the pros for their favorite mascaras, lotions, lipsticks and more to keep you in the know.

Check out InStyle Best Beauty Buy list at Instyle.com

Bio Oil Inital Review

Product: Bio Oil
I bought this to help with the stretch marks on my stomach and dry patchy skin on my face. They say to used it twice a day for a minimum of 3 month.
I've been using this product for a little over a month now.

Claim:Bio-Oil® is a specialist skincare product that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Its advanced formulation, which contains the breakthrough ingredient PurCellin Oil™, also makes it highly effective for numerous other skin concerns, including
aging skin and dehydrated skin.

Packaging:♦ ♦

I bought Bio Oil in a 2 fl. oz. plastic bottle. I think I would like this better if it had a pump for easier application. I hate getting the oil on the bottle when I handle it after I've already applied product.

Price: $ $
Bio Oil normal cost $11.99 at Walgreens but I bought it on sale for $9.99

Pros:

• Not Greasy
• A Little Goes A Long Way

Cons: None So Far

Initial Verdict:♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
I actually heard of Bio Oil a little while back but it wasn't until I saw fafinettex3's video on youtube that convinced me to finally try it. I've been using Bio Oil for a little over a month and so far I like it. It's not greasy and doesn't clog my pores. I think it's help with the dry patches on my face and help fade my stretch marks a little. They say to use the product for 3 months to see real results so I will continue to us it to see if it there's a more dramatic result. It might see a lot to pay $11.99 for a 2fl. oz bottle but you don't need to use a lot when applying. I have been apply Bio Oil twice a day (morning & night) for the past month and I've only used half a bottle. I can't wait to see if this product really will work. I hope so.

E.L.F. Studio Line Blush

Product: E.L.F. Studio Line Blush. There are 9 shades: Peachy Keen, Tickled Pink, Candid Coral, Mellow Mauve, Berry Merry, Blushing Rose, Pink Passion, Fuschia Fusion, & Gotta Glow.

I have Peachy Keen, Tickled Pink, Candid Coral, Mellow Mauve, & Gotta Glow.

Claim: The soft sheer texture blends into the skin for a silky finish. Designed to be worn alone or layered for more depth. Highlight your complexion with a subtle healthy glow!

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
A small black rectangular compact with a little window so you are able to see the shade without opening. It also has small mirror on in the insides. It's very similar to the packaging of Nars blushes.

Price: $
Each blush is only $3, but I bought them when they were on sale for 50% off from their website, www.eyeslipsface.com .

Pros:

• Inexpensive
• Good Color Pay Off
• Nice Packaging
  

Cons:

• A little bit Powdery
  

Final Verdict: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
Overall, I thought this was a good product. The colors are nice and it's inexpensive. I do think they tried to look (packaging wise) like Nars Blushes. Candid Coral is similar to Orgasm and Gotta Glow is similar to Albatross.

NYX 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette

When I went to Ulta they had a sale for NYX products. Buy 2 Get 1 Free. I decided to get their 10 Color Eyeshadow Palette in Jazz Night, Champagne & Caviar, and Smokey Eye. When I was checking out I found out that the palette were on sale from $9.99 to $7.49.

NYX Eye Shadow Palette feature:

Ten shades of eye shadow combinations

Highly pigmented, long-lasting shadow formulations

A sleek case with a large mirror and a dual tip applicator.

There are shades for base, highlight, and contour.

Compact enough to carry around for on the go.

I really like these palettes. All the colors are shimmery or matte and pigmented. They are a decent size and not too small. I like how sleek the compact looks. It doesn't look cheap.
I like Jazz Night because of the blue & purple combination.
I like Champagne & Caviar is great for a more neutral/natural look.
The Smokey Eye palette has great combinations to create s subtle or dramatic look.

Final Verdict

Pro: Pigmented, 10 Eyeshadows, Large Mirror

Con: None

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Pop Beauty Sale at HauteLook

HauteLook is having sale for Pop Beauty Products. All the products are 70% off their original price and the sale ends Saturday morning. Check it out at HauteLook.com

Bare Escentuals Pink Delicious Lipgloss Collection

Recently, I went to Ulta and bought bareMinerals Pink Delicious gift set. It is a 4 mini size 100% natural lipgloss and cost $26. Each of these four mini, cake-inspired shades leave your lips drizzled in sparkling color. They come in a small black box with pink swirl designs. They are as big as a lipstick tube (0.08 fl. oz.) and come with a lip brush applicator. According to the discription these lipglosses:

Provides long-lasting hydration and the perfect glossy finish without any stickiness

Jojoba, Sesame and Sunflower Oils, as well as Cupuacu Butter, soften and hydrate

Pomegranate Seed Oil and Vitamin E provide antioxidant protection

Honeysuckle Flower Extract conditions your lips

Natural Vanilla provides a pleasant and soothing scent

Infused with 100% pure bareMinerals for an extra dose of healthy nutrients

I fell in love with these lipglosses. I've been using them everyday since I got them. They smell delicious, very pigmented, and most importantly super glossy. They are a little bit thick without being sticky and they make your lips feel so soft. They're everything you want in a lip gloss and at $26 for 4 shades it's a good price. I only wish they were bigger.

Birthday Cake: A fuchsia color with blue sparkling flecks.
Strawberry Shortcake: A soft pink with pink sparkling flecks.
7 Layer Cake: A nude pink with multi-colored sparkling flecks.
Cupcake: A copper color with gold sparkling flecks.

Final Verdict

Pro: Pigmented, Very Glossy, Not Sticky, and Makes Your Lips Feel So Soft

Con: The Tubes are Small

Buy Again: Yes

Price: $ $ $

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

MAC Superglass Launch

Shattered, decimated, blinded by a fantastic, intergalactic lip light! Lips have gone big bang, explosively dimensional, a rare eclipse. Extreme innovation that's a good reflection on M∙A∙C...and the seductress lucky enough to strike upon it.

MAC just launched Superglass. If you buy it online there's free shipping now until May 9, 2010, 11:59 PM EST with the code: SUPERGLASS. There are 9 different shades at $18.00 each. I'm kinda feeling the shades Sugar Overload, Sweet Tart, Superflash, & Totally Bang. I guess I'll see how I really like it when I go to MAC.

Sigma Brushes

I got my 1st set of more professional makeup brushes. After debating about it for the past month I finally decided to order a Sigma Brush set from Sigmamakeup.com. I've only started getting serious with makeup about 2 years ago and I've never had any good brushes. The brushes I've collected were drugstore brand brushes like Studio 35 and others I can't even remember the brand from. They weren't the best quality but they were enough at the time. Now that I'm more involve with makeup & beauty, I wanted to have the right tools to work with. If you have great quality makeup, it won't apply as well if you're using low quality brushes.
The reason I decided to buy Sigma Brushes was because I was hearing good reviews from TiffanyD and EnKore , etc. Also some makeup brushes are kinda expensive (i.e. MAC, Japonesque, Studio Gear, Sephora) and I found that these brushes are reasonably priced. I bought the Sigma Makeup Professional Brushes Complete Kit (12 brushes) with the Brush Roll for $89. You could buy 2-3 MAC brushes at that price. So these brushes are very affordable. I bought the kit in black but there is also one in pink. The kit comes in a mess bag with a pamphlet about the brushes and brush cleaning. So here's is what I thing about this product.

Brush Roll: Leather like material that is soft to the touch and closes with a clasp. On the inside it can hold 15 brushes and has a flap to cover the brushes.

Powder Brush (SS150): A large but soft dense brush that is good for applying powder, but I wouldn't use it for loose powder. The brush head is shape sorta like a paddle and has natural bristles. There wasn't any fallout when I washed the brush but there was a little bit of fallout (like 2 strands) when I used it.

Duo Fiber Brush (SS187): A soft blend of synthetic and natural bristles. Good for stippling liquid foundation for an airbrush look but can also be used to apply blush, highlight, or loose pigment. I had a few fall outs with this brush.

Angled Contour Brush (SS168): An angled brush with natural bristles that is good for applying blush and contour shades. I had a little bit of fall out when I used and washed it. It's very soft and really picks up makeup.

Foundation Brush (SS190): A flat, synthetic brush that comes to a point. Good for applying liquid or cream foundation. I didn't have any fallout but I found that sometimes when I used it, it felt kinda "pokie".

Concealer Brush (SS194): A small, tapered, synthetic brush that is good for precise application. It is soft so it won't poke sensitive areas like under the eye. I didn't have any fallout with this brush.

Blending Brush (SS224): A round, tapered brush with natural bristles. Great for blending eyeshadow and soft. This was the biggest disappointment. It had MAJOR fallout. I have cheaper brushes that didn't fallout as much as this did.

Large Shader Brush (SS252): A flat tapered shape brush with natural bristles. Good for applying eyeshadow all over the lid, cream shadows, and pigment. I had no fallout with this brush. It's soft but can be "pokie" you get it the wrong way.

Medium Angled Shader Brush (SS275): A flat, angled brush with natural bristles. A soft brush for applying eyeshadow. I did not have any fallout.

Eye Shading Brush (SS239): A soft, flat but dense, dome shaped brush. It has natural bristles and is good for applying any kind of eyeshadow. This did not have any fallout.

Pencil Brush (SS219): A soft natural bristle brush that comes to a point. Good for applying eyeshadow on the inner corner, crease, outer corner, and under the lash line. I had no fallout.

Small Angled Brush (SS266): A small angled synthetic brush. Good applying gel or cream liner or as an eyebrow brush. It's so so it does not tug on the skin and it didn't have any fall out.

Eyeliner Brush (SS209): A very small precise brush that comes to a point. Made with synthetic fiber that is good for lining the eye with gel or cream liners. Can also be used as a lip brush. This did not have any fall out.

Final Verdict

Pro: All soft, good quality, and versatile.

Con: SS224- Major Fallout, SS190- Can be "pokie"

Buy Again: Yes

Price: At $89 for a 13 piece kit it's affordable

Packaging: ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Overall: ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥