Month: March 2015

NYX New Products Haul and Review

.Reading time 9 minutes.

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Hello darlings, I recently purchased a bunch of NYX’s new releases from www.nyxcosmetics.com. I originally wanted the Conceal and Contour palette, but Ulta never had the “Light” shade in stock, so I resorted to my favorite pastime: online shopping. Of course I couldn’t just get one thing, so here they all are! Below I’ll have my personal thoughts on each product, except the Conceal and Correct palette, which I haven’t used yet, but if you guys want a review let me know. (Casey Holmes raves about it, so I’m sure it’s amazeballs). Anywho look below for the in-depth reviews, swatches and of course a makeup look.

Lips

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YOU NEED THESE. These lipsticks are amazing. Pigmented, buttery (as buttery as the NYX butter glosses) and long-wearing. Out of everything I purchased I’d say get these. They’re only $6 and seriously the most amazing lipsticks I’ve ever used. I need them all and I think you do too.

Side note, sorry for the janky looking lipstick. I particularly mean the Wine & Dine shade, but this is what happens in my purse, or small luggage bag as my Mom like to call it. (Products reviewed from left to right).

Rock Star: Rock Star is described as a red/pink and I think it’s the perfect retro coral color for spring and summer. I die for these shades in the summertime with a great black and white outfit. This shade is buttery, full of life vibrant. You name it, it’s got it. Grade:10/10

Wine & Dine: Wine & Dine is described as a semi-deep plum with pink undertone. This reminds me off my favorite MAC lipstick Rebel, but creamier. Can’t beat that. Grade 9/10

Flutter Kiss: Flutter Kiss is described as a soft mauve pink and it is PERFECTION. I’ve worn this lipstick pretty much everyday since I got it. It’s not too brown or pink. It’s natural with that oompf. Get it, you’ll thank me, I promise. Grade 10/10

Sweet 16: Sweet 16 is described as a soft pink color. This lipstick is a perfect everyday lipstick if you love pinks. I’m just getting into pink lipstick little by little, but this is very fresh and romantic for spring. I love this for work, it’s easy to wear and lovely. It’s very similar to Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Lovely, but I prefer this and it’s a fraction of the price. Grade 10/10

Playdate: Playdate is described as a bright lavender, and honestly the color pulls a bit greyish on me. I don’t really mind but I was thinking this would be Easter egg dye lavender. Don’t get me wrong it is purple, but not the lavendar color I expected. The consistency is still the bomb. Grade 9/10

Swatches

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 All swatched with one swipe.

Lipliner

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Earth Tone:  So I’m pretty sure NYX sent this to me by accident, and I also believe it’s a discontinued shade. I found it on Amazon though. This lipliner is a great natural brown color, and goes well with the 90s lip trend going on right now. I don’t love this formula, it’s a bit stiff for my taste, but the Slim Lip Liner range does offer a large variety of colors and are the right price. Grade: 7/10

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Swatched next to Flutter Kiss.

Eye Shadows

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After seeing a makeup look using the color Mermaid (the teal blue on the right), I needed that color. I picked these shades thinking that’d be similar to the highly raved about Makeup Geek Foiled Eyeshadows, which I haven’t tried yet, so I’m not sure how they are in comparison. But I will say these Prismatic Shadows were a bit of a let down. The colors on NYX’s site definitely mislead me. I’ll put the link here for you to see http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/p-290-prismatic-shadows.aspx. With that said be wary if you order these, I think there are better drugstore options with this effect.

Punk Heart: This is described as a deep plum with purple shimmer, although NYX’s photo shows more of a purpley-pink with shimmer. So naturally when I received this dark, dark purple I was disappointed. I wanted a fun spring shade and this is better for a dark smokey eye. There’s also a lot of fallout with this, but it goes on opaque in one swipe. Grade 6/10

Fireball: Described as rusty orange with red opalescence. I really, really was hoping this was like Makeup Geeks Foiled Eyeshadow in Flamethrower, and while they look similar, I believe Flamethrower is the way to go. Fireball has little if any red undertones and is a rusty orange. Grade 6/10

Bedroom Eyes: Described as a deep metallic brown. I thought this color would be more of an icy Cola color, but it’s just boring brown. I have better browns that this and would not recommend over Maybelline or L’Oreal’s various shimmering browns. Grade 5/10

Mermaid: Described as opalescent mint with gold shimmer. I love colors like this and this one is pretty, but there’s a lot of fallout and you have to build it up. It’s a good option for the price, as it’s a more unique drugstore color, but it’s not the greatest teal/ocean blue I’ve tried. Grade 6/10

Swatches

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Makeup Looks

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Details:

Foundation: L’Oreal Infalliable Pro-Matte 24HR in Classic Ivory

Concealer: MAC Prolong Wear in NW15

Contour: Whitening Lightning Brow Bar To Go in Blonde to Brunette (used darkest shade to contour my nose) and Tarte’s Park Ave. Princess to bronze face.

Powder: NYX High Definition Finishing Powder in Banana. This powder is finely milled and a really nice size. This is the first “banana” powder I’ve owned and I like it but I don’t see a huge difference from regular setting powders.

Blush: Colourpop Cosmetics Super Shock blush in Holiday, applied with a Sigma F55.

Highlighter: BECCA Cosmetics Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal (received  a sample size at Ulta), topped with Mary Lou-Manizer.

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, Whitening Lightning Brow Bar To Go (original), NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette to set.

Eyeshadow: Crease: Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette Naked and Buck. Lid: Naked 1 Half Baked. Lower lashline: NYX Pristine Eyeshadow in Mermaid. Browbone and inner corner: Naked 1 Virgin

Eyeliner: Top Liquid Liner: Jordana Cat Eye Eyeliner in Black Leather (purchased at Walgreens). Bottom Eyeliner: Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Eyeliner in Nude.

Lashes: L’Oreal Telescopic and Velour Lashes Carli Lash.

Lips: Top picture: NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Playdate. Bottom picture: Sweet 16.

Extras

Shirt:

I Woke Up Like This: Nylon Shop (discontinued), similar: Revolve Clothing 

Styling Band Tees: I’m With the Band, But I Still Want to Look Like A Girl

.Reading time 8 minutes.

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So I have something to admit, I used to be a bit of a punk wannabe back in the day. You know, I had the scene side bangs, the rimmed black eyeliner that would even scare a mama raccoon and a taste for Green Day and Fall Out Boy (I may still sometimes indulge in the last one). I may have retired my Warped Tour style years ago, but one thing I’ll never retire is my love of music.

Recently, I’ve realized the concert tees I used to rock in middle and high school, usually with a pair of ripped jeans and Converses, are not all that flattering. Many music tees are oversized and look boxy on a woman’s frame. Fortunately, many stores now carry women’s sizes, but if you still love a cult band (like I do) you may have to style that tee into fitting like a shirt you got from Forever 21. Below is this look, my style tips and picks for best concert tees, as well as my favorite bands/ songs at the moment and lastly makeup deets. Enjoy darlings!

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Outfit Details and Style tips:

Tee: City and Colour Women’s Sometimes T-Shirt, $25

Skirt: ASOS Full Midi Skirt on sale for $16.50 but only in yellow (sad face) similar American Apparel Chiffon Pleated Skirt or Missguided Rai Faux Leather Full Midi Skirt Burgundy 

Shoes: Go Jane a few years old, but this style is my ride or die and I can’t find similar ones anywhere (extra sad face).

Tips:

When fashioning up a band tee I suggest:

  1. Accessorizing, whether it be a statement necklace, such as the Zelda Fringe Bib Necklace from Bauble Bar or the Etched Tribal-Inspired Necklace from Forever 21, adding Navajo jewelry, ear cuffs, bangles, the works, really adds style to a band tee.
  2. Headware is your best friend: This is not the time to slack on your hair or pull it in a pony. If you want to go for rocker girl chic, working out that do is a must (even if it is that California bedhead look). I love headwraps such as the Leaf Fringe Goddess Chain Headwrap by Urban Outfitters or ASOS Fine Filigree Hair Crown. I also love a good hat, which will keep the sun off your face at outdoor concerts and festivals. My picks: ASOS Skinny Band Felt Floppy Hat (comes in black and burgundy) and H&M’s Felt Hat in Wool.
  3. Even if there are not women’s sizes by a mens small.
  4. To make a larger size shirt work tuck the shirt into a skirt, this also works with high-waisted shorts (not so much jeans, the fabric tends to bunch in the jeans).
  5. Add a belt to cinch in your waist and any extra material. My picks: H&M Waist Belt and Forever 21 Braided Faux Leather Belt, I love a braided belt because you can use the braids as holes to tighten at the waist where regular belt holes wouldn’t hold up a belt on a skirt.

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Top Concert Tee Picks

  1. Forever 21 Rolling Stones Racerback Ringer Tank (their selection of women’s fitted concert tee’s is probably the best out there and so inexpensive!, browse their graphic tee section for more options)
  2. H&M Ramones Oversized T-Shirt
  3. Beyonce Pink Name Tee 
  4. Junk Food The Who Tee 
  5. Hot Topic The Rolling Stones Fang Tee 
  6. Hot Topic The 1975 Logo Girls T-Shirt
  7. Urban Outfitters The Strokes Boyfriend Tee
  8. Rad Drake Royals Tee  (this Royals collection is hilarious, features Beyonce, Kanye, Lana Del Rey and more dressed in royal clothing)
  9. Spencer Gifts Dibs On The Guitarist Racerback Tank
  10. Target Taylor Swift 1989 Tee 

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A List for the Fellow Music Lovers

I only picked rock/indie music this time, if anyone wants my R&B, Hip Hop or Pop picks I’ll do those in another post.

  •  City and Colour is my perfect music, so I like every song, but give these a try:
    • We Found Each Other in the Dark, As Much As I Ever Could, Little Hell, Grand Optimist, Waiting…, Comin Home and Hello, I’m in Delaware, Sleeping Sickness.
  • Ed Sheeran: Tenerife Sea, Thinking Out Loud, Bloodstream, Give Me Love
  • Dashboard Confessional Hands Down, Stolen, Vindicated, Dusk and Summer
  • Death Cab for Cutie: The New Year, Crooked Teeth, Summer Skin, I Will Follow You Into the Dark
  • Led Zeppelin: Levee Breaks, Heartbreaker, Whole Lotta Love
  • The Rolling Stones: Beast of Burden, Satisfaction
  • The Doors: Roll, Baby, Roll
  • Vance Joy: Georgia, My Kind of Man
  • Hozier: Arsonist’s Lullaby, From Eden
  • The Lumineers: Slow It Down, Flowers in Your Hair, Dead Sea
  • The Civil Wars: Devil’s Backbone, The One That Got Away
  • The 1975: Sex, Chocolate, Settle Down

*Support these artists and buy their music on Itunes!

Makeup Details

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Foundation: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte in Classic Ivory (obsessed with this, it’s full coverage and you can use if you have dry skin!)

Concealer: MAC Prolong Wear in NW15

Powder: NYX HD Photoready Banana Powder

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, Filled in with Tarte Amazonian Brow Mousse in Medium Brown, Set with NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette

Eyeshadow: Crease: LORAC Megapro Khaki, ABH Chocolate (outer crease). Lid: ABH Tamanna Dress Your Face Palette Blush and Gilded. Browbone: ABH Fresh. Lower lashline: ABH Chocolate

Eyeliner: Top Liner: L’Oreal Gel Liner in Espresso. Bottom Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Zero.

Lashes: Velour Lashes Carli Lash

Blush: Milani Rose Powder Blush in Tea Rose (super pigment, similar to Tarte’s blushes for half the price).

Highlight: BECCA Pressed Skin Perfector in Moonstone

Lips: Lipliner: MAC Soar. Lipstick: NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Flutter Kiss

 

Hope you guys liked this mash-up of a post! Let me know if you prefer this or a post dedicated to a single item (clothes, makeup, music, etc.) By the way, all photos were taken by my best friend, Brielle Stanks at the Weymouth Furnace County Park in Mays Landing, NJ.

St. Pat’s Makeup Look: Copper and Green

.Reading time 2 minutes.

IMG_5409St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, many people are celebrating this weekend, so here’s a look for all of you hitting a bar or the parade! I’m 1/4 Irish, that’s where the green eyes and pale skin come in, but unfortunately I’m just celebrating at work. But I’d still wear this look for a night out. I think copper colors make green eyes pop, and I tend to gravitate towards these colors year round; I also love a pop of color on the lower lashline. So mix it up whether it be green, blue or purple copper looks great year round. So find that pot o’ gold or at least get that hot leprechaun to buy you some green beer ;). Happy St. Pats! Look details below.

IMG_5408Foundation: L’Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Foundation in Classic Ivory (had to hunt this baby down, but is sold at Target, Ulta, CVS and Walgreens)

Concealer: NYX HD Photoready in Porcelain

Powder: NYX HD Finishing Powder in Banana 

Eyebrows: Anastasia Beverly Hills (ABH) Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, Tarte Amazonian Clay Brow Mousse in Medium Brown to fill in and NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette to set.

Eyeshadow: 

Lashes: House of Lashes Pixie Luxe

Eyeliner: 

Blush: Milani Luminoso

Highlight: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Moonstone

Lips: Liner: NYX Earthtone. Lipstick: NYX High Voltage Lipstick in Flutter Kiss. Gloss: Revlon Bellini.

 

 

Pops of Peach: Colourpop Cosmetics Supershock Blush Review

.Reading time 4 minutes.

Today in South Jersey it finally felt like spring, which is perfect because I recently received four of the 20 Colourpop Super Shock Cheek Blushes. All the shades I picked are more on the spring/summer spectrum, but with the winter blues and snowstorms who doesn’t long for corals, peaches and pinks? These blushes, retailing at $8, come in matte and satin formulas, and like the Colourpop eyeshadows they feel spongey (not quite like a cream, but definitely not a powder), but they dry to a powder finish. Below is pictures, swatches, a makeup look and mini review! So plan a spring adventure with perfect in peach looks.

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From left to right: Holiday (Matte), Bonus (Matte), Mochi (Matte), Pegacorn (Satin).

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From top to bottom: Pegacorn, Holiday, Bonus, Mochi.

Review

These blushes definitely have staying power, the swatches above haven’t moved an inch in four hours, even after rubbing the back of my hand. Although three of my shades are matte, they all have a dewy-esque look which I happen to like, but don’t expect these to be a true matte formula. The finish is more sheer than opaque, but the color is buildable. I used a Real Techniques Stippling Brush (Colourpop recommends using a duo fiber brush), but I’m honestly going to try a denser/bigger brush because I think the product would apply better, mine was a bit streaky. I had to build up the color to get the shade I desired, but the color is easy to build and beautiful. My favorites are Pegacorn, which I almost didn’t get because it’s so in ya face, and Bonus which is my perfect colored blush! I’d give these an 8/10 and for $8 they’re awesome. I’m definitely picking up more!

Makeup Look

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 Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy and Poreless in shade Porcelain

Concealer: MAC Prolong Wear in NW15 mixed with Maybelline Dream Lumi  Touch Highlighting Pen in Radiant

Powder: Physicians Formula Nude Wear Over Glow Palette

Cheeks: Colourpop Super Shock Cheek in Holiday

Cheek highlight: Mary Louminzer by the Balm

Brows: Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown, NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette

Eyeshadow: Anastasia Beverly Hills Tamanna Palette:

  • Crease: Bengal
  • Lid: China Rose
  • Inner Part of Lid: Copper (LORAC Megapro, Gilded from the Tamanna Palette gives same effect)
  • Inner corner: Blush
  • Brow Bone: Fresh
  • Lower lashline: China Rose

Eyeliner: Top liquid liner: Jordana Cat Eyeliner in Brown. Bottom lashline: L’Oreal Silkissime in Black. (wish this eyeliner came in brown, it last all day!)

Mascara: L’Oreal Telescopic in Carbon Black

Lips: Liner: Rose Crush by Jordana. Lipstick: Colourpop Lippie Stix’s in Rocket and Fancy

Extras: Headpiece by Lovisa similar here and Urban Outfitter’s headwraps are too! Jacket from Zara (go to my You’ll Want Powder Blue this Fall post here for more jacket options), Scarf: American Eagle, softest scarf ever. Sold out in this color, but three more available here.

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These are my pups Lenny and Ivy, a little extra love for you all!
These are my pups Lenny and Ivy, a little extra love for you all!