Tag: brow wiz

Bold Brows: Anastasia Brow Wiz vs NYX Micro Brow

.Reading time 6 minutes.

Bold brows

Bold brows have taken over for good, which for some blessed specimens (Care Delevingne I’m looking at you!) they are fortunate to have hairs that need no fillers; for the rest of us we need products to get that beautiful and bold brow look. Over the past few years I’ve used everything from the Maybelline Quad Natural Smokes darkest shadow, not one of my best makeup moments, to Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyebrow Mousse, which I still love. But like most brow lovers, I’ve relied heavily on brow pencils. At first, we had the infamous and lovely Anastasia Brow Wiz, but at $21 it’s not always the most affordable tool. But once you go all bold brow gal there isn’t any going back. So like many others every three months I’d suck it up and buy my Brow Wiz for $21. But recently more affordable brands have stepped-up their brow game. The drugstore brand that intrigued me most was NYX. I love their products and think their quality is great, so I was super happy to find their Micro Brow Pencils featured similar shades to Anastasia’s Brow Wiz’s. But did NYX’s pencil give me those bold, shapely brows I was used to? Read below for my Brow Showdown.

brow wiz vs microbrow

Showdown

A little comparison: NYX and Anastasia Beverly Hills Pencils feature the same amount of product, each has 0.003 oz. Both are cruelty free, side note: if you want to save the fur babies use the app Cruelty Cutter, you can scan products and see if they test on animals.  Another similarity, both feature spoolies, or those little brushes to put those brows in place. So really the only major difference is price and performance. As I mentioned above, Anastasia’s Brow Wiz is $21, whereas NYX’s Micro Brow is $9.99. Also Anastasia offers 9 shades, where NYX offers 8. But I believe that all the core shades are in both collections. An in-depth review is below.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz: The shade I wear is Medium Brown, and I’ve also used Brunette which is now called Dark Brown. I love this pencil to really shape the brows and carve them out, but I don’t love this to fill in my brows. The product is a bit hard, which is great for shaping, not so much filling in. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve filled in my brows with this, but usually just to get a defined tail. Also, the last Brow Wiz I received the product would not twist up right and would fall out. I’ve had about three Brow Wiz’s so I think my last one was just a bad egg. Overall this is a great brow product with many colors and is definitely a staple.

NYX Micro Brow Pencil: Similarly to Anastasia’s shade, I wear Ash Brown in the NYX pencil. For NYX this product is a little pricey at almost $10, but considering the alternatives all hit the $20 mark range, this is a steal. Micro Brow is much creamier than the Brow Wiz. That’s not to say it’s so creamy you’ve got product everywhere, it’s just easier to use. I love this pencil for both carving out my brows and filling in. The spoolie is a bit rougher than the Brow Wiz, but it’s not a huge deal to me.

Verdict

You can’t go wrong with either the Brow Wiz or the Micro Brow pencil. But personally I like the NYX Micro Brow a bit better. Even if the price was the same, I’d go with Micro Brow. I find it to be easier to use and I can use it to fill in my brows, and I’m also able to blend without tugging like with the Brow Wiz. Whichever weapon you choose though bold brows never lose.

Extras:

Bold brow and red lips

Makeup: 

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Dewy and Smooth Foundation in Porcelain

Concealer: NYX HD Photoready Concealer in Porcelain

Powder: Makeup Forever Transluscent Powder

Brows: NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Ash Brown, Brow Bar to Go to fill in, NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette. Carved out with lightest shade in NYX Correct and Conceal palette.

Eyeshadows: NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow in Maybe Later and Espresso for the LORAC 1 palette in the crease, LORAC 1 Palette White and Cream on the lid. White on the brow bone.  Espresso on the lower lashine. Nude on the inner corner.

Eyeliner: Top liquid liner is Jordana Cat Eye liner in Black Leather. Bottom liner is L’Oreal Silkissime in Charcoal.

Lashes: Ardell Glamour Demi’s.

Contour: Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette, mixed Sombre and Shadowplay

Blush: Milani Powder Blush in Romantic Rose

Highlight: Colourpop Cosmetics Butterfly Beach

Lips: Colourpop Lippie Stix in Fighter with Fighter lipliner

Top: Missguided Jersey Wrap Over Bralette in Black  (from first photo) Missguided Halle Crepe Dress (second photo)

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 

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!

 

 

 

 

New Year, New Looks

.Reading time 4 minutes.
Picture taken by me
Picture taken by me

Hello everybody, I hope everyone had a fabulous, crazy and safe New Year! I, unfortunately was working, but one of my resolutions for next year is to not work NYE, unless I’m planning an awesome PR event! I also want to expand the blog in 2015, which I touched on in my “Getting Real: No Farewell Here” post.  Some personal resolutions for the coming year are to establish my career in public relations or a related field and move out of South Jersey, I also want to make it to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which I believe is happening in May (I’m squealing already!), save for a trip to Europe, attend an outdoor music festival and finally live by my favorite statement, “Create your own happiness”.

Thank you to everyone who has read this blog, it truly means so much to me. I love creating looks and supplying reviews. I’m sorry I could not get a New Year’s Eve look posted before the new year, but I’m leaving all the products I used for my NYE look, along with cheaper alternatives below. This look works for any fancy night out, even Valentine’s Day! Let me know if there are any posts you guys would like to see in 2015, I have lots of ideas already brewing. Anyway on to the makeup….

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Products used:

Face:

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer similar NYX Angel Veil Primer

Nars Sheer Glow similar L’Oreal True Match Lumi foundation

MAC Prolong Wear Concealer in NW15, similar NYX HD Concealer

Milani Rose D’Oro Blush

Tarte Pin Up Girl Palette Blush n Breathless to contour

Bobbi Brown Highlighter in Bronze Glow, applied with MAC Fix + for extra BAM factor similar Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls in Light Bronze

Eyes:

Anastasia Brow Wiz in Brunette similar Maybelline Brow Precise Shaping Pencil

Milani Clear Brow Gel

Crease: LORAC Megapro Brown similar NYX Love in Paris “Parisian Chic” Palette middle color (I love this palette, it is a great value at $10!

Outer Crease: LORAC Megapro Mulberry similar MAC Passionate Eyeshadow 

Outer Corner: LORAC Pro 1 Garnet, similar NYX Heat eyeshadow 

Lower lashline: LORAC Megapro Copper and LORAC Pro 1 Gold

Glitter: MAC Reigning Riches Glitter from the Objects of Affection Pink and Rose set (this is still in stock, but I believe the glitter is limited edition) similar Violet Voss Olivia Glitter and Copperella Glitter

Inner corner: Revlon Photoready Eye Art in Burnished Bling (glitter side) p.s. doing a review on this product soon! 

Brow bone: LORAC Megapro Opal, any shimmery white eyeshadow will do!

L’Oreal Lineur Intense Liquid Liner in Black

Lashes: Ardell Glamour lash

Lips:

MAC Soar lipliner (new love) similar Jordana Tawny lipliner

Maybelline Creamy Matte Lipstick in Lust for Blush

Revlon Bellini lipgloss, I believe this is discontinued, but Revlon’s Ultra HD Lip Lacquer in Petalite looks identical.

Extras:

Earrings: Bauble Bar

Shirt: Forever 21

Forget About Dark Colors; You’ll Want Powder Blue this Fall

.Reading time 3 minutes.

 

Photo of me Taken by: Brielle Stanks
Photo of me
Taken by: Brielle Stanks

In the Pale

The pale color trend has definitely continued from last years runway shows; I mean who could resist the cotton candy colored hues that for surprisingly  stand out as edgy against the sea of blacks and burgundy’s fall clothes usually bring? Last year it was pale pink, courtesy of Celine’s über popular pale pink coat (view here on vogue.com look #6). This trend broke open when Kim Kardashian sported this coat, click here to see. But this year I’m predicting another pale hue is going to be taking names and stealing the money out of your wallet. But don’t worry, this trend is too beautiful to float away, so you won’t be having any puffer jacket regret next season. Below are your pale hue options!

 

Photo of me Taken by: Brielle Stanks
Photo of me
Taken by: Brielle Stanks
Photo of me Taken by me
Photo of me
Taken by me
Photo of me Taken by: Brielle Stanks
Photo of me
Taken by: Brielle Stanks

Look at bottom of post for outfit and makeup details!

Powder Blue Favorites This Year

Missguided Lena Cocoon Coat Powder Blue $75.98 here

H&M Knit Sweater in Light Blue $34.95 here 

Forever 21 Lace Pencil Skirt in Light Blue $17.90 here 

ASOS New Look Peggy Chain Shoulder Bag $24.62 here

Zara Laser-cut Leather Court Shoe in Sky Blue $89.90 here

Missguided Louisa Pleat Front Tapered Leg Trousers Powder Blue $37.98 here

Missguided Cady Crepe Skater Dress Ice Blue $37.98 here 

Outfit and Makeup Details

Dress: H&M, not the exact same but very close, here 

Boots: Shoemint, from a few years ago, similar here and here 

Belt: H&M, not online but got in store a few weeks ago, similar here

First Jacket: Nasty Gal BB Dakota Hot Damn Coat $118 here

Second Jacket: Zara Leather Jacket no longer in stock but similar here and here 

Purse: Forever 21, similar here

Watch: Michael Kors here  cheaper option here

Makeup:

Smashbox Photo Ready Anti-Redness Primer

L’oreal Lumi Foundation W-1-2

MAC Prolong Wear NW20

Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Brunette

Whitening Lightning Brow Bar to Go

Milani Clear Eyebrow Gel

Urban Decay Naked 1 Palette, shadows: Naked and Buck (crease) Gunmetal and Virgin (inner corner)

Urban Decay Naked 2  Palette, shadows: Suspect and Snakebite (lid) Foxy (browbone) Snakebite (lowerlash line)

Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Liner

L’oreal Voluminous Miss Manga Mascara

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero

Tarte SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Liner in Rose Gold (Limited Edition) similar here 

Milani Luminoso Blush

The Balm Mary-Louminizer Highlight

Maybelline Maple Kiss Lipstick

Jordana Rock ‘n’ Rose lipliner