Tag: motd

What’s New at Ulta: Including Fiona Stiles Foundation

.Reading time 6 minutes.

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Happy Easter/Passover everyone! I recently ordered some new items from Ulta and wanted to do a look with them/test them out. This post will not feature full reviews, I will let you know my initial thoughts, but if you guys would like those let me know if you’d like an in-depth review of any of these products. I will probably do a post about the Fiona Stiles Luminous Finish Foundation Concentrate which retails for $30 and can only be found at Ulta. Below are the products I picked up and this makeup look. Now dig into that Easter candy and get your makeup on!

New Items from Ulta

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So far I really like this; it isn’t over dewy but it gives a nice luminosity to the skin, and my highlight actually showed up! Believe it or not because I have freckles, I have a hard time getting that glisten from within glow that I so so envy. I also haven’t felt oily at all, I have pretty normal/dry skin but with luminous foundation I can feel a bit oily on my chin after a bit. I also think the shade Porcelain is a great match for my skin; fair foundations have been a bit dark as of late and can look warm on me, but this one is perfect. So, so far so good! I will give a full update after a few days of wear, that’s really the only way to give a solid review. I also may review the Tarte Maracuja Oil if you guys would like. I also picked that up in this haul, but haven’t tested it yet, it is on sale for $25 though!

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I’ve been debating purchasing this palette since I saw its PR on temptalia.com. It’s got every color I love and gravitate towards, but I wasn’t super impressed with the other Too Faced Palette I own, the Stardust Palette. Needless to say, I’m already obsessed with this palette. It has stunning coopers, a show-stopping purple, and a light gold that you don’t see in many palettes. The matte crease shades are also to die over, and it has a great off-white to highlight the browbone. All the colors are pigments and blend like a dream, oh and did I mention it smells like peanut butter!? The only disappointment I have if there isn’t a shade named Fluff, because I love me some PB&F. Definitely pick this up, it’s limited edition! Too Faced Peanut Butter & Jelly Palette $36.

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The NYX Ombre Blush in Strictly Chic was another win for me. I thought this product looked a bit gimmicky, but I saw Nicole Guerriero rave about the pigment in her February Favorites and I decided to test one out. This blush is a beautiful coral that is pigmented but not overly in your face. I just swirl the colors together and it’s a perfect pop of peach that blends easily. NYX Ombre Blush Strictly Chic $9.99.

Makeup Look

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Primer: Makeup Forever Step 1 Primer (sample size). I normally use a hydrating primer but I didn’t want to over-hydrate as I did a mask last night and tested a new foundation. I will try the Fiona Stiles foundation with my BECCA primer though!

Foundation: Fiona Stiles Luminous Foundation in Porcelain

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer in Fair/Neutral

Powder: Maybelline Master Fix Setting Powder

Brows: Colourpop Pencil and Brow Colour in Bangin’ Brunette. (all their brow products are currently sold out, but they’ve updated on social media they’ll be back soon!) Another affordable option is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Brunette. Used NYX Brow Mascara in Espresso to set.

Eyeshadows (all Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Eye Shadow Collection)

  • Crease: Peanut Butter
  • Lid: Bananas
  • Outer V onto the outer lid: Peanut Brittle
  • Lower lashline: Jelly
  • Browbone: Extra Creamy

Liners: Jordana Cat Eyeliner in Black Leather on top and L’Oreal Silkissime in Black on waterline.

Mascara: L’Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic on top and bottom

False Lashes: Ardell Demi Wispies (Red packaging) with House of Lashes lash glue.

Blush: NYX Ombre Blush in Strictly Chic

Highlighter: Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector Champagne Pop on the bridge of my nose, cheekbones, above the brows and in the inner corner.

Lips: Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Magic Wand (review of these coming next!) topped with NYX Butter Gloss in Madeleine.

Setting Spray: Mac Fix+

 

Fresh Faced Spring Makeup: L’Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation Review

.Reading time 5 minutes.

IMG_4663Spring weather seems like it’s finally going to make an appearance in New Jersey this week and I’m itching to wear some of spring’s newest trends (blog post to come on spring trends!) and try out some new looks. I purchased the L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation, also is it just me or are foundation names getting longer than texts from your Mom? Anyway, I wanted to review this probably 3 weeks ago but I still couldn’t determine how I felt about it. So after week of trying this out I have a verdict! Read on below for the review and as always this drugstore makeup look.

Review

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So cushion foundations are all the rage right now, this spring is definitely stepping out of the matte looks we’ve been seeing for the past two years. This cushion foundation is light to medium coverage, as are most cushion foundations. It features a puff applicator that may be useful for touch-ups throughout the day, but I didn’t like the way it applied my foundation. This foundation is on the pricier side for a drugstore foundation at $16.99 and you only get 0.52 oz of product, whereas you normally get 1 oz for most foundations. There’s also 12 shades, but if you are extremely fair you may have a hard time as I did. There isn’t a standard N1 or W1 like the original True Matches which I find to be frustrating. But, N2 works okay for me when I blend it out.

I’ve found that the best way to apply this foundation is with a Real Techniques sponge, rather than a brush or the puff applicator. I can build it easiest this way; this foundation will only build to a medium coverage so keep that in mind. For being a “lumi” foundation this formula dries my skin out like crazy, even with a moisturizer or primer underneath. This is why it took so long for me to test because I wanted to make sure another product wasn’t drying out my skin! I also typically don’t have sensitive skin, but this gave my skin tiny textured bumps (they go away after a day or so, but still not thrilled). I’m not saying this won’t work for your skin type, but I really, really wanted to like this and I just can’t with the way my skin is reacting.

I think I can use it up, but I will not repurchase. I personally think Maybelline’s Dream Matte Hydrating Foundation is  better value and more hydrating, with better coverage. Or if you love L’Oreal’s foundations go with the original True Match Lumi, which is an old favorite of mine. An overall score for me is 5/10. Let me know your favorite cushion foundations because I think they’re great for spring and summer!

Makeup Look

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Moisturizer: Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel SPF15 (found mine at Walgreens in-store; can’t find on their website).

Foundation: L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion Foundation in N2 Classic Ivory

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair 

Powder: Maybelline Master Fix Setting Powder 

Brows: Maybelline Brow Define and Fill Duo in Deep Brown (just used pencil side) and Maybeline Master Brow Drama Palette in Deep Brown to fill in. Set with NYX Brow Mascara in Espresso

Eyeshadows:

  • Crease: NYX Matte Shadow Dance the Tides and Milani Earthy Elements Palette 3rd shade (orange color) in the outer crease.
  • Lid: Dance the Tides in the outer lid, wit Earthy Elements Palette 2nd shade (camel brown) on the center and inner lid.
  • Browbone: 1st shade (frosty beige) Milani palette.
  • Lower lashline: Orange and camel shades mixed.

Eyeliner: Top: Jordana Cat Eyeliner in Black Brown. Bottom: Maybelline Gel Pencil Liner in Glazed Toffee.

Mascara: L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black with Maybelline the Rocket on top (an oldie but a goodie)

Blush: Colourpop Supershock Cheek in Bonus (discontinued) similar Holiday.

Highlighter: Colourpop Highlighter in Wisp (on tops of cheeks, bridge of nose and cupid’s bow).

Lips: Lipliner: Jordana Easy Liner in Sedona Red. Lipstick: Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Cozy (review of these coming soon!).

Top: Marshall’s.

Fun Fact: Look created while throwing it back to Fall Out Boy’s Under the Cork Tree

 

 

 

Modern Day Retro: Oscar Party Look

.Reading time 3 minutes.

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Hello and happy weekend! I am currently sitting in my PJ’s on this Saturday night because I am just a partayyyy animal. Anyway, I hope all my party animals and not so party animals get some inspiration from this look. I’ve been dying to use the Buxom Eyeshadow Bar Single in Wild Nights since I picked it up from Sephora a few weeks ago. I thought I’d do a “modern day retro” look that is kind-of Oscars inspired with this shadow. I originally wanted to load this look with NYX’s Glitter Brilliants in Violet and it was a hot mess. I tried with Too Faced Glitter Glue (NYX’s reviews say it works well with the NYX glitter glue so I may try that) but besides that my glitter stopped coming out no matter how much I shook it! So anyway major disappointment on the glitter front, but I absolutely love how this came out. So if you’re going to an Oscars screening party or just want to feel a little extra glam try this look out! Deats are below 🙂

Makeup Details

 

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Primer: Nivea Men’s Post Shave Balm

Foundation: Maybelline Dream Velvet Foundation in Warm Porcelain

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer in Fair Neutral

Contour: NYX Sculpt and Highlight Duo in Ivory/Taupe, only used the Taupe shade to contour my nose and cheekbones. Blended out with a Real Techniques sponge.

Powder: Maybelline Perfecting Loose Powder 

Brows: Maybelline Fill and Define Duo in Deep Brown with Anastasia Dipbrow in Dark Brown and NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette.

Eyeshadows: All Shadows are from the Morphe 35N palette and the Buxom single eyeshadow. I will put the row number for the Morphe palette.

  1. Crease: Row 3, shadow 4 (purple) blended through the crease with a fluffy blending brush. Then I used the shade right new to that (terracotta reddish) with a MAC 217 just above in the outer crease.
  2. Outer crease: Row 4, shadow 7 (deeper purple) blended out in an exaggerated wing shape with a MAC 217 brush. Blend up towards your hairline. Don’t worry if this is messy at first I cleaned it up with a sharp line of concealer and then blended with my makeup sponge. This gives you a sharper, cleaner line.
  3. Lid: Buxom Wild Nights eyeshadow.
  4. Lower lashline: Wild Nights on a pencil brush and shadow in Row 4, shadow 6 (a deep eggplant shade) on a flat definer brush. Then I blended with a large fluffy brush.
  5. Browbone: Row 1, shadow 1.
  6. Inner Corner Highlight: Colourpop Highlighter in Wisp

Lashes: Ardell Wispies style in 305 with L’Oreal Telescopic in Carbon Black

Eyeliner: Jordana Cat Eye Liner in Black (to cover the lashband) and Rimmel ScandelEyes liner in Nude.

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Highlighter: Colourpop Wisp (used on cheekbones, bridge of the nose and cupid’s bow)

Lips: Jordana Tawny Lip Liner and NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipstick in Vintage.

Top: Forever 21 

 

 

 

Hello Halo: Romantic Halo Eye Look For V-Day

.Reading time 4 minutes.

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So it’s Valentine’s Day weekend, or Galentine’s Day weekend or love yourself weekend, whatever it may be a Halo eye makeup look is calling your name. This style eye makeup, where you use a darker color on the outer and inner corner, and a lighter, often shimmery shade on the center lid, is my latest obsession. This is a recreation of the makeup look the Queen of Eye Makeup, Jaclyn Hill, did here. This look is honestly natural enough for everyday, but adds that little pop of allure and sexiness to your eyes depending on the shades you pick. I also have decided 2016 is the comeback of satin and more glossy lip looks. Colourpop is releasing a satin lip collection on Thursday that looks swoon-worthy, and I couldn’t be more relieved. I think we all need a bit of a breather from all matte everything (not that I don’t like a good matte lip every once in a while). Below is the makeup look per usual and my top favorite romantic palettes, so tell your significant other if they’re stuck on a Valentine’s Day gift! Anyway have an amazing chocolate-induced weekend, pop in a romantic movie (even if that’s Magic Mike, like I will probably be watching; no shame here!), and definitely recreate this look!

Makeup Look

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Primer: BECCA Backlight Priming Filter 

Foundation: Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation in Warm Porcelain

Concealer: NYX HD Concealer in Porcelain

Powder: Maybelline FaceStudio Translucent Powder

Brows: Maybelline Brow Define and Fill Duo in Deep Brown to shape brows (used pencil end) and NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Brunette (deepest shade) to fill in. NYX Brow Mascara in Espresso to set.

Eyeshadows: Used LORAC Pro Palette for the whole eye look, other than a Mac Pigment. 

  • Crease: Taupe then used Mauve slightly above the crease with a MAC 224.
  • Outer lid: Sable with a teeny bit of Espresso in the outer V to deepen used a MAC 217.
  • Inner lid: Sable, really build this to a diffused brown with a blending brush, I used the MAC 217. Don’t put in inner corner where you’d highlight. This gives rounded eyes more of an almond shape.
  • Lid: Champagne, then topped with MAC pigment in Tan. Spritzed my MAC 242 brush with Fix + then applied the pigment.
  • Browbone: Nude
  • Lower lashline: Sable blended out with Mauve on a pencil brush.
  • Inner corner highlight: BECCA x Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop

Lashes: L’Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic with Ardell Wispies 600 lashes. These are STUNNING and so romantic. These must be new, I can’t find them online. I got mine at CVS. These are very similar to House of Lashes Bambi.

Eyeliners: Jordana Cat Eye Liner in Black Leather just to line lashband and Rimmel ScandalEyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Nude.

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Dolce Pink

Highlighter: BECCA Champagne Pop (applied on the bridge of my nose, above my brows, and cheekbones.

Lipliner: Jordana Tawny

Lips: Maybelline Totally Toffee (got mine in-store at Walgreens) with NYX Butter Gloss in Praline (obsessed with this color so so much)

Setting spray: MAC Fix +

Dress: Forever 21 (mine’s sold out, but this one is  similar)

Top Romantic Makeup Palettes

(Also make great last-minute Valentine’s Day gifts, boys)

 

Kiss-Proof Valentine’s Day Looks

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Hi beauties! If you’ve noticed something different about my page you would be correct; I changed the layout and URL for my blog, which you can now share with your friends as abeautycapsule.com! I’m super excited to take this step towards a newer look and feel. Anyway, today I’m here to recommend my favorite kiss-proof lipstick options, even if you are only kissing you pet this V-day like moi, haha. I also have two makeup looks, warning the red lip was NOT kiss proof, but I will give red lip options that are. I’m also going to give you some Valentine’s Day date night options; so all in all this is a jammed packed post. I would like to get a romantic halo smokey eye look up before V-day as well. But for now read on for some lovely looks.

Best Lipsticks for Smooching

*Disclaimer: These are what work best for me. Performance can change based on lip care, eating and drinking. For best wear time I apply a lip balm, let it sink in for a few minutes, then pat it off a bit and then I apply my liquid lipstick. Also, I find any high-pigment lipstick is going to have some transfer. To eliminate I’d pat with a tissue. 

  • Reds
  • Pinks/Magentas
    • ColourPop Ultra Matte Lip in More Better 
    • OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Mina 
    • Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipsticks in Sad Girl
  • Nudes
    • OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Bel Air 
    • Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in Dolce
    • NYX Liquid Suede Lipstick in Soft Spoken (I’m obsessed with this for everyday)

Makeup Looks

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Products:

Primer: Nivea Post Shave Balm for Sensitive Skin (you’ll understand once you watch Nikkie Tutorials explain here, and yes it really works!)

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way in Porcelain, applied with the It Cosmetics Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush

Concealer:  Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer in Fair Neutral, buffed out with a damp Real Techniques sponge

Powder: Maybelline FaceStudio Loose Powder 

Brows: Sculpted with the Maybelline Brow Define and Fill Duo in Deep Brown (only use pencil side) then filled in with the Anastasia Dipbrow in Dark Brown. Set with NYX Brow Mascara in Espresso

Contour: Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette shade Sombre. Contoured nose and cheeks.

Eyeshadows: 

Liners: Jordana Cat Eye Liner in Black Leather and L’Oreal Silkissime in Black on the waterline

Blush: ColourPop Between the Sheets 

Highlighter: The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer 

Lips:

1st lip: NYX Soft Spoken with NYX Ever Lip Pencil

2nd lip: L’Oreal Infallible Pro Matte Gloss in Shanghai Scarlet (This is NOT a liquid lipstick). This color will transfer, but it does wear evenly, and does not bleed. But if you plan on kissing you partner, beware, unless you want to leave some kiss marks.

Dress: Lulu’s

Date Night Picks

 

Best in Class 2015: My Top Beauty Picks

.Reading time 10 minutes.

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Hi guys! I’m finally posting my Best of Beauty 2015! Today was the perfect day to filter through all my favorites as New Jersey is getting lots and lots of snow, so thank you Jonas. Below I’ll have all my favorite products listed; I was able to photograph most, but the ones I couldn’t I’ll still list 🙂 Hope you guys enjoy and get a shopping cart ready, you’re gonna want these!

Primer

  1. Becca Backlight Primer Filter $38
  2. Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer $36
  3. L’Oreal Studio Secrets Magic Lumi Light Infusing Primer $12.99

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  1. Too Faced Born This Way Foundation in Porcelain $39
  2. Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation $10.99 *This was a very late 2015 addition, but it was still one of my favorites.

Concealer

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  1. Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Coverage Concealer Fair Neutral $28
  2. NYX Hi Definition Photo Concealer Wand in Porcelain $4.99 *I honestly like this just as much as the Naked Skin, but the Naked Skin applies a bit easier and last longer as far as product.

Powder

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  1. Revlon Colorstay Aqua Finishing Powder in Translucent *So I believe this is discontinued (eternal crying face). I’ve only found it on a few sites but they aren’t any I feel comfortable recommending as I’ve never bought from them. This was hands down my favorite powder though. You could try Revlon’s Colorstay Mineral Makeup in Light which is what I’ll try after I run out of this. I’ve also been liking Maybelline’s new finishing powder, I just think this has a hydrating quality that is hard to replicate.

Brows

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  1. Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown $18 *This was a recent try for me because I heard it was hard to work with, but I think if you use a little bit of this and blend out with a spoolie you’re set! I love how dark this makes me brows, and they also don’t look powdery.
  2. NYX Micro Brow Pencil Brunette $9.99
  3. Maybelline Eye Studio Brow Define and Fill Duo Deep Brown $7.99
  4. Maybelline Brow Drama Pro Palette Deep Brown $12.99
  5. NYX Tinted Brow Mascara Brunette $6.99

Eyeshadows

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  1. LORAC Pro Palette 1 $42
  2. LORAC Pro Palette 2 $42
  3. LORAC Mega Pro 1  *This was the 1st Mega Pro and was limited edition; I don’t have the second because I love the warm colors in this. I want Lorac to bring it back 😦
  4. BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette $12.50
  5. Morphe 35O Palette $22.99 *This product is always in and out of stock, but Jaclyn Hill and Amanda Ensing always have discount codes and update their followers when it’s back in stock. Also, I know I didn’t give this product an A+ review, but that’s more for quality of some of the shades. Overall though if you love warm oranges this is where it’s at, and a lot of the matte shades are great affordable crease options.
  6. NYX Nude Matte Shadows in Dance the Tides and Maybe Later $4.99 each *The best affordable crease colors on the market in my opinion.

Eye Liner

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  1. Jordana Cat Eye Liner $2.99 *I loved this more than any eye liner I’ve used in years- it stays through naps (not that you should sleep in makeup) and is so easy to apply! Black Leather and Black Brown were my favorites. I buy mine at Walgreens.
  2. L’Oreal Silkissime Eye Liner $8.99 *The best waterline eye liner’s ever. These do not smudge and last hours, I’m begging L’Oreal to make a brown shade. My favorites were Black, Charcoal and Gold.

Mascara

  1. Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara $23
  2. L’Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara $9.99

Blush

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  1. Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, Rose D’Oro and Bella Amore $7.79 each
  2. Tarte Holiday Palettes *The ones shown were LE. Any of Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Blushes are the same formula and amazing. These palettes have lasted me so long I haven’t need to buy and individual shades!
  3. Milani Rose Powder Blush in Romantic Rose and Tea Rose $7.99
  4. Colourpop Blush Bonus $8 *It looks like this shade is discontinued but Fox and Between the Sheets look similar.

Highlighters

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  1. theBalm Mary Lou-Manizer Higlighter $24 *I find this to be the best option for super pale skin tones like mine. I’ve tried Becca Moonstone because Nikki Tutorials loves it, but I still think Mary Lou shows up the best on fair skin.
  2. BECCA Becca x Jaclyn Hill Shimmering Skin Perfector Pressed Champagne Pop $38 *This just became permanent, ultimate squeals over here!
  3. BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette Highlighters $12.50- I’m obsessed with the second highlighter, but they’re all stunning and work for so many different skin tones. I hope BH makes singles of this highlighter formula, it’s the best drugstore priced highlight I’ve used.
  4. Colourpop Super Shock Highlighter Butterfly Beach $8 *I apply this with my fingers, and it’s my go-to summer highlight.

Lip Liners

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  1. NYX Slim Lip Pencil Ever $3.49
  2. Colourpop Grunge Pencil $5
  3. Jordana Easyliner For Lips in Tawny and Plush Plum $2.49 each *I buy mine at Walgreens

Lipstick

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From left to right: Miami Fever, LAX, LBB, Poison, Grunge, Fancy, Brink, Lolita, Euro Trash, Lacque-y Charm, Nude Flush, Divine Wine, Pepper, Glace

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  1. OFRA Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick w/Kathleen Lights Miami Fever $19.90 *My favorite liquid lipstick formula; also, Kathleen Lights normally has a coupon code on her Youtube videos for 40% off.
  2. Colourpop Ultra Matte Lipstick LAX $6
  3. Colourpop Lippie Stix LBB $5 *This is like MAC’s Rebel but cheaper and I personally like the wear of LBB better.
  4. Colourpop Lippie Stix Poison $5
  5. Colourpop Lippie Stix Grunge $5
  6. Colourpop Lippie Stix Fancy $5 *My go-to spring and summer lip color.
  7. Colourpop Lippie Stix Brink $5
  8. Kat Von D Studded Kiss Lipstick Lolita $21 *Note this is not the same shade as Kat Von D’s liquid lipstick in Lolita. This is a traditional formula and a lighter rose color.
  9. NYX Matte Lipstick Euro Trash $5.99
  10. L’Oreal Colour Riche La Lacque Lipcolour Stick Lacque-y Charm $9.99 *I also wore the Le Matte formula in She’s so Matte a ton, but I couldn’t find mine to photograph.
  11. Maybelline Vivid Matte Lip Color Nude Flush $7.99
  12. Maybelline Creamy Matte Lip Color Divine Wine $7.99
  13. Bite Beauty Luminous Creme Lipstick Pepper $24 *The most perfect everyday shade.
  14. Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon Glace $24

Brushes

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Dreaming in the Drugstore: New Maybelline Product Reviews

.Reading time 9 minutes.

 

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Hi loves! Sorry I haven’t gotten a Best of 2015 up yet, I was away last week and had a ton to catch up on, but you will know my must-haves very soon! Today I’m reviewing some new Maybelline drugstore products I’ve been testing for about 3 weeks. January brought a slew of new products, I’m also on the hunt for the new L’Oreal Cushion foundation in my shade, but today I have Maybelline’s new Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation, the Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color, Brow Define and Fill Duo and FaceStudio Master Fix and Setting Powder. Boy, was that a mouthful. I also have a full drugstore glam makeup look below. Read on makeup mavens!

 

Reviews

Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation: I found this foundation in the drugstore about 3 weeks ago, and as I mentioned in a post in December I’ve been on the hunt for a new drugstore foundation. I used to use Maybelline’s Dream Mousse and Fit Me Dewy and Smooth foundations, but while I loved the coverage, I always got dry patches on my nose. Anyway, I decided to give this a go. At first it was difficult for me to pick a shade: the two lightest are Warm Porcelain and Porcelain Ivory. I went with Warm Porcelain as it didn’t look as pink on the packaging. I will say putting this on my hand it looked way too warm at first, but it blends right into my skin color once it dries down. The consistency of this is thick and very much like a squeezed mousse, and unlike any foundation I’ve ever tried. It truly is what the name says though: it’s a hydrating matte foundation. I’ve had no issues with this drying my skin out and the coverage is medium to full and it last about 8 hours without a primer. I think I’ve found my new favorite drugstore foundation! 9.5/10

  • Best tool for this foundation: It Brushes for Ulta Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush #110  (I definitely prefer a buffing brush to a Beauty Blender with this product)
  • Price: $10.99
  • Ounces: 1 oz
  • Okay to set with powder: Yes
  • Staying powder: 8-10 hours
  • Coverage: Medium to full
  • Color selection: 12 colors (only one truly dark shade though)

Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colors: So like many other makeup lovers who see this, you probably think these are Maybelline’s versions of liquid lipsticks, like Colourpop’s Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks or Anastasia Liquid Lipsticks, they are not a true liquid lipstick. These lipsticks are a creamy consistency hat have a satin-matte finish. They never dry down, so they do transfer. I bought the colors 5 Nude Thrill and 50 Possessed Plum. I have to say I love love love Nude Thrill. I think the color is stunning, and I personally like the creaminess, it’s like a matte lipgloss. The coverage for Nude Thrill is medium-full and it doesn’t feel uncomfortable to build. Possessed Plum on the other hand is a different story. This colors moves on your lips as you swipe so you can never get a full coverage without seeing your lip color come through. It takes about 4-5 swipes to get a mostly opaque color but as this product transfers it’s hard to wear. It may be okay if you wear it over a lipstick.These are also extremely perfumey. I am curious to try another deeper shade, just to see if the Possessed Plum is an exception, but overall I’d give these a 6.5/10.

  • Shades: 10
  • Price: $7.99
  • Coverage: Medium
  • Size: .26 oz
  • Perfumey scent
  • Cream consistency

Maybelline Brow and Fill Duo: This product is a hybrid of a brow pencil similar to Anastasia’s Brow Wiz and a powder. This is the only product I’ve ever found like it on the market. At first, I didn’t love the powder, as it seems like it doesn’t really come out, and I also don’t love this doesn’t have a spooley but really they have no where to put one. The pencil end runs out pretty quick and starts out longer than it should meaning it will probably break off. The thing is, I love the actually product. I think the powder gives my brows a natural finish unlike any other powder. It’s probably because of the domed end it comes out of, it’s not as harsh as using a angled brush. I also really like the pencil end, it defines nicely and creates natural strokes. So I’m torn, I really like this product but the pencil end mechanically causes a lot of problems that may make this a product that’s frustrating and you’ll have to replace often. 7/10

  • Shades: 4
  • Price: $7.99
  • Pencil and domed end which distributes powder

Maybelline FaceStudio Master Fix Setting + Perfecting Loose Powder: I haven’t used this product too long, and as you have probably realized I’m pretty married to Revlon’s Aqua Ready translucent powder, but this is a close second. I think this powder is very similar to more high-end powders like the Make Up Forever Translucent powder. It’s very finely milled and doesn’t leave a white residue. I think this powder is perfect for all skin types but especially someone with oily/combo skin. If you have been on the hunt for a good drugstore translucent powder, I think this is it! 9.5/10

  • Shades: 1 (Translucent)
  • Price: $9.99
  • Size: .21 oz

Makeup Look

  • Primer: I ran out of my usual drugstore primer, but would use Loreal Magic Lumi Primer normally
  • Foundation: Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation in 05 Warm Porcelain
  • Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair (I also love NYX HD concealer but I ran out of that too)
  • Powder: Maybelline FaceStudio Powder
  • Brows: Maybelline Brow and Fill Duo in Deep Brown with NYX Brow Mascara in Brunette to set
  • Eyeshadows:  
    • Crease- NYX Matte Shadow in Maybe Later.
    • Lid- L’Oreal Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadow in Sunset Seine (this look a lot more orange online, it’s like a golden color in person)
    • Outer Lid- Colourpop Supershock shadow in Lectra, which I also used on the lower lashline and outer crease. (It looks like this is sold out but you can use Porter or Leopard for a similar effect).
    • Browbone and inner corner: Morphe 35O shimmer beige shade. You can use any shimmering highlight shade for the same effect.
  • Eyeliners:
    • Liquid liner: Jordana Cat Eye Liner in Black Leather (I buy mine at Walgreens)
    • Waterline liner: L’Oreal Silkissime in Black
  • Lashes: Ardell Wispies (I believe these are a new style, they’re not the Natural or Glamour, the packaging says Wispies in red. Got at Walgreens)
  • Mascara: L’Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic
  • Blush: Mixed Milani Baked Blushes in Berry Amore and Dolce Pink
  • Highlighter: BH Cosmetics Carli Bybel Palette second highlight in. I also love Phyiscians Formula highlighters and Maybelline MasterStudio highlighters.
  • Lips: 

Bringing the Wham GLAM Thank You Ma’am: New Year’s Look and What’s Coming in 2016

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IMG_3103Hello loves! I hope everyone had  a splendid and spectacular New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. I didn’t have enough time to post my makeup look before I went out in good ol’ Atlantic City (a resolution for next year is to celebrate somewhere else) but I decided I’d post this snazzy glitter-bombed eye look incase any of you want to wear it to work Monday; I kid, I kid. I also wanted to share with you what I have planned for 2016. I’d really like to get a handle on my Sony A5100 (if anyone has tips, please leave below) and up the quality on my photos and start shooting videos! I also plan to create my own website, and deliver more reviews and fashion photos. Any other suggestions you guys would like for 2016 are encouraged! Below I’m going to leave my favorites of 2015, and of course this makeup look. P.S. A year review of my favorite products will hopefully be up next week, I’ll be in Florida at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter (insert heart eyed emoji here) so I hope to get it up before Wednesday. Happy 2016!

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Primer: BECCA Backlight Priming Filter 

Foundation: Too Faced Born This Way Foundation-Porcelain

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer- Fair Neutral

Powder: Makeup Forever Translucent Setting Powder

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade- Dark Brown with NYX Brow Mascara- Brunette

Eyeshadows: 

Eyeliner: 

Lashes: L’oreal Telescopic- Carbon Black. Velour Lashes for Sephora– Fluff n’ Dolled Up.

Blush: Milani Baked Blush– Rose D’Oro

Highlighter: BECCA Cosmetics Jaclyn Hill x Champagne Pop (used on cheeks, nose, cupid’s bow, above brows)

Lips: NYX Slim Lip Pencil- Ever. Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick– Dolce.

Extras: Top- Missguided. Necklace: BaubleBar 

2015 Favorite Life Things!

New Year’s Eve: Ball Droppin’ Good Using 3-D Sparkle Eyeshadow

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Hi guys! I just wanted to get on here and post a quick New Year’s Eve makeup look. I’m hoping to have a super sparkly look up tomorrow using Makeup Geeks new Sparklers (my main review blogger, Temptalia, didn’t give them too promising a review, so we shall see how they work). Anyway enjoy your New Year’s Eve; thank you for supporting my blog this year. Makeup details are below.

Makeup:

Foundation: Too Faced Born this Way in Porcelain

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin in Fair Neutral

Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown

Eyeshadows: 

Liner: L’Oreal Silkissime in Blue

Lashes: Velour Lashes for Sephora in Fluff N’ Dolled Up 

Contour: Kat Von D Shade and Light Palette

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Rose D’Oro

Highlighter: The Balm Mary Lou-Minizer

Lips: NYX Ever Slim Lip Pencil and Colourpop Lippie Stix in Bound and Rocket

Earrings: Bauble Bar

 

Holiday Makeup Look: The Grinch Isn’t the Only One Who Should Wear Green!

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Happy Holidays everyone! This is the look I wore this Christmas Eve, and if anyone has any formal or fancy Christmas plans this would be a great look to try (my family’s X-mas day is a bit more casual). This would also work for New Year’s Eve or a date night! The makeup details are below; I’ll also have some NYE makeup looks and my favorites of the year coming up soon.

Makeup Details

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Primer: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

Foundation: Too Faced Born this Way in Porcelain

Concealer: Urban Decay Naked Skin Concealer in Fair Neutral

Powder: Revlon Aqua Ready Powder in Translucent

Brows: Anastasia Dipbrow in Dark Brown, used Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Brow Brush. NYX Brunette Brow Mascara on top.

Eyeshadows: 

  • Crease: Browns and oranges from the Morphe 35N palette. Used a medium tone brown all over the crease and a more orange/brown in the outer crease.
  • Lid: The star of the show, Colourpop Shameless Supershock Shadow (so stunning)
  • Inner corner: Colourpop Thirsty Girl Supershock Shadow in the inner corner with MAC’s Gold Glitter on top in the inner corner.
  • Browbone: LORAC Mega Pro Vanilla and Opal mixed.
  • Lower Lashline: Too Faced Stardust Palette Showgirl and Jackpot in outer corner. Blended with Anastasia Beverly Hills RTW from the Catwalk Palette.

Mascara and Lashes: L’Oreal Carbon Black Telescopic and Velour Lashes for Sephora Fluff n’ Whispies.

Eyeliners: 

  • Top: It Cosmetics Gel Liner in Black with Jordana Cateye Liner in Black leather on top
  • Bottom: Ardency Inn Modster Eyeliner in Coffee with L’Oreal Silkissime in Black on the outer half

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Berry Amore

Highlighter: Bobbi Brown Highlighting Powder in Bronze Glow on the cheeks. The Balm’s Mary Lou-minzer on the nose, cupid’s bow and above the brow.

Nose contour: Kat Von D Contour Palette shade Sombre (lightest shade of brown)

Lips: NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Ever (filled in the whole lip and lined) topped with Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Glace and Colourpop Lippie Stix in Skimpy in the middle.

Extras: Dress- Asos. Earrings- Francesca’s.