Tag Archives: Collection

IT Cosmetics Favorites!

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Hey Everyone!

This post is all about IT Cosmetics and how they are rapidly becoming my Holy Grail BRAND! Yes, I said brand, that means the whole brand is holy grail status…so far! And on top of being amazing quality, they are paraben and cruelty free!

I have only purchased three products from IT Cosmetics thus far, and all three products became Holy Grail after the first use. So much so, that since the purchase of these items, I have not used another product in the same categories. Also, I find that these products to be universally amazing for people of different skin types. Here are the products :

Your Skin But Better CC+ 

This CC cream is literally your skin but better. It is full coverage (like a full coverage foundation) with the most natural finish I have ever seen; and because its a CC cream it offers extras like an anti-aging hydrating serum, and SPF 50+ uva/ubv protection. It feels like there is absolutely nothing on the skin, yet lasts longer than any foundation/primer/setting spray combo I have ever used. Though it is hydrating, it does not make oily skin oilier (or look oilier). It comes in a 1.08 fl oz tube with a pump, which is very convenient, quick, and sanitary. I use the shade Light which is similar to MAC NC20, but is completely neutral, not too pink and not too yellow. Just Perfect. *The ONLY semi-annoying thing about this product is that it only comes in 4 shades. Though the shades are all quite versatile, and kind of morph into your perfect color.*

https://www.itcosmetics.com/your-skin-but-better-cc-cream-with-spf-50 $38

Bye Bye Under Eye

In short, this product is a heavy-duty under eye concealer with extras like collagen and vitamins C and K. It has a thick paste-like consistency (similar to Benefit’s Erase Paste), but easily thins out (or builds up) into a dreamy, blend able, dark circle eraser! It is by far one of the most full-coverage concealers I have ever used, and is quite possibly the best one out there. You only need the tiniest amount as well, whatever amount you think is small enough, cut that in half, seriously. It’s always better to have too little than too much. It also works as a great natural looking skin highlighter/illuminator.

 

https://www.itcosmetics.com/bye-bye-under-eye $24

 

Vitality Lip Flush in Je Ne Sais Quoi

This is by far the most uniquely wonderful product I’ve come across. When I first saw it at Ulta, I was immediately intrigued because it had a small sign that declared that this lipstick was their bestseller worldwide (or something like that), but at first glance it just looked like a clear balm that slightly tinted pink. And when I swatched it on my hand, it just came up clear; so I quickly discounted its claims. I only made it to the next aisle when I looked down and noticed the most beautiful, glowy flush of pink I have ever seen. Apparently as the lipstick warms to your skin, it morphs into a perfect color customized just for you. So naturally I purchased it and as I learned more about it, the more amazed I became. Not only does it morph into your perfect flush, it also has anti-aging and lip conditioning properties such as plum oil, cherry oil, shea butter, aloe and jojoba. It also has anti-oxidants like Vitamins A, C, E, Acai, Green Tea and White Tea that protect your lips from free-radicals. The best part is that even with all of those wonderful oils and hydrators, this lipgloss/stain/lipstick lasts and lasts!

https://www.itcosmetics.com/vitality-lip-flush $20

 

 

 

MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection!

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Hey Everyone!

This post will be reviewing the Aphrodite’s Shell Extra Dimension Bronzer from the new MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection for Summer 2014.

Unfortunately, I was only able to purchase this one product from my local MAC store because the other products I was interested in purchasing were already sold out at the time in store and online.

This collection features natural yet metallicized shades in unique metallic turquoise/aqua packaging with 3D water droplets.

Aphrodite’s Shell is described by MAC as a “golden bronze with a touch of fine shimmer”, while I would personally describe it as a light beige tan with rose gold.

I am in love with this bronzer because it give the most natural golden glow to my fair skin, while the rosey undertones give my cheeks a sun kissed flush. With that said, I would only recommend this shade to someone of fair to light skin tone for use as a brozner/blush. People with medium/deep skin tones might prefer this product used as a skin finish or even a golden highlight.

You can purchase products from this collection, including the bronzer ($33), for a limited time at MAC counters.

 

 

MAC Maleficent Collection!

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Hey Everyone!

This post is all about the new MAC Maleficent Collection. I only purchased the eyeshadow quad from this collection because I’m not a huge red lip person, but I am still really excited about this collection because (1) its Disney, and (2) Maleficent is my favorite villain ever!

Although the packaging is on the plainer-side compared to most limited edition collections, I really like the ominous wings graphic and Maleficent logo across the packaging in this collection. It gives it a special feeling without being in-your-face Disney; although I would love that also!

The eyeshadow quad contains the colors Goldmine, Ground Brown, Concrete, and Carbon. Though these are currently shades in MAC’s permanent collection, I did not own any of these colors apart from Carbon, so I was excited to add these to my collection in fun packaging.

Goldmine is a frosted intense yellow gold.

Ground Brown is a matte deep rich warm brown.

Concrete is a matte taupe deep rich brown.

Carbon is a matte deep black.

Overall, I really like this quad and would recommend it to someone like myself who already has basic MAC colors, and is looking to add some new staples into their collection. You can purchase items from this collection, including the eyeshadow quad ($44), for a limited time at MAC counters or maccosmetics.com

 

Rimmel Match Perfection and Stay Matte Foundation Review and Swatches!

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Hey Everyone!

In this post I will be reviewing the Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation and the Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation. I love Rimmel foundations because they do exactly what they promise, unlike some brands who just “kind-of” deliver what is advertised.

The Rimmel Match Perfection Foundation claims to be a light perfecting radiance foundation with SPF 18 that offers “traceless coverage with Advanced Smart-Tone technology  for perfectly flawless skin under any light. Enhanced with Sapphire Radiance for an illuminating glow.” I can say from experience, this foundation is truly all of those glorious things. This product is medium buildable coverage, yet melts into your skin as if it was a light moisturizer. It’s “radiance” quality creates a subtle sheen to the skin without looking shimmery, oily, or unnatural in any way. This foundation simply creates flawless, healthy looking skin that last throughout the day. If I need it to last through the day into the night, I apply a primer underneath and bring a light powder with me for any touchups. And unless I have a major blemish, I do not need to use a concealer with this product. This product costs about $5 dollars at drugstores.

Overall, this product deserves *5 out of 5* stars!

The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation advertises a “featherlight liquid mousse that blends flawlessly for natural looking all day shine control.” The two main positive things I have to say about this product is that it leaves an absolutely matte finish to the skin, and that it is very full coverage. Though, I cannot agree that this foundation feels or looks “feather-light” at all. While it can be sheered out nicely, it still settles into pores quite a bit when used without a smoothing primer. I, myself, do not enjoy this foundation, but I feel that someone who actually has the skin that this foundation is designed for (oily/very oily skin), would enjoy this product quite a bit with proper application. This product costs about $5 at drugstores.

Overall, I give this product 2.5 out of 5 stars. *

*There are many other mattifying foundations that are much better.

Covergirl Bombshell Shineshadow Review and Swatches!

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Hey Everyone!

First of all, I want to thank everyone for being patient during the brief break I took from blogging. It was much needed, but now I am ready to blog/write/swatch my little fingers off! Ha ha!

This post will be all about the brand new Covergirl Bombshell Shineshadows. They are all shimmery cream eyeshadows that can be applied sheer or completely opaque. They are extremely long-wearing, and can be used as either alone or as a primer/base. Unless you have extremely oily eyelids or will be experiencing excessive sweating, you should not need to use an additional primer under this product. These are available in 6 shades, though I will be reviewing only 5 (The white shade was sold out in my store).

Overall, I give this product *5 out of 5* stars ! They are absolutely gorgeous, blendable, stay in place, and are extremely versatile. You can purchase these at most drugstores or Ulta for around $6 or $7 dollars each.

**All of the shades are high in shimmer*

305  Color Me Money– is a cool olive green with very fine gold sparkle. This shade is not as smooth in application as some of the other shades, but can be blended and built up with a small amount of work.

315  Gold Goddess– is a yellowy gold. This is the smoothest in application and most opaque shade in the whole collection

325  Copper Fling– is a sandy peach and pink copper.

320  Ooh La Lilac– is a bright orchid/lilac purple with slightly pink toned micro shimmer.

310  Platinum Club– is a graphite grey that can be built up into a charcoal. It has a slight purple undertone and contains purple/silver sparkle.

(300  Ice Queen…COMING SOON )

Best of Beauty 2013

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Hey Everyone! I cant believe its already time for my annual Best of Beauty list! Picking this years winners was even harder than last year because so many new products and brands launched; but without further ado, heres the list!

If you want to see last years winners, click here: http://wp.me/p2O2wx-1t

Best High End Brand : Hourglass Cosmetics

Best Budget Brand : Loreal

Most Overrated Product : Maybelline Line Stiletto Liquid Eyeliner

Most Underrated Product : Neutrogena Crease Proof Eyeshadow

Best New Product : Butter London Wink Mascara

Best High End Mascara : Benefit They’re Real

Best Drugstore Mascara : Maybelline Mega Plush Volum’ Express

Best Cream Eyeshadow : Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour

Best Powder Eyeshadow : Laura Mercier Lustre Eye Colour

Best Eyeliner : Palladio Herbal Eyeliner

Best Lip Balm : Loreal Colour Riche Balm

Best Lip Gloss : Bare Essentuals Buxom Lips

Best Lipstick : Chanel Rouge Allure

Best Highlighter : Benefit Watts Up

Best Blush : Smashbox Blush

Best Bronzer : Too Faced Chocolate Soleil, Medium/Deep

Best Concealer : MAC Select Moisturecover

Best High End Foundation : CK One 3-in-1 Face Makeup

Best Drugstore Foundation : Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme

Best Powder : MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Best Beauty Tool : Beauty Blender Sponge

Best Skincare Brand : Peter Thomas Roth, Glycolic Acid 10% Toning Complex

Best Haircare Brand : Big Sexy Hair

Best Bath and Body Brand : Lush

Best Limited Edition Collection : Too Faced Holiday 2013

Best Breakout Star : Hourglass Cosmetics

Like I did last year, I am now going to talk about a few standout products from the list! First of all, I want to talk about Hourglass Cosmetics and why I chose them for both Best High End Brand AND Best Breakout Star. I feel like this year Hourglass came out of nowhere with amazing and innovative products. Their Ambient Lighting Powders are already a guru favorite and are quickly becoming a staple in most beauty lovers collections. I think its fair to say we have never seen something quite like these powders just based on the sheer innovation, versatility, and quality. They also have an amazing range of foundations and other products that I look forward to becoming more familiar with.

Next, the Butter London Wink Mascaras are sadly not as celebrated as I feel they should be; which is why they were almost this years Most Underrated Product ( which ended up being the Neutrogena Crease Proof Eyeshadows because they are literally the easiest and quickest cream eyeshadow to use, and I have never heard anyone talk about them)….back to the Wink Mascara….Not only does this mascara has a great wand and color range, but the colors are insanely gorgeous AND pigmented. With only two coats I can get a fully opaque purple lash.

Finally, I want to discuss the Best Foundations of the year. The Best High End Foundation, CK One 3-in-1 Face Makeup (another breakout star), is the best of the year because it has one of the most natural finishes I’ve ever seen as well as feeling like there is nothing on the skin. It has an SPF of 8, a light pleasant scent, and keeps the skin healthy and clear. As for the Best Drugstore Foundation, I chose the Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme because it is extremely blendable and full coverage, which means it never looks cakey.

I hope you enjoyed this post! And make sure to let me know your favorites for the year !!!!!

 

2013 Beauty Wish List!

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Hey Beauties!

I am so excited for this season because there are SO MANY amazing sales and gift sets coming out! This post will be a great Holiday Gift Guide, as well as a list of items you should add to your list. Even if you don’t partake in the holiday season, these are some great products to pick up while all the sales are on.

*These are actual products that I hope to pick up this sale season, so I do not have any actual reviews of these products (yet). Also, this is an extravagant list of beauty products, and I do not want anyone to think that I am “asking for” or “expect to get” all of these things; this is just more of a master wish list of things I like/think are worth the money* 🙂

Here we go :

Under $25

Soap and Glory Good, Butter, Best – a 1.69oz trial size of their 3 best selling body butters including The Righteous Body Butter, Sugar Crush Body Buttercream, and Butter Yourself Body Cream. It comes in a cute little box packaging, and would be great to give/get in a set or individually. $15 at Sephora

Origins Drink Up Lip Balm Set – a set of 4 gorgeous lip glosses in the shades Nude Nectarine, Pink Guava, Plum Punch, and Cherry Pop. Again, these would be awesome to give/get as a set or individually. $22 at Macys

Bumble and Bumble Tonic Shampoo – a stimulating shampoo with peppermint and tea tree oil to invigorate and balance the scalp. I know shampoo seems like kind of a strange thing to get excited over, but my hair stylist uses this on me, and let me tell you, it feels amazing. 8oz for $25 at Sephora

Fresh Soy Cleanser – a facial cleanser that uses soy proteins to cleanse, tone, firm, and moisturize the skin. It is suitable for all skin types, and feels absolutely fantastic. Again, I know its strange to get excited about something a simple as a cleanser, but trust me. 1.7oz for $15 at Sephora

Beauty Blender Sponge – is the number one cult favorite makeup tool for flawless foundation application. EVERY beauty lover needs one of these in their life. $19.95 (varies) Sephora

Under $50

Origins Ginger Treats Set – is an adorably packaged set of 3 ginger products including the Ginger Float Cream Bubble Bath, the Ginger Soufflé Whipped Body Cream, and the Incredible Spreadable Smoothing Ginger Body Scrub. 3.4fl.oz each. $39.50 at Macys

Laura Mercier Artist’s Palette for Eyes – a unique take on the popular “Naked” type palettes that every beauty company has taken a shot at. I like this one best because though it does have the essential neutrals that every palette of this type requires, it adds a small variety of shades that even the most seasoned beauty expert has not seen in a palette of this kind; as well as an unexpected variation of neutrals. $48 at Sephora

Tarte Off The Cuff Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush Palette – is a palette that consists of 5 coveted amazonian clay blushes. The shades include Dollface, Dazzled, Darling, Crave, and Park Ave Princess. This set also includes a black bracelet with a gold bow. $42 at Sephora

Philosophy Gourmet Popcorn Toppings Set – a set of 3 delicious three-in-one(shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath) products in “flavors” that include Caramel Drizzle, English Toffee, and Praline Crunch. I always look forward to Philosophy’s seasonal selection, and am never disappointed. $26 at Sephora

Bumble and Bumble Super Rich Conditioner – is an exceptionally luxurious conditioner that I have only been able thus far to experience in my salon. That will change. Soon. $25 at Sephora

Under $100

Ciate Nail Lab – a kit for the true nail polish lover that contains 46 different nail polishes, top coats, glitters, tools, etc. as well as 14 instructional cards. It also comes in an adorable vanity drawer style container. Enough said. $65 at Sephora

Buxom Shimmer and Shake Lip Collection – Let me just say that I am fully obsessed with the Buxom Lip Glosses, so when I found out their holiday set contained 15 polishes and creams, I about cried tears of joy. The shades include Lauren, Rachel, Olivia, Victoria, Trixie, Dolly, Sandy, Katie, Sugar, Royale, Mudslide, Pink Lady, White Russian, Amanda, and Cherry Flip. $59 at Sephora.

Tocca Meet The Girls – This set discovery was another tears of joy experience for me. Tocca is my all time favorite perfume brand, and this set contains 10 different .14oz sample sprays! It includes Cleopatra, Stella, Florence (my signature scent), Brigitte, Giuletta, Colette, Bianca, Graciella, Violette, Liliana. Feel free to share the love amongst your friends with this set too 🙂 $62 at Sephora

 

 

MAC Eyeshadow Gift Guide

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Hey Everyone! I was recently asked which MAC eyeshadows would be good to give as a gift, so I decided to make a little guide as to which ones I think go well together. I had so much fun making this post because I found a ton of new combinations of eyeshadows that I had never thought to use together before; so whether you’re reading this as a gift guide for yourself or others, or you already have some of these colors and want to get new combo inspiration, I hope you enjoy 🙂

*I used four eyeshadows in each “set” because they are easily stored in a MAC Quad Palette. Each eyeshadow refill pan is $10, and the palette is $8. If you prefer to have the eyeshadows in individual casings, they are $15 each. *

THE NATURAL : 

Brule (a soft light beige) , Haux ( a soft rosy brown) , Naked Lunch (a frosty light peach pink) , Espresso (a medium/deep warm brown) .

THE PARTY GIRL :

Yogurt (a pastel light pink), Stars N’ Rockets (a medium bright purple with pink duo chrome) , Expensive Pink (a frosty orange-peach) , Honey Lust (a textured gold with bright gold flecks) .

THE NIGHT OWL :

Honesty (a sheer warm brown with gold glitter) , Folie (a warm reddened medium brown) , Sketch (a deep blackened eggplant with slight sparkle) , Mystery (a deep blackened brown) .

THE BEACH BABE :

Ricepaper (a frosty light yellow) , Soft Brown (a warm medium brown with slight peach) , Saddle (a warm brown with slight orange ) , Patina (a soft taupe with gold sparkle).

THE SOCIALITE :

Retrospeck (a textured slivery blonde), Vex (a silver with purple and green duo chrome) , Woodwinked (a golden bronze) , Shale (a mauvey plum) .

THE GLAM GAL :

Phloof (a frosty white with pink), Cranberry (a true frosted cranberry) , Sable (a bronzed plum with gold) , Twinks (a deep brown with plum).

 

Best Brow Products!

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Hey Everyone!

I know I’ve been totally slacking on the posts lately, and I’m SO sorry, but I promise I will post as much as I can from here forward! 🙂

Ok now that that’s out of the way, this post is all about my favorite eyebrow products including new finds, and tried and true staples. I find that brows can totally transform your entire look, so I like to have a few different types AND shades of products to add just the right touch. Here are the ones I like :

**For reference  I’m light skinned with very dark brown brows, light brown/hazel eyes, and light brown hair with honey highlights. These products work on me but are also versatile for different skin tones, brow colors, etc.**

Pencil :

Starlet Pencil in All I Want Is Peace , Love, and Chocolate – This pencil is warm cocoa color with red undertones. It is moderately creamy and blends out well with a spoolie. I would recommend this if you want a warm, strong brow.  At starletcosmetics.com

Gel :

Chella Eyebrow Defining Gel – This is a clear gel with a large soft mascara-type wand. I love it because it leaves absolutely no residue. $18 at http://chella.com/products/item/beautiful_brow_gel

Benefit Gimme Brow in Medium/Deep – This gel is a new favorite, and is amazing! It has a tiny tapered wand and is great for a quick boost in color and volume. The color is a neutral (leaning cool) liver/taupe.  *I know liver is’nt the most appealing color name, but it matches the actual color best* $22 at http://www.benefitcosmetics.com/product/view/gimme-brow

Powder :

MAC Wedge – This product is a perfect neutral soft medium brown with a matte finish. It has been in my collection since the start, and is one of my favorite shades of all time.

MAC Soba – This shade is a soft golden brown with very slight gold shimmer. Although the description sounds a bit scary, it actually gives a very natural warm brow.

MAC Cork – This is the warm version of Wedge that gives a slightly fuller brow. It is a warm-toned soft medium brown.

MAC Espresso – This color is a neutral espresso brown. It’s great for a fully defined, strong brow.

All MAC Eyeshadows are $15 and can be purchased at maccosmetics.com

Tools :

Spoolie – I’m not sure if this is the “technical” name for this brush, or if there even is a technical name, but regardless this brush, which is essentially a clean mascara wand, is essential for brow care. It’s great for brushing, priming, taming, and distributing color on the brows. You can get a really nice spoolie from Sigma for $10, or a cheaper one at any beauty supply store. http://www.sigmabeauty.com/Brow_and_Lash_E80_p/e80.htm

MAC 208 Angled Brow Brush – This brush is also essential for brow care. It is great for defining and applying color. I like the MAC 208 because it is much stiffer than a lot of angled brushes on the market, which makes for more precise application. At MAC for $20. http://www.maccosmetics.com/product/145/813/208/index.tmpl

 

July Favorites

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Hey Everyone!

IMG_3727

 

This month went by SO quickly for me! Here is what I ended up using the most :

Revlon Age Defying Foundation : This foundation offers light/medium coverage but feels like nothing is on your skin. It has a serum-like consistency, leaves a slightly dewy finish, and has SPF 20. I use the shade 10 Bare Buff. $12 at drugstores.

Maybelline Fit Me Blush in Deep Wine : Although I am in the lightest shade range, and this shade was in the section for the deepest skin tones, I absolutely love it! It reminds me of MAC’s Frankly Scarlett, but a bit more plum-y. $4.50 at drugstores.

Loreal Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Mascara : This mascara caught my eye at the beginning of this month due to it’s rubber wand that reminded me of the Benefit They’re Real Mascara. Unfortunately its no where near dupe-material like I had hoped, but this is still a decent mascara; though I don’t think I will repurchase it. $8.99 at Ulta.

MAC Studio Finish Concealer : I’ve had more problematic skin than usual this month, and have resorted back to this heavy duty, cover everything concealer. It’s seriously a life-saver. I use the shade NW20. $18 at MAC Stores or Macys.

Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment : I have been loving this product this month because not only is it ultra moisturizing and luxurious, but it has SPF 15! $22.50 at Sephora.

Revlon Colorstay Nail Polish in Cafe Pink : I love the Revlon Colorstay line in general, but their nail polishes take the cake. They go on smoothly and evenly, and last forever without chipping. Cafe Pink is a gorgeous baby pink that reminds me of animal crackers! In the bottle it has a pink sheen, but it doesn’t transfer to your nails. $5 at drugstores.

Pacifica Perfume in Tahitian Gardenia : I rediscovered this perfume after getting it in an Ipsy Bag a few months ago, and have been loving it for this month. It’s exotic and fresh. $12 at Target.

Clinique Acne Solutions Spot Healing Gel : I said before that my skin was more problematic than usual this past month, so in conjunction with my super concealer, I used this spot treatment to actually fight the blemishes. This product gets a 10/10 from me! $16 at Sephora.