NEW!!! Maybelline Instant Cheek Flush

Pinking of You

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a round plastic container

-The cap is a handle to the product itself

-Comes also in a peach color

-Retails $5.99

Can be found at drugstores nationwide as well as select Targets, Wal-Marts and Ultas

FORMULATION:

I wasn't too impressed with this product. When I first saw it I had some high expectations. Maybelline usually does pretty well when it comes to their cream cheek products. The Baby Skin Instant Cheek Flush is a solid cheek stain. It has a very similar concept to the Tarte Cheek Stains which retail for around $20 each. The packaging is adorable and I do love how the product has a little handle making it super easy to apply. The texture is soft and blend able however the pigmentation is seriously lacking. It gives a very very light touch of color that dissipates after a little while. I do however like using this on my lips instead for a light stain and it stays on pretty well compared to the cheeks. It is also good for a cheek base. The stains allows and keeps powder products on a little bit longer and gives a nice glow underneath. 

Overall 3.5/5

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream (Review)

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a hard plastic container

-Contains 1.7 oz of product

-Available @ drugstores as well as Walmart and Target

-Retail $15-$20 depending on the place of purchase

FORMULATION:

During the hot summer months it can get pretty tedious to put on a moisturizer (even though you really need it). None of us want that heavy feeling on our skin. The solution a gel moisturizer! Neuttogena Hydro Gel Cream gives you just the perfect amount of moisture without the heavy feeling. The texture is a cross between a gel and a cream. It has the gel like feeling but the texture of a cream. It absorbs very quickly into the skin and doesn't leave any unwanted residue. This moisturizer contains hyaluronic acid which is a naturally occurring product in our bodies. Hyaluronic acid has many uses but it is known for keeping the skin hydrated. As we age our bodies tend to produce less and less of hyaluronic acid. It has a nice fresh scent that lingers but nothing too strong that would make you want to puke. While this product is designed for dry skin because of the gel texture those with oily skin can also use it. 

OVERALL 

5/5

NEW!!! Maybelline Color Molten By EyeStudio

Maybelline Color Molten By EyeStudio

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a plastic black/clear round container 

-Each one contains 2 eyeshadows 

-Contains 2.1 g total of product 

There are about 6 duos in this collection and retails around $8-9 each depending where you purchase.

Available at drugstores nationwide and select Targets, Wal-Marts & Ultas

FORMULATION:

306 Rose Haze
Left: Soft Baby Pink (A little darker in person)
Right: Burgundy Plum 

305 Plum Fusion
Left: Silver
Right: Dark Purple Plum

I am in LOVE with these eyeshadow duos! I don't think I have ever loved an eyeshadow product as I love this one. The texture feels like a Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush and applies so smooth and effortlessly. Once you apply it to your eye it blends like a powder (Applies like a cream works like a powder). All the shadows in this collection have a semi-matte finish.

Top: Rose Haze
Bottom: Plum Fusion

The color payoff is also pretty great and it stays on your eyelid without any trouble with or without primer. 

Review: Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 hr Foundation with Comfort Serum (NEW)

200 Soft Beige 

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a sturdy glass bottle w/a slanted red cap (No pump)

-Contains 1 FL OZ of product

Available at drugstores nationwide

Retail around $7-10 depending on where you purchase it

FORMULATION:

I was very skeptical when I first saw this foundation. Over the years I haven't had much luck with foundations that contained serum. The last one I tried by Physician's Formula was a huge bust and made me never want to try another serum foundation again. However I have been a huge fan of Rimmel Foundations for a long time now and was really excited to hear them come out with another one. 

The Lasting Finish foundation is actually sort of a revamp from their old long lasting formula. I was genuinely surprised at how easy and flawlessly the product went on and was especially pleased that even though it contains serum it didn't go all over my face. The texture isn't too thick or too thin and grabs onto the skin very well. 

It provides a medium coverage but feels very light on the skin almost a no makeup feel. In terms of longevity it claims to last 25 hours and can stand up to heat, sweat, and humidity and not to mention transfer proof. I don't know anyone out there that would really need a 25 hour foundation however this one does hold up tremendously well. I live in Florida where it is hot and humid pretty much year around and I had this product on for about 6 hours and it still looks like I just put it on. I also patted my face a couple times and noticed very little transfer (so not totally untransferable). The only downsides to this foundation is its lack of shades and it has no pump. There are only 7 shades for this collection. For those of you interested I'm in the color Soft Beige (shown above).

OVERALL 5/5

Review: Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara (NEW)

Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara in 00 Blackest Black

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a pretty milky lavender pink tube, very similar to their Pumped Up mascara.

-Contains .32 FL OZ of product

-Available at drugstores and drugstore retailers nationwide 

-Prices will vary upon the store of purchase but average retail is $6-8 

FORMULATION:

Maybelline mascaras are some of the best mascaras in the drugstore beauty market. They have a formula for pretty much all your lash needs. 

This particular one has also become a much loved favorite in a short amount of time. This mascara claims to give a full fan effect and it definitely lives up to its claims. This mascara gave me nice full and long lashes without much flaking. The pigmentation is also very nice and wear time will vary depending on your lashes. I had this on for about 5-6 hours without any issues. It comes with a rubber brush that is pretty flexible which will help you reach those pesky little inner corner lashes despite the large size.

The one thing I do have a little problem with is the texture of the formula. It is a bit on the wetter side. I personally prefer drier formulas but every person is different so definitely give this a try!

OVERALL:

4.8/5

Review: Rimmel Wonderlash Mascara (NEW)

Waterproof version in 001 Black Noir
Also comes in non-waterproof

PACKAGING:

Comes in a thick bulky plastic rhombus tube. The waterproof version shown above comes in a pretty blue color while the original formula comes in a light caramel brown color.

While it is bulky it is very lightweight so it is easy to carry for travel or just in your purse for touchups.

This mascara has a rubber brush that is pretty flexible so that you can get into those annoying inner lashes.

Contains 0.37 FL OZ of profuct

FORMULATION:

Rimmel over the years has come up with pretty decent mascaras but nothing too spectacular. I have not been a fan of Rimmel Mascaras ever just because for some reason their mascaras tend to irritate my eyes. What interested me about this new mascara was that it contains argan oil. 

A little information about argan oil:
-Comes from the kernels of the argan tree in Morocco

-While we use this particular oil for skincare and beauty reasons it is also quite delicious on top of pastas and couscous

-It also has great health benefits for the heart including lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels Studies also have shown argan oil can help prevent cancer and help maintain a healthy weight.

-In terms of uses for beauty and skincare, argan oil is a great moisturizer for the skin and hair. It can help with certain skin diseases, juvenile acne, and healing of burns
For once Rimmel has produced a mascara that hasn't irritated my eyes. It provides a natural look to the lashes while giving nice length. I didn't notice as much volume. The best part of this mascara is that thanks to the argan oil my lashes were nicely conditioned and not hard and flaky compared to other mascaras. It isn't clumpy but with the original formula it did smudge at first but after switching to the waterproof formula I didn't have any issues with smudging afterwards. The waterproof version also lasted throughout the day without any issues. I love big lashes so for me 2-3 coats gave me a good effect. However everyone's lashes are different so you may need more or less coats. 

There is a bit of a smell to it due to the argan oil but it isn't too strong and the smell doesn't linger.

PRICING:

This mascara is currently available at drugstores nationwide. Prices will vary depending on where you purchase it. But on average it retails around $7-13. So it is a fairly pricy drugstore mascara but definitely worth the money. Josie Maran has a mascara that is also infused with with argan oil but her mascara will set you back a good $22. So this Rimmel on is a great alternative.

OVERALL:

4/5

What's NEW @ The Drugstore!!!

L'Oreal Infallible Makeup Extender Setting Spray

PACKAGING: 

Comes in a plastic black spray bottle

Contains 1.4 fl oz of product

FORMULATION:

I was very surprised and glad that there is finally a DRUGSTORE setting spray (excluding NYX Cosmetics). Setting sprays are a great alternative to powder when it comes to keeping your makeup intact on your skin. The mist comes out pretty evenly and not drippy. It is light weight and very refreshing. In terms of how well this product actually works for my dry skin it did a pretty good job keeping the makeup on my skin. In comparison to Urban Decay's All Nighter Spray it wasn't as long. I would say after 6-7 hours the L'Oreal spray started to stop working. I noticed my makeup starting to look a little blotchy. As for the Urban Decay's All Nighter Spray I would get a good 8-12 hours. For people with oily skin it does tend to fade a little bit faster but everyone has different skin so this may not apply to all people with oily skin.

Over all I say this is a decent alternative to more higher end brands such as Urban Decay's or the Skindinavia setting sprays. The price is a bit more on the expensive side $17.99 and don't forget to include tax. But the higher end brands can range from anywhere at $20 and up. Prices may change once this product hits mass market. There are people out there that has bought this for about $16. So definitely do a little research and be on the lookout.

NEW!!! NYC Eyeshadow Palette- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 5,2014

NYC Individual Eyes in 001 Hate the Light

PACKAGING: 

-Comes in a plastic black case with a clear top. 

-4 Eyeshadows

-1 Highlighter (White)

-1 Eyeshadow Base (Yellow)

-Can be purchased at drugstores nationwide 

-Retails $4.99

FORMULATION:

I wasn't a fan of NYC eyeshadows UNTIL they reformulated them and introduced these Individual Eyes palettes. They come in a variety of colors that are designed for specific eye colors. This particular one is a new limited edition release for their Halloween collection out it stores now.

There are 4 shadows in each palette that are labeled so you know where to apply them on the eye, however you can always mix and do your own thing. All the colors in the palettes including this one are arranged from dark to light.

This palette is great for either a settle or dark smokey eye (great for Halloween!!!)

All the shadows are decently pigmented and very easy to work with.

In every palette there is a highlighter and an eyeshadow base. They are the same in every palette. The highlighter is a pretty milky white with shimmer. You can either use it on the face or eyes (on top of cheekbones and the nose for the face and brow bone and inner corner for eyes.) The base is a yellow beige color and doesn't really do much. 

On top: Highlighter
On Bottom: Eyeshadow Base

Eyeshadow swatches

NEW @ CVS! MUA BB/CC Cream Brush

MUA BB/CC CREAM BRUSH

Recently released at CVS stores nationwide, MUA offers high quality cosmetic brushes for an affordable price. The BB/CC Cream is a round top duo fiber synthetic foundation. This brush is amazing. It applies foundation so smooth and even and gives up an airbrush finish. The brush has just enough density to pick up enough product. The only issues I have with their face brushes especially this one is that the handles are very thick and big so they do add a bit of weight. Also they do have a shedding problem when you first open them and as always clean your brushes before use even new ones (the shedding does go away for this brush after use, I personally haven't had any problems)!

These brushes are found at CVS and price ranges from $10-$30. They aren't the cheapest brushes especially being a drugstore product but compared to say MAC brushes which ranges from $20 and up these brushes are a steal. They have the look and feel of expensive brushes just without the hefty price tags.

BB/CC Cream Brush $18.95

What's NEW @ the Drugstore: Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow

Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadow

PACKAGING:

These eyeshadows come individually in plastic gold round containers.

Contains 1.4g of product

FORMULATION:

When I first saw this I was pretty intrigued by just the name alone. A GEL POWDER EYESHADOW?!?! I thought hmmm this must be some new cream like shadow.

However it wasn't until I swatched them I actually begun to understand what a gel powder is. The shadows are very soft and plush to the touch much like a gel. They are not powdery at all and glide on very smoothly with ease. The pigmentation varies among the colors. Some are extremely pigmented while some are not.

This line also comes with a variety of different finishes such has matte, shimmer, metallic, and satin/matte. 

There are 23 colors in the entire collection ranging from neutrals to bright vibrant fun colors to dark and charcoals.

Here are some examples...

Bella Fuchsia (26)- A bright vibrant fuchsia w/a satin-matte finish

Bella Fuchsia (26)

Bella Violet (14)- Shimmery Violet

Bella Violet (14)

Bella Khaki (17)- Shimmery Khaki

Bella Khaki (17) 

From Left to Right: Bella Fuchsia, Bella Violet, Bella Khaki

Bella Taupe (05)- Taupe w/a satin-matte finish

Bella Taupe (05)

Bella Copper (23)- Vibrant Metallic Copper

Bella Copper (23)

Bella Bronze (24)- Metallic Bronze

Bella Bronze (24)

From Left to Right: Bella Taupe, Bella Copper, Bella Bronze

Sold at Milani Cosmetics Online and drugstores/Targets nationwide

Retail $3.99 online $4-$5 in-stores

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Custom Blush Ultra Glam Bombshell Glow

Blondes

Brunettes

PACKAGING: Comes in the classic plastic circle packaging like most of Physician Formula powders. Only difference is that it is bright pink. It also comes with a mini brush.

FORMULATION: These particular blushes are designed to match hair colors, specifically blondes and brunettes. The blondes blush comes in a pretty rosy pink color and the brunette blush comes in a pinky coral color. These blushes aren't hair color specific any hair color can use these. They just emphasize the hair colors. Pigmentation is very nice and last quite a long time. It is super easy to apply and blend and is build able from a flush of color to a pop of color.

These blushes are fairly new so finding them can be difficult. Right now I have spotted them at Walgreens and Walmart. If you live in the southern east coast they are available at some Publix grocery stores. 

You can also purchase them here

They range from $9-$12 depending on where you purchase them.

Deals of the Week!!! 12/9-12/15

CLOTHING:

American Eagle- 40% Everything (With exceptions to certain items like denim since they are already on sale) Online and in-stores

Aeropostale- 60% off throughout the store (online and in stores) and $25 OFF + Free Shipping on online orders $100 and up

Coupon code: 25OFF

Forever 21- Holiday deals starting at $4/Sale up to 75% off on select items/Free holiday shipping over $30 Online and In-stores

Express- Best of Winter Sale 40% on select items throughout the store and online 

BEAUTY:

CVS: 50%-75% on select makeup items/ Spend $20 on cosmetics get a free tote bag in either a plain black or polka dot design

BEST CVS DEALS: 

AIR SPUN FACE POWDER RETAIL PRICE $7.99 SALE PRICE $1.89

SELECT PHYSICIANS FORMULA ITEMS RETAIL $10+ NOW SALE PRICE $3

NYC NAIL POLISH RETAIL $0.99 SALE PRICE $0.25

Sephora (BEST) Deals:

TOO FACED GLAMOUR TO GO PALETTE RETAIL $22 SALE PRICE $18

NARS NAIL POLISH RETAIL $19 SALE PRICE $5

BENEFIT COSMETICS MATTHEW WILLIAMSON- THE RICH IS BACK PALETTE RETAIL $34 SALE PRICE $19

Ulta (BEST) Deals:

SMASHBOX WONDER VISION PALETTE RETAIL $49 SALE $39 (THIS PALETTE IS DEFINITELY WORTH THE SPLURGE AND SO WORTH THE $39)

Review: Physicians Formula Healthy Wear Tinted Moisturizer

Color: Light to Natural

Packaging: The product comes in a plastic orange bottle and a pink pump. The bottle itself is very sturdy and great for traveling. Unlike other drugstore tinted moisturizers, this is one of the few that comes with a working pump. The pump pumps just enough product compared to some other pumps that just pumps out way to much product. 

Formulation: When I first pumped the product out it felt and looked really watery. However as I applied it on my face it gradually begun to thicken up a bit. It was very easy to apply (I just used my fingers) and it blended into the skin really nicely. It is also very moisturizing so on those days when your running out of time and need to apply something quickly you can just skip your regular moisturizer and apply this instead. It feels light on the skin and doesn't feel like you have product on your face (NO SCENT). This product works great on dry skin and can work on oily skin. Just be sure to set it with a powder. In terms of wear time I wore it without a primer and it lasted a good 4-41/2 hours without any touch up. With a primer it extended wear time up to 6 hours. Another bonus is has a SPF of 50 which is considerably high for any tinted moisturizer out on the market today. Comes in 2 colors: Light to Natural and Natural to Tan.

Coverage: Since it is a tinted moisturizer I didn't expect too much out of the coverage. It has a very light to light medium coverage. While it doesn't provide much coverage it does even out the skin tone and gives a bit of luminosity. 

Overall 4.5/5 

You can purchase this product at pretty much anywhere that sells Physician's Formula. It is fairly expensive for a drugstore tinted moisturizer about $12-14, however keep in mind that Physician's Formula is an organic beauty brand and all their ingredients are very natural and good for you. There are always coupons online and drugstores like CVS have flash sales which marks products like these down to 75% off. I recently got my at one of these flash sales for $3! Talk about a deal. 

Where you can purchase:

Walgreens- Online and In Store

http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/physicians-formula-healthy-wear-tinted-moisturizer-spf-50/ID=prod6143031-product?ext=gooBeauty_PLA_Tinted_Moisturizer_prod6143031_pla&adtype={adtype}&kpid=prod6143031&sst=2a27f99f-053c-fc88-cba9-00003f1f9325 

Ulta- Online and In Store

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod1930125&skuId=2212946&cmpid=PS_Non!google!Product_Listing_Ads&CAWELAID=772018085&catargetid=330000200000064436&cadevice=c&cagpspn=pla

CVS- Online and In Store 

http://www.cvs.com/shop/product-detail/Physicians-Formula-Tinted-Moisturizer-Natural-to-Tan-SPF-50?skuId=723897