NEW!!! Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation

Dream Velvet Soft Matte Hydrating Foundation

(My color: 50 Creamy Natural)

Packaging:

-Comes in a small plastic tube

-Contains 1 FL OZ of product

-Available at most nationwide drugstores, Wal-Marts, Targets, ULTA and some Bed, Bath & Beyond

Retails for around $8-$10

Formulation:

With most Maybelline foundations I either really love them or I really dislike them. With this particular one though I have developed a love/hate relationship. 

The consistency reminds me of a thick version of Yoplait's Whipped Yogurt. It is very airy and smooth. The foundation gives a medium coverage and looks flawless on the skin. It gives a matte finish that doesn't make you look flat. And surprisingly very hydrating, which is not something you see in a lot of matte finish foundations. I myself have super dry and sensitive skin and haven't had any issues so far (about a month of use).

 However even with all the good things I found that this foundation not to blend as well as others I have tried from Maybelline. No matter if I use a brush or beauty blender it always streaks on me and takes a bit of an effort to fully blend it in. This may just be me, I have friends who use this foundation with no problems whatsoever. Another issue I had with this product was the coloring. Being Asian I have a yellow undertone and this foundation tends to make me look more yellow to even orange gradually throughout the day, I have tried a couple of different colors to try to rule it out but no luck. It could be an oxidation problem, but it is hard to tell because the color change doesn't happen right away. 

But overall I still love the coverage and the way it looks and the lightness it feels on my skin. 

OVERALL 3.8/5

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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

Tips for Long Lasting Eyeliner

Tip #1

Waterproof vs. Water Resistant

Always pay attention and read the labels! Waterproof means the product can be submerged in water for long periods of time. Water resistant means the product can shed water however they don't tend to last very long. Whether you are at the beach/pool this summer or just live in a hot area your best bet for long lasting eyeliner is to go for something waterproof rather than water resistant. 

Tip #2

Gel Liner

Gel liner compared to liquid and pencil linersl tends to have a longer wear time. And it can be used for the upper and lower lash line as well as your waterline (inside the bottom and upper lash line). Use a paintbrush with a long thin tip for easy application on your upper lash line. For your bottom lash line and your waterlines take one of your soft pencil liners and dip it into the gel liner and apply. This method gives you not only precision but more control. 

Tip #3

Set With Eyeshadow

No matter what type of liner you use anything with a liquid, gel or crayon consistency set it with a matching eyeshadow. Simply after you apply your eyeliner take a thin slanted eyebrow brush and dip it in a matching color eyeshadow and apply over the line. This can be done anywhere where you apply your eyeliner. 

Tip #4

Use a Primer

Primers are wonderful when it comes to keeping your makeup in place and eye primers are no exception. Apply primer before any eye product. Just make sure you buy a primer that works with your skin type. There are primers designed for dry and oily lids. 

Favorite Eye Primers:

Urban Decay Primer Potion 

Lorac Behind The Scenes



My Favorite Waterproof Eyeliners:

TARTE Clay Waterproof Liner

STILA Stay All Day 

MAKEUP FOREVER Aqua Eyes

MAYBELLINE Unstoppable 

RIMMEL Exaggerate Waterproof Eye Definer Eyeliner

NEW!!! Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin Foundation/Concealer

Maybelline SuperStay Better Skin 

PACKAGING:

-Foundation comes in a glass bottle w/a pump (Contains 1 fl oz of product)

-Concealer comes in a plastic tube with a doe shape wand (Contains 0.25 fl oz of product)

Foundation is available in 9 shades (not every place will carry all the colors)

Concealer is available in 5 shades

So far I have only seen this product at Wal-Mart and Target. You can also purchase it online from Ulta.

Depending on where you purchase these products prices will vary

Foundation $9-$11

Concealer $7-$9

FORMULATION:

I have been waiting for quite some time now for this product to be released in the States (this product has already been released in the UK). Maybelline foundations are some of the best drugstore foundations on the market today and this one is no exception.

The SuperStay Foundation not only gives you coverage (medium/medium full) but also helps improve the quality of your skin as you use it. It contains Actyl C and SPF 20 that helps dull uneven skin become radiant and glowing. The texture isn't too thin or too thick and blends flawlessly. It is great for dry skin providing a layer of hydration. It also works well with oily skin.

The staying power of this foundation is pretty impressive as well. I have wore this foundation almost all day and it still looked fresh.

I don't have too much to say about the concealer. It is decent enough and offers a reasonable amount of coverage nothing heavy. It is very light and blends effortlessly into the skin. It's perfect for days where you don't want to wear a lot of makeup but just enough to keep you from looking rachet.I personally prefer Maybelline's Master Conceal concealer. 

OVERALL

Foundation

5/5

Concealer

3/5

NEW!!! Maybeliine Eyeshadow Palettes

Maybelline The Blushed Nudes (top) & Maybelline The Smokes (bottom) Eyeshadow Palettes

PACKAGING:

Much like Maybelline's The Nudes palette (1st one released), both of these new releases come in the same plastic case with a clear top. It isn't the most sturdiest of cases so beware if you are traveling with them.

The eyeshadows in the palette are placed in a way that allows you to use them as duos, trios, or quads. All the colors mix and match pretty well together.

Each palette retails for around $9-$12 depending on where you purchase it. These particular ones can be a little bit difficult to find and may not be available everywhere just yet.

I have seen these palettes at...

Walgreens

Walmart

Target

Ulta

FORMULATION:

I was quite disappointed with these two palettes compared to the first one that Maybelline released awhile back (The Nudes Palette). The eyeshadows in both palettes did not have consistent pigmentation and some were a bit on the powdery side. I found myself really having to dig into some of the lighter colors just to get enough color. 

But overall for the price, these palettes are pretty decent and great palettes for starters or for those of you who are looking for a bang for their buck.

The blushed nudes palette contains beautiful pink and rosy hues while the smokes palette contains dark and sultry hues. The blushed nudes is a more affordable alternative to the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette which retails for about $50.

The Blushed Nudes

TOP ROW

BOTTOM ROW

The Smokes

TOP ROW

BOTTOM ROW

Review: Maybelline Master Conceal Camouflaging Concealer (NEW)

Master Conceal in Light/Medium

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a skinny tube (very similar to Makeup Forever's Aqua Concealer)

-Comes in 5 shades

-Contains 0.4 FL OZ of product

Retails around $8-10 depending on where you purchase

Available at drugstores, Ulta, Select Targets & Wal-Marts

FORMULATION:

I absolutely adore Maybelline concealers! There hasn't been one that I haven't tried and not liked and this new one is no exception. 

Texture: Smooth and creamy but light at the same time for easy application and blending

Coverage: While it claims to be full coverage for me I find it more in the medium coverage range

Wear Time: Has pretty decent longevity wore around 6 hours without any changes could probably wore longer

OVERALL: 4.8/5

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: 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

Lazy Fall Day Makeup Routine- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 20, 2014

As much of a makeup addict I am, I still have my lazy days where I do not want to do anything. But life is unpredictable, so I devised myself a quick little standby routine that I can easily apply with no fuss and still look somewhat presentable.

Step 1: Foundation/Concealer 

Any makeup look always starts out with a good base. On my lazy days esp. when I have to leave the house quick I don't like to fuss with heavy foundation. My go to product this season has been my Maybelline Pure BB Cream. I just apply it with my fingers and viola! It is super easy to blend and has great coverage. After I apply my BB Cream it is time to cover up my dark under eye circles. I been loving the Cover Girl Ready Set Gorgeous concealer. It covers my pesky under eye circles and brightens up my complexion as well. Even on days where I don't apply any sort of foundation I still apply concealer on my under eye circles. Trust me it makes all the difference in the world!

Step 2: Powder

Any time you wear any type of liquid product, it is always a good idea to set it with a powder. Powder not only keeps your makeup on but also blends your foundation a little more. I been using my Maybelline Dream Wonder powder quite a lot this season. When I first bought it I didn't really like it. It made my skin really shiny and my foundation cakey, however I started to apply it with a lighter hand and it's been working pretty well keeping my makeup together. 

Step 3: Bronzer/ Blush

Just to give myself a bit of color. I like to contour a bit with my Rimmel Bronzer and the blush I been obsessing over is my Benefit Dandelion. It is a pretty netural pink that is great with all looks and skin tones. 

Step 4: Brows

I don't like to put on eyeshadow on my lazy days but I do like to fill in my brows a bit. It makes me look more alive and not like I just rolled off my bed. The Maybelline Master Brow has been a holy grail. It combines my brow color and gel in one so all I have to do is apply and I get nice looking brows.

Step 5: Lip color

Probably the easiest step. Just take you favorite lip color swipe on and go. I been using my L'Oreal Balm in Tender Mauve. It is perfect for fall and a great all around neutral color that won't wash you out. 

XOXO

Favorite Fall Drugstore Lipsticks- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 6, 2014

Here are my top favorite fall DRUGSTORE LIPSTICKS. All of the mentioned below are under $10 and available at your local drugstores. Look fabulous w/o the hole in the wallet :D 

muah xoxo

From Left to Right: 

Maybelline Color Sensational Matte in Divine Wine (695)- Goes on particularly smooth and not drying at all compared to most matte lipsticks. Wear time is pretty decent especially if you don't eat or drink much throughout the day. I have wore this lipstick for 5 hours straight w/o any touch ups.

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry (477)- Truly a timeless classic. This lipstick is amazeballs. It goes pretty much with any skin tone and has a nice sheen to it. I do recommend blotting afterwards and apply in layers. This lipstick is super pigmented! Wear time is okay around 2-4 hours w/o touch ups.

NYX Matte Lipstick in Alabama (07)- A classic "bad girl" red. I feel a girl version of the Ramones whenever I wear this. It has a nice rusty copper undertone to it. This lipstick can be drying so put on a nice lip balm before applying. This lipstick has a great wear time. I have wore this particular color out for 6 hours and it still looked pretty decent. I did have to do a little touch up throughout the day.

Wet n Wild Lipstick in Urban Nights (34481) LIMITED EDITION!!!- First of all can we please take a moment and look at this color and wonder how is it only $1.99!!! I love all the Wet n Wild matte lipsticks. The pigmentation of these lipsticks are INSANE! They are very drying so moisturize moisturize and o did I mention moisturize. They do tend to feather out a bit throughout the day so wearing a lip liner underneath is recommended. (This is a limited edition color from their new Halloween collection so snatch it up before its gone!) 

From Left ti Right:

Divine Wine: Dark rich red wine (matte) 

Black Cherry: Dark purple cherry (Satin)

Alabama: Rusty red (matte)

Urban Nights: Cranberry (matte)

Stay tuned for my favorite High-End fall Lipsticks!!! 

WHAT'S NEW @ THE DRUGSTORE

NEW!!! MAYBELLINE 

Prices for each product varies from store to store 

Each product retails around $5-$9 @drugstores, Walmarts, & Targets

From left to right:
Maybelline Brow Drama- Sculpting Brow Mascara
Maybelline Color Sensational MATTE Lipsticks
Maybelline Great Lash Real Impact Mascara

MAYBELLINE BROW DRAMA SCULPTING BROW MASCARA

PACKAGING:

-COMES IN A MASCARA TUBE

-COMES WITH 0.23 FL OZ OF PRODUCT

-THE BRUSH HAS A BALL AT THE TIP AND EXTENDING STRAIGHT DOWN (I personally didn't really like the brush it reminded me of the Givenchy mascara wand that people were so crazy about a couple years ago. While the wand or brush makes sense for a mascara since the ball can reach inner corners and provide more coverage the idea using it as a brow wand is a little iffy. I find it pretty awkward to use and actually got more product on my skin than in my brows.)

FORMULATION:

With the issue of the wand/brush aside, this is a pretty decent product. I have seen tons of brow setting gels out on the drugstore market today but not many tinted ones.You can use it alone to comb through your brows or use it as a setting gel for those of you who prefer powder. The pigmentation is pretty nice and gives a very natural look.The wear time is pretty decent and usually lasts until you want to take it off unless you somehow messed with your brow hairs throughout the day. This is a very similar product to the Benefit brow gel with a little less pigmentation.

 Comes in a variety of colors (different places have different sets of color as well as names)

Rule of Thumb for finding your perfect brow shade: lighter hair colors go 2 shades darker, darker hair go 2 shades lighter

Brow Drama in Deep Brown

Brow Drama Wand/Brush

MAYBELLINE COLOR SENSATIONAL MATTE LIPSTICKS

PACKAGING:

-COMES IN THE ORIGINAL COLOR SENSATIONAL LIPSTICK SQUARE TUBE HOWEVER THE CAP IS NOW A MATTE PURPLE GRAY COLOR (The caps on these lipsticks are actually a lot more sturdy and tighter compared to the original ones.)

FORMULATION:

Matte lipsticks are a trend that never seems to age. When I saw that Maybelline came out with a line of matte lipsticks I had to get on it. The texture of these are quite interesting with most matte lipsticks out there the texture is usually pretty drying these have a creamy texture that makes it very easy to glide on. They can get a bit drying wearing throughout the day so make sure you moisturize your lips before applying. The color payoff on these are pretty decent and very wearable. The wear time without drinking or eating is about 4-6 hours depending on your temperature where you live.

Here are 2 of my favorite shades from the collection

Left: 690 Siren in Scarlet (Scarlet red)
Right: 675 Faint for Fuchsia (Fuchsia w/purple undertones)

Left: Siren in Scarlet
Right: Faint for Fuchsia

MAYBELLINE GREAT LASH REAL IMPACT MASCARA

PACKAGING:

-COMES IN THE SAME GREAT LASH PACKAGING WITH A DIFFERENCE IN COLOR

-THE BRUSH/WAND IS ALSO THE SAME AS THE ORIGINAL GREAT LASH; LONG HAIR BRUSH

FORMULATION:

I am not really a fan of the Great Lash mascaras with the exception of Lots of Lashes that one I really love. The Great Lash formulas are just too wet for my taste and don't really do much for my lashes. This one wasn't too bad. It still had that wet formula but it did give me nice length. The wear like the other ones wasn't too great. After a couple of hours it started to come off.

Real Impact Mascara in Blackest Black