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

Review: Pixi Glow Tonic

PACKAGING: 

-Comes in a small plastic bottle

-Contains 100 ml (small bottle $15)

There is a slightly bigger size I think around 300 ml for $25 but I haven't seen it in stores (can purchase online)

Available @ Target (exclusive)

OR

Pixi Online 

FORMULATION:

Pixi Glow Tonic is a glycolic acid based facial toner (5%). Glycolic acid is a natural substance that comes from sugar cane. It is known for its exfoliating powers on the skin. It can also help with anti aging skin problems as well as correct discoloration and tighten the surface of the skin. 

Along with glycolic acid, Pixi Glow Tonic also contains aloe and ginseng. This product is designed to  exfoliate the skin without any harsh chemicals or beads. It contains no alcohol so for those of you who are worried about this toner stripping the moisture out of your skin fear not. It is best applied with a cotton round all over the face after cleansing. It leaves the skin soft and smooth and makes applying moisturizer or makeup flawlessly. 

For those of you weary of scents beware that this toner does have a heavy scent. It isn't anything too terrible. A combination of roses and the woodsy outdoors. 

I have been using this product for about 2 weeks now and I gotta say how surprised I was with this. The Pixi Glow Tonic is very well known over in the UK and has recently just came to the states. I can definitely see what all the rage has been about. I haven't had any breakouts and the breakouts I did have before using this product has disappeared completely. I have extremely sensitive skin so not breaking out for 2 weeks is a huge win for me. However my skin does react well with glycolic acid. I have used products in the past that contain this and have had stellar results. I suggest testing your skin out with a product that has less glycolic acid in it before trying this out. 

I am not a dermatologist this review is 100% my experience with this product. I do think this product could work on a variety of skin types but remember we all have different skin and will react differently compared to each other. So always do a little research on your skin before trying out anything new.

XOXO

OVERALL:

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 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

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

Top Affordable Brush Brands

A trade is only good as its tools... In the beauty industry many believe that when it comes to investing brushes are always on the top of the list and while that is somewhat true. It isn't absolute necessary to shed out hundreds of dollars. Here are a few of my favorite brands of brushes that are not only inexpensive but also work amazingly well.

1.) Eco Tools: This company has been around for quite sometime and is mostly known for their eco friendly sustainable makeup brushes. The handle of their brushes are made from bamboo and the hair is all synthetic (great for vegans).  Their line has face brushes, eye brushes and even sponges! You can purchase these brushes at drugstores like Walgreens and Rite Aid and also Walmarts. 

Price Range: All brushes under $20 (even brush sets) 

2.) Real Techniques: Designed by popular YouTube beauty guru Samantha Chapman aka Pixiwoo, these are one of the best affordable brushes out on the marked today. All the brushes have synthetic hair and are very well made. They are super sturdy and very easy to work with from beginners to experts. The line includes face brushes, eye brushes, and makeup sponges. These are mainly found at Ulta in their "drugstore" section but are also in some drugstores and Kohl's.

Price Range: Brushes by itself are all under $20, brush sets go up to $30 

3.) Sonia Kashuk: Exclusively at Target, Sonia Kashuk is not only known for her makeup line but for her brushes as well. Like the other two brands mentioned Sonia also has synthetic hair brushes. Her brush popularity comes from her brush sets which always have a beautiful design on the handles. Her line includes face brushes, eye brushes and recently beauty sponges.

Price Range: Individual brushes are all under $20 brush sets can go up to $30 + 

Review: Maybelline Dream Wonder Powder

Packaging: Comes in a similar plastic packaging like the Dream Matte Powder with the exception of a clear top and rather the bottom layer sliding to reveal the mirror and sponge this powder packaging opens up.

Formulation: This particular powder has a very smooth and silky texture. Compared to the other powders from Maybelline this one offers a build able medium coverage so definitely use a light hand if you don't intend to use it as a powder foundation. It leaves the skin with a semi-matte finish. It also left a rosy finish nothing too crazy but for some odd reason it made my skin pinker (very odd for an Asian with yellow skin undertones) 

Wear Time: Wear time varies with skin type. Oily skin I recommend staying away after awhile it can get greasy and oily looking. For dry skin this powder gives a natural luminosity to the skin. I have very dry skin especially with the recent temperature drop. It lasted on my skin for a good 8 hours without any touchups. If definitely won't last this long during the hotter months coming up but you can always use a setting spray on top to enhance wear time.

The color selection is very nice comes in 16 shades. If you have a darker complexion you may have a bit of trouble finding your color. 

Overall: 3.5/5
Not a bad powder overall. For me this isn't a powder I would use on an everyday business especially with the upcoming warmer months. I prefer my powders to feel light along with coverage. This powder had the coverage but not the light weight. 

$ and Where to Purchase: Since this product is brand new it can be a bit tricky to find. CVS for sure carries them and other drugstores like Walgreens are just starting to get them in. Select Targets as well as Target online have them in stock. And of course prices will vary depending on where you purchase but it will be less than $10 where ever you decide to purchase it.