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!!! 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

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.

e.l.f Disney Good vs. Evil Beauty Book- BLOGTOBER OCTOBER 7, 2014

With the re-release of Sleeping Beauty on DVD today (before it goes into the Disney vault) I thought it was only fitting to do this review 

Disney Good vs. Evil
$9.99 @ Walgreens (Exclusively and for a limited time! NOT AVAILABLE ONLINE)

PACKAGING:

-Comes in a cardboard material shaped like a book. The inside is composed of a soft foam (holds the products).

-The cover is Aurora & Malificent

-Contains 12 Eyeshadows (6 neutral shadows called Day Beauty & 6 colorful shadows called Nigh Villain), 2 lip colors, & 1 "brightening" black eyeliner.

-The Beauty Book also contains instructions on how to create the Day and Night looks

- There is a clear plastic that covers and protects the eyeshadows, it does get in the way when your are trying to get to the shadows. It can be removed by cutting it off from the palette.

-The packaging for both the lip products and eyeliner are very fragile. The caps on these products were very loose especially the liner.

FORMULATION:

Eyeshadows:

e.l.f (aka www.eyeslipsface.com) is known for their very inexpensive makeup (everything is usually under $20). From their dollar eyeshadows. blushes, and so forth e.l.f has created an empire that allows women and men to look great w/o breaking the bank. 

e.l.f usually launches a couple of these Disney Beauty Books every year. Aside from Sleeping Beauty this year they also launched Ariel and Snow White themed products.

The eyeshadows in this Sleeping Beauty Beauty Book definitely depict the characters very well. The texture is very soft and smooth. The pigmentation varies among the shadows and a primer is definitely recommended. TIP: Layer the shadows on by thin layers to build the color. Do keep in mind that in order for e.l.f to keep their prices down, not everything is going to be great quality. The colors Briar Rose and Evil Fairy are the worst ones out of all the shadows. Both lack a great deal of pigmentation. Briar rose is very powdery and Evil Fairy for some reason is very streaky.

The wear time was actually very surprising. They lasted for about 5-6 hours with a primer and about 2-3 hours w/o a primer. They did crease a bit but nothing too dramatic. When I did swatches on the Night Villain shadows the shadows took a great deal of scrubbing to come off (no primer underneath).

Top Row:
Sunlight- Matte beige
Innocence- Shimmery Sand
Briar Rose- Rose w/a satin finish

Bottom Row:
Sunbeam- Golden brown w/a satin finish
Forest Beauty- Dark cocoa brown w/a hint of shimmer
Woodland- Dark brown w/a satin-matte finish

Top Row:
Sorcery- Shimmery gray/taupe
Magic Spell- Teal w/a satin finish
Evil Fairy- Matte violet purple

Bottom Row:
Hedge of Thorns- Dark Gray w/a satin finish
Green Flames- Shimmery hunter green
Black Magic- Semi matte black

Lip colors:

The lip products featured in this Beauty Book are a cross between a gloss and lipstick. The colors are super opaque however they do lose their pigmentation when blended out too much. They are very thick and messy to apply. They are not too drying but can get uncomfortable to wear for longer periods of time. I don't recommend using the doe foot application that comes with it but rather a lip brush instead. 

Left:
True Loves Kiss- Fuchsia red
Right:
Betrayal- Raspberry mauve

Top: True Loves Kiss
Bottom: Betrayal

Left: True Loves Kiss
Right: Betrayal

 Eyeliner:

I was very surprised at how well this liner worked. I am not a huge fan of the pencil liners from e.l.f. They are either too hard or so soft that it makes it impossible to use. 

This particular liner is known as their "brightening" liner. I for one didn't see any brightening effects however it was very pigmented and easy to apply. It is still a bit on the softer side but it smudges and creates a nice smokey effect. You can also just use it as a regular liner or even as a base for the shadows in this Beauty Book. 

Brightening Eyeliner in Wicked

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

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 +