Sephora Makeup Brushes

I recently posted about makeup brushes, and how to find good ones. To recap, check out the post here! That post was a long time coming thanks to my neverending search, but it was also because I needed an intro to my current Sephora obsession.

Over a week ago, I went to the HBA Global Expo in New York. Admittedly, being that the show is for product development, there was only so much a blogger can find out. What I did find was a plethora of innovation, and my favorite was my last stop.

A lot of the companies at the Expo were manufacturers and co-packers. What does that mean to the average consumer? These are the companies that make someone’s ideas come to fruition. If you want to sell cosmetics and need someone to make the cases, packaging, etc. these are the people you call.

The whole show was full of products that I can’t wait to see companies pick up. The benefits of going to an Expo like this is too have the aha! moment when you see a product on a shelf that you knew was coming.
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002FOAX2Y
Enough of the chit chat though, which one was my fave? Magnetic brushes. These are brushes that have one base and interchangeable brush heads. There were sets from a couple to plenty. I begged one woman to sell me a sample set but she wouldn’t budge. 🙂 Hey… I tried! She did give me some scoop though. She showed me that Sephora jumped on the bandwagon and I could get it from them.

The set includes three face brushes that has a metal look to it. I’m not sure what the casing is made of, but I’ll let y’all know soon (as I have already ordered mine – don’t judge!). The brushes are super soft and are interchangeable into the main case with magnets. It comes with a case and is size friendly & saves space, being that it is halves of brushes.

Non HBA related, are other brushes that Sephora came out with. These are the double ended makeup brushes that are for face and eyes (or whatever else use you can find for it). Disclaimer: I am not a big fan of always defining a brush by a title. I feel that a lot of brushes can serve multiple or different purposes than the original intention, and don’t like to pigeon hole them with a title. Again – this is because I am My Own Judge & I strongly urge you to be your own as well! 🙂 They kind of remind me of seesaws, with a big brush and a flip to a small brush.

The brushes come in some fab bright colors and given that they are basically two for one are not overpriced for a Sephora brush. That hopefully explains that this does not mean that they are cheap, but expected. Just like you wouldn’t expect a Prada bag to magically cost $20.

This is a picture of the brushes on display at the store. The names and prices are exactly as they are in store. Thankfully this pic came out quite clear!

These brushes are very cute and I adore the bright colors. The fact that they are double ended serves as a blessing and as a curse in my eyes. It’s nice that they are double the duty for the money and the space, but unless storage is horizontal, I imagine ruining the shape of the brush at one point in time. Also – at first try, these brushes were too brittle for me. I’m not much of a one time judge though, so I visited these brushes over a period of time and came to a conclusion that though they are not the softest, the feel is actually not so bad. My verdict for these is that if you had the extra funds, they’d be a great addition b/c the colors have plenty attitude. But if you need a good super soft brush that you can tote anywhere, I wouldn’t recommend these.

http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EHCZ00 http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EHF0PW http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EHH59G http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EH9EIQ http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=000000&IS2=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=myowju-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&m=amazon&f=ifr&md=10FE9736YVPPT7A0FBG2&asins=B002EHCYVU

Have you tried them? What do you think?

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Review: Fingrs

Do you remember the last time you used fake nails?

Well – tricky question I suppose. For example: I hate acrylics because I have a nagging fear that they are going to forever ruin my nails, and plus when your nails grow out – I hate that little space between the nail bed and the acrylic. I also hate the soaking and all the other processes, and I’d rather love my nails the way they are.

But fake nails are different… They last for as long as you want them to. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs. And to save the best for last – they are cheap!

Enter Fing’rs: I was approached to review their nails a little before the Bloggin’ Beauts event, but got to see the whole deal once they were one of the great companies to participate at the event. We all got two designs in our goodie bags and even some for our readers [you just wait!].

What it is:
Fing’rs carries nails, nail tools, and nail art. There will be many more reviews to come on all of the above, but this one is for the nails.

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 5 out of 5

Price: 5 out of 5 ($5.99)

Quality: 5 out of 5

Overall: 4.5 out of 5

Instructions on the box:

Glue Application (Up to 10 Day Wear):

Buff, clean, and dry nails before applying artificial nails.

Select a nail that closely matches your natural nail size.

Apply Fing’rs nail glue to your natural fingernail and apply glue to artificial fingernail. Press artificial fingernail onto your natural fingernail. Hold in place 5-10 seconds until dry.

Stick-On Tab Application (Temporary Wear):

Buff, clean, and dry nails before applying artificial nails.

Remove Stick-On tab from backing. Place sticky side onto your natural fingernail Do not remove paper backing until tabs have been applied to all nails.

Remove paper backing one at a time and apply nails immediately.

Removal of Glue-on Fingernails:

Soak in Fing’rs Artificial Nail Remover until artificial nails dissolve. If not available, soak in acetone.
Do not break or peel off nails.

Removal of Stick-on Tabs:

Soak in warm soapy water for 10-15 minutes. Pry up edge until adhesive bond separates.

A top coat may be applied for extra shine.

The product:

Pack of 24 Fingernails
Nail glue
20 Adhesive stick-on tabs.

The process:

So… I was a little bad and didn’t document the process. But it is super easy:

You have two choices – the box comes with glue as well as stick-on… stickers. I would advocate using the stick-on stickers for younger girls, but otherwise the glue. This makes it last a lot longer. The stick-on stickers honestly last a day or so if you’re as clumsy as I am – the good thing about that though, is that you can reuse them!

See above for the instructions – the only thing I would suggest is to hold down the nail so that the glue settles for longer than the suggested time.

The result:

My Verdict:
I really like this company. You have to admit that for the price that it sells for, it’s hard not to like it just for that. Though, I am not a fan of fake nails, I find that this is a cute alternative for a short period of time and beats a manicure (which cost the same amount as three, four, or more of these buggers).

The only thing that I disliked about this is the same thing that I dislike about many other fake nails. It doesn’t last long. Though it says that it will last for up to ten days, mine never go past five. I take really long showers, and do everything with my nails (open packages, cans, etc.).

Regardless, I have to see the designs that Fing’rs have are worth the trouble. Five days of a perfect mani that I don’t have to touch past the five minute process sounds like a win to me. Also – there are 24 nails in there and after the first 10 I usually use the other sizes and use a nail file to make them fit, if they’re a little off. Plus! Fing’rs has polka dot and checkerboard designs – tell me that’s not the best?

So if you want to take a gamble with fake nails, or if you already use them or acrylics – I’d say use these. There is a huge selection of sizes and designs, and if you really dislike the nails (which you shouldn’t…) you can try their awesome nail art (review to come later).

Check them out for yourself on their website here! Don’t forget to take a peek at their different nail design styles and at their look book!

Fing’rs can be purchased at (among many others):

Rite Aid ||Kmart || Wal-Mart ||CVS ||Drugstore.com
ULTA ||Shoppers Drug Mart ||Asda || Boots ||Beauty.com

Oh – I almost forgot! Want to win yourself a pair? The first six people to respond to me on Twitter with this exact phrase: “Hey yaya! Love the @Fingrs review! Can I win a pair?” will get one! ~~Contest ends by end of Friday, so hurry and tweet!~~ All winners have been chosen and notified.

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Review: Nailene French Tip Pen Kit (long post)

Remember when I was hootin’ and hollerin’ over the NYC Bloggin’ Beauts? Well the goodie bags included many a product that warrant a review. One of them being the Nailene Fench Tip Pen Kit.

What it is:
Being true to it’s title. This nifty combo includes 2 polishes (Hard & Healthy French Manicure Base Color and Acrylic Topcoat) 1 White French Tip Pen, and 42 tip guides.

On the box:

In just two simple steps, achieve that perfect salon French Manicure with our easy-to-use pen. Also great for pedicures and perfect for retouching! Mistake proof, precision application with fabulous results.

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 4 out of 5

Price: 5 out of 5 ($8.99)

Quality: 5 out of 5

Overall: 4 out of 5

Instructions on the box:

Actively shake pen. Press tip onto a protected surface for 30 seconds until tip is saturated with polish. When the tip is completely covered with polish, you are ready to use the pen.

Optional: Apply tip guides across curve of nails to separate tip area.

Step 1: After prepping pen, apply two coats of Nailene’s French Tip White to nail tips. Let dry. If tip guides were used, peel off gently.

Step 2: Apply one or two coats of Nailene’s Hard & Healthy base color over entire nail.

A top coat may be applied for extra shine.

The product:

I just had to put the products into a Y lol. Forgive me the corniness 🙂

The process:

I cut off the ends on the strips and used them on smaller nails (be green w/your mani!)

The result:

Can you see the shimmer in the top coat?

disregard the broken middle fingernail

My Verdict:
When Nailene agreed to participate in the Bloggin’ Beauts, I was overjoyed. When they sent everyone this kit – I couldn’t be more excited. I always think that every company puts their own spin on an item. Let’s be honest, there are only so many “original” products. A french mani is probably the most popular manicure style, but there is a whole universe of variations. Lucky for me – I didn’t try this one yet!

This is a great mani kit. I really like the fact that it came with strips for ease of use and the pen was actually very easy to use. I have used a lot of french manicure pens and a lot of them are unkind to your nails. They never get the line right, and frankly, you’re better off using a brush for painting walls. This french manicure pen was comfortable and got the job done quickly.

I was originally going to say that I wasn’t a fan of the one choice of color in this kit but then I realized – all of these products are sold separately as well. If you don’t agree with the color, the other Nailene products still fit the bill. Furthermore, my main concern was the amount of strips available. The strips – though easy to use, require an attempt or two to master. If you look closely at the pictures, you will notice that the pinky and ring finger aren’t too neatly done. That was because I didn’t press the strip down tight enough and polish leaked through. To remedy the situation doesn’t take much – pay closer attention the first two or three times you use them! After that you’ll be a pro!

After trying out this kit, I am impressed with the simplicity but efficiency of the product and would recommend that y’all try this out. It’s certainly budget friendly – so why not?

I’m also really excited about the black french manicure pen!

Nailene is currently sold at:

Rite Aid || Kmart ||Wal-Mart || CVS ||Family Dollar || ULTA || Shoppers Drug Mart || Asda || Boots … and many other locations!

If you like the review – check out their sweepstakes:

Enter for a chance to win
NAILENE products!

Enter for your chance to win WIN NAILENE™ French Manicure kits and other fantastic NAILENE® products and a $50.00 Wal-Mart gift card – a prize package worth $250.00.

Sweepstakes begins August 1st
and ends October 31st, 2009 at 5:00pm PST.

Going to be in NY? Scurry your butt over to the NYC Bloggin’ Beauts Blog to catch details about events and companies!

Have you tried this out? What do you think?

Review Time!

There are three things people need to survive. Sleep. Water & food. & a way to get rid of the water & food.

Now this post may be a bit of TMI for some of you, so don’t go unsubscribing on me just because I got no shame.

Let me tell you all a story, my dear jury.

Miss Yaya has never been too shy about speaking up. Maybe sometimes I act uncharacteristically quiet or shy, but not majorly. And not when it comes to when I gotta go. Go where? … Go

When little yaya was in the fourth grade, she raised her hand in class one day and asked to go to the bathroom. (Now yaya hasn’t always been a darling, so the teacher said no because yaya had probably misbehaved) So what did yaya do? She got her lil behind up and walked straight out the classroom to the bathroom. I had to go.

That’s what I mean y’all.

And now when little yaya isn’t so little? Well the rules have not changed, no matter how little or big, if I gotta go, you better believe I will. This includes public restrooms and all sorts of numbers. 🙂 And I do mean all. No shame – because I would rather make a stink in the bathroom than walk around soiled like the ground…

Now some of you may not be so bold. Some may not want to go if there are people in the bathroom, or if there are many stalls. I have friends that refuse to go in public, and some that won’t even go anywhere but their own house. (I pray for y’all but that’s another story…)

Enter Poo~pourri into the court room.

Spray this little bugger around four times into the toilet pre-deed and it absorbs all smells. Made of essential oils, this handy dandy toilet companion doesn’t just announce your past deeds – or doos with “Garden Fresh” (it never smells like a garden either), but rather makes it smell like Vanilla & Lemon oils went frolicking around the porcelean gods.

What it is:

Poo~Pourri Spray Deodorizer

Poo~Pourri bathroom spray deodorizer does more than eliminate bathroom odors – it is forever changing the bathroom experience. Just picture this…Last night’s buffet was the best you ever had, but today at the office, all that eating is catching up to you. As you walk out from your second visit to the restroom, you nearly collide with the handsome lad from two offices down. You both pause, staring at each other. Just then, the door shuts behind you. A rush of bathroom air fans past. “Mmmm, citrusy,” he says and walks away. You pat your purse and smile — Poo~Pourri bathroom spray deodorizer, it keeps your dirty little secret.

Poo~Pourri toilet deodorizers work hard to eliminate bathroom odors and remove most evidence of your embarrassing moments in the bathroom. Our patent pending formula of essential oils control odor by creating a barrier that prevents embarrassing bathroom smells from every escaping the toilet. We make sure that the stinky poop smell isn’t something you’ve left behind. So go ahead, let others think your poop doesn’t stink- maybe even convince them it smells pretty nice?

Why Poo~Pourri?

Unlike most bathroom spray deodorizers that try to mask the stinky poop smell after it is in the air, Poo~Pourri is designed to be sprayed directly onto the toilet bowl water before you go! Poo~Pourri toilet deodorizer does more than just improve air quality- it is environmentally friendly. Our secret blends rely on essential oils to eliminate bathroom odors making it safe for the planet and your septic.

We are so convinced that you find Poo~Pourri to be the best deodorizer you have tried that we offer a 30-day unconditional Money Back Guarantee. Try this toilet deodorizer today and find out what should be missing when you use the bathroom.

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 5 out of 5 (too cute – with a little P charm – pee or poo? up to you!)

Price: 4 out of 5 ($9.95 for 2oz. $14.95 for 4oz. & $24.95 for 80z.)

Quality: 5 out of 5

Overall: 5 out of 5

The product(s):

The original scent.

It also comes in:

Poo~Pourri Original – A citrus fresh blend of Lemon-grass, Bergamot and Grapefruit
Royal Flush – Fresh Essence of Eucalyptus with Spearmint
No.2 – Sweet Bouquet of Mandarin, Bergamot and Orange enhanced with Peach and Berries
HeavenSCENT – a divine blend of White Jasmine Florals

Swatches/Process:

before

after 6 sprays

And I’m not showing you any pictures of the process thereafter – I’m not completely shameless!

My Verdict:

I’m in love with this product. The packaging and concept is what killed me in the first place. How could I turn down something named Poo~pourri? The packaging came next, with the sweet wrapper and witty descriptions.

What really got my gavel knocking was how well it worked. The bottle says spray 4-6 times so I sprayed the max (to be safe) and let me tell you, 3 or 4 would’ve been fine. The scent is super pleasant, and not something you normally get a whiff of. I had a coworker go into the bathroom and tell me if she knew what I did and she reluctantly did so, and said no. She said the bathroom smelled really good and asked me what I sprayed (we have been looking for something that doesn’t smell like chemicals for the office bathroom for months).

When I told her it was Poo~pourri, she smelled it and promised to head to the website that same night. The judge isn’t improperly trained y’all, My Own Judge likes this, and thinks you will too! You can and should get it here.

Jemma Kidd for Target

It’s Review Time!

This week’s review is a little off the regular path. This one is more a selection of a line of products, than it is a single product. I guess that’s pretty similar to what I’ve done before too then, huh?

What it is:

This is a cosmetics brand from makeup artist Jemma Kidd. This is a limited edition collaboration with Target, as the rest of her name brand is sold in Bergdorf Goodman, & several Neiman Marcus stores.

There is an extensive line of products, but I only bought the an eyeshadow duo and a gloss lipstick. Both of these are $18 each, and can be found here. Also make sure to click on the link to see the video with Jemma. I tried to embed it but they didn’t have a link.

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 4 out of 5 (the e/s is nothing special – but the lipsticks are very cute)

Price: 3.5 out of 5 ($18 for the E/S duo & the Lipstick)

Quality: 3.5 out of 5 for the e/s and 4 out of 5 for the lipstick

Overall: barely 4 out of 5 (b/c the lipstick was good)

The product(s):

The swatches:

E/S Duo in Chic

Sheer Vanity Gloss & Glaze Lipstick in A la Mode

The lipstick is really creamy and has a great gloss to it.

Verdict:
So this one was pretty simple. First, I didn’t do a look because these are simple and average colors. Also, the pigmentation, the finish, and the quality of the eyeshadow is the same as well. Simple. Nothing special.

The package is sweet and petite, and reminds me a little of Almay and other products with initials embossed in the powder. For this price, I wouldn’t recommend it, because it does nothing to beat out cheaper competition.

The lipstick however, not only has the cutest packaging with flower illustrations, but it is also super creamy, has a very high gloss factor for a lipstick format (there are not many with that – thus my lip gloss obsession), and the color is discreet but definitely original and great looking.

I would recommend you shell out the bucks for the lippie but not the e/s.

How about you? Ever tried this brand?

Disagree with me?

Lemme hear it!

[never mind this part:xhyadnqsm5]

Thevi Cosmetics – Part 2

So now it’s review time.

If you’re just coming across this post, please make sure to read up on Thevi Cosmetics with my previous post. I tried to appeal to your patient nature and not test the limits by keeping the lengths of the posts manageable.

The products for me, myself, and I to judge?

Triple Split Shadow in Bistro
High Impact Lipstick in Plush

As you are reading this review, you probably are equally impressed with the Thevi logo girl as I am on the right. There she is with her hair all waving in the air with her “smiling with her eyes” pose and her fab earrings and top. She’s reminiscent in design style to the Stila ladies, but by no means identical.

These are two savvy businesses that understand that the customer can relate better to an illustration than one single person (we are a judgemental bunch aren’t we?).

Coincidentally, the logo lady can serve as a doppelganger to Thevi founder Thevaki. Don’t you think?

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 5 out of 5 (it’s super chic – you feel fancy just holding it)

Price: 4.5 out of 5 ($15 for the E/S $13 for the Lipstick at their website)

Quality: 5 out of 5 (they are super pigmented & are super light)

Overall: 4.5 out of 5 (I would love to be able to have a larger color selection)

The product(s):

The swatches:

Triple Split Shadow in Bistro

I swatched each color in the triple split, and then I did horizontal swipes from Right to Left and from Left to Right. Make sense?

High Impact Lipstick in Plush

What I used:

Obviously I only used the lipstick for that swatch. Here, in addition to the Triple Split Shadow, I used Laura Geller Eye Spackle, a medium shadow brush, and Maybelline LashBlast mascara.

The look(s):

a better angle at the look:

So here’s what I did – after using Laura Geller Eye Spackle as base, I tested the shadow wet and dry.

Then I did one eye with a blended smokey look and one with a more regular, less dramatic look (which I would consider more appropriate for everyday/work). I added a second picture b/c they had better angles of the look.

My Verdict:

I am very happy with this brand. It is a completely new brand to me, so I had no bias when I started the review.

The eyeshadow is super pigmented and goes on like silk on your skin (like when I did the swatches) and your eyes. It looks great no matter if you apply it dry or wet, and is super long lasting. Another plus is that it blends very easily. I didn’t try it out on it’s own without a primer – but really – y’all should be using primers if you wear shadows – it just holds better.

The lipstick impressed me more than the shadow. It’s super creamy and almost feels like lip balm. It’s effortless, and though I didn’t pick the most everyday shade for myself, I will be mixing this with other color, because it feels lovely.

The pricing for these two is $15 (E/S) and $13 (L/S). It’s a bit more than drugstore cosmetics but not nearly as much as higher end products, with as much quality.

The only negative I have for this is that I would like to choose from even more colors. This of course is less a negative as it is a work in progress, as the brand expands.

I’d say it’s a definite buy and that given the chance you should try it out!

Don’t forget to read my first post all about the product line!

Pixi Palette Review

Remember when I promised to review the Pixi palette?

I finally got around to using it for a look, and to see how portable and pigmented it is.

What it is:
This is a cosmetics brand from the UK by Petra Strand. Most of the makeup is portable and travel friendly. This is a limited edition collaboration with Target.

There is an extensive line of products, but I only bought the palettes. The Palettes are $28 each, and can be found here. Also make sure to click on the link to see the video with Petra. I tried to embed it but they didn’t have a link.

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 3 out of 5 (the polish is a little misleading, as the palette is super duper thin)

Price: 3 out of 5 ($28 Limited Edition at Target)

Quality: 4 out of 5 (they are not super pigmented, but when you use a brush, they go on and stay on very well)

Overall: 3.5 out of 5

I decided to use the Blue Energy Palette.

The swatches:

What I used:

The look:

My Verdict:
Though very cute and very portable, this didn’t become a huge win for me because it was so tiny and didn’t seem worth the price.

It comes with a mirror and two sided brush. The brush is alright but not great.

Don’t get me wrong – the shadows are of a great consistency and pigmentation, and the packaging is cute and fits in with everything. I just wouldn’t recommend anyone spending that money when they could get more volume for the buck.

Have you tried this out? What do you think?

Palette Review (pic heavy)

Remember my swag attack post here, where I bought an eyeshadow palette for $5.00? I received a request to do a review, but I have been a little late in posting it since there were so many photos involved lol.

All laziness aside, I have tried to do a variety of looks and wore them to a variety of places (from a BBQ to work, etc.). I also originally wanted to give you actual time stamps and which colors I used, but with every extra look, the information slipped out of my mind. Regardless! Almost all the looks have both an AM and a PM shot. The time span in between each picture is at least 8 hours.

Another point (as if you don’t have enough) is that I used cream shadow/primer and/or concealer under my eyeshadows as that is what I usually do. Using either of these products will always minimized the creases, and I also like to use my cream shadows as highlight colors by the brow.

What it is: A 98 shimmer color palette. I couldn’t find relevant product info online kiddies. It is a lot more shimmery in real life.

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 3.5 out of 5 (the applicators that come with it are practically pointless,
Price: 5 out of 5 ($9.99 at Duane Reade – I got it with my $5 coupon!)

Quality: 4 out of 5 (see verdict)

Overall: 4 out of 5

Here are some looks I created using the palette:

Look One in the AM

Look One in the PM

Look Two – sorry this one is a single!

Look Three in the AM

Look Three in the PM
(excuse the mess of the eyebrows – I was scheduled to get an eyebrow wax the week after my review!! 😦 )

Look Four in the AM

Look Four in the PM

Look Five – sorry this one is a single!

Look Six in the AM

Look Six in the PM

My Verdict:
When using this palette with good brushes (the applicators that come with the palette are super brittle and not really useful), the colors come on and stay on really well. Like I said previously, using a primer underneath this palette is KEY b/c the color fades. Just to make sure it wasn’t one primer that works with this palette, each look was created using a different primer (I used Too Faced Lockdown Cream Eyeshadow that has Shadow Insurance in it already, UDPP, Shadow Insurance, Victoria’s Secret Cream Eyeshadows – which by the way I think are too light to use as shadows on their own to begin with, and MUFE Concealer by itself).

The color of this shadow fades a little bit but I haven’t seen it disappear completely off my face. As you can see in some pictures, the lighter colors fade and the brighter colors stay on.

I think that though the colors could be a little bit more vibrant, and that I do occasionally wish the palette carried more diverse colors (too many pinks for my liking), I think for the price, it is an excellent buy. The pans are not tiny, and the colors grab on quick. If you have these in your area, I suggest you grab one and start to playing with your eyes!

Ck Splendid Glam Mini Nail Enamel Collection

“What it is:
A set featuring four fresh and flirty nail polish shades.

What it does:
ck Calvin Klein Splendid Glam Mini Nail Enamel Collection contains a set of four long-lasting, chip-resistant nail colors. The bold shades of Indigo Blue, Aqua Splash, and Heartbreaker will look amazing peeking out from a pair of strappy sandals and Hint of Pink will give your fingertips a sheer glaze of color.

What else you need to know:
The set includes four Nail Enamels in Hint of Pink, Indigo Blue, Heartbreaker, and Aqua Splash.”

all are with two coats except Hint of Pink (ring finger color – that was 4)

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 3 out of 5 (the polish is a little misleading, as the cap is bigger than the bottom half holding the contents, making you think you are getting more than what you’re actually buying)

Price: 3 out of 5 ($25 Limited Edition at Sephora)

Quality: 2 out of 5 (each polish had a different consistency and application)

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

My Verdict:
When I first laid eyes on this, it was very much an eye-catcher. I am always a fan of the cK packaging, with its clean lines, and seductive colors. The price range is always a little out of the norm, but at the same time, that’s a given (at least to me) with the company’s name.

This 4pack looked really cute and begged me to take it home as if it was love at first sight. The results were quite disappointing. All the polishes have a differently consistency, Indigo Blue went on the best, with no problems, and was vibrant from the first coat. Hint of Pink went on terribly – it was uneven, streaky, and took four coats to even have a presentable shade. Heartbreaker was cute but was a little streaky at first, and is super high maintenance with application. Last but not least, Aqua Splash looked much nicer in the bottle, was very watery in color, and would probably need a third or fourth coat to look better.

The only one I liked out of this collection was Indigo Blue, and I have a nagging feeling, that the Milani Bolting Blue I swatched a while back might be a dupe. Will let you know!

I don’t recommend anyone to get this – unless they get the Indigo Blue separately – in which case getting OPI or so will just be more effective b/c you’ll get more product too.

Lorac Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick Review

Product Story (from the Sephora page):

“What it is: A nourishing liquid lipstick.

What it does: LORAC Couture Shine Liquid Lipstick delivers a glamorous-looking pout and luxuriously smooth textured lips. This formula is packed with ingredients that will leave your lips in prime-puckering condition. There’s light-reflecting Mother of Pearl for radiant shine; Hyaluronic Acid for hydrating and helping fill in lines; Jojoba Oil and Sweet Almond Oil for moist, smooth lips; and Oriza Sativa Bran Extract to keep lips nourished and protected.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
– Parabens
– Sulfates
– Synthetic Fragrances
– Synthetic Dyes
– Phthalates“

Color tested: Haute

Review (5 highest, 1 lowest):

Packaging: 2 out of 5 (it’s a glass type bottle, which means even with it not being a tube, you can’t depot it and lose a lot of the product to mr. trash)

Price: 3 out of 5 ($22 at Sephora & Lorac)

Quality: 5 out of 5

Overall: 2.5 out of 5

with 2 coats

this is how I wear gloss – on a DIVA tip!
this was an x amount of coats – that means whatever amount of
coats you need right before the gloss starts dripping – keep it sexy!

My Verdict:
This gloss was very good looking, and did everything it promised. However (and this is a BIG however) the packaging ruined it. Not even the price.

I realize the price of $22 for one 0.17oz lip gloss may be steep. But in the world of beauty, where you can probably get free shipping and three samples from Sephora, or whatever type of goodies a retailer offers you. The point is – price can be negotiated in my mind of minds to be seen as alright. Especially if a product does what it promises to do.

All the colors rocked my socks but I didn’t purchase many, due to my unhappiness and the price. The problem with it? The packaging looks like it’s a glass tube. Similar to the MAC lipglass ones. This is a fancypants packaging, and though it’s appealing – it hinders the purpose of getting every ounce for your buck. The packaging will probably be impossible to cut into pieces to get all the product, and with it’s solid state, it will not bend or squeeze to give it up to mama anyway. I’m almost 100% positive that when I feel like it’s empty – I will be prematurely thinking so.

Though I donate plenty throughout the year to various organizations… I am the least happiest when I unwillingly donate products to Mr. Trash.

So yes – the lipgloss is great, but the price raised my brow, and the packaging lowered my thumb. Boo!