Mermaid nails with a hidden treasure ;)

I've rediscovered my love for Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure, guys.  I wore it maybe twice last summer (right after I found it by its lonesome on an empty display in Walgreens, haha- after searching for MONTHS) because I could never get the dang thing off!  I thought it was the polish back then, but just realized the other day that it was most likely a bad nail polish remover.  Last week I was wearing Hidden Treasure over Sinful Colors Nirvana, a muted chocolate brown, and it was a whole lot of gorgeousness.

My pictures of this are kind of bad, but:

After that experiment, and figuring out that it's not that hard to remove using a better polish remover, I tried it out over another polish!  This time it's Sinful Colors Mint Apple:

(Click to enlarge pictures for more detail!)

Hidden Treasure has always been hard for me to capture in pictures- the flakiness doesn't translate as beautifully as it looks in person.  The picture above on the left isn't color accurate, but it showed the cool effects of Hidden Treasure best. 

It kind of reminds me of a mermaid, or something under the ocean!  I like it, and totally makes me excited for summer.  (It would make me excited for spring if we actually had it as a season this year... lol)

What are you guys wearing on your nails right now? 

Spring lips with Revlon Colorburst lip gloss in Hot Pink

I received a sample of the Revlon Colorburst lip gloss in Hot Pink inside my Target Beauty Bag a couple weeks ago.  Originally I wasn't too interested, only because I don't wear pink lips... ever (unless it's a deep berry pink like the NYC lip stain I own in Forever Mine Wine- love that!)!  But when Nicki of Sing, Little Bird asked if I would please test it out, of course I wanted to take a closer look. :)
Nicki, I'm so sorry I didn't get to this sooner!

Revlon Colorburst lip gloss in Hot Pink

I think this would be a great shade of lip gloss for those of you who like pink lips and enjoy lip gloss with shimmer.  I think it's a pretty and flattering shade, but I'm just so unaccustomed to seeing myself in pink!  

I actually have another Revlon Colorburst lip gloss in the color Bordeaux, which is a deep plummy red.  I haven't worn it enough to give it a fair review, but I can say that both the texture/feel of Bordeaux and Hot Pink (from what I could tell from this sample, anyway) are smooth and non-sticky.  The color goes on easily and is decently pigmented for a lip gloss.  

This looks lovely for the spring season!  A great way to add a healthy dose of color to your lips.  

Thanks for reading! :)

New Stila sparkle waterproof liquid eyeliners- Swatches

My sister was here over the weekend (along with my parents for Easter- busy busy, but lots of fun!), and the two of us together equals lots and lots of shopping.  The best part is that she enjoys looking at makeup, too, so we love going to Sephora and Ulta to play around.
I hadn't really been shopping much the last couple of months (THE HORROR!), so I had yet to see the new spring makeup collections in person- only online!  I'm sure you can imagine my delight when I was finally able to swatch and see a lot of them for myself.
I was really excited when I spotted these new Stila Sparkle Waterproof Liquid eyeliners at Ulta- I received the email from Stila a couple weeks ago, and thought the colors looked really pretty.  Yep, they're just as pretty in person, and my silly camera phone pictures don't do them justice.  But I really wanted to share them with you all anyway!

(via stila.com)

Top to bottom:  Flash, Royal, Bora Bora (I think! I can't remember if it was this or Electric exactly), Rock Candy

The four I swatched were my favorite- very sparkly and pretty.  Once they dried down, they didn't move at all, that is until I removed them using a Philosophy Purity Made Simple facial wipe (Stila recommends using an oil-based makeup remover, FYI).

Have you guys tried these yet?  I'm definitely interested- they look gorgeous for spring/summer!

Mini Reviews #1! Physicians Formula, CoverGirl, NYC

Hey guys, happy weekend!  I've been saying for awhile now that I've had several products waiting to be reviewed.  Since I still haven't found time to write up full reviews of them, I decided doing "mini reviews" would be a good solution.  Today I have four products to share with you, from Physicians Formula, CoverGirl, and NYC.

(Note: for more info/photos of the PF Happy Booster blush and NYC lip stain, please visit my recent favorites post, here!)

Clockwise from top left: Physicians Formula Happy Booster blush in Natural, Physicians Formula Conceal RX in Soft Green, CoverGirl NatureLuxe foundation in 315 Bamboo, NYC Smooch-Proof lip stain in Forever Mine Wine

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting blush in Natural

Hello, pretty!  I raved about this in my previous favorites post (link at the beginning of this post), and I love it here, too.  A lot of it has to do with the cuteness factor, I'll admit it- I really loathe shimmer blushes, but the fact that it SMELLS LIKE VIOLET, is decked in hearts, and is the prettiest peachy-pink shade allows me to overlook that small fact.  The packaging is kind of bulky, and as I opened it for the first time the piece where the top locks into place broke off.  As long as I don't lift up the blush part to use the brush underneath it's fine, but still kind of off-setting.  At any rate, the product itself is gorgeous!

Physicians Formula Conceal Rx Physicians Strength in Soft Green

Physicians Formula has to be the drugstore brand with the longest names ever.  The blush I'm mini-reviewing in the post has one too.  Who has time for that?!  When you're finally finished saying the name you've forgotten what you're talking about.  I digress.

I bought this concealer about a month ago, totally meant to review it, but forgot about it because it has gotten practically no use from me.  I thought the idea of a green concealer would be great.  This one, however, is too thick and cakey- the thickness is too much to blend easily and it's incredibly dry.  It also doesn't look good underneath your skin-colored concealer; it turned my skin an ashy color.  Not a fan, but I would love to know if anyone has tried it and made it work for them!

CoverGirl NatureLuxe foundation in 315 Bamboo

I've been using this off and on since I got it about a month ago.  The color is a tiny bit dark for my face, but it still works.  The only thing I dislike about this foundation is the coverage- I can't stand foundation/face makeup that gets into the "medium coverage" category, because even that feels too heavy to me.  This feels a little heavy even though it is I think technically "lightweight" coverage.  I love the squeeze bottle, though- the packaging makes me think it's a tinted moisturizer sometimes!  The finish is just right for me- not overly dewy, but not matte, either.  I always top my foundations with some type of powder (whether its bronzer or translucent), so this is no exception.  If I wasn't so picky about the coverage levels of my face makeup, I'd probably love this. 

NYC Smooch-Proof 16 hour lip stain in Forever Mine Wine

This has got to be my favorite out of the bunch!  I use it every time I want a deep, "seductive" lip that I don't have to worry about too much throughout the day.  It lasts me a good four hours (without drinking) and the color is just fabulous.  I also love the idea of lip stains (I know, I'm kind of a newb when it comes to lip products, haha), because I don't even feel them once they dry.  This one does cling a little to patchy areas on my lips, but it's not obvious in person.  I can't wait until this summer when I'm back in proximity to a Walmart (no where close to me stocks NYC, it's really strange!) so I can pick up more of these!

That's it for my mini reviews post!  I hope they were still thorough enough to give you an idea of how the products worked for me.  Anything you've tried/loved/hated?  Thanks for reading! :)

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer is... happiness in a bottle!

A few weeks ago, I blogged my thoughts on the ELF Studio tinted moisturizer (click here to read it!), namely how I felt it was much too sheer in the coverage department.  Well, the lovely and super gracious Jennifer of Jen's Beauty Blog offered to send me her bottle of Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturizer so I could try it out (I always wanted to try out a LM tinted moisturizer but couldn't rationalize the price).  She told me it didn't work for her because it wasn't oil free, and that since we were similar skin tones it might for me.  I received it in the mail at the beginning of last week- after much anticipation!- and have been anxiously trying it out.

Before I go on, thank you so much Jennifer for your kindness!  She went completely out of her way to do this for me, and it's greatly appreciated.

Has it been working for me like I had hoped?

She included a cute note along with the bottle :)

Swatch- Laura Mercier Illuminating tinted moisturizer in Bare Radiance

Blended into hand

Blended in on face, without any other products

(Please excuse my untamed eyebrows... oh my.) 

Having only tried drugstore tinted moisturizers before (and not really all that many to begin with- Physicians Formula, Cover Girl, ELF), and knowing that Laura Mercier makes some of the best TMs in terms of coverage, I was really excited to try this out.  From reviews I've read, I figured that this product was right up my alley in terms of what I look for in coverage, texture, etc.  

From lauramercier.com:

Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer is a lightweight, buildable sheer foundation formula that delivers a youthful, radiant finish, while protecting skin from the damaging rays of the sun with SPF 20 protection.

It runs $42 for 1.7oz, and comes in three shades (Bare Radiance, Warm Radiance, Golden Radiance). 

Color:  The shade Jennifer had and sent to me is the lightest- Bare Radiance- which suits my NC20-25 skin tone really well.  At first I thought it would be too yellow for my skin, but it actually counters the pinkness in my face quite well.  The lightweight formula is also forgiving.  I can see the limitations in shade range being a downside for many people, but fortunately her Laura Mercier's regular tinted moisturizers come in a much wider selection.

Texture:  The consistency is kind of like a runny lotion, if that makes sense.  It's thick enough to feel moisturizing, but still thin so it covers wider areas.  This makes it easy to smooth on using my fingers.  In comparison to my ELF Studio tinted moisturizer (which is quite runny) it is thicker and more like a cream.

Finish/Coverage:  Being an illuminating tinted moisturizer, it has a nice, dewy finish.  It reminds me of how my skin looks after I apply my Bare Minerals Mineral Veil- not shimmery, just kind of "glowy".  I wouldn't recommend this for oiler skin types just because it isn't oil-free and the finish could enhance any excess oil.  For my drier skin, however, it feels refreshing and perks up my skin.

In terms of coverage, this is leaps and bounds better than my ELF Studio TM (which covered little to nothing).  This Laura Mercier TM gives lightweight coverage- enough to even out my skin tone, covering up redness, small scars, and milk discoloration.  With my pimples/breakout areas I find I still need concealer but on most days I can skip it (especially since my skin is FINALLY clearing up a little! YES!).

I have some redness around my nose/T-zone, as well as on my cheeks.  I also have minor acne scars and a few pimples in my T-zone.  Around my eye area and on my cheeks I have light freckles.  

I've been using this in combination with either my Bare Minerals Mineral Veil, or Bare Minerals foundation which I just tried for the first time today.  The latter is great for a little extra coverage.

Wear Quality:  For me, this lasts from the time I put it on to when I take it off (so on average about 12 hours).  I don't normally have a difficult time with foundations oxidizing too quickly, especially with how dry my skin has been lately.  Compared to my Bare Minerals, however, this wears considerably better.  I love Bare Minerals but towards the end of the day I always notice my acne scars showing.  With the Laura Mercier, the lightweight coverage stays put when I need it to. 

Overall, I'm really happy that Jennifer was able to send this to me!  I'm seriously considering checking out Laura Mercier's regular tinted moisturizers or lightweight foundations when I run out.  It's easy to apply, looks amazing, and hasn't irritated my skin in the slightest.

Wearing it with light application of Bare Minerals foundation on top

What are your experiences with tinted moisturizers?  Thoughts?  Thank you for reading!

Giveaway: Sigma F80 Flat Top Kabuki! (CLOSED)

Yay!  I'm so happy to have the opportunity to giveaway the Sigma F80 brush to one of you.  As part of the Sigma beauty affiliate incentives program, the company hosts a giveaway for the brush they send you to review.  I'm very pleased that I loved the F80 brush so much so I can fully stand behind it.

(Click here to read my review on the F80)

Let's cut to the chase for information on how to enter!

 

Giveaway details:

• You must be a follower of my blog (you can do so via Google Friend Connect!)
• It will run from today, April 20, 2011, through May 20, 2011 at 11:59pm (one month)
• It is open internationally
• Please have your parent's permission to enter if you are under the age of 18
• The winner will have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise I will redraw another winner

How to enter/extra entries: (You can do one or all to increase your chances of winning)
      Please include all entries/points in ONE comment, thank you!

• Required: Leave me your Google Friend Connect (GFC) name and your email (1 point)
• Post about this giveaway on your blog (2 points)
• Link this giveaway on the sidebar of your blog- use the icon below (2 points)

(You can post this picture in your sidebar if you'd like!)

Good luck! :)

Disclaimer:  This giveaway is sponsored by Sigma Makeup as part of their Beauty Affiliate Incentives program.  I am not being paid for this whatsoever.   All opinions are 100% my own.

Sigma F80, you are my new favorite foundation brush.

Yes!  My Sigma F80 flat top kabuki brush finally came in the mail on Saturday!  I've had a few chances to use and wash it now, so I wanted to share with you my thoughts ASAP.  

I was really excited that this was the brush Sigma was sending me, because I've been wanting a good brush for stippling in foundation.  I was using my ELF Studio powder brush, but as I've mentioned a few times it's not love for me (I find it eats up too much product- it IS a good buy, though, just not my favorite).  I've read nothing but good reviews on this Sigma flat top kabuki, so I was hoping I'd have a similar experience!  

They wrapped it up nicely in the packaging- I think they do this with all their orders, from what I've seen in other reviews.  Nice!  I feel like I'm unwrapping a present, haha.

Yay!  The brush head is actually much smaller than the ELF powder brush, which I wasn't expecting (from other review photos I thought they'd be about the same size).  I like it, though- the bristles stick together better and don't "fray" out as much as the ELF brush.  It's also easier to get into smaller areas of my face.  It takes a little longer to apply products with because it's smaller, though.

 

F80 on left versus ELF powder brush on right- sorry for minor blurriness! 

I love that it doesn't absorb all my product.  I used it with my Maybelline Fit Me foundation yesterday, and was able to use less than normal.  In terms of the way my foundation looks after using this to stipple it in, I'd say it's about the same as when I use ELF's powder brush.  This one just feels like much better quality- the ferrule isn't coming apart from the handle and I don't foresee that being a problem, either.  The bristles are soft to the touch, making it easy to apply all over my face.

I washed this right after I opened my package and didn't experience any shedding of bristles.  I did, however, during the first couple of uses.  Just a total of two or three individual strands, but I'm hoping I don't see any more with continued use.

Overall, I say this is a quality-and versatile!- brush from Sigma.  I love that you can use it to apply both powder and liquid products.  It's the first of hopefully many that I will try in the future. 

If you're interested in trying this, it's available from the Sigma website.

Have you guys used the Sigma F80?  Any other brushes you'd recommend?  Thanks for reading!

Disclaimer: I was sent this product for review via Sigma Makeup's affiliate program.  I am not being paid in any way for my thoughts.  All opinions are 100% my own with no bias towards the company.  

Favorites, finally! (As of recently)

I know I totally missed my March favorites post- I had every intention to do it (I've been able to try out quite a few new things recently compared to normal), and then time just escaped me.  However, I decided I could still do a favorites post even if it's not an official "monthly" one.  I hope that's OK with you all!  I'll still do an April favorites so I don't get off track.

Clockwise from upper left:
1. Lancome color design quad (filigree, kitten heel, click, the new black)-  My mom got this eyeshadow mini as part of a GWP and since she doesn't really wear eyeshadow, she gave it to me.  The colors are gorgeous!  I'm not a fan of The New Black (I have it in the full-sized version from years ago) as the glitter is chunky and the texture isn't smooth, but I'm in love with the peach, taupe, and gold.

2.  Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting blush in Natural-  I got this over spring break but started using it regularly just recently.  I'm not a huge fan of shimmer blushes, but the color is perfect- it has enough pink to still be peachy (without leaning too orange).

3.  Maybelline Fit Me foundation in 115 Ivory- I've been using this on and off for the last month, and it's what I turn to when I'm in need of a bit more coverage.  It's still on the lighter side of the spectrum, but being someone that really dislikes foundation, it gives me enough without feeling heavy.  It's also creamy and moisturizing on my dry skin.  I was actually a little surprised I was this light, but seeing as I haven't gone out much this winter my skin has lightened up a fair amount.

4.  ELF Studio contour brush- I'm loving this for more precise crease work.  I wrote my review of it which you can find here!

5.  Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous- This is the version with the curved brush.  I bought this to use for my friend's makeup in the film I worked on, and then I kept it for myself afterwards. ;)  I'm planning on writing a review of it in the near future, because I love the volume and length it gives.  I normally dislike Maybelline mascaras so I was a little surprised!

6.  NYC Smooch-proof 16-hour lip stain in Forever Mine Wine- This might go into holy grail status for me in terms of lip products.  I haven't tried many, but this one lasts literally all day and fades evenly.  The color is gorgeous, too- extremely flattering on my fair skin.  I'm planning a review on this one too.

Swatches:

 

Left to right: Lancome color design quad, Physicians Formula blush, NYC lip stain, Maybelline Fit Me foundation

Thanks for reading!  I also received my Sigma F80 flat top kabuki in the mail this week, so stay tuned for my review and giveaway. :)

My Target Beauty Bag finally arrived!

I know you all have seen these posts probably a million and one times by now, so I apologize!  But I was really excited and kind of surprised when I received my Target beauty sample bag this week.  When I didn't get it a few weeks ago when everyone else did, I figured either I didn't sign up for it in time (even though I thought I did), or it got lost in my apartment's mail room.  I'm happy that I was still able to get it!

By the looks of other posts I've read, my beauty sample bag is the same.  Here's a quick look inside (it's a Sonia Kashuk travel makeup bag, btw):

In my bag I received:

-Full-sized Neutrogena Naturals lip balm

-Trial-sized Nivea Express Hydration lotion

-Trial-sized Pantene Pro-V Flat to Volume shampoo

-Revlon Colorburst lip gloss sample in Hot Pink

-Fekkai Shea Butter moisturizing shampoo/conditioner samples

-Target beauty coupon booklet

The coupon booklet comes with all beauty-related coupons, and is what I was most excited for!  I'm saving them to hopefully stack with other manufacturer's coupons I collect.  

I'm loving the Nivea Express Hydration lotion.  I absolutely loathe when lotion takes hours to absorb, and this does it quickly (hence the name!).

Did you get your Target beauty bag?  How do you like what's in it?

Maybelline Superstay 24-Hour lipcolor- Yes or No?

I was recently sent my Maybelline Superstay 24-hour lip color BzzKit through BzzAgent, a great site for getting to try out new products.  It was really exciting when I got an email inviting me to join this campaign, because it was my first beauty-related one (my first and only BzzCampaign prior to this was one for Orbit gum, which I did last summer).  It's taken me longer than expected to get this post up, but I'm finally getting around to it!

Before I begin, BzzAgent is really cool social marketing site.  You sign up, and the more you get involved with the site (filling out surveys, doing BzzCampaigns, etc.), the higher your "status" gets.  This lets you get "invited" to more BzzCampaigns, which are like trials for new products.  BzzCampaigns typically come with a few different variations on the product along with a guide and coupons.

The Maybelline Superstay 24-hour lip color BzzKit came with 4 lip colors in Forever Chestnut, Wear On Wildberry, Everlasting Wine, and Timeless Rose (pictured above and below, top to bottom)

Everlasting Wine

The lip colors feature a lip cream with a doe-foot applicator on one end, and a balm stick on the other.  You apply the lip color first, let it completely dry, and then apply the balm over the top.  

(left to right: Timeless Rose, Everlasting Wine, Wear On Wildberry, Forever Chestnut)

I have to just come out and say it- I can't make myself like these for one reason.  They dry out my lips to no end!  Literally after one day of wearing them, my lips get chapped to the point where it takes a couple of days of moisturizing them constantly to get back to normal.  I don't typically have problems with my lips drying out or chapping, so I noticed this immediately.
During my first trial, I wore Timeless Rose out to Panera with my mom (I thought testing it through a meal would be interesting!).  I let the color completely dry on my lips-which took about 3 or so minutes- and then "set" it with the balm.  No color came off on the balm this time.  I was really impressed with Timeless Rose; the color stuck to my lips even throughout the meal and only transferred the slightest bit onto my straw.  Two hours later when I got back to my room and checked the mirror, the color was still noticeable and there wasn't any weird splotchiness.
This wasn't so much the case with Everlasting Wine and Wear On Wildberry, however (I didn't try Forever Chestnut longer than a swatch just because I really shouldn't be seen in that kind of shade, lol!). They both didn't really dry on my lips, and when I'd apply the balm, the color would leave a mess over the balm stick.  I wore Everlasting Wine while acting for my friend's silent movie where I had to sip water, and the color transferred there, too.  The crew kept making jokes about my lipstick being all over the set lol!

Wear On Wildberry + balm on my lips

As far as application goes, these are really nice and easy to use- the doe foot applicator works well to get an even amount in the right place on your lips.  They are also nicely pigmented with color.

I did think the colors were really pretty, and when I wasn't eating/drinking they did last me a good 3-4 hours.  One thing to note, though, is that the colors apply on the darker side.  And according to the BzzGuide I received, the other colors in the range look to be dark as well. 

I should note that I do drink/eat fairly regularly throughout the day, so it's probably a good thing that I'm not a frequent wearer of lipstick.  I think if you typically go 3-4 hours between eating and are patient with letting these completely dry down, you shouldn't have the problems I did.

Pros:

-Pigmented, glossy color

-Combined with a balm stick to add moisture/shine

-Affordable ($9.99 at ULTA)

-Fade evenly

Cons:

-Drying to my lips

-Average lasting time

-Transfer when eating/drinking

-Not a wide range of shades (although there are a lot of them, from the looks of it!)

I really can't stand behind these because of how chapped they made my lips, unfortunately.  I wanted to love them!  I'm hoping that I can make them work for special occasions, and with a good moisturizing balm underneath.

Have you tried these new Maybelline lip colors?  

Disclaimer:  This post features products sent to me from BzzAgent, a social marketing website through which you can try out new products.  All opinions are 100% my own.  I am not affiliated with the company in any way.  

I'm a Sigma Affiliate!

Hey guys!  I know I've gone into blogger hiding mode, and I'm terribly sorry.  I've really had an off few weeks and I'm hoping things will get back to normal ASAP; a lot has kind of built up over the semester so I'm feeling the effects right now.  I have so many products I want to share with you, though, and I still plan to- I might just be a little delayed.  Thanks so much for bearing with me.

Anyway, today I just wanted to do a quick post with some exciting news.  I recently became a Sigma Affiliate!  I haven't tried brushes from the brand yet, but I'm planning on making an order ASAP (as soon as I gather up some money I can use for beauty-related purchases!).  I thought this would be a great excuse for me to get myself to try some of their offerings, especially since I've read nothing but rave reviews about them.  I'm really interested to see if their brushes live up to the hype.
My affiliate link is in my sidebar, and you can also access it by clicking on this banner-

I believe the free gift is a travel-sized E25 blending brush- that's what I remember reading about awhile back.
Also, stay tuned for a giveaway coming soon.  I can't wait! :)

Here are some brushes I'd love to try, and will probably be purchasing in the coming months:

F35 Tapered Highlight- I just think the domed shape and tapered bristles make this a cool-looking brush.  I first read about this style of brush awhile back in a post Jamie at Maquilagem Masstige wrote about the F25, which is the powder version.  The F35 looks to be smaller and more for highlighting, but I'm sure you could use it for blush, too.

F80 Flat Top Synthetic Kabuki- Everyone raves about this for applying both liquid and powder foundation, and I seriously have to try it.  Especially because I feel like my ELF Studio powder brush eats up my liquid foundations/tinted moisturizers.  I love my EcoTools Bamboo Bronzer brush for Bare Minerals, but I'd love to find something that can multitask with liquids!

E25 Blending- I've read lots of reviews about this being a dupe for the MAC 217 brush, which I'm currently lemming... a lot!  I've heard you can use that brush for both applying and blending out color, and any brush that allows me to eliminate another brush is my friend.  This version is like $15 cheaper than the MAC one, so I'll take it!

E20 Short Shader- For some reason I've always been fixated with these kind of brushes.  There's one on Coastal Scents I've been wanting to try, too.  I'd totally love using this for applying color to my lower lashline.

E30 Pencil- The MAC 219 pencil brush has been on my wishlist for the longest time, but it's going to be awhile until I dish out $24 for it.  I've read that the bristles on this Sigma brush are a little longer and less firm than the MAC's, but I'd still love to try it.  Contour/crease brushes seem like such an amazing invention to me, haha. 

Anyway, thanks for reading.  You guys truly amazing, like always.  <3

Disclaimer:  This post contains a referral link.  I'm not being paid for this post, and all opinions are 100% my own.