On the Hunt: Laura Gellar Face Products

[Purchased by me}


For some reason, I was struck with the NEED to try Laura Gellar's Balance and Brighten face powder.  After encountering some disappointments during the onslaught of recent friends and family sales (and one very failed Hautelook attempt), I was happy to run into this little kid at Ulta.  The price tag said $25 but it rung up to be $20 (yay!), even though the retail value is over $80(???? seriously??).  It has a face powder, setting powder, blush, brush and primer.  Here are some first thoughts:

The primer is the only thing I haven't tried, but I'm not one to notice a big difference after using a primer (besides the Hourglass one, mentioned in a previous post).  If this does wow me, I'll be sure to note that.  The brush is also kind of a throwaway since it shed like crazy initially. After washing it, it seems a little better but nothing too amazing.

On to the really good stuff...

Matte Maker Invisible Blotting Powder, Balance and Brighten in Medium and Blush and Brighten in Boysenberry

The matte translucent powder is very nice.  It's very smooth and really mattifies the skin without any feeling of layering the skin with an additional product.  It takes away the shine but doesn't add any heaviness to the skin.  The Balance and Brighten has so far impressed me in the wear.  It creates a demi-matte finish that looks very natural and the Medium shade is a good match for my skin because this product doesn't have very intense coverage.  I would say it's on par with a light mineral foundation with better staying power.  It won't cover any dark spots but I think it makes for a nice setting powder for a light foundation as well as over just concealer for lazy days.  The blush has very nice pigmentation but kicks up a lot of powder when you tap it.  It's a great product for the colder weather and I really am pleasantly surprised. 

Overall, this is an inexpensive and cute little kit for people who are interested in trying the line.  I think I will continue to play with all these and keep an eye out for more sets going on sale in the future.   Keep your eye out for some empties and a Shu Uemura order coming in soon!

Masks, masks, masks
Freeman, My Beauty Diary and Clinique

[All purchased by me]



I think some people wouldn't be willing to invest in a variety of masks because they have a reputation for having only short term effects.  If you have a working rotation of good masks on hand that you use throughout the week, however,  I think you can start to see some long-term results that are really visible.  In my mind, there are three main types of masks I like to keep on hand: clay, paper and overnight.  

Clay Masks:

The most famous would be the Queen Helen Mint Julep mask, which is a cult classic.  I think it's also one of the more intense clay mask offerings, but one which I do like.  The one I'm currently using is the Freeman Avocado and Oatmeal Clay Mask, which has a lighter texture and isn't as drying.  I'm also using the Freeman Charcoal and Black Sugar Polishing Mask, which is more of a mask/scrub hybrid, but I like traditional clay masks better.  I wanted to incorporate more charcoal into my routine, with Boscia and Origins on my wishlist (go figure high-tech skincare involves rubbing coal all over the face).  Clay masks should instantly calm down your skin in terms of redness and inflammation.  It should also draw some smaller pimples or existing blemishes to the surface to speed it's healing.  I find that both of these masks have that effect, but a pure clay-based mask should be more calming than one that doubles as a scrub.


Paper Masks:

These are my emergency go-tos when my skin is really acting out and I don't want to keep irritating it.  Paper masks adhere a lot of serum on the skin for enough time and then sleeping with the serum on instead of washing it off means you wake up with glowing skin.  The My Beauty Diary masks are pretty popular and for a good reason.  They're inexpensive but they get the job done.  It's the texture of these masks that set them apart from ones you can find in stores in the US.  My favorite ones are the Natto and Arbutin versions, but most of them have solid ingredients.  Try a few to see what works for you.


Overnight Masks:

I love gel masks for cold weather.  If you find your skin drier during the winter (who doesn't?), these are a good option to try.  I've tried the Body Shop Vitamin E version and a Naruko version, but this Clinique one is the best by far.  It's non-scented and has a cream gel texture that sinks into the skin and keeps skin plump.  I have a sneaking suspicion that this could be used as a night cream by those with dry skin.  


I keep these masks on a rotation.   I reach for clay masks once or twice a week around the days I am most stressed, which is usually mid-week.  The paper masks are on hand for once a month (or less recently since I'm rationing these) or every other week is needed.  Overnight masks are a twice a week occurrence at least when the weather is cold.  

Things I Bought in a Week : Zoetik Jewelry and Random Beauty Stuff

[All purchased by me]


Some weeks you kind of just buy things to buy things.  I suffer from this once in a while and sadly, this isn't everything.  I have something from Clinique coming in the mail but in the meantime let's get on to the first impressions for these things.  

I have been on the hunt for reasonably priced, nice quality jewelry that's also fashionable and not so "formal" like a lot of things department stores sell.  My hunt for an independent jewelry line that makes affordable jewelry led me to Zoetik, a really new brand that does gold-plated jewelry in cute, trendy styles.  I picked out two bracelets and I got the green braided bracelet for free for being one of their first customers.  I thought it was a pretty sweet deal and with the purchase they send you a coupon code for 20% off that activates if someone you recommend buys from the site. Everyone gets this code and I'm not affiliated with the company in any way.  Click this for the discount (I make zero dollars from this it just gives me 20% off if someone decides to use it): Link

I haven't worn it long enough to know how well these will hold up over time, but from a first impression I think that this brand is worth checking out.  Nothing is overly expensive at all and I think the materials would be especially good for people with sensitivities to certain metals.  If I could change one thing it would be to make the hardware heavier, since I like a chunkier look on the wrist.  

 
This is the random things I buy when I am left to m own devices.  The blush is from Wet n Wild and called Mellow Wine.  I bought it with the lipgloss.  Since I liked the NYC Liquid Lipshine in Wine n Dine so much I got the Midtown Mulberry shade to see if the glosses were all as good.  This shade isn't as opaque as the wine shade but it's still medium coverage.  It leaves a beautiful blush tone on the lips and feels smooth and non-sticky.  The blush is intensely pigmented and leaves a great flush on the cheeks.  I would apply with caution and also be prepared for some powder to kick up when you tap your brush.  Otherwise, it's highly recommended.

I bought the face mask after liking the avocado clay version from the line so much.  I've been trying some activated charcoal products that seem to be doing well for my skin and this does come off more as a scrub.  It does warm up on the skin due to the activated charcoal and smells awesome.  I've only used it once so no long-term effects can be reasonably noted.  The Yu-be moisturizing cream was on my wishlist for a very long time.  I'm glad I got it because it's so light and heavily moisturizing.  It leaves no greasy residue even on the hands.  My only dislike about it is the camphor smell, which doesn't last too long.

The "Wet Brush" was totally random but I was curious about it.  It isn't as gentle as a Tangle Teezer type product, but I haven't used it extensively.  I just really missed having a hairbrush with a handle on it because a Tangle Teezer felt like I was using a dog brush on my hair.  I don't even have a full idea if I like it or not, but my first impression is a little "meh". 

Some swatches!

NYC Midtown Mulberry, Wet n Wild Mellow Wine, Freeman Sugar and Charcoal Mask, Yu-Be Cream

 

Quick Fall Transition: High and Low End

[All purchased by me]

Revlon Berry Smoothie, Clinique Black Honey, NYC Wine n Dine, Bareminerals Daredevil

It's pretty easy to see these are all in the same family.  The Revlon Lip Butter and Clinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey feel similar on the lips. They're both balmy and light on the lips with a buildable pigmentation.  The Revlon is definitely more pink and less berry but the focus here is on the formula similarities, not the color.  Next up are two products that I just mentioned.  Emily Noel just did a blogpost on this NYC Liquid Lip Shine here and validated that this is a total steal of a product!  This Bareminerals gloss is good.  Check it out.

Discontinued Lancome quad, Chanel Illusoire, Wet n Wild in Silent Treatment

This is also something to show more of the color family, not necessarily the product.  I like the copper shade in that Lancome quad and the forest green adds something special to boring neutral looks.  If I hadn't just thrown the ELF quad in Luxe (only $1 and I dropped it on the train so not going to save it), then I would recommend it here too.  I actually like the way those colors work together better.  That Chanel cream shadow is everything.  It's a showstopper in shade.  It looks kind of similar to the shade next to it in the Wet n Wild trio.  It may not be as multi-dimensional as the Chanel shade but it has a similar effect.  That Smashbox pencil I mentioned a few posts back in Black Gold is also SUPER recommended.

Bourjois Healthy Mix, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk

 Out of all the bases I've used, the Giorgio Armani is probably my favorite of all time.  It just has a perfect airbrushed effect that still manages to be skin-like.  People rave about this fora  reason and I think it's the perfect pick-me-up base.  The closest thing I've found in finish to the Armani is the Bourjois foundation, another popular option around the blogging world.  It doesn't stay matte on me as long as Armani, so it's not highly recommended for oily skin but I think it's a solid one to consider and an all around good base. 

A High End-Free Holiday? Some of my Favorite Drugstore Products

[All purchased by me, one NYX lipstick was a gift from a friend]


I think it's very hard to stay away from high-end makeup normally but its going to be even harder with all of the new releases that are gearing us up for the holiday season (a little too early in my opinion).  This year, I'm going to try a little harder to stay away from the big palettes and fancy packaging.  I don't think this is going to be so realistic around Sephora Friends and Family time,  Luckily for me, a lot of the new things landing at the drugstore (particularly lip products) look very interesting.  I thought this was a good time to look through some of my favorites from the drugstore.

     

The three eye products shouldn't be a surprise since they are well-supported favorites of many people in the beauty community.  The Physician's Formula Lash Booster eyeliner in Ultra Black is very similar to Asian liquid liners.  Most liquid liners, even the ones in a pen form, don't have as fine of a brush type as this.  This formula does really make my lashes look fuller over time if I use this and the serum consistently.  I photographed this with the Revlon Just Kissable Balm Stain below, oops!


  Maybelline Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze is easy to love, with a creamy and long-lasting formula.  The color is a shimmery mid-tone bronze and super flattering.  I purchased the L'Oreal Infallible eyeshadow in Bronzed Taupe to use with Bad to the Bronze. Alone or used together, this is a gorgeous shade of bronze that's very similar to Bad to the Bronze.

For cheeks, I think this NYX cream blush in Natural is super pigmented, smooth and easy to blend.  I don't really see any aspect of this product that isn't well worth the dollars this costs.  It's definitely one of the most pigmented blushes I own, high or low end.  You can see in the picture below that the texture is really soft and indents with brush fibers. 

I really don't know why NYX Black Label lipsticks are not mentioned as a favorite in every drugstore lip product list.  The formula is absolutely dreamy  and buttery smooth.  They have a semi-shiny finish and aren't sheer or overly opaque.  They're more comfortable than some more expensive lipsticks out there and I think they're definitely worth checking out.  Heiress is an almost perfect nude with a slightly plummy/pink undertone.  Brick is an almost terracotta red-orange.  It is a really great color choice for fall.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Honey has been on my lips nonstop.  It's so low maintenance and easy to touch up during easy-going makeup days.  It really enhances the color of my lips and works across such a wide range of skin tones.  I definitely recommend this shade to anyone who wants a long wearing and flattering lip color.

Top (L to R): PF liner in Ultra Black, Revlon Honey, NYX Heiress, NYX Brick.  Bottom (L to R) NYX blush in Natural, Maybelline Bad to the Bronze, L'Oreal Bronzed Taupe, Bad to the Bronze under Bronzed Taupe

 

 

Five Empties

[Innisfree serum and DHC gel given by friend, the rest was purchased by me]

I resisted doing an empties post for the longest time since the idea of hoarding trash is something I try to resist (although it still manages to happen quite regularly with non-beauty things).  However, I go through some interesting products that would never otherwise get mentioned.  I don't mention a ton of hair stuff on here or skincare but realistically, these things run through the fastest.

Shiseido Perfect Whip Foam

This is an all time favorite cleanser.  I've used it mostly consistently for years and years because it's just the best neutral foaming face wash.  It creates an insane amount of lather with only a tiny amount of product and never leaves my face dry or tight.  It just maintains the feeling of normal skin while still cleansing the skin deeply.  I've recommended this to guys and girls with success.  I highly recommend it, even if you just use it as a supplement to a balm cleanser (which I do at night).  This has already been repurchased.  I will say that I have a conspiracy theory about the quality control of this product since two tubes from Mitsuwa purchased at different times have different consistency.  One was dense (preferred) and the new one I just opened is more runny.  I also think that the ones purchased in China are also more runny.  Get it together, Shiseido!  All consumers deserve to be treated equal.

DHC Acerola Gel

I had the whole set at one point when I was trying really hard to face some acne scars and general un-evenness in my skin.  At that time I think the serum (which is more of a liquid) was the most effective part of the system but I enjoyed this gel as well.  The whole set came with a lotion but for my oily skin, I found this lightweight gel to be hydrating enough under an spf lotion.  I don't know if this counts as a repurchase since my friend gave me my second tube but if I am ever on the hunt for another simple gel moisturizer, I would consider this.

Innisfree The Green Tea Seed Serum

This was also a gift from a friend who visited duty free in the Korean international airport.  I was interested in trying this and enjoyed the lightweight, very runny consistency as a morning serum.  I will say, though, that this doesn't quite calm down inflammation as effectively as you would expect something labelled "green tea serum" would.  However, it was a very nice option for using under spf, similar to the DHC.  Between this and the DHC, I would repurchase the DHC over this first.

John Frieda Root Awakening Conditioner

 I bought this since the conditioner of my next empty ran out first.  This was the first time I'd tried a John Frieda product, and it was pretty nice.  The smell was a sweet herbal scent that lingered on the hair with continued use and this made my hair super soft.  I'm not a fan of having intensely moisturized hair since I have reasonable manageable hair that tends to fall flat.  Having something this nourishing made me hair feel a little weighed down over time but I'd recommend this for someone with fine or dry hair.  I'm not repurchasing this since I have my next shampoo and conditioner lined up.

Essential Rich Premier Shampoo

I used this for what seemed like forever after I finished the matching conditioner.  This creates a rich lather and smelled sweet and slightly fruity.  I don't find shampoos to be particularly fascinating but this was more moisturizing than the average.  Like I mentioned earlier, I actually prefer less rich and more volume-enhancing products in my hair.  I purchased the Nuance Airy version and am using that now, with more preferred results.  The set was super moisturizing and my hair rarely got intense tangles with this.  I'd recommend this if it's easy to find but I wouldn't say run out and purchase either set.  A lot of simple drugstore haircare works fine for me and I'll probably go back to those.

Navy Nails: Butter London Royal Navy

[Purchased by me]

Since I've been seeing navy nails everywhere, I thought I would give a quick update on  Butter London polish I got.  It's a really deep navy shade that's satisfyingly bold.  I don't think this wears as well as Molly Coddled, but it doesn't look completely awful after one week of wear. Excuse the quality of this picture... took it on iPhone.

Butter London Royal Navy

Base Duo, Best Concealer Trick for Blemishes and a Throwback Sunday?

[This post is all over the place, but I purchased everything or was given to me by a friend]



I considered doing a monthly favorite post but since my inbox is inundated by these right now, I think you guys might want a change of pace.  This post is broken into 3 parts:

• Base pairing discovery of the month!  I have very oily skin and I think with the combination of colder weather these two products really get it done.
• My secret way of concealing blemishes effectively.  Seriously, I've tried everything and this is the best accidental pairing ever.
• I was in Nordstrom Rack.  I found the Urban Decay Deluxe Shadow Box for $10.  It was purchased.  It's only $10 on the UD website but there's shipping involved. 

Hourglass Mineral Primer Veil is  a very high -end primer that I probably wouldn't have thought to try myself but was given this by a friend.  It feels very silicone-y and silky on the skin.  Although it doesn't feel particularly different from many primers on the market, I think it acts as a great barrier between your skin and the foundation you use.  I don't notice a huge difference in oil-control and longevity with this and other foundations but for some reason, the Almay Clear Complexion Makeup really latches on and creates a great base.  Separate from the primer, this is already my favorite foundation from the drugstore (yes, even over the Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum).  It's a light texture, medium coverage foundation with a matte (but not powdery) finish.  I've said before that I don't like heavy feeling foundations yet those are geared towards oily skin.  This is meant for my skin type but is super liquidy.  They've since added a pump to this but I don't think the formula has changed much (if at all).  It doesn't have alcohol, which is also surprising for such a light foundation.  I apply this with a stippling brush or buffing brush.

I would say my favorite traditional concealer is Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage.  It works best with a tiny precision brush and is very opaque and long lasting.  However, I always owned it in a shade too light for me and it can emphasize dryness.  The Real Techniques Deluxe Crease brush is like a tiny kabuki/buffing brush that's great for working product into a tiny area. Used with the Everyday Minerals Base in Matte, this is an amazing, opaque and most importantly, undetectable way to hide blemishes.  It works over the reddest areas with ease and doesn't look cakey which is completely counter-intuitive, I know.  It's replaced my other concealers for heavy duty concealing or for days where I skip foundation and just use this.

This is a very "old" palette that has UD's original eyeshadow formula.  I don't think I've ever tried the new formula so there's no comparison there but I was really drawn to the two purples and the bottom row of neutrals.  Sadly, as with most purples, they are the hardest to get to show up in the palette (but the vibrancy makes up for this) and the neutrals are gorgeous.  For $10, if you're going to place an order anyway, add this to your cart for an fun palette option.  

UPDATE:  The purple shadows are extremely vibrant on the eye and SO PRETTY.  I can see why UD really set themselves apart from the beginning with their shadow quality!

Underhyped Products

[All purchased by me]


On the flip side of products that I bought but didn't feel strongly about, I think some of the things I really enjoy aren't really discussed on the big, wide world of Internet beauty blogs.  I guess this comes from just buying and liking a lot of makeup.  Hopefully, some of these things are kind of new to you and finding something interesting! 

NYC Liquid Lip Last, Bareminerals Moxie lipgloss, Maybelline Eyestudio Palettes, Real Techniques base shadow brush. Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof eyeliner, Sephora Flashy Liner Waterproof, Clinique High Impact Curling 

NYC Liquid Lipshine in Wine n Dine:
A super-opaque, non-sticky borderline liquid lipstick that smells like buttercream and comes in a nice range of non-frosty shades, these have come a long way since the lipglosses NYC offered back in the day.  If you're interested in the Rimmel Apocalips (Show Offs), but think that they're too intimidating or want a wine option for the Fall, this is the one for you.

Bareminerals Moxie Lipgloss in Gutsy
For another highly glossy, non-sticky and pigmented lip option, this is a really nice one to try, especially if you want a minty taste.  It isn't plumping and there's no tingling sensation, which I prefer.  I'm pretty sure Bareminerals and it's sister company Buxom make some of the better lip products available of any high-end brand and I'm excited to try some more out.

Maybelline Eyestudio Color Explosion in Caffeine Rush and Forest Fury
These seriously remind me of Asian drugstore shadows in their creamy texture and shimmery finish.  They include a glitter topcoat like many Asian brands and offer good pigmentation that isn't over the top.  The applicator includes a smaller end that can be used in the crease or as liner and is better quality that any other drugstore sponge applicator I've found.

Real Techniques Base Shadow Brush
I know Real Techniques brushes get tons of hype but the eye brushes kind of get overlooked and I can understand that since synthetic bristles don't pick up as much product as natural hairs.  However, this is my go-to brush for applying and blending shadows on the eye when I'm not doing an overly smoky look.  This is more pointed than the Mac 217, so it fits in the crease better.

Sephora Flashy Liner Waterproof in Flashy Violet
Pigmented purple liners are very hard to find, just like pigmented purple shadows.  This is very creamy, pigmented and long-wearing.  These might have been discontinued but I believe Sephora has replaced them with a different formula and more colors.

Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof in Moray
I have these in several shades and they are pretty amazing.  They walk the line between super creamy and super long-wearing and are retractable which many of the new "gel" formula liners are not.  I find these easy to use, easy to blend and then set for  the  majority of the day.  If you find these in a set like I did, I think these are a great buy.

Clinique High Impact Curling Mascara in Black
This is my holy grail (HG) mascara.  It holds a curl, amplifies volume and exaggerates length like nothing else I have ever tried.  Since the brush is curved, I can coat my lashes with the curve side up then flip over to reach the lashes on the edges.  It is the kind of waterproof formula that removes only with warm water, a feature found usually on Asian mascaras.  If you're someone who prefers to remove all eye makeup in one swipe, this might frustrate you.  However, I find splashing warm water on my eyes is a little less harsh than tugging my eyes with a cotton pad.  

Indirect Light: NYC Wine n Dine, Bareminerals Gutsy, two Maybelline Caffeine Rush shades, two Maybelline Forest Fury swatches, glitter topcoat shade swatched above, Sephora Flashy Violet, Stila Moray

In Direct Sunlight

There you have it!  I can recommend any of these products and I hope something here offers a solution to something you're looking for! 

Fall Nail Polish Picks (Picture Heavy)

[All purchased by me]


Since Starbucks has kicked off their brilliant PSL 10 campaign, the smell (and taste) of autumn is in the air for sure.  I have a thing for vampy nail shades.  I find paler shades harder to choose actually.  That being said, I am wearing the new nude nail polish I mentioned in my last post, which is OPI's Dulce de Leche.  I really like the rosy caramel shade and think it's much better suited for me as nudes go.  It reminds me a lot of Clinique's Curviest Caramel as well.

Berry Shades:

Rimmel Burgundy Flirt 

This may be discontinued, but I'm not sure and it's not the most unique color so no worries there.  Also, the formula chips very easily.  I think Rimmel's new polish formula is supposed to be better and I really want to try it.  I definitely chose this for the color not the formula because sometimes you just really crave burgundy nails.

OPI Casino Royale

This was part of the James Bond collection last year, but OPI polishes are pretty easy to find post collection release.  This color is kind of a twist on the average berry as it leans more purple.  It looks sophisticated on the nails and OPI has a great, consistent formula.

Revlon Scandalous

If cream formulas bore you, this is a cool glitter option.  The purple glitters are suspended in a black jelly base that reaches opacity pretty easily.  For a sparser glitter look, use a black base.  Revlon polishes are also pretty top notch as drugstore polishes go.

Duochrome:

Color Club Editorial

Supposedly a dupe of Chanel's Peridot, I actually wanted to buy it after I missed out on OPI's Just Spotted the Lizard.  A gorgeous blend of green with a tinge of blue and a gold shine.  This is definitely a true metallic with no discernible shimmer particles.

Hard Candy Beetle

Hard Candy recently re-did their nail polishes at Wal-Mart, but I think there is a similar shade still in the range.  This is supposed to be similar to Orly Space Cadet.  This isn't so much metallic as it is a mix of shimmers.  It looks purple and shines green/pink/gold depending on the lighting.  Even though it's shimmery, it's not hard to remove.

Blacks and Greys:

Revlon Moon Dust 

Revlon Moon Dust

 My recommendation is because of the black base since it is opaque in one coat.  It is super smooth and gorgeous as a basic black goes.  The holographic side is ok but the particles are a little too big and don't look a little random on the nail.

OPI The World is Not Enough

Another one from the James Bond collection last year, this was very difficult to photograph. Even searching images online doesn't give you a super clear idea of what exactly this looks like.  I think of it as a dark grey with a silver sheen made up of very fine particles.  This looks really gorgeous and interesting on the nails and I think these deeper greys are great for when you don't want a harsh black.

NYC Park Ave

I think this is great for lovers of OPI's You Don't Know Jacques and is supposedly a dupe.  It's basically a taupey grey with a purple undertone that looks very put-together and "polished" (haha punny).  It goes with everything and is great for sweater weather.

Navy

Essence Just Rock It!

This is a fun navy blue that I got during my "navy" phase.  The phase was short-lived until revived recently with my next pick.  Essence has redone their nail polish line (why do I feel like my polishes are outdated?) and the bottles look different.  This formula does dry faster than the average deep nail polish but it chips easily (all dark polishes do on me).

Butter London Royal Navy

This was part of my first Butter London purchase (along with Molly Coddled) yesterday since Ulta was doing their 21 Days of Beauty Promotion.  It's a deeper navy than the Essence one and I got it since I'd seen it in a trio set years ago.  It's such a deep navy, which is how I like to wear greens and blues in the fall.  The hunt for an emerald polish begins (like I need another nail polish in my life)!  This is the only one I haven't tried since I just got it yesterday but I will keep you guys updated.

Brights

Ulta Let the Flames Begin

I love a true red in the colder months.  This is definitely a brighter true neutral red that looks better on shorter nails in my opinion.  It dries with a nice shine and wears pretty well on me for a red.

Wet n Wild On a Trip

This might be a strange one to wear in the Fall but I think with lilac ruling the roost as purples go in the Spring/Summer and berries taking over in the Fall/Winter, this shade of purple doesn't get it's own place.  It looks great and striking on the nails and isn't as blue as the picture shows.  I've been wearing it as my pedicure shade and really love it.  The formula, staying power and brush remind me of OPI. 


Hope you guys made it through this overly long post and get some nail inspiration!  I didn't really look into what the Fall trends are this year, just went with my personal favorites.

Products I'm on the Fence About....

[All purchased by me, one Essie polish from a friend who thought it made her hands look weird]


I've never really done a post that was solely dedicated to things I don't feel strongly about.  I think these kinds of posts/videos/conversations are sometimes the most helpful since it saves you from spending money on something you may end up feeling "meh" about.  There's plenty of products that I don't feel are strong recommendations, but these stand out in terms of how highly they were raved/hyped about somewhere else.  

Here's a rundown:

- Wet n Wild Spring 2013 palettes (I know... GASP)
- Lush (in general?)
- Essie polishes (turquoise was given by friend)
- L'oreal Color Caresse Wet Shine Stain
- Nivea Lip Butter
- Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous 

I found both of these palettes after they were re-released after MONTHS of going in and out of every drugstore that I could stop into.  The neutral palette looked so interesting that I thought it was going to be a new HG neutral palette for me.  After I snagged all the palettes in the display and dispersed the extras amongst my friends, I carefully considered how I felt about them.  Going in the Wild is on the left and Nude Awakening is on the right.  In the GITW palette, I was most excited for that plummy shade two down on the left.  It looked gorgeous and shimmery but applies kind of patchy.  The lilac below it is kind of sheer.  Other than that, this palette is great.  I only feel on the fence about it because those two shades excited me the most and disappointed me the most.  However, that mint color alone makes up for it since it's the perfect minty inner corner highlight I was looking for all Summer!  

Nude Awakening was a bit more surprising in terms of why I don't feel strongly about it.  The colors in the pan look interesting and the pigmentation on all of them is good.  Why am I on the fence?  Do you see the two eyelid shades, the browbone shade on the right and the definer shade on the left?  Those look like the most exciting shades in the palette but they are so close in tone that it's hard to get a good contrast using them.  They all lean on the darker, warmer side of the spectrum and therefore the look doesn't "pop" when you use them.  I would recommend these palettes strongly if they were easy to get a hold of.  But for how much effort I made and how much hype surrounded them, I actually think the original Comfort Zone palette is a better all-around palette.  


Lush.  Oh Lush.  You entice me with you no-cruelty policy, amazingly scented stores and quirky tongue-in-cheek product names but you keep me away with your prices and lack of visible results.  Sure everything you do smells awesome, but never has it lingered long enough to warrant the cost.  I've tried your jellies, soaps, scrubs and more but none of it wows me.  I think I need to tune out the hype on this one and smell you from afar.



Essie polishes are exceedingly popular.  I never understood why because the formula is inconsistent from bottle to bottle, the brush is tiny and the price is close to OPI.  For me, OPI is the most consistently good polish formula across the board.  Essie, on the other hand, can be easy to use (Turquoise and Caicos) or be tricky to get right (Fiji).  I had another one from the range that I believe is discontinued but applied and cracked like fault lines along my nail.  Where is the quality control? I think the range is popular because the shade selection is wide and very on-trend.  They seem to have the lighter and brighter shades covered well.  I just think it's too much of a gamble to get these unless I love the color.  It takes a lot for me to even consider getting one and I think that's a shame because they have some great shades.

On my nails now is Fiji.... I've been on the hunt for the perfect neutral nail and just got an OPI one I'm very excited to try out.  Sadly, Fiji is not my fave (too middle school for me?) so on to the next!

These L'oreal stains are supposed to be a dupe for the YSL ones since they are under the same company.  L'oreal owns tons of brands.  Wikipedia it for more info, it's pretty interesting.  I have the shade Lilac Ever After which isn't very lilac at all but a rosy mauve instead.  It's a pretty shade but weird texture.  I don't seem to get along with gel textures in glosses even though they sound like they would be an amazing new thing that everyone loves.  This feels like gel on the lips and leaves a stain.  The consensus across the board seems to be that these are not as pigmented as the YSL stains.  I don't have one to compare but this does take a few coats to reach mid-opaqueness.  I think I'd try a YSL stain if I found the right color, but this stain gloss thing kind of leaves a strange finish on the lips and I don't really like how it feels.  However, I appreciate the color of this and the innovation behind it.

Lip butters are all the rage.  I fell into the hype with this one and I think the main reason I don't love it more is because the smell isn't my favorite.  Other people love it, and if you enjoy vanilla or food-y scents at all, I think this is great for you.  Out of the range I think I like raspberry the most.  Anyway, the texture is interesting, kind of a waxy balm but it doesn't sink into the lips for a ton of real moisture.  It's a good prep lip balm while you're doing you're makeup but not an amazing overnight one.  Cute concept, though.

The last product (Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous) is the one I have the most to say but I feel like it's going to go more into a rant.  I think bullet points make my point clearer:

Pros:
-good match for me in the warmer months (I have it in Medium)
-great "no makeup" look
-applies well with damp sponge (not the one included)
-tinted primer feel leaves a nice finish

Cons:
-expensive because if applied with included sponge, you can hit pan within weeks
-sheer (but still pricey)
-included sponge never fully cleans but instead traps color
-limited shade range

I feel like this is the one product of this group I don't hear the most raves about.  People seem either on the fence or full-on dislike this.  I don't blame them because it's so over-priced for what it is.  I've gone back and forth on liking/disliking this but at the end of the day, I don't think I would repurchase this for $30.  

New In: Must Haves
Smashbox Fade to Black (Black Gold), Clinique Chubby Stick Intense (Curviest Caramel), Burberry Sheer Eyeshadow (Almond)

[All purchased by me]

So these might not be actual must haves for every person (or every budget) out there but sometimes you just go a little crazy with new releases, long time lemmings and the odd GWP promotion.  Two of these are quite new to me but have shot to the top of my recommendation list.  New products tend to do that to you, no?

(Also I recommend the The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.  You'll laugh.  You'll cry.  You'll wish you didn't have so many feels)

First, we should probably talk about the one thing I've been holding on to longest of the three.  Burberry eyeshadows are every high-end makeup lover's dream.  Expensive, beautifully packaged and selective shade offering all scream luxe.  For me, I had heard so much of the formula that I had to give these a swatch in real life when I came upon a counter.  Midnight Brown was almost a buy because I it made the most impact, but I knew I was on the hunt for a perfect crease shade and this is it.  This is The One (not to say there aren't other "The One"s out there but I just haven't come across it yet).  It looks pretty blah in the swatch and trust me, I've resisted the boring crease shadows for a long time, but this is just the perfect shade to transition any crease/lid color into the brow highlight or non-highlight of your choice.  It just works to blend any difficult shadow color out seamlessly.  For anyone who struggles with blending or wearing bolder lid colors, a shade like this is a serious life saver.  That perfect shaded, shadowy blend the pros always get?  This achieves that with minimal eye tugging.  

Next is a thing that I just talked about but now is in a more INTENSE version.  The Clinique Chubby Stick that I like so much is offered in a more opaque version that looks like lipstick and feels like a balm.  Whereas the original truly offers more of a tint, this is full-on impact.  What really blew me away and moved this up to "must recommend" for me is the shade.  I am not a fan of nude lip colors.  I think they make me look washed out and they don't seem flattering on my lips.  This, however, offers the hint of pinky beige hue that actually livens up the lips and makes lips look plumper.  I already knew I liked the formula but now I really like this color.  This came as a gift with purchase (GWP) and is well worth the $17 retail value for the full size.  

Lastly, the thing I am most excited for: Smashbox's Fade to Black Waterproof Shadow Liner in Black Gold.  This thing is beautiful.  I saw a swatch online and knew I wanted it instantly.  I tend to first make sure the formula is worth checking out and then I fall hard for colors that I think are unique and multi-dimensional.  This shadow stick is incredibly smudge proof and long wearing.  It rivals the Maybelline Color Tattoos in terms of wear and also packs a punch in terms of pigmentation.  I recommend blending out the crease with fingers if you wear this alone and use the smudger only for lower lashlines.  Really, though, let's be honest and say I just really, really wanted this color.  It reminded me of my favorite shade in the Too Faced Natural At Night palette in Moonstone (check previous posts for swatch).  I don't think I own any other Smashbox products but this olive/gold/bronze shade just screamed "EXCITING NEUTRAL" and I rarely get excited by neutrals.  I think brown eyes look great in olive shades and this one, with it's multi-dimensional golden flecks and not-too-green olive tone is perfect.  I do wish this was retractable but since I rarely use any shadow up, I won't be too bothered by it.  

Burberry Almond, Clinique Curviest Caramel, Smashbox Black Gold

LOOK AT THAT SHINE!

Close up...*drool*