Look Of The Day: Smokey Eye + Pink Lips

I know I have not done a look of the day post in forever! I am truly sorry about my lack of them lately. I just don't seem to have the time to do something post-worthy. In all honesty, I haven't been doing looks that are spectacular. I have just been keeping it neutral-like, and going with light makeup. Here is to hoping that I get back on track with LOTD posts, LOL!

Thanks for stopping by lovelies. I leave you all with pictures of one of my favorite look combinations (bright smokey eyes with pink lips), and a list of products used listed below them.

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Face:

1. Revlon Photoready Foundation in 005 Natural Beige

2. Tarte Dark Circle Defense Concealer in Light-Medium under the eyes

3. Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder used to contour cheekbones

4. MAC Mineralize Blush in Warm Soul applied to apples of cheeks

5. Smashbox Soft Lights powder in Highlight, applied to the top of cheekbones and bridge of nose

6. MAC Blot Powder in Dark, applied to T Zone to set the face

7. Estee Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil in 01 Soft Smudge Black, used to fill in brows

Eyes:

1. Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden applied to lids

2. NYX Ultra Pearl Mania in White Pearl, applied to inner lids, stopping at the middle of the lid

3. NYX Eyeshadow in Black, applied next to White Pearl and the rest of the outer lid. Blend out the color 

    taking it a bit above the crease.

4. NYX Eyeshadow in Highlight applied to the browbone

5. Calvin Klein Pencil Eyeliner in Intense Black used to line the upper lashline, wing out a bit

6. Urban Decay Glide-On Eye Pencil in Zero, applied to the lower waterline

7. Wet n' Wild Mega Length Mascara in Very Black applied to top lashes

8. Cover Girl Lashblast Mascara in Very Black, layered on top of Mega Length Mascara

9. On the lower lashline, apply White Pearl from NYX on the inner part, then NYX eyeshadow in Black from the middle all the way out. Blend and create a smudged look.

Lips:

1. MAC Lipstick in Pink Nouveau 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. All items are from my personal collection for my personal use. 

Product Rave: Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio-Silent Treatment

Wet n' Wild is probably my most favorite brand when it comes to affordable, drugstore eyeshadows. I am super impressed with the products they have been bringing to the table lately. If you are a makeup newbie, I highly suggest starting out with Wet n' Wild cosmetics. The pigmentation of their products are great, and everything is really affordable and wont break the bank. 

I picked up one of their new color icon eyeshadow trios in Silent Treatment ($2.99) a few weeks ago and I am in LOVE! 

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Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio-Silent Treatment

Silent Treatment contains three lovely complimenting eye colors (all three contain shimmer), and two mini eyeshadow applicator brushes-a sponge tip, and a fluffy blending one. Although I don't really use the applicators, they are always great for when one is on the go. Sponge tip applicators are a really handy tool for packing and patting on color if your shadow tends to fade a bit during the day.

Close up of the eye colors

Left To Right: Browbone, Crease, Eyelid

The browbone color is a soft shimmered light peach/pink. Personally, I don't like to use the color on my browbone. I find that it is a bit frosty-looking, and I prefer my browbone highlight color to be a matte instead. This color applies smoothly, and a bit sheer. You get just a tiny hint of that peachy/pink color but you sure can't miss the shimmer. I really like using this color in my inner corners to help brighten up the eye look, though. 

The crease color is lovely! It is a deep, dark brown that contains tiny golden shimmers-which don't show up once applied and blended. This color is very pigmented and a little definitely goes a long way. It works brilliantly as a crease, and outer V color, and really adds depth to the overall eye look. I really like the fact that this color blends easily with little effort, and looks really natural on.

Lastly, my favorite shadow of the bunch-the eyelid color, is a gorgeous shimmered taupe. I have literally been using this color everyday as an all over lid color for school ever since I got it. I already made a dent in the shadow. LOL! I am not very much familiar with wearing taupe colors on my lids. I usually go for browns, tans, peaches, and golds, when it comes to doing a neutral eye. But this pigmented taupe color has taken my neutral eye to a whole other level. This color is perfection.

Here is a quick eye look I did using the shadows in the Silent Treatment trio:

Eyelid color on the lids, Crease color on the outer V, Browbone color on browbone/inner corner

I am really loving Silent Treatment, and I can't wait to try out other colors in the new Wet n' Wild color icon eyeshadow trio line. The blendability of the colors are amazing. Pigmentation is lovely. And the versatility is a great added bonus. You can definitely use these eyeshadows to create a neutral day look, or a neutral, smokey look for night. When it comes to wear-time, these shadows do not disappoint. I have really oily lids and these shadows last all day on my lids (over an eye primer, of course), with very minimal-hardly noticeable, creasing. I will say that the shadows are very soft, and if not careful, some fallout may happen. But this is not a deal breaker for me. I will definitely repurchase Silent Treatment when the time comes to do so. And it probably will be soon, because I am using up this eyeshadow trio like there is no tomorrow. LOL! 

What do you all think of Silent Treatment? Let me know in the comments section, I would love to hear!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

MAC-Lovelorn Lipstick

Hey Dolls!

I hope you are all doing well and enjoying this lovely Sunday. I am a huge lover of MAC lipsticks and I feel like I want to collect each and every one of them because I have been very pleased with all the ones that I do have. I usually lean towards pink, red, and nude lipsticks. Lovelorn lipstick ($14.50) was the perfect latest addition to my little MAC lipstick collection.

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MAC Lovelorn Lipstick

Lovelorn is a medium, blue based pink lipstick that applies really smoothly on the lips. It contains no shimmer, and leaves lips with a creamy/glossy finish. The lipstick formula for Lovelorn is lustre. I really like MAC lustre lipsticks because they don't dry out my lips and such. I was a bit surprised when I noticed that this lipstick went on a bit sheer at first. It appeared that  it would apply opaquely. But the color starts to be more apparent the more you keep layering this lipstick on. This lipstick is a great option for those who want a lip color that isn't overpowering, and will be a good lipstick color for everyday use no matter what look you are going for-dramatic, or neutral. I am an NC25 in MAC foundations, and I find that Lovelorn compliments my skin tone really nicely. I bet it would look gorgeous with a tan. I am sure it would compliment many skin tones as well. 

MAC-Lovelorn Lipstick

Lip Swatch of MAC Lovelorn Lipstick

Although I am initially happy with the everyday wear-ability of Lovelorn, and how easily it applies I am a tad disappointed with the lasting power. It seems to only last on the lips an hour or two before I have to reapply again. 

What do you all think of Lovelorn? And what are your favorite MAC lipsticks?

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use. 

Product Review: MAC Blot Powder

Hey Dolls!

I think I am going through a MAC phase right now because I have been purchasing quite a few things from the brand lately. When it comes to MAC, I make sure to get products that I know I will use constantly, and that will become daily staples. I was in dire need of a powder that I could just take in my bag for touch-ups during school days. I am serious when I tell you all that my nose and forehead become an oil slick by mid-day. I do have loose translucent powder, but I don't really think that they are very travel friendly, seeing as they have a tendency to spill and make a mess in my bag. Therefore, I wanted something pressed, compact, and travel friendly. 

In comes MAC Blot Powder ($23.00). The MAC makeup artist matched me to the shade in dark. I looked at the color and I was a bit nervous about going with it because the color seemed way off. I am an NC25 in MAC foundations by the way. Surprisingly, dark was a good match for me after all. She explained that the blot powders have very little to no color, and that dark would be best for me because it would prevent my face from looking pale and ghostly in pictures. She had a good point because, I hate when that happens. LOL! I have not really taken any pictures of myself lately so I can't vouch for that fact, but I will update and let you all know weather the powder makes my face look ghostly or not. She applied the blot powder in dark on me and I saw no added color on my face at all. What I did see immediately was that the shine on my forehead and nose, vanished. 

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MAC Blot Powder

MAC Blot Powder-Dark

I love that the blot powder is pressed, which makes it very travel friendly. I also love the very handy mirror as well. It comes with a cosmetic puff, but I just toss that aside (for hygienic reasons), and instead I apply blot powder with a face brush. MAC Blot Powder contains Mica and Silica, which are ingredients used to help reduce shine and absorb oil. 

I apply Blot Powder in the morning before school and I just really have to retouch once or twice during the full school day. I am shine free for a good 4-5 hours before I start to see the shine form up on my nose and forehead area. I have a pretty oily t-zone area but my nose gets it the worst. With the help of blot powder, the shines goes away for awhile. I noticed that blot powder does not look powdery on the skin, and it does not give me that caked-up look that we all try avidly to avoid. When it comes to blot powder, a little goes a long way. I have experienced no irritation, nor breakouts while using this powder. YAY!

Overall, I really like blot powder and I would repurchase again when the time comes-which I am sure won't be for awhile because there seems to be a lot of product left, and again, a little goes a long way. If you are looking for an oil-controlling pressed powder compact, that you can just pop in your bag without the worrying of spillage, then blot powder may be right up your alley. 

Have any of you tried MAC Blot Powder? Let me know in the comments what you think!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Zoya: Jolene, Robyn, Ibiza

Remember when Zoya was giving away 3 nail polishes of your choice a few months back? Well, I definitely could not pass that lovely opportunity up, as I am sure many of you didn't either. I love when companies really go out of their way to show that they truly appreciate their customers.
The three colors I chose were Jolene, Robyn, and Ibiza ($8.00 each).

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Left To Right: Jolene, Robyn, Ibiza

Zoya-Jolene

Jolene is a gorgeous, medium/bright pink cream. It is a bit more cool-toned, and brighter than the pictures show. Jolene is just one of those pinks that everyone needs to have in their nail polish collection. I think pinks are perfect for all seasons! I applied two coats of Jolene and as usual with Zoya polishes, application was superb. No streaks, or air bubbles.

Zoya-Robyn

I picked up Robyn because I had nothing like it in my collection, and the color is to die for! If you are looking for a gorgeous medium blue color cream polish, then this one is it. The color is actually a tiny bit darker than the pictures show. I applied two coats here. But easily, you could even get away with one coat for complete opaque coverage. Robyn applied beautifully, no streaks, or air bubbles, and very easy clean up around the cuticle area. I am actually rocking Robyn right now as my mani, and I am sure I am going to sport Robyn loads this coming spring/summer. It's beautiful!

Zoya-Ibiza

Ibiza is a deep, ink blue cream that gives off a metallic finish. I have a similar color to this-also from Zoya, called Indigo. Here is a swatch I did of Indigo awhile back. Indigo is very similar to Ibiza, except that Indigo contains tiny (hardly visible) sparkles in it. This was two coats, application was good. No streaks, or air bubbles here. I really like deep, dark nail colors like Ibiza, and Indigo. They are great to have in your stash for the fall and winter months. 

Overall, I am super happy with my recent Zoya goodies. I think Zoya polishes are one of the best polish brands I have encountered. The ease of application always impresses me and the lasting power doesn't hurt either. Zoya polishes usually last 4-6 days on my nails before I start to see some chipping or tip wear. This is OK by me because I like to change my polish frequently-usually once or twice a week.

What do you all think of Zoya polishes? Which Zoya polishes are your favorites? Any recommendations? Let me know in the comments section! 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above.

Product Review: Wet n' Wild Mega Length Mascara

Wet n' Wild has recently added a new array of products to their line. New eye products, nail polishes, and much more. Wet n' Wild cosmetics have really worked, and succeeded, at making sure to provide us products that are not only nicely pigmented, but affordable as well. Gotta love that!

I picked up the new Wet n' Wild Mega Length Mascara ($2.99) on a whim at my local Duane Reade drugstore, and I was certainly not disappointed. By the way, the Mega Length mascara is also available in a waterproof formulation as well, in case you are more in favor of waterproof mascaras. I picked up the Mega Length non-waterproof, original version.

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Wet n' Wild Mega Length Mascara in Very Black

Ingredients listed on back of packaging

Facts/Claims about Wet n' Wild Mega Length Mascara:

1. Makes lashes look up to 80% longer

2. Lifts Lashes

3. Clump Free

4. Ophthalmologist Tested 

5. Not Tested on Animals-YAY!

6. SELF Health 2010 Beauty Winner  for best lengthening mascara

Observations/First Impression

The formula of the mascara is perfect for me. It is not too thin nor thick-just right. It's very easy to work with as well. And I really like the simple, sleek tube too. I detect a scent to the mascara, but believe me, it's not offensive at all. What really drew me in was the plastic-bristled applicator brush wand. I am a huge fan of mascara wands that have plastic teeth instead of the springy brush wands, which tend to clump up my lashes. 

The plastic Mega Length mascara brush does not pick up extra, goopy mascara when taken out of the tube, which is great because it minimizes the chances of the lashes clumping up. 

The mega lash brush is also very thin in size which makes it really easy and comfortable to apply to lashes without worrying about poking your eye LOL! I love Cover Girl Lash Blast Mascara (original, orange tube) because it really volumizes and lengthens my lashes, not to mention it also has plastic bristles. But the brush is huge and chunky. I need to be careful when I am applying Lash Blast not to poke my eye with the huge brush.

I noticed that the size of the brush is also really great for applying mascara to the lower lashes. I usually avoid applying mascara on my lower lashes because they get pretty clumpy, and sometimes I don't have the extra time to work on combing them out to de-clump them a bit. But Mega Length Mascara from Wet n' Wild is bottom lash friendly, so thats a great bonus!

Experience

This mascara amazed me when I first applied it because with just one coat, it quickly darkened, softly separated, and lengthened my lashes. Best of all, I experienced no clumping. Application was smooth and the results were very satisfactory.The mascara-after applied, is a bit wet, so I suggest to wait about 2-3 minutes for it to completely dry on lashes.

I wore this mascara for a full day of school 8 hours + and I experienced absolutely no smudging, or flaking. The mascara was still in tact when I got home later that night. Mega Length mascara is simple to remove, with either an eye makeup remover, or facial cleansing cloths. 

Conclusion

I really like Mega Length, and I was very impressed with it's lengthening performance. I will definitely repurchase. Who would not repurchase with the affordable price tag? I also want to check out other Wet n' Wild mascaras. Hopefully they perform just as great as this one. I am a bit bummed that Mega Length does not volumize as well, but it's definitely not the mascara's fault, as it only states that it is meant to lengthen. I want to mention that if you are looking for volume or dramatic looking lashes, you wont get it with Mega Length mascara. This mascara is best for those who just want some length and lift to their lashes. And in that aspect, it really delivers and I am sure you wont be disappointed. 

Wet n' Wild, you done me proud!

Have any of you tried Wet n' Wild Mega Length Mascara? Let me know in the comments section what you think!

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased this product for my personal use.

Product Review: MAC Face And Body Foundation

I have always read rave reviews of Mac's Face And Body foundation ($32.50), so-not surprisingly, I decided to give it a go and try it out for myself. I have been using this foundation for almost a month now. I believe it's a reasonable time to let you all know what I think of it.

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MAC Face And Body Foundation-C2

Swatches of MAC Face And Body Foundation in C2

Left: Un-blended, Right: distributed

I stopped by my nearby MAC counter and a very lovely sales associate helped me. She had me take off the foundation I was wearing at the time of the visit and then she applied the MAC Face and Body foundation in the shade C2 (perfect color for me-spot on match). It contains yellow tones in it which is perfect for me because not only do I have a yellow undertone to my face, but I find that the yellow really helps even me out by cancelling out the redness that may pop up every now and then on my face. Score! She applied the face and body foundation to sections of my face in patting motions using the MAC 191 Square Foundation Brush ($32.00). She mentioned that it was best to apply the foundation in patting motions to achieve more coverage, as the Face and Body foundation provided light coverage. When she was done applying the foundation on me, I LOVED what I saw in the mirror. My face looked healthy, it had a a dewy look to it, and I found the coverage to be quite nice for my liking. I was sold. This foundation had to come home with me.

Now onto the review...

First,  I really love the fact that you get 4 oz worth of product. For me, this helps justify the price. You definitely get your money's worth, and I am sure this foundation will last a pretty long time. I really like the packaging as well. The plastic bottle contains a thin, squeeze hole that lets you dispense the amount of foundation that you desire. But be careful though, because sometimes you can squeeze out a bit too much if you squeeze with a lot of pressure. Overall, I think the packaging looks very sleek, and it's super practical for travel. The consistency of the foundation is pretty thin/runny, but definitely easy to work with.

Initial Thoughts/ Application

I initially wanted to try the Face And Body foundation because I read that it provided really natural looking coverage, without looking cakey. And I definitely support this fact. When I apply it on my face, it goes on smoothly, does not draw attention to my flakes and dryness, and it looks really natural on. Like I mentioned before, I like the fact that the shade C2 contains a great amount of yellow in it that really helps even out my skin tone. When I first apply this foundation on my face, it feels cooling and really comfortable. This foundation does contain a scent. I don't really mind it much. But for me, it dissipates after a few minutes. I want to mention that after application, this foundation looks oily, and feels a bit sticky on. But not to worry, because after 3 minutes or so the foundation 'sets' and it somehow looks like your skin-but better. I am left with a soft, dewy (not oily looking) appearance. Love!

OK, I really want to chat a bit with you all about how to determinine which is the right brush/method when it comes to applying the Face And Body foundation. The makeup artist at MAC applied it on me with the 191 square foundation brush, but it's not really a brush I desire to invest in right now. I tried applying this foundation with a normal flat foundation brush- An Essence of Beauty Foundation brush from CVS ($9.99). I found that the brush pretty much absorbed all of the foundation! I could not properly transfer the foundation on my skin. I needed to find a brush that would not absorb the product, in order to apply the foundation properly. I know many love applying this foundation with their fingers, but I just prefer applying my foundation with brushes-that's just my preference, though. Hey, if you can make Face And Body foundation work for you by applying it with your fingers, more power to you girlfriend! Next, I tried applying it with a stippling brush-MAC 188 Small Duo Fibre Face Brush ($34.00). I really liked how flawlessly it applied the foundation. And best of all, the brush did not soak up the product. The stippling brush works really great at applying this foundation, but I have found that it requires a bit of extra time to work it into your skin and blend it out properly. If I have the extra time in the morning, I wouldn't mind this one bit, but usually I am always in a rush and I need to work fast when it comes to applying my makeup in the morning.

Finally, I think I found the brush that works best for me-not to mention gives me a faster application. I apply Face And Body foundation with my Bare Escentuals Handy Buki Brush ($20.00). It helps buff in the foundation easily, and the brush is dense enough that it allows me to achieve a nice amount of coverage, and best of all-it does not absorb the foundation either.

Coverage/Lasting Power

As far as coverage goes, I feel that this performs as a light-light/medium coverage foundation. I believe that if you have loads to cover, this won't be enough coverage for you. But if you have minimal skin issues, uneven skin tone, and minimal acne/acne scars, then you may be happy with this foundation. I do suffer from dryness, and acne. I get huge, red, painful bumps on my face-especially when it's that time of the month. I have uneveness on my face, and I have some old acne scars. On my good skin days (which thankfully, I have been having frequently), I find that this foundation does a nice job at evening out my skin tone and hiding my acne scars. But sadly, I tend to skip this foundation when I have painful pimple flare-ups and I go for a more heavier coverage foundation. I like applying two layers of this foundation for a bit more coverage. I love how you can layer and layer this foundation on, and your skin won't look cakey one bit!
Lasting power is OK-but not the best. I have pretty oily skin, and It's about 3-4 hours before I start to get a bit oily on my T-Zone area. I make sure to carry a powder with me for mid-day touch ups. That seems to do the job.

Conclusion/Overall Thoughts

Overall, I think this foundation is great for those of you seeking a lightweight amount of coverage. This foundation has not irritated my skin, or caused any breakouts. I really like this foundation and I would definitely repurchase when I run out. Something I want to mention is that after having this foundation for 1 week or so, I started noticing a demarcation line on the foundation bottle. I can assure you that the line is not an indication of how much of the product I used. The product left in the bottle is way above the line. I read that this foundation does tend to separate, so maybe that's what this mysterious line is about? I make sure to shake the bottle up really well before use. I am not sure if the separation affects it's performance, but for me it's not really a bothersome factor. The foundation still applies the same and works fine.

1 week later...demarcation line appears

What do you all think of MAC Face And Body Foundation? Love it? Hate it? Let me know in the comments section Lovelies! 

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased the products mentioned for my personal use. 

Birthday!

image via www.yahoo.com

I hope you are all doing well. I know I have been MIA for awhile now. Ugh, school work has me going insane, and taking up a lot of the free time that I do get to have. I will be blogging more frequently pretty soon, so don't fret :) I will post something this week-promise!

I am writing to let you all know that today is my 23rd Birthday! Woo Hoo! Almost nearing my sexy 30's-well, in seven years LOL! I don't really have anything planned for today. I have school in the morning-and a quiz! Ugh! A test on your birthday is no fun at all. LOL! Luckily I get out of school early on Tuesdays so the hub is going to pick me up and who knows what we will do from there. Nothing too crazy though, because it's a school night. I know-so old fashioned of me LOL!

Love you all!!!