Product Rave: NYX Eyeshadows

I always love a good bargain on awesome beauty products. Affordable brands like NYX, are a great option to look into, if you are on the lookout for good quality cosmetics that won't break the bank. I have a few NYX lipsticks, and lip glosses which I like, but what I am most impressed with are their single eyeshadows. Not only are they inexpensive at just $5.00 a pop on the NYX website, but the eyeshadow pigmentation just blows me away.
I don't have many NYX eyeshadows, but I really like the ones I do have. You better believe that I will be getting more next time I stop by my local beauty supply store, where they carry NYX products.

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Left to right: Green Tea, Purple, Extreme Apricot

Swatches from left to right: Green Tea, Purple, Extreme Apricot

Green Tea- Frosty, golden green. I admit, I have not used this shade much. But now that I look at it, I am definitely going to be getting more use out of it. I envision this color pairing great with a brown eyeshadow blended along the crease. Should make for a pretty soft, green smokey eye.

Purple- Frosty purple. This eyeshadow was one of the first NYX eyeshadows I ever purchased. I got this along with another NYX eyeshadow called Golden-which is such a lovely color, but of course I dropped it and it crumbled to bits. I am telling you...I am super clumsy. 

Extreme Apricot- Matte, bright red/coral. When I saw this color, I just had to have it. Even though, I honestly don't use it much. But, it's because it is such a daring color. I really must make use of this gorgeous color one night. 

Left to right: Highlight, White

Swatches from left to right: Highlight, White

Highlight- Matte beige. This is probably my most favorite NYX eyeshadow. When it comes to a trusty, good brow bone color, this eyeshadow is the one I always reach for. It's an essential color to have in my makeup stash, and I recommend it to everyone. I love it so much that I have already hit pan on it. I have to get a new one pretty soon. 

White- Matte white. I really like this color for highlighting the brow bone, when I am doing more dramatic eye looks for nights out. The white color looks great paired with a gray and black smokey eye look. 

These eyeshadows from NYX blend super easily. The only thing I would say though is that, they are a little bit powdery. Also, make sure to apply these eyeshadows over an eye primer, to really get the most out of the colors. The pigmentation is nice already, but that primer really adds that extra 'wow' factor.

Check out www.nyxcosmetics.com, to check out NYX eyeshadows and other products.

What are your favorite NYX eyeshadows?

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

MAC Shy Girl Lipstick

Hey dolls,

Today, I want to show you all another of my latest MAC lipstick purchases. It's no secret that I am obsessed with MAC lipsticks-I want them all, LOL! Shy Girl ($14.50) has definitely become one of my favorite lipsticks. I have been wearing it quite often for daytime, since I purchased it this past spring. Take a look!

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MAC Shy Girl Lipstick

I would describe Shy Girl as being a semi-warm nude beige, that contains a hint of coral. Shy Girl has a cremesheen formulation-which feels creamy on the lips, and it also contains small, fine shimmers. The shimmers go on very smooth, They are also not very prominent on the lips because, the glossy finish is there to distract-in a lovely way, of course. I have become quite fond of MAC cremesheen lipsticks. Application is always smooth, the colors are nicely pigmented, and the glossy finish it imparts is just gorgeous. Shy girl being no exception. I have dry lips, and I am so happy that Shy Girl does not enhance any dryness I may have.

As far as lasting power goes, it holds up pretty well-at least for me. It's usually 3-4 hours before the color starts to fade, and I have to touch-up. Overall, I LOVE Shy Girl and it's one of my staple nude colors. Looks great with a neutral eye for daytime (my favorite), or glam it up for night with a smokier eye.

Swatch of MAC Shy Girl Lipstick

What do you all think of Shy Girl lipstick, from MAC? 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.

Nail Of The Day: Duri Fall 2011 Wine Tasting Party Nail Colors

Fall is definitely one of my favorite seasons. Not only does the weather cool down, but the new fall beauty and nail collections, are something I always look forward to. Although I had a lot of fun sporting bright nail colors this summer, I can't help but miss those deeper splashes of color, that are on my nails all fall and winter long.

Today, I have two lovely Duri nail colors to show you all, and they are both perfect fall shades. Grape Swirl and Bloody Mary ($5.00 each), are just two of the six new colors from Duri's new Fall 2011 Wine Tasting Party Nail Collection, due out this September.

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Left To Right: Grape Swirl, Bloody Mary

Grape Swirl

Grape Swirl-2 Coats, No Topcoat

This color is the one that stole the show for me. I have nothing like it. I would describe Grape Swirl as a purple with a hint of gray added in. The really cool part is that this color contains lovely, fine golden shimmers that give it a sort of metallic finish. The formula was perfect-not too thick, or runny. The color applied smoothly and evenly. I got complete opaque coverage with just one coat. But I like to always seal the deal with two. I already know that Grape Swirl is going to be in constant rotation this fall. 

Bloody Mary

Bloody Mary-2 Coats, No Topcoat

Bloody Mary is a gorgeous medium red cream. I want to mention that my camera just did not want to cooperate with me, while I was taking the swatch pictures for this color. The picture above shows this color as being more of a cherry/tomato red. But, this color is a bit more darker in person, more like an apple red. Lovely color nonetheless, that I am sure is a staple color in everybody's nail collection. This color applied beautifully, and I got even and opaque coverage, with 2 coats. 

I have grown to really love Duri nail colors. I am always content with the fast drying time, and lasting power. Not to mention the lovely shine finish. It's like a topcoat is optional with these. Love! 

Be on the lookout for this collection, and check out other Duri nail colors over at www.Duri.com. 

What do you all think of these colors from Duri? What are your favorite fall nail colors?

Disclaimer: I received these products from PR for review purposes only. I am not being compensated for this review. As always, my reviews are 100% honest. 

Beauty Crave

Hey dolls,

To start this Monday off right, here is the latest edition of beauty crave. Since fall is right around the corner-and boy, am I ever so ready for it, I put together some fall inspired beauty items. When I think of fall, I look forward to colors such as deep reds, browns, and plums. But sometimes, a little pop of unexpected color, can add that interesting surprising factor.

1. Deborah Lippmann Nail Color in Razzle Dazzle ($18.00)- How gorgeous is this deep, burgundy color? Not only is it a pretty color in itself, but the fact that it contains lovely glitter just makes it that much more special. I would totally rock this all fall and winter! 

2. Yves Saint Laurent 'Rouge Volupte Pearl' Lipstick in Brazin Plum ($34.00)- I have never really been too familiar with Yves Saint Laurent lipsticks. I really must pick a tube up, sometime. If the luxurious-looking gold lipstick case isn't enough to warrant a purchase, maybe the lovely neutral plum color will do the trick. This color would look gorgeous paired with smokey eyes, for a night out. 

3. Illamasqua Intense Lipgloss in Succubus ($20.00)- When they say these lip glosses are 'intense', they mean it! I still remember when I tried on one of these glosses (it was a bright pink), and I was taken aback by how pigmented it was. This pretty red one would be great for those days, when you just want a glossy, hint of red to your lips.

4. NARS Outremer Eyeshadow ($23.00)- You all know that I had to include this yummy deep blue, matte eyeshadow in the mix. How could I not? Just look at it! It practically screams fall. Oh, the many eye looks that come to mind when I look at Outremer. I stopped by Sephora a few days ago, and (not to my surprise) this NARS eyeshadow was sold out. It's a very popular color, indeed.

5. Smashbox Photo Op Eye Enhancing Palette, Blue Eyes ($42.00)- Neutral eyeshadows are always great to have around. And I am really liking that grey shadow. I think the grey applied all over the lid and the dark brown blended in the crease, would make for a refreshing smokey eye. I guess grey and brown are not usual pairs when it comes to eyeshadow colors. But, my motto is that makeup is supposed to be fun! So, it's definitely OK to break the rules. Another bonus? These eyeshadows are paraben free. 

What fall items and colors are you all looking forward to? 

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

Product Review: Coastal Scents 10 Blush Palette

Hey Dolls,

A few weeks ago Coastal Scents was having a sale on some of their products, so I decided it was a good time to order the 10 Blush Palette ($15.95). I have been eyeing it for so long, but I have held back on purchasing it because I am not too crazy about the high shipping price. Since the blush palette came out to $13.56 with the added discount, and the shipping became a little more bearable, I took the dive and purchased it. (Warning: Picture Heavy Post!)

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Coastal Scents 10 Blush Palette

Ingredients

Coastal Scents 10 Blush Palette

What initially attracted me to this blush palette was the great value I was getting, for ten different blushes. Some of the blushes are matte, while others contain small, fine shimmers. I love how the small shimmers give my cheeks a pretty glow. Right off the bat, I think this blush palette is great if you are a makeup artist who is constantly traveling. With this blush palette, you get a great variety of different color selections, as well as different finishes.

Since the blushes have no name, I am going to refer to them by numbers

Numbers 1,2,3,4,5

Numbers 6,7,8,9,10

Color Breakdown:

1- Light Mauve (shimmer)

2- Neutral Peach Brown (shimmer)

3- Medium Pink (shimmer)

4- Burnt Orange (shimmer)

5- Dark Bronze (shimmer)

6- Light Pink (matte)

7- Medium Peach/Coral (shimmer)

8- Pink/Peach (matte)

9- Bright Pink (matte)

10- Nude Brown/Beige (matte)

Numbers 1 and 6

Numbers 2 and 7

Numbers 3 and 8

Numbers 4 and 9

Numbers 5 and 10

I was so excited to see that this blush palette contained colors that are in the neutral, pink, and peach color family. It is also great that you get some brights in the mix as well. The size of the blushes are reasonable. The pans aren't huge, but very decent for the price. Although the blush colors are nice, these blushes are a little powdery. On a more positive note, I found that the colors were easy to blend on my cheeks. 

I have to say that these blushes are very buildable. The colors go on soft, so you definitely need to pack on the color in order to get it to show up. As far as lasting power goes, it's not until 3-4 hours later, that I see some fading of the color. 

OK, now here comes the deal breaker....I am pretty sure that I am allergic to an ingredient in this blush palette. My cheeks broke out like crazy! I have not changed anything in my everyday beauty routine, other than the addition of these blushes. And, when I swatched the colors on my arm yesterday, I woke up today and realized that the area where I did the swatches, were covered in red bumps. Unfortunately, I think my skin is super sensitive for this product. I am going to have to stop using this blush palette for awhile, and let my face go back to it's normal self, before I try these blushes again. Such a bummer as well because I really like this blush palette. Boo! 

If you have sensitive, and acne-prone skin like I do, it's best to be careful with this blush palette.

Edit: According to the ingredients list, the third ingredient is mineral oil. I am almost certain that is the culprit of my breakouts.

What do you all think of the Coastal Scents 10 Blush Palette? 

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

Product Review: Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder

Here is my long overdue review of the Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder ($7.99). If you haven't already, make sure to check out my reviews on this powder's other family members-the Fit Me foundation, and the Fit Me concealer.

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Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder- #210, Sandy Beige

Swatch of Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder, #210

Since it is super easy to determine one's pressed powder shade match, I picked up #210-which is the same number/shade, as my Maybelline Fit Me foundation color. This shade was a perfect match because, it contains some yellow undertones in it. Right off the bat, I thought the plastic packaging was pretty nice. But, I still think it's a tad bit bulky. Inside the compact, there is a flip-up compartment which houses a round cosmetic face puff, and it also contains a nicely sized square shaped mirror. 

This powder does not have scent to it, and it has a very smooth texture. When I apply it on my face, it feels very lightweight and it does not look cakey on. At first, I thought the powder was completely matte, but then I looked more closely and realized that it does have small, fine hints of shimmer. But the shimmer does not show up on my face at all! I can't even see them. I think the small shimmer touch is actually pretty cool because, they can help give your face a healthy glow, as opposed to a dull look some matte powders may give off.

I have noticed that this powder does go on pretty sheer. So, if you are looking for a pressed powder that will give you coverage, this isn't it. I also want to mention that I had a really weird experience with this product. I applied it over the Maybelline Fit Me foundation, concentrating the powder on my oily areas-forehead, nose, and chin. Then, within an hour or so, I found that it sort of oxidized on me. I want to ask you, my readers, did any of you go through the same experience? Or was it just me?

Now, I am sure you all know just how much I love my MAC Blot Powder. When I picked up this pressed powder from Maybelline, I really hoped that it would work well enough, that it could actually be a cheaper alternative to MAC Blot Powder. But when it comes to lasting power...that's where it can't compete with MAC Blot Powder. Apart from oxidizing on my face, it does not control my oily T-zone area very well. I find that I get oily and shiny, within an hour. With MAC Blot Powder, it can easily keep me shine free for 4-5 hours. 

Sponge Compartment/Mirror

To conclude this review, I am really bummed that I did not have such a great experience with the Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder. But, it's not a total loss. I am happy that it did not break out my sensitive, acne prone skin, and believe it or not, I actually found a way to try and use up this pressed powder. Even though it does not perform well for me as a foundation setting powder, I discovered that it actually works well to set the concealer under my eye area. I gotta use it up somehow, right? 

What do you all think of the Maybelline Fit Me Pressed Powder? Have any of you tried it? 

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

Birchbox: August 2011

Hey Dolls,

I got my second Birchbox delivered, a few days ago. I was super impressed with the contents in the July box and I was sure I was going to love this next one, just as much. I noticed that this time around, I received a lot of skincare items. But, it's not a huge deal breaker for me because I know that the box contents some months, are better than others. Don't get me wrong, I love skincare products, but I can't help but love makeup even more, LOL!

Let's take a peek at the August Birchbox, shall we?

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1. Befine Single Serve Exfoliating Cleanser ($25.00)- This paraben free exfoliating cleanser contains sweet almond oil, ginger root extract, and oat protein, to help keep skin hydrated and moisturized. I have only used this exfoliator just once, and I was amazed at how soft my skin felt after I rinsed it off my face.
My only gripe with this product would be that, the exfoliating brown sugar beads felt a tiny bit harsh on my sensitive face. Even though I received a sample packet, I am sure it could easily last about 3-5 more uses, seeing as a little bit of the product goes a long way.

2. Befine Night Cream ($30.00)- Here is another Befine product that was included in my Birchbox this month. This night cream contains awesome ingredients such as Vitamin E-a great skin moisturizer, and caffeine infused cocoa, which does wonders to help with circulation, and to achieve a healthy looking glow.
I have been using this night cream every night on my neck area. it absorbs super fast, and my neck area does feel smoother. I try to be really careful when it comes to applying creams on my face. I can't help but fear that it will cause breakouts. Maybe I am worrying for nothing, since this product is paraben free.

3. Lift Lab Lift & Fix High Potency Solution ($85.00)- I am not very familiar with facial serums. All I know is that they help with anti-aging. Even though I am 23 years old, and I don't have serious lines and wrinkles-yet, I have been using this serum almost every night since I received it. Hey, it's never too late or too early to start, right? I've been applying it to the laugh lines around my mouth area, and a bit on my forehead. I notice that my skin feels and looks a bit more smoother after.

4. Blinc Mascara ($24.00)- I have not tried this mascara yet, so I can't comment right now, on it's performance. But I am thinking of testing it out for a future review. If you are interested, be on the lookout for that!

5. Kate Spade New York Twirl Eau De Parfum Spray ($80.00)- I always love perfume samples. This floral scented one by Kate Spade smells really yummy.

6. TwistBand Hair Tie ($5.00 for a set of three)- I don't know why, but I was really surprised to see a hair tie included in the box this month. It's a refreshing surprise, I will say that much. I actually really like this hair tie. The thicker elastic band works great to help grip my hair, and and hold it up all day. I love using it for loose bun styles.

Have any of you tried any of the products mentioned above? Please, share in the comments section. I would love to hear your thoughts.

P.S. 320 Followers! It may not mean much to many, but to me it means the world. Thank you all, my lovely readers for sticking with me, and sharing my beauty addiction with me! xoxo

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with any of the companies mentioned above. I purchased a monthly subscription to Birchbox.

Product Rave: Inglot Eyeshadows!

Hey Dolls!

I FINALLY got the chance to go to my nearby Inglot store here in New York City, and believe me, that visit was long overdue. The store had a comforting atmosphere, the salesgirls were very friendly, and the different selections of products are to die for. There were loads of lipsticks, lip glosses, blushes, nail polishes, and of course, what Inglot is most known for-eyeshadows.

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Inglot's freedom system is a great way for customers to customize their eyeshadow palettes. With the freedom system, all you have to do is choose which eyeshadow colors you would like, and the magnetic eyeshadow pans are then placed inside eyeshadow palettes. You can choose from palettes that hold 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, or even 40 eyeshadows. Just so you know, freedom systems are not limited to just eyeshadows, there are freedom systems available for face and lip products as well.

Since it was my first time trying out Inglot eyeshadows, I decided to pick some lovely neutral eyeshadow shades-but next time, I definitely will get my hands on the more brighter shades. The finishes of these three eyeshadows are between a shimmer and frost, but I would say that they tend to lean more towards the frostier side. The size of the square eyeshadows are huge. I am sure these are going to last me a good while. The value of these eyeshadows are amazing as well. My total came up to about $21.00, just for these three huge sized eyeshadows, and the magnetized palette. Score!

Left To Right: #395, #404, #405

#395

#404

#405

#395- Neutral beige frost. This color looks like a neutral beige in the pan, but when I apply it, it appears to look like a frosty white. I like to use this shade on the inner corners of my eyes to help brighten them up.

#404- Golden frost. This is my most favorite eyeshadow out the three. It looks lovely on the lid, and it really stands out against my brown eyes. 

#405- Golden Bronze frost. Pretty color that looks lovely applied all over the lids, or on the outer V to add a tiny hint of depth to the eyes.

All of these eyeshadows apply smoothly, and they are so soft to the touch. The blendability is superb, lasting power is lovely, and the pigmentation blows me away. These eyesahdows are perfection. I also love the packaging of the palette. I find it to be wonderfully refreshing, actually. It feels sturdy, looks very sleek, and the slide-open cover makes the palette super easy to open.

To order products online, and for more information on Inglot eyeshadows and more of their products, please check out their website, HERE.

What do you all think of Inglot eyeshadows? Which are your favorite colors? 

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