Revlon's Colorburst Lipgloss in "Peony"

When I saw the most recent Revlon lipgloss display at my local Walgreens, I couldn't resist purchasing a tube.  I really enjoy Revlon lipgloss, so I decided that this one would probably be a winner too.

First let me say the packaging is great.  The tube reminds me of Chanel's glossimers.  It's sleek, handy and fits into any sized purse quite well.  The top is identical to Revlon's Colorburst lipsticks (which I love) and the tube is thinner and longer than Revlon Super Lustrous gloss.  The wand is doe foot style.

When I first applied the gloss, I noticed the smell.  This gloss smells identical to vanilla extract (straight from the kitchen)!  It's not totally offensive however it is noticeable.  Secondly, I noticed that it took 3-4 tries to get enough product out of the tube to completely cover my lips.  When you pull the applicator out, the tube tends to "clean" the applicator too well.  

The biggest issue I had with this gloss is that it is too sheer.  Now it may be color choice however I feel that the formula sheers out too much.  Revlon's Super Lustrous gloss is much more opaque and provides better coverage.  I don't dislike this gloss...it's nice to have on hand and does add shimmer without being over the top.  I do think though the Super Lustrous gloss is a better choice since it has more color payoff and costs less on average.  Both choices offer .2oz of product.  You can find Revlon's Colorburst lipgloss for around $7.50 at any drugstore.

Swatch of "Peony" above (with flash)

Recent Nail Polish Purchases

I used to be one of those girls who would go every week and get a pedi and mani.  Eventually I got bored with my local nail salon's color choices and decided I could do the job myself.  Once I began to practice I noticed I really liked trying out new polish.  I am not a professional by any stretch of one's imagination however I love to change my polish color every few days which means I buy 1-2 bottles of nail polish every week or so. 

My most recent nail polish purchases are simple, great for cool weather and are still "work appropriate" since they don't scream "look at me"!

Wet n Wild's "Gray's Anatomy"

This polish is okay.  I really like the uniqueness of the color-a shiny purple/blue duochrome however the application was a little messy and the color streaks a bit.  The brush was bent and the bristles were damaged from what I can tell, so maybe I got a bad bottle.  I really do like the final color payoff but I don't think 4 coats is worth it!!

*Four coats later and it still appeared streaky.

OPI's "Lucerne-Tainly Look Marvelous"

OPI's "Lucerne-Tainly Look Marvelous" is just that...MARVELOUS!  It's a great shimmery gunmetal color that is perfect for the fall and winter.  It goes on smooth yet has tiny glitter flecks throughout which give this color depth and shine.  This color looks fantastic on fingers and is super shiny without being obnoxious.  The application was easy and it took only two coats to get complete coverage. 

Both colors are unique, work-friendly and offer a lot of shine.  OPI does come out on top however for ease of application and color consistency. 



In Da Club...MAC's Club eyeshadow that is!

I'm all about being lazy on the weekends.  I don't mind putting on a full face of makeup if I have to go somewhere, however if I am only going to Wal-Mart then I put on the least amount possible!  That is what I LOVE about "Club" eyeshadow from MAC.  You can put this eyeshadow on and it looks like you worked all day to apply your makeup.  "Club" eyeshadow is a duochrome which means it changes colors depending on the light it is exposed to.  Apply it on the lids and it appears green.  Blend it into the browbone and it appears like a soft brown!  "Club" can be your secret weapon that you can use when you want to look good without a lot of effort!

*Notice the shimmery green shade fading into a soft brown color.

This look is simple...there is only ONE eyeshadow to use!  Prime your lids with any eyelid primer then begin by taking MAC's "Club" eyeshadow and start applying it at the lash line.  Keep moving the color up towards the browbone.  Take extra effort to blend the color out in the crease. Next take the excess above the crease.  Keep blending the color upwards.  Lastly blend the color on the browbone to where it fades just under the eyebrows.

Full Face Look- NARS Sheerglow foundation in "Ceylan", NARS loose powder in "Flesh", MAC Skin Finish in "Stereo Rose", ELF Studio Line Bronzer in "Warm", Jordana lip pencil in "Natural", Loreal Endless lipstick in "In the Buff", Jesse's Girl lipgloss in "Strawberry", Urban Decay's Primer Potion, Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion mascara and MAC's "Club" eyeshadow.

*You can even add a shimmery color to the inside corner of your eye to brighten the look.  I used Stila's "Kitten" eyeshadow above.

Luxe Look for Less! - Red Lips for Valentines Day!

I'll admit it...red lipstick scares me.  I'm scared it will age me or that it will get on my teeth.  Finding a red shade that flatters my skin tone is another problem.  A traditional red color doesn't really look good on my lips since my lips are very pigmented.  I want a red that is deep but still has a berry tone to it. 

I found a red lipstick that I think would flatter a lot of lips out there.  It's the Milani "Berry Rich" lipstick.  It goes on incredibly smooth, is vibrant in color and looks like a million bucks.  Combine this with a great lip pencil, gloss and you are ready for anything!

Products used on lip- Milani lipstick in "Berry Rich", Wet n Wild lipliner in "Berry Red" and Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush lipgloss in "Cherry Bomb".

Milani lipstick costs around $4.99 and is available at CVS.  Wet n Wild lipliner costs .99 and is available at Walgreens, RiteAid, CVS, etc.  Victoria's Secret lipgloss is available at any Victoria Secret store for around $7.00 but can be found on sale often. 

Total cost- $12.98!

The key to flawless red lipstick application is simple.  Make sure your lips are fairly dry before you apply since gloss, lip balm and other items cause too much slip and the lipstick won't adhere well.  First apply your lipliner then color in your lips with the liner to help intensify your look and help the lipstick to stay on longer.  Next apply your lipstick then apply your gloss-it's that simple!

Another Wet n Wild Tutorial- "Silent Treatment"

Getting ready to go out is a lot fun no matter what age you are.  This evening as I was getting dressed for a date night with my husband, I decided that I would do another look using one of the Wet n Wild trios since it matched my top so well.  I decided to use "Silent Treatment" which quite honestly is now my favorite trio so far.  It's a perfect palette which is daytime friendly but can be smoked out for an evening on the town.  I think each color in this trio would look great on all skin tones, especially the GORGEOUS smokey-purple taupe.  Each shade is shimmery without tons of glitter and each shade blends out very well-no streaks here!

Wet n Wild "Silent Treatment" Trio

*Completed look without false lashes and extra liner.

This trio is SO EASY to use...partially because the colors blend out so well.  You begin this look by priming your lids with your favorite eyeshadow primer.  Next take a brush and pat down the taupe shade completely over the lid and all the way to the browbone.  Then take the crease color and blend it in well throughout the crease making sure to go all the way through the crease until you almost reach the inner corner of the eye.  Next take the lightest shade (which is a pinky shimmer) and blend it on the browbone all the way to the eyebrows.  Lastly take the same pink shade or a white eyeshadow of your choice and place a little in the inner corner of your eye.  I chose to use Benefits Eye Bright pencil instead of the pink shade in my inner corner.

Once you finish your eyeshadow, line the top lid with a gel liner, apply your mascara and put on false lashes if desired.  I chose to use Ardell's false lashes in "305".

* Completed look with false lashes and additional liner.

Full face look(apologies for the blurry photography)- Wet n Wild "Silent Treatment" eyeshadow trio, Diorshow Blackout mascara, Wet n Wild creme liner, Benefit Eye Bright pencil (in inner corner), NARS Sheerglow foundation in "Ceylan" mixed with Rimmel's Lasting Finish foundation in "Soft Beige", NARS loose powder, ELF Bronzer in "Warm", Wet n Wild blush in "Pearlescent Pink", Jordana lip pencil in "Petal" and Lancome's Color Design lipstick in "Love It!". 

Wet n Wild, Rimmel and Jordana items can be found at Walgreens.  NARS and Benefit products can be found at Sephora.  Lancome can be found at your nearest department store (like Dillards or Macys).

Wet n Wild Tutorial- "I'm Getting Sunburned"

When I first bought this palette, I found out it had broke along the way home.  Instead of just waiting until the next time I was in Walgreens, I immediately went back to the store because I knew this palette would be a favorite...and it is!  Everything about this trio is great.  The pink is gorgeous and not too bright, the crease color is richly pigmented AND the gold is the perfect shade.

I created a look based on this palette.  I find I like to layer the gold and crease color.  I also love to have the pink shade "peek" above the crease because it is beautiful even on its own. 

Begin by priming your eyes with an eyelid primer.  Next take the gold shade and thickly layer it only on your lid.  Afterwards take the crease color and begin by blending it from the outer corner towards the inner corner, stopping right above the middle of the lid.  Keep moving the brush back and forth while blending the color into the gold but not going too far down into the lid space.  Take the gold shade again and blend it upwards towards the brown crease color.  Go over the gold again with the crease color, this time using more of the color and deepening the crease area for more smokiness.  Next take the pink shade and blend it into the upper browbone.  Make an extra effort to blend it with the crease color until there is no longer a definite line between the two shades.  Lastly, take the gold color and blend it into the inner corner of the eye.

After applying the eyeshadow, line the upper lash line with a gel or liquid liner.  You can also apply false lashes if you desire for more drama.  Next take the crease shade, LIGHTLY dip your brush into the crease color and blend down onto the lower lash line.  Finally line the lower lashes with an eyeliner of your choice and apply mascara.

I Love...NARS Loose Powder

I like a powdered face.  I think powdering the face after applying foundation gives a soft finish to any look.  I know a lot of makeup guru's enjoy "glowing skin" but when I watch a lot of tutorials I can't help but think some "gurus" look shiny, definately not glowing.  Since I appreciate the benefits that loose powder can provide, I began a full-time search for the best one out there.  I wanted a powder that was finely milled, soft and easy to apply.  I also wanted a powder that was not chalky, did not smell funny and did not break me out.  I think I have come across the total package. 

NARS makes wonderful products.  I really enjoy their lipsticks and blush but it was their loose powder that made me a true fan.  Yes I've tried NARS' "Orgasm" blush and personally it was okay but I believe the true star in their lineup is the loose powder.  I purchased mine for $35.00 from www.Beauty.com or you can purchase it from www.narscosmetics.com for the same price.

PROS-
This powder is extremely and I mean EXTREMELY finely milled.  It provides a smooth, silky finish to the skin and really helps control oil throughout the day.  The powder doesn't irritate sensitive skin and provides a perfect finish.  I find that this powder doesn't dry out my skin or make my skin look too matte.  Another major benefit is that the package comes filled with a TON of product...I swear I've been using this same box of powder for over a year!!

CONS-
The powder is difficult to contain when opening the lid.  Since the powder is so fine, it tends to fly out of the container at times.  The packaging is also difficult to keep clean (as evidenced by the picture above).  The black plastic shows fingerprints and the loose powder tends to stick to the powder box even after it is wiped away.

Each NARS loose powder comes packaged with a plastic sifter, a mesh sifter (for finer powder application) and a puff.  I chose the color "Flesh" which is pictured above along with the puff and plastic sifting lid.

You can't go wrong with NARS' loose powder.  I love most of their products but I don't think I can find an exact dupe for this one.  There are other powders out there but one would be hard pressed to find another powder that provides the coverage, quality and value that this powder does.

Wet n Wild tutorial - "I Got Good Jeans"

Here is another Wet n Wild tutorial using the "I Got Good Jeans" trio from the 2011 Wet n Wild eyeshadow collection.  The key to this look is blend, blend and blend again!  I really love the soft glow that the gold shade gives and the navy shade really makes a lovely crease color. 

"I Got Good Jeans" palette

Begin by priming your eyes with an eyeshadow primer like Urban Decay's Primer Potion or you can even use a Mac Paintpot or creme stick like NYX eye pencil in "Milk" which is what I chose to use for this look. 

After priming the eyelid pat down the gold color all over the lid and up to the crease.  If you have hooded eyes like myself, go above the crease with the gold color.  Next, take the navy color and blend from the outer corner inward all through the crease until you are 3/4 of the way in.  Stop blending the navy shade inward when you are over the iris of your eye.  Keep blending the navy into the gold and blend the navy above the crease if you have hooded eyes. 

Go back after blending the navy and pat down more gold color over the lid, focusing on the inner corner.  This will help freshen and replenish the color in case there was fallout from the navy shade.  Using the light blue shade, blend it on the very top portion of the navy color-all over the browbone.  For the final two steps take the navy shade again and blend more on the outer corner of the eye. Lastly, take a small amount of the gold shade and place it on the inner corner of the eye.

*Notice the darkest shade is used on the outside corner and the lightest shade is focused on the inside corner of the eye.

Final Look- Rimmel Lasting Finish liquid foundation in "Soft Beige", NARS loose powder in "Flesh", NYC Smooth Skin bronzer in "Sunny", Covergirl Cheekers blush in "Brick Rose", Diorshow mascara, L'oreal Endless lipstick in "In the Buff" and Rimmel Vinyl Bronze lipgloss in "Summer Nude".

Wet n Wild Tutorial

Here is a quick tutorial using the "Spoiled Brat" trio from the Wet n Wild 2011 collection (please see review below in previous blog entry).  There are 3 colors in this palette-shimmery grey, soft black with slight glitter reflects and a bright, almost neon pink. 

I wanted to use this palette yet show how you can create a look with "bright and scary" colors without going overboard.  Using the palette as a guide, you can create a soft, yet colorful look without looking like a clown :-)

"Spoiled Brat" palette

The final look above-pink shade applied all over the lid then a small amount of the black shade blended into the crease.  Next take the shimmery grey shade and blend it on the very top portion of the black shade, going towards the browbone.  This will help soften the black.  You can also take the grey and blend a small amount down towards the pink color and apply a small dab in the inner corner of each eye which will help your eyes look more awake.  This look requires a light touch (don't press your brush too hard into the palette) and a lot of blending.  It is a wearable, smokey look for day or night.

The picture above has been slightly lightened to show how each color blends well together and creates a look similar to cotton candy.

Full face look-"Spoiled Brat" trio used on the eyes, Wet n Wild Mega Eyes cream eyeliner in "Black" on top lid and Diorshow Iconic mascara.

Wet n Wild Spring 2011 Eyeshadow Trios

To say I have been surprised by the Wet n Wild brand over the past year is an understatement.  Wet n Wild has always made inexpensive makeup that can be easily accessed by everyone.  I have always enjoyed their lip glosses but it wasn't until this past year (thanks to Youtube videos) that I discovered their Coloricon collection.  The quality, price, pigmentation and color selection have never been better until now.  New for Spring 2011 is their Coloricon eyeshadow trios which are joining (permanently) the already stellar selection available.  Currently you can find the Coloricon collection in single eye shadows, eyeshadow trios and eyeshadow palettes.  In the permanent collection there are 7 single eye shadows, 6 trios and 4 6-pan palettes to choose from. 

What I like most about the 2011 additions is the color selection.  Wet n Wild already offers some nice colors but these are geared towards everyone...brave or conservative!  Almost every color in each trio is pigmented to the point that it's hard to believe the price.  Each trio is priced around $2.95!!!  The price is even lower if you can catch a 50% off sale like I did.  I went to Walgreens where they were having a 50% Wet n Wild sale this past week.  I paid just under $9 for all 6 trios!  I also picked up 2 coloricon liners which were 50% off the original price of .99!!  I can honestly say that these eye shadows put some of my high-end ones to shame.

HERE ARE THE 2011 TRIOS (there will also be 3 additional 8-pan palettes added to the 2011 line-up but I have yet to find these.  The 8-pan palettes will only be available in Walgreens or Walmart)

"I'm Feeling Retro"

This palette offers a browbone color that swatches as a frosty, yet sheer white.  The crease color is a surprisingly sheer blue that first appears in the pan as a mid toned blue but swatches lighter.  The eyelid color is a brightly blue-toned purple/pink.  Each color in this palette has a duo chrome appearance and are very easy to blend.  The blue was not as pigmented as the other two however it would be a nice blue for someone who wanted to experiment without being overwhelmed.

L-R: Without flash and with flash.

"Spoiled Brat"

This palette is very nice.  I really love the shimmery silver color for the browbone however I feel this would look great all over the lid.  The silver is shimmery and not glittery at all.  The black in the middle however does have glitter reflects but they disappear once it is blended.  The black is not as pigmented as the other two colors and is possibly the least pigmented out of all the colors in the trios.  Sometimes a less pigmented black is actually good since so many black colors are difficult to work with due to their over-powering nature.  The third color for the lid is an awesome, bold pink.  It's blue-toned pink and really makes a statement. 

L-R: With flash and without flash.

"I Dream of Greenie"

This palette is the most unusual out of the 6.  If you like neons, then this is the one for you.  I am actually quite fond of green eyeshadow and the middle shade is my favorite with my skin tone.  The browbone color is a frosty, slightly silvery-green color.  The middle shade is more wearable and would look nice in the crease or all over the lid.  The third shade is a neon green color with shimmer.  It's bold but easy to work with and blend.  The good thing about this green palette is the blendability and pigmentation.

L-R: Without flash and with flash.

"I'm Getting Sunburned"

This palette was the one I really wanted.  I heard all of the hype online about the middle shade and it's insane pigmentation.  I really wanted a new gold and the pink looked great.  The browbone color is a nice, shimmery pink which is soft and very wearable.  The middle shade for your crease is exceptionally pigmented.  It's very dark and has bronze shimmer throughout.  The shimmer stays even after blending.  The lid color is a cool bronze-like gold which goes on very smoothly.  This palette did not disappoint!

L-R: With flash and without flash.

"I Got Good Jeans"

I was excited to see a navy in this trio.  I'm always looking for a soft, wearable navy eyeshadow.  When I saw this palette I was excited not just because of the navy but also because of the gold and bluish-grey color as well.  The browbone color is a shimmery blue-toned grey which works well with most colors as a highlight and looks awesome with a smokey eye.  The crease color is a well-rounded navy which sheers out wonderfully and is pigmented well.  The lid color is a shimmery gold which compliments the other two colors.

L-R: Without flash and with flash.

"Silent Treatment"

This palette is my favorite out of all of them.  It is the most wearable among the 6.  The browbone color is a gorgeous, shimmery pinky shade.  It goes on smooth and is not chalky.  The crease color is a strongly pigmented brown with light pink glitter mixed in.  I find that some of the glitter does stay after blending but the glitter is very small in size.  The lid color is a fantastic taupe that has a purple/mauve undertone to it.  It is very lovely all over the lid and compliments many skin tones.

L-R: Without flash and with flash.

Each palette as you can see is different however they are all great quality with no disappointments.  Not one single shadow was chalky or poor in quality.  Every makeup lover will find the palette and shade they want no doubt.  What is great about these trios is that they will work with every one's tastes and skin tones.  I hope Wet n Wild continues to do a fantastic job with their brand because I know many make-up lovers and guru's are being swayed their way.  If you haven't tried a Wet n Wild shadow lately, I recommend you do...I don't think you will be disappointed!!