Recent Empties - Makeup

Hey y'all, I'm alive!!!  So, I thought I had already typed this up and posted it....but apparently not. DOH!  I have a TON of recent empties in my basket and decided to go ahead and do the makeup empties separately from the rest.

Shockingly I have a decent amount of makeup that I've finished which is rare because I usually only wear it on weekends.

• CoverGirl Clump Crusher by Lashblast - This mascara is the waterproof version in Very Black.  I was recently noticing black smears under my eyes and figured that it was whatever mascara I was using.  I switched over to this one and have already bought another one.  It doesn't smear, it's easy to remove, and my lashes look great.  I need to actually go through my container of mascara's and remove those that no longer work well for me, but this will continue to be a staple for me.
• Urban Decay Complexion Primer Potion - This isn't technically empty, but I've just had it for so long I felt that it was time to get rid of it.  I didn't feel that it worked well enough for my super oily skin, so I wasn't reaching for it.  The eye primer though is amazeballz.
•  Revlon Colorstay Blemish Concealer -  This may not look empty, but without removing the stopper in the tube, I can't get any more product out.  I'd do that, but this is way past it's time so I'm moving on to something newer.  The shade is in Light and I felt it was perfect for me.  It does have salicylic acid in it, so I wouldn't suggest using it as an under eye concealer....even though that's how I used it and didn't notice any irritation. 
• Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer & Highlighter - The shade I have is 125 Fair.  When I purchased it, I was a little scared.  Normally "fair" means shades are more pink...but this wasn't.  It's more neutral/yellow, and the lightest shade available.  Though I'm not sure if it's still available since I've had this for a year or so.  It's great, long lasting, and the brush applicator is amazing.  Sadly, it's difficult to get product out once it starts getting more empty.  
• Sally Hansen Miracle Cure Strengthener - This is OLD....I honestly can't even remember when I bought it, or how it worked on my nails.  To finish it off, I ended up using it on my toes because I'd already found one to use on my nails. I would re-use the bottle, but it's kinda difficult to see through....but if you're looking for a low cost option, this is pretty good.
• Wet N Wild Black Creme - This is the black that I use for practically everything....unless I'm using acrylic paint(which is easier to correct mistakes with).  It's easily a one coater, and under $1.  In fact, sometimes you can grab it for $0.69. I couldn't believe that I actually made it through this bottle.  It doesn't look empty, but trust me it is.  The little bit left in the bottle is actually dried on the sides.  
• ELF Concealer Brush - I've used these brushes for years....but lately I've found better options for clean-up around the nails.  These aren't bad for the price, but I've noticed in the past few years that the brushes are so inconsistent that they don't last nearly as long as they used to.  If you're on a tight budget, these are great though....especially when ELF has 50% off sales.  
• Lypsyl Lip Balm - I snagged a few tubes of this a while ago at Walgreens when they were on sale....I don't remember the exact price, but I think it was under $2 each.  I actually prefer Softlips, but this is pretty darn good and I know tons of people who LOVE it.  Thankfully I have some more tubes to go through before I can say that I'm obsessed.

So, that's it for now.  I can't say enough how much it actually feels to finish things up, even if I don't like something.

What beauty/make-up related stuff have you finished up lately?  

Recent EOTD with CoverGirl and BFTE

Hey y'all!  Recently I did a review of a few products from both CoverGirl and BFTE Cosmetics. Today I have a quick EOTD with a list of products used.  The picture is the same one from the CoverGirl post.  So I apologize that I forgot to save individual larger pictures of this look.

Products used:

•  Essence I <3 Stage Primer
• BFTE Very Vanilla (Brow bone/highlight)
• BFTE Syracuse (Lid & Inner lower lash)
• BFTE Double Chocolate (Outer V into the crease)
• MakeUp Geek Peach Smoothie (Crease/blending)
• CoverGirl Intensify Me! Liner (Upper Lid Liner)
• Rimmel ScandalEyes Nude (Lower water line)
• BFTE Daryl Dixon Is My Cupid & G. Kelly (Lower lash line)
• CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara (Lashes)
• Coascal Scents Burnt Umber (Brows)

I've really been digging orange shades with my blue eyes & the occasional pop of teal/aqua with a neutral looking eye.  The best thing about the BFTE shadows is you can go as light or as intense with them as you want, depending on the look you're going for.

CoverGirl Super Sizer Mascara and Intensify Me! Eyeliner

*Press Sample*

Hey y'all!  Today I have 2 new amazing products from CoverGirl to tell y'all about.  Both are part of the LashBlast range & I'm in love.  CoverGirl has REALLY been winning me over lately.

Back when I first started wearing makeup I wore nothing but CoverGirl.  Then, as I got older and started buying my own stuff, I played with different brands.  Several years ago I tried a few things and was sadly disappointed and gave up on the brand.  As soon as I saw great reviews on the Outlast Stay Fabulous 3-in-1 foundation I gave it a try and fell in love.  Since then I've been trying product after product and have been obsessed with each of them.  I'll stop blabbering away and get to the products and info now.

CoverGirl Intensify Me! Eyeliner by LashBlast™ (MSRP: $8, but prices will vary)

Click picture to enlarge.

As far as I can tell,  this is only available in one shade(300 Intense Black) and is not waterproof.  The paddle is a felt tip that has a shape unlike any other I've ever seen.  If you enlarge the picture above, you'll see that depending on how you hold the pencil you can get a pretty thin or a thick line.  The pen itself is just slightly thicker than a pencil and the "handle" is sort of a textured area of the plastic that looks rubbery.  

This is SUPER easy to hold and apply.  In fact, I've always been kind of afraid of using liquid liner due to having hooded AND oily lids.  Other than messing up a little on the inner portion of my lid, you'll see in the picture at the bottom of this post, I had no problems.  In fact, the only transfer I had during the entire day was when the product was still a little wet.  Thanks to this little thing I'll be wearing liquid liner without fear!

CoverGirl The Super Sizer Mascara by LashBlast™ (MSRP: $6.35, but prices will vary)

Click picture to enlarge

This is available in waterproof(1 shade available) or non-waterproof(3 shades available).  I received this in the non-waterproof, shade 800 Very Black.  As you can see above, the "brush/wand" is very different.  You start with placing the flat side at the base of your lashes and twirl the wand as you go up the lashes to apply and comb through the lashes.  Because of the brush being so small I was able to get ALL of my lashes without making a HUGE mess.  Even my lower lashes looked great after applying this.

I recently switched to using the Clump Crusher mascara by CG and have LOVED it.  This ranks right up there with it for me.  There's no flaking or transfer of product throughout the day.  So I'm not having to wipe black smudges off of my eyes or cover it with concealer at all.  No panda eyes here.  I'll definitely be getting the waterproof version to try once this is gone.

 Here you can see how thick or thin the liner will go as well as a smudge of the mascara.  It may look flaky, but it's not.  I didn't overload my lower lashes, but it definitely makes them look super natural.  I decided to go for a big wing and loved it.  In fact, when my neighbor saw it, she LOVED it.

So what are your favorite CoverGirl Products?  Have you tried these yet?

Don't forget to follow CoverGirl on their social media outlets below.

Instagram.com/COVERGIRL
Twitter.com/COVERGIRL
Facebook.com/COVERGIRL
YouTube.com/COVERGIRL
Pinterest.com/covergirlxo/
Snapchat: covergirlxo

BFTE Cosmetics

*Press Sample*

Hey y'all!  Today I have some lovely mineral eye shadows from BFTE Cosmetics also known as Beauty From The Earth.  A few months ago the lovely owner of BFTE was kind enough to send me some samples after I mentioned that I'd forgot to purchase a jar of her February color of the month shade.  So after playing with them for a bit, I have some swatches.  There will be a post soon showing some of them on my eyes.

And now for the swatches!

G. Kelly - A shimmery almost aqua green with gold throughout.  
Syracuse - A golden bright sparkly orange that almost shifts pink. 
Very Vanilla - A creamy matte neutral.
Double Chocolate -  A deep chocolate with gold shimmer.
Daryl Dixon Is My Cupid (LE COTM) - A blue/brown base that shifts to purple/turquoise.
Wine Country - A deep grape purple with pink & purple/blue shimmer.

L to R: Double Chocolate, G. Kelly, Daryl Dixon Is My Cupid, Syracuse, Wine Country, Very Vanilla

After trying Syracuse, I need ALL OF THE ORANGES....which have become my favorite shade lately to wear with my blue eyes.  Very Vanilla is awesome and practically blends into my natural skin tone.

So as I stated earlier, make sure you're following me so you can see a look I did with a few of these shades. You can click on that post HERE or HERE to see these in use.  Also, be sure to follow BFTE (info below) for sales and other info from them. :D

Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Target Beauty Box

Hey y'all!  Today I have the most recent beauty box from Target to share my thoughts on. 

When I saw people posting all over social media about this, I almost didn't get it.  That is until I saw what was in it.  I've actually skipped the last few, but this just called to me.

Pretty Black Box

I liked the little card as soon as I opened it.  The back of it has the product list as well as some info about each.  The even better thing is there was a $3 off $15 coupon included.  So, I paid $5(plus tax) for the box, get some great products to try out, AND get a coupon.  HECK YEAH!

I haven't had a chance to play with everything yet, but keep an eye out for a review or empties post when I do.

L'Oreal Paris Infallible Pro-Spray & Set -  It is a lightweight spray that locks-in your makeup for all-day extended wear.  This retails upwards of $17-$18, but it's $13.99 at Target, and this is a FULL SIZE!  It's the entire reason I even bought this box. I have horribly oily skin, and I'm hoping I love this as much as the reviews I've seen.

Tresemme Tres Two Extra Hold Hairspray - Achieve maximum hold without stiffness or stickiness. Sprays on dry.  I haven't tried Tresemme hair spray in a while, so I can't wait to use this.  It's travel sized too, so it's perfect to throw in the purse when I need it.

SheaMoisture Superfruit Complet 10-in-1 Renewal System Shampoo - Sulfate free, antioxidant-rich shampoo helps to renew vibrancy for dull, lackluster hair.  I've really wanted to try this brand for a while, as I've heard great things from fellow curly girls, so this is perfect for me.  It smells amazing and I actually tried it today & really like it.  I'll keep y'all updated on it.

Maybelline Color Elixir by Color Sensational Lip Color - A trio of concentrates delivers the color of a lipstick, the care of a balm, and the shine of a gloss.  The shade I received is Rose Redefined, a medium pink tone.  This was the other full size product & I'm looking forward to playing with it.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel Cream - Non-greasy, skin quencher instantly absorbs like a gel, but intensely moisturizes like a cream.  This says for extra dry skin, which I have SUPER oily skin.  Even though it says non-greasy I gave it to my neighbor to try & see if she likes it.  I'm currently reviewing a skin care line and didn't want to affect anything by trying something new. 


So that's it.  I believe that the products were the same for everyone, but maybe the lip color shades were different.  If you got one, please let me know your thoughts and what shade you got. 

L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paint - Swatches & Review

Hey y'all!  Today I have some cool lippies to talk about.  L.A. Girl Glazed Lip Paints are a great alternative, IMO, to some of the higher end options.  I don't have those higher end ones, BUT I really like these.

Unfortunately I don't remember the exact prices I paid for these, but they were under $5 each.  I found Blushing at Five Below, they had some others too at the time but I skipped over them.  Then a few months ago I went to a new beauty supply store nearby and found Hot Mess and Pin-Up.

First, lets talk packaging.  These come in a tube with 0.40 Fl. OZ. of product.  The applicator is a plastic slanted tip & the lid has a built in plastic "pin" to help seal everything up. 

Because I have smaller lips, I generally apply these with a lip brush for better precision.  They have the look of a liquid lipstick with the feel & minty smell of a gloss.  As they leave the lips there is a slight stain left behind.  So, they're kind of a 3-in-1 product.

When doing these swatches I accidentally glooped way too much onto my hand, so keep that in mind.  Also, they will appear different on lips and can be sheered out or built up to your liking.

Blushing (GLG783) is a mauvey purple.  I really love this one.

Hot Mess (GLG782) is a coral-y orange.

Pin-Up (GLG785) is a berry toned red.

I love them all separate and even more so when mixed together.  It's like having double the shades.

Do you own any of these yet?  What are your favorites?

Barielle Line Eraser - Review

*Press Sample*

Hey y'all!  Today I have a makeup/skincare product to tell y'all about.  If you didn't know, Barielle does more than just nail polish and nail treatments.  They also do hand/foot creams, skincare, and even have a couple eyeshadow palettes.

They have a new product out that I've had the opportunity to try.  It's called Line Eraser.  

As you can tell from the packaging, this is a 90 second wrinkle reducer.  The product is inside of a little plunger style applicator which has an option to "lock" it when not in use so you can't accidentally squeeze it out.

 

There's also a rubbery plug on the end to keep it air tight along with the clear plastic lid that snaps onto the end.

90 Seconds to Younger Looking Skin
Get a more youthful looking you in only 90 seconds! Barielle Line Eraser quickly corrects the appearance of aging skin, including lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet and under eye puffiness. Clinical study shows visible improvements to skin tone and texture – 100% saw improvement!

• Lasts for hours
• Powerful anti-aging effect
• Diminishes look of wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet and eye puffiness 

How To Use: For Facial Wrinkles: Apply directly into problem wrinkles on the face. Smooth and dab until absorbed into the skin. Use of mirror is recommended.
For Skin Care Around the Eyes: First, dispense Line Eraser onto a fingertip. Then, carefully apply and blend into the area around the eyes. Avoid direct contact with eyes.

Please excuse my resting "b" face in the pics below.  When I took these I was trying to do my makeup and my phone would NOT stop ringing.  So, I was kinda irritated.

Oops, foundation SPF flash.

 In my mid 30's I have a few (very few) noticeable wrinkles.  There's a horizontal one on my forehead & everything seems to settle in it.  I also have a prominent frown line between my brows.  Other than that, there's a few under eye wrinkles. 

As you can see in the picture above, once I applied this, those wrinkles diminished.  My makeup also didn't settle into those lines and seemed to apply easier over those areas.  I did learn that if you apply too much it seems to almost roll off the skin like school glue.  For me, it was easier to smooth it on then dab my wet blending sponge over top.  I also like how it filled in my large pores without breaking me out or allowing my foundation to sink in.  I felt it gave me smoother skin. 

I quite like the results with this.  I will go ahead and let you know that this is slightly tinted.I don't feel that the tint won't make a difference though, as it will disappear once smoothed in and your foundation covers it.  Also, I have SUPER oily skin and this held up completely throughout the day.

Size: 10 mL / 0.34 Fl. Oz.
Cost: $30.00

If you're not already, you should be following Barielle on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter for info on the great deals they've been sharing lately. 

Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick in 1995

*Press Sample*

Hey y'all!  Today I have a beautiful lippie from Gerard Cosmetics that was the creation of professional makeup artist & YouTube beauty expert, Jaclyn Hill.  

When I was given the opportunity to review this, I absolutely had to try it.  I discovered Jaclyn Hill and this particular lipstick by watching a review by Wayne Goss.  I immediately went to her channel and slipped into a black hole of her videos.  I think I was only a few in when I hit that subscribe button and I've been a fan since.  

This shade was inspired by the revival of the 90's.  Of course being a teenager in the 90's, this was instantly my type of color.  In fact, I seem to remember a similar colored gloss that I wore back in the late 90's.  

1995 is a brown nude with rose tones.  I'm not usually a fan of rose shades, but once I noticed how great this looked on her I had to have it.  It instantly screams for a grungy smoked out eye look with a flannel shirt & some Green Day playing in the background.  

Now finding shades that work well with my light skintone and red hair can be challenging, but this works.  In fact, I think it as one of those universal shades that looks great on everyone.  

The formula is a matte, but not one of those that dries out your lips.  With most matte lippies I'm either applying a lip balm like crazy throughout the day or applying the lipstick over & over again.  Not with this.  There's not even a noticeable smell either.  So that's another bonus.

I love everything about this lipstick.  What do y'all think?

VIOLET GREY Holiday 2014

Hey y'all!  Unsure what to get the female in your life?  Well, with these sets from Violet Grey you can't go wrong.  Just choose & she'll get a variety of products to play with. 


My favorites are the Hair Revival, the Nude Scene, the Rose Gold Smokey Eye, and the Ultimate Blow Out sets.

At-Home Spa Set

A collection of luxurious products to exfoliate, hydrate and deeply nourish the face and body for a post-spa glow anytime.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Eve Lom Cleanser
·         Koh Gen Do Soft Gommage Gel
·         Hourglass Lip N28 Lip Treatment Oil
·         La Prarie Skin Caviar Luxe Sleep Mask
·         Leonor Greyl L’Huile de Leonor Greyl Pre-Shampoo Oil Treatment

PRICE: $524

The Brigitte Cat Eye Set

Elegantly drawn cat eye flicks will certainly send a lover’s heart aflutter with a singular glance in their direction.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Dior Waterproof Crayon Eyeliner in Trinidad Black
·         Hourglass Calligraphy Liquid Eye Liner in 08 Ebony
·         NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base
·         Utowa Eyelash Curler
·         YSL Mascara Volume Effet Faux Clis Baby Doll in Fetish Black

PRICE: $138

The Beauty Emergency Set

From a blemish to an oily scalp, evade any beauty emergency on the go with these eight highly dependable necessities.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Dior Addict Lip Glow

·         Eve Lom Dynaspot

·         Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk

·         Rubis Stainless Classic Slant Tweezers

·         RGB Nail Color Remove Pads

·         SK-II Signs Eye Mask

·         Tatcha Original Aburatorigami Blotting Sheets

·         Y.S. Park 826 Pro Pins & Elastics

PRICE: $292

The Bedside Table Set

Sleeping is anything but a dormant activity when reparative beauty products are diligently nourishing and protecting skin.

SET INCLUDES:

·         By Terry Baume de Rose

·         Dior Crème Abricot Nail Crème

·         La Mer Hand Treatment

PRICE: $165

The Classic Beauty Set

A calculated assortment of products required for days that include: kissing, dancing, and/or deal-making— a vanity mainstay.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Bobbi Brown Retractable Lip Brush

·         Giorgio Armani Eyes To Kill Mascara in 1 Steel Black

·         Hourglass Calligraphy Eyeliner in 08 Ebony

·         JINsoon Nail Color in Nostalgia

·         Lipstick Queen Velvet Rope Lipstick in Brat Pack

·         Tom Ford Nail Lacquer in Carnal Red

·         Utowa Eyelash Curler

PRICE: $213

The Desk to Dinner Set

A swift transition requires a reliable, no-fuss line-up that will transform the intended from boardroom boss to a maven of the dance floor.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Laura Mercier Secret Brightener #1

·         NARS Satin Lip Pencil in Luxembourg

·         René Furterer Naturia Dry Shampoo in Travel Size

·         Tatcha Original Aburatorigami Blotting Sheets

·         YSL Pure Chromatics Eyeshadow Palette #20

PRICE: $136

The First Class Set

An arsenal of five travel size products for those who require dewy skin at a cruising altitude of 39,000 feet.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Klorane Make-up Remover Wipes with Soothing Cornflower

·         Koh Gen Do Refresh Skin Spray

·         La Mer The Hand Treatment

·         La Prairie Anti-aging Eye & Lip Perfection à Porter

·         Olas Marine Science Mouth Rinse

PRICE: $275

 The Hair Revival Set

With these six essential tools, once can expect good hair days as often as one can expect the postman.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Klorane Shampoo with Magnolia

·         Klorane Conditioner with Magnolia

·         Leonor Greyl Huile Secret de Beauté Organic Oil

·         Phillip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask

·         Oribe Signature Moisture Masque

·         Yves Durif The Yves Durif Comb

PRICE: $200

The Matching Red Lips & Tips Set

An instant touch of polish requires coordinating lips and tips. The finished look suggests that one is a lady with her priorities in their proper places.

SET INCLUDES:

·         NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Dragon Girl

·         YSL La Laque Nail Lacquer in 1 Rouge N’ Pop Art

PRICE: $52

The Never Fail Lash Set

Necessary ingredients for a no-faux lashes capable of batting their way out of a parking ticket.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Duo Eyelash Adhesive in Clear

·         Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara in Rich Pitch Black

·         Rubis Straight Tip Eyelash Tweezers

·         Utowa Eyelash Curler

·         Velour Lashes Extra Oomph Mink Lashes

PRICE: $130

 The Nude Scene Prep Set

A nude scene requires clever preparation with the appropriate skin softening and kiss-proof essentials.

SET INCLUDES:

·         La Prairie Body Exfoliator

·         Olas Marine Science Mouth Rinse

·         Rodin Olio Lusso Luxury Body Oil

·         Serge Lutens Water Lip Color in 1 Chardon

·         St. Tropez One Night Only Instant Glow Body Lotion

·         St. Tropez Applicator Mitt for Body

PRICE: $340

The Rose Gold Smoky Eye Set

A collection of universally flattering eye colors to ensure one is adequately prepared for love at first sight.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Bobbi Brown Smokey Eye Mascara in black

·         Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Eyeshadow Palette in Terra Sienna

·         Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eyecolour in Rosegold

·         Tom Ford Eye Primer Duo

·         Utowa Regular Eyeshadow Brush 10

PRICE: $200

The Ultimate Blow Out Set

All the necessary products for a pro blow-out at home.

SET INCLUDES:

·         Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Cream

·         Parlux 385 Power Ionic and Ceramic Blow Dryer in White

·         Sachajuan Root Lift

·         Serge Normant Meta Sheer Finishing Oil

·         Y.S. Park 55G2 G Series Shine Styler Round Brush

·         Y.S. Park Pro Clips

PRICE: $470

AND MORE… For a limited time, Violet Grey will sell open-stock merchandise, such as Diana Vreeland Parfums, Quintessence Paris Room Spray, Laduree Perfumed Balls, Rodin candles and more!

WHERE TO BUY:  VioletGrey.com 

Charlotte Tilbury Holiday 2014

Hey y'all!  Today's Holiday press release is a list of offerings from the hugely popular Charlotte Tilbury line. I want ALL the lippies! 

Charlotte Tilbury Genius Talking Gift Box

Gift the ultimate in “makeup made easy” with this exclusive talking video box. Combining the vintage wonder of an old-fashioned Ballerina jewelry box, and the technological ease of an iPad, you can watch, learn and apply makeup just by opening the lid. Charlotte shares her secrets step-by-step, bringing her artistry to your fingertips. For a limited time only, you can get The Supermodel Look – the perfect smoky eye that looks good on every skin tone.

Available in:

·         The Supermodel (Luxury Palette in The Fallen Angel, K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipstick in Confession, Lip Lustre in Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds (or L.S.D), Cheek to Chic Blush in Sex on Fire, Rock ‘N’ Kohl Eye Pencil in Bedroom Black, Lip Cheat Lip Liner in Pillow Talk & Full Fat Lashes Mascara

PRICE: $265

Mini Lipstick Charms

Cute and covetable mini K.I.S.S.I.N.G Lipsticks that fit in your clutch or back pocket – no makeup bag needed. It’s a perfect, pocket-sized lipstick touch-up for anywhere – from the boardroom to the beach or the red carpet!
Includes:

·         Three Mini Lipsticks in: So Marilyn, Penelope Pink, Bitch Perfect

PRICE: $35

Winter Makeup Bag

Charlotte has created the perfect winter case in a patent, Night Crimson finish that wipes clean to last all year-long. Much like the original bag, the front is adorned in secret celebrity kisses, now in rose gold. A new celebrity kiss has been added to the latest design – however, it’s top secret, so we’ll never reveal whose stolen kiss it is.
PRICE: $30


Purchase at  CharlotteTilbury.com