Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains

I will start out saying that I <3 these! 

These feel fairly satin-like when you first apply them, and they are fairly sheer in the lighter colors. The satin feeling wears off quickly, but oddly they don't feel drying on the lips. You can add a gloss over just fine if you want a sheen to your lips. 

The way I've found to keep the point on the product is the line the lips with the precision tip, and then fill in with the sides like lipstick.

The colors lasts fairly long, but I do suggest if your lips tend to peel, to do a scrub on them BEFORE application. (I will post a video on how to make this simply and cheaply later this week!)

These retail at my local Walgreens for $8.95.

Benefit Brow Zings vs. E.L.F. Brow Kit

Conclusion:

When you compare the quality of the wax in both kits, the Benefit Brow Zings wins hands down. However, if you compare the price difference then I tend to lean more towards the E.L.F. simply because it's quality is "close" to Benefits and is 10x cheaper. 

While I admit that I tend to reach for my Brow Zings more than I reach for the E.L.F., I can honestly say that it's a good enough dupe that if the Zings aren't on sale - I would more than likely just repurchase the E.L.F. 

The only real downside to the E.L.F. is availability. I've only ever seen the Medium kits in Target stores. You may have to order Darker or Lighter kits which means shipping, waiting etc.

Wet n Wild - Glassy Gloss

I discovered this product after falling head over hills, obsessively in love with Philosophy's Lip Shines. Don't get me wrong, I still love it with all my heart, but or $10/tube....I dunno. I suppose my love wavers!

So while at the drug store, attempting to locate a decent dupe, I came across WnW's Glassy Gloss. They have (I think) 6 colors to choose from and retail for about $2.99. The tube is comparable to Philosophy's size. 

I picked up 3 colors to play with, all the while keeping my receipt just in case they weren't what I was truly wanting. I was surprised to find that I really love them!:) 

They different somewhat from Philosophy's Lip Shines in that these do have pigment to them, but they have about the same amount of shimmer and are still quite sheer. They feel pretty much the same on my lips and stay just about as long. They do not however, boast the yummy smells/flavors. But that's okay with me since I'm wearing it to look pretty, not to eat!:)

I love them so much in fact, that I have an unopened tube to give away to a lucky winner!:) 

See details after the photos!

The photos below are in this order

Philosophy

Glassy Gloss (This too Shall Glass)

Glassy Gloss (Glass Confusion)

GIVEAWAY!!!

I have an extra tube of Glass Gloss in Glass Confusion to give to one lucky winner! Please comment here to get your entry in! 

Layla - Holographic Nail Polish

I've been on the hunt for a good Holographic Polish for a long time! Finally found it  (after a failed attempt to find it at the Lancome Counter) in an Ulta store, for half the price! 

It's absolutely gorgeous! I got the Flash Black (shown) and the Ultra Violet colors. Their Mercury Twilight and Mermaid Spell colors looked scrumptious too but alas, $60 for nail polish is out of the question in my household!

First Impressions: 

The polish went on smoothly and required 2-3 coats. It dries to a matte finish (which I found somewhat odd) but when topped with Sally Hansen Manicure in a Bottle, it sparkles beautifully!:) In the sun, it's absolutely insane!

As for durability, it's VERY durable, as long as you use a good base coat and top coat!:) I have been wearing it for 2 days (whilst wrapping gifts, washing dishes, etc), with no chips.

I'd also like to note that unlike other glittery polishes that are hard as heck to remove - this comes right off! I avoid glitter polishes strictly for the fact that I hate removing them - so it was a very pleasant surprise to see this doesn't take tons of effort!

This item is retailing at $15/bottle. They have a great color selection, and when found at Ulta - it wasn't near the other nail polishes. So if you want this for yourself-  you may need to ask someone on the floor for it! 

WINNER!!! Yes to Cucumber Giveaway!

Siri, you are the winner of the Yes to Cucumber Giveaway! Congratulations my friend! Since I do know you on FB, please send me a PM with your address and I will drop these in the mail for you tomorrow!


**If you wonder how we choose a winner - I use a Random Number Generator and specify the amount of responses to pick a number between!

Dinair Professional Airbrushing Kit - Un-boxing Video

***FIRST THINGS FIRST: Let me make it clear now that this item was purchased fully by me (thanks GrandDad for the Christmas $$$!) and that I am in no way paid to review this item.***

Now that ^^^ is over let me start before even opening the box, with telling you just how awesome the customer service with Dinair is. More often than not, the only time we discuss customer service - is when it's really REALLY crappy. Rarely do we rave about the absolutely great experiences, so I find it important when something goes 100% RIGHT, that it needs to be shared!

First off, I went on the site, and sent them a photo of my bare face. They quickly viewed my photo and let me know what color (Fair) kit I needed to order. 

I then proceeded to place my order (this kit ) and paid. Within an hour I received an email letting me know my order had processed. The following day (Sunday), I received another email letting me know my order was being packaged. By Sunday evening, my shipping label had been printed and the item was ready to ship.

Monday evening, my item was shipped. I was able to track it through the entire process to my door and was kept in the loop the whole time.

Then last night, my package arrived!:) I was pleased to find that there were MANY more items in there than I had purchased - in other words - Dinair gifted me some extras. 

I seriously haven't even turned on my machine yet, and already I have eyes only for Dinair and really don't care to purchase outside of their company! Way to go, Dinair - I'm MEGA impressed!

So onto the un-boxing!:)

**The weird q-tip thing, is a distance guide. it attaches to the airbrush gun, so that when you are practicing (with water or practice pigment) you can get an idea of what 6 inches from your face looks like! The informational DVD is incredibly helpful!

***6 inches for foundation, 4inches for blush, 3 inches for shadow and eyebrows, blemishes and eyeliner are 1-2 inches away from the face.

****The black bands by the trigger, help you control the amount of makeup you spray. Seriously- they make this incredibly fool proof! I can't wait to play with this tomorrow!

NYX - Jumbo Eye Pencil vs. Wet N' Wild Idol Eyes

Today I'm reviewing/swatching a few of my favorite NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils (more like Shadow Sticks if you ask me), and comparing them to the Wet N' Wild version of the same.

I love the NYX pencils because they come in a lot of fun colors, are highly pigmented, they are very smooth, self sharpening, and decently blendable.

While I don't dislike the Wet N' Wild Idol Eyes sticks, I can say that in comparison -they are decently pigmented, self sharpening, have a good selection of colors (though more on the neutral side), but they are NOT, in my opinion, as creamy and because of that don't go on as smoothly.

I like to use either brand not just for lining my eyes, but for actual precise color on my lids and under for smokey eye appearance. 

NYX can be purchased in Ulta and Wet N' Wild at many big box and drugstores.

NYX Retail: $4.49

Wet N' Wild Retail: $1.99

I should also note, as you will see below, that the NYX pencils pack what appears to be more product as well.

In order from left to right:

#608 Cottage Cheese (great for highlighting your inner eye)

#623A Purple Velvet

#605 Strawberry Milk (another good one for highlighting with)

#603 Pots and Pans

#632 Peacock

This is the Wet N Wild stick, notice it's much shorter. Again, for their price - this are decent, but if I have the same color in both WNW and NYX, I'd pick the latter.

Here are the swatches in order of appearance above with WNW being on the far right. 

Both brands tend to crease, especially if you have oily skin or sweat. This can be helped with a good primer but, really a good translucent setting powder would be ideal!

*For those wondering, the nail polish I'm wearing is Pedal to the Metal by Sally Hansen

YES To Cucumber - Soothing Facial Towelettes (GIVE AWAY!)

I've been using these for about a month now and freaking LOVE them!:) Let me start by letting you in on a little secret - My skin, reacts to plain water. Not even kidding (though I wish I were). Just about everything but a very few select products (Primarily, CeraVe) breaks me out in blotchy redness. It's not zits, it's actual rashes. It itches and it's MISERABLE! 

This was something I decided to try on a whim, out of necessity of being able to wipe my face down after Zumba class, because my skin even reacts to my own sweat! Often times, since Zumba is later in the evening, I go in with makeup applied, so when I wipe down my face, I needed something that would also remove the makeup till I got home. 

Enter: Yes To Cucumber! This towelette smells so yummy, and is very cool and soothing to my face. It even removes my waterproof eye make up with just 1-2 swipes. It doesn't leave my skin terrifically irritated, and tight either!

To show you the product, and it's makeup removing ability - I took photos.

I love the packaging!:) I have yet to find that my wipes are dried out. However, I have not attempted turning it upside down and seeing if it leaks....maybe Ill try that tonight and post an update on the bottom of this post.

The towelettes are a very nice size, my hand is fully covered with extra extending beyond. I'd say it's similar in size to most brands of baby wipes, but perhaps not as thick. It's also fairly moist.

I applied CoverGirl LashBlast Waterproof Mascara, and Stila Waterproof Smudge Stick, and allowed them to dry.

This is after 2 swipes ( not applying any real pressure, not tugging the skin). Completely removed:)

Retail: $5.39

*****GIVE AWAY****

I have a travel size of this product (10 towelettes) to give away! Just comment below (Include your First Name and Last Initial), and on Friday I will use a random number generator to determine who the lucky winner is!:) Share this on your Facebook walls and invite your friends to subscribe to this blog!:) This is just  the first of many giveaways (I have a couple of Benefit Cosmetics to give away once we reach 100 subscribers!).

This giveaway is open to ANYONE who comments below! So get on it Ladies!

Hard Candy - Glamoflauge Concealer

Hard Candy is a brand sold by Walmart and owned by Urban Decay. I've seen many say that it has a fantastic concealer that is capable of covering Tattoos, so for this reason I felt like giving it a shot. I tried it on one of my lighter tattoos and here are the results.

As you can see, there isn't a lot of black in this tattoo. In theory it should be an easier one to cover. This concealer doesn't match my skin exactly (Im super pale).

Step 1: Color in the tattoo with the pencil.

Step 2: Apply a couple of seriously SMALL spots of concealer, and blend using a dotting motion. Do NOT be tempted to add it thick enough to cover fully in this application. Just decently dot it around and then let it dry. When dry, repeat the process until the tattoo disappears. Set with a powder when completely dry (do it before and you will mess it  up.

Obviously mine isn't completely gone in this image, but this is only 2 coats in. I am decently confident it would be completely covered by application round 4, but again - it's not the right color for my leg so....would still show.

I think this product shows potential if there were more colors available. And for only $6, it's definitely not too bad (Dermablend is the only other Im aware of that really offers tattoo coverage but at a very high price).

Benefit - Benetint

Today's review is of Benefit's Benetint Cheek Stain! First, let's show you the video Benefit uses to introduce this product! You will LOVE THIS!:) They seriously have the best advertising out there!

HAHAHAHAHAH! No but really, it's a great cheek stain with a slightly floral scent, and it goes a LONG way!:) I literally use just 2 dots on each cheek and then blend!:)

You can also use this as a lip stain and it works wonderfully, however I personally tend to get migraines with floral smells and while on my cheeks it doesn't trigger - my lips being under my nose is a little problem!:)

Also - because this is a stain - you need to dot it on one cheek, blend and THEN do the other cheek!:)

 It's kind of a strange applicator when you think about it, but it does get the job done!:)

Here it is on my hand - It's very light, almost matching my shirt. The great thing about this, is that you can build this color up to how you like it!:) They also have Posietint and ChaChatint available.

Retails $29

Benefit Cosmetics - Bathina Silky Shimmering Body Balm

This is probably one of my FAVORITE products by Benefit! Not only is the packaging just absolutely adorable, but the product is like no other I've found! It comes with a super soft pillow to apply the product and blend it, and it has the lightest floral scent to it.

I like to use this during the summer time,especially when Im in shorts, or tanks. I apply it around the collar bone, shoulders, and arms. And then also to the fronts of my legs. Because of the light shimmer, it not only gives you that beautiful glow that everyone is after - but it also appears to give you a bit more definition in your muscles!:) Especially on my arms where I could stand to tone up a bit, I find that this defines my muscle shape ever so lightly!:)

You may be looking at the swatch and wondering two things:

1. Why don't I see the product? - This is because it's a VERY light product but if you look carefully, it has highlighted ever so slightly, the bone there in  my hand!:)

2. What is up with the random nail color? - I not only color swatch polishes for you guys - but  I wear them around and keep track of how long it takes them to chip. This is a color I plan to review soon, and I want to be able to give you  an accurate review on it's stability!:)

And for your enjoyment - The Benefit Bathina Video!

Benefit - Raising Eyebrows

Eyebrows are my current obsession, mainly because mine are so light, and sparse, and on the left I had a piercing that left a scar!

The style currently is more of a full brow, though in the past it was a nice thin brow. There are people today who plucked their beautiful "Brook Shields  brows as a teen and now find they can't grow them back. My own mother had her brows TATTOO'D on! 

There are groupons for Brow Waxing, Brow Serums, Brow Dying, Brow Shaping etc. 

Brows are IMPORTANT! 

This is a book by Benefit, that gives you all the in's and out's in the brow world. It describes with pictures, how to shape your brow and work with what you have. It's also got a TON of tongue in cheek snark which I absolutely enjoyed!:) 

I think this would make a wonderful gift for another Makeup lover in your life!

"Sadly, Eyebrows are the unloved and neglected Stepchildren of the facial features. Why? Not because eyes and lips are better! They just demand more attention. The typical eyebrow is simply misunderstood. Most people--- even the makeup savvy and the cosmetic queen--- don't take the time to really get to know their brows and understand their needs. It's time to change all that. It's time for every man, woman and child to accept that brows are real and they need your love and attention."*

"DONT' DO ANY SOUL-SEARCHING IN YOUR BROWS.

Let's be clear, Brows are important --- but not that important. Sure, they can make you look great, but they can't solve your life's problems. If you're placing too much emphasis on your eyebrows, you're at risk of seriously overtweezing.

Never search for the meaning of life in your brows

Never search for your next job/boyfriend/apartment in your brows

Never search for unconditional love in your brows!"*

**Exerpts from Raising Brows, by Cameron Tuttle

Essie Nail Polish - Review

I've seen so many Beauty Broads on Youtube doing their review videos and tutorials, listing that they are wearing Essie nail colors and usually I just love the look of this polish! I finally spent the $8 to get my own bottle in Fiji.

I was super excited to try it out and decided to paint a nail in the car. Well.....I had me a case of the "Whomp Whomps." The color went on terribly streaky. I thought that perhaps it was a "two coater" polish so I let the first layer dry - and then coated my nail again....still incredibly streaky.

 I thought that maybe there is some kind of "trick" to this polish, so I came home and put my Google-Foo skills to work and found nothing.

While I will say my initial impression is pretty bad, I think that I may return the product I purchased and try one more color (BB TIP: Buy your new products from Walgreens - they take returns!) before I give my solid opinion. But here is the mess I ended up with the first time.

***UPDATE*** 6 coats later - this is what we have....I like it NOW, but not sure I have time to wait for 5 coats to dry in order to get this color. Ill give another a try but after that I will call it quitsies!

Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in a Bottle - Review

This is my ultimate favorite nail polish EVER! I have used tons of different brands in my life and all of them seem to chip within a few hours of applying. That is, until my husband brought home a bottle of this stuff for Mother's Day 2 years ago!:) 

This stuff goes on so smoothly, dries decently fast, and is pretty flawless!:) It's also fairly quick to apply as you get to skip the base coat and top coat! It can say that it usually remains "chip free" on my nails for about 7 days, but isn't bad enough to remove until around 10 days. Another great thing is that when it IS time to remove it's rather simple to do so! And there are so many great colors out there!

I will do several separate reviews of different colors, today's color is Greige Gardens. In the photo it appears to be fairly purple, but there is definitely more of a neutral gray/brown undertone. I absolutely love this color and have gotten a ton of questions/compliments on this color!:)

 

Retails $8

***As of today, 12/10/12, CVS in the Houston Areas has 50% off on many of the shades! The only ones I don't care for are the sparkly/sheer colors. Ill review them later but go in with clear nails and you can paint a swatch!

Hard Candy Cosmetics - Review

Many of you may not know this, but the Hard Candy Cosmetics line sold within Walmart - is owned by Urban Decay. I have a few of their items already and am going to review them for you now. I will not, however, purchase anymore from this company because of their strict Walmart Affiliation. I will explain my frustration with this Big Box store in another post.

These are the 2 kits I have with sample sizes of the product. Each kit was $8.

Inside the first kit (First Flush), is a full size baked blush in Living Doll, Sheer Envy Face Primer, Glow All The Way highlighter, and Plumping Serum Volumizing Gloss. Inside the second kit (Naturally Naughty), is 2 Kal-eye-descopes, Eyeshadow Primer, Lash Tinsel, Take Me Out liner and Ginormous Lash.

Blush Crush Baked Blush in Living Doll

Package Description: Give your cheeks an all over warmth and glow.

 I think it really could be used both as your blush and highlighter. It's VERY shimmery! I do like this blush -and if I didn't dislike Walmart so much, I would likely repurchase.

Retails Separately $7.

Glow All The Way -Face and Body Luminizer

Package Description: A pearly luminizing highlighter that illuminates all skin tones.Infused with 24k Gold.

I really like this one a lot, though I think it's slightly odd that the color is a bit pink when first applied. But it's a great highlighter.

Retails Seperately $9 (Full Size)

To Purchase Click Here

Kal-eye-descope Baked Eyeshadow

Package Description: Highly pigmentedsingle Kal-eye-descope baked shadows. Apply "wet" for more dramatic, intense color or "dry" for a softer shimmery effect. Shade: High Maintenance

Well, first off - this little shadow fell right out of it's casing- not pleased about this. But when all is said and done, both shadows had "okay" pigment when used dry and over the included Eyeshadow Primer. I will include swatches  both wet and dry shortly.

Retails Seperately $6  (Full Size Duo)

***UPDATE*** It was brought to my attention that the Hard Candy Glamofage Concealer is phenomenal enough to cover tattoos for $6. I may buy this item just to see!

Reusable Makeup Sponges - 3 Comparisons

We all know that there are many ways to get the foundation onto our faces, and blend.You can use your fingers, your foundation brushes, sponges, other peoples fingers....well -you get the idea!:)

Today I am going to focus on sponges, more specifically - Reusable Makeup Blending Sponges.

In the photo above you will see 3 different brands of blending sponges that I purchased from 3 different locations, for 3 different prices.

**humming "One of these things is not like the other"**

The blue sponge (slightly  discolored from use), is the Sonia Kashuk Tools Sponge from Target. It has a nice shape to it that allows for easy holding, a pointy tip to blend into crevices (inner eyes and nose) and a nice broad bottom (*snicker*) to blend larger areas. The texture is very much like any other makeup sponge you have used, but it's firmness is like those balls the blood donation centers makes you squeeze to help find a vein. You can use this sponge dry for more coverage, and moist for a more sheer foundation look. I was very happy with this product and found it did a very good job blending. 

Retail $10.99

The yellow sponge (new) is from Sephora and is more of an egg shape and similar in fact to the shape of the Beauty Blender (though smaller). Its shape doesn't seem to offer as much as the other shape in terms of reaching those crevices mentioned above. It too, can be used both dry or moist. The texture is EXACTLY THE SAME as the previous blue sponge, the firmness is as well. I have not used this item since it's so similar to the other product - I think I will return it for a refund.

Retail $12.99

Finally, we come to the pink sponge found at Ulta. It is similar in both shape and size to the Sonia Kashuk Tools brand from Target. It feels just like the other two in both texture and firmness. I have not used this one either due to it's similarity, but I have *BIG* plans for it coming up at the end of this post!:)

Retail $4.99

In conclusion, all are pretty exact duplicates of themselves! With the Ulta being only $4.99 however -I would definitely repurchase my next sponge there. Why spend more when you can get it for less than half the cost???

The *BIG* plans I have for the pink sponge involve us getting at least 100 subscribers to the blog. When we reach 100, Ill announce the rules and get the fun started!:) There will be many more giveaway's to come I'm sure!