Empties! November 2014

Hello friends!! I noticed a lot of empty bottles accumulating in the bag I keep my empties in and figured it was time. Last empties, I included makeup but I want to wait on sharing those until I have a sizeable amount to make it worth a blog post. :) So today, I have hair, body, and skin empties. 

Let's start with hair:

- Suave Aloe Vera and Ginseng Volumizing Shampoo: I really enjoy Suave's line that they market as "100% Natural". But, I really wanted to see crazy volume with this but I didn't. I wouldn't repurchase for that reason.

- Suave Almond and Shea Butter Moisturizing Conditioner: This is another from Suave's natural line. This conditioner felt nice and thick with moisture. I really like this one. I would definitely repurchase. Another plus about Suave is that they are relatively inexpensive and I see their products bundled together a lot!

- Aphogee Curlific Curl Definer: I got this from my local Sally's Beauty Supply. I really love this it gives enough hold without being crunchy. I hate when gels don't give enough hold!! This runs around $9.49 and I'll be repurchasing very soon!

- Alterna CC leave-in perfector: This stuff was not a hair nurturing product, I feel like it was more geared towards styling which I definitely prefer because it offered hold.

Now to the base of all, skin!!

- Target's Up&Up brand facial scrub for blemishes and blackheads: I really love this!! It is just like the St. Ives scrub but slightly less abrasive; I find the St. Ives one to be a little too much (just me?). I love experimenting with different exfoliating mediums (scrubs, masks, peels, you name it) and would definitely repurchase this when I need a new scrub. I totally prefer this over Clean&Clear's Deep Action exfoliating scrub; I think C&C changed their composition it has way less exfoliating particles in it from what it used to have. 

- The Body Shop Tea Tree Skin Clearing Toner: Bottomline is that I went through this super fast and saw no results. It was pricey for a toner as well. I wouldn't repurchase.

- First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Cream: There's a reason why this brand is abbreviated FAB because this cream is amazing. Just make sure not to use too much! Once you rub it in your face just feels so nourished. Love this, especially because I always go for a matte face and it can look dry sometimes. Love, love, love. I'm repurchasing this very soon.

- Forever 21 Cucumber Lemon wipes: I love these makeup wipes, as you may probably know I use the Equate (Walmart's brand) daily facial cloths to remove my makeup but I use my hands in the whole makeup process and use wipes for my hands. These do the job for a makeup wipe and come 60 in a pack for $4.80. I buy a pack whenever I go in now! They're great to keep on hand.

- Skyn Glacial Cleansing Wipes: Don't get this confused with a makeup wipe, these are cleansing wipes. I was really impressed with how much soap/cleanser in these wipes, I can actually see them cleansing skin which isn't the case for most cleansing wipes. They are a little pricey, but I would repurchase to keep in my gym bag,

And the rest of the skin.. body items!!

- Olay Ultra Moisture Lotion with Shea Butter: This did not impress me really... it smelled faintly of baby powder and I find Olay to be a little overpriced for my liking. I wouldn't repurchase this.

- Ayres Body Butter in Patagonia: I really enjoyed this body butter and would definitely repurchase. The scent, "Patagonia", is amazing!! It is slightly herbally and has a freshness to it. Love!! 

- Secret Outlast Completely Clean: I swear Secret is the only deodorant that actually lasts on me. I will forever repurchase.

- Dove Fresh deodorant: I like formula and consistency of Dove deodorant but it just does not last on me!

- Bath and Body Works Carried Away perfume: I really love this scent. I don't shop at BBW very often because they are pricey without a sale but I love this scent and would so repurchase it in different forms (spray, lotion, etc.)!!

And... a lipbalm empty!

- I finally finished my Korres lip butter in "Jasmine"!! I did not like this at first but this worked awesome as my post-exfoliating overnight lip balm. It sank into the lips and I could still feel it in the morning. If and when I finish off most of my balms I would repurchase this product but in a different shade. This nude/pink can appear milky on its own, and it'd be awesome to wear during the day, but in a different shade.

That's a lot of empties for one teenage girl.. but my makeup empties will be in the near future. :)

Thanks for bearing with me through these super busy times, if you have any requests leave them below beauty!! :)

- Emily

Birchbox vs. Ipsy: October 2014

Hey! I've been so busy with work and school lately but I've been taking my very small amounts of free time to blog. :) Today I have a BB vs. Ipsy!

My Birchbox and Ipsy both finally came in; Birchbox is usually a week earlier in delivery for me. ach Straight into the contents of each, starting with Birchbox:

LtoR: Model Co Party Proof lipstick in "Kitty" (sample choice for October), Dr. Brandt Pores No more Vacuum Cleaner, Balance Me eye cream, Beauty Protector Protect and Detangle Leave In Conditioner, and a Coastal Scent Revealed 2 palette sampler

Here's a closer view of the makeup.

My feelings on each:

- The ModelCo. lipstick is a nice shade and I do enjoy its pigmentation; nothing too over the top, but it is not matte like it claims whatsoever. I'm disappointed but it is still a nice nude lipstick.

- Dr. Brandt's Vacuum Cleaner treatment was a slight disappointment because after I used after I exfoliated and cleansed for optimum results but did not see anything really happening. Skincare is a very objective subject though.

- The Balance Me eye cream is a definite hit. My Origins GinZing eye cream looked so cakey under makeup and when I tried this it's just so refreshing and moisturizing. Love it and would consider purchasing when I run out.

- I use the Beauty Protector leave-in after I curl my hair and it needs a little extra shine, it works well in that respect but not a total hit as far as an actual leave-in conditioner cream. 

- I really enjoy the Revealed 2 sampler!! I've never ordered from Coastal Scents but I think I will soon!!!

This month's Ipsy..

LtoR/TtoB: ECRU BB for hair, Skyn cleansing wipes, Starlooks lipgloss, Ayres body butter, and a Jesse's Girl baked shadow.

- The ECRU BB was very softening and had a nice smell, nothing spectacular though.

- The Skyn wipes are just your average cleansing wipes, they're nice to keep in a gym or purse bag.

- The Ayres body butter was very nice and sank in well!!

- I was pleasantly surprised with the Jesse's Girl shadow in "Esmeralda"; not dry (like baked shadows often are) and was a nice taupe.

- I haven't actually opened the Starlooks gloss yet, but I like how Ipsy sent out a wearable color.

My final thoughts:

I think both are even this month!

I liked both eye and lip products from the boxes and had some nice skin and body bonuses!

What do you want to see next?

-Em

Project Pan Update! September/October 2014

Hey guys! Yes I am still Project Panning, but not to my strictest state. I have broken the no-buy but nothing ridiculous just some drugstore goodies to treat myself here and there. I decided to color code this list so if something is highlighted yellow, that means I use it daily or almost daily.

Original list:

- Maybelline Baby Skin  finished!

- NYX Stay Matte but Not Flat liquid foundation; I use this foundation when I work! This will take a while to get through because I only use it on the weekends. I like using this with a sponge.

- Covergirl Clean Whipped Creme foundation

- NYX Dark Circle Concealer; I use this 5 days a week for school!! I love putting this on first and then layering the Covergirl eye corrector on top for a flawless look. 

- Benefit Erase Paste; I think I will get a lot more use out of this in the upcoming cooler months. I don't like to wear it to school because I know it isn't super longwearing so I use this on the weekends when I work.

- Essence Match2Cover! duo; I use this when I have to cover a blemish but I just really don't like this... it does not sit on the skin well.

- Covergirl+Olay concealer balm; This is so blah, I find when I put it on and get to blending it just disappears so I have not been using this that much.

- Covergirl+Olay Simply Ageless Eye Corrector in 230 (yellow shade); I LOVE THIS. I have yellow tones in my skin and this is magic. I use it with the NYX Dark Circle Concealer, on redness, and blemishes... it neutralizes everything.

- Maybelline Mineral Power Natural Perfecting Concealer

- Covergirl+Olay Eye Rehab 2-in-1; still haven't touched this, I'm going to toss it.

- Covergirl TruMagic The Sunkisser

- NYX Matte Bronzer; I've been using this daily and still no pan?! 

- WetnWild Reserve Your Cabana this shattered; was replaced with Benefit High Beam

- Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original

- e.l.f Eyelid Primer finished!

- NYX Wonder Pencil

- Sephora Nano Liner in Plum

- BareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing mascara

- Cargo TexasLash mascara

- TheBalm's Maibillsbepaid lipstick

I'm slowly moving through beauty products guys!! A long yet satisfying process. :)
My Empties post should be up within the next week or so!

What would you like to see next?

- Em

Review: Hard Candy Fierce Effects High Intensity Eyeshadow

Hey guys! I recently went to Walmart and ended up hauling some makeup (a haul will be up on Wednesday) and I bought Hard Candy's Fierce Effects High Intensity Eye Shadow. These come 2 in a pack and they only retail for $5, there were 3 color options; the one I'm showing you today which are two neutrals.

The pack I have is in the shade "Slow & Steady".

  

Packaging: These are essentially a pressed pigment and their packaging is very similar to L'Oreal's Infallible shadows; they even include the stopper.

Formula: The brown shade has a very nice creamy texture and clings well to itself. The lighter champagne color is still creamy but does not cling as well and can have fallout.

Application: I like to use these with my fingers and over primer so they can cling to something. I pat the lighter shade on the lid and the other shade on the outer corner. I then take a crease brush and fluffy blending brush to take the darker shade into the crease and outer V. They blend very easily and build well.

Wear: Their staying power is pretty neutral; they're perfectly fine over a lid primer.

 Swatches:

 I took this picture to show you how this color reflects light very well and is very brightening:

Do I recommend?
These are definitely better than other drugstore shadows I've tried (I'm sure some of you know how I feel about Maybelline and Covergirl quads), but they aren't remarkable by any means. They're worth it if you're in for a specific shade, but if you have your collection of nice quality neutrals; just stick with what you have.

What do you want to see next? 

- Em

Review: Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color by Sonia Kashuk

Hey guys! I decided to do a review on my Sonia Kashuk Shine Luxe Sheer Lip Color in "Sheer Pink Lust" to tell whether they are worth the hefty drugstore tag of $10.99 on Target's website.  I only have one shade to share with you which is "Sheer Pink Lust" which contains no shimmer. There 8 additional shades (all of the names do begin with "sheer" so do not be mislead), but because of the price tag I bring a review on one of them.

First off- packaging. Of course being a SK product it looks very chic and classy:

The tube also displays a color swatch on the bottom, and it is very accurate:

 The name is on the bottom of the tube:

Let's talk about the application of this lip color- it is very creamy and soft; in fact I pressed a little too much while applying this one day and I did notice it shift in the tube slightly (AKA don't leave this in a hot car type of product). It glides on very nicely and smoothly with even color on the lips.

The consistency of this lip product is very creamy and buttery and it feels moisturizing, but not to the extent of a thick lip balm.

Because of its creamy texture, it fills in the lines of the lips nicely and blurs them. 

This lasts about 3 hours on me. If eating or drinking it will transfer so reapplication is necessary.

The pigmentation:

Left: one swipe, Right: built up swatch

But to the real question-- are they worth the money?

These remind me of what I had expected the Revlon lip butters to be (yes, I'm the one person who's not really into the butters) so that being said I find them a little overpriced for what you're getting. 

What do you want to see next?

-Em :) 

Drugstore Haul :)

Hey guys! I felt like treating myself this week and when I was at Walmart I hauled some things for review and for my own personal interests. ;) Here's what I got:

e.l.f brushes:

LtoR: Studio Powder Brush, Essential Concealer Brush, and the Studio Small Angled Brush 

 I didn't buy this for concealer but I like eyeliner brushes that are cut this way. I find them very easy to use.

 I've been using a travel sized angle brush from Sonia Kashuk that I like but its size is becoming a pain so I bought this so I would have a regular sized handle on the brush. 

I bought this powder brush because I hear people use this to buff in liquid foundations and I've been wanting this for a while. I want to try using powder foundations and this seems like it would be perfect for buffing those into the skin.

 Hard Candy finds:

LtoR: Fierce Effects shadow in "Slow&Steady" and their LITE Bright highlighting concealer

I actually just posted a review on these shadows on Monday if you want to know my thoughts on them. As for the concealer, I saw this and remembered how @brokebabebeauty on IG loves this and I wanted to give it a shot!

 The essentials...

LtoR.. e.l.f Eyebrow Kit and Maybelline Eyestudio gel liner

The e.l.f Eyebrow Kit is my HG brow product it makes filling in and shaping a dream. I usually buy the shade "Medium" but it was out so I picked up "Dark" instead. 

My Essence gel liner seems to be losing its intensity (I've had it for a while and use it daily) and I hear tons of rave about this Maybelline one so I wanted to give it a shot.

 WetNWild..

I watched Melmph's recent video where she swatched a lot of drugstore Kylie Jenner inspired lipsticks and this was one of them and it was so beautiful, I knew I needed it!

There's my small haul. :)

What do you want to see next?? Leave me requests here or on IG.

- Em

Summer to Fall Transition Look

Hello!

The jump from bright to vampy makeup shouldn't be too harsh which is I why I've brought you all a transition look using the ever so popular Naked 2 palette.    

Here are the eye products:

The look..

              

I primed with UD's potion in "Eden". I then took a fluffy crease brush into my NYX Matte Bronzer in "Light" to give natural depth and warm it up a bit. I took Naked 2's "Snakebite" and blended it into my crease/outer V. Using my fingers I patted "Chopper" onto my lids.
For the cheeks and lips I used..

WetNWild's "Spotlight Peach" blush and NYX Chunky Dunk in "Rum Punch"..
Hope you guys enjoyed this look!
Sorry for the short posts lately.. I have school, homework, driving hours, and work. If you leave me requests below I can be sure to post on it; so what do you want to see?
-Em

Birchbox vs. Ipsy September 2014

Guess who got both of their beauty packages in the mail this week? Me. :)

So here is another BB vs. Ipsy.

As usual I will start with Birchbox:

The box itself was very pretty this month.

Here's what I received:

- Macadamia Healing Oil Spray: I wasn't wowed by this really. I never feel like oils in general every penetrate the hair. 

- TOCCA hand cream: I like to get hand cream samples to keep in my bag or purse! It's already in my purse!

- Harvey Prince Hello perfume sample: ugh.. on my BB profile I said I only wanted a max of 2 of these per year.. hopefully this is the last one for a while.

- Temptu highlighter: kind of meh on this one. I don't go through highlighter quickly so I won't be opening this for a while.

- Chapstick Hydration Lock: I HAVE AN OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF CHAPSTICK. The more the merrier, I love balms. Because it was BB's anniversary, this was a bonus item.

- Avene gel cleanser: I like that BB listened to my profile because this is made for blemish prone skin. This cleans well and doesn't strip my face. Might repurchase in the future if it's not crazy expensive.

- Overall: I definitely received my $10 worth in products but I'm not excited to try anything.

Now onto Ipsy..

I like the bag, it looks edgy.

Here's what I got:

- Caviar CC Cream for Hair: ohhh I love hair masks and deep conditioners! I will definitely use this in my shower.

- Nourish Organic Moisturizing Cleanser: Dear Ipsy, I have oily skin as said in my profile. Why would you send me a moisturizing cleanser?? I will give it a try in the winter.

- Hikari lipstick in "Cabernet": I have been into deeper lip colors lately and this should do the trick. It is a deep red.

- Crown dual-ended shadow/crease brush: Yay I love getting brushes and I always need new eye brushes.

- Pacifica Waterproof Eyeliner: Yet another pencil liner... I'll get to this one after finish my 2569980 pencil liners.

- Overall: I'm excited for the brush, lipstick, and hair mask... but the other 2 products are kind of misses for me. I don't need either of them.

Who wins?

- Ipsy.. I like getting things like tools because they last very long and I've heard amazing things about Crown brushes. You can't go wrong with lipstick and everyone's hair needs a mask in my opinion. Where BB didn't live up is the perfume sample and the hair oil. I also wished the highlighter sample was larger and in more accessible packaging. 

What do you want to see next?

-Em

:)

This vs. That: Maybelline Mineral Power Illuminator & Bare Minerals's "Clear Radiance"

Hi guys! Today's post is a This vs. That post. I originally started this series on my Instagram, here... I got a lot of positive feedback on it so I decided to continue on! It is hard to find comparable products in my collection which was surprising because I have a lot of makeup. But these two products randomly came to mind and I realized they'd fit in so well with this series. :) They are two loose highlights; one is Maybelline's Mineral Power Illuminator in "Nude" ($5-$7) and Bare Minerals's "Clear Radiance" ($19).

               

 

               

 

So here's the breakdown..

- Quality of pigmentation: The Bare Minerals highlight definitely has better color pay-off; the Maybelline illuminator is less pigmented.
- Application: The Bare Minerals applied so well. This is because it has a nicer powder base for the shimmer to cling to; you can tell because it so so smooth and hangs together nicely when being applied/swatched. The Maybelline one however has glitter and a very fine powder base so it can apply a little patchy because it doesn't have the same binding quality the Bare Minerals one has.
You can see this in the swatches:

- Ability to blend: They both sheer out nicely.

- The quality of the shimmer: As I said before the Maybelline seems to have more of a chunky glitter where as the Bare Minerals has a finer shimmer.

- How long it wears: I looked at my face at the end of the day right before taking off my makeup and I have to say that 

So which wins?

I would have to pick the Bare Minerals powder. It has a nice finer shimmer and looks more natural.  Keep in mind that the BM powder is clearly a lot more pink in tone than the Maybelline. But I do have yellow undertones and applied lightly it doesn't look out of place.
Do you have any suggestions or requests for me to do a This vs. That post on?
- Em :)

Weekly Makeup Rotation!

Hi guys! Today I have my makeup rotation for this week to share. Last time I did this post I did it a little differently. Now I am taking the colored cosmetics I want to use in said week, putting it with the other colored items I would need, and then putting it in an old Ipsy bag. Here are the 4 looks I'll be doing this week!

Old Ipsy bags coming in handy..

 Look 1:

BareMinerals blush in "Exhilarate", e.l.f Matte Lip Color in "Tea Rose", Bare Minerals pigments in "Velvet Vanilla" and "Smoked Grey", and NYX's Studio Liquid Liner in "Extreme Blue"

I love doing these kind of looks! A muted lip and cheek with an accent of bright liner on the eyes.

Look 2:

Stila Convertible Color in "Lillium", Essence eyeshadow in "Party All Night", and Tarte Glamazon 12-Hour lipstick in "Inspired"

I like having a lively pink on the lips and cheeks to really perk up my collection. I love doing a simple one shadow look as well and really like this shadow from Essence.

Look 3:

BareMinerals duo in "The Epiphany", NYX Round Lipstick in "B52", and Laura Geller blush in "Maui"

I really wanted to wear this gorgeous rosey lipstick to school and figured I could pair it with a pretty neutral eye and muted berry cheek.

Look 4:

WetNWild MegaGlo in "Spotlight Peach", NYX Love in Rio trio in "Cabana Boy", and WetNWild Fergie lipstick in "Fergie Daily"

I like the look of warmed up cheeks and a soft warm eye. I love the formula of WetNWild Fergie lipsticks so I chose my nude one for this look.

 I've been making progress in my Project Pan! I'm thinking of doing an empties post including not only makeup, but also my haircare and body/skin products around the time of my next PP update so I can get all of my trash out at once (haha). :)

What would you like to see next?

-Em

Getting into Fall: Blushes

Good afternoon guys! Just got out of school thank God

I recently reorganized my eye, lip, and face drawers; and with this I separated my blushes into the more "spring and summer" and "fall and winter" color categories (in quotes because I don't think makeup has any rules and I frankly wear whichever blush I want whenever I want *snaps fingers*). But I know deeper and berry blushes are very popular for the upcoming seasons so I wanted to swatch the ones in my collection that fit under this color category. :)

I only have 5 to share; I'm not much of a blush junkie but I do love blush.

LtoR going in rows: Physician's Formula "Blushing Rose", NYX "Spice", Laura Geller "Maui", Bare Minerals "Exhilarate", Elizabeth Mott Tints&Sass (cheek stain)

                                                              

                                          

 Swatches in same order:

A quick but hopefully festive post for y'all blush junkies. ;)

What would you like to see next?

-Em :)