July Favorites

Hey everyone!

Today I'll be sharing my July favorites!! I don't do these every month because I don't necessarily find myself using and loving a multitude of products each month, but my ways have definitely changed this past month.
Face:

Usually I mix foundations (NYX Stay Matte liquid with Covergirl Clean Whipped/Rimmel Stay Matte mousse) because I've been trying to use them up. I'm in the process of a de-clutter/using up/project pan with my makeup collection. However, I find myself using my Tarte BB cream instead of foundation. I have it in the shade "Light". I bought this (very generous) deluxe sample at Sephora ($10 for 0.5 oz.) to try out because I've been loving my Dr. Jart BB so much. This wears very nicely, however this "Light" shade has orange tones which bring me to my next favorite..

I've been using my NYX Matte Bronzer in "Light" as my face bronzer and to warm up my neck and decollete so that my body matches my face. Using this and the BB gives me such a sunkissed look/tan! I use it with my big fluffy Real Techniques Powder Brush for a diffused application.

Lately I've been really into cream blush and because I don't own many, I've been giving a couple of mine some love!! I always talk about my Stila Convertible Color (in "Lillium") and I've been using it a lot lately. I also picked up a mini Tarte Energy cheek tint (the one that self adjusts on your skin) from Sephora for $10. (FYI: I found this sample in Tarte's regular display not by the impulse buy checkout line). I do tend to set these with powder blushes because I like how you can layer and change the affect of the cream blush beneath it.

Eyes:

I use different eye products every single day so I can't really name a favorite in this category.

Lips:

For lips, I have been enjoying my NYX Butter Glosses. I like to throw these on before work because they have nice moisture and are fairly neutral colors. Most importantly, they fade evenly. The "Tiramisu" shade, left, is a brown neutral and "Apple Strudel", right, is a light pink shade.

Sorry for such a short post but I really like to feature my true favorites of the month.
What would you like to see next?
-Em      

Stay in Your "Comfort Zone" While Still Getting Variety..

Hey guys!! I recently picked up the infamous WetNWild "Comfort Zone" shadow palette. Upon swatching and playing around with it, I realized how you can come up with a ton of different looks with this palette! So here I documented some of the looks I created with this palette in efforts to show its versatility in giving a subtle neutral looks to super dramatic looks! I've put together four looks (and I titled each look haha). To not have to list shade names the left column going down will be B1 (like browbone), E1, C1, and D1. The right column going down will be B2, E2, C2, and D2. So you know what I mean here's a shot of the layout of the palette:

Before the looks here are swatches:

Top to bottom: B2, E2, C2, D2.

 Top to bottom: B1, E1, C1, D1.

And now.. the looks I created!! I did pull in a few extra shadows for some looks but I really tried to stay in the palette.

1. Playful and Peachy:

First I primed with Urban Decay's Primer Potion in "Eden" (yellow shade.. make the peach shade pop more) and put it all over the lids  and up into the crease. I then took E1 and packed it all over the lid. Then, taking D1 I put that on the outer third of my lid to crease depth  and brought it into the crease a bit. I love the color combo of golds/peaches with plums. I took a little bit of C1 for blending purposes and make the crease a little warmer. I used my Essence waterproof liquid eyeliner (review on this and a comparison to their gel liner a few posts ago..) on my upper lashline/wing and my NYX Wonder Pencil in "Light" in the waterline. I smudged C1 on my lower lashline (because if you've ever smudged a super dark WNW on your lower lashline you know that it'll be super dark so I went with this bronzey shade; I usually do brown liner there anyways). Other products used: Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumizing mascara, Cargo Texas Lash mascara, WetNWild MegaGlo Illuminating Powder in "Spotlight Peach", Buxom's Full-On Lipstick in "Amsterdam" topped with Bare Minerals Moxie gloss in "Smooth Talker".
This was definitely one of my favorite looks I created with the palette.

2. Smokey but Safe (color-wise haha):

                  

 For this look I primed with Urban Decay Primer Potion in "Original" and took B1 on the inner corner and inner third of the lid. Next I took B2 and put it on the rest of my lids. I put C2 in my outer corner and blend-blend-blended. I used my Essence gel liner in "Midnight in Paris" as my upper liner/wing. I also put NYX's Wonder Pencil in "Light" in the waterline and  C2 on the lower lashline. Other products: Bare Minerals mascara, Cargo mascara, Physician's Formula "Blushing Rose" on the cheeks, and NYX MegaShine gloss in "Miami Babe" on the lips.

 3. Lazy Day:

I'm sure most of you have heard of "one shadow looks" or have done them yourself. They work with shades that have a lot of depth and complexity to them. This technique only works with shimmery shades because the shimmer will reflect differently depending on the angle. Anyways, I did a one shadow look using C1 over my Urban Decay Primer Potion and blended the shadow up through my crease. I followed that up with my Essence liquid eyeliner, NYX Wonder Pencil, Bare Minerals Mascara, and Cargo Texas Lash mascara. On my cheeks I used my NYX Powder Blush in "Spice" and on my lips I used my NYX Chunky Dunk pencil in "Rum Punch".
This wasn't my favorite one-shadow look, but I do know that it is a popular trend/look to do with shadows and I wanted to try it with this palette. I did get slight depth from this shade in my crease.

4. Seeing Green:

         

(That last pic really showed the colors good, so let's ignore the awkward nose angle I always have in my pics on here haha)

For this look I used UD Primer Potion all over the lid up to the brow bone (that was for my crease shadows would have a primer underneath) and Jordana's 12 Hour Made to Last shadow pencil in "Stay On Black" as a base all over my lids. I patted D2 all over the lids. I then blended WetNWild's single shadow in "Panther" in the crease and then NYX's "Over the Taupe Taupe" to blend the black shadow pencil and shadow out. I used my Essence gel liner for my wing and upper liner and my NYX Wonder Pencil in the waterline. I smudged Cargo's Swimmables liner in "Pfeiffer Beach" (a plum shade.. gave the super dark look a little pop and brightness). Other products: Bare Minerals and Cargo mascara, Laura Geller Baked Blush in "Maui", and NYX Chunky Dunk Pencil in "Berry Mojito" on the lips.

I am seriously in love with the bottom right "Definer" shade.. love its unique duo-chrome, this shade was the main reason I bought this palette! When layered over the black shadow pencil, the brown duo-chrome is less apparent and it highlights the blue-green in the shade.

Since this is a post about this particular palette, I did find a product that really just go went with and matched this palette perfectly..
First is NYX's MegaShine gloss in "Miami Babe". This is a neutral that goes with everything but with a lot of these looks I thought it coordinated and added a little something. Here's what it looks like and a swatch:

It is a medium creamy pink; no shimmer.

Which look was your favorite? What have you created with your "Comfort Zone" palette? Show me on Instagram (@makeupbyemilyy)! What do you want to see next? Comment!
* A little update: I'm trying not to buy too much makeup, I've been trying to use up a lot of products I have in my collection. A lot of them are from my Seasonal makeup Switch-Up post (if you want to read that click here). I will be posting an empties post after I finish up some more products. Even though I am "project panning" so to speak, I will haul some back to school makeup and stock up on my essentials. :) *
- Em :)

A Small Budget Friendly Makeup Haul :)

Hey guys!! Today I am showing you guys what I bought at Walgreens a few days ago. I'm kind of a weird shopper.. I go to Walmart/Target for mass brands (Maybelline, Revlon, L'Oreal..) because they're so much cheaper, I go to CVS and haul when it's time for their beauty clearance event, I go to Walgreens for Jordana/Walgreens, and Rite Aid for a more extended section of WetnWild. I always get a kick out of seeing a Revlon lipstick for $8.99 at CVS and then the same one at Walmart for $4.97. I always find it odd when people do extravagant hauls at CVS or other overpriced convenience stores because it's soo much cheaper at mass retailers.. anyways I got off on a tangent. So today all of these are from my local Walgreens and from Jordana and WetnWild.
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I got the Jordana Made to Last shadow pencil in "Stay On Black" for the occasions I like to use a black base on my lids. This is very pigmented and opaque.

I got WetNWild's Comfort Zone palette because I was eyeing that duo chrome on the bottom right more than anything else.. also there's so many raves on it. I'm not gonna bother with swatches because it is so popular and I'm sure a million other beauty bloggers have it all swatched.

WetNWild Fergie lipsticks are amazing!! I picked up the one in "Fergie Daily". Opaque color and more comfortable on the lips than their matte MegaLast formula.

Finally, I got the Vicious Varnish lip stain from Fergie's collection in "Legendary Face".. my kind of shade and I also love a supposedly long lasting lip color!

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A really tiny haul (I'm the kind to stare at something for months before forking over the money haha) but I love what I found! At the end of this week or beginning of next week I will be posting several looks I came up with using my Comfort Zone palette (ranging from natural and subtle to BAM dramatic!!). So stay on the lookout for that. :)
-Em

Ways to Enhance Your Eyes

Hey guys!! Today I will be sharing do's and don'ts on enhancing the eyes during makeup instead of making them look worse (lack of a better term there).
1. Contouring the lids

Do: This is much easier than it sounds. In very simple terms, you would place a darker shadow in your crease and a lighter color on your lids. This will make the eyes look more set back, yet the lid color will bring them front and center; a recessed set eye + them being forward = a bigger looking eye. (This sounds confusing but I'm sure most of you already do a lighter lid shade than your crease, etc). Recommendations: a fool-proof matte quad is Physician's Formula Matte Quad in "Classic Nudes".
Don't: It's hard to really mess this process up, it's fool-proof. :)
2. Lining the eyes

Do: Line the eyes but not in an overly thick manner, I do dramatic winged liner everyday and it can get thick (just being real here) but sometimes the thickness on the lid from your liner can make the eye look so much smaller. The thicker the line of your liner, the smaller the lid will look and thus the eye. Recommendations: I love my Essence Gel Eyeliner in "Midnight in Paris".
Don't: As I already said, thicker line creates less "real estate" so to speak on your lids making them seem smaller; so stray from pencil and kohl liners on the upper lashline because they tend to be harder to get a thin precise line with.
3. The waterline

Do: Nude liner in the waterline: In recent years this has definitely been a makeup trend, and a nice one in my opinion. A nude line will make the transition between the eye and the undereye seamless. Recommendations: Rimmel Scandaleyes Eyeliner in "Nude".
Don't: I never liked black liner in the waterline. It makes the eyes smaller by aggressively showing where the eye ends.
4. Highlighting
Do: Using a shimmery shadow or pencil around the inner corner emphasizes the opening of the eye making them look brighter and more awake. Highlighting the lid brings the eye forward as well. Recommendations: NYC Sparkle Eye Dust in "Opal Sparkle".
Don't: I love a dark lid color but I think an inner corner highlight is essential, try not to skimp on this step if you have a dark lid going on.
5. Lashes

Do: Curl lashes + apply mascara (+ falsies.. optional). It's pretty obvious how mascara makes the eyes look larger and open in the way that they make the lashes fan out, etc.
Don't: I cannot think of a "don't" for this. :)
6. Lower lashline

Do: Smudged out, smokey, liner on the lower lashline is fabulous. Smudging a brown liner (this is what I tend to use, I find black accentuates my dark circles and adds unneeded drab for me) on the lower lashline really helps make the eyes look bigger. It gives definition but when it is smudged/smokey, it extends the eye because it is brought down lower. Recommendations: I like using shadow for this step (very soft look, blends easily)!! I've just been trying to use up some brown liners I have, but just use your crease shadow for simplicity. :)
Don't: I would never recommend leaving liner on the lower lashline that isn't smudged out.. it usually just looks like a line and just marks where the eye is. It doesn't help the look.

Before and After!!

      

I used a little bit of colored mascara.. oohh aweee.

What would you like to see next? 

- Em

Review: Bite Beauty Lush Fruit Lipglosses

I have noticed many popular YouTube makeup gurus (I hate how guru is the term that has been coined for them.. a little over the top? I don't know..) are FINALLY discovering Bite Beauty. I personally discovered Bite over a year ago.. before it was cool. ;) This is a high-end brand, available at Sephora, that exclusively makes products only for the lips; with good ingredients too like resveratrol. If you don't recognize the name Bite, you may recognize their product that has had recent craze: the Agave Lip Mask. I have not tried that yet, but I can tell you that their lipsticks are amazing! But today, I will be sharing my thoughts on their glosses... the Lush Fruit Lipglosses which I have been using for quite a while and am very familiar with. These retail for $22 for 0.13 oz. For a frame of reference, 0.27 oz. is in a NYX Butter Gloss (about double) and 0.17 oz. (obviously closer to Bite's size..) in a Maybelline Color Sensational Lip Gloss. I got a set of 3 on Black Friday for $10 and another in a separate kit offered at Sephora so keep in mind these are all deluxe-sized samples. As a fun fact I finished off one of these lipglosses in the shade "Sante"; my first lip empty.

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- Packaging:

The glosses are housed in a clear tube showing the actual product. The cap is rubberized and has the word Bite on it (with a bite taken out of the "B" so that's cute haha). On the bottom is a sticker with the shade name. From left to right I own: "Honey" (nude with golden shimmer), "Strawberry" (medium pink; no shimmer), "Garnet" (fresh watermelon color; no shimmer), and "Strangefruit" (radiant orchid type shade; no shimmer).

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- Scent: These have a unique but good scent.. I can't really describe it but it kind of reminds me of the fluoride they give you at the dentist's office during your cleanings? Maybe it's just me? I do enjoy it though, nothing objectionable.

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- Pigmentation:

Swatches straight from applicator:

(LtoR: "Honey", "Strawberry", "Garnet", "Strangefruit")

 Swatches spread/blended more with the applicator.. basically as you'd apply on your lips:

"Honey" shows a lot of my natural lip color, as expected being a nude gloss, but I do enjoy using this to top off my nude lipsticks to make them less flat.

"Strawberry", "Garnet", and "Strangefruit" are medium-coverage. I wouldn't say any of these completely erase my natural lip color, but they have a very solid medium pigmentation.

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Application: Because of their thicker consistency, it is so hard to get a really even and perfect application. The pink and melon shades applied the best. But oh how I wish I could get that oh so beautiful radiant orchid shade to apply evenly *sighs*.
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- Feel: These don't feel heavy but they definitely have a thickness and tackiness to them which
definitely helps with staying power and makes them hang around.They feel like they create a barrier and provide a little moisture as well.
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- Wear: The actual feel of these glosses hangs on your lips more than the color/pigment of the gloss does. They last for a couple of hours.

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- Does it transfer while eating/drinking?: Obviously the vast majority of lip products with shine/moisture in them will wear off because of their nature (they tend to be a little sticky, they aren't locked in like a matte lipstick.. you know what I'm talking about) so yes these do transfer, but not terribly by any means. I wear these through eating and think the look is still good afterwards. You can get away without reapplying after eating or drinking.

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- How I like to use them: I like using the lighter two shades as lipstick topper shades. "Garnet" I like to use on its own because its obvious reddish tones blend well with my lip color and can be my sole lip product. This shade gives a very fresh look as well. "Strangefruit" embodies the radiant orchid trend and because I don't have many coordinating lipsticks, I use it on its own. It would definitely be best as a topper though.

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- Recommend.. yes or no: I love Bite's lipsticks but for a $22 gloss if you are getting an uneven application it is just a waste of money. If you like a color, go and swatch it at a Sephora to see how it applies. But I will be sticking with my cheaper gloss formulas from now on.
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- Cheaper gloss formulas I love: Maybelline Color Sensational glosses (vibrant colors, gel-like, full color, comfortable) and NYX MegaShine glosses (fabulous shade range, not super sticky, comfortable, nice scent).

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What post would you like to see next? Anything you'd like to see reviewed or hauled? Comment!!

Thanks for reading!!!

- Em

*A little update: I signed up for Birchbox!! So instead of a boring Ipsy solely being unbagged, I can compare it to another subscription of the same price!!* 

10 Makeup Items I Would Repurchase Tag

Hi guys!! I got this tag idea from YouTube and thought I would do it too. There are way more than just 10 items that I would buy again, but I tried to narrow it down.

Going left to right as usual..

1. Rimmel Stay Matte Primer: This actually keeps me matte throughout the day which is amazing! I think of this almost as more of a mattifying lotion.. not that it is moisturizing it just has a lotion texture. It doesn't smooth your face like the popular silicone primers we see from every brand. It's like a matte cream. I use it under my foundation.

2. Smashbox PhotoFinish foundation primer: This is a little sample I got in their Try It Kit. Unlike most silicone-based primers, I find this one to really prolong the wear of my makeup. I even mixed this with my Dr. Jart BB cream (which usually makes me look greasy and can sink into pores) and this made it survive the summer heat during exercise while making the BB not sink into my pores.

3. NYX HD Photogenic concealer: This is the concealer I've had the most luck with the appearance under my eyes and around my face. It is medium coverage (I'm willing to sacrifice coverage for finish in some cases), has minimal creasing (I always set with powder so keep that in mind), and is very longwearing. Most concealers end up fading throughout the day and this needs no touch-ups. 

4. NYX Stay Matte but not Flat powder foundation: I love this and have a full review on this so I'll make it short.. This adds a nice boost of coverage to any foundation, has a natural finish on the skin, and sets my makeup beautifully. 

5. NYX Powder Blush in "Taupe": My holy grail contouring powder. I used to think my contouring was awful until I started using this and realized it was all because of the product I was using and not necessarily my techniques. (I did a contouring and highlighting post last week, check it out!!).

6. Stila Convertible Color: I've been on a cream blush kick lately. This meant for both lips and cheeks and it actually works well on both which is surprising,

7. NYX "Over the Taupe Taupe" Hot Singles Matte Shadow: I use in the crease, in my brows, and as a nose contour powder. This is so fabulous.

8. e.l.f Eyebrow Kit; These make shaping my brows so easy!! I love the tinted wax in this, I don't like the powder. When I use the powder to top it I find the powder to be a littttttttttle warm toned.

9. NYX Round Lipstick: This is such a fab formula!!! Super creamy, pigmented, moisturizing, inexpensive, and their shade range is incredible,

10. NYX MegaShine glosses: This is another fab NYX lip product. The formula smells like cherry, it is pigmented, super shiny, and not sticky. I love these! I have a neutral shade in "Miami Babe".

Makeup That's Great for Travel

Summer is the season of travel and I can't believe I didn't do a post like this earlier!
I am going on vacation for a week in August so why not show you guys some products I plan on packing. When I think of makeup that's good for travel I think: multipurpose products, reliable products, and even ones that can be applied with fingers (minimal tools).
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A multipurpose product is Stila Convertible Color (lip/cheek cream): I think this a fabulous product. A lot of these lip/cheek creams we see on the market only work well on either the cheeks or on the lips, but this one works so well on both. It lasts on the cheeks better obviously because your cheeks don't come in contact with food and drinks, but acts like a creamy lipstick on the lips. It's a nice compact with a mirror making it great for travel/on-the-go. A full-size is $25 (Sephora.com). But, even better, there is a kit from Sephora (I actually bought this in March!) that is even more travel-friendly.. it comes with a deluxe-sized Convertible Color (which still offers a mirror.. always a plus) and a deluxe-sized lip glaze! Here's a link to that to check it out: http://www.sephora.com/pretty-pick-me-ups-P384670?skuId=1582998
Another multipurpose product is any sort of face base that contains both your SPF and your coverage and maybe even your moisturizer (whether it be a BB, tinted moisturizer, etc..). There are plenty of BB creams on the market but one of my faves is Dr. Jart.. I found a sample kit of his BB's too, so here's a link! http://www.sephora.com/the-original-bb-cream-set-P376218?skuId=1463231
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For the reliable products, this obviously varies for everyone based on their "holy grail" items. Tip: always bring your go-to or favorites on a trip because you know how they will react with your skin, you're familiar with their application, and they won't be a big fuss for your routine when you're already away from home. Keep in mind how they will work in the climate you're travelling too.
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I personally believe basically any makeup product besides face powders, gel liners, and mascaras can be applied with your hands. Travelling with brushes is a chore for me because of them being so close (bacteria), being crushed, etc. so I'm always looking for a way to minimize them. In my case I find it helps to bring super blendable makeup. Face products that tend to be so blendable are things like: tinted moisturizers/BB's, liquid concealers, and cream blush/bronzer. You will probably want brushes for eyeshadow because blending is so key in that process (a brush to pack on shadow, and a fluffy crease/blending brush). I love travelling with my Naked 2 palette because it has a huge mirror, neutral shadows, and it comes with a double ended brush that can be used to complete an entire look. If you plan on using your fingers bring hand sanitizer of course and makeup wipes to wipe your hands during the process (cheap ones like the Epielle wipes at Big Lots work well for this and they're only a buck).
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Hope this gave you guys some ideas or even new products to try! Safe travels!
-Em  

No Makeup Makeup

Oh yes.. the "no makeup makeup" look that we all try to master.. For me this means not necessarily skipping a makeup step, but using a different forms of the products I usually use, blending. My "NMM" look will be: perfected skin with a pink flush on the cheeks, defined eyes, and healthy lips. Here's what I'll be using..

Face:

- Covergirl+Olay eye corrector in "230": This has the Olay skincare properties so I use this as an eye cream step.. also, since I won't be using foundation I need coverage wherever I can get it for my under eye!

- Dr. Brandt Pores No More: fills pores beautifully.. we want a smooth look to the face.
- Maybelline Baby Skin: this will act as a primer and aid to the smooth appearance we want.
- MUFE Mist&Fix: I went ahead and spritzed some of this on just as another step to prolong the wear of the BB cream I'll be using.

- Dr. Jart Black Label BB: gives nice coverage but is a BB so it is more forgiving than liquid foundation. I used my fingers for this step to get the best coverage and blend; the warmth of fingers helps it really almost bind and look like skin.

- Stila Convertible Color (or cream blush): cream blush blends flawlessly with the skin, I think this is one of the more important steps of anyone's "NMM" look which is using more cream/liquid products. Creams/liquids blend beautifully and look most like skin than a powder which sits on the skin.

- Covergirl Tru Magic in "The Sunkisser": along with our cream blush, a cream bronzer! I placed this from the hollows of my cheeks to the jawline and on my temples. Added a nice skin pick-me-up, not contour.. if you read my Contouring and Highlighting 101 post you know how I feel about bronzers as a contour.. ;)
(I used my e.l.f Small Stipple Brush for both blush/bronzer).

- NYX HD concealer: because we still want the skin perfected, a liquid concealer will blend well with the BB cream.

- MUFE HD Powder: using a translucent powder really helps with a "NMM" look because it won't cake up because there is none of the coverage/pigment that you'd see in a powder foundation or pressed powder.
Eyes:

- Urban Decay Primer Potion in "Original": use any eye primer that will blend with your skintone.

- Physician's Formula Matte Quad in "Classic Nudes": Use the cream shade on the lid and add depth in the crease by using one of the brown shades in the crease. Lightly smudge a brown on the lower lashline.

- Essence Gel Eyeliner: use any liner that you're comfortable with and create a thin line right at the base of the lashes, making sure to really wedge it between the lashes.

- NYX Wonder Pencil: use this or any other nude liner in your waterline to brighten things up, but nothing stark white.

 - Mascara: apply whatever mascara you prefer; this step is really all about personal preference. I used Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumizing mascara.
(I used "Tease" from my Naked 2 palette to blend over and get rid of some mascara smudges that were in my crease... nobody's perfect!! ;)).
Brows:
- e.l.f Eyebrow Kit in "Medium" (used the wax the color and shape the brow), NYX matte shadow in "Over the Taupe Taupe" (to set the wax.. the powder in the e.l.f kit is a little too warm), and set with Essence's Lash&Brow gel mascara.
Lips:

- NYX Butter Balm in "Brownie" and I topped it with their Butter Gloss in "Tiramasu". For the lips step think of a "my lips but better" shade for you.
Overview of some general "NMM" tips..
1. Use more cream/liquid products, less powder.
2. Use your fingers as tools!!! Their warmth helps products "melt" into the skin.
3. Don't forget the brows! Though my eye look was very simple, you can still tell how they really offer a "frame" for the look and the face for that matter.

Here's my finished look:
(My camera still won't pick up blush or bronzer.. may be time to invest in a new one)..

Oooohh guys I forgot to mention/bring up that Perricone MD made this line (too expensive for my liking haha it's on Sephora's website) that embodies this look like there's a foundation called "No Foundation Foundation" and there's a blush and a lipstick (and more). Wayne Goss actually did a tutorial using the line on his mom!! Here's a look at that if you're curious:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dgzLUMpVG8&list=UUCvoAe__WFYMNAEN-C-CtYA

Any requests for future posts can be left here as a comment, to my email, or on my Instagram (@makeupbyemilyy). Thanks for reading!!

- Em

Ipsy Unbagging July 2014

Hey guys! I just wanted to do a quick post on what I received in my Ipsy bag for this month!

I received the..
1. Elizabeth Mott Tints&Sass in "Cherry" (full size): Yay!! I've always wanted to try a Benetint type product and this is the same concept. It has a doe-foot applicator. A nice reddish tint.. super excited to try. It was sheer which is nice for the cheeks, and will blend nice with the natural color of the lips.
2. Bare Minerals BB cream shadow in "Divine Wine" (deluxe sample): This is so small for a sample. I was planning on using the cream shade to highlight and conceal on my face (like emilynoel83 was saying on her channel on a BM kit review) but I got the purple shade *sigh*. But, if you know of the Sephora OPI (discontinued) their polish in "Metro Chic" is the same color of this cream shadow!! I love those kind of colors.. like a taupe-purple. Excited to try.
3. Benefit They're Real mascara (deluxe sample): I'm not super excited for this but I'm never really excited for mascaras. I'll keep it tucked away until my others dry up.
4. Hang Ten Dark Tanning Oil SPF 08 (deluxe sample): I would have rather seen a real sunscreen but I've gotten plenty of sunscreen in the past from Ipsy anyways so this is new and refreshing to see. It looks like enough product to coat my body a few, maybe 4, times (1 oz.). I don't endorse tanning (skin cancer, premature aging) so I'm a little uneasy with this.
5. Lavilin Jojoba gel cream (deluxe sample): I plan on using this as a light moisturizer on my face and neck. The tube says to use after intense physical activity which is interesting so this gets a thumbs up.. natural ingredients too!
Swatch of the cream shadow (L) and the tint blended out (R):

While I know I will get use out of each and every product, there is no new and innovative brands that I haven't seen before. Also, Benefit They're Real is so well-known I wasn't expecting it to be in an Ipsy. I would rate this a 8/10 because while I'm only super stoked about the tint and semi-excited for the shadow and gel cream, I will still use every product. Also, I would have liked to see another full-size product. I do however respect the variety of eyes, lips, and face products. I WAS WISHING FOR ONE OF THE PIXI BALMS SO BAD!! But, we don't always get what we want.
Ipsy is a beauty subscription service that sends 4-5 beauty samples/full-sizes for $10/month delivered to your door, if you'd like to join I have a referral link (No I don't get money I just get points on my account that can eventually be redeemed for a product): http://www.ipsy.com/r/3by2
I've been thinking of getting the Lip Monthly subscription box because I am addicted to lips and it's centered around lips for the same price as Ipsy.. what do you guys think.. should I cancel my Ipsy and get a different box soon?

Best and Worst Concealers (mostly drugstore with a few high-end)

I feel like concealers, though seemingly boring, are so crucial in enhancing the skin during the makeup process. It's a constant trial and error for most to find their holy grail concealer.. I have 11 (8 drugstore and 3 high-end) to share my thoughts on ranging from cream to liquid and even a pencil. I will include swatches for each product (I have light skin with both yellow and pink undertones)! 

Let's start with the ones I was most pleased with keeping in mind that that does not mean they're all holy grail status for me.

 LtoR..

1. Lorac Touch-Up To Go Concealer/Foundation Pen: I really enjoy this product. I use it for its intended purpose of touching up my makeup (mainly dark circles) and it helps fading and broken down concealer and gives it a boost of coverage. It really impresses me because of how it is easy to blend over my existing makeup and how it sits well on the skin. I use light pressure and blend with my e.l.f Small Stipple Brush. I set it with a light finishing powder. I have it in the shade "CF2". This retails for $28 (I got it for $14 when Sephora put all Lorac items for clearance.. but still worth full price if you're on the go a lot and busy.. great for purse and car touch-ups).

2. NYX HD Photogenic Concealer: This is the one concealer that has truly impressed me the most. It wears for a very long time, has medium coverage, isn't cakey, and gives me the least creasing under the eye (I do set with powder). Definitely worth a try considering how NYX is an affordable brand. I have it in the shade "Fair" for highlighting. 

3. Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencil: This pencil is incredibly creamy. I did not like using it under the eye because it did not sit well in that area for me, but this a fabulous concealer for blemishes.. it offers medium-full buildable coverage. This retails for $19 and is definitely worth it if you are struggling to find a face concealer. I have it in the shade "DEA" (cute shade names too.. supposed to be like government agencies haha).

4. Physician's Formula Concealer 101 duo in "yellow/light": This product suggests that the yellow is  for bruises and dark circles while the flesh tone one is for flaws or to top the yellow corrector. I don't like using this under the eye because of its texture. This is not your smoothest and creamiest concealer in the world, it should be applied with your fingers so their warmth heats up the product. This drier consistency makes it not melt off and crease so it's fabulous for blemishes and redness around the face. 

5. Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda concealer palette: These concealers are incredibly creamy. I did have issues with creasing under the eye so this is another face concealer for me. The real gem in this little palette is the bottom left shade that is green in tone for redness.. FINALLY A GREEN CONCEALER THAT DOESN'T BORDER ON A MINT GREEN AT THE DRUGSTORE!! This actually works!! I do like the top left skin tone shade but find it just a hair dark for me. The top right is an orange tone that is suggested for dark circles and the bottom right is a setting powder. I love the versatility of this palette and it's fabulous for travel because it includes a nice sheer powder to set everything with. I would recommend this for people who want to try correcting shades at the drugstore because though they are popping up more, they usually are strangely colored. Sonia Kashuk can be found at Target and I have this in the shade "07". 

Swatch-a-palooza:

LtoR: Lorac (matches me nice, right??), NYX, Urban Decay, Physician's Formula, Sonia Kashuk 

Now on to the worst concealers.. 

LtoR...

1. Maybelline Dream Lumi concealer in "Radiant": This specific shade is supposed to be a brightening corrector shade for dark circles. If it is a corrector, it should have coverage and CAMOUFLAGE the circle, not merely show it off to the world. Not only does it have sheer coverage, but it creases. The formula is nice and thin for highlighting and I am sure people have had luck with other shades but do not buy this in hopes of brightening dark under eyes. This was more white than a corrector usually (they should have nice depth and more of a pronounced tone).

2. Covergirl + Olay concealer balm: I got this because of emilynoel83 of course and she said it worked great on the under eye area and the face. Well, not for me.. this is a little thin and greasy looking on the under eye but I had luck with ti on my face until I noticed how orange this stuff is on  my face!! That just made my blemishes and redness look worse! I have never had luck with Covergirl face products.. they always run orange and pink. I have this in the shade "320 Fair/Light". 

3. Neutrogena Healthy Skin Line Smoothing Stick: The shade in this stick fits me well but I find that it looks greasy and creases a lot. I have this in the shade "Light 02". 

4. Essence Match 2 Cover cream concealer: I find Essence products to be very hit and miss for me.. love or hate. This is a hate :/.. the texture is so hard so I have to work at it a lot and after all that I expect good coverage and this just did not deliver. Also, this is a duo and one shade seems to have much more pink tones and the other a neutral/yellow one. I would have loved to see the tones consistent. There is no shade name on the packaging.

5. Benefit Erase Paste: This product is so hyped up for absolutely no reason. The color of this corrector is completely fine... the problem is the texture (and its price $26.. are you kidding me????). This is very emollient and it is marketed for the under eye. So you're thinking "Great! It never hurts to add moisture there!".. that's what I thought too, friend. But oh the contrary!! This stuff creases like non other even when set with powder, if you have ANY sort of line remotely in that area it will settle there. Becuase of the whole settling into lines area I can't even see this working for nay age group, obviously older and mature skin will develop lines it's only natural.. even being a teenager this settled into lines.. It is not full coverage for my circles either. Such a waste of money, I am beyond underwhelmed with this product.

Swatches:

LtoR: Maybelline, Covergirl, Neutrogena, Essence, Benefit (or Bene-CRAP).

A quick note on some discontinued concealers you may run across in Big Lots or other discount stores: DO NOT BUY MAYBELLINE MINERAL POWER CONCEALER; no coverage and it looks so cakey and gross. I heard the Covergirl+Olay correctors/concealers in the little jars were discontinued and I like those (sit nicely on skin and the yellow corrector was nice on redness) so I'd recommend it if you come across it!

Thanks for reading as always!! Hope this helps you find a new favorite or steer clear of some of these. 

- Em

Contouring and Highlighting 101

The original way I wanted to format this post was with pictures of each step of contouring but A. My camera REFUSED to pick up the products on my skin and B. everyone has a different face shape and I thought maybe a detailed explanation would be better after all so I will make my best attempt for pictures of the application process (I'm so sorry guys). CONTOURING (a better name would be shadowing.. you are creating a shadow) makes features of the face/body appear more recessed than they actually are, where as HIGHLIGHTING brings features forward and emphasizes them. Contouring and highlighting is essential because foundation, while being awesome and evening out our skin, really makes a blank canvas and can erase our face's features and make them look flat. Contouring and highlighting brings depth back to the skin. Think of contouring and highlighting as like dramatic foils (literary term pop quiz haha).. they bring out each other's differences! Keep in mind that contouring is not something people master overnight it takes a lot of practice! I've been working at it for about a year now! Let the post begin!  

*you can contour with different colored foundations but this post will be the more common (in my opinion) way of contouring which is using additional colored cosmetics on top of your face base but if you'd like a post with foundation contouring let me know because I am familiar with it*

*

First I will detail every product I use in contouring and what their use is really for:

- Concealer (liquid or cream would work best): a shade of concealer lighter than your skin tone will be applied under the eye in an inverted triangle shape, down the bridge of the nose, chin, Cupid's bow, the tops of cheekbones, and center of the forehead. Using concealer in these areas is a highlighting step. Recommendations: I enjoy a liquid concealer for this step (blendability, coverage) and use my NYX HD Photogenic concealer. I prefer using fingers for concealer.

- Matte Bronzer (powder or cream): apply below cheekbones to jawline, on temples, and the hair line, beneath the chin and down the neck.... a very common mistake with a matte Bronzer I see is using it to contour with. Bronzer is meant to be used to perk up and bring color to the complexion which is why they tend to have a warm orange/red tones. If you use a matte bronzer to contour and, essentially, add shadows to the face it will look very fake because a shadow is cool in its tone. Matte bronzers look most natural compared to ones with shimmer. I find that bronzers help transition to the contour powder that will be in the same area on the face. Recommendations: There are plenty of matte bronzers in the drugstore like NYX Matte Bronzer and NYC "Sunny". Brush: Real techniques Powder Brush for a light and diffused application.

- Contour shade (powder or cream): apply right beneath your cheekbones in their "hollows" (DO NOT BRING THE CONTOUR CLOSE TO THE MOUTH. GO FROM EAR TO CORNER OF EYE), in the center of the temples, on the sides of the nose (want another post on nose contouring specifically??), below the bottom lip (makes lips and chin stand out more) you are essentially placing this EXACTLY where you want the shadow (where as the bronzer was to prep for this step and make it look less drastic and fake by giving a transition for your skin into a deeper tone). For example, I bronze my cheeks in the hollows and below to the jawline but only place the contour in the hollows. This is the most crucial and hard to find product. Find a cool-toned shade that will really mimic the appearance of a shadow. Recommendations: my holy grail contour shade is a powder blush from NYX in the shade "Taupe" it is seriously incredible. In Milani's Bronzer XL duos the darker shade in the "Fake Tan" compact is a cooler toned shade fab for contouring. Brush: Real Techniques Contour brush for a targeted area of application.

Here's a swatch to compare what a bronzer would look like and a contour shade..

Left is NYX Matte Bronzer in "Light and the right is their powder blush in "Taupe":

- Blush: I find adding blush at the end of all these steps really brings life and color back into the face because contouring and highlighting is supposed to change the structure of the face instead of perk it up. Brush: e.l.f Blush brush for a forgiving application and blending process.

- Highlight powder: either a shimmering or matte powder that is applied in the same areas as the concealer that was used to highlight to set those areas or even after setting it to add more lift and emphasis. Recommendation: I really enjoy WetnWild's Color Icon Bronzer in "Reserve Your Cabana", Laura Geller's Baked Highlighter in "French Vanilla". Brush: e.l.f Blush brush gives a targeted application yet allows you to use its side to pat in the powder and set your work.

*When working with creams instead of powders I really enjoy e.l.f's Small Stipple brush.*
*

Now, I'm going to outline the order in which I apply these products on a day I would want to contour and highlight.

1. Face primer

2. Foundation

3. Concealer, not the concealer you will use to highlight, but a concealer to cover circles and other imperfections because a highlighting concealer will merely emphasize these. After, use highlighting concealer and put it in areas you'd like to highlight.

4. Cream Bronzer, I like using both forms of Bronzer.. (Cream and then set with a powder Bronzer)

5. Set areas of cream Bronzer with a matte powder Bronzer/translucent finishing powder.
*Using both forms of bronzer adds emphasis, but one bronzer will do the job.. adjust these two steps to what you plan on using*

6. Set highlighting concealer with a highlight powder or a finishing powder.

7. If your whole face hasn't been set then set those areas with a translucent finishing powder so the shade of the base/foundation you used is not altered to be a highlight or a contour zone.

8. Add blush to balance and perk up the face.
*

Some parts of this can be confusing so leave your questions below or on my Instagram (@makeupbyemilyy). I'd be glad to answer your questions and let me know if you would like a separate post on nose contouring or any other posts regarding a single topic in-depth like this one (blending shadows, maybe even applying blush)!

*

My Favorite High-End Makeup Products

I find myself asking the essential question when at Sephora and Ulta on the verge of buying a pricey makeup item: "Is it really worth it?".. Most cases: not really. I have tried a lot of high-end makeup and wanted to share my favorites.. think of this almost as a "Shopping List Ideas" kind of post. I have picks for face, eyes, lips, and nails! Woohoo let's get started!

Face:

LtoR...

1. Dr. Brandt Pores No More pore refiner: This stuff has really improved the wear of my BB creams. I find that BB creams tend to skin into pores and fine lines and just look so obvious, but this is so amazing!! I pat it on my nose and the sides (and even into my smile lines) and my BB's won't sink in! I love these types of products because it prevents the makeup from filling your pores. (It has a tea-tree scent which makes it almost seem like a skincare type step). 

2. Smashbox Photo Finish primer: I was getting so sick of primers because I was feeling as though they didn't prolong the wear of my makeup but instead just made it feel smoother (and we shouldn't really be touching our faces anyways, right?).. until I met this. I mixed this with the BB cream I'm about to talk about next and it prevented creasing and pore-filling  in the hot summer heat during my walk

 (which was an intense walk by the way).

3. Dr. Jart BB Beauty Balm in the Black Label Detox formula.. SPF 25: This BB cream is my HG! This is the only one that has worked for my oily skin. It comes in a universal shade and it actually matches me very well (I can only see this working for light to medium skintones). It gives medium coverage; keeping in mind that I always apply BB's with my fingers. Yes it does sink into my pores and lines but that is only when I do not primer before hand and the Dr. Brandt and Smashbox ones work VERY well with this. It takes so much time out of my beauty routine when I use this. When I get my paycheck I'm going to Sephora and getting the set they sell of these.. I never thought I would say I like a BB cream so this is one for the books.

4. Bobbi Brown blush in "Desert Rose": This is a go-to blush color for me; it's a no-brainer. I pair it with my smoky looks, natural looks.. really anything will go with it! It is an awesome muted/dusty pink color. This formula is so soft and easy to blend; I love it!

Eyes:

LtoR..

1. Urban Decay shadows (in general): I have never found a single shadow that really stacks up to these in their formula.. while some at the drugstore are pigmented; they have tons of fallout and while some drugstore ones don't have fallout they're so sheer. These are fabulous and easy to blend and build, intensely pigmented, smooth... just fab. Instead of just taking a picture of my UD palettes I swatches a few of my fave colors.. going top to bottom: "Tease" (crease/blending), YDK (lid or one shadow look), Mushroom (lid or one shadow look.. gorgeous taupe).

2. Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner in "Onyx": This just the black shade form the line. This is the only pencil that I find that I can line my upper lashline with.. it has wonderful pigmentation. It is creamy yet won't fade or transfer. It makes lining the upper lashline so easy! 

Lips:

LtoR...

1. Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Colour Balm in "Mighty Mimosa": I am more than half way done with this chubby pencil which is crazy because I'm not one to go through lippies fast; this is arguably my most-worn lip product. Beating out every other chubby lip pencil on the market that I've tried. this has the best formula. It has buildable pigmentation (there is a more intensely pigmented line of these but I have not tried them yet). The formula itself really does nourish the lips like a balm would; it very hydrating and smoothing. Just incredible. 

2. Bite Beauty High Pigment Pencil in "Pomegranate": Bite's lipsticks are amazing. I've owned them in the past and their formula is insanely amazing.. a must-try. This pencil is no exception; it provides intense pigment, the feel of their lipsticks (not drying, etc.), but with the precision of a pencil. I got this in a lip sampler and I don't wear red often (I've been trying to change that but I'm so hooked on nudes and pinks), but I would so go back and purchase another one but in one of my more preferred shades!!  

Nails:

LtoR: Nails Inc in "Queen Victoria Street", Nails Inc. in "Devonshire Row"

1. Nails Inc. is by far the best polish formula I have ever tried. They're opaque in a single coat (I do like doing 2 coats during my manis though), have good dry time, and nice shine. But the best part is their longevity.. it is honestly incredible. Usually my manis chip within 2-3 days because I work with my hands a lot around the house, doing makeup, school, work, etc.. but I did my nails with the radiant orchid shade ("Devonshire Row") and experienced NO chipping for 5 days which was when I just wanted to redo my nails! I have the best luck with these polishes. But as a disclaimer I do wear my Revlon Multi-Care Base and Top Coat with every mani so it's not alone, but nevertheless these polishes are awesome.

Thanks for reading!! See you next time!!

  

Review: Essence Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner

I was in Ulta and I never bothered to buy a black liquid liner after I ran out of my e.l.f one (which wasn't bad actually.. give it a try if you're on a budget!!!) and want to get back into it. I don't like spending a ton of money and I LOVE my Essence black gel liner so I figured why not stay in the brand and try it.. let's get into the specifics:

- Here are the claims from Ulta's website:

               

- Overall basics: I got this at from Ulta and purchased it in-store for $2.99 directly from Essence's display. 

- Pigmentation: This is very opaque and pigmented so there's no annoying dipping back into the product and layering it up, etc.. very nice and black.

- Formula: Obviously a liquid eyeliner will be wet (haha), but this does dry matte. A thin line dries quick but a thick line will take a while... but we'll get into that with the applicator.

- Wear: No flaking, long wearing..

- Waterproof??: This is waterproof UNLESS you apply pressure and rub.. Just running the swatches under water, there was no smudging. Basically, it is water-resistant but not waterproof. Because of this, it is longwearing and does not fade; always a plus.
-Packaging: Here is where the problem begins for me.. the stopper in this bottle does not clean off the applicator as much as I would like..

- Applicator:

Okay guys this is the problem with this product.. This has an applicator I've never seen with a liquid liner. I was expecting a brush tip but it is a sponge material. Not a nice, solid, felt tip pen; NO a sponge!! This picks up just too much product so I experienced transferring because the applicator picks up too much product.
(Here is what I mean when transferring.. there is so much product on the applicator because of the stopper and thus applied to the eye that it takes so long to dry and then..this happens):

I find it very hard to get a thin line and do a precise wing with this applicator because it doesn't come to a fine tip.. Here I'll show you guys the thickness of some swatches:

(Ignore the dot of liner in the top of the picture)

The thinner line was made by only using only the very tip of the applicator which is not ideal during application because of the way we hold things like writing tools and because the applicator is so flexible. The thicker line was made with the technique I use when applying liquid, which is using the side of the applicator; basically holding it as I would a pencil.

Would I recommend?

This product would have been amazing if it were a brush tip applicator! The formula is fab but the applicator is SO crucial in liners. So I would not recommend this.. it just makes it messy. If you want a long wearing black liner check out their gel liner in "Midnight in Paris"; which is a HG product for me.

NYX Stay Matte but Not Flat powder foundation Review

Hey guys!! I'm always ranting about this product and some if you guys on Instagram asked me to do a review on this so here I am. :) Face products are very tough to review because I think that's the category of makeup that is very personal! I wanted to keep this short and sweet and no rambling haha. :) Here we go!! 

- Texture: Very soft, but not TOO soft where everything falls apart.

- Shades: The shades in this line run a little on the neutral/yellow tones.

- Finish: Matte, but not cakey.. There is no shimmer or anything to make you glow. The best way to describe this is a forgiving matte powder. Even if you apply too much it won't look beyond cakey and some setting spray would fix it.

- Coverage: Light to medium depending on application.

- How I apply: I will either dust this using my RT Powder Brush to set my foundation and give it that extra boost of coverage. To really set my foundation for pure perfection for those days when I want to look fabulous until the makeup wipe hits my face I will use a powder puff and really pat the powder into my skin. This particular technique really locks in your makeup and prevents creasing. I find this works fab with this powder because as I said before, it is forgiving.

- Wear: After 8 hours of wear I had oil breakthrough and minimal creasing in my smile lines which is impressive because I was outside for a fair amount of time today in the MA heat. Even with oil breakthrough, my nose did not look like my foundation and this were completely broken down which has happened with the liquid foundation I wore under this before, so this powder is a definite help.

- How does it work with other products?: 

*Bare skin: I did not like the way this applied over my bare skin, I usually prime regardless of what face products I am using that day. It applied a little patchy over dry skin.

*Primer: Definitely smoother than over bare skin.

*Foundation: As I said before, I love using this to set my foundation, gives a nice finish and a boost of coverage..

*Concealer: I use this to set my undereye concealer as well and it really mattifies and prevents creasing.

*Blush/Bronzer/Highlight: These products blend perfectly fine over this powder.

- How I like to use it: I'm full coverage girl so I always use liquid foundation, that being said I use this every single day to set my foundation whether it be with a puff or brush.

- Recommendations: There are testers in Ulta for this product and because of its yellow tones I would definitely look at these in-store to make sure it will work for your skintone. I would so totally recommend this as a powder foundation for those who enjoy the coverage, etc. and a finishing powder as well. I just love this stuff. It is very versatile.

((FYI: I like the Stay Matte but Not Flat liquid foundation but only when I set it with this powder! I've found I have the best luck with this liquid foundation with this powder otherwise I really wouldn't wear it with a different powder.))

Hope this was helpful, comment requests.

I used it to set my BB today heres a pic! (P.S I have glasses incase you didn't know)

My Favorite Pink Lip Colors!

Hey beauties! While neutral and nude lip colors are my favorite, I have my fair share of pinks, berries, and brights.. so I thought I would share my favorite pinks!

I'm sharing two lipsticks, a cream, and a gloss. :)

Here they are: 

LtoR:

1. NYC Expert Last lipstick in "Smooch": I loooove this shade!! It really brightens up my complexion and looks so pretty!! This does wear off after eating, so definitely reapply. These are very creamy and pigmented. I haven't tried many lip products from NYC.. I think this is actually my first!! Recommendations? Comment!

2. Tarte Glamazon lipstick in "Inspired": I like this for a classy pink with more depth. I could see this looking fabulous on a range of skintones. As a disclaimer, these are marketed as 12 hour lipsticks but they are not near that.. they're not bad but definitely not long wearing as ot be a 12 hour lipstick. This has slight shine but makes me think matte.. hmm a satin finish.

3. NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Instanbul": I really love this because like the NYC lippie it really brings out some radiance in my complexion. It is a matte finish which I really like because it's a comfortable matte. This does wear off after eating so I would bring this with you around for reapplication. 

4. Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lip gloss in "Smooth Talker": This is the gloss I designate for when I'm doing warm bronzey golden makeup because of its golden shimmer. This smells like mint chocolate ice cream it's fabulous. The formula isn't sticky either, and because of that it is not very longwearing. 

Swatches:

LtoR: NYC, Tarte, NYX, Bare Minerals