Review: Sealed with a Kiss Lipstick Fixative

Hey guys! I was at a local Sally's Beauty Supply and this product was so interesting and unique and for $4.99 I thought it'd be interesting to try.

The claims: 

"Makes lipstick: smear proof, smudge proof, and kiss proof".

As you look at the applicator above you can possibly see the fault... excess lipstick will be stained on the rollerball,, and you can't well, wipe it off because the ball just keeps rolling. 

Side by side little comparison.

The left is the lipstick alone and the right is it topped with fixative.

I find the fixative to sheer the color slightly/make it washed down a little. I would worry about this if you have an issue with lip products bleeding. Mainly because it makes the lip product more wet, but this fixative is made with alcohol so it will all dry quickly anyways.

I wiped away my swatch and was pleasantly surprised to see that the fixative left a little stain!
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For the test, over several days I applied lipsticks of various formats and shades. I've noticed that lipsticks with less moisture/shine work better with this fixative (makes sense.. harder for the fixative to penetrate through excess moisture).
Lipsticks I tried this with: Covergirl Lip Perfection formula (the vibrant shade featured in the swatches above), TheBalm's Balm Girls formula (the lighter of the two in swatches), and Wet n Wild's Mega Last in "Mochalicious".
I chose 3 shades from a nude to a deep reddish brown.
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Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this product.
- I can't see it locking in a lipcolor for an entire day without touch-ups.
- "Kiss proof" claim:  While the fixative worked to make my lipsticks relatively "kiss proof" (it did not transfer onto tissue when blotting), once eating I was disappointed to see my lipstick was crumbling off. Important to note that I wasn't eating very oily foods either.
- "Smear proof" and "smudge proof" claims:  I found these claims almost already disproved from the start seeing how the applicator sheered out the lipsticks, seen in the pictures above.
The real fault in this product is its applicator. It is so hard to get moving for the product to come through and while applying it creates a very patchy finish due to uneven application from the rollerball style.

Project Pan Update #1 - 10 days in

Hi guys, I just wanted to apologize on my initial Project Pan post where the pictures didn't upload properly. I marked where I was though so that shouldn't matter too much.

Here's the progress..

 I am moving slow and steady with Estee Lauder Double Wear (sigh). I use a drop or two of this and mix it with something as my foundation. Usually I mix it with Kat Von D's Lock-It Tattoo foundation or Dr. Jart's Premium BB cream.

There's only one mark on High Beam because I can't really see the progress as the product never really settles to the bottom of the bottle which is annoying. I worry about this product because the applicator doesn't even reach the bottom of the jar, so how will I finish it.. I might use cotton swabs if I have to.

I knew Benefit's Some-Kind-A-Gorgeous would go nice and quick. Almost done with this as you can tell. I've been using it as a cream bronzer.

Ugh this Hard Candy Lite Bright concealer drives me crazy. Maybe I got a bad one though because @makeupismyjam raves about it. Hm. I mark it where the stopper is. I haven't made too much progress seeing as I only use this on the tops of my cheekbones, then layer High Beam over it. I find this way too thick and difficult to blend.

I can't tell too much progress on this Urban Decay liner in Smoke. I use it everyday (for like the past 4 months) on my lower lashline and smudge it out with shadow. It is going slower than anticipated.

I've made a little progress on this but I can't really mark it because I use it from the more sloped side and the other side too in an effort to flatten it out. I use this daily on lips and cheeks.

Overall, I'm doing great I just find it hard to mark a few things. I've seen others mark liners and lipsticks against a paper but I don't really like it that way. I might do that for my next PP with more lipsticks.

OFFICIAL PROJECT PAN - FINISH 6 BY SEPTEMBER

Hello! I am doing a Project Pan. 

If you do not know, a Project Pan is when you choose items that you want to use up and you don't buy any makeup until you finish all of the projects. Now last summer I had a Project 20 Pan (or around 20), and I found my goal unrealistic. I finished few products and found myself left unmotivated. This time I around I have rounded up 6 products and I have decided, as seen in the title, that I'd like to finish this by September. 

Here are the products I'd like to use up!

Estee Lauder Double Wear foundation

Why I want to use it up: I was overall disappointed in this foundation, and bought it due to the hype. For someone with my skin issues (acne, dark circles, uneven texture) this is certainly NOT full coverage like I kept hearing!! It also looks very cakey on me even when I use so little.. mixed this with other BB's and foundations. There's no winning with this for me. The finish makes me insecure I just want this done..

I have about a fourth of the bottle left. 

TheBalm's Balm Girls lipstick in "Mai Billsbepaid"

Why I want to use it up: Unlike the foundation, I really like this lipstick. It has a cream finish and is a nude but a "my lips but better" nude. I have too many lip products and the concept of finishing a lipstick seems satisfying to me I would like to slowly do away with a lot of the ones I don't like through Project Pans. I've been using this on my cheeks too to help speed up the progress. 

I am confident with consistent use I can finish this lipstick!!

Urban Decay Glide-On eye pencil in "Smoke"

Why I want to use it up: I like how smooth this glides on but I have a lot of pencil liners and would like to cut the number significantly. I prefer liquid liner on the upper lashline but I've been using this on the upper and lower lashline (smudged out with shadow). This gives enough definition but I use my liquid liner to do a wing and have it fade to the softer pencil look. 

I hope to finish this but I am not sure. I do still have a few sharpenings left until the end!

Benefit's High Beam

Why I want to use it up: I have too many liquid luminizers and these little Benefit samples are clogging up my collection. I use this on my cheekbones and cupid's bow, but not too much. I find it to disrupt my foundation sometimes. 

I think I can definitely use this up by September!

Hard Candy Lite Bright concealer

Why I want to use it up: I hate the formula, it's so odd. It's whipped yet so thick and a little too hard to blend out for a highlighting concealer in my opinion. It disrupts my coverage beneath!! So, I can only use this to highlight where my skin doesn't look terrible.. I mix this with High Beam on the cheekbones so that I can use both daily and finish them off. Together it gives a BAM highlight. 

I think I can use this up in conjunction with High Beam!!

Benefit Some Kind-A-Gorgeous "foundation faker"

Why I want to use it up: I find it obnoxious how this is marketed as a foundation when this is so orange in tone on the skin. UGH. I just want this out of my life. I use this as a cream bronzer. Because it is more orange, I can get away with this around the hairline but not on the cheeks. 

I am determined to use this up!!!!

There's my Project Pan! I find these posts very interesting so link me to your blogs or tag me in social media to show me!

My Instagram is: @makeupbyemilyy

Thanks for reading! I will be posting my makeup empties post next week!

How I've Been Doing My Makeup - Foundation Routine and New Techniques :)

Hey!! I had my last day of finals yesterday the 23rd!! Woo!! I saw a frequent reader, Lisa, request some of my summer makeup tips. I recently settled into a fab routine for my face makeup so I thought it's the perfect season to share how to get an amazing base. :)

Step 1: Prep

It's always important to remember that what you put under your makeup directly affects the longevity of your look. I have fallen in love with this moisturizer!! I was matte the entire day when I used this. I was simply amazed. I sampled this from Birchbox and may buy the full-size.. once I gulp the $60 price. In short, use one that cooperates with your makeup.

Step 2: Foundation

Recently, I've been using my KVD Lock-It Tattoo Foundation. I want to review this but can't figure out how I feel. I only use one pump of this foundation (any foundation for that matter) to make sure I have the most natural look. A nice thin layer of foundation will help you gauge what really needs to be covered (never conceal first). For this time of year a fab BB cream is the Dr. Jart Premium BB cream (pictured) and the Detox BB. I find these to be the most longwearing out of the BB creams I have tried. In terms of application, I use a buffing brush for foundations and hands/sponge for BB's.

 Step 3: Conceal

Concealer application can make or break your entire look; it has to look just right or it will emphasize your imperfections. I get the perfect look using these 3 Maybelline concealers and a damp sponge. The dampened sponge is. It will take away excess concealer and gives a nice soft look to concealer. The key I think is to use the disposable, latex-free, sponges. I find the latex-free ones to be smoother and softer (a far more even application), and less porous (won't soak up too much concealer). I've been really enjoying these 3 concealers. I use the Master Camoflauging concealer for blemishes in a patting/stamping motion with the dampened sponge. I use the Dark Circle Eraser in Neutralizer first underneath my eyes. It has a beautiful yellow tone to hide my purple circles. Then, to brighten I use the Brightener shade over it. I use a light amount to brighten so as not cake the delicate/thin area of the undereyes. I do use the same sponge for the neutralizing and brightening. :) I set this with the highlighter side of the new Wet n Wild Contouring palette in Caramel Toffee (I believe it is only sold at Walmart and I definitely recommend it; the contour is nice and cool!!). 

Step 4: Set things straight

I always set my foundation. I've gone back to my fave powder as of yet, NYX Stay Matte but Not Flat. :) I use the e.l.f Powder Brush; a flat top kabuki kind of cut. I use a patting motion to lock the makeup in place. I find the patting technique so crucial you will get max coverage out of your powder and minimize creasing. 

Step 5: Something a little extra..

Recently, I picked up this Hard Candy Fast & Fabulous setting spray and at first I didn't think it did much but I have fallen in love!! I will spray this when I finish concealer (before powder) and then once more after I set my whole face. I really think this takes the powdery look from my face and freshens things up. I really like this spray!! :) 

Thanks for reading I think a few major takeaways for my recent routine is: moisturizing the right way, the dampened sponge (latex-free), and the setting spray.

Quick question: I could never get my Beauty Blender to give me a better look than these sponges. I have the pro one (the black sponge) and I'm not sure if that is different than the pink one in any way.. anyone know?

I'll be posting again soon! Bye for now. :)

De-Cluttering My Collection - Face

Hey guys. :) As you may know I've been de-cluttering through project pans, etc. But I need to just get rid of some things I know I'll never use completely.

Starting with concealers;

 - Physician's Formula Concealer 101 duo: this has been dry and hard since the start, if creamier I would definitely keep; I love yellow concealers!

- Sonia Kashuk Hidden Agenda concealer palette: I liked to mix the green-toned and lighter skin toned concealer but this was honestly just getting old and found it to be cakey under the eyes. Also, I found the top right one completely useless for my skin. Some describe it as peach-toned but I disagree.

- Covergirl + Olay concealer balm: AGAIN.. I SWEAR EVERYTHING IN THEIR LINE IS TOO ORANGE FOR ME!!!! I don't mind keeping an orange concealer because it can help with the undereye but all this does is crease and fade.

- Neutrogena concealer stick: This shade suits me fine, but it fades and creases as well.

On to.. primers:

- Laura Geller Spackle in Champagne: Ugh. I see no use in a primer like this because of the sparkles (for my skin.. emphasizes pores and acne).

- L'Oreal magic Perfecting Base: UGH!! This stuff is so hard to blend on the skin!!! So thick!!! I got this trial size at my local Dollar Tree store.

 Cheeks:

- Nars Illuminator in Orgasm: Classic cult shade I know but it doesn't belong in this format. You have to use this with a blush in all honesty. It isn't my ideal blush or highlight and takes too much effort.

- Elizabeth Mott Tints & Sass: I will never be pleased with these "Benetint" type products they always go on streaky.

- City Color Be Matte blush: This came from Ipsy in the shade Melon. I'm just not feeling it. I can never get the seamless look I like. It isn't a practical color either; I like deep terracotta and dimensional blushes.

 Powder:

 Maybelline Shine Free Loose Powder in Light: In my opinion, powder must look natural and this doesn't.. loose powder is such a pain, too. 

A sad one..

Covergirl + Olay eye corrector in 230 (yellow): MY PRECIOUS :( I loved this.. It's been in many of my posts. I opened this and I saw the nasty cracking that you see.. I even hit the bottom of the pot!

I have been finishing a ton of makeup and other products up lately!! Can't wait to share another empties post soon! What do you want to see next? 

With love,

Emily

LONG TIME NO POST - Empties

LONG TIME NO BLOG. I have been extremely busy with my junior year- 20-40 hour work weeks, homework, being social... it has all been a real drain of my energy. I have been collecting empties for quite a while and decided to get rid of all them today so naturally I'm typing this post. ;) These are not makeup items as I am downsizing my collection and would rather wait to do that post until I have accumulated a decent amount. 

Let's begin!!

Brush cleanser:

On Instagram I mention how I use baby shampoo to clean my brushes. 

Equate Baby Shampoo: This does the job. 

Johnson's Baby Shampoo: I prefer this one. I find that it makes my brushes a little whiter.

A little FYI that in addition to cleansing I do take a cotton pad over my brushes as they dry with rubbing alcohol to sanitize.

 Body Wash:

 Herbal Essence's Hello Hydration: This smells nice but it isn't really impactful. I didn't smell it after the shower, and I did not feel very clean after using it. I wouldn't repurchase this particular one, but maybe another in a different scent.

Philosophy Peppermint Stick: I really thought this would have a stronger scent because it's from Philosophy!! I was a little disappointed. I do like it but not enough to spend a lot of dough on bath items.

Olay Ultra Moisture with Shea Butter: I really thought this would be more hydrating because of the name!! It didn't really do anything. I wouldn't repurchase.

Skincare:

Juice Beauty Blemish Clearing Cleanser: I like Juice Beauty because their items are very natural and I did enjoy this. I did not notice it clearing my skin however so I wouldn't purchase in full-size. I sampled this from Birchbox.

Neutrogena Deep Clean cleanser: I've used this on and off over a year (different bottles, though) and I can't stay I see any overall skin improvement in terms of blemishes. It does leave the skin feeling cleaned though which is why I go back to it sometimes.

Epielle Collagen with Vitamin E: I enjoyed this. It's a paper mask and it felt very cooling and nice. 

Shampoo and Conditioner:

Garnier Damage Eraser shampoo/conditioner: I really enjoy Garnier's line these left my hair nice and soft. I'm not very picky with shampoo but Garnier never totally fails me. My favorite from their line is the Triple Nutrition formula (yellow bottles)!!

Suave Natural Infusion anti-breakage conditioner: I like this it leaves my hair soft but it doesn't wow me. The shampoo in this formula/scent (I haven't finished yet) seems to be drying out my scalp. I wouldn't repurchase these.

Not pictured (because I forgot)

Neil George shampoo/conditioner duo: I sampled this pricey shampoo from Birchbox a few months back and this stuff dried my hair out/didn't bring any moisture to the table!!

 Haircare:

Tresemme Platinum Strength heat protectant: I love Tresemme heat protectants!! The Thermal Creations one is nice too. I like them because they don't leave the hair oily before I curl/straighten. Also, the sprayer leaves a nice fine mist.

 Makeup remover:

Refreshing Facial Cleansing Towelettes (no brand name.. found at Marshall's): Skip these if you recognize them from this post at your local TJ Maxx and Marshall's- they don't do much.

Equate Daily Facial Cloths: Thanks to emilynoel83 on Youtube I found my HG makeup remover. One dry towelette (lathered once you wet it) takes off my whole face. They're around $8-9 at my Walmart for a pack of 66!

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