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Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Review!

January 16, 2018

Hi everyone! I hope you’re doing well.

It’s my first post of the year and I thought I would start with a product review on one of the most talked about lines in the beauty realm, Fenty Beauty.

After reading and hearing rave reviews about this universal rosy shade, I had to see for myself why this product received so many glowing reviews.  So, after finding a Sephora that had this product in stock, I finally caved and purchased it.

Did this shimmering rose nude lip gloss live up to the hype? Keep reading for my take on this.

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer

Described as, “an ultimate, gotta-have-it lip gloss with explosive shine that feels as good as it looks—in one universal rose nude shade.”

Pros 

Amazing scent

High-shine

You only need a little bit of product so a tube should last a long time

Beautiful neautral shade (initially)

Decent lasting power (about 3 hours)

Cons

Very thick and tacky feeling

Over-sized applicator won’t suit everyone

Shows up as a clear gloss

Pricey at $18 a tube

Overall:  I really wanted to love this gloss but honestly, it just didn’t work for me.  I hate how thick and heavy this lip gloss feels.  It’s not sticky per se but it feels very tacky and uncomfortable. The bigger than normal applicator might work great for some but for me, it just picked up too much product and I had to constantly wipe off the excess on the side of the tube.  The beautiful rose gold shade turned clear on my lips so there was no color payoff whatsoever.  The scent was addicting and quite frankly, one of my favorite aspects of the lip gloss.  The shine department didn’t disappoint either but it just wasn’t worth the $18.

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Swatch

A swatch of the shade. If only it turned up like this on me. 🙁

What are your thoughts on this product?  Any Fenty Beauty items you love? Comment below!

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Product Reviews: Make-Up, Uncategorized

Play! By Sephora Review April 2017!

May 4, 2017

 

Hi everyone!

I have a review for the April Play! by Sephora box.  In case you haven’t heard, this is a monthly $10 curated subscription box featuring samples of different brands available at Sephora.  You also get a bag with your products inside that display cute catchy phrases.

The theme for this month was Step it Up, featuring stellar products that will up your beauty game.  I love the catch phrase on this month’s bag that says, The Best Things in Life are Me.

Let’s check out the products included!

Fresh Vitamin Nectar Mask 

This “radiance-enhancing face mask contains a concentrated blend of natural citrus in a marmalade-like formula to soften, brighten, and revitalize skin.”  First off, this product smells amazing.  You really get the scent and consistency of a nectar.  You’re supposed to apply it on a clean face and let it sit for 10 minutes.  Unfortunately, after 5 minutes, my face kind of started stinging so I don’t think this product is for me.

Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic +  Retinol Wrinkle Recovery Peel 

Professional-grade peel infused with retinol and ferulic acid exfoliates skin, restores firmness, and reveals radiance.  The pads are applied to a clean face right before your moisturizer.  Now, as an esthetician, my view on a peel is a bit different as I’m accustomed to performing chemical peels where I know the concentration of acids and what the pH level is.  So while I don’t know percentages of ingredients, I do know that retinol and ferulic acid are great ingredients to incorporate into an anti-aging routine.  After using the pad, I did wake up with smoother looking skin the next morning and it lasted about 2 days. You can cut the pads in half to get multiple uses out of them. Personally, if I were to invest in this product, I’d opt for the serum instead.

Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner 

An easy to use, “creamy, budge-proof eyeliner glides on easily and leaves an intense, jet-black color.”  I was happy that an eyeliner was included in the box and I do like this one for the creamy formula, but I would not purchase the full size. I have to note that this, on me at least, is not budge-proof. By about halfway through the day, it’s already smeared and it completes a disappearing act by the end of the night.

Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

A gentle, go-to waterproof makeup remover that is perfect for sensitive eyes to remove stubborn makeup and also strengthens lashes with flavonoids and olive wood extracts.  Perhaps the stellar product in the bag, this makeup remover is no joke.  It thoroughly removes my eye makeup with ease and it does not irritate my eyes at all.  I will be purchasing the full size of this one.

Pinrose Secret Genius 

Based in San Francisco, Pinrose works with master perfumers around the world to create playful and unique perfumes made from high-quality, sustainable ingredients.  This seductive, mysterious and elegant fragrance includes notes of caramel, white chocolate, vanilla, cedarwood and sandalwood.  I haven’t gotten around to this one yet but I’m intrigued my the combination of scents.

Smashbox Iconic Photo Finish Foundation Primer

One of the most iconic primers, this creates the perfect canvas for makeup application, helping it last all day while blurring imperfections.  I have received SO many samples of this primer that is wasn’t as excited to see it in my box.  It’s a nice primer that does help my makeup last but aside from that, I don’t find anything extra special about this one that makes me want to purchase it.

Overall, this box was okay.  Hopefully next month is better.

What products did you get in your box?

 

 

 

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Product Reviews, Product Reviews: Make-Up, Skin Care, Subscription Boxes

Sephora Spring VIB Wishlist 2017!

April 18, 2017

Sephora Spring Wishlist 2017

Happy Tuesday everyone!  Hoping you all had a great Easter weekend. 🙂

 The Sephora Spring sale starts today for VIB Rouge members, tomorrow for VIB members and on Thursday April 20 for BI members. Is it just me or did this sale seem like it took forever to be announced?

Here’s a quick rundown of my shopping list.

YSL Volupte Tint-in-Balm

I have yet to own a YSL Volupte shade and what better time to try one?  A hybrid lipstick that combines nourishing balm sounds perfect for spring/summer.  Plus the center design is so cute.

Kate Somerville Exfolikate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment

 

One of my all time favorite exfoliators that I keep coming back to.  You can read more about it here.

P.S. I like to get the travel size version of this one.

 

Tatcha Bestsellers Set 

 I got a sample of the Tatcha Indigo Soothing Triple Recovery cream and really liked it.  Fellow esthetician friends love the Camellia Cleansing Oil and this set contains the most popular choices.  If there was only one item to get at the sale, it’s this.

 

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte Lipstick

I swatched the shade Bombshell in store and it took a lot of self-control to not purchase it right then and there.  The pinkish nude hue is insanely gorgeous and I might just snag the shade Iconic too.

Drunk Elephant rise + glow
 

Another skincare brand that gets rave reviews is Drunk Elephant. This set contains a vitamin C serum and intensive hydration gel -both essential items in virtually any skincare routine.

Jo Malone Wood Sage and Sea Salt Cologne

If you haven’t heard the great news already, Sephora now carries Jo Malone!  Wood Sage and Sea Salt is my holy grail scent (which I’m running low on) and while this fragrance it worth every penny- er dollar- it doesn’t hurt that I can get a discount.

Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash Curling and Lifting Mascara

While I’ve been loving how the Blinc mascara doesn’t really irritate my eyes, that mascara doesn’t provide my lashes the curl and length I sometimes want.  I purchased this mascara during a previous Sephora haul and it looks like I’ll be picking it up again.

Benefit Cosmetics Cheek Parade

Heaven knows I do not need anymore blushes or bronzers but this set is just so enticing.  I already own Hoola which I love, but with the inclusion of the GALifornia blush and Dandelion, I might just cave and buy this.
Of course, my wishlist might change a little bit once I’m actually in the store but I’ll try my best to stay within these items.

 

I’d love to hear from you!  What items are you getting?

 

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Personal, Skin Care

March Favorites 2017!

April 6, 2017

Hi everyone!

I can’t believe we’re in April! Time is just zooming by, isn’t it?

It’s been a while since I posted any favorites on here due to my blogging break but fear not, I have some really great items to share with you today.

Let’s get started. 🙂

Makeup Favorites

Nature Republic Nature Origin Tinted CC SPF 30 PA/++

A few months ago, South Korean cosmetics brand Nature Republic opened at my local mall so of course the ever beauty enthusiast in me had to check it out.  With testers for virtually every product and sinks to rinse everything off, the store did not disappoint. After a quick scan of the store, I focused on what I came there for: a CC cream.  The sales associate recommended the Nature Origin Tinted CC for my combination skin and I love it.  The coverage is sheer but is enough to cover up my redness and it gives my skin a dewy look.  The product comes in a pump bottle, making application effortless.  The only downside is that the color selection is very limited (maybe 3 shades?) so the color isn’t exactly spot on but it looks great after I add some blush.

Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder

I’ve had this setting powder for a while but I recently started using it again.  Sometimes the Nature Republic Tinted CC gives my skin too much of a dewy finish, so I dust a bit of this all over to tone down the shine.  It sets my makeup nicely and is undetectable.

Wet N Wild Megalast Liquid Catsuit Matte Lipstick in Nudist Peach

I’ve seen these floating around Instagram and my latest trip to CVS include this gem at checkout.  At about $5, I found this liquid lipstick to be pretty impressive!  It has a mousse-like consistency and glides on very easy on lips.  The shade Nudist Peach is very beautiful pink/peach nude shade.  After the lipstick sets, it feels like you have nothing on and isn’t uncomfortably drying.  I forget I have it on sometimes.  Since this shade is light, it’s not too long-lasting, especially when eating, and it does slightly accentuate imperfections on your lips.  However, exfoliating lips prior really helps.  It’s also really easy to reapply.

Too Faced Lip Injection Lip Gloss 

It’s rare these days that I don’t walk out of my house without this in my purse.  You can read my rave reviews about this here and here.

Here’s swatches of the Tinted CC and Nudist Peach.

Skincare Favorites

Lush Dream Cream

The same mall trip I made to explore Nature republic also found me at the Lush store.  I was excited to try the Dream Cream as I had tested it in the store months prior and really liked it.  Infused with ingredients like cocoa butter, olive oil, soothing oat milk and calming rose, lavender and chamomile oils, this has a consistency more similar to a lotion rather than a cream as it’s kind of runny.  The smell is very unique- the prominent scents that jump out at me are the oat milk and chamomile blue oil- so it may be a deal breaker for some; I don’t mind it at all. Despite the thinner consistency, this hydrates my body really well and makes a great massage cream as it has a nice slip.

Pore Clearing Cleanser

At the latest UCLA Cosmetic Chemistry class I took, we were given a plastic travel case filled with products to try out, courtesy of YG Laboratories. This cleanser quickly became a favorite as the gentle, sulfate-free formula deep cleans without feeling harsh or drying.  Natural salicylic acid from Willow bark as well as tea tree oil make this great for blemish-prone skin.  When I start getting a few breakouts, I use this and it helps clear my skin.

Calming Bio Lipid Repair Creme

Another product from YG Laboratories, I almost didn’t try this product as it is pretty thick and is best used for extremely dry and sensitive skin.  After using the Pore Clearing Cleanser, I tried this on as a moisturizer and really love it.  It contains sea whip and green tea to help calm and soothe redness and is formulated with no fragrance, essential oils, lanolin, parabens or other commonly used sensitizers. I haven’t broken out with this product and my face feels so nice and hydrated in the morning when I wake up.

That’s it for my March favorites.

What were your favorites this month?

 

 

 

 

 

 

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Monthly Favorites, Skin Care

Play! By Sephora Review March 2017!

March 30, 2017

Hi everyone!

It’s almost the end of March and I have a review for the Play! by Sephora box.  In case you haven’t heard, this is a monthly $10 curated subscription box featuring samples of different brands available at Sephora.  You also get a bag with your products inside that display cute catchy phrases.

The theme for this month was The Gleam Team, featuring products with “high-wattage shimmer to a natural gleam that redefine shine.” If you’re anything like me and you’ve visited the Sephora website recently, you’ll see that highlighting products are trending, making this bag a perfect fit.

Let’s take a look at how these products performed.

Benefit Cosmetics Watt’s Up! Cream to Powder Highlighter 

This easy to apply cream-to-powder highlighter “dials up the radiance to any complexion”.  The twist up format makes it perfect for on the go.  I received this product a few years ago as part of the free Sephora birthday gift (I think?).  It’s a champagne tinged highlighter that blends in nicely to skin but while I do like it, it’s not an absolute must have for me.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow Stick in Golden Pink 

Super creamy and waterproof, Bobbi Brown’s eyeshadow stick is a shimmering peach pink shade that can be worn on the browbones and inner corners of your eyes for a hint of brilliance. It’s also said to be crease and flake-fee wear.  Guys, they’re not joking when they say shimmering. This product doesn’t just have a sheen, it has full on shimmer particles that are visible a mile away.  And that’s really not a bad thing with this type of product, especially if you want to brighten up your eyes.  It’s a gorgeous shade and with a great primer, does not budge.

Top to Bottom: Benefit Watt’s Up Highlighter and Bobbi Brown Cream Shadow Stick Golden Pink

GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer in Nude Glow

A two-in-one moisturizer and luminzer that hydrates, blurs, and enhances any complexion with a lit-from-within finish.  It can be worn alone or layered under foundation.  The first thing that stood out with this product is the scent.  It has a very strong sweet scent that I personally don’t mind and I can’t smell it after I put it on.  I tried using it as a stand alone product, but it’s way too sheer to cover up my redness.  It works well under makeup and does give a beautiful glow, but $49 for the full-size is a bit steep and I have other similar products that do a similar job just fine.

Josie Maran Surreal Skin Argan Finishing Balm 

This makeup and skincare hybrid has a whipped formula that gives skin a, “soft-focus luminosity whether you use it as a primer or for a finishing touch.”  I’ll admit when I first saw this product, I was hesitant to try it out as I have combination skin and the consistency appeared thick and heavy. As soon as I dabbed a bit on my finger, it had a silky texture and wasn’t thick like I had anticipated. Unfortunately, this didn’t do much in terms of providing a glow factor. Whether I wore foundation over it or applied it on top of my cheeekbones, the sheen disappeared as if I had not applied anything on.

Top to Bottom: GlamGlow Glowstarter Mega Illuminating Moisturizer in Nude Glow and Josie Maran Surreal Skin Argan Finishing Balm

Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast 

Living Proof Full Dry Volume Blast is a weightless spray that delivers, “long-lasting volume and texture for thicker, fuller-looking hair that is silky soft.” The spray can also double as a style refresher, thanks to an oil controlling blend of ultra-lightweight powders that absorb dirt and impurities.  I have naturally curly hair that needs no extra volume thank you very much.  However, when I straighten my hair, it usually looses some of the volume so products like this come in handy.  I prefer to use this as a style refresher as it does a good job at absorbing oil and imparts a nice clean scent.

 

Chloe Fluer de Parfum 

I was pretty happy to see a fragrance from Chloe as at first glance I thought it was Love Story.  To my dismay, as soon as I spritzed it, I realized my mistake.  This fragrance is a floral blend with notes of absolute verbena, freesia, rose, cherry blossom, bitter almond and amber. The dominant note here is rose and while I do love that scent, this was just way too overpowering for me when mixed with the other scents.

 

 

Overall, this was another great box from Sephora.  I can’t wait for next month. 🙂

What are your favorite products to get your glow on or are you over the highlighting trend?

 

 

CATEGORIES // Hair, Makeup, Subscription Boxes

Play! By Sephora Unboxing February 2017!

March 9, 2017

Hi readers!

After a few months away, I’m back with a new post and a new look to my blog!

While I was away, I’ve been busy trying to work on my skincare business, working out, getting pelvic floor therapy to help manage my IC, taking a course at UCLA regarding skin, and of course, redesigning my blog. It’s been a bumpy road navigating a self-hosted site but I’ve learned a lot and while there will be a few more tweaks, I’ll roll those out slowly. 🙂

I know I’m late on this but I have a review for the February Play by Sephora box.  In case you haven’t heard, this is a monthly $10 curated subscription box featuring samples of different brands available at Sephora.  The theme for February was The Soft Side, with “muted, mellow shades and skin-perfecting formulas [that] are a never-sail way to show off your natural beauty.”

On to the reviews.

Sephora Collection Lashcraft Length and Volume Mascara 

This mascara has a unique flat paddle-shaped wand to lift lashes while the nylon-infused glossy black pigment creates drama.  Mascaras are always a hit or miss with me as my eyes are a bit sensitive and a great mascara for me means that my eyes won’t burn by the end of the day.  This one is okay but not my favorite as it gives volume (due to the brush) but not much length.  It irritated my eyes a bit as well.  I’ll use this up but I won’t be purchasing a full size.

Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Bound 

I have been wanting to try this product for a while so I was ecstatic to see it included in my box.  It’s a dusty-rose liquid lipstick that is a infused with natural oils and feels weightless.  I absolutely love the color-on me it’s reminiscent of the just bitten look- and it’s a very comfortable formula to wear as it’s not drying.  However, because it’s a semi-matte finish, this entirely wears off with eating and drinking so if you’re looking for something that is long-lasting, this isn’t it.  Still worth a try in my opinion though.

Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake 

If you’ve read my review on the Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks, you know the Lip Injections are a favorite of mine.  Milkshake is a nude shade lip that has an intense tingle factor but does in fact, plump my lips.  It contains avocado and jojoba oil that helps soften them too, which I love.

Nars Velvet Lip Glide in Bound and Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake

Clinique Prep-Start Hydroblur Moisturizer 

An innovative product, this moisturizer can be used as a primer or as a quick fix throughout the day to control shine or add hydration.  I used this both as a regular moisturizer and primer and I feel that it worked better as a primer.  This product has a thick, almost silicone texture that feels silky when applied. To me, it provided a mattifying effect but my face didn’t feel as tight as it does with most oil-control primers.  Although my skin doesn’t feel dry, it didn’t necessarily feel hydrated either.  My makeup applies smoothly with this and doesn’t cling to dry patches.  Bottom line: this works better as a primer.

Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream

This luminous eye cream contains coffee bean, ginseng, and magnolia extract to visibly brighten and depuff the undereye area.  Ginseng gives a subtle glow to skin while the coffee beans work to energize tired skin.  Although I can’t attest to the depuffing aspects, the eye cream has a pink pearl-like color that helps to brighten my undereye area.  This works well under concealer and is similar to the Caudalie one, which I really love.

Marc Jacobs Divine Decadence 

Effervescent floral and bright, this sparkling champagne doused scent embodies luxury and glamour. Notes in this earthy and woody fragrance include orange blossom, bergamot, gardenia, amber vanilla and saffron. Surprisingly, I actually like this fragrance. It’s more on the sweet side but the woodsy scents balance it out perfectly.

Overall, I’m content with this box, especially with the inclusion of the Nars Velvet Lip Glide and the Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy.

What do you think of this box?  Any products you’d like to try?

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Product Reviews, Product Reviews: Make-Up, Skin Care, Subscription Boxes

October 2016 Favorites!

October 27, 2016

october-favorites

Happy Thursday everyone!

October is coming to a rapid end so here’s some products that have gotten me through with stellar results.  Take a look!

L’Oreal True Match Lumi Cushion in C3 

Words can’t express how much I really love this cushion BB cream.  It provides a natural “my skin but better” look and leaves behind a nice glow that is not overwhelming.  One of my go-to products for practically any given day.

Too Faced Lip Injection Glossy in Milkshake

Included in the Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks holiday set, I’m pretty obsessed with these lip glosses.  With just the right amount of shine, I love the plumping effect of this gloss and they last a pretty good while.

It’s a 10 Miracle Shampoo plus Keratin

Pretty much my holy grail shampoo at the moment!  Finding a shampoo that does not make my scalp or skin itchy is painstakingly difficult.  This sulfate free, sodium chloride free, paraben free, keratin protein infused shampoo lathers nicely, cleans my hair without feeling harsh, smoothes my curly and often times unruly hair and the best part? No irritation.

Tata Harper Resurfacing Mask 

Basically the only worthy product included in my Birchbox box this month, I like using this mask in the shower to gently exfoliate my skin.  Although it’s compared to a traditional peel, I disagree.  I can’t see the levels of willow bark and pomegranate enzymes these have but it doesn’t appear to be too concentrated as I felt no activity once I placed it on.  I like this for cooler weather at the moment because it provides hydration without feeling heavy.

Clinique Nude Pop Cheek Pop Blush

This blush is one of my favorites for a reason.  It provides both a natural look and finish and is perfect when you want to look put together in a jiffy. It blends seamlessly onto skin.

Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel

Look no further than this product when you need to groom and define your eyebrows stat! Since this has a spoolie like application, a few quick strokes helps fill in sparse gaps and brush them at the same time to save you time.

What are your favorites this month? 

Stephanie 

 

 

CATEGORIES // Hair, Makeup, Monthly Favorites, Product Reviews, Skin Care

Bite Beauty Multistick Review in Almond and Praline!

October 20, 2016

Bite Beauty Multistick in Praline and Almond

Happy Thursday everyone!  I have a review on two shades of Bite Beauty’s new Multistick product.  Since these are a hot commodity, I had to check them out for myself.

Curious to see what I thought? Keep reading!

Bite Beauty Multistick in Almond and Praline

Bite Beauty Multistick in Almond and Praline

Described as,  “a multistick that applies like a cream and wears like a powder for weightless color application—just apply with your finger or a brush on the eyes, lips, and cheeks. With 35 percent powder in each Multistick bullet, this silicone-free formula creates a soft focus finish that’s blendable, breathable, and buildable. It features universal shades for the eyes, lips, and cheeks that compliment all skintones and are formulated to use anywhere on the face.”

Pros 

Highly pigmented

Long-lasting

Excellent array of shades

Great as a base for eyeshadow

Magnetic cap

Cons 

A bit pricey at $24 a bullet

A little on the drier side

Can accentuate dry patches

Takes a bit of effort to blend

Overall: I like these, however I prefer them as lipsticks first.  They are a bit on the drier side and I find that they tend to drag a bit.  If lips are properly exfoliated and prepped, then it’s not that much of an issue as they stay on matte.  It is a little hard to blend these so using them as blush requires some effort. I’m sure that the neutral shades would work better as blush on my fair skin tone.  As eyeshadows, these work best either as a liner or a base and most definitely need a primer to last.  The colors and pigmentation on these are gorgeous.  Praline is a burnt orange shade while Almond is a reddish brown- both excellent color choices for fall.  It’s also nice that this cap is magnetic so it ensures that the cap doesn’t open up in your purse.

bite-beauty-multistick

Here’s swatches of Almond (top) and Praline (bottom).

almond-praline-swatches

Top-Bottom: Almond and Praline

 

almond-birkin-brown

Top-Bottom: Birkin Brown and Almond

I actually found a dupe for the shade Almond.  The Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Birkin Brown is a spot on dupe for Almond.  In terms of application, Birkin Brown applies a bit more smoother but shade wise, they are pretty much identical.

bb

Have you tried these?  What are your favorite shades? 

Stephanie 

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Product Reviews: Make-Up

Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks Review and Swatches!

October 13, 2016

too-faced-christmas-in-nyc

Happy Thursday everyone!

I’m excited to bring you a review on one of Too Faced’s Holiday 2016 sets.  First off, can anyone beat the Christmas in New York theme? Call me crazy but it’s my dream to travel to NYC during the holiday season. Something about it just fascinates me but until that happens, I’ll gladly enjoy dreaming about it.

Okay, back to the review.  I tried the Too Faced Lip Injection and instantly knew I had to get it.  So I went on the hunt for this one and wouldn’t you know that all the stores I checked didn’t have these in stock.  So, the next best thing was this set as it had 3 of the lip plumpers and matching blushes.  Was it worth it? Keep reading!

tf-sweet-cheeks

Too Faced Naughty Kisses and Sweet Cheeks

Described as: This fabulously festive set comes with three deluxe Lip Injection Glossy Lip Glosses and three coordinating Love Flush Blushes, all wrapped up in one pretty package. Give as one present or spread the love (and kisses) by gifting each pair separately.

too-faced-gift

I love how these come ready to gift in case you choose to do so!

 

too-faced-holiday-2016

This set includes: Mini Lip Injection Glossy Original (clear) and Love Flush Crazy in Love (bright pink); Mini Lip Injection Glossy Milkshake (nude) and Love Flush Baby Love (nude peach); and Mini Lip Injection Glossy Like a Boss (orchid) and Love Flush Dream Lover (lilac).

Pros 

Great value set ($36)

Unique/variety of shades

Can be gifted

Blushes are nicely pigmented

Good lasting power

Cons 

Blushes are smaller than I’d like

Colors may be too sheer for darker skin tones

Overall: I’m very happy with this set.  Considering that a deluxe size of the Lip Injection costs $14, receiving 3 of these plus the blushes makes it a good value.  You can keep all 3 or gift them and they come imprinted with a gift tag, ready for you to personalize it.  I was a bit skeptical to try the lilac blush and lip plumper but it’s actually a very flattering shade and it sheers out a bit more pink on my cheeks.  Both the blushes and lipglosses have good lasting power, with the blush lasting almost all day and the gloss a solid 3 hours.  The lip plumpers do tingle for about a minute or so but it does deliver a pouty, fuller lip.   My only complaints would be that the blushes are on the small side and it takes a few swipes for my brush to pick up product; also, some of the shades might be too sheer for darker skin tones. Other than that, Too Faced did a great job with this set!

too-faced-love-blush-swatch

Here is a swatch of the blushes. Top-Bottom: Dream Lover, Crazy in Love and Baby Love

too-faced-lip-injection-swatch

And a swatch of the lip plumpers. Top-Bottom: Original, Like a Boss and Milkshake

too-faced-end

I’d love to know, what holiday sets are you looking to buy?

Stephanie

 

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Product Reviews: Make-Up

Morphe 35O Eyeshadow Palette Review and Swatches!

October 6, 2016

morphe-main

It’s Thursday and as promised, I have a review on the popular Morphe 35O Eyeshadow Palette. Morphe was one of the vendors at ICES 2016 and since the line was short I decided to take a look.  Instantly, I knew I had to purchase this palette. It’s one of the most talked about palettes and, hello, gorgeous fall colors-how could I walk away without purchasing this?

So, does palette live up to the hype? Keep reading to find out!

morphe-2

Morphe 35O- 35 Color Nature Glow Eyeshadow Palette

Description: “From cooler grey-toned browns to fiery sunset colors, this palette is a beautiful mix of wearable warm neutrals that give you effortless versatility whether you are after a daytime look or full-on glam. The perfect balance of matte and shimmery finishes make it a go-to for makeup lovers at every skill level. Get everything you need to highlight, blend and transition without ever wearing the same look twice.“

Pros

Cost effective at $22.99

Gorgeous shades

Variety of finishes

Most shades have great pigmentation

Most shades blend easily

Cons

Lots of fallout

A few shades don’t blend as smoothly

A few shades apply patchy

Overall I really love this palette as it’s perfect for fall and you get 35 shades for a great price.  I gravitate to the orange, warmer browns in this palette and they do not disappoint.  I find that most of these shadows have a creamier consistency, making the application and blending process fairly easy.  A few of the cooler toned shades and a least one orange shade apply a bit patchy and require a bit more effort into blending.  Other than that, most shades have great pigmentation and with a primer, they last all day. The shade selection is great so you really don’t need another palette as you have matte, shimmer and satin colors all in one. A problem that I have with this palette is that practically every shade has major fallout.  Whether you’re dipping a brush into a shade or simply swatching, it kicks up a lot of color and can turn into a mess fast if you are not careful.  I found that lightly patting the shade instead of swirling helps decrease the amount of product fallout so it’s just something to be mindful of.

morphe-rows

Here are swatches of the shades. Since these shades don’t have names, I labelled the rows so you know what row I swatched (e.g. R1 = Row 1).

Row 1 Swatches 

morphe-row-1

Row 2 Swatches 

morphe-row-2

Row 3 Swatches 

morphe-row-3

Row 4 Swatches

morphe-row-4

Row 5 Swatches

morphe-row-5

A few shades took about 3 swatches to fully show up on camera but other than that, they’re pretty pigmented.

morphe-end

Have you tried this palette? What are your thoughts on it? 

Stephanie 

CATEGORIES // Makeup, Product Reviews: Make-Up

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