Stephie Estie

Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Review!

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!

March Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

Birchbox Main

Hi everyone!  I’m back from my short blogging break and it’s just in time to bring you my March Birchbox review. Let’s hop to it! 🙂

Cargo Land Down Under Eye Shadow Palette

These smooth eyeshadows are said to be highly pigmented and easy to blend to create a variety of looks.  Most likely I will not try these as I have something similar already, however if they’re anything like their blushes, you can bet these claims are true.

Number 4 Hydrating Shampoo

This sulfate-free, vitamin-rich cleanser claims to repair and protect dry and brittle hair.  I have curly hair which can definitely benefit from extra hydration.  This shampoo lathered nicely despite it being sulfate-free, and left my hair feeling smoother and clean. In my opinion, the scent is a little more on the masculine side but not overpowering.

Number 4 Hydrating Condition (Bonus)

Oddly enough, I have yet to try this one but once I do, I will try to update it on here.

Dr. Lipp Miracle Balm

This “100% natural formula,” rehydrates skin, soothes sunburns, tames unruly brows and nourishes thirsty cuticles.  I’ve only tried this as a lip balm and I quite like it.  It has a very thick consistency, much like the Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, which intensely moisturizes lips but makes the product hard to squeeze out of the tube.

theBalm cosmetics Stainiac Beauty Queen

I’m a fan of Benefit’s Benetint, so I was curious as how this would compare.  Stainiac is theBalm cosmetics’ best-selling stain that gives cheeks and lips a sheer and rosy tint.  Unlike Benetint, the consistency on this is a little bit tackier instead of watery.  It leaves behind a nice rosy color that has good lasting power but comes off while eating and drinking.  I like it for a sheer wash of color and it’s as good as Benetint to me.

Kiehl’s Super Multi-Corrective Eye-Opening Serum

This 5-in-1 eye serum, “lifts, firms, smooths, hydrates and restores the sensitive skin around the eye for a more youthful look.”  I’m fond of a couple of Kiehl’s products and I was glad to see another sample from them.  I didn’t see a huge improvement with this eye serum, perhaps because I don’t have major issues with my eye area, but it is lightweight and didn’t migrate into my eyes which I love.

 

Staniac Swatch

A swatch of theBalm Cosmetics Stainiac.
Birchbox March

Overall, I thought this box was well rounded and I’m happy with it. 🙂

Have you tried any of these brands?  What’s your favorite product from them? 

Stephanie 

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette Review!

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea

Hi everyone!  As I mentioned last week, I will be taking a spring blog break but before I do, I have a review of the new Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow palette!  It’s available online and in-stores and yes you guys, it’s beautiful.

Rainforest of the Sea

Here is what the case looks like when it’s closed-very fun and pretty.

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Eyeshadow Palette 

Described to, “define and defend lids from everyday aggressors with this eye shadow palette. Introducing plush shades in a velvety formula, they’re powered by tarte’s Rainforest of the Sea™ complex, formulated to hydrate and balance lids with a creamy powder is that is never drying or chalky.”

Pros 

Creamy and easy to blend

Great pigmentation on darker shades

Little to zero fallout

Variety of looks can be created from natural to smokey

Long-lasting (with primer)

Cons 

No true matte shades

Didn’t experience the hydrating aspect

A bit pricey $34

Lighter shades take a bit to build up color

Overall: I really love this palette!  It’s a bit smaller than I initially thought but the shadows are a good size so no problem there.  The shades are creamy, easy to blend and the fallout is little to none.  These are definitely smoother than my Urban Decay Naked 3 shadows.  They last all day on me but I always use a primer.  I will say that I didn’t find any true matte shades as Sand and Cove still have a bit of a sheen to them but nothing overly shimmery.  The lighter shades, like Seashell and Mermaid take about 2-3 passes to build up a discernible color while the darker shades have opaque coverage in about 1 pass.  These don’t have any pop of colors which I don’t mind since I love neutral/bronze shades and this is right up my alley.

Here are some swatches

Rainforest of the Sea Swatches

Sand- Ivory (this shade blends in with my skin, lol)

Mermaid- Gold

Seashell- Pink

Wave- Slate

Tarte Rainforest of the Sea Swatches

Cove- Tan

Starfish- Bronze

Reef- Copper (my favorite shade!)

Abyss- Dark brown

1Tarte Rainforest of the Sea

That’s it for this week readers.  I’ll be back March 21 with new posts so please stay tuned for that. 🙂

Will you be adding this palette to your collection? Let me know in the comments below! 

Stephanie 

 

Skin Tip: Possible Causes of Cheek Breakouts!

Happy Friday everyone!

If you’re experiencing breakouts on your cheeks, it could be indicative of allergies or possible dental infections so if you’ve been consistently breaking out in this area, you might want to get checked out to rule out this possibility.

Have a great weekend everyone! 

Stephanie 

*Note: I will have a special post on Monday with the new Tarte Rainforest of the Sea eyeshadow palette before I take a mini spring blog break, so be on the lookout for that. 🙂 

 

 

Disclaimer:  The contents on this website, and any related links, are provided for general informational purposes and should NOT be considered medical advice. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. Please consult a healthcare provider if you have any questions about a particular health condition.  

The Nude Lipsticks Edit!

Neutral Lipsticks

Happy Thursday almost Friday everyone!

Just as every closet should contain a classic little black dress, every makeup arsenal needs at least one nude lipstick/gloss to complete any look.  After all, nude lipsticks provide balance to a smokey eye or provide a hint of barely there color when going for the all natural (which is not so natural, haha) look.

From budget friendly to high end, I’ve got you covered.

Lipsticks

Kiko Milano Smart Lipstick in Nude Neige 901

For under $10, this hidden gem looks unassuming in the package but provides a nude lip that doesn’t make me look washed out.

MAC Peachstock 

A warm-toned peachy beige, this lipstick looks great with a pink gloss on top.

Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Melted Nude 

For a longer-lasting, slightly darker nude, look no further than this one as it dries down to a matte finish.

Lipglosses

Burberry Burberry Kisses Lip Gloss in Nude Beige No. 17

A non-sticky lipgloss that provides a nice natural glow to lips and is nicely pigmented.

Lancome Gloss in Love in Mocha Queen 

The lighter shade of the bunch, this gloss has tiny shimmer particles that give lips a poutier finish.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Peanut Brittle

Another under $10 find, this smooth gloss requires just one swipe for beautiful opaque coverage.

 

Neutral Swatches

Top-Bottom: Peanut Brittle, Mocha Queen, Nude Beige, Melted Nude, Peachstock and 901

Some swatches of the shades.

Neutral Edit

Share your favorite nude lip products below! 

Stephanie 

How Do You Cope with a Stressful Situation?

Hi everyone!  I hope that your weekend was great. 🙂

Today’s post is more on the personal side but I feel it may be beneficial for some who are going through tough times.  It’s so easy to post about the great and wonderful moments in our life but what happens when that dynamic changes? We all know that life is a constant motion of highs and lows and that it’s important to stay on the positive side but let’s face it-sometimes it seems impossible to remain positive. Your loved ones are diagnosed with cancer.  The symptoms of a chronic illness that were under control are suddenly surfacing again.  Someone used and lied to you.  How do you cope?

When difficult moments arise, it can feel like you’re battling it alone and in some senses, that’s true. After all, you’re the one experiencing the pain, the loneliness, the hurt.  However, there are many people out there going through something similar and can offer you that beacon of hope.  I’ve mentioned this before and I’ll mention it again.  One of the best things about creating this blog is that I have encountered the most positive and helpful people who are ready to lend an ear whenever you have problems.  I think it’s paramount to have a support system to reach out to in time of need.  Even reading other people’s struggles and how they coped can help. *Note: In case your new to this blog, I suffer from Interstitial Cystitis or IC. 

Another thing that has helped me through weary days is to read quotes, especially ones from the Bible. They provide me with spiritual strength and hope.  Recently, I’ve been avidly reading daily devotionals from the blog Miekeey and it helps me in putting things into perspective and focus on what’s important. It reminds me that there is a bigger picture and while I can’t see it now, one day, I will.

Now, I’d love to hear from you readers and I’m sure anyone who reads this post will also appreciate your feedback.

How do you cope with life when it seems like no hope is in sight? 

Stephanie 

 

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Review!

Embryolisse

Hello everyone!  I hope all of you are doing well. 🙂

Today I have a review on the Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate.  This moisturizer is praised by celebrity make-up artists and considered a staple in their arsenal so naturally I was curious to try it. Let’s take a look at what I think.

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentrate

Described as, “a wonderful care product-a real beauty secret, favoured by dermatologists for decades; a combination of ingredients of natural origin with recognised virtues, rich in essential fatty acids and vitamins. The Lait-Creme Concentrate can also be used to cleanse the skin or remove makeup, as a repairing mask, an after-shave cream or as a baby-care product.”

Pros 

Formulated without parabens, sulfates or phthalates (if these ingredients concern you)

Cruelty-free

Multi-tasking product

Light-weight feel

Absorbs quickly

Smooth makeup application

Tube form makes this hygienic and easy to apply

Cons

A bit on the pricey side- $28

Can sometimes pill when used in conjunction with a sunscreen

Not for all skin types

Contains beeswax, so take heed if you are allergic

Paraffinum Liquidum (Mineral Oil) is the second ingredient and may clog pores

Overall: I like this product but wasn’t overly impressed with it.  I love how it provided a light-weight feel and absorbed quickly into the skin; it also helped the makeup glide on smoothly though it doesn’t help blur out imperfections like other primers.  Although it claims intense hydration, my face still felt a little tight on the drier parts of my skin. If I used this in the morning with sunscreen, I noticed that it pilled.  Also, even though it states that all skin types can benefit from this, the inclusion of mineral oil as the second ingredient may be problematic for acneic skin; however, as a makeup remover, it works nicely. I will use this product up but I am not sure if I will repurchase again.

Have a favorite multi-tasking product you love? Share it in the comments! 

Stephanie 

 

February Favorites 2016!

February Favorites

Happy first day of March everyone!  Another month has zoomed by and of course, as one month ends, my monthly favorites are bound to ensue. Let’s get to it! 🙂

Caudalie Hand and Nail Cream

One of my all time favorite hand-creams, this grape-seed oil cream that is rich in antioxidants and smells like oranges.  It moisturizes and absorbs quickly into the skin which is great when you’re in a hurry and don’t want to transfer the lotion onto surfaces.

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon

I’ve used this glimmering dark brown eyeliner practically everyday this month and it gives definition to your eyes without it looking to harsh.  Perfect for work and it lasts all day on me.

Bobbi Brown Blush in Pretty Coral

Sorting through my blush stash, I rediscovered this gem which is a great everyday shade that gives the ‘pretty in pink’ phrase a run for its money. Used this look as part of my Valentine’s Day makeup look.

(Malin + Goetz) Grapefruit Face Cleanser 

I received this sample in my November Birchbox and I just got around to trying it.  This cleanser really surprised me to be honest.  It feels refreshing but gentle and that has a subtle citrus scent.  Left my skin clean without feeling stripped.

Kiehl’s Creme de Corps 

After buying a gift at Kiehl’s, I was given samples of this body cream and I loved it so much that I went out to purchase a bottle. It’s a very creamy and rich and while it absorbs nicely into the skin, I do find that it is a bit greasy.  I prefer to use this at night after I take a shower to deeply moisturize my skin and the scent is neutral so it’s not overpowering at all. The only two issues are a) it’s pricey and b) it’s sometimes difficult to get the product out.

Tell me, what were your favorites this month? 

Stephanie