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March Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

March 22, 2016

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.

A swatch of theBalm Cosmetics Stainiac.

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!

March 14, 2016

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.

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

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

Mermaid- Gold

Seashell- Pink

Wave- Slate

Cove- Tan

Starfish- Bronze

Reef- Copper (my favorite shade!)

Abyss- Dark brown

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

The Nude Lipsticks Edit!

March 10, 2016

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.

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

Some swatches of the shades.

Share your favorite nude lip products below!

Stephanie

Embryolisse Lait-Creme Concentre Review!

March 3, 2016

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!

March 1, 2016

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

February Birchbox Unboxing 2016!

February 18, 2016

Hi everyone! Thank you so much for the sweet comments I received yesterday for my 2nd blogiversary-it made my day! 🙂

February’s Birchbox has arrived so let’s take a look at what’s inside!

Cartier Baiser Vole Lys Rose

“From a brand that knows elegance, a romantic floral scent with notes of fresh, powdery lily.” I usually like rose scented perfumes but I think the combination of lily made this a bit overwhelming and I’m not a fan of it.

Marcelle NewAge 8 in 1 Power Serum

This is a lightweight anti-aging gel that is supposed to provide, “eight transformative benefits in one tube.” A quick glance at the ingredient list shows a few peptides, which can help with ant-aging issues. I’ve only used this once and it is light with a silky, almost silicone-like, feel when applied. My skin felt and looked a bit smoother afterwards.

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Lip Tar- Black Metal Dahlia

A cruelty-free, cult favorite product, this liquid lipstick offers matte and opaque coverage with the tiniest application. I haven’t tried this one because I’m thinking of giving it away as I already have something similar to this.

Ouidad VitaCurl Define & Shine Styling Gel-Cream

This ultrahydrating, non-sticky formula is said to enhance the texture of curls and waves while leaving a luminous finish. I’ve used this once and it did provide a hold to the curls without leaving them crunchy. Since the sample size on this is generous, I will keep testing this out to see how it works in the long run.

Whish Revitalizing Cleansing Oil

“This skin-balancing cleansing oil melts away makeup, oil, and impurities.” I’ve used this at night and I rub a dime size amount over my face to help breakdown my makeup. I then rinse with water and follow up with my cleanser. I do like this product, however as with most cleansing oil/creams I’ve used, this leaves behind a greasy film and I really have to remove it with the cleanser. I just wished it would rinse off a bit cleaner.

Overall, this wasn’t my favorite box but there’s always next month’s box.

What’s your opinion on February’s Birchbox?

Stephanie

Besame Cosmetics Red Velvet 1946 Lipstick Review!

February 16, 2016

Happy Tuesday readers! How was your Valentine’s Day weekend? I didn’t have anything planned really but at the last minute I went out with my family/friends to a lake where we celebrated an Un-Valentine’s day, haha.

Late last year, I picked up this cute set while I was waiting in line to purchase some items at Sephora. I had heard about Besame Cosmetics and instantly fell in love with this unique vintage packaging. Later, I read that this lipstick, Red Velevet 1946, is the lipstick that Hayley Atwell wears on the show Marvel’s Agent Carter so of course I had to try it.

Let’s take a look!

The matchbook has this quote written on the inside:

“Life without lipstick is like cake without frosting.”

I couldn’t agree more. 🙂

Besame Cosmetics Lipstick and Matchbook Set

Described as, “a set of five rich, highly pigment lipsticks housed in a portable matchbook, plus a full-size lipstick with a satin, matte finish that delivers full coverage in one coat.”

Pros

Highly pigmented

Good value ($23 for the lipstick and matchbook-lipstick alone is $22 and the matchbook alone is $6)

Long-wearing

Leaves behind a stain

Cons

Difficult to apply

Doesn’t glide on as smoothly as I would like

Drying

Can accentuate fine lines/imperfections

Overall: I really like this lipstick as the shade is gorgeous and it’s what I used in my Valentine’s Day look (check it out here). If you’re looking for lipstick shades that are true an era (i.e. 1940s, etc) then Besame Cosmetics is your brand. I did have trouble applying this straight out from the tube so a lip brush comes a bit handy. The formula is a satin matte, which kind of tugged on my lips a bit when I was applying; however, prepping your lips beforehand-exfoliating and a little bit of lip balm-helps the appearance and and application process. The lasting-power is great, however with eating and drinking, this will come off although it leaves behind a stain.

The lipstick matches are a cute addition and you’ll get about 1 use out of them. Word of caution: make sure you close the matchbook well if you’re going to be carrying this in your purse.

Here’s a swatch of Red Velvet 1946.

Have you tried Besame Cosmetics?

Stephanie

Valentine's Day Beauty Collaboration 2016!

February 9, 2016

Happy Tuesday readers! Valentine’s Day is this weekend so I am collaborating with my friend Cos from The World of Cos to bring you makeup and nail inspiration for this Sunday! I decided to stick with pink/bronze tones for the eyes and red lips for makeup. Keep reading if you want to know how to get this look and I’ll also be posting the nail inspiration from nail guru Cos. 🙂

Get the Look

Foundation: Bobbi Brown Skin Foundation Stick in Natural Tan (4.25)

Concealer: Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla

Eyeshadow: MAC Eyeshadows

Highlight: Shroom

Lid: Pink Venus

Crease: Texture

Mid/Outer Lid: Bronze

Directions: Apply Pink Venus on the lid and Bronze on the mid and outer lids. Use Texture on the crease and to blend out Bronze on the mid and outer V. Use Shroom as the highlight shade beneath the brows and just above the crease color.

Eyeliner: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner in Steel Ink on the top lashline and Urban Decay 24/7 Velvet Glide-On Eye Pencil in Bourbon on the waterline.

Mascara: Benefit Roller Lash Mascara

Contour: Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour

Blush: Bobbi Brown Blush in Pretty Coral

Lips: Besame Cosmetics Classic Color Lipstick in Red Velvet 1946

Here’s a little nail inspiration from Cos and don’t forget to check out and follow her Instagram for more nail and beauty inspiration!

I hope you enjoyed this collaboration and a special thanks to Cos for asking me to collaborate with her once again. 🙂

What are your Valentine’s Day picks?

Stephanie

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color Review!

February 4, 2016

Happy Thursday everyone! I was at Target the other day and was thrilled to find the new Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Colors on the shelves. Here’s my review on it.

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color in Nude Flush

Described as, “bold, vivid color [that] glides easily onto lips for a velvety matte finish. Formula is comfortable and creamy with a smooth feel upon application.”

Pros

Budget friendly

Good pigmentation

Good color selection

Glossy

Cons

Made my lips feel numb

Not matte

Fragrance might be bothersome to some

Easily transfers/comes off when eating

Overall: Unfortunately, this didn’t work at all for me as I think I had an allergic reaction to it. As soon as I applied it, my lips felt very numb. At first I thought my reaction was similar to what I get when I apply lip plumping glosses but the numbness never faded away. The second day I tried it, again my lips felt numb and this time they really started to hurt so I immediately wiped it off. This applied like a gloss and isn’t really sticky but it never dried down to a matte finish. About 2 hours into wearing them, I could still rub my lips together and get a glossy feel. Upon drinking and eating, the lipstick wore off completely, so this product doesn’t last long. Even if I didn’t have a reaction to this, I would still return this as the name is misleading, and, in my opinion, you’re better off sticking to the Maybelline Color Sensational Creamy Matte Lip Colors.

Maybelline Nude Flush

A swatch of the shade Nude Flush. These are nicely pigmented as I only swiped it once across my arm to get this color.

Have you tried these ones? What’s your opinion on them?

Stephanie

January 2016 Favorites!

February 2, 2016

Happy Tuesday everyone! How was your weekend? It’s been super windy over here but other than that, everything is good. It’s time again for my monthly favorites so let’s get started!

Renee Rouleau AHA Smoothing Serum 17%

I have a very textured forehead and even though I exfoliate on a regular basis, it doesn’t help much. I’ve found that exfoliating serums though make a major difference in the appearance of my skin and this glycolic acid based one works great. After cleansing and toning my skin, I pat on a thin layer before applying my moisturizer on top. It tingles a little but isn’t uncomfortable. I use it for three nights straight and then discontinue it for three nights straight and I’m mindful of not spending too much time in the sun when using this.

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate

I have a sample of this bronzer and I’ve been reaching for this pretty much everyday. As the name implies, there is no shimmer here which is great and it blends in effortlessly while looking natural. There is a slight chocolate scent but it quickly dissipates once you apply it.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Athens

I’ve reviewed this lip cream here so I won’t say much other than the scent to this one is addicting and the color is natural and gorgeous.

NYX Intense Butter Gloss in Peanut Brittle

I’ve been stalking the NYX store to purchase the shade Tres Leches and since they are always out of stock, I picked up the shade Peanut Brittle. Peanut Brittle is part of the NYX Spring 2016 collection and believe me when I saw this lipgloss is highly pigmented. The swatch below was just one swipe. I wear this alone and I get a glossy nude lip that’s divine.

Top to Bottom: NYX Athens and Peanut Brittle

Chloe Love Story

Jen from In the Beauty Box (give her a follow!) sent me a bag filled with gifts and this one was one of them. With notes of Neroli (Orange Blossom Oil), Stephanotis Jasmine, Physalis and Cedarwood, I’m really liking this scent. It’s not overly overpowering and somehow I get a whiff of rose which is nice. It doesn’t last long though which is about the only downside I see.

What were your January favorites?

Stephanie

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