Gels/Soaps -Nivea - Touch of Happiness Body Wash
AmyK2005 10/6/2012 2:27:00 AM
I picked this up because Target had a twin pack on clearance, and I love Nivea stuff in general and more specifically I have used the Happy Sensation with Bamboo and Orange Blossom Scent lotion for awhile (and I have a review for that) and I really love it. So it made perfect sense to grab up the corresponding body wash to match it. I don't have terribly dry skin, in fact it is pretty normal--it gets a little dry in the winter and can be more oily in the summer. While this body wash did not dry me out, it didn't really leave my skin more moisturized either. It comes out of the bottle in a thinner consistency (much like the lotion), but lathers quite well. It smells like the lotion but at a much lighter intensity. It rinses very clean very quickly and doesn't leave a film on the skin. It's just that--a body wash...it doesn't add or strip any oils from the skin. Because of that I could potentially see that during the worst of the winter months this body wash won't quite cut it for me; I will need something a little more moisturizing. But all in all, it's a very good body wash. I really have yet to be disappointed by Nivea.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Expert Eyes Duo - Lasting Lilac
AmyK2005 10/6/2012 2:11:00 AM
I didn't really own any decent purple eyeshadows. There are some in a couple of the 32 ELF palettes that I have, but those are duds--no pigmentation or payoff. I have been wanting to find some purples and looked all over the drugstore at different purple palettes and was having commitment issues. Finally I came across this Maybelline Expert Wear Duo in Lasting Lilac and decided to give it a try. I have had good luck with pretty much every Maybelline e/s that I've ever had and this seemed like a low risk investment to get me started with purples. I would actually rate this at a 3.5. Both of the colors look very pretty in the pan, however the lighter of the lilacs is very frosty, but not terribly pigmented and comes off pretty chalky. I don't mind frost/shimmer, but this frost on the light lilac combined with the less-than-stellar formula is hard to work with and just isn't all that great. I've dabbed it in my inner corners and very lightly dabbed it in the center of my lid over the darker lilac in the duo, and it's worked all right for that purpose. The darker lilac in this duo, however, is just stunning. I would actually call it a grape color because it looks like a very true purple in the pan. When swatched or applied to the lid it remains the rich grape color, but it has this bea-u-ti-ful blue-ish tone to it. It is very nearly a true blue duo chrome. I honestly have never seen anything like it. I dampened the sponge tip applicator that comes with it and applied it slightly wet to my eyelids and it intensified the blue tint even further and it was so pretty. I had to resist packing a crapton of of that color on my eyelids and calling it a day--I loved it that much, but I came to my senses and contoured a matte brown in the crease and then dabbed the lighter lilac shimmer right over the middle of my eyelid--and that combo created a really pretty but wearable look. I think what I am going to do is pick up the Color Tattoo in the purple color and use it as a colored base (I just used the ELF primer underneath to begin with) for this duo and play around with it that way--I think that could create a very fun, vibrant purple eye look. So overall the light lilac is just okay, but the darker purple is a rockstar in this duo.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -E.L.F. - 32 Piece Eyeshadow Collection
AmyK2005 10/3/2012 8:20:00 AM
This review is for the 32 WARM palette. I've had this for several months now. Overall, it is a pretty decent palette. With getting 32 eyeshadows for 5 bucks, I knew going in that not every single one would be good. And I was correct--a few of the very matte colors literally do not swatch at all. As for the others, some are more pigmented and blendable than others. But the ones that are pigmented and blendable are just stunning. The taupes in the top row and the burgundys in the third row are especially good and there are several decent browns of varying finishes scattered throughout that are really nice. I am not super impressed with any of the highlight shades although the shimmery pink in the first spot of the third row is a wonderful lighter color. This review is for the 32 COOL palette. Again, 5 bucks for 32 e/s means not all of them are gonna be rockstars, but this cool palette has better quality shadows in my opinion than the warm palette. I would probably rate this one a 4. The top row of greens/teals is AMAZING--they are buttery, so pigmented and gorgeous finishes. The row of grays is pretty good too--there are a couple grays that have a gold or super sparkly glitter in them that make 'em unique. The bottom row of golds and coppers is good quality, but I rarely go for those because I don't think they flatter my skin tone all that well. Really, the only duds in this palette are the couple purple/violet colors. They just don't have much pigmentation. I do not regret purchasing these and I probably use at least one shadow from one of these palettes most days. The packaging is kinda crummy; sometimes I feel like I might break a nail trying to pry it open, lol. But each of these are definitely worth the 5 bucks.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Crème -Revlon - ColorStay Whipped Creme Makeup
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 9:40:00 PM
I have been using this for nearly 3 weeks now. I have very pink (cool) undertones, so I went with the color 'Nude', which helps neutralize the pink, but doesn't look weirdly yellow. I am pleased with the the shade I chose. I don't really care for the packaging...I threw away that little plastic piece (I didn't know if it was supposed to stay or go and after the second time I nearly dropped it on the floor, I decided it had worn out its welcome) and I use a fresh q-tip to scoop out a little onto the back of my hand for each application. That way I'm not sticking fingers in and out and I can get the cap off and on quickly. It would be super nice if it came in pump form, but I do like the look of the jar sitting on my vanity and it is nice and sturdy. I tried several different application methods, my least favorite was fingers and my most favorite is my flat top ELF powder brush. I dot the foundation all over my face and then lightly buff it in with the brush starting in the center and moving outward. This gives a flawless, airbrushed finish. On good days I have even found that I can skip undereye and even zit concealer because this foundation provides such good coverage. I tried it both without a primer and with my Neutrogena Shine Control Primer. Without the primer, the foundation wore just fine but I do prefer it with the primer because it keeps my t-zone from needing to be blotted for a good 6 hours. On its own, I needed to blot after about 3 hours, but I didn't notice the foundation wearing off or anything. I just really prefer the primer with it (or any foundation) : ). I love how smooth the foundation makes my face feel. I feel like my setting powder, bronzer, and blush go on much easier/smoother. The longest I have had this foundation on is probably 12 or 14 hours and it looked just as good at the end as when I first applied it. Overall, I am REALLY loving this--it is by far my favorite foundation of the past several years. I am glad it has lived up to its hype for me!
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Liners -Maybelline - Color Sensational Lipliner in Clear
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 5:25:00 PM
Lip liners in general are usually one of the last makeup items I even think about purchasing. I've just never really had the use for lip liners and when I would try to use one, I'd always get the color wrong. Nude ones made my lips look dead, I could never figure out what shade of red to get, pink ones would either be too light or too bright...I just really sucked at the lip liner game. I had a Maybelline lip product coupon that was about to expire, so I was standing there trying to pick out a lipstick and of course there were about 1000 to choose from. I started looking at lip liners and noticed there was a clear version--and I swear it was a "lightbulb over the head" moment. Why on earth had I never thought to try a clear lip liner? (Answer: Because I didn't realize they existed, lol). So I bought it. And it was love at first use. I like that I can use it under anything--lipsticks, stains, glosses, even tinted lip balm. I don't have to worry about getting the color right, it prevents bleeding (a problem with some of my darker lipglosses), and it extends the wear. It's not drying, and it's not moisturizing either--it simply provides a nice base for lip products to stick to. I have discovered a HG lip product for me. I like the Maybelline one...with the coupon it was a little over 3 bucks, so that's not too bad. I do notice that it requires sharpening quite often, which could be kind of a hassle for on-the-go (yep, I like it that much that I'm getting one for its own spot in my purse), but I think it's worth it if I never have to fret over what color of lip liner I need to buy again.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - Colorburst Rose Pearl
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 11:26:00 AM
This is the first Colorburst lipgloss I have purchased. I saw a few YouTubers raving about this so I figured I'd try it. And I am glad I did. I don't mind (and even like) shimmer/metallic lipglosses, so the Colorburst Rose Pearl really appeals to me. It is a medium neutral mauve/pinkish color with shimmer. It looks great with my cool toned skin. It pairs well with many eyeshadow combos (though I usually go with darker neutrals on my eyes for everyday). This gloss stays put for a long time and wears off well--no feathering or leftover shimmer/glitter. The only minor complaint I have is that I wish the Colorburst packaging was like the Super Lustrous--I prefer a shorter and fatter tube for lipglosses, but it's not that big of a deal. Overall, this is a really nice everyday lipgloss. Will definitely repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - Super Lustrous in Coral Reef
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 11:15:00 AM
This is a pretty gloss, but it's not super great looking on me. I have very cool undertones and this gloss almost kinda clashes with it. I can still use it, but I have to do so sparingly. I usually just dot it on and press my lips together to help distribute it for a sheer wash of coral or I'll use it over a lipstick to help it pop. Which is a shame, because I really like the formula--no shimmer, no glitter. Just a shiny, rich, true coral colored gloss. Like most of the other Super Lustrous glosses it wears well and isn't drying. I think this would look amazing on warmer and darker skin tones.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -Revlon - Gentlemen Prefer Pink
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 11:02:00 AM
I'm rebuilding my lip product collection from the ground up and I chose Gentlemen Prefer Pink because it looked like a good everyday, basic pink. This is a creamy classic pink color with just a very subtle hint of shimmer--enough to give it dimension and keep it from looking completely flat/matte. It goes well with my cool coloring. I can pat it on very lightly for a hint of stain or swipe a couple of coats to build it up. It looks good topped with a variety of glosses from nude to gold shimmer to sheer berry colors. It's not too drying and wears off well--no obvious ring or feathering. The only minor complaints I have are that this lipstick can tend to settle into lip lines if your lips are too dry, so make sure to exfoliate lips and drink lots of water. Also, I don't feel like this lipstick lasts as long as some of the other Revlon Super Lustrous ones do, so you'll have to likely reapply. Overall, I am happy with this lipstick and will likely repurchase.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Makeup Brushes -Unlisted Brand - Up & Up Eyeshadow Crease Brush
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 9:22:00 AM
I was in need of some extra crease brushes, and I came across one of the Target Up & Up brand. It was $1.98, so I picked up a couple of them. Overall, I really like it. It is the perfect size for crease/contour work. It grabs the product well and applies it effortlessly. It also does a nice job of blending edges. I like that it is all one piece, so there's no chance of glue loosening and it falling apart. It is soft and not scratchy at all. The only reason I took off one lippy is because it did shed a few hairs the very first time I used it, but that has not been an issue at all since I have washed it (and I've washed it several times). Very good quality for a cheap price!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - Super Lustrous Pearl Plum
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 9:11:00 AM
I picked this up a couple weeks ago because it looked like a good berry/plum color of lipgloss for fall. For me, it's just okay. It goes on more sheer than it looks in the tube, which is fine. It provides more of a brightened berry color than plum color, in my opinion. When it's freshly applied, it looks beautiful and brightens the whole face. My issue with it is when it starts to wear off. You can see in the tube that it does contain glitter and when the gloss is first applied the glitter mixes in perfectly to create a beautiful lip. However, when the gloss begins to wear off the glitter stays behind. Pretty soon you're left with glitter lips--and it's an obvious wash of glitter. And in my experience just wiping with a tissue isn't going to take care of it; you'll need a full on remover wipe to wick away all traces of glitter. Unfortunately, this gloss is the kind that you wouldn't want to apply without a mirror so because of that and the leftover glitter issue it's more high maintenance for me. Therefore I'm not inclined to reach for it as much.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lip Gloss -Revlon - Super Lustrous in Foiled
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 8:59:00 AM
I am a newbie to the Revlon lip products but after hearing/reading all kinds of rave reviews on them I decided to start there when rebuilding my lip collection. Foiled was one of the first glosses I picked up from the Super Lustrous line. And I really, really love it. I don't mind (and even like) a more shimmery or metallic lip. I feel like Foiled complements my skin tone well, goes with any eye look (most days I do a neutral smoky-ish type of eye), and looks better than more nude-ish colors do on my lips. Foiled is also pretty versatile. It can be layered all over a lipstick, it can be applied over lipstick just as a bottom center lip highlight, it can be dotted on lightly on its own for just a sheer sheen, or it can be built up as the main lip color. It's forgiving enough that a mirror isn't an absolute must to apply. It keeps my lips moisturized, isn't sticky, and wears off well (no feathering or left over sparkle). This is definitely one of my new HG glosses!
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Primer -E.L.F. - Eyelid Primer
AmyK2005 10/2/2012 8:47:00 AM
After years of only using Mary Kay eye primer (and swearing I would never try anything else, because why fix what isn't broken, right?) I took the plunge and tried the ELF eye primer for a buck. Don't ever say I don't live on the edge... I am pleased with it. It is a different texture in an eye primer than I'm used to, but I liked the slightly tacky feeling it leaves when dry (MK dries completely smooth) because then I know for sure my e/s are gonna stick. I like the slight tint to the ELF primer; it helps even out my eyelid area. My e/s sticks, looks vibrant and I had no issues with creasing--this stuff works just as well (or perhaps better) than Mary Kay. The only issue I have with it (and the reason why I rated it 4 instead of 5) is that the tube doesn't hold much and runs out quickly. But, since it's a buck, that is not a huge deal for me. I can get 10 or 12 tubes of ELF for the same price as Mary Kay. Overall, fantastic product and I will def purchase again!
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Bronzers -New York Color - Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny 720
AmyK2005 9/14/2012 3:15:00 PM
I've been using this bronzer for a little over a week. I picked it up because I've had a string of crappy bronzer purchases (Flirt!, Maybelline FitMe, & a Physician's Formula) and since everybody on YT seems to love this, I thought I'd give it a try since it is only a few bucks. Generally, I do really like this. I feel like here at the end of my summer tan, it could stand to be a tad darker but in a few weeks it should be perfect. I like that it is matte, but it doesn't look muddy on my face. It is not too orange, and doesn't oxidize throughout the day. It is versatile enough that I can both use it for contouring and also on my cheekbones. It looks really nice as a contour with CG's Tru Plum cheekers blush on my cheekbones. The only cruddy thing about it is the packaging. It is a really cheap plastic compact and I'm just waiting for the plastic hinge to snap off. Sometimes too the top doesn't line up with the bottom and makes it a pain to get closed. The cheap sponge that comes with it isn't up to the task of applying the actual bronzer, but I've used it to apply my moisturizer and it works well for that. But since the whole thing is less than 3 bucks I can deal with crummy packaging. : )
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Maybelline - Expert Wear - Browntones
AmyK2005 9/3/2012 2:03:00 AM
This is just okay for me. Normally I find that Maybelline eyeshadows are great...however, I don't think these are as pigmented as their other eyeshadows. Since they are both matte, they do come off a little chalky and are more difficult to work with and a good primer is a must to help these stick to the eyelid and stay throughout the day. I do like each of the colors. I have found the lighter brown is my PERFECT blending shade (I have a lot of space between my crease and eyebrows so I like to use a blending shadow a shade or two darker than my skin to blend up to my highlight shade) for me, so that's mainly what I use this for. If I do just happen to use these two colors only for my eyeshadow look for the day, it is a very natural look, but sometimes that's all I want. It's a basic duo that's decent.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Cover Girl - Cheekers True Plum
AmyK2005 9/3/2012 1:48:00 AM
First of all, I so wish that CG would get with the program and update the packaging of their blush. It's packaged like an eyeshadow and is a pain in the you-know-what to get the product on a decent sized blush/face/kabuki brush. Now, the actual blush is very pretty. It's a plum toned pink and looks great on my light-medium skin. It does contain shimmer, but this shimmer blends with the pigment into the skin--it doesn't just sit on top of it. I can do a light sweep of this for just my everyday makeup face or build it up a little for a more dramatic flush for night. Pretty and versatile.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No