Blush -Cargo - Tonga
HappyLittleNinja 6/20/2012 7:57:00 PM
This is my HG blush. This dusty rose may not look impressive in the pan, but gives my NC20/25 complexion a beautiful healthy, je ne sais quois flush. It is finely milled so you don't need to swirl your blush brush hard otherwise you'll kick up dust. I get the perfect amount of product when I lightly tap the blush surface 2x with my brush. This is the ideal matte. Unlike some mattes that can err on the side of dead-looking powdery-ness, Tonga bathes my cheeks with a silky natural finish. I also love using this as my base colour when I layer blushes. It's makes for the perfect canvas. I *heart* Tonga!
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Rock & Republic - Scene 2 Eye Colour Trio (Affair, Twisted, Fatalistic)
HappyLittleNinja 6/20/2012 7:09:00 PM
I wasn't interested in makeup when R&R was still producing their cosmetics line :( so I thought I'd missed out on the R&R experience. I was lucky enough to score this trio from a blog sale. The texture and pigmentation of these shadows are incredible, and they are a joy to use. They are rich, vibrant colours, and blend smoothly. The trio works well together for a smokey eye, and play well with my eyeshadows from other brands (both high- and low-end) for less intense looks. The shadows are the same diameter as MUFE singles. They are housed in a robust, black powder-coated metal palette with a mirror. This is definitely the sort of packaging that you would leave at home. I managed to depot the three shadows using the alcohol method (was troublesome and I scratched up the edges of the wells a bit) so I can put them in a freestyle palette to go if need be.
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Loose Powders -Marcelle - Face Powder in Translucent
HappyLittleNinja 1/27/2012 3:57:00 AM
Great product! I have been looking for a setting powder for some time. I came across this after extensive research on MUA, several beauty blogs, and Paula Begoun's product review website. You get quite a lot for your money: 2.4 OZ / 70 g for ~$14CDN. Marcelle now ships to the US, so you don't have to go to Canada to get it anymore! I have this in "Translucent", which is great for my NC20/25 skin. It goes on flawlessly with broad swipes of my giant fan brush (so fun!). I love using it to get rid of extra shine from my daily SPF sunscreen/moisturizer. It makes me look naturally enhanced, as if I'm not wearing anything. A little also goes a long way. Just one tap of the container against my countertop gives me enough to nullify my shine. I expect this will last me for a long time. This product wears well on my combination/normal skin. It doesn't cake up or ever look chalky, even on my T-zone. However, keep in mind that I tend to use light sweeps of this product. The packaging is straightforward: cylindrical container with a powder sifter. I just tap the base of the container against my countertop (with the top on) and the perfect amount comes out. I like the simplicity of the packaging. I'm a student so I need my money to stretch. I like how I'm clearly paying for the product and not for the packaging. (Not that the packaging is ugly or anything. It's functional, which is enough for me.) I wouldn't take this product travelling as the container is quite bulky. I'm not complaining, because I'd rather get more product for my money. If I need to take this on the go, I'll just transfer what I need into a small travel sifter container. I hope this review helps!
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Eyeliner -Milani - Eye Tech Liquid Eyeliner
HappyLittleNinja 1/26/2012 10:28:00 PM
This is a great little liner but I would not repurchase. Pros: I like the small size. I read reviews on this before picking it up, so I was well prepared for an itty bitty thing. It's big enough to hold comfortably and fits nicely in my hand, but small enough to let me get close to the mirror. This pen is easy to manipulate, which makes for easy lining. The gold packaging is a nice touch and makes the Eye Tech look pricier than it is. The felt tip is pretty good and lets me get a sharp wing. I find that that the tip has started to fray a bit after a month's use, about twice a week. The ink is still going dark and strong, so no complaints about that. I got the black one and the ink is a good vibrant black with a slight sheen (not matte). Also, the product doesn't smudge... Cons: I don't know if this is the case with all liquid pen liners, but I find that the ink comes off on the felt tip if I try to go over the line more than once. The Eye Tech also doesn't have longevity. Like I said before, it doesn't smudge; however, it doesn't take much for it to rub off. In fact, it rubs off so easily that I can't say anything about its waterproofness. I think it may be waterproof...but again, only if you don't touch your eyes. (But in real life, if your face gets wet, wouldn't you want to dry yourself? So what's the point of having something that's waterproof but not touch-resistant?) Finally, this liner take a while to dry. If you blink before it has set, it will transfer. :( Bottom line: get this product if: a) you know you will not touch your eye at any point in the day; b) if you are new to using liquid liner and want something easy to use to practice with; c) you like a pigmented liner; and/or d) you like the idea of not having to use makeup remover to remove your eyeliner. :) Do not get this product if: a) you want to get a lot of bang for your buck; b) you like rub-resistant eyeliner; c) you want a liner that dries quickly; and/or d) you have big hands / prefer long eyeliner tools. I hope this review helps!
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Eye Shadow -NYX - Atlantic
HappyLittleNinja 12/21/2011 3:24:00 AM
NYX Atlantic is a well-pigmented, buttery soft, deep royal blue. Gorgeous colour. NYX lists this as matte, but this eyeshadow has a definite satin sheen to it. As with most of NYX's single eyeshadows, Atlantic is quite soft. I'd suggest using a firm shader brush to pack it on your lid; a fluffy brush will create fall-out and might cause you to go through the product more quickly. Keep in mind that the softness means you will go through this product a lot faster than a MAC or MUFE eyeshadow. The flip-top packaging is standard for drugstore-type eyeshadows. Doesn't add much to the experience but doesn't detract either. This shadow is at the higher-end of drugstore pricing when purchased in a store, but you get great colour saturation and easy blending for your money. Overall, I think this is a great eyeshadow for people who are looking for a smoothly textured eyeshadow with great colour payoff for their money, don't have a similar colour in their collection, and/or are new to makeup or experienced with makeup and want to add a bold colour to their arsenal without breaking the bank. However, it is not for you if you are looking for a *matte* eyeshadow!
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Lip Treatments -Blistex - Fruit Smoothies SPF 15
HappyLittleNinja 12/21/2011 3:03:00 AM
The drugstore had this in as a 3-pack or as a 4-pack of slightly shorter lip balms. I chose the 4-pack. The Bad: - Lacks UVA sun protection! - Caused my lips to peel. I've never experienced this before >_< - Not moisturizing - Thick, waxy coverage - Strangely sweet, artificial flavour The Good: - Pocket-friendly - Pleasantly scented without being overpowering -- the Tropical one reminds me of Rockets Hallowe'en candy Overall: I recommend you stay away from this product. It is not worth your money. When I realised that this product doesn't have full spectrum sun protection, I thought I could still use it to moisturize my lips. Unfortunately, the formula caused my lips to peel. I had to toss these out. I'd give Blistex Fruit Smoothies 0 lippies if this rating system allowed it.
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Eye Shadow -MAC - Copperplate
HappyLittleNinja 12/20/2011 12:58:00 AM
I'd repurchase this Matte² eyeshadow in a heart beat! It is a sneaky eyeshadow -- underneath its seemingly "boring" grey appearance is a smooth texture that helps even the most novice blend shadows like a near pro. (I say "like a near pro" because I don't want to exaggerate.) I use it as a base in my contour area and apply other colours on top. It helps with my blending, adds a subtle complexity to my looks, and can be used to tone down shimmery eyeshadows. Though this isn't my go-to brow product, Copperplate suits my black hair + NC20/25 complexion and could work well as a eyebrow shadow.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -NYX - Luxor
HappyLittleNinja 12/20/2011 12:40:00 AM
I purchased this shadow as I had read that it's a dupe for MAC's Stars 'n Rockets. This is a well pigmented, buttery soft, and looks great with my NC20/25 complexion. [No comment on my application abilities :) ] Tip: apply it over a black base (e.g. Black Jumbo Eye Pencil, Paint Pot) and watch Luxor come to life with purple and blue reflects. Luxor is quite soft so I'd suggest using a firm shader brush to pack it on your lid; a fluffy brush will create fall-out and might cause you to go through the product very quickly. The softness is what gives it its buttery texture. On the other hand, MAC's Stars 'n Rockets (veluxe pearl) also has a delicious texture but doesn't have a problem with fall-out. The flip-top packaging is standard for drugstore-type eyeshadows. Doesn't add much to the experience but doesn't detract either. This shadow is at the higher-end of drugstore pricing when purchased in a store, but you get a lot for your money. Overall, I think this is a great eyeshadow for people who are looking for a smoothly textured eyeshadow with great colour payoff for their money, don't have a similar colour in their collection, and/or are new to makeup or experienced with makeup and want to add a bold colour to their arsenal without breaking the bank. Something to think about: Considering fall-out and the uber soft texture of NYX Luxor, I wonder if I am truly saving money by going with NYX rather than MAC Stars 'n Rockets. Hmmm...
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Josie Maran Cosmetics - Natural Wonder Powders Palette
HappyLittleNinja 12/19/2011 11:33:00 PM
This is a cute little palette that is perfect for someone who is on-the-go or travelling. It is slim, compact, and houses a generous mirror. I liked how Josie Maran omitted a throw-away brush -- there was no space wasted in this dynamo of a palette. :) As I am a big fan of neutrals, I thought I'd like Josie Maran's "My Favorite Argan Powders" palette more... but that's not the case. I love "Natural Wonders"! The colours are so happy -- I find myself smiling every time I pull it out. You get .26oz/7.5g of product: ...Daydream: shimmery apricot (eyeshadow) ...Hope: bright iridescent blue-purple (eyeshadow) ...Desire: iridescent teal (eyeshadow) ...Trance: shimmery gold (eyeshadow) ...Think: shimmery copper brown (eyeshadow) ...Illusion: deep rose (blush) ...Fiction: peachy pink (blush) ...Beach No. 1: slightly peach light golden bronzer The eyeshadows have good pigmentation, but slightly less so than in the "My Favorite Argan Powders" palette. Like Josie Maran's other eyeshadows, these are soft in the pan. I experienced some fall-out, but I think that's just what you get with soft eyeshadows. I think the texture and ease of use I get with these shadows more than makes up this. I wish the teal colour were more pigmented because it is gorgeous! Just like with my other review, I took off one lippie because as pretty as the colours are, the palette doesn't make a complete eye look. It would benefit from a darker shade for the outer-v / crease contour (maybe a darker "Think"). Again, the palette lacks a matte, lighter browbone highlight colour, in the vein of a matte version of MAC Ricepaper or Shroom. A matte highlight would balance out the high shimmer factor of the other shadows and give good dimension to the eye. The blushes are both pigmented as well and suit my NC20/25 skin tone. They went on smoothly and had a natural finish. I'm not sure how to use the bronzer (as I generally do not wear bronzer) -- Beach No. 1 seems to be slightly peach. I think I may use it to make the blushes a bit more multi-dimensional rather than as an overall bronzer. I purchased this product from Josie Maran's website for $18. Great price. I probably wouldn't have taken a chance on Josie Maran Cosmetics otherwise. (I'm a bit gun shy with products I'm unable to see in person.) I wouldn't buy this product again only because I doubt I'll finish it! ps I think Josie Maran still has this in stock. Run! Go get it!
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Palettes -Josie Maran Cosmetics - My Favorite Powders
HappyLittleNinja 12/19/2011 10:35:00 PM
This is a cute little palette that is perfect for someone who is on-the-go or travelling. It is slim, compact, and houses a generous mirror. I liked how Josie Maran omitted a throw-away brush -- there was no space wasted in this dynamo of a palette. :) Synergena gave a great breakdown of the colours so I won't get into that. All the eyeshadows have good pigmentation, except the one matte shade is slightly less pigmented. They are quite soft in the pan. I experienced some fall-out, but I think that's just what you get with soft eyeshadows. I think the texture and ease of use I get with these shadows more than makes up this. I took off one lippie because it isn't a complete look on its own. The shadows lean extremely warm and the palette would have benefited from a lighter highlight. I think "Cinnamon", the lightest shadow (shimmery), is meant to be the highlight but I would have preferred something in the vein of a matte version of MAC Ricepaper or Shroom. A matte highlight would balance out the high shimmer factor of Chianti, Cinnamon, and Embrace and give good dimension to the eye. The blushes are both pigmented as well and suit my NC20/25 skin tone. They went on smoothly and had a natural finish. I don't generally wear bronzer, so I'm not sure how to use this slightly peach, light golden bronzer. I think I may use it to make the blushes a bit more multi-dimensional rather than as an overall bronzer. However, this may change as Beach No. 1 is a "natural-ish" colour. I purchased this product from Josie Maran's website for ~$20. Great price. I probably wouldn't have taken a chance on Josie Maran Cosmetics otherwise. (I'm a bit gun shy with products I'm unable to see in person.) I wouldn't buy this product again only because I doubt I'll finish it!
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Eye Shadow -NYX - Eyeshadow ES12 * Golden
HappyLittleNinja 10/8/2011 10:18:00 PM
I purchased this shadow as I had read that it's a dupe for MAC's Amber Lights. This is a richly pigmented metallic gold-bronze colour with great pigmentation and colour payoff. In fact, it is almost too pigmented for me -- but take this with a grain of salt as I prefer subtle looks. It leans slightly orange/coppery on my NC20/25 complexion. Golden is quite soft in the pan so I suggest you use a firm shader brush to pack it on your lid; a fluffy brush will create fall-out and might cause you to go through the product very quickly. The softness is what gives it its buttery application. The packaging is standard for drugstore-type eyeshadows. Doesn't add much to the experience but doesn't detract from the experience either. The flip-top is convenient, which I can't say for Smashbox single eyeshadows. :) This shadow is at the higher-end of drugstore pricing but you get a lot for your money. One issue I have with NYX is the fact that it is difficult to find in stores, which makes it difficult to swatch and evaluate against your skin tone. (In Canada it's available at Rite Aid, Rexall, and Save On Foods.) I didn't mark down Golden for this. I wouldn't repurchase this product -- not because it lacks anything -- but because I have similar versions of this colour from other brands. In other words, this colour isn't unique to NYX. Overall, I think this is a great eyeshadow for people who are looking for a smoothly textured eyeshadow with great colour payoff for their money, don't have a similar colour in their collection, new to makeup, or experienced with makeup and want to add a bold colour to their arsenal without breaking the bank. Go try it out! I think it's worth it!
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No