Eyeliner -Urban Decay - 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Sabbath
lalaland 5/10/2013 3:23:00 PM
I want to start off by mentioning that I have never purchased a full size UD pencil prior to this. I always got them in sets and/or on sale. I just had to get this because of the color. I saw swatches online and was like "OMG is that a dark navy matte liner?". I died. Then I watched some YT videos raving about this particular color. I went to ULTA and swatched three colors: sabbath, mainline, and I think loaded. All beautiful. I am not about to spend all that money for three so I just got my initial choice. Of the three that I swatched sabbath was the creamiest, which was a little scary but I still loved the color. It is rich and dark, so it can definitely pass as black but it has a special tint that makes eyes pop and adds a little something different to your typical eye look. I've worn it everyday since I purchased it and it wears very well and I enjoy it. The creaminess is a tad bit challenging when trying to be precise and is smushes a little and I find that I have to sharpen more often than lets say the color zero. I still adore it and only wish it was a bit matter/dryer.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Cover Girl - Outlast Stay Fabulous 3 in 1 Foundation
lalaland 5/10/2013 3:14:00 PM
I did not want to like this foundation. I try to avoid skincare and cosmetic products that use certain chemicals. I have sensitive skin and care about the potential harmful affects of certain ingredients so I avoided this particular product since it came out despite raves. I primarily got it to use on my very long work days. I sometimes have to work 12+ hours and my makeup no matter how I set it, looks a mess by the end of the day. I rationalized this by telling myself that if I do not use it daily that it should not be tooooo bad. Well dangit, I like it a lot. I still try not to use to often but I adore it on those long days for sure. It does not sting or tighten my dry/normal skin and wears very well throughout the day. I tried it with with my fingers, beauty blender and elf powder brush...all worked very well. The finish is flawless and I never have to set it (although I still do sometimes). It is a little cakey around my nose, somewhat highlighting the pores but not very noticeable and wayyyy better than any other foundation that I've tried. The packaging is blah but it does have a pump. The color selection seemed decent. I am around NC20, fair yellow and I got Buff Beige 825.
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Eye Shadow -Black Radiance - downtown browns
lalaland 2/22/2013 11:16:00 PM
I heard about this palette from Nouveau Cheap but never saw the brand at my local Walgreens until I visited a different one. The colors are beautiful in the pan. They all suit each other well and do not include any odd colors. Of course the packaging and texture and EVERYTHING is Wet n Wild. Unfortunately, the pigmentation is lacking on some colors. I still work with it but it would be amazing if all of the colors adhered to the lids better and actually showed up. The darker colors in the palette are very pigmented and pack a lot of punch but be careful with the fallout on these. The price is amazing and to be honest most people would love the palette and find nothing wrong. Makeup collectors that have plenty to compare it to would probably agree that not all colors are great in this palette. Would recommend but would not purchase again.
6 out of 6 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Ronnie Red
lalaland 2/4/2013 8:29:00 PM
This is a limited edition shade (as of February 2013) in the Archie's Girls collection. I love purchasing bold lipsticks but there are only few that I end up wearing and loving. I actually do not own any other red than this. I had Ruby Woo which was beautiful but a little too dry for me to actually wear out so I sold it. Ronnie Red is in that family of red (since I do not have any I cannot compare). There are plenty of swatches on Specktra and Google that have great comparisons. What I honestly love about this is the opacity, richness, and texture. It applies like a dream, so smooth so even. It definitely is a bold red, not very bright but pigmented and slightly darker than swatches online. Since I am a novice to reds, if you can relate to me then trust that I say to get this even if you are not into this shade of lipstick. You will get the nice packaging, a lovely texture, and a classic introduction to the color. Should be releasing soon in stores so try and get this.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Too Faced - Boudoir Eyes
lalaland 1/28/2013 8:51:00 PM
Too faced sometimes does not get enough love. I only own the Boudoir and the Romance palette but I can honestly say that the brand is awesome...they have really stepped it up in the past few years. This palette is beautiful. If you love muted sexy colors then this is definitely for you. I knew I wanted to palette based off of the pictures I saw online but I was somewhat deterred by the presence of pink. I never ever use pink eyeshadows and it seemed as though the the palette was heavily grey and pink. The two "pinks" are Satin Sheets (beautiful light rose gold, swatches golden) and Fuzzy Handcuffs (soft beige pink) are very wearable and not barbie doll pinks. I can absolutely work with them without feeling like I have to because they are there. The shadows are pigmented, soft and versatile. The shimmery shades in the bunch have a beautiful sheen. So so happy that it comes with a light matte brow color. There are so many looks possible with this...a true day to night palette. AND the packaging is beautiful and compact. No extra bulkiness, it is made out of tin, easy to clean, and closes with a magnet. Cannot say enough good things. If you do not care for the UD Basics (I actually love it) and want something more wearable than UD Oz Glinda, then get this.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Foundations -Tarte - Amazonian Clay 12-hour Full-Coverage Foundation SPF 15
lalaland 1/23/2013 8:50:00 PM
I was really in to Tarte a few years ago and tried most of their foundations. I was pretty satisfied with my Nars Sheer Glow and Laura Mercier Mineral Powder and tinted moisturizers so I passed on this when it was released a while ago. I swatched it many times and I really liked how the color Light was yellow based. I finally got to try it when I ordered a QVC set which came with a brush, blush, brow pencil and mascara. I find that I get good results with my hand and pretty much any synthetic foundation brush (Sigma, Real Techniques). It covers well, is not streaky, does not separate, wears for a long time, and just plain ol looks good. My other current favorite foundation is Guerlain Lingerie and I find that I use the Tarte more often, especially for everyday. I am so happy I got to try this and see myself purchasing it again even though I have other foundations.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Loose Powders -Ben Nye - Bella Luxury Powder: Banana (formerly known as Visage Poudre Luxury Powder)
lalaland 1/23/2013 8:42:00 PM
I heard about this product for a while and finally purchased it from ebay to see if it would work as a setting powder for my liquid foundations rather than always using a mineral powder to finish. I really do not see what is so special about it. It is not as yellow as I thought it would be, it is sort of a dark somewhat orange yellow. I was hoping for more of a pastel golden yellow. I suppose it sets the makeup and does what it is supposed to do but it honestly does not do much for complexion, definitely does not neutralize foundations that are too pink, and does soften or make the look more natural. I used both as a setting powder for the entire face and for concealers. The price is quite affordable so I cannot complain but it is not any more special than powders that have been around for ages like the Coty or other loose powders like that.
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Mascara -Rimmel - Scandal Eyes Show Off
lalaland 1/23/2013 12:25:00 AM
I searched everywhere for this "new" mascara. I heard that it has been around overseas and was in a hello kitty packaging in Asia. I bought into the whole mascara tip that is supposed to be similar to Benefit's They're Real and Givenchy mascara ball thingy lol. It is terrible. When I pulled the brush out I thought it would be shiny and wet like most new mascaras...no..it was really dry and matte like an old mascara. AND not dry in a good oh the mascara has finally aged perfectly way. Very little product actually goes on, no volumizing no lengthening. I wish I never got it and do not see the point of it. Maybe the batches we got were bad, not sure but I am so disappointed.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Top/Base Coats -Unlisted Brand - INM - Out the Door Top Coat
lalaland 1/9/2013 8:50:00 PM
I heard of and have seen this brand for yearsss. I remember seeing a video raving about it and thought I would try it one day but kept buying Seche Vite. Seche Vite dries the quickest, way quicker than this, and is definitely thicker and therefore finishes glossier. I, however, hate hate hate how the Seche Vite makes your nails look after a few days. It pulls at the tips, making your nails appear like they are chipping, dries in the bottle midway (DESPITE using the polish thinner specifically made for Seche Vite top coat), and it strangely starts to crack like a thin plastic layer over nails...strange. So far Out of the Door has been great. It is not as thick, does not chip or allow the polish to fade quickly, and does not have an obvious odor like China Glaze's fast drying top coat. The major downfall for me is that it does not dry as fast as I need it to, quicker than the regular, but so slow in comparison to other fast dry top coats out there. If, however, you are not rushing or clumsy like me you will be fine and love it. I do like that I can touch it while it is drying and it just feels sticky rather than dry on top but slippery underneath which leaves that ugly smudge. I highly recommend trying it.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Blush -Chanel - Joues Contraste in Notorious
lalaland 1/8/2013 10:49:00 PM
I am giving this a 4 based off of first impressions so that I can get this out ASAP since it is hard to find. The color is exactly as you see it online and yes it looks like a straight up eyeshadow. The difference between this and say an actual eyeshadow would be the texture and size. It is strangely pigmented but soft enough to blend over the face or eyes. Most eyeshadows that may be similar in color probably may not have the appropriate texture to contour cheeks with. The size suits most contour brushes like a MAC 186 or MAC 109 or angle brushes from Sigma, etc. Eyeshadows can be quite small, which not only can be difficult to collect from with larger brushes but it will likely get used up quicker. I of course could be wrong because I do not know the options out there in this color/texture range but I imagine it is not vast. The price is steep and the inventory is way too limited which sucks. I found mine at a local Saks a few days ago and could not find it anywhere else because it sold out months ago. Hopefully, you can still find it out there and I also hope and think that other companies might get on board with this "trend" or as some say "game changer" because it is not brown like other contour colors. On me, ~NC20, it looks a little purple but when I blend la lot and apply in layers it does look nice and natural. My boyfriend actually noticed it and said that he "sees definition/a line" under my cheekbones (but my cheeks are fat lol, I said that not him). It gets a four for now because it is not extremely easy to use right off the bat. I will update.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Palettes -Urban Decay - Naked Basics
lalaland 1/4/2013 4:37:00 PM
I can honestly say I use this palette more than any other eye product I have (except for primer). I know there is controversy about it (probably mentioned in several reviews). Yes, I do not care for the redundancy in light colors, definitely di not have to have bot W.O.S and Foxy but I still use them all everyday. I use Venus sparingly because I prefer matte highlight colors under the brow, it however is pretty nice at the corner and under the bottom lash line. Foxy is okay and blends in nicely, although somewhat dry. W.O.S. is nice in conjunction with Foxy even though similar as I transition it between my transition color (yes I transition between the brow and the transition color lol, I have too much space). Naked2 is my absolute favorite and honestly why I knew the palette would work for me. The fist Naked palette was too warm for me. Warmth in colors shows up on me to the extreme. So while many like MAC Soft Brown, Kid or Texture to transition, I like colors like Omega. Naked2 is definitely in the Omega family and I adore it. It blends perfectly into my skin and does not add extra orange or redness that I don't want there. Faint is also a very nice everyday brown, which I strangely do not really have. It is not too dark or too light and is nice and smooth. Crave is like Foxy in texture in my opionion, a little dry, but I still enjoy having it in the palette and use it to darken up my looks. I can and do use this palette alone but it works well with everything I have. I pretty much keep it close and open it when I am doing my makeup. Very convenient and I am thrilled with it. I would like UD to create a true matte taupe, that would have been awesome but maybe they will one day.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Eye Shadow -Laura Mercier - Gilded Bronze
lalaland 1/4/2013 4:15:00 PM
This is the only Laura Mercier eyeshadow I own. I got it for Christmas because I was lusting after it. It swatched so beautifully on my hand, sparkled and shined like no other. It definitely looks more taupe than bronze, which I typically like but it does not work for me. The color is too silver on me and applies patchy. I swatch it with my finger and think, that is going to be amazing on my eye...every single time I wear it. It just ends up looking like a wash of shimmer and does not pack enough color. It sort of reminds me of some cream shadows that appear promising but just don't layer enough color and opacity. Maybe if the color had a tad more brown it would wear better but I just cannot make it work. Tried it alone, over dark cream shadows, over purple pencils. Sad because I want to like it but I might have to return it.
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Liquid -Guerlain - 'Lingerie de Peau' Invisible Skin-Fusion Foundation
lalaland 1/4/2013 4:06:00 PM
I think most people can agree that Guerlain has some great face products but poor color range. I got a sample of this in #2 from Sephora and was intrigued because I am not a foundation junkie. I try to avoid strong, potentially harmful chemicals in skin and foundation products and never look into brands like this. I honestly do not have most of the ingredients in this product but am pretty pleased to see it is void of some that I try to avoid. The sample was wonderful. I was so sad when it ran out and vowed to get a full size. The colors, however, are limited. I am about an NC20. I am pale and yellow but have redness in my face. #2 was the closest but it is a tad too beige and I need more yellow. #31 has more yellow but is too light. It still works for me though because it blends in and helps my face match my pale neck. I know there is #32 in Asia (or something like that) but I cannot find it here. That would probably work for me. Other than the color, the foundation is fragranced (not a fan) but it fades. The foundation does not melt off and looks natural. It has been the best foundation so far for my dry skin. Dry patches are still apparent but less, and it appears to glide over flaws in the face. I think the finish woud be more flawless if it were the correct color match. Lighter foundations tend to highlight imperfections (of course right?). I think it is worth the price because I would pay for something that works for me rather than get a lot of things that don't. The bottle is heavy and nice but simple and nothing major. Please Guerlain, more yellow based colors in the US. I use flat buffing brushes and lightly set with Laura Mercier mineral powder...setting helps but may not be necessary for this.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Candy Yum-Yum
lalaland 1/4/2013 3:56:00 PM
I am a nude lover. I buy bright and unique colors and never use them (not brave enough?). I just can't pass certain colors that catch my eye and I was sad that lipstck kept selling out so quick but I was not obsessed about having it. I saw some reviews that compared it to OCC nylon so I got that from Sephora and I like it but I still prefer lipsticks over the tars. When I saw that it was permanent, I was probably one of the first to race (why was I rushing?) to get it online. I gotta say...I really love it and that is probably because it is matte. I love matte anything, and matte neons just do something for me lol. It definitely is bright and smooth and pigmented. I would keep my makeup very simple when wearing this, unless you are adventurous with looks. I really like how it brightens up my fair skin and black hair. The color is so pigmented and bright that it appears consistent in color across different skin tones/colors but since it is permanent I would suggest trying it in stores first.
3 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No
Lipstick -MAC - Strong Woman
lalaland 1/4/2013 3:42:00 PM
I know this lipstick is LE and currently sold out online but just in case it ever pops up at a CCO, still at some counters, or is ever repromoted, a review might be handy. This is my fave lipstick of the strength collection. The formula is really nice, smooth, opaque and fairly matte/satin. I do not shine or luster finishes especially for darker colors so this was perfect. It can pull more pink or purple depending on skintone and skin color. I am around NC20, neutral undertones with some redness. Unfortunately for me, a lot of colors, especially warm colors do not work on me. This did not make my teeth look yellow and did not make me look dead or sick, but it is very dark on me. It gives me a goth/vintage look for sure but the subtle brightness makes it modern and fun. It is not an everyday color on me but more wearble than bright pink. It looks far more purple/plum than most pics I've seen online. It appears to photograph more pink/magenta. I am really pleased with it and hope I can find a back up in the future if I ever need it.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful to you? Yes No