November Favorites

I hope everyone is having a decent Black Friday full of sales!  Today I figured I should touch upon some of my favorite products this month.

This month has been somewhat turbulent for me.  I moved into a new apartment and had some issues relating to subletters at my old place.  However, I'm hoping that December will be much better, especially because my student teaching will be wrapping up, the holidays, and my birthday are taking place!  Thankfully, makeup has been something that has gone pretty well for me.  Let's give them a chance to shine.

1.  e.l.f. Power Brush [link] $3.00

I'm fairly new to the makeup game.  Because of this and a small budget, I'm somewhat apprehensive to dabble in expensive brushes.  After reading reviews about elf's brushes, I decided that they were cost effective enough to buy.  Thankfully, the foundation brush is very effective!  It works for both liquid and powder foundation.  The flat top of it really works in getting everything on smoothly.  I strongly recommend picking one up!

2.  L'Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Crayon Concealer in Light/Medium [link] $8.95

My skin tone is pretty stubborn.  I'm fairly light, because I don't go out in the sun like... ever, but I still have a very Mediterranean undertone.  So finding a concealer that would work for me was somewhat frustrating.  Thankfully, I found L'Oreals when I was trying to find a concealer for cosplay purposes.  Now I use it fairly frequently, because it actually makes the bags under my eyes go away!  I want to explore other concealer options, but I'm pretty happy with my purchase and will continue to use it.

3.  Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie Lipgloss in Maverick [link] $18.00

I got a deluxe sample of this product with my Sephora purchase a little more than a week ago.  I've already made a decent dent in it, because I might have found a "My Lips But Better" shade!  And this is coming from someone who isn't really into nude shades.  It's referred to as "a rosewood shimmer shade" and has a minty tingle to it.  It's not for everyone, but it's certainly something that works for me.

4.  Maybelline New York Expert Wear Eyeshadow Duos in Grey Matters [link] $4.50

I rule with a cool toned fist.  Maybelline helps make this possible.  This duo has become a staple of sorts in terms of my eye shadow wear.  I really, truly love it.  I usually put the lighter one over the base of my eye and then use the darker one for the crease and it creates a pretty complex color that is apparent through my thick glasses.  It's certainly worth checking out.

What are some of your favorites for this month?

Zoya Nail Polish in Tinsley

Happy Thanksgiving, everybody!  I hope you're having a wonderful time with loved ones.

Have you ever met a nail polish in a bottle and went, "Gosh, this is going to look great on my nails!" only to find out that it just doesn't live up to its expectations when you put it on?  I have a polish like this.  It's Smoke & Ashes from the Hunger Games collection from China Glaze.  I still don't know how to get the green shimmer to really work on my nails.

Regardless, I decided to take a risk and check out Zoya's Tinsley.  It's a golden/soft pink glass fleck polish that you really can stare at for hours.  I can flick my hand around and it will become an entirely different color.

The only issue with this polish that can be found is that it is a very thin formula.  I put three coats on and I was very happy with the results.  I know this color came from the 2013 summer collection and it certainly has a more summery feel, but I don't care!  This is a fun polish to wear regardless of the season.

Zoya polish goes for about $8 on their webpage as well as at Ulta.  I got mine at Ulta during a buy two get one free sale, so keep your eyes peeled for sales like that!

Maybelline Color Elixir in Vision in Violet 040

I have a problem... it's lip products.  More specifically, I am constantly searching for fun colored lip products.

Maybelline released their Color Elixirs about a month ago.  They have a decent range of colors and go for around $8.99 depending on if you go to certain drug stores and/or Ulta.

Maybelline claims that the product is "hyper-saturated color" and "ultra cushiony feel."  The product is set up as a very pigmented gloss that doesn't quite have all the properties of a liquid lipstick, but does have the pigmentation associated with it.  The packaging itself is super cute.  The product is shaped like lipstick in a clear tube, which I really appreciated.

When I opened this up, I noticed two things.  The first was that the applicator was really cool.  It's a teardrop shaped doe foot applicator that makes putting the product on super easy.  The second was that the smell was something awful.  It smelled like a very strong, artificial grape that took awhile getting used to when applying it.  It's probably the first makeup product I've really put on and had it bother me to the point that I was having second thoughts about putting the product on my face.

When swatching it, I could see that this was certainly a very pigmented gloss.  It's also super slick and catches the light easily.  I will admit that when I put it on my arm, I wasn't entirely happy with the violet as it appeared on my skin.  I went into it expecting a super purple option, but I should be aware by now that purple lip products are not going to be easily accessible at a drugstore level.

Application of this product went fairly okay.  I will admit that it's pretty difficult to even out the color, in spite of the fact that the process is fairly accurate because of the nice applicator.  It's also not terribly long-lasting.  I found myself needing to reapply periodically to make sure that the color was as bright as it looked when I put it on last.  I also wish the color went for a more purple kind of violet.  This color is nice enough and I like that it's blue-based, but I don't think it was really the product to use to suit my needs.

I think what it comes down to is that I'm not much of a gloss person.  I can definitely see why other people enjoy this product.  Also, the packaging is cute!  I just don't think it suits my makeup lifestyle, is all.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Romantic

Iiiiiii hecked up on my last run to Ulta.

I went to the display with Revlon's new Matte Balms and accidentally grabbed one of their older lip stains.  While I was somewhat disappointed with my blunder, I decided that I was due for a product like this.  Most of the lip stuff I own is purchased after I ask myself two questions ("Is it cool-toned?" "Is it obnoxiously bright?").  Having a subtler product like a lip stain is probably a pretty good idea.

The first thing I noticed about this was the packaging, which was both good and bad.  I love chubby sticks a whole lot and I will always be a lot more interested in a product if it's packaged as such.  However, I noticed that the twist part shakes around and makes a clicking noise of sorts that always makes me nervous.  It appears that the balm itself is untouched by this, so it's probably nothing to worry about.

Upon opening it, I noticed that it faintly smelled of peppermint oil.  I'm a huge fan of the scent and would have even liked it being a little stronger.  However, I know not everyone feels that way.  The scent remains on your lips for a short period of time when you put it on, however, it does fade away fairly quickly.

The color of the balm is kind of difficult to judge when you're in the store.  There isn't really a window to really look at it and decide what you got (which is kind of nice, considering that it's wrapped up and ensures nobody gets into your stuff before you purchase it).  I assumed that it was a matte balm that I didn't see swatched yet, so I went "WELP, LET'S SEE WHAT HAPPENS" (don't be like me, please, it was a foolish mistake).

I wish there was a way to make swatches of just one product look less... like this.  Anyway, swatching this was fairly easy.  I was a little nervous, because it felt pretty waxy when I put on one layer of it, but it was super buildable and wasn't anywhere near as stiff-feeling as it did after the initial swipe.  However, I noticed that the color when I put it on my lip initially changed as it dried.  It became a somewhat orangey color, which wasn't entirely great for me.  That's kind of a color that I avoid aaaaaa.  It also seemed to dislike filling in evenly toward the inside of my lip, which is a little noticeable in the picture I took.  It's not the end of the world and I get it's supposed to be sheer, but it's definitely something to think about.

Also, in terms of the stain... it didn't really do too much for me?  I mean, it did turn it somewhat red, but I think my lips are pretty pigmented from the start, so maybe this wasn't the absolutely perfect fit for me and my lip lifestyle.

Overall, I'm okay with the product.  Considering I ended up with something that was definitely not what I went into get, I ended up doing all right.  I don't think I'm going to get anymore balm stains, because I'm a pissbaby that prefers things that are louder, but I'm happy they exist for anyone that's into this type of stuff.

Zoya Giovanna

Did you know that trying to run a beauty blog while student teaching is really, really hard?  Luckily, I have made the decision to just swatch as much as I can today, because I have a nice short week coming up thanks to Thanksgiving.

Last week I went to Ulta and saw that their Zoya polish was on sale at buy two, get one free.  While I've been very curious to check out Zoya's polish selection prior, I've really only ever owned one other polish by them, which is Goldie.  

Zoya describes the color as "emerald metallic green," and I absolutely agree.  the color really stands out in the bottle, which automatically grabbed my attention when I was looking around.

Putting it on was fairly easy.  I've found Zoya polishes to be rather thin, but not to a point that it's infuriating.  The finish of the polish is absolutely beautiful, as well.  It seems to actually glow when I'm looking at it on my nails.  To prove my point, I took a picture in the sunlight:

My only real gripe with the nail polish is that the wear time seems to be pretty pathetic.  I'm already seeing tip wear on my thumbs and I put it on yesterday, even though I have a base coat and a top coat.  However, I do think that the color is absolutely gorgeous.  It's also worth noting that their formula is probably the most pleasant-smelling polish I've used.  

The polish itself goes for $8 a bottle and is available on their website or at Ulta.  I plan on swatching the other nail polishes I got, Sailor and Tinsley, shortly.

How do you feel about Zoya polishes?

Banished lip gloss by Geek Chic Cosmetics

(please thank Lily, my model for today)

Hello, everyone!  I'm sorry I haven't put up a review in awhile.  Real life has been kind of awful.  But I wanted to take advantage of this day off to review something!

A few weeks ago Geek Chic Cosmetics had their Reckoning sale, which meant that they were retiring several of their collections.  When I realized a lipstick I wanted was already sold out, I decided to comb through their lip collection and choose something else.  Thankfully, I found Banished, which was priced at $4.99 in the store.

2spooky Halloween Manicure feat Orly's Melt Your Popsicle & Maybelline's Clearly Spotted

Boo!  Happy Halloween, nonbinary beauties.  Well, happy Hallomonth, because it's basically a month-long celebration for me.  Today I have a manicure to show off, which was actually featured on Orly's Twitter last week!

The combination on these nails is OPI's Melt Your Popsicle as the base and Maybelline's Clearly Spotted as the coat over it.  The people at Ulta asked me if I splattered paint on it!  I was flattered, but I told them that I just used a cool matte glitter on top.

I'll have a review up soon.  New York Comic Con hit me fast and hard.  I hope you don't mind!

Ulta Haul 10/6/13

Hello, all!  Student teaching has rendered me incapable of giving this blog as much attention as it deserves, but here's my haul I just got from Ulta:  Preparing for Comic Con edition.

For those of you who aren't aware, I'm going to New York Comic Con!  I'm cosplaying as Kyoko Sakura from Puella Magi Madoka Magica and a punk-inspired Captain Marvel.  For cap, I plan on wearing a cute cat eye, and needed liquid eyeliner to do so.  I also got some lip primer for my cute red lipstick and eyeshadow primer for both cosplays.

Here's a breakdown of what I got:

L'Oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black ($8.99)  I'm def going to have to practice a few times with this brush.  Apparently it really is made for cat eyed looks, which is what I'm using it for.  The brush does make me pretty nervous.

Rimmel London Exaggerate Undercover Shadow Primer ($1.29)  A major reason why I don't wear a lot of eyeshadow is because it creases on me so quickly.  Apparently, this isn't the best, but it was dirt cheap and I knew I was going to have to spend a bit on lip primer, so this will due until I can afford more pricey, effective stuff.

Too Faced Lip Insurance ($19.00)  This was the purchase I knew was going to set me back a little.  Apparently no drug store brands really make a lip primer unless it's coupled with a lip color, like some brands.  I knew this was probably going to happen, so I just kind of took a deep breath and paid.  I'm just tired of wearing matte lipstick and having my lips get weird and peely over it.

China Glaze Ghoulish Glow ($7.50)  I really wasn't in desperate need for any of China Glaze's Monster Ball collection, but I WAS in need of glow in the dark polish.

OPI You're Such a Budapest ($9.00)  OPI was having a "buy two get a top/base coat free" sale.  Naturally, I couldn't resist.  Also THIS COLOR IS BEAUTIFUL.  A light lavender color with a subtle shimmer.  I look forward to swatching it.

OPI Alcatraz... Rocks ($9.00)  One of the crowning jewels of OPI's San Francisco collection.  There were so few bottles from this collection left that I was very excited to be able to get a hold of it (there were two of three bottles hiding in the main OPI display, but they were absolutely gone in the SF collection stand).

OPI Top Coat (FREE, usually $9.00)  I hate buying top coat myself, so having it come with a purpose is very exciting!  Especially because my other bottle got really gummy and awful on me (not my Kiss USA ones, but a different bottle).
So... quite a bit of purchases.  But seeing as though I have to look my best for Comic Con, I don't mind.  I was also able to get three nail polishes I've really wanted for awhile.  I'm happy.

butter LONDON Cotton Buds nail polish

I'm not the best nail painter.  I'm actually pretty awful at it.  But I've gotten better at it to a point that I can paint my nails most of the time and do minor touching up, whether it's dabbing the sides with a tissue or going at it with a Q-tip afterwards.

But this nail polish... egads.  I hadn't heard of butter LONDON until I started reading beauty blogs.  Overall, the reviews for them sounded pretty solid and while they got for $15 a bottle, I only had my eyes set on one bottle in particular:  Cotton Buds, a white creme.

Whites are typically really streaky.  Anyone who has used their fair share of nail polishes can tell you that.  But Cotton Buds is actually able to be super solid and streak-free in two coats!(!!!!!!!!)

However, putting this on was a total NIGHTMARE.  The big cap is removeable, allowing you to use a smaller brush that has a much more maneuverable smaller cap on one end of it.  The formula is gloppy and very difficult to manage once it's on your nail.  It also takes quite a long time to dry, making it fairly difficult to get a second coat on in a timely manner.  I put on a top coat and a base coat and while it is holding on fairly well, my thumbs are already messed up and somehow my thumb's paint got punctured?  There's a tiny hole or air pocket or something like that in it.  I ALSO GOT A BRISTLE ON ONE OF MY NAILS AND HAD TO START OVER.  I'm telling you, it was a TURBULENT POLISH PARTY AT MY PLACE.

Ultimately... I don't entirely know how to feel about this polish.  It's great to know that there's a white polish out there that's actually able to cover your nails streak free!  But considering its $15 price tag, I can't confidently say it's worth checking out unless it's on sale.  If you're willing to risk it, you can find it at Ulta, where I purchased it.

What do you think of butter LONDON?  Is their formula consistently like this or is this an issue unique to my experience?

Kiss Top Coat Trio

I had a horrifying top coat incident a few weeks ago.  I grabbed a bottle that I hadn't used for awhile and put it on my nails, only to find out that it was old, gloppy, and turned parts of my teal polish yellow.  I finally took the time to go shopping for a new one and my significant other said "Hey, give this a shot!"

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss, Pink Pop 235

To start out this blog, I figured I'd start with what I currently have and work my way to new products.  I figured I should start with my current lip gloss of choice, Revlon's Super Lustrous in Pink Pop.