October Sayonara Products

This month I finished up a whopping fifteen products; more impressive than that,eleven are cosmetic items! I have mentioned in other posts that I have really buckled down on makeup spending, buying only the products that I need, have thoroughly research, and/or have been really craving for a long time. As such, I am hauling less and focusing on and using up what I already have more! Here are the products that I said goodbye to this past month:

Revlon PhotoReady Concealer in Medium Light

As far as drugstore concealers go, this is one of the best that I have found. It is really creamy, has nice coverage, and lasts all day when set with powder. It works best on blemishes but this wouldn't be my first pick for dark circles- it tended to cake up a little and crease under the eyes, and doesn't have the peachy undertones to really cancel out the blue. I have a few other concealers to use up, but I would consider purchasing it again.

Urban Decay Primer Potion in Original, minis x2

I received both of these mini PPs in palettes and have bee amazed by how long they have lasted me! UDPP is the only primer I have ever used or tried, and I haven't felt the need to look elsewhere because it does what it is supposed to do- make shadows more vibrant, prevent creasing, and prolong wear time. I replaced these two empties with a full-sized version in Eden, as seen in my recent Sephora Haul.

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm

Remember when everyone was raving about these? There is a lot to love here- all natural, organic, fun and unique packaging, tasty flavors. I wouldn't say this lip balm provided the most hydration to my lips, but it certainly got the job done! I used this until the sphere was flat, and then using a toothpick I dug out the rest of the product and mixed it with sugar to make a lip sugar scrub.

Almay Makeup Erase Sticks

My mom gave these to me to throw in my purse, but I found that these were most helpful in the mornings to clean up residual eye makeup that transferred to my lower lash line. The stick of the q-tip is filled with makeup remover, and when you snap one of the cotton buds off the liquid saturates the other end. These were nice to have, but not an essential for me. 

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel

This is just plain ol' witch hazel in a convenient squirt bottle. After washing my face I would load a cotton pad up with witch hazel and clean off any residual makeup, especially in my hairline. This did the trick, and it also did a decent job of shrinking my pores. I'll buy witch hazel again, but to save a few pennies I will just get the generic bottle.

Bath & Body Works Midnight Pomegranate EDT

I picked this up in one of my mad hunts to find my signature scent, and it just didn't work out. Although I always received compliments when I wore it, I personally found it too sweet and fruity.

Physicians Formula Powder Palette Multi-Colored Press Powder in Buff

I kept this in my purse to touch up throughout the day, and it was fine for a quick blot. However, as a setting powder this was pretty low performing- my skin was shiny within a few short hours, and reapplication lends itself to looking cakey.

Cover Girl Professional Natural Lash Mascara in Clear

I used this to set my brows, and it served me just fine! However, I have found another affordable clear mascara (Maybelline Great Lash) that has a smaller brush that is easier to tame my brows with, so I won't be repurchasing.

NARS Orgasm Illuminator

As a highlight and gel blush, I personally found this product pretty pointless. The gel was too thin, and once applied the pretty pinky gold shimmers were all but blended away. However, I did like this mixed with my foundation. I typically opt for matte finishes because they control oil better, but for a little luminosity I liked to mix this in. I did purchase a full size of this in Copacabana after falling in love with the color and reading that the formula was thicker than Orgasm's. Updates on that soon!

Estée Lauder Double Matte Foundation in Cool Dusk

While researching Double Wear the SA provided me a sample with Double Matte as well. In short, this was a let down: though it gives excellent coverage, it fails to control oil, it looks mask-like, and leaves you white cast in photos. Read the full review here.

Sephora Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer in Medium Peach

On its own, this is not a superior product. It is a little oily and provided almost zero coverage. However, I liked to mix this with my Revlon ColorStay for a more natural finish. I recently replaced this with Tart'es Amazonian Clay Tinted Moisturizer, which I am loving so far so expect a review soon!

philosophy vanilla birthday cake shower gel

This was my birthday gift from Sephora, and it really did smell like cake! I enjoyed this while it lasted, but I don't want to smell like cake all the time. 

LORAC Perfect Lit Oil Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight

This little deluxe sample lasted me almost a full year, and I vacillated between love and ambivalence. At times I wouldn't think it wasn't anything special, but in comparison to other, lower-end highlighters I can tell how soft, smooth, and natural it applies to the skin. No big shimmers here, just a nice lit from within glow. 

 

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner Pencil in Zero

This liner is among many bloggers' favorites, and I enjoyed it, too. Zero is very black, and the formula is incredibly creamy and easy to apply yet sets quickly and is long lasting. The only problem I had with this is that it didn't last on my waterline as long as I expected. I would repurchase this, put the price is pretty steep. I am testing out the Milani LIQUIF EYE Metallic Eyeliner Pencil in Black to see how it compares.

Phew! That's a lot!

What did you finish up this past month?

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Posted in Almay , Bath and Body Works , Cover Girl , EOS , Estee Lauder , Lorac , NARS , philosophy , Physicians Formula , Revlon , Sayonara Products , Skin Care , Urban Decay

October Favorites (no flunkies!)

 Please excuse my tardiness in posting this month's favorites a few days late. I have been insanely busy this month (such is the life of a grad student), and thus my makeup routine has really simplified. My main concerns have been concealing dark under eye circles and adding some color to my cheeks to mask just how sleep deprived and crazy I feel. These past few weeks I have forgone eyeshadow almost completely, but have discovered that the trick to fooling people that your look is really put together is a quick swipe of red or berry lipstick! No flunkies to report this month, because I have really buckled down on spending.

Yes to Tomatoes Daily Balancing Moisturizer

Using this again after a few months of being out has reminded me of why I adore this moisturizer so. It is a must for oily skinned folks, but is moisturizing enough to suit normal skin as well. This soaks in quickly, making for a great morning moisturizer. Read my full review here.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Sand

Bloggers the world wide web over have raved about this product, so when my last setting powder was nothing but pan I picked up this budget friendly powder. I have been really impressed so far- it sets my foundation without making me look cakey, and adds a little extra coverage on days when I opt for just a tinted moisturizer. I still need to blot every once in a while and I don't think this is heavy-duty enough for my super oily summer skin, but for the cooler months it is fitting the bill. Review coming soon.

Revlon SuperLustrous Lipsticks in Black Cherry & Really Red (matte)

There is no better time than autumn to bust out the berry lippies, and this month Black Cherry has been my pick. I picked this up because I heard this vampy, glossy burgundy red shade is a MAC Media dupe, and I have been loving this for evening looks. During the day, I have been gravitating towards Really Red, a true red matte shade, for a clean and classic pop of color. See Really Red in a lineup of some of the other Revlon matte shades here.

Maybelline SuperStay Makeup in Natural Beige

A friend of mine passed this along to me after she accidentally selected a shade too dark for her, and this baby has been sitting in my makeup collection untouched and unloved since then. Now that the weather is cooling off, my typically oily skin is balancing out (dare I say it is almost normal?!) so this foundation has replaced my usual matte finish formulas. SuperStay is a creamy, natural finish foundation with a great wear time.

NYX Cream Blush in Natural

Last month the shade Boho Chic made it on to my favorites, but this month I have really been reaching for Natural. It is a no-brainer shade that goes with every look, and it gives me that 'I'm alive although I only got 2 hours of sleep' flush that I need. Check out swatches of this shade and other NYX Cream Blushes here.

wet N wild ColorIcon Eyeliner Pencil in White

To keep my tired peepers looking bright, I have been applying this liner to my lower waterline. There are tons of white liners on the market, but this one is creamy, easy to apply, opaque, and best yet, super cheap! It also was essential in my Adele inspired look.

Urban Decay Glide-On 24/7 Eyeliner in Whiskey (on double-ended liner from Naked Palette)

Since I have been enjoying more natural and subtle eye looks this month, brown eyeliner has been an October staple. I loved it so much, in fact, that I used it all up!

Zoya Yara (not pictured above)

I am usually not into green that much, but this polish blew me away. How could you not love this olive green with gold flakies?! It was also a perfect base for my Frankenstein nail design. 

What have you been loving this month?

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Posted in Favorites and Flunkies , Maybelline , NYX , Revlon , Urban Decay , Wet n Wild , Yes to Tomatoes , Zoya

September Favorites (No Flunkies Allowed!)

Forgive me for being a few days late on this month's favorites and flunkies post. Due to my busy schedule my makeup routine has simplified, and I have started to opt for more neutral, foolproof shades. As I look at my most used products, I can see that I have been slowly transitioning from summer to fall. Because I have been really limiting my spending, I thankfully don't have any flunkies to share with you this month either. Here is what I have been loving this month!

Slatkin & CO Marshmallow Fireside Candle

I picked this up at Bath & Body Works during their recent 2 for $20 candle sale. This may actually be the most delicious scent I have ever smelled in my life. Just like roasted marshmallows and campfires, the scent is part creamy, sweet marshmallow, and part smokey and woodsy. You need this in your life, trust me!

Goody Spin Pins

I never spend much time on my hair, and this has especially been so now that I have been so busy with school. Even if I am stressed and under slept I still want to be polished and professional, so a messy ponytail simply won't do. Spin pins have been my hair savior this month. You can create a ton of different looks with these, but I typically use them to quickly transform my messy long locks into a cute, secure bun.

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic

For a full review and swatches, click here. I adore everything about this product. The cream to powder formula is easy to blend and lasts on my oily prone skin. The shade is a cool toned milky pink with subtle shimmer that adds a natural glow to my face. 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in Exposed

Read my full review and see swatches here. This blush was something I really had to step out of my comfort zone to try, but I am literally obsessed with it now. It is a pigmented, long wearing nude pinky brown that it is going to be perfect in the fall to create a natural, warm flush. This is also the ideal shade, in my opinion, to pair with a deep, berry or red lipstick.

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Iced Mocha

After a long lover affair with Milk, I have recently been reaching for the shade Iced Mocha religiously. This medium brown with silver shimmer acts as a phenomenal sticky base for all of my brown eye looks.

 E.L.F. Studio Single Eyeshadow in Coffee Bean

I received this as an extra in a recent MUA swap and honestly didn't have high expectations. Coffee Bean is a pretty dark brown with silvery shimmer but on its own the pigmentation isn't stellar. However, this shade layered over NYX JEP in Ice Mocha has been my go to eye look these past few days. I have been really loving this combo. Since both shades have silver shimmer (which I think is pretty unique, as most shimmery browns are laced with gold), they create a gorgeous icy brown smokey eye that has just the slightest touch of taupe.

Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner in Everlast

Expect a full review on this phenomenal liner soon! I don't know why more people aren't obsessing over this product.  This liner lasts forever, is super dark, and easy to apply.

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Soft Nude

Read my full review here. This has been my most used lipstick recently. It is the best nude I have found to date, and is a great budget find! 

Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Polish in Sandy

When it comes to lip gloss, I am typically not willing to buy high end but this one is worth every penny. The formula is wonderfully cooling and tingly on the lips, and I do feel like it makes my pout look plumper. The shade is a pinky nude that is lovely on its own or layered over most any lipstick. Pairing this with Revlon's Soft Nude has been my go to lip combo this month.

What have you been loving this past month? 

Any flunkies to report?

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Posted in Bath and Body Works , Buxom , E.L.F. , Favorites and Flunkies , Goody , Hair Care , Milani , NYX , Revlon , Tarte

Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Soft Nude

Whether we are striving for luminous skin or voluminous lashes, us makeup junkies are always on the quest. For me, I have been pretty focused lately on finding my perfect nude that doesn't wash me out and doesn't break the bank. After a handful of misses, Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick in Soft Nude is a huge hit with me!

I know a lot people really love the ColorBurst packaging. I will say that it is more sophisticated than most other drugstore brands, but I am not over the moon for it.  I actually prefer the sleek black tubes of the Revlon SuperLustrous rage, but no matter: it is the product in side I am after. However, I do really like the 'Revlon' stamped into the side of the bullet. The price is right on this one, too. Depending on your retailer, ColorBurst lipsticks will run you anywhere between $5-$8.

The formula of this lipstick is nice and creamy. However, be warned that this also makes the bullet a bit fragile- while mine hasn't melted or broken, it has started to push against the inside of the tube a bit, leaving dents on the side of the bullet. It is not incredibly pigmented (which I like), allowing me to build up to full opacity if I want or keep it more sheer. This is a satin finish, and has no bothersome scent or taste that I can detect.

My only complain is the shape of the bullet. I prefer my lipsticks to have the pointed peak shape, as it allows me greater precision in application. This bullet has more of a flattened and rounded top, making application more challenging. It is not a problem with a light shade like Soft Nude but it might be if you opted for a darker shade from the ColorBurst range.

Soft Nude is a very well balanced nude shade, in my opinion. This creamy beige doesn't lean too pink or too brown on me. It is cool enough for my fair skin, but has a nice subtle warmth as well that keeps me from looking like a corpse. The shade is also versatile- I have layered it over a baby pink lip liner for a pale pink lip, and I have also topped it off with peach gloss for a peachier nude. Overall this is an incredibly wearable shade, but I tend to reach for it more when I go for darker, more dramatic eye looks. 

On its own, I get 3-4 hours of wear out of this. Longer, of course, when paired with a liner and shorter when topped with a gloss. I don't find that this particularly moisturizing but it is not too drying either. It is always a good idea, however, to keep your pucker exfoliated and moisturized to decrease the possibility of parched, cracked lips.

While I will undoubtedly keep my eye out for other nudes (the quest never stops, does it?!), Revlon's ColorBurst Lipstick in Soft Nude is really an exceptional find, especially in this price range. 

Have you tried this lipstick? 

What is your favorite nude?

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Revlon

August Sayonara Products

 By the end of each month, I am astonished by how many products I finish up and it always seems that I run out of everything at once. On one hand, empty bottles assure me that I am actually using the products I spend my hard earned cash on; on the other, it can be a little overwhelming to need to replenish my stash of products all at once. I said sayonara to a whopping thirteen products this month!

 Yes to Tomatoes Daily Volumizing Conditioner

Of all of the natural conditioners I have tried, this one is by far my favorite (read my full review here). However, I wouldn't say it is a miracle product. In fact, I was seduced back to the dark side, at least temporarily, and picked up non-natural shampoo and conditioner (from the John Frieda Sheer Blonde line, which made my August favorites list). I am still on the hunt for a superior natural shampoo and conditioner- suggestions?

Macadamia Healing Oil Healing Oil Treatment

This small 1oz. bottle lasted me about 3 months- while I didn't use it daily at first, I really started to fall in love with this product just as it was getting low. It smells divine and keeps my hair hydrated and frizz-free. I am not sure I want to invest in the full sized, $25 bottle just yet, so I am on the hunt for a cheaper alternative. I am curious about VO5 Miracle Concentrate. Or should I bust out some cash and try out the classic Moroccan Oil? What do you all suggest?

 

 Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara

There are things I really like about this product: I can layer and layer and layer this mascara without it getting clumpy, it doesn't flake, and it offers nice length and respectable volume. However, it doesn't hold a curl very well and can leaves my lashes a bit heavy and stick like if I apply too many coats. I just opened a backup of this that I need to move through, but I don't think I will repurchase after that.

Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black

As of now, this is my HG mascara although I am still curious to try others. Voluminous Carbon Black offers incredible volume, but the formula is a bit finicky- one coat too many can leave you with clumpier lashes than the late Tammy Faye Baker. I wish this was a bit more lengthening as well, but I would still buy this again.

Sephora Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer

I have a full sized bottle of this and just wanted to get this little deluxe sample out of the way. On its own, this is a ho-hum tinted moisturizer- but then again, I prefer more coverage and oil control than a tinted moisturizer can typically provide. However, I mix this daily with matte finish full coverage foundation (either Revlon ColorStay or Estee Lauder Double Wear) to achieve a lighter, more natural finish. 

Benefit "That Gal" Brightening Face Primer

 I received this in my Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic kit. "That Gal" is a thick, creamy pink primer that initially made me very hesitant. I assumed a brightening face primer with thick, creamy formula would clash with my oily skin and exacerbate the appearance of shine. However, I really grew to love this primer. It gave me a non-shimmery, lit from within glow that made my matte foundations look more natural, and I never noticed a problem in terms of oil-control. I have a hard time dropping the cash for a full sized bottle of this, but I would consider it in the future.

Josie Maran Bronzing Argan Oil

By now we have all been informed enough times about the miraculous benefits of argan oil, so I figured this product would blow me out of the water. I received this in a Sephora kit in the winter, but couldn't imagine using it any other time of year except the summer. Since I couldn't imagine applying this to my  face, I rubbed this onto my legs when wearing skirts and shorts. It left a nice sheen but nothing that I couldn't achieve with a bit of my standby coconut oil (which smells way better anyway). Once rubbed in, the bronzing effect is not even visible. This one isn't worth the investment for me.

 AHAVA Purifying Mud Mask

As an oily skinned babe I love a good mud mask, but this one didn't wow me. I was really perplexed by the instructions, which insist you wash off the mask only 2 minutes after applying it. I liked that this has a slight exfoliating effect while rinsing it off, but I wouldn't seek this out in the future.

Yes to Cucumbers Facial Hydrating Lotion

This is some good stuff. My partner and I have moved through several bottles of this natural facial lotion- it is gentle enough for his hypersensitive skin and light enough for my oily prone skin. It is incredibly hydrating, quick to soak into the skin, and has a lovely cucumber scent.

Pangea Organics Facial Toner

Love love love this product, but I don't love the price. I received this deluxe sample in a Birchbox and quickly used it all up. It is an amazing organic toner that helps remove any grime my cleanser left behind and preps my skin for my lotion. Also, a quick mist sets makeup and refreshes skin. However a full sized bottle is $28, which means I will be searching for a more affordable option.

fresh Citron de Vigne Eau de Parfum

I have complained here before on how difficult it is to find women's fragrances that are warm and earthy or aren't cloyingly fruity and flowery.  This one is different, and venture I say this may be my "signature scent." It is an alluring citrus scent with notes of wine- yum!

Korres Fig Shower Gel

My partner and I both love the earthy, dark, and slightly sweet scent of this shower gel, and the fact that it is all natural makes me even more excited. I cashed in my Birchbox points before I canceled by subscription and picked up a full sized bottle of this.

Sally Hansen Advanced Hard as Nails

 This got a bit thick towards the end, but overall I love this stuff. I apply it on clean nails underneath a base coat and it keeps my nails incredibly hard and strong. Try it out!

What did you use up in August?

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Posted in Ahava , Benefit , fresh , Josie Maran , Korres , Loreal , Macadamia Natural Oil , Pangea Organics , Revlon , Sally Hansen , Sayonara Products , Sephora , Yes to Cucumbers , Yes to Tomatoes

August Favorites & Flunkies

 August came and went more quickly than I would have liked, and we are now officially into September. Nonetheless, I am getting excited for autumn, but the summer heat is still blasting in my neck of the woods. August was a relatively uninspired month for me, in terms of makeup. I could be seen sporting either dark, dramatic lids with a nude or even bare lips, or a bold lip with a minimalist, mascara-only eye. I didn't haul much either. I spent most of my summer incredibly tight on money, and when I did finally get some extra cash to play with I found that nothing really peaked my interest.  I do have a Cherry Culture order on its way though!

Here are the goodies I have been reaching for this month, as well as two flunkies. Also, please forgive me for the photos. I have been fighting with Blogger to rotate them, but I gave up after the third round of editing and resizing the pictures. Sorry!

Urban Decay Naked Palette 

Once again, this much adored palette makes it onto my monthly favorites list. However, this month I gave some love to the four shadows that I usually neglect the most. Toasted and Hustle, with their purple undertones, paired together made for a gorgeous, updated brown lid, and Creep and Gunmetal helped me create some gorgeous smokey eyes. Creep is also my go-to shade for setting liner now.

wet N wild Color Icon Palette in Comfort Zone

When I have opted for more neutral eyes this month, I have been reaching for the first two shades in this awesome, budget friendly palette. The first shade is a shimmer yellow beige and the second is a shimmery orange peach.

The palette also includes this amazing shadow, a brown/red/green multichrome, that makes for a simple and multidimensional dramatic lid or an interesting liner setting shade. I suspect this is very similar to MAC's Club, but since I don't own it I can't officially say how dupe-worthy it is. Regardless, it is a unique, high quality shadow.

Revlon Color Burst Lipstick in Soft Nude

Nude lipstick perfection. After seeing this on multiple blogs, I picked this gem up and couldn't be happier. It is my perfect pinky nude- my lips looks muted, but not dead. And it is budget-friendly. Holla!

MAC Musky Amethyst

I fall in love with this lipstick every time I use it- it balances red and plum in a wearable way. It has been a really versatile shade for me as well: a few dabs and it serves as a subtle lip stain, or a proper application makes for a gorgeous statement lip.

MAC Viva Glam Gaga 2 Lipglass

When I am at work I do not have time to touch up my lipstick, so this opaque nude gloss has been a savior. I can tuck it into my pocket and reapply whenever I feel the need, allowing my look to remain polished and fresh looking. I don't like this on its own so much, but it is great to layer over or revitalize nude lipstick.

LORAC Multiplex 3D Lip Gloss in 3D

I received this deluxe sample in a Sephora kit, and I really adore it. 3D is a rose bronze shade with multicolored shimmer. The look of this on the lips is almost metallic.  I love to layer this on top of MAC Musky Amethyst.

NYX Lip Liner in Rose

In August I rediscovered lip liner, and I can't believe I have been wearing lipstick without it. I have a few of these NYX liners and am impressed with the quality of all of them, but I have been reaching for Rose, a light pink, most often. The formula is a bit dry, but the pencil doesn't drag on my lips and it makes my lipstick last a lot longer.

Benefit Erase Paste in No. 2

 This concealer was a rediscovery for me. After sitting unloved in my makeup drawer, I dragged it back out and have been using it almost daily. I realized that I didn't love it before this summer because it was too dark for my skin, thus emphasizing dark circles. Now that I have a bit of a tan, it works like a dream.

John Frieda Sheer Blonde Shampoo & Conditioner

I broke my vow to use only natural shampoo and conditioner this month. Although the overall condition of my hair is good, my blonde locks were looking dull. This duo has really revitalized the appearance of my hair: after just two week I notice my hair is shinier and less brassy.

My homemade sea spray

Water, a bit of salt, and a few drops of coconut oil in a little spray bottle make for a great sea spray. A few mists on my dry hair emphasizes my natural waves and adds some texture. Try it out!

Flunkies....

blinc Mascara

I received this in my most recent (and last...but more on that in a future post) Birchbox. Initially I was really intrigued by this mascara, which creates tubes around your lashes. Although removing it is super easy and mess-free (the tubes just slide off with warm water), this is a really natural looking mascara. I need more volume and length, so the novelty of the "tubing" isn't enough to sell me.

Estée Lauder Double Matte Foundation

My hunt for my HG foundation brought me to the Estee Lauder counter, where the sales associate offered me a sample of Double Wear and Double Matte. Double Matte, contrary to what the name suggests, doesn't provide a long wearing matte finish. Even with primer and powder, my oily skin was in its full glory halfway through the day. Read my full review of Double Matte and Double Wear here.

What have you been loving this month? Any regretful purchases?

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Posted in Benefit , blinc , Estee Lauder , Favorites and Flunkies , Hair Care , John Frieda , Lorac , MAC , NYX , Revlon , Urban Decay , Wet n Wild

Matte about you! Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick Collection

Long time, no write! I apologize for the random disappearance- my parents surprised me with a visit to my new home and I start my doctoral work next week (eeeek!) so I have been a crazy lady and a bad blogger. In the future, I will not be posting as frequently as I have in the past unfortunately. My graduate work, it should go without saying, comes first. But have no fear, Power Femme will not disappear. You can expect two or three posts a week from here on out.

Since I have started blogging I have been meaning to swatch and review my collection of the Revlon Super Lustrous Matte lipsticks. I do not own the whole line but I do have over half, and I would venture to assume that they are the most popular of all of the Revlon Mattes. I haven't seen another drugstore brand carry matte shades, which makes this line pretty unique. Each lipstick will run you about $5-8, depending on your local retailer. For me, I get about 4 hours of wear on these, if not more (especially for darker shades like Really Red). Like most all mattes that formula can be a bit drying (so exfoliate and moisturize, girls!), but some much more so than others. This collection is a mixed bag of phenomenal hits and regretful misses, which makes it hard id them as a whole. Below you will find comparison swatches, as well as brief reviews of each individual shade.

 Nude Attitude is a shade that I picked up when I was first experimenting with nude lipsticks, and it is a miracle that this shade alone didn't scare me away from nude lips forever!  This shade is really the worst in this line of lipsticks. Nude Attitude applies patchy, dries out the lips, and highlights dry skin on the lips. I tried to salvage this purchase by layering almost every gloss in my collection over it, and it still just slipped around my lips and appeared patchy. Additionally, the shade itself, which is very "concealer nude," is not a flattering nude. If you are after blanked out lips, you would be better off using actual concealer! 

Mauve it Over has a nice formula (creamy, opaque), but this isn't a shade I reach for often. As you might have guessed, this is a mauve shade but it leans more brown on me than I prefer. However, those with warmer or darker skin tones than I might find this to be a nice "my lips but better shade."

 Smoked Peach is my absolute favorite of this whole entire line. I searched forever for this shade, as it seems to be a little bit harder to find than the rest of the matte line. Smoked Peach is a soft peachy orange. It is a really unique shade, especially for a matte and for a drugstore lipstick, and I find it really brightens up my face. I featured this lipstick in a guest post over at Makeup and Macaroons, and also wore it in this FOTD.

 Really Red is just that...really red! Formula wise, Really Red is the best of this collection: creamy, non-drying , and incredibly opaque. This lipstick lasts forever and makes for the classic pin-up look.

 Pink Pout is probably the most well known and well loved lipstick in the Revlon matte range among beauty bloggers. This was my first purchase from this line, and I bought it while searching for a dupe for the MAC Viva Glam Gaga 1 lipstick I missed out on. Since I don't own the Gaga lipstick I can't speak to how close of a dupe Pink Pout, but I do adore this shade. It is a slightly cool toned baby pink that leans a bit lavender, and it gorgeous when paired with a smokey eye!

 Sky Pink is a true pale pink that is great for everyday wear. Pink Pout is paler and has blue undertones, while Sky Pink is more of a yellow leaning bubblegum pink. The formula is not as opaque as others in this line. I wore it in this FOTD.

 Stormy Pink was a bit of a let down for me. It is much more sheer and subtle than what I expected from the vibrant fuchsia tube. This shade needs to be built up quite a bit for good color payoff, and can be a bit drying. I usually pair this lipstick with a gloss, which defeats the purpose of a matte finish but it is how I think it performs best. Despite being a bit misleading, it is still a lovely shade.

 L-R: Nude Attitude, Mauve it Over, Really Red, Smoked Peach

 L-R: Nude Attitude, Mauve it Over, Really Red, Smoked Peach

 L-R: Pink Pout, Sky Pink, Stormy Pink

 L-R: Pink Pout, Sky Pink, Stormy Pink

 

The Final Verdict

Run for your life: Nude Attitude (the worst lipstick I have ever had the displeasure of using)

Run to the store: Pink Pout, Smoked Peach, Really Red (I would but all three of these shades over and over again!)

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Posted in Revlon

My Lipstick Bar

While browsing the knick-knacks at our local second-hand shop, my partner found this little gem for less than a buck. The original owners of this lipstick bar must have come upon it in a gift shop in Luray Caverns, VA- it is an odd souvenir to remember the caves by but it is charming nonetheless! 

It clearly wasn't getting the love it deserves so I brought it home with me, and now it proudly displays my favorite lipsticks (and glosses!) of the moment! It is also a great way to encourage myself to use lipsticks that have fallen to the bottom of my collection and show them some affection! 

I am thinking about doing a monthly Lipstick Bar post where I feature my current favorite lipsticks and ones that I bringing back into the daylight - what do you think? Would be interested in seeing a monthly post on my Lipstick Bar?

 What's currently in my Lipstick Bar?

From L to R:

MAC Viva Glam Gaga2

MAC Musky Amethyst
Revlon Super Lustrous Primrose

Revlon Moon Drops Rose Dipped Gold

Revlon Super Lustrous Siren

Hard Candy Glossaholic Chill Out

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Posted in Hard Candy , Lipstick Bar , MAC , Revlon

Fierce Femme FOTD: Deathly Hallows

I love sleep too much to make the midnight showing, but the day after Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows P. 2 premiered I hit the theater, my pals and I giddy as could be! In my "punk" younger years, the image I had of the HP phenomenon was of nerdy 8 year old kids with lightening bolts scribbled on their foreheads waiting outside of the local bookstore for an obscene number of hours for the latest book installment. Thankfully I grew out of that narrow-minded thinking because now I am totally enamored with the Harry Potter series, although I was late catching on! This post is a little late, but here is the look that I wore to the movie showing! By the way, the movie was AH-MAY-ZINNNG!

What I Used

Face

Revlon ColorStay Foundation in Medium Beige

Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer in Light

elf HD Powder

Cheeks

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 Hour Blush in Exposed

Lorac Perfect Lit Oil Free Luminizing Powder in Spotlight

Eyes

UDPP

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Cottage Cheese (depotted)

elf Mineral Eyeshadow in Angelic (shimmering white; inner corners)

elf Mineral Eyeshadow in Smoldering (silvery pewter; lids and lower lash line)

elf Mineral Eyeshadow in Seductive (matte black; upper lash line, outer v, lower lash line)

elf Cream Eyeliner in Black (upper lash line, tight line, and water line)

Loreeal Voluminous Carbon Black (upper lashes)

Mybelline Lash Stiletto (lower lashes)

Lips

elf Lip Liner and Lip Brush in Natural

Sephora Collection Lip Attitude in 19 Innocent Beige (depotted)

My partner and I waiting for the movie to start!

Did you see HP and the Deathly Hallows P.2? What did you think?

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Posted in E.L.F. , Fierce Femme Face of the Day , Hard Candy , Harry Potter , Lorac , Loreal , Maybelline , NYX , Revlon , Sephora , Tarte