Review: Orly Nail Lacquer

Good afternoon everyone! Today I'm going to review the Orly Nail Lacquer in "Cotton Candy". I hope you all enjoy ;)

Price and Amount of Product - I purchased this nail polish at CVS for about $5.00-$10.00. It comes with .6 fl oz, or 18 ml of product.

Overview and what this is: This nail polish is a bright bubble gum pink color. It contains no shimmer and is completely matte. Additionally, this particular Orly nail polish is unfortunatly a limited eddition shade, but, however, it can still be purchased online (I suggest searching Amazon). As an added bonus, the nail polish also came with a coordinating lipgloss! The lipgloss has a doe-foot applicator and contains tons of pearly-white shimmer.

Like(s): This is one of my favorite nail polishes. I have used it a myriad of times and really enjoy the texture and the color. I also appreciate the added lipgloss. Plus, the brush is very large and the nail polish color is not streaky-the consistancy is perfect, and the polish is opeque.

Pros - Texture, color, lipgloss, brush, not streaky, consistancy, opeque

Dislike(s): None!

Cons - :D

Tips & Tricks and Final Thoughts:

One tip I have for when using this polish is to apply a top coat. This will create an even prettier finish once it dries. :)

To sum up, I LOVE this nail polish! I don't think I will ever get board of using it. I suggest that you pick up one of these polishes right away! If the price seems a bit high, they also sell smaller bottles for $3.99, although I suggest getting the full size! You'll be happy with your purchase!

TAG: 30 Questions

Hey everyone! I'm coming back at you guys with another tag today! I hope you enjoy as always :)

1. Do you have any pets?
- Not at the moment, but I used to have a fish and I might get a puppy next year :D

2. What color top are you wearing?
- I'm wearing a white top.

3. Name three things that are physically close to you.
- My mom's cellphone, my e.l.f. all over color stick in "Golden Peach", and my iPod Touch.

4. What's the weather like right now?
- It's night time right now and it's 66 degrees Fahrenheit, also cloudy.

5. Do you drive? If so have you crashed?
- No, I don't drive.

6. What time did you wake up this morning?
- This morning I woke up at around 9:00.

7. When was the last time you showered?
- Two days ago. I couldn't shower sooner because I had really bad sunburn.

8. What was the last movie you saw?
- On TV, degrassi, The Boiling Point, and in theaters, The King of Persia.

9. What does your last txt message say?
- I don't text message.

10. What's your ring tone?
- My phone expired and I haven't renewed it.

11. Have you ever been to a different country?
- Yes, I've been to Italy, Macedonia, Greece, Vienna, Budapest, Austria, Albania and many more! I just cant remember all of them. I love to travel!

12. Do you like sushi?
- I have never tried sushi in my life!

13. Where do you buy your groceries from?
-I buy them from the super market.

14. Have you ever taken medication to help you fall asleep faster?
- No, Never.

15. How many siblings do you have?
- I am an only child.

16. Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?
- I have both a desktop computer and a laptop. I prefer using my laptop, but I do use my desk top for school to use my printer.

17. How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
- I will be turning fourteen years old.

18. How did your parents pick your name?
- I don't know, they just picked it?!

19. Do you wear contacts or glasses?
- I wear glasses only.

20. Do you color your hair?
- No, I do not color my hair. I plan on never coloring my hair unless I have gray spots when I am older. Coloring your hair at a young age causes damage to your hair.

21. Tell me something you are planning to do today.
- Since it is night time, I am planning to go to sleep after this post (no promises lol).

22. When was the last time you cried?
- Yesterday :(

23. What is your full name?
- I can't tell you :)

24. What is your perfect pizza topping?
- I love pepperoni pizza.

25. Who is your favorite comedian?
- I love George Lopez. I also like Shane Dawson on Youtube.

26. What is your favorite radio station?
- I like everything.

27. Which do you prefer--hamburgers or cheeseburgers?
- I prefer cheeseburgers. The little slice of cheese does make a difference!

28. Have you ever had an all nighter?
- Unfortunately, no. But I've tried several times!

29. What is your eye color?
- Dark brown.

30. Can you taste the difference between Pepsi and Coke?
- Yes I can!

TAG: Would You Rather (Beauty)

Good evening everyone! I came across this fun tag on Youtube and I thought I would make a blog post on it! Enjoy! :D

#1. Would you rather go out with messy hair and nice make-up, or nice hair and no make-up?
- I would rather go out with nice hair and no makeup. In my opinion, an individual's hair is more noticeable than not wearing makeup; it paints the actual "face" of the person (if you understand what I mean). Also, wearing no makeup shows that you have confidence.

#2. Would you rather shave your eyebrows or have your eyelashes fall out?
- I would rather have my eyelashes fall out. That way I could just wear false lashes. Besides, I personally find the look of penciled-in eyebrows unattractive and not natural looking.

#3. Would you rather be forced to shop at only MAC or Sephora for the rest of your life?
- Forced? lol. Sounds great! Anyway, I would rather be "forced" to shop at Sephora for the rest of my life. As much as I love MAC, I HATE their skincare line. Additionally, MAC is only one brand. Sephora has the whole mish-mosh of brands!

#4. Would you rather wear the lipgloss/lipliner look or 80's perm?
- Although I would look like a clown wearing the lipgloss/lipliner look, I have to say that I would rather go with it opposed to the 80's perm. I would wear this bright, bold lip out to dinner at a restaurant if I had to.

#5. Would you rather leave the house with an obvious foundation line or overdone blush?
- I would rather leave the house with overdone blush. It doesn't say what color, so I could choose a nude pink blush to make it less dramatic! (Even if the blush was a hot pink, I would still say overdone blush.)

#6. Would you rather wear MC Hammer pants or biker shorts in public?
- Biker shorts all the way! I really dislike the look of MC Hammer Pants.

#7. Would you rather have a bad orange-y spray tan or really weird tan lines that can't be covered?
- I would rather have really weird tan lines! I don't want to be an orange for a month!

#8. Would you rather have a bad hair cut or a bad hair color?
- I would rather have a bad hair color. The color will wear off in a matter of weeks, but the hair cut could remain like that for months!

#9. Would you rather have Twitter or Youtube taken away forever?
TWITTER, no question!

#10. Would you rather give up using makeup brushes or mascara?
- I would rather give up using mascara. Instead I could apply liquid eyeliner to a fan brush and apply it to my lashes that way! I would get virtually the same effect.

Thanks for reading guys! Feel free to do this tag in the comments below! :)

July Favorites

Hey everyone! It being the end of July, I decided to do my July favorites for this month. Enjoy :) I also include prices (derived from http://www.walmart.com/) for all of these products. (I used http://www.cvs.com/ if the product was not avaliable at Walmart followed by http://www.sephora.com/ followed by http://www.eyeslipsface.com/)

- The Neutrogena Wave: I absolutely love my Neutrogena Wave. I feel like it really does what it claims to do and removes all dirt and oil off of my face. Additionally, I love that it's waterproof so that i don't need to worry about getting it wet. Also, when you first purchase the wave, it comes with a free two weeks supply of desposable pads. The pads come pre-loaded with soap and are the originals. Once you finish the box of pads, you can choose from several different types of pads, such as for exfoliation, or even for sensative skin. (Neutrogena Wave - $12.67, Refill Original Pads - $6.97)

- Wet n' Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder in 345 "Catwalk Pink": Packaged similar to a Cargo blush, this powder comes with four different strips of color that can be used individually or together on ones eyes or face. I personally enjoy using them all as blush or indiviually as highlights. They contain so much shimmer that they look stunning when used as a cheek or nose highlight. (Wet n' Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder - $3.99)

- L'oreal Go 360 Deep Facial Cleanser (Original): This is the best facial cleanser I've ever used! It comes with a little brush known as a "scrublet" which should be used to gently cleanse your face. Sometimes I use the scrublet while other times I like applying a bit of this cleanser to my Neutrogena wave. Unlike other cleansers, the L'oreal Go 260 Deep Facial Cleanser does not dry out my skin. It refreshes, tones, and removes unwanted oil like no other. According to my mom, it's even better than the facial cleanser in the Clinique Three Step Skincare System! (L'oreal Go 360 Deep Facial Cleanser - $5.24)

- Evian Facial Spray: This is a great product for use in summer. In simple terms, this is pure mineral water that one is supposed to spray on her face several times a day to tone and increase the skin's overall hydration. I find that this is great to use all over your body, especially if you have sunburn! Once in a while I even place this in my refrigerator for a greater cooling effect on hot days.

- Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in "Ivory-Light": This is by far my favorite concealer. I like to use this especially to hide my dark under eye circles. With its mousse-like yet pliable texture as well as opaque formula, this concealer can virtually cover anything. (Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer - $6.48)

- L'oreal Telescopic Mascara in "Black Brown": I adore this mascara. It's really the best I've ever tried! It fully lengthens, yet separates all of my lashes. With only one coat, I'm good to go for the rest of the day. Plus, this mascara does not chip and is easy to remove from my lashes at night. I also love the packaging of this mascara, and find the wand quite interesting. (L'oreal Telescopic Mascara - $7.97)

- N.Y.C. Liquid Eyeliner in "Pearlized Black": This is a great liquid eyeliner. It features a brush-tip applicator and goes on very smoothly. Unlike other black liners, this particular one contains fine silver shimmer! (hence, pearlized black, lol) I have been using this liquid eyeliner for months now, and I can always get a perfect, straight line on my upper lash line when applying this. I don't even have to tug on my eye! (N.Y.C. Liquid Eyeliner - $1.99)

- e.l.f. Therapeutic Conditioning Balm in "Strawberry Creme": I know, I know, I just got this yesterday. However, I've been using this religiously since the moment I bought it. It's the greatest lip balm ever! If your looking for a extremely moisturizing and creamy lip balm with a touch of color, this is for you! (e.l.f. Therapeutic Conditioning Balm - $1.00)

- Revlon Superlusterous Lip gloss in "Peach Petal": This is a very nice, super opaque lip gloss. It's thick, yet non-sticky and is matte. This would look great alone, or on top of a sheer lipstick. Also, I love the doe foot applicator on this and appreciate its sophisticated packaging! I recommend this to anyone! (Revlon Superlusterous Lip gloss - $5.94)

- Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in "Sand-Medium": I love using this opaque yet sheer powder alone as a foundation, mixed with sunscreen, concealer, and moisturizer as a tinted moisturizer, and as a setting powder for foundation or concealer. This product is very versatile and a great buy. It also includes a twist-out mirror and a small compartment with an already included sponge. (Maybelline Dream Matter Powder - $6.98)

- Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel: This is a life saver. I use it all the time to sooth any sunburn I have as well as relief from minor burns, itching, bug bites, and dry skin. I find that its not oily at all and it is quickly absorbed into my skin. Additionally, it contains all natural ingrediants. Believe it or not, this can also be used as a hair gel, a shaving gel, or on blemishes, such as pimples. This is even sensitive enough to use on the face. (Fruit of the Earth Aloe Vera 100% Gel - $3.92)

- Revlon Creme Illuminance Quad in "Skinlights": I have been using this ever since last summer. These four cream shadows act as a great base for powdered shadows. Although these do crease when applied alone, they leave a great finish on the eyeshadows that are placed on top of them. Regardless, I love these eyeshadows and recommend them for beginners and even experts! (Revlon Creme Illuminance Quad - $4.94)

- NYC Blushable Creme Stick in "Pink Flash": This creme blush is great for use alone or by itself for a blush base. I love the color payoff as well as the creme finish. I also find that this does not clog my pores or leave me looking oily. Great product! (NYC Blushable Creme Stick - $3.99)

- Eucerin Calming Itch-Relief Treatment: This treatment is wonderful for use in summer if you are ever bitten by a pesky mosquito or sunburned. This will completely stop the itching in a matter of seconds! Plus, the formula is not oily, yet it hydrates my skin. It also contains nourishing ingredients like cooling menthol and natural oatmeal. (Eucerin Calming Itch-Relief Treatment - $7.44)

Review: Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick

Good afternoon everyone! I was looking through my makeup collection a few minutes ago and decided to write yet another review! Today I'm reviewing the Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in 015 "Born With It". Hope this helps some of you!

Price and Amount of Product - I purchased this lipstick a few months ago at my local Rite Aid for about $7.00-$9.00. This lipstick comes with .15 oz or 4.2 g of product.

Overview and what this is: This particular lipstick is from a very interesting line of lipsticks from Maybelline called Color Sensational. Within the Color Sensational line, lipsticks are grouped in several different categories according to color, or finish. For example, a new color sensational line of lipsticks that are grouped depending on finish are called the pearls. Other categories in which the lipsticks are grouped on color include the plums, the reds, the neutrals, and the pinks. The color, "Born With It" is from the pinks line. This certain lipstick features a baby doll pink with loads of shimmer and a baby blue reflex/undertone. Additionally, it is packaged in a square cap. However, the actual lipstick is situated in a generic lipstick tube.

Like(s): I definitely like the color of this lipstick. Its a very nice blushing pink. I also find the packaging very attractive.

Pros - Packaging, color

Dislike(s): Although I find the color appealing, I also find the color to be a bit generic. This is your basic pink lipstick. I feel like the price should be lower as well. In addition, the lipstick smells horrible. Plus, I don't enjoy the finish of this lipstick. Although creamy when swatched, it seeps into the cracks of your lips. Lastly, the lipstick may contain lead from research I have done on the Internet.

Cons - Generic color, price, scent finish, lead caution

Tips & Tricks and Final Thoughts:

I find that if used sparingly and beneath a gloss, the lipstick may not seep into the cracks of your lips as noticeably as it did before.

Overall, I do not really find this lipstick special in any way. I feel like the color could be easily duped with a much cheaper, yet higher quality, lipstick. I don't recommend this product.

Haul: E.L.F

Good evening everyone! I just came back from Target and I thought I would share the few items I picked up from E.L.F cosmetics. I hope you enjoy! :)

• First, from their regular line, I purchased a Hypershine Lipgloss in 9012 "Blossom". This product cost $1.00. The lipgloss is a really nice, sheer, pink color with a bit of a golden reflex. I used this once and so far I can tell you that I love it! The texture is awesome and the gloss is thick, yet non-sticky! According to E.L.F, this gloss features a wet, glass-like shine as well as a beautiful, sheer, wearable color. Additionally, aside from the product, the packaging is equally attractive. Plus, it is very unique! This gloss comes in a "twist-tube" container, similar to the renown Stilla Lip Glases. Here's E.L.F's product directions: "Twist bottom to activate color. Apply gloss alone or on top of desired lip color."
• Second, from their studio line, I bought a single eyeshadow in "Wild Wheat". The eyeshadow features a light toasted brown color with a beautiful silky satin finish. This shadow may be applied dry or wet for a more dramatic look and pigmented eyeshadow. Beacuse this shadow is from their studio line, I paid $3.00. As far as the packaging goes, the single eyeshadow is sealed in a professional-looking case and even includes a small mirror for application. How much better can this get?!
• Third, from their regular line, I picked up an All Over Color Stick in 3105 "Golden Peach" for $1.00. This is a cream stick that may be used on eyes, lips, or one's face. Personally I love using this as a highlight. I am a fair skintone, but this provides sheer and very shimmary color payoff. As of now, this is my favorite highlighter.
• Lastly, also from their regular line, I got a Theraputic Conditioning Balm in "Strawberry Creme" for $1.00 as well. Beacuase I was at the beach yesterday, I unfortunatly got sunburn on my lips. Looking for a solution in the store, I decided to pick one of these up. Best. Idea. Ever. This is by far the greatest lip balm I have ever used in my entire life! The product is SO soft and creamy! I almost broke it when applying it the first time because I thought it would be hard like most chapsticks. After one hour of use this lib blam virtually removed my sun burn.

Review: Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer

Hey everyone! Back with another review as usual. :) Today I'm reviewing the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer. (My shade is in Ivory, Light).

Price and Amount of Product - I purchased my Dream Mousse Concealer at CVS for about $7.00-$9.00 on a buy one get one 50% off sale. This concealer comes with .106 oz, or 3 g of product.

Overview and what this is: The Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer is basically a matte skin tone product that is used to cover up any small imperfection such as a breakout or dark under eye circles. What's different about this concealer is that it is a mousse! Most concealers are plain cream, but this concealer has a different texture from the rest.

Like(s): I love using this product with my finger and applying it underneath my eyes. It covers my dark circles and allows my face to appear brighter. Additionally, I use it on any breakouts to cover redness. Sometimes I even use this on my eyelids to even out my skin tone and eliminate any veins. I also like the texture of this concealer.
Pros - Covers up everything, texture

Dislike(s): I don't dislike anything about this product! It's simple, easy to use, has a reasonable price and it's all I need in a small container!
Cons - None :D

Tips & Tricks and Final Thoughts:
When using this concealer, do NOT use a brush! This will make the application uneven. I find it works best to use your finger and then apply powder over top it with a makeup sponge.
Overall, this is not a product to miss. It's a great pick me up and works wonderfully. I would repurchase this product again, and I do recommend it.

Review: Evian Facial Spray

Hey Everyone! XD Right now I am going to review the Evian Facial Spray. Enjoy!

Price and Amount of Product - I purchased my Evian Facial Spray at Sephora. It retailed for $12.00 and came in a pack of two. Each bottle contains 50 ml of product, totaling up to 100 ml of product.

Overview and what this is: The Evian Facial Spray is simply natural mineral water that you can spray on any part of your body, but is meant for specific use on your face. This can be used to refresh your face as a cooling mist, or set your makeup. Here's Evian's take at the product directions: "Use the Evian skin care atomizer several times a day. Wait a few moments and gently dab away." Evian also claims that when used daily, Evian Facial Spray increases your skin's hydration by 14%, helps to fix your makeup and offers you constant freshness and purity.

Like(s): I enjoy using this product especially in the summer as a cooling mist. It feels great on my skin and I feel that it does refresh as well as tone.
Pros - cooling mist, great feel, refresh, tones

Dislike(s): The only thing I dislike about this product is its price. Although it does refresh and tone, I don't think that I should pay $12.00 for basically, a pint of mineral water. :/
Cons - The price

Tips & Tricks and Final Thoughts:
When it is extremely hot in the summer, I love placing my Evian Facial Spray in the refrigerator for a few hours. This allows the cooling mist to achieve an even greater state of cooling and refreshing your skin. I also like using this spray when I have sunburn to sooth my skin.
Overall, I LOVE this product. It refreshes, tones and most importantly, cools my skin leaving it very fresh and bright looking. I would repurchase this product, but would not recommend it for use during winter.

Review: NYC Blushable Creme Stick

Hey everyone! :D I'm coming at you guys with another review this morning. This review will be on NYC's Blushable Creme Stick in "Pink Flash".

Price and Amount of Product - I purchased this product at Rite Aid for about $4.00. Prices may vary depending on location. In addition, you get 0.28 oz, or 8.0 g of product.

Overview and what this is: The NYC Blushable Creme Sticks are basically cream blushes that come in 'stick' form. You apply it directly to your cheeks with its retractable tube and twist it back in for storage. I have mine in "Pink Flash". Unfortunately this bright matte coral shade (picture on left, also, sorry it's not comming out coral on camera! However, it really is a true orangy bright color) is a limited edition color! :(

Like(s): I can say that I really enjoy using this product. I love its smooth formula and silky texture and its great for traveling and using 'on the go' because you do not need to apply it using a brush. Additionally, I like the packaging and love the product's color payoff and it stays on all day!

Pros - formula, texture, travel, packaging, color payoff, duration

Dislike(s): I can safetly say that this is one of the few products that I own that I have no dislikes on!

Cons - None! :)

Tips & Tricks and Final thoughs:

One trick I have heard is to use a duo fiber stippling brush like the 187 from MAC. Lightly run the bristles over the cream product and apply to your cheeks. You can also use an angled blush brush or even apply it directly from the tube and blend with a brush or your fingers.

All-and-all, I ADORE this product! I love how innovative and inexpensive it is! It truly lives up to its name and puts a new spin on cream blushes!

The Basics of Makeup # 3: FACE

Hi everyone! This is part three of my "Basics for makeup" series. I suggest reading part one followed by part two to get the fullest reading experience if you have not done so. Enjoy! :)

Face:

Blush - Usually applied to the apples of ones cheeks to provide a sheer wash of color. This may come in four forms--liquid, powder, cream, or mouse.

Contour - A product used for "contouring" most commonly comes in powder form, applied to the face with a slanted blush brush or fan brush. The purpose of a contour is to create certain slimmer areas of the face.

Highlighter - Applied to the highest points of your face (as well as the Cupid's bow), a highlighter accentuates one's face. Highlighters may come in cream, liquid, or powder and are usually very shimmery and close to one's natural skin color. Using a highlighter correctly on the cheeks may result in higher cheek bones, providing for the facade for a slimmer face. Used down the nose with a bit of contouring, one's nose may even appear smaller!

Foundation - A matte, most commonly liquid or powder, substance used all over the face for a flawless face.

Concealer - Used under a foundation or powder to hide small imperfections on the face (like breakouts). The color of a concealer should be as close to your skin tone as possible and it's most commonly found in cream or mouse form.

Color Corrector Concealer - A color corrector concealer is found in an assortment of colors. These certain colors do different things to help with concealing blemishes. This product is found in cream form, generally, and MUST be used UNDERNEATH a concealer!
Mint green - used to cover rosacea or red skin conditions. Mint neutralizes redness. Great for broken capillaries around the sides of the nose and cheeks.
Yellow - used to cover and hide black, blue, or purple imperfections of the skin such as blemishes.
Lavender - used to even out skin tones such as too much yellow. This results in an overall balanced finish and healthy glow.
Sky Blue - counteracts orange tones caused from an uneven application of self tanners, or a streaky natural tan. Neutralizes dark circles.
(Note, the above information about corrector concealer colors is according to Coastal Scents, a company that I am not affiliated with.)

Powder - found in a matte skintone shade, powder may be used alone as a foundation, or on top of a foundation to set it, as well as over top a concealer to set it as well.

Review: NYC Sparkle Eye Dust

Good morning everyone! I have another review for you today. This morning I'm reviewing the NYC Sparkle Eye Dust in 894A Pink Champagne.

Price and Amount of Product - I purchased this at my local CVS for about $4.00. Prices will vary. This eye dust comes with 0.1 oz, or 2.8 g.

Overview and what this is: This product is basically a crushed up eyeshadow that appears to be in powder form; it has enough similar qualities to be classified as a pigment (very similar to MAC's pigments). It also includes a very small brush that is surrounded by plastic and fits into a niche within the container. How do you use this? Well, here is NYC's take on how to use this product "Tap applicator brush to remove excess powder. Sweep over eyelids. Gently blend with fingertip."
As far as the color goes, as you can see from the swatch to the right, the eyeshadow is a medium light grahmn cracker toupe color with TONS of shimmer!

Like(s): I love the shimmer this shadow has as well as the great color payoff this pigment has. One swipe and your ready for the day! Additionally, I like the metallic effect this provides when applied over a cream or any kind of neutral powder eyeshadow.
Pros - Shimmer, color payoff, sheen

Dislike(s): I genuinely despise the packaging of this pigment! The little brush included is virtually the only way one can get product out; its very difficult to use your own brushes. Additionally, without a cream base or a primer underneath, get ready for tons of fall out!
Cons - Packaging, fall out

Tips & Tricks and Final Thoughts:
If you absolutely cannot stand the packaging, I suggest depoting your pigment! With a pair of metal pryers, carefully cut away at the bottom of the eyeshadow packaging. The small lid on the bottom of the shadow will eventually pop open revealing all the product! Just make sure you have a jar to put your pigment in after depotting.
In conclusion, I give this pigment four out of five stars. I really enjoy using it for its color, but I hate how much fall out it likes to unwelcomly provide as well as its packaging. Great for beginners.

Review: L'oreal Go 360 Deep Facial Cleanser

Hey everyone! I'm back with another review for you today. This time, I'm reviewing the L'oreal Go 360 Deep Facial Cleanser.

Price and Amount of Product - This retails from about $7.00-$8.00 varying by location. I purchased mine at Walmart and received a free mini facial cleanser. The full sized facial cleanser comes with 6.0 fl oz, or 178 ml of product. The sample/ on-the-go size comes with a surprising 1.0 fl oz, or 30 ml of product. The sample is perfect for a sleepover, a night away from home, or any short vacation.

Overview and what this is: This is just an average facial cleaner that should be used twice a day--once in the morning, as well as once at night. The cleanser also comes with a "scrublet". A little flexible plastic "brush" to result in an even deeper clean.
According to L'oreal, this cleanser "deeply cleans skin and unclogs--pore by pore. It removes all traces of oil, dirt, and makeup. Pores look visibly smaller." Gee. That's a lot to claim for an ordinary facial clenser sitting in the drugstore...

Like(s): I absolutely ADORE this cleanser. It really does do what it claims! Additionally, I really appreciate the included scrublet as well as its sleek packaging. Plus, I love the amount of nurturing additives I recognized after perusing the ingredients list, its great foaming quality, and the copious amount of product.
Pros - Foams fantastically, does what it says, scrublet, packaging, additives, product

Dislike(s): The only thing I dislike about this product is that it contains SLES, or Sodium Laureth Sulfate. This results in its great foaming quality, but is not a very safe chemical. It may cause irritation in eyes and several other long-term problems. However, there is virtually nothing I can do. All facial cleansers, soaps, and shampoos have some form of this.
Cons - SLES

Tips & Tricks and Final Thoughts:
If you have a small or cramped bathroom, this is for you. The scrublet pops into the cleanser for storage or may even be stuck to a wall or mirror due to the suction cup on the scrublet!
To sum up, if your looking for a basic facial cleanser that has great ingredients, removes makeup, and doesn't dry out your skin, this is for you. I LOVE this cleanser and swear by it! I've been using it ever since it came out during spring '10!

The Basics of Makeup # 2: LIPS

This is part two of my blog post series for newbies to makeup. Go check out part one first if you haven't. In this post, I will be discussing the basics of lip products and how they work.

Lips:

A lip primer - Helps your lip color stay on all day.

Lip pencil - Applied to your lips before applying your lip color for more vibrancy and a longer lasting lip color.

Lipstick - A cream colored product used on the lips to give opaque color.

Lip gloss - Used alone or over a lipstick to add a finish; not very pigmented.

Cupid's bow - The little V in the center of your upper lip.

Chapstick/lip balm - Helps hydrate your lips; both are the same except a lip balm may be colored.

The Basics of Makeup # 1: EYES

Face it, we were all newbies at one point! XD

I will be doing a series of blog posts dedicated to all those who are new to makeup. Here I will be discussing what general products (for eyes lips & face) are used for and what they are. In this first blog post, the basics of eyes will be covered. :)

Eyes:

Primer/Base - Both primers and bases are used to keep an individuals shadows from creasing. They allow for a brighter, more pigmented color, and help the shadow's staying power. Second, let's clear up the confusion. What's the difference between a primer and a base? Well, a primer is made for the following things listed above and is clear. However, a base is mainly used as an adhesive for your shadows and to make the shadow's color pop. A base is also colored. Nonetheless, they are both so incredibly similar that I had to include them both in the same category. Also, one isn't required to know the actual, quote on quote, difference between a base and a primer.

Crease - The crease is the hollow part of your eye, but we're talking about what it means for eye shadows "to crease". Well, it simply means that the eye shadows have faded away and gathered into the wrinkles of your eyes! This mostly happens w/ creme eye shadows and almost never w/ powder eye shadows.

Brow bone - The raised bone located directly under one's eyebrow.

Eyelid - The part of your eye up to your crease.

Tear duct/inner corner - The inner most part of your eye; the part where crust forms when you sleep and have to rub off when you wake up. (EWW, I know, but it's the easiest way to explain!)

Upper lash line - The part where you place eyeliner on your eyelid.

Lower lash line - The bottom lash line; (where you place eyeliner right below your lower lashes).

Water line - The fold of skin found when you tug downwards on your eye.

Outer V - The outer "V" of your eye.

Highlight - This time we're talking about an eye highlight. An eye highlight is usually a white shimmery or matte eyeshadow that is applied under one's brow bone to make one's eye shadows precise by covering up all imperfections and to give an extra "umph". :D

Cakey - The term used for basically any product that has been applied to such excess that it appears "clumpy" and unattractive.

Pigment - A crushed eyeshadow used as a regular shadow.

Pigmented - The color intensity.

Sheer - Opaque on the borderline of translucent (colorwise, and does not effect how pigmented the color is)

Matte - A solid color with no glitter, sparkles, shimmer, etc.

Shimmer - Very fine glitter.

Review: Revlon Creme Illuminance Quads

Hi everyone! ;D

Today I will be reviewing the Revlon Creme Illuminance Quads in "Not Just Nudes" and "Skinlights". Let's start with the colors of each quad:

Not Just Nudes (from left to right) - A fair, matte, skin-tone shade, a shimmery nutty color, a sheer, matte milk chocolate, and lastly, a deep dark-chocolate color.

Skinlights (from left to right) - A skin tone peachy matte shade, a peachy, bronze, reddish color with gold undertones and shimmer, a shimmery creamy vanilla, and a light shimmery baked brown.

Price and Amount of Product - I purchased these quads last summer on a BOGO or a buy one get one 50% off sale. The price of the pallet ranges from $5.00-$7.00. Additionally, you get 0.12 oz or 3.4 g of product in each quad.

Overview and what these are: Each pallet comes with four creme eye shadows. Not Just Nudes contains a mix of 50% shimmery shades and 50% matte shades, Skinlights contains one matte shade, and three shimmery colors. These creme shadows may be used to create a look standing alone, or may be used to act as an adhesive base for one's powder shadows to be placed on top. Some people even use these to highlight!

Like(s): I LOVE to use these creme shadows as bases for my eye shadows! They provide a great base for them and allow them to last all day without creasing. I haven't tried using them as highlighters, but I recommend trying as they do last all day when applied sheerly.
Pros - Great bases, wide variety of colors, highlighters

Dislike(s): I absolutely hate these shadows when applied alone. They crease in no more than five minutes after application without a powder shadow on top.
Cons - CREASE

Tips & Tricks and Final Thoughts:
If you want to use these shadows alone, you MUST apply a primer underneath. I suggest Urban Decay Primer Potion, L'oreal Decrease, or Too-Faced Shadow Insurance. However, if you don't have a primer at hand try applying some of your powder or powder foundation to your eyelids. If the powder is oil-free, it will soak up much of the oil content of the shadows, resulting in flawless, crease-less, shadows!
Overall, I love these quads. I find myself constantly reaching over and using them as a base for my eye shadows!

Welcome To My Blog

Good evening everyone! Having a pure obsession with makeup, I decided to create a blog of my own to share my hobby with the rest of the world! Here you will find product reviews, monthly favorites, product raves, tutorials, and, last but not least, hauls!