Drugstore Products "Show & Tell"

WHATTTTT??? B shopping for makeup at the drugstore? lol...yes, I am even surprised. As i've stated before, I have been let down many times by the quality of certain drugstore brands so I usually do not purchase anything from there. But I actually went into Walgreens to see the e.l.f. villains collection and walked out with one product which was from the Fergie collection put out by Wet n Wild. I then went in search for the L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense at CVS and I was out of luck, so from there I walked out with an Alway Liquid Liner and the Out the Door Top Coat (recommendation from MakeupbyTiffanyD). I then ended up at Target and did not find the friggin L'Oreal liner either. Since Ulta is literally next to it I went in to browse around. ARGHHH it was bad going to the prestige side, I really wanted to buy the Lorac Pro Palette but I opted out because I own too many neutral shades and I have both UD Naked Palettes. Didn't need anymore. Anyways I finally found the L'Oreal Liner I was looking for and saw an NYX eyeshadow in the clearance section that I liked so I totally got it :D
Coming back home, I researched a little more on the Fergie Collection and saw that it was only available at Walgreens. Going on the website I saw that all of the products were on SALE plus an they had an extra site wide 15% off! I decided to get 3 more products that looked interesting and took advantage of also ordering some e.l.f products that i've been meaning to try. Now I haven't used these products extensively (i received the order today ^_^) so I can't really say much on how they perform but I did do a smokey look with the Fergie Eyeshadows in "Dutchess Lounge" and the highlighter powder, along with the e.l.f cream blush. Picture at the end. So here are some pictures and swatches. I'll probably do a "Thoughts" blog on some of the products once I use them enough.

Too Faced Loves Sephora Palette: Thoughts

I will never call a post a "review" for two reasons: a) I feel like a review is an affiliated product that was sent by a company to people for consideration b) the products that I have, are bought because I have liked them and given them a chance to test out how they work on me. So here are my thoughts on this beautiful palette.

I did not buy this palette the same day I saw it at Sephora. I swatched it and it was beautiful. I was amazed at the pigmentation that most of the shadows have. I have a habit of sometimes purchasing things out of impulse, so I double thought about it and came back home without. I did a little research on the brand quality (yes, it's high end but not all high end brands are impressive) because I don't own anything that is made by Too Faced. I've been wanting to try the Chocolate Soleil Bronzer for a while now, so in all honesty it was the bronzer that made me go back and buy it. Yes, the shadows colors are beautiful and all but when you have almost every color in the rainbow already, these aren't as unique. But I didn't mind having a few dupes.

This palette contains 10 eyeshadows (0.06 oz/each) total : 8 base colors in (So Cal, TG <3's The Cast, Jer Jer, 525 Market, SOHO, Envy, David & Marg and 1998) and 2 transitional colors in (Piano Keyes & Behind the Counter). 2 Bronzers (0.14 oz/each) : Chocolate Soleil and Sun Bunny. 1 Blush (0.14 oz): Who's Your Poppy?. 1 Flatbuki Brush and 1 sample of Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer/Base. Oh and I almost forgot the Glamorous Guide that has looks you can achieve but I am a rebel and never ever use them.

Piano Keys: Ivory-Beige with small silver sparkles. I find this shadow to be on the chalky side. As a swatch it has a strong finish but once you apply it, it's a bit more sheer. Which is understandable because it's purpose is to be a highlight color.
Behind the Counter: Matte Soft Brown. The pigmentation is okay, not too bad but not the greatest of the bunch. Can be used as a transition/blending out colors.

Both transitional colors are adequate. Although, I would of preferred Piano Keys without any glitter. I like using Behind the Counter as a outer creese color for a soft smokey look.

Top
So Cal: Soft Pinky coral.
TF <3's The Cast: Foily olive/gold

Bottom
SOHO: Soft Lavender
Envy: Deep Eggplant-ish Purple

*Sorry I swatched them in the wrong order as the pictures :D

Left to Right: 525 Market, Jer Jer, TF <3's The Cast, and So Cal.

-So Cal is a pretty soft coral-ly pink. It swatches and applies a little bit sheer but the pigmentation could of been a little stronger. I am not saying it's bad but it's not super amazing like it's neighbor TF <3's The Cast. 
-TF <3's The Cast is a color unlike any I own. I love love it. On the pan it looks sort of gold but swatched it has a olive tone. It's super pigmented and just beautiful.
-Jer Jer is a gold with a little hint of bronze in my view. It's super pigmented and applies beautifully. 
- 525 Market is a dark reddish brown. I know it swatches straight out dark brown but once it is on the lid you can see the subtle hints of red. 

Top
Jer Jer: Gold with a hint of bronze
525 Market: Deep Brown/red

Bottom
David & Marg: Light Turquoise *reminds me of MAC's Steamy
1998: Pink/Purple with silver glitter.

Left to Right: 1998, David & Marg, Envy and SOHO.
 -1998 is a really pretty color overall. I think this color was another reason I ended up buying this palette. I don't have a color that comes close to it. It applies somewhat smooth but you really have to pack it on in order to achieve its true color and another downside is that it can come of somewhat chalky and there is lots of fall off. 
- David & Marg is your standard light turquoise in my opinion. It's smooth, applies beautiful and super pigmented. 
- Envy in my opinion is not such a unique color either but its a pretty deep purple. Very pigmented and applies well. 
-SOHO is a light lavender. Very sheer and not really my favorite but it would look really nice on dark complexions. 

Left: Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Middle: Sun Bunny Bronzer

Right: Who's Your Poppy? Blush

Chocolate Soleil Bronzer has a matte finish. This is the product that drove me to buy this palette but I feel like it's a bit on the orangy side for my skin tone. I am not dissapointed with it but I am still on the hunt for my perfect bronzer to contour my face with. 

Sun Bunny Bronzer is such a pretty bronzer. The bottom portion of it is buildable and so is the top but I mean for contouring purposes.The top can be used as a highlight but it works as a bronzer too if you want to achieve a subtle finish. They are so smooth and super pigmented. If my face weren't so oily I would use it more often. Might be perfect in the winter for my skin type. 

Who's Your Poppy? is a pinky coral but on the pinker side. It has shimmer and it reminds me of NARS Orgasm but a shade or two lighter. It's sheer with one swipe but definitely buildable. Again, for me it'll work in the winter but not so much in the summer. 


As for the brush that is comes with, it sucks! But I am not surprised because most of the small sized brushes that palettes bring are horrible and useless, well except the ones that Urban Decay have. As for the shadow insurance primer. It's just a primer. Nothing special. Primers are good but I can't say that I have a favorite one.


Final Thought: The overall value of this palette is great considering that the eyeshadows are full size. The bronzers & blush are less then half the full size but still a very good amount for the $52 prize tag. I am very impressed with the pigmentation of the shadows. The texture reminds me of MAC Veluxe Pearl finish, which I love because a little goes a long way and it's so velvety smooth. I am happy with the purchase. I can't say it's a MUST have but if you are starting out and want a colorful eyeshadows and try some of their bronzers and blush at the same time, go for it. It says that it is limited but for being a limited edition product it has been on the website for  quite  a few months now. I am not sure how long it will last but I believe in store they don't have it anymore. Hope you enjoyed and helped you a little to decide if you want to purchase it.

Until Next Time,

Dannely

Sigma Brush: Synthetic Sigmax Face Kit

I am back with a super super late "My Thoughts" segment. I know that these brushes have been overly reviewed by many guru's/bloggers BUT I have found that almost all have been sent these brushes for consideration and that to me basically means "hey imma give you free stuff now say something good about us".  I know that some bloggers may be trusted/don't give in to the "fame" but when you have taken blogging as a full time job, you gotta do what you gotta do. 

Anyways, I was really skeptical to actually spend my own money on them and let them be crap just like some of the Crown brushes are. I was in dire need of face brushes for contouring, liquid makeup application (bc i hate hate the flat foundation brush) and a blush brush. Now, I don't own any professional brushes/kit but i know that there are less pricier brushes out there that do the same job or even better but these brushes, I got to say, are worth the money. They only come in a little bag with information about the brushes and how you should take care of them. The brand new smell is kinda nasty but once you wash them, you should be fine. They give you a free blending brush to try which isn't very good bc once I washed it became so fluffy but it helps with the blending a lot lol








F80- Flat Kabuki 

I mostly use this brush for blush but it can also be used as a contouring brush. The brittles are soft and dense enough to pick up product easily. It doesn't shed any hairs unless you are going to tug/pull on them.  


















F82- Round Kabuki
This one is great for my liquid foundation and I don't think I would use it for anything else then that. It blends foundation really well. Depending on the kinda of foundation you use, it must be blended fast because it can get streaky if you don't. The bristles are denser then the other two brushes which is suppose to hold liquid foundation on the tip of the brush instead of sicking in. I really don't see the difference that much bc it soaks in my foundation and I have to pump out more to cover my face. Not only that, it takes forevvvverrrr to dry since it's so compact. 




F84- Angled Kabuki 

I love love loveee this brush for contouring. I bought this kit primarily for this brush. the density of this brush is "medium". not too soft yet not as dense as the F82. This one is also a little difficult to dry because the bristles are more densely packed. I usually use a hair drier to dry them. haha i know, i know it's bad but w.e. it gets the job done.














Overall Thoughts
Like I said, I don't own any professional or pricier brushes and at first i thought they were expensive since the company was new in the market still and not as high end but to my surprise it lives up to its name of great quality brushes. The only thing that I have against them is that they don't dry that fast. Also, I believe that this specific kit i bought no longer exists, they have now added a tapered brush for about four more dollars, which is a pretty good deal. Another thing that I dislike about the company is their shipping. Shipping is expensive and they don't have a buy $50 or more and get free standard shipping which really sucks and makes me not wanna buy from them anymore. But in the future I am thinking of giving the professional kit a try and see how that goes. The price of this kit was $52 dollars, for 3 brushes in my mind is kind of expensive but once you get them and get a feel for them, they are worth every penny. 

Show&Tell/ Fishnet meets Deep Truth for Vanilla

This is a Collective Show and Tell. These are Beauty products that i've been wanting to try because I've heard great things about them, wanted them or because I liked the colors.

E.L.F Products
1. Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Strawberry & Watermelon
2. Hypershine Gloss in Blossom $1
3. Brow, Blending & Crease Brushes $1 each
3. Studio HD Powder $6
4. Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder $3


Wet 'n Wild Megalast Nail Color
206B-Undercover, 207A-Bite the Bullet,  209B-Candy-licious, 210B- Tropicalia, 212B- Heatwave, 218-Blackmail. CVS had these for B1G1 for $1.99

MAC & Graftobian, Beauty Blender, Top Coat    

*MAC shades are Pro Pan Refill each $11.50
-Vanilla, -Woodwinked, -Expresso, -Deep Truth
*Graftobian Professional HD Cosmetics
-HD Color Palette in Cool Palette #1 $19.50
*Original Beauty Blender $14.61
*Seche Vite
- Dry Fast Top Coat $7.99

Face Products

1. Graftobian HD Creme in Cool Palette #1

2. E.L.F Blush and Contour Powder

3. Smashbox Eye Tech in Medium

4. E.L.F HD Powder

5. MAC Cream Blush in Ladyblush

6. Mineralized Skinfinish in Shampagne

Eyes & Lips Products

1. UD Primer

2. UD Fishnet on Lid

3. MAC Deep Truth on Outer V

4. MAC Vanilla as Highlight

5. MAC Softsparkle Eye Pencil in Iris Accents (LE)

6. Maybelline Cream Liner in Black

7. Stila No. 9 Lip Liner

8.  E.L.F Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 in Watermelon

YouTube Tutorial

L'Oreal Studio Secrets: The One Sweep Sculpting Blush Duo

One Sweep Sculpting Blush Duo: Posh Chic


Product Description:
It instantly enhances cheekbones with an instant sweep of blush and sculpting color. The unique brush applicator flawlessly applies 2 shades in a single sweeping motion.
 * Blush shade instantly enhances cheeks
 * Sculpting shade instantly contours and defines
Source: www.lorealparisusa.com

My Thoughts: I give them props for "reinventing" the purpose of a duo but in one sweep? c'mon seriously??!?! I guess so ha-ha. My first impression of this product when I opened it was disappointing because I swatched it and the pigmentation is really bad when you pick it up with your fingers. I thought it was going to be a total miss with this product but I decided to give it a second chance and actually wear it and see how it went before returning it. To my surprise it worked really well once you apply it on your cheeks. Of course I did not follow the one sweep thing, I contour first then put on the blush. I gotta say I am loving it and the pink color is perfect for my complexion. The staying power is amazing! I did my make up around 11:30sh this morning and it's now twelve hrs later and I still have it on my cheeks. I find this refreshing and AMAZING!! I had yet to find a blush that works on my skin and stay on forever and I have found it! 

Now the application part is a little frustrating because you have to use a really dense brush to be able to pick up the color well. I started off with a regular angle brush but the color was not picking up. So I used a kabuki brush instead and the color picked up beautifully. 
I didn't bother to use the brush that comes with the blush. It's a bad quality and really rough. Not something I want to be sweeping on my face. I recommend that you use your own brush but make sure that is really dense. 


Pros: True to Color, Matte Finish and Stays on All Day (for me).


Cons: Pigmentation is not so great when picking up with a regular brush, brush is horrible (but when are they not?!?!) and the Price is too high for this smallish product. 


Price: 10 and up in most drugstores. 


My Rating: 4/5 just because the staying power on me is awesome!!!! :)

Summer Blends Tutorial

Eye Products 
-Parfait Amour (Purple) [MAC]
-Swimming (Shimmer Green) [MAC]
-Humid (Dark Green) [MAC] 
-Naked (Beige) [Urban Decay]
-Frosty White [NYX] 
-Maybelline Gel Liner in Black
-Urban Decay 24/7 Liner n Zero 
-Maybelline Falsies Mascara in Black

Face Products
 -MAC Pro Longwear in NC25 
-Physicians Formula Translucent Powder  
-MAC Mineralize Blush in Nuance
- Smashbox Soft Lights in Pearl   




Lip Products
-VS Cosmetics Lipstick in Tease  
-Stila Lip Liner in Contour No. 9  
-MAC Lipgloss in Baby Sparks   














Youtube Tutorial 

Salma Hayek's Nuance Cosmetic Debut

I received an e-mail from CVS a few days ago advertising a new cosmetics collection called NUANCE by Salma Hayek. I was immediately intrigued and decided to head over to CVS's website and check it out. As always I like to read info. about a product and what the inspiration behind the brand is. This collection was inspired by her grandmother, who was a trained cosmetologist in Mexico and who also passed down many beauty secrets to her. What impressed me the most is that she took off 3 years off of her entertainment career to be able to be in the labs with chemist and help/oversee everything that was put into her line of products.

Her products claim to have a unique blend of exotic ingredients such as prickly pear which is used in her body cleansing gel for moisture in the skin, mamey (fruit) used in her hair care line to strengthen and thicken locks and tepezcohuite which is in her AM/PM Anti-Aging Super Cream. All these ingredients are very common in the Latin community. So it's great to see a celebrity bring quality ingredients that have been integrated to other products in Latin America into an American based Brand. And because Hayek wanted to bring high quality products at an affordable price she partnered with CVS/pharmacy stores. It will be exclusively debuted on August 1, 2011 at all CVS stores. But they are now available at cvs.com and some big CVS stores around the country (which ones i don't really know) I am really excited to check this collection out once it hits my nearest store. The packaging is simple yet sleek and I can't get over how cute the packaging for the lip and eyeshadow quads are. 

On another note, I have observed that this line of cosmetics is inclined for Medium/Olive skin tones, which to me is refreshing to see since most brands are inclined towards fair skin tones. Here is a sneak peek at what the cosmetics line will include.

 Face Products

1.  Flawless Coverage Mineral foundation

 Colors: Light 220, Light/Medium 225, Medium 230, Medium/Deep 235, Deep 240

2. Front & Center Concealer & Brightener

Colors: Light 270, Light/Medium 275, Medium 280, Deep 280

3. Flawless Wear Tinted Moisturizer

Colors: Light 245, Light/Medium 250, Medium 255, Medium/Deep 260, Deep 265

4. Flawless Mineral Cheek Trio

Colors: Pink 290, Apricot 295, Mauve 300, Spice 305

5. Translucent Finishing Powder

Colors: Light/Medium 310, Medium/Dark 315                                                                        

6. Smooth Start Skin primer

  Eyes Products

1. Mineral Eyeshadow Duo

Info: Complementary matte and sheer satin colors create a crease-resistant, velvety-smooth texture. Use wet for a creamier, longer-wearing application.

Color: Sheer Plum/putty 001, Moonstone/Shimmering Sand 005, Midnight Blue/Silver Steel 025, Dusty Rose/Sheer Champagne 010, Bronze/Copper 015, Passion Plum/Sheer Lavender 020

2. Lasting Wear Gel Liner

Info: The ease of a pencil with the smooth finish of a liquid, this waterproof, smudge-proof color lasts 8+ hours.

Colors: Black 030, Brown 035, Gray 040

3. Lights, Camera, Action Eye Trio (coming soon)

Info: Creamy  eyeshadow, shimmery highlighter and eyeliner blend perfectly for a complete look in one convenient wand.

Colors: Bronze/Gold Shimmer 055, Champagne/Gold Shimmer 060, Sapphire/Silver Shimmer 065, Pewter/Silver Shimmer 070

4. Beautiful Blends Eye Quad

Info: Create the perfect look with four complementary shades that highlight, contour, and define. Fine-milled pigments leave a light, velvety finish that spreads and blends easily.

Color: Smokey 075, Neutral 080

5. Full Effect Ultra-Volumizing Mascara

Info: Maximum-drama formula conditions, nourishes and boosts volume and curl for super-thick, super-long lashes in a single stroke.

 Color: Black 050

6. Winning Look Ultra-Defining Mascara

 Info: Innovative formula and precision brush design, length and separate each lash for high-definition, all-day wear.

 Color: Black 045

7. Natural Look Brow Liner (Coming Soon)

 Info: Dual-ended micro brow pencil and brush seamlessly fill in and shape brows for a natural, long-lasting look.

  Color: Medium Blonde 085, Brown 090

8. Shape & Define Brow Kit

Info: Create all-day-perfect brows with this powder, golden highlighter, and grooming wax. With an angled brow-defining brush for filling in, shading and shaping flawless arches.

Color: Brown 100, Medium Blond 095 

9. Length Extending Lash Serum

Info: This powerful, hormone-free formula helps plump lashes by 25% while keeping them conditioned, nourished and flexible.

 

Lip Products

1. Color Vibrance Lipstick

Info: Ultra-rich, creamy color leaves lips softer, smoother, and fuller in a single sweep. Formulated with vitamin E nourishment and moisture-look protection.

Color: Color 135, Shimmering Nude 140, My Favorite 145, Plum Mauve 150, Wine 155, Dusty Rose 160, Terra Cotta 165, Passion Pink 170, Paprika 175

2. Rose Petal Hydrating Balm

Info: This intense moisture balm with evening primrose oil helps soothe irritated skin and provides long-lasting moisture for chapped lips, rough cuticles, cracked elbows, and other dry patches.

3. Ultra Shine Lipgloss

Info: Silky, smooth, non-sticky formula hydrates and helps protect lips with an easy, ultra-brilliant shine.

Color: Clear 105, Peony 110, Nectar 115, Strawberry 120, Pomegranate 125, Berry 130

4. Perfect Lips Lip Quad

Info: Two cream shades and two shimmer glosses blend flawlessly for endless looks. Vitamin E and natural oils moisturize, strengthen, and protect lips.

Colors: Cool 210, Warm 215
  
Other Products in her line include: 
Moisturizers, Skin Cleansers, Body Moisture (body lotions), Hair Stylers, Hair Shampoos/Conditioners, and Skin Serums.
If you have already checked it out. Let me know what you think of the line and what your favorite products are.

 For more information about the products in the rest of the collection click the link below.

Source. http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/promoContent/promoLandingTemplate.jsp?promoLandingId=1393

-Dannely
"With a Sprinkle of Pixie Dust :)"