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Monday, November 12, 2012

Benefit Oxygen Wow! Foundation Review

Shade: Toasted Beige

First Impressions:
Dewy Finish 

Pros:
The shade is perfect for me!! Not too light or too dark.  Blends really well.  No annoying foundation lines- huge plus!!
Decent coverage (medium).  Feels lightweight.
Looks so natural- like my skin only better.
Did a nice job of covering up flaws (didn't have to use concealer)

Cons:
Had to set with powder (MAC Studio Careblend) & had to touch up 2 additional times throughout the day because this made my face oily in the T-Zone.  I don't have this issue with my other foundations.  I never have to touch up my MAC Studio Sculpt.  (This won't be replacing that.)

Overall Thoughts:
I need something that lasts me all day at work without budging or having to touch up. This is a bit too dewy for my skin type.  I would recommend this for very dry skin or mature skin.  It would work really well.  If this didn't make me oily throughout the day, I would LOVE this foundation.  I received in a swap on Makeupalley.  I'm glad I didn't spend the money on this at Sephora.  I'll be wearing this on lazy days when I have to run errands and such.  I prefer a long lasting foundation for work.  This won't replace the MAC Studio Sculpt foundation, but it is a nice one. It just didn't work on my skin type very well.

(update: 11/18/12- I've been using this for the past week & loving it.  I set it with the MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder & it works well.  I will purchase this when my deluxe size runs out.)


Good Job Benefit!


Sunday, November 11, 2012

Oct 2012 Favorites

Foundations:
Make Up Forever Face & Body (#34) -for light/med coverage)
MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation (NW40) -for full coverage
I absolutely adore both of these foundations.  I have sensitive skin, and I can't wear many foundations consistently.  I can wear both of these foundations consistently without them irritating my skin.  They both feel lightweight and natural on my skin, which I love.
(FYI: I do not use a primer.  When I do set my foundation, I use the MAC Studio Careblend pressed powder in Medium/Dark)

Powder: 
MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder (medium/dark)
My 2nd compact of this.  This is the only powder I will wear.  It stays in my purse. The coverage is fantastic with the powder puff.  I use this instead of concealer cause it covers to well.  This is great to set tinted moisturizers and lightweight foundations with, because it still looks so natural.  This has a demi/matte natural looking finish.  If you're looking for matte finish or oil-control, I would suggest maybe the MAC Blot Powder or Mark Mattenificent. 

Bronzer: 
NARS Casino- I LOVE this bronzer.  I use it everyday for contour & then I apply my blush.  So glad I got this one over Laguna.  You get a good bit of product in this compact & a little goes a long way.  I definitely feel like it's worth the price. 

Blushes:
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush- Dollface- baby doll pink. perfect for everyday use.  There is no shimmer in this blush, which makes it so nice for daily use. blends really well & long lasting 

Mark Just Blushing- Lovespell- baby doll pink. really good pigmentation & lasts all day (as it's advertised to).  This is actually really similar the the Tarte Dollface. 

Lipgloss: 
Mark Glow Baby Glow in M.Powerment Peach (peach/coral) & Peek-a-Boo (nude)
love these & they aren't sticky at all.
Mark Juice Gems- Raspberry - love the sheer berry shade for fall & non-sticky. 
Lipstick: 
MAC Creme Cup- great everyday nude/pink shade.  nice creamy formula

Mascara: 
Covergirl Natureluxe Mousse Mascara for length 
Rimmel Bold Curve MAX (green tube) for volume

Eyeliner:
Mark No Place To Run eyeliners- stays put all day & doesn't tug

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

FOTD: Oct 29,2012 (Ft. MAC STUDIO SCULPT SPF 15)


MAC STUDIO SCULPT SPF 15 FOUNDATION  *NW40*
CHEEKS: TARTE AMAZONIAN CLAY BLUSH *DOLLFACE*
EYES: REVLON SMOKEY SHADOW STICK, RIMMEL BOLD CURVE MASCARA

1st Impressions: MAC Studio Sculpt

MAC STUDIO SCULPT 
Spf 15



I've been watching youtube reviews on this foundation and reading about it online.  A lot of makeup artists use this on photo shoots.  The Jersey Shore girls wore this one of their promo shoots.  The fact that it's a gel based foundation interested me.  I like nice coverage, that still has a natural look & feel.  I had been using MAC's MatchMaster foundation in shade 5.0 for days when I wanted good coverage and for special occasions, but lately, that foundation has been looking well "foundationy" (& I don't like to look like I'm caked with makeup).  I wanted a change for days when I wanted medium to full coverage, without looking overly made up.  I already have a foundation for light (everyday coverage). 


I was going to order this in NC42, based on recommendations from the online artists at MAC.  I decided to wait, and I went to the MAC counter when I was at the big mall (45 min away) on Saturday.  The artist actually found me the perfect match this time.  (Usually, at that particular counter, I'm always matched either too light or too dark.)  My MAC artist matched the side of my face (along the jawline) & said "Wow! I'm good!".  I was impressed too.  NW40 matched me spot on (her first choice for me).  My girl friend who was with me even was impressed.  She said it matched so well it didn't even look like I had makeup on.  (& She would tell me if my makeup wasn't right.)  


(a little bit wet from the constant rain, but surviving Sandy)

I have been wearing this for the past 3 days, and I must say, I'm impressed.  When I asked the MAC artist what the difference between this & the MatchMaster were, she told me that the MasterMaster is more matte & oil-obsorbing, while the Studio Sculpt is more moisturizing (great cause my skin is drier in the colder months) and has better coverage.  I like that it's water based. The coverage is fantastic, but it doesn't look heavy or cakey.  This is buildable as well.  A little goes a long way.  You don't need much to get good coverage.  This covers blemishes, dark areas, and even darkness under the eyes.  I don't even need to use concealer with this. The MAC Studio Careblend Pressed Powder is nice to set this with, though I prefer wearing the foundation on it's own.  It's been raining nonstop here since Sunday, with Hurricane Sandy in the works, but this didn't budge or get messed up in the rain (unlike the MAC Studio Moisture Tint).  This stayed put all day for me & wore really well.  I had it on for 10 1/2 hours yesterday, and at the end of the day, it still looked just as fresh as it did when I put it on in the morning before work.  (I have no tried this with a primer yet).  

First Impressions: Overall, I really like this foundation.  It's nice for normal to dry skin, has a natural finish & great coverage.  It doesn't look or feel cakey & felt lightweight on my skin.

*I recommend always getting a sample of the foundation & getting color matched to ensure the correct shade.  Everyone's skin is different & it's always smart to try before you buy.*

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Top 5 Foundations

#1. Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab (shade 157)- LOVE this foundation! This is my go to foundation for everyday use.  Feels lightweight, great coverage (buildable/medium), doesn't look cakey when built up, smooth finish, smooth application & blends like a dream. The finish is a natural finish (not matte).  Easily accessible at drugstores & super centers (Walmart/Target). Affordable. Nice range of shades. My skin is sensitive & I can wear this consistently with no issues. I love this foundation for work because it lasts all day & has nice coverage without looking "made up".
($12.98 Walmart)

#2. Mark Got The Goods Foundation Lotion (shade 6)- This is more along the lines of a tinted moisturizer.  I've been loving this new foundation by Mark.  It's similar to the Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab but with less coverage.  It has a very smooth application & is blends like a dream.  This feels great on the skin & makes the skin feel very smooth and soft.  The coverage is light but can be built up without looking cakey.  (However, if you want full/matte coverage you won't care for this.)  This has a dewy/natural finish.  Perfect for days when you want a polished look with enough coverage to smooth away flaws but not be fully made up.  I wear this when I don't want a lot of coverage.  This did last for me all day, and I've been wearing this a lot lately to work.  I switch off between the Covergirl & Olay & this foundation.  I reach for the Covergirl when I want more coverage, but usually, I've been wearing this basically everyday to work.  It is on the pricier side ($18)- more expensive than drugstore foundations but less expensive than department store brands such as NARS, DIOR, & MAC. 

#3. Make Up Forever Face & Body Foundation (shade 34)- First of all, I was just checking this out on Sephora's website & I swear that the price went up.  I remember the price being in the mid to high $30 range but never $40!  I love the lightweight consistency of this foundation.  This is a liquid foundation that actually has the texture of a liquid (not creamy like a lot of "liquid" foundations).  It has a runny, mousse like texture.  It's not as runny as the MAC version nor does it feel sticky on the skin like the MAC one can  Also, for as lightweight as this is, the coverage is fantastic.  It's flawless & this feels virtually weightless on the skin, like you're wearing nothing on you're face. I wear this when I want something lightweight but want decent medium coverage.  Lasts all day & is waterproof! This is a great Summer foundation & perfect for the beach/vacations.   The downside is the price.  It's $40 & avail at Sephora & Make Up Forever boutiques.

#4. NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer (St. Moritz)-  This tinted moisturizer has FANTASTIC coverage & covers better than most foundations.  SPF 30 which is great for Summer & is moisturizing without making skin feel greasy or look oily. As I mentioned, my skin is sensitive, and I can't wear a lot of products with SPF because they tend to irritate my skin.  I can wear this with SPF 30 with no issues.  Great when you want something lightweight but with great coverage.  This is pricy - $40 & avail at Sephora & NARS counters.  I purchased mine at beauty.com with 20% promo code (they have tons of sales there!). 

#5.MAC Matchmaster Foundation (shade 5.0)-  I love how these shades of this foundation as neutral (perfect for my skintone which isn't too warm or too cool).  This formula is supposed to adapt to your skin tone & shade 5.0 is the perfect MAC.  (In other MAC foundations, I'm NC40/42) .  This foundation has amazing coverage (full with demi-matte/natural finish).  It's buildable.  I use this when I want FULL coverage, while still giving me a natural look.  Also, it photographs beautifully.  It's $33 (more expensive than other MAC foundations), but you also get more for your money.  This is the only full coverage foundation that I can wear consistency without it irritating my skin.  Covers EVERYTHING while still looking natural.  Now that's a WINNER! (great shade range too for very light to very dark skin tones!)

FOTD: OCT 17,2012 ft Mark Got The Goods Foundation


Face: Mark Got The Good Foundation (*new*) shade 6 & Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer Park Ave Princess (cheeks)
Lips: Mark Juice Gems Lipgloss Raspberry 

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Holiday Makeup Ideas


NARS Casino Bronzer, MAC My Highland Honey Blush
Eyes: MAC Blacktrack Fluidline, Sephora Glitter Liner
Lips: MAC Kissable Lipcolour Enchantee

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Mark Got The Goods Foundation Lotion Review

First off, I wasn't 100% sold on this when I first tried it.  Mainly, my opinion was due to the fact that the shade wasn't 100% right for me.  When I first tried it, I was disappointed with the lack of coverage & the fact that in certain areas, you could tell that the foundation wasn't blended out all the way.  The color would be darker in certain patches.  I feel like this foundation runs dark.  For reference, I wear Pure Beige in my Avon foundations, NC40/42 in MAC, & St Moritz in my beloved NARS Pure Radiant tinted moisturizer.  I originally ordered this Mark foundation in the demo book in shade 7 Medium.  I would set it with my beloved MAC Studio Careblend pressed power (Medium/Dark), which gave me more coverage & toned the shade down for a really natural look (perfect for work).  I ordered samples of this foundation in every color with my last order & I tried the shade 6 Light/Medium.  This shade was MUCH better and looked so natural.  I put through for the shade 7 to be exchanged for the shade 6.  I really like this foundation now that I foundation the correct shade & I will definitely repurchase. This is supposed to be good for the skin.  I have sensitive skin, and I can't wear a lot of foundations several days in a row without a reaction.  (There are a few that I can wear with no issues: MAC Matchmaster, Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush, Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab, & NARS Pure Radiant.)  I wore this foundation for 7 days straight, and if anything, my skin improved! *Highly recommend for those with sensitive skin!*





Pros: blends like a dream, makes skin feel soft, has super fruits rich in vitamin C & sources of alpha hydroxy acid, which is a natural exfoliator, & willow bark (to improve firmness & tone), lightweight. The pump on this is great & very sanitary.  I love foundation with a pump.  

Cons: not full coverage- it's buildable to an extent.  (If you set with a powder, you will get more coverage.)  If you're one who prefers more medium to full coverage or a matte finish, this isn't for you.  It's said to give skin a glow (which is does) & to have a dewy finish.  In my opinion, it gives a natural finish.  You're not going to get full coverage with this.  Oily skin make no prefer this.  I would recommend this for normal or dry skin.  (A great Fall/Winter foundation.)  The only other con that I have is the price.  It's $18 for 1.7 fl oz, which isn't bad when you look at the prices of foundations at Sephora & MAC. (hello NARS $42 tinted moisturizer!)  However, for an Avon/Mark foundation, that is on the pricier side.  I think it's worth it though!

*This is also marketed as a "foundation lotion".  It feels more like a tinted moisturizer, which explains the word "lotion" in the title.*

*My opinion on this has changed since my "First Impressions" video on youtube (invincible221).  I really like this foundation & will be wearing it throughout the Fall/Winter months.  

Grade: A - recommend trying this. ask your local rep for a sample or I can hook you up with one if you ask! 

http://smathianas.avonrepresentative.com

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

FOTD: AUGUST 29,2012


FACE:
MAC MATCHMASTER FOUNDATION 5.0
CHEEKS: STILA ILLUMINATING POWDER *BRONZE*
TARTE AMAZONIAN CLAY BLUSH *DOLLFACE*
EYES:RIMMEL EXAGGERATE WATERPROOF EYELINER BLACK, L'OREAL FELT TIP EYELINER BLACK, URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW AQUARIUS, MARK LASH ACT MASCARA BLACK
LIPS: AVON CANDY CORN CHAPSTICK


FOTD: AUGUST 29,2012


FOUNDATION: MAC MATCMASTER *5.0*
CHEEKS: STILA ILLUMINATING POWDER *BRONZE*, 
 & MARK JUST BLUSHING AFTERGLO
EYES: RIMMEL EXAGGERATE WATERPROOF EYELINER BLACK, L'OREAL FELT TIP LINER BLACK, URBAN DECAY AQUARIUS EYE SHADOW, MARK LASH ACT MASCARA
LIPS: LIP BALM


Avon Campaign 18 Haul

Mark Just Blushing Power Blush (will be $9) avail campaign 20 *Afterglo*
Claims to be long lasting
this is one of the shades that was kept around from the old blushes by Mark.  it was said to be comparable to NARS Orgasm.  I have NARS Super Orgasm & this leans more pink on me than the Super Orgasm which is more peachy pink.  This is a coral/pink with very fine golden shimmers.

Avon Lip Balm *fall favorites* Mochaccino 

iMark Wet/Dry Shadows
Mark revamped their eyeshadows.  These new ones can be used wet or dry.  
left to right: Tiki (satin), Barista (shimmer)
$7 a piece

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

MAC My Highland Honey vs MAC Supercontinental Blush




Well, I ALMOST found a dupe for my beloved My Highland Honey Blush (my HG & perfect everyday blush!).  They both look extremely similar in the pan, but Supercontinental is definitely more pink.  My Highland Honey is a straight pure peach, and that's how it goes on on my face.  The Supercontinetal, which was just released with the new StyleSeeker Fall 2012 collection, is a peachy pink and goes on more pink on my cheeks.  Definitely not a dupe, but Supercontinental is extremely gorgeous! It's much more pigmented than My Highland Honey.  I have to layer that 2-3 times,depending on the desired look that I'm going for.  I only needed one tap of the Supercontinental & that was enough. They are different enough to have both.  I definitely don't regret purchasing Supercontinental.  It's a gorgeous color that would flatter both warm and cool skintones. It's great for work or school.  It's a really nice everyday blush that would go great with dramatic or neutral makeup. They look so similar in the pan, but they are different.  Don't let that fool you. 

Supercontinental: A+
Applies very smoothly & great pigmentation.  Impressed by MAC on this one.
The color is very wearable & great for everyday use.  Looks peach in the pan but goes on more on the pink side.*limited edition*

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

FOTD: Wednesday 8/15/12


Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab 157
Cheeks: Benefit "10" Bronzer/Highligher, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush Dollface
Eyes: Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Liner *retractable* & Rimmel Bold Curve Mascara

Sunday FOTD: 8/12/12

Wore this look to Church & then running errands & hanging out the rest of the day with my daughter & friend.


Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab foundation 157
Cheeks: NARS Casino Bronzer & MAC mineralize blush Giggly
Eyes: MAC Blacktrack Fluidline & Sephora Glitter Liner Gold, Rimmel Bold Curve Mascara
Lips: MAC Viva Glam Gaga 1

Pin Up Look FOTD: August 9,2012


Face: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer St Moritz
Cheeks: NARS Casino Bronzer/ MAC My Highland Honey Blush
Eyes: Mark Lash Act Mascara (new), MARK No Place To Run Pencil Liner Jet Set, Covergirl LineBlast 24HR Liquid Liner
Lips: Covergirl Flipstick *Snap*, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Lipstain (red shade)

Friday, July 6, 2012

New Bronzers: NARS Casino & Mark Bronze Pro "Bronze"

NARS Casino
(fine golden shimmers. more of a red-toned brown bronzer, than Laguna, which is a more golden brown toned bronzer. This is darker than Laguna)

Mark Pro Bronzer *Bronze*
(very fine shimmers, goes on pretty much matte. darkest of all 3 of Mark's bronzers)

Mark Bronze Pro *Bronze*, NARS Casino

My favorite HG Bronzer, up until I tried the NARS Casino, was Tarte's Amazonian Clay Bronzer (formerly the Mineral Bronzer, NOT the Matte Waterproof version) Park Ave Princess.  Casino is my new favorite.  I love love love how easy this blends.  There are less shimmers in Casino than Park Ave Princess.  Don't get me wrong, I still love Park Ave Princess & will still wear it, but Casino is better as an everyday bronzer for me.  Park Ave Princess is something that I will wear when I have a special event or am going out.  With the shimmers being more subtle in Casino, I find myself reaching for it everyday for work, along with a peach or pink blush.  If you're my skintone (MAC NC40/NC42, Matchmaster 5.0 or darker), Casino will be great for you to contour.  This would be amazing on tan to deep skintones.  I personally feel like Laguna would be too light for me to do contour with, but it would be nice for an all over warmth of color. 

Mark Bronze Pro *Bronze* $12 .50 (.32. oz)-
recommend for medium/tan to deep skintones.  This shade would be great for contour.  Comes with a fan brush, but I prefer a bronzer brush (Avon makes a great one!).  Nice convenient compact & great price! The shade Bronze Pro is said to be compatible to NARS Laguna.  Bronze is darker & more matte.  Very minimal shimmer.  The only downside to this, compared to the NARS, is that the NARS tends to blend out easier than the Mark. 

NARS Casino $34 (.28oz)
recommend for medium/tan to deep skintones.  Great for contour.  Nice, sleek compact.  Reminds me of a giant NARS Blush.  nice, smooth fine powder, blends like a dream.  excellent quality.  A little goes a long way.  Worth the price in my opinion.  If you are my skintone or darker, this would be great for you! It's said to be more of a red toned brown bronzer, as opposed to Park Ave Princess or Laguna, which are more golden brown based.  They are different enough to get both!

When I want that extra shimmer, I will continue to use my Tarte Park Ave Princess.  For everyday use, I will use the Mark Bronze Pro or NARS Casino. 

Thursday, June 21, 2012

Mark/Avon Campaign 13 Haul



MARK On The Dot Neutral Palette
Nail Polishes *new shades* Nailwear Pro + (these are all the shimmer shades. they go on metallic). left to right: golden vison, starry sky, venus (avail c15. purchased in demo), absinthe
Avon Glimmersticks Chromes (new for C15!) Ultra Violet
Mark What A Line felt tip liquid liner Wee Hours (love this stuff. super easy to use!)

Friday, June 15, 2012

*May/June* 2012 Beauty Favorites

Main Items That I use Everyday:


Top: Mark Showcase Color & Clutch Palette (meetmark.com) I've been absolutely loving the bronzer/blush combo paired along with the peach highlighter over top.  I contour my cheekbones with the bronzer first.  Then, I will apply the blush over top and then the highlighter or visa versa.  Sometimes I will just use the bronzer and highlighter.  The quality is amazing.  The pigmentation is buildable, with the right brush.  When I use my Avon Bronzer brush, it goes on less pigmented (but blends amazingly), and when I used my Eco Tools blush brush, I get more pigmentation (love that brush!).  The formula is smooth and easy to blend. I also really love the eye shadows by Mark.  The colors in this palette are perfect for an everyday neutral eye, which is great for school and work.  My favorite shadows from this palette are the gold (top left) and the bronze shade (bottom right, above the blush).  

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Foundation *Rich Ginger* : HG Status!! Perfect for Summer! This is so lightweight but has good coverage & is buildable without looking cakey.  It is a unique and pretty cool texture.  It comes out like a foam/mousse but blends out like a liquid.  I'm on my 3rd bottle of this stuff. That really shows how much I like it, because I usually don't like a foundation enough to actually finish 1 bottle, let alone three! (This is the only foundation that I've actually finished a full bottle of! I have TONS of foundations in my collection that aren't even close to being finished because I don't like them enough to use them everyday.)  I usually wear this one everyday to work.  When I want more coverage and a more matte (not completely matte) finish, I go with the MAC Matchmaster.

MAC Matchmaster Foundation *5*: My perfect shade ever!  This is the best color match that I've tried yet.  Even the Revlon PhotoReady isn't the "perfect" match.  It's actually a tad bit darker than the rest of my face, but when it's blended out, it works well because it matches my neck.  The Matchmaster blends perfectly and conforms to my natural skintone.  This foundation is said to "use translucent pigments to enable a personalized finished influenced by your skin's own undertone".  I really feel like this foundation lives up to MAC's claims.  I have no foundation line with this foundation.  It blends in perfectly.  It's not orange on me like the Pro Longwear was.  If you are around NC40-42 in MAC, shade 5.0 will be great for you.  It has a neutral undertone, which I love.  It's not too cool or too warm.  My skintone is neutral, so this suits me really well.  It's a demi-matte finish.  The coverage is really good in my opinion.  It covers flaws really well, without looking cakey or overly made up.  It doesn't feel heavy like the Studio Fix Fluid or even the Pro Longwear, that I've tried.  Whenever I need or want more coverage than my beloved Revlon Photoready Airbrush gives me, I reach for this & it never fails me. 

MAC My Highland Honey Blush:  *Limited Edition*  I can kick myself for not purchasing a backup.  This is from MAC's 2010 Holiday Collection.  However, I didn't use it too much when I first got it.  I've been using it a lot this past year.  I use this daily over top of bronzer.  It's the perfect everyday neutral cheek color.  Great for work or school, when you don't want to overdo it.  Great for a dramatic eye or lip.  It's a true peach, which I love.  A lot of "peach" blushes end up coming off as peachy pink on me.  This doesn't pull pink at all.  It's not super pigmented, but I like that about it.  I have a heavy hand when it comes to blush.  So, I can layer this without it being overdone or looking clownish.  As you call can see from the dip in the pan, I've been using this a lot.  I sometimes will switch things up and use a pink blush.  Other than that, I use this almost everyday.  I really wish MAC would repromote this or bring it back to be a permanent item.  Still looking for a dupe (Illamasqua Lover maybe?).  

Tarte Amazonian Clay Bronzer *Park Ave Princess* (not the matte version): I personally do not care much for Matte bronzers.  I've tried Benefit's Hoola and didn't care for it.  I'm not pale by any means, but Hoola still looked muddy on me when I tried contouring with it.  I like bronzers with shimmer.  This is a really great brown toned bronzer with golden shimmers.  I love contouring with this.  I use it on my cheek bones to contour and down my nose.  I use this almost everyday, when I'm not using the Mark bronzer.  I actually prefer this and use it more than the Mark because it's darker.  I had the sample for 2 yrs and finally ran out.  I didn't hesitate to go and get the full size of this.  A little goes a long way, so this will last for a while. Definitely worth the price! 

I usually throw on a light pink lip color, such as Revlon's Lip Butter in Strawberry Shortcake or Avon's   new Glow Lipgloss in Sunset (light pink with golden shimmers & non-sticky!). Other days, I will just throw on my Maybelline Baby Lips in Peach Kiss or Maybelline's Born With It Lipstick when I want a nude lip.  

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

FOTD & OOTD: Sunday 6/3/12


MakeUp:


Face: Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Rich Ginger
Cheeks: Tarte Mineral Bronzer Park Ave Princess, MAC Giggly Blush *mineralize*, Hard Candy stick bronzer Tahiti
Eyes: green shadow Revlon, Avon LiquiGlide Glimmersticks Plum Black
Lips: Maybelline Baby Lips Pink Punch

Outfit:


Top: The Limited
Jeans: Dittos Veronika High-Rise Flare (Urban Outfitters)
Wedges: AE

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

New Eyeliner Swatches

Left To Right:
Mark Keep It Going Gel Liner/Shadow Duo in Entourage (black, silver), Rimmel London Exaggerate Waterproof Retractable Eyeliner Black, Rimmel London Soft Kohl Kajal Eyeliner Royal

FOTDS: 5/7 & 5/8

FOTD:
 Sunday 5/7/12

Revlon PhotoReady Airbrush Rich Ginger
Cheeks: Tarte Mineral Bronzer Park Ave Princess & MAC Mineralize Blush Giggly
Eyes: L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Kajal Inspired Eyeliner (top), Urban Decay Peace shadow, Covergirl LiquiLine Blast Black & Mark Keep It Going Entourage (bottom)
Lips: Revlon Lip BUtter Strawberry Shortcake




FOTD:
Monday 5/8/12

Same foundation, bronzer & blush as above 5/7/12 FOTD 
Eyes: Maybelline Color Tattoo (all over lid) Bold Gold, Rimmel Exaggerate Waterproof Eyeliner
Lips: Avon Beyond Color Pumping Lip Conditioner & Ultra Color Rich Lipstick Pink Fantasty

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Simple Dramatic Cat Eye Using Only Drugstore Products


Hard Candy Eye Def Metallic Eyeshadow 431 Miss Enid (all over lid)
 L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner Pencil Black
Rimmel London MAX Bold Curves & Glam Eyes Mascaras (black)


FOTD:

Cheeks: Tarte Park Ave Princess Mineral Bronzer  & Amazonian Clay Blush Dollface
Lips: MAC Kissable Lipcolour Enchantee

All Products Used:



Current Drugstore Favorites


Covergirl Blast Flipstick- 845 Snap (peach shade is awesome by itself!)
L'Oreal Paris Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner Black
Hard Candy Eye Def Metallic Eyeshadow 431 Miss Enid 
Rimmel London MAX Bold Curves Mascara Black
Rimmel London Glam'Eyes Black
L'Oreal Paris Carbon Black Linear Intense Felt Tip Liner Black
Neutrogena Skin Clearing Concealer

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Peace & Love: 4/27/12



Make Up:
MAC Matchmaster Foundation 5.0
Cheeks: Tarte Mineral Bronzer Park Ave Princess
Eyes: L'oreal Voluminous Smoldering Liner, Rimmel Glam Eyes Mascara
Lips: Maybelline Baby Lips Pink Punch

Sunday, April 1, 2012

FOTD & Fashion: April 1, 2012


NARS Sheer Glow Barcelona
Cheeks: MAC My Highland Honey Blush
Eyes: Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner (top) & Sephora Glitter Liner Gold, Covergirl LiquiLine Blast (bottom)
Lips: Maybelline Lip Stain Gloss



Top: The Limited
Cardigan: Hollister 
Capris: Rue 21
Headband: ASOS


Wednesday, March 21, 2012

MAC Blush Collection

I've gotten rid of Mighty Aphrodite from Wonder Woman Collection & So Sweet So Easy

Top:  Daft Pink Mineralize Blush
2nd row: Summer Rose Beauty Powder, Vintage Grape Blush Ombre
3rd row: Fancy Ray Blushcreme, Lilicent Blushcreme, My Highland Honey Powder Blush, Optimistic Orange Cremeblend Blush
4th row: Hang Loose Mineralize Blush, Sakura Mineralize Blush, Giggly Mineralize Blush, Feeling Flush Mineralize Blush, Full Fuchsia Pro Blush

Sunday, March 18, 2012

St Patty's Day FOTD: 3/17/12


Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab Classic Tan
Cheeks: MAC Beauty Powder Summer Rose
Eyes: Maybelline Color Tattoo Bold Gold all over lid followed by Urban Decay Aquarius shadow, Wet N Wild Crayon green on crease & bottom waterline, Avon SuperExtend Extreme Mascara
Lips: Benefit Ultra Shines Spiked Punch

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Mommy & Daughter Wednesdays: 3/7/12


Now that I'm off Wednesdays instead of Saturdays, I make it a "tradition" to go to lunch with my gorgeous little daughter every Wednesday.  This particular Wednesday we went to the mall for shoes, we both got a pair of sneakers (Nike Turbo's for Mommy & cute light-up Carters for Tia= $79 for both! score!) and then got pizza at the mall (T's choice!).  Going again tomorrow to pick up our Mommy & Me Spring pictures from Olan Mills, then to Pizza Hut (once again, T's choice). :-)

Sunday, March 11, 2012

FOTD: March 11, 2012


revlon photoready airbrush foundation *rich ginger* (LOVE THIS STUFF. This is my 2nd bottle! Only downside is the container, you can't see how much is left. I actually didn't realize I was out until the other day when no more product would come out. My Rite Aid only carries up to Golden Beige, which is too light, so I have to go to Walmart or Target for my shade, which is out of the way.)
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush *dollface*
Eyes: Covergirl LiquiLine Blast *blue boom* (top & bottom), Mark Get In Line Liquid Liner *black* (top), L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara *very black*
Lips: Avon Pro Color & Gloss *hot lips* (discontinued)


Sunday, February 19, 2012

OOTD & FOTD: Think Spring


Blouse: The Limited
Skirt: Express
Necklace: Mark 


FOTD:




Revlon Photoready Airbrush Foundation: Rich Ginger
Cheeks: Avon True Color Blush Soft Plum, Benefit "10" Bronzer/Highlighter Duo
Eyes: Wet N Wild color stick (green), Maybelline Eye Studio Master Drama Cream Liner & Covergirl Perfect Point Plus Liner (both in black) on waterline, Maybelline Great Lash Blackest Black mascara
Lips: MAC Kissable Lipcolour Enchantee

Sunday, February 5, 2012

January *2012* Favorites

Foundations:
*Revlon Photoready Airbrush *Rich Ginger*- My "go-to" Foundation.  Now that I've gotten the correct shade, I no longer dislike this foundation.  I've been wearing this almost everyday day for work.  It's just enough coverage for the "natural" look that I like, while still covering imperfections & evening out skintone.  This covers well, and it's buildable.  (Light-Medium, depending on how much you use).  This doesn't cling to dry patches or look cakey.  This applies like a foam mousse, but it blends out into a liquid texture.  This blends really well (no foundation lines) & looks natural. *LOVE*
*Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab*Classic Tan*- Still a favorite of mine.  Has great coverage (light-medium, once again depending on how much you use. Buildable). This looks so natural, and it glides on/blends like an absolute dream! The shade that I chose is darker than the my face, but it matches my neck to a t.  So, the overall picture, it looks super natural when applied.  Demi/matte finish.  It's not overly "dewy" like some foundations, but it's not completely "matte" either.  This doesn't cling to dry patches, which is awesome.  I'd highly recommend this for normal/dry skin & mature skintypes.  If you want decent coverage, without the cakiness or patchiness, try this.  You'll love it.  Covergirl really stepped their A game up with this one. 


Other favorites that I've been loving throughout Dec '11 & Jan '12:


*Stila Illuminating Finishing Powder *Bronze* (discontinued shade)
*MAC My Highland Honey Blush (*limited edition-now discontinued MAC Holiday '10*) (
perfect everyday shade for a neutral look. also great for a neutral, peachy cheek, with a bold cat eye or bold lip)
*Covergirl LashBlast 24HR Mascara *Very Black- super dramatic & stays put. awesome- enough said
Maybelline Eye Studio MasterDrama Cream Liner *Midnight*
Sephora Glitter Liner *Gold* (looks awesome over top the the Maybelline Cream Liner! just enough sparkle to be daytime or nighttime appropriate!)
Revlon Lip Butters *Strawberry Shortcake & Cotton Candy*
Ed Hardy for Women Original Perfume 
NARS Illuminator *Super Orgasm*



Favorite 2012 on Youtube!

MAC Studio Moisture Tint Review

I want to start off my saying that this isn't my first time trying this.  I also want to say that this was my first "real" foundation/face product.  I was looking for a foundation at the MAC counter about 3 yrs ago in MACYS, and I was originally recommended & sold one of there fuller coverage foundations.  However, after showing my gram how it looked and asking her advice, I went back & immediately exchanged it.  I told the girl that I wanted something with lighter coverage & she recommended this in the shade Dark.  At that time, I believe this only came in 3 shades (light, medium, & dark) & Dark was the darkest avail.  Now, MAC has expanded their shade range.  This is now avail in 6 shades, ranging from light to dark plus, which is great. This is sheer enough that if you're a little off by a shade, you will be fine. I've worn this in medium as well, and it worked too.  (I'm NC40 for reference in Studio Fix Fluid & NC42 in Mineralize Satinfinish.)  




This is a great starter "foundation" product for younger ladies/gents or those of us who don't want/need a ton of coverage.  I think tinted moisturizers are great for beginners and for every day use.  Tinted moisturizers are usually great for the Summer, when it's extremely hot, and heavy foundations will just melt off.  However, this one in particular isn't 100% "humidity-proof".  With my experiences, this isn't sweat or waterproof at all.  (I'd recommend the MUFE Face & Body for a good Summer foundation, because it's super light & truly is waterproof just like it is marketed as.  That one is great for working out in too, if you still want to look polished at the gym. Tarte's Smooth Operator SPF 20 is a good TM too that doesn't budge easily.)  I wore this in the pool & just barely got my face splashed, and this ran right off.  Also, I was caught in the rain yesterday, and a little bit of this ran off of my forehead.  This isn't something that I'd recommend wearing while working out or being in the hot sun, where you're going to sweat.  This isn't something that doesn't budge.  However, I would recommend this as something to wear for light coverage, to give a nice polished look in the Fall/Winter.  My skin is dry right now, and this stuff doesn't cling to dry patches.  It is moisturizing, but not overly moisturizing or greasy like some tinted moisturizers.  This does a good job of evening skin tone & gives light coverage.  It's not as sheer as Benefit's You Rebel, but it doesn't have as much coverage as Tarte's Smooth Operator, which covers quite well for a TM.  


Ultimately, I ended up swapping out my original tube of this, as well as the medium shade that I tried too.  Not because I didn't like it, but I wanted something that wouldn't budge in hot weather.  I just got my hands on this again in dark, which seems to be working well for me (& lately, I've been liking my foundations to match my neck, more so than my face, which is lighter).  I just tried this again yesterday, and it did a good job of evening out skintone.  It worked well for just going out & running errands, which is exactly what I did, and relaxing around the house.  I've been so used to wearing "light/medium" coverage foundations lately, that it was kind of wearing when I first applied this. I was like "This doesn't really cover anything!".  My "go-to" foundations for work at my Revlon Photoready Airbrush & Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab, which have decent, but not completely "Full" coverage.  They both cover well, but still look natural (medium coverage i'd say).  When I want full coverage, MAC's Matchmaster does the trick for me. The sheerness of the Studio Moisturize tint took a little getting used to, but overall I'm happy with it.  I just wouldn't wear it when I know my face is going to get wet or if I know I'll be sweating.  I'm sure this may stay put a little better if set with a powder, such as the Studio Careblend.  It would probably give more coverage too.  I just didn't set it with anything. 


Overall: B
Recommendations:
Younger Girls & Beginners who are just starting to wear makeup
 Those who want light coverage, just enough to even out skintone or a polished look. 
This is also great for guys, who want to even out skintone and want a polished look, without looking like they are wearing any makeup.