EOTD: Everyday Matte Brown Eye Look Using Makeup Geek

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It's been quite some time since I've shared a makeup look on the blog so I thought I'd share the eye look that I've been wearing the most on days that I do wear makeup. It's a super easy look using all Makeup Geek eyeshadows and it can also be easily amped up with a sparkly eyeshadow in the middle of the lid if needed!

Products Used:

Milani Eyeshadow Primer all over
Makeup Geek Beaches and Cream all over
Makeup Geek Preppy in the crease
Makeup Geek Mocha blended into the outer corner and on the lower lash line
Makeup Geek Peach Smoothie in the inner corner, blended into Mocha
NYX Tinted Brow Mascara in Black
Maybelline Full N Soft Waterproof Mascara 

Thanks for reading the post! What colors do you usually wear for your everyday makeup looks?

Disclaimer: I purchased everything myself. The links above are affiliate links, which provide me with a commission based off your use of the link when you make a purchase. All opinions are my own!

Make Sure You Put Your Best Foot Forward with Amopé Pedi Perfect

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Can I just say upfront, once you try the Amopé Pedi Perfect I'm fairly confident you won't go back to those manual foot files, rasps, or pumice stones. This is a game-changer for anyone who has to be standing all day (I'm looking at you nurses, food service workers, retail workers, pharmacists, etc!) and I know it's been a godsend for me.

With winter coming in the Northern Hemisphere, I know my feet would normally go through some trials and tribulations but this is going to change things up for the better. I know it's a foot file and maybe it's a bit dramatic to wax lyrically about its benefits but I'm not exaggerating when I say it's the bomb.

Proceed to learn more about this miracle tool for anyone whose feet needs some help...

How To Get the Most Out of Loose Eyeshadows/Pigments

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Hey everyone! So when it comes to loose eyeshadows/pigments, they may look nice in the pot but be a pain to apply if you don't know what you're doing or what you're using. I know a lot of people shy away from indie eyeshadows due to the fact that the vast majority of indies sell loose, not pressed eyeshadows. I'm here to tell you how to get the most out of loose eyeshadows and what to pair with them for the greatest effect (with minimal fallout).

Best of Indie - Readers' Choice Awards 2015 Winners: Part Two (Bath & Body and Fragrances)

Hey everyone! This is Part Two of the Best of Indie - Readers' Choice Awards 2015 winners. If you missed it, I posted Part One of the winners, focusing on the Cosmetics categories. This is focusing on the Bath and Body and Fragrances category. I hope you find something nice to pamper your body and to smell nice with. I did want to say that I greatly appreciate everyone's support this year, we got twice as many responders (over 1000!) and the votes for each category was even closer than last year. I hope you enjoy reading the winners for both the Cosmetics and Bath & Body and Fragrances categories.

Best of Indie - Readers' Choice Awards 2015 Winners: Part One (Cosmetics)

Hey everyone! I know it's Thanksgiving Day but I wanted to get the results of the series out before Black Friday/Cyber Monday started. I'm splitting the results into two parts, Part One (this post) where I'll cover the Cosmetics categories and Part Two where I cover the Bath & Body and Fragrances categories. Like last year, for each brand that won in a category, there is an accompanying blurb including where they ship from and if they ship internationally. If they won multiple categories, I listed the blurb once.

Click thru to see the results!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2015 Beauty Sale Recommendations

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Hey everyone!

There will be a ton of Black Friday/Cyber Monday Sales going on and I just wanted to give my personal recommendations on some brands to check out during the sale. Phyrra has a comprehensive list if you wanted to see more, the ones listed below are just my picks. Check out each brand and create your shopping list before the deals start on Black Friday!

Life's Entropy Cosmetics - From 11/27 12:00AM EST to 11/30 11:59PM PST, Life's Entropy will be having a 20% off sale, excluding full size sets. There will be a Gift with Purchase for all orders over $30, which will be a mini lip theory in Hybird (pinky purple with green duo chrome). They'll also be releasing 20 new lip theory shades in metallic, duo chrome, and satin finishes.

Limnit Lipsticks - From 11/27 12:00AM EST to 11/30, Limnit Lipsticks will be having a 25% off sale sitewide, no discount code needed! They will be closing down the shop in December/January to move workspaces so I'd get stuff now instead of waiting until then!

KBShimmer - KBShimmer are discontinuing many nail polishes and bath and body products. There will be a 35% off coupon for all the items in the Discontinued section!

Makeup Geek (affiliate) - On Black Friday 11/27, Makeup Geek will be having several bundle deals. These include an Eyeshadow & Blush Bundle Pack - $50 ($104 value), Super Shimmer Palette - $125 ($208 value), Foiled Eyeshadow Expansion Pack - $70 ($100 value), Pigment Variety Pack - $30 ($54 value), Black Friday Brush Bundle - $40 ($81 value).

Melt Cosmetics - Melt Cosmetics' Lipsticks and Eyeshadows look absolutely amazing and they will be having a sitewide 30% off sale, no discount code necessary. As of now, both Eyeshadow Stacks are in stock and most of the Lipsticks are; the ones that are sold out are Laced, Belladonna 2, Bane, Darling, and By Starlight.

OCC Makeup - For Cyber Monday, they will be selling their lip tars in the original packaging for only $5! This is the best time for stocking up for your makeup kit or for some of the original colors in the squeeze tube packaging.

Paula's Choice (affiliate) - Paula's Choice makes my Holy Grail BHA gel and you can get that and more for 15% off with free shipping with the code Book15 until 11/29.

Sephora (affiliate) - Sephora has a several $10 bundle sets from brands like Make Up For Ever, Tarte, Too Faced, and Boscia! In addition, you can sign up for Sephora Flash (affiliate) for $10 which will get you free 2-day shipping for a full year!

Have a happy Thanksgiving and have a stress-free shopping experience! 

Best of Indie - Readers' Choice Awards: Voting Period Open!

Hey everyone! My apologies for being late on opening up the voting period but I've finished compiling the nominations and it's time to vote in the Best of Indie - Reader's Choice Awards. If you're not familiar with it, this is a series specifically for indie brands where you as readers nominate and vote on your favorite indie products.

Voting will go for a week until Wednesday and I will compile the results in time for Black Friday/Cyber Monday. 

Feel free to vote in as many or as few categories as you'd like. There's no real "prize" to the award but I do hope this gives many brands the opportunity to get the adoration that they so richly deserve! I will edit this post to include all the nominated brands so you will be able to check out their offerings before the final awards.

Best of Indie - Reader's Choice Awards 2015: Nomination Period Open!

It's near the end of the year and it's time for the Best of Indie - Reader's Choice Awards. If you're not familiar with it, this is a series specifically for indie brands where you as readers nominate and vote on your favorite indie products.

I received feedback about the timing of the series and am doing it now in November instead of December. The nomination period will be open for one week until the 8th, voting will happen for one week from the 9th to the 15th, and the results will be tallied in the third week from the 16th to the 22nd. This way, the results will be available before Black Friday/Cyber Monday so you will be able to take part in any of the holiday deals once the results come out.

All nominated brands will be included as long as they handcraft their products, I won't be including them if they utilize a lab to manufacture their products. For ease, I've generated a Google Form that you can use. Feel free to fill out as few or as many categories as you'd like. There's no real "prize" to the award but I do hope this gives many brands the opportunity to get the adoration that they so richly deserve!

If there's a category you'd like to see added during the nomination period, please leave me a comment and if enough people want to add it, I'll be sure to edit the Google Doc. I'm focusing on specific products and not colors at this point. 

Voting will take place next week and the results compiled a week after that. I hope you will participate in the nomination period now and will be back next week to vote!

REVIEW: Luminess Air Airbrush Makeup

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I remember being introduced to the concept of Airbrush makeup when I went to The Makeup Show LA. All these professionals were touting airbrush makeup as an alternative to heavy or cakey foundation, especially in HD or 4k conditions. I used to think airbrush makeup was strictly for professionals until I heard of Luminess Air from my fellow Youtubers and Bloggers.

Luminess Air is an airbrush makeup brand for consumers and professionals alike but is especially consumer-friendly. I received the Legend System with a Black and Pink Compressor and Silver Airbrush Stylus. The system comes with two shades of Foundation, a Primer, a Blush, and a Highlighter. You can mix the foundation as needed to get a color that will match your face!

I've had a few weeks now to try the system + airbrush makeup out and I wanted to share my thoughts on it and airbrush makeup as a whole.

Get an Out of this World Glow with Life's Entropy Galaxy Glow Illuminators

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When it comes to the "strobing" trend, it's truly a case of "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet". That is, strobing is the same as highlighting/illuminating and though it's a recycled trend, I'm down for looking as lit as possible. 

Granted I've been hesitant in the past when it comes to illuminators or highlighters for fear of enhancing my pores. Nowadays I've learned to deal with it because if I'm looking like the light is shining from my face, no one's going to care about a few obvious pores. Today's review will be on the Life's Entropy Galaxy Glow Illuminator. 

Where to Purchase: Life's Entropy Cosmetics

Price: A sample costs $1.50-$2.00 for 1 gram, the full size costs $12.00 for 16 grams

Do they test on animals?: The company does not test on animals.
Packaging: The samples come in clamshells and the full sizes come in a tube with a pump applicator.

If you're looking an indie illuminator to try, feel free to scope the review! I have two shades to share today, Constellation and Solstice.  

REVIEW: Mizon Good Night White Sleeping Mask

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When it comes to skincare, sometimes American products or American routines just don't cut it. If you've heard about the Korean 10-Step Skincare routine, you might have thought it was excessive. But once you see how smooth and youthful some of these women are, you'll be wanting to incorporate more of their secrets into your skincare.

I was introduced to the idea of "Sleeping Masks" or "Sleeping Packs" a few weeks ago. These are meant to be the last step in your skincare routine, applied after all your other night creams, serums, and/or essences. Not all sleeping masks are the same. While some work to add a ton of moisture to your skin, others work to just "seal in" the moisture from any moisturizers you're using. 

The Mizon Good Night White Sleeping Mask is a super popular sleeping mask and I've been using it three times a week for a good two months, so I really had the opportunity to test it out for my review!

Where to Purchase: PeachandLily (use my link to get $10 off your first order of $50 or more and I get $10)
Price: $10.00 for 50 ml or $24.00 for 80 grams. 

Packaging: The mask comes in either the $10.00 tube or $24.00 jar. I suggest the tube since it'll be more hygienic to use!

Decanting Lip Tars into Lipgloss Tubes (DIY OCC Lip Tar RTW)

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Hey everyone! Today's post is on how you can decant your OCC lip tars from the original squeeze tube packaging into your lipgloss tubes in order to make your own version of the OCC RTW.

Recently, OCC came out with their Ready To Wear or RTW versions of their lip tars. It's the same lip tar formula but packaged into a lipgloss tube instead of the squeeze tube for easy application and touch up. I can't take credit for this idea, I got this from the MakeupAddiction subreddit. It's such a simple idea, I don't know why I didn't think to do this before. 

You can watch the video if you prefer to watch me talk about how to do it, reasons why to do it, etc., or you can keep reading below!

REVIEW, COMPARISON, VIDEO + GIVEAWAY: Real Techniques Collector's Edition Eyelining Set

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I'm very pleased and excited to review this Limited Edition Real Techniques Collector's Edition Eyelining Set of brushes. Despite the name, you can use this for other eye makeup related purposes like applying eyeshadow or eyebrow powders. 

Spoiler alert: I really like this set and I like it because it's what I always wanted their Starter Set of eye brushes to be. I'll give a full review below (you can watch the accompanying Youtube video or read the review) but I want to seriously recommend this brush set for anyone who prefers using smaller eye brushes or has a smaller eye shape.

Be sure to read towards the end where I'll be giving away one of these sets!

Swatch & Review: Life's Entropy Matte Theory in Variable

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As part of Life's Entropy Cosmetics' Anniversary Sale, they released a whole new lip product called the Matte Theories. The Matte Theories are liquid lipsticks following along the liquid to matte trend as of late. They released the product in five colors and I decided to purchase the color Variable for review!

Meet the New Real Techniques Bold Metals Collection Brushes

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Recently I had the opportunity to attend an event held by Real Techniques and in fact I was even able to meet Sam and Nic! At the event, they displayed some of their recent additions to the line (including the Bold Metals Collection brushes) so I thought I'd review them on the blog and in a video.

The Collection consists of seven brushes: two Base brushes, three Eye brushes, and two Finishing brushes. I have four to review today; I was gifted three of them from the brand and received the other as a Klout perk.

The Bold Metals Collection have much more sleek angular handles (that won't roll). These also promise softer bristles compared to the regular line (which I'll tackle in my review of each brush). Unlike the regular line, these actually have a ferrule (instead of the bristles just coming out of the handle), and the ferrules are also specially weighted to hold well in your hand. However, the handles feel like plastic and seem cheap compared to the weighted metal ferrule. 

SWATCHES & REVIEW: KBShimmer Summer 2015 Collection Part Two

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I'm so so excited to post about these KBShimmer Nail Polishes. I won a giveaway that they were doing with Nail It! Magazine and got nine polishes from their Summer 2015 Collection. These were my first KBShimmer nail polishes and I already know that they won't be my last. I'm happy to swatch and review all these colors in the post.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Find Me on Youtube!

If you missed seeing in my last Makeup Geek post, I wanted to announce that I've set up my own Youtube channel! I've been hemming and hawing about setting up a Youtube for ages now and I'm glad to have finally take the plunge. I plan on doing accompanying videos for blog posts I have here in addition to covering other topics exclusively on the channel. I plan to have swatches/reviews on drugstore, mid-end, and higher end brands in addition to creating content focused on indie makeup brands and other things that are easier in a video format than a written format.

I hope you decide to subscribe! I plan on closed captioning all my videos in English so they'll be as accessible to as many English speakers as possible. Thank you if you have subscribed!

Here's my most recent video on the Saucebox Cosmetics Batalash palette.

Swatches & Review: Makeup Geek Foiled Eyeshadows in Charmed and Daydreamer

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In planning for PHAMExpo, I knew that Makeup Geek would have to be the first booth I checked out for fear that their wares would be sold out. I ended up being their first customer on Saturday thanks to my exuberance. I logically know that their items are so inexpensive but I'm cheap and still prefer saving a little money on shipping and also have the opportunity for instant gratification.

I picked up two of the foiled eyeshadows from their recent expansion of the product line, Charmed and Day Dreamer along with a few other items that I'll review separately.

Swatches & Review: Saucebox Cosmetics Batalash Palette

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I've been a fan of Saucebox Cosmetics and the women behind Batalash for quite some time so it's no surprise that when I heard that they collaborated for a palette, I had to get my hands on it. Thankfully Saucebox were at PHAMExpo so I could see it in person before purchasing. I ain't ashamed to admit that one of the reasons why I got this palette was because it reminded me so much of the Melt Cosmetics Dark Matter stack. Of course I'm hella cheap and instead of paying $48 for that palette, I paid $60 for double the colors (plus the Melt eyeshadows are 3.57 grams each while the Saucebox colors are 4 grams each). 

Where to Purchase: Saucebox Cosmetics (Affiliate)(Use SAUCEBOX10 for 10% off) This is a limited edition palette so if you like the looks of it based on my post, I'd get it ASAP!  

Price: $60.00 for eight 4 gram eyeshadows (32 grams total!)

Do they test on animals?: The company does not test on animals.

Packaging: The eyeshadow palette comes in a cardboard palette with a magnetic closure and mirror in the lid.

A Tale of Three Primers: Cover FX Blemish Treatment, Calming, and Mattifying Primers

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Summer is here in Southern California and it's starting to rear its hot head with a vengeance. At the same time, we've been having bouts of fluctuating cooler weather and even rain (always welcome during the drought). As a result, my skin hasn't been handling the changes well and has been becoming more acne-prone, oily, and irritated.

To try to handle that, I've been incorporating a few of the Cover FX Primers into my routine. Cover FX is unique in that they try to mix both skincare and makeup in their products. Even on days that I don't wear makeup, I try to add in the primers since they're multi-tasking. I wouldn't and don't recommend solely relying on your makeup to fulfill your skincare needs, but it's always nice to get a boost from what you're already wearing.

Nails of the Day: Turquoise Stone Nail Art

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Today's nail art is inspired by turquoise stones. I saw a tutorial to create a "stone" look using black nail polish and hairspray and the effect looked too cool not to try. I like how the nail art is unique between each nail and the look feels more organic as a result! This tutorial on Nail It! Magazine shows how you can do it. It does take a few tries but it looks super fancy when you're done.

The base is China Glaze For Audrey and the black polish is a no-name beauty supply polish (feel free to use any opaque black polish). You could honestly use any base color you wanted and still get a really cool effect!

Are you wearing any nail polish today? If so, what color?

Life's Entropy Lip Theory Liquids: Swatches and Review

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Another product from Life's Entropy is their Lip Theory Liquids, their take on the OCC Lip Tars. These take the concept and dial it up to 11 by offering empty gloss tubes to custom mix colors and also a clear lip theory that lets you to mix any of their or your lip safe eyeshadows with. I appreciate how the concept really lets you customize the gloss you do want. These are a vegan product too.

I got a full size and four samples of the lip theory liquids to try out.

The Triple Threat to Tackling Dark Circles

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As Benjamin Franklin said, "Nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes" but it's worth adding dark undereye circles to that list.  While dark undereye circles can be exacerbated by certain factors (lack of sleep, dehydration etc), it's often hereditary in nature. However, the look of dark circles can be conquered with a three tiered system: Eye cream, Peachy corrector, and Undereye concealer. Here are my budget and splurge picks for all three items.

Forget the Emery Board and Czech Out These Mont Bleu Glass Files

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To continue with my posts on nail care, I thought I'd talk about the Mont Bleu Glass Nail files, which are my nail file of choice.  I came across glass nail files a few years ago and have since extolled the virtue of glass nail files over the usual cardboard or metal nail files. 

Crystal/glass nail files used to be a little expensive but this set of three only cost me $12 from Amazon (affiliate link). The set I got came in three sizes: a mini file for travel-use, a medium sized file for all-purpose use, and a large file for your feet. Each file came with a plastic holder and I also got two test tube style hard cases that will fit the mini and medium sized files in case I wanted to travel with them. The files also come in other colors and styles decorated with Swarovski crystals.

What makes glass files different? Glass files work well to shape and file your nails but it takes so little effort. The glass file is also so much more effective than emery and metal files for taking down length and it's so perfect for fine-tuning your edges. You won't be spending ages trying to file down your nails anymore. 

When I transitioned over to my stiletto nail shape, I only used my glass file to get clean edges. I've tried other glass files before and I swear the Mont Bleu ones are the best. The Mont Bleu ones are a little different than others since they're etched and not merely coated with grit. The Czechs really know how to make a glass nail file. I highly suggest investing in them (but just be careful how you store them so they don't break!).

Have you tried out crystal/glass nail files before?

Life's Entropy Brow Theory Pomades - Swatch and Review

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Brow pomades and creams are the biggest thing to hit the market ever since Anastasia came out with their Dipbrow product. Sadly my brows and oily skin did not agree with the formula which had me seeking alternative brow products. One of my favorite indie brands came out with their version of a brow pomade and I decided to pick up a few samples to try out.

DIY Homemade Mani Bombs/Bath Bombs and Free Printable Labels - Mason Jar Gift Idea

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Hi everyone! Today I'll be covering how to make your own mani/bath bombs. I actually started this project back in November (when I made these as Christmas gifts) but kept putting the post on the back burner until I had more time to perfect the recipe. Mani bombs are miniature bath bombs typically used to soak your hands. You can also make large bath bombs with the same recipe. For a small investment, you could make tons of mani bombs and customize them the way you like. I also made up some printable labels which you can get at the end of the post.

Nail Butter | Nail Treatment Review

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So if you've seen my nails lately, you'll know that they've grown out super long and most everyone asks how I manage to do it. The thing with growing out your nails is that long healthy nails are due in part from good upkeep and moisturization. Happy nails are hydrated nails and I've got a good rotation of products I use. Along with my DIY Cuticle Oil and cuticle balm (from Sunny's Body Products), I have added Nail Butter to my routine.

For LA Locals: 6th Annual Beauty Drive Event by Beauty Bus Foundation

If you're going to be in the LA area on June 14 and are able to be in a charitable mood, you may want to consider attending the 6th Annual Beauty Drive held by the Beauty Bus Foundation.

If you haven't heard about the Beauty Bus Foundation, they're a charity group providing in-home beauty and grooming services, free of charge, to patients whose illness or condition prevents them from accessing a salon or spa and their caregivers. The Foundation also has Pop-Up Salons where patients and caregivers receive a variety of complimentary beauty and grooming services. Lastly, they have their Bag of Beauty Program: Beauty Bus gives complimentary Bags of Beauty filled with pampering products. Feel free to read up on them here.

The Beauty Drive is a fundraiser offering a family friendly afternoon of complimentary beauty stations for men and women, a kids corner, opportunity drawing and a silent auction. You can enjoy a day of beauty while providing support to the chronically or terminally ill Beauty Bus Foundation clients and caregivers!

The event will be happening on June 14th from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Skirball Cultural Center. 

You can purchase tickets here. Even if you're not able to attend, you can always donate to the Foundation!

Also happening at the event is the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Shawn Tavakoli, CEO of Beauty Collection. Beauty Collection is a prestige beauty retailer with stores in Southern California and their online store at beautycollection.com. Beauty Collection is one of the sponsors of the Beauty Bus Foundation Beauty Drive so feel free to check them out!

May 2015 Indie Makeup | New Releases Recap

In an effort to show my support to the indie cosmetics community, I thought I'd try to do monthly (or as close to monthly) compilations of new or interesting indie releases from the month prior. This can include new product launches or collections from some of my favorite indie brands. Not every brand I like will release something every month so the series may be sporadic but I'll try to get one up each month as possible. I'm recapping three products from last month that you should check out for this month.

1. Darling Girl Cosmetics Honey Cake Wonder Wand Cream Eyeshadow. ($7.50) A cream eyeshadow in a beautiful peachy shade. Currently sold out but it should be in stock soon. 
2. Life's Entropy Cosmetics Constellation Galaxy Glow Illuminator. ($12.00) A liquid illuminator that's a mix of gold and pink, it suits my desire to be as glow as possible. 
3. Kiss My Sass Cosmetics Lip Addicts Anonymous. ($8.00 per month) A lip product subscription service, this fills the niche of indie consumers everywhere who have been wanting a sub box that's not eyeshadow based. Currently sold out but I wanted to have you guys be on the radar for when subscriptions open next month.

Did you guys try out anything next last month (doesn't have to be indie)? Feel free to share below!

Classic Color: China Glaze For Audrey Swatch and Review

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Today's post is a swatch and review of a quintessential nail polish color that I think everyone should own. This is China Glaze's For Audrey, their version of a Tiffany Blue (as close as they can get to it since the actual Tiffany Blue is trademarked). It's a truly classic color (thus the title) and I want to share my swatch so if you don't have it yet, you should add it to your collection. 

Two coats is all that's needed for opaqueness. It is a gorgeous color if you don't already have it!

Do you like China Glaze polishes? How about For Audrey in particular?

Pür Minerals Double Ego Eyeliner: Swatch, Review, and Photos

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Hi everyone! Today's post is a swatch and review of the Pür Minerals Double Ego Eyeliner, another one of the dual-ended products in their makeup line. This is accompanying their dual-ended Wake Up Brow (eyebrow pencil) and Pout Pen (lip stain and balm). The Double Ego Eyeliner comes with a twist-up pencil on one side and a felt tip liquid liner on the other side. You can easily tag team both sides into one look or use one or the other depending on how bold you want to look.

I received two shades in Queensland and Tasmania to try out. Queensland is a bright teal shade while Tasmania is a deep chocolate brown.

Learn How to Make Your Own Cuticle Oil

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When I last posted about My 5 Essential Nail Care Products, I mentioned about how I've been making my own cuticle oil to use on my nails. Using cuticle oil is one of the tips I highly recommend if you want to grow your nails out. Moisturized nails and cuticles lead to happy nails. Given how often I use cuticle oil, I decided to mix my own homemade cuticle oil. I got my recipe from Epic Nail Time, which is supposedly a recipe for Bliss Kiss Nail Oil. What's nice about mixing up your own homemade cuticle oil is that you can control the quality of the oils used. Want cold pressed or organic oils in your mix? Use them!

Color Club Harp On It: Swatch and Review

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Hi everyone! I want to get back into the game of swatching nail polishes now that my nails are nice and long so I thought I'd go through my stash of well-loved polishes. Today's pick is Color Club Harp on It from their Halo Hues collection. Harp On It is a silver linear holographic polish. 

The formula is fantastic for me. I don't have any issues with balding and can get opaque coverage in two coats. It's utterly fabulous in the sunlight. Polish tends to wear forever on my stiletto nails so I can't comment reliably on wear time.

The swatches were taken in direct sunlight with no flash.

In natural light, the holographicness is more muted and it's more like a silver polish. Be sure to wear this out in the sun!

Harp on It/the Halo Hues collection can be difficult to find in stores. You can get it on Amazon (affiliate) or on Color Club.

Are you a fan of holographic nail polishes?

NARS Audacious Lipsticks in Anita and Anna: Swatch, Review, and Photos

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When I went to The Makeup Show, I already had it in my mind to get ahold of some NARS Audacious Lipsticks. Considering the hype surrounding the formula, I needed to get the lipstick for "research purposes". I purchased the shade Anita and received the shade Anna courtesy of The Makeup Show.

Click thru to read my thoughts on the formula and see my swatches of the lipsticks! Are they worth the price tag?

Makeup Wishlist Item of the Week Vol. 4: Canmake Cream Cheek

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This week's Makeup Wishlist Item of the Week is from the Japanese brand Canmake. Their Cream Cheek is an extremely popular blush. The name "Cream Cheek" is somewhat misleading since these are actually a gel/cream to powder blush. Unlike most cream blushes, these get great reviews for being fairly long-lasting on even oilylish skin types. These blushes also have great pigmentation but blend out quite sheerly on the skin.

Canmake Cream Cheek (affiliate link)

What's your current makeup wishlist item?

Darling Girl Santy's Sneaky Sleigh Liquid Stardust - Swatch and Review

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I'm very excited to post this review on Darling Girl's Liquid Stardusts. I purchased this during their Black Friday sale after waiting patiently for it to go on sale. The Liquid Stardusts are Darling Girl's take on the LORAC Liquid Lustres. In essence, these are glitter topcoats that you apply over your cream or powder eyeshadows.

I purchased the shade Santy's Sneaky Sleigh, a milky white base with a pink duo chrome glitter suspended in a slightly pink tinted liquid. You may also notice a slight green duo chrome but it's not apparent when you're wearing it. Since the liquid is only mildly tinted, it shouldn't really change the eyeshadow you're wearing with it. However I did notice that over time, the pink tinge went away in the liquid.

Just an FYI: I have the previous packaging for the Liquid Stardusts, they have new packaging.

Where to Purchase: 

Price: $7.50 for 4mL of product

Do they test on animals?: The company does not test on animals.

Click thru to read the rest of my review and see swatches!

The $1.50 Item that Will Change How You Use Sheet Masks

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My name is Mai and I am a self-profressed sheet mask-aholic. The one-time use cotton masks are a nice treat and great for when I need to take a bit of me time. They're fabulous but not always the easiest to handle (since you have to deal with keeping a serum soaked mask on your face without it peeling off). 

Enter this nifty silicone shield that I got from Daiso. Granted, it looks like it's something that would fit right in with a horror film but it's truly ingenious. You put your sheet mask on as usual then add this silicone mask cover on top. 

This way your sheet mask will stay put on your face and you can walk around without worrying that it'll slip. It's made out of flexible silicone so it'll probably fit around most of your facial contours. If you're worried about it not fitting, you can trim the mask if need be. 

When it comes to fit, I do find that it doesn't cover all of my face but it fits well enough to make sure my sheet mask doesn't slip. You can get it at Daiso stores for $1.50 but if you don't have a Daiso store nearby, Amazon also sells it (albeit at a price hike).

Do you like using sheet masks or are you a fan of other types of masks?

Makeup Wishlist Item of the Week Vol. 3: Life's Entropy Galaxy Glow Illuminators

This week's Makeup Wishlist Item of the Week are the Life's Entropy Galaxy Glow Illuminators. Normally with my oily skin, I'd stay away from illuminators but dang it I'm tired of using my skin as an excuse for not looking luminous. These look fabulous and don't seem overly shimmery or glittery.

I'm particularly interested in the shades Constellation and Comet but all the shades look fabulous (especially the color shifting shades!). The full sizes are $12.00 but you can get samples for $1.50.

Life's Entropy Galaxy Glow Illuminators

What's your current makeup wishlist item?

RCMA Highlight and Contour Palette: Swatch, Review, and Photos

Press Sample

Highlighting and contouring has been the new trend recently with the makeup world but it's not new for anyone on stage or on photoshoots. Under the hot and bright lights, highlighting and contouring would have been essential to emphasize features that would normally be washed out. Though there have been tons and tons of new highlight and contouring products released lately, there's been one product waiting patiently in the wings for its moment to shine. Meet the RCMA's Highlight and Contour Palette.

My 5 Essential Nail Care Products

I Purchased This Press Sample Affiliate Links

Whenever anyone takes a look at my nails, they usually ask one of two things: "Are those your real nails?" and "Did you do them yourself?". They're long enough to make people wonder if they're fake but they're not thick (like they would be if they were acrylic) it makes people question if they're fake. I thought I'd share a few of the items I use to keep my nails in shape.

Crystal Nail File. Once you go crystal, you'll stop using those metal or paper nail files. They always stay sharp and file nails cleanly and quickly. I am currently using a La Vaque Crystal Nail File but I also recommend the Mont Bleu Crystal Nail Files, which get a ton of great reviews in the nail community. 

Farmhouse Fresh Whipped Honey Salt Scrub. Each week (or every manicure change), I always prep both my hands and nails with a scrub. I'm currently enjoying the Farmhouse Fresh Scrub since it doesn't leave any residue behind after I use it. It just does what it says it does and exfoliates both my hands and nails for my manicure. It comes with a wooden spoon (not pictured) so you can scoop out as much as you need. It's also vegan! You can get this at Beauty Collection online or in stores.

Farmhouse Fresh Whoopie Cream Shea Butter. Working as both a hand and body lotion, the Whoopie! Cream Shea Butter is light but moisturizing enough to work wonders. It's not too heavy and has a fabulous sweet scent. The scent reminds me of the filling of a whoopee pie. It's also packaged in a glass pump bottle so it looks fabulous on your bedside table or in your bathroom. You can get this at Beauty Collection stores.

Sunny's Body Products Intensive Cuticle Therapy. I've mentioned the wonders of this cuticle oil before I'm sure. The line comes in an incredible amount of scents so you're sure to find a scent that will suit you. It doesn't absorb too quickly so it helps keep your cuticles moisturized. I've been really happy with this and another DIY Cuticle Oil I've made (which I'll post about soon!

Sunny's Body Products Miracle Balm. Although I love cuticle oils, I'm sure there are people out there who can't stand dealing with oils. Have no fear because the Miracle Balm is here. This cuticle balm lives up to its name; it's an absolute miracle for moisturizing your cuticles and nail without dealing with the feeling of oil. Like all the other Sunny's Body Products, you can get this in the scent of your choice. I usually scrape a bit off with each nail, then rub it into my nail and cuticle.

What are your nail care essentials?

Disclosure: I purchased the Intensive Cuticle Therapy and Miracle Balm. I won the Crystal Nail File. The Salt Scrub and Whoopie Cream were sent for consideration. There are affiliate links in this post.

Makeup Wishlist Item of the Week Vol. 2: Darling Girl Cosmetics She's So Violet Wonder Wand

This week's Makeup Wishlist Item of the Week is an indie pick by Darling Girl Cosmetics. I decided on their She's So Violet Wonder Wand. The Wonder Wands are a cream eyeshadow that are supposed to be fairly crease-resistant and budge-proof. There are a few shades available but I picked She's So Violet because it's such a gorgeous color.

What's your current makeup wishlist item?

NARS Dual-Intensity Blush in Frenzy: Swatch, Review, and Photos

Press Sample Affiliate Links

NARS is already so well-known for their original Blush line so I was quite interested in trying out their newest range, the Dual-Intensity Blush. This range consists of six color-coordinated duos and I got the shade Frenzy courtesy of The Makeup Show LA. Unlike their original line, these blushes could be used wet and dry.

Where to Purchase: Sephora (affiliate), NARS

Price: $45.00 for 6 grams/.21 oz

Do they test on animals?: The company does not test on animals.

Packaging: The blush duo comes in a square compact, with a mirror in the lid. The compact is slightly rubbery like the other NARS compacts.

Click thru to read the rest of my thoughts and see my swatch!