March Favorites, 2014

March Favorites

It’s the last day of March, so you know what that means.  It’s Monthly Favorites time!  For those of you who are new to the blog, Monthly Favorites are those products that particularly stood out to me and ones that I reached for over and over throughout the month.  March was weird, beauty-wise.  I was so sick with that stomach flu that lasted forever, so for two weeks I either didn’t leave the house or when I did, I didn’t wear makeup.  These favorites are pretty much from the first and last weeks of March because the middle was pretty sketchy.  I also have a non-beauty favorite to add at the end, because I have been absolutely obsessed!  So, let’ get into it.

BareMinerals Eyeshadow

I have really been enjoying my bareMineral eyeshadow.  The small duo came in my “All the Favs” set that I reviewed here.  It’s fabulous.  It’s a mini version (1 g) of the bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 2.0 in “Epiphany” featuring A-Ha and Foreshadow.  I can’t get enough of that gorgeous taupe shade (A-Ha) that looks so beautiful that I can wear it alone and it seems that I spent way longer on my eyes than I actually did.  “Epiphany” is swatched on the top.  The bottom shadows are the bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 4.0 in “The Soundrack”.  This quad is so me.  I love greens and golds.  These shadows feel like butter and blend so easily and smoothly.  They have a truly wonderful formula and I really recommend trying bareMinerals shadow if you haven’t already.

WnW Drinking a Glass of Shine

I’ve been reaching for my Wet n Wild 8-pan palette in “Drinking a Glass of Shine” (also known as “I Heart Matte”) for my eyeliner a lot this month.  I just haven’t been into pencil liners during March, so instead, I’ve been mixing the matte black and brown in this palette to line my upper and lower lashes.  Shadow liner isn’t always successful on the lower lash line- it really depends on your skin and how watery your eyes are.  But it’s really great on the upper lash line for a very defined, yet pretty natural liner look.  These shadows are so pigmented that a little goes a long way, and I don’t have to pack them on to get major impact.

e.l.f. Studio Mini Eyelash Curler

I am so glad that I recently got the e.l.f. Studio Mini Eyelash Curler because it’s exactly what I needed.  I’ve noticed in the last several months that my lashes are giving me issues.  I have very short, puny lashes that are increasingly curl resistant.  I used to be able to curl my lashes, but over the last six months or so, they just refuse to curl.  I also have smaller eyes, so I have a hard time maneuvering a regular eyelash curler.  I’ve been meaning to pick up a small curler for a while, but never got around to it.  I heard about the Shu Uemura one, but $25 seemed like a lot to spend on an eyelash curler.  Finally I placed an e.l.f. order for some of their new products (more on that later) and found the e.l.f. Studio Mini Eyelash Curler sort of by accident.  It’s about half (or maybe less) the size of a normal lash curler, so you curl your lashes in sections instead of all at once.  I can really get in there, no matter how short my lashes are, and hit the angles I need for maximum curl.  I love it.  There is a learning curve, and there was some pinching the first day or two, but once I got the hang of it, I have had no problems and am really happy with it.

e.l.f. Studio Cream Blush in Temptress

Even though Spring is here, it’s was still pretty cold during March, so I haven’t begun to use any self-tanner yet.  That means that I am still light enough to use the e.l.f. Studio Cream Blush in Temptress as a cream contour.  This is actually a really lovely shade for contour if you have fair or light skin.  Though it looks a little warm in the swatch picture, it is actually pretty neutral, so it works for cool-toned girls too.  It pairs really well with Too Faced Chocolate Soleil, which is cool-toned.  The blush has a smooshy, spongey texture, similar to the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes.  They are lightweight and have a cream to powder finish.  Though I probably won’t be able to wear it for too much longer, I have enjoyed the light contour that Temptress has provided.

*Okay, so here’s a weird thing.  I just checked eyeslipsface.com and don’t see the e.l.f. Studio Cream Blushes anywhere.  I swear they were still on the website last time I checked, but I haven’t looked specifically for them in a while.  Does anyone know if they’ve been discontinued?  I hate recommending a product that you can’t get, but it never occurred to me that the blushes wouldn’t be there.*

Jenny Lawson, The Bloggess

My final favorite is actually a person.  I am completely obsessed with Jenny Lawson.  First, I found her book Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: (A Mostly True Memoir).  I loved it!  My husband and I both read it, and we both really enjoyed it and laughed a lot.  Then, I went to her blog thebloggess.com and I was sold.  (don’t be folled by the picture, it is in no way a beauty blog.)  Jenny Lawson is like Laurie Notaro when she was still funny, only with way more dead animals. (Yes, that is a dead mouse dressed as Shakespeare.)

Lets Pretend This Never Happened

If you enjoy irreverent humor and can handle mental illness and taxidermy, Jenny Lawson is totally wicked.  I would definitely check out the blog and read the preview chapters before buying the book because her humor is not for everybody and certainly not for the faint of heart.  But, she had me hooked by page 11 and I gleefully recommend that those who are not easily offended give her a chance.

So, those are my favorites for March.  Again, it was an off month.  I know that everyone has been clamoring for Spring, but I am going to miss the cold weather.  I am thrilled that winter stuck around so long.  I’m going to miss the cold when I move back to California.  I know that it’s a pretty short drive to the mountains if I miss the snow, but it’s not the same as seeing snow in your own backyard.  However I am excited to move forward, and to see where the next few months take me.  I feel like there are a lot of things in my life that are up in the air and I’m in a state of limbo, which is really stressful for me.  But hopefully I can get some answers soon.

How about you?  How was your March?  What were some of your favorite products?  Let me know in the comments below.

Review: Sigma Brushes

Sigma Brushes

Way back in July, Sigma offered 20% off of their extremely popular brushes and I could not resist taking advantage of the sale.  I purchased five brushes and I finally have them to review for you today.  If you are connected to the beauty community at all, then you have definitely at least heard of Sigma.  Their brushes are raved about so much that one begins to question if they can possibly be any good at all with so many sponsored reviews out there.  I was skeptical myself, but I just couldn’t resist finally seeing what all the hype was about.

Sigma packaging

My Sigma brushes arrived in this cute little tube.  Each one had a protective sleeve over the brush to protect the bristles during shipping.  Just to give you a background of what brushes I usually use, I am a cheap brush kind of girl.  I am completely satisfied with my e.l.f. Studio and Real Techniques brushes.  I am just not willing to pay $50 or more for a makeup brush.  I think brands like Hakuhodo make some beautiful brushes, and I’ve heard some great things about high-end brushes like the Wayne Goss collection, but I just can’t do it.  So, that’s the level of quality I am used to in a brush.

L-R: E30, E35, E36, E45, EF80

Sigma brushes are a bit more expensive than I usually like to pay.  They aren’t ridiculously priced, especially with a coupon code, but they are definitely more than Real Techniques and way more than e.l.f. (though most brushes cost more than $3, so that shouldn’t count).  I ended up buying four eye brushes because, let’s face it, you can never have too many of those.  I also got the much hyped about F80 Flat top Kabuki brush.  I’m going to start there because it’s the most popular.

Sigma F80

I actually featured the Sigma F80 in my August favorites last year.  The F80 is a flat topped synthetic fiber brush designed to buff in liquid or cream products.  I didn’t think that I would love it as much as I do.  I had heard so many people talk about how great the F80 is, but I didn’t think that there would be that much difference between the F80 and the really good low-cost brushes that I own.  I was wrong.  I don’t know why, maybe it’s how densely packed the bristles are or how super soft they are, but the F80 blends foundation like a dream.  I go back and forth between the F80 and my Real Techniques Buffing Brush as my favorite foundation brush.  I do prefer the F80 to the Real Techniques Expert Face Brush and also to the e.l.f. Studio flat top Powder Brush that looks similar.  If pressed, I would have to say that the F80 is worth the hype, and I would totally re-purchase.  The F80 retails for $21.00, full price.

Sigma Eye Brushes

It was tough to choose what eye brushes I wanted because Sigma has so many to choose from.  I decided to get two pointed brushes because I didn’t have any detail pencil brushes that I liked.  I also definitely wanted blending brushes.  I opted to go for the E30, E35, E36, and E45.  It is really hard to find out what these brushes are made of because I can’t find that information anywhere on Sigma’s website.  I know that they do both natural and synthetic fiber brushes.  Based on what I could find in the internet, I believe that all four of these brushes are natural fiber, probably goat hair.  I’m not totally sure about that, though, because I’ve seen conflicting information so don’t quote me.  If you have an aversion to natural hair brushes, be sure to check with Sigma first, before ordering.  I’m going to break these down individually, starting with the brush that I use least.

Sigma E45

The E45 Small Tapered Blending brush is a pretty good brush, but I find that I don’t reach for it very often.  It’s just an odd size for my particular eye shape and size, which is on the smaller side.  The brush is very tapered to a pointed tip and best for picking up color with just the tip of the brush to apply intense colors to the crease to add depth and dimension to the eye.  The E45 is an awesome brush to do a cut crease with, but as it turns out, I don’t do a cut crease very often.  That being said, it’s still a great brush, stiff enough to hold it’s shape really well, but still soft and comfortable to use.  Though it’s a good brush, it isn’t as useful to me as I thought it would be.  It’s a little too large for my bottom lash line because of my eye size and is just not a brush that is a good fit for me.  People with larger eyes or those who do dramatic looks with a cut crease might love it, but I probably would not repurchase.  The E45 retails for $12.00, full price.

Sigma E30

The E30 Pencil brush, on the other hand, is great and exactly what I was looking for.  It’s a small detail brush with a tapered, pointed tip.  It’s best used to soften pencil liners or add shadow to the lash line, and also to use to highlight the inner corner of eyes.  I feel like this brush was exactly what my collection was lacking.  The small detail brushes that I’ve had have all been problematic in some way.  They are either too small, or they end up too coarse and scratchy.  The E30 is soft and gentle in the sensitive inner corners and lower lash line of my eye.  It’s the perfect size for me to smoke out my liner without going too far and looking like a raccoon.  I would definitely repurchase.  The E30 retails for $12.00, full price.

Sigma E35

I love the E35 Tapered Blending brush.  It has become my favorite blending brush that I own.  It isn’t too big, so that my crease color goes everywhere, but is big enough to blend evenly and quickly.  The effect is blended, yet also defined.  Though I don’t think the E35 is completely unique to the cosmos, it is one of the better blending brushes that I’ve used (especially since my two other favorites are both discontinued) and perfect for every day.  I reach for the E35 nine times out of ten, and would totally repurchase.  The E35 retails for $14.00, full price

Sigma E36

A brush that I think is pretty unique is the E36 Blending brush.  The E36 is very thin and has long, slightly firm bristles.  I have smaller, slightly hooded eyes, and this brush is fantastic for getting into my crease.  It is so perfect for precision blending.  I really love this brush and haven’t seen another brush like it, especially at this price point.  It’s fluffy, but controlled.  I love it for getting the outer corner and deepening the crease.  It may be too small for those with really large eyes, but it’s so perfect for me.  I would definitely repurchase.  The E36 retails for $12.00, full price.

In case you can’t tell, I am really pleased with my Sigma brushes.  If I were to do it all again, there is only one brush that I wouldn’t repurchase.  All the others work well for me.  I have washed all five brushes several times since I bought them, and they have all held up to regular use.  I haven’t had any issues with shedding or with the ferrules loosening.  The only problem I have had was with slight staining on my E36 from some black shadow.  I’ve washed it several times since noticing the light stain, but it seems permanent.  It’s not that big of a deal for me, though.  The other two white brushes have not had the same staining problem.

Sigma Spa Glove Mini

As an added bonus in my order I also got this sample size of the Sigma Spa Brush Cleaning Glove.  I told you about it last year when it first came out.  You can see the post here.  I have to say, I love this little sample and use it every time I wash my brushes.  Even though the sample is flat (not an actual mitt) and fits in the palm of my hand, it still works like a dream and makes me think the real glove is great.  If the glove wasn’t $40 for a textured silicone oven mitt I’d totally get one.  But that’s a little much for me to justify to myself.

I definitely recommend Sigma brushes.  I think that the quality is very good and the price, though a little more than drugstore brushes, isn’t that bad.  I’m not affiliated with Sigma at all, but there are several beauty bloggers and youtubers that are, so you can easily find 10% off coupon codes from them.  I’d just google “sigma coupon code” and you should have no problem.  Sigma also sells makeup, but I have not tried any of it.  I’ve seen good reviews, but my interest lies mostly in the brushes.  I think Sigma brushes are certainly worth a look, and I would not have a problem purchasing from them in the future.

Tarte on Hautelook Tomorrow

I just wanted to quickly stop in to let you know that Tarte will be featured on Hautelook tomorrow.  The event opens up at 8:00 am PST 3/28.  I’m not sure what will be available because they haven’t released a preview yet, but the products are usually at a pretty good price point.  If you haven’t signed up with Hautelook yet, it is free to do so.  Also if you are interested, Crown Brush is featured today.  If you are familiar with Coastal Scents or BH Cosmetics large palettes you will find similar makeup products as well as a pretty good brush selection available.  Check out hautelook.com for more info.

Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson

Nivea Kiss of Care & Color

If you have been paying attention the last couple of months, you may have noticed that I completely fell in love with the Nivea lip balms.  I featured both the Kiss of Milk and Honey and the Kiss of Olive Oil and Lemon in favorites posts.  They are really great lip balms, and I am obsessed.  So, I was very anxious to try the new(ish) Nivea Kiss of Care & Color line.  I am a fan of tinted lip balms because there are definitely days where I want a low-maintenance lip and I can always use more moisture.  My hope was that the Nivea Kiss of Care & Color balms would be just like the regular Nivea balms, but with color.  Read on to see how that worked out.

Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson

Nivea Kiss of Care & Color comes in four sades: Sheer Pink, Sheer Coral, Sheer Berry, and Sheer Crimson.  The display that I found was pretty picked over, and the only shades left were Sheer Pink and Sheer Crimson, so I chose the latter.  Nivea Kiss of Care & Color balms are the same size as the regular Nivea balms (4.8 g) but they cost around $2 more.  If you are interested in trying Nivea Kiss of Care & Color, be sure to get them on sale because I have seen them as high as $5 each, which is a lot for a tinted lip balm.  Nivea Kiss of Care & Color have a moisture core, surrounded by the color balm.  From the swatches and reviews that I have seen online, the best color pay-off is from the Sheer Berry and Sheer Crimson shades.  As you can probably tell by the name, even the dark shades are pretty sheer color.  From what I’ve seen, Sheer Coral has some tint, but Sheer Pink is very light and hardly shows up.  They all provide a decent amount of shine though, so it all depends on what look you are going for.

Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson

Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson is a sheer brick red that looks very pretty and would be very flattering on a variety of skin tones.  It is a warm shade, so those with very cool tones may want to avoid it, but those with warm and neutral tones should love the color.  Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson does not feel like the regular Nivea balms at all, which was a huge disappointment for me.  The main difference, and the thing that I am the most disappointed in, is that Nivea Kiss of Care & Color contain menthol, giving them a minty taste and feel.  Damn that minty tingle!  Why, Nivea, why?  So, to be fair, the tingle is lighter than some lippies and lasts for about twenty minutes.  But it is a completely unnecessary addition and kind of a dumb idea for a lip balm.  Beauty companies, please stop adding IRRITANTS to your lip products!  Perhaps you can tell that I have a problem with this?  I am pretty sensitive to menthol, so all I can smell and taste with the Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson is mint.  The menthol ruins the formula for me because instead of feeling nice and moisturizing, it irritates my lips and feels kind of drying until the menthol dies down.  It’s weird actually.  The immediate application is moisturizing, but after the first few minutes it feels drying to me.  Then, after the twenty minute mark or so, it starts to feel moisturizing again.  But by that time, the product is going to start to break down because it’s a tinted lip balm and you are only going to get an hour or so of wear-time at best.  All that to say, if you are not a fan of minty lip products, stay away.

Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson

Here is a swatch of Sheer Crimson.  It’s a decent bit of color.  I do really like the color that Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson gives my lips, and I think that those who are not sensitive to menthol may like the product.  Perhaps if I wasn’t such a fan of the regular Nivea balms, Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson wouldn’t have been such a disappointment.  However, I was so hoping that it would be as moisturizing and comfortable as the regular balms, and it simply isn’t even close. Especially now, when my lips aren’t in the best shape because of the cold winter, I just can’t do minty tingles.  I am going to try Nivea Kiss of Cherry, because I have heard that it feels just like a regular Nivea balm (it’s part of the regular line, I believe) but has a light red tint to it.  So that will hopefully be a better fit for me.  Unfortunately, Nivea Kiss of Care & Color in Sheer Crimson was a fail.  Have you tried any of the Nivea Kiss of Care & Color line?  What did you think?  Am I crazy with my abhorrence to menthol, and do you like that minty tingle?  Let me know in the comments below.

Battle of the Drugstore Primers, Take 2

Drugstore Primers, Revlon, e.l.f., NYX, and L’Oreal

So way back in 2011 I did a little post entitled Battle of the Drugstore Primers.  My blog was only two months old, and I had a lot to learn.  However, that little post has remained the most popular of all my posts, even years later.  Obviously y’all want the skinny on primers.  So that being said, I wanted to take another crack at it and tackle some new drugstore primers that have come out since then.  Today I have four different primers to review and compare, all of which can be found at the drugstore or Target, and online.  If you are new to this blog and are not sure what a face primer is, a primer is a product that you put on before your foundation.  It is used to smooth out your skin so that you have an even canvas to apply your foundation, similar to priming a wall before you paint it.  Primers also help to extend the wear-time of foundation by creating a barrier that controls oil from breaking down foundation or prevents dry skin from sucking up the moisture in a foundation.  If you have never used a primer, I definitely recommend you try one because it truly makes a huge difference in the appearance and performance of your foundation.

Before we begin, I should tell you a little about my skin type and what I prefer in a primer.  I have dry skin that, in the summertime, becomes a combination of dry/normal.  I never have oil control issues, rarely have products break me out, and do not need a primer to mattify.  My foundation usually lasts pretty well even without a primer.  I do, however often have dry patches and sometimes eczema spots.  My main focus with primers is to even my skin out and fill my ginormous pores (thanks dad).  I’m trying to give myself the smoothest possible canvas.  I usually gravitate to silicone based primers, and my favorite one of all time is the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer.  So, now that you understand what I look for in a primer and my particular bias (because we all have them) let’s get into the reviews.

L-R: Revlon Photoready, e.l.f. Mineral Infused, NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving, and L’Oreal Miracle Blur

I have four primers to talk about today.  I went ahead and swatched a dollop of each primer so that you could see how they look in comparison to each other.  From left to right, we have Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer, e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer, NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer, and L’Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother.  All four primers, regardless of initial appearance blend out translucent on the skin.  I’ve described each one in detail below, but I wanted you to get a visual reference of all of them next to each other first.

Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer

Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer comes in a glass jar with a pump style applicator.  The pump flows easily and is controllable to provide just the right amount of primer to cover the face without wasting product.  Revlon claims that the Photoready Color Correcting Primer’s soft lavender color “Brightens skin and neutralizes redness while evening out uneven skin tone.”  This is the only one of the four that I have today that isn’t a silicone primer.  The consistency is more a cross between lotion and liquid foundation.  The formula dries down to a satiny finish that offers a bit of hydration, without getting oily.  I actually really like the formula quite a bit.  It does sort of sit on top of the skin a little, but it feels lightweight and still wears comfortably.  My makeup blends over it very easily and evenly.  You do want to wait a minute for the primer to dry down a little before applying foundation over it, though.  Despite its claims, Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer doesn’t do a great job at color-correcting or brightening, but it does give the skin a lovely soft-focus look.  It absolutely diminishes the look of fine lines and pores.  It even fuzzes out my freckles a bit.  My skin looks younger and more even with Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer.  Revlon also has a “Perfecting” version of this primer which is almost identical.  Though this isn’t my favorite formula, the Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer is a very good option, especially for those who don’t like silicone primers or who break out from them.  I think the formula is unique for the drugstore, and worth checking out.  Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer retails for around $11-$13, regular price, and is 0.91 fl oz.

e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer

Now onto the silicone based primers, the first of which is the e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer.  In my opinion, the e.l.f. Mineral Primer and the NYX Photo-Loving primer are the most similar.  The main difference is that the e.l.f primer is a little dryer, and a little thinner than NYX.  I really like the silky smooth texture of the e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer.  It is a fragrance-free silicone primer that, for me, does a great job of filling in my pores and smoothing over any dry patches to prep my face for an even foundation application. It blends into my skin easily and has a really quick dry-down time.  There is no blurring or anything like that with the e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer, but that allows for a more natural finish.  It is very similar to the Smashbox Photo Finish.  I’ve tried it under all sorts of foundations and have had great success with it.  The e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer is available in four shades.  E.l.f. has the Clear one that I am showing you today, Tone Adjusting Green, Brightening Lavender, and Radiant Glow.  When they added the three additional shades, e.l.f. thankfully redesigned the pump, because the old one was terrible.  It was a common problem, and e.l.f. needed to change the packaging because half the pumps didn’t work.  Luckily, the redesign works perfectly and that makes the e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer and excellent option.  E.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer retails for $6 full price for 0.49 oz. and can be found at Target or online at eyeslipsface.com.

NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer

NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer is pretty much a dead-on dupe for Smashbox Photo Finish.  They are nearly identical.  It glides on so smoothly and evenly, and it disappears into nothing on the skin, leaving a perfect, yet undetectable canvas.  If you like silicone primers, this is the one.  There is only one thing that I have to complain about the NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer and it is that the primer separates, so you need to shake it up first before applying.  I have never had this issue with the Smashbox or e.l.f. primers.  The tube clearly states on the back that separation is normal and does not effect the quality of the formula, but it can be annoying and a little wasteful if you forget to shake first.  I don’t really understand how NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer can be so similar to Smashbox Photo Finish, but one separates and the other doesn’t.  Either way, I highly recommend NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer.  It is becoming my number one drugstore primer choice.  If you shop nyxcosmetics.com, you can find the Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer in Clear, Green, and Lavender but Target and Ulta only carry the clear version.  NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer retails for $12-$13 regular price, and is 1 fl oz.

L’Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother

The final primer I have to review today is the L’Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother.  Though L’Oreal says that Miracle Blur is more than a primer, with it’s claim to “Instantly erase the look of lines, wrinkles, and pores; Skin instantly looks and feels smooth, leaving a velvet soft matte finish that lasts all day,” it functions as a primer so I’m counting it as such.  L’Oreal Miracle Blur is really thick, so much so that it is tough to squeeze out of the tube.  I don’t like the way it feels at all.  It does not like to blend into my skin, and it pills on me so that it doesn’t go on evenly at all.  It feels heavy and greasy, even on my dry skin, so I can only imagine how it feels for those with oily skin.  The dry-down time is pretty long, but necessary, because if you don’t wait it leaves a slippery canvas that repels makeup.  L’Oreal Miracle Blur doesn’t help out my foundation at all.  I get an uneven application with several different foundations which makes me think that L’Oreal Miracle Blur just doesn’t play well with others.  The formula is simply not made for my skin and looks terrible on me.  The other draw back is the price.  Though you get a lot of product, 1.8 fl oz, L’Oreal Miracle Blur retails anywhere from $20-$25.  It would have been better if L’Oreal had made smaller tubes for less money.  I personally do not recommend L’Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother because it did not work for me at all.

I hope that this overview of drugstore primers was helpful to you.  To recap, if you like silicone primers like Smashbox Photo Finish, both the NYX Studio Perfect Photo-Loving Primer and e.l.f. Studio Mineral Infused Face Primer are good options.  I prefer the NYX over the e.l.f., but only slightly.  I would skip the L’Oreal Revitalift Miracle Blur Instant Skin Smoother because of the inflated price and difficult formula.  If silicone primers aren’t your thing, Revlon Photoready Color Correcting Primer is a pretty good drugstore option.  God luck on your hunt, and happy shopping.  Have you tried any of these products, or do you have a drugstore primer that you recommend?  Let us know in the comments below.

Because Insomnia has its Rewards

Sleep did not happen last night at all, but to make up for it the internet gave me this:

In other news, I am hoarding the discontinued Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Stress Control 3-in-1 Hydrating Acne Treatment because it’s the best thing ever and I still can’t find something I like to replace it.  I may or may not have bought myself a whole heaping ton of it off of Amazon.  I am actually considering buying another heaping ton, but my husband has managed to dissuade me at this time.  I think his exact response was “Oh please, god no.”  He obviously doesn’t understand the depth of my need.  Then again, seep deprivation and a credit card probably shouldn’t mix. 😉

Ipsy, March 2014

Ipsy March 2014

She’s alive!  I’m back and mostly healthy.  Let me tell you, that stomach flu knocked me flat on my ass and I stayed down for a full week.  Thank you for being patient with my lack of posts.  I’m feeling much better now, though still not quite 100%.  I’m improving every day.  In other news, I got my big pink envelope in the mail that can only mean that it’s Ipsy time again.  Before I get into March’s bag, I want to mention how much I enjoyed last month’s Ipsy bag.  I don’t usually do a follow up to my Ipsy posts, so you never get to know what I thought after actually using the products.  With the exception of the nail polish shade that wasn’t my style, I really liked all of the items I got last month, especially the blush, lip gloss, and cream eyeshadow which were all surprisingly great.  It made me super excited to see what Ipsy had in store for March.  For those who are new to this blog and don’t know, Ipsy is a subscription service.  For $10 a month, you will receive a makeup bag containing 4-5 deluxe beauty samples.  You often receive full size products, and the overall value of each bag will vary from month to month, but it is always well over the $10 subscription fee.

March Ipsy bag by Klari

March’s theme is Destination Beauty.  One really cool part about this month’s bag is that Ipsy is starting a artist series with the bags themselves.  The cool street art bag is the first to feature the artwork of a local artist.  I think it’s great, and really like the bag this month.  I love that they are going this route with the bags.  I can’t wait to see what other art bags come in the future.  Now, onto the products.

Nicole by OPI Roughles polish in “On What Grounds?”

Nicole by OPI Roughles polish in “On What Grounds?”:  “Nicole by OPI launches Roughles (“ruffles”) – 4 new textured nail lacquers featuring speckled, pastel shades of purple, pink, turquoise and yellow. When the lacquer dries, Roughles lacquers reveal a unique pebbled finish. For the perfect matte effect, skip the top coat!”  This is a full-sized bottle, worth $7.99.

Be a Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in “Bora Bora”

Be a Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad in “Bora Bora”: “The Bora Bora Eyeshadow Quad contains a highly pigmented long lasting formula for all day wear. To use as an eyeliner, wet the tip of your brush and dip end into the shadow and apply on lash line.”  This is a full-sized compact, worth $16 at beabombshellcosmetics.com.

Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches

Klorane Smoothing and Relaxing Patches with soothing cornflower:  “Soothing and Relaxing Patches for Tired-Eyes are designed to revive puffy, fatigued eyes for a brighter appearance. Formulated with softening cornflower extract, smoothing and stimulating arnica and relaxing chamomile, these easy to use patches increase circulation while decreasing signs of stress, lack of sleep, prolonged activity, sickness and allergies. Use before a night out to diminish puffiness and dark circles, after a long day of working in the garden or as a once a week treatment for bright, smooth and youthful eyes.”  7packets are available for $18 at dermstore.com.  Sample is two packets, worth $5.14.

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxi Lipstick in “Get Ready”

bareMinerals Marvelous Moxi Lipstick in “Get Ready”:  “Make an impact with Marvelous Moxie Lipstick. Creamy, super-saturated, ultra-pigmented color glides on like butter for full coverage in a rich satin finish. Lips look fuller and more voluptuous. An infusion of minerals revitalizes lips for a healthy-looking pout, while a moisture-loaded hydrating complex helps to nourish and condition with Abyssinian Oil and Omega Fatty Acids for supple, baby-soft smoothness. All the while, an encapsulated vitamin A, C and E complex helps to deliver antioxidant defense, so you’re ready for anything—and everything.”  The  full size lipstick is .12 oz, worth $18 at bareescentuals.com.  Sample size is .05 oz, worth $7.50.

March Ipsy bag

The grand total worth of my March Ipsy bag is $36.63, plus the totally awesome bag.  I have to say it, I’m bummed by this month’s bag.  After such a great bag last month, Ipsy really dropped the ball.  First off, I’ve come to expect 5 items in my bag, and when there are only 4 items, I feel like they should be really awesome products to make up for it.  These just aren’t.  I’m most disappointed by the nail polish again.  I hate textured polish and won’t even open this one.  I know textured polishes are all the rave right now, but I can’t handle them on my nails.  It’s a personal preference thing, though I know that Nicole by O.P.I. is a good brand.  It will definitely be given away.  I would be stoked to get the Marvelous Moxi Lipstick mini, but I already have the shade.  That’s not Ipsy’s fault, but kind of a bummer for me.  I’m not sure what to think of the Klorane Smoothing and relaxing patches.  I don’t really have issues with puffiness or dark circles normally, though I’ll be happy to try them out.  I am excited to try the Be a Bombshell Eyeshadow Quad, but I wish the shades were different.  It’s a beautiful quad, but I already have two palettes with similar shades (again, not Ipsy’s fault).  I have been very happy with the previous Be a Bombshell products that I’ve gotten so, even though I already have these shades, I am excited to further explore the brand.  Oh well, that’s the risk you take with these subscription services.  You aren’t guaranteed to like everything that comes your way.  Even though this month was kind of a bummer, I can say that I have liked way more bags than I have been disappointed with (it’s been about a year and a half).  Ipsy is still totally worth it, in my opinion.  If you are not subscribed and are interested in getting your own Ipsy bag, please use this referral link to sign up.  What did you get in your Ipsy bag?  Were you happy, or was March a disappointment for you?  Let me know in the comments below.

500 Posts, Ulta 21 days of Beauty, and a Quick Update

Hey everyone, I’m stopping by for a quick post to let you in on some news and to let you know that I’m still alive, but boy howdy, this has been one hell of a week.  I came down with a pretty wicked stomach flu, and have been in hell since Sunday night.  My body went on a rampage and tried to kill me from the inside out.  I’ve been pretty miserable and every time I think I’m finished, there’s a fresh wave of horror to greet me.  It has not been fun, but I am cautiously hopeful that I am finally over the worst of it and truly on the mend.  So, all that to say, it’s been impossible to sit at the computer and type up a post.  Please excuse my absence.  I’m hoping that things will get back to normal on Monday.

One very awesome thing is that this is my 500th post!  What?  That is so crazy to me.  I feel so blessed that you have stuck with me for this long.  I wasn’t sure, when I started this blog, if anyone would actually want to read it.  It’s an amazing feeling to know that you are out there, actually taking the time to read what I write and to respond in the comments.  I definitely feel like this blog has made me a more confident writer, and I’m thrilled to have 500 posts under my belt.  🙂

Now, onto the beauty part of this beauty blog.  Ulta 21 Days of Beauty is happening again.  Yay!  If you haven’t heard of Ulta 21 Days of Beauty before, it’s an event that Ulta puts on twice a year in the Spring and Fall.  For 21 days they will offer at least one awesome deal of the day on certain products, valid online and in store.  Sometimes there will also be an exclusive online-only deal.  In addition, they have special daily events or demos in the store.  It’s a great time to buy that prestige brand product you’ve been wanting, but didn’t want to pay full price for.  The beauty steals start Sunday, 3/16 and end Saturday, 4/5.  Go to Ulta’s 21 Days web page to see all three weeks of beauty steals and events.  You will be able to score some pretty great prices on Tarte, Philosophy, Stila, Smashbox, and many more.  Remember, the deals are only good for one day each, so be sure to mark your calendar so that you don’t miss the items that you want.  Beauty Steals tend to sell out fast, so if you are interested your best bet is to log-on or get to the store early.  And don’t forget to use your Rewards card to earn points on all of your purchases.  The Rewards program really pays off on products that you actually want, and I’ve been able to redeem my points on great products like Urban Decay Naked 3 palette and a Bare Minerals 4.0 Eyeshadow quad.  If you aren’t signed up, I definitely recommend that you do.

Happy shopping!

Fashion Friday: Diamond Candles

Diamond Candles

Today’s review is a Fashion Friday post because the product fits under both the regular fashion and home fashion categories.  I’m talking about Diamond Candles, which are a fun gift idea for candle and jewelry lovers, alike.  My sister’s birthday was last month, and she had mentioned that she really wanted a Diamond Candle.  I remember hearing about the company sometime last year, but hadn’t checked them out.  Thinking of gift ideas, I went to the website, diamondcandles.com,  and ended up buying three candles, one for my sister and (because I couldn’t resist) two for me.  Here is my experience with Diamond Candles.

Diamond Candles are good quality soy wax pillar candles in a glass jar.  They come in a variety of colors and scents.  What makes Diamond Candles different than other candles is that Diamond Candles have a ring inside.  Here is what Diamond Candles says about themselves on their Facebook page: “Our earth friendly soy candles contain a ring worth $10, $100, $1000, or $5000 in every one. We are making burning and using candles fun for the home! We also have classic candles that are ringless for those who just love the fragrance!”  Think Cracker Jacks, for adults.  The Ring Candles all come with a ring surprise inside.  The rings are wrapped in a plastic bag, which is then wrapped in foil and fixed to the side of the candle.  I think that, though not entirely original, Diamond Candles are a cute idea and like getting two gifts in one.  They really are a lot of fun to burn as the anticipation about what ring you will find grows.  If you were the kind of kid who bought cereal based on the toy surprise inside, this is definitely for you.

Diamond Candles True Love

The first candle that I burned was in the scent True Love that was one of the holiday scents for Valentine’s Day.  True Love is a fresh floral perfume scent.  Diamond Candles described it as “An inspired sensual fragrance of a classic chilled mojito, feminine floral notes, jasmine, labdanum, cedarwood and tiny notes of pink pepper.”  I really liked the scent, especially for February.  The candles have one large wick that burns pretty evenly.  It does mushroom, though, so you do have to trim the wick before each use.  I thought the True Love fragrance was strong enough to fill the room, but not so strong that it over-powered everything.  When you blow the candles out, they smoke up quite a bit (more so than B&BW candles), so be sure to keep the lid handy and cover it immediately.  The candles are made from 100% soy wax and not from petroleum based parrafin wax, bees wax, or palm wax.  In general, I think Diamond Candles are good quality candles, easily comparable to Bath & Body Works, Party Lite, or Yankee Candles.

True Love ring

This is the ring that I got from the True Love candle.  I think that it’s really cute, and probably something that I’d find at Target or a trendy clothing store for $10 or $15.  I was very happy with my first Diamond Candle experience and anxious to burn my second candle and reveal my next surprise.

Diamond Candles Honeysuckle

I love the Honeysuckle scent from Diamond Candles.  It’s so fragrant and beautiful, perfect for Spring.  That’s not a big surprise, since Honeysuckle is one of my favorite scents in various products, but I can say that Diamond Candles delivered on my expectations for a clean Honeysuckle smell.  It burned just as well as the True Love candle, with all the same pros and cons.  The Ring Candles are 21 oz. and approximately 3.5 inches in diameter and about 6.5 inches tall.  They are true pillars, taller and thinner than B&BW candles, which are 14.5 oz.  I really enjoyed this candle and would definitely repurchase the scent.  Both rings were revealed with the top 30% of the candle, so you don’t have to burn the whole thing to get to your ring.

Honeysuckle ring

This is the ring that I got out of the Honeysuckle candle.  I was a little disappointed to get another purple stone, but I really like this ring, more so than the first one.  Though Diamond Candles say that you can get a real ring worth hundreds or thousands of dollars, most rings are going to be costume.  However, there is a wide range in quality of costume jewelry in the US, and some quality costume rings can still be worth $50-$100.  I feel like this second ring looks better quality than the first.  I don’t know if my rings are worth anything, but I like them both and would totally wear them both.  Here is a picture of them on.

My Diamond Candles rings

So the real question at this point is “Are Diamond Candles worth it?”  Well, that depends on what you are looking for.  Diamond Candles Ring Candles are $24.95 each.  Like I said before, they are good quality and larger than, say, Bath & Body Works candles that retail for $20-$22.50 each.  If you are used to buying quality candles, then you are used to paying around that much for them.  The rings are a bonus, and even the cheap $10 rings cut the candle price down to about $15 for the 21 oz pillar.  I think it’s definitely worth it if you are a regular candle buyer.  However, if you are looking into Diamond Candles for the rings, you are better off skipping the candles and just going to the store to buy a ring yourself.  The Diamond Candle rings are truly a surprise.  You can not choose your personal style or your ring size, so there is no guarantee that you will like the ring you get or that it will fit your finger.  Diamond Candles uses rings that are sized between 4 and 10, though most rings will be 6-8.  The larger ring that I received fits my middle finger perfectly, but the smaller ring is a little snug on my ring finger.  It’s the luck of the draw.  There is a very active facebook page for trading, buying, and selling Diamond Candles rings.  If you don’t like your ring you can sell or trade for one you do like.  So the “Is it worth it” question really depends on your expectations.  If you will be disappointed or angry by a ring that doesn’t fit or you think is ugly, maybe Diamond Candles isn’t for you.  If you view the ring as a fun surprise, or an added bonus to a good candle, then you may really enjoy Diamond Candles.

Diamond Candles

I personally am very happy with Diamond Candles.  I had fun burning my candles and revealing my rings.  My sister also really loved the one that I gave her for her birthday.  She got the Sweet Pea scent in her favorite color, purple.  She said that it smelled amazing.  Her ring fit her finger perfectly and is in a style and color that she liked.  It was a great gift.  Diamond Candles is not a huge corporation, and there are some issues because of that.  First of all, you have to order online because there are no brick and mortar retailers at this point, which can be frustrating not being able to smell each sent before you buy.  The main issue that I see is that they frequently blow through their stock.  The fan-base is growing, and Diamond Candles has a hard time keeping up.  Because of this, selection can really vary.  Sometimes there are more than a dozen scents, and sometimes there are only four left in stock.  You have to keep checking back to get the scents that you want, which can be annoying.  On the upside, processing and shipping were no problem.  My order was placed on 1/29, shipped on 1/30 and delivered on 2/7.  Expect a delay around any holiday.  My recommendation, if you want to give Diamond Candles as a gift, is to shop early so that you can be sure to get the candles in time to take care of any issues that may arise.  Also, while my three candles arrived in pristine condition, there is always the risk of breakage when shipping glass.  I’ve seen on the DC facebook page that when candles arrive broken (most likely because of mishandling on part of the shipper), Diamond Candles is quick to take care of the situation.  I am happy with my Diamond Candles experience and will be ordering more at some point.  If you want to order your own Diamond Candles go ahead on click the link to see their website.

Urban Decay Electric Palette

Urban Decay Electric Palette

Urban Decay has another very exciting release coming up, and this time they are getting back to their roots.  If you have been bored with the UD Naked collection, then the new Electric Palette may be for you.  The Urban Decay Electric Palette will contain ten vibrant pressed pigment shades for color lovers to ooh and ahhh over.  There are a couple repeat shades from other palettes, like Revolt and Chaos, but there are also several new shades in various finishes.  The palette will be released March 18th, and will retail for around $50.  You’ll be able to pick it up at Sephora, Ulta, or urbandecay.com.

I totally recommend checking out Leesha’s (XSparkage) video with swatches of the palette and a review with her thoughts on how successful the UD Electric Palette really is.  Definitely subscribe to her of you are a fan of color.  She always has very interesting and colorful looks to show.  It should play after the ad.  (This is my first attempt at embedding a video, so fingers crossed.)   🙂

I am probably going to pass on this one because I have so many palettes already and I’m trying to pair down instead of adding more before my move.  How about you?  Are you excited about Urban Decay’s upcoming  Electric Palette?  Let me know in the comments below.