Category: Makeup

Wet’n’Wild Goth-O-Graphic Review

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Oh, hey.

Just your average goth over here, gothin’ around.

But seriously, I have mad respect for goth subculture and fashion.  I love watching It’s Black Friday on the YouTube because she is amazing, beautiful and original. In another life, I wanna be her.

And while the two products I am talking about today hail from the Wet’n’Wild Goth-O-Graphic collection, by NO means are they only meant to be worn in a gothic style. They are just stunning, fun products that I was elated to get my mitts on!

First up, the MegaLast Liquid Catsuit Eyeshadow in Goth Tears.

In the packaging, this is a lilac purple with intense glitter and an iridescent shift.

One layer of product:

Two layers:

Not THEE best swatches but I figured it would better on a primed eyelid.

Next up, the Megaglo Highlighting Powder in White Raven.

This product swatched not so great.

Kinda chalky and I had to really dig in there to get the desired amount.

I decided to try out these two products at the same time to really up my unicorn game!

Lip Color is Lime Crime Diamond Crusher in Pink Pearl

I added iridescent glitter flakes from Forever 21 as well

 

That soft focus tho!

Overall I was happy with both products. I am happy to join this glittery, iridescent fairy princess-goth fun. Especially for $4.99 a pop. The liquid eyeshadow is really pretty and darn easy to apply. The highlight is not my favorite but is a fun change-up from the normal champagney highlights I usually reach for.

Go Wet’n’Wild! Have YOU tried anything from this collection??

Spring Collective Haul

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‘Eyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

I’ve once again, accumulated enough crap to write a haul post, fiddle dee dee!

But really, these are kindof my favorite kinds of posts to write because I get to be all hopeful and imagine all of these products will make me prettier, more youthful and just plain better. And while  they inevitably will end up not making that big of an impact in my life, they make me excited and bring me joy for the time being so let us focus on that! #realness

First up! The Becca First Light Priming Filter

If you are not living under a rock, you know the 21 Days of Beauty at Ulta is happening RIGHT NOW. And when I saw that this primer would be on sale for $19 (usually $38) I pounced. You see, both Kathleen Lights and Kristin Gehm claim this as their ride-or-die primer and with credibility like that, I would have been stupid NOT to purchase.

I am excited because, a.) I’ve not used a primer for a WHILE (where the F have I been? and b.) this one is supposed to provide a gorgeous canvas on the skin.

The next product comes with a doozy of a story.

This would be the Phyto Paris Phytojoba Hair Mask, retailing for $45.

Perfect product for me and my dry-ass, damaged hurr.

And you will never guess where I found it…

For those of you who cannot dissect the price tags above. This would be a clearance tag from Target covered by a Goodwill price tag.

YES. I got this $45 hair mask at Goodwill for $1.99. Completely sealed and unopened. I tell you guys what, it pays to go to thrift stores and rummage around. You never know what you’ll find!

The next product is one I received complimentary (not sponsored) from Serendipity Skincare. This would be their Serenade Repairing Night Cream.

Check out this absolutely stunning packaging!

I am overjoyed to incorporate this night cream into my evening routine! The claims and ingredients read like a dream and I plan to do a full review once I start using it.

Serendipity also has a Sparkle Rejuvinating Eye Serum which I am DYING to try out. I have heard great things about this product!

Check out the website to learn more about Serendipity and their simple, yet elegant range of products.

Next we have a freakin’ unicorn of a foundation: The Flower Beauty Light Illusion Foundation.

I call this stuff a unicorn because MAN OH MAN was this hard to find. First of all, it is exclusive to Ulta. Second of all, Flower is a new brand to Ulta as whole, so finding an Ulta that carries the brand is damn near impossible. On top of that, every Ulta I called that carried this brand was sold out of this foundation in nearly every shade.

But you know that didn’t stop me.

After a family Easter brunch in Vancouver, WA David decided to stop at another random Ulta for me just to check to see if they had it. (Do you understand why I love this man?) And low and behold they had EVERY COLOR. I peed a little.

Annnnd after owning this for several days now, I can happily report that it lives up to it’s reputation :). Full review coming soon!

Last weekend I did some shopping at T.J Maxx and made out with a few exciting items. It should also be noted that  I did buy some beauty items which I have previously discussed my thoughts on. And while a couple items I determined to be exceptions to my rule, I also ended up taking a little risk. More on that below…

The Elf Mascara Primer was only $1.99 and I am pleased to report it works quite nicely! It easily saves me a couple coats of mascara and definitely helps keep a curl. The product was not dried out, used or anything out of the ordinary.

Next I found a box of 10 Esfolio Pure Skin Egg Essence Sheet Masks (I researched them on my phone before purchasing to ensure positive reviews). I know EWWW to the “egg” part but I can promise you these masks smell great and nothing AT ALL like egg. The masks seem to be completely effective and TOTALLY worth the $5.99 price tag.

My last beauty find at T.J Maxx is this Norvell Dancing With the Stars  Self Tanning Foam. NOW. I know Norvell is a reputable tanning product company as I have used their tan extender in the past and loved it. The brand no longer sells the Dancing with the Stars line but after doing a little research (standing in the aisle at T.J Maxx) I learned it got glowing reviews. No pun intended. It cost just $4.99 so I decided to take a risk and give it a shot. I plan to do a full product review on this stuff as well.

Any other new products I need to try!? Let me know!

Lime Crime Diamond Crushers Review

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Hello little glitter fairies!

The other day I FINALLY got around to really playing with this awesome little set sister Meg gifted me for Valentines Day. Hailing from Lime Crime, the diamond crushers are a product I have OBVIOUSLY been highly intrigued by ever since I saw my homegirl Kelly Eden do a review on them.

I mean really, do you expect anything less from me? Give me a sparkly, color-shifting lip topper ANY DAY.

Let’s get to the majesty shall we?

This would be the Lime Crime Glinda Diamond Crusher Set. Even the box looks like a piece of candy which is 10 out of 10 my aesthetic.

Here we have the colors Choke, Pink Pearl and Acid Fairy.

Here are some fresh swatches. While I thought the white iridescent color did swatch a bit patchy and splotchy I KNEW it would be gorgeous centered on the lower lip.

 

And I was right! Also, CHOKE. Such a great name. I started with a base down, as I thought a more realistic application would be to place over the top of a color. I chose Mac’s Creme Cup for this job.

Here is the lipstick on it’s own (control group).

And here is Choke.

Next up, Pink Pearl.

And lastly, Acid Fairy.

I really love this product. All three colors are really gorgeous in their own way. They add a fun, glitzy touch to the lips and would be gorgeous over a variety of different lip colors. On their own they might come off a bit patchy but not anything terrible. I will get tons of wear outta these!

If I had to pick a favorite though, I would choose Acid Fairy. I mean, look how pretty it is..

Oh! And here are the swatches after about 20 minutes or so. Still SO pretty and glittery.

What are YOUR thoughts on these little lip toppers?

Cut Crease Glitter & Red Lips

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Hi peanuts!

The aforementioned title of this blog post represents two looks I’ve always been wary of. But before I get to that, let me begin with a short story.

My Mom The Nan does not wear eyeliner. She never has. When I was younger and I asked her about this she told me, “It just doesn’t look good on me.” After a few more times pestering her about it she finally explained herself.  In her Home Ec class in the late 60’s, her teacher brought in a makeup consultant for a lesson. *Pause to consider how funny and horribly Stepford Wivesy this is.* The makeup lady did my mother’s makeup and declared that eyeliner just “did not suit her”. And as a result, she has NEVER worn it since.

THIS WAS IN 1969.

i share this story because like my dear mother, so many of us have closed ourselves off to certain things (makeup, clothing items, ideals) because of one small comment or incident from our past. Someone once told us we looked sallow in turquoise or that those sunglasses were too big for our face and we believed them. I mean…don’t  get me wrong. A well-received piece of advice can be absolutely essential to saving a person from committing the worst crimes of fashion (ex: my mom not letting me buy Jnco jeans) but come on. We’ve got to push ourselves sometimes don’t we?

Enter: cut crease glitter eye shadow and a red lip.

It should first be pointed out that until the fairly recent popularity of items like glitter glue and Stila’s Magnificent Metals Glitter – this look would have never even been attempted.

You see, the complexity of this look lies within the precision of the application. First your cut crease must be well placed and blended adequately. Secondly, the glitter must hug the edge of that cut crease and the liquid liner without spreading all over the place. It’s a tricky look indeed.

I mustered up the courage to try this for an auction David and I attended with his Grandma at the synagogue. Took me a solid 30 minutes for JUST the eyes, but I am glad I embraced the challenge! What do you think?

Sorry about the sub-par photos, it was dark and I suck.

It was a sports theme!

NOW, onto red lips.

Red lips are tough for me and here is why. First, the maintenance. If I wear a red lip, I have to accept the fact that I will be checking my face all night to make sure I don’t look like Miranda Sings. Double the amount of checks if food and beverages are involved and LAWD help me if I cannot drink out of a straw.

Also, there is the delicate song and dance of selecting the proper shade. For me, too dark and my skin looks even more ghastly white than it is and too bright/warm and my teeth are yellow. A red-coral that leans on the cool side usually works best for me, but then there’s the issue of getting it to stay.

And before you ask, YES. I know ALL of the tricks to getting an ordinary lipstick to stay put. (Comment below if you’d like a post on that!). So why not get a red liquid lipstick you ask? Well, I don’t wear the color enough to necessitate a prestige brand and a dry, drugstore brand would just make my small, wrinkled lips look horrible.

Enter, this product:

Let it be noted that I DO NOT recommend this product to everyone.

The Covergirl Outlast lip products are a friggen’ doozy man. I have a few shades and hear is what to do: First, apply the “all-day colorcoat” and wait for that to dry, Read: THEE most uncomfortable product you’ll ever apply to your lips. Once it is dry, follow up with the moisturizing topcoat. I actually really love the topcoat product and use it over lots of other lip colors. The topcoat makes the horrible colorcoat wearable and best of all, SHINY! Which is what us older gals need to fill in those lines.

I wore this to the Gonzaga basketball game last week and loved it. The only thing to be careful of is to not apply too many layers of the topcoat because it will break the colorcoat down eventually.

That second pic is me next to Adam Morrison who is sporting a righteous man bun.

SO, in conclusion…I am glad I pushed my boundaries in these makeup choices. They ended up panning out for me, which is rare! Up next, BANGS.

…just kidding….

My 2017 Favorites!

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I’m a little late to the game on posting these but sometimes a girl needs a few days  a month to figure out her sh*t. I know you guys get it.

So. In no certain order, here are my favorite products from last year!

MAKEUP

Foundation

Clinique Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer

This two-year winner takes the cake for a menagerie of reasons. It covers well, lasts long, looks natural and is priced reasonably.

Concealer

Tarte Shape Tape

It’s true, everyone and their dog loves this concealer. Because it is perfection.

Powder

Benefit Hello Flawless Powder Foundation

I fully realize that the reason I love this powder so much is because it is also a friggen’ foundation and therefore, the coverage is insane. But I don’t care and neither should you. This powder is velvety soft, beautiful on the skin and makes me feel airbrushed.

Bronzer

Benefit Hoola

Oh Hoola, I can’t quit you. I’ve tried so many bronzers and contour shades and Hoola remains always in my line-up. always on my cheekbones and forever in my heart.

Blush

Milani Baked Blush in Rose D’Oro

Where in the F has everyone been  on discovering this underrated color from Milani? Sure, we’ve all sung the praises of Luminoso but this color is absolutely stunning as well. I wore non-stop last year.

Highlighter

Revolution Blushing Hearts Highlighter in Goddess of Faith

 

I realize as I am typing this that this is the first time I have EVER spoke of this product. I am shooketh. This is hands down, 10 out of 10 the BEST HIGHLIGHT I have ever used. And it is from the DRUGSTORE. And it is heart-shaped. It is perfect on my pale skin, boasting a gorgeous icy champagne hue that is so extra I can hardly contain myself. Hat tip to sister Megan for discovering this gem.

Setting Spray

Milani Make it Last Setting Spray

Although the mister on this thing isn’t my favorite (FAR too much product is centrally distributed), the effects are great. YES it contains alcohol but if it goes in my mouth, why can’t it go on my face? TWSS.

Eyeshadow

Stila Magificent Metals in Diamond Dust

Why do I not own every shade of this product? WHY? I give SO many props to Stila for inventing thee most practical way to apply intense glitter.

Pencil Eyeliner

Too Faced Perfect Eyes Eyeliner

This liner is super creamy so take that as you may. I love how richly pigmented and black it is and being that I am not oily, I have no issues with smearing.

Mascara

TIE! Between Covergirl’s The Super Sizer and Total Tease

The one characteristic these two miracle-workers posses is their ability to separate and be buildable at the same time. If you’re a person who enjoys over 3 coats of mascara, then run out and buy these then come back here and thank me ;).

Lashes

H&M Lashes

Go figure, these .99 cent lashes on closeout from H&M have been easily my favorite of the year. I have worn them multiple times and I cannot get enough of the super thin and flexible band, the natural clumpiness and realistic curl. Here’s what they look like on me:

Lipstick

Mac Cremesheen Lipstick in Creme Cup

You guys saw this one coming 782378435 feet away. This color is just perfect on me and it just so happens to come in my favorite finish AND it’s Mac so it has the vanilla scent. I just feel more myself wearing this, ya feel me?

Lipgloss

Buxom Full-On Lip Creme in Bellini

I cannot recommend any of the Buxom glosses enough. They provide a lil’ plump and a healthy dose of color. What’s not to love?

Lipbalm

Brazilian Kiss Cupuacu Lip Butter by Sol de Janeiro

I know this is good because when I wear it to bed David always says I smell good :). It is super moisturizing and also a jumbo size.

AND of course, Treat Beauty Jumbo Lip Balm in Confetti Cake

These jumbo lip balms are the best! All natural, come in THEE BEST flavors, jumbo sized AND from Portland Oregon!? What more could you want?

Tools

Flower Beauty Makeup Sponge

As I said in this post, this has to be the softest, most bouncy-soft makeup sponge on the market. You can get yours at Wal-Mart for $9 or pay over $20 at Sephora for a Beauty Blender. CHOICE IS YOURS!

HAIRCARE

Shampoo +  Conditioner

Davines is where it’s at y’all. I have  thoroughly enjoyed each and every product from this brand. My stylist uses Davines color on me as well. The whole brand is great and I highly recommend!

Dry Shampoo

Batiste!

Absolutely nothing beats this dry shampoo and I have tried a few (RHYMING!). Yes it leaves a white-cast but I like me a white-cast! How else do you know it’s working?! The tropical scent is my favorite because it smells like coconuts.

Other Hair Products

Davines Oi Oil

Here’s Davines again! This smells amaaaazing and I love to use it on my ends.

Davines MELU Hair Shield

I love how lightweight this spray is. It smells nice and provides the best protection for my hair.

BODYCARE

Lotion

CerVe Renewing SA Lotion

As you might have read about in this post, I have KP (keratosis pilaris). This lotion was recently recommended to me by my dermatologist and I do really like it. Being the winter time, I have not had to be as diligent about putting it on everyday but I do apply it to the affected areas after bathing. It uses salycilic acid to exfoliate and break down the keratin around the hair follicle.

Brazilian Kiss Body Mist by Sol De Janeiro

(in this set)

This body spray smells like everything I want to be. That should tell you all you need to know.

Dr. Teals Epsom Salts

Call me old fashioned but I love me a good ol’ epsom salt bath to cure what ails me. So great for sore muscles and the Dr.Teals brand has so many scents to choose from. I have tried nearly every one and haven’t found a dud yet!

And that wraps it up folks! What are YOUR favorites from 2017??

HUGE Holiday/Collective Haul

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Hello sparkly unicorns!

I have SO many things to talk about today. Some are still awaiting a final verdict, some have yet to be tested and some I can provide an honest review on. Sohere. WE GO!

Sol De Janeiro Bum Bum Beauty Escape Set

Sister Megan thoughtfully gifted this lovely set to me for Christmas. In it, you get a mini Brazilian Crush Body Mist (my no. 1 reason for wanting it), a full-sized Bum Bum Cream as well as the Brazilian Kiss Lip Butter. The body mist is AMAZING and I am trying hard to conserve this stuff for the summer when I will literally DOUSE myself in it. I have yet to try the Bum Bum Cream but the lip butter is fantastic and HUGE.

Davines Oi Kit

My amazing hair stylist has got me hooked on Davines and my awesome sister-in-law Shannon got me this set from her beauty supply. It contains the Oi Shampoo & Conditioner as well as the All in One Milk. I have yet to try the milk, but LOVE the shampoo and conditioner when I need a good thorough wash after a 3-day dry shampoo bender. I love the way this stuff smells but not everyone does so I would recommend a quick sniff before purchasing.

Hello Flawless Powder Foundation in Ivory

Purchasing this powder was a long time comin’. I knew I liked it after trying it out a couple of years ago on my under eye area. Then I saw Emily Noel mention it in her Emily Awards and I knew I needed to go get it. Since it is marketed as a powder foundation the coverage is REAL nice and the texture is so velvety. I use it under my eyes and then anywhere else I want to highlight.

Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gift

The Amazonian Clay blush in Paaarty in this kit is BOMB. I have been using it nonstop!

EcoTools Stay Matte & Beautiful Brush Set

My mother-in-law to be got me a few beauty items for Christmas this year. I haven’t tried this set yet but EcoTools brushes are really good. Super soft and easy to clean. A+!

Real Techniques Miracle Remedy Sponges

OKAY. I absolutely LOVE these little babies. They are marketed as “touch up” sponges for on-the-go use but I really like them (the purple one especially) for application. I’ve applied my concealer with one for the last few days and it goes on flawlessly, no dampening needed. Also, the handle becomes the cap so they are absolutely PERFECT for travel. I am hooked. Thanks Lisa!

Wet’n’Wild MegaLast Nail Color

Always been a fan of Wet’n’Wild and Sinful Colors nail polish. This color is pretty unique and slightly purple in real life. Don’t forget the Out the Door Topcoat (the best one).

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara

I intend to try EVERY since Essence mascara I do. So far I have tried the Volume mascara and really liked it, so I thought I’d give this one a shot. I have used it for the past few days and so far, it’s aight. I need a couple of weeks to properly review a mascara as I rarely like a fresh tube of ANY mascara but this one is pulling it’s weight. The formula is VERY wet so it is really easy to go overboard with it and end up with tarantula lashes. It isn’t too volumizing at this point either and I have been scraping the excess product off on the side and going in with it that way. I can also do a complete coat on the top and bottom without re-dipping. A little of this mascara goes A LONG WAY.

Mac Lipstick in Creme Cup

If you’ve been a long-time reader of this blog, you know the mutual love Creme Cup and I share. It is just the best lipstick color and formula for me EVER.

Daiyun BB Cover Cream

Favorite parts include: “mercilessly make the dark circles”, “overcome ills ‘grievance'” and obviously everything written under usage.

I saw this product featured on Lauren Curtis‘s YouTube channel awhile back and DUH, had to order it. Just LOOK AT THAT PACKAGING. Could it be cuter? I ordered both shades (1 &2) from Ebay and only paid about $7 for both. I decided to get both shades but really, could have cared less about the product itself. I did end up using it yesterday and I have to say….it AINT BAD. See pic below.

**Horrible overhead office lighting but also NO filters.

Not too shabby.

And that’s all I have for you today.

Peace, love, and leftover Christmas candy,

Natalie

 

Fall Smokey Eye

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Well HELLO.

It’s almost Thanksgiving and personally, I am not ready. The dinky 6-foot tree that was a doorbuster at Target 3 years ago just won’t cut it in our new place. HOWEVER, we just paid $946 to fix a dent I made in David’s car when I backed into one of those old street lamps in downtown Portland. (It came out of nowhere!) So alas, I’ll probably set our sub-par NON pre-lit tree on top of an Amazon box and call ‘er a day.

But if anyone has a tree they need to get rid of, I 10 out of 10 want it. Seriously.

Sorry about the tangent there guys – I digress. Let’s get to the meekup.

I give you…my go-to smoky eye this fall!

I created this look using m’ trusty Morphe 350 palette, which truly is an amazing palette.

Starting off with a skin-colored base color, I take that color from the inner corner to about 3/4 way across my lid. I then take the lighter orange color and blend that into the crease  in windshield wiper motions. The darker orange color gets layered over the top of that in the same fashion, while the burnt orange red color gets placed in the outer V along with the dark chocolate brown. I also smudged some matte black into my crease using a tiny brush to get that definition. I made sure the area between my crease colors and eyebrow were nicely blended. Then, I took the dark brown color and ran that under my lashline for added definition.

If anyone wants a video on this look – I’ll do my best to film on my iPhone 7 with bad lighting in my bathrobe :).