Category: Product Review

Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette Review

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G’day!

Aside from the palette I’ll be discussing today in this blog post, I would also like to acknowledge my overdrawn lips in the photos below. Because while I have decided to embrace my prior-to-2014-Kylie-pout, sometimes I do wish they was poppin.

And if anyone wants a quick walk through on an overdrawn lip, just say the word.

Recently, sister Meg gifted me the ever popular Too Faced Natural Eyes Palette. Lucky for us, Too Faced has re-vamped the packaging so the old palettes are being sold off at discount retailers like T.J Maxx. Yipee!

I MEAN, I needed another neutral eyeshadow palette like I needed a hole in my head but this one is just too good to pass up for $15.

We’ve got mattes! We’ve got shimmers! We’ve got soft and richly pigmented colors that blend out like a freakin’ dream.

I created the following look using this palette:

 

And sorry about the seriousness. It was scorching hot outside and apparently I was not in a smiley mood!

I feel like I do not need to say much about this palette because it speaks for itself. It is SUCH a perfect blend of colors. The quality of the shadows is outstanding and the longevity is there as well. This one knocks it outta the park for me.

Flower Beauty Light Illusion Foundation Review

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Hello little darlings.

And I don’t care who knows it!

Usually I wait until the end of a post to talk about how much I love or hate a certain product but this one’s got me singin’ from the rooftops!

If you refer back to this post, you will remember the exhaustive treasure hunt I endured for this stuff. First of all, it is ONLY sold at Ulta (not Walmart, I learned that the hard way…) and due to it’s popularity,  finding the right shade in stock was damn near impossible.

BUT I FOUND IT.  $13.99 in L2.

packaging

Glass bottle? Rose cold accents? WITH A PUMP? The packaging is makeup enthusiasts dream. What’s more, one pump dispenses a perfectly ample amount of product.

Consistency

This foundation is fairly thick. It doesn’t spread much when pumped from the bottle.

formula

I find the claims of this product to be absolutely true. The coverage is medium and is buildable. I like to apply by placing dots all over my face and blending them out with  a brush. So far, my favorite brush for this is a toothbrush style (Artis) one. It blends into the skin effortlessly and leaves a gorgeous luminosity. I have set this with just a little pressed powder and also a loose translucent powder and both work nicely. On me, it truly just looks like my skin but smoother, more luminous and without all the imperfections!

performance

Each time I see a review or video on this foundation, the biggest complaint is the longevity. Folks claim that it breaks up on them and starts looking a mess after just a few hours.

Now, keep in mind I am a dry to normal gal in her 30’s and not a 22 year-old YouTuber with perfect skin but this foundation performs LIKE A DREAM. And I have the pictures to prove it.

These pictures were taken outside in natural light after a stressful Friday at work. I had applied the foundation at 6:30 am and these photos were taken at 5:30 pm. I had been eating, sweating and running around town all day.

No filters, no nothin.

Overall

Well duh. Yes I love this foundation. Yes I will buy 23902 more bottles before they stupidly discontinue it. It looks good, wears well and costs less than $15.

go get you some.

The Ordinary Skincare | Before & After

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What up fam? It’s ya boii.

I have been using five different products from The Ordinary for right around 1.5 months now and as promised, herr I am with an update!

To see all of the products I have been using, please see this post. That being said, the two products I’ve had the highest hopes for are the Granactive Retinoid 5% in Squalene and the  Alpha Arbutin 2%. One of the benefits of both these formulations is their fading of dark spot capabilities. As you all know, I wrecked my skin as a youngster and am paying the price with a hefty amount of sun spots. It would be great if I did not have to pay an arm and a leg in products and laser treatments to get rid of these pesky little suckers and The Ordinary gave me hope that this was possible.

Here is what I found out:

But before I get into that, the pictures!

BEFORE

AFTER

*taken very early in the morning, might I add

So what do we think guys?

(Before on left, after on right)

I feel like the products did help fade my sun spots.  They are most definitely still there, still hanging on being all pigmented and annoying. But I do think they look better. As an added bonus, I feel like my skin just looks and feels better too. It feels more hydrated (thanks to the Squalene and Hyaluronic acid!), brighter, softer and my makeup goes on better. I should also note that I didn’t use the Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA lotion too much. So these benefits are all from using the four serum products.

Next, I want to try the caffeine formula from The Ordinary under my eyes. Because the purple under there isn’t cute.

And please leave any recommendations you have for me in the comments. I am ALL ears!

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??

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?

Wet’n’Wild Photofocus Foundation Review

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Hello chocolate eggs!

 

Your homegirl is in desperate need of a new foundation which poses many-a-problem.

First, I am a terrible decision-maker and take 934892 hours to decide on really anything in life. This means that facing the counters at Sephora and Ulta and having to make a decision can be super triggering. I want something dewy, but not too dewy, great coverage but not heavy or cakey, long-wearing and doesn’t settle into fine lines. A tall order, I know.

My sister swears by drugstore foundations but I have never been a fan. I decided to do some due diligence on the topic and was inundated with information and conflicting views. So I decided to head to the store, see if anything was on sale and make a decision there.

I walked in to Rite Aid and faced the wall of infinite choices. L’Oreal Lumi? Maybelline Fit Me? Covergirl Bombshell? AAAAAH. My palms started to sweat as I rounded the corner to Wet’n’Wild and made the snap decision that yes, I, Natalie Kate, was going to try the Photofocus foundation.

Widely known in the beauty community as a dependable, photo-friendly foundation with good coverage and a $6 price point, this foundation is a favorite among many varying skin types. I was hesitant with my dry skin but since Wet’n’Wild was 30% off that day, I could roll the dice with $4.

I took another 238945 minutes selecting the right shade and ended up with Nude Ivory.

The next day I whipped ‘er out and smothered ‘er all over my mug. My thoughts are as follows:

PACKAGING

Love the glass bottle and the amount you get (1 0z). The spatula-esque applicator was aight. Definitely liked it better than the treacherous pour-out style but would have probably preferred a pump instead.

APPLICATION

The application was pretty easy. Not too hard to blend in and I found it easy to build up in certain areas.

COVERAGE and WEAR

The coverage is nice! Definitely not as luminous as I like (even with Mac Strobe Cream underneath) but not overly matte either. Upon initial application, the coverage and wear was pretty, as shown here. Also. CHECK OUT MY BUH-LINDING HIGHLIGHT.  It is Mary-Lou Manizer from The Balm! NO filters neither.

Where I started to get in trouble was when I checked my face in the mirror around 4 pm that day. This picture was taken at around 1 pm (in florescent lighting no less) to try and capture the severity of a very dry skin patch on my nose but you can see the foundation starting to break down and settle in around my mouth. Also, check out the little blemish on the corner of my mouth! Three cheers for realness!

Totally get that LOTS of foundations do not hold up super well for 8 hours, but this one looked especially gnarly. As  in, not-even-398434-sprays-of-Fix + would-have-fixed-this gnarly. The foundation had settled SO far in to my fine lines that they looked like the crevasses of Everest. Just baaaaaaad.

So I will definitely not be wearing this foundation to work everyday but for an afternoon tea and crumpets, it’ll do.

What do you y’all recommend I try??

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??