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Review | Total Intensity by Prestige

While browsing beauty items at Christmas Tree Shop I had stumbled upon the Prestige brand. One particular item jumped out at me the most. It was definitely something different from what I had in my collection. I’m a neutral loving warm tones junkie at heart but something about this shade had me throwing it in my shopping cart without thinking twice. I had purchased the Total Intensity single eyeshadow in the shade “Hypnotized”.

Even though the buttery consistency would dare you blend it out, you will get a fall out with a color like this. It is definitely an intense color and has a great staying power compared to other high-end shadows. If you don't have a Christmas Tree Shop in your area, Ulta Beauty and Ulta.com has the eyeshadows for sale. The line comes with 10 shades in total.

Personally, I’d treat this shadow as a foil shadow – packing it on the lid with a flat shading brush after spraying some MAC Fix+ on the brush itself. You don’t really get the full effect of the eyeshadow without packing it on but blending is just as nice for a subtle version if the pigment is too intense.

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POTM | Paul Mitchell Super Skinny Serum

The Paul Mitchell Smoothing Super Skinny Serum leaves hair soft, controls frizz, and speeds up drying time. I’ve been using this product for over a year now. My mother purchased two bottles and I took over using one. It’s become a habit during my hair care routine.

Once I’m done washing my hair and brushing it out, I apply a full pump to only my ends. A full pump is only necessary if you have longer hair. Short to medium hair lengths can use about half a pump. I also like to use this product while straightening my hair. I apply half a pump on each section of hair before using the flat iron. It locks in the product and leaves hair feeling silky. 

This serum comes in three different sizes -- 5.1oz, .85oz, and 8.5oz. A little bit of this product goes a long way. My mother has owned the 5.1oz bottle for a few years now. It's a product investment that is worth the price. 

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Revlon Lip Gift Set | Holiday 2014

Last year, Revlon came out with two different gift sets. One of them included at least one eye, face, and nail product. The one I picked up was a five lip product set. The box it came in was super durable which included a plastic lid and metal body. Each of these are available for purchase on their own and none of them are limited edition or a specific formulation just for this gift set.

Super Lustrous Lipstick in Kissable Pink A cool-toned light pink shade that leaves a sheer application. The coverage isn't pigmented enough to build an intense pink shade but the formula is comfortable on the lips. Micro-shimmer is present throughout the formulation.

Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pinkissimo Lip gloss isn't a well liked lip product of mine. It leaves a light baby pink tint on the lips but carries a lot more micro-shimmer. It's a bit tacky after application but not as bad compared to other lip glosses on the market. However, as the formula wears off, it does have potential to become tacky and just leave micro-shimmer behind. It can be used alone or on top of another lip color, if preferred.

Colorburst Lacquer Balm in Flirtatious Feels hydrating and melts onto the lips. It's a warm mid-tone pink. However, it's really pigmented for a balm. A couple of applications leave a beautiful cranberry red lip. This also contains micro-shimmer in the formulation.

ColorBurst Matte Balm in Showy This is the only product that doesn't contain micro-shimmer in this set of lip products. It's a fun bubblegum shade of pink. It's almost based on the Barbie signature color. Applying the lip gloss, Pinkissimo, as a top coat brings the balm to another level.

Colorburst Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie Creamy, warm, and subtle berry-stained lip color. Micro-shimmer is also added to this formula. It's a light application for the lips but it's not pigmented enough to build color. It's a pretty hue for your collection during the Autumn months.

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Review | L'Oréal Infallible Pro-Last Lipcolor

L’Oreal has a new Infallible line that focuses on long wearing products and part of that line is a new lipstick. The Pro-Last lipstick is a two step process that has lipstick lacquer on one end with a doe foot applicator and a retractable sheer top coat to lock and moisturize that application on the other. L’Oreal claims the product is long wearing as well as smudge proof. There are 24 shades to choose from and some formulations include micro-shimmer.

The color application is creamy and highly pigmented. I purchased the color, 201 - Everlasting Caramel, which had no mirco-shimmer. Within a few seconds the lip lacquer begins to dry and gets tacky. Multiple applications of the lip lacquer isn’t an issue because the formula is creamy and easy to apply. Once the lacquer has dried completely, applying the sheer top coat seals in the color. The tacky feeling is gone and the lips look super glossy.

Personally, I didn’t like the extra sheen so I waited a few seconds and blotted off the excess product for a matte look. The application felt weightless and acted like a lip stain rather than a lipstick. My lips didn’t feel dry or crack. I rubbed my lips with a tissue and I had little to no transfer. The same results happened when I kissed the back of my hand and ran my finger over my lips. The formula will break down over time by flaking off and it will happen prematurely if you’re consuming anything greasy.

Use a very strong makeup remover or organic olive oil to remove this lip product. I normally use makeup removing wipes that have no trouble taking off waterproof cosmetics. However, this product was no match for my own makeup remover.

These lipsticks are wonderful and affordable. They're something you want to reach for when you don’t want to keep applying your lip color throughout the day. This is perfect for a special occasion, like a wedding, when you want to be able to kiss and eat without leaving your mark on everyone and everything.

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I had recently received an order from Coastal Scents that I had placed for the Revealed palette. The order came in fairly quickly and undamaged. I've purchased one other time from Coastal Scents during the holiday season when the 88 palettes were becoming increasingly popular.

I paid $7.00 for United States Postal Service Priority Mail shipping. The shipping prices vary depending on different factors. The Revealed palette was on sale for $11.95 and I also purchased an eyebrow/eyelash comb for $3.95. I knew that the Revealed2 is already out, but I opted to purchase the Revealed first because it was at a discounted price.  In the box were the items I purchased with bubble wrap surrounding everything and keeping it all together. I had a couple of extras in my package including two I Heart Make-Up stickers, a Project Ghana brochure, and a sample of the Revealed2. The sample of the Revealed2 came with four generously sized shadows and gift certificate for $5 off the palette. The lash/brow comb handle was placed inside a pink drawstring tulle bag and rolled in black I Heart Make-Up patterned tissue paper. The Revealed palette came in it's own box. Inside the box, it was tucked into a bubble wrap sleeve to keep the palette closed and from shifting during transit. None of the shadows were crushed. It's something that I truly enjoy about the packaging process at Coastal Scents. They go the extra mile to ensure that the product you're receiving is perfect the first time. The only downside is that the palette has no names for any of the eyeshadows.  

All prices are reflected in USD.

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POTM | Freeman Beauty: Feeling Beautiful

Freeman Beauty created 15 products within its "Feeling Beautiful" face collection. They all regularly retail at $3.99 (USD) each for 6oz and sample sizes containing .5oz of product for $1.99 (USD). You receive a couple of dozen applications with the 6oz sizes. I had purchased two face products one of which was the Charcoal and Black Sugar Facial Polishing Mask and the other was the Acai Facial Purifying Clay Mask. The clay mask is sea foam green and creamy in texture. It applies wet and dries to absorb the oils on your skin. I follow up with the polishing mask that warms as I rub it on to apply, and rub it off to exfoliate as I’m washing my face. 

I noticed a difference in the texture and appearance of my skin when I used both products my first time. The majority of these products can be used as often as needed and left on for a few minutes at a time. 

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Skimp is a repeat for Urban Decay. It’s a satin finish described as a pale nude. It’s a subtle peach-beige with sheen.

Stark is described as a pale-pink with a matte finish. It’s more of a muted pink-beige and is one of the new colors in this palette. It has a bit of a comparison to “Habit” from the Urban Decay Vice 2 palette.

Frisk is described as a warm gray with a matte finish. It’s a light taupe with gray undertones. It’s also a new color for this palette.

Cover is described as a muted red-brown with a matte finish. It’s a soft brown with a hint of muted red undertones. Cover is a new shade as well.

Primal is described as a muted brown with a matte finish. It’s a muted soft medium brown. 

Undone is described as a deep, smoky brown with a matte finish. It’s a dark woodsy brown with some cool undertones. It’s the final new shade of eyeshadow in this palette.

This palette will be available for sale on August 28 at local retailers like Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and Macy’s.

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How To | Refresh Your Cosmetics Stash

Not everyone cleans out their beauty items as much as they should. We even feel guilty for throwing items out. Keeping old cosmetics isn’t just clutter but it actually starts becoming unhealthy. When is it time to say goodbye?

Mascara needs to be thrown out after three months. If the mascara begins to dry out before 90 days, throw it out. Do not try to “revive” the formula. You’re more likely to give yourself an eye infection.

Eye pencils can be kept up to two years. Sharpen before application to ensure you have a clean tip.

Powder eyeshadow can be kept for two years if you maintain clean brushes.Liquid eyeshadow can be kept for twelve months.

Lipsticks and Lip pencils can be stored for two years. Just like eye pencils, sharpen before your application each time.

Powder can be kept for two years. Powder blush can also be stored for two years as well. Cream blush needs to be thrown out after a year.

Moisturizing foundations and stick concealers can last for 18 months. Oil-free foundations and liquid concealers only last a year. Using clean face brushes can lengthen the time of your foundation and concealer

Only purchase cosmetics which haven’t been opened. Close the lids tightly after every use and store in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight.

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Over the past year, I’ve collected a lot of Essie nail lacquer. Without a doubt, it’s a true favorite of mine. Here are six colors to dig out of your collection for Fall this year.

Chinchilly Granite grey. Perfect for pale to fair skin tones.

Sand Tropez Soft beige. Cozy sweater-like feel. Popular shade.

Merino Cool Purple grey - autumn mulberry.

Skirting The Issue Fashionable burgundy wine; keeping within the red trend.

Glamour Purse Almond taupe.

Sew Psyched Soft sage green. Great for fair skin tones.

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Top Five | Nude Lipsticks for Everyday Wear

Nude lips are a great addition to your overall look when you’re going for something natural or bringing attention to your eyes - especially when you’re doing a dramatic look.

M·A·C - Myth Flesh tone with a hint of pink. Somewhat similar to ‘Fleshpot’.

Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter - Creme Brulee Light medium-brown. Peach shimmer. Warm undertones.

Nars - Honolulu Honey Flesh tone beige.

NYX Black Label - Nude Flesh tone. Very light pink/peach undertones.

Rimmel London: Kate Moss Lasting Finish Matte 113 Flesh Tone. Concealer over the lips look.

For the best lip application, use a lip scrub to prep and apply a base of plain moisturizing lip balm before your coat of lipstick.

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Get BIG! Lashes Volume Boost Waterproof Mascara ($3.99 Ulta)

Essence is a cosmetic line that is mainly available for sale in Europe. Some places in the US sell a small selection of Essence so while I was at my local Ulta location, I randomly picked up a mascara.

Pros:

Separates lashes.

Stiff bristled brush.

Volume. The pigment gets between your lashes on your lash line to make the appearance of fuller lashes.

Cons:

Formula dries out quickly (makes multiple coats difficult).

Large brush may make application to shorter lashes difficult.

Upon application, it can get on your upper lash line but can be easily masked with eyeliner.

Rated: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Take caution if you have shorter lashes; the big brush can make application a bit more difficult. A few hours after application, the mascara begins to flake which can irritate the eyes. I do not recommend this if you wear contacts.

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Beauty Battle | L'Oreal vs Maybelline Eyeliner

L’Oreal The Super Slim ($8.99 Ulta) vs Maybelline Master Precise ($7.99 Ulta)

For a while I’ve been using the Maybelline Ink Pen and I just recently saw a commercial for the L’Oreal Liquid Eyeliner Pen. Similar products, ingredients, 12 hour wear promise, and .4mm felt tip.

I tested them on my hand overnight for 12 hours. With and without any primer. Maybelline smudged more without primer, possibly because I didn’t allow it to dry enough (L’Oreal product dried almost instantly). L’oreal also smudged without primer when I rubbed it with my finger but it was less than Maybelline. They both didn’t smudge when I applied them to primer and rubbed each one with my finger.

I checked out how they looked with the primer in the morning. Both stayed put but Maybelline faded a little and started to look flaky. L’Oreal looked flaky but the pigment didn’t fade. Overtime, you’ll end up experiencing that the tip no longer allows enough color flow as well as the rest of the felt tip. I haven’t been using L’Oreal long enough to see if it will also happen because they share the same sized tip. Upon removal using a make-up removing wipe, it did take a bit of effort to take off the both products which had been applied on primer.

If you’re looking for a good black eyeliner pigmentation, I’d suggest L’Oreal.

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Ikea ALEX Draw Units: Whether you have a very large or small beauty collection, these range from 6-9 draws and can be stacked with reinforcement or placed together beautifully. They are available in black or white to match any decor. If you’d like to go the extra step, you can use chalkboard paint on the front panels in order to label what your draws contain.

The Container Store:  Many beauty gurus on Youtube have items from here that they use to organize themselves on a budget. This website has a large selection of reasonably priced organizers for a wide range of different containers for almost anything. You can view their cosmetics organizer selection here.

Vanity Organizer: If you have a vanity with one square draw in the front, use that space to your advantage and get crafty! Measure the area and sides to make one big insert for the draw using scrap cardboard. Section off areas with cardboard to make compartments. Use fabric to line and cover everything up and slide the entire thing into your vanity draw. Custom genius!

Palettes and Jars: Places online sell empty palettes that can hold eyeshadow pots allowing you to organize your eyeshadow from single containers and potentially get rid of a lot of bulky packaging from other brands. Plastic jars can hold loose eyeshadow pigment.

'Do It Yourself' Brush Holders: Recycling is a bonus! If you have any burnt up Yankee Candle Tumblers - there are Youtube videos that show you how to clean up the glass containers to reuse them. Just pour some glass or plastic beads into the container and you’re ready to display your brushes!

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Beauty Battle | Nearly Naked vs Naked Skin

Revlon Nearly Naked ($7.49 Target) - Urban Decay Naked Skin ($39.00 Sephora)

Both of these liquid foundations contain 1oz of product. The packaging on Urban Decay is bulky because of the pump system and does give the impression of more product. The pump system is a negative and positive feature. Revlon doesn’t include a pump, but has a twist and lock cap. Revlon has SPF 20 which Urban Decay doesn’t include in their extensive list of skin nourishing ingredients. Revlon has 16 shades and Urban Decay has 18 shades available.

These aren’t full coverage foundations. With medium coverage, Urban Decay tends to work more for combination skin. Revlon Nearly Naked has generally the same effect but it’s lighter with a chance for buildability. Urban Decay is a bit matte while Revlon tends to have a dewy finish. The average wear time does depend on skin type and a persons daily activity. They both are good for evening out any natural redness. Coverage from acne or active breakouts would need a concealer. When applied half and half on the face, many people cannot distinguish the difference between either.

Final verdict? It does seem that Revlon was trying to create an Urban Decay dupe and it does tend to work for some people. I would recommend this for Summer wear. Just for people who want a lightweight coverage and aren’t concerned with covering up imperfections.

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Jergens revamped their original Natural Glow formula and created a new packaging. I have a problem every Summer tanning my legs. Others have had success and the missing self tanner smell was a plus. Not to mention it seemed quick enough to get lasting results.

The first product I used was the Three days to Glow moisturizer and I had terrible results. The color was developing too quickly - my legs ended up turning a shade of orange. It was working but not giving me the color I wanted. I returned the product and tried again with the Daily Moisturizer; which guaranteed color after several days of use.

Instead of using the moisturizer daily, I used it every other day. Color was gradually appearing but once I showered and shaved my legs, it all came off. Unfortunately, I gave up. The product was becoming too much of a nuisance. Too much product would give you a terrible color. If you ended up missing spots or putting too much on one area, it was definitely noticeable.

The problems that I ran into was the drying time. I suggest using the product on at least 30 minutes to an hour before starting your bedtime routine. I ended up slightly staining my bed sheets because the lotion wasn’t fully absorbed into my skin. It is also recommended not to wet your skin three hours after applying this product.

The best option would be using this for extra color on top of already tanned skin. Personally, it didn’t work out for me as much as I tried to make it work. Like any beauty product, everyone will have different results. The price was reasonable but cheaper at other locations. The positive outcome was that my legs were noticeably smoother.

I do highly recommend using the ‘Glow Advisor’ to find the correct shade and product. Try to purchase from a retailer with a lenient return policy. Spot test on a covered area to make sure no allergic reactions occur and the desired color is achieved.

Rated: ★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Product recommendations: Exfoliate before first use. Use sparingly on dry areas such as knuckles, elbows, ankles, knees, and in between fingers/toes. Discard product after 12 months.

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Tweezerman Mini Slant Tweezer - $12.50 Ulta

Tweezerman products have been the ‘it” item since people have been discovering the brand. The price seems a bit outrageous but I opted for the mini version which didn’t severely hurt my wallet. They aren’t as tiny as you’d think, but they are compact and still easy to use.

Pros:

Stainless steel.

Free sharpening - who doesn’t like free?

Multi purpose product.

Slant design delivers precision.

Grabs the small hairs without pinching skin.

Grabs thin hairs.

Bonus travel tube - keeps your tweezers contained.

Cons:

Price.

Dropping may ruin the alignment and dull the ends.

Rated: ★★★★★★★★☆☆

If you do decide to purchase a tweezer, I suggest getting a mini because you won’t spend as much compared to the original size. I also recommend taking very good care and properly storing your tweezer for extended life.

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China Glaze | Flip Flop Fantasy

From the Poolside Collection, Flip Flop Fantasy is one of the six neon shades in this line. It’s a coral pink color. I recommend at least three coats remembering to allow each one to dry. One color that will look incredible with a Summer tan!

OPI | My Vampire is Buff

This shade was from the Euro Centrale Collection which actually came out in Spring 2013. This shade is as pale flesh nude. I would recommend this for anyone who wants a light nail color but doesn’t want to use white.

Sally Hansen | Barracuda

A cool blue from Tracy Reese for Sally Hansen nail polish. Perfect for pale or tan skin. Use Mermaid’s Tale from the Under the Sea Collection for a ring finger accent.

Julep | Kate

Kate is a soft and creamy opaque white that includes very fine microshimmer. I’d compare it to a pearl. So much more than a just a plain white nail polish for this Summer.

Essie | Van d’Go

This color was featured in The Art of Spring Collection from Spring 2010. It’s a lightened milky pink. Gorgeous color with a tan.