Lessons In Humility From a Six Dollar BB Cream: Wet 'n' Wild Fergie BB Cream Review

I am a snob.

I don't mean to be. It's certainly not intentional, and I absolutely don't think I'm better than anybody else. That's not it, at all. I just have a real problem believing that a six dollar BB Cream from the drugstore is going to be anywhere near as good as an exponentially more expensive one from, say, Sephora or Ulta. Somewhere along the way, I got it into my head that cheap equaled, well, cheap.

I am a snob.

The thing is, I'm only like that with certain products. I will happily skip off to the drugstore for skincare. My lipliners are almost exclusively Rimmel. Cream shadows? Maybelline Color Tattoos ftw. Powder shadows, on the other hand? Pretty much going to be Urban Decay or Stila. Eyeliners? Urban Decay, period. BB Cream? Too Faced or Urban Decay, and the Urban Decay isn't even that good. Occasionally, I'll be in a pinch and have to use a Garnier that I've had for probably too long for it to still be sanitary, and I will marvel at how much I like it, and wonder why I don't use it more often. Then I'll put it back in the cabinet and forget about it--just like my CoverGirl Outlast foundation that is freaking amazing, but gets passed over for Urban Decay or MAC. Why? Because, apparently, I am a snob.

This needs to stop.

So, about a week ago, I had to go for a physical (ain't that fun?), which led to a trip to Walgreen's, where I decided I deserved a treat, goshdarnit. While perusing ye olde wall o' cosmetics, I saw this little darling by Wet 'n' Wild, and curiosity got the better of me: Fergie BB Cream 8-in-1 Beauty Balm. Everything about this screamed, "BAD IDEA!", but I just had to know.

You know what? I like it. I mean, I really like it. I've used it several times since purchasing, and have been impressed. Let's break it down:

Packaging: The packaging looks fantastic. I have it on my counter alongside NARS, Urban Decay, Tarte, and a few other high-end beauties, and it fits in surprisingly well. The product comes in a black squeeze tube with silver accents. A clear strip near the bottom shows the cream, so you can check the color, as well as see when you're running low. The cap is flat, and allows the product to stand up on its own. I do have a problem with the absence of any sort of safety seal, but there are advantages (more on that later). 9 out of 10.

Scent: Here's where things get tricky. The tube I own has a very distinct maple syrup fragrance. It smells exactly like you just smeared pancakes all over your face. I have absolutely no problem with this, as I happen to enjoy pancakes, and the smell disappears once the cream is applied. However, other people have purchased tubes with a drastically different, far more unpleasant scent. I believe I heard someone use the words "toxic" and "waste". That sounds dreadful. My advice: take advantage of the no safety seal issue. Buy a tube, keep the receipt, and before you leave the store take a good whiff. If it stinks, swap it out. I DO NOT advocate opening a tube you have not paid for. It really sucks when you buy, for example, a lipstick and get it home, only to find a fingerprint or worse waiting under the cap. Don't be that person. Plus, if the tube is defective, it's better the store know so that they can prevent someone else from buying and using it. 8 out of 10.

Texture: The cream has a very light, gel-like consistency, and is slightly tacky. It feels like nothing on the skin. 10 out of 10.

Range: Five shades are available, as of this writing, ranging from Light to Deep (a vast improvement to most brands' one- to two-shade ranges). I am a MAC NW15 and have been using Light/Medium, which is, perhaps, a skosh too dark. It looks fine in my bathroom lighting, but in natural (as you'll see in a moment), it's iffy. I think it'll be great during the Summer, though. Right now, I'm two shades lighter than Casper. 9 out of 10.

Application: I've been using my fingers, and the product has absorbed quickly and blended easily. I do recommend finger application, as opposed to brush. I find BB creams and tinted moisturizers (which, face it, Western BBs tend to be repackaged tinted moisturizers) apply better with fingers, because they warm up the product, which aids in blending. 10 out of 10.

Coverage: This is very light coverage. I wouldn't go so far as to say light to medium. This is strictly for evening out skin tone, and not for covering blemishes or extreme redness. It's definitely recommended for folks who don't need the coverage of an honest-to-God foundation, but just want a little something to keep from being completely bare-faced. It covers a little better than the Urban Decay Naked Beauty Balm, but that's not saying a whole lot. Here's a shot of my cheek after applying the cream. You can still see freckles and a slight amount of redness. The skin's texture, however, is nice. You don't see a whole lot of pores, and there's a slight glow. 4 out of 10.

See if you can find a constellation among the freckles! I have the Big Dipper on my right arm. I don't tan; my freckles just connect...

Finish: I've found this to leave a very natural, glowy, but not shiny or oily finish. I think it's quite lovely, and much nicer than expected. It looks much more expensive than any other drugstore BB I've tried. There's no shimmer, either, which also sets it apart from others I've looked at. Everything about this reminds me of the Stila tinted moisturizer I used to swear by around the time I graduated from college. This is just slightly less sticky and a heckuvalot cheaper. 10 out of 10.

Wear: On my normal-combo skin, in 64% humidity (I checked), with slightly above-average exertion (I had a voice lesson and took a whirlwind trip to the mall before heading on to work), no touch-ups were required by the time this godawful selfie was snapped. That was about three and a half hours. I don't look shiny, and there doesn't appear to be any wear or rubbing off. I did touch up with a little bit of powder about half an hour later, but it wasn't absolutely necessary. I was checking my lipstick and figured I might as well. 8 out of 10.

Pay no attention to the catterpillars over my eyes. It's pollen season, and I don't want to sneeze while holding tweezers near my eyes. I'm uncoordinated. It would end poorly. I'm making an appointment at the Benefit Brow Bar soon, I promise.

Other: This BB cream is cruelty-free and contains SPF 15. That's kind of low for a BB, but better than nothing. No score.

All in all, I think this is a winner. I especially like it for traveling, when you might not want to bring your expensive makeup for fear of it being lost or damaged. Plus...six bucks. Really? I mean, really?

Final Verdict: 8.5 out of 10. It's super cheap and works like a champ. Kind of a no-brainer.

Should It "Stick" Around?: Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free Foundation Review

The other day, I ran across the new(ish) Maybelline Fit Me Shine-Free foundation stick that everyone's been talking about. I had a coupon that made the price around $6, so I decided to give it a try. After all, it is Fall, and I'm not sure how well bold lipstick goes with BB Cream. It seemed time to amp up the foundation.

Short version: I freaking love this stuff. It's awesome. It's not perfect, but I'm digging it.

Long version: (buckle up, buttercup)

I have tested this product out thoroughly. I've worn it with a silicone primer, with a serum-like primer, with no primer and a setting spray, and all by its little lonesome, and there is no difference in performance. It is what it is, just FYI.

The product comes in a stick form that twists up. It's larger than a concealer stick, but still very compact and travel-friendly. The product, itself, is a cylinder of foundation with a powder core, which is supposed to help keep your makeup looking matte. It's not matte. I'd classify it more as a natural finish, bordering on slightly dewy. It looks like skin, which I happen to love, but I could see where someone purchasing this for a completely matte look would be less than thrilled.

Now it's time for the brave no-makeup "before" shot:


Oh, lovely. I don't remember if I even had on moisturizer here. Hide the kiddies so this doesn't give them nightmares.

And here's the after, with (thank God) finished makeup:


I am really impressed with this. It's medium coverage, so it evens out my skin to the point that I don't have to use a ton of concealer, but doesn't look cakey or overdone. Basically, it's sort of like a step up from the BB Cream I normally use, and perfect for everyday. I just swiped it across my cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead, and blended in with a Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. Fingers would probably work well, too. I'm just partial to brushes.

As I stated earlier, this really isn't a matte finish. I find that, on its own, it has almost a glowy finish, and does need to be set with a powder to keep from sliding all over the place. Once it has set, the foundation has more of a natural finish. The staying power is pretty good. I do need to top off my powder a couple of times throughout the day, but I haven't noticed any bare spots or patchiness. There also doesn't appear to be any oxidation over the course of wear, and the shade matches my skin tone perfectly. I could only guess at the store, and 120 is dead on the money for my NW15 complexion. Honestly, I don't remember the last time a foundation matched me this well. My Urban Decay Naked Skin in 2.0 is super-duper close, but...I mean, this is spot-on, can't tell there's anything there, exact.

Folks, I'm going to level with you: this is my favorite foundation right now. I haven't even considered reaching my BB Cream, MAC, or UD since I started using this last week. In fact, I almost moved my other foundations from the countertop organizer to my train case, the other day. The case is in my closet, and filled with out-of-season and rarely used items--a dungeon for makeup. I'd give you a pro/con list on this, but I really can't complain about anything. It covers the perfect amount for everyday, wears well, doesn't smell bad (or at all), doesn't break me out, travels easily, matches my skin, applies nicely, and is ridiculously cheap. I guess, if I had to find something wrong, it could stand to have some SPF, but the absence just means that it won't flash back in photos. I would also have to deduct points for not holding up to the claim of staying shine-free, even though I personally adore the finish.

This is a definite winner, and has earned a place of honor in my organizer. If you're in the market for a new foundation and have six bucks to play with, I highly recommend giving this a shot.

Final Verdict: 9.5 out of 10. If you want matte-matte, keep looking. Aside from that, this is fabulous.  

Shorts, I Salute Thee

*Apologies to anyone who now has "Camp Anawana (We Hold You In Our Hearts)" stuck in your head. I'm right there with you.

It's crazy hot outside, and as today is the first official day of Summer (For reals? What season have I been melting in for the past month? Spring? Surely not!), I thought I'd share with you my favorite pair of shorts.

Photo Credit: Old Navy

These are fantastic, and here's why:

1. They're twill, so they look nicer than denim, breathe, and don't hold wrinkles. I can hang mine in the bathroom while I take a shower, and that pretty much takes care of "ironing".

2. They have a 3.5 inch inseam (they also come in 5 inch), which makes them short enough to still be young and hip (although, by uttering those words, I have just deemed myself neither), but long enough to cover the cellulite and allow me to squat down when necessary. And yes, sometimes it's necessary.

3. They're cobalt blue, which is too pretty for words, and have a crisp, white, somewhat exotic pattern. You can wear them with a white tank and be casual, or a flowy blouse for a dressier look. I have a neon yellow tee I'm dying to try with them. (They come in other colors, too, but the cobalt is my favorite.)

4. In stores, they're on sale for $15. I can't even...that's just...I bought two more pairs. I have no idea how I'm going to style hot pink or teal shorts, but I'm up for the challenge!

Have a lovely weekend, guys! Try not to evaporate in the heat.

Janet Van De Graaff* Would Love These: Rimmel Show Off Liquid Lip Lacquers

Okay. So, way back in December, a blogger that I just adore posted some swatches of a brand new long-wearing liquid lipstick from Rimmel. The shades were gorgeous, and Rimmel's a good brand, so I was gutted to learn that Apocalips (how cute is that?) were only available in the UK.

Well, fast-forward to last week, when Rimmel released their line of Show Off liquid lip lacquers (read: Apocalips) here in the States. I was so excited, that I ran to my nearest Walgreen's to grab one of these $4.99 beauties before they flew off the shelves!

Okay, okay...I got two. Sue me.

The first one that I picked up was Celestial, which you will not see here because I am a horrible photographer and none of the photos turned out worth a darn. It's a really lovely peachy-beige, if that's any help. The second one, though, was Big Bang, and it's a true red. Seeing as I was just hired to be in an Andrews Sisters tribute group (that's a whole 'nother story), I could definitely use a long-wearing, pin-up red.

Now 50% Blurrier!

The packaging is flat-out cool. It's identical to the UK version, with the exception of the name change. The tube is just shy of cellphone length, and features a faceted cap in black that gradates down to a clear bottom half, which displays the color inside. The Rimmel branding and Show Off name are in silver foil. My one complaint is that the shade name can only be found on the little safety sticker, so you can't peel it off unless you have a fantastic memory for color names. I don't.

You know what red lipstick is great for? Learning that your lips are really asymmetrical.

The Good: The doe-foot application is smooth and even, and the pigmentation is top notch. The product is insanely glossy, and that gloss remains even after blotting (as you can see from the above photo. Yup...that's blotted). Eating and drinking does affect the wear time some, but without eating, and with drinking only through a straw, it can go four hours, easily. Not too shabby for five bucks.

The Not So Good ('Cause It's Not Really Bad): The smell. It smells like aloe vera, which is really strange, since there isn't any aloe vera in it, that I could find. Luckily, that does fade after application, so it's not unbearable. This is also a very drying product. After four hours, my lips were pretty much screaming. You can apply a balm over the lipstick to help with the dryness, but there's a process:

• Apply the balm, which will ball up and remove some of the color in patches.
• Blot off the excess balm, removing the flakes.
• Reapply lipstick over balm.

So, yeah...that part's kind of a pain. There is also some feathering, but that's to be expected with bold colors. You should also exfoliate and moisturize before applying, but again, that's the norm. Also, please bear in mind that, while this is long-wearing, it's still prone to transfer.

I really like this lipstick for those times when you know you're not going to be able to touch-up for a while. Filming, stage work, weddings (just be careful kissing!)...any time you need to look really good for a really long time, but also need to be fairly low-maintenance. Would I wear it every day? God, no! It's way too drying. Will I pick up every color? Not on your life. I'm definitely more of a lip gloss girl, and rarely wear "real" lipstick. Can I recommend this to others? Absolutely.

Final Verdict: This is a lovely product with great staying power and an even greater price tag. Pick up a couple if you're into shiny lipsticks. 7 out of 10.

*For those of you who aren't musical theatre geeks, like myself, Janet Van de Graaff is a character in The Drowsy Chaperone, and she sings a song called "Show Off". The more you know...



Summertime Blues: Sally Hansen Mermaid's Tale

Summertime, Summertime, Sum-Sum-Summertime! It's now (unofficially) officially Summer! Kids are out of school, barbeques are aflame, and ocean-inspired tootsies are proudly on display! I don't know about you, but this time of year, I live in flip-flops. It's just too darn hot for shoes. Heck, today it was really too darn hot for the flippies.

The other day, I ran in Walgreen's for some sunscreen, and ran across this color from the Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure Summer Collection. It's called Mermaid's Tale, and is just gorgeous for the season.

Yuck. Foot picture. I am so, so sorry.

I can not apologize enough for the foot photo. I'm in the middle of "Wedding Season", so I'm having to keep the fingernails a little more subdued.

Now, Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure has never been my favorite polish--not by a long shot. The formula is a little streaky, and can require about a gazillion (okay, three or four) coats to reach opacity. This shade is no different, turns out. The base color is a navy blue jelly. It's very sheer, and a little gloopy. The glitter and the overall effect make up for the effort you have to put into this, though. The glitters are a fine bright blue and a chunky, hexagonal teal. Applied, the color truly does have an ocean water/mermaid's fin kind of vibe that I...well, I just really dig. This color is. just. beautiful. The wear time is really good, too. I've had it on for over a week, and haven't seen any sign of chipping. Granted, my toenail polish tends to last longer than my nail polish, but I've been working out in the yard in flip-flops, pouring cement and laying pavers. If it was going to chip, it would have.

Mermaid's Tale retails for about eight bucks, but I got mine on sale at Walgreen's for five.

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10. It takes a little work, but it's worth it.

Hey, Mr. Postman!: Top Five ELF Products Worth the Shipping

You've gotta love E.L.F.

If you're on a budget (and aren't we all?), those little one- and two- and three-dollar price tags can be pretty darn hard to resist. I mean, come on! How am I supposed to say no to a lipgloss that looks just like Stila's Lip Glaze, but only costs a buck? I could get twenty-two of the E.L.F. for the price of a single Stila! Not that I need twenty-two lipglosses, but it's the principle.

Unfortunately, the downside to having ridiculously low prices is that, by comparison, your online shipping rates can look a tad on the high side. I don't know about you, but I have a hard time paying more for shipping than for the item to be shipped. Sure, you could try to find your item locally, since Target and select Walgreen's carry an assortment of E.L.F. products. They just don't have anywhere close to the entire line, meaning that there are times when you can't circumvent the shipping costs. With that, I have compiled a list of the top five ('cause that seemed like a good number) E.L.F. products worth the cost of shipping.

Now, please bear in mind, this is not a list of the five best E.L.F. products. These are items that are A) high-quality, B) classically useful (not just super trendy and fun--these are warhorses), C) either difficult to dupe with a readily available item, or are dupes of much more expensive items. Basically, these are items that, were you to add the almost seven dollar shipping charge to the original amount, you would still come out ahead. Now, on to the list!

5. Studio Lip Exfoliator ($3)
I'm a fan of making my own lip scrubs, but they're not always the most travel-friendly option. This little gem is unique in the fact that the scrub comes in a solid form and is housed in a cute little lipstick tube. You can toss this in your purse or travel bag and not worry about sugary liquid spilling out of a tub and onto your other products. The scrub smells and tastes like yummy maple and brown sugar, and is chock full of skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. Even at what amounts to a $10 price point ($3 + $7 shipping), it's a good buy.

4. Studio Lip Lock Pencil ($3)
If  you wear brightly colored lipstick, this is a must-have in your kit. This pencil outlines the outside of your lipline to keep color from feathering or creeping into any fine lines. There are a couple of drugstore varieties of this product, but I have yet to actually see one in a brick-and-mortar store. If you go the Sephora route, a clear lip liner--which is all this is, really--will run anywhere from $14-$20. The E.L.F. version works like a dream and, even with shipping, is still easier on your wallet.

3. Studio Eye Shadow "C" Brush ($3)
This is a very basic eyeshadow brush, but it's one of the best I've ever worked with. I use mostly Real Techniques now, but every now and then I grab this one, and am reminded how awesome it is, and wonder why I don't use it more often (why don't I use it more often?). The brush has a sleek handle design and very densely packed synthetic bristles. It picks up product really well, lays it down really well, and blends really well. Basically, it performs really well (in case you hadn't picked up on that). If you're going to spend ten bucks on an eyeshadow brush, this is the one to buy.

2. Studio HD Blush ($3)
Considered to be a dupe for Make Up For Ever's HD Blush, E.L.F.'s version packs a very pigmented punch. It's creamy, applies smoothly, and wears well. It's a top notch formula, and a steal at a ten-dollar price point.

1. Studio High Definition Powder ($6)
HD powder is a silica-based finishing powder that can be used to set makeup, but is mainly utilized for its airbrushing effect. It leaves skin looking flawless, silky smooth, and camera-ready. There are several on the market (most notably by Make Up For Ever), and tend to carry low-volumes and high-prices. E.L.F.'s version is only six bucks--expensive by E.L.F.'s standards--and you get a figurative ton of product. Yellow and Shimmer versions are also available, but the standout is the original transluscent powder. With shipping, it'll set you back about $13, but you'll still be getting more bang for your buck.

Of course, this is assuming you only need to purchase one item. But I know none of us would ever go makeup crazy on the E.L.F. website...right?...Guys?...Hey! Wait up!! I need some brow gel...and lip gloss...and a blush...and.........

Shimmering Scavenger Hunt: Maybelline Limited Edition Summer Color Tattoo Review

I swear, Maybelline must have read every busy girl's mind when they created the Color Tattoo line. I'm completely addicted to them now, and while I don't have (or need) anywhere near the entire line, I do have quite a few. I just use my finger to pat a little on my eye lid, possibly add a crease color (if I'm feeling motivated and fancy), a little liner and mascara, and BAM! Good to go!

Obviously, when I heard that there was a limited edition collection (that I can not seem to find for sale anywhere online), I went on a little scavenger hunt around town to find them. Three days and six stores later, the Heavens parted and the angels sang right there in the middle of a Rite Aid, that just so happened to be next to a Checkers, where Thomas had a craving for ice cream. In other words, I just sort of stumbled across them. Even better, they were Buy One Get One 1/2 Off. Eureka!

The six colors available were all quite pretty. I was immediately drawn to Cool Crush, a shimmering silver with indigo duo-chrome. For the half-off shade, I let Thomas pick (why not?), and he chose Icy Mint, a pearlescent true mint green.

Left: Icy Mint. Right: Cool Crush.

Left: Icy Mint. Right: Cool Crush. Direct light on top, going into shade at the bottom. Icy Mint is really sheer. That's swatched pretty heavily. The Cool Crush is only swatched once.

I've had a chance to wear both, and overall, I'm very happy. The Icy Mint is perfect for anyone who wants to experiment with pastels, but is a little shy about it. It's sheer, and when worn on the lid only, gives just a hint of Spring-y color. I paired it with Tease from the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette. Cool Crush is definitely not as subdued, given all of the sparkle and shine that comes with it, but can still be day appropriate. I wore it paired with Tornado from the Urban Decay Glinda palette, and they seemed almost made for each other. My only complaint is that, on my eyes, they do fade slightly. Oddly enough, they seem to fade at the crease first, leaving the area closest to my lashes nice and vibrant. It's weird, y'all.

The other colors in the line are:
Waves of White--iridescent white with pink and blue shifts. Think: Aura from the Glinda palette, only in a cream form.
Shady Shores--creamy yellow with green undertones.
Lavish Lavender--shimmering, well, lavender. Kinda says it all in the name...
Seashore Frosts--shimmering blue-gray with copper duo-chrome.

I actually went back to Rite Aid today and picked up Seashore Frosts. I'd considered it the first time around, and after a weekend of sleeping on it, decided to bite the bullet. I haven't gotten to play with it, though, so it's not included in this review. The other shades are absolutely beautiful, but I have Aura and rarely use it, so Waves of White seemed unnecessary. I do love yellow eyeshadow (really), but I have two gold bases already. I also went through a purple phase not too long ago, so I've got more than enough purple eyeshadow. Plus, Cool Crush has some serious purple in it, anyway--if you get one, you probably don't need to get the other. I felt like Icy Mint, Cool Crush, and Seashore Frosts were the most unique, un-dupe-able shades in the bunch. (If you'd like to see all of these colors swatched, check out Swatch Soiree's review. There are some extraordinarily helpful photos posted, along with some beautiful looks.)

So, are they worth hunting for? If you like Color Tattoos (or MAC Paint Pots, or Benefit Creaseless Cream Eyeshadows), shimmer, and Spring-y colors, then absolutely. The staying power is pretty good (a primer would stop that fading, but I'm lazy), the shades that are unique are truly unique, and the price point is pretty darn unbelievable (less than seven bucks before any discounts or promos).

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10. Good luck storming the drugstores!

Have We Met Before?: Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal Review and Comparison

Today's post is courtesy of morbid curiosity and a sale at Walgreen's. For some time now, I've been intrigued by Maybelline's Color Tattoo series; not so much because I thought they were new and exciting, but more for the sheer fact that they weren't. I already own the Benefit Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow that's almost exactly like it, and both of those products seem ridiculously similar to MAC's Paint Pots. The curiosity stems from the fact that I paid a heck of a lot more for my Benefit. Well, actually, no I didn't, come to think about it. I have three colors, and one was free, one was bought cheap from a third party, and the other...oh, yeah, I did pay full price for that one! Well, there you go.

Anyway, I have been really hesitant to buy any of the Color Tattoos because the only shades that really interested me were shades I already owned. I mean, I have silver, gold, and pewter bases from Benefit. Urban Decay also has a gold, along with Eden's yellow-y flesh-tone and Sin's champagne pink. Plus, I've got shadow pencils from UD and NYX, so, really, I'm good. This is not said to brag about my extensive collection (ha! It fits in a drawer with a few extra things in a case. It's not anything to brag about. I don't "collect". I buy stuff that I'm actually going to use on a day to day basis), but to show you that this is not a new thing. It's just new to the drugstore. I'd have tried them out a long time ago if I'd been able to justify the purchase, but I couldn't. Honestly, I still can't, but my curiosity got the better of me; I had to know if this was the same thing. If so, I could let you guys know, and also save myself a few bucks when my higher-end bases run out. The "Inked in Pink" shade from the new Metal line looked incredibly pretty, so I snapped up one and took it home to try out.

Dear God, my countertops don't look anywhere near that filthy in person! I just cleaned that bathroom Monday!

The color is a beautiful, shimmering rose. I can say from experience, now, that it looks stunning with gold, but I think it would be equally pretty with cooler tones, as well. It's just a good, neutral shade. The packaging is also gorgeous. The product comes packed in a heavy glass jar, with a black plastic lid. It looks very sleek, and very high-end. In fact...



...they're twins!! Benefit's Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow comes in the exact same packaging. The only differences between the two are the design of sticker on the lid, and the Benefit holds half a gram more product. That's it.

Here are the Maybelline and Benefit swatched together. Obviously, the colors are not the same, but the consistency and pigmentation are on par with one another.

While I was at it, I thought I'd check out how the Maybelline compared to UD Sin Primer Potion. There's really no comparison. The UD is a very pale champagne color, where the Maybelline is a truer pink. The UD is also very dry, while the Maybelline has a wetter formula. As a final test of all three products, I washed my hands. See, when I first opened up the Maybelline, I swatched the color on the back of my hand, just to see what it looked like, then washed my hands with soap to clean it off. It didn't budge. Period. I eventually had to use makeup remover. This time, I used a lot more soap, water as hot as I could stand it, and scrubbed. The first to go was the Benefit, in a laughably short amount of time. The Maybelline did come off, but it took some work. The winner was actually the Primer Potion, with a little left on my hand even after I gave up and dried off.

This is a shot of the Color Tattoo alone on my eye. The shade is very pale, so it blends into my NW15 skin, but you can definitely see the shine. My lids look wet! This does dry quickly, so if you want to blend it into another product, you have to work pretty fast. Just FYI, I tried it with Benefit Sippin' and Dippin' (that's the product I've compared it with in this post), and the effect was just beautiful. Plus, they blended together very easily, so if you own some cream products and just want to add to your stash, these should work well with the stuff you already have.

Here, you can see the finished eye look, with the Color Tattoo used as a base for powder shadows. I used Sin all over the lid, Virgin on the inner corner, Naked in the crease (all from the Urban Decay Naked palette), Faint on the outer corner and W.O.S. as brow highlight (both from the Urban Decay Naked Basics palette). UD 24/7 Shadow Pencil in Rehab works as lower lash liner, and UD 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero lines the upper lashes. Mascara is Buxom Lash. After almost four hours, there's absolutely no creasing or fading.

Bottom line, this is a fantastic product. It looks beautiful both on your eyes and on your counter, and is every bit as good (if not better) than its higher-end counterpart. And it's a third of the price. Did I mention that? A Color Tattoo will run around $6.99, and that's without a coupon or sale. Benefit runs $19. I didn't have a MAC Paint Pot to compare in this post, but I've used them, and they're the same thing. One of them will set you back $18.50. If you're looking for a good shadow base, and like the colors that Maybelline offers (and there are fourteen to choose from), you can't beat this.

Final Verdict: 10 out of 10. This is an absolute gem.

Review: E.L.F. Baked Blush in Passion Pink

Yesterday, I showed you a little haul that included two of the E.L.F. Baked Blushes. Today, I've got a review for you on Passion Pink.

First up, don't let the name fool you. This is actually peach; much in the same way that Pinktastic is actually gold. I have this ridiculous compulsion to buy Peachy Cheeky, simply to find out what color it really is, since these names have absolutely nothing to do with the color payoff. That aside, I'm not disappointed in the color, just confused.

And speaking of color...you know how yesterday I mentioned that this looked like a dupe for NARS Orgasm?

NARS on Left, E.L.F. on Right.

I wasn't far off. The E.L.F. is a tad more peach than the NARS, and much more pigmented. The NARS is pinker and sparklier, and far sheerer. I had to swatch it several times to match the single swatch of the E.L.F. They're not exact, by any means, but if you're in the market for an Orgasm-ish color, you could do a lot worse for three bucks. They look much more similar in person, for the record.

NARS on Left, E.L.F. on Right.

It's a very subtle blush once it's on your cheeks. More than color, it leaves a pretty glow.

On cheeks: E.L.F. Passion Pink. Highlighter: E.L.F. Pinktastic. Bronzer: Tarte Park Ave. Princess.

I packed it in my purse, just in case it faded and I needed a touch-up during the day. Happily, I can say that I've been wearing this for four hours, and it's still going strong. I have touched my face, been in and out of doors, talked on my phone, and moved around quite a bit. In other words, I haven't been sitting like a china doll on a shelf.

I like the natural, soft look of this blush. The staying power is there, the color is lovely, and you can't beat the price. The packaging isn't fancy, but it looks nice and functions well.

Final Verdict: 8 out of 10. It would be nice if the names matched the colors, but you can't always get what you want; sometimes, you get what you need.

In case you were wondering about the rest of the face, here's what's doing:

Primer: Tarte Clean Slate

Foundation: MAC Studio Sculpt NW15

Concealer: Maybelline Age Rewind in Neutralizer (yup, I'm pale)

Setting Powder: Rimmel Stay Matte in Transparent

Finishing Powder: E.L.F. Baked Bronzer in St. Lucia (yup, it's pale)

Eye Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden

Eye Shadow: Urban Decay Snakebite (all by itself. It gets a bum rap, but it's gorgeous as an all-over color)

Eye Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick in Rehab

Inner Corner: Urban Decay 24/7 Shadow Stick in Midnight Cowboy

Brows: E.L.F. Brow Kit

Mascara: Buxom Lash Waterproof

Contour: Benefit Hoola

Lips: MAC Shy Girl

E.L.F. Cyber Monday Haul and First Impressions

E.L.F. ran a 50% off plus free shipping sale on Cyber Monday, so I took the opportunity to pick up a few things. They just came in yesterday, and I thought you might be interested in some of the newer items on the site
.

I picked up two of the HD Blushes, two Baked Blushes, one Baked Bronzer, the Eye Refresh, one Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick, and the Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Natural.

St. Lucia, Passion Pink, Pinktastic

Here are swatches of the St. Lucia Baked Bronzer, Passion Pink Baked Blush, and Pinktastic Baked Blush. St. Lucia is a very light, warm bronzer with a subtle hint of sparkle. I used it all over today, much the way I would a MAC Mineral Skin Finish, and it just helped knock the chill off of my uber-pale face. I had to use different products to contour and add color. The Passion Pink blush is also very light and warm, with more of a peach tone than I had expected from the online photos. I thought this would be more of a plummy color, but this looks like it could dupe NARS Orgasm. I haven't checked them against each other, yet, but this is definitely a peachy pink. The Pinktastic blush is actually a very pretty gold highlighter. Again, not what I was expecting, but not a disappointment. I bought this thinking that it would be a good dupe for one of my favorite MAC highlighters, Moon River, that is now discontinued. They're actually not even close to similar, but I think I'll get a lot of use out of this one, anyway. It's just lovely. It's just not pink.

Left: Moon River. Right: Pinktastic.

Left. Moon River. Right: Pinktastic. Um...it's not pink. Nope. Not pink at all.

I started to swatch the entire eyeshadow palette, but decided that a few representative shades would probably be just as informative. If you want, I can do an entire, in-depth review on the palette, though. Let me know in the comments. I realized right off the bat that these shadows were E.L.F.'s standard hit-or-miss grade, unfortunately. Believe it or not, there are five swatches in the above photo. The very first one barely showed up, and it was a mid-tone brown. The second swatch is super powdery. The third is supposed to be a glittery blackened gray, but very little glitter transferred to my skin. The last two are actually very nice, and they're demi-mattes. Honestly, I expected the least from them, and they ended up being the best out of the bunch. Originally, I purchased this to use for film makeup, and I intend to keep playing around with it. Maybe it will surprise me. Something tells me I'm probably going to end up having to break down and get the Coastal Scents 28 neutral Palette, though. I am wearing two shades from the palette on my eyes today: a soft gold and the demi-matte ecru shown above. So far, they're doing pretty well.

Here are swatches of the HD Blushes in Showstopper and Encore, and the Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in Movie Star. Showstopper is a gorgeous berry with shimmer, and Encore is a shocking pink with shimmer. These blushes are scarily pigmented--a little dab'll do ya! I've not tried wearing them on my cheeks, yet, but they didn't want to come off of my hand. The formula is creamy, and I prefer the consistency to that of my Make Up For Ever HD Blush, honestly. Be prepared to work quickly, though, because they dry almost instantly.

Movie Star looks like a blood red in the stick, but comes off as a very natural red. Sort of like the color you'd get after kissing for a few minutes. I am surprised by how much I like this product. It's sheer upon first application, but the color can be built up by layering over time. The color starts out glossy, but dries down to a stain-like finish. It's long-lasting, but non-drying, and there's no taste or scent. Seriously, I really like this product.

Movie Star upon first application. It's not red, but it's the perfect flush.

The Eye Refresh is a clear liquid that you apply with a rollerball applicator. The packaging is nifty, but I couldn't tell where any liquid came out. I just felt the cool metal ball rolling under my eyes. It's pleasant, but I think you get a similar effect with an ice cube for free. I'll keep playing with it and report back if anything miraculous occurs.

Packaging-wise, I have no complaints. The HD Blushes are dead ringers for MUFE's packaging. The baked items are housed in functional, if not flashy, compacts. The palette is sleek, sturdy plastic with a usable mirror. As I said before, the Eye Refresh looks cool (even if it does feel a little cheap). The only thing I'm not thrilled over is the Lip Gloss Stick. I love how it's made--especially the twist up design--but the white coloring is killing me. The first time I used it, red product smeared all over the top portion, and it just looks messy. Making the package color match the lip color would look much cleaner.

Have any of you tried these products? What did you think? Let me know in the comments.

Mystery Solved!: StyleMint Mystery Bag Review

Quick ranty question before I get into today's entry: Why has no one invented tinted sunscreen? Not tinted moisturizer with SPF, not bronzer with SPF, but actual tinted sunscreen? That way, you could put it on from tip to toe and have perfectly even skin. No more messing around with "skin perfectors" or "tone-enriching ribbons" (a.k.a. glitter); just a sheer tint in the sunscreen itself. Why does that not exist? /end of rant.

Okay, so yesterday I received my StyleMint Mystery Bag in the mail, and since the last review I did of a Mystery Bag was so popular, I thought I'd do one on this bag, too. Plus, I've noticed that a lot of the ladies on the StyleMint Facebook page have been interested in seeing how the shirts look on "normal" people. Well, I'm pretty average, so I took some photos that you can use as reference, if you want. I'm 5'3", and on the StyleMint sizing guide, I'm a 3 (Medium).

First, a review:
StyleMint runs this kind of promotion about once a quarter. Normally, they coincide with a holiday or special event (i.e. the Academy Awards, Halloween, Christmas), but this one was just for the fun of it, I guess. I expected to hear, somewhere along the way, that they were Olympics-themed, but that didn't happen, and that's fine by me. The themes never mean anything, anyway. This "bag", like all the ones before it, came as an envelope stuffed with brown paper-wrapped shirts. No bag, no theme, no fuss, no muss. This is not a criticism, by the way.

In the past, the bags have tended to be either a shirt and a JewelMint item (JewelMint is a sister company, and normally runs a similar promotion alongside the StyleMint one), or a shirt and another StyleMint item (sunglasses, leggings, tote bag, etc.), with maybe a coupon code or two tossed in for good measure. That's not a bad deal for $29.99, and I've been happy with those bags in the past. This bag, though, took the cake. For the price of one shirt, you received three StyleMint items. Now, those items could be pretty much anything in the StyleMint catalog, but you'd get three of them, so the bag was definitely more than worth the pricetag.

Now, some ladies have complained that they didn't like what they got. You don't get to pick your items, so you could end up with things that aren't to your taste. One lady even received an item she'd previously returned (I mean, not the same exact shirt, but the same style of shirt. It was a new shirt. Oh, you know what I mean). That is the gamble. That's also why you get so much for so little, so it's a trade-off.

I'm thrilled with my bag. I now have six StyleMint shirts and StyleMint dress, and all but one shirt and the dress were Mystery Bag purchases. They're all excellent quality, feel amazing, and look really cute on. Sure, you might have to put a little more thought into how you'll wear your shirt, but I think that just adds to the fun of the bag. My only complaint is with the shipping. I never got a tracking notice, and it's not the first time. All I had to do, though, was ask customer service, and they got the notice to me ASAP. I will say that StyleMint (as well as JewelMint) has excellent customer service. I'm continually impressed by them. The shipping is generally pretty slow, but the customer service makes up for it.

So, let me show what I got. These pictures are not styled in any way. I just threw the shirts on over a pair of Sweetheart jeans from Old Navy and a pair of CL by Laundry flats. I also didn't try the shirts on before taking these photos. We're all seeing them for the first time together, folks.




Photo Credit: StyleMint

 The first one I tried on was the Brooklyn T. Admittedly, when I first saw this, I was a little less than impressed. I haven't been into fussy florals since the very early 90s, when none of us knew any better. What was I going to do with this old lady shirt?

I was going to rock it, that's what! This may be my favorite shirt out of the bunch, now that I've tried it on. I wore it to work today, that's how much I love it. I shot from the side, instead of full-on, because I wanted you to see how it's lower in the back. For me, it's a really flattering cut. This is very lightweight with a wide scoop neck, so you could layer with it, but it's dark enough that you don't need anything underneath it. The red is also much more muted in person than in photographs. It's a lovely shirt, and nothing like the chintz sofa cushion I thought it was going to be.



Photo Credit: StyleMint



Next up, the Savannah T in black. I immediately liked how the stars are made to look like sketches and doodles, and not like cookie-cutter stamps. To me, that's more interesting.

I like this a lot, but it's not grabbing me the way the Brooklyn T did, which is weird, because, between the two of them, I'd have picked this from the online pictures before I'd have picked the Brooklyn. It's just a basic tee, albeit a really soft and high-quality basic tee. Scoop neck, level hem. I think this is going to look really cute layered under a black cable-knit hoodie this Fall and Winter.

Photo Credit: StyleMint

This last shirt just made me giggle. I need to wear it on-set, sometimes, or maybe to rehearsals. Heck, I need this tattooed onto my forehead. I showed it to Thomas and he laughed out loud. In case it's too difficult to read, it says, "I'm Almost Not Crazy".

Okay, there are two shots here. This one shows how the lettering falls, and the one below shows the snug fit and sheerness of the tee.

                                        

I love the way this is made. The material is super-soft and lightweight, and it feels like it custom forms itself around your body (I know it doesn't, but it's just that soft and flexible). It's also cut with a longer line, so you never look short-waisted, or feel like you can't bend over with confidence. I hate shirts that creep up in the back, and leave you wondering if you're *ahem* exposed anywhere you shouldn't be. No worries with this.

So, that's my Mystery Bag, folks, along with my thoughts and, hopefully, a little sizing reference. I apologize for all the camera-in-the-face photos, but you work with what you've got, I guess. Did anybody else get a Mystery Bag? What did you think? Let me know in the comments.

Frugal Friday: Sinfully Smashing Gold Glosses

The other day, I was walking through Walgreen's and noticed that they stocked Sinful Colors lip glosses*. I knew about Sinful Colors nail polishes, through my little niece, but had no idea they made a lip gloss. I'm probably just behind the times, but I thought I'd pick one up to see how it fared. The three available colors were a light lavender, white-ish clear, and a pale gold shimmer. I went with "Peachy Sheen", the pale gold shimmer.

Once I got home, I realized that I already had a pale gold shimmer in a Smashbox deluxe sample. For fun, I thought I'd see how the $2.99 drugstore gloss did against the fancy-schmancy, $19.00 high-end one (full-size is a good bit larger than the one you see here). You might be surprised, so stay tuned!


They don't look it, here, but just wait. They match up pretty nicely. That Smashbox reallly does have gold running through it. Also, I really need to clean off my dresser...

 Let's start with some swatches. Here they both are, straight out of the tubes:


Left: Smashbox, Right: Sinful Colors.

The Smashbox Reflection High Shine Lip Gloss in Star is thicker, and the Sinful Colors has a teeny bit more yellow to it. They both sparkle nicely, though you do have to pack on the Sinful Colors. The Smashbox only needs a dab to cover well. I will say that the Smashbox took forever to wipe off my arm, but more on that in a minute. Here are the same glosses, this time swatched on my lips:


Smashbox



Sinful Colors (apologies for it being slightly out of focus. I had no idea until I saw it here)

At first glance, there's not much of a difference, is there?

The Smashbox has more glitter, and I didn't need much product to coat my lips. The Sinful Colors, again, had to be piled on, and the shimmer is much more subdued--there aren't any chunks, in the Smashbox. That said, the Sinful Colors is much more comfortable on my lips. The Smashbox is so thick, sticky, and sweet, that it felt almost like I'd smeared Kayro Syrup all over my lips. Even after tissuing the gloss off, I still had to use a face wipe to remove the residue and remaining glitter. It's long-wearing, but feels awful. The Sinful Colors felt silky and moisturizing, even after the shine had worn off. I did have to reapply frequently, though, and the smell and flavor are a little too chemical for my taste.

Honestly, I don't think one is better than the other. I think they're both great for different purposes. The Smashbox is a great gloss...for camera. Of course, that's where Smashbox excels, so that only makes sense. Once that gloss is on, it's on, and it's going to look beautiful and perfect for as long as you need it to. That's awesome for a photo shoot; not so great for a date night. You definitely don't want to kiss anyone while you're wearing it. Brides, steer clear of this one for the big day (but go for it for pictures!).

If you're not looking for something for camera, go with the Sinful Colors. It's a heckuva lot cheaper, just as pretty on, and feels a lot more comfortable. True, there's less glitter, but the shimmer is lovely, and a lot more wearable.

Nutshell Review of Sinful Colors Lip Gloss in Peachy Sheen
Pros: Moisturizing, silky feel, pretty shimmer, lovely packaging, super affordable
Cons: Not a lot of color payoff, not long-wearing, odd flavor/smell

Final Verdict: 6 out of 10. It looks and feels nice, and for $2.99, you could do a lot worse.

*I'm not linking to the Sinful Colors site because it's still under construction, and Walgreen's doesn't have this product online. Actually, I haven't found it anywhere online. If you spot it, please let me know in the comments.

Luxury Look-Alikes: NARS Orgasm vs. Revlon Peach Parfait

You know how NARS Orgasm (sorry, Mom!) anything is an instant cult favorite? Well, I found a drugstore product that could easily drink the kool-aid and fit right in. Right now, NARS has two individual blushes, a blush palette, a bronzer duo, an all-over stick (The Multiple), an illuminator, two lip glosses, and a nail polish. You know what they don't have (I mean, besides a partridge in a pear tree)? A lip butter! You know who has one that's a dead ringer* for Orgasm (sorry, Mom!)? Revlon!

I'm not even slightly kidding, folks. It's pretty startling how much these look like each other.

With my well-worn, de-potted NARS Orgasm (sor--oh, you get the point...)

With my newer, still in the packaging, NARS Super Orgasm.

The color is Peach Parfait, and is the shade worn by Emma Stone in the advertisements. The ad image looks nothing like the real deal, and actually almost kept me from buying this. It looks beautiful on her, but the color in the ad looks like an orangey peach. In reality, it's more of a golden peachy-pink.

Credit

Swatched on my lips. You can see that it's much less opaque, pinker, and has tiny flecks of gold running throughout.

Just to drive the point home, I used NARS Orgasm in all of my makeup today. I layered NARS Orgasm illuminator over a golden peach eyeshadow base (Benefit's Creaseless Cream Eye Shadow in Sippin' 'n' Dippin'), and underneath a light dusting of NARS Orgasm blush. Highlights courtesy of Stila Kitten eyeshadow, and bronzer by Too Faced in Sun Bunny. There were other products involved, but those are the only real "color" items.



Might I add, it's hotter than Hades with a million percent humidity. I gave up on my hair around July 7th or 8th. I'll care again in October.

Folks, it's the same color. Flat out. If you are a fan of the Orgasm line, but want something other than a gloss on your lips, snap up Peach Parfait. It's a universally flattering color that will be just as appropriate this Fall and Winter as it has been this Spring and Summer. Added perk: it's roughly a third of the cost of a NARS gloss.

Anybody else have a find, dupe, or must-have they want to share? Leave it in the comments. Thanks!

*Note: This is not a dupe for anything in the NARS Orgasm collection. It's simply the same color as everything in that collection. I repeat: there is not a lip butter in the collection, and this is not a dupe for the glosses. Thank you, The Management.

P.S. Do you know how hard it was to come up with a title for this that didn't involve both "orgasm" (unavoidable) and "fake", or worse, "butter"? This could have shown up under some very interesting Google searches...yikes...

Frugal Friday: Checking Out Wet N Wild's Megas!

If you've been around here for any length of time, then you'll know how much I love Revlon lip butters. They're beautiful, moisturizing, last a decent length of time, and the packaging is precious. Still, I do love a good bargain, and I'd heard that Wet N Wild had their own version. I didn't know the name of the product, though, so I picked up two items that looked similar to the lip butters (I've since seen a third, a lip lacquer, but have not had the opportunity to try it) to see if there was any comparison. Let's take a look, shall we?



Left to Right: Mega Last Lip Color in Just Peachy, Mega Shield Lip Color SPF 15 in Pink Champagne




Top to Bottom: Mega Last Lip Color in Just Peachy, Mega Shield Lip Color SPF 15 in Pink Champagne

 I think you can tell by looking at these swatches that neither one is a lip butter, so I need to keep looking. Still, since we're here, and since these are only $1.99 each, let's take a look at these.

Mega Last Lip Color in Just Peachy
I really hate this product. There it is. I said it, and I'm incredibly sorry. It's going in the trash can. The swatch isn't bad, but on your lips...okay, let me describe it this way: when I was about 12, my Mom and Dad let me start wearing lipstick. That was it; just lipstick. Immediately, I became enthralled by the Wet N Wild display at Phar-Mor. I'd say at least 75% of my allowance went to different shades of lipstick, each pinker and tackier than the last (I was 12!), and my favorite was called Petal Pink. It was this godawful Barbie-pink, chalky, super-dry abomination that make my lips look like I'd coated them down in Pepto-Bismol, and I thought it was fabulous.

This looks exactly the same, only slightly more orange. In 20 years, only the packaging and my taste have improved.

Mega Shield Lip Color SPF 15 in Pink Champagne
In direct contrast, I'm really enjoying this lip color! It's closer to a CoverGirl Gloss Balm than a lip butter, but that's just fine with me. In addition to being a lovely shade, the product is very moisturizing, has no discernible flavor or scent, and contains the all-important SPF. It's not very long lasting, though. That's really the only drawback I've seen. This is also a much more pigmented product than I originally thought it would be. There's nothing sheer about this pink!

I thought the packaging for both products was very pretty, though both caps are difficult to remove, and I finally gave up on ever getting all of the plastic off of the Pink Champagne.

Final Verdict: Skip the Mega Last, but pick up every color you can of the Mega Shield. They're beautiful, feel good, give protection, and are less than two bucks a pop.

Wearing Pink Champagne.