February Favorites!

IT LIVES!!!! IT LIVES!!!!!!!

Believe it or not, guys, I'm still not 100%. I'm not quite zombified anymore, but I'm still kind of "meh", so I apologize again for the lack of posting. However, I'm up to typing today (saints be praised!), so here we go with the February Favorites!!

In keeping with the I-feel-drugged-and-horrible-so-why-bother-with-anything theme, I've been going around with just enough makeup to keep from scaring small children. The thing is, I'm honestly loving this more natural look, and am thinking of keeping it for Spring and Summer. It's too hot for a full face of makeup around here, anyway, and the humidity just melts it off. I'm also finding that I look younger and more glowy with the lighter, fresher looks. Considering I've been sick since, oh, Thanksgiving, I'm taking this as a trade-off. So, without further ado...

Eyes
Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded
I'm crazy pale (MAC NW15--yes, it really goes that low), so this is basically skin-tone on me. It adds a light shimmer to my lids, and also makes a beautiful inner corner highlight. I do recommend using this over a primer, as it tends to crease.

Urban Decay Glinda Palette in South
This, again, adds a beautiful shimmer to the lids, but in a much deeper color than the Color Tattoo. This is a gorgeous taupe shade, with oodles of silver microglitter. There is some fallout, but the wow factor this gives as an all-over lid color is worth the hassle. I like to use it on the lid only, then fill in the area from crease to brow with Foxy or W.O.S. from Naked Basics.

Lips
Burts Bees Replenishing Lip Balm with Pomegranate Oil
For those days when all you need is a little moisture. I used a really drying lipstick one day, and paid for it the next. One day of giving my lips a break and only using this fixed me right up. I just keep one in my purse at all times now.

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Lip Gloss in Strawberry Fizz
I love this gloss. It's just a darn fine tube of lip gloss. The color is barely there, but the shimmer is out of this world. On top of that, the gloss isn't sticky, but feels like butter on your lips. It's fairly long-wearing, and smells like candy. Actually, according to Thomas, it smells exactly like Dennis the Menace cereal from when he was a kid. I didn't know that existed, so I can't vouch, but he's pretty set on that opinion. So, there you go. In case you were wondering, VS Strawberry Fizz smells like Dennis the Menace cereal. *cue "The More You Know" rainbow and music*

Face
Josie Maran Argan Oil Color Stick in Love
I've raved about this enough. It blends beautifully, feels amazing, and is DEAD-ON the same shade as my skin's natural flush. It also travels easily and doesn't require a brush. There just aren't enough good things I can say about this.

Benefit Watt's Up
Yet another product I just can't shut up about. The color is a stunning light champagne, so it's not too pink and not too white. There's shimmer, but it's not glitter. It's such a fine shimmer that it's really more of a glimmer, and leaves the most natural looking glow on the skin. Again, it travels like a dream, and no brush is required. Stunning!

Hair
Got 2B Smooth Operator Hairspray with Cashmere
I used to use this daily, and then I moved and it was packed up and forgotten about. I recently rediscovered this product, and am hooked again. The hold is soft and touchable, but it does hold. It also smells heavenly. One of my little voice students even commented on how pretty I smelled. The scent's not overpowering, though, so you don't have to worry about knocking people over as you walk by. The spray is also anti-humidity, which is a necessity down here in the Ninth Cir--um...Deep South.

Nails
Zoya Wednesday
This came in the first Glossybox I received, and I've been in love with it ever since. It's the perfect beachy color--seagreen with a tinge of blue, and a little bit dirty. Love, love, love, love, love!

LA Colors Cocktail
I picked this up on a whim at the Dollar Store. I thought it looked similar to O.P.I.'s Teenage Dream. It's close--nowhere near as opaque, and the pink base is lighter, but for a buck, I'm not complaining. I used it over Zoya Wednesday, and received more compliments on the combination than I think I've ever gotten on a polish! They look like they were made to go together.

Zoya Wednesday with LA Colors Cocktail Overlay

That's it for favorites! Have a great day, and I'll see you soon!

Pour Some Sugar On Me: Too Faced Spun Sugar Glamour To Go Review

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and I'm a church musician. My life is no longer my own. Folks, I haven't had time to swatch and photograph this palette properly, but I was so excited about it that I had to go ahead and post! I picked up the Too Faced Limited Edition Spun Sugar Glamour to Go during the Sephora V.I.B. sale, and I really want to share it with you. I think it would make a fantastic stocking stuffer for any makeup maven on your list--but especially the younger, teenaged set.




Photo Credit: Too Faced

 Now, if you don't like sparkle, stay away, 'cause there's not a matte shade in the bunch. When they called it spun sugar, they meant it. Everything is shimery and glittery, including the bronzer--but that has both pros and cons, and we'll get to them in just a bit.

As an all-encompassing palette, this doesn't work. It's not a full-face look, by any stretch of the imagination, and the fact that it's completely glitzy doesn't help matters. You're not going to toss this in your travel bag or purse and be glamourously good "to go". However, much like spun sugar, this makes a beautiful topping to your usual makeup routine. The shadow colors are all neutrals, and the bronzer and highlighter are very natural-looking shades, even if they are loaded with shimmer. The gloss can be worn alone or on top of another lip color, and is long-lasting and slightly sweet.

So, here's the good, the bad, and the ugly:

The Good:
This is the first Glamour To Go palette that seems to have honest-to-goodness quads. Past palettes have had coordinating shades, but these are clearly grouped into golds and silvers, and the colors are absolutely gorgeous. I'm also completely in love with the highlighter. It's crazy-sparkly, and makes me think of sugar cookies and snowflakes, but is an easy and grown-up way to get away with a little glitter, even during the day. It really lights up my face, and I adore it. The bronzer can be used to add a little flush to the face, or as a contour, as the shimmer is minimal compared to the rest of the palette. The gloss is an almost clear gold, and is packed with sparkle. Basically, all of the colors are fabulous, wintery, and wearable.

The packaging is another plus. Like all other Glamour To Go palettes, it's constructed of a durable hard plastic, and is about the size of a credit card holder. Unlike other Glamour To Go palettes, the face is a pretty gold. It looks beautiful in my makeup drawer. There's also a mirror that spans the length of the lid, and is pefectly functional for touch-ups. The $22 price makes this a great value, and just right for gift-giving.

The Bad:
The shadows. Unfortunately, as wonderful as Too Faced shadows normally are, the ones in the Glamour To Go palettes tend to pale by comparison. They're not terrible! Not by a long shot! But they're not nearly as great as the singles or duos. The pigmentation is a little lacking in some, and others are a bit chalky. As soon as I get a free moment, I'll swatch them and update the post. Again, they're not bad shadows--they're just not as good as I know they could be. I've used them for a few days with very little trouble. Here's how the golds look together:

Hey! I finally did my brows!

The Ugly:
Nothing. It's just a really good palette.

Earlier, I suggested this might make a nice gift for the teenager in your life. While a lovely palette, some with fine lines may find that the shimmer enhances them, and that's not necessarily flattering. Teens and younger folks tend to love the pretty-shinies, and can wear them more easily. Plus, the shades are perfect for those just beginning to wear to makeup, making this a terrific learning tool.

Final Verdict: 9 out of 10, and only because Too Faced can do, and has done, better shadows.

Watt's Up, Doc?: Benefit Watt's Up Highlighter Review

I dipped down into the magic bag o' samples again, today, and pulled out Benefit's Watt's Up! highlighter. $30, BenefitCosmetics.com. I could have sworn I'd already reviewed this! I dug and dug through the archives, but can't seem to find anything on it, so if I have, let's pretend I didn't, okay? Thanks!

The sample I have is a deluxe size, and honestly, it's big enough that I may never have to buy the full-size!  The packaging is also very cute and sturdy. I only mention this because it's occasionally possible to purchase the deluxe sizes in travel sets. There's also a ton of product in the tube.

The product comes in a stick form, not unlike a lip balm or concealer stick. The texture is a firm, dry cream, and you can either apply straight from the tube, or you can rub onto your fingers for fingertip application.

You can see from the swatch that Watt's Up is a lovely champagne color with lots of sparkle, and is very subtle on your skin.

For fun, I kept my makeup* pretty matte, to show off the highlighter. As I said, it's very subtle. I used Watt's Up under my brow, in the inner corner of my eyes, on my cheekbones, and also on my lips and in my cupid's bow (better picture of that coming up). I like that it adds just a hint of glow, without being overly discoball shiny.

Here's that better picture of the cupid's bow and lips. The lipstick I chose, Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Stick in Amsterdam, is what I'd call a demi-matte. I added this highlighter to the center of the lips for a little fullness and shimmer, and I have to admit that I'm loving the way it looks.

The Good: beautiful color, subtle glow, long-wearing (over 4 hours, and it's still noticeable on the cupid's bow, even after eating and drinking), not greasy, muti-purpose

The Bad: It's $30 for a full-size. That's crazy expensive. Sure, it'll probably die from old age before you even come close to using it all up, but that's still on the high side for a highlighter--even a higher end one.

Final Verdict: It's a 10 out of 10 for the deluxe size, and a 7 out of 10 for the full-size. If you can get your hands on a deluxe sample, it's definitely worth it. 

*In case you're wondering, the rest of the makeup was:
Benefit Some Kinda Gorgeous in Medium
Benefit Boi-ing concealer in Light
Benefit Coralista blush
Buxom eyeshadows in Mutt and Collie
Buxom eyeliner in Onyx
Buxom Lash mascara
Buxom Lip Stick in Amsterdam
ELF Brow Kit in Medium

NYX Crimson Amulet/Dark Shadows Part II: In-Depth Review and Look

Sit back, relax, maybe go get a snack, 'cause this is a long one, folks! A few weeks ago, Ulta gave away little $5 off coupons that would be good this week. I used mine yesterday to purchase the NYX Crimson Amulet Palette, inspired by the movie Dark Shadows. Let me tell you, I am so excited I could spit. Here is an in-depth look at the palette, along with my review and a look (told you this would be long). Spoiler Alert: I like the palette. A lot. You should run and get one. Now. Like, yesterday. Go.

Outer packaging (Not terribly important, but here it is)

Closed palette. Looks kind of like a fancy DVD case with a snap button closure. It's heavy cardboard, and can definitely stand up to travel and some wear and tear.

Inside, you have 24 shadows and a large mirror. I've not tried using the mirror, and am not entirely sure how to best hold the palette to do so, but it sure beats nothing.

Here's a close up of the shadows. There's a nice variety of satin, shimmer, glitter, and matte finishes. The top twelve are colors, and the bottom are neutrals. Just go ahead and toss the applicators.

Flipping over the mirror, here's the other side. The inspiration looks aren't super helpful. I'd rather have had another mirror, or even just a cool graphic. Here you see an HD shadow primer, black eyeliner, five blushes (some matte, some shimmer), a highlighter, and four glosses.

Close-up of the products.

Top twelve shadows.

  

Top Row



Middle Row



Bottom Row

Bottom twelve shadows.

Top Row

Middle Row

Bottom Row

Reminder of blush/gloss side.

Highlighter and Blushes

Glosses

Primer and Liner

I love this palette. Love, love, love it. It's one of--no, it's the most complete palette I've ever seen. Honestly, all you need is a little foundation, powder, and mascara and you're good to go. You could fancy it up with bronzer and a brow kit, but they're not necessary. On top of that, everything's good. There's not a clunker product in the bunch. The shadows are all creamy and well-pigmented. Sure, the mattes are a little dry at first, but once you get through the top layer, they're lovely (mattes can be like that sometimes). The blushes are varied and gorgeous, and I'm dying to figure out how to wear that unbelievable red. The primer has held my glittery eyeshadow in place with no fallout, and the liner is a surprisingly easy to work with jet black. I say surprisingly easy because I suck at liquid liner. Absolutely suck at it. I blink, my hand shakes...it's not pretty. I still can't get a straight line, but I was able to get it straighter than usual, then finished cleaning it up with a little black shadow. The glosses are a little stiff at first, but once you get in there, they're opaque and have plenty of color payoff. The one thing that other reviewers have complained the most about is the highlighter, and I have to say, I don't get that. I mean, it's not the most remarkable highlighter I've ever used, but it's more than serviceable. It actually reminds me a lot of one that came in a Sephora palette I took on the road with me for Beauty & the Beast, only I like this one better. Go figure.

I needed another palette like a hole in the head. I have an entire bathroom drawer full of them, and those are only the ones I use regularly. However, I do, on occasion, find myself doing someone else's makeup. I'm not a professional makeup artist, and don't pretend to be, but sometimes my Mom will have something fancy to go to and wants a little help. Maybe a friend's getting married and needs someone to help a younger bridesmaid with her makeup. Those sorts of things come up from time to time, and this is a terrific almost-all-in-one palette to grab.*

So, here's the look I came up with. I did this running out the door this morning, so please bear that in mind. You can do cool stuff very quickly with this palette because it's all there. You don't even have to think. I love that. I'm not very good at thinking in the mornings.

Poorly photographed look. I really need to get someone else to take these pictures. A cameraphone aimed by looking in the mirror really isn't cutting it. I'll list all the products used below.

Primer: Included HD Eyeshadow Primer. Lid/All Over Color: Champagne found on top row, second over. Blending Color: Lavender on second row, first shade. Crease and Lower Lash Line: Royal Blue Glitter on second row, last shade. Liner: Included black liner, cleaned up with Black found on top row, first shade. Blush is the largest blush in the palette, with Highlighter dusted over the tops of cheekbones.

I just can't take a picture when my brows are cleaned up, can I?
Other Products Used:
Too Faced Beauty Balm in Vanilla Glow
E.L.F. Brow Kit in Medium
Benefit Boi-ing Concealer in Light
Urban Decay Razor Sharp HD Powder
Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush Mascara (I really don't care for this. See the flakes?)
Benefit Hoola Bronzer
  

Seriously, that's it. That's a heckuva lot easier to toss into a travel bag than my usual stash. I hope this has been helpful, and I can't recommend this enough.

Final Verdict: 10 out of 10. It's just plain awesomesauce, and a steal at under $25.

*Obviously, if you're doing someone else's makeup, you'll need to use a different eyeliner (one that's never been used, or one belonging to the person who's makeup you're doing). You'll also want to make sure that you've never double-dipped into the lipgloss. Safety first, guys.