Jordana- Color Tint Blush Stick

Jordana's Color Tint Blush Sticks are a new concept to me, so I am happy I got to test them out! First of all, these little gems retail for $2.99 and are easily found in drug stores and online. They are creamy yet pigmented and you can and will need to blend the color out once on your skin. I heavily applied for the swatches on my arm so you could see the true colors, but blending should occur for a more natural look. The packaging is really easy to hold and not messy at all. These would be great for traveling because you wouldn't have to worry about dropping them and the powder shattering into a million little dusty pieces all over in your purse or suitcase. They're smooth but creamy and even feathering it out with your fingers would be fine, no need to make it complicated. They are great for $2.99 and come in lots of colors to coordinate with your look!

*press sample*

Jordana- Modern Matte Lipstick, Moisturizing Balm Stain and Shiny Gloss

Matte lipsticks are back in a major way and Jordana has some fantastic ones as well. They're similar to Milani but at a lower price point and you can find them HERE. They're are 18 new colors, here are 12 of them for you to check out...

The colors range from a very light pale nude to barbie pink, coral and bright red; there really is something for everyone in this collection. They retail for $2.99, are paraben and talc free, don't crack, apply smoothly and are super pigmented! These would be great for someone who is just starting out wearing make up or has a tight budget but still wants to be on trend.

Jordana also has out moisturizing lip balm stains that look like a fat pencil. I really love the Fresh Fig color; it's natural looking but soft and bright. Gorgeous Peoney is a more neutral tone you could wear with a dramatic eye. The super Shiny Gloss is somewhat champagne tinted and is indeed super shiny. I layered it over the Lip Balm Stains and you can see how it adds a sparkle to it. The Gloss comes in a wand applicator, is also not sticky and applies great, as does the stains. The Lip Out Loud Gloss comes in many colors as do the stains and can be found HERE for $1.99 and $2.99 respectively.


*pres samples*

Milani- Fierce Foil Eyeliner and Kohl liner

 Love these liners so much! Milani has come out with Fierce Foil Eyeliners and they apply with a brush and are super pigmented, stay in place and the colors are fantastic! These retail for $6.99 and the Kohl pencil liner (twist it to advance) is $7.99.

The Kohl pencil is on top and as you can see, it's a thinner line than the potted liners applied with a brush. I like the pots because I feel like I have more pressure control over a brush than a pencil. None of them seemed to easily smear and the pigment was strong with these.

These are really great for the price point and should be easy to find as well so try them out if you've never tested a potted liner!

*press samples*

Milani: Spring 2015 releases- make up madness!

Milani Cosmetics has a ton of new products out for Spring 2015; so many that I've had to break it down into multiple posts to give you a thorough tour of the goods!

Milani's fierce foil eyeshadows are a whole new thing I have never seen! They are creamy and apply with a rubber applicator and are super duper shiny. The application takes getting used to because it is slippery.... yes, slippery and creases on the eye like instantly. If you could layer it over a similar powder shade, it would probably be best because the effect is awesome.

These come in 4 palettes: Milan (neutrals), Rome (purples), Florence (bronzes), Venice (blues) and retail for $9.99 and are available at drug stores or HERE online.

Rome

Top: Milan

Bottom: Florence

Venice

They retail for $9.99 and if they appeal to you, I'd try out one first to see if you can handle the application. I really wanted to love the Venice set but realistically, it creased the most and was most noticeable so the Florence tones would be more my speed. 

*press sample*

Younique: Fiber Lash Mascara review

Hi Monkeys! I have a make up related post for you today! Recenlty a reader sent me Younique Moodstruck Fiber Lash Mascara to review. This stuff is really cool once you get the hang of it.  This kit sells for $29 and can be purchased through a representative for Younique (My contact is the sweet Teresa and you can find her page HERE to order and updates from her Facebook and Instagram)

It is made up of two tubes; one with mascara and one with tiny fibers and they're packaged in a really nice clamshell case. The idea of the mascara duo is to lengthen and thicken your lashes. You put on the mascara, a small amount of the fibers (applied like you do mascara but start halfway on the lashes). This is the most important part- start halfway on your lashes with the fibers and don't use a lot or else it will bunch up, then you can do another coat of mascara to seal it in. Repeat if necessary. I used two really thin coats below.

I have a friend who is a professional make up artist and she also tried out the Fiber Lash Mascara and she's a fan as well. Here is her before, one coat and two coat pictures. 

As you can see, she has really short lashes and this builds a bit of length and increases thickness. If you have an eyelash brush, they could benefit from some separating but it still doesn't look clumpy even if you don't bother separating.

One of the main beefs I have with mascara is making my eyes itch (I have super sensitive eyes) and even with the fibers, my eyes didn't itch because I started them halfway up my lash.  The other beef I have is that mascara is so hard to remove that it sometimes damages my lashes, this was easy to remove, I even used a face wipe and it comes clean without pulling my lashes out with it or leaving any residue that irritates my eyes. 

Milani: Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadows!

 Milani is giving away up to 300 Bella Eyes Gel Powder Eyeshadows for the next 30 days......click HERE for Milani's for your chance  to win!

Fresh Indulgence Self Tanner Review

Ah, shorts season, when I get a free pass to place my pasty marshmallow tinted pale legs on display. Because lets face it, if it's between sweating and being a beacon, well I will help you steer clear of cliffs.

I've used self tanners before, and the self part is where I get into trouble. Because this self just hasn't proven it's merit when it comes to an even application. Add to that the oompa loompa fear factor and well, they've been a no go after one too many less than stellar trials. 

Enter in Fresh Indulgence, a UK brand. It's a less harsh chemical alternative, tinted so you can see where it's been applied and an easy to use foam. Alright, self says challenge accepted. 

After exfoliating, I bust out a large oval makeup sponge, (it says use a tanning mitt or sponge... though not which kind of sponge, so I go for what I think will give a smooth application). My first foamy pump is gray. I guess I thought it would be golden beige, but hey, I can see exactly where I've applied it so self continues on. Its pretty quick to apply, it glides on smoothly and evenly as promised. Now, I'm not seeing a lot of color change happening. Patience. Patience. 

Did I mention I had both medium and dark....? Well, it only comes in those two shades, and being the sort of self I am, I decided to try both, one on each leg, to see which would be a better tan. 

 After a good nights sleep, I wake up, shower and toss on a pair of shorts. No staining on my sheets is my first good sign. 

The second, two golden legs. One slight darker than the other, but not so much anyone would notice if they weren't inspecting. (So even if you are pale neither is too much!) I did have some streaks, but right in the center back of my calf, which was pretty much just my lack of application experience, and not bad considering what I thought it could turn out as.

Seeing as it was fast, easy, gave excellent results and has a great natural ingredient list this is now my go to, (and only!!), self tanner. Highly recommend!!  You can find out more about Fresh Indulgence HERE.

*press sample*

Guest Post: Notes From The S Life- Beauty products under $10

10 Awesome Beauty Finds for Under $10

Hey there! My name is Sandra and I’m a lifestyle blogger over at Notes from the S Life. I blog about pretty much everything, but as a recent transplant from Texas to San Francisco, it’s been fun documenting the differences in culture (those hills are insane!)

I used to be in the beauty world, so I love reading about new ingredients, trends and colors. I am also a MAJOR bargain shopper, and think that you can get pretty much anything without selling a kidney. Here are my top 10 beauty finds for under $10.

HAIR

The L’oreal EverPure Sulfate-Free Shampoo & Conditioner have been my go-to for color safe hair care. Some carry a promotion travel size when you buy the full size, which is perfect for trips, especially since you know that hotel shampoo is going to dry the crap out of your hair. $5.99

Suave’s Dry Shampoo is the best drugstore product I’ve found to compete with professional ones. At $2.75, you just can’t beat it. Just rub the roots after spraying to avoid the lovely “drandruff look”.

SKIN

Yes To Cucumbers has become one of my favorite brands of all time. With my sensitive skin prone to redness, this milk cleanser doesn’t make me break-out, feels gentle and non-abrasive, and does a great job of removing make-up and grime. $8.99

I use these Simple Cleansing Wipes more for removing eye makeup than a cleansing substitute (this chic needs more).  They are also great on the go when you need a quick wipe and don’t want to resort to disinfecting wipes as a last resort (I’ve done that and the after effects are not pretty). $5.40

BODY

It’s awesome that Jergen’s Body Lotion’s original scent is cherry almond. It just smells so good! This is a pretty basic lotion, great for all skin types and lasts a good while. $4.99

They say to use conditioner to shave your legs instead of shave lotion, but I disagree. I find it clogs my razor and my skin tends to break out. This EOS Shave Cream is awesome. Product goes on super smooth and gets me a close shave. $3.99

FACE

Have you heard of the NYX brand? They have really great makeup that stays under $10. The blushes are some that I love. My favorite is the peach shade which leaves a nice, dewy look. If you’re looking to mix it up and try new colors, Nyx is definitely the way to go (at Ulta). $5.99

I wasn’t huge on cream shadows until I tried Maybelline’s 24 hour tattoo shades. They are seriously legit. Stays on for hours and are super pigmented. My favorite is the Bad to the Bronze. $5.99

Lipstick isn’t something I love to play around with, so I usually opt for the neutral, subtle shades. Revlon’s Lip Butters seem to do that for me, with my favorite being the pretty pink shade Cotton Candy. Goes on like butter and just enhances those beautiful lips. $6.49

Maybelline’s Falsies is really an awesome product. I did the eye-extension deal a while ago and miss those long lashes. This tube gives me volume and when used with an eyelash curler, a pretty darn good curl. $6.99

So there you have it, 10 tried and tested beauty finds that I am constantly buying and have as part of my essential head to toe beauty essentials. What are some of your favorites?

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics- swatches!

Hi Monkeys, I have very (in)appropriate polishes to share with you today- Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics! I have some swatches and even a peek at their Lip Balm called "The Balm". The Balm applies in thin coat, has a nice fruity smell and does not leave your lips feeling oily, only hydrated. Did I mention the smell is amazing? Onto the polish!!!

Cheeky Monkey has a fabulous base and top coat coat; I used both for the swatches. Their Top coat- cheekily named I Like It On Top (base is called Wet Dream and it's a sticky base) *pause for immature giggle*  I Like It On Top makes it look like the polish is under glass, it's amazing. Each bottle comes with a Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics tag that has a tongue and cheek saying in it- adds to the entertainment.

Earth Momma is a deep brown creme that is opaque and melts together in 2 coats with no problems. The formula is super pigmented and you could do one generous coat for full coverage.

 Let's talk Raunchy Bitch- an awesome blurple metallic that is fabulous as well in 2 coats. This has a bit of shimmer to it and shift- the sunlight it shows purple more and indirect light is navy blue. It's awesome.

  Back Alley Sally *pause again for immature laughter* is the perfect pink creme. I've been rocking this as a pedicure for a week and have no chips. Again with the buttery formula and dense pigment. You could easily get away with one coat but I did two and again with their top coat. This is my new favorite pink. Ever. 

 Yummy Mummy is another one coater that Cheeky Cosmetics rocks. It's this great grayish blue with white speckles throughout ... did I mention it is one delicious buttery coat? Topped with I Like It On Top, it cannot be beat. Love this for spring as well because it's different from the regular pastels we'll be over saturated with. 

Cheeky Monkey Cosmetics can be purchased HERE and retail anywhere from $10-$15 and they have a remover that sells for $20 and their Lip Balm goes for $20 and have tons of options including gift packages. They are all 5 Free and NOT tested on animals. Overall their site is just fun to check out, drink recipes to go along with your polish name, cute sayings, some art.. you could easily kill some major time browsing!

*samples provided*

V-day Beauty Product Ideas

Hi Monkeys, just some thoughts for affordable beauty products to get you ready for you Valentine's Day!

1.       Boots No7 Beautiful Skin Radiance Exfoliator, $9.99

2.       Boots No7 Skin Illuminator, $9.99

3.       Boots No7 Exquisite Curl Mascara, $7.99

4.       Boots No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder, $9.99

5.       Boots Botanics All Bright Hydrating Day Cream, $13.99

6.       Boots Botanics Lip Colour, $7.99

7.       Boots No7 Men Rapid Revival Eye Roll On, $16.99

Wet N Wild: Jet Set Palette Looks

Hi Monkeys! I have a make up post for you today written by my friend Katie. She did some looks with the Fergie palette, enjoy and thanks Katie!! 

I have been having so much fun playing with my new Wet n Wild Fergie Jetset Palette and I wanted to share some of the fun with all of you. I did three looks for you lovelies.

First is a full face look that I called “Everyday Pinup”.

Products used:

Eyes:

(a)    Light Biege shadow 

(b)   Sparkly Bronze Brown shadow 

(c)    Black liner pencil topped with Matte Black shadow 

Cheeks:

(d)   Bright Pink blush 

Lips:

            Lip pencil

(e)    Red lip color 

Next, is an eye look I call “Subtle Purple”

Products used:

            ( f) Matte Lilac shadow 

(g)   Sparkly Eggplant shadow 

(h)   Sparkly Light Purple-Pink shadow 

(i)     Black liner pencil topped with Sparkly Eggplant shadow 

Last, a fun eye look I call “Fall Colors”

Products used:

(j)     Orange shadow 

(k)   Matte Rust shadow 

(l)     Sparkly Gold shadow )

(m)  Brown liner pencil topped with Sparkly Evergreen shadow 

Overall, I'm impressed with the palette.  I haven't used Wet n Wild products since I was a poor college student, but this palette was a great deal and I have heard good things about it.  While the eye colors are not highly pigmented they are great for everyday wear and apply smoothly and evenly.  The blush colors are all very flattering, even on my light skin, and go on nice and sheer.  I didn't have much success with the face powders.  The “bronze” color is too orange for me, and the white and pink colors didn't show up at all on my skin.  I absolutely love the lip colors.  They feel great and there are so many wonderful colors. 

My only con with the palette, as with any large full face palette like this, is that you can't take the lip color you chose for the day with you.  Maybe if I was just going to work I would take the whole thing with me to reapply during the day, but I'm not going to lug the whole thing with me on a night out.  I suppose I could de-pot my favorites, but that just doesn't work with my laziness :). Note to cosmetics companies out there: make the lip pans more portable.

Wet N Wild: Jet Set Palette (Fergie)- pictures and review

A little something different for you today- make up! This is the Wet N Wild Jet Set Palette from Fergie. This palette is actually like a cube that opens and each side tiers down to 3 levels. The box says that there is all this included:

72 shimmer eyeshadows

24 creme eyeshadows

24 lipstick/lip glosses

6 blushes

3 bronzers

2 eye pencils

7 brushes/applicators

1 mirror

It's pretty awesome. It is held together when closed by magnets so it keeps a chic profile. I haven't used any of it yet, that's for another post, but the shadows I was touching seemed really pigmented and silky. These are at Wal Greens and retail for $30 right now and are limited edition. I think it's well worth it. The eye shadows aren't your typical small and shallow pots, they're larger and the fact you could take this traveling and have pretty much everything you need is a huge plus. I'll have looks with this soon but for now, enjoy some pictures. 

Milani: Web sale- 50% off

Milani: New Lipsticks and Lip Liners

 COLOR STATEMENT LIPSTICK

Make a statement without saying a word!  True Instant Color. One stroke, full coverage application. This next generation lipstick gives the ultimate in color, texture and finish.  The lightweight creamy formula contains Vitamins A, C, & E to moisturize and nourish lips. Paraben-free. Available in Vinyl, Metallic, Cream, Shimmer, Pearl & Matte finish.

COLOR STATEMENT LIPLINER

Make a statement without saying a word. True Instant Color. Satin color in one stroke application. This next generation lipliner is a long-wearing, easy-glide formula to line & fill-in your lips. Paraben-free.

Le Metier de Beaute: Indelible Inks Eyeliner

The Winged-Eye has Taken New Flight for Spring – In Color!

Indelible Inks by Le Métier de Beauté

Color packed lids are back with vengeance. Playful and modern, eye-popping peepers are just the beauty fix needed to go from a case of the Winter blues to full on Spring awakening. Painting runway favorites from Miu Miu and Dior to Donna Karen and Chanel, it’s safe to say the cat eye is making a glamorous, color filled comeback.

“The winged-eye has taken new flight for Spring!” says Mikey Castillo, Director of Color for Le Métier de Beauté. “Brilliant navy and amethyst hues give the classic cat eye a modern twist – worn with a nude lip, it’s the perfect spring time look.”

Just in time for the season, Le Métier de Beauté introduces Indelible Inks Eyeliner. Featuring two haute hues – Artemis, a cool midnight navy and Castelia, a flirty deep purple – these eye-catchers are the ‘it’ shades of Spring. “Paint onto lids using the chic applicator brush for a playful hit of color,” says Mr. Castillo. “To crank up the drama, use Le Métier de Beauté’s Flat Liner Brush and apply several coats flat across the lash line.”

Add even more glamour to your gaze and wing out in full color! Mikey suggests taking your colored eye look to the next level with a complementing shade of mascara. Feeling blue? “Artemis pairs beautifully with our Midnight Mascara,” says Mr. Castillo. Loving the purple trend? “Aubergine Mascara and Castelia Liner is a perfect match for lids!”  A colorful stroke of genius, Indelible Inks Eyeliner will take any beauty look to new heights this Spring.

·         Highly pigmented color for long-lasting, intense lines

·         Fast-drying, no-budge waterproof formula that’s smear and smudge proof

·         Chic brush and ultra-fine tip for precise application of thick or thin strokes

Available January 2013 at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman and select Saks and Nordstrom stores. $28

Milani: Pure Romance -Eyeshadow Trio- Limited Edition

Milani has a new trio out: Pure Love eyeshadow trio... awesome look coming right up! First off, this trio is only available at select Walgreens and ONLY for the month of April, so look fast! The trio has a pearl and metallic finishes, the brown is a pearly along with the off white and the black is a metallic. I applied them dry and over a lid primer. for the inner up to brow- white, middle- brown and the black for the outer part of my lid, swept up and over in the crease, then blended with the brown and on top with the white. I also used the Milani liquid liner pen to try out a winged look... be nice, I'm still trying to get the hang of the wing. Remember how I'm not that good at freehand nail art? Well that applies for freehanding my wing as well :) I lined my bottom lid as well just to mess with the pen a bit more and I must say, I really love it especially for building up a thicker line and it is perfect with these shadows. I didn't have to use a whole lot of product either which is nice because I have sensitive eyes and too much fall out kills me! While there is no price info on the press release, Milani's regular shadows hover around $7 so I'm guessing that's still the price point. I have the polishes coming up tomorrow for you from this collection.. they too are great! :)

Milani's Pure Love Limited Edition Collection- press release

Urban Decay: Naked 2 swatches

The Naked 2 Palette!!!!

It is awesome..  look close....

More after the jump...

Milani: New 2012 Shadows and Powder- review and swatches (lots of pics)

I have the second and last half of the Milani make up for 2012 today.. some awesome shadows/liner/brow tint/powder coming right up!

right side is dry, left is wet

First up Milani Runway Eyes Shadows. These can be used dry or wet but wet gives you much more pigment. 14- Antigua is a fabulous olive green with gold shimmer. 15- Golden Touch is a yellow gold that would be great for a highlight color. 16-Peaches and Cream is rose color with gold shimmer, this one is for sure best when it's wet if you want lots of pigment.

Milani: New 2012 Lippies- Haute Flash & Crystal Glosses

I have make up for you today! It's been a while :) I have such great products from Milani to show you and decided to start out with the lippies.  

I used my light box and forearm to swatch these for you. They are under a natural day light bulb. 101- Hot Flash is a cherry red with pink sparkles, 102- Flahy is a bright bubble gum pink with subtle shimmer for depth, 103- In a Flash is a purple base with blue and pink shimmer (amazing), 104- Star Flash is your go to pink pearl shimmer when you want something more than 106 but not as bold as 102, 105- Golden Flash is a warm taupe with pink shimmer and would be great for an earthy toned look 106- Quick Flash is a shimmery faint pink that would be great to use on a natural look.

All of these have a sponge wand and smell great (like vanilla-esque), they are also not sticky which is a huge plus. They retail for about $7.49.