Hi All! I’m here with a palette review – The NARS Makeup Your Mind Eye & Cheek Palette. I’ve had this for over a month now and really love it!
I purchased this at Ulta for $35 a few weeks ago, the original price was $49. Here’s a photo of the inside of the palette:
The palette includes three blushes, one bronzer and 8 shadows. The blushes from clockwise are Luster, Orgasm and Dolce Vita. The bronzer is Laguna. These are all classic shades, but the only one I own is a sample of Orgasm blush.
The eyeshadows going in rows of two from the top are Hammamet I and Nepal, Pattaya and Fuse, Fex and Tropical Express I, and Sophia and Mekong.
Unfortunately, this is no longer for sale on Ulta.com, and it was an Ulta Exclusive. But, maybe they’ll restock it at Ulta.
Here’s swatches of the blushes and bronzer:
From Left to Right — Luster, Laguna, Orgasm a Dulce Vita. I love all of these products! Laguna is such a gorgeous blusher and all three blushes are so pretty! The powders are very easy to blend.
Here are the shadows:
The shimmers and glitters obviously swatch better than the darker mattes. But the mattes do work nicely on the eyes. You can build them up nicely.
I use this palette everyday! I at least use the bronzer and blushes and I use the eye shadows often. LOVE! And it was such a good deal at $35.
Hi all! I was recently sent some amazing Buxom Cosmetics products for my honest review. I love trying new makeup and was so excited! I have already reviewed the new PillowPout Creamy Plumping Lip Powders. You can check that out here.
I put together my favorite products that I received. Here they are:
This eyeliner is a new release for Buxom. It’s an intensely pigmented eyeliner with wet powder, lasting wear technology. Tapered sponge tip applicator creates either a precise line or smoky look. Formula-infused cap reloads color with every twist.
I like this because it’s such a cool idea. It comes in two shades — Sultry Black and Smoldering Brown. I like the brown because I rarely wear black eyeliner. It’s two severe on me. This is very dark, so it does give a dramatic look. It does take a little work to make a nice line, but it looks pretty on!
I have been wearing this mascara for a couple of weeks and am loving it. It’s a volumizing mascara that dramatically defines, lengthens, and instantly lifts for fuller looking, ultra-black lashes minus any clumps. I love it for an every day look, but it can be built up for more drama!
Sorry that this is so blurry! You can see the shade though. It’s a plumping and hydrating lip balm that blooms to your custom shade by reacting with the pH level of your lips. This comes in four shades, this one is Glowing, it’s a beautiful mauvey nude shade on me. It has a light plumping effect. The size of this is huge for a balm, but it will last a long time.
This is a gorgeous lightweight cream luminizer in Venus, a nude glow shade. The formula blends out easily, delivering a sheer, shimmering finish perfect for all skin tones, and feels refreshing on. I like to use it before I powder my face, it works well under powder highlighter. And it looks gorgeous on shoulders and decollete.
The two shades on the left are the plumping lip cream in White Russian (Nude Pink) and Hot Toddy (toasty nude). This is such a beautiful product. This one doesn’t have a shimmer and it is very glossy. A unique peptide and hyaluronic acid booster helps to plumps your pout to new levels, while hyaluronic spheres moisturize and fill. Vitamins A and E provide lasting moisture for soft lips. This feels and looks amazing on!
On the right is the bestselling plumping lip gloss. This is in the color Dolly which is a shimmering mauve. It’s really pretty on and does plump my lips! It is high that boldly plumps the appearance of lips with a tantalizing tingle in a high-shine, shimmering finish.
This palette has six matte suede eyeshadows. It contains primer-infused technology to help keep color locked in place. Shades include:
Social Scene (matte mocha)
Trendsetter (matte putty)
Hot or Yacht (matte ash)
Beachfront (matte sand)
Invite Only (matte terracotta)
Cashmere Craving (matte almond)
This is the first time that I’ve tried Buxom shadows. These are really pretty and are very easy to blend. You can use them alone for a soft or smoky look, or with a metallic shadow or pigment for some shimmer on top. And you can open it and change out the shades. Single shadows are available to be purchased for the compact.
I am really loving these products! Have you tried anything by Buxom? What products do you like?
Happy Monday! I was recently sent Flower Beauty products for my honest review. Flower Beauty was founded by Drew Barrymore to give women the best quality makeup at affordable prices.
I haven’t reviewed Flower Beauty for a few years, and have been wanting to try some of their current products.
I was so excited to try this foundation! I’ve heard really good things about it. Light Illusion Liquid Foundation ($13.99 USD) — This claims to have buildable coverage, while imparting your skin with the most flattering soft luminosity imaginable. All with a weightless, nude skin feel. Imperfections and uneven skintone are diminished. Only a flawless, smooth, and incredibly natural complexion is revealed.
I do really like this! I received the four lightest shades (above) They all kind of look the same in the bottle. But they are different. Right now my perfect shade is a mixture of Ivory L2 and Nude L3. The L2 is a bit light and the L3 is a bit warm, so together, they are perfect! I think Warm Beige L4 will work when I faux tan, and I’l probably give Porcelain L1 to my daughter.
This is about medium coverage, which I like. I don’t enjoy full coverage, it feels like I’m wearing a mask. It does have a little bit of an illumination, but it doesn’t make my skin shiny. My skin has felt dry lately, and this is so comfortable on. And it lasts for hours, too!
Available in 12 skin-perfecting shades.
I love trying new concealers. These are the Flower Beauty Light Illusion Full Coverage Concealer ($9.99 USD). This contains blurring pigments to help diffuse dark circles under the eyes. It’s full coverage, dries down quickly and gives a hint of illumination. The formula contains an infusion aloe, chamomile extract and caffeine.
The shades above are Fair on the left and Light on the right. I am using Fair now and will probably use Light in the summer, when I have a bit of a tan. Four darker shades are also available.
FLOWER Beauty’s Seal The Deal Long-Lasting Setting Spray ($12.99 USD) creates a sweat-proof & rub-resistant barrier that maintains your makeup for a fresh just-applied look that lasts all day. The invisible formula will keep your skin looking beautifully matte all day long.
This has a fine mister and feels so good when applied. I have noticed that it helps keep my makeup fresh. I’ll probably use it more in the summer, when it’s hot and humid and I need to mattify. My skin is usually a little dry, but not in the Kansas City summers!
Lift & Sculpt Contouring Palette ($14 USD) is the perfect all-in-1 tool to define your face in a flash! The powders blend easily and layer together seamlessly for a professional sculpted effect.
I have the Light to Medium kit. I believe it’s also available in Medium to Deep. Here are swatches:
The bronzer and blush are a bit powdery and there’s some kick up in the pan. They are really pretty, though, and look nice on my cheeks. The highlighter is gorgeous! It’s a creamy powder and can be very blinding!
FLOWER Beauty’s Petal Pout Lip Colors ($8.99 USD) Pure color pigments apply smoothly, while conditioning & protecting lips with healthy antioxidants. Available in a soft matte and cream finish that wear comfortably all day long. With a spectrum of luxurious shades from bold to nearly nude, there is a perfect shade for every look and occasion.
I love the packaging of these, and all of the Flower Beauty products. They are an amazing mix of fun and elegance.
The shades are 015 Peachy Nude, a cream and 120 Fuchsia Flush, a matte. Peachy Nude is more my shade, because I like lighter colors. The formula is very hydrating. The matte one is nice, too. I might pick that up in a lighter shade. There is a matte color called Naked Blush that looks amazing!
Flower Beauty is available at Ulta Stores and Ulta.com
Have you tried anything by Flower Beauty? What’s your fave Flower Beauty product?
First, I want to say that I got all of these amazing products on sale at Colourpop! Today is the last day for the sale. Almost all items are 20%, 30% or 40% off. So shop now!
I had a little bit of Christmas money left (after buying tons for others), so I decide to take advantage of this sale. I purchased on Christmas Day, and the Golden State of Mind palette was free if you spent $50. So I did!
I mostly went for eye shadow palettes because Colourpop’s palettes are stunning and affordable! I only had Yes, PIease! (reviewed here) and She (review coming) before these new beauties.
I haven’t swatched these yet, so let me know is you would like a review of any of these products.
Here are the items I chose:
LEGIT AF Highlighter Trio ($24 on sale for $14.40) — These Super Shock Highlighters include Over the Moon a sheer opalescent pearl with hot pink and violet glitters, Spoon A light silver champagne with multi-dimensional glitter and Wisp a golden champagne with gold pearls. They are all really pretty, but quite a bit of glitter!
BRINK Lippie Stix ($5 on sale for $4) — This looks darker than I thought it would be. It’as a matte terracotta rose, so it is really pretty. I love how hydrating these lippie sticks are, even with the matte finish.
YOU HAD ME AT HELLO ($18 on sale for $10.80) — This is the first and maybe only Colourpop eye shadow palette with a mirror. I’ve had my eyes on it for a while because the shades are so gorgeous for day and night! I love the golds, mauves and browns together. They include:
The Knot: metallic cool-toned ivory
Moon Struck: metallic soft gold
Two Peas: matte peachy beige
Candygram: metallic pinky red with gold duochrome
Winning Ticket: matte dusty mauve pink
FBO: metallic pink violet
Look-See: matte cool-toned plum
Fool’s Rush: metallic golden bronze
Pulling Strings: matte warm saddle brown
Want U Back: matte dusty mauve brown
DTR: metallic silvery taupe
Sparks Fly: matte deep plummy brown
I THINK I LOVE YOU ($16 on sale for $12.80) — My 18 year old daughter chose this palette. It is warm and bronzy, but she told me she wanted the yellow-gold shade on the bottom. Maybe it reminders her of Fenty’s Trophy Wife??? Even though it’s hers I might ask if I can play with it, because the colors are super gorgeous! Here are the shades:
Bitter Better: metallic soft gold
Bel Air: matte cool taupe
Fancy Face: metallic bright red copper
Girls Bite: metallic golden bronze
Howdy: metallic red bronze
Rowdy: matte warm ivory
My Treat: metallic champagne ivory
Level Up: metallic bright penny copper
Screw It: metallic soft rose gold
Let’s Do It: matte true black
Rule Breaker: metallic bright yellow gold
My Type: matte deep saddle brown
MY LITTLE PONY PALETTE ($16 on sale for $11.20) — First of all — THIS PACKAGING! So fun and gorgeous! My aforementioned daughter collected the retro My Little Ponies whens she was 3-6 years old, she had so many! This reminds me of that! These shades are colorful and sparkly, just like the toys. I haven’t played with it yet, but I’m looking forward to it. I think it will be really fun for spring. Shades are:
Butterscotch: white with subtle pink violet opalescent sheen
Blossom: metallic peach with pink and gold duochrome finish
Starshine: metallic golden tangerine
Bluebell: satin golden ivory
Applejack: matte dusty red violet
Skydancer: metallic bright icy lavender
Minty: matte cool-toned fuchsia
Flutterbye: matte true pastel peach
Twilight: satin deep blackened violet
Firefly: metallic silvery baby blue
Snuzzle: metallic icy white with opalescent blue duochrome
Princess Sparkle: metallic rich smokey turquoise
GOLDEN STATE OF MIND ($26 on sale for $15.60) — this is one that is also sold on Sephora.com. This is a really glittery palette, all shimmers and glitters! This formula is really creamy and I find it best applied with my fingers or a damp brush. I received this free with my $50 purchase.
Golden Egg: pinky beige with turquoise glitter
Pay the Piper: icy blue
GRLFRND: pink with violet glitter
Zero Clue: vibrant warm yellow
Watch Out: golden ivory with pink glitter
Drizzle: icy baby pink
Uptight: rose gold
Can’t Stop: icy champagne ivory
Sparkler: silvery bronze
Unsupervised: pink champagne
Lust in Time: medium cool rose
Mind Tricks: icy blackened purple
Wing Woman: red brown with green and gold glitter
Heads or Tales: icy cranberry
Tinker Time: blackened antique gold with blue glitter
So that’s my recent Colourpop Haul! I have just starting playing with these beauties, but will probably be review them soon!
Hi all! I wanted to share a few things I picked up during Ulta’s recent 21 Days of Beauty. I didn’t go crazy, which is good. I picked up a couple of things I needed and a couple of impulse buys as well!
I actually shopped in the last couple of days of the sale. I had been tempted buy other items, but I waited for the one main item I wanted to get, Laura Geller’s Balance-n-Brighten Baked Color Correcting Foundation!
I bought this last year in Fair and loved it! I used it up in a few months and hadn’t purchased it since. I have been using other liquid and powder foundations, but this one has been on my mind.
It is so silky and glides across the skin. And I love that it doesn’t settle into my pores. The regular price is $32, but it was on sale for $16.50. Amazing! That’s all I was going to get that day, but then I saw this:
I’ve been wanting to try these for a while and they are so pretty. I think my favorite is Gilded Honey, it will be perfect for Fall, but Ballerina surprised me. It’s really pretty on. I usually wear more ivory highlighters, so these are a nice change! (swatches below)
I ended up also visiting Ulta on the last day of the sale for this mascara!
I’ve been wanting to try this for a while and it did not disappoint. The brush grabs all my lashes and curls and extends them. It also adds so much volume! I think I may have found one to rival my current faves — IT Cosmetics Superhero and L’Oreal Lash Paradise!
I had also seen in the add that this was going to be on sale — but I had the hardest time choosing a shade!
butter LONDON Glazen Eye Gloss in Oil Slick. Normally $24, it was on sale for $12. This was the darkest color in the bunch. I loved that the color shifts in the light. I have swatched it below so you can see.
The texture of this is so weird! It’s like a slimy mousse. I apply it with my finger onto my eye lid. It dries very quickly, so if I want a more dramatic look, I have to layer it.
I have dark, thick brows. The most I usually do with them is tweeze and use clear brow gel. But as I get older, my brows are becoming sparser, so a little color probably should be used. I got shade 4, which is medium to dark brown with a neutral undertone. If I use black brow products, it’s way to dark on my fair skin, so this is very nice. It looks natural on and it easy to use with the brush.
Here are my swatches:
The top row is the Laura Geller Swirled palette in Ballerina, Gilded Honey and Peach Glow. The bottom row is the eyebrow and the Glazen shadow. The first is two layers and the second is one sheer layer.
Did you shop Ulta’s 21 days of Beauty? What did you get?
Tomorrow is the Solar Eclipse! How exciting! Kansas City is in the path. But, I couldn’t find glasses, so I will probably stay inside and experience the darkness without looking directly at it. Then I’ll run outside and check on our animals (goats, chickens, rabbits)!
This week I have been loving a luxe new gel balm cleanser, a mascara that you shake and sandy nude nails:
Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser
Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser ($60 USD) — Fortify, purify and beautify your complexion with Eve Lom Gel Balm Cleanser, an innovative skincare formulation with ameliorative and regenerative properties. This hybrid gel-to-balm solution melts away makeup and impurities before enhancing the skin with intensely moisturising and hydrating active ingredients.
It is formulated with clove oil, utilised for its antiseptic properties, while eucalyptus oil works to banish toxins and purify the complexion. Energizing Egyptian chamomile oil works alongside shea butter to enhance the skin’s moisture levels. Grapeseed oil is included for the regulation of oil production, maintaining a healthy balance of natural oils while antioxidants defend against environmental stressors. Emulsifying lecithin and botanical extracts such as argan oil and olive oil soothe and nourish, establishing a radiant complexion.
What I think: This cool new cleanser feels so good on! The natural oils and extracts cleanses my skin well and keep it hydrated throughout the day. I love that I’m doing something good for my skin!
Purchase at spacenk.com
Rimmel London Shake It Fresh Mascara
Rimmel London Shake It Fresh Mascara ($6.99 USD) — The freshest mascara on the block that won’t dry out or cause clumps. Shake it up to keep it fresh from start to finish. Rock ultra-smooth, clump-free volume from first to last use.
First-to-market Shake-Shake technology makes Shake It Fresh Mascara last longer than normal mascara. Patented shaker system refreshes the formula when needed. Formula stays good as new and clump free from first to last day of use. Volume Defining brush with flexible fibers adds volume and separates lashes from corner to corner for a mess-free, defined look. Enjoy flawless, clump-free, smudge-free volume with every application. Shades: Extreme Black, Black and Very Black
What I think: This is a really fun mascara to use. I shake it before each use to freshen the product. It applies really smoothly without clumps. I use about two or more coats to get the length and volume I need.
Purchase at mass market retailers near you.
Sally Hansen Color Therapy sandy nudes ($8.99 USD) — Color that cares while you wear. Intensive nourishment for healthy looking nails. Up to 10 days fade-proof, Chip-Resistant Wear. 9 out of 10 Women experienced a noticeable improvement in their natural nails.
What I think: I love nude nails all year round. They are fresh and classic looking. Color Therapy is one of my favorite polishes because it covers well, lasts for days and leave my nails looking healthy after removal!
Wanting a new fall look? No7 has come out with some amazing skin care and cosmetics to change up your look for the fall!
I was sent the following products to test for my honest opinion. They are all affordable and perform very well:
No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence
No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi-Action Serum ($33.99 (30mL) and $43.99 (50mL) -This serum has five clinically proven results for the face and neck. It adresses concerns of wrinkles, face firmness, and neck crepiness, and is targeted towards women in their 50s and 60s. The serum’s building block technology features the protein-strengthening ingredient Matrixyl 3000 Plus complex found in No7’s existing serum ranges, along with an additional complex of Calcium Amino Acids and Ceramides to help boost epidermal strength.
What I think: I always apply serum in the morning and evening before moisturizer, so I was happy to try this one. I haven’t been using it for long, but I have found that my skin tone seems clearer and smoother. I’m using it on my neck, too and it seems a little firmer. The formula is very hydrating and a little goes a long way.
Available at select Walgreens stores, Walgreens.com, Ulta, Ulta.com, Target and Target.com in September.
No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence
No7 Youthful Vitamin C Fresh Radiance Essence ($24.99 USD) — Smooth and even out skin tone with this new essence and its innovative delivery system. This breakthrough product guarantees to leave skin looking brighter and healthier than ever. In a recent study, 93% of women agreed their skin looked brighter after just two weeks! After first use, skin feels softer, refreshed and more radiant through use of the potent Vitamic C raw ingredient.
What I think: To use this product, you mix the powder in with the essence. This is a glowy combo! I like using it at night and in the morning my skin looks smooth and bright.
Available at Target, Target.com, Ulta, and select Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in July.
No7 City Light Tinted Moisturizer
No7 City Light Tinted Moisturizer ($14.99 USD) — City-proof your skin this summer. This skin-perfecting tinted moisturizer not only quenches thirsty skin, but is full of skin loving ingredients and No7s innovative Double Defense technology, designed to boost the skin’s natural defenses and neutralize damaging free radicals. Available in three shades: Fair, Medium, and Medium/Dark.
What I think: This multitasker is a great combo of skincare and coverage. It’s sheer when applied, but covers really well and leaves skin smooth and with a subtle glow. It doesn’t look like I’m wearing any foundation! It also has SPF 15 to protect skin.
Available at Ulta.com, Walgreens.com, Ulta, select Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in July, available in Target and on Target.com in August.
No7 Lash Impact Ultra Instant False Lash Volume Mascara ($10.99 USD) — Push your lashes to their highest potential. With a creamy texture and unique application brush, this mascara will last all day and night. Available in two shades: Black, Brown/Black
What I think: This mascara not only gives great volume, it curls and lengthens my lashes, too. This definitely gives a dramatic look!
Purchase “Black” at Ulta.com, Walgreens.com, Ulta, select Walgreens and Duane Reade locations. “Brown/Black” at Walgreens.com, select Walgreens and Duane Reade locations in July.
No7 Stay Perfect Eye Shadow Collection
Achieve flawless eyelids that look perfectly smooth and velvety soft with the new No7 Stay Perfect Eye Shadow Palettes & Trios. With these eyeshadows, you’ll have options that will last you from day to night, without having to worry about fading or creasing. Palettes ($14.99 USD)– Available in two shade ranges: nude and smoky. Trios ($9.99 USD)– available in eight shade ranges: Plum, Warm Nudes, Golden Sands, Smokey Grey, Cool Nudes, Emerald Stones, High Seas, and Pink Blossom
What I think: All of these palettes and trios give a mixture of shimmer and matte shades to create pretty fall eye looks. The trios are fun because they can fit in a purse or small makeup bag and can give lots of different looks. The palettes are very pretty and have great color selections. The pigments are pretty good, they can be layered for more “wow”.
Available at Target, Target.com, Ulta, Ulta.com, and select Walgreens and Duane Reade Locations
I am so excited about spring makeup this year! The shades are fresh, but bold, too!
I was lucky to be sent Jane Iredale’s Spring 2017 collection for my honest review. This collection is launching March 13th, but there will be a sneak peak of the products on the brand site now. This gathering of peachy, rosy radiance pays homage to Mother Earth’s natural tones and celebrates individual radiance with complementary eye, lip and cheek shades for spring.
Here is the breakdown of the new shades from left to right in the photo above:
PurePressed Eye Shadow Triples ($30 USD) — From elegant to edgy, these silky, richly-pigmented, long-lasting and easily blended eye shadows can create any look. They are crease-resistant and long-lasting, plus they are gentle and safe for sensitive eyes.
New Shades:
Soft Kiss—a matte, warm mauve, shimmery port wine and shimmery smoky brown
PureMoist Lipsticks ($25 USD) — Vivid pigments blend with nourishing natural oils and fruit extracts for petal-soft lips that feel, look and taste amazing. Proven soothing properties of Moringa Butter saturate the lips with vitamins A and C, while Coffee Seed Extract infuses with even more antioxidant protection.
New Shades:
Susan—a soft cool pink
Lisa—a creamy rose
In Touch Cream Blush ($27 USD) — Glide on this moist, cream-to-powder blush stick for soft, dewy and completely natural looking radiance. Key Ingredients: Macadamia Esters hydrate and soothe, Beeswax gives antimicrobial protection
New Shade:
Candid—a warm, rosy neutral
Bronzer Refill ($44 USD) — For a sunny glow, this bronzer contains four hues that can be mixed and matched for an all-over sun-kissed look. Sweep across eyes, lips and cheeks for contouring, highlighting or all-over radiance.Pair with our sleek refillable compact, sold separately for $18.
New Shade:
Peaches & Cream—four luxurious, warm peachy and pink hues with shimmer
All of these colors are so gorgeous! The eye shadows are so fresh for spring, and are a nice departure from all of the nude shadow palettes out there! The lip colors are bold for spring and give a pop of color. I love applying the rosy cream blush to the apples of my cheeks then the peachy bronzer/highlighter on top. Gorgeous!
Do you love the natural products of jane iredale? Are you planning on picking some of these gorgeous products up?
IT Cosmetics IT’s Your Top 5 Superstars and More! 6-piece Holiday Set ($59.99 USD) — This amazing deal is good for one day only, November 12, 2016!
This exclusive six-piece collection features the products IT girls has said are most life-changing for them, plus a groundbreaking new brush:
Bye Bye Under Eye™ Concealer covers everything without creasing or cracking
Celebration Foundation Illumination™ gives you a flawless-looking glow in just 30 seconds
Brow Power™ Pencil to create your most beautiful brows
Superhero™ Mascara to transform your lashes
Je Ne Sais Quoi™ Lip Treatment to awaken your lips with a youthful-looking pop of color.
NEW Heavenly Skin™ Full-Coverage Foundation Brush does the work for you to deliver an airbrushed finish!
I love these products! I have tried all of them before (besides the amazing new brush), and they truly are superstars! Bye Bye Under Eye is my favorite concealer because it is full coverage but looks really natural on, as does the Celebration Foundation Illumination. The foundation covers so well and gives a little glow, but not shimmer.
Superhero is my holy grail mascara at the moment, it leaves lashes thick and long! And the lip treatment gives a hint of color with tons of hydration.
The new brush is so cool! I love the swirling bristle pattern. Like IT’s previous brushes, its soft to the touch and picks up product so well!
Are you going to pick this up? These products are definitely worth this deal! All IT products are such high quality, you can’t lose!
From Left to Right — Luster, Laguna, Orgasm a Dulce Vita. I love all of these products! Laguna is such a gorgeous blusher and all three blushes are so pretty! The powders are very easy to blend.
So pretty! I love Laura Geller’s packaging!
Forty, Flirty & Fabulous 