My Top 5 Favorite Nail Polishes

Although I'm not a huge nail fanatic, I have a decent sized nail polish collection. These are my top nail polishes that you'll most likely be seeing me wearing in all my videos/pictures. Keep in mind, I'm a huge fan of the light pink/nude nail polish look. I find that it makes fingers look longer and clean.

1. Sally Hansen Insta-Dri in Petal Pusher

2. OPI Sweetheart

3. Barry M Nail Paint in Navy

4. Sephora by OPI in Personal Shopper

5. Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Pedal to the Metal

Don't count the miles/Count the I love yous

I think I should start out this blog post with an explanation. I've been gone from the youtube and blogging sphere for a very long time (about a month). But, honestly, my only excuse is, I've been busy. And this is completely true. I've been busy with applications to college and with various other applications. Besides this, I've been using up my time by spending more time in extracurriculars, friends and with just myself. It has been so nice to have a break but, I'm back!

I've been dabbling around with my shopping lately: just buying a few things here and there. So, I decided to do a haul on my first video back (because I know everyone loves a good haul). This haul is decently sized, considering it's over about a month period of time. I have my thoughts on most of these products because I've tried out almost all of them.

• YSL Parisenne Perfume, 1oz. 
• Fusion Beauty "Sculpt Diva" Blush with Amplifat in Cherub
• Smith's Rosebud Lipbalm
• Tokidoki Roberry Palette
• NARS eyeshadow in Night Sun
• Bare Escentuals eyeshadow duo in the Ephiphany
• Ellis Faas Glossy Lip Lipglosses in 301, 303 and 308
• NYC Eyelash Curler
• NYC Curling Mascara
• Sephora Ribbon Hair ties

On a side note, The song reference is Miles by Christina Perri if you didn't get it. These lyrics are just so good. Read through them and listen to the song when you get the chance.
"I’m scared today, more than I told you I was yesterday
Give me a moment to catch my breath
And hold me every second left

Proud of me, that’s the only way I want you to be
Look at me and love what you see
I won’t make it alone, I need something to hold

Kiss me on my shoulder, and tell me it’s not over
I promise to always come home to you
Remind me that I’m older to be brave, smart, sweet, and bolder
And don’t give up on what we’re trying to do
Don’t count the miles, count the “I love you”s

We made it out, and all the other people are asking how
This doesn’t even sound like truth to grow from a bruise
But one day we will realize how hard it was, how hard we tried
And how our hearts made it out alive

Kiss me on my shoulder, and tell me it’s not over
I promise to always come home to you
Remind me that I’m older to be brave, smart, sweet, and bolder
And don’t give up on what we’re trying to do
Don’t count the miles, count the “I love you”s

And these are words I wished you said
But that’s not how it went
‘Cause you gave up on us in the end
And I won’t make it alone, I need something to hold

Kiss me on my shoulder, and tell me it’s not over
I promise to always come home to you
Remind me that I’m older to be brave, smart, sweet, and bolder
And don’t give up on what we’re trying to do
Kiss me on my shoulder, and tell me it’s not over
I promise to always come home to you
Remind me that I’m older to be brave, smart, sweet, and bolder
And don’t give up on what we’re trying to do
Don’t count the miles, count the “I love you”s "

Your words are the most beautiful to my ears;

I just wanted to share the pictures of a makeup tutorial I'll upload shortly - it's for rainbow liner. I edited this pictures so my skin looks really weird but, the colors are really true to color. So yay me! (Suite Life reference)

Bare Study Paintpot (base)
Sleek Makeup Palette in Storm (as lid and crease color)
Almay Liquid liner in black
BH Cosmetics 120 palette in v. 3
Almay Get up and Grow Mascara

Besides this, I also wanted to share something I've been thinking about lately. We have to write these journal things in English class and he just lets us write whatever we want for about 10 minutes, twice a week. It's pretty relaxing but, somehow all my journal entries come out really depressing. But, I was just thinking about how people automatically assume, somewhere in their brains that beautiful people are good people. And, I mean seriously, if you honestly think about it, aren't we all really, really superficial? It's kind of disgusting honestly. I wish I wasn't this way.
(more pictures and a song I really like after the jump)

Read more »

Please don't lie to me. Look me in the eyes, tell me you love me.

This is just a quick face of the day (FOTD) that I filmed a quick tutorial on. I have no idea if I'm going to post it up because it was so "all over the place". But, here are some pictures I have from the film; thought I might as well share these. 

Oh, and an added note to the title, isn't it the worst when someone lies to you/hides things from you? 

The "deer caught in headlights" look

I used the Sleek storm palette (you can get these in the UK). I chose to use the two matte browns and one shimmery color on the center of my lid. I used the lighter brown on my lid and the darker in my crease with a 217. I added a liquid liner that was slightly dried out (therefore the grey-black effect) and a black mascara (Smashbox's Lash DNA). After, I used the blush I always use (MAC's Giggly) and Benefit's benetint. I thought this look would be great for pictures/anytime because of the overload of matte shades (which tend to photograph well). I might wear this for my senior pictures. I'd probably redefine my eyebrows and add a little more darkness to my lashline if I were wearing this for my pictures. Otherwise, I'd totally wear this for everyday. I've kinda fallen in love with this palette. If I had one palette for a year, it'd be this one. 

The "I'm so cool I can laugh" look

The "awkward glassy looking right eye" look

The Smiley look (and don't forget the awkward ear and apparent dimples -that I don't have)

The "I want candy" look

Wet n' Wild Trio in Walking on Eggshells

The Wet n' Wild Trio in Walking on Eggshells ($2.99 for 0.12 oz) consists of three shades - a shimmery cream "Browbone" shade, a warm mid toned shimmery brown ("Crease") and a shimmer pink toned champagne (more pink, then than) which is the "eyelid" shade.These shadows are all  soft and smooth and have a shimmery texture. I've used this on a variety of different people (including myself) and have seen great results. The eyelid shade isnt' overly shimmery and is extremely comparable to Stila's Kitten (it's a tad darker than Kitten and is less chunky in terms of glitter content). I find this trio to be extremely versatile and wearable. I've worn this trio for a few months straight before (with some mascara and a little bit of eyeliner). The crease shade is not the most dramatic color yet, it's gold brown undertones make it ideal for emphasizing a glow.

Final Thoughts: As most Wet n' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadows are, this palette is very much so worth it. The shadows are smooth and are shimmery without being grainy. This is definitely my most used of all my eyeshadow palettes from wet n' wild. None of these eyeshadows are lacking in pigmentation.

Overall Grade: A-
Packaging: 7/10
Value: 9/10
Pigmentation: 9/10
Quality: 8/10

(more pictures and swatches after the jump)

Read more »

Wet n' Wild 6 Pan Palette in Lust and Greed

These 6 pan palettes ($4.99 for 0.25 oz) consist of 3 matte shades and 3 shimmery shades. Although at first glance, they are not very complementary, surprisingly these palettes work extremely well together. There are enough light, mid toned and dark shades to create multiple looks with one palette. Greed contains a matte cream (similar to MAC's Vanilla), a matte, warm, pink toned orange, and a matte black. The black is definitely one of the richest, smoothest matte blacks (perfect for eyeliner or setting eyeliners) on the market. In my opinion, this black boosts up the value of the whole palette. On the other side, there is a surprisingly gold flecked, silver, a gold toned pink (looks more gold on the lids) and a shimmery black. Each palette comes with a foam applicator and awkwardly shaped angled eyeshadow brush (that I find useless). The Lust palette contains more purple shades, and I do find that although I have been using "Greed" more often, Lust has been the more loved sibling. It contains a creamy matte purple toned pink (similar to MAC's Yogurt), a matte mid toned "grape" purple, a matte plum, a shimmery cream (shimmer is not very noticeable, similar to the cream shade in Greed with shimmers in pan), a metttalic grey with only a slight pearlized sheen and a deep plum with red glitters (similar to MAC's Beauty Marked). As a general statement, the matte shades are surprisingly creamy and are more pigmented than the shimmery shades. I do find that some of the shimmery shades are lacking in pigmentation and staying power. When used on the eyes, I do find that the matte shades tend to look better and stay longer.

Final Thoughts: The palettes are a bang for their buck, especially if they're what you're looking for. I've created dozens of looks with these palettes (videos and blog posts down below) and find that they're really one of the best types of drugstore eyeshadows out there. The con is that there is a LOT of fall out.

Overall Grade: B+
Packaging: 7/10 
Value: 9/10
Pigmentation: 7/10
Quality: 6/10


(a LOT of swatches after the jump!)

Read more »

It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer - Neutral Medium

The It Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer ($24.00 for 0.28 fl.oz) is one this brands most famous products (go figure!). You can purchase it here. These are the claims this company makes.

Working hand in hand with the leading plastic surgeons in Brazil, It Cosmetics introduces Bye Bye Under Eye, a full coverage, highly pigmented concealer utilizing truly innovative technology and ingredients – giving women the power to finally say “bye bye” to those stubborn under-eye issues!

Bye Bye Under Eye offers a waterproof, yet moisturizing formula that will stay put no matter what. The truly innovative formula contains high concentrations of Vitamins K, A, C, E and Collagen - clinically proven to reduce under eye puffiness and discoloration while strengthening the delicate skin of the under eye area.

These are the major claims that this concealer makes. These are extremely high claims - a full coverage, waterproof concealer that also reduces puffiness and strenghtens your under eye area? That sounds like a miracle concealer. I honestly can not say that it has improved my eye area that much. But, I don't use this concealer consistently. I have been using this concealer on and off (partly because I don't need concealer 24/7) for about one month now. I have personally found that this concealer applies best with a brush (maybe a traditional concealer brush or a fluffy eye brush like the MAC 217 or 222) and that when you try to blend this concealer out with your fingers it tugs at the delicate eye area. The concealer is made a drier and tackier texture than your traditional concealers. ....
the rest of the review and swatches after the jump!

Read more »

ELF Hypershine Gloss (Blossom) - Review and Swatches

The ELF Hypershine Gloss in the color blossom (which can be purchased here or at Target locations) is a sheer, orange toned pink lipgloss. It has a sheer, creme finish and is more clear than anything. Also, the color itself in the tube, is an peach, orange, pink color. It isn't very complex and can probably be found in many different other places (dupes) but then again, this color can dupe many higher end products. Although I do find creme finish lipglosses the most flattering type of lipgloss, they are some of the most common types. It is not especially glossy. The smell is a mix of vanilla and some sort of old children's candy. Although it is not the most appealing scent, it is not the worst scent in the world. Although some despise the pen applicator type packaging, I personally have a strange liking for it. Although the buildup of bacteria is extremely valid, that is not a huge issue for me. Any sort of makeup will have bacteria buildup in it honestly, whether it is a wand applicator or a sort of powder. It is not going to be particularly harmful, so I don't see any honest problems medically with this sort of packaging. I like it, for some odd reason, because when I was younger, I thought this type of packaging and the pot lipglosses/lipsticks were the coolest thing since slice bread - seriously. I would search all over for some types of lipglosses in this packaging. Now that I'm older, I can't bring myself to hate this type of packaging. The packaging feels less cheap than the rest and I've had another color of this type of gloss for a year or so, and the packaging held up well. I had it in the color joy, if you're wondering. In terms of quality of gloss and stickiness, it is only slightly sticky -but take into account that it is not particularly pigmented nor glossy. Also, it's staying power is below average. Way below average - I'd say about 2 hours maximum. This color is comparable to a bunch of other pink creme finish glosses - yet I can't think of one exactly. If I do, I'll edit this post and add those glosses that I think are very similar.

Packaging: 6/10

Final Thoughts: I'd say, overall, this is a good to average gloss. It offers nothing special when compared to high end glosses or even drugstore glosses yet, consider the cheap price tag. Prepare for sheer color, an only slightly glossy finish, and not much stickiness. I'd recommend this gloss to the gloss lovers out there who love a non sticky gloss but, do remember that sticky glosses mean staying power.

ELF Custom Quads - The Quad, Eyeshadows in Pink Ice and Moondust

These ELF custom quads ($1 at here or Target locations) are extremely handy little compacts. The outside of this compact which holds 4 MAC sized eye shadows or any of the ELF custom compact lip/cheek/eye products is a white plastic material that is surprisingly sturdy. The only logo on it is a silver "Eyeslipsface" logo on the front, center of the packaging. This features a large mirror that will definitively satisfy any travel makeup touch ups/needs. Besides this, the underside of where you'd place the magnets is also mirrored. It comes with a small dual ended generic eye shadow applicator and lip brush. I've never used this, but I'm sure the quality isn't pristine. I've found this packaging to be sturdier than my MAC quad (shown in comparision in pictures below). I'd honestly say there are no downfalls to this quad. I've owned one for over a year and have seen no quality faults or major problems with it as of yet. It is still going strong.

Product: 9/10
Packaging: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Pigmentation: N/A

Final Thoughts: This is a great quad to store your eye shdaows in. It is considerably sturdier and cheaper ($1 v. $6) than the MAC quads. Turn to this for travel makeup purposes to store any shadows that are 26mm.

The ELF Pink Ice Eyeshadow (can be found at similar locations as the quad itself) is a shimmery, baby pink ice shadow with noticeable gold shimmer/glitters in it. Although the glitters themself are not overly large, the shadow itself has an extremely powdery, almost chunky feel. I also find that this shadow applies with a decent amount of pigmentation. Yet, like with most cheaper eye shadows, this particular shadow has less pigmentation when applied to the lid and looks almost matte because of its powdery texture. I also find that the fallout is considerable. I use this shadow as a highlight shade instead of a lid color (as some would believe it to be used as). Becuase of its matte looking finish and more powdery texture, I find that this is applied most smoothly and looks best right under the brow bone when applied with a fluffy brush (like a fluffy angled brush - MAC ). It does finish off my look nicely and I have turned to this shadow for a natural brow bone highlight. Other than for this purpose, I have found no other use for this shadow. I had expected to use it as a lid shadow, and obviously this didn't happen. This shade does not appear true to its pan shade on the lid. These shadows all stay in the ELF Quad well, and I've had no problems with them falling out. This means that the magnets are securely in place. There are no shadows in my collection that are completely like this shadow but, I'd say it is similar in versaility to Naked Lunch by MAC except that shadow is more golden, and more shimmery. Also, a Yogurt by MAC eyeshadow dupe in the Wet n' Wild Lust Palette is similar in finish to this shadow except it is more pigmented and silkier in texture.

Product: 4/10
Packaging: 4/10
Value: 5/10
Pigmentation: 2/10

Final Thoughts: Although this is certinaly not the best eye shadow in the world, it does its job. It effectively highlights my brow bone although I do see many of its down falls such as powderiness and light pigmentation. The quality on this eye shadow really doesnt shine through completely. Yet, I do see this as a decent brow highlight yet, I do not turn to this shadow often.

The ELF Eyeshadow in Moondust (can be purchased at similar places) is a mid toned brown with a silver sheen. This shadow is of a slightly higher quality than the Pink Ice shadow featured above. But, the sheen (or shimmers) does not show up when applied on the lid. I do find that this shadow is less chalky, and has a less powdery texture. Yet, pigmentation is not much better and I do find that the texture is more a hard, almost dry feeling texture. I know it unusual to describe powder shadows as creamy vs. dry yet, I know plenty of eye shadows that are just these things. Quite honestly, there is nothing very unique about this shadow. It appears just to be a cool toned, matte textured, medium brown shadow with a slight powderiness to its texture. I do not use this shadow often. But, when I do, I use it as a crease shadow, and in the outer V if I want a particularly natural look. When you use a shadow in your crease or outer V to darken the look and add dimension to your eyes, looking for creamy, blendable shadows is key. This shadow was dry in the fact that it did not blend easily and only after vigirous blending with a MAC 224 did it blend out. I was not particularly pleased with this shadow but, there is nothing to complain about other than the cons I mentioned before.

Product: 3/10
Packaging: 4/10
Value: 4/10
Pigmentation: 3/10

Final Thoughts: Although a passable shadow for beginners, or those simply looking to use this a few times, I'd say pass on this shadow and pick up something a few dollars more expensive for better everything. The quality really just wasn't there.

(more pictures and swatches of these products after the jump)

Read more »

ELF Lipstick (Seductive) - Review and Swatches

The ELF Lipstick in the shade Seductive (sold here and at Target locations for $1) is a mid toned pink toned coral. It has a matte finish with neither glitters nor gloss when applied to the lips. The texture is slightly dry but isn't overall dry to the point where your lips feel as if they will flake off. It is a typical texture of a matte lipstick but, I didn't expect it to be a matte. Although the finish is not described on the packaging nor the website, I had assumed a cheaper lipstick would not be created in a matte formula. I was surprised by the finish it gives but I am not upset over the finish because I rather like it. The color is darker than my more pigmented lips so, if you are extremely pale and have quite pale lips, this color may looks slightly drastic on you. Also, remember, that this is a warm toned coral with a lot of pink undertones in it. Pink works on most skin tones but I'd personally reccomend this for warmer skin tones because it seems to give the opposite effect on me of what a cool toned lavender would do. It is surprisingly pigmented for its price where there is only slight streakiness sometimes. Although this product is not like a smooth creemsheen product from MAC or a YSL lipstick (because of its matte texture), and it does slightly tug at your lips if you try to glide it on, it does have a satisfactory texture and finish. I do like the color on my own skin tone - it's like an enhancement to my own lip color. The packaging, like the rest of these dollar ELF products, is poor. I find that the top of my lipstick gets smashed against the top of the cap a lot because the lipstick easily twists while closed. Also, this lipstick has opened a few times in my bag- making a slight mess. I find that the smell is of a sort of artificial fruity/watermelon type and is very refreshing but, I could see some people disliking it. By looks, the packaging is just a sleek silver package yet, I feel as if the twisting mechanisms may come off its hinges one day and break. I saw that it was somewhat similar to MAC's Viva Glam Cyndi but that lipstick has a lustre finish and is more red toned.

Product: 5/10
Packaging: 2/10
Value: 6/10
Pigmentation: 5/10

Final Thoughts:  All, in all a great lipstick for those looking for a value lipstick. It has a matte finish which slightly tugs at your lips. I'd recommend this to beginners or those who don't want to spend the money on a more adventurous color like a coral although, I do not believe this color is very intense or different from many other colors out there.


(swatches and more pictures after the jump)

Read more »

ELF Day 2 Night Quad - Review and Swatches

The ELF Day 2 Night Quad (Can be found here or at various Target locations for $1) is an eyeshadow quad with four neutral, slightly smokey shades. It includes a shimmery gold pearlized off white, a dark, deepened purple with a definite sheen and slight multicolored micro-glitters, a black with a slight silver shimmer and an extremely shimmery medium-light taupe shade. I find that only some of these shadows reach my standards. The shimmery off white and the taupe shade have an obviously different finish yet, are very similar in finish to each other. They are more shimmery, pearlized and are a lot softer to the touch and when applied. I find these are also more pigmented but have a lot of fall out. I find that I need about three or four layers of the taupe shade with a MAC 239 on my lids to reach the opacity I like. These shadows are easy to blend but, I do find that they blend away a little too easily. In terms of the two middle shades (purple and black) I find that they are tougher when swatched on my hands and are a lot harder to blend out when used as a crease color or an outer color shade. These shades are also less pigmented and I find them almost an annoyance to use when I try them out. They do not blend easily enough and the finish when applied to the lid is matte. The black appears more like a darker grey on the lids.  I find that when I used my ELF eyeshadow primer these shadows lasted for about 5 hours without fading. When I used my bare study paintpot from MAC, they lasted slightly longer at about 6 hours. These shadows are some of the cheapest shadows you can find - they are $1 for 4 different shades. I do find that the packaging is slightly flimsy and is made out of a cheap plastic material. The lid seems very flimsy and the given applicator is scratchy. Although they are smaller than most shadows in quads - there is no specific .oz given on the packaging or the website. The taupe shade is lighter than MAC's Satin Taupe and less purple. It is also more pink, and slightly lighter than Wet n' Wild's Nutty.

Product: 4/10
Packaging: 3/10
Value: 6/10
Pigmentation: 3/10

Final Thoughts:  The two purple and black shades bring down both the pigmentation and product severely. If i simply judged the outer two shades, I would've given the product a 5/10. This is definitely my favorite option and I do not reach for this quad daily - unless I'm looking for these particular shades. If you are looking for some below average yet, overall okay eyeshadow quads for a good price, try these.

(more photos and ingredients after the jump)

Read more »

Reviews and Swatches of my makeup collection

I've decided that I want to start reviewing and swatching all of my makeup for you guys. Not only will it organize my makeup for myself and let me know what I think of each product but, it will also help me realize what I have and don't have. I also think this is helpful for people out there who are thinking about trying products from that brand or so on. I've decided to organize it by brand and then by whether it is an eyes, lips, faces, or a cheek product. I'm not quite sure how I'll organize it all, it's all very confusing to me. I'm still figuring that out. But, it will hopefully be helpful to both you and me!