Two Cream Shadows Perfect for the Holidays: Bobbi Brown Beach Bronze and Galaxy

It's beginning to feel like the Holidays and that makes me sooo excited! I love the spirit in the air, the decorations, holiday parties, not to mention all the delicious sweet and savory foods that are a part of this season. The holidays are usually associated with sparkly gold and silver makeup looks, and I wanted to share two of my favorite cream shadows that follow suit: Bobbi Brown's Long-Wear Cream Shadows in Beach Bronze and Galaxy:

Ok, so Beach Bronze isn't gold, but I think it is an easier shade to work with than gold, and is perfect for the holidays and year round.

L-R: Beach Bronze and Galaxy

These cream shadows are so easy to work with and they really are long-wearing. I went through a phase when the only shadow I was wearing was Beach Bronze on the lid and nothing else. Both shadows are pigmented, but can be blended for a more sheer look. I usually wear these on their own, but they also make good bases in lieu of a primer.

MAC Lady Grey Eyeshadow Quad Review

I professed my love for the MAC Lady Grey eyeshadow quad in my September Favorites post, and here's why: the colors are not your basic browns, but they are still neutral...and I love me a good neutral!

 Clockwise from top left: All Races, Tendersmoke, Hazy Day, Lady Grey

L-R: All Races, Tendersmoke, Hazy Day, Lady Grey

Here is one of my favorite looks, using Lady Grey (the greyish-green shade) on the lid and All Races (the light lavendar) on the browbone as a highlight, and Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Stash on the upper lash line. All Races has a bit of pinky-lavendar to it, but it is so subtle that it just works really well as a highlight, especially when wearing grays and plums on the lid.

Here are a few more easy ways to use this quad:

• Tendersmoke on Lid, All Races on browbone


• Tendersmoke on Lid, Hazy Day in crease, All Races on browbone


• Hazy Day on Lid, All Races on browbone


• All Races on lid and browbone, any of the other 3 colors in the crease


• Any of the above combinations, with a little bit of Texture or Soft Brown in the crease to warm up the look

What do you think?

Battle of the Setting Sprays: MAC Fix+ vs Urban Decay All Nighter

I have been using makeup setting sprays regularly for about 3-4 months now. The two that I have been going back and forth with are the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray and MAC Fix+. Both setting sprays are effective but when it comes time to repurchase, I definitely have a preference.

Features of the Urban Decay All Nighter:

• Helps makeup last all day


• Spray nozzle is concentrated, and sprays quickly and exactly where you want it to spray


• Once sprayed, the product settles on the skin and doesn't get lost in the air


• Fragrance free

Features of the MAC Fix + (Pictured is the rose fragranced version from A Rose Romance collection circa 2009):

• Helps makeup last all day AND it gives skin a natural look, removing all cakiness


• Feels refreshing on the skin, especially if you refrigerate it during the summer


• The product is very misty and stays in the air for a few seconds before settling on the skin, but this also allows for more of a misty feel


• Smells refreshing and clean (or fragranced if you get a fragranced version like the rose one I have)


• Spray nozzle has a locking mechanism that comes in handy for travel

If you couldn't already guess, I much prefer the Fix+. I love how it feels on my skin and how it takes away the cakiness of foundation. Also, I think that the All Nighter makes foundation oxidize quicker, so whenever I use it I always feel like my foundation looks half a shade darker.

What do you think? Have you tried any setting sprays?

Still Searching for a Mascara that Blows my Mind: Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Mascara Review

For about a month or so (on and off) I have been using the Laura Mercier Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara:

I was excited to try this because it of the name (doesn't it sound like it would make your lashes fab?) and the description: 

"dramatically thickens, lengthens, curls and sculpts lashes with each stroke. The lightweight, nutrient-infused formula leaves lashes super-shiny, soft and clump-free all day long."

I think the mascara has potential, but needs some work. I like the brush because it is full and thick, but the mascara formula itself is very goopy. It is thick and clumpy on the brush, on the tube, and on my lashes. I am embarrassed to show you this, since I am very particular and clean with my makeup products, but this mascara just gets all over the place...check out the tube after only 15 or so uses:

Once on my lashes, it does a good job of holding curl and defining the lashes, but it does not thicken or lengthen my lashes at all. Also, since the formula is so clumpy, I have to brush through my lashes with a lash comb EVERY time I use this mascara. Annoying.

Lashes curled with no mascara

With one coat of the Full Blown Volume Lash Building Mascara

If this wasn't so goopy, it might be ok. In that case I would even consider layering 2 or 3 coats, which might give a little more ooh-la-la to my lashes. 

In other news, are you attending any fashion related events in your city? It is currently Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Week in NYC, and there are tons of fashion related events happening here in Philly. Most of them are open to the public and there is a good chance there are similar events occurring in other US cities. I went to one fashion show at my local Macy's and I will be posting about that soon. 

Smashbox Luxe Metallics Glambox Swatches and Review

Smashbox does it again! Remember how much I loved the Smashbox Studio Stash set? I may have found another set I like even more! The Smashbox Luxe Metallics Glambox!! Smashbox releases a glambox set a couple times a year and they literally come in a cubed box:

This Luxe Metallics Glambox has 7 products in it:

- Fusion Soft Lights in Luster

- Blush Rush in Surge

- Eyelights Quad in Luxe

- Full Exposure Mascara Mini in Jet Black (the one pictured above is the full size because I misplaced the mini one that came with this set)

- Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp

- Arced Liner Brush #21 (full size)

- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Gilded Nude

- Lip Enhancing Gloss in Rose Quartz

 Fusion Soft Lights in Luster and Blush Rush in Surge

L-R: Surge blush, Luster Fusion Soft Lights (the 3 individual shades, then all swirled) 

Eyelights Quad in Luxe and Full Exposure Mascara 

Eyelights Quad in Luxe

 

Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp and Arced Liner Brush #21

Lip Enhancing Gloss in Gilded Nude and Rose Quartz

L-R: Jet Set Waterprrof Eye Liner in Vamp, Gilded Nude gloss and Rose Quartz gloss

The kit also includes a pamphlet with instructions on how to create a Bronze Glow look and a Metallic Smoke look:

My fave of the two looks is the Metallic Smoke look, so I tried that look first. I followed the instructions exactly, using only my own foundation, concealer, and brushes.

What I was most excited about in this kit was the Arced Liner Brush #21. I have been wanting a bent liner brush like this for a long time. I have only used it a few times but so far I like it. It is SO much easier to use than a regular liner brush that has a similar brush head but is not bent. However, since I have been using an angled brush (the MAC 208 is my fave) to apply gel/cream liner for many years, this is going to take some getting used to. I was also excited to try out the Blush Rush formula. I was a bit hesitant of the color because it appeared so bright on my hand, but when blended well, it adds a soft pink flush to the cheeks. 

Overall I really like this kit and will be using these products a lot, especially as Fall and the holiday season approach. Speaking of, this would make a great Christmas present! Or if you are like me and have no patience, a great anytime present to yourself! =)

Disclaimer: The products in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Please read my disclaimer for additional information.

Bobbi Brown Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover Review

Lately I have been on a fall-cleaning spree and am trying to use up all my half-used products and trial sizes so that I can make space and get better organized. I just finished up using a trial size Bobbi Brown Instant Long Wear Makeup Remover and wanted to share my thoughts on it:

This is a duo-phase (oil phase and water phase) makeup remover that you have to shake to mix up the phases before getting on a cotton pad. I prefer duo-phase removers because I think oil is necessary in removing long wear eyeliner and mascara. 

Although I used this up, I don't like it enough to repurchase. It does remove long wear makeup, but it kind of smears it around as I rub it on my eye area. I often felt like I had to get some of the makeup off, then use a new cotton pad with more makeup remover in order to remove the makeup that was smeared around. It might work better for those who simply wear regular eyeliner and a bit of shadow and mascara, but I like to use long wear liners and lots of mascara, so this isn't powerful enough for me. 

Do you ever try using up products or do you simply toss them?

Zing Your Under Eye Issues Away - Origins GinZing Eye Cream Review

I know I was supposed to review this a month or so ago.....but you forgive me, right? ::Puppy dog face::

I have been using this Origins GinZing eye cream for the past 3 months and I LOVE it! This is one of my favorite products that I discovered this year. It is a caffeine-infused eye cream that is supposed to de-puff under eye circles and help firm the under eye area. 

The cream itself is very lightweight and blends easily - no tugging or harsh rubbing required. The cream does have a bit of iridescence to it, but it is not appear shiny.

Originz GinZing Eye Cream dabbed on skin and then blended

I only need a small amount of this cream to cover both eyes:

I simply take the amount pictured above with my ring finger and dab it under each eye, then rub it in gently so it gets absorbed. Before I get in to the efficacy of this cream, the things I like are that it does not have a weird fragrance, it gets absorbed in to the skin pretty quickly so you can apply makeup right away, and since I only need a small amount one tub will last me 6+ months (I have been using mine for 3 months and I still have more than half remaining). 

Under eye area with nothing on

Under eye area with Origins GinZing Eye Cream

Under eye area with Origins GinZing Eye Cream and MAC Pro Longwear Concealer

You may notice that since the cream has some luminescence, it does help brighten the under eye area. Thus, if you don't have dark circles you can probably skip concealer. However, the reason I really love this eye cream is that is really does help de-puff the under eye area AND it reduces the appearance of fine lines. But wait, there's more. GinZing Eye Cream is the PERFECT base for concealer. GinZing helps prevent makeup from creasing and fading....and concealer glides effortlessly on to the skin. What more does a gal need from an eye cream? 

I think this is the perfect eye cream for daytime (or both day and evening), and I am now intrigued to try out more Origins products. Any recommendations?

Laura Mercier Shy Pink Lip Stain Review

In the past couple months I have developed a new affinity to lip stains. I like having color on my lips but not having to constantly reapply and worry about the feeling of lipstick. I recently finished my all-time favorite lip stain - MAC's Secret Crush Lip Stain from the Rose Romance collection, so I have been on the hunt for a new one. That hunt led me to the Laura Mercier counter where I found this:

Laura Mercier's Lip Stains are described as having "the visual effect of a stain with the comfort and sheen of a lip gloss." The shade I tried is Shy Pink, a light, berry pink shade that I was hoping would be semi-darkened version of my natural lip shade.  

Left: Swatch of Shy Pink from finger, Right: Swatch of Shy Pink blended

The shade itself is a bit more cool-toned and has some purple in it. It is definitely workable for school/work or a night out. 

Shy Pink in Natural Light

In natural light the shade looks more purple. In artificial light the shade looks more mauve-y. 

Shy Pink with Flash

The description of the product itself is pretty realistic, but I think the name "lip stain" is misleading. Stains are usually products that add pigmentation to the lips and get absorbed by the lips so you don't feel anything. This product is not like that....I can actually feel it on, it doesn't get absorbed, and it will transfer to a glass, mug, husband, etc. That being said, the feeling of the product on the lips goes away in about 45 minutes, but the color will still be there. I guess that is why they call this a stain. It lasts about 2.5 hours on my lips, which is annoying because if you want to reapply you have to use a brush or your finger...why do brands still make lip products in jars?

The pigmentation is pretty good and it is non-sticky. That being said, I would think of this as more as a tinted lip balm, except it is not moisturizing or creamy. It is somewhat of a lipstick in a jar....I think. 

Needless to stay, I am still on the hunt for my next favorite lip stain. Any recommendations?

A Set Worth Adding to Your Stash: Smashbox Studio Stash Set Review

As you know I am always looking for a great deal and when it comes to makeup sets sometimes it is a hit or miss. In the last couple years I have noticed that there is one brand that usually hits it out of the park when it comes to makeup sets: Smashbox.

Take for example the new Smashbox Studio Stash set:

First off, how adorable is the little makeup bag?

It looks like a brush roll but it opens up in to an amazingly useful makeup bag! It has an area to put a few brushes, then a clear pouch, and a black round pouch for larger items. 

The black round pouch is detachable via the magic of velcro!! How awesome is that!

I really wanted this makeup set for the pouch, but the products are just as awesome and travel-friendly. First off are the shadow quad and the cream liner palette, shown next to my iPhone so you get an idea of the size.

The Studio Stash Eye Shadow Palette contains 4 neutral shadows in the grey-plum color family:

All shadows are SUPER soft and very pigmented. They blend easily and last all day when worn over a cream shadow or eye primer. The first and third shades are matte, the second and last shades have a tiny bit of shimmer but are not shiny or glittery at all. I have been using this a lot lately for simple summer eye looks (which I will be posting soon).

Swatches of Studio Stash Eye Shadow Palette

My fave product from this set is the Cream Eye Liner Palette in Perfect Frame. Sure, you might look at some of the lighter shades and say "when would I use those as liner?" Ladies, just because it is called a cream liner doesn't mean you can't be creative with it. These creams really excel as a liner but also as a cream shadow on the whole lid! And the best part is these don't fade or crease, even without a base!

This little palette is almost the same size as a credit card and PERFECT for carrying in a purse for touchups or to transform a day look in to an evening look! I think it would be awesome to add a little cream shadow to the lid, a little dark liner and voila....a smoky eye in a pinch! Another plus: the palette includes a small brush and even has a mirror...though in my photo above the mirror still has the blue mirror cover on it. 

Swatches of Cream Eye Liner Palette in Perfect Frame

The Studio Stash set also includes a full-size Full Exposure Mascara, which I really like and will be showing off in an upcoming post illustrating a few recent eye looks using the products in this set.

When I was using the products in this set I was really impressed, but now as I write this post, I am realizing even more how wearable these products are! The lippie included in the Studio Stash set is such a great neutral that will flatter everyone! It is the Lip Enhancing Gloss in Smitten.

The Lip Enhancing Gloss formulas are non-sticky and last a good 3-ish hours on me. The gloss is very moisturizing and this shade is one of those easy ones you can apply without a mirror.

What face would be complete without blush? Gosh, Smashbox thinks of everything! This set does come with a Blush/Soft Lights duo in Split/Second, but unfortunately mine broke so I don't have a photo to show you, but I did gather enough crumbs to swatch the colors for you:

Look how the Soft Lights shade glimmers under the light of the flash! This is a great highlighter shade for many skin tones.

This set is $59 and currently available on Smashbox's website, or you may even be able to find it at Nordstrom, since this was one of the special sets for the Nordstrom Anniversary sale from July. It is a great deal considering how many products you get. The Studio Stash set has all the color products necessary to do a full face of makeup. All you have to do is add the base products (foundation, concealer, and powder) that match your skin tone, and a few brushes.  I HIGHLY recommend this set for yourself or as a gift....who wouldn't want to open a gift box and find this inside!

Disclaimer: The products in this post were provided by PR for consideration. Please read my disclaimer for additional information.