Maybelline Whisper Lipstick

I have a confession to make...      when I had heard that Maybelline had come out with a new line of lipsticks and that they where being compared to the Revlon Lip Butters, I was hesitant to try these. When Revlon first came out with the lip butters, I jumped on the band wagon and bought two to test out, just knowing I would love them because everyone else did...

Boy, was I wrong. I despised them to no end. They would dry out my lips and slide all over my teeth and outside of the contours of my lips. Needless to say, I threw mine away cause their was no way I could wear them.

Despite the comparisons, I picked up one of the new Maybelline Whisper lipsticks. Yes, just one, so if I did not love it, I wasn't out that much money. I picked mine up at Target for $5.99 in the color Berry Ready.

This is what Maybelline has to say regarding the Whisper lipsticks:

"Pure color pigment suspended in weightless gel.
  No heavy waxes or oils.
  Soft, sexy gel color."

The packaging is all right. Nothing special, although I do adore the way that they wrote "whisper" on the outside tube. Very pretty!

Yet, what I do like is that when you take off the top, the tube inside is sleek and slender. It puts off the vibes of being high end and luxurious, when you know how affordable it really is!

Now, before I applied it to my lips, I was not expecting to love this. So, I was shocked, and I repeat: SHOCKED, at how smooth and silky this just glided onto my lips. When I say glide, I mean it, because it felt slick like butter!

The shine and glossiness is beautiful. Despite it being so glossy, it did not rub off on my lips for the five hours that I was wearing it. To be honest, it stayed exactly were I applied it and did not budge. Pleasantly, I was surprised that this lipstick did not dry out my lips, but left them feeling moisturized and soft.

The color is a beautiful dark berry, perfect for fall. When on the lips it looks more dark and dramatic than in the swatch here. The high pigmentation of the product astounds me, because the Revlon Lip Butters I had reminded me more of a tinted balm because of the subtle color they offered. 

Thankfully, these come in twenty shades all together, from sheers to nudes to dark plums. Every color imaginable to please every taste out there. 

With the silky formula and outstanding pigmentation, this line of lipsticks may just be my new favorite line in the drugstores! The only thing I don't like is that I did not pick up more of these colors, which means another trip to the drugstore for me!

Tarte's Carried Away Collector's Set 2012

I have a confession to make...      I have always wanted to try a few products by Tarte cosmetics and I finally broke down to buy their collectors set they came out with this past holiday season. I had first seen reviews of the kit on YouTube and it looked perfect, so perfect that I knew if I did not buy this limited addition collection I would regret it for the rest of my life! I bought mine on sephora.com for $54.00, a great deal for everything included!

Well do I regret my decision?

I have to say that I adore the packaging. It comes in a travel case with two big see-through zipper compartments to put your lipgloss, face products and so forth. The mirror in the case is huge and not wonky in any way. Behind it is a sleeve where the eyeshadow palette slips into, which I am sure you can place an eyeshadow palette of your choice in there as long as it is slim enough. 

The quality of the travel bag is excellent because if you get makeup inside the pockets or on the outside, you can easily wipe it off since it is of a soft plastic material. Just take a makeup wipe to it and it's clean!

This kit comes with twenty-four full sized eyeshadows in a slim cardboard case. The case is magnetic, so it does not flop open when handled. Thus, no worries about your shadow getting wrecked. The eyeshadows are grouped into quads of four, which makes it easy when creating your makeup look for the day. 

Now, I was most eager to try their eyeshadows because they looked so pretty and gorgeous in the swatches online. People where even raving about the wonderful pigmentation of these shadows. Well, I hate to say this, but I was disappointed enough in these eyeshadows that I will never be repurchasing Tarte eyeshadows ever again. In the pan they look amazing, but when applied and swatched they come off more sheer than I like or expected. Even over Urban Decay's Primer Potion and MAC's Painterly Paintpot they still came off less intense on the lid. 

The texture of these shadows are beautiful. They are buttery and soft and very easy to blend. Yet, I find them to be a little too soft which causes noticeable fallout; something I did not expect from a high-end cosmetic line. 

Four matte shades are included in this palette, two of them being matte neutrals for blending. The other two are deeper shades off matte for outter corners. The other shadows range from pearl finishes to metallics and shimmer.

I think that these shadows are great for someone who likes a little bit of color without the intensity. These are great for everyday neutral looks with just a wash of color. For the office and work this will be your go to palette. Yet, still, I am disappointed and I am still trying it out everyday to try and fall in love with them; but to no avail...

The names of the eyeshadows are not written anywhere on the palette. Only on a plastic protective sheet of plastic that I had to throw out because it got extreemly annoying. But I did write the names of the shadows in order to the quads on the palette itself so I would not forget the names. 

Please excuse these photos... I had tried this kit out for a month before taking pictures of it. So Sorry, but everything still holds true! I swatched these eyeshadows on bare skin with no primer so that you could see for yourself the true pigmentation of the product...

Eyeshadow palette

Top Left: Snowfall In Paris
Top Right: Golden Gate Bridge
Bottom Left: Volcanic Ash
Bottom Right: Pyramid Gold

No flash from left to right:
Snowfall In Paris, Golden Gate Bridge, Volcanic Ash, Pyramid Gold

With Flash in same sequence

Top Left: Pearl River
Top Right: Seychelles Sand
Bottom Left: Touchdown In Londontown
Bottom Right: Martha's Vineyard

With flash from left to right:
Pearl River, Seychelles Sand, Touchdown In Londontown, Martha's Vineyard

Top Left: Pebble Beach
Top Right: Boston Brick
Bottom Left: Spanish Sangria
Bottom Right: Napa Grapes

With flash from left to right:
Pebble Beach, Boston Brick, Spanish Sangria, Napa Grapes

With flash in same sequence

Top Left: Georgia Peach
Top Right: Tuscan Sun
Bottom Left: Acai Jungle
Bottom Right: Coral Reff

No flash from left to right:
Georgia Peach, Tuscan Sun Acai Jungle, Coral Reef

With flash in same sequence

Top Left: Iceland Air
Top Right: Mystic Seaport
Bottom Left: Concrete Jungle
Bottom Right: Hampton Waves

No flash from left to right:
Iceland Air, Mystic Seaport, Concrete Jungle, Hampton Waves

With flash in same sequence
(Hampton Waves is peculiar... matte but with subtle silver sparkle)

Top Left: Sunshine State
Top Right: Hawaiian Palm
Bottom Left: Olive Grove
Bottom Right: Sin City

With flash from left to right:
Sunshine State, Hawaiian Palm, Olive Grove, Sin City

No Flash in same sequence

The other stars of this kit where the eight mini lip glosses, which I had been dying to try! I had heard rave reviews on these and needless to say, after I tried them out for myself, I have to say  I am a fan! But, for a completely different reason than I had hoped for...

When I bought this kit I already knew that the lip glosses where not going to have pigmentation. The color in the tube was not going to go onto my lips that same color. These lip glosses are more of a sheer wash of color on your lips. As you wear it throughout the day and smack your lips together from talking and such, the color will become nothing even though you can still feel the gloss on your lips. So, don't expect a saturation of color from these lippies. Disappointing, yes...

On the other hand, the formula is outstanding! The best in any lip gloss I have tried ever! The maracuja oil and vitamin C in the formula make these highly moisturizing, leaving my lips feeling smooth and infused with moisture! There is a slight tackiness to the gloss, but it is not annoying or uncomfortable to wear. It feel nice on the lips especially with it's minty scent!

There are four shimmery shades and four creamy shades. A perfect mix!

Great doe foot applicator

From left to right:
Anna, Mer, Nuria, Casey

From left to Right:
Anna, Mer, Nuria, Casey

From left to right:
Mel, Jena, Heath, Ali

From left to right:
Mel, Jena, Heath, Ali

I have been wanting to try Tarte's Amazonian Clay Blushes in forever! This kit came with a mini blush in the color Adventurous, a beautiful shimmery pinkish-brown color. The shade would definitely flatter many skin tones, giving it a soft subtle wash of color. 

Something I do like is the sublte shade of this blush and how you do not have to be afraid of putting too much on. I would like to try more shades in the future soon!

Adventurous

Blush swatched out with flash

Blush swatched out with no flash

The brush that it comes with is gorgeous with purple and gold! The weight of it is sturdy and durable and the brush is soft on the skin, feeling very luxurious! It works perfectly for blush and bronzer.

This kit also comes with a mini sample of their setting powder, which I have not tried on my skin yet, but feels soft and fine when swatched. Looking forward to reviewing this in the near future!

Lights Camera Lashes is also included in this kit in a mini-tube and I have to say, I am in love! A review with before and after shots is coming your way very soon!

Am I in love with this Tate collection? (Sigh....) 

I am on the fence and unsure how I feel. A mixture of disappointment in the eyeshadows but a definite love of the blush and mascara for sure. The lip gloss I could easily leave behind despite the awesome formula since it lacks the pigmentation I truly desire. 

On the other hand, this is a great travel friendly case that I can load with my own goodies and throw in my bag. I have already taken this on the road with my, eyeshadows and all, and I must say, it travels well! 

So, if you are into soft makeup, this is for you and I suggest you try and find this collection soon before it sells out on Sephora if it hasn't already! I know on Amazon you can buy it for $85.00, which I believe it is not worth that price tag at all!

Tell me, where you carried away by Tarte's Carried Away Collection?

Is Maybelline's Colossal Mascara Magical?

I have a confession to make...    I used to not care about wearing mascara or not (EEK!). Most days, I would do everything to my face minus the mascara. For some reason it just was not important to me. Well, the past few years I have grown up to realize that mascara really does complete the look and it can make your eyes pop, depending on what mascara you are using.

Through trial and error I have tested and tried several mascara's through out the years. Loreal Voluminous mascara was a tried and true favorite until I noticed just how wet of a formula it really is when it is first broken open. Wet mascara for me does nothing for the lashes. I would have to wait a few weeks for the formula to dry down some for it to work like magic. 

Well, about seven months ago I purchased Maybelline's Colossal Volum' Express mascarra in their waterproof version because I was going on a trip to Florida and would be riding water rides. I needed something to make my lashes pretty, hold their curl and not run down my face.

I am pleased to no end to inform you that I have fallen in deep undeniable love with this mascara! The waterproof version proved true to its claim and not once did it streak down my face. It was a pain to get off the lashes, though, I must confess.

I loved it so much that I decided to try their regular version of this mascara for everyday use. I picked mine up at Target, and it was the very last one! I purchased mine in the color Glam Black for about $6.00. 

The wand is short compared to some other mascaras that I have tried. But, I find this to be a benefit because it gives me a feeling of more control of the wand. The wand is not flimsy whatsoever, but is steady and firm so you do not have to worry about it bending uncontrollably during application.

The brush is wonderful! In my uneducated opinion, I believe that the thickness of the brush along with the formula is what gives not only Colossal length but Colossal volume as well. Allow me to demonstrate for you...

Before

After

In the above pictures I did not curl my eyelashes with an eyelash curler before I applied mascara. This is all the mascara's doing! I never knew my lashes could look so pretty!

As far as the formula goes, this is not wet nor dry, but an in between consistency, which is perfect for creating and holding the length and volume! I do not notice any clumping when I wear this mascara, which is great! It gives enough separation so it doesn't look like you have four thick eyelashes.

The curl and length last all day long without my lashes drooping, which is amazing! I cannot say if it would perform the same on your lashes since all lashes are NOT created equal. But, this works so well, that I have repurchased it again and can say that I found my favorite drugstore mascara!

Maybelline has come along way with their mascaras and I will definitely be keeping my eyes on what they bring to us next!

Am I In Love With Nars "New Lover"?

I have a confession to make...       I love freebies and extras that come my way, because rarely does that ever happen, so when it does I treasure them. Well, I had placed an on-line order with Sephora a little while ago and I was able to cash in some of my points for a kit that they were offering. Now, I took my time deciding if I really wanted to do this and if it was even worth it. Well, I can tell you that after a (not so) long debate within my head, I selected the kit I wanted full of samples and, boy I tell you, I have no regrets!

Let me take a moment to explain to you why...

In this kit where many great things, but what I had really wanted to get my hands on was the Nars Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil in the shade "New Lover". I had heard for awhile before that it was the best shade and everybody and their grandmother loved it. I just had to see for myself if it really was worth the hype.

First off, let's talk packaging. I will confess that I am not a person suckered in by packaging, nor do I really care about it like I know some do. All that matters to me is the product, BUT.... this pencil presents itself in the sleekest possible manner! It is hard to explain, but the pencil has a rubber-like feel to it even though I am sure it is not rubber. Because of that, it is easy to grip securely. And we know that is a major concern for everybody (haha)!

This retails for $24.00 and there is 0.09 oz of product in the full sized pencil. The one in the picture above is a sample size of 0.08 oz, which is not bad, in my opinion. These pencils come in nine shades total, ranging from neutrals to gorgeous berry shades. 

Going onto narscosmetics.com I was able to find out what they claim this product will do for you:

"...enriched with Vitamin E plus a blend of moisture-rich hyaluronic spheres that make lips appear fuller.

*Ulta smooth, buttery feel on lips
*Contains Vitamin E, hyaluronic spheres and phytosterol esters- ingredients known to moisturize, increase hydration and improve barrier function"

Who will argue when I say that the color is beautiful? I mean, just look at it!

It has a very glossy rich appearance

pretty pink with golden flecks

SMILE

Now, while it is pretty, I do have one complaint about this product. It looks dark and deep, but when swatched and applied on the lips it comes off more light than I expected. Was I slightly disappointed about that? Only a little, because it is still a dazzling neutral color that is extremely wearable for all skin tones. I don't know if you can see, but there are slight flecks of gold incorporated in the color! What is not to love about that?!?!

Because it is a jumbo lip pencil it makes for easy application. Just line your lips and fill them in! The formula of this product is so smooth, it glides onto your lips like butter, which is exactly what they claim it should feel like, so they are right on with that! It is a soft pencil, but not so soft that you are going to use up a ton of product with one application. I used mine quite a few times before I even had to sharpen it. 

Speaking of sharpen, and maybe this is just minor to most people, but I would love it even more if you could twist the top to get the product out like the Clinique Chubby Pencil or even the Revlon Lipstains. After all, drugstore products can do that, why not uber-expensive brands like this? 

As far as the wear time of this product, I say that it wears pretty well. Is it a longlasting product? I don't believe so. While it does moisturize and it made my lips feel smooth, there is a slight tackiness to this product. Not stickiness, but tackiness that I think makes this product last for quite a few hours and than it feels weightless on your lips. 

Nars does have a great Artist Tip: They say to use this as a base for any other lip product to make your lip color wear longer. Because of the tacky feel of this pencil, I can believe that claim and might give it a try for myself!

Overall, I love this product, because not only is it luxurious in looks, but in the feel of the product, too. I just might try a deeper and darker color for more of the color pay-off that I like! 

Oh, and this is the first Nars product I have ever tried, and not because I never wanted to, but because of their price tags. But, Nars hit it right on with their Velvet Gloss Lip Pencil, I may just have to try a lipstick or two!

Long Time No Blog...

I have a confession to make...    I am pretty sure that it has been almost a year since I last made a post on this blog. I must tell you that life got in the way and I had to take a break for a little bit which turned into a long while....

But, the awesome news, is that now I am back and ready after a long overdue absence. I am committed to posting regularly here, because my love of makeup never once flickered nor died. Since I have been gone I have tried a lot of new makeup, so I believe that there will be some catching up to do!

Bear with me, faithful followers and pray I'm not rusty!!!

Thanks for your loyal and understanding support!

Now, let's venture on into the dazzling world of beauty and makeup!

Revlon's ColorStay Ultimate Liquid Lipstick

I have a confession to make...    I love Revlon lip products and when I saw that a few of the shades of their liquid lipsticks where on clearance a few weeks ago, I just had to pick one up to see if it was going to be worth me loving enough to pay full price for.


So, I got this in the color "Platinum Petal", a rosy-pink color that looks very beautiful. I am here to let you know what my first impressions of this lippie is.


I like the doe-foot applicator that it comes with, it makes applying the product very easy.

Doe-foot applicator for easy application

Pretty rosy-pink satin color

To be honest, there is a slightly weird smell to this product that I cannot describe. But, I think that most all long-wearing lip products have that certain smell, so it must be a faint chemical-ish (but not really, if that makes sense) smell. But once it is dry on your lips you will not smell a thing!


This is what Revlon claims this product will do for you:

" *Food-proof lip color with a built-in ultra conditioning coat
   *One-step application. No topcoat required for comfortable wear
   *Stays comfortable and wears beautifully
   *Does not feather or fade; no touch-ups required, even after meals "
   

So, I decided to test this theory out and put it through the rigors!


I applied this at 9:00 in the morning, right before I began my workout routine. But, before I applied this I made sure to exfoliate my lips to get rid of any dead skin so that the lipstick would dry nicely once applied. 


Than I applied this once on my lips;  according to directions, one layer is all you need for full coverage. While I waited for it to dry I smiled so that the product would not settle into the lines on my lips and cause them to sand out (a tip I learned on YouTube). 


After waiting two minutes after applying the lipstick, it was dry and I thought that I would do a simple test and kiss a piece of paper to see if there would be any transfer. And, yes there was, as you can clearly see a pink outline of my lips! So, wait longer than two minutes for it it be completely dried, which in my opinion, is too long!

First Application

As I went about my day, eating, drinking, working out, etc...I did not notice any transfer at all! I was pleasantly amazed by that. But, what I did notice was that my lips definitely felt dry and uncomfortable, just like the majority of long-wearing lip products I have tried out. I had to fight the urge to put some chapstick on, just so I could stay true to this products claims that you do not need a top coat since it is supposed to me moisturizing!


 I wore the lipstick until I got ready to wash my face for bed that night, which was around 8:00 p.m. I noticed that the lipstick did fade in color a little bit, and looked very dry on my lips. Despite the dry feeling/appearance, the color didn't look that bad, even after minimal fading!

After all day wear

The down side is that it does look dry and it is irritating to wear products that dry out the lips. I must say, that I will not be re-purchasing this product because of that fact and because it brings out the lines in my lips more than I care.


Long-wearing lipsticks are easy to come by, but a good one is hard to find!