Quick Review: Urban Decay Stardust Sparkling Lip Gloss

These glosses really got me excited (and curious) for a few reasons. 

• I had never heard of them before (I didn't even know UD made glosses) 
• I only paid $9 on Ulta's beauty steals
• I wanted to see what else the brand had to offer besides amazing shadows 

$18 - Ulta

I ordered these online last minute as an impulse buy from Ulta.com as one of their beauty steals. I apparently couldn't pass them up for nine bucks. Which is a great deal, but I don't even like lipgloss that much. 

These glosses make your lips look plumper and fuller if thats what you're going for. 

These lip glosses have a slightly minty feel to them which I really enjoy, but these glosses are sticky. Adding a lip balm underneath really helps to minimize the sticky feel.

 The color Glitter Rock looks very intimidating, but in reality, its not at all. It gives your lips a slight tint if a pink purple color to your lips and is very wearable. 

The color Andromeda gives your lips a more gold toned look with a few pink sparkles. 

 The color Glitter Rock is prefect for wearing over an oxblood or burgundy lipstick for fall and Andromeda is amazing for placing over a nude.

Fall Candles!

A recent trip to Bath and Body Works has caused me to go a little bit candle crazy.

Pumpkin Caramel Latte:

This is the candle I am currently burning and I LOVE it. Out of all the pumpkin candles that they had at B&BW, this is the only one I liked. Shocking because I am obsessed with pumpkin.
The scent of this fills my room in a matter of minutes, due to the triple wicks, and I smells just like the name. This is a very sweet smelling candle which smells like a Caramel Latte from Starbucks with just the right amount of pumpkin, but it is definitely there.

These are the other candles that I purchased, but haven't yet to burn them.

Flannel: A very musky scent which smells of a mixture of cologne and a Christmas tree. I was weirded out that I actually loved the smell of this, but I do think I will save it for the colder months.

Marshmallow Fireside: This candle smells sweet and sugary, like a marshmallow, but also smells like a crackling fire on a cold night. I was so close to getting the Summertime S'Mores candle but I love the scent of this one a lot better. It smells less like burnt wood and more like a marshmallow.

Autumn: The scent of this is very much like a crisp apple leaves falling. If you were to go apple picking, this is what that smells like. Spot on.

Leaves: This candle is more spicy and smells like cinnamon, a little twinge of apples and also a cool fall afternoon. This candle is pretty popular and I've heard so many people talk about it, but now I can see why.




  

August Favorites!

 September has finally rolled around (ugh) and it's time to tell you all the things I've been loving for the month of August.  

#1: Bath and Body Works - Sea Island Cotton Fragrance Mist 

$6 - Bath and Body Works

Reccomended to me by a friend about a year ago, I've had this for a while. This is the best summer fragrance, but its honestly acceptable for all times of year. This scent is so fresh and clean smelling with the perfect hint of sweet. Starting the summer off with an almost full bottle, its now pretty much... empty. 

 #2: Covergirl - Jumbo Gloss Balm in 215 Watermelon Twist

$6.94 - Walmart

This sheer tinted lip balm is the perfect summer color and its not an overwhelming pink. This is definitely buildable. This is so moisturizing and looks great on its own or with a similar colored gloss over it. This has been my go to color all summer especially because it is so moisturizing and glossy, but its also one of my favorite colors. 

#3: Yes to Grapefruit Correct & Repair Dark Circle Correcting Eye Cream
$15.99 - Yes To 
As I had never been a user of an eye cream before, I was very interested in trying one out. While browsing around at Ulta at the end of July, this one caught my eye with its cute summery packaging. When using this, you have to be pretty consistent using it, or you wont get the full effect. If you use this two times a day as instructed, you will see results in a week. This also helps to get rid of those little crows feet on the side of your eyes. This also smells so amazing, like a sweet, tangy citrus. Your complexion will be perfection.

#4: Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Translucent
$3.97 - Walmart
This powder is exactly what you need for a quick fix on those oily summer days. This translucent powder is great for pressing into pores and absorbing oil. I don't know about anyone else, but my skin is a mess in the summer. When it was impossible to wash my face in the middle of the day, I pulled this out and it made the world of a difference. This powder is also really good for setting foundation or concealer so your makeup isn't dripping off of your face, but it doesn't give you a cake face. 

#5: Sun Bum SPF 30 Coconut Lip Balm 
$3.99 - Sun Bum
I'm one of those people who can't stand the taste of sunscreen, especially if its in my lip balm. Since the sun shows no mercy, you're still going to have to wear sunscreen if you're out in the heat, even on your lips. This lip balm, although having a high SPF, doesn't taste the least bit like sunscreen, only a sweet, tropical coconut. Don't forget the fact that its incredibly moisturizing, and fixes dry lips in a pinch. 

#6: Real Techniques Expert Face Brush
$8.44 - Target
A brush like I've never seen before, I am totally obsessed with this. The bristles are so soft, but the brush is very densely packed. This is perfect for applying foundation, blending in concealer, or dusting and pressing in powder. This brush does it all. 

Drugstore Pick 3 & Reviews: August

I thought it would be nice to try out a fun little series on my blog, and what's more fun than makeup shopping? For this post, I went to the drugstore, not knowing exactly what to get, picked up three products and reviewed them. I'm thinking of doing these once a month. 

Rimmel- Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick in #11
$5.49 - CVS
✰✰✰

I've recently been looking at the Kate Moss lipsticks for a while, never being able  to find a color I particularly liked. When I saw this color at a quick run to the drugstore a few days ago, I was very drawn to it.

When looking at the actual lipstick, it looks like a dark red/ burgundy color which I really enjoy for the fall season. When swatted, it remains pretty true to the actual color. The color in the picture is a little off (It's actually much darker). The finish is shiny and glossy and the lipstick glides on very smoothly. The color is pretty buildable; when worn over a balm, it comes out pretty sheer but with enough swipes of this, you can get a really dark and pretty burgundy color. Its also pretty moisturizing, but I would still recommend wearing a bit of lip balm underneath it so your lips don't dry out.

One more thing... as soon as I opened this I noticed that this lipstick had a particular scent, which smells pretty strongly like artificial berries and a little bit like medicine, which is gross. The smell ruined a great possible product for me. Because of this, I will not use this lipstick. I'm not sure I can get past this. By the way, I asked other people to smell it, so its not just me.

Besides the smell, this is a pretty good product. I would definitely recommend smelling it in the store before spending your money on this.

Hi again! I'm trying this lipstick on the next day, and it doesn't smell bad once you put it on. Still berry sweet, but no medicine. I'm raising it to three stars because it really is a gorgeous cool toned red velvet color. Another downside to this is that is gets everywhere! It some how managed to make its way onto my hands and computer screen. I probably will end up giving this another shot.
~xo   

NYC- Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in Sunny
$2.79 - CVS
✰✰✰✰
I had been looking for a good bronzer for a contour and decided on this one after my last drugstore bronzer which was a huge failure. I had heard many good things about this bronzer prior to buying it today.

This bronzer is completely matte and is amazing to contour. When I first opened, looked, and swatched it I was really upset because I thought it would be too light on my olivey skin tone. When I attempted to swatch this on my hand, it blended right in to my skin, hence the lack of swatch. When I took my brush and contoured my face with this, it was subtle, but looked amazing! I am so impressed with this. This bronzer would work for olive skin and anything lighter. You can use this as an allover tan or as a contour. Especially for the fall time, I tend to shy away from shimmer on the face and go for a more matte look, so this is great for that. 

This is a great product for the fall time, or any time you need a little bronzing. I will get a lot of use out of this product for sure, and the price is great. 

Physician's Formula Organic Wear Fake Out Mascara
$8.79 - Target
✰✰✰✰
One of the reasons I picked up this product was because Physician's Formula is not normally a brand that I search if I'm popping into the drugstore. The other is that there was a great deal on it. If you happen to be at CVS, all Physician's Formula is buy $10 and get $6 extrabucks. You're welcome ;) This product is a bit more on the expensive side, which is why I was never really looking to get it but since I was getting something out of it, I thought, "Why not?" 

This mascara is organic as it says in the name. It helps if you have easily irritated eyes or skin. This mascara will probably be my go to during Spring allergy season. This mascara is  worked really well from the first application. It lengthened and curled my lashes adding volume and definition. i had to comb them out a little, but that didn't bother me too much. I think this mascara would be great for layering with others because it doesn't make your lashes crispy and hard. 

Overall, I really like this product because it applies beautifully and gives my lashes an amazing affect and doesn't make them clumpy. 

Drugstore Dupe: Stila Smudge Pot & Maybelline Color Tattoo

When shopping for makeup, some people think, "The more expensive, the better it is, right?" 

Not necessarily! Despite what people may believe, you can find some real gems at the drugstore. 

        Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten & Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige                                                    

$20 - Stila                                 $5.94 - Target

Let's take a closer look at these two  cream eyeshadows. The packaging is the same, with different labels, placed in thick glass jars with black lids. They have the same amount of product in each jar (.14 oz/ 4g). Both are also made in the USA. When touched and swatched, both have a creamy, easy glide on formulation. The Stila Smudge Pot feels more densely packed and the Maybelline color tattoo, more plush. 

When swatched, the two look very similar. The Maybelline Color Tattoo is more glowy and shiny, but the Stila smudge pot is more sparkly. Because of the slightly different formulation, the Maybelline Color Tattoo applies a little thicker. I left the swatches on my hand for the rest of the day, and they have the exact same staying power.

The Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely Beige is a great dupe for the Stila Smudge Pot in Kitten. The packaging, color, and formulation are very similar, and is almost as good of quality.

Disclaimer: These are in fact my pictures, I recently changed the name of my blog.

Luxury Fashion Brands take their turn in the Beauty World

Many popular and luxurious fashion labels have decided to take a few steps down a different path than usual. Brands such as Michael Kors and Marc Jacobs have recently launched their very own makeup lines.

Marc Jacobs

Image Courtesy Marc Jacobs Instagram

Sold at Sephora, this line is exactly what you would call luxurious. With a price range from $18 to $78, these cosmetics aren't exactly affordable. Considering the prices, these makeup items are extremely good quality, and in this situation, you get what you're paying for. This line is reviewed very highly and is not all hype. There are many products in this line including nail polish, eyeshadow palettes, blush, lip lacquer, brushes, and foundation. The packaging is a very modern, ovular, and super chic, adding to the expensive feel of the line.
Pictured: Style Eye-Con No. 7 Plush Shadow in "The Starlet", Genius Super Charged Gel Foundation, Lust for Lacquer Lip Vinyl- Full, Lash Lifter Gel Volume, Remedy Concealer Pen 
$18-$78 - Sephora

Michael Kors

Image Credit Allure
This beauty line, although much smaller, is just as expensive and high end as the prior. Macy's has been carrying this exclusive line since the middle of this summer. I haven't actually heard much about it, or any reviews, but I'm sure people will come across it while browsing the popular department store. After collaborating with Estée Lauder in the past, Kors decided to branch off and create a small line of its own.
Pictured: Bronze Powder, Nail Lacquer, Lip Lacquer, and Lip Luster
$18-$50 - Macy's


Tory Burch

Image Credit WWD

Very recently, Tory Burch has announced that the launch of her new makeup line is coming soon. Not releasing many pictures, the designer gave people an idea, but they are going to have to keep guessing until a later date.... September 26 to be exact. Burch is keeping her classy approach with gold packaging, but adding orange and a modern geometric design. Along with the makeup, a new fragrance and bath and body line are coming along. Her line is very family oriented, being inspired by both of her parents. The fragrance will be exclusive to places such as Bloomingdale's, Holt Renfrew, Tory Burch stores, and of course on her website. 

Coming September 26 - Tory Burch

Review: L'oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

 $4.67- Sears
 ✰✰✰

This is a product that I had been curious about for ages, but couldn't find it when I looked for it at the drugstore. I was extremely interested in its unique wand shape and wanted to know if this would work for me. I found this product at Five Below, but I can't guarantee that they have it because it is not on the website.  

• When first taken out of the tube, there is extra product on the wand which you should wipe off to prevent clumps and mascara getting on your face.
• The application is standard, combing the wand through your lashes and separating any clumps that are produced. I would have to say this mascara clumps a little, but most can be separated easily. 
• The shape of this wand is great for reaching stubborn inner and outer lashes that refuse to be touched by other mascaras. This mascara also curls your lashes quite a bit. 
• When applying this, some product did get on my eyelid, but was easily removed using just a tissue.     

  

This mascara lengthened my lashes a great deal. My lashes were very curled and I did not use an eyelash curler. It reached my short inner lashes, and my outer lashes, which I can never get product on. They are slightly clumpy, but  that can be easily fixed with a lash comb.

Overall, I do like and would recommend this product. The only downsides would be the excess product when the mascara is opened and small bit of clumping. Otherwise, this is a great product and I may add it to my mascara routine! 
 

Top 5 Lip Balms and Moisturizers

When your lips are dry, chapped, and in need of some severe assistance, these are five of my go to lip products that will help you out. 

#5: Maybelline - Baby Lips
These lip balms give your lips the hydrated feel that they crave. If you're looking for a tinted lip balm, or a clear glossy stick, both of those are accomplished with this line. The sweet, fresh smell and sheer wash of color are the perfect combination, along with soft lips.
Pictured: Cherry Me, Peppermint (spf 20), Grapevine, Quenched (spf 20), Peach Kiss, Pink Punch
$2.99 - Target 

#4: Sun Bum - SPF 30 Lip Balm
Besides the fact that these are SPF 30, which is always a plus for the warmer months, these ultra moisturizing balms smell and taste amazing. This may just be me, but I hate the taste of lip balms with sunscreen in them and although they have a very high spf they have no traces of sunscreen taste.
Pictured: Mango and Coconut
$3.99 - Sunbum

#3: EOS - Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
One of the reasons so many people love these is their packaging, but that is definitely not all that you are getting from the cute lip balms. The smooth formula, easy application and incredible moisture forces you to buy every flavor.
Pictured- Summer Fruit, Medicated Tangerine, Lemon Drop (spf 15) , Passion Fruit, Strawberry Sorbet
$2.99 - Target

#2: Nivea - Lip Butter
Not knowing much about the brand, I was reluctant to purchase this, but I'm so happy that the curiosity dragged me in. The creamy formula actually does feel like what its called... butter. This is amazing for chapped lips or overnight repair. If the idea of smooth lips alone won't get you to use this, the smell and taste of it will.
Pictured: Caramel Cream Kiss
$3.99- CVS

#1: MAC - Lip Conditioner
This product may be considered a bit of a splurge for some, but it is worth is without a doubt. The product smells sweet and gets its job done quickly. With a non greasy petroleum based formula, this glides on and sinks into the lips leaving them feeling supple and silky.
$15- MAC

Back to School Makeup Starter Kit

With the school year right around the corner (or it being already here), you're going to need some makeup to help you stay pretty from Fall to Spring.

Here's your starting lineup:

Bare Escentuals - BareMinerals Original spf 15 Powder FoundationThis lightweight but buildable powder foundation is perfect for all skin types. This can be used as a setting powder or as a natural, full coverage foundation on its own. This is formulated without any parabens or other harmful chemicals that can break you out and clog your pores.
$27- Bare Escentuals

Maybelline - Fit Me Concealer
This amazing and affordable concealer can be found at any drugstore near you. This is as great a product for covering dark under eye circles as it is for concealing blemishes and dark spots. This would be a medium to heavy coverage concealer and it blends in to fit your skin tone very nicely.
$5.49- Target

Urban Decay - Naked Basics Palette
This all matte eyeshadow palette contains six highly pigmented shadows that are meant to be combined with other shadows to start off any eye look. There are countless eye looks that can be created with the six gorgeous colors in this palette alone. Although this product seems to be a bit of an investment, each individual shadow comes out to be $4.50 each, and that isn't a bad price at all.
$27- Urban Decay

Maybelline - Volum' Express Falsies Big Eyes Mascara
Each end of this mascara wand was created to specialize in each set of lashes, upper and lower. The wand for upper lashes curls, lengthens, separates,and volumizes without clumping up or creating spidery looking lashes. The lower lash wand defines, darkens, and lengthens lower lashes just the right amount.
$6.94- Walmart   

Maybelline - Eye Studio Color Tattoo 24HR Cream Gel Shadow
These pigmented cream shadows are super creamy and blendable. These are amazing for lazier days and can be worn alone on the lid. Or, for more statement looks, they can be used as a base for under other shadows.
Pictured: Bad to the Bronze and Barely Branded
$5.94- Target 

Stila - Smudge Crayon / Smudge Stick Eye Liner
These liners glide on so smoothly without tugging on your eyelid or waterline. They are very pigmented and the formula is sure to last you all day. And if you're looking for a more smokey line, they blend with ease.
Pictured: Smoke, Umber, and Black
$20 each- Stila

EOS - Smooth Sphere Lip Balm
These all natural lip balms are meant to moisturize both lips with one swipe. These adorable lip balms smell and taste amazing while keeping your lips soft and refreshed.
Pictured: Strawberry Sorbet and Passion Fruit  
$2.99- Target

Maybelline - Color Whisper by Color Sensational

These moisturizing lip products are the combination of a lipstick and tinted lip balm, with the perfect amount of glossy color. You can build up the color payoff from sheer to almost opaque. With Twenty colors, you'll be sure to find one you like. 

Pictured: Petal Rebel and Cherry on Top

$5.94 - Target