Urban Decay | Smoked Palette

Urban Decay has outdone itself again.  They really do an great job putting together fantastic eyeshadow palettes, and it looks like this Smoked Palette is going to be no different.  It was released this morning and I have a feeling that it’s going to be just as popular as the Naked Palettes so if you love Urban Decay eyeshadows, I think you’ll definitely want to check this one out.  The Smoked Palette features 10 different shades that can be used to create amazing smokey eye looks and according to the website, “ranges from neutral mattes to shimmering jewel tones”.  It also comes with a full size 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Perversion, which is pretty much the blackest of the black when it comes to eye liner pencils and a travel size Primer Potion.  It also includes a 12 step by step guide to creating different smokey eye looks created by the founder of Urban Decay herself, Wende Zomnir.

I’m pretty sure I’m going to pick this one up, especially since I absolutely love dramatic, smokey eyes.  I’ll review fully with swatches later this week or early next week.  This little palette looks like it’ll be amazing for Fall, so be sure to get your before it sells out!

Have an wonderful Monday everyone!

Crown Brush | 4th of July Sale

Crown Brush is at it again with another holiday sale! This time it’s 50% off their makeup palettes and 40% off the rest of the store (disposables and clearance items are not included).  This sales goes on from tomorrow, July 2nd, until July 9th so you a lot of time to figure out what you want! If you missed out on the Memorial Day sale that happened in May, you definitely need to visit their site and pick up some stuff! Crown Brush is already such an affordable makeup company, but their sales are always absolutely amazing and with 40-50% off everything is super super cheap!  Looks like it’s time for me to add a few brushes to my kit. :)

Happy shopping everyone!

HauteLook | Philosophy Sale

HauteLook is sample sale site where products are sold at a discounted price.  These products range from cosmetics, clothing, shoes, accessories, and home decor.  You must be a member to purchase items from the HauteLook website but it’s free to join and you can do so here!  Sales start daily at 8am PST and will usually go on for a few days.  However, if you find something you like, I’d try and buy it as soon as possible–there is a limited number of each product and chances are they’ll sell out fast.

For all of you who missed out on the Philosophy Friends and Family Sale, you’re in luck!  Today’s featured company in the beauty section is Philosophy. The company’s amazing facial cleanser, Purity Made Simple, is one of the products on sale so if you’re looking to pick one up, I’d do it now!  This cleanser is probably one of the best store bought ones I have ever tried, and really did a great job of cleaning my face and getting all my makeup off while still keeping my skin nice and hydrated.

This is a great website that’s been around for a while and provides a lot of great stuff for amazing prices.  I definitely am one of those people who get up at 8am every day to see what’s on sale! 😀

NYX Cosmetics | 25% off Round Lipsticks

It looks like everyone is having some kind of sale going on!  NYX is taking 25% off when you buy their round lipsticks.  I have a few of these and they have really great color payoff and aren’t too drying.  They’re also regularly priced at $4 on the website which is a great price to begin with!  If you’ve never heard of NYX, I’d definitely recommend this company to you, they provide a large assortment of quality makeup at a very affordable price.  So if you’re looking for some new lip shades for the summer go ahead and splurge!  Just use the coupon code MYGLAMKISS during checkout to get the discount. :)

 

Benefit | They’re Real! Macara Review

I love mascara.  Most of you probably know this–I can’t go out anywhere without at least having some eyeliner and mascara on.  Earlier this semester, I had forgotten to put mascara on before I left for school (believe me, I don’t know how it happened) and I almost had a meltdown.  Okay, that sounds totally shallow but it’s like that security blanket you had that you would take everywhere with you when you were younger.  I’ve been eyeing this mascara for a while, pun totally intended by the way, but just could not justify the $22 price tag because mascara doesn’t have a very long shelf life.  Well one day last month, Justin was feeling very generous so he took me makeup shopping (thanks babe!) and I figured that this would be the best time to try it out. 

I hate you Benefit.  I hate that you’ve made something so amazing that I’m pretty sure I can’t live without it now.  They’re Real! Mascara has to be the best mascara I have ever own.  For me, it even beats out Diorshow which is saying A LOT.  I thought Diorshow was the best of the best when it came to mascara but Benefit has really blown it out of the water.  I’m pretty sure this is going to be the mascara I use for the rest of my life.

My lashes before using mascara. They’re nonexistent. :(

AND AFTER! WOWOWOWOWOW THEY’RE SO LONG AND WISPY.  And look, you can see my backyard through the reflection in my eyes.

Benefit definitely got the name down for this product.  I’ve gotten so many people asking me if I’m wearing fake eyelashes when I have this mascara on and that is saying a lot considering how my natural eyelashes are.  I think I’ve said this before but my natural lashes have no volume or thickness to them at all.  Sure, I have a lot of eyelashes, but that’s the only thing really going for me.  They’re Real! does a wonderful job giving my lashes length, volume, and thickness that it really does look like I have fake lashes on.

I like the applicator for this mascara, which is surprising.  While I do love different mascara formulas, if the brush isn’t working for me, then I probably won’t use it.  For example, I love CoverGirl’s LashBlast mascara.  It gives me great volume and definition, and if you’re looking for a cheaper mascara with similar results to Benefit’s, then I’d tell you to buy this.  However, I really really hate the brush.  It’s just too big and bulky and I always end up getting mascara on my eyelid that it’s just annoying.  The brush that comes with Benefit’s mascara is thinner, and the bristles are made out of plastic and shorter.  I feel like it does a really great job of grabbing on to each individual lash and placing product on it, which is probably why I can get away with applying one coat of mascara and being pleased with the results (but come on, who only puts .

So overall, I would recommend this product to anyone who wants really long, voluminous lashes even though it is on the pricey side.  I believe this retails for $22 at Sephora, Ulta, and Benefit.com which is quite a bit for mascara so this is definitely going to be what I buy when I want to splurge. :) Happy Tuesday everyone!

Too Faced | Tinted Beauty Balm

A couple weeks ago, I finally caved and picked up my first BB, or Blemish Balm, cream.  For those of you who are not familiar with BB creams, they are basically your “all-in-one” makeup product for your face.  Most BB creams advertise as having healing properties and are pretty much your moisturizer, primer, sunblock, and foundation, but more on that later.  BB creams have been popular in Asia and have just recently made their debut here in the States.

What I love about BB creams is that they are very…efficient.  I really can’t think of another word that can describe it any better.  There’s a high SPF in most of them so I know that my face is protected from the sun and it’s also a tinted moisturizer for the days where I just want light coverage.  The Too Faced BB cream in particular says that it has a broad spectrum SPF 20 sunscreen in it.  This means that it protects against UVA and UVB rays which is important since skin cancer is becoming more and more prevalent these days.  BB creams provide light coverage which can be a problem for you ladies who like a more full coverage foundation, but if you really want to use a BB cream, I would suggest using it as more of a moisturizer and primer and putting your normal foundation on top of it.  One thing that I am totally amazing by this BB cream is that it’s actually fading some of my scars away.  I had an unfortunate break out a few weeks ago which left a few marks around my temples (I know, I know, never pick your blemishes but old habits die hard!) and I have been using concealer practically every day to hide the dark marks.  After using Too Faced’s BB cream though, I noticed after a few weeks that the scars started to look way way lighter.  Of course, they’re still there, but they’re a lot lighter than they were and it usually takes a while for scars to fade on me.  I think this has to do with the skin brightening properties that a lot of BB creams advertise having.  I thought it was a total lie made for marketing purposes but holy cow it actually worked!  I really love how this feels on my skin and it sinks into my skin really fast so I avoid that awkward oily feeling I sometimes get from other moisturizers.  It makes me skin look nice and dewey too which is perfect for the warm months.

One thing I do wish was different with this BB cream and most BB creams in general, is the skin tone range that is offered.  Most BB creams are very very light, and people with darker skin tones may have trouble finding one that will match their skin.  Too Faced offers four different shades: Vanilla Glow, Creme Glow, Nude Glow, and Beach Glow.  I am somewhere between the third and fourth shade (for reference I fluctuate between NC37-NC40 at MAC).  I’ve been using the fourth shade only though since summer is coming up and I’m almost certain I’m going to get a tan.  If you find that BB creams are too light for you, I would suggest just applying a very sheer layer of it and then putting powder foundation in your shade on top of it to set it.  This seems to have worked for most people. :)

I think I might start a series of reviews just on all the new BB creams that have been coming out–let me know if you guys are interested in that!

Oh, oh! I almost forgot.  I picked mine up at Sephora for $32.00.  I know, it’s a little pricey, but I really don’t use much product so I think it should last me anywhere from six to nine months.

Have a great week everyone!

Sephora | Earth Day Event

In celebration of Earth Day, Sephora is hosting an Origins trade-in event!  For today only, bring in an empty cosmetics container to any of Sephora’s store so that it can be recycled and in return, they will give you either a full sized Origins Starting Over moisturizer or A Perfect World moisturizer.  I’ve used A Perfect World moisturizer before and it’s amazing!  I have used it before applying my makeup in the morning and it really smoothed out my skin and kept it hydrated throughout the day.

So what are you waiting for?! Go celebrate Earth Day! :)

Sephora | Chic Week 15% off

 

It’s Chic Week at Sephora! Up until April 5th, Sephora is offering 15% off online and in stores.  It’s the perfect time to stock up on products for the new season!  You have to be a Beauty Insider for this discount but don’t worry, it’s free.  You can sign up online here and shop away. :) I am definitely thinking of picking up some stuff…it’s just trying to figure out what I actually need that’s the problem since 15% off is pretty good considering the makeup at Sephora is never on sale.

Happy shopping everyone! :)