Favorite (and least favorite) self tanners- Oompa Loompas not welcome!

Having fair skin, I have grown to love self tanners- ones that don't make me orange that is.  I tan naturally pretty easily for being fair, except I really don't spend much time outdoors anymore.  They quickly become my best friends during the warmer months!
The thing I struggle with, being about a MAC NC20 (when I'm not spending much time in the sun), is which ones give my skin a nice, healthy tan, as opposed to a "fake tan" tan.  Some come across too orange or just too dark to look natural.
These are the self tanners I currently own, and I'll explain which ones I'm fond of and which ones not so much!

Jergens Natural Glow

Jergens Natural Glow self tanners are my favorite (out of the ones I've tried, anyway!), mainly because they are gradual tanners and don't just wash off after one use.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer (fair skin tones)

I use this basically year-round: on average every 3 days during the summer, and whenever I want an extra boost of color throughout the winter.  My favorite part about it is how gradual it is- you can see in the picture below that it takes one week to build the color.  My second favorite part is that the smell is bearable.  These two things together make it one of my HG tanners, because I'm super sensitive to scent and I really don't want anything too dark.  It's pretty fool-proof and won't leave you with streaks (YAY!  So unattractive).  The color is natural, so I wouldn't recommend this to someone who wants a deep tan (although they do have ones for medium/tan skin tones, that probably go darker).  It's perfect for me because it's usually not a hugely noticeable difference in my color, but just enough so I don't feel white.  And it's great for use in between my next self tanner, Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer!

(Showing the time it takes to build the tan)

Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer (fair-medium skin tones)

I use this specifically during the summer, because it provides a decent amount of color AND gives quick results (up to 3 days).  Hence the "express" part of it.  This is great if you want to be tan for something particular coming up, need it quickly, but don't want something that will wash off (like the two I'll show below).  The smell is still bearable, like the Daily Moisturizer, but a little stronger.  You also have to be a bit careful when applying this, because I've gotten streaks when I do it quickly.  I've used it on my face before even though it's deemed a "body moisturizer" and it actually gives my face a nice tan.  I'm really fond of this one.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze

These L'Oreal tanners are tinted lotions that last throughout the day, and then wash off when you shower.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Tinted Self-Tanning Lotion (medium-deep skin tones) & Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer Lotion

Because both of these tanners are pretty identical in the color, scent, and formula, I'm going to review them together.

They are both a shimmery, deep bronze color (see pictures below) that looks scary until you blend it in.  It actually leaves a very subtle amount of color behind and I've applied double layers in the past.  I actually don't use these very much because I find they rub off easily on clothing and stain, and the smell is also pretty bad (in comparison to the Jergens tanners).  On the positive side, I do think they're really flattering for skin- the shimmers highlight and the deep color makes skin look like its glowing.  If you like these kind of tanners I'd recommend them, but personally they're not my thing.

L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Luminous Bronzer- huge amount on top, blended in on bottom.  

Note: I definitely squeezed out too much!

I hope this helps!  I've tried out several different self tanners in the past, and these are the ones I own currently and use when I feel like tanning.  I'm also planning on another post showing the makeup bronzers I own and which ones I like best.

Which self tanners do you guys use, if any?  I'd love to know if you have any recommendations- I'm always on the lookout for better tanners!

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CVS Clearance Haul

Woo hooo I love clearance, and spending money I HONESTLY do not have!

Oh well, deal with what happens tomorrow...tomorrow!

I just can't help myself when I see that 50-75% off sticker! It's heaven<3

Here's what I picked up!

-Almay "One Coat Dial Up" Blackest Black (Orig. $8.49)

PAID: $2.12

- Revlon Age Defying Foundation in Light Medium (Orig. $14.29)

PAID: $3.57

- L'Oreal Visible Lift Under Eye Concealer in Fair (Orig. $12.29)

PAID: $3.07

- Essie "Sand Tropez" (Orig. $8.29)

PAID: $4.15

- Wet n wild "Glitz" (Orig. $1.99)

PAID: $.99

- Wet n wild "Bird Bath" (Regular Price $1.99)

- Sally Hansen "Hi- Def 04" (Orig. $6.99)

PAID: $1.75

I spent about $18.60 for everything.

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Review: L'Oreal The One Sweep Eyeshadow

L'Oreal The One Sweep Eyeshadow

Price: MSRP  $9.95

Claims: "The One Sweep Shadow is a breakthrough new way for anyone to get a professional eye shadow look.  The unique applicator is shaped to fit the eye and apply three shades in one step to define, color and highlight.  It's fast, easy, and mistake-proof."


Review: I received this product for free through the social marketing site BzzAgent. Since the campaign's launch, I've seen TONS of negative reviews for the products everywhere, but I fully intended to try it out and review it with no bias.

The intent of this product is to apply a full eye look with minimal effort. So I think it's only natural that makeup enthusiasts and people who are awesome at applying eyeshadow think this is silly - they don't need a gimmicky product to do it for them. But for those who aren't as skilled, it could be a great time-saver.

The brush is large and odd-shaped, and the application takes a while to get used to. I kept getting smudges in places they weren't supposed to be, like on the outside corners of my eyes. However, I did manage to get it to work the right way after using it a few times. My eyelid must be shaped in the way the product was designed for, because I heard a lot of complaints about it not being one-size-fits-all, but it fit me fine.

I found it really hard to take a photo of my own eyelid - might update later with better photos if I can manage to take one.

I really liked the look of the dark purple on the bottom. This is how I usually do my eyemakeup, with a darker eyeshadow color close to my lash line (in place of eyeliner), and it looked properly and cleanly applied, no worse than when I manually do it myself. The problem was with the rest of the shadow. The top color looked no different than the middle color, and they were both very sheer and shimmery. It was too shimmery for me, almost greasy looking. I prefer darker shades without so much gleam.

The shadow also didn't last very long at all. It creased up and faded from the rest of my eyelid in a matter of hours, even with a primer applied.The darkest shade seemed to last better, and I have been using it alone from time to time, applied with a regular brush along my lash line.

So while the concept works for me, the shadow itself leaves a lot to be desired. I probably would have preferred a completely different color pallet, as these shades were not something I normally wear (although I do like the purple) and I don't think they do anything to enhance my eye color. If the shadow lasted longer and the shades were more to my liking, I'd give it another shot. It is very fast and easy when you become used to applying it, and it's been great when I have minimal time to get ready in the morning.

Overall rating: B-

Would purchase again? In a different shade, if I had coupons for it!

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Review: L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara

L'Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara in Black Quartz (for brown eyes)

Price: MSRP $10.95

Claims: "Black mascara infused with a hint of color adds volume and length to lashes while intensifying eyes. The illuminating top coat infused with light-reflecting pearls highlights your eye color with our exclusive sphere tip brush. Clump-free & Flake and Smudge Resistant."

 

Review: I received this product to review for free through the social marketing site BzzAgent.

This mascara has two ends: a black mascara for volumizing and lengthening, and a top coat to highlight your eyes. The basic black mascara is nice, goes on easily with no clumping or mess. It lengthens but doesn't provide much volume, which is fine because I have a lot of lashes already.

Black mascara, one coat on top lashes only:

 

The top coat says it has "light-reflecting pearls" but it's really just copper-colored glitter. Not even finely ground subtle illuminating glitter, but big ol' chunks of the stuff. One application of the top coat leaves a large number of the glitter particles, which feel is a little over-the-top for daily use. I ended up using an eyelash comb to get some of the glitter off. Throughout the day, the glitter particles would catch light and I'd see weird flashes out of the corner of my eyes.

Top coat brush:

Mascara (top lashes only) with illuminating top coat (top and bottom lashes):

I don't feel like the glitter is subtle or illuminating to my eye color at all - it's just very obviously glitter. There's nothing wrong with glitter, but based on the claims, you'd think it would be more fine and subtle, not over-the-top sparkly. I think it would make a fun look for wearing out at night, but not something I'd wear very often, especially not to work.

All in all, it's a good overall mascara, and I like the idea of two looks in one. The mascara seems to hold the curl throughout the day, but I was disappointed to see a few black flakes on my cheeks at the end of the day the first time I used it. Since wearing it without the top coat, it hasn't flaked, so that might be the problem. I'll continue using it, but I don't see myself paying nearly $11 for this product when I have found other (cheaper) mascaras that I like better.

Overall rating: B-

Would purchase again? Probably not

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Quick stop at ULTA to use my coupon!

Hey guys!  I finally bought some makeup today (Does that sound crazy or what?)- I've had this $5/$10 coupon to ULTA sitting in my wallet for over a week now and I've been dying to use it.  I did buy the mascara and lipstick last week, but it was out of pure necessity.  This trip was just me deciding I wanted to try out this foundation that's been on clearance for forever, and using up my coupon.  :)

I bought this L'Oreal Feel Naturale light softening one-step makeup in Pale 228, and Revlon Beyond Natural blush & bronzer in Pink.

(I'm pretty sure this foundation is discontinued, I'm sorry about that!)

L'Oreal Feel Naturale makeup, Revlon blush/bronzer

This is the lightest shade I think (Pale 228), and although it shows up very light on my finger, on my skin it seems to be a pretty close match.  I think it's too light.  >:( But anyway, it's super creamy!  The consistency reminds me a little of Maybelline Dream Smooth Mousse, in that it's really pigmented and smooth.  I haven't tried it yet, though, so fingers crossed I like it (It got pretty good reviews on Makeup Alley).

I'm hoping I like this, because I want to try a different bronzer from my ELF Studio one (I keep breaking out around my temples, so I'm not sure if I'm allergic to the mica in it.  I'm thinking I'm not, though, because this is fairly recent and I've been using that bronzer for a long time).  It seems sheer enough for my liking.  I also love that you can swirl the two colors together to get a light flush.  I'm hoping this is light enough to use all over my face, so I don't have to use a separate blush and bronzer (I go through love/hate phases with blush, LOL).

(Left to right: L'Oreal foundation, Revlon blush/bronzer blended, blush alone, bronzer alone)

*Click to enlarge to see better

Oh!  And on my walk back from ULTA I stopped into Walgreens to see if they had these popsicles I recently discovered:

They had them, and priced down from $2 to only $1!  I bought two boxes, haha.  They're only 15 calories each so I just go through them like no one's business.  ;)

That's it for today.  I'm working on some posts about the new products I've gotten, so again, thanks for bearing with me in the mean time.  You guys are amazing!

<3

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Review: L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara

It occurred to me the other day that I haven't done a review of the mascara I've been using- L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen.  I purchased this awhile ago but was finishing up my L'Oreal Bare Naturale mascara, so I was able to let this one "thicken up" a bit before using it.  Now this is my daily mascara- you've seen it in my recent EOTDs and looks.

L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara in Black

What it claims: (From lorealparisusa.com:)

Made with hydra-collagen, it enhances the thickness of your lashes for up to 12X more impact without any clumps.  Our patented brush is 50% bigger so it builds that incredible volume fast.  Your lashes will build extra body and extra impact in just one sweep.

 So, this is basically a thickening/volumizing mascara.

Price: $8.99 at Walgreens (0.34oz)

Brush:  The brush is big, and as you can see it's not the typical "fat" kind that come with many mascaras.  It curves inwards in the middle and then tapers to a point at the end.  I don't know what this does to help thicken/volumize my lashes any, but it's fairly easy to use/get used to.  Although I would caution anyone with particularly small eyes because of the size of the brush.

Quality/performance:  Having used this for a few months now, I really like the drama it gives me.  It "gets them up there" in terms of length, and does a good job thickening/adding volume as well.  I'm surprised at the length part especially since this isn't a "lengthening" mascara.

Throughout the day, my curl holds very well.  I don't notice any flaking/smudging after a day's wear, and it's easy to take off with makeup remover.  

I definitely should stress that this gives me drama- for lack of a better word!  I wouldn't call this a natural daytime mascara at all.  The effect is dark, look-at-me lashes, not "fluttery" or neutral.

In terms of clumps, as long as you don't pile this one you won't run into problems.  I've found I even prefer just one coat for daytime, and then another for night.  

Naked lashes, curled:

One coat of Extra Volume Collagen:

Two coats:

Overall, I'd definitely repurchase this if I didn't feel the need to try something different every time.  My next mascara is actually going to be something that will (hopefully) give me more natural-looking lashes- like the effect I got with my L'Oreal Bare Naturale.  I loved that one!  Sadly, it ran out on me before I got around to doing a review, but it gave me awesome, fluttery lashes that didn't scream "MASCARA".

Pros:

- Affordable, easily available

- Dark, thick lashes

- Gives good length

- Great for dramatic or nighttime looks, and daytime too if you're like me and love dramatic lashes all the time!

- Doesn't flake or smudge, easy to remove

Cons:

- Doesn't give you natural-looking lashes

Have you tried this mascara?  What'd you think of it?  Or, what mascara are you currently using?  Any recommendations for a good natural mascara?

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EOTD: How-To Using EcoTools 6 Piece Eye Brush Set

This is going to be my first "tutorial" EOTD.  I usually explain the basics of how I do them, but I think this step-by-step version will be a little easier to understand.  I wanted to do an EOTD showing how I use each of the brushes that come with the EcoTools 6 piece eye brush set, so this is a really easy, neutral look using purple to add a bit of color.  You'll see that I show the brush in the picture to demonstrate how and where to place the eyeshadow.  I hope you like this and I hope I did an ok job at my first step-by-step tutorial!  Like always, I'd love to hear any feedback you have.  

Products I used:

- EcoTools 6 piece eye brush set (All of them!)

- VS eyeshadow primer

- ELF eyeshadow quad in Nouveau Neutrals (All but the olive color)

- Revlon Perle eyeshadow in Violet Starlet

- Mary Kay eyeliner in Amethyst

- L'Oreal Bare Naturale mascara in Black

(I meant for these to be larger, but they didn't fit in the post very well.  Click to enlarge any of them)

1.  Apply a light shimmery neutral eyeshadow all over your eye area, using the Large Eyeshadow brush.

2.  Apply a light brown eyeshadow on your lid area and blend it up just below the crease, using the Angled Crease brush.

3.  Apply a medium purple eyeshadow into your crease, using the angled side of the Angled Crease brush, blending down into the outer half of your lid.

4.  Blend them all together using the Highlight brush.

5.  Apply a light highlight color to your inner corner using the Petite Eye Shading brush.

6.  Apply the same highlight color to your brow bone using the Highlight brush.

7.  Apply eyeliner along your upper lash line and inner half of lower lash line, and smudge using the Smudge brush (LOL, really?).

8.  (Before I did this step I re-applied any of the colors to make sure I didn't blend them all away)  Curl your eyelashes and apply your favorite mascara!

I'm still just loving this set of brushes.  I know when I first reviewed them I said they would make a great travel set, but I'm getting use out of them at home, too.  Totally worth the money.

Hope you all have a nice day- Happy Friday! :)

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L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black thoughts & FOTD

I mentioned on Sunday when I picked up L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara that I had been wanting it for awhile.  I don't know why I didn't sooner, because it's been at Target for $5.00 for awhile now.  Anyway, I finally got it, and have now had a few days to try it out.

When I first opened it up, I immediately thought of Covergirl Super Thick Lash mascara, for if no other reason than the brush.  It's thick, it's fat, and the bristles are too close together to do much separating of your lashes.

Boy am I glad I waited until today to talk about this mascara, because that ^^ didn't happen until now.  See all that product build up at the base of the brush?  Yeah, there's not really a way to wipe it off in the tube, so you either have to tough it out and use it on your lashes or wipe it off with a tissue.

Which brings me to my next point...

!

The tube opening is too big for the brush (Which comes as a little surprise since the brush is rather large itself).  It's just small enough to scrape a tiny bit against the brush as you pull it out, but it's not enough to stop extra product from gathering on the brush.  This isn't a HUGE turnoff for me (I'm not terribly afraid of a few clumps), but it's not good either.  Too much waste.  And I very well could have gotten a faulty tube, I'm not sure.

Anyway, let's move on to how it looks on my lashes.

Not too bad, right?  It's really not.  It does what it says it will- it gives me volume.  I wish it would add more length, although I realize it's not technically going to.

But lastly I have to comment on the clumping part.  That clumpy brush is in no way going to produce perfect-looking lashes.

(Up-close shot of the left eye from above pictures)

Yeah.  This isn't a mascara if you're looking for combed, neat, separated lashes.  HOWEVER, I think it does give you that "bam" volume look.  

Final thoughts:  If you had luck with Covergirl Super Thick Lash mascara, I think you'll like this too.  It's a little heavy on clumps, but again, that's easily fixable with a lash comb.  I wouldn't repurchase this because I'm not a fan of that kind of brush, and I prefer more length AND volume, and this only gave me the latter.

Lastly I have a quick FOTD!  

Face

-Monistat Anti-Chafing gel-powder as a primer

-Maybelline Mineral Power powder foundation

-Clinique blush in Glow on apples of cheeks, and the highlight color from ELF Golden Bronzer on my cheekbones

Eyes

-Combination of facial moisturizer (Up&Up Target brand equivalent of Aveeno Positively Radiant with SPF 15) and Monistat anti-chafing gel as primer- this has been working really well!

-Wet 'n' Wild eyeshadow palette in Vanity (I used all the colors- I love this palette for a nice, neutral, everyday smokey brown eye)

-Covergirl Eyelights Eyeliner in Vivid Ruby

-L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara

Lips

-Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Whisper

Thanks for reading!  Enjoy your afternoon.  :)

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Introducing my love affair with Revlon Super Lustrous! And a collective haul

Guys!  I can't believe it took me this long to rediscover Revlon Super Lustrous lip glosses.  I say rediscover because they were actually the first lip glosses I wore (Way back in middle school).  They bring back great memories!  I only owned maybe two, and I don't remember at all which ones they were- this was when I wasn't that into makeup and was only starting to use it, so they didn't get much attention and were eventually lost.  But I remember staring at Halle Berry's face on the ad at Target and deciding to buy one!

All retrospection aside, I hear about the Super Lustrous lip glosses all the time around here.  It was time I picked one up.  Naturally, I had to get Lilac Pastelle, although had I not seen swatches on various blogs, I probably would have stayed far away.  I fear "different"-colored lips (On myself- I don't think I could pull them off well), but this doesn't look crazy purple when applied.  It's just a nice, light lilac/pink color.  I'm so glad I purchased it!

Lightly applied to my lips

This leads me to the rest of my collective haul over the last two days:

NYC Blushable Creme Stick in Plaza Pink, L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara, Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Lilac Pastelle, Rimmel eyeshadow quad in Urban Flower, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polishes in Sun Kissed and Green With Envy

This is my first NYC Blushable Creme Stick, and after hearing their good reviews on various blogs, I decided to get one myself.  My main motive was my $1.00 off coupon I had for NYC.  I really like how smooth and easy-to-apply this is, although it's not very pink at all.  I'd say it's more of a light peach.

I've been talking about getting the L'Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara ever since I read Mandi's rave about it on her YouTube.  The brush is nothing special (It reminds me a lot of the Covergirl Professional super thick lash brush), but I'll let you know how I like it.

This Rimmel eyeshadow quad I picked up because I had a $1.00 off coupon from Redplum.com.  I've only used their trio eyeshadows before.  I thought the colors were pretty in this one, but I'm having the same problem with a lack of pigmentation that I did with the trio.  

Lastly, I got these Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear nail polishes yesterday at Walgreens for 2/$4.  They're going right back to the store.  The formula is great, but I need different colors; I can't work these whatsoever.  They make my hands look yellow and my mom even said they were bad.  LOL.

I can't wait to go to Target again!  I'm definitely going to be picking up another Revlon lip gloss.  I have a Target coupon for $1.00 any Revlon color product (I got it with my receipt last week), and then in today's Smart Source insert, there were 2 Revlon coupons.  One for $1.00 off any cosmetic, and one for $1.00 off any tool.  Be sure to check your Sunday paper for similar deals!

What are your favorite Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss colors?  Any recommendations?

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Wednesday Weekly Favorites: Warm pinks and neutrals

Along with monthly favorites, I decided I'm going to post my most-used products for the week every Wednesday.  This is mainly because I switch between different items so often.  I love doing 'monthly favorites' posts, so I figured why not do little ones more often?

This week I got a lot of use out of a mix of new products and old favorites.  Can you tell I've gotten back into pinks/purple?

(Clockwise from top left: Clinique eyeshadow in Lucky Penny, E.L.F. Studio blush in Mellow Mauve, Aveeno Postively Radiant tinted moisturizer in Fair to Light, L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara in Black, Wet 'n' Wild eyeshadow trio in Walking On Eggshells, Maybelline LE eyeshadow duo in Amethyst Diamonds- from the Diamonds collection)

The Clinique eyeshadow is a warm, shimmery pink/bronze that is simply gorgeous but is one I often overlook.  I don't know why!  Fortunately I uncovered it recently and I have to stop myself from wearing it every day.  I love pairing this with just some black mascara- I think it shines the most when left on its own. 

E.L.F.'s Studio blushes are great.  I've yet to try many of them, but so far I love this one in Mellow Mauve.  It's a dirty rose pink that pairs wonderfully with any of these eyeshadows from this week.

This Aveeno tinted moisturizer I purchased a couple weeks ago, but didn't start wearing until later last week.  It gives super light coverage, which I would typically like more, but this week I've broken out and need something heavier.  It has a nice, thicker consistency, and it blends into skin so you don't even feel it.  Although I'll get good use of this, I probably won't buy it again just because of the $15 price tag.

L'Oreal Extra Volume Collagen mascara is one I got last year, used awhile and liked it, but ended up losing it.  I bought another one last week to try it out again.  I like it so far, but I'm hoping the formula will thicken up as I wear it more.  It does a pretty good job of volumizing my lashes.

I did a review on this Wet 'n' Wild palette here.  I still love it just as much!  So great for everyday, but the shimmer saves it from being boring.

The purple in this Maybelline Diamonds duo eyeshadow is gorgeous!  I talked about it in this post, but now I've had the chance to use it.  I wish the pigmentation was better, but I love the color so much that I can overlook that.

Swatches:

(Top- Maybelline Diamonds eyeshadow duo

Middle- Clinique eyeshadow and E.L.F. blush- the blush shows up orange in the swatch, but on my face it's definitely more pink

Bottom- Aveeno TM)

What are some of your most-used makeup products recently?

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My Eyeliner "Collection"

This should hardly be called a collection, as I don't have too too many.  I've also tossed out quite a few recently that I just wasn't using or had a similar color of.  And let me just mention while I'm thinking about it- ELF's $1 brightening eyeliners are terrible.  These came to mind just now because I tried one in Coffee, a dark brown, not too long ago, and it smeared and smudged and never dried on my lid.  It just sat there, all sticky and gross.  This is one I just tossed out tonight as I was going through my stash.
Anyway, here they are:

From left to right: 

Pencil: Milani Liquif'eye in Silver, L'Oreal HiP eyeliner in Violet Volt, N.Y.C. Waterproof eyeliner in Teal, Rimmel Spark It Up! eye darkening pencils in Tiger's Eye, Peridot, & Black Gold

Automatic: Clinique Quickliner in Roast Coffee, Wet 'n' Wild IdolEyes eyeliner in Dark Brown, Covergirl Exact Eyelights eyeliner in Vivid Ruby, Mary Kay eyeliner in Amethyst, E.L.F. waterproof eyeliner pen in Coffee.

These are my current pencil eyeliners.  I'll talk about these in order from left to right.  I rarely use the Milani one because of the color (It also irritates my eye a little), but it has awesome staying power and glides on gorgeously.  The L'Oreal HiP works the same way, and it's the same kind of "Urban Decay 24/7 drugstore dupe" eyeliner, like the Milani Liquif'eye.  This one doesn't irritate my eyes at all, though, and I love the color.  The N.Y.C. waterproof pencil is my favorite plain teal eyeliner- it retails between $3 and $4, so it's also my favorite SUPER inexpensive, easily available eyeliner.  The next three are all Rimmel Spark It Up! eyeliners, and these are probably my favorite "fun" eyeliners right now (I say fun because they have shimmer in them- they aren't gritty, though).  They're a little more expensive at around $5 a piece, but still not bad at all.  They are incredibly pretty, too!  

Swatches, in same order as pencils are shown above:

The three Rimmel eyeliners are on the far right- Tiger's Eye is a darker bronze, Peridot is a dark slightly-more-green-than-blue teal, and Black Gold is like an antique black gold, like the title.  I don't really know how else to describe it!  These last pretty well as long as you don't touch them- so, they aren't as durable as Milani Liquif'eye or L'Oreal HiP eyeliners, but they are still good quality.

These are my current retractable eyeliners (With exception of the ELF pen).  80% of them are shades of dark brown, and that was totally not intentional.  From left to right: My Clinique Quickliner is my everyday "I just want something quick and neutral that will stick" eyeliner.  It's a deep reddish brown, and it's got wonderful staying power (Actually, all of these have pretty decent staying power).  The Wet 'n' Wild IdolEyes eyeliner is my favorite for a deep chocolate brown color.  It also has great durability, and it's only $1.99 at most drugstores.  This is what I would recommend to anyone that wants a super cheap, great quality, basic eyeliner.  The Covergirl Eyelights eyeliner is just a standard dark brown, nothing too special about the color.  The quality is average, but it really stays on my waterline.  The Mary Kay eyeliner is a GORGEOUS shade of purple-gold that I just love.  If you have green eyes like me, I think this color is a must-have!  The pencil is tiny, though, so I probably wouldn't repurchase this at $10.  Finally is the E.L.F. Waterproof eyeliner pen, which feels like you're applying a felt-tip marker to your eyes.  This is OK, but I don't personally like the look of liquid eyeliner of any kind.

Swatches, in same order as pictured above:

The Clinique one is obviously a fair amount lighter than the other browns, which is why I don't use it if I'm looking to do a deep, smokey eye.  For neutral looks it's perfect!

What are your favorite eyeliners?  

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April Favorites

April has been feeling quite spring-y this year!  Out here in the Midwest, we tend to get at least one snowfall after March, but so far so good.  I'm not complaining one bit.  :)  

This has made me bring out my bronzer (For my face, anyway).  The ELF studio bronzer I just got this year, actually, and it's made me so excited for the upcoming summer season! 

 I'm currently in the middle of transitioning my makeup from winter to spring.  It's such a good feeling to go from heavy, deeper colors to light, airy textures and looks.  Here are my favorite items from April:

Left to right: ELF Studio bronzer in Golden Tan

The Icing e/s duo- it doesn't have a name, but it's a light creamy pink highlighter shade, with a deeper, brownish purple color.  It's really pretty.

ELF Studio e/s in Pebble

Top to bottom: MAC blending brush 224

ELF Studio "C" brush

Covergirl Lash Exact in black brown

Almay Bright Eyes eye base+concealer 

L'Oreal HiP eyeliner in Violet Volt

I love the ELF eyeshadow "C" brush for applying crease colors; it really gives my eyes definition.  The MAC blending brush is an oldie but goodie.  I got it years and years ago, but just recently brought it back out.  It's a good thing brushes never go bad!  :)

The Lash Exact mascara doesn't give me false-looking lashes like I usually crave, but I like it for an everyday look (Especially for work).  The black-brown shade is just softer than black, too, so it's a good change for spring.  

I'm really loving the Almay eye base!  I bought it on a whim at Walgreens during a BOGO1/2off sale maybe a month ago, having never heard anything about it.  I've been pleasantly surprised, though.  While I haven't used Urban Decay's Primer Potion, from the reviews I've read online, Almay's eye base is a pretty good dupe (I'm thinking of Maquilagem Masstige's review in particular).

Alright, what products are you loving right now?  Are there any you just discovered that you can't imagine yourself living without?

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