Mini Reviews #1! Physicians Formula, CoverGirl, NYC

Hey guys, happy weekend!  I've been saying for awhile now that I've had several products waiting to be reviewed.  Since I still haven't found time to write up full reviews of them, I decided doing "mini reviews" would be a good solution.  Today I have four products to share with you, from Physicians Formula, CoverGirl, and NYC.

(Note: for more info/photos of the PF Happy Booster blush and NYC lip stain, please visit my recent favorites post, here!)

Clockwise from top left: Physicians Formula Happy Booster blush in Natural, Physicians Formula Conceal RX in Soft Green, CoverGirl NatureLuxe foundation in 315 Bamboo, NYC Smooch-Proof lip stain in Forever Mine Wine

Physicians Formula Happy Booster Glow & Mood Boosting blush in Natural

Hello, pretty!  I raved about this in my previous favorites post (link at the beginning of this post), and I love it here, too.  A lot of it has to do with the cuteness factor, I'll admit it- I really loathe shimmer blushes, but the fact that it SMELLS LIKE VIOLET, is decked in hearts, and is the prettiest peachy-pink shade allows me to overlook that small fact.  The packaging is kind of bulky, and as I opened it for the first time the piece where the top locks into place broke off.  As long as I don't lift up the blush part to use the brush underneath it's fine, but still kind of off-setting.  At any rate, the product itself is gorgeous!

Physicians Formula Conceal Rx Physicians Strength in Soft Green

Physicians Formula has to be the drugstore brand with the longest names ever.  The blush I'm mini-reviewing in the post has one too.  Who has time for that?!  When you're finally finished saying the name you've forgotten what you're talking about.  I digress.

I bought this concealer about a month ago, totally meant to review it, but forgot about it because it has gotten practically no use from me.  I thought the idea of a green concealer would be great.  This one, however, is too thick and cakey- the thickness is too much to blend easily and it's incredibly dry.  It also doesn't look good underneath your skin-colored concealer; it turned my skin an ashy color.  Not a fan, but I would love to know if anyone has tried it and made it work for them!

CoverGirl NatureLuxe foundation in 315 Bamboo

I've been using this off and on since I got it about a month ago.  The color is a tiny bit dark for my face, but it still works.  The only thing I dislike about this foundation is the coverage- I can't stand foundation/face makeup that gets into the "medium coverage" category, because even that feels too heavy to me.  This feels a little heavy even though it is I think technically "lightweight" coverage.  I love the squeeze bottle, though- the packaging makes me think it's a tinted moisturizer sometimes!  The finish is just right for me- not overly dewy, but not matte, either.  I always top my foundations with some type of powder (whether its bronzer or translucent), so this is no exception.  If I wasn't so picky about the coverage levels of my face makeup, I'd probably love this. 

NYC Smooch-Proof 16 hour lip stain in Forever Mine Wine

This has got to be my favorite out of the bunch!  I use it every time I want a deep, "seductive" lip that I don't have to worry about too much throughout the day.  It lasts me a good four hours (without drinking) and the color is just fabulous.  I also love the idea of lip stains (I know, I'm kind of a newb when it comes to lip products, haha), because I don't even feel them once they dry.  This one does cling a little to patchy areas on my lips, but it's not obvious in person.  I can't wait until this summer when I'm back in proximity to a Walmart (no where close to me stocks NYC, it's really strange!) so I can pick up more of these!

That's it for my mini reviews post!  I hope they were still thorough enough to give you an idea of how the products worked for me.  Anything you've tried/loved/hated?  Thanks for reading! :)

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EOTD: Colors! Where have you been all my life?

Tonight was... extremely uneventful to say the least.  I decided it was the perfect time to break out one of my most "daunting" eyeshadow palettes (containing colors I'm almost afraid to leave the house in) and try to make a wearable look!  This is using my Covergirl eyeshadow quad in Tropical Fusion, which includes a vivid dark blue, turquoise, orange, and lime green.  I also added a few other colors in to make the colors blend better together.  I think it turned out OK, but I know it's not perfect- I seriously need to work on mastering these more "vibrant" looks.

 

What I used:

- UDPP original

- Covergirl Tropical Fusion eyeshadow quad (orange on lid, turquoise in crease, dark blue in outer corner, lime green above crease to blend; turquoise and dark blue along lower lash line)

- Dark blue pigment (in outer corner; got this in a sample along with a giveaway I won from Winnie this summer- I think it was from eBay, like a MAC pigment dupe?)

- ELF Elegant mineral eyeshadow (brow bone highlight and inner corner/lower lash line)

- Jane Be Pure mineral gliding eyeliner in Coal 

- Maybelline Lash Stiletto mascara in Black

- Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express mascara in Black

This definitely makes me want summer!  It can hurry along as fast as it'd like in my opinion.  :)

Thanks for reading, as always. 

<3

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Covergirl Liquiline Blast eyeliner in Violet Voltage

Usually when it comes to buying makeup, I go through phases where I look for one thing over anything else.  In late December/up until just a few days ago, it was highlighters and powders.  Every time I'd go to the drugstore or look at makeup, they were the first thing I'd examine.  Do you guys get this way at all?  

Well, I just realized that my eyeliner collection is in serious need of a revamp.  The few I brought home with me for break stay put for maybe four hours, and even that is after I top it with a matching eyeshadow.  And I don't have matching eyeshadow for most of my eyeliners.  I don't want to have to do that all the time.  So, my current 'makeup' obsession is long-wearing eyeliners- they are what I've been looking for first during my recent drugstore trips.  I've heard decent things about the new-ish Covergirl Liquiline eyeliners, and because of their affordable price, I decided to pick one up today.

Covergirl Liquiline Black eyeliner in Violet Voltage

I know L'Oreal makes some pretty awesome eyeliners of this style (HiP and Extra-Intense liquid pencils), and Milani has their Liquif'eyes, but for various reasons I decided on the Covergirl.  Besides, I needed a new purple eyeliner as my Mary Kay one just ran out!  (I sulked for a few minutes when that happened.  The last little bit fell out of the pen- it's an automatic pen eyeliner- and rolled into my sink.  So sad.)  This was the most easily accessible for me and best price point at $7.49 (0.033oz) from Target.

Violet Voltage is a deep, matte reddish-purple.  I don't think I've ever tried a purple quite like this before. The name instantly reminded me of my L'Oreal HiP Chrome eyeliner in Violet Volt, although the two are very different colors and have different finishes.  

Liquiline's have that cool, rubbery smudger at the opposite end of the pencil.  My Neutrogena Nourishing eyeliner has something similar to this, too, and I find it works really well for smudging (So that's why they call these smudge-tips!).  

Otherwise, the pencil is pretty much like the other drugstore 'dupes' of Urban Decay 24/7 liners.  Smooth, creamy, and long-wearing.  Look at my swatch/smudge test!  It's amazing!

On the left is the regular swatch, and on the right is after lightly rubbing for a few seconds.  This makes me so happy!  

Covergirl Liquiline Blast eyeliners also come in the colors Black Blaze, Brown Blaze, Silver Spark, Blue Boom, and Green Glow.  I don't know if I'm interested in trying any of them out as they're not really my style, but who knows!  

Thanks for reading!

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A few recent purchases (makeup, skincare, fashion)

So, the plan was to do my 2010 favorites post this week.  The problem is I just realized that the majority of my makeup I left at school, and I won't be going back for another two weeks.  That one will have to wait a little while, I apologize, but I will get to it!  I know I've been enjoying reading everyone else's.  For now, I thought I'd do a quick post of a few new things I've gotten (And some much-needed!):

Makeup-

 

I've been REALLY frugal with buying makeup recently, because there are a few more "investment" type things I want and I can't justify buying makeup when I could be saving (Although I really want the new Too Faced Romantic eye palette- so pretty!).  

Victoria's Secret mineral pressed powder- I picked this up in the store last week when we marked a few things 75% off (usually beauty things go on sale a little before Semi-Annual sale starts).  Half of it is glittery and half is just a normal powder.  It's OK, but I'll probably just keep it for when I run out of my Bare Minerals mineral veil.  It's not very pigmented.  

Wet 'n' Wild Morbid nail polish- I picked this up on a whim at Walgreens.  It's so dark compared to what I usually wear!  But pretty, nonetheless.  

Covergirl Lash Blast Fusion- I've wanted this for the longest time!  I loved the way Lash Blast Volume worked for me, so this is a welcome addition to my makeup collection.  Expect a review shortly, as soon as I've had more time to play with it.

Skincare-

Aveeno Clear Complexion daily moisturizer- I got this at Target last weekend, and so far it's not anything amazing.  I'm going to keep it around for the spring, because for now I think I need something heavier (my skin gets so dry in the winter).

(Not pictured:) Aveeno Daily Moisturizing body lotion-  My dad has sworn up and down by this stuff for years, and finally I bought a bottle last week.  It's amazing!  I work out at night, and usually when I get to the gym I notice that my legs are on the dry side.  I applied this around 9am a few days ago, and when I went to the gym that night (around 8pm), my legs still looked moisturized.  I also love the smooth texture/how easy it sinks into my skin.  It's a little pricey at about $8 a bottle, but it's so worth it in my opinion. 

Fashion-

Victoria's Secret cotton t-shirt- Got this for $9.99 on sale yesterday during the Semi-Annual sale.  These are so soft and really flattering.  I got it mainly for sleeping/working out in.

Charlotte Russe tank tops- These were 2/$5 during their after-Christmas sale.  Score!  I really needed some more layering tops.

Forever 21 necklace and scarf- These were purchases made with a Discover gift card I got for Christmas.  The necklace is so girly and pretty, I love it!  And the scarf has this "destroyed" kind of look because of the frayed ends.

American Eagle coat- I needed a new winter coat so badly this season, and I saw this one a few months back when they first got it in stock but I worried it wouldn't be warm enough (it doesn't feel that heavy).  After looking for about three months with no luck (and having tried this one on again two more times), I decided to get it.  Here's the best part:  it was marked down on sale for $99, and then all redline items were an extra 30% off.  I only ended up paying $70 for it!  Awesome deal, especially when I was ready to fork over upwards of $200 for a good coat.  

The North Face hat- I also needed a warm hat, and I didn't want anything too out there or obnoxious-looking.  This was a little more than I wanted to pay ($30), but it has an inner lining around the ears that I know will be nice.  In Chicago I have to walk everywhere, so everyone wears hats, gloves, scarves, the works!

What have you guys purchased recently?  Anything with Christmas money or gift cards?  (Speaking of gift cards, I have to use up my Sephora one still.  I'm thinking of getting UDPP, but I'm unsure of which packaging to get.  I was thinking of seeing if my Sephora-which is inside a JCPenney- has the XL size, and if they do, I'll decide between that or just splurging on the Professional size.  I'm also not sure if I should get the original version or Eden.  I love that Eden conceals areas on the eye as well as primes.  Any thoughts?)

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Collective 'Haul': Random Goodies- Updated

Update:
So, I had a chance to try out the: Covergirl & ELF quads and B&BW Dark Kiss.  I am in LOVE with Dark Kiss- it smells so "expensive" and dark and mysterious!  The Covergirl quad is so pigmented!  I'm really impressed with this.  And lastly, the ELF quad isn't too pigmented like I said towards the end of this post, but it makes a really pretty neutral eye with a nice shading in the crease (Using the dark mauve color).  I'll try to do an EOTD soon with both of these.
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I haven't done much heavy makeup buying the last week or two, but these are some random things I've purchased.  I keep going into Target or Walmart or wherever I am and only buying one little thing.  There hasn't been too much drugstore makeup that's screamed for my attention!

Top: Victoria's Secret Secret Garden hand & body creams in Luscious Kisses and Sweet Surrender

Middle: Maybelline single eyeshadow in Amethyst, Bath & Body Works lotion in Dark Kiss, ELF eyeshadow quad in Matte Mauve, Sinful Colors nail polish in Fiji

Bottom: Covergirl eyeshadow quad in Tropical Fusion

The VS hand & body creams I have wanted for so long!  Luscious Kisses has valencia orange, coconut and tonka bean; Sweet Surrender smells like jojoba butter.  

This Maybelline Amethyst eyeshadow is a really pretty purple.  If you have green or brown eyes, I think this would look gorgeous on you!  The pigmentation is also really nice.

Dark Kiss is the new scent from Bath & Body Works, so like with all their new scents, you can "preview" it in a travel size.  This is the $1 lotion.  It has black raspberry, plum, amber, vanilla bean, and balsam.  Very fall/winter.

This ELF Matte Mauve eyeshadow quad I've wanted from the website for a long time, but just never got.  I found it at my local Dollar Tree today!  They have a bunch of other ELF items, along with some Max Factor eyeshadows, Almay Pure Blends eyeshadows and lipglosses, and other new things.

Sinful Colors is on sale at Walgreens this week for $.99.  I picked up the color Fiji and really like it so far!  

Lastly is the Covergirl eyeshadow quad Tropical Fusion.  I stayed away from this because of my past experiences with poorly pigmented Covergirl single eyeshadows.  However, this one was just calling my name so I decided to try it.  Look how pigmented it is- at least for being Covergirl!

Obviously it's not crazy-pigmented, but for what I expected, it performed great.  I can't wait to try this on my eyes.  

Swatches of Maybelline Amethyst and ELF Matte Mauve:

The lowest performer in this group is definitely the ELF quad.  I thought this would be just as nice as my other quads, but it just failed in comparison.   

I'd highly recommend the VS Sweet Surrender hand cream.  Actually, any of the three in this collection are really moisturizing and light (There's one with cocoa butter and one with shea).

Thanks for reading!  And thanks also for bearing with my random posts.  I know I said to expect normal posting to resume, but my sister was here and we were spending every last minute together. 

Tomorrow I get my wisdom teeth out, so as long as I'm awake and not feeling terrible, I should have lots of time to post.  :)

<3

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Mini Walgreens and Target Haul (UPDATED: And Walmart!)

Today I got a few things I've been wanting for a long time, so I'm excited to share this with you!

(Clockwise from top left: EOS lip balm Lemon Drop, Covergirl Trublend Minerals blush in Pure Romance, Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express mascara in Glam Black, Wet 'n' Wild Mega Last lipstick in Think Pink)

I've read endless mention about these EOS lip balms, and I FINALLY figured out where they sell them. I thought for the longest time you had to buy them online, but no, they've been at Walgreens!  I did have to go to the one a little farther away from me (The one around the corner didn't have them), but that wasn't a problem.  I honestly don't even care that this balm isn't the most outstanding one I've tried; the packaging is so cute!  My mom was really interested by it, haha.

I pass this Covergirl Trublends Minerals blush in Pure Romance every time I go to the grocery store, Target, Walgreens; wherever they sell Covergirl.  It wasn't until recently when I read a blog post about this particular color (I forget where, sorry!), and how lovely it looks on fair skin, that I decided I needed it.  It's such a gorgeous, pale pink color.  This is the only product I got today that I am a little disappointed by- it's hardly pigmented at all, and I think my skin is just a tad too dark for it to show up well (I'm fair, but I usually wear the 2nd or 3rd foundation shade depending on the brand).  It's shimmery, so it basically gives my cheeks a nice "glowy" look.  Definitely pretty but not what I had expected.  (PS: You get so much of this.  There is .63oz of product; I don't know if I'll ever finish it!)

The Maybelline Colossal Volum' Express mascara is my current HG mascara.  I've gone through several tubes of this in the past, and the one I've been using is pretty much done with.  I love it so much that I needed to buy another one.  I think this is the first time, recently, that I haven't wanted to try a "different" mascara! 

Lastly, this Wet 'n' Wild Mega Last lipstick in Think Pink is one I've looked over every time I go look at lipsticks.  It always looked too "baby pink" to me, but today I just decided to try it.  I'm so glad I did.  It's pretty, and with the right lip gloss I think it's wearable enough for everyday.  Now I have four of these lipsticks!

(Left- Covergirl blush, Right- Wet 'n' Wild lipstick)

Update:

So I ran to Walmart before hitting the gym tonight, because I realized I've done really well with saving money so I deserved just a couple more things to spoil myself with.  :)  I got my hands on the Revlon Super Lustrous lip gloss in Peach Petal (YES!  I love this and have been eyeing it ever since I bought the others last week!), and then a Jane Blushing Cheeks blush in Blushing Earth Sheer.  I picked this up because I remember awhile ago Jamie at Maquilagem Masstige had raved about it.  It is really pretty!  

I think I'm just going to start collecting these Revlon SL lip glosses.... because I want another one already (Nude Lustre).  I think the packaging is sophisticated for a drugstore lip gloss, they feel lovely on my lips, and I love the distinct scent they have.  They aren't the cheapest, but I feel OK spending a little extra on them.

I love Peach Petal... it's like a nice creamy nude color, but with enough peach in it so it doesn't completely wash you out.  I'll post pictures of this in another post sometime, you can count on it!  

I'll definitely be picking up more of these Jane blushes, too; they are nicely pigmented, soft, and gorgeous both in the pan and on my cheeks.  

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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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Target & Walmart Haul!

I am so happy with my purchases today- mostly because I've been pretty frugal lately with buying "things", and it had really left me in a funk.  But today I told myself that this is just like any hobby, and most people end up spending money on their hobbies.  I've also been good about not hauling anything for awhile so I was able to talk myself into just getting what I wanted.
Throughout the day I made it to Target with my mom, and then Walmart with my boyfriend.  This was the first time he had been makeup shopping with me!  I think it was probably the last, too, LOL.  He saw how utterly indecisive I am.  I went back and forth through the aisles trying to decide what I "needed" haha.
Anyway, I'll show you what I got.

(Clockwise from top left: Revlon Perle eyeshadow in Violet Starlet, Revlon nail polish in Lilac Pastelle, Covergirl Cheekers blush in Natural Twinkle, ELF Studio blush in Blushing Rose, Revlon Colorstay Blemish Concealer in Fair)

I bought this Revlon concealer not knowing much about it.  It has 0.5% salicylic acid in it, so it is supposed to help clear your pimples throughout the day.  I read reviews for it later today on MUA, and a few people said it didn't last long, so that's a little disappointing to know.  I tried it on two of my big pimples, though, and the coverage is definitely good.  It covered those babies!

(ELF Blushing Rose blush, Covergirl Natural Twinkle blush)

I'm surprised that I don't own more of these ELF Studio blushes than I do- I only have this one now, Candid Coral, and Mellow Mauve.  This one has gorgeous gold flecks in it!  

The Covergirl blush is like my perfect "flushed" color- the color my cheeks turn naturally, if not just a little lighter.  In the swatch below you can hardly see it, but it does show up on my cheeks.  Just enough so it looks like I have a little something.  (This is mainly why I love Covergirl blushes- the pigmentation isn't crazy, so you get a natural look)

I've never tried these eyeshadows before, but from the look and feel of it, it seems nice.  It's soft and velvety despite having lots of glitter in it.  Pigmentation looks to be nice, too.  Hopefully soon I can include this in an EOTD.

Swatches:

(ELF blush, Covergirl blush, Revlon e/s, Revlon concealer)

Lastly is the Revlon nail polish in the color Lilac Pastelle.  I'm normally not one to spend anything over $3 on nail polish (Cheap, I know!  I don't know why I'm like that), but I saw this color and had to have it.  It reminds me a little of China Glaze Something Sweet from the Up & Away collection.  I will definitely be doing a NOTD tomorrow.

That's it!  It's not much of a haul compared to other's, I know, but it's bigger for me.  :)  

Have you tried any of these products?  Hauled anything good lately?

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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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Super Mini ELF Haul+EOTD

The only way I can justify this (pathetic excuse of a) haul is that I was not feeling well today and needed a pick-me-up.  I don't know why it just wasn't my day, but at least it's almost over.  :)

I went to a ton of different stores today (In the mall, and then Target, Walgreens, and Walmart) searching for something that peeked my interest, and nothing really did it.  I even found the infamous Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure nail polish at Walmart, but still couldn't justify spending $6.50 on it.  It is beautiful, though!  It stinks having to really cut back on shopping, lol.
Anyway, I settled on only two things from ELF that I've been kind of curious about recently- the Tone Correcting Concealer in Light Beige and Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal.  I don't know if anyone has a strong desire to hear about these, but here they are just incase:

Bottom line about these: Skip the concealer.  It's only $1, but it doesn't work very well at all.

Now the Facial Whip I like.  I had read reviews about it being too shimmery, but just a little on my cheekbones and browbones I think is super pretty.  I used it over my foundation but under my powder, so it toned down the shimmer quite a bit.

Now onto my EOTD, which is a bronzy-brown experiment!  I hardly ever do brown.

I call this an experiment because I used my ELF Golden Bronzer as eyeshadow.  I didn't mix the colors, but used three of the four separately.  I also broke out my ELF mineral eyeshadows; Wild in my outer crease and Innocence as a shimmery highlight.  Using that bronzer as eyeshadow was a success, though, I think!

Products used:

-ELF Tone Correcting Concealer as eye base (I'm still avoiding my old Almay eye base)

-ELF Golden Bronzer

-ELF mineral eyeshadows in Wild and Innocence

-Mary Kay eyeliner in Amethyst

-Covergirl Exact Eyelights mascara in Black Ruby

I love how the eyeliner and mascara are practically the same color!  Both are a purple-gold hybrid with beautiful sheen.

Have a great night everyone!

  

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Super-Mini Grocery Store Haul

Today I was getting groceries with my mom at our local grocery store, and I decided to pick up a few things:

Herbal Essences Set Me Up Mousse

-I trimmed my bangs the other night, and while browsing some Youtube videos about how to style bangs/hair, I learned that mousse could be my new best friend.  I have deep side bangs, and a tip to keep them from "separating" during the day is to comb mousse through them when they're wet.  I decided I should try using something in my hair, since I never do these days.  I used my mom's Paul Mitchell mousse, and it worked great!  Hopefully this has a similar effect.

Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisture for Sensitive Skin

-I love this as a night/day moisturizer.  It tames my fairly sensitive skin, and leaves it feeling nice and smooth/soft.  It's more than I'd like to spend (About $10, depending where you buy- I bought it for $10.99 at the grocery store), but it's 4oz and lasts me a few months.

Cover Girl Aqua CG Smoothers makeup

-I've been on the hunt for a new, light foundation (Note: I've never been a big foundation-wearer, so I'm pretty new to it).  The grocery store we went to only sold Cover Girl, so my choices were limited, but I thought this might be worth a shot.  My past experiences with Cover Girl have been pretty good, so I'm interested to see how this will perform.  My first impression of it is that it feels thicker than it looked like it would, but that might be just because I'm not used to wearing foundation.  The closest thing I usually wear to it is tinted moisturizer.  Anyway, it looks like it might settle into my laugh lines after a few hours of wear, but I'll update you once I've given it a full day to set in.

I hope this isn't too all over the place; I'm writing in a hurry because I'm going out of town to see my boyfriend tonight.  My ELF order should be arriving here towards the end of this week, so I'm excited for that!  I think it's so exciting for me because I hardly ever order things online, haha.  Oh well.

Hope you're all having a great first day of June- mine has been filled with rain and thunderstorms.  :) 

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