Collective Haul and Swatches (Pic Heavy)

WHHHHEWIE! I'm sowie for being away but while I was away from me blog I was also busy shopping. It's been crazy in my world and needed some serious retail therapy. So here's what I've collected from the past few days.

These new NYX Prismatic eyeshadows are now available at Ulta for $6 a pot. So far, my first impression is wow, these are so pigmented and swatch beautifully! They feel so creamy! Need...to...get...more! It's currently on BOGO sale at Ulta right now.

Beautique Gel Eye Pencils Review and Swatches - Navy, Pewter, Rose Gold

Not sure if the review will be relevant to anyone because I got these from Sally Beauty's Clearance rack and I think they may be discontinued? I don't know but I guess just throwing it out there in case you may still find them in store.


Packaging

• I would describe the packaging as simple elegance. It looks nice without looking expensive, if that makes sense. At first glance, I thought these pencils looked unusual because they're slim but the tip is big and wide. Once you sharpen them, the tips do get smaller and take on the shape of a regular pencil. There is one small problem here, the product is a gel formula in a pencil form and the product is pretty soft and will bend or break easily during sharpening. Your best bet is to keep them in the freezer for a few minutes before sharpening. 
• .06 oz or 1.8 g

Product

• Navy is a a dark navy blue with a matte finish
• Pewter is a medium metallic silver grey with a blue undertone
• Rose Gold is a light metallic beige
• What I liked about the formula is that it applies very smoothly just like what you would expect from a gel liner. It's hard to get a thin line with these pencils and because the product is so emollient you'd have to be careful not to put too much pressure or you can also break the tip. 
• They set fairly quickly and once they do they are budge-proof and smudge-proof for hours.
• I do notice a bit a fading after 6 hours of wear but the good thing is they don't migrate or smear. 

Final Thought

The formula is pretty darn good cause it's pigmented, smooth, budge-proof, and long-wearing. I think the packaging is a bit problematic for this gel formula. It's hard to sharpen without breaking or bending the gel. Overall, you'll like this if you don't mind dealing with the packaging and sharpening.

Rating: 8/10

Price: $2.79
Availability: Sally Beauty Supply

ELF Essential Smudge Pots Swatch, Review, Makeup Look - Crusin Chic, Aint That Sweet, Ocean Bound

What a day! Got a little shaken up this morning on our way to work with a minor car accident. A car pulled up from the Walgreen's driveway and ran into my car when he tried to make a left turn. I thought he totally effed up my car but miraculously only my tire and hubcap was scratched. He's got a dent on his bumper and broke his headlight. Could have been worst but thank God it wasn't. Still, it killed my mood for the day and I got to work late.

Other than this unfortunate event, I have a review to share about these beautiful cream eyeshdows...


Packaging

• Clear plastic jar with screw top.
• .19 oz or 5.5 g

Product

• Crusin Chic is a shimmery cool toned medium brown with a subtle gold sheen. It's a gorgeous neutral color. Definitely my favorite between the three. It applies easily and evenly and has good pigmentation.
• Ain't That Sweet is a shimmery pearlescent white with some pink shimmers in it. Very seashell like. This shade could have been a lot prettier but the pigmentation was lacking and applied slightly blotchy. 
• Ocean Bound is a medium shimmery blue with a grey undertone. I felt this color was a little drier than the other two and also applied a little unevenly. 
• The texture of these smudge pots is actually thin and buttery. I was a little surprised at how much slip I was getting at first but within a minute or so of applying them, they start to set, which give you plenty of time to blend and even out the application. You can apply 2 or 3 layers to even out application and build up the color without the shadow looking cakey and flaky. 
• Once they set, they last up to 6 hours before showing signs of fading and that's without a primer. I experienced a bit of creasing with Ain't That Sweet but the other two colors wore just fine. 
• They are easier to apply and blend with your fingers. Brushes just aren't effective with these. 

Final Thought

Formula, consistency, and pigmentation vary a bit between the shades but overall, I was surprised they lasted up to 6 hours without creasing and smudging. I would have liked the jar to be a little more wide so that I can dip my finger in it if I wanted to but since the opening is a little narrow, I avoid doing so that I don't end up with product under my nails. I normally use a spatula and scoop a little bit at a time.


Rating: 8/10

Price: $3.00
Availability: ELF 

Crusin Chic

Ain't That Sweet

Ocean Bound

Cruisin Chic, Ain't That Sweet, Ocean Bound

This or That - Pencil Eyeliners, Gel Eyeliner, or Liquid Eyeliners?

I'm back with another This or That post. I need to work on this series more regularly or else it's going to end up in the back burner again.

 I use eyeliners religiously. I can skip mascara. In fact, I don't even wear mascara because my lashes are too little to even benefit from mascara but eyeliner is one of those beauty products I rarely leave the house without. Each have their pros and cons. I know the experience isn't always going to be the same for everyone. I have hooded eyelids and often times I get my eyeliners transferring to the crease. Also with my lids being moderately oily, some eyeliners just don't cut it, melt and smear. I think it's safe to say, I have very picky eyes so here's what I think of each different type of eyeliners I've used.


Pencil Eyeliners

Pros

• They either come as retractable or regular pencil and they are the easiest and quickest way to line your eyes. Well at least in my opinion. When I'm in a hurry, that's usually what I go for. 
• Provide a softer liner look. 
• They are most suitable for tight-lining and lining the waterline

Cons

• Finding the right formula with pencil eyeliners has always been my biggest issue. 
• I always get some sort of transfer when using pencil eyeliner. It doesn't matter if I get the best, most expensive, or waterproof formula that I can get my hands on. It still happens but just looks less apparent if I use the best that I can find. 

Liquid Eyeliners

Pros

• precise application
• Rarely transfer or smudges

Cons

• They come in a marker type pencil or with a dip and line packaging. Almost all of the marker type packaging I've used have a problem. I either have difficulty getting the right amount to dispense or they dried up too quickly on me. 
• It takes some practice to get it right. Not the best to use when you're in a rush because you need to keep a steady hand. 

Cream/Gel Eyeliners

Pros

• You can use whatever brush works for you
• You won't have any issues with pulling or tugging during application
• Depending on the formula, they are generally long lasting and easy to apply

Cons

• For me, I always get some sort of transfer with gel/cream liners just like the pencil liners.
• I always have to clean my brush after I'm done, which seems to be more of an inconvenience.

Overall, I use different types of liner for different reasons but my favorites are liquid liners, particularly those that come in a dip and line packaging. The main reason is that they typically last the longest and usually don't transfer so I don't have to worry about keeping my makeup in check. No matter what type of eyeliner, I always look for those who are labeled or supposed to be long-wearing or waterproof. There's nothing I dread more than raccoon eyes. 

Which type of liners do you prefer and why?

Marc Jacobs Highliner Gel Crayon Blacquer - Swatch and Review

I had the opportunity to redeem my beauty insider points from Sephora for this new Marc Jacobs Gel Liner pencil, which I am excited about. So far my overall, impression of the makeup from the brand seem very classy and luxurious but the price point makes me a little hesitant, especially with all the competitive prices and products available out there.


Packaging

• I have a deluxe sample but it seems to replicate the original packaging. It is retractable and the full size version comes with a built-in sharpener. 

Product

• The pigmentation is pretty good. Blacquer is very dark and black. 
• The gel glides easily on the skin without pulling or tugging. It sets fairly quickly so if you need to smudge it, you would have to act quickly. 
• I have difficulty getting a thin line out of it but for a thicker liner look, this would be perfect.
• I am also happy to report that the longevity is excellent. It doesn't smudge or smear and stay put all day until I take it off. I do notice a small amount of transfer when I use it for tight lining but then again, I have that issue with pretty much all the liners that I use for tight lining. When used as a normal liner, I really have no issue. 
• Requires water-proof makeup remover

Final Thought

Awesome pigmentation with smooth and long lasting formula. Perfect for creating a dark, intense, and bold liner. I don't think I would shed the money for it but aside from that, this liner is almost perfect. 

Rating: 9.5/10

Price: $25.00 (full size)
Availability: Sephora

Ulta Extreme Wear Gel Liners - Review and Swatches + FOTD

Yayyyy Friday!! Don't know how I'm going to spend the weekend but I'm just glad it's a weekend.

Well well, this is a long overdue review because I purchased these babies a few months ago. If you shop at Ulta, you know that they always have pretty good sales and deals on their makeup line. These gel liners are normally priced at $10 a pot but with the sale, you'd usually only end up paying half of that.

Packaging

• Glass pot
• .11 oz or 3 g

• Perfection is a shimmery dark brown with subtle gold and copper shimmers
• Smoke is a medium shimmery grey with pink and teal shimmers

Product

• Highly pigmented
• Texture is very creamy and smooth and easy to apply
• Doesn't last very long when used as an eyeliner. I noticed a significant amount of fading and smudging after just a couple hours of wear. 
• I tried using it as a cream eyeshadow and since it's very creamy, it was easy to apply. Without a primer, I noticed creasing within a couple hours as well. 
• I tried them as a base over a primer and with an eyeshadow over them and I was finally able to make them last up to 8 hours without creasing or fading.

Final Thought

These gel liners worked best as a base but with the help of a good primer and eyeshadow to set. The pigmentation is actually very good and the texture very creamy but it doesn't perform well on its own or as a liner because it creases, smudges, and fades within a couple hours.

Rating: 7/10

Price: $10.00
Available at Ulta


Now for the FOTD...

Face

• Wet N Wild Princess bronzer
• Milani Baked blush Luminoso 

Eyes

• UDPP
• Ulta Extreme Wear Gel Liner Perfection as base
• theBalm Balm Jovi palette: Blink 1982 on inner corners of eyes, Alice Copper on lids, Iron Maid-in on crease and brow bone
• MAC PearlGlide Intense Eye Liner Undercurrent on upper lash line
• Milani Shadow Eyez Green Safari on waterline
• Stila Stay All Day Waterproof eyeliner Turquoise on lower lash line
• ELF Single Eyeshadow Pebble on brows

Lips

• Fresh Sugar Rose tinted lip treatment

Physicians Formula Shimmer Strip Gel Cream Liner Glam Hazel Eyes

This is a post that should've been done way back then. I purchased these gel liners a during a CVS clearance sale and just decided it was time I test these out. Hmm, yeah... :-/


Packaging

• These Shimmer Strip Gel Liners come in a trio that you could either stack together or keep them separate. 
• A small brush is also included. I find the brush to be rather thick so if you plan on using this brush to line your eyes, keep in mind that it will create a thicker line. 
• .21 oz or 6 g (total net weight)

• So in this trio, you get a light shimmery antique gold, a medium shimmery lavender, and black with gold micro glitters. 

Product

• The light gold and lavender shade performed rather poorly, which is a shame because the colors are  gorgeous. I found them sheer. They didn't feel creamy at all and applied patchy. They also faded quickly and didn't last very well. 
• The black shade however was the opposite. Very creamy, pigmented, and long-wearing. After 8 hours of wear, I notice minimal fading and smudging.

Final Thought

Not worth buying because two out of three are pretty but useless. I've had better luck with other Physicians Formula Gel Cream trios. I tried using the gold and lavender as cream shadows and that didn't work either. Really too bad because the colors are so pretty! If you can be happy with just the black shade then I hope you can find this set on clearance like I did.

My rating: 4/10

Revlon Colorstay Creme Gel Liner Black - Review & Swatches

This is one of the new products that Revlon released this year. Out of curiosity, I picked it up along with some Revlon Lip Butters because they were on BOGO 50% at Walgreens. The main reason why I got it was because it came with a brush! LOL, ain't that something eh?
At first, I wasn't sure how this product works but once I unwrapped the package and took everything out I was like OHH! That wasn't what I had in mind. For whatever reason, could be the way the packaging looks, I thought that the brush actually always stayed in contact with the gel and that you use it kinda like how you use a liquid eyeliner.

  

Packaging

• As far as that goes, I think it's practical and the attached brush is very convenient and comes in handy. The brush has two parts. First twist the cap from the jar, pull the brush out of the cap, turn it around and insert the other end in it.
• The brush is actually well made and has the firmness and flexibility that you need to line your eyes. The tip of the brush is not the finest but works well.
• There is .08 oz or 2.3 g of product in that tiny pot, a little less than a MAC Fluidline which contains .10 oz of product. I've included a picture of a MAC Fluidline next to it to give you a better idea of how much you get.
• It's not very bulky and I think the packaging is travel friendly.

 

Formula

• As far as the formula goes, it's not the blackest black liner I've come across but it is dark enough.
• The texture is pigmented, creamy, and glide easily when I lined my eyes.
• The gel only takes a few seconds to set. Once it sets, this liner last me all day without smudging or fading. That's pretty awesome!

Final Thought

You get a much better value if you buy this product on a BOGO sale. This is smaller than the typical gel liner pot I'm used to. If you are looking for a very black gel liner, I would say skip this one. Otherwise, the packaging is great, the brush works well, and the quality also meets my expectation.

My rating: 9.5/10.

Luuux Shared Link

Tarte Waterproof Amazonian Clay Shadow/Liner

I purchased these liner trios a couple weeks ago from Sephora. This set is limited edition and cost $39.00.

Packaging

• The typical jar container for gel/cream liners
• The color of the cap correspond with the color of the liner. It has a pretty design. Not quite sure what is it.
• Each jar is 1.8g or 0.06 oz, which is pretty small if you ask me. The size if the jar is misleading, considering how little you get.
• A dual-ended brush is included. One side to apply the eyeliner and the other to apply as eyeshadow. I don't particularly find it really good or bad but pretty decent.

Colors

• Black is a pretty dark matte black. It actually looks a lot darker than the swatch. This shade is available on its own for $22.00
• Deep sage is a shimmery deepened cool-toned green. I believe this shade is exclusive to this set.
• Bronze is well, a shimmery bronze that looks slightly metallic. This shade can be purchased on its own.

Product

• Product claims to be multi-purpose as a liner and eyeshadow. Although I personally, wouldn't use these as eyeshadows unless I wanted to create a very dark smoky eye look.
• Product claims to be waterproof. This is certainly a long-wearing eye product and did not budge when I rubbed on the swatches and after I spraying water on them. 
• These liners will last you all day until you take them off. I did find that the black liner would smudge a little bit after a few hours of wear. The problem can be fix if I set it with a black eyeshadow after I am done applying it.
• These shadow/liners are not very creamy but not too dry either, although personally I would have preferred them to be just a tad bit creamier. Regardless, I didn't find them difficult to apply either.
• They are very pigmented, which is nice.

Conclusion

I would have loved them to be just a notch creamier. I'm actually quite disappointed at the amount of product they give you for what you pay. Overall, the liners work very well and I love the fact that they have a great staying power. My rating 8.5/10.

Physicians Formula Gel Creamliners

A couple weeks ago, I received a gift package from Holly Ann and she sent me these PF creamliners for green eyes. I was stoked because I have been wanting and lusting for these creamliners for a long time but never got around to it. The main reason I didn't buy them was that I thought they were kinda expensive for a drugtore product. They retail for about $11.00.
Anyways, after I tried the Creamliners for green eyes, I was hooked and ran to CVS to get more. The great thing about CVS is they make buying makeup so much more fun since you can save a lot of money shopping there by using your ExtraCare coupons and other additional coupons you may have.

Packaging

• .21 oz or 6 g each
• Stackable and detachable
• 3 different creamliner colors
• Eyeliner brush included, although I wouldn't personally use it to line my eyes because I think it's too thick.

Product

• So they claim these products to last 24 hours. That's a bit unrealistic if you ask me. Who wants to wear her makeup 24 hours? Most of us don't. In spite of that ridiculous claim, I do think that these creamliners are long-wearing and will last you throughout the day until you take them off.
• It applies and glides very smoothly
• Great pigmentation
• Hardly any smudging. Perhaps a tiny bit bit towards the end of the day, after 8 hours of wear.
• Each set is customized to enhance your eye colors.

Colors

• For green eyes, there's a grassy geen liner with a faint shimmer, which is think is absolutely gorgeous. You also get a bluish purple and a black with green shimmers. I like the fact that the black eyeliners that comes with these sets are not just plain black but they have a little hint of shimmers in them, which makes them look even better.
• For Hazel eyes, you get a taupy brown with a slight sheen to it, a pinkish purple with grey undertone, and a black with pink shimmers.

Conclusion

These are my new favorite eyeliner products. I've been reaching out for them often since I've got them. They feel creamy and glide so nicely when applied. I am so tempted to go back and get more. In case you didn't know, they have more sets of these trios in different colors available. The only things that I didn't like was the brush it came with and I really wish, there wasn't a black creamliner in every set. If I buy another set, I'm going to end up with more black eyeliners than I really need. I love the fact that you get 3 different colors that are long-wearing. My rating 8.5/10. I would have given these a 9 if they didn't claim this to be 24 hour wear.

BTW, Holly Ann provided me the link to this print out coupons for $5.00 off any Physicians Formula product. I'm putting it here so you can also enjoy the savings. This coupon is good till 6-15-11.

http://www.raininghotcoupons.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/eyebooster-coupon-3-1.pdf

Enjoy your savings :)...let me know what you thought of these liners if you tried them.

L'oreal HIP Cream Liners - Midnight Blue, Teal, and Eggplant

Am I the last person on earth who just recently tried these? As you already know, these cream liners have been on the market for quite a long time already but I never was able to bring myself to buy them because they are kind of expensive for drugstore makeup. These retails for about $11.00.

Fortunately, I bought them way back when CVS was having their huge sale and when I saw that they were on sale for 75% off, I jumped on the opportunity. I thought finally I have a reason to buy this, lol.

Packaging

• They come in a clear glass jar and a black cap, which look identical in shape and size to those of my Benefit creamshadows.
• You get a good amount of product there so very unlikely to finish it soon.
• 0.159 oz or 4.5 g

Midnight Blue is a beautiful navy blue with blue shimmers.

Teal is obviously teal. I love the pop of color this brings. The finish is matte.

Eggplant it is. The finish has a subtle sheen.

Product

• They do feel slightly drier than I would have liked, therefore they are a bit harder to pickup with the brush. Consequently, you'll have to work a little faster during application as well.
• They last all day without smuding or smearing
• You can use them as eyeshadow base
• They are very pigmented

Conclusion

I think the colors that I picked are gorgeous. They are a great alternative to black or brown for a little pop of color. I wished that they were creamier and a little easier to apply (as eyeliner). On the bright side, I really like the fact that they have a great staying power. Once you put them on, they won't budge until you take them off. Price-wise, I would advise to wait until they go on sale. My rating 8/10.