Finally got around to doing a makeup look. I say it looks fall-ish. I like how the eye makeup isn't just plain grey but got a bit of burgundy and a little pop of shimmery violet on the lower lash line to brighten up the look a bit and make it a little more interesting. Oh and I also concocted this beautiful purple lip color with the new OCC lip tars that I got from my recent haul.
Product Used
Face
Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Matte Pressed Powder Deep
Using theBalm Balm Jovi palette, I applied Moderato on the crease, Rem on the inner 2/3 of the lid. Alice Cooper on the outer 1/3 of the lid, and The Stroke on the outer V.
Yesterday was a busy day spent with family, cooking pho, and some shopping. I am so tired today. Was up most of the night watching Scandal on Netflix and I feel like I want to sleep some more in spite of sleeping in already. I normally don't watch TV shows and don't care much for it but I find Scandal interesting and addicting to watch because it's a mix bowl of politics, scandals, conspiracies, spies, murders, deceptions, love triangles...It's crazy. I like that.
Anyhoo...My blog has been little slow because I've been slacking off a bit. Been feeling more tired than usual lately and a little depressed. Secondly, I'm not hauling as much as I used to and I'm glad in a way because I'm tired of spending money on things I don't need or can't finish. I know I'll still buy things here and there but only if it is something that really excites me and I find that the more I have the harder it is for me to get excited now, especially if I see products that look too similar to others that were previously released.
I purchased this liner from Hautelook a little while back when they had it on sale. I tried it numerous times already so I'm ready to give you my thoughts on it.
Packaging
Sleek with a long handle and foam tip applicator. I would prefer the applicator to be just a little more flexible. It doesn't glide as smoothly as I'd like, which also creates jagged lines and makes it difficult to create that perfect winged cat eye.
.05 oz or 1.7 ml
Product
This liner is very black and pigmented and quickly dries to a matte finish. You can draw fairly thin lines if you're careful and apply very light pressure.
I used liquid liners a lot and I would consider myself an experienced liquid liner user. With that said, even I have a bit of problem getting a straight and crisp line with this foam tip. I find this is where brush tip applicators excel cause they glide more smoothly on the skin. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that it is doable but not fool-proof. If you're new or have difficulty using liquid liners, this one wouldn't be the best choice for practice.
The liner isn't smudge-proof or water-proof. I've worn it on humid and hot days and it will quickly smear and run when you get oily and perspire. Other than that, it performs just fine under cool temperatures.
Final Thought
It's a very pigmented black liner but I would not recommend for those who aren't experienced with using liquid liners. I would also avoid using it during warm and humid weather or if you have watery eyes because it will smear and run like water. Not a pretty sight if you're going to be around people because you're guaranteed to get raccoon eyes. They should definitely tweak the formula and make it water-resistant at least, especially for the price.
I am pooped...like seriously! Fortunately, I got a few post pre-drafted already so not much left for me to do. I'm putting together a procedure manual for work...well actually 3 of them. Most of them have been completed by my team members but I have to read, edit, and complete the final draft. I'm sick of looking at it but it's due by the end of the week and I'm like half way there. It amazes me how much we do and we know when we have to write a how to manual. I told my co-worker. If we gave it to someone to learn, they'll probably run out the door and never want to come back. It's so much easier to just show and tell than writing every step of the way. Anyways, why am I still talking about work? I'm home now and I should think about other things like finishing up this review.
I have been using this moisturizer for 2 or 3 months already and it's time to tell you what I think of it.
Packaging
Frosted glass with a pump applicator. I like having a pump for my skincare products but this pump requires more pressure and because of that I find it hard to control the amount of product coming out of it.
1.52 oz or 45 ml
Product
The texture is leaning on the thick side and it absorbs very quickly. Perhaps a little too quickly. I wished it gave me a little more time to spread the product but it sinks in immediately where you rub it and because of that I think I'm using a little more product than I normally would.
In spite of the thick texture, it didn't feel heavy or greasy and it did a good job at keeping my skin moisturized.
It's supposed to absorbs oil. It does mattify my skin when I first apply it but it doesn't do much to control oil later on during the day. I still get oily on my T-zone in the afternoon.
It contains no SPF so you'd probably want to pair it with a foundation or BB cream that has it.
It has a pleasant vanilla scent that isn't too overwhelming.
Paraben free and cruelty free
Final Thought
It was just an ok moisturizer for me. I didn't like the thick texture and the fact that it doesn't really control oil. The mattifying effect only last a couple hours and the pump is hard to control.
I hope you are enjoying your Labor Day weekend. Although I am not doing anything in particular, it's just nice to relax and get an extra day off. I've been pretty lazy with putting on makeup these past few days and I shouldn't since I have quite a few things I need to review. Will need to get to that eventually, in the meantime, I'll find other things to post.
theBalm was on sale on Hautelook a few weeks ago and I took the opportunity to grab a few skincare products because the discount was too good to pass up. They were about 50% off regular price.
Rose Face Cleanser, $12.00. For normal to dry skin. Infused with rose extract. Contains Glycolic and Alpha Hydroxy Acids to gently exfoliate and cleanse makeup and impurities.
Vanilla Oil Absorbing Face Moisturizer, $10.00. For normal to combination skin. Infused with vanilla extract. Oil-free formula to help control shine without drying the skin.
Kiwi Facial Scrub, $9.00. For all skin type. Infused with kiwi extract. Oil-free and gel based scrub with gentle granules to soften and polish skin.
I will review them when I get a chance to try them out for a while.
Did you pick up anything from the Hautelook sale? Tried any of their skincare?
The day is almost over and I feel like I got nothing done other than nail swatches. I feel like I need to get out but before I do that, I have to deliver a couple of posts.
I was fortunate enough to get this scrub from theBalm back when they had that 50% off sale for 24 hours. I was so frustrated that I was going to miss out cause their site crashed and there was no way of knowing when it was going to be back up and running unless you were stalking them a few times a day, lol.
Packaging
2.36 oz or 70 ml plastic jar
Product
Infused with almond extract and anti-oxidant from white tea.
Direction: wet face and apply a nickle size amount to finger and massage over face and neck for a minute and then rinse. Use weekly.
The scrub wasn't too thick or thin and I found the grainy little beads quite fine and somewhat smooth. They give a gentle friction that help exfoliate and scrub away dry dead skin for smoother skin. The direction says to use weekly but I think it's gentle enough for more frequent use.
One thing I don't like is that the little beads like to get stuck inside my nails and they don't rinse off easily either. You'd have to dig them out. Getting product stuck inside my nails is always a pet peeve of mine, which is why I really dislike jar containers.
The scent is a little strong and sweet. I can detect the scent of almond in it but I can't really put my finger on the rest of the scent but the least I can tell you is that I didn't find it offensive.
I like how clean and smoother my skin feels after using the scrub and I also like how it doesn't make my skin feel dry afterward.
Final Thought
Overall, I like it. It's scrubby yet gentle and leaves the skin feeling renewed, smooth, fresh, and clean. It's quite pricey so I definitely wouldn't repurchase unless it's on sale.
Another tiring day but TGIF! Last night, after I came home from work, kicked off my work clothes, I passed out on the couch before I even got a chance to eat supper. Then woke up around 10 pm and was up till 1 am, then back to sleep again. Yeah, I'm weird like that, that's why I'm always tired.
I've been trying out this new lippie from Hard Candy for the past few days so I'm ready for a review.
Packaging
Jumbo twist up lip pencil
.11 oz or 3.2 g
Mauveous is a pinkish red gloss that reminds me of strawberry smoothie.
Product
It feels like a lightweight gel and applies smoothly. It's conditioning like a balm but with a little more slip to it and has the shine of a gloss. Looks very lovely when freshly applied.
It's quite pigmented
The formula feels comfortable on the lips but the shine doesn't last very long, like 2 hours at the most. Once the shine disappears, it loses its hydrating effect.
It leaves a good stain behind that last for hours but I did notice that as the stain fades, it starts to look patchy.
It has a sweet marshmallow scent with a bit of waxy scent. Not something I like but it's not overpowering and it seems to fade after 15 minutes or so.
Final Thought
I wished that the shine and hydrating effect lasted a bit longer. Otherwise, color and pigmentation is fairly good. Stains for a few hours but as the day progresses the stain looks patchier and lips look drier. Personally, I like it but don't love it. Scroll further down to see the lip swatch on my face.
Rating: 7.5/10
Price: $5.00
Available at Wal-Mart
Now for the eyeshadows, I used exclusively theBalm Meet Matte Nude palette, which I reviewed HERE.
Face
MAC Lady blush
Tarte Park Ave Princess bronzer
Benefit Watt's Up
Eyes
UDPP
theBalm Meet Matte Nude palette: Matt Hung on lids, Matt Singh on crease, Matt Johnson on outer V and lower lash line, Matt Aloy on brow bone.
Physicians Formula Eyebooster Ultra Black on upper lash line
Today, I'll be reviewing for you the Meet Matt)e) Nude palette from theBalm. I purchased this palette a few weeks ago through their website. This pretty much concludes my collection of theBalm palettes. I own every single one of them from the permanent line. theBalm honestly make some of the best eyeshadows and I've been lucky enough to get all their palettes during a sale or found them for a discounted price.
Packaging
Made of sturdy cardboard paper with a magnetic closure.
9 different shades with a large mirror included
Ok, I can't help but feel silly about it when I saw that they wrote "size matters" on the packaging. I thought I would show you the other Matte palette from theBalm and as you can see, Meet Matte Nude is significantly bigger (and naked) and contains twice as much product. If you missed out on the review of Meet Matte, you can view it HERE.
Swatches were done without a primer
Matt Johnson - dark grey Matt Garcia - medium brown with a slight red undertone Matt Malloy - white Matt Rosen - warm medium brown Matt Wood - cool dark brown Matt Singh - light peachy pink nude Matt Abdul - medium greyish taupe Matt Lombardi - light warm beige Matt Hung - medium taupe with a purple undertone
Product
I found all of these eyeshadows very nicely pigmented and some of the best and smoothest matte eyeshadows I've tried. Not too chalky, too soft, or too powdery and easy to work with. The formula is quite consistent between shades.
They last up to 8 hours with a good primer.
All of the colors are earth tone so great for those who love neutral eyes.
Final Thought
If you're looking for some matte neutrals, then this would be a very good choice. Excellent formula, pigmentation, and colors. The amount of product is very generous so this will last you forever!
Today, I'm going to review for you the Balm Jovi Rockstar Palette that I purchased during their 50% flash sale. This palette normally retails for $39.50, while it was pretty awesome to get a fabulous discount on it, I can honestly say that it is worth every penny.
Back in my teen years, Bon Jovi was my favorite band so this palette brings back nostalgia of my youth. Jon Bon Jovi is so freaken hot...I literally drooled over him, lol. Now the one thing that kinda throw me off a bit is how they named the individual shades with other bands, which I also did listen to some of them back in the days, haha. I think it would have made more sense if they named the shades with Bon Jovi's songs since this palette is called Balm Jovi.
Damnnnn Jon Bon Jovi HOTNESS! I wished that I was born to be his baby!
By the way, theBalm is currently on sale now at Hautelook. Unfortunately, this palette isn't part of the sale but I thought I'd mention it anyways.
Packaging
Sturdy cardboard paper with a heart-shaped mirror. Absolutely adorable!
I loooooove the printed design. This palette literally rocks!
12 eyeshadows, 1 highlighter, 1 blush, 2 lip/cheek colors. One thing, I appreciate about this palette is that the lip colors are covered with another cardboard flap, which prevents the eyeshadows from getting in there.
They even suggested 4 different looks. Not that it really matters.
It's approximately 4 inches wide and 7 inches long.
Heavy Metal Eyeshadows
Metal-ica - metallic white shimmer
Iron Maid-in - cool toned metallic gold shimmer
Lead Zeppelin - dark olive green with sparkly gold shimmers
Alice Copper - shimmery burgundy red
Classical Eyeshadows
Adagio - matte light nude
Allegro - warm matte brown
Moderato - dark matte eggplant
Presto - dark matte brown
Alternative Rock Eyeshadows
Blink 1982 - mauvy nude with sparkling gold shimmers
The Stroke - matte black with blue shimmers
Rem - greyish lavender with gold shimmers
Third Eye Blinded - light shimmery pale nude
Face
Solid Gold Luminizer - beautiful light golden shimmer. Very soft and smooth in texture.
Don't You Want Me Blush - gorgeous coral pink with a satin finish. Very smooth, creamy, and pigmented.
I was very pleased with how long they lasted on me. Up to 8 hours with minimal fading.
Lip/Cheek Color
Milly - rose nude
Vanilly - bright cherry red
I knew it from the start that you'd break my heart but still I had to play this painful part...OMG this song was da shit! Excuse my language, but it's true, it was a major hit when it was released. I still love listening to it. If you were born after 1990, chances are you probably don't know who these guys are.
Milly
Solid Gold & Don't You Want Me on cheeks and Milly on lips
Vanilly
Solid Gold & Don't You Want Me on cheeks and Vanilly on lips
Product
The eyeshadows are nicely pigmented. Some shades are smoother and creamier than others but overall, they are all lovely. They have a good variety of metallic, shimmers, and matte, which I really appreciate in a palette. You can create neutral daytime looks as well as smoky night time looks.
Eyeshadows can be used wet or dry! I didn't know that until I read the description on theBalm website.
The luminizer and blush are also outstanding in term of color, texture, pigmentation, and lasting power.
The lip/cheeks color also have a nice color payoff and a shiny finish. I didn't detect any scent and they applied quite nicely. My lips were dry and they did a pretty good job at smoothing the dryness and feel comfortable on the lips. I haven't tried these out on the cheeks but since they have more of a lipstick consistency, I much prefer to use them for the lips.
Final Thought
This is the best face palette that I own. Everything from the eyeshadows to the cheeks and lip products perform wonderfully. If I could only bring one thing with me on vacation or if I could only use one palette for the rest of my life, this would be it. It's compact, lightweight, and has a good variety of colors to play with for your entire face. MUST...OWN...THIS...PALETTE! Even if you don't know the bands or the songs, this palette is a hit and will rock your look.
I wasn't sure how this nail polish was going to look in person but I had looked up a couple swatches before purchasing and I must say, it looks way better in person. I'm so glad I got it.
Call Me Iridescent is slightly on the thicker side, yet it looks sheer when applied and goes on quite smoothly. The good news is that it looks opaque within 3 coats. The finish is an iridescent pink with a bit of light bronze duochrome to it. It has has some fine and sparkly light gold glitters, which makes the overall look of this polish very whimsical. Dry time is fairly good. It's super pretty, girly, and the color is definitely unique. It's probably one of the prettiest shade within the brand.
