Missha Super Aqua Cell Renew Snail Sleeping Mask Review

I guess I spoke too soon yesterday because I just broke my daily view record again and now I feel kinda stupid even talking about it. I've been teaching my son how to drive these past few weeks but only have been able to show him on the weekend for like an hour or two. He started practicing at a park but today, we actually drove around our neighborhood with moderate traffic. It was a nice change from moving around at the park and I'm pleased to see that his driving is getting better and that he is starting to gain more confidence behind the wheel.

So this is the first "Sleeping Mask" I have ever used and don't laugh but I had no idea what a sleeping mask was and I actually had to read the direction on how to use it.

Missha claims that this sleeping mask contains 15% snail slime extract and botanical stem cells to rejuvenate, moisturize, and promote healthy skin.


Packaging

• the packaging has a luxury appeal to it even though it is just a squeeze tube. 
•  110 ml, approximately 3.72 oz, which is a pretty generous amount for skincare.

Product

• The direction says to apply before sleeping by avoiding eyes and mouth area and then rinse with water in the morning. 
• The mask is a little thick when you squeeze it out but it feels creamy and melt and absorb very quickly once you apply it on the skin. Unlike the day moisturizer, the sleeping mask feels more like a cream but has the same botanical fresh scent. Once it dries, it actually has a mattifying effect. 
• I have normal/combination oily skin. I didn't feel like the mask provided moisture but seem to work more like a humectant. Therefore, all it seems to do is retain that moisture that you have on your face. It doesn't soften or moisturize the skin. At least that isn't how my skin felt when I used it as directed. It didn't make my skin feel supple like a typical night cream would. 

Final Thought

I'm not sure how other sleeping masks compare but this one did not really feel moisturizing and I did not notice any change from using it. If you have dry skin, you probably should use a night cream first before applying the sleeping mask. Overall, it's one of those products that aren't bad but I feel like I don't need cause it didn't really do anything for me.

Rating: 8/10

Price: $22.99
Availability: Missha

Orly Swatches - Right Amount of Evil and Spazmatic

Yesterday, I reached over 2,800 views and I can't remember the last time or if I ever had this many views in a single day but I'm thinking this might set the record on my blog ever since I started. And the sad thing is I actually don't really set many goals for my blog but have seen an increased in traffic in the past month or two so I'm pleased to know that people are reading or looking at my blog.

One of my main goal here is simple. Post regularly, daily if possible. I try to do a variety of posts and keep up with the new stuff.

Yesterday, I broke a nail. Yikes, looks bad. I won't be able to do new swatches for a while but thankfully, I had some nail polishes that I swatched previously but didn't have a chance to post yet. I scored a good deal with these two polishes that I got from TJ Maxx a fewweeks ago for $6.99 (together) and here are the swatches for yall.

Right Amount of Evil. Can't really say that it is evil but this polish is straight up WICKED! I fell completely under its spell the moment I swatched it. It has an orange jelly base that goes on sheer but it has enough pigmentation to offer a fairly decent color pay off in just two coats. It also has fine bright pink shimmers that I think is what makes this polish so devilishly gorgeous. There is a mix of silver hex and small holographic bar glitters that screams "look at my wicked nails!" lol.
The formula wasn't too thick or thin. It has just the right consistency, making application a breeze. The glitters spread out fairly easily and didn't give me much trouble. I am wearing two coats on the swatches and a clear top coat.

Spazmatic...Hmm, I dunno what that means but from the looks of it, it is just lovely. It has a clear base with very fine purple-ish blue shimmers and sapphire blue glitters. Sapphire blue glitters have been on my wishlist so I was stoked when I came across this polish. Here, I have it layered over Sparitual Undercurrent, a deep dusty blue. I also swatched it over a white polish on my ring finger so you get a feel for it. The base isn't too thick or thin. It picks up a fair amount of glitters but if you like a lot of glitters, you would have to do 2 to 3 coats. The sapphire glitters kind of have a mind of their own and you would have to shuffle them around but overall, I didn't have much trouble with it.

Makeup Look With Wet N Wild Spoiled Army Brat Eyeshadow Palette

TGIF, home late again. Had a long chat with boss lady about work and my review. Which went well. The year just flew by and with so many things happening I told my boss I can't remember what the heck I did. She said she saw a lot of growth in my leadership skills this past year by showing that I took full responsibility for my co-worker's learning and training of their job. She also said that my team is the most pleasant and hard working in our department and that is also a reflection of good leadership. I told her I'm very proud and couldn't have asked for a better team. They really are awesome.

Anyhoo back to my makeup business now...Here I come with another makeup look but I didn't apply the eyeshadows according to the labeling because the thought of it just didn't appeal to me so I decided to break the rules.

For this look, I applied the brow bone color on the lid, the crease on the outer V, and the lid color on the brow bone. I felt like I needed another color for contrast so I improvised with Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Junkie on my lower lash line.

I found the eyeshadows a bit on the powdery. The eyelid color was definitely on the sheer. The browbone was sheer and the crease color had fairly good pigmentation. Like the previous palette, I feel like the pigmentation and quality was just alright and not as good as some of the previous Wet N Wild palettes. In the end, I still loved the outcome of this makeup look.

I'm so tired and I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend.

Two Makeup Looks With Wet N Wild Soldiers In Charms Palette

I haven't given as much attention to my blog as I would like and I admit I've been sort of slacking and posting really late if I post at all. Secondly, work seems to be draining me more lately...new management, new workflow, new office. We just had a co-worker that worked at the clinic for 13 years who just lost her job because of the new workflow reconstruction. My boss is going to be on medical leave for 8 to 12 weeks. I am already feeling the pain and dread of the months to come. I guess I'll have to find some ways to keep my spirit up.

I wanted to share two makeup looks that I did with the new Wet N Wild and tell you what I think of the palette.

Look #1

I used the eyeshadows in the order they are labeled. I'm not too crazy about the shimmery light green on the brow bone but it's not as bad as it looks. Personally, just not how I would wear this look. Sometimes, I wonder if there have been any thoughts put into how the colors are coordinated together and if Wet N Wild even tried the looks before they sell the palette.

Look #2

This look is a little softer. I applied the shimmery light green on the lids, the matte medium green on the crease, and the dark shimmery green on the outer V. On the brow bone, I had to improvise another color not from the palette. 

The eyelid color is soft but a bit powdery and the pigmentation is ok. I did have to pack it on in order to show.
The crease color has good pigmentation but I find blending it a bit harder. I'm usually not in favor of shimmery eyeshadows on the crease but because it's pretty dark, it kinda worked.
The browbone color is on the sheer but it's soft.

Overall, I would use the colors together but not necessarily in the way it is labeled. Quality and pigmentation of the palette is pretty average, which was a bit of a bummer. It seems like the quality of the new Wet N Wild palettes are just not as they used to be. What do you think?

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?

Rimmel Metal Rush Duochrome Nail Polishes Swatches

I have not seen this set in any other stores beside K-Mart, at least so far. But when I saw that they were supposedly duochrome and only $1.99 each, I was like what the heck, just get them all! 

These Metal Rush polishes are small, only 8 ml, which is about half of a typical nail polish. I'm totally fine with that. I don't think I've ever finished a bottle of nail polish anyways. 

Bronze Princess is no doubt my favorite of the pack and if I was only to get one from this set, this would be the one. Though I've seen other duochrome polishes that look similar, I don't think I've seen any that is a close dupe to it. The color shifts from a silvery smoky purple to an olive green. Bronze Princess also has the strongest duochrome between the three. All I needed was just 2 coats. The brush is a bit uneven but the formula is good and applies smoothly.

Gold Save The Queen has a really gorgeous antique gold color to it with some subtle green shimmers running through. It shifts from antique gold to a reddish brown dependent the lighting and angle of view.  It runs a bit on the sheer but I was able to get a fairly decent opacity with two coats. Same issue with uneven brush bristles but good formula that dries fairly quick.

Ok, so Pearly Queen is probably not that unique and I've seen many that are similar. It reminded me of Zoya Adina but more sheer. This is the sheerest out of the three and it shifts from a pearly pale lavender to shimmery light green. I did three coats on the swatches. Formula is consistent for all of these polishes and the brush could use some improvement but other than that. I can't complain much.

What do you think of this new set of duochromes? Will you seek them?

Small K-Mart Haul

Hello lovelies,

Wasn't sure if I was going to make it here tonight but had to try. Every Monday nights, I have to drive my oldest to school, that is 45 minutes away from home and then we don't get back home until 9 pm, that is when his class end so by the time I get home it's pretty late. I passed out pretty much as soon as I got home last night. 

Today, I stayed a bit late at work to makeup for the time I left early on Monday and then I had to stop by to buy groceries so by the time I got done with supper it's pretty darn late...Again! Ugh! Story of my life. 

Here, I am trying to quickly post this haul for yall before I either pass out or forget. 

I spotted this new trio of duochrome nail polishes from Rimmel and I couldn't resist but get them all. They were only $1.99 each.

I saw a few cool Lash Dress from Kiss, $2.99, but I only picked the flowery design. Looks very cute on the model. I hope it looks the same on my eyes.

Ok so I don't need a brush I just wanted it. The ELF small stipple brush is only $3.00 and seems to be well made. The bristles are soft and firm and it would be perfect for blushing and even maybe contouring. 

One of my favorite time to buy lashes is around Halloween and I love this set, $3.99. The top lashes are spikey and long and I love that it comes with bottom lashes. This sure is going to add some extra drama on the eyes. I have to do a makeup look with these.

Stay tuned cause I will be posting swatches for the nail polishes shortly.

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

L'Occitane Rice Ultra-Matte Face Fluid Review

I was fortunate to get this moisturizer off of Hautelook and got it for much less than it originally was. My daughter used up half of it before I got a chance to test it. Regardless, I did get several uses out of it that enabled me to write this review. 

Packaging

• It comes in this diamond shape frosted glass with a pump. Sadly, it didn't have a cover and I particularly don't like skincare packages like this that don't have a cover. You can twist the dispenser to lock it but I still prefer having a cover to prevent germs from getting to it or accidentally dispensing product out of it. With that said, I'd be worried if I had to travel with it. 
• I found the dispenser hard to control. Sometimes the moisturizer just sprays out of it so be careful at how you are holding it and what direction you have it pointed to. 
• 1 oz or 30 ml

Product

• The consistency of the moisturizer is more of a milky gel that isn't too thick or thin but it absorbs really fast and leaving your face feel matte within seconds. With that said, I didn't really find it moisturizing so this would work better if you have normal to oily skin. 
• I'm a bit oily on the T-Zone and while I found myself less oily while I was using it. I was hoping it would control the oil a little more. 
• It has no SPF so you would need to use another product with SPF. Not really a big deal for me since my BB cream or foundation usually has SPF. 
• It does have a strong soapy scent to it. Kind of old lady like, lol. It wasn't horrible but not something I enjoyed either. I prefer non-scented or very subtle scents for moisturizers. 

Final Thought

Yes, it mattifies. Offers a bit of oil control but hardly any moisture. I think this is more suitable for normal to oily skin. I'm not a fan of the packaging and the scent but overall, it's an ok moisturizer. I need something a little more moisturizing though. 

Rating: 8/10.

Oh and isn't it just sad that I found out this product has been discontinued? Kinda defeats the purpose of this review. Anyhow, I still posted it because it may still be available somewhere out there. 

Revlon Elusive

Elusive is a new polish that I recently spotted at Target from Revlon new fall/winter collection. I thought that the teal glitters had a nice contrast against the black base so decided to purchase it. Little did I know that it was going to dry matte. The formula was not too thick or thin but spread out easily during application. The brush also picks up a good amount of glitters so there is not need to go fishing for them. I only needed two coats for full and even opacity. It looks dull and gloomy once the matte effect settles in.

On the last picture, I added a clear top coat and I much prefer how it looks that way. I was also considering picking up that other polish from the collection. I forgot what it was called but it was very similar to Revlon Carbonite, but sparklier. It might actually be a closer dupe to Chanel Graphite, now that I think about it.

I got it for $3.79 at Target but I know Revlon polishes cost a little more at Walgreens and CVS.

What do you think of this glittery matte? Yay or nay?

L'Oreal Matte-r of Fact Swatch

I spotted this polish at Target on a new display a few days ago and initially was drawn by the color. I know I have a lot of teal nail polishes but felt like I needed this. Little did I know that Matte-r of Fact is a matte nail polish. I didn't even look at the name until after I swatched it and notice it dry matte. Then that's when the name struck me and I was like "oh ok, now I know what's the meaning behind it!"

The color is very pigmented and the formula was fairly easy to work with. If you applied carefully, you can get a full even coverage with just one coat. Though matte isn't necessarily my favorite nail polish finish, I like how it looks with this color. On the last picture, I added a clear top coat and it looks lovely that way too.

L'Oreal nail polishes typically retails for $4.99.

What do you think?