Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reviews. Show all posts
It was time for me to finally find a new, full coverage foundation; one that would forever disappear my troubled skin and leave it looking healthy and oil-free. The Milani Conceal + Perfect 2-in-1 has redefined full coverage foundation. I heard raves about Milani's foundation and I know that all of their other products are just as amazing as this foundation. With minimal flaws and at a reasonable price of $10, this product does wonders for the skin.
It's always been a struggle for me to find the right full coverage foundation. With 14 shades in thecollection, there's a shade for everyone and it also has a pump. Two of the reasons I fell in love with this product at first glance.
Some other things I loved about this product, after I have been using it for the past two weeks, is that it truly is a long wearing foundation. Especially for special occasions, performances, or night outs, this foundation fails to move off the face and does not appear over-dewy, like many full coverage foundations seem to do. With that being said, it is water resistant which is a plus and very common with many full coverage foundations so that it stays in place all day long.
I also fell in love with how flawless my skin looked; having very sensitive, acne prone skin, uneven pigmentation, and the occasional dark circles after long nights of writing (or watching Netflix hehe). This product really does cover it all up. You don't even need to use a large amount of product to fully conceal everything. The trick to using this product and not feeling like you've caked on all your makeup is to use a pea sized amount and apply it with a damp beauty sponge, like the favored Beauty Blender, and even everything out for the ever-so-flawless finish. I can honestly say that this foundation looks so good in pictures...who doesn't want that?
Obviously not every single foundation is going to work for everybody and there's always something about a product that some people notice and some don't. One of the main things I noticed with this product was that it is a little hard to blend. Noting that it is a thicker formulation, it isn't something that takes away from the result of the product. As long as you use a damp sponge or really make sure you blend out the product evenly, you should be good to go and look more flawless than ever.
Another small flaw I noticed was that the shades tend to range a bit darker on the spectrum. So, I actually ended up purchasing the lightest shade they had. Sorry my paler friends!
Despite those two small things I noticed, this product has been at a daily reach when I do my makeup. If you are looking for a fuller coverage foundation I would totally recommend this one. It really does make your skin look magically healthier and does a great job staying in place all day. Have you tried this yet?
Xoxo, Nat
It's rare for me to find a face mask as great as any fresh Lush face mask but, boy do I have news for you all! I've done it. One of the best and easy sheet masks I have tried in a long time. I have always been a follower and user of Yes To products and when I was at the store the other day, I strolled upon a kiosk full of these Yes To face masks. They had many different types of sheet masks to choose from; I choose the Yes To Tomatoes Clear Skin mask for my oily and acne prone skin.
Infused with tomato extracts and salicylic acid, this mask does wonders for my sensitive skin. I'm a sucker for anything beauty related that's great for making my skin glow and feel amazingly soft.
Like all sheet masks, this one is very easy to use. After I cleanse my face, I pull the mask apart and place it on my face! So simple. It only takes about 10 minutes to fully react to the skin and all you have to do is wipe off some of the excess product when you're done (which I don't mind all that much).
I used this right before I got my period and I think it really did prevent bigger breakouts from appearing. Especially on those nights when you want to pamper but, you're a lazy oaf like me, this is really convenient to use. It can also be great to do at a party or a sleepover with your best buds!
If you love the other Yes To products like the facial wipes, you'll love their new masks. I might have to go pick up all of the other ones that they just released. Have you tried these out yet?
Like all sheet masks, this one is very easy to use. After I cleanse my face, I pull the mask apart and place it on my face! So simple. It only takes about 10 minutes to fully react to the skin and all you have to do is wipe off some of the excess product when you're done (which I don't mind all that much).
I used this right before I got my period and I think it really did prevent bigger breakouts from appearing. Especially on those nights when you want to pamper but, you're a lazy oaf like me, this is really convenient to use. It can also be great to do at a party or a sleepover with your best buds!
If you love the other Yes To products like the facial wipes, you'll love their new masks. I might have to go pick up all of the other ones that they just released. Have you tried these out yet?
Xoxo, Nat
I haven't done a nail polish post in so long and to be fair, I'm not that big on the #nailsonfleek trend but, I found possibly one of the most life changing (a little dramatic, Natalie) nail polishes for all you lazy nail people out there like myself.
I've always hated doing my nails; I thought there was no hope for us girls that despise nails and all things that come with it. Until one very blessed day as I was strolling past a Walgreen's kiosk that read, "1 STEP GEL, NO LAMP", and I was instantly hooked. Wet n Wild's Wondergel has changed the nail polish game for sure. This product is only five bucks and does "wonders" on my nails, here's why:
1) They're So Opaque
I don't think I have encountered a nail polish that has the best opaqueness these do. Every time I have used these, I've only used one coat and I was done. Every color I have bought (only these three, so sad) performed beautifully.
2) They Don't Chip--EVER
I wore this polish for over two weeks and it never budged. Sometimes, with my nail polish on my toes, it never chips but, even on my fingernails nothing came off!
3) Flash Drying Time
I couldn't compare how fast the drying time was in minutes or even seconds because it literally dries as soon as you apply it. I can be in bed and apply one coat to my nails and go to sleep as soon as I'm done it's that fast. Funny story, I painted my nails with this and immediately ate Flaming Hot Cheetos right after so, if that doesn't say it's a holy grail polish then I don't know what does.
4) The Best Brush
I'm never the one to get picky about a nail polish brush but, it so makes the difference! Especially this one because it's flat and can spread across the entire nail as you apply the polish.
5) No Top Coat or Lamp Needed
There's no need for any final coat or lamp. The beauty of this polish is how easy and convenient it is to use. It looks like a gel and stays looking like a gel for so long.
If any of you are like me and dread the chore of painting nails, please go out and try these polishes. They're super affordable and amazing quality gel polishes. Wet n Wild keeps impressing me every time they come out with new stuff so I highly recommend trying their other products out. Have you guys tried these yet?
Xoxo, Nat
Happy Tuesday everybody! I have always seen bloggers review Philosophy products and I have heard very great reviews about their skincare products. Wondering why I have never tried them before, my best friend actually gifted me this Mixed Berry Tart Kit for my birthday last month.
I have kind of fallen in love with all of these birthday sets and mini travel kits that are out in the stores now. It's a cool idea for a gift and it's nice to get small samples to try out. This has been by far one of the best sets I have tried!
Something about Philosophy that I have really liked about their products was that they post the recipes of the scent onto the packaging. It's so unique and really cute. Plus, the scents are so delicious! This one is especially fruity and I popped this lotion into my backpack and I use it all the time.
I was really fascinated by this little guy! It's a shampoo, shower gel, and bubble bath. WHAT?! This has to be my favorite one of them all. As I'm writing this, I've already used half the bottle in the shower. Now I don't normally take baths so, I haven't experimented with it that way. However, I have used it for both my hair and skin; it works really well. It makes my whole body smell and feel ravishing.
I'm not a huge lip gloss fan to be completely honest. I think this particular lip gloss though, will make me want to where it more often. BTW, it tastes pretty good as it smells.
Dismiss my Yin Yang temp-tattoo that my sister put on my finger, this lip gloss is pretty sheer and leaves a subtle pink tint to your lips. It sort of reminds me of a Bath and Body Works lip gloss in a way. I like this lip gloss a lot because it's not sticky or really thick when you apply it.
All in all, this was a really great set. Shout out to my BFF Ellie for giving it to me! This is a really nice set to give to anybody that loves skincare and cosmetics or is just wanting to try out some great products. They are really nice for travelling, too! What are some Philosophy products or scents I should look out for next?
Xoxo, Nat
It's that time of year again--my birthday! And with that, comes loads of promotional birthday treats and goodie goodie gumdrops from my favorite stores. My birthday was on the 22nd and I wanted to spend time with family but, I thought I would share with you guys what Sephora has in store for you all during your birthday month.
Personally, the only reason I'm on the Beauty Insider rewards program at Sephora is for the free stuff. That's basically what the purpose is for the card but, you have to spend X amount of money to get more money if you know what I mean. I think I look like a fool when I go up to the register and just ask for my birthday gift but, then I'm like, "Who cares--it's my birthday!".
Anyway, Sephora usually changes the gift that the Insiders receive. Normally, you can choose either a mini makeup kit or skincare kit of two samples. This year I chose the sample sizes of the Fresh Soy Face Cleanser and the Fresh Rose Face Mask instead of a sample size Marc Jacobs Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner and a Marc Jacobs Le Marc Lip Creme in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; simply because I own enough black eyeliners and pink doesn't really look good on me! I felt like trying some new skincare products from Fresh and I was pleasantly surprised.
The two products came in really cute packaging that specifically states it's a birthday gift. You have to be a rewards member (super easy to sign up) and all you do is tell them your email and chose which gift you want--no purchase necessary!
I was really excited that the products were from Fresh. I have heard so many great things about the brand and was really impressed with the way the Soy Cleanser cleaned off all of my eye makeup. The description says that it's for all skin types and it left my skin feeling really smooth and not dried out. The one thing that I didn't really care for was the subtle, nutty smell. Soy doesn't smell great anyway but, it's just something I thought to include in the post.
I was very surprised that they added a sample of a face mask and was very excited to try it out. I only had enough to use one time and it was probably the best face mask I have used next to the Lush ones I have used in the past. Speaking of Lush, this mask did not resemble or feel as "fresh" as the Lush ones are. However, it did feel very nice on my skin and also toned it and left it very oil free. I woke up the next day and did not feel like I had to wipe off any excess oil that usually forms around my T zone. The rose scent was great but, a little artificial-like to me. I like that they included real rose petals into it, though.
Overall, I was pretty happy with my choice and I think I want to try out some more Fresh products. I'm always looking for better skincare to help combat oily skin and I think Fresh is something right for me! If your birthday is coming up soon, I highly recommend signing up for the Beauty Insider Reward Program at Sephora. You could really get some great stuff! Have any of you received your Sephora birthday gift?
Xoxo, Nat
I feel like active-wear nowadays has stepped up to a whole new level. There are now more stores than ever dedicated to just simply all things active wear: Lululemon, Lucy, Athleta, Fabletics, and you know stores that have been around forever like Nike and Adidas. I'll walk into some of these stores and find like the cutest workout clothes and cringe at the price tag. However, I am all about buying workout clothes and shoes that are earth-friendly. Especially when they're made from old yoga mats!
I found these Sanuk Yoga Slinged Up Flip Flops at my local Nordstrom and fell completely in love with them. During the summer, all I wear are flip flops and sandals. I'll go through so many pairs and get them gross and beat up. I think that sandals are a great investment because you can pretty much wear them with anything and anywhere!
Sometimes flip flops, like the really cheap ones, can hurt your feet after a while or break and that's why these are the best and most comfortable/durable ones I have owned. They are incredibly cushiony and the awesome yoga sling strap makes a really cute and unique touch. It comes with a little card that shows different ways to tie the straps and I think that's a really nice detail.
I have worn these to yoga and they're so easy to just untie and slip off and get right back on after practice. My mom was worried that the straps wouldn't really hold my feet in but, I have had no trouble walking in them (or running in them if you're curious). There's no imprint of your feet like some flip flops leave and I haven't received any blisters or cuts from the straps, either. They have a pretty nice tread on the bottoms so you won't like slip everywhere, too!
I read online that the sponge like soles are not good near water. I would be careful at the pool or the beach, even in the rain. Rarely have I worn these on rainy days but, I have worn them to the pool and just took them off when I knew I was going to swim. I think they would just suck in a ton of water and probably mold and smell. I am also not sure about how much arch support they offer. They're super soft and comfy but, wouldn't be that great if you have severe foot issues.
Besides those couple things, these are really great sandals. They'll last you a really long time if the right care is given and are amazingly comfy. It literally feels like I'm on my yoga mat all day! I take yoga with me everywhere I go with these shoes. I hope you guys enjoyed this mini review! I am always scouting out for great sandals, and these are really great and cute for summer.
Do you have a favorite pair of sandals that you can't seem to stop wearing?
Xoxo, Nat
Hi friends! I hope everyone has had a nice weekend. A lot of my friends have been having graduation lately at my high school. I only have one more week left and then SUMMER! I have to keep in mind that my final exams are this week, too. How is it for you guys? Do you have any final exams? If so, please go check out my Final Exam Survival Guide that I wrote about a couple days ago if you need any help!
I love beauty sets. I am obsessed with a great deal for makeup and whenever I get the chance to try one out, I am always super excited to review it for you guys! I bought this one this past weekend and could not wait to open it up and test all of the products. I am going to do a full review of each of the products that came in this set and also link them individually if they are sold separately. All of the products in this kit are full-size, so you really are getting a deal. I have never tried Laura Geller so I was really curious to see what this Beautifully Nude set was all about!
So this set was actually really stunning when I looked at all of the products and opened it up. This set comes in two shades I believe: fair and medium. I want to say that it has an even darker shade, but when I went to the store, there were only two different ones. The only difference between the two are the Baked Balance-N-Brighten Color Correcting foundations. One was just slightly darker. They do have five shades to chose from if you buy the foundation individually, though.
The Baked Balance-N-Brighten Color Correcting foundation was pretty cool to be honest. At first glance, I thought it was like a bronzer or a highlighter, but it's not! I was really interested in this type of foundation because I don't think I have seen anything else like it. Since I am still a little light from the winter, this shade is a bit too dark for me. However, I have been using this as a bronzer and it looks really nice! It's just a shade darker than my natural skin tone so I think it should be great for an all over foundation in the summer.
This set also comes with a pretty nice sized brush. However, I don't think i will really use this because it is a bit weird. I think it would be a nice travel brush because it is double-sided. I just don't really understand the sponge tip on the other end. It's a nice thing to have, but it's kind of useless in my opinion.
I was really excited when I saw this in the kit because it looked so pretty on the box! The Color Luster Lip Gloss was really amazing. I mean this shade is called Cookie Dough. COOKIE-DOUGH. Natalie, does it smell like cookie dough, though? Yes it does my friends, yes it does. This lip gloss is extremely moisturizing and does not crack or stick to your lips. It's not matte, so if you are looking for a matte lip gloss, I suggest you check out the Lip Pops Waterproof Lip Gloss. I'm not a fan of wearing lip gloss, but I love the natural taupe-pink shade and the feel of this lip gloss. Maybe I'll wear lip gloss more often now!
I was a bit skeptical when I saw this mascara. Because of the wand, I was a bit concerned about the quality of it. I tried it once I got home and to my surprise, it is a really great mascara! It separates my lashes and gives me a great amount of volume. I was worried because the wand was really thin and skimpy. It's actually a really nice, black mascara. There's no flaking or clumping either. You can build it up for a more dramatic look, too.
I love baked eye shadows and when I saw that this little duo was in the set, I knew I had to get it. I don't know what about baked eye shadows I love so much, they're just so great! Maybe it's because they are creamier and more pigmented? Well, this Baked Color Intense Shadow Duo in Dolce/Raisin is beautiful! I just swept Dolce all over my lid and blended Raisin into my crease. It looks very pretty and glowy, too. I have been loving pretty champagne shades for this season; it really brightens up your look!
All of the swatches are beautiful. You can't really see the foundation...because it's close to my skin tone, but all of the others are really nice.
A very nice thing that was included in this set was the Spackle Under Make-up Primer. I like to use pore-minimizing primers more, but I am really excited to try this one out! I have heard that it's really great for making your foundation application really smooth and to make sure it stays on all day. I read that this primer also contains Aloe Vera which is pretty great!
Pros:
-Buying this set is actually an amazing deal; it's worth $145 and you can get it for $60
-You get six full-size products
-All products are amazing quality
-You should be able to make use of almost or all of the products
Cons:
-The brush is kind of useless
-There aren't many shades to choose from
What I loved the most:
I was really obsessed with the baked eye shadows. Imma sucker for a really nice eye shadow duo and especially if they're really creamy and gorgeously pigmented. I love these two shades; at first, I was a bit worried that the Raisin shade would be too dark. I found out that it's a really pretty brown shade that compliments the champagne one perfectly!
I am addicted to beauty sets because you get so much for so little! I love trying out new products and it's great when I don't have to waste a bunch of money on individual products. I was truly impressed with Laura Geller's makeup so maybe I'll have to go out again and try more of her products!
Xoxo, Nat
Hello lovely people! I hope you all have had an awesome start to your week! I have had a lot of testing lately and the weather we have had has been gorgeous (so I guess it makes up for it). Sorry for the messed up schedule. I usually post on Tuesdays and Thursdays, but I have been so busy and stressed with exams that I didn't even want to look at new posts for this week. Even though it's Wednesday, I still wanted to post something so this might be the only post for this week sadly.
Today I have an awesome palette to share with you guys and you are all in for a treat! Who doesn't love inexpensive (and great quality) makeup?
One of my favorite beauty gurus, Tati (GlamLifeGuru), did a review on this palette and I was so intrigued with how awesome the pigmentation and formula was. Considering the price, this is an amazing quality palette! The 10-Pan Studio Eye shadow Palette in Coming in Latte is so great. The palette comes with about six shimmery shades and four matte shades. The middle two colors are my favorite! You can create a really nice, gold smokey-eye. The shadows are not chalky or powdery at all. The palette also comes with a handy double-sided brush (which I might use during travel because I have so many other brushes).
I only wanted to swatch the first couple colors just so you guys could see the formula and color payoff. It's really nice. They aren't as creamy as I would like, but are great for an inexpensive palette.
My friend Alyssa, who you've all met in my Chinatown post, is going to prom this weekend and she wanted me to do her makeup. Of course I couldn't say no! I really wanted to see these colors in action and test these out to see what looks I could create. Yesterday she came over and I tried on many smokey-eyes. I wanted to do a pretty gold lid with a brown crease. I used some black eyeliner and just smudged it out on her lid as well. This palette performed amazingly for just that! She said that it lasted the whole entire afternoon before she washed it off.
If any of you are looking for a really cheap, great quality, eye shadow palette, I totally recommend this one. The colors are very neutral and easy to blend and build. I think this could also be a great beginners palette or even a nice gift for a makeup-lover like me! I hope you all have a wonderful week and enjoy this great, spring weather. My blog will go back to normal next week, so thank you for your cooperation.
Xoxo, Nat
Hey everyone! I have had a great spring break and school starts very soon. Ugh. That doesn't mean the party stops on my blog! Today, I have an awesome set that I found on a different blog post someone recently did. This new Sephora Favorites "Paint it Pink" box is one of the best Sephora Favorite sets they have sold in my opinion. First of all, it's only 40 bucks. You get three original sized items, including a beauty blender which is $20 on it's own. You really are getting a great deal with this box. The whole theme is pink which I think is great for spring. It could be a deal breaker for some that don't like to wear pink makeup, but I think it has a variety of products that will suit just about anyone!
Here is everything in the box that I found online either full-size or travel-size if you want to purchase one or two of these separately with the prices (I still recommend this box as a whole because of how awesome the value is. Plus, you can try out these items without paying for the full-size):
*Items marked with an asterisk are not full-size in the set
So the box says that all of the products are a $122 value noting that many are travel or mini size. Obviously, they wouldn't include all full-size items, but some of the items listed are exclusively mini to the set and aren't sold separately.
The Beauty Blender in this set was maybe one of the reasons I purchased it. I still think that $20 for a sponge is a bit much, but you get seven other great products so the total value of this set was incredible. I have always wanted to try the Beauty Blender anyway and I think that it was worth spending the extra twenty for all those other prestige cosmetics.
This Becca Shimmer Skin Perfector is quite an amazing product. It's a beautiful color and in ROSE GOLD. It's really pigmented and pretty, but I found that this shade was a bit too orange to put on my cheeks. I found that it was also a little too chalky. It would dust off my cheeks and wouldn't blend into my skin like I wanted it to. I used this as an eye shadow instead and it looked way better on my lids than it did on my cheeks! Since it is a mini size, it kind of looks like a full-size eye shadow. I guess this product is better off as a pigment or a shadow than a blush or highlighter.
I was really excited to try out the Benefit Roller Lash mascara. I went to one of Benefit's beauty bars to try it out and it looked like I had false lashes! I already had too many mascaras at the time so I passed on it that day. Now I can try out this awesome mascara and review it for you all! I love how it curls my lashes and makes them big and voluminous.
Another product I was so excited to use was this Deborah Lippmann nail polish. You guys know that I have been loving the "nude nails" look and I love this color on my nails. I was so excited to use it and I put it on as soon as the package arrived. You can see that it is pretty sheer, but I only put about one or two coats. It lasted for over a week and I think that if you wanted, you could use more than two coats or use it for a french manicure.
I was really impressed with Sephora because I was so happy and shocked that they would put a full-size Laura Mercier product in here. This is a really pretty pink shade and I love how it looks for spring! I don't wear pink lipstick that often, but this shade was perfect for my skin tone and is more pink-taupe than a bright, hot pink.
I was not that impressed with this lip gloss though. I guess it looks cute. That's about it. It's just a mini, sheer lip gloss and that's all I can say about it. Good for travel and just making your lips look glossier I guess! It looks like it gives off color on the swatch, but on the lips it just doesn't.
I have never really tried Tarte before and I have heard so much about all "Amazonian clay" what-not. I have to say, this is a really great blush. I have been looking for a nice, warm, peachy shade and this is just what I wanted! It's super blendable and isn't so strongly pigmented that you end up looking like a doll or something. It looks great for springtime!
This was another one of the full-size items in the set and it's one of the best ROSE GOLD (gotta keep emphasizing how much I LOVE rose gold) eye shadows I have ever used. Lasting power to the extreme! It stays on all day and gives off great color without being chalky and icky. Nicely done Urban Decay. I will have to purchase more singles (and palettes of course) from them next time. Plus, I love the packaging!
Pardon my under-eye circles, here I used the Urban Decay eye shadow on my lid and the Becca Shimmering Perfector in the crease (if you can tell). I really like how fresh and pretty this look is for spring!
I think that this set can please just about anyone. It has great, quality products. Three full-size items and five mini/travel-size items, too. It's worth $122 and you can get it for just 40 stinkin' bucks! Some people may not like the color theme and I think that Sephora should do other colors like red or berry as well! I really enjoyed all of the products in this set, even though there were some I could live without.
What I really loved/"Out of the ballpark" products I enjoyed:
I really loved how Sephora included the Beauty Blender into the set. I think it's a great deal once you think about it. I have always wanted to try out the sponge and I always thought that it was an insane amount to pay for just that. However, I have been using it every single day I wear foundation and I love it. I would totally buy this set to get more for your money.
I also liked how they included a full-size lipstick in the set. Laura Mercier is a pretty expensive brand and this lipstick is worth about 30 bucks. That's a lot for a lipstick in my opinion. I think that it made the set even more worth it.
What I didn't really care for/The "strike" products I didn't enjoy:
I didn't really think that the mini lip gloss was really necessary in the kit. Maybe it was just like a "bag filler". I could totally live without it and wouldn't really care if they didn't include it in the set. I could still use it for travel and things like that though.
I guess I also could have lived without the nail polish. It wasn't an amazing color, but it was a great formula for a polish. I have wanted to try Deborah Lippmann's polishes. How come they didn't include like a nice pink shade or something?
I hope you all enjoyed this very lengthy review. I was really excited to get this box and do a review on it for all of you. I really loved this set and I recommend it to all of you makeup lovers out there! I have had an awesome spring break and I think I am ready to get back into the swing of things. What did you guys do over spring break?
Xoxo, Nat
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Social Icons