Showing posts with label swatch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swatch. Show all posts

Monday, June 13, 2011

New Stuff for Cool Girls: Hard Candy & Revlon

I've had my eye on these two products (not the colors I picked out specifically but just the brand) for quite some time now. Typically, before I buy something, I'm one to research as much as I can to ensure that I'll be satisfied with my purchase. This is especially true if what I'm buying is from a drugstore, where you usually can't test things and returns are a pain in everyones butt. Today, however while at Wal-Mart in the beauty section (duh) I decided to give these a go. As you can see they're in a similar color family, coral / peachy / orange. It's the start of summer and these colors are one of my favorites for this season. My other favorite is super bright teal / turquoise slapped beneath the lash line, but we'll get to that another day. Anyway, I ended up purchasing Hard Candy's Fox in a Box in Skinny Dipping and Revlons Super Lustrous Lipgloss in Coral Reef. And here's what I thought of them:

  • Hard Candy Fox in a Box [ Skinny Dipping ]: "A highly pigmented multi-color powder compact that will surely bring out your inner foxy lady. Each box contains coordinated shades that blend together perfectly and a custom Hard Candy applicator brush. Sweep across chin, cheeks, forehead, and unleash the foxiness in you!"
  • Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss [ Coral Reef ]: "Silky...Sexy...Brilliant. Glossy formula combines sheer color and intense moisture with light reflecting spheres to create amazing shine. SPF 15."




Thoughts so far
Hard Candy Fox in a Box [Skinny Dippin']. Okay, let me begin this by saying this "custom brush" sucks at life. No hard feelings hard candy (no pun intended, hehehe) but really? You call that a brush? Well, it's hardly. I don't even know what I can use it for. It's cute as a button, but no real purpose. Now, back to the makeup... this product comes in the cutest packaging I've seen in a while. And I'm a sucker for all things cute so this caught my eye the moment I saw it. However, it's a little impractical because of it's bulkiness and seems like it could be damaged easily. I definitely wouldn't feel safe keeping this in my purse, it's reserved for the vanity only. As for the actual makeup, it's cut 50 / 50 down the middle. On one side is the bronzer which is a slightly shimmery muted brown with some pink undertones. As for the other, it's a coral peach with pink and orange in there too, (I guess coral and peach both come from pink and orange mixing anyway). This side has also got a little shimmer. It says these are meant to be swirled together and applied but I prefer using them separately as a contour and blush. Or both blushes (at different times, of course), I say this because the brown is a little too pink for me, I like my contours and bronzers to be rather matte and brown / tan.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss [Coral Reef]. I'd like to note that this particular color is more opaque than sheer, but that's what I love about it. Like I said before, this is the perfect summer color. It's a perfect peachy pink that, combined with the natural pigment of my lips, makes me fall in love. The SPF makes it even more desirable for summer too! If you're into more opaque colors all I did to achieve this was put a little bit of M.A.C. lipstick in Myth on before I applied the gloss. The nude, muted tones of the Myth make the coral and pink really pop, it's lovely. When I see this lipgloss, it makes me want to pair it with perfectly bronzed skin and some gold eye shadow...perfection.

Swatches
In order from left to right:
M.A.C. Sheertone Shimmer [Springsheen]
A seperate review for this can be found here. I swatched this because it the review I did for it, I didn't provide the viewers with a swatch so here it is. It's a pinky peach with gold shimmer, really beautiful and sheer if you only apply one layer. But it's also quite buildable and can give you a nice pop of color if that's what you're looking for.
Fox in a Box [Skinny Dippin']
The colored side: A very orange peach with shimmer. Definitely one of my go-to shades for summer. Gives a beautiful peachy flush.
The bronzer side: I really hate calling this a bronzer because it has such pink undertones. As you can see in the photo it almost creates a purpley / pinky / peachy. I just feel eh about this color, but we'll see what time brings...
*NOTE: All 3 of the swatches were used with M.A.C. Cream Colour Base [Pearl] before applying because it allows the true colors to show.

Outside, No Flash
Outside, Flash
In order from left to right:
M.A.C. Lipstick [Myth]
This is a muted nude color that is good to use when you want a normally sheer lipgloss (such as Coral Reef) to appear more opaque and bright. I used this as color reference and to show the difference of the color with and without a base.
Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss [Coral Reef]
The thing I'm most in love with about this product is the formula. It's very similar, but better in my opinion, to Avon's Glazewear. Which is one of my favorite lines of glosses. So smooth and it feels really hydrating. It does wipe off easily so reapplication would be needed after eating / drinking. The packaging is very sleek and seems quite high end for a drugstore product. The color is very true to it's name, coral. Just pure coral. Though, I've done some research and as you know people have different pigmentation in their lips, this can change the color of the gloss. I really love this product and I'll definitely be buying a backup Coral Reef and see if there are any other colors that tickle my fancy.

If you've found any "New Stuff for Cool Girls", share it with us! (:

XOX,
- Mj

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Stash Swatch: Lips Continued

This is a continuum of a previous Stash Swatch (here). I'm adding to it because my lovely aunt recently saw my blog and she paid close attention to my Lip Stash Swatch, she said something along the lines of 'that's such a good idea, because I hate going to counters and trying on glosses it grosses me out. So, is that a way to tell what the color will look like on my lips?' And I began thinking, well, no, it's actually not. Most of those swatches several coats are applied, I would say they're more for exploiting the true pigment of the product. So I decided to pop my lippies out again and do a photo sesh for those of you interested in what these colors truly look like on lips! It's funny something so simple, yet necessary if you're anything like my aunt who gets the heebie-jeebies when it comes to trying on tester products (that can get a little yucky, especially when it comes to lip products).
MAC Matte : Russian Red
Clinique Butter Shine Lipstick : In The Pink
F.Y.I for Arbonne itshines
Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush
Victoria's Secret Mirror Mirror : Baby Doll
Clinique : Extra Apricot




*more coming soon, this is not my entire lip collection

XOX,
- Mj

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Stash Swatch: Lips

Here's my stache swatches from my collection of lip products. I know my stache is small, but it's good to me and I love it (: Enjoy

LIPGLOSS:

This is my lovely collection of lip glosses, though not the largest, it gets the job done. 




(left to right)
Adore Lip Pencil in 5th Avenue:
- I use this almost everyday to line my lips, it's very sheer the swatch is with a few coats just so you could see the color. It blends with my lips very well. Doesn't stay on for very long though. The color is a shimmery beige with warm bronze/orange undertones. 7 out of 10

Sephora Nano in Candid Candy:
- This is a frosty pale pink with hints of lavender and blue. I like to put it in the center of my bottom lip as a highlight underneath whatever lipstick / gloss I wear. Very nice color, very soft application.  8 out of  10

Victoria's Secret Beauty Rush (color name unknown): 
- This gloss is pretty thick and a little on the sticky side, but that's okay because it results in long lasting lipgloss which is hard to come by. The color in the tube and on this swatch is a sort of lavender rose. Depending on the amount you put on the color can go from virtually clear to the swatch shade. No shimmer or sparkles. It also smells delicious, like grape candy.  8 out of 10

Mirabella Lip Reflect (color name unknown):
- The smell of this gloss alone turns me away. It smells of plastic. It's a clear / sheer pink shade with sparkles. It's a soft gloss that applies really easily but there's better products out there that don't smell so bad. And if you get this in your mouth have fun trying to get the horrible taste out. Yuck. 2 out of 10

Arbonne F.Y.I. It Shine (color name unknown):
- This is a really nice gloss. It has wonderful color, you don't even need a lipstick underneath. I love the packaging as well. The color is a beautiful hot pink with sparkles. Really pretty in the summertime. Application is great as well. 9 out of 10

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Air Kiss:
- Clinique lipglosses are unsurpassed in my opinion. I kind of enjoy how sticky they are because the staying power is so much longer than that of most other glosses. This color is a very sheer almost clear but it has a tint of peachy pink and a little sparkle. Wonderful gloss. 9 out of 10

Clinique Long Last Glosswear SPF 15 in Extra Apricot:
- A semisheer pinky apricot/peach color with a little gold shimmer. Good value compared to other drugstore glosses. A really nice product. 9 out of 10

L'Oreal Infallible Lip Plumping Gloss in 306:
- I love to wear this hot red with a little shimmer over red lipstick to give it that extra oomf of shine. The smell is kind of discouraging, it's a little bit of a chemically, fake smell. But the color, shine, and overall quality of this product doesn't let the smell get too much in the way. I love the different applicator, it's great for shaping.  It doesn't last very long, I do have to re-apply every so often. 8 out of 10

LIPSTICK:


(left to right)
MAC Satin Lipstick in Myth:
- This is a veeeery nude color. It is much lighter than my skin tone so to not look like a corpse I apply a nude or pink lipgloss over it and it looks really nice. You'll need to make sure your lips aren't chapped because it will make them worse and very noticeable. I like this lipstick a lot, perfect for creating nude lips. 8 out of 10

Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Stick in Just Enough Buff:
- I bought this because I saw it on Halle Berry and it was gorgeous...what isn't on that woman though. I love the color. It's a very sheer nude color. The consistency definitely could be creamier, it almost feels a little grainy. And if I have chapped lips in the slightest, it shows them 10 fold. But I love the color, so once my lips heal I'll be wearing it more often. 7 out of 10

Brand and Color Unknown:
- I think this lippie might be from Arbonne, but I'm not 100% sure. It doesn't have a name on the tube /: Either way I love this color but reviewing it would be a little pointless...

Clinique Color Surge Butter Shine Lipstick in In The Pink:
- This is a semisheer warm pink / raspberry with some sparkle. I love the feeling of this lippie, so smooth, just like the name it feels like butter when applying. Great for summer. 9 out of 10

Maybelline lippie in Royal Red:
- A very bright hot red. Lots of sheen and shine. I usually have to reapply this quite a bit when I wear it. But the overall color and application are very nice for the price. 7 out of 10

MAC Matte Russian Red:
- This color exudes classiness to me. It's perfect for a night out or on a cold winter day. The color is a very dramatic matte red. It's very vintage film star-esque to me. So classic. MAC's lipsticks are a little pricey but this color can't be duped in my opinion, with quality and color this is a must for red lipstick lovers. 9 out of 10


XOX, 
- Mj

Stash Swatch: Tutorial for the MUAers!

Hi guys, if anything is unclear or you want more info. just comment and I'll explain whatever you need. (: Enjoy

^brows^

 ^inner lashlines and crease (brown look)^
 ^lid and crease^ (purple look)
Bottom Palette: inner corners (purple), lids (brown), crease (purple)
Top Palette (all from brown look) : (lightest color) all over lids, (upper left) crease, (upper right) crease, (darkest) outer corner & bottom lashline


Products Used:

Brushes -
MAC 217 for crease / blending
No name medium shadow brush (densely packed bristles) for lid colors
No name medium shadow brush for buffing, no pigment used
MAC 266 for lashlines and inner corner highlight
Michael's paint brush for pencil tip, just used to apply the pigment to the crease

Brown Look - 
Revlon ColorStay 12 hr e/s pallete in 14 Nude Elements
Maybelline ExpertWear e/s in Natural Smokes
Aziza Palette no name
NYX e/s in Deep Bronze
Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes in Black Diamond
Wet'n'Wild Mega Liner in Black

Purple Look-
Revlon ColorStay 12 hr e/s pallete in 14 Nude Elements
Covergirl Eye Enhancers in Violet Frappe and Shimmering On
Aziza Palette no name
Clinique Cream Shaper for Eyes in Black Diamond
Wet'n'Wild Mega Liner in Black
Revlon Super Lustrous in Just Enough Buff

 ^brown
 ^purple
^lips for both

There ya guys go, don't forget if there's anything else you would like to know or any other breakdown's you would like don't hesitate to ask!

XOX,
- Mj



Stash Swatch: Face

As a result of this evenings boredom, I decided to swatch / review some of my make-up for anyone who need reference. I know when I am looking to purchase something I like to know what color I'm going to actually get. Haven't we all had that foundation we thought was our color, only to come home to something that's...not. Haha well this is to help with that, I know it's not much but hopefully it will help someone (:

FACE:

Foundation / Blush / Bronzer (from left to right) -
Revlon Colorstay for Normal / Dry Skin in 240 Medium Beige: Claims to "wear for 16 hours and provide a flawless, lightweight feel"
PROS  
- Medium coverage
- Dewy and soft when applied
- Buildable
- It goes on really smooth and blends with my skin really well. 
- The color is a little on the pink side, but it definitely goes well with my warm tone. I would describe it as a golden, fresh medium beige with a hint (and I mean the smallest of the small of hints) of rose. 
-It has about an 8 hour staying power. 
CONS
- Packaging makes it hard to control the amount of product that comes out of the bottle
OVERALL RATING
- I'm happy with this foundation, I wear it everyday with no problems like breakouts or anything. 8.5 out of 10

----

Almay Bright Eyes Eye Base / Concealer in 145 Medium:
PROS
- Versatile use as a concealer and eye shadow base
- Yellow / orange color helps conceal dark circles very well
- Good packaging, controllable product release
CONS
- I don't really have any complaints about this product, it works well for what it's intended for.
OVERALL RATING
- I like this concealer and eye shadow base, it saves money of having to buy the products separately, good color match. 9 out of 10

----

Bonnebell My Style Concealer in Light:
PROS
- I guess the only positive thing I have to say about this is the packaging is okay.
CONS
- The color doesn't match my skin 
- It just doesn't compare to the Almay concealer
- Too 'white' not enough color in the product
OVERALL RATING
- 3 out of 10

----

bareMinerals Original SPF 15 Foundation in Medium Beige N20 & Matte Foundation in Medium Tan 3C: Claims to improve the look of your skin over time, and that you can sleep in it.
PROS
- Good coverage
- Buildable
- Good color, it's almost that you can change the color of the product depending on how much you apply
CONS
- Not good for dry / flaky skin (which I have) 
- Doesn't last very long if you don't set it 
OVERALL RATING
- I do love bareMinerals products, this product just doesn't work for me because of my dry skin. It makes me stand out more than it naturally does so I stay away from it. If I do use it, I use it to powder my T-zone so it's not too oily. 7 out of 10

----

Physician's Formula in Peach to Glow:
PROS
- Pretty, soft, peachy beige color
- Some sparkle
- Works well with my warm undertones
CONS
- Not very pigmented
- A little bit chalky
OVERALL RATING
- 6 out of 10

----

i.d. bareMinerals Natural Light in Well Lit:
PROS
- Amazing highlighter for cheek and brow bone
- Not too sparkly, it's more of a light shimmer
- Really sheer and buildable 
CONS
- You kind of need a lot of product for it to "show up, show up" but if your using it as a highlight you don't need it to do that. I really enjoy this product. 8 out of 10

----

Bed Head by TIGI Glow Mineral Illuminator: "to highlight under eyes, cheek bones or anywhere you want to illuminate"
PROS:
- I like the packaging
- Nice for a brow bone highlight
- It looks pretty...in the bottle
CONS
- Too sparkly, I look for more of a sheer shimmer when it comes to highlighters
OVERALL RATING
This product is just too sparkly for my liking. Although I sometimes use it as a brow bone highlight, I would never use it on my cheeks. Waaaay too much sparkle. 4 out of 10

----

bareMinerals Face Color in Warmth, Fresh, and Faux Tan:
no pros or cons
Description - Warmth: A reddish brown contour or bronzer. Buildable color, good pigment. Fresh: Really beautiful peachy, orange with some shimmer (favorite). Faux Tan: Brown pigment with some sparkle. Great for all over body color.

----

E.L.F Bronzer in Bronzed: 
no pros or cons
Description - A reddish, rose, sparkly bronzer with a lot of pigment. Good color for summer.

----

Clinique BLUSHWEAR Cream Stick in 01 Glow Blush:
PROS
- Really pretty color; it's a warm, soft orangey-brown with a touch of shimmer
- Blends easily
- Good for use under liquid foundation for a natural looking contour
CONS
- Doesn't work well over powder (duh)
- Can go on a little thick if you aren't careful
OVERALL RATING
- 7 out of 10

----

*If you have any further questions or anything just comment below!
XOX,
- Mj