Revlon Colorstay - I Caved And bought It!

Came across another blog that raved about Revlon Colorstay so I ran out and bought it!  Walgreens had a sale so it was buy one get another product 50% off, so I also bought the Colorstay pressed powder compact as well.  

I'm VERY impressed with the smoothness of application, has GREAT coverage especially with concealer and the color matches very well.  And it does what it says...it's long lasting.

How did I find my color?  This time, not by trial and error.  I know my MAC Studio Fix shade (NC42) so I did a search and found this helpful color chart.

I definitely agree with all the bloggers out there, this definitely is one of the best drugstore foundations!  This along with Revlon HD Photoready.  I'm actually not going to repurchase my usual Rimmel foundation - I'm going to stick to Revlon for my drugstore foundation needs!

Drawback is that it doesn't come with a pump!  Such a BIG drawback for me....makes it unfriendly for travel.  Other than that, it's a great foundation.  Something funny I found is that for "normal" skin the color was slightly off, in the same shade name and everything.  I bought the one that looked more golden, which was the combination/oily skin formula.  

So I would definitely recommend this one!  Gives a natural finish and you can't beat the price!

NYX Make Up Haul!

Went to the mall the other day and parked at Sears so I had no choice but to go through it to enter the mall...and I'm glad I did because I came across NYX make up!  Didn't know Sears carried it!  I have no idea if the Sears near me does...anyway I was happy I found it because I have long since been a fan of NYX make up since joining MyGlam/Ipsy make up sample subscription.

I decided to buy two glitter liners, (the blue-green aqua one is actually for a friend), a brown roll on glitter to accentuate when I do a nude or natural eye shadow look and a tinted eye shadow base.  Everything cost me around $20 total.  Love how affordable NYX make up is for the quality!  I now regret not buying the eye shadow base in white...a white base helps make your eye shadow POP.  Always next time!  Oh, and I bought a eyebrow powder set complete with wax and two dark shades.  Usually eyebrow powders come in a dark brown but this one comes with almost a grey smokey black which I believe looks most natural on me since I have black hair.

OH and for brows, I cannot recommend this tool enough.  Buy two of them!  Keep one in your make up kit and one in your travel kit:  Ardell Duo Brow Brush

Well that's my NYX haul.  Tell me which NYX products are your favorite!

Bentonite Clay Mask

So my friend turned me on to this Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay which is calcium bentonite clay.  It has many uses!  I mostly use this as a face mask.  For sore aching muscles, you can use it as a mud pack or even in your hair as a clarifying rinse or mask.

If you look on Amazon, it has a BUNCH of 5 star reviews - but if you're like me, you would rather try and see for yourself!  (Even though reviews are very helpful in decision making).  It comes in powder form, so first you mix equal parts of the powder with Bragg's (preferably) raw unfiltered apple cider.  In fact, I believe even Heinz is now making raw, unfiltered ACV.

This has been my experience...first you have to get the consistency you want.  I used to pile it on too thick, and it used to take forever to dry.  So now I use a thin to medium consistency paste.  I use an E.L.F. brush ($1 at Target) to mix and apply a smooth even layer on my face.  You leave it on until it dries and during that time you will feel tingling and a lot of pulling.  When you rinse it off, you will have redness for about 20-30 minutes after.  So don't do this mask before you have to run out of the house...it's better to use at night!

It feels super clarifying and it really deep cleans pores!  It's so cheap, so it will last you a super long time!  I really feel it has helped clear up my skin!  And if I have any blemishes, it helps it heal faster.  This is my favorite mask and will be part of my beauty regimen for years to come!  So if you have problem skin or want a good clarifying mask, you should definitely TRY THIS!

Micro Needling?!?

Okay, I've had this thing in my cart in Amazon a few times now...and in case you haven't heard of it and what it does...it's a miniature torture device, with 1.0 mm sized needles that you roll on face and puncture skin.  The trauma caused then supposedly boosts collagen production which minimizes acne pitted scars and wrinkles.  There are 93 - 5 star and 35 - 4 star ratings on it (which I'd say is pretty high).  I read a lot of reviews and it's under $11 but I just can't bring myself to buy it!  Something about it makes me hesitate...maybe it's the thought of bacteria entering blood stream easily that way...I don't know.  Either way, it's made it's way OUT of my cart yet again.

Have you tried it?  Tell me your experience with Micro Needling!

Revlon Colorstay or Revlon Photoready?

Revlon Colorstay has been a cult favorite for years now...people like gossmakeupartist on Youtube rave about it as being one of the BEST drugstore foundations.  I'm dying to try it, although I haven't yet because I still have my Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour which is like a good "everyday" foundation.  When that runs out perhaps, I will give it a go! 

Although I like my Rimmel one, it tends to feel a bit heavy and I was looking for something better -yet still in the drugstore price range.  I really only like to break out the MAC Matchmaster on weekends or special occasions - just because it's pricey and yes, I'm cheap like that.

So I was at Target, and looking to make an impulse buy...was comparing shades of Revlon Colorstay when my eyes wandered upwards and saw Revlon Photoready!  Long story short, I walked out of Target with Photoready!  How did I make that decision?  A few criteria:

1.  Comes with pump.
2.  Comes with pump.
3.  Did I mention, it comes with a pump?

To my disappointment, Revlon Colorstay does NOT come with a built in pump, it is prehistoric and has an open mouth bottle that you pour out into your hand or sponge and apply on face.  So...maybe I'll get it when Revlon gets with 2013 and puts a pump on it!  I'm not a sponge person, I like to use brushes and don't like to use my hand.  So please put a pump in it!

ANYWAY, I set off to try Rev. Photoready the next morning.  I looked  up a bunch of blogs and thankfully to find my shade, all I had to do was google my MAC Studio Fix Liquid's foundation shade (NC42) and I find out the equivalent foundation shade is Medium Beige 006 for Rev. Photoready.  Tried it on my forearm in the store...yup!  Blends in great.  So I tried it...what do I think?  Here are my pro's and cons:

PRO'S:

1.  Feels light and airy!  (Hate cakey, sticky, dewy FEELING foundation)!
2.  Airbrush finish.  Now, the brush you use to apply it WILL affect the outcome, so do apply with a MAC skunk brush or Real Technique's Buffing Brush found in their Core Collection set. 
3. Gives a nice glow - looks youthful.
4.  Covers adequately
5.  No need to set with powder
6.  Removes easily.  With Rev. Colorstay I read it's a bit difficult to remove.

CONS:

1. Light coverage - along with feeling light an airy, you will find it actually IS light.  MUST USE CONCEALER for dark spots/acne scars.
2.  Not for very oily skin - Not a personal complaint of mine, but many have said it emphasizes their oily skin.  Remedy?  Set with loose/pressed powder - and TAP IN powder using a flat head brush.
3.  Shimmer - yes it has a bit of shimmer in it - another con that I see - but it doesn't bother me personally.
4.  Not long lasting.  Put on in the morning and unless you make it completely bullet proof with powder, it will fade away in 8-10 hours.  Less if you live in a humid climate.

Those are a  few cons I found, I'd have to live with it longer to come up with a few more pro's and cons...but over all I'm completely happy with my purchase...this will definitely be used a lot in the coming weeks and months.  Looks great with contouring...looks like skin...very pleased customer here!

If you tried them both, make sure you comment below!

My Glam - Ipsy

I've been a member of My Glam, now Ipsy since Day 1.  Wish I had been posting reviews of their bags all along...but oh well.  I still a loyal fan.  Not gonna lie, there were a few dud months...but...overall, I love getting at least one or two full size products.  I think it's totally worth it, if you love make up and love to try new things!  Last month we got Argan Oil!  Looking forward to this month's!

Random Beauty Musings

I am no expert, but I have been using make up and beauty products long enough to know what works and what doesn't.  Also what's worth dishing the big bucks for, or going to your local drugstore. Here is a random list of things that I've found true.  Feel free to add!

Eyelash Curler

For me, curling the lashes mean opening up the eyes and looking 100% more awake.  I don't think anyone should be without this tool.  I use Tweezerman and it gives me the most wicked curl.  The black Revlon eyelash curler works well, but if you use it daily like I do, you might want to invest in a Tweezerman brand.  Rule of thumb:  If it doesn't work well in one or two tries, throw it in the trash.  A good eyelash curler will work great right off the get-go.  Heated curlers?  I don't think they are worth the money.  If you give it a good blast from your hairdryer, it works just as well if not better!  Be careful not to get it TOO hot though!

Mascara

High-end mascaras are never worth it!  Go to your local drugstore!  I'm LOVING L'oreal's Voluminous False Fiber Lashes.  It adds volume and lengthens like no one's business.  Also know what you are looking for.  Do you need length, volume or both?  Get what applies to you.  Waterproof or non-waterproof? I used to be under the guise that waterproof was best to use ALWAYS.  But, even with the best make up removers, waterproof mascara hardens onto the eyelashes and causes breakage during make up removal which gives you shorter, sparse eye lashes.  So do yourself a favor and use non-waterproof.  Unless you are going to a wedding or a sad movie, you don't need waterproof!  It also comes off MUCH easier!

Foundation

So I have three foundations right now.  One MAC (Matchmaster) for the weekends/nights out and one drugstore Rimmel (Lasting Finish 25 Hour) that I use almost daily.  I also use Bare Minerals powder foundation on some days depending on my mood.  Use your high-end one on special occasions.  Are high-end foundations worth it?  Definitely.  They glide on smooth, cover well and don't feel cakey!  But don't splurge without being in love with the foundation you buy.  If you like MAC or Sephora, go to the store and describe your skin (oily, dry, etc.) to a make up artist.  Then have them help match you to the right formula.  I love MAC foundations, they have a matte finish and great coverage.  However, possibly my next purchase, will be Make Up Forever's HD make up, since I tried it on in the store and love it's weightless qualities.  Also there are lots of acne ridden teens on YouTube who swear by it.  Google their foundation routines and you will see the amazing coverage.  However I suggest for everyday use, use your drugstore brand.  Revlon's ColorStay is a cult favorite!

Tools (Brushes)

I already talked about getting an eyelash curler that works.  Using the right tools will make a WORLD of a difference in your application!  Talk foundation for instance...using the right foundation brush will make you have a soft airbrushed appearance, even when using a drugstore brand foundation.  I've been using a variety of brushes over the years, both natural and synthetic but what I've come across recently has BLOWN MY MIND.  And it's affordable.  What, what???  Thanks to YouTube and the Chapman Sisters, I've been introduced to a line of affordable brushes...they are synthetic and vegan and whoa are they great quality.  Do a search on YouTube and you will find a lot of reviews and people demonstrating these brushes.  For everyone, I highly suggest you purchase the "Real Techniques Core Collection" which ranges from $15-$18.  Do not spend more than that online because that's the range they go for.  The rock star of that set is their "Buffing Brush" which is a multi-tasker.  I've had GREAT success using it to apply foundation!  It looks like a blush brush...but it's really an all in one!  You can use to buff liquid or powder foundation on your face, contour with bronzer and apply blush!  The fibers are so soft, you get an airbrushed appearance!  The foundation brush that comes in that set is too tiny to use for foundation, so use it for concealer.  Since fibers are synthetic, it won't soak up product, which means less product used!  BONUS!  Also if you don't have a great set of eye shadow brushes, get the Starter Kit.  Coastal Scents also sells great brushes.  Don't forget to wash your brushes regularly, especially your foundation brush which should be washed daily.  The Brush Guard is a perfect inexpensive cleaning/storage solution!  Simply wash your brush (I use the Michelle Phan dish soap/olive oil combo) and put in one of the sleeves, and sit inside a cup to dry.  By the next time you need it it will be dry!  That's it!  Keeps unnecessary bacteria off your brushes and face for less breakouts.

I've rambled enough here.  Thanks for reading.  If you found any of my suggestions to be helpful, let me know!  Just sharing my passion for make up!

May Glam Bag

Okay so the first ever Glam bag was freaking awesome....but I think that set the bar too high for them as a company and people seem to be disappointed with the latest glam bags.  I am happy as long as I have at least one full sized item that is worth more than $10.  The worst one ever was April's and thankfully they had a problem charging my credit card that day, because I missed out on the worst one yet.

May's glam bag arrived and I must say, I wasn't super excited about the products but I was content, because the full sized lipstick that we received was worth $15 and thankfully I got it in a color that complements my shade - since all colors are distributed randomly!

Here were the items I got and my take on them:


Philosophy Love Sweet Love Spray Fragrance - Smells sweet as the name says but not sweet enough for me to plunk down cash for a full size bottle.  I was surprised I wasn't in love with the scent, as Philosophy's scents are usually really really good.  I own Amazing Grace.  LOVE the stuff.  Not a fan of receiving scents in my Glam Bag...because there are always a million magazine ads where you can get a free whiff - but this teeny bottle will be good for another use or two so that's good.


Studio Gear Complete Color Lipstick - Color I got was "Foxy Pink Frost" and the "frost" in the title was enough to give me images of the early 2000's but it was actually a GREAT color for me!  It's more of a darker pink....and not really pink...but it works with my skin tone and that's all that matters.  I feel bad for the people who don't like the colors they got.  The formula glides smooth and it's a really good lipstick.


Miss Beauty Nail Bling - I thought it was a little childish...I could either give to a tween or use on myself one day...if I'm tired of staring at my un-manicured nails.  The bling is not what killed it, the hearts did.


myglam Concealer Brush & Defining Eyeliner Brush - Thought I didn't need anymore brushes, but was very happy with the concealer brush - it's TINY and great for covering up zits.  The eyeliner brush is great to give your lower lash line a little soft color pop - already had one but always good to have another.

Here's a pic of the stuff - I didn't personally take it, just took an image off the web as you can see from the watermark.

I look forward to next month's bag!

My December Glam Bag

So I've been really busy and haven't had time to open my Glam Bag for this month, until yesterday.  First of all, it comes in a girly pink metallic bubble envelope mailer, so I have no idea how I resisted opening it for this long!  The little bag the stuff comes in is really cute, and from what I hear, there will be a different bag every month!  Yay!  I think I will definitely use them to keep some make up in the car, at the office, to organize other makeup, etc. I was also surprised it had a built in mirror!  Nice touch.

Okay so moving on!  What I love about this month's items is that they are GREAT make up bag staples; a great starter bag for people just getting into make up and tuning into these YouTube Guru's like Michelle Phan and Promise.  But what I really really love, is that this bag comes with not one but two FULL SIZED SAMPLES worth $30!!!!!

Here's a run down of this month's items and what I think of them in a sentence or two:

1. Mai Couture Lavender Oil Blotting Papier *Full Size* 100 Sheets MSRP: $13 (without the wallet you put it in).  I found this to be very fancy, luxurious and actually very useful.  Blots up my excess oil and leaves me camera ready.  Don't know if I will be buying it again, since $13 is a little pricey for me, but I'm glad to have tried it and who knows, when I'm down to my last sheet I might be crying for more.


2.  NYC Soft Matte Lip Cream in "Milan"  LOVED THIS.  Rose pink color freshened up my tan skin and the feel is just so silky, feels like you dressed your lips in satin.  Tip:  If you tend to have dry lips, first use your toothbrush in the morning to lightly exfoliate them, then glide a non-greasy lip balm first.  I will definitely be buying more shades of this!

3.  Tarte Light's Camera, Lashes Mascara - I actually have the full sized version, and I loved it at first, but it dries up pretty quickly and loses it's oomph over time.  But it really does a great job coating the lashes and makes them very voluminous.  (Great as a sample size though, as I love to having a spare makeup bag everywhere). TIP:  What I've been doing to extend the life, is microwaving for a minute in a cup of water.  If you haven't tried that trick yet, try it!

4.  Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion - A BEAUTY STAPLE.  I am so happy I have this, because I cannot put on eye shadow without primer anymore.  This primer helps your eyeshadow stick to your lid without any greasiness or midday creasing.  It doesn't get better than this.

5.  Urban Decay Eyeshadow in "Sin" *Full Size* .05 oz MSRP: $17 - I've always loved Urban Decay...but not their prices.  This is the perfect natural shade you can wear daily.  The color is a pinky-golden champagne and really complements the skin.  Great as a highlighter or all over base color.  Very versatile.

Last sample which is not really part of the main samples, is Mai Couture "Blush In A Rush" Papiers - which is pigmented paper with a bit of shimmer.  A sheet in "Sunset Blvd" was stuck to a postcard. I was very curious about the application.  Tried it this morning and I don't like it.  Feels weird to apply and I could barely see it on my cheeks.

Those are my thoughts on the December Glam Bag!  Hope you enjoyed reading.  Comments are always welcome!

My Glam

Okay, it's my first post...I'm going to try to make this short and sweet.  I've been a Michelle Phan (YouTube Beauty Guru) follower for a while now...and her and her sister in law just launched a website called "MyGlam" for which I am beyond excited for.  You go on the site, answer a few questions about your beauty style and brands you like, and boom, for $10 they send you 4-5 samples a month.  Some are even full sized products!  Check out how it works here.  I am beyond excited as this would be a major boost to my blog!

Ciao for now!