Tag Archives: cosmetics

My NYX Memorial Day Sale Goodies <3

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At the end of May, I posted about NYX’s annual Memorial Day sale.  I took this opportunity to grab a few things I had really been wanting, but had not yet trekked across town to Ulta to get (especially considering our Ulta is not always well stocked and it is 20 minutes away).  It took quite a while to get my order, because this is a huge sale and it takes a while each year for them to process that many orders – but the savings are worth the wait!  I got all this for a whopping $20.00 USD:

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NYX Wicked Lippie in 01 Betrayal, NYX Primal Colors pressed Pigment Hot Black, NYX HD Blush in Taupe, NYX HD Concealer in Porcelain

Let’s take a look!  First up, the thing I’m most excited about, the HD Blush in Taupe.  I have been contouring for years with MAC’s Sculpt Powder in Bone Beige.  It is light and sheer enough for my porcelain skin, but it has a bit too much redness in it for my skin tone.  I make it work because it’s in a duo with a favorite highlighter (MAC Shape Powder in Emphasize).  I have been wanting to try a more taupe colored contouring product, though, because let’s face it…shadows are not brown.  I am pleased to say, this blush fits the bill for that purpose (there’s a photo at the end of this post of me wearing it.).  Plus, the compact is very slim and takes up very little room in my kit and has a cute bow on the the clasp:

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NYX HD Blush in Taupe

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Would you look at that?  It’s not orange!  Hallelujah and praise the makeup gods!

Next up, the product I’m almost as excited about, because pale concealers at drug store prices are a bit of a unicorn…the NYX HD Concealer in Porcelain:

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NYX HD Concealer in Porcelain

I’m also wearing this in the photo at the end of the post.  This is a great high coverage concealer that works wonderfully for concealing imperfections on the face.  It’s too thick and dry for using under my eyes; however, your mileage may vary.  I’m using NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer for that.  The NYX HD Concealer shade Porcelain is a lovely pale shade with a slight pink undertone that works great with my MAC Studio Fix Fluid shade in NW10.  It’s a keeper!

Next up, NYX Primal Colors pressed pigment in Hot Black:

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NYX Primal Colors pressed pigment in Hot Black

When I went to use this product today, I used it as an eyeliner with an angled eyeliner brush.  It performed extremely well, but I did have some fallout as I was applying, getting some black powder on my cheeks.  I sometimes forget this is an issue with pigments, whether they are pressed or not.  I would say use this product where you do your eyes first, then the rest of your makeup.  The great thing is, this is blaaaaaaaaaaaaaack.  Like, black like my soul black (hahahaha!!!).  It works great as liner and you could also use it to set pencil or gel liner.  I have not tried it as eyeshadow yet, but hey, goth night is coming up…oh hey, maybe I’ll wear it to the Voltaire show tomorrow!  (I am wearing it as liner in the photo at the bottom of this post, blended with Urban Decay Mushroom eyeshadow.)

All in all, I have to say that while NYX can be a hit or miss brand for me, I love everything I got in this order.  (I am also wearing the Photo Loving Primer underneath my foundation today – a long time favorite!)  I am wearing the concealer, blush for contour, and black pigment here.  I like that the contour is subtle, but I can go heavier for an evening look if I want to.  The only thing I haven’t tried yet is the purple lipstick, but the photos I’ve seen online are (wait for it) Wicked.

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Also shown:  Urban Decay Smoked eyeshadow palette, MAC Azalea Blossom Blush Ombre, Maybelline Lilac Flush lipstick with L’Oreal Extraordinaire Lip Color in Purple Prelude

What are your favorite NYX Products?  Have you tried any of the new stuff for 2015?

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What’s In My Purse

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Ever wonder what’s in someone’s purse? No? Is that just me? I saw this somewhere else and since I was cleaning out my purse anyhow…

This is my main purse! It is a Michael Kors medium sized Jet Set handbag/tote – apparently this style didn’t catch in and it was an absolute steal at Macy’s after Christmas. It’s big enough to carry stuff but not big enough that I can make it uncomfortably heavy. Here’s a look at what I keep in there!

  • CamelBak water bottle. Bottled water is for suckers, I own four of these bad boys and I love them. I want one that matches my bag.
  • Wallet. Duh. Well, I guess with the amount I forget my wallet at home it’s not really “duh…”
  • JĀSÖN Cocoa Butter lotion, which I basically might as well bathe in. Being a barista is really rough on your hands.
  • Ipsy pink and black makeup bag which I keep the cosmetics contained in.
  • MAC StudioFix Powder in NW10
  • MAC lipsticks in “Syrup” and “O” (which I just swapped for “Pink Fusion” – I always keep Syrup in there, though, because it’s a great backup color)
  • EOS Honeydew lip balm
  • Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab oils in “Red Lantern” and “Nemesis”
  • Random pens and a pencil
  • House keys attached to my Barista Guild keychain/bottle opener
  • Nintendo DSLite, Legend of Zelda edition (with Link to the Past/Four Swords GBA cartridge in it)

No real surprises, but you all now know I love Legend of Zelda more than life itself and that I’m devoted enough to beig a barista that I have a keychain saying so 😜

What’s in your purse (or backpack, satchel, briefcase, get creative)? Is there one thing you have in there other than a wallet, cell phone and keys that is a complete necessity? Anything that’s always in there that you never need?

Guys, guys, guys!! NYX is having their Memorial Day sale and the whole site is 30% off! 

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Look what I got in my email!

Don’t do like me and order $15.00 of stuff because you didn’t realize you get free shipping with $25.00 orders, ok?  LOL My total was $20.00 and then I saw the fine print…fail.  ALWAYS READ THE FINE PRINT!

Can’t wait to share my stuff with you!  I’m trying the new HD blush in Taupe for contouring, the Porcelain HD concealer, the Wicked Lippie in Betrayal (metallic purple), and the Primal Colors shadow in black.

Two years ago during this sale I got a bunch of the slim lip pencils for around 2 bucks, so it’s a great time to stock up on those – they are awesome!

Beauty Tag – 20 More Questions!

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It feels like I’m cheating for stealing this from Rachel. But I can’t resist!

Do you remember your first makeup item?

  

Yeah, that’s not creepy at all.

I actually remember my first perfume-related item. As a child of the 80s, at some point I ended up with a bottle of Love’s Baby Soft perfume when I was maybe six, a gift (read: hand me down) from a much more glamorous than me older cousin. I don’t remember this horrifyingly creepy ad copy though.

Describe your perfect mascara. Have you found one that fits your specifications?

I’m completely sold on BeneFit’s “They’re Real!” mascara. It’s perfect in every way.

What kind of coverage do you prefer from foundation?

Like Rachel, I prefer a medium coverage satin-matte. My skin is pretty good on its own, but I like to even it out and kill some shine.

Favorite high-end brand?

If MAC is considered high end, then MAC. If it’s midrange, I’ll have to go with NARS or Smashbox for actual makeup, or Tom Ford for fragrance.

What cosmetic brands have you always wanted to try but still haven’t? 

Kat Von D has some products I am dying to try! I’d also love to get my hands on some indie brands like Melt.

Favorite drugstore brand?

NYX or Wet n Wild. Drugstore makeup is bangin these days!

Do you wear fake eyelashes? 

Nope. I’m all thumbs when it comes to applying them, and I wear glasses so there’s no point most of the time!

Is there any kind of makeup you can’t leave the house without?

Eyebrows. I won’t leave the house unless I’ve done my eyebrows.

What is your most cherished beauty product?

I don’t think I have anything that I’d say I cherish, but I can’t live without MAC’s “Vex” eyeshadow. 

How often do you shop for makeup?

I browse for it all the time and shop for it very rarely.

Do you have a “beauty budget” or you spend freely?

I don’t even have a “beauty budget.” I’m on an everything budget.

What type of product do you buy the most of?

Eyeshadow and eyeliner.

Do you avoid certain ingredients in cosmetics like parabens or sulfates? 

I avoid parabens in my skincare because products that have them often make me feel itchy, but other than that not really.

Do you have a favorite place to shop for makeup?

When I’m browsing around the drugstore. Or online!

Do you like trying new skincare products or do you keep a certain routine?

I definitely try new stuff all the time. I still haven’t found my perfect skincare regimen.

Favorite bath and body brand? 

Uh… I don’t really have a favorite. 

Do you like multifunctional products like lip and cheek stains?

I always end up using them for like one thing and never get any multi-function out of them. So no, I guess. 

Are you clumsy in putting on makeup?

Shockingly, no. Especially considering that unless I am wearing contact lenses I’m doing it mostly blind! My eyesight is terrible!

Do you ever consider taking makeup classes?

Been there done that – I used to do theatrical makeup and I’ve worked as an independent MUA in the past.

What do you love about makeup?

What don’t I love about makeup?! 😜

Contouring Experiment

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I’ve never done any contouring before. I mean, I’ve done it on other people, but every time I’ve tried to do it myself it looks terrible. It’s because I’m about the color of a bar of soap compared to most people’s having some sort of skin color that isn’t best described by household items.

So I decided to watch a bunch of YouTube videos, and then spend a bunch of time trying to see what all the fuss is about.

I used the Smashbox contouring palette, ELF blush in “Twinkle Pink” and Chella “Ivory Lace” highlighter crayon over MAC Matchmaster Foundation 01. At the end I put on some mascara and a little bit of neutral eyeshadow

Didn’t turn out… too… bad…? I look so weird.

I mean good?

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless – Translucent Pressed Powder Review 

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Are you known as a PPP over on Makeupalley?  Don’t hang on Makeupalley and wonder what the heck I’m talking about?  Over on that awesome old school site about everything beauty, “PPP” is code speak for “pale porcelain princess.”  Well, I ain’t no princess, but I am pale and porcelain and finding a blotting powder at the drug store is usually nigh on impossible.  I usually use MAC Blot Powder in Light, but it’s very drying and so expensive.  I feel like if I drop and break that sucker, I’ve lost a major investment.  Nobody should feel that way about a product meant to throw in your bag to take on the go for touch ups!  Imagine my glee when I saw a blotting powder THIS LIGHT in the drug store:


Yes, I did take that sticker off!  Once I did, the packaging looked quite classy!


This is the Translucent 100 color.  There is a Porcelain shade, but it looks quite a bit darker and way more pink.  If you’re a very fair shade, go for translucent!  Now, a warning:  Many tanned and darker skinned folks have said the translucent shade is not for everyone.  I’m going to have to agree, because this powder actually has buildable coverage, so it is not completely invisible on the skin.  Get the shade that looks closest to your skin tone!

Hey, look!  Unlike some companies these days, Maybelline did not cheap out on a mirror and sponge!  Totally practical for taking with you.  THANK YOU, MAYBELLINE.  Considering this product is about $6.00, I’m sold.


Here’s what Maybelline has to say about the product:

“Tone + texture-fitting powder for the ultimate natural fit.

Mattifies and matches natural tone for a poreless-looking finish
For Normal to Oily Skin

Why You’ll Love It

Fit Me!® Matte + Poreless Powder from Maybelline New York goes beyond skin tone matching to fit the unique texture issues of normal to oily skin for the ultimate natural skin fit.

Fit Me Matte + Poreless Face Powder provides long-lasting, mattifying, shine control and up to 12HR wear for a natural, poreless-looking finish.

Buildable coverage. Does not clog pores. Oil-free.

For Best Results

With the provided applicator, blot the powder onto areas of face with excess oil. Apply to your forehead, nose, cheeks, and chin and blend all over using gentle downward strokes. Build for fuller coverage.”

Here it is on me over my Rimmel Stay Matte foundation.  I’d been wearing it 8 hours and was very shiny through the T-zone by then.  I love that the finish is not flat.  It’s rather lovely!

  

Please pardon the shoddy blush!  This is what happens when you are testing multiple colors for science!

Urban Decay 49 Nights Til Summer Contest

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YOU GUYS.  Look what I got in my inbox tonight.

  
So, I clicked the link, of course, and their event includes bloggers sharing fashion photos from all around the world in anticipation of summer.  But it also included this contest:

 
HOLY MOTHERLODE.  I just had a heart attack.  And then I cried a little, imagining if Kristin or I won this and then could split the booty and then review everything for the blog(s)!  OMG.

Here’s my entry for this week’s theme, UD Summer Nights:

  

Here’s Kristin’s entry, complete with Burning Man gear.  I’d select her if I was judging! 

  

Be sure to enter for your chance to win!

–Rachel