Saturday, March 29, 2014

MAC Pro Longwear Concealer Review

Ever get bored of repurchasing the same product over and over again?
I do. I've been using the same concealer (Urban Decay Concealer Stick in CIA) forever, and have repurchased it probably 3 times now. There's absolutely nothing wrong with this concealer, and I love it, but every now and then, I just NEED to try something new!

I don't own a lot of MAC products, so when my concealer started running low, I decided I'd pick one up, and see how I like it. I chose the MAC Pro Longerwear Concealer in NC15.

$19 USD for .30 fl oz
MAC describes this product on the website as:

"A lightweight fluid concealer that provides medium to full coverage with a comfortable, natural matte finish. Colour-true formula lasts up to 15 hours. Helps conceal and correct the look of under-eye circles, and discolorations. Comes in a clear glass vial with a matte black pump."

Now, I don't have a MAC store within hours of me, so I can't go to the store to test things out, and rely on the online descriptions. Luckily I'm pale as a ghost, so I know that usually the lightest shade a company makes will be my shade, unless it's too dark.

I pretty much only use concealer under my eyes, and occasionally around my face if I'm having a bit of discoloration, but mostly, it just goes under my eyes. Because of this, I was a little worried about that matte finish making my under eye area looking dry and flaky. However, it doesn't accentuate my dry skin at all. I'm not used to concealer in a liquid form, so application took some getting used to. I usually dab this product on with my fingers where needed, and then blend out the edges with a fluffy brush, I've been liking the Real Techniques Setting Brush. 

The color is a pretty good match for me. Slightly yellow, BUT the really helps color-correct my purple-ish dark circles under my eyes. Also, I apply foundation BEFORE my concealer, and go back in with concealer to cover and areas that need a little extra help. It doesn't make sense to me to apply concealer before foundation, because you'll end up applying far too much, but I suppose that's all a method of personal preference. I can't speak on the 15 hour wear time claim, I usually don't wear face makeup that long for any reason!


Overall I've really been enjoying this concealer from MAC!
If you have issues with concealer creasing under the eyes, this one might be a little less likely to move around and settle into lines.
Have you tried this concealer before? Do you have a 'holy grail' concealer, or do you love trying new products too much to stick to one?

[This product was purchased by me with my own money and I'm not in any way endorsed or affiliated with MAC Cosmetics.]

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Urban Decay ELECTRIC Palette Review and Swatches!

Super exciting post for you guys today! I just got my Urban Decay Cosmetics Electric Palette in the mail!


As soon as this palette was 'leaked' or even hinted about, I was beyond excited, and knew I HAD TO HAVE IT as soon as it was released. I don't know about you guys, but I'm so sick of getting 'Naked'. Naked palettes galore, Naked skin Foundation (which I do love!), Naked Lip Gloss, I'M OVER IT URBAN DECAY! Well, it seems they've finally heard our cries for color, and so the Electric palette is born.


Urban Decay describes this palette as:
"It's a color addict's ultimate fix: a mind-blowing palette filled with 10 of the brightest, most amazing shades you've ever laid eyes on - including eight never-before-seen shares you won't find anywhere else - plus a double-ended brush. Choose from matte, satin, and shimmer textures. From current exclusive Chaos (the most highly coveted shade from The Vice Palette) and Freak (neon green) to Urban (metallic purple) and Jilted (fuchsia with a blue shift), this palette has it all. And the color payout? INSANE. Our Pigment Infusion System delivers soft, creamy, blendable color that lasts."
-Taken from the Electric Palette Box

I do wish they had skipped the re-promoted colors Chaos and Revolt. I have The Vice Palette, and I'm not a fan of Chaos in it. It just doesn't go with The Vice Palette, and I hardly use it. Revolt can be found in one of the Face Case palettes as well. A silver has no place in this palette. Sure, maybe a silver and blue or purple look, but honestly I just don't like that they included it in this palette. I'd be happier with this if they left both those shades out and made it an 8 color palette even. I'd would have LOVED to see a matte yellow, or a matte black in place of those shades, I really think including those colors instead of re-promoted shades would have made it a more complete palette.

I also don't think any of the shades in this are a true 'matte' shadow. Chaos and Savage come close, but there are still hints of sparkle in the pan, even though they hardly show up on the eyes/swatched. I DO, however, think that the fact that most of these have a hint of shimmer to them makes them easier to blend, especially for those just beginning to dip your toes into brighter colors. 

Revolt, Gonzo, Slowburn, Savage, and Fringe (Swatched over UDPP)
Chaos, Jilted, Urban, Freak, and Thrash (Swatched over UDPP)
  • Revolt - Shimmering metallic Silver. I find this to be a true, neutral (but more cool toned) silver. Not a fan of it in this palette, but it's not a bad color.
  • Gonzo - Turquoise blue. I love the brightness of this color. Mostly matte, similar to Sugarpill's Afterparty eyeshadow.
  • Slowburn (not safe for eyes) - Bright, red based orange. Super pigmentation in this color!
  • Savage (not safe for eyes) - Matte neon pink. Gorgeous and opaque.
  • Fringe - Shimmering forest green with hints of blue. A great crease shade for this palette. Blends beautifully with the blues AND the greens.
  • Chaos - Bright matte royal blue. Slightly patchy, but applies better to the eyes than in a swatch.
  • Jilted (not safe for eyes) - Bright fuchsia with a blue shift. Blue shift isn't as pronounced as some of UD's other shades. Swatched a lot more pink than it looks in the pan.
  • Urban (not safe for eyes) - Deep pink-toned purple. I'm surprised this one is on the 'not safe for eyes' list honestly. Has pink shimmer through it.
  • Freak - Shimmer light green. I ADORE this shade in the eyeliner, so happy it's an eyeshadow as well now!
  • Thrash - Bright vibrant chartreuse. Amazing pigmentation with bright sparkle. This shade made me gasp out loud when I swatched it!


In this look, I used:
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion
  • Electric Palette Eyeshadows in Freak, Thrash, Fringe, Chaos, and Gonzo
  • Wet N Wild Eyeshadow in Brulee
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Liquid Liner in Perversion
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Freak
  • Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencil in Deviant
  • Sephora Outrageous Volume Mascara
Now, Urban Decay pulls a little fun here, and includes a sneaky little insert that reads that "Slowburn, Savage, Jilted, and Urban are NOT intended for use in the immediate eye area." Also, notice that this palette is not marketed directly as an 'eyeshadow palette', but rather, a 'pressed pigment palette'. Here's why that is. 'Neon' shades in cosmetics have not been FDA approved in the United States. However, have been approved for use in the eye area in Canada and Europe. (Think of the Sleek Acid palette!) So basically, UD is covering their asses by including that little bit of info, and marketing this as a 'Pressed Pigment Palette'. Most people who have allergies to cosmetics tend to react to the dyes and pigments used in reds, and pinks, and ingredients used to make these colors. In my own personal opinion, I choose to not heed these warnings, and will be using said shades on my eyes. This is because I KNOW my body, and I know that I have no problems or irritations using shades like this around my eyes. It's you to YOU, and YOU ONLY to decide how you will use these pigments. Don't say I (or Urban Decay) didn't warn you. It's very possible that you could be allergic to these strong pigments. So proceed with caution!

Overall, I'm in love with this palette. No palette is perfect, so I can work with the re-promoted shades, and the 'Not safe for eyes' shades do not bother me. You can check out my video review of it here!:




Are you planning on picking up this palette? Let me know your thoughts on it in the comments section! Also feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer them, I want to help you decide if this palette is right for you!

[This product was purchased by me with my own money and I'm not in any way endorsed or affiliated with Urban Decay Cosmetics.]

Saturday, March 15, 2014

My Blush Collection!

Hey everyone!

I know the majority of my makeup collection and looks are all focused around the eyes. Eyeshadows, Liners, and Mascaras galore! 
So I've decided to show you my small, but growing collection of blushes!
Blush is a wonderful product, after blanking out all of your imperfections with foundation and concealer, blush brings little bit of color and life back into your face. 



Too Faced Leopard Love Complexion Perfection Palette
This was one of the FIRST products I ever purchased blush/bronzer wise. I couldn't get over how cute it was! While it's not available anymore (on Sephora.com or TooFaced.com) I believe all of these products are sold separately in full size. It includes a mini of Peach Leopard Bronzer, which is unfortunately too dark/orange for me (duh), Candy Leopard Blush, which is a gorgeous candy pink shimmery blush, and Pink Leopard Highlighter. Pink Leopard may be a great highlight on darker skin tones, but due to how fair I am, you can almost see the brownish specks on my cheeks, not cute! Overall only the Candy Leopard shade really works for me, which is why I haven't really used this palette much at all!

Tarte Off The Cuff Blush Palette
I got this gorgeous palette this year for Christmas, and I am IN LOVE with it. It includes one bronzer in the shade Park Avenue Princess, and four blushes in the shades Crave, Dazzled, Darling, and Dollface. I haven't even touched the bronzer, since I don't use it, but I've used and loved all of the blush shades. Darling is one of my favorites to wear with any eye/lip look.

Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush in Smooth Talker
 THIS, is what I use for 'contouring'. Yes. This. I am just THAT fair-skinned. These shades mix together perfectly to create a darker, but still warm and pink-toned shade that is just a perfect contour color for me without being too brown, too orange, or too harsh. I've gone through an ENTIRE one of these, and I'm on my second one. It's very similar, but I believe less shimmery than Benefit's Sugarbomb boxed blush. Can't beat the drugstore price tag either!

Victoria's Secret Cheek Love Powder Blush
Found this little gem last year at their semi-annual sale. It's a beautiful baby pink color, without being too harsh or ashy looking. It's mostly matte, but has a slight hint of shimmer in certain light. Not enough to give a highlighting effect though. This is one of my go-to blushes, but unfortunately it's been discontinued! =[

Too Faced Sweetheart Blush in Candy Glow
When I saw Too Faced preview these last spring/winter, I had to have it. Just for the packaging alone. This is the original shade Candy Glow, but I believe there have been two new shades added to the Sweetheart line recently! While a bit sheer, this blush is just gorgeous. All three shades mix together for a perfectly pink flush on my skin. It's got shimmer in it, so it can double as a highlighting blush on darker skin tones as well. Over anything, I just love seeing this cute little box sitting on my makeup desk.

NARS Deep Throat Blush
It wouldn't be a blush blog without NARS. Of the few I've tried, Deep Throat is my favorite shade. (Can you tell? My package is literally in two pieces) It's a beautiful peachy pink blush with amazing shimmer in it. Looks so pretty on my skin, and compliments any look I wear. 

NARS Orgasm Blush
Andddd it wouldn't be a REAL blush blog without NARS Orgasm blush. This is just a mini guy I got as a Sephora perk. I'm honestly glad I didn't give into the hype and buy a full size, because despite this being like the #1 blush, it doesn't suit me that well. It's slightly darker, and slightly more peach than Deep Throat, and along with the strong gold shimmer, it can be just a little too intense on my extremely porcelain skin. However, I'm happy to have a mini size of it, just to say I own it!

And that's IT for my blushes that I currently own! I'm definitely becoming more and more interested in the fun world of blushes, and can't wait to add some more to my collection. What are some of your favorite blushes that you own? What are some you're just dying to try?

Friday, March 14, 2014

Radiation Red!

Wait... is this... could it be? 
IT IS! 
A BLOG POST!


Finally got around to filming a (much requested!) tutorial for this look! 

Products used:
  • Urban Decay Primer Potion
  • Lunatick Cosmetics Labs Prime Time Base
  • Sugarpill Eyeshadow in @#$%!
  • Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Tako
  • Lunatick Cosmetics Labs AlieNEON Eyeshadow in Radiation Red
  • Lunatick Cosmetics Labs Kromatick Silk Eyeshadow in Royally Dead
  • Concrete Minerals Eyeshadow in Arsenic
  • Wet N Wild Eyeshadow in Brulee
  • Urban Decay Liquid Liner in Perversion
  • Urban Decay Glide-On Liner in Perversion
  • MUFE Aqua Eyes Liquid Eyeliner in 10 (Iridescent Red)
  • Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara
Check out the video tutorial here!: