Thursday, February 28, 2013

Meteor-Eyes Baked Glitter Eyeshadow by Hard Candy Review


I have to admit, i received these for Christmas and has been meaning to post about them this whole time! I am in the mist of playing catch up, so this is one of those catch up posts!

Since Hard Candy moved from high end to Walmart there has been a lot of noticeable changes in their formulas and packaging. This product is touted as a baked glitter eyeshadow but the fallout is so extreme that of the three times i tested these shadows no glitter remained on lid. The shadow itself was quite sheer and only after building up this product and caking it over primer did i achieve full color. These shadows faded pretty quickly as well no matter how high quality of a primer i used.













Outer Space                     Supernova                      Intergalactic


Overall these shadows are pretty in the pan but lack in application, pigmentation, and staying power. A product that is a great in theory but not worth the work.


Thursday, February 21, 2013

L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds in Hollywood Icon, What Happens In Vegas and Shopping Spree Review and Swatches

L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds Hollywood Icon, What Happens In Vegas, Shopping Spree.

I just had to pick up more of these! L'Oreal Colour Riche shadows in retro packaging really impressed me the first time i bought them (see original post here). This time i decided to stick with the Brazen Bolds. While the selection of this collection ranges from smokey eyes to neutrals, i was most drawn to the retro color combinations and bright shades. Hollywood Icon, What Happens in Vegas and Shopping Spree were my color choices.

L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds Hollywood Icon, What Happens In Vegas, Shopping Spree

 The formula of L'Oreal Color Riche Brazen Bolds is very decent for what you will find in most drugstores. With ease of blending, soft but not too soft consistency, minimal fallout, and build-able color i was impressed. For the makeup novice the little diagram on the back is helpful in determining where each color should go. Each quad contains different finishes that range from matte, iridescent, and metallic. The retro design separates each shadow from each other while giving you more of shades that would get more use or applied to bigger areas on the eye.

Hollywood Icon-

L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds Hollywood Icon
L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds Hollywood Icon swatch

What Happens In Vegas-

L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds What Happens In Vegas

L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds What Happens In Vegas swatch


Shopping Spree-

L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds Shopping Spree
L'Oreal Colour Riche Brazen Bolds Shopping Spree swatch


 Overall i love the application, color selection, various finishes, and blend-ability of L'Oreal's Color Riche Brazen Bold shadows. I felt like they were a refreshing item to be found in a drugstore and i adore the retro packaging! You can find these in most drugstores and also at Walmart.

Winter Loose Button Luxe Box United States Review and Swatches


This subscription was way too short lived for my taste! The Canadian subscription service Loose Button Luxe Box had a two season preview for the United States for both Fall and Winter Boxes. I opted into both boxes. To see my review on the United States Fall box please click here!


For two seasons, 2 boxes every three months, the cost was 50$, this is pretty reasonable considering the items were all a decent size and a bit higher end in terms of brands in comparison to other boxes. The presentation made me feel like i was receiving a luxurious gift which i guess goes with the name. A long, sturdy box, housed a draw string bag with the loose button emblem. Inside was also an envelope with the list of products. This looked more like a regal invitation than a list of samples. I appreciate simple attention to details, and at this price range it is right on point.





 The selection for the Winter season had a few hits and misses but overall i was happy. I would have loved to have continued this subscription however i did replace it with another Canadian box - Top Box which was a little bit more reasonable.

 What was included:

 Eyeko Mini Skinny Brush Mascara-
This has to be the tiniest mascara brush ever! You know that expression- size matters, and bigger is better, NOT ALWAYS! Just to compare- if you have tried the Hypose Star mascara from Lancome with its small bristles on one side you will know that sometimes the smallest bristles make the biggest lashes. I used this mascara and i was able to reach the base of my lid sweeping the mascara all the way out to the tip. Made my lashes look full but natural. I really liked this product. Plus the tube shape allows for less product to go to waste.


Essie Nail Lacquer in Leading Lady-
Essie is a great brand in terms of quality. I have never been disappointed- yet. Leading Lady is a red polish with red glitter throughout. It is not overly sparkly but does have nice shimmer. It reminds me a little of Dorthy's slippers in the bottle i wish that would have been the look on the nail but it isnt a deal breaker. Two coats was all it took for full and even coverage. I did not see chipping for at least 3 days (which is long for me since i am very busy with my hands)
Orlane Eye Contour-
This treatment is supposed to help rest the skin around the eye. I have a bit of dark circles and minimal lines. I found this to help diminish a bit of my dark circles but that was about it. Not a bad product and nice to have had in my routine while it lasted, but probably would not go out of my way to purchase this item.

 Marc Anthony Beach Spray-
We are far from summer but this spray allowed me to have soft loose waves like i had just gotten out of the pool. I like this hair product because it added some life to my sometimes lifeless and straight hair.
 Donna Karan Woman-
O am a big fan of Donna Karan fragrances so i was pretty happy to see a deluxe size perfume sample of Woman. I just wish someone had told me that removing the cap a little too quick will make the product spill everywhere. Everything smelled like a nice mix of citrus and warmth, just wish i would have had an opportunity to have really worn this.


 Kerastase Cristalliste Lumiere Liquid-
This serum left my hair feeling soft and looking shiny. I had to use almost half the little sample however. With very long hair it took more product than expected. I wouldn't switch from my current oil treatments though.


 Marc Anthony Strictly Curls
I was a little confused as to why this item was sent out to everyone even those with curly hair. Apparently Luxebox feels girls do their hair curly for the holidays. Not this girl, had no use for this item.


Loose Button Kabuki Brush-
I like how soft this brush felt. Though it is small i feel it did a nice job of blending in powder foundation and blending out blush.



Overall i will/do miss this subscription. I think overall for its price and frequency that it is a good value and contains high quality and decent sized items. The only other subscription box i could compare this box to would be Glossy Box. Hopefully Loose Button decides to give the United States another preview or gives us the opportunity to subscribe for as many seasons as Canadian subscribers.

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Mirenesse Haul Review and Swatches

As a Mirenesse VIP I get a lot of discounts, up to almost 80% off to be exact plus free shipping to America and no tax. Did i mention they also give me 25$ off any 65$ purchase bringing it down to 40? Yes it costs 25$ a month but you get that back in many ways (unlimited free shipping (normally 10$), extreme discounts an 100$ item for only 20$ has happened to me!, plus a beauty box worth over 100$ every two months). You can sign up here.

 Ok now that the specs are out of the way let me tell you about my haul. I got all the items i am about to show you for only 40$.

4 Super Long Wearing Gel Mineral Face Colour-
When i first this product i thought it might be like the Maybelline 24 hour Eye Tattoo - drying to a long lasting finish. These however took forever to dry! I mean hours! By the time they dried they had creased on me. Since they are a gel if you put too much on, or try to build up the color you will get a little bit of clumping in areas. When set with a translucent powder however i had better results. I also tried using these as a shadow  base and i also had better results. While i do not hate these - i do love the packaging, the color choice- i was not impressed overall.



The applicator is housed in the top of the cap.


30 Aquamarine-

 

 19 Toffee Mousse-



 4- Virgin Violet



31- Pewter

 Tight Liner Hydra Gel Liner- This liner goes on smooth with a thin tipped precision sponge tip. It dries fast and i achieved all day wear with it. From continued use the sponge does clog up and renders it a little unusable considering the product dries into it. I used a little warm water to unclog it. I wish it did not have this flaw.



Magic Touch Foundation sample- this is actually one of my favorite foundations. It does not crease, does not feel heavy, gives full and all day coverage, plus you can use it as a shadow primer!



 Overall my haul had some hits and misses, but i can always make things work! So i am pleased.