Milani Color Play

I have been so excited and anxious to get my hands on these babies for a while now! There are 6 colors, and I chose 05 Gray Strokes, 01 Black Line, and 03 Pink Point. There is also a white, navy, and green choice.

 

For $6.99, these are tiny. I was really disappointed in the size actually as these only hold .002 fluid oz of product. However, a little goes a long way.

 

 

These claim to be water-proof and long wearing. You can use them on eyes, face, or body to create any look you want. I think these are awesome for temporary tattoos!

 

 

I love that the tip is so fine on these, but the felt aspect scares me. I am afraid these will dry out, and for how expensive they are (for a drugstore brand and very little product) that could be an issue.

 

 

These are long-wearing, do not feather, and will resist humidity. But water-proof? Think again. These come off easily with water. I don't mind, but it doesn't live up to the claim. They actually remove really easily.

 

 

Black Line is the very thin line on the top (done so you can see just how thin you can get it) then Pink Point, which is surprisingly opaque. And then Gray Strokes.

 

 

This swatch uses all three colors to demonstrate how easy they are to use for body art!! I am really impressed with this aspect of the product! Looks great right?

 

Final Thoughts: Not water-proof, but fun for a temp tat or some crazy face-art. Check them out, because the colors are hard to find in other brands with this semi-matte finish.

 

Price: 7/10

Staying Power: 8/10

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

Total: 43/50 = B = Pleased Panda

 

Have you gotten your hands on these? I think they are really fun but expensive for the amount of product.

 

xoxo PrettyPanda 

 



Milani Color Play

I have been so excited and anxious to get my hands on these babies for a while now! There are 6 colors, and I chose 05 Gray Strokes, 01 Black Line, and 03 Pink Point. There is also a white, navy, and green choice.

 

For $6.99, these are tiny. I was really disappointed in the size actually as these only hold .002 fluid oz of product. However, a little goes a long way.

 

 

These claim to be water-proof and long wearing. You can use them on eyes, face, or body to create any look you want. I think these are awesome for temporary tattoos!

 

 

I love that the tip is so fine on these, but the felt aspect scares me. I am afraid these will dry out, and for how expensive they are (for a drugstore brand and very little product) that could be an issue.

 

 

These are long-wearing, do not feather, and will resist humidity. But water-proof? Think again. These come off easily with water. I don't mind, but it doesn't live up to the claim. They actually remove really easily.

 

 

Black Line is the very thin line on the top (done so you can see just how thin you can get it) then Pink Point, which is surprisingly opaque. And then Gray Strokes.

 

 

This swatch uses all three colors to demonstrate how easy they are to use for body art!! I am really impressed with this aspect of the product! Looks great right?

 

Final Thoughts: Not water-proof, but fun for a temp tat or some crazy face-art. Check them out, because the colors are hard to find in other brands with this semi-matte finish.

 

Price: 7/10

Staying Power: 8/10

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

Total: 43/50 = B = Pleased Panda

 

Have you gotten your hands on these? I think they are really fun but expensive for the amount of product.

 

xoxo PrettyPanda 

 



Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish

I know there have been a lot of nail posts lately, but I have a lot of bottles I need to swatch....

 

Maybelline Color Show nail lacquer is a highly buzzed about line at drugstores right now. I can see why, the bottles are cute and the colors are fresh. They are reasonably prices at just under $3 and by a company a lot of people like. I am not the biggest fan of Maybelline, but for the sake of beauty blogging, I was curious to try these out.

 

 

I picked up two colors, "Impeccable Greys" and "Carbon Frost" which is a 'Shredded' polish. Pretty basic. And I need a new grey, so it worked for me at the moment.

 

 

The grey is a dark jelly, a little streaky with one coat and the brush was kinda wonky and frayed, which makes me mad. I don't like to have to reshape/snip bristles. They should work well. The formula is on the watery side.

 

 

This is two coats of 'Impeccable Greys' on my hand. Nice dark grey jelly. Simple but chic.

 

What do I think of 'Carbon Frost'? Keep reading to see!

 



 

To be honest, I wasn't expecting much from this new-named shatter polish. But it neither wows nor dissapoints. I don't like that the shatter effect is very small. But I DO like that the finish is leathery, like it literally has the look of a motor-jacket. Edgy and cool.

 

 

It is hard to see in the picture, but the shatter is not really defined (half because it is over dark grey and half because it kinda sucks) but I do love the not quite matte finish. So this comes up neutral for me in the end.

 

Final Thoughts: Decent polish, but these two are dupeable and nothing that 'wowed' me.

 

Price: 9/10

Staying Power: 9/10

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 8/10

Quality/Branding: 7/10  

 

Total: 42/50 = B = Panda is Meh.

 

Have you tried other colors from this line? Love 'em or leave 'em?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish

I know there have been a lot of nail posts lately, but I have a lot of bottles I need to swatch....

 

Maybelline Color Show nail lacquer is a highly buzzed about line at drugstores right now. I can see why, the bottles are cute and the colors are fresh. They are reasonably prices at just under $3 and by a company a lot of people like. I am not the biggest fan of Maybelline, but for the sake of beauty blogging, I was curious to try these out.

 

 

I picked up two colors, "Impeccable Greys" and "Carbon Frost" which is a 'Shredded' polish. Pretty basic. And I need a new grey, so it worked for me at the moment.

 

 

The grey is a dark jelly, a little streaky with one coat and the brush was kinda wonky and frayed, which makes me mad. I don't like to have to reshape/snip bristles. They should work well. The formula is on the watery side.

 

 

This is two coats of 'Impeccable Greys' on my hand. Nice dark grey jelly. Simple but chic.

 

What do I think of 'Carbon Frost'? Keep reading to see!

 

L'Oreal "Tea and Crumpets"

The British invasion has officially happened, pandas. Brit inspired cosmetics are everywhere and I, for one, am loving every second of it.

 

Take L'Oreal's new nail polish collection inspired by the colors hot in London right now.

 

 

 

I picked up two shades, this particular one is called "Tea and Crumpets" which was around $5 and a pretty cool-toned nude that almost has a gray cast to it.

 

 

 

Nude nails are going to be big for fall. They always look classic, but most of the fall nail collections feature some type of nude (O.P.I has 'Don't Pretzel My Buttons' for example).

 

 

I do like that there is enough of a contrast on my pale skin so I do not totally look like I have manikin hands. But I kind of find that on pale skin (like mine) it looks a little bit eerie. Like...dead-ish.

 

 

I think it is because of the gray tinge. But I happen to like the look. It is just 'off' enough to be cool, you know? And Halloween is my favorite holiday anyway, so I love all things creepy. The formula on this is great, flows well and covers in two coats. Dry time is shorter than average.

 

Final Thoughts: An interesting take on a nude with a fun name.

 

Price: 9/10

Staying Power: 10/10

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 8/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10 

 

Total: 46/50 = A- = Happy Panda

 

I like this color, but it may look too much like putty on some tones. What do you guys think?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

 



L'Oreal "Tea and Crumpets"

The British invasion has officially happened, pandas. Brit inspired cosmetics are everywhere and I, for one, am loving every second of it.

 

Take L'Oreal's new nail polish collection inspired by the colors hot in London right now.

 

 

 

I picked up two shades, this particular one is called "Tea and Crumpets" which was around $5 and a pretty cool-toned nude that almost has a gray cast to it.

 

 

 

Nude nails are going to be big for fall. They always look classic, but most of the fall nail collections feature some type of nude (O.P.I has 'Don't Pretzel My Buttons' for example).

 

 

I do like that there is enough of a contrast on my pale skin so I do not totally look like I have manikin hands. But I kind of find that on pale skin (like mine) it looks a little bit eerie. Like...dead-ish.

 

 

I think it is because of the gray tinge. But I happen to like the look. It is just 'off' enough to be cool, you know? And Halloween is my favorite holiday anyway, so I love all things creepy. The formula on this is great, flows well and covers in two coats. Dry time is shorter than average.

 

Final Thoughts: An interesting take on a nude with a fun name.

 

Price: 9/10

Staying Power: 10/10

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 8/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10 

 

Total: 46/50 = A- = Happy Panda

 

I like this color, but it may look too much like putty on some tones. What do you guys think?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

 



Mellow Wine is Just Fine

I know the title of this post is cheesy, but it made you smile right?

 

I haven't done a blush post in a while. In all honesty, I may have reviewed this color on my previous blog-space. But I love it so much it deserves attention again.

 

This is 'Mellow Wine' a Wet n Wild blush that was $3 and change. A super deal for a ton of pretty, dusty rose blush.

 

For a cheap drugstore brand, Wet n' Wild consistently puts out good, pigmented products. This is no longer teenager make-up in my opinion. Us grown women can use this too :)

 

In some lights it appears more orange/coral and in others it is a soft bubbly pink. Love. It just gives you a nice flush of color.

Final Thoughts: Looking for a natural flush of color on the cheap? Mellow Wine is for you!

Price: 10/10
Staying Power: 9/10
Packaging: 7/10
Color/Wearability: 10/10
Quality/Branding: 10/10

Total: 46/50 = A = Happy Panda

Do you have a favorite drugstore blush?

xox PrettyPanda

Mellow Wine is Just Fine

I know the title of this post is cheesy, but it made you smile right?

 

I haven't done a blush post in a while. In all honesty, I may have reviewed this color on my previous blog-space. But I love it so much it deserves attention again.

 

This is 'Mellow Wine' a Wet n Wild blush that was $3 and change. A super deal for a ton of pretty, dusty rose blush.

 

For a cheap drugstore brand, Wet n' Wild consistently puts out good, pigmented products. This is no longer teenager make-up in my opinion. Us grown women can use this too :)

 

In some lights it appears more orange/coral and in others it is a soft bubbly pink. Love. It just gives you a nice flush of color.

Final Thoughts: Looking for a natural flush of color on the cheap? Mellow Wine is for you!

Price: 10/10
Staying Power: 9/10
Packaging: 7/10
Color/Wearability: 10/10
Quality/Branding: 10/10

Total: 46/50 = A = Happy Panda

Do you have a favorite drugstore blush?

xox PrettyPanda

The Best Vampy Nail Polish for Fall: O.P.I "Every Month is Oktoberfest"

I just have to say that when I heard O.P.I was doing a Germany collection, I was really excited. I speak German and I love the people and the culture.

It also doesn't help that I love nail polish.

I bought a few colors from the collection, but this is by far my favorite. I know this will be my go-to vampy varnish for the fall season. "Every Month is Oktoberfest" is a dark brown/black/wine with a dark red sheen. The base is a mix of all three of those colors and it pulls warm on my skin.

I don't really know what this color has to do with Oktoberfest, other than it is a pretty fall shade, but I still think the names are cute; if a bit campy at times. This is one of the more normal examples.

For $8.50, these are (in my opinion) part of one of the hottest fall collections! Click the jump to see more swatches!

I wore this shade (2 coats on my nails here) for 5 days with minor tip wear. And I was *really* hard on my nails this week. I use them as tools...don't judge.

I think this type of color looks best on short nails, but if you are feeling adventurous and have longer nails--go for it! It is too pretty to say no to.

I picked my bottle up at ULTA, but you can find these at any major nail polish retailer. Hurry, before they are all gone!

Final Thoughts: My fave color for this fall, hands down. I know a lot of the collections haven't been released, but this is classy and sexy at the same time.

Price: 9/10

Staying Power: 10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10

Total: 49/50 = A+ = Pandamonium!

What do you think about the new Germany Collection by O.P.I? What is your fave vampy polish?

xoxo PrettyPanda

The Best Vampy Nail Polish for Fall: O.P.I "Every Month is Oktoberfest"

I just have to say that when I heard O.P.I was doing a Germany collection, I was really excited. I speak German and I love the people and the culture.

It also doesn't help that I love nail polish.

I bought a few colors from the collection, but this is by far my favorite. I know this will be my go-to vampy varnish for the fall season. "Every Month is Oktoberfest" is a dark brown/black/wine with a dark red sheen. The base is a mix of all three of those colors and it pulls warm on my skin.

I don't really know what this color has to do with Oktoberfest, other than it is a pretty fall shade, but I still think the names are cute; if a bit campy at times. This is one of the more normal examples.

For $8.50, these are (in my opinion) part of one of the hottest fall collections! Click the jump to see more swatches!

Maybelline Great Lash: Clear

Hey guys!

I am not a fan of Maybelline 'Great-Lash' mascara in general. I used to use it, and only bought it a few months ago because of the LE packaging. I don't think it does anything for lashes, and the formula is too wet.

But I wanted to try out 'Great Lash' clear, for a few reasons.

This retails for about $6 and I got it on Ulta.com. I haven't run into many clear mascaras at the stores themselves.

I am still a sucker for their green and pink packaging, but that is besides the point.

The brush is pretty much the same as the other versions, but why is mine so bubbly! I feel a little jipped on product.

I wanted this because I want something to define my lashes while on summer vacation...when I will be swimming and surfing and snorkling like a mad woman. I hate waterproof mascara, so this seemed to be a little something to give me a polished look.

I also wanted a multi-tasker to tame my brows. I have been using Anastasia brow gel, but it gives this weird film on my brows that I hate. So I'm over that.

Final Thoughts: It does the job. Brows tames, lashes defined. Nothing special, nothing bad.

Price: 9/10
Staying Power: 9/10
Packaging: 10/10
Color/Wearability: N/A
Quality/Branding: 7/10

Total: 35/40 = B + = Happy Panda.

Do you know of any other clear mascaras/brow gels that don't leave a yucky film?

xo PrettyPanda

Maybelline Great Lash: Clear

Hey guys!

I am not a fan of Maybelline 'Great-Lash' mascara in general. I used to use it, and only bought it a few months ago because of the LE packaging. I don't think it does anything for lashes, and the formula is too wet.

But I wanted to try out 'Great Lash' clear, for a few reasons.

This retails for about $6 and I got it on Ulta.com. I haven't run into many clear mascaras at the stores themselves.

I am still a sucker for their green and pink packaging, but that is besides the point.

The brush is pretty much the same as the other versions, but why is mine so bubbly! I feel a little jipped on product.

I wanted this because I want something to define my lashes while on summer vacation...when I will be swimming and surfing and snorkling like a mad woman. I hate waterproof mascara, so this seemed to be a little something to give me a polished look.

I also wanted a multi-tasker to tame my brows. I have been using Anastasia brow gel, but it gives this weird film on my brows that I hate. So I'm over that.

Final Thoughts: It does the job. Brows tames, lashes defined. Nothing special, nothing bad.

Price: 9/10
Staying Power: 9/10
Packaging: 10/10
Color/Wearability: N/A
Quality/Branding: 7/10

Total: 35/40 = B + = Happy Panda.

Do you know of any other clear mascaras/brow gels that don't leave a yucky film?

xo PrettyPanda