Blue Mascara!

Grad school really can do a number on one's face. This morning I wanted a pop of color to wake up my eyes, and decided to finally reach for Maybelline's Great Lash in Royal Blue

 

If you have been following this blog, you know that I AM NOT a fan of Great Lash. But for colored mascaras? It is surprisingly good. Colored mascaras are dramatic on their own, so you don't really need a ton of volume or it would be overkill. The slightly watery formula of Great Lash and small brush also give you precision with colored formulas.

 

 

This is a little bit brighter than what I would classify as Royal Blue. But that is good! If I am buying a colored mascara, I want to see it!

 

 

Lovely shade. I've also heard that you can use colored mascara as temporary hair streakers. Maybe I will try it! It certainly is bright enough! And only $6!!

 

 

This is a really pretty accent, and I kept the rest of my makeup minimal. But look how bright it makes my eyes look? For once, I am digging Great Lash! Who would have thought?

 

Final Thoughts: For a night out or to shake up your routine, try this bright blue if you dare! The normally disappointing Great Lash formula works wonders for color!

 

 

Price: 9/10

Staying Power: 8/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 8/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

Total: 44/50 = B+ = Happy Panda!

 

Do you wear colored mascaras? Which ones are your favorites?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Blue Mascara!

Grad school really can do a number on one's face. This morning I wanted a pop of color to wake up my eyes, and decided to finally reach for Maybelline's Great Lash in Royal Blue

 

If you have been following this blog, you know that I AM NOT a fan of Great Lash. But for colored mascaras? It is surprisingly good. Colored mascaras are dramatic on their own, so you don't really need a ton of volume or it would be overkill. The slightly watery formula of Great Lash and small brush also give you precision with colored formulas.

 

 

This is a little bit brighter than what I would classify as Royal Blue. But that is good! If I am buying a colored mascara, I want to see it!

 

 

Lovely shade. I've also heard that you can use colored mascara as temporary hair streakers. Maybe I will try it! It certainly is bright enough! And only $6!!

 

 

This is a really pretty accent, and I kept the rest of my makeup minimal. But look how bright it makes my eyes look? For once, I am digging Great Lash! Who would have thought?

 

Final Thoughts: For a night out or to shake up your routine, try this bright blue if you dare! The normally disappointing Great Lash formula works wonders for color!

 

 

Price: 9/10

Staying Power: 8/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 8/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

Total: 44/50 = B+ = Happy Panda!

 

Do you wear colored mascaras? Which ones are your favorites?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Julep October Box!

Hey everyone! More polish, hope you don't mind :)

I am a member of Julep, the nail polish box monthly subscription. I have tried Birchbox and hated it, but I do find that getting three full sized polishes every month is well worth the $20 bucks I spend, considering these babies are $14 on Sephora.com.

This month, I added another polish to my shipment for only $4. So I got 4 polishes for $24!! Crazy right?

 

These are the two 'crackle' polishes. The silver is called Glenda, and the white (my add on) is called Hermione. I had to get it for the name alone, obviously!

 

 

This pretty blackened crimson is called Caroline. I also received a sparkly black called Leslie (not pictured)

 

 

Here is Hermione over Leslie. Pretty! I love how opaque Hermione is!

 

 

Here are both Hermione and Glenda alternating as topcoats over Caroline. I love the Julep crackles. They are easy to use and not too thick.

 

Final Thoughts: Super happy with this months' box, I would recommend all of them! Julep polishes last well on me and I love the bottle shape as well!

 

xoxo PrettyPanda



Julep October Box!

Hey everyone! More polish, hope you don't mind :)

I am a member of Julep, the nail polish box monthly subscription. I have tried Birchbox and hated it, but I do find that getting three full sized polishes every month is well worth the $20 bucks I spend, considering these babies are $14 on Sephora.com.

This month, I added another polish to my shipment for only $4. So I got 4 polishes for $24!! Crazy right?

 

These are the two 'crackle' polishes. The silver is called Glenda, and the white (my add on) is called Hermione. I had to get it for the name alone, obviously!

 

 

This pretty blackened crimson is called Caroline. I also received a sparkly black called Leslie (not pictured)

 

 

Here is Hermione over Leslie. Pretty! I love how opaque Hermione is!

 

 

Here are both Hermione and Glenda alternating as topcoats over Caroline. I love the Julep crackles. They are easy to use and not too thick.

 

Final Thoughts: Super happy with this months' box, I would recommend all of them! Julep polishes last well on me and I love the bottle shape as well!

 

xoxo PrettyPanda



L'ORÉAL Color Riche Caress in Cotton Pink

I am a sucker for great advertising. I checked out L'ORÉAL's Color Riche Caresse collection because it promises "a wearable and gentle caress of color". I also needed a pink lip color, since I realized I was really lacking in the light pink department. Enter Cotton Pink!

 

I love the packaging! So classy, but it better be for $9.99. The price is one of the reasons I usually stay away from drugstore lipsticks like this. I am always afraid they will disappoint.

 

 

This is a thinner lipstick and there isn't a ton of product, but the lovely gold tube is a consolation. I also am a fan of the strawberry-esque smell of the lipstick.

 

 

I think I will feel very glamorous using it...but now to the color!

 

 

This is a paler pink with blue undertones, and yet it still has a punchy pop to it that makes it a little more fun and girly.

 

 

This is nicely moisturizing and really does feel like a little hint of color, almost like a colored balm. I am happy with the color and it feel weightless on my lips, however that means it only lasts about an hour and a half.

 

Final Thoughts: They have a good shade range, so if you aren't partial to the heaviness of lipstick, try these out!

 

Price: 7/10

Staying Power:7/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

 

Total: 43/50 = B = Pleased Panda

 

Do you like the Caress line? Tried it? Love it or leave it?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

L'ORÉAL Color Riche Caress in Cotton Pink

I am a sucker for great advertising. I checked out L'ORÉAL's Color Riche Caresse collection because it promises "a wearable and gentle caress of color". I also needed a pink lip color, since I realized I was really lacking in the light pink department. Enter Cotton Pink!

 

I love the packaging! So classy, but it better be for $9.99. The price is one of the reasons I usually stay away from drugstore lipsticks like this. I am always afraid they will disappoint.

 

 

This is a thinner lipstick and there isn't a ton of product, but the lovely gold tube is a consolation. I also am a fan of the strawberry-esque smell of the lipstick.

 

 

I think I will feel very glamorous using it...but now to the color!

 

 

This is a paler pink with blue undertones, and yet it still has a punchy pop to it that makes it a little more fun and girly.

 

 

This is nicely moisturizing and really does feel like a little hint of color, almost like a colored balm. I am happy with the color and it feel weightless on my lips, however that means it only lasts about an hour and a half.

 

Final Thoughts: They have a good shade range, so if you aren't partial to the heaviness of lipstick, try these out!

 

Price: 7/10

Staying Power:7/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

 

Total: 43/50 = B = Pleased Panda

 

Do you like the Caress line? Tried it? Love it or leave it?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Depression Awareness Mani

Hello PrettyPanda readers!

Some of you may know, or may have seen on other blogs that it is Depression Awareness month and a lot of bloggers are doing manicures in the official color of Depression Awareness: Green!

I wanted to do one as well, and I kept mine simple. Depression is something that I deal with everyday. I have been diagnosed with moderate depression and anxiety and it is a hard struggle. Know that you aren't alone and never give up!

 

I just happened to have a new green in my stash! This is Butter London's British Racing Green!

 

 

This is a creamy dark green, with the tiniest shimmer of tonal green glitter. But I mean tiny!

 

 

I love that this looks sophisticated and is a simple twist on black nails. It is still a dark enough color to be chic, but I know when I look at my nails I will be reminded of my fight with depression and how strong I am!

 

 

One coat of this is pretty streaky, but two evened everything right out. The formula on these is nice, not too thin or thick and Butter's last around 5 days on me with a good topcoat.

 

This nail polish is absolutely Panda Approved!

 

Take out a green from your stash and do your own Depression Awareness Mani!! I'd love to see it!

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

 



Depression Awareness Mani

Hello PrettyPanda readers!

Some of you may know, or may have seen on other blogs that it is Depression Awareness month and a lot of bloggers are doing manicures in the official color of Depression Awareness: Green!

I wanted to do one as well, and I kept mine simple. Depression is something that I deal with everyday. I have been diagnosed with moderate depression and anxiety and it is a hard struggle. Know that you aren't alone and never give up!

 

I just happened to have a new green in my stash! This is Butter London's British Racing Green!

 

 

This is a creamy dark green, with the tiniest shimmer of tonal green glitter. But I mean tiny!

 

 

I love that this looks sophisticated and is a simple twist on black nails. It is still a dark enough color to be chic, but I know when I look at my nails I will be reminded of my fight with depression and how strong I am!

 

 

One coat of this is pretty streaky, but two evened everything right out. The formula on these is nice, not too thin or thick and Butter's last around 5 days on me with a good topcoat.

 

This nail polish is absolutely Panda Approved!

 

Take out a green from your stash and do your own Depression Awareness Mani!! I'd love to see it!

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

 



Velvet Voyeur

I kinda have a thing for nail polish names. Don't we all? I couldn't NOT buy this polish, I just thought they name was so sexy haha.

Introducing my pick for Fall 2012's Sexiest Polish: Essie's Velvet Voyeur

 

A deep reddish purple that looks black in some lights is the perfect remix to a black creme. It is sexy and femme fatale while also being unexpected.

 

 

I picked up this Essie from Ulta for around $8. Essie polishes are great, and I love the brush. I got a full 6 days of wear from this polish. (2 coats)

 

 

Some not so discerning eyes (my brother) thought my polish was black...but I can tell, can't you??

 

Final Thoughts: My pick for vampiest polish this winter!

 

Price: 8/10

Staying Power: 9/10

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

Total: 45/50= A- = Happy Panda!

 

I love vampy nails, do you?

 

xox PrettyPanda

Velvet Voyeur

I kinda have a thing for nail polish names. Don't we all? I couldn't NOT buy this polish, I just thought they name was so sexy haha.

Introducing my pick for Fall 2012's Sexiest Polish: Essie's Velvet Voyeur

 

A deep reddish purple that looks black in some lights is the perfect remix to a black creme. It is sexy and femme fatale while also being unexpected.

 

 

I picked up this Essie from Ulta for around $8. Essie polishes are great, and I love the brush. I got a full 6 days of wear from this polish. (2 coats)

 

 

Some not so discerning eyes (my brother) thought my polish was black...but I can tell, can't you??

 

Final Thoughts: My pick for vampiest polish this winter!

 

Price: 8/10

Staying Power: 9/10

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

Total: 45/50= A- = Happy Panda!

 

I love vampy nails, do you?

 

xox PrettyPanda

Urban Decay's Vice Palette

SO excited to show you guys my new goodie!

I originally thought that after the whole animal testing debacle that I would not buy from UD again, but they finally made the right move and I spent $57 hard earned dollars on this brand new 20 color palette with ONLY new and exclusive colors.

Was it worth it? Let's find out!

 

The case is really pretty, slightly soft to the touch with a nice crystal inlay. It opens easily and has a full sized mirror.

 

 

I love that it opens with one touch and you can see all of the pretty colors at a glance. It also includes their coveted double-sided shadow brush.

 

 

Ahh it's so gorgeous!

 

 

Anyway, enough packaging pics...let's move on shall we?

 

 

 

The brush is really good quality. One side is a shadow brush and the other a blender, with a logo purple chrome handle.

 

Click after the jump to see the swatches!

 

 

 

Desperation is a brown/grey and Muse is a sparkly deep brown, but it does have a lot of fallout!

 

 

 

Junkie is a bright sparkly green in the pan, but swatches more teal. Chaos is a matte vivid blue, but it is a little patchy.

 

 

 

I love both of these colors. Provocateur is a glimmery rose with a tinge of silver and Rapture is a purple/olive duochrome sheen. Lovely!

 

 

 

Nevermind is a warm gold with a bit more brown in it than Echo Beach which is sandy and less glittery. Great neutrals. If you have the Naked palettes, then you may want to pass--this palette has a ton of neutrals!

 

 

 

Jagged was a complete miss...a mess of fallout! But Blitz makes up for it...a opaque, glittery gold that is beautiful!

 

 

 

These are really pretty colors as well. Occupy is a blue/silver glitter with minimal fallout and Unhinged is a glowy peacock color.

 

 

 

 Vice is such a bright, true to pan purple and Noise has great color payoff as well. These were probably my two most anticipated shades of the palette and they do not disappoint!

 

 

 

 Anonymous is a pretty base color that has a pinky glow and while it looks matte in the pan, it has a sheen. Freebird is a little lacking in the color payoff, but it is a pretty rose with gold glitter.

 

 

 

I love these two colors! Penny lane is pretty--but really similar to Blitz (which is slightly more yellow-based) Black Market is a great black!

 

 

 

Armor is really fun, but a bit heavy on the fallout and Laced just looks like a bruise on my pale skin. Hmm

 

 

Final Thoughts: Well, I am torn. I love the look of this palette and the exclusivity of the shades (and even the names!) The brush is amazing and the shadow size is normal. I love 15 shadows of the 20, the other 5 don't perform well or are misses for me (Laced, Jagged, Muse, FreeBird, & Armor).

 

Price: 6/10

Staying Power: 9/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 8/10

 

Total: 43/50 = B = Pleased Panda.

 

Overall, I am happy with the purchase, but the price was WAY too high. I had points at Ulta to redeem, which was the only way I bought this with my own money. However, the quality is great and loving 15 out of the 20 shadows is decent! What are your thoughts?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda