Pages

Friday, November 30, 2012

O.P.I Goldeneye Can Jazz Up Any Manicure

Continuing with the O.P.I Bond polishes, I decided to swatch Goldeneye over my existing manicure of Skyfall to see how they would look together.

 
I was a little nervous to swatch this alone, because usually glitters suspended in a clear base prove problematic and need multiple coats. Not so with Goldeneye!

 
I did one thick coat on my ring finger and you can see it is fairly opaque. Because the glitter is so fine, it covers nicely. This is a very thin polish and the formula glides nicely. No chunkiness that can come from glitters. This is honestly like fairy dust on my nails!

 
I know the O.P.I Bond line also released the Goldfinger Real Gold Topcoat, but this works to give your digits a 24 karat shine, so in my opinion--this is the poor girls' version at only $8.50.
 
I can see this over any color or alone. This is a great topper and layering polish if you want something festive and over-the-top glitzy for the holidays.

Panda Approved!
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

O.P.I Goldeneye Can Jazz Up Any Manicure

Continuing with the O.P.I Bond polishes, I decided to swatch Goldeneye over my existing manicure of Skyfall to see how they would look together.

 
I was a little nervous to swatch this alone, because usually glitters suspended in a clear base prove problematic and need multiple coats. Not so with Goldeneye!

 
I did one thick coat on my ring finger and you can see it is fairly opaque. Because the glitter is so fine, it covers nicely. This is a very thin polish and the formula glides nicely. No chunkiness that can come from glitters. This is honestly like fairy dust on my nails!

 
I know the O.P.I Bond line also released the Goldfinger Real Gold Topcoat, but this works to give your digits a 24 karat shine, so in my opinion--this is the poor girls' version at only $8.50.
 
I can see this over any color or alone. This is a great topper and layering polish if you want something festive and over-the-top glitzy for the holidays.

Panda Approved!
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Clinique All About Eyes Concealer

So...when I was on my Thanksgiving mini-vacay in Las Vegas, I ran into a slip-up make up wise. I had been using NYX's HD concealer, but the packaging malfunctioned and the cap detached from the handle and was literally stuck...so needless to say my concealer was gone.

Since I have been using a new Clinique foundation (review coming!), I decided to try a new concealer and stick with Clinique for my face.
 
In the amazing Sephora at the Venetian, I picked up Clinique's All ABout Eyes concealer in 01 Light Neutral to match my foundation. For $16.50, I was pleased.

 
I really like the squeeze tube. It gives just the right amount of product and is hygienic. I also like that I am getting a form of eye cream in my concealer.

 
This claims to be long-wearing and moisturizing. It also claims to not crease or settle into lines.

 
I was slightly disappointed to see that the matching concealer for my foundation had yellow undertones, even though it claims to be neutral. This is only relevant on my hand swatch, on my eyes it works just fine, light enough but not too light.
 
The formula is creamy and you need SO little (seriously, the amount on my hand is disgusting). It does not settle if you use very little and pat with your ring finger. It lasted about 10 hours on my eyes, concealed my dark circles fairly well (and mine are DARK), and felt good on my skin. Winner!

Final Thoughts: Save a step and avoid expensive eye creams. For girls in their 20's this is a good solution. But if you are lacking moisture, use an additional product.

Price:  8/10

Staying Power:10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 9/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10
 
Total: 47/50 = A = Pandamonium!
 
I love Clinique because their products are always fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested!
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

Clinique All About Eyes Concealer

So...when I was on my Thanksgiving mini-vacay in Las Vegas, I ran into a slip-up make up wise. I had been using NYX's HD concealer, but the packaging malfunctioned and the cap detached from the handle and was literally stuck...so needless to say my concealer was gone.

Since I have been using a new Clinique foundation (review coming!), I decided to try a new concealer and stick with Clinique for my face.
 
In the amazing Sephora at the Venetian, I picked up Clinique's All ABout Eyes concealer in 01 Light Neutral to match my foundation. For $16.50, I was pleased.

 
I really like the squeeze tube. It gives just the right amount of product and is hygienic. I also like that I am getting a form of eye cream in my concealer.

 
This claims to be long-wearing and moisturizing. It also claims to not crease or settle into lines.

 
I was slightly disappointed to see that the matching concealer for my foundation had yellow undertones, even though it claims to be neutral. This is only relevant on my hand swatch, on my eyes it works just fine, light enough but not too light.
 
The formula is creamy and you need SO little (seriously, the amount on my hand is disgusting). It does not settle if you use very little and pat with your ring finger. It lasted about 10 hours on my eyes, concealed my dark circles fairly well (and mine are DARK), and felt good on my skin. Winner!

Final Thoughts: Save a step and avoid expensive eye creams. For girls in their 20's this is a good solution. But if you are lacking moisture, use an additional product.

Price:  8/10

Staying Power:10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 9/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10
 
Total: 47/50 = A = Pandamonium!
 
I love Clinique because their products are always fragrance free and ophthalmologist tested!
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

O.P.I Skyfall: My Femme Fatale Nails

As we all know, it is hard to ignore the amazingness that is the new Bond flick Skyfall. So being the movie-themed beauty junkie that I am...I HAD to get some of the O.P.I polishes marketed for the movie.

 
This is Skyfall, which was a must. For $8.50, this polish is a staple for any nail polish wardrobe.

 
This is a creamy deep red. It is almost maroon with a hint of brown and a bit of plum. Hard to describe by absolutely breathtaking.

 
(Taken with flash) I love the richness of this cream polish. The formula is great, opaque in two coats and quick drying. The brush is also amazing!! Seriously, why are these O.P.I brushes now so good?

 
These just scream femme fatale to me and I love it. It is a new take on the vampy nail. Did I mention I was in love?

Final Thoughts: You need Skyfall in your life. Done.

Price: 9/10

Staying Power:10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10
 
Total: 49/50 = A+ = Pandamonium!
 
 
I leave you with the Adele Skyfall video. Love you guys!
 
xox PrettyPanda

O.P.I Skyfall: My Femme Fatale Nails

As we all know, it is hard to ignore the amazingness that is the new Bond flick Skyfall. So being the movie-themed beauty junkie that I am...I HAD to get some of the O.P.I polishes marketed for the movie.

 
This is Skyfall, which was a must. For $8.50, this polish is a staple for any nail polish wardrobe.

 
This is a creamy deep red. It is almost maroon with a hint of brown and a bit of plum. Hard to describe by absolutely breathtaking.

 
(Taken with flash) I love the richness of this cream polish. The formula is great, opaque in two coats and quick drying. The brush is also amazing!! Seriously, why are these O.P.I brushes now so good?

 
These just scream femme fatale to me and I love it. It is a new take on the vampy nail. Did I mention I was in love?

Final Thoughts: You need Skyfall in your life. Done.

Price: 9/10

Staying Power:10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10
 
Total: 49/50 = A+ = Pandamonium!
 
 
I leave you with the Adele Skyfall video. Love you guys!
 
xox PrettyPanda

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Quick Look: Butter London Lips & Tips in West End Wonderland

Want an amazing gift idea for a glitter loving gal in your life? Look no further than Butter London's new Lips & Tips gift sets for the holidays. They are matching nail polish and gloss sets for $25, claiming to be a $31 value.

 
This duo is called West End Wonderland is a sparkly gold polish with a golden gloss. So pretty. I think this is a good value considering their polishes are $14 and their lippies are $17 individually. I found mine at Ulta, and there are tons of other colors (a purple, deep red, and pink set that I have seen).
 
I am not reviewing this fully because this is a gift for someone! BUT, I know I would love to have one under the tree.
Panda Approved!

Quick Look: Butter London Lips & Tips in West End Wonderland

Want an amazing gift idea for a glitter loving gal in your life? Look no further than Butter London's new Lips & Tips gift sets for the holidays. They are matching nail polish and gloss sets for $25, claiming to be a $31 value.

 
This duo is called West End Wonderland is a sparkly gold polish with a golden gloss. So pretty. I think this is a good value considering their polishes are $14 and their lippies are $17 individually. I found mine at Ulta, and there are tons of other colors (a purple, deep red, and pink set that I have seen).
 
I am not reviewing this fully because this is a gift for someone! BUT, I know I would love to have one under the tree.
Panda Approved!

Monday, November 26, 2012

Breaking Dawn Part 2 from Essence Full FOTD

Hey guys! As I promised, a full FOTD featuring only the Breaking Dawn Part 2 collection from Essence.

I wanted to show you guys the products in action, as well as try and put together a look in under 5 minutes. This took me 4 and a half...

What I used on my face:

Blush in Renesmee Red on the apples of my cheeks and swept up my cheekbones

Highlighter in Bella's Secret on the tops of my cheeks

For my eyes:

I used the loose pigment in Piece of Forever on my entire eye then blended the crease with Edward's Love.

I then lined my top eye with Jacob's Protection glitter blue liner which really popped my brown eyes.


 
I then finished the look with the lip gloss in Alice Had a Vision Again. In under 5 minutes I had a simple, Twilight-inspired look that is work appropriate and easy.

What do you guys think?
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

Breaking Dawn Part 2 from Essence Full FOTD

Hey guys! As I promised, a full FOTD featuring only the Breaking Dawn Part 2 collection from Essence.

I wanted to show you guys the products in action, as well as try and put together a look in under 5 minutes. This took me 4 and a half...

What I used on my face:

Blush in Renesmee Red on the apples of my cheeks and swept up my cheekbones

Highlighter in Bella's Secret on the tops of my cheeks

For my eyes:

I used the loose pigment in Piece of Forever on my entire eye then blended the crease with Edward's Love.

I then lined my top eye with Jacob's Protection glitter blue liner which really popped my brown eyes.


 
I then finished the look with the lip gloss in Alice Had a Vision Again. In under 5 minutes I had a simple, Twilight-inspired look that is work appropriate and easy.

What do you guys think?
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

Sunday, November 25, 2012

A England: Dorian Gray

I have been wanting to try A England nail polish for a while now. And then I discovered Llarowe and all of my problems were solved.

I was able to pick up this beauty: A England's 'Dorian Gray'

 
This is a rich slate grey and named after one of my favorite books. These polishes have quite a cult following and I daresay it is warranted!

 
The formula is perfect, not too thick or thin and nearly opaque in one coat. I did two to be safe, but if in a hurry just one works fine. I love the light grey shimmer to this polish and the sturdy glass bottle.

 
I have dubbed this my 'get to studying!' polish (hence the notebook paper background) because grey calms me and this formula has not chipped on me for days and days now...so I have no excuses to distract myself from homework with changing my polish.

 
I love the back label and pretty much everything else about this polish! Including the price! $10.

Final Thoughts: If you haven't gotten your hands on it already, make sure to get Dorian Gray in your life!

Price: 9/10

Staying Power:10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10
 
Total: 49/50 = A+ = Pandamonium!
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

A England: Dorian Gray

I have been wanting to try A England nail polish for a while now. And then I discovered Llarowe and all of my problems were solved.

I was able to pick up this beauty: A England's 'Dorian Gray'

 
This is a rich slate grey and named after one of my favorite books. These polishes have quite a cult following and I daresay it is warranted!

 
The formula is perfect, not too thick or thin and nearly opaque in one coat. I did two to be safe, but if in a hurry just one works fine. I love the light grey shimmer to this polish and the sturdy glass bottle.

 
I have dubbed this my 'get to studying!' polish (hence the notebook paper background) because grey calms me and this formula has not chipped on me for days and days now...so I have no excuses to distract myself from homework with changing my polish.

 
I love the back label and pretty much everything else about this polish! Including the price! $10.

Final Thoughts: If you haven't gotten your hands on it already, make sure to get Dorian Gray in your life!

Price: 9/10

Staying Power:10/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 10/10
 
Total: 49/50 = A+ = Pandamonium!
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

Saturday, November 24, 2012

Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection: Edward and Bella

The last products from the Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection all have to do with Edward and Bella and their love. Adorable, or sickening; whichever you prefer, these are pretty!

First up is A Piece of Forever lipstick.

 
I just love how it looks in it's cute, overly glittery bullet. Call me a sucker for glitter. This retails for $2.99 and can be found at Ulta.

 
This is a layering lipstick, absolutely. It is so sheer but it gives a pretty gold sheen to the lips when worn alone and can amplify a holiday red. Decent wear time (about 2 hours) and no weird smell or taste.

Next up are the loose pigments in A Piece of Forever and Edward's Love:

 
I think these are really fun products and a great addition to the mini collection. They can be used as eyeshadow, as highlight, in nail polish...anything! A Piece of Forever follows the gold sparkly theme of the previous lipstick and Edward's Love is a blackened base with pink, blue, and silver glitter. Both are $3.49.

 
They come in little sifter jars, and are a bit messy, but I think they are worth it. Use them wet over primer for the highest opacity--but be warned, these are pure glitter!!

 
They won't hold an eye look alone, but they are a nice glittery finisher if you want to look like Bella or Edward...I guess :)

 
A Piece of Forever is so much easier to work with, as Edward's Love has a lot of fallout. That is not intended to be a pun.

Continue after the break to see the last product!!


Since we are talking about Edward and Bella here:

 
I thought it was necessary to show the inspiration for this particular section of the collection--pale, glittery, and moody!

The last product:

Shimmer Powder in Bella's Secret

 
I am really not sure what Bella's Secret is at this point. I mean...she had the baby...BUT, this is one of the prettiest things I bought...and also the most expensive--topping out at $5.99.

Worth it? Yes.

 
This is the perfect holiday highlight to go along with the Renesmee Red blush. Gorgeous and smooth.

 
Is this not to die for? Not for the faint of heart, but shimmery and not glittery at least. We don't literally want to look like Edward and Bella, after all.

Final Thoughts: I won't score everything, but I will say I am mostly pleased with this collection. Out of these products--don't miss out on Bella's Secret though!

I am planning on doing a FOTD to showcase every product in action, so watch for that soon!
 
xoxo PrettyPanda

Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection: Edward and Bella

The last products from the Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection all have to do with Edward and Bella and their love. Adorable, or sickening; whichever you prefer, these are pretty!

First up is A Piece of Forever lipstick.

 
I just love how it looks in it's cute, overly glittery bullet. Call me a sucker for glitter. This retails for $2.99 and can be found at Ulta.

 
This is a layering lipstick, absolutely. It is so sheer but it gives a pretty gold sheen to the lips when worn alone and can amplify a holiday red. Decent wear time (about 2 hours) and no weird smell or taste.

Next up are the loose pigments in A Piece of Forever and Edward's Love:

 
I think these are really fun products and a great addition to the mini collection. They can be used as eyeshadow, as highlight, in nail polish...anything! A Piece of Forever follows the gold sparkly theme of the previous lipstick and Edward's Love is a blackened base with pink, blue, and silver glitter. Both are $3.49.

 
They come in little sifter jars, and are a bit messy, but I think they are worth it. Use them wet over primer for the highest opacity--but be warned, these are pure glitter!!

 
They won't hold an eye look alone, but they are a nice glittery finisher if you want to look like Bella or Edward...I guess :)

 
A Piece of Forever is so much easier to work with, as Edward's Love has a lot of fallout. That is not intended to be a pun.

Continue after the break to see the last product!!