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

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

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

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!

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

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

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!!

Essence Breaking Dawn Part 2 Collection: Renesmee Red

No Twilight Saga makeup collection would be complete without red right? Keep in mind that these different mini color themes within the larger collection include other products...I am just swatching from what I got my hands on.

There are also some nail polishes, and a beautiful lip gloss in Renesmee Red, but I was drawn to the blush!

This is a true red blush, and it is perfect for the holiday season (whether you are a fan of the movie or not). This was the best performing piece of the collection that I swatched, and my favorite. I'll show you why!

This was only $2.99, and is one of the best purchases I have made recently. It comes in a decent size and has a creamy finish, not too powdery or hard to blend.

Website for Image

 

The color was obviously inspired by Edward and Bella's gorgeous little daughter, Renesmee. Since she is half human and half immortal, she still has a blush to her cheeks...hence this product. It all makes sense now...right?

 

This is one light swatch, so a little goes a long way. This is going to give you the prettiest holiday flush! It lasts decently with a good primer and is easy to blend out. Score!

 

Final Thoughts: Renesmee Red is holiday and Panda Approved!

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Breaking Dawn Part 2 by Essence: Jacob's Protection

Let the Breaking Dawn Essence fest continue!

So, Jacob Black has to be my least favorite character from the Twilight Saga. I mean, he is just so easy to make fun of! Poor Taylor Lautner...so will the eyeliner named after him make me laugh too?

Let's find out...

This is the glitter eyeliner from the collection in Jacob's Protection which is a dark blue with lighter blue glitter, all suspended in a clear base. It retails for $2.99 and can be found at Ulta.

I am actually a huge fan of the size of this thing, it is mini! I can slip this into my pocket for some sparkle on the go...and the brush is nice and thin as well.

 

Website for Image

And for your enjoyment, or amusement, here is a picture of Jacob and Renesmee...which pretty much sums up the name of this glitter liner.

 

Am I wowed? No. But it is decent for the price and it is mighty hard to find a midnight blue glitter eyeliner. The staying power on this is decent (about 6 hours) and it doesn't hurt my eyes or flake off. Super easy to remove too. So if you want to glam up a look without going overboard--I guess Jacob has you covered.

Final Thoughts: Finally he doesn't disappoint! Unique color, and you can also comb this through your lashes too!

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

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

 

Are you loving or leaving this collection so far? 

 

xoxo PrettyPanda 

Essence Breaking Dawn 2 Collection: Alice Had a Vision Again

So I normally am not a fan of Twilight and the franchise. Sometimes I hate it as much as Robert Pattinson does, but I did see the final film to wrap up my high school nostalgia for it and I have to say it was well done.

Initially, it wasn't the film that drew me to (what was left of) the collection at Ulta. I just love themed collections in general--especially if they have to do with a movie. At Essence's price points, I bought every single remaining piece of it!

There were a few color themes within the collection as a whole, which is still available at Ulta and ranges from $1.99-5.99, and the one pertaining to Alice Cullen is purple.

 

I love Alice. She is fun and super stylish, so it makes sense that this vampy looking lipgloss would belong to her. It is named Alice Had a Vision Again and costs $2.49.

 

Website for Image

 

The doe foot applicator is helpful and the smell is sugary, but the color? Not exactly vampy. Closer to the color on the above picture than the tube itself. It is a sheer grape jelly color with tons of blue sparkle.

 

A lot more wearable than a deep vampy purple, but a little dissapointing. This can totally amp up another shade though...so it is not a total loss!

Final Thoughts: Love the name, but the color falls flat.

Price: 10/10

Staying Power:9/10

Packaging: 10/10

Color/Wearability: 5/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

Total: 43/50 = B = Marginally Pleased Panda

 

More of the Twilight Breaking Dawn Part 2 Essence Collection to come! Stay tuned!

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Butter London Shag: Review and Swatch

I love Butter London for their unique colors...but mostly for their fun names. This pretty burnt copper made me giggle. Shag is it's name and seduction is it's game.

I fell for this color because I have nearly nothing like it in my stash! (Hard to believe) This color is warm and perfect for Thanksgiving! For $14, I had to have it.

However, I must warn you. I am in love with this color...but the wear I am not so in love with. This lasted 2 days on me before chipping something awful. I usually get 7 days wear out of BL, so I am not sure what is going on. Fluke? Maybe, but thought I would tell you.

 

The consistency on this is really nice and it flowed really well. I change my polish every few days so the wear thing is not a big deal for me--but it may be for you.

Final Thoughts: Pretty color perfect for Thanksgiving, but be wary of Shag's seduction!

Price: 8/10

Staying Power:5/10

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

Total: 41/50 = B- = Meh Panda (Mostly for the wear!)

 

Have you ever found a color you love that disappoints you elsewhere?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

For the Love of Your Cuticles

As the weather grows colder, I find that my nails and my cuticles need a lot more care. I change my polish every other day, and am very active with my hands (crafting, painting, swatching) so I need to replenish moisture often.

Sometimes, lotion just doesn't do the trick. I decided to give Sally Hansen Quick Care Cuticle Treatment Pen a chance to wow me.

I like pen applicators. They have less mess and I can carry them in my purse! Score! This little baby will set you back about $6.99.

 

Even though I had to turn the click dial about 4,000 times to get anything to come out, the formula is amazing and softened my cuticles literally before my eyes. It also has this fantastic massage tip so you can slough off dead cuticles in the process of application. Brilliant!

 

This formula has Sweet Almond Oil, Mango Seed Butter and Tea Tree Oil. It smells slightly herby but it does not linger for too long, and you may find it pleasant.

 

Final Thoughts: Sally Hansen is always a go-to for nails and this really did an amazing overhaul of my disgusting cuticles! Panda Approved!

 

Price: 9/10

Staying Power:N/A

Packaging: 9/10

Color/Wearability: N/A

Quality/Branding: 10/10

 

Total: 28/30 = A = Pandamonium!

 

What is your favorite cuticle oil? I've heard a lot of good things about LUSH's Lemony Flutter!

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Wet N Wild: Drinking A Glass Of Shine

The second Wet n Wild holiday shadow collection I was able to get my hands on was 'Drinking a Glass of Shine'...did I have as much luck with this one? We shall see...

I thought this one looked interesting because it is mattes! But mattes are certainly hard to pull off...

The first four shades on the left are a matte white (browbone), a matte dull green (eyelid), a slightly less dull ocean blue (crease), and a plum/purple (definer).

None of these are very pigmented, but I guess that was to be expected from a matte Wet N Wild $5.99 palette. But usually Wet n Wild blows me away with their pigmentation!

Maybe I am just being a bit picky...after all, I would only use most of these as crease colors anyway and build them up. They apply smoothly, but do get patchy once on the skin.

To see the other half of the shadows...click the jump!

Kardashian Kolor for the Holidays: Deck the Dolls

My personal opinion of the Kardashians' aside, they do know how to expand their market. They have a new clothing line out, a new line of cosmetics called Khroma Kolors...and they have been hugely successful with their branch of Nicole for O.P.I nail polish, called Kardashian Kolors.

(Sorry for the slightly blurry picture, my camera was freaking out) This is Deck the Dolls, and it is a pretty ocean blue with the slightest microscopic shimmer.

I love this color, but it has a ton of dupes in almost every other line...so this is a good pick for someone new to polish. The Nicole for O.P.I formula is nice, the brush covers the whole nail in one swipe. This polish was on the sheer side, and with three coats there was still some visible nail line.

For about $7, these polishes aren't cheap for a secondary line of a 'salon' polish. Also, the bottles are oddly shaped and I have a hard time storing them.

Final Thoughts: Deck the Dolls is a nice winter blue if you have nothing similar in your stash.

Price: 8/10

Staying Power:8/10

Packaging: 7/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Quality/Branding: 9/10

 

Total: 42/50 = B = Meh Panda

 

The Kardashian's sure know how to market things! Will you be picking up any of their holiday 'Kolors'?

 

xoxo PrettyPanda

Wet n' Wild: Sparkle 'Til Morning

The holidays are coming up, and it is never too early to start thinking about stocking stuffers or fun little gifts for your friends. Wet n' Wild's new Coloricon collections are all the talk right now--and you should believe the hype for Sparkle 'Til Morning!

 

It has 6 nicely sized shadows housed in a flip-up case for $5.99, which is a steal!

 

 

Sometimes, the Wet n' Wild combinations are a bit weird, but this one seems to work! I do like how they are labeled for a complete eye look if you are in a hurry.

 

 

Here are the first four shades. The are buttery, have zero fall-out, and are high-shine.

 

 

From top to bottom: The browbone color is a shimmery cream highlight; the eyelid color is a true gold sheen; the crease is an antique copper; and the definer is a teal that leans very blue on my skin.

 

Check out the other half after the jump!