Friday, May 31, 2013

Covergirl ink it! Liner in Cocoa Ink: Swatches and Review

Hi Pandas! I always love seeing the latest and greatest from drugstore brands. A little display of summery looking CoverGirl makeup caught my eye, but the only thing I deemed worthy enough of trying and perusal with this little $5 ink it! liner in Cocoa Ink.
 
 
 I know that liners are a dime a dozen now, but this is a click up liner, with a little plastic stopper so the pencil doesn't smudge everywhere (it is actually kinda cool) and it in pencil form. But, it has the finish of a liquid liner and applies as creamy as one. Hybrid product!
 
 
The packaging itself is nothing to write home about, but I think the shouty little ink it! is cute!
 
 
This is very opaque in one pass and has a nice sheen that doesn't wear away upon application. I love the color, and I think I am really falling hard for brown liner in general.

 
As far as wear time, I wore this on my upper lash line on a 100 degree day in California, through a few hours of work and an entire night at my friends house watching Mama (you know that scary movie with Jessica Chastain?) and there was definite emotion and pizza-eating involved. So, it may not be waterproof, but it will last you through a good time and keep you looking flawless.
 
Panda Approved
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Covergirl ink it! Liner in Cocoa Ink: Swatches and Review

Hi Pandas! I always love seeing the latest and greatest from drugstore brands. A little display of summery looking CoverGirl makeup caught my eye, but the only thing I deemed worthy enough of trying and perusal with this little $5 ink it! liner in Cocoa Ink.
 
 
 I know that liners are a dime a dozen now, but this is a click up liner, with a little plastic stopper so the pencil doesn't smudge everywhere (it is actually kinda cool) and it in pencil form. But, it has the finish of a liquid liner and applies as creamy as one. Hybrid product!
 
 
The packaging itself is nothing to write home about, but I think the shouty little ink it! is cute!
 
 
This is very opaque in one pass and has a nice sheen that doesn't wear away upon application. I love the color, and I think I am really falling hard for brown liner in general.

 
As far as wear time, I wore this on my upper lash line on a 100 degree day in California, through a few hours of work and an entire night at my friends house watching Mama (you know that scary movie with Jessica Chastain?) and there was definite emotion and pizza-eating involved. So, it may not be waterproof, but it will last you through a good time and keep you looking flawless.
 
Panda Approved
 
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Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Couture de Minnie

Sneak peek at what is going on over at Impressionist Nails!
 
 
I picked up Minnie Style and Chic From Ears to Tail and I love them! Have you tried any of the collection? Head on over to my nail blog to see swatches!
 
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Couture de Minnie

Sneak peek at what is going on over at Impressionist Nails!
 
 
I picked up Minnie Style and Chic From Ears to Tail and I love them! Have you tried any of the collection? Head on over to my nail blog to see swatches!
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Black Diva: Swatches and Review

Hi Pandas! I have seen a lot of black lipstick being used in editorials lately and with some different makeup looks, so when I came across Rimmel's Stay Glossy Lip Gloss ($6), I though a black gloss might be interesting and maybe easier to wear.
 

Black Diva is an interesting gloss. The packaging is okay; I wouldn't call it the most aesthetically pleasing but it does the job, and you can see the dark black color through the clear tube. The gloss has a medium rose scent, so be warned if florals aren't your thing. The gloss isn't sticky and feels nice on the lips, but it applies kinda patchy.

 
The wand may be the cause of the patchiness. I have never really encountered a wand like this before. This is a side profile of the wand. From a front view it just looks like an elongated doe foot, and even though the tapered tip is good for precision, the long applicator almost spreads the gloss too much, making it patchy.
 
 
Here is a swatch of the gloss. You can see it has a black/grey color and is very shiny. This is one pass of the wand.
 
 
Here it is on my lips. I tried hard to even it out, but even with precise and layered application, you can still see my natural lip color (which is quite dark) shine through. I will admit, it is an interesting look, but not something I would wear out and about. I was hoping for a more opaque black look, but I think I will have to turn to an actual black lipstick for that.
 
Overall, although I find the formula pleasing to wear, Black Diva is patchy and hard to work with. Unless you are looking for a mixing medium to turn other lip gloss shades darker, I would stay away. Try some of Rimmel's other glosses instead.


 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Rimmel Stay Glossy Lip Gloss in Black Diva: Swatches and Review

Hi Pandas! I have seen a lot of black lipstick being used in editorials lately and with some different makeup looks, so when I came across Rimmel's Stay Glossy Lip Gloss ($6), I though a black gloss might be interesting and maybe easier to wear.
 

Black Diva is an interesting gloss. The packaging is okay; I wouldn't call it the most aesthetically pleasing but it does the job, and you can see the dark black color through the clear tube. The gloss has a medium rose scent, so be warned if florals aren't your thing. The gloss isn't sticky and feels nice on the lips, but it applies kinda patchy.

 
The wand may be the cause of the patchiness. I have never really encountered a wand like this before. This is a side profile of the wand. From a front view it just looks like an elongated doe foot, and even though the tapered tip is good for precision, the long applicator almost spreads the gloss too much, making it patchy.
 
 
Here is a swatch of the gloss. You can see it has a black/grey color and is very shiny. This is one pass of the wand.
 
 
Here it is on my lips. I tried hard to even it out, but even with precise and layered application, you can still see my natural lip color (which is quite dark) shine through. I will admit, it is an interesting look, but not something I would wear out and about. I was hoping for a more opaque black look, but I think I will have to turn to an actual black lipstick for that.
 
Overall, although I find the formula pleasing to wear, Black Diva is patchy and hard to work with. Unless you are looking for a mixing medium to turn other lip gloss shades darker, I would stay away. Try some of Rimmel's other glosses instead.


 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Khroma Beauty Joystick in Sea Coral

 
Hi Pretty Pandas! I have another Khroma Beauty Joystick's here to show you, and I am loving this color for summertime!

 
Khroma Beauty Joystick in Sea Coral ($7.99) can be found at Ulta and is a creamy, twist up lip pencil that delivers slightly glossy lip color with a weightless feel.
 
 
The pencil is actually nice. Not too hard or soft and has a lovely vanilla cupcake scent. It applies easily on lips without tugging.
 
 
The color is glossy, but not overly so, and there is no chunky glitter in this, which helps it wear for a good 3+ hours. If you used this as a base for another lip product, I am sure you could prolong the life of another lip gloss or lipstick.
 
 
This is an easy and flawless lip for summer. The opacity is there and it feels good on the lips. I won't say it is the longest wearing lip pencil I have tried, but so far, Khroma Beauty's Joysticks have been my favorite in the Kardashian Beauty venture.
 
Panda Approved.
 
Have you tried or liked their Joysticks? What do you think of lip colors like this one?

 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Khroma Beauty Joystick in Sea Coral

 
Hi Pretty Pandas! I have another Khroma Beauty Joystick's here to show you, and I am loving this color for summertime!

 
Khroma Beauty Joystick in Sea Coral ($7.99) can be found at Ulta and is a creamy, twist up lip pencil that delivers slightly glossy lip color with a weightless feel.
 
 
The pencil is actually nice. Not too hard or soft and has a lovely vanilla cupcake scent. It applies easily on lips without tugging.
 
 
The color is glossy, but not overly so, and there is no chunky glitter in this, which helps it wear for a good 3+ hours. If you used this as a base for another lip product, I am sure you could prolong the life of another lip gloss or lipstick.
 
 
This is an easy and flawless lip for summer. The opacity is there and it feels good on the lips. I won't say it is the longest wearing lip pencil I have tried, but so far, Khroma Beauty's Joysticks have been my favorite in the Kardashian Beauty venture.
 
Panda Approved.
 
Have you tried or liked their Joysticks? What do you think of lip colors like this one?

 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Friday, May 24, 2013

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Black Cherry: Swatches and Review

Hi Pretty Pandas! Milani Color Statement Lipsticks are all the rage right now because they come in a wide range of colors, are cheap at $5.49 a pop, and wear well. I decided to go adventurous and pick up one of the darkest shades!
 
 
Milani Black Cherry looks like a blackened purple in the tube, but don't let the color of the bullet put you off. This is a pretty, deep raspberry shade that is perfect for a glamorous going out look. There is no taste to this lipstick and a very faint sugary smell. It lasts about 3 hours if you prep well. I suspect it would be longer with a lip liner.
 
 
The most interesting thing about this lipstick is how it creates ombre lips without any fuss. Literally one swipe of this and a smush of your lips together and you get this pretty look. Layering the lipstick will further result in true to swatch lips.

 
This is a better example of a little deeper look I achieved with the lipstick. Because the lipstick is so hydrating and a little slippery, the graduated effect almost comes naturally, and I would suggest a lip liner because you can see it feathers ever so slightly (or use a lip brush for more precise application.
 
All in all I feel very vampy when I where this, and I love the look I can get without any crazy mixing or ombre tutorials, which was a hidden surprise. I am happy with my purchase, but I would look carefully for a Color Statement that suits you, as this one might be a bit daunting for some.
 
Which shades of Milani Color Statement have you tried?
 

 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Black Cherry: Swatches and Review

Hi Pretty Pandas! Milani Color Statement Lipsticks are all the rage right now because they come in a wide range of colors, are cheap at $5.49 a pop, and wear well. I decided to go adventurous and pick up one of the darkest shades!
 
 
Milani Black Cherry looks like a blackened purple in the tube, but don't let the color of the bullet put you off. This is a pretty, deep raspberry shade that is perfect for a glamorous going out look. There is no taste to this lipstick and a very faint sugary smell. It lasts about 3 hours if you prep well. I suspect it would be longer with a lip liner.
 
 
The most interesting thing about this lipstick is how it creates ombre lips without any fuss. Literally one swipe of this and a smush of your lips together and you get this pretty look. Layering the lipstick will further result in true to swatch lips.

 
This is a better example of a little deeper look I achieved with the lipstick. Because the lipstick is so hydrating and a little slippery, the graduated effect almost comes naturally, and I would suggest a lip liner because you can see it feathers ever so slightly (or use a lip brush for more precise application.
 
All in all I feel very vampy when I where this, and I love the look I can get without any crazy mixing or ombre tutorials, which was a hidden surprise. I am happy with my purchase, but I would look carefully for a Color Statement that suits you, as this one might be a bit daunting for some.
 
Which shades of Milani Color Statement have you tried?
 

 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Great Gatsby Look Book: Daisy Buchanan

Hi Pandas! I am so excited for this post. As promised, and stemming from my obsession of the Great Gatsby recently reignited by the new movie, I decided to bring you guys some looks based on the movie/character makeup.
 
The first is Daisy Buchanan
 
 
I had such a fun time with this look. As we all know, Daisy Buchanan is Jay Gatsby's love and Carey Mulligan only emphasizes her perfection.
 
 
 
 
These are the pictures that I based the look off of. Daisy's makeup is simple but glamorous, with well-defined brows, black liner, pink/red lips, and her drawn on beauty mark.
 
 
Here are the products I used:
 
1: M.A.C Beauty Powder (LE/Barbie) in Pearl Blossom but any light pink blush will do.
2: Too Faced Boudoir Eyes for a light and natural look.
3: Physicians Formula Organic Wear FakeOut mascara (2 coats).
4: L'Oreal Voluminous Smoldering Eyeliner in Grey to create Daisy's smudged-out eye.
5: NYX Collection Noir Liquid Black Liner for the beauty mark.
6. L'Oreal Color Riche Caress in Infinite Fuschia
 
 
The eyes are one of my favorite parts of Daisy's look because they are simple and clean, and almost everyone has the tools for a simple black winged liner.
 
 
Make your lips the focal point of the look, and don't let the beauty mark intimidate you. The smaller you create it, the easier it is to wear in public. Just make sure to use a very pigmented and water-resistant black liquid liner (if you want it to stand out) or pencil if you want it to look more natural.
 
 
On my nails I am wearing Julep Zora from the 20's collection that debuted last month, which was a perfect fit for this look!
 
 
 
And a black and white photo with my pearl headpiece and me pretending to be from the 20's.
 
I really hope you enjoyed this little look book of pictures inspired by the Great Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan. Will you try out the look?
 
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