Sunday, September 29, 2013

Lipstick Queen Big Bang Theory Gloss in Energy: Swatches and Review

Okay...I was lured into this gloss the second I saw it. It was red, sparkly, had an interesting shape, is space-themed, and by Lipstick Queen...oh and did I mention it was red?
 
Yeah, just the first criteria alone did it for me. I was a lost cause.
 
But did I get blinded my the galactic light?
 
 
*Note there is a little discrepancy as the packaging says Big Bang Illusion, but it is marketed as Big Bang Theory gloss...*
 
This gloss comes in 8 gorgeous colors for $22 and every one is named after a part of Poppy King's 'Big Bang Theory' about fuller lips.
 
Basically, this gloss is supposed to give you the full, pouty lips your long for without the stinging, tingling, or burning of other actual plumping glosses.
 
 
The packing is really sleek and pretty, but a little on the awkward side as the wand is very long and the doe foot brush is very small. This gives you great control, but it doesn't pick up much product, so I had to go back a few times to get full coverage on my lips.
 
 
I have to say, I was a little teensy bit disappointed when I swatched Energy for the first time. In the tube, it looks like a metallic red, blow-my-mind-away sparkle galaxy extravaganza. But on my hand...just...eh?
 
 
On my lips...pretty, but lacking the wow factor I craved. However, I won't write this gloss totally off. It truly does make my lips look full and moisturized. It was also comfortable to wear once I got enough on my lips, had decent staying power (a couple of hours), and was very shiny.
 
Overall...Lipstick Queen Big Bang Theory Illusion Gloss didn't blow me away with the red option (but I do have high standards when it comes to reds now, since I have too many to count); however, I will be checking out their neutral colors. I think I was too caught up in the look of the red to realize that the nude shades we pretty as well and probably really do the formula more justice.
 
If you are looking for a solid red gloss---Energy is for you, but if you have an arsenal of red lipsticks and glosses, this is nothing out of the ordinary.
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Lipstick Queen Big Bang Theory Gloss in Energy: Swatches and Review

Okay...I was lured into this gloss the second I saw it. It was red, sparkly, had an interesting shape, is space-themed, and by Lipstick Queen...oh and did I mention it was red?
 
Yeah, just the first criteria alone did it for me. I was a lost cause.
 
But did I get blinded my the galactic light?
 
 
*Note there is a little discrepancy as the packaging says Big Bang Illusion, but it is marketed as Big Bang Theory gloss...*
 
This gloss comes in 8 gorgeous colors for $22 and every one is named after a part of Poppy King's 'Big Bang Theory' about fuller lips.
 
Basically, this gloss is supposed to give you the full, pouty lips your long for without the stinging, tingling, or burning of other actual plumping glosses.
 
 
The packing is really sleek and pretty, but a little on the awkward side as the wand is very long and the doe foot brush is very small. This gives you great control, but it doesn't pick up much product, so I had to go back a few times to get full coverage on my lips.
 
 
I have to say, I was a little teensy bit disappointed when I swatched Energy for the first time. In the tube, it looks like a metallic red, blow-my-mind-away sparkle galaxy extravaganza. But on my hand...just...eh?
 
 
On my lips...pretty, but lacking the wow factor I craved. However, I won't write this gloss totally off. It truly does make my lips look full and moisturized. It was also comfortable to wear once I got enough on my lips, had decent staying power (a couple of hours), and was very shiny.
 
Overall...Lipstick Queen Big Bang Theory Illusion Gloss didn't blow me away with the red option (but I do have high standards when it comes to reds now, since I have too many to count); however, I will be checking out their neutral colors. I think I was too caught up in the look of the red to realize that the nude shades we pretty as well and probably really do the formula more justice.
 
If you are looking for a solid red gloss---Energy is for you, but if you have an arsenal of red lipsticks and glosses, this is nothing out of the ordinary.
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Eye Of The Day: Clinique Deep Dive

Hey everyone!
 
For those of you interested in Clinique's Deep Dive shadow that I reviewed recently, or if you are unsure how to wear blue shadow and not make it look totally retro (and not in an ironic way), I did an eye look for you!
 
 
Besides the attack of the giant eye that has now occupied your screen...look at how pretty Deep Dive can be worn when lightly sheered out into the crease. It still packs a nice color punch though, and can be deepened with two layers or even more!
 
What I used:
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eye Shadow Primer Potion
Clinique Deep Dive single shadow
Tarte Aqualillies Palette (lightest shade in inner corner)
Urban Decay Sabbath Liquid Liner
Benefit They're Real Mascara
 
 
I am telling you, this look took very little time (about 5 minutes) to achieve, as even though Deep Dive is pigmented, it is forgiving. Try out a blue look for yourself, I would love to see it!
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Eye Of The Day: Clinique Deep Dive

Hey everyone!
 
For those of you interested in Clinique's Deep Dive shadow that I reviewed recently, or if you are unsure how to wear blue shadow and not make it look totally retro (and not in an ironic way), I did an eye look for you!
 
 
Besides the attack of the giant eye that has now occupied your screen...look at how pretty Deep Dive can be worn when lightly sheered out into the crease. It still packs a nice color punch though, and can be deepened with two layers or even more!
 
What I used:
Urban Decay Anti-Aging Eye Shadow Primer Potion
Clinique Deep Dive single shadow
Tarte Aqualillies Palette (lightest shade in inner corner)
Urban Decay Sabbath Liquid Liner
Benefit They're Real Mascara
 
 
I am telling you, this look took very little time (about 5 minutes) to achieve, as even though Deep Dive is pigmented, it is forgiving. Try out a blue look for yourself, I would love to see it!
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy: Swatches and Review

Yes, I love Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks so much, I had to go back for more...this time in the form of a hot pink stunner called Anarchy.
 
 
Anarchy ($22) was a shade originally on my to-get list, but it was sold out around me. When it came back in stock, I got my greedy hands on it and I have to say, it has lived up to all my hopes and dreams.
 
Besides, how can a lipstick named Anarchy not be cool?
 
 
In a sleek gunmetal casing, the Revolution lipsticks are just as pretty to look at in the tube as they are on the lips. With Anarchy, the formula is just like Native and F-Bomb (the other two I reviewed here). Creamy, ultra-pigmented, and comfortable to wear despite the denseness of the formula.
 
 
As far as the shade goes, you really can't get much louder than this bright, blue-toned fuchsia! However, it is surprisingly easy to wear and even easier to tone down if you want.
 
 
Here is Anarchy on my lips, applied straight from the tube, with flash. I find they really pump up the look of your lips, making them seem fuller and smoother.
 
 
And here it is again on my lips in natural light. Both of these lip swatches are straight from the tube, but I find that with these lipsticks, applying with a lip brush, setting with translucent powder, and then applying again makes for all day wear...nearly 7 hours on me with minor eating and a normal amount of water drinking.
 
Overall, Anarchy is a Panda Approved shade!
 
Have you joined the Revolution yet?
 
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Anarchy: Swatches and Review

Yes, I love Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks so much, I had to go back for more...this time in the form of a hot pink stunner called Anarchy.
 
 
Anarchy ($22) was a shade originally on my to-get list, but it was sold out around me. When it came back in stock, I got my greedy hands on it and I have to say, it has lived up to all my hopes and dreams.
 
Besides, how can a lipstick named Anarchy not be cool?
 
 
In a sleek gunmetal casing, the Revolution lipsticks are just as pretty to look at in the tube as they are on the lips. With Anarchy, the formula is just like Native and F-Bomb (the other two I reviewed here). Creamy, ultra-pigmented, and comfortable to wear despite the denseness of the formula.
 
 
As far as the shade goes, you really can't get much louder than this bright, blue-toned fuchsia! However, it is surprisingly easy to wear and even easier to tone down if you want.
 
 
Here is Anarchy on my lips, applied straight from the tube, with flash. I find they really pump up the look of your lips, making them seem fuller and smoother.
 
 
And here it is again on my lips in natural light. Both of these lip swatches are straight from the tube, but I find that with these lipsticks, applying with a lip brush, setting with translucent powder, and then applying again makes for all day wear...nearly 7 hours on me with minor eating and a normal amount of water drinking.
 
Overall, Anarchy is a Panda Approved shade!
 
Have you joined the Revolution yet?
 
 
 photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

Monday, September 23, 2013

My Favorite Cuticle Balm and Evil Eye Nails!

Hey Pandas...get ready because I have a Holy Grail product to show you! I am telling you, you NEED this one!
 
 
I recently discovered the brand Le Couvent des Minimes at Ulta and I am so in love. The cute packaging, the French, the smell...le sigh.
 
Their brand states: "From France, With Love: Natural Skincare recipes inspired by the long traditions of simplicity, care, and generosity, started in the Convent of the Minims in Mane, France"
 
I could wax poetic all day long about this epicness..but go read for yourself here.
 
 
 
Anyway, so what makes this cuticle balm/cream my HG you ask?
 
The original Nail and Cuticle Fortifying Salve recipe:
  • Shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii): nourishing, healing, regenerating and protective
  • Apricot kernel oil (Prunus Armeniaca): softening
  • Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): fortifying

  • This stuff smells like heaven--botanical, woodsy, relaxing. Spa for your hands, I tell ya! And I know the price is a bit of a shocker ($16.50 for this little tube), but you only need the tiniest amount...let me demonstrate:

     
    Little baby dabs and you are good to go all day! This stuff totally fixes dry, gross cuticles in a snap! I am totally in love. Totally.
     
    And if you are digging my evil eye nails, check out how I made 'em here!

     
     
     photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

    My Favorite Cuticle Balm and Evil Eye Nails!

    Hey Pandas...get ready because I have a Holy Grail product to show you! I am telling you, you NEED this one!
     
     
    I recently discovered the brand Le Couvent des Minimes at Ulta and I am so in love. The cute packaging, the French, the smell...le sigh.
     
    Their brand states: "From France, With Love: Natural Skincare recipes inspired by the long traditions of simplicity, care, and generosity, started in the Convent of the Minims in Mane, France"
     
    I could wax poetic all day long about this epicness..but go read for yourself here.
     
     
     
    Anyway, so what makes this cuticle balm/cream my HG you ask?
     
    The original Nail and Cuticle Fortifying Salve recipe:
  • Shea butter (Butyrospermum Parkii): nourishing, healing, regenerating and protective
  • Apricot kernel oil (Prunus Armeniaca): softening
  • Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha): fortifying

  • This stuff smells like heaven--botanical, woodsy, relaxing. Spa for your hands, I tell ya! And I know the price is a bit of a shocker ($16.50 for this little tube), but you only need the tiniest amount...let me demonstrate:

     
    Little baby dabs and you are good to go all day! This stuff totally fixes dry, gross cuticles in a snap! I am totally in love. Totally.
     
    And if you are digging my evil eye nails, check out how I made 'em here!

     
     
     photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

    Sunday, September 22, 2013

    Clinique All About Shadow Quad in On Safari: Review and Swatches

    Not only did Clinique recently release 30 shades of newly reformulated single eye shadows, but they also launched 8 gorgeous quads.
     
    I just had to have one!
     
    I've been trying to play up my brown eyes lately, so I thought I would get the quad with greens, called On Safari. Olive and green shades are so on trend right now as well!
     

    The quad is $28 and you get four generous sized shadows housed in Clinique's signature packaging with a small mirror, a how-to guide, and two sponge-tipped applicators.
     
     
    The shades do not have individual names, but the whole look is very, well, On Safari!
     
     
    They all perform really well, except the cream is a tad sheer. They create stunning looks which I will be showing off in the near future.
     
    Overall, I am really impressed with Clinique's new shadow offerings. The colors are on trend and the formula is heaps better than before. Go Clinique! You are making me fall back in love with you!
     
    Panda Approved. Also check out the Galaxy quad. Stunning.
     
     photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

    Clinique All About Shadow Quad in On Safari: Review and Swatches

    Not only did Clinique recently release 30 shades of newly reformulated single eye shadows, but they also launched 8 gorgeous quads.
     
    I just had to have one!
     
    I've been trying to play up my brown eyes lately, so I thought I would get the quad with greens, called On Safari. Olive and green shades are so on trend right now as well!
     

    The quad is $28 and you get four generous sized shadows housed in Clinique's signature packaging with a small mirror, a how-to guide, and two sponge-tipped applicators.
     
     
    The shades do not have individual names, but the whole look is very, well, On Safari!
     
     
    They all perform really well, except the cream is a tad sheer. They create stunning looks which I will be showing off in the near future.
     
    Overall, I am really impressed with Clinique's new shadow offerings. The colors are on trend and the formula is heaps better than before. Go Clinique! You are making me fall back in love with you!
     
    Panda Approved. Also check out the Galaxy quad. Stunning.
     
     photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

    Thursday, September 19, 2013

    SquareHue Serengeti Collection

    Hey Pandas!
     
    Here is a little preview of what is going on over at Impressionist Nails!
     
    I received my first ever SquareHue box, called the Serengeti Collection and I couldn't be more thrilled with these specially curated polishes to start the Fall off right!
     
     
    I love the way they are presented, in their minimalist bottles with no frills. Polish for the polish lover!
     
     
    The colors are Grassland Safari, a lovely cream chartreuse; Swahili Charm, a rich chocolate; and Savanna Sundowner, a metallic olive green.
     
    For swatches and more info, see my nail blog: Impressionist Nails, or visit SquareHue.com
     
     photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg

    SquareHue Serengeti Collection

    Hey Pandas!
     
    Here is a little preview of what is going on over at Impressionist Nails!
     
    I received my first ever SquareHue box, called the Serengeti Collection and I couldn't be more thrilled with these specially curated polishes to start the Fall off right!
     
     
    I love the way they are presented, in their minimalist bottles with no frills. Polish for the polish lover!
     
     
    The colors are Grassland Safari, a lovely cream chartreuse; Swahili Charm, a rich chocolate; and Savanna Sundowner, a metallic olive green.
     
    For swatches and more info, see my nail blog: Impressionist Nails, or visit SquareHue.com
     
     photo panda-sig_zps4a356226.jpg