Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Face Illuminator: Swatches and Review

Summer, for most people, is all about being a bronze Goddess. Although I like to embrace my pale and my new mantra has become 'Pale is Pretty too!', I was still sucked into the new Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Face Illuminator ($8).  

 This bronzer/highlighter comes in a squeeze tube (a type of packaging I love because it is sanitary and less wasteful than a tub of something) and has a whipped, creamy consistency. 

 

This stuff is highly concentrated, and you only need a little dab to do both of your cheeks. You could use this on your whole face, but it is glimmery, so beware!

 

 

Here is a pea-sized amount spread out on the back of my hand in natural light. I love the way it looks so dewy! It does have a light bronze/rose gold color to it, so it can also serve as sort of a blush/bronzer/highlighter all in one.

 

 

Although I think the overall effect is nice, I don't think it is for me. For those with a nice base tan, or darker complexions, you will find this a pretty highlighter. I think this may be a bit too much to use all over for really pale girls, and I will use mine as a cheek highlighter only. It is also a little hard to blend evenly and while it goes on like a whipped foundation, it feels gel-like when on and has this odd cooling/tightening sensation on my cheeks. It isn't anything alarming and didn't bother me beyond the first few minutes after initial application, but it was weird nonetheless.

 

 

 If you wear minimal makeup and love a bronze glow, this is for you! This looks best on bare skin as it is hard to blend with liquid or powder foundations. I like the concept and the effect (after a lot of trial and error) but the high maintenance of this isn't worth it in my opinion.

Have you tried the Dream Sun Illuminator? Thoughts?

 

Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Face Illuminator: Swatches and Review

Summer, for most people, is all about being a bronze Goddess. Although I like to embrace my pale and my new mantra has become 'Pale is Pretty too!', I was still sucked into the new Maybelline Dream Sun Bronzing Face Illuminator ($8).  

  This bronzer/highlighter comes in a squeeze tube (a type of packaging I love because it is sanitary and less wasteful than a tub of something) and has a whipped, creamy consistency.  

 

This stuff is highly concentrated, and you only need a little dab to do both of your cheeks. You could use this on your whole face, but it is glimmery, so beware!

 

 

Here is a pea-sized amount spread out on the back of my hand in natural light. I love the way it looks so dewy! It does have a light bronze/rose gold color to it, so it can also serve as sort of a blush/bronzer/highlighter all in one.

 

 

Although I think the overall effect is nice, I don't think it is for me. For those with a nice base tan, or darker complexions, you will find this a pretty highlighter. I think this may be a bit too much to use all over for really pale girls, and I will use mine as a cheek highlighter only. It is also a little hard to blend evenly and while it goes on like a whipped foundation, it feels gel-like when on and has this odd cooling/tightening sensation on my cheeks. It isn't anything alarming and didn't bother me beyond the first few minutes after initial application, but it was weird nonetheless.

 

 

 If you wear minimal makeup and love a bronze glow, this is for you! This looks best on bare skin as it is hard to blend with liquid or powder foundations. I like the concept and the effect (after a lot of trial and error) but the high maintenance of this isn't worth it in my opinion.

Have you tried the Dream Sun Illuminator? Thoughts?

 

Polish, Pages, and Pretties: Butter London Fiver

Hello Pandas!

I decided to spice up the blog a bit I am going to still be doing reviews but I am going to add a few new weekly posts along with Franken Tuesdays. They will include some Panda-monium Mondays, a FOTD post, and this one...called Polish, Pages, and Pretties where I will photograph a new polish swatch with books or jewelery, or both! I know there are other blogs that do the book thing and I am not trying to rip them off whatsoever, just do a new spin on it and see how it works. Enjoy!

 

 

Here is Butter London Fiver from the Spring 2013 collection. It is a gorgeous pale mint, paler than a lot of the other mints in similar collections and runs more green than blue.

 

 

I did like the other colors from the collection, but they are all pretty easy to dupe, so I picked the color that is taking over--mint. We are seeing it everywhere and I love the trend. For $14, you can easily be Spring ready without buying a whole new mint wardrobe.

 

 

Fiver was easy to work with. It is streaky with one coat, but two evens it out brilliantly and gives a nice shiny finish. I think this would also look lovely matte. Dry time is quicker than average, and faster than most of my other BL's. I get about a weeks wear from Butter London polishes.

 

 

Here is Fiver next to the amazing and hilarious "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and other concerns)" by Mindy Kaling. I am obsessed with her and her new show. Must read and must watch!

 

 

Polish, Pages, and Pretties: Butter London Fiver

Hello Pandas!

I decided to spice up the blog a bit I am going to still be doing reviews but I am going to add a few new weekly posts along with Franken Tuesdays. They will include some Panda-monium Mondays, a FOTD post, and this one...called Polish, Pages, and Pretties where I will photograph a new polish swatch with books or jewelery, or both! I know there are other blogs that do the book thing and I am not trying to rip them off whatsoever, just do a new spin on it and see how it works. Enjoy!

 

 

Here is Butter London Fiver from the Spring 2013 collection. It is a gorgeous pale mint, paler than a lot of the other mints in similar collections and runs more green than blue.

 

 

I did like the other colors from the collection, but they are all pretty easy to dupe, so I picked the color that is taking over--mint. We are seeing it everywhere and I love the trend. For $14, you can easily be Spring ready without buying a whole new mint wardrobe.

 

 

Fiver was easy to work with. It is streaky with one coat, but two evens it out brilliantly and gives a nice shiny finish. I think this would also look lovely matte. Dry time is quicker than average, and faster than most of my other BL's. I get about a weeks wear from Butter London polishes.

 

 

Here is Fiver next to the amazing and hilarious "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me (and other concerns)" by Mindy Kaling. I am obsessed with her and her new show. Must read and must watch!

 

 

L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Glistening Garnet: Photos and Review

Sorry for being a little absent. I just got a new job, so I've had to re-arrange my blogging schedule. But today I am really excited to give you my review of the much talked about L'Oreal Infallible shadows.

There are a ton of color choices, and yes, I did in fact choose the most unpractical one. But hey-- it's my prerogative right? And I wanted to show you guys a color that isn't all over the blog world.

This color is called "Glistening Garnet" and it is more of a magenta than a garnet, in my opinion.

Pretty color right? I love the way it sparkles! These retail for about $8 at most beauty stores, and other stores such as Target.

What I found interesting was that the packaging comes with this little handled 'presser' thingie. Ha, I am so articulate right? But I don't really know what to call it. It keeps the shadow nice and pressed, because these guys have an odd texture.

As you can see by the indentation my finger made in the shadow, these have a creamy texture. To me they are like the most finely milled powder mixed with a whipped base and some cream eye shadow elements. I am no help, but these are pretty unique.

 Despite the odd feeling of the shadow itself, when you apply these, they feel weightless and blend like a dream. And they lasted for 8 hours sans primer on my oily lids. Pretty nifty.

The color is nice and saturated in one pass and I love the sheen on this one. It is a wearable pink/magenta. Wearable if you normally don't just wear nudes, that is. I do, however, think that every one can incorporate this color in a crease, or as a liner.

Final Thoughts: Squishy! And pink! And awesome!

Price: 8/10
Staying Power: 10/10
Packaging: 9/10
Color/Wearability: 7/10
Quality/Branding: 9/10

Total: 43/50 = B = Happy Panda

*Keep in mind that the rating for this is lower than what I would normally have given it because of the color*

Would you try out this pink shadow in this fantastic formula? Have you? Tell me!

xoxo PrettyPanda

L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Glistening Garnet: Photos and Review

Sorry for being a little absent. I just got a new job, so I've had to re-arrange my blogging schedule. But today I am really excited to give you my review of the much talked about L'Oreal Infallible shadows.

There are a ton of color choices, and yes, I did in fact choose the most unpractical one. But hey-- it's my prerogative right? And I wanted to show you guys a color that isn't all over the blog world.

This color is called "Glistening Garnet" and it is more of a magenta than a garnet, in my opinion.

Pretty color right? I love the way it sparkles! These retail for about $8 at most beauty stores, and other stores such as Target.

What I found interesting was that the packaging comes with this little handled 'presser' thingie. Ha, I am so articulate right? But I don't really know what to call it. It keeps the shadow nice and pressed, because these guys have an odd texture.

As you can see by the indentation my finger made in the shadow, these have a creamy texture. To me they are like the most finely milled powder mixed with a whipped base and some cream eye shadow elements. I am no help, but these are pretty unique.

 Despite the odd feeling of the shadow itself, when you apply these, they feel weightless and blend like a dream. And they lasted for 8 hours sans primer on my oily lids. Pretty nifty.

The color is nice and saturated in one pass and I love the sheen on this one. It is a wearable pink/magenta. Wearable if you normally don't just wear nudes, that is. I do, however, think that every one can incorporate this color in a crease, or as a liner.

Final Thoughts: Squishy! And pink! And awesome!

Price: 8/10
Staying Power: 10/10
Packaging: 9/10
Color/Wearability: 7/10
Quality/Branding: 9/10

Total: 43/50 = B = Happy Panda

*Keep in mind that the rating for this is lower than what I would normally have given it because of the color*

Would you try out this pink shadow in this fantastic formula? Have you? Tell me!

xoxo PrettyPanda

Nude Doesn't Have to Mean Boring

I have been on the hunt for a good nude shadow for a while. If you remember, there were many duds in the 'Dark Shadows Crimson Amulet NYX Palette'. I gave my beloved NYX another chance with their single matte shadows.

This is a nude beige. It is completley matte and called 'Lap Dance' which I just love. Their entire collection of mattes are named funny/dirty things like that. I love a good name.

For $4, these are affordable as a staple. They have a ton of other colors (20 ish in total) but I wanted something as a soft base and highlight color.

You can see it is matte, for sure. A little on the less pigmented side, but still workable. What I liked was that this wasn't powdery and actually gives some color.

You can see the color here a little bit better. Sure, it isn't the craziest color, but it is a great staple from a reliable brand and it performs decently.

Matte is lovely.

Final Thoughts: Nice basic, tounge-in-cheek name. Good price.

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

Total: 45/50 = A- = Pleased Panda

Have any other suggestions for matte shadows? I would love to hear them!

xo PrettyPanda

Nude Doesn't Have to Mean Boring

I have been on the hunt for a good nude shadow for a while. If you remember, there were many duds in the 'Dark Shadows Crimson Amulet NYX Palette'. I gave my beloved NYX another chance with their single matte shadows.

This is a nude beige. It is completley matte and called 'Lap Dance' which I just love. Their entire collection of mattes are named funny/dirty things like that. I love a good name.

For $4, these are affordable as a staple. They have a ton of other colors (20 ish in total) but I wanted something as a soft base and highlight color.

You can see it is matte, for sure. A little on the less pigmented side, but still workable. What I liked was that this wasn't powdery and actually gives some color.

You can see the color here a little bit better. Sure, it isn't the craziest color, but it is a great staple from a reliable brand and it performs decently.

Matte is lovely.

Final Thoughts: Nice basic, tounge-in-cheek name. Good price.

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

Total: 45/50 = A- = Pleased Panda

Have any other suggestions for matte shadows? I would love to hear them!

xo PrettyPanda