L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Liner in Charcoal

I'm normally not a pencil liner gal. I have practiced and practiced my wing-liner skills and am pretty on my game there (relatively speaking)---so liquid is usually my go-to. But I've heard some buzz about the L'Oreal Silkissime liners (seriously though, how do you say that? Silk-kiss-me? Or Silkiss-ime? Please help) and decided to pick up one during a buy one get one half off of L'Oreal products at Ulta (still going on in most Ultas with Maybelline and L'Oreal products right now).Now that I have tried it, this has easily become my new favorite black liner.

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen this picture. I decided to try writing my name with the pencil and it did it smoothly, evenly, and creamily with no skips and little pressure in about 3 seconds. That was the point I began to get excited, and the testing began.

Silkissime liners run $8.99 but you could easily get them cheaper with coupons or promotions, but are definitely worth picking up. I really wanted 'Black', which is the most gorgeous matte pitch black (gives UD's Zero a major run for it's money) but they didn't have it and I settled for Charcoal (which I still love).

Charcoal is slightly shimmery, as seen in the swatch above. Its not totally noticeable on the eye, but its there. 

Because this is an extremely creamy liner, oily eyes should prime well. Silkissime claims to wear for 16 hours and is waterproof. The waterproof part is definitely apparent, you need dual phase makeup remover to get this off. The 16 hours---well, the liner lasted about 13 looking pretty darn perfect on my eye, but I chose to take it off then.

I primed my eyes well and this stayed, but when used on the waterline, I found the creaminess smudged a bit to my lower lash line, so be aware of that. However, if you are into the smudgy look--this does that well! You have a few seconds to smudge out before it really sets.

Keep in mind that my pencil eyeliner skills lack from obvious lack of practice, but I managed a decent cat eye and the look remained all day (I'm not wearing mascara here so it would look way better with mascara ha..).

Overall, I am pleased and pleasantly surprised by L'Oreal Silkissime liner, even if I can't say the name for the life of me.

Have you tried it?

L'Oreal Infallible Silkissime Liner in Charcoal

I'm normally not a pencil liner gal. I have practiced and practiced my wing-liner skills and am pretty on my game there (relatively speaking)---so liquid is usually my go-to.  But I've heard some buzz about the L'Oreal Silkissime liners (seriously though, how do you say that? Silk-kiss-me? Or Silkiss-ime? Please help) and decided to pick up one during a buy one get one half off of L'Oreal products at Ulta (still going on in most Ultas with Maybelline and L'Oreal products right now). Now that I have tried it, this has easily become my new favorite black liner.

If you follow me on Instagram, you might have seen this picture. I decided to try writing my name with the pencil and it did it smoothly, evenly, and creamily with no skips and little pressure in about 3 seconds. That was the point I began to get excited, and the testing began.

Silkissime liners run $8.99 but you could easily get them cheaper with coupons or promotions, but are definitely worth picking up. I really wanted 'Black', which is the most gorgeous matte pitch black (gives UD's Zero a major run for it's money) but they didn't have it and I settled for Charcoal (which I still love).

Charcoal is slightly shimmery, as seen in the swatch above. Its not totally noticeable on the eye, but its there. 

Because this is an extremely creamy liner, oily eyes should prime well. Silkissime claims to wear for 16 hours and is waterproof. The waterproof part is definitely apparent, you need dual phase makeup remover to get this off. The 16 hours---well, the liner lasted about 13 looking pretty darn perfect on my eye, but I chose to take it off then.

I primed my eyes well and this stayed, but when used on the waterline, I found the creaminess smudged a bit to my lower lash line, so be aware of that. However, if you are into the smudgy look--this does that well! You have a few seconds to smudge out before it really sets.

Keep in mind that my pencil eyeliner skills lack from obvious lack of practice, but I managed a decent cat eye and the look remained all day (I'm not wearing mascara here so it would look way better with mascara ha..).

Overall, I am pleased and pleasantly surprised by L'Oreal Silkissime liner, even if I can't say the name for the life of me.

Have you tried it?

Sponge Showdown!

I've always used a stippling brush or my fingers to apply foundation, but I have always lusted after the Beauty Blender. You know, that $20 sponge? Before you all hate me....I really do think it is worth it, and for those of you that have it...awesome!
Personally, I just can't afford a $20 on a grad school budget when there is so much other beauty to haul!

I have only played around with the Beauty Blender and used it to apply makeup to others. I do not own one, so this is based on feel, and observation of makeup application only. The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge is roughly the same size and is meant to do what the BB does.FACTS:BB                                             RTTear Drop                                 Oval with flat sectionExpands in water                      Expands in water$20                                            $6Pink/White/Black                      OrangeIn my experience, the use is the same. You get the sponges damp, apply makeup, and blend out. This does not have as fine as a tip as the BB does, but the flat side is a great addition for smoothing.

Overall, the BB may last longer, and may be a bit easier to grip and use, but this is the closest thing I have found to a dupe for it. And at $6, I am not complaining!

Are you a loyal BB fan, or will you be trying the Real Techniques version?

Sponge Showdown!

I've always used a stippling brush or my fingers to apply foundation, but I have always lusted after the Beauty Blender. You know, that $20 sponge? Before you all hate me....I really do think it is worth it, and for those of you that have it...awesome!
Personally, I just can't afford a $20 on a grad school budget when there is so much other beauty to haul!

I have only played around with the Beauty Blender and used it to apply makeup to others. I do not own one, so this is based on feel, and observation of makeup application only. The Real Techniques Miracle Complexion sponge is roughly the same size and is meant to do what the BB does. FACTS: BB                                             RT Tear Drop                                 Oval with flat section Expands in water                      Expands in water $20                                            $6 Pink/White/Black                      Orange In my experience, the use is the same. You get the sponges damp, apply makeup, and blend out. This does not have as fine as a tip as the BB does, but the flat side is a great addition for smoothing.

Overall, the BB may last longer, and may be a bit easier to grip and use, but this is the closest thing I have found to a dupe for it. And at $6, I am not complaining!

Are you a loyal BB fan, or will you be trying the Real Techniques version?

#sorrynotsorry: 5 Beauty Things I Am NOT Apologizing For!

So, I have been seeing this tag a lot on Instagram and the Blog world, but Liesl's post at Liesl Loves Pretty Things convinced me to do this. And I encourage you to do it as well. I tag all of you to be #sorrynotsorry!!So here are the 5 beauty related things I am definitely not apologizing for this year!1. Selfies. This is on a lot of the lists I have seen, and I try and take selfies very rarely because I don't want to annoy anyone. And when I do post them, I feel self-conscious and shallow. But you know what? All of us really need to embrace our inner beauty and soak in the compliments---and pass them on when someone else posts a selfie. Let's empower each other. Selfies aren't selfish, they are self-expression!

2. Buying more makeup. Yes, I have drawers full of the stuff. I don't need another lipstick, but blogging is my hobby and something that makes me happy and if picking up another eyeshadow is a part of that, then okay! I am not going to be sorry about it! Am I going to try and cut back---yes, but life is too short to not make yourself happy within means.3. Breaking makeup rules. Most of us that blog do this anyway, but people who don't love makeup and nails as much as we do sometimes say hurtful things or criticize when I wear vampy lipstick during the day or I work in blue eye shadow into a look. I resolve to stop caring and keep experimenting. There are no rules to makeup!4. Not tanning. Embracing your natural skin tone is beautiful and just because I live in California and stick out among the fake-bronzed girls, I won't harm my skin by sitting in a tanning bed or lying out without sunscreen. Nope! Sorrynotsorry.5. Not over-plucking. Yes, I tweeze my eyebrows a little bit, but its good to go with the natural shape of your brows! Don't worry so much. And on that note, I refuse to shave the hair on my arms. I don't get that phenomenon, and I won't be sorry that I have hair on my arms.What are you not sorry for?

#sorrynotsorry: 5 Beauty Things I Am NOT Apologizing For!

So, I have been seeing this tag a lot on Instagram and the Blog world, but Liesl's post at Liesl Loves Pretty Things convinced me to do this. And I encourage you to do it as well. I tag all of you to be #sorrynotsorry!! So here are the 5 beauty related things I am definitely not apologizing for this year! 1. Selfies. This is on a lot of the lists I have seen, and I try and take selfies very rarely because I don't want to annoy anyone. And when I do post them, I feel self-conscious and shallow. But you know what? All of us really need to embrace our inner beauty and soak in the compliments---and pass them on when someone else posts a selfie. Let's empower each other. Selfies aren't selfish, they are self-expression!

2. Buying more makeup. Yes, I have drawers full of the stuff. I don't need another lipstick, but blogging is my hobby and something that makes me happy and if picking up another eyeshadow is a part of that, then okay! I am not going to be sorry about it! Am I going to try and cut back---yes, but life is too short to not make yourself happy within means. 3. Breaking makeup rules. Most of us that blog do this anyway, but people who don't love makeup and nails as much as we do sometimes say hurtful things or criticize when I wear vampy lipstick during the day or I work in blue eye shadow into a look. I resolve to stop caring and keep experimenting. There are no rules to makeup! 4. Not tanning. Embracing your natural skin tone is beautiful and just because I live in California and stick out among the fake-bronzed girls, I won't harm my skin by sitting in a tanning bed or lying out without sunscreen. Nope! Sorrynotsorry. 5. Not over-plucking. Yes, I tweeze my eyebrows a little bit, but its good to go with the natural shape of your brows! Don't worry so much. And on that note, I refuse to shave the hair on my arms. I don't get that phenomenon, and I won't be sorry that I have hair on my arms. What are you not sorry for?

NYX Lush Lashes Mascara in Voluptuous

NYX has been releasing a slew of new products lately, which is awesome! I love that they are affordable and cruelty-free and have cute packaging. For me, their products have been mostly hits with some misses. I was really crossing my fingers for a hit with this $6.99 mascara.

There is no smell to this (which is specifically stated as new to this formulation) and it seems as if the formula is all the same, except the brush changes depending on which one you buy (this is just my observation, not something stated by NYX). I love bigger brushes, so I chose the fluffy voluptuous wand. 

The formula is rather dry, which I normally like. This means no flaking or smearing and it lasts all day on me.So what's the catch?Well, it isn't volumizing at all. It really does nothing but provide a bit of separation and a bit of dark color. That's all.

The best I can say about this is that it makes for a great natural look...but I wouldn't waste the money, at least not on the volumizing one. Some of the other brushes look promising!

Have you tried this new line of mascaras from NYX?

NYX Lush Lashes Mascara in Voluptuous

NYX has been releasing a slew of new products lately, which is awesome! I love that they are affordable and cruelty-free and have cute packaging.  For me, their products have been mostly hits with some misses. I was really crossing my fingers for a hit with this $6.99 mascara.

There is no smell to this (which is specifically stated as new to this formulation) and it seems as if the formula is all the same, except the brush changes depending on which one you buy (this is just my observation, not something stated by NYX). I love bigger brushes, so I chose the fluffy voluptuous wand. 

The formula is rather dry, which I normally like. This means no flaking or smearing and it lasts all day on me. So what's the catch? Well, it isn't volumizing at all. It really does nothing but provide a bit of separation and a bit of dark color. That's all.

The best I can say about this is that it makes for a great natural look...but I wouldn't waste the money, at least not on the volumizing one. Some of the other brushes look promising!

Have you tried this new line of mascaras from NYX?

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

The much anticipated Maybelline Baby Skin primer has hit the U.S. recently and everyone has been abuzz over the cute little green tube. But did I love it as much as my prized Babylips?

The Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser primer is $6.99 and comes with a decent amount of product, considering a pea-sized amount is ample for my whole face. With silicone based primers such as this one, I find a thinner layer works best.

Here is a joint swatch of the amount I use and then it spread out on the skin around it. Colorless and odorless, this does provide a great canvas for your base. It minimized my pores just as much as any other silicone primer would, and kept my makeup looking good for 8 hours (my normal wear time for any silicone primer).

I would liken this to SmashBox Photo Finish or the NYX Photo-Loving Primer. This is the cheapest of the three, so if you need a basic, reliable, silicone primer, this is your product!

It didn't wow me and give me literal baby skin, but I did like it!

Have you tried?

Maybelline Baby Skin Primer

The much anticipated Maybelline Baby Skin primer has hit the U.S. recently and everyone has been abuzz over the cute little green tube. But did I love it as much as my prized Babylips?

The Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser primer is $6.99 and comes with a decent amount of product, considering a pea-sized amount is ample for my whole face. With silicone based primers such as this one, I find a thinner layer works best.

Here is a joint swatch of the amount I use and then it spread out on the skin around it. Colorless and odorless, this does provide a great canvas for your base. It minimized my pores just as much as any other silicone primer would, and kept my makeup looking good for 8 hours (my normal wear time for any silicone primer).

I would liken this to SmashBox Photo Finish or the NYX Photo-Loving Primer. This is the cheapest of the three, so if you need a basic, reliable, silicone primer, this is your product!

It didn't wow me and give me literal baby skin, but I did like it!

Have you tried?

CH..CH...CHA....CHANGES

Hey everyone!!Pretty Panda is having some changes, or rather additions, that I would like to make you aware of!First...new Instagram! If you already follow me on my old one...I won't be sad if you leave in favor of only beauty related posts, so no worries.Second...Facebook page! If you have a Facebook page for your blog, let me know so I can like you!Also, does anyone know what is going on with GFC? Remember to find me on BlogLovin, Twitter, and Feedspot, or use the handy buttons to your right.You may now go back to your regularly scheduled programming.  

CH..CH...CHA....CHANGES

Hey everyone!! Pretty Panda is having some changes, or rather additions, that I would like to make you aware of! First...new Instagram! If you already follow me on my old one...I won't be sad if you leave in favor of only beauty related posts, so no worries. Second...Facebook page! If you have a Facebook page for your blog, let me know so I can like you! Also, does anyone know what is going on with GFC? Remember to find me on BlogLovin, Twitter, and Feedspot, or use the handy buttons to your right. You may now go back to your regularly scheduled programming.  

IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face

Contouring is a world I am extremely new to. I take that back. Beyond a few weeks ago, I never really thought of contouring AT ALL. But since I received this awesome IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face Palette for Christmas, my procrastination about learning to contour has come to an end. Sort of.

So...for $38, you too can supposedly become a master of contouring. I admit, IT Cosmetics is brilliant with face products. They give you a handy-dandy chart to show where to place the powders as well. 

These 6 shades are waterproof and packed with moisturizing Jojoba oil and Vitamin E, so they are good for your skin. They blend easily as well.

You get a matte cream, a shimmery cream, a matte light brown...

...A rosy light brown, a tan, and a dark brown. All matte. They are a little patchy is swatches because they are a bit powdery. Over foundation or BB Cream, these are creamy and really have a lot of pigment but it is still hard to over-apply them. I think this is a great starter contouring kit.

I have been playing around with it a lot lately and hope to use it in upcoming looks, but even with the helpful sheet inside, I am still terrible at contouring. My beauties, any tips?

What do you contour with?

IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face

Contouring is a world I am extremely new to. I take that back. Beyond a few weeks ago, I never really thought of contouring AT ALL. But since I received this awesome IT Cosmetics My Sculpted Face Palette for Christmas, my procrastination about learning to contour has come to an end. Sort of.

So...for $38, you too can supposedly become a master of contouring. I admit, IT Cosmetics is brilliant with face products. They give you a handy-dandy chart to show where to place the powders as well. 

These 6 shades are waterproof and packed with moisturizing Jojoba oil and Vitamin E, so they are good for your skin. They blend easily as well.

You get a matte cream, a shimmery cream, a matte light brown...

...A rosy light brown, a tan, and a dark brown. All matte. They are a little patchy is swatches because they are a bit powdery. Over foundation or BB Cream, these are creamy and really have a lot of pigment but it is still hard to over-apply them. I think this is a great starter contouring kit.

I have been playing around with it a lot lately and hope to use it in upcoming looks, but even with the helpful sheet inside, I am still terrible at contouring. My beauties, any tips?

What do you contour with?

A Rose is a Rose: Swatches and Review

My last new gloss from the Beautifully Disney line is called "A Rose is a Rose" named after my all-time favorite princess, Belle, from Beauty and the Beast.

Although I am not a huge fan of the new "glam" princesses, I still think the packaging is beautiful. A Rose is a Rose is part of the Unlock the Spell collection by Beautifully Disney, which includes Tiana and Rapunzel. 

A Rose is a Rose is a very pretty mauve/pink with gold shimmer (definitely more mauve on lips than this swatch). The formula is consistent with around 3 hours wear time without eating (it does melt into the lips during that times and becomes more satiny than glossy) and no weirdly fake lip gloss smell, which I like.

Out of all the shades Beautifully Disney offers in lip gloss, this is the best My Lips But Better shade, and is the most natural and flattering. However, it isn't really unique. My love of Belle prompted this pick up, but other shades are much more unique!

Take note---BD recently launched their Fantasy in Flight collection, which is all about the Fairies! Looks pretty cute to me, but I will have to grab some of the other glosses from older collections before they discontinue them!