My Very First Empties Post: February 2014

I have never done an empties post on the blog, and I don't plan on boring you by making it too long, but this year, I am all about using up what I have bought with my money! Why waste it?
This months' empties are a small group, but I feel proud nonetheless! All of the items are linked back to original reviews if I have them.

February 2014 Empties:
Clinique Dramatically Different Gel Moisturizer $14.50 for 50ml: This lasted me about 4 months, and I used it every single day, sometimes 3 or 4 times. Not bad! I already replaced it with the original lotion formula because my skin is really dry, but the gel is great for summer months.
Maybelline Babylips SPF 20 in Peppermint $2.99: These are easy to use up with regular application. One lasts me about a month, 2 weeks if it is my only balm.
Mini Vaseline Lip Therapy $2.00: Love these little pots for everything! This lasted me about 6 months. Used mostly as a night lip treatment.
Smith's Minted Rose Lip Balm $6.00: Started using this at the beginning of January very regularly (2-5x a day) so I say this is a pretty good value. Need more!

This is my final empty--- Parasol from the Tarte Aqualillies Palette from last year ($38). This gorgeous nude has been a staple in my everyday eye looks for the last 6 months straight, and off and on when I first got it almost a year ago. Crazy how long one shadow lasts! I am still gonna use up that last bit, but I wanted to show you a bit of the color.

Did you empty anything this month? Feel free to link me your February Empties!

#28daysoflippies: Week One Instagram Round-up

Thanks to those being really supportive of my first Instagram self-imposed challenged called 28 days of lippies.
A new day, a new lipstick/gloss/pencil for the whole month of February.
It gets me to shop my stash and break out of my comfort zone!
Week One has been the week of my nude lippies, of which I barely have any. This week really pushed me out of my comfort zone. I ended the week (today) with a rose pop of color...next week will be my pinks!

Here's a quick run down of this week's picks, in order, starting from the top left and going across the rows.
1. NYX Butter Lipgloss in Creme Brulee. $4.99. Creamy light pink/nude and decently moisturizing. 2. Maybelline Nude Lust. $7.49. New to my collection. I felt it washed me out but the formula is great! 3. Lancome Rouge in Love 304B Rose Emotion. $28. A pretty, leaning light coral nude pink. Great, featherlight formula. 4. Urban Decay Native. $22. Creamy and pigmented, but thick. 5. Khroma Beauty Joystick in Sea Coral. $8.99. A matte light coral. Love the vanilla smell! 6. M.A.C Stay Sweet. $15. Lightest baby pink. Settles into lines but I still love it. 7. Rimmel Picadilly Pink. $5. My prelude to the pinks, a rosy neutral.
If you haven't checked it out yet, my Instagram link it to the upper right!

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?

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?

 

Baby Lips Electro: Oh! Orange!

Hey Pandas! Summer is all about brights, but they can be intimidating to wear, and personally I like the idea of them better than the actual thing. Cue the new Babylips Electro collection for Summer 2013. 

If you have ever ventured onto this blog, you probably know that I LOVE the Babylips formula. I think that Maybelline did a great job with all aspects of the product. I also know that some people don't care for Babylips, but even if it isn't your HG chap stick, I think the Electro collection is worth checking out.

 

 

They are the same price as the originals ($2.99) and the packaging is all black with colored writing on the clear cap. Oh! Orange! has the best smell---it smells like a "big stick"! (If you have never heard of this amazing ice cream treat, Google it!). The formula is no different, but I find there is a nice pop of color with the new neon Electros. They are the easiest way to feel summery and wear 'brights' with zero maintenance.

 

 

I think the wearable orange color is so pretty, the packaging is really cute, and the price can't be beat. If you are looking for a cheap summer thrill, pick up one of the new Babylips Electro colors!

 

Have you tried any of the Babylips Electro collection? I want to try the lemon one next! 

Baby Lips Electro: Oh! Orange!

Hey Pandas! Summer is all about brights, but they can be intimidating to wear, and personally I like the idea of them better than the actual thing. Cue the new Babylips Electro collection for Summer 2013.  

If you have ever ventured onto this blog, you probably know that I LOVE the Babylips formula. I think that Maybelline did a great job with all aspects of the product. I also know that some people don't care for Babylips, but even if it isn't your HG chap stick, I think the Electro collection is worth checking out.

 

 

They are the same price as the originals ($2.99) and the packaging is all black with colored writing on the clear cap. Oh! Orange! has the best smell---it smells like a "big stick"! (If you have never heard of this amazing ice cream treat, Google it!). The formula is no different, but I find there is a nice pop of color with the new neon Electros. They are the easiest way to feel summery and wear 'brights' with zero maintenance.

 

 

I think the wearable orange color is so pretty, the packaging is really cute, and the price can't be beat. If you are looking for a cheap summer thrill, pick up one of the new Babylips Electro colors!

 

Have you tried any of the Babylips Electro collection? I want to try the lemon one next!  

Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Hey Pandas!

 

Summer is fast approaching and I know all of us are looking for summer staples as far as cosmetics go to get us through hot days and fun summer nights. After testing out a perfect nude Color Tattoo shade, I have to say that this will follow me to my upcoming trip to Hawaii and beyond.

 

This is Maybelline's Color Tattoo Metal 24 hour eyeshadow in Barely Branded. This is a warm, nude shade with a metallic finish. You can find them at Ulta and drugstores for $6.99.

 

 

This shadow is for anyone that wants a cheaper dupe for a MAC paint pot, a stay all day nude shadow, or a nude base for other shadows. With a good primer and proper application, this lasts about 10 hours on my lids alone. Some minor creasing happens but with some smoothing, it is fine again. When used as a base and set with other shadow, this lasted about 17 hours on me...and through a crazy, sweaty Franz Ferdinand concert (which was amazing btw, do any of you listen to them?). I have to say, concerts are a true test for wear for me, as I dance like crazy!

 

 

This does have a very strong metallic finish if you apply it heavily. This particular Color Tattoo has a lot of slip and is very emollient, which makes it easy to apply. It can be applied in a sheerer wash of color which I think is easier and more flattering (bottom swatch).

 

 

Excuse my no make-up otherwise eyes, but this is a sheer wash of the shadow on my bare lid. It is easy and gives you a pretty, awake look that is fresh for summer. Seriously, this is no fuss. Apply with a finger or a cream shadow brush and you are out the door! Love it!

 

Panda Approved!!

 

Have you tried this shade? What are your feelings about the Color Tattoos in general?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maybelline Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Hey Pandas!

 

Summer is fast approaching and I know all of us are looking for summer staples as far as cosmetics go to get us through hot days and fun summer nights. After testing out a perfect nude Color Tattoo shade, I have to say that this will follow me to my upcoming trip to Hawaii and beyond.

 

This is Maybelline's Color Tattoo Metal 24 hour eyeshadow in Barely Branded. This is a warm, nude shade with a metallic finish. You can find them at Ulta and drugstores for $6.99.

 

 

This shadow is for anyone that wants a cheaper dupe for a MAC paint pot, a stay all day nude shadow, or a nude base for other shadows. With a good primer and proper application, this lasts about 10 hours on my lids alone. Some minor creasing happens but with some smoothing, it is fine again. When used as a base and set with other shadow, this lasted about 17 hours on me...and through a crazy, sweaty Franz Ferdinand concert (which was amazing btw, do any of you listen to them?). I have to say, concerts are a true test for wear for me, as I dance like crazy!

 

 

This does have a very strong metallic finish if you apply it heavily. This particular Color Tattoo has a lot of slip and is very emollient, which makes it easy to apply. It can be applied in a sheerer wash of color which I think is easier and more flattering (bottom swatch).

 

 

Excuse my no make-up otherwise eyes, but this is a sheer wash of the shadow on my bare lid. It is easy and gives you a pretty, awake look that is fresh for summer. Seriously, this is no fuss. Apply with a finger or a cream shadow brush and you are out the door! Love it!

 

Panda Approved!!

 

Have you tried this shade? What are your feelings about the Color Tattoos in general?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Face and Outfit of the Day!

Today is really important. Firstly, because it is my first day experimenting with makeup and my new red hair. Secondly, it is Gary Oldman's birthday...my ultimate British celeb crush and genuinely awesome guy. So, here is my OOTD and FOTD to celebrate!

Here is your cheat sheet for my look today.

1) Clinique Perfectly Real Makeup in Shade 01 (N). $26. I patted this all over my face and pressed it in with warm fingers. The consistency is drier, so this method works for me.

2) NYX Are You DepEYEved Mascara $8 and NYX Natural Palette $7. I used the lightest shade in the palette all over my eye and contoured with the middle tan shade and the light grey shade. One coat of mascara on my top and bottom lashes.

3) M.A.C. Pearl Blossom Beauty Powder from the Barbie collection (oldie but goodie, shopping the stash here).

4) Revlon PhotoReady pressed translucent powder in shade 001. $8. I blotted this with a big kabuki brush all over my face to set foundation and blush.

5) Neutrogena Skinclearing Blemish Concealer in Fair. $7. I dotted this on two trouble spots and blotted again with the powder.

6) To conceal my dark circles I used Clinique All About Eyes concealer in 01 Light Neutral (the match for my foundation although it does pull more yellow) $16. I used a concealer brush to pat this under my eyes.

7) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser $10 went on top of the concealer to airbrush and add the protective benefits and the Vitamin C to keep my eyes looking bright all day.

8) Babylips Peach Kiss to balance out my look with nude/peach hydration.

9) The final step was lining my eyes with Sephora Flashy Liner in Flashy Ultra Green. $12. Pantone's shade of the year--emerald! I think it goes well with the red hair and doesn't make me look like too much of a leprechaun!

 

Just a light, thick line on my upper lid with a very small wing-out did the trick!

 

 

Here is the foundation, beauty powder, and babylips at work!

 

 

And here is the whole look including my awesome shirt (hence my OOTD, or half of it anyway) the many faces of Gary Oldman. You can buy your own at Society6.com (I am not affiliated and I bought this with my own money). It is really cool because it has everything from Sid Vicious to Jim Gordon! I also wore my Sirius Black necklace from Etsy, all to celebrate his B-Day!

 

 

So happy birthday to the flawless Gary, and I hope you enjoyed this FOTD and sneak peek at my cool shirt!