Revlon Lacquer Balm in Enticing

Okay, despite the mixed reviews of this product from fellow blogging friends...I caved and bought the new Revlon Lacquer Balm in Enticing ($7).What? It was red...and shiny...and reminded me of Christmas. Guilty as charged.

I just couldn't resist the pretty display, and I chose Enticing, which I thought would look like the outside packaging.But in fact, it is much more subdued.

I like the way this smells/tastes. Kinda minty (think the Tarte lip crayons) and it feels nice going on the lips.

The red, however, is not very lacquer-ish or shiny. This is a plain ol' lip balm crayon in a subdued red. I am very sad the shimmer didn't translate well to the lip and I was hoping for a wow-finish (against my better sense, of course).

Oh Enticing, how you look so pretty and yet, very different from my expectations. 
But this isn't necessarily a bad thing!I am thinking this would be a good base for a lip gloss of a similar color...or maybe I can try it as a cheek stain? It slips around a little bit on my lips (making the wear 2 hours or less), but I do like the moisturizing feel.I recommend Enticing if you do not have something similar in your stash! Anyone else love/hate these?

Revlon Lacquer Balm in Enticing

Okay, despite the mixed reviews of this product from fellow blogging friends...I caved and bought the new Revlon Lacquer Balm in Enticing ($7). What? It was red...and shiny...and reminded me of Christmas. Guilty as charged.

I just couldn't resist the pretty display, and I chose Enticing, which I thought would look like the outside packaging. But in fact, it is much more subdued.

I like the way this smells/tastes. Kinda minty (think the Tarte lip crayons) and it feels nice going on the lips.

The red, however, is not very lacquer-ish or shiny. This is a plain ol' lip balm crayon in a subdued red. I am very sad the shimmer didn't translate well to the lip and I was hoping for a wow-finish (against my better sense, of course).

Oh Enticing, how you look so pretty and yet, very different from my expectations. 
But this isn't necessarily a bad thing! I am thinking this would be a good base for a lip gloss of a similar color...or maybe I can try it as a cheek stain? It slips around a little bit on my lips (making the wear 2 hours or less), but I do like the moisturizing feel. I recommend Enticing if you do not have something similar in your stash! Anyone else love/hate these?

Franken Fun: Must Be A Weasley and PineGalaxy Nail Decals

Hey Pandas! You may remember that a while ago, I started to do 'Franken Tuesdays' to show off my handmade Franken Polishes. But, now that I am not keen on keeping a schedule for that, and have my very own nail blog that will soon start to handle all of my nail posts (Impressionist Nails) I have decided to call these posts Franken Fun! and they will be showcased here and in detail on my nail blog. I am actually really excited about this franken, mostly because it is named after some of my favorite people in Harry Potter (and we all know how much I like Harry Potter...) 

 'Must Be A Weasley' was inspired by Draco Malfoy's famous line to Ron Weasley, but is a franken that sums up the entire family. You can see it on all of my fingers by the ring (which is Chanel Dragon). It is a jelly red/orange glitterbomb packed with gold, red, and orange glitter. Not only Gryffindor colors, but very 'ginger' as well! 

 

I think they would approve right?

 

And I do have to mention PineGalaxy's awesome nail decals over on Etsy. On my ring finger is a Gryffindor one, but next time I will use a lighter polish, although I like the tonal quality of it. Her nail decals are so awesome, and she has great customer service!!

 

To see more photos of this franken, hop on over to Impressionist Nails! And many thanks if you do!

 

Franken Fun: Must Be A Weasley and PineGalaxy Nail Decals

Hey Pandas! You may remember that a while ago, I started to do 'Franken Tuesdays' to show off my handmade Franken Polishes. But, now that I am not keen on keeping a schedule for that, and have my very own nail blog that will soon start to handle all of my nail posts (Impressionist Nails) I have decided to call these posts Franken Fun! and they will be showcased here and in detail on my nail blog.   I am actually really excited about this franken, mostly because it is named after some of my favorite people in Harry Potter (and we all know how much I like Harry Potter...)  

  'Must Be A Weasley' was inspired by Draco Malfoy's famous line to Ron Weasley, but is a franken that sums up the entire family. You can see it on all of my fingers by the ring (which is Chanel Dragon). It is a jelly red/orange glitterbomb packed with gold, red, and orange glitter. Not only Gryffindor colors, but very 'ginger' as well!  

 

I think they would approve right?

 

And I do have to mention PineGalaxy's awesome nail decals over on Etsy. On my ring finger is a Gryffindor one, but next time I will use a lighter polish, although I like the tonal quality of it. Her nail decals are so awesome, and she has great customer service!!

 

To see more photos of this franken, hop on over to Impressionist Nails! And many thanks if you do!

 

The Two Shades of Lip Liner Every Girl Needs

I am not a big lip liner person, granted I am younger and I usually never have a problem with lipstick feathering into fine lines yet. However, I have started to become mesmerized by what else a lip liner can do.

 

Lip liners not only keep lipstick from feathering, but they make it last longer, can add depth to any color, or can be worn alone with gloss. And no, it does not have to be a harsh, 90's line. I may have still been a child then, but I do remember some makeup no-nos. I mean, even my Barbies had it...

 

 

So let's talk about the two liners every girl needs. A good nude and a good red. Think about it, a nude can go under everything and a red is essential for making that red lip (which is flattering on everyone in the right shade) last and last.

 

Of course, other colors are fun, but if you only have the cash for a few...check out the very affordable Retractable Lip Liners by NYX. They are waterproof, come in a variety of colors, and will run you about $4.

 

 

These are creamy and do not pull or tug on the lips during application. They are also opaque enough in one swipe to provide a great, long-lasting base for any lip product.

 

 

The nude is called well, Nude! And the red...you guessed it...Red!

 I prefer a nude that has some pink undertones and is a bit darker, because my lips have a lot of natural pigment that I want to only slightly tone down, not make into concealer lips.

The red is a very true red and will go great under any red lipstick or gloss.

 

Overall, both of these liners are Panda Approved.

 

What colors are in your lip liner wardrobe? Or are you still a little shy to try liner?

 

 

 

 

 

The Two Shades of Lip Liner Every Girl Needs

I am not a big lip liner person, granted I am younger and I usually never have a problem with lipstick feathering into fine lines yet. However, I have started to become mesmerized by what else a lip liner can do.

 

Lip liners not only keep lipstick from feathering, but they make it last longer, can add depth to any color, or can be worn alone with gloss. And no, it does not have to be a harsh, 90's line. I may have still been a child then, but I do remember some makeup no-nos. I mean, even my Barbies had it...

 

 

So let's talk about the two liners every girl needs. A good nude and a good red. Think about it, a nude can go under everything and a red is essential for making that red lip (which is flattering on everyone in the right shade) last and last.

 

Of course, other colors are fun, but if you only have the cash for a few...check out the very affordable Retractable Lip Liners by NYX. They are waterproof, come in a variety of colors, and will run you about $4.

 

 

These are creamy and do not pull or tug on the lips during application. They are also opaque enough in one swipe to provide a great, long-lasting base for any lip product.

 

 

The nude is called well, Nude! And the red...you guessed it...Red!

 I prefer a nude that has some pink undertones and is a bit darker, because my lips have a lot of natural pigment that I want to only slightly tone down, not make into concealer lips.

The red is a very true red and will go great under any red lipstick or gloss.

 

Overall, both of these liners are Panda Approved.

 

What colors are in your lip liner wardrobe? Or are you still a little shy to try liner?

 

 

 

 

 

NOTD: Minnie Mouse!

Hey Pandas!

 

I am a big Disney person, and the other day my mom and I were taking one of her friends to Disneyland to get her pass. Yay! Of course, I had to do my nails for the occasion!

 

Now, this is one of my first attempts at full-on nail art, so be gentle! Haha. Of course, this look was inspired by Minnie Mouse and her classic black, red, and white colors.

 

 

On my middle finger I painted a half circle and used a dotting tool for the ears. I then painted a red bow on top. The rest of my nails are either white, black, or red with contrasting dots. My thumb has a red bow on it. Simple but cute!

 

 

Needless to say we had a lot of fun that day, even though the park was crowded. I didn't see Minnie, but I did see her hubby!

 

 

These are the colors I used for this mani: O.P.I Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, ORLY Liquid Vinyl, and Sinful Colors Snow Me White. I also used a dotting tool and freehanded the rest.

 

Love or Hate? Do you love Disneyland as much as I do? Have you ever done Disney inspired nail art?

 

 

 

 

 

NOTD: Minnie Mouse!

Hey Pandas!

 

I am a big Disney person, and the other day my mom and I were taking one of her friends to Disneyland to get her pass. Yay! Of course, I had to do my nails for the occasion!

 

Now, this is one of my first attempts at full-on nail art, so be gentle! Haha. Of course, this look was inspired by Minnie Mouse and her classic black, red, and white colors.

 

 

On my middle finger I painted a half circle and used a dotting tool for the ears. I then painted a red bow on top. The rest of my nails are either white, black, or red with contrasting dots. My thumb has a red bow on it. Simple but cute!

 

 

Needless to say we had a lot of fun that day, even though the park was crowded. I didn't see Minnie, but I did see her hubby!

 

 

These are the colors I used for this mani: O.P.I Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, ORLY Liquid Vinyl, and Sinful Colors Snow Me White. I also used a dotting tool and freehanded the rest.

 

Love or Hate? Do you love Disneyland as much as I do? Have you ever done Disney inspired nail art?

 

 

 

 

 

Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino

Yay! I think my blush search is over for now (on the drugstore end). But who am I kidding? I am a beauty blogger...there will be more blush. Especially since it is a beauty item I am only now starting to really need/appreciate.

 

 

This is Milani Baked Blush in 09 Red Vino. It is a deep red blush with a golden marble and some sparkle. There is a ton of product! And it has that baked texture (like Laura Geller, etc). It comes in a thick, rounded gold case and hides a mirror and brush, so this can easily work for on-the-go and travel!

 

 

For less than $7, this is a great bargain for me. Although it is not as red as I would like, and I could do without the glitter, there is remarkable color payoff and blendability which makes me not mind either! The glitter is more of a glow, actually, and totally wearable.

 

 

It appears much more matte in the swatch and is a very natural porcelain-doll flush for my pale skin, although it is pigmented enough to work for all skin types! I love Milani!

 

 

I am really happy with this blush, the price, the size, the wear time (7 hours strong) and the blendability!

 

Price: 9/10

Performance: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Packaging: 9/10

Overall Quality: 9/10

 

Total: 46/50 = A- = Happy Panda!

 

What do you think of this blush? Do you like baked formulas?

 

 

Milani Baked Blush in Red Vino

Yay! I think my blush search is over for now (on the drugstore end). But who am I kidding? I am a beauty blogger...there will be more blush. Especially since it is a beauty item I am only now starting to really need/appreciate.

 

 

This is Milani Baked Blush in 09 Red Vino. It is a deep red blush with a golden marble and some sparkle. There is a ton of product! And it has that baked texture (like Laura Geller, etc). It comes in a thick, rounded gold case and hides a mirror and brush, so this can easily work for on-the-go and travel!

 

 

For less than $7, this is a great bargain for me. Although it is not as red as I would like, and I could do without the glitter, there is remarkable color payoff and blendability which makes me not mind either! The glitter is more of a glow, actually, and totally wearable.

 

 

It appears much more matte in the swatch and is a very natural porcelain-doll flush for my pale skin, although it is pigmented enough to work for all skin types! I love Milani!

 

 

I am really happy with this blush, the price, the size, the wear time (7 hours strong) and the blendability!

 

Price: 9/10

Performance: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 10/10

Packaging: 9/10

Overall Quality: 9/10

 

Total: 46/50 = A- = Happy Panda!

 

What do you think of this blush? Do you like baked formulas?

 

 

Clinique Almost Lipstick in Luscious Honey

Almost lipstick? What is that? That is what I asked myself when I received this. I was hoping it would be all the good things about a lipstick without any of the bad. Was it? Let's see!

 

 

 

Clinique Almost lipsticks are thin tubes of sheer, jelly-like color that twist up. They retail for $15. This shade is called Luscious Honey, which really does not fit the color. This is sheer red.

 

 

I like the thin packaging, but it feels a little lightweight and boring in my hand. I know Clinique is known for their minimalist packaging, but this just doesn't do it for me.

 

 

I really like this color, it is super wearable and easy to apply. It feels nice on the lips. This is for someone who wants a no fuss, good quality, decently priced, pop of color. Nothing special, no frills.

 



 

On me, it is a my lips but better shade. It adds just enough so I look awake and polished, but not like I am wearing makeup. My only big issue with this is the distinctly lipsticky smell and taste. Not my style.

 

Nice product marketed for everyday use. This is good for a natural look, but it should smell as juicy as it looks.

 

Price: 10/10

Performance: 9/10

Color/Wearability: 9/10

Packaging: 6/10

Overall Quality: 9/10

 

Total: 43/50 = B = Satisfied Panda