April Top 10

Hello again readers!

I took a break from my blog, to focus on school. This time next week, I will be officially done! Can you believe it? I started this blog in my first year of college, and here we are; at the end. I'm both excited, and relieved to be so close, and it's like a breath of fresh air. 

This past month I've been really focusing on fast and easy makeup looks, because I'd rather catch another 20 minutes of sleep, than get up to put on a full-face of carefully applied makeup. This way I can look put together, but only take 5 minutes to get my routine together.

April Top 10

Olay Fresh BB Cream - Fair to Light:

I have been reaching for this a lot this past month. I don't like it on it's own, I like a powder foundation on top, but it gives a nice, moisturized base for the rest of my makeup.

Covergirl Water-resistant Clump Crusher - Blackest Black:

I came back to this mascara, because I found that I missed it! I've been really loving how well it has been holding up on my lashes, and how nice my lashes have been looking. I'm going to have to keep a tube of this on hand at all times in the future.

Bath and Body Works Endless Weekend Body Cream:

I've been using this up, and I've been really enjoying it so far. I like it a lot better than the previous lotions I've used from them. I've had dry hands lately, and it's helped them from getting cracked and uncomfortable.

Maybelline Color Tattoo - Bad to the Bronze:

I didn't used to like this one, but lately I can't stop using it. It's perfect for a great look, without having to use another shadow with it. Fast and easy.

Real Techniques Contour Brush:

I wasn't sure about this, but oh my god, this is so appreciated to have in my collection. It applies product beautifully, and blends it out almost immediately. It has cut my contour routine in half, and I have been really drawn to using this brush.

ELF Contouring Blush and Bronzer Cream:

With the BB cream, I have been putting on blush and bronzer before setting it with powder. I thought it gave me a very lively appearance, without too much effort.

NYX Taupe Blush:

I keep adding this to my favorites, but I can't help it! I'm really digging that I look like I have cheekbones, but I've also been using this to add color to the crease of my eyelids. It makes my eyes look like I put effort into it, but it only takes about ten seconds.

Rimmel London Nude Scandal Eyes Eyeliner:

Since I've been so stressed with school, the area around my eyes has suffered, and concealer alone hasn't been cutting it. I've been putting this on my waterline and getting a more awake look to my eyes, which is appreciated. It doesn't last all day, but it gets me through school.

Maybelline Define-A-Brow - Dark Blonde:

I don't always have the time to apply my brows with a gel and then powder, so I prefer to just go in really quickly and using this pencil to get descent brows with minimal effort.

Wet n Wild Coverall Powder Foundation - Light:

I have been using the heck out of this foundation. I've been using it set my bb cream, to use as eyeshadow, to set my under-eye concealer, and then to correct when I've gone a little heavy-handed with a blusher or bronzer. I've been working this powder to the "bone" (literally, the pan is starting to really show up through the gape).

Thanks for reading!

Fyrinnae Haul

Hello again readers!

I couldn't resist, and ordered from Fyrinnae again! I really love their quick service, and the quality of their products.

The products came wrapped inside this gorgeous gold holo paper. They really have flashy presentation, once you remove the cardboard holding it altogether.

This time around, I ordered samples of: a setting powder, a blusher, three lip lustres, and pixie epoxy. There was also a free sample of an eyeshadow, which I was really giddy about because it's a shade I know I'll enjoy.

Asterisks depict products I'll be buying the full size of.

Before jumping in, I wanted to point out the size of the samples of the lip lustres and the pixie epoxy. I wasn't really aware of how small the samples of these would be, until I got them. For comparison between the samples, and the full size, visit Maliberry Makeup to see. 

I'm a little sad, but what can you do. They're the perfect sizes for sampling the products, and that's the point of them. It's definitely a better value to invest in the full-size, but with these smaller sizes, it's easier to use up a product that you won't be too fond of.

Hollywood Sorcery is one of their finishing powders. It's supposed to give a soft glow to the face. Think of it like a beauty powder. I wasn't sure how I'd like it, because it's a little dark, and definitely not translucent. I was really impressed. It gives the skin a very healthy look, and doesn't put too much of a tint to the skin.

Nordic Angel* is a peachy-pink blusher with gold sparkle. The sparkle in the product isn't too prominent, and blending it out, they become very subtle unless you're looking for it. The first time I use it, I was surprised on how well it suited my face, for being so warm, and even more surprised with how healthy it made my cheeks look. I really fell in love with it, and it blends in (with a brush, not so much my fingers) really well for a healthy glow.

Sacred is a metallic taupe. I'm a sucker for taupe shadows, and I knew the moment I laid my eyes on this shade that I would love it. It's very beautiful, whether I diffuse it or really pack it on, and it's a shade that I am so happy to have gotten a sample of.

I've been looking forward to trying this product, and last time I talked myself out of it. This time, there was nothing to stop me, so I invested.

The Pixie Epoxy (as well as the lip lustres) come in a little tube, with a silver cap and a doe-foot applicator. I am fond of this sort of applicator, because it's incredibly easy to get product exactly where you want it.

For swatches, it's pronominal. It takes hold of pigments, and makes them look really intense! I was really impressed. It's really made more for packing on pigment, not so much for blending out shadows.

I like to put an eyeshadow primer on the lid, add in my crease/blending shade, and THEN use this product on the lid and pack on a lot of pigment. It really makes pigments look amazing. 

I bought three Lip Lustre samples. I have a long list of Lip Lustres that I want to add to my collection, so I couldn't resist trying these three.

I was REALLY impressed with these. The pigmentation is great, the scent isn't overwhelming by any means, almost sweet, and they apply beautifully. If you get these during the winter, you might need to hold them in your armpit or in your cleavage to warm them up again so they apply better, because they might get a bit more solid than you'd prefer, and can go on a little... chunky, I suppose. Warming them up solves this problem.

They are really opaque, and the wear time was really nice. I got a couple hours of perfect wear, before I noticed the inner part of my lips looking less than perfect, and would have to touch them up again.

Pygmy Hippo*:

A cool rose pink, with a bit of violet. It's a little darker than a true nude, but it is still a pretty natural looking lip. Not too over the top. I really enjoyed wearing this, and I'll be sad when my sample runs out.

Dragon's Blood:

Darkened maroon red. I really thought that this, and Winter Romance should have switched names. This has more of a cool red, but the other has the better appearance of 'blood'. I have colors like this so I won't be buying the bigger size.

Winter Romance*:

A deep warm red. This has a bit of, dare I say a brown to it, and this looks far more like blood than Dragon's Blood does. It looks amazing on the lips, and really compliments my skintone surprisingly well.

Thanks for reading!

New NYX Lip Products -

Hello again readers!

This year is full of new makeup launches from a variety of brands! It's so much that it's a little hard to keep track of everything. NYX has been nailing it with some of their new products, and I managed to get my hands on some of the products that I've been looking forward to for a while now, ever since I started seeing swatches of these products pop up on their Instagram.

High Voltage Lipsticks

I was really excited when the swatches for these lipsticks started popping up on social media. It's really easy to be swept up in everything, and start pining over certain colors. I bought Stone, Flutter Kiss, and Twisted so far. I started with Flutter Kiss, and Twisted, and I picked up Stone on a trip to Ulta.

I'm really disappointed in the packaging for these. The cap is clear, which is great to see what the colors are inside, but they get SO dirty so easily. The same reason why I don't like the caps for the Wet n Wild Megalast Matte Lipsticks.

The formula is nice, really smooth and nicely pigmented. The scent is sweet, and I am so happy about that. The product is so smooth and creamy, but then it smears all over the place. I suggest a lip liner, because they like to feather after a while.

I get about two hours of good coverage, and then I feel like I need to touch them up. Especially on the inside of my lips, they start wearing off, so I put on another layer of lipstick to make it look fresh.

They're available for $6!

 Stone: 
Beige-Taupe Neutral. I thought I would never buy this, but swatching it on my skin I fell in love. It pulls a little grey on the lips, because of the taupe.

Flutter Kiss:

Neutral Pink. It has a bit of brown in it, and it just looks so good. This is a shade that would look flattering on so many people.

Twisted:

A violet with a blue undertone. This one is the only one out of the ones that I own, that leaves behind a stain. The stain it leaves behind is a bright fuchsia, that I'm not fond of.

Intense Butter Gloss

When I saw the swatches, these were the only two that I wanted. I wasn't blown away like the High Voltage lipstick swatches, I decided on these two; Tres Leches, and Berry Strudel. Unfortunately, after a trip to Ulta, there is a couple other ones that I want now, and I was doing so good!

These don't have a scent like the Butter Glosses do, they have a scent that's similar to the Matte Lip Creams. It's a bit like cake, but a bit like chemicals.

They are SO PIGMENTED. Intensely pigmented. One swipe, and that's all she wrote. They are packed with pigment, and it's easy to cover up the lips easily.

They're a little sticky, like tacky, and they're really thick on the lips. The tackiness is something that ensures that they last long, but I'm not too fond of it. I'm lucky I have short hair, but I know if I had longer hair my hair would get stuck in my lipgloss all of the time.

They're available for $6!

Tres Leches:

A nude pink lipgloss. I loved this instantly, and it looks really good on my skin tone.

Berry Strudel:

Is a gloss version  of the Twisted High Voltage Lipstick. A blue-toned violet. 

I have a type, I really enjoy nudes and violets (whether violets agree with me or not is not for debate) and I ended up picking the same colors in both finishes because they are what I enjoy. I don't feel bad at all, but this is a great comparison on the finishes, and it can help you decide if you're still on the fence on which you would prefer to purchase.

 Thanks for reading!

March Top 10

Hello again readers!

March has gone by really slow at first, but then it sort of flew by. In one month from today, I'll be done with university! I can't believe it! It's been a long time coming, and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I feel so nervous, but also refreshed at the same time.

March Top 10

Garnier Fructis Volume Extend Dry Shampoo:

What a mouthful. I've been reaching for this dry shampoo a lot lately, because my hair has been getting a little extra oily, and it needs a pick-me-up. This one is really nice, the scent is great, and it takes care of the oil. Although, I feel like I'd need to reapply this throughout the day.

Garnier Moisture Renew Gel Moisturizer:

2014-2015 has been a bit of a wake-up call, with gel moisturizers. I didn't think they'd do much, but I have noticed a change in my skin texture since I've been using them. I use this one at night, since it is a more hydrating moisturizer than my Clean and Clear one. The only downside is that it comes in a pot, so it's not as hygienic, and I need a spatula to get the product out.

Milani Baked Blush - Luminoso:

I bought into the hype of this blusher, and I really dig it. It's a nice color, and has a beautiful sheen, so it's a blush and a highlighter in one step. Makes my skin look really healthy.

ELF Eyebrow Kit - Light:

I have waxed poetic about this enough. I love it, let's carry on.

ELF Makeup Remover Pen: 

This is my second pen, and I don't ever want to live without it. It's more precise than a q-tip, and I use it all of the time for touch ups. My savior.

Maybelline Define-A-Brow - Dark Blonde:

A new addition to my collection, and so far I've been really enjoying it. It's very thin, and fills in brows quickly and efficiently. Super quick, and super easy.

Fyrinnae Blush - Nordic Angel:

Another blush that really hit the mark, and gives my face a very healthy look. It's a bit of a hassle, because I have to tap a bit out of the container, since there's no sifter, but it's so worth it.

Darling Girl Cosmetics Blush - Koalification:

Instant favorite. It's a little warmer than Greyicious Lilac, but at the same time I really love how it carves out the hollows of my cheeks. Beautiful product.

NYX Round Lipstick Talia:

I haven't been reaching for lipsticks too much, so if I wore any at all, I wore this one. It's a darker pink, and it wears so easily I don't have to worry about it.

Real Techniques Makeup Sponge:

I have started using this sponge again after a long hiatus, and I'm really happy with it. I still prefer brushes, but this just blends out foundation so nicely. It also blends out thick concealers like a dream.

Thanks for reading!

Shiro Cosmetics Haul

Hello again readers!

           I feel good to finally be able to try out some Shiro cosmetics. I've heard really amazing things, and I have been lusting after them with stars in my eyes. Both because of the colors they offer, and because of the fandom-themed collections. I'm weak for that sort of thing.

I was nervous, because there wasn't a waiting time, and I never got a shipping confirmation or anything; which I found out through Caitlin can happen if you have a hotmail email. So don't worry too much, and if you are concerned she replies quickly to emails.

It turned out that my package got stuck for a week, and she offered to re-send a package, or refund me. I asked if she could re-send the package, because I did want to try these products to show you guys, and she sent it out really fast to make up for the lost time.

I got the package, and I was already in love with quite a few of the products inside. Two days later, the first package arrived. I was surprised, because we thought it'd have been lost in the post office, but it was just delayed... I asked her if she'd like me to send it back, and she said to keep it.

This portion here, is to the excellent service that Shiro offers. Not because I ended up getting two packages in the end (though I'm not going to lie, was pretty sweet), but because she handled customer concerns very well, and was very professional and treated me kindly. Customer Service is phenomenal, and I find the products to be up to par with how well the service is, making this company a worthy company to buy from.

It gets sent in a protective bubble-mailer, and inside is a paper bag sealed with the Shiro logo to keep all the products from moving too much during transit. Especially great if you buy any full-size, as it keeps the plastic from hitting into each other. Not flashy, but efficient. 

Inside were the products that I ordered, as well as a small plastic bag; included is the Shiro business card, and two samples. I like how this is handled, because not only is there a business card to have on file, or to hand out to friends/family  to spread the word, but the free samples are separated from your order. Especially good if you ordered a LOT of things, and it's hard to remember what you bought, and what you didn't.

Lingered in Twilight*:
Deep teal with metallic shimmer. I love this one so much, I am kicking myself for NOT buying the full size. I am so in love with this, that I don't want to use it too much in case I run out... a silly fear to be honest.

 Day of Reckoning: 
A deep, darkened red-violet with shimmer. 

Burdened with Glorious Purpose*: 
A blackened olive-green with green and gold shimmer. Gorgeous, and definitely a Loki shade. I didn't think I would like it, because I don't like green very much, but I love this one a lot. It makes my eyes pop a little too.

Glowstick of Destiny*:
A pale blue with a gold shimmer. I can't believe how flattering this shadow was. I love it so much!

I Understood That Reference*:
Definitely a shadow fit for Steve. It's like, if a cobalt blue pigment had a baby with the Fyrinnae Mephisto pigment. Stunning! 

Alkahestry: 
Lavender with a heavy blue shift. This is a shade that would need a good, sticky base to look its best. Without, it sort of lacks impact.

Colonel:
A deep navy blue with gold shimmer. Just looking at this reminds me of Mustang, so it hit the nail on the head. In a way, I love it because of the gold glitter, and I hate it because of it too. It's not something I can get away with everyday.

Majora's Mask:

It says blurple on the site, but it is really a blue with a hint of violet in it. It has some nice shimmer. Another shade that definitely needs a good adhesive, and not able to get away with it for every day wear.

The next two aren't Shiro, they're Detrivore, but Shiro sells them on their site. 

Bruise*:
I fell in love with this on the site, and on the swatch, and on my eyes... It's just the kind of shadow that's unique and quickly stole my heart. It's a deep brownish/blackened red with violet shimmer, and it looks... well, like a bruise. Applying it with an adhesive and then blending it out, looks rather bruise-like (see how the cener of the swatch (dry) it looks almost red, but the outsides look deep and angry? Yeah. Bruise-like). I love it!

Scar:

A taupe with an iridescent shimmer. I really love this product, but I know I wouldn't need a bigger-size because I have iridescent shadows to layer over my Tough as Taupe Maybelline Color Tattoo. A really beautiful shade if you don't want to do the work.

Thanks for reading!

*All products marked with an asterisk are products I plan to purchase full sizes of in the future.

2015 Empties #1

Hello again Readers!

Asterisks are items I have backups of, or I  plan to repurchase.

Face, Body, and Nails

 Bath and Body Works Fresh Market Apple Anti-Bacterial Lotion - Empty

Nivea Rasberry Rose Kiss Lip Butter - Empty

Bath and Body Works Rain-kissed Laves Moisture Rich Cleansing Bar - Empty. Mum bought this for me so I could use it on my face, but I really didn't like it. It left my skin feeling tight and over-dried. It didn't do much for my complexion either, aside from cleansing.

LUSH Charity Pot - Empty. I really disliked the scent of this, and even for a small sample, it took me almost an entire year to use it up because I disliked it so much... ick.

Crest Clinical  Health Toothpaste - Empty

GlamGlow Powermud Sample - Empty. It didn't do anything for my face. It was pretty useless, though I got a few uses out of it. It was a Sephora 100 point perk.

L.A. Colors Strawberry Scented Nail Polish Remover Pads - Empty

Cha Cha Paris Hilton Perfume Sample - Empty. I debated on buying a full-size, but I have had this sample since I was in high school... which was about 6 years ago... A sample that took me six years to use up, is not a perfume that I should be buying.

Sally Hansen Nail File - Destroyed. My nails are so hard that they just decimate any emery boards that aren't glass... It just rubs all of the grit right off.

Makeup

Revlon Pink in the Afternoon Cream Lipstick - Old. I liked this lipstick enough, although it's  not very unique. I went to reach for it one day, and it smelled really chemically, when usually it doesn't smell as bad. To the bin it goes.

L'Oreal Collection Privee - Doutzen's Nude: Empty. Wasn't fond of this, it was a very light pink, and it wasn't that pigmented. Gave me a nice corpse effect though.

Rimmel Show Off Nova Lip Laquer - Empty/Broken*. I know there's some product left, but towards the end of it's life, the applicator tip broke off into the container. Boo. I have a backup from Ireland, so I'm okay.

Maybelling Great Lash Royal Blue Mascara - Empty*

Maybelline Mega Plush Navy Velvet Mascara - Empty. It wasn't that great of a mascara. It looked somewhat fluffy, but it didn't add much volume or length to my sad, sad lashes.

Bellatrix Lip Gloss - Old.

Maybelline Falsies Blackest Black Mascara - Empty*

Wet n Wild Envy Color Icon Eyeshadow Single - Broken*

ELF Makeup Remover Pen - Empty*

NYX HD 03 Light Concealer - Empty

Jordana Twist and Shine Honey Love - Empty.

Bath and Body Works Goldie Lip Gloss - Doll - Old.

Thanks for reading!

E.L.F. Disney Elsa Palette

Hello again readers!

Since Disney and ELF have a bit of a partnership going on, ELF always puts out such cute, Disney-inspired collections to appeal to the younger fans, as well as the kids-at-heart makeup junkies.

Elsa is one of the newer additions to the line (following Jasmine, Aurora, Snow White, and Ariel) that popped up rather recently. 

In the ELF display, there are beauty books, lip glosses, and smudge pots, but I was only interested in this palette.

The palette contains 9 shades, and all of them contain shimmer or glitter. If you are someone who is not a fan of either, you won't like this palette much at all.

The only shades to give me grief, was the blackened violet with violet shimmer, and the lilac. The rest of them applies rather beautifully, although ELF has a higher success with shimmery shades over mattes.

Thanks for reading!