Benefit BADgal Plum Mascara Review

I wanted to try this mascara after I saw Xsparkage talk about it in one of her videos on how to appear more awake and alert (even if you are not feeling that way).  According to Sephora, this mascara can be described as follows:
         
          What it is:
          A rich, plum mascara that intensifies eye color.

What it does:
Benefit's BADgal Plum highlights your natural eye color while adding length and volume to lashes. Wear it alone to warm up your lashes or add Plum over the original BADgal Black for an extra pop.

I really don't think this mascara is worth $19.  I don't think it makes the whites of my eyes appear any more vibrant than an inky, black mascara would nor does it make my iris appear any different than a normal mascara would.  I think that if you really want to make yours eyes pop, reach for a complimenting eyeshadow or interesting eyeliner rather than this Benefit BADgal Plum Mascara.  I have not tried any other colored mascaras so I don't know any ones that would work better.

Pros - I cannot think of any pros for this mascara, it is not worth spending the money on it in my opinion.

Cons - Expensive, does not do what it claims to, does not whiten or brighten the eyes more than a black/brown or blue mascara would, does not lengthen or add volume, etc.  Kind of just sits on the lashes.

I don't recommend this mascara.  Spend your money on another product, it will be much more worth it.  I am all about trying new mascaras and trying to find the perfect one for your particular lash situation but this one totally does not do it for me. 

I know that colored mascaras are starting to pop up a little more as time passes (I just saw that Avon is doing them now - which I would be interested in trying) and I want to know:  Have you tried any colored mascaras?  What is your opinion on these?  I want to like colored mascaras but I have yet to come across any that I have heard truly do what they are supposed to and look good at the same time.

Clinique 'Lash Doubling Mascara' Review

I think that Clinique's 'Lash Doubling Mascara,' is an incredibly great mascara. I got a sample size of it a little while ago in one of those gift with purchase specials at Nordstrom's.

The first time I tried it, I didn't think much of it. In fact, I thought it flaked all over my cheeks as the day wore on. But it must have been the eyeshadow or something that I was wearing because I have been reaching for this every day now for about the past two weeks and I love it! I literally have no complaints about it.

Pros - Lengthens, deep/inky black, separates each lash, can apply multiple coats, lasts all day, easy to wash off and remove with a normal makeup remover, doesn't make my lashes feel dry or brittle, affordable ($14 at Macy's), the wand allows you to maneuver it with ease to reach all the lashes you want to coat with the mascara.

Cons - I can't think of one, I really am impressed with this formula.

There is a great gift with purchase going on at Macy's right now (online and in the store). You can click here to see the description of the gift with purchase on Macy's website!

I will post pictures of what this mascara looks like on my eyes tomorrow. Let me know if you like this mascara as much as I do or if you have any other suggestions. I'd love to hear what you all think!

Lime Crime 'Enchant' & 'Fairy Wings' Swatches & Review

Here are swatches of Lime Crime Magic Dusts, 'Enchant' and 'Fairy Dust.'

These are swatched over Too Faced Shadow Insurance.

Pros - You can see that 'Enchant' is a kind of grayish, dusky green color, it's good for a smoky eye look that is slightly out of the ordinary. I especially like it applied wet.

'Fairy Wings' was really hard to photograph (I apologize), it has sparks of violet and looks beautiful layered over another color (like layered over black). Since I think it's more appropriate as a layering color or a sheer wash on it's own, I would never apply it wet but I thought you guys might like to see that. I also like to use it as a highlight to my brow and cheekbone.

These shadows last a long time (product & wear-wise) so they are well worth the investment and would be especially for colors that you can't find anywhere else!

Cons - The one thing I do not like about these shadows is the container, they spill easily and do not seal tightly, causing me to get violet sparkles all over my bathroom, makeup case, etc. I find it annoying and I am tempted to transfer them into better containers.

I am definitely going to check out more Lime Crime shadows in the future, Doe Deere just revamped the website and they are now offering double the amount of product for the same price! I am for sure going to get some of the brighter pigments in the future.

Go to Lime Crime Makeup to see more color options and to buy a few for yourself!

Does anyone else have these shadows (or other Lime Crime products)? How do you like them?

'Starz Inside: Fantastic Flesh (The Art of Make-Up EFX)' Review

See a preview of the documentary on Starz.

I just watched 'Starz Inside: Fantastic Flesh (The Art of Make-Up EFX),' which is a movie on Netflix through their Instant Watch feature. Overall, I was really impressed with it. The documentary had a lot of emphasis placed on horror movies (which aren't my favorite) but there was also the inclusion of other films that have used a lot of special makeup effects. Films such as: The Chronicles of Narnia, Planet of the Apes, Total Recall (love this one!), Kill Bill, etc.

I also liked this movie because even though there was a lot of discussion about the director of a movie, the artistic vision, intended style, etc. there was a lot of focus on key individuals who have revolutionized makeup artistry and changed the way that people have done special effects. I like that this documentary gave these individuals for the inventive and imaginative work that they have done. I was really touched by the beliefs and practices of people like Dick Smith (The Exorcist & Amadeus), who has exemplified to other artists over the years, his willingness to pass on what he knows about the industry and what tricks will gain what effect.

If you have an hour or so, definitely check out this movie, I think it's enlightening, takes you behind the scenes, shows you how a few tricky things have been done and reminds of you of movies that have altered the way that people see things and what can become of a movie.

"Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II" Swatches & Review

I just got the new 'Urban Decay Book of Shadows Vol. II' eyeshadow palette in the mail yesterday. I couldn't wait to share it with you all! It is available on Urban Decay's website right now as well as other sites like Sephora.

All swatches seen below are over 'Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner,' which I received a sample tube of at Sephora! (See product info on Sephora).

As you can see, these eyeshadows are pigmented and lovely as usual. The ones with asterisks next to them are new shades that are currently only available in this palette. The colors range from subdued to sparkly and bold. I think this is an excellent palette that can suit both day and nighttime wear.

Here are swatches of what each of the eyeliner's look like that come with this palette. I swatched them both with and without primer, just as an experiment. I actually think they are just a tad more vibrant without primer and I like them better that way.


You can see in this picture that this palette has a pull out drawer which reveals the eyeshadows, eyeliners and makeup primer. There is also a mirror which stays shut with a hidden magnetic closure and a little book of 'inspiration' is hidden beneath the two doors with the peacock feather print on them. I personally don't think the mirror is necessary but I know there are people out there that appreciate that feature.

Pros - affordable (when you do the math, this equals $3/eyeshadow, not even counting the primer & eyeliners), good pigmentation, sturdy construction (I feel like I could carry it around & it wouldn't break), good size pans of eyeshadow, good range of glitter and matte eyeshadows, suitable colors for both day and night, will last a long time.

Cons- the drawer that pulls the eyeshadows out can get annoying and stuck-feeling, I wish it opened like a compact instead.

I really like this palette and I can't wait to show you guys some looks that I do with it! Soon to come!

What do you guys think of this palette as well as Urban Decay's other Holiday releases?

Coastal Scents 'Fusion' Lip Gloss Swatch and Review

Here is a swatch of 'Fusion' by Coastal Scents, I threw this color in when I ordered the Camo Quad that they just came out with (review here.)

Overall, I really wish this gloss was more pigmented that it is, I have these glosses in a few other colors (Strunt on Nude, Monroe A Go Go, Mega Mauve & Near Peach) and I think that it their only downfall. They are much more sheer that they appear that they would be in the tube. I like that this is 'wearable' but I was keeping my fingers crossed for something that would really pop when I put it on.

Pros - Easy application, small/easy to fit in a pocket, purse or bag, affordable (they lowered the price since they first came out!), variety of pinks, nudes and peaches; not sticky, smooth feeling on the lips.

Cons - Not nearly pigmented enough, especially with the lip trends going on right now, the brush/cap can feel cheap (bristles stick out funny) and the stopper can pop out and get stuck in the cap - resulting in a messy situation. Be careful when you first open to see if you got one that is going to come apart!


What are your favorite lip glosses, lipsticks, etc.? Which ones have the pigmentation you have been looking for?

Coastal Scents Camo Quad (Concealer) Swatches & Review

This is the new Camo Quad that just came out and is available at Coastal Scents. It is a good size compact, fits in the palm of the hand. Anything to help with dark circles and dullness is something that I am definitely interested in! You can get similar palettes from lines like Ben Nye, Makeup Forever, etc. but this is a more affordable choice for the average buyer.

According to Coastal Scents:

4 primary corrector shades: cream color correctors: Apply to clean and moisturized skin prior to using foundation; can be used on any area of external skin with imperfections.

• Mint Green - use to cover rosacea or red skin conditions; mint neutralizes redness; great for broken capillaries around the sides of the nose and cheeks.
• Yellow - used to cover and hide black, blue or purple imperfections of the skin such as blemishes.
• Lavender - use to even out skin tones such as too much yellow; correcting olive skin/ offers an overall balanced finish and healthy glow.
• Sky Blue - counteracts orange tones caused from uneven or too much tanning/self tanners/sun; neutralizes dark circles.

Pros: Nice/buildable coverage, applies smoothly, affordable palette (about $8!), multitude of corrective concealer choices to cover a wide-range of skin issues, good size - will last a long time, foundation applies easily over the top of it, clear lid so you can see what's inside.

Cons: Cream concealer may be too much coverage for those not used to wearing a lot of product on their skin, will take some practice for people not used to using concealers that don't match their skin tone.

Overall, I think this is an excellent correcting/concealer set. It's affordable, a nice size and the coverage is what I have been looking for. I can't wait to reach for this on the mornings when I need that extra help to appear "fresh-faced."

'Too Faced Starry-Eyed Mini Glitter Eyeliner' Swatches & Review

I really like the idea of glittery items like this being sold in smaller containers because I can never use up an entire full size container if I have one. That is why I think this Starry-Eyed Eyeliner set from Too Faced Cosmetics was a wonderful find for me. This was a set that was sold last year around Christmas time, you can still get these colors by themselves in their full-size versions so I figured swatches would be good for all to see!


Colors Include:

• Super Freak (hot pink and rainbow glitter)
• Ooh & Aah (black and silver glitter)
• Stalkerazzi (brown glitter)
• Mad Mad Love (light pink glitter)

Overall, I think these are great glitter eyeliners. The brush can be a bit weird on them, it would be nice if it was even thinner for more precise application. The color payoff is fantastic!

Pros - fun, bright colors that can be applied in a subdued manner or with a heavy hand for extra attention, stay on well without flaking, apply easily and smoothly.

Cons - sometimes my eyes are sensitive to these liners and feel a bit dry and itchy there the liner is applied (important note to those with sensitive skin/eyes), can be hard to wash off, sometimes hard to get enough product on the brush due to the shape of the container.

Keep an eye out for this gift set to still be available some places, it's well worth the price and the set was being sold everywhere last year, you never know who might still have a set or two lying around!

Benefit 'Eyecon' Eye Cream

I started using this eye cream about a month ago. I have been trying to be good about moisturizing my skin regularly and I have started to get an interest in using something other than just a regular moisturizer with SPF (I use Oil of Olay every morning). When I saw that this cream was supposed to help with under eye circles, I was intrigued. I perceive my under eye circles to be worse than they probably are but nonetheless, I still think that under eye circles are something that both men and women deal with. 'If I can use a cream to fade them or at least help them, why not?' I thought.

Well, this cream doesn't do anything it claims, it doesn't fade or make under eye circles appear any different than they normally do. I didn't notice any change other than a nice, moist eye area from putting this cream on every morning and night for the past month.

Pros - moisturizes eye area, absorbs into skin quickly, light feeling, hardly any scent.

Cons - expensive for the amount you get, even if it does last for a long time. Does not fade dark circles, reduce puffiness, etc. I don't think it doesn't anything it claims except moisturize.

Here's a picture from when I first started using the cream a month ago:
Here is a picture from this morning.

See? Hardly any difference. Don't waste your money on this one. It's moisturizing and that's nice but it doesn't do anything to fade dark circles or aid the eye area is any other way. I think if you are looking for a moisturizing eye cream, there are a lot of different and probably better choices. As of right now, I think Benefit should stick with the cosmetics and not go into lotions, creams or other regimens.

Do you have any suggestions for an eye cream? I'd love to hear what you use and love!

Eyeko Concealer, Highlighting Pen and Tinted Creme

I figured I would give you my opinion on all three of these products at once, since you can get them in a special value set right now (which means less money!) - it is available here!

Larissa at Eyeko was nice enough to send these products for me to review - thank you very much, Larissa! (I was SO excited to get them, especially the Highlighting pen).


Touch and Glow Highlighter - This is my favorite item out of the three. This easy to use pen can be used with just a few twists and you have all the product that you need and it is ready to go. Just apply it to your brow bone, the inner corners of your eyes, the tops of your cheeks, wherever you want their to be a glint of shimmer. I think that this would work on almost all skin tones and would provide the shimmer (or glow) you are looking for without being too glittery. I cannot think of any cons with this product, I think it is well worth the money and "cute" to boot! I already find myself reaching for it every morning!

Touch and Go Concealer - I'm really disappointed that Eyeko doesn't offer this concealer in a variety of shades. Having a generic skin tone color does not work for a majority of people. For me, this concealer is too dark/too yellow and doesn't do anything to offset the bluish undereye circles that I try to cover. On top of being too dark, I don't think it offers enough coverage as a concealer. I think it's more like a tinting that occurs rather than giving coverage.

I would not buy this, it's not worth the money, and I don't think the majority of people would find it useful to conceal undereye circles or anything needing 'heavy' coverage. The pros of this product would be that it is cute, portable and isn't at all messy when you are using it. Overall, If you're lucky enough to have a medium skin tone, with yellow undertones, then give this a try, it might work for you.


Eyeko Tinted Cream - Bronzing or tinting cream is not something I would normally buy. I don't tan (I wear sunscreen all the time) and personally, it's not the aesthetic that I am normally wanting for myself. Nonetheless, I do admire a sun kissed glow on other people and for that I think this cream is great. As you can see in the picture below, it's a dark, golden, copper color. I feel that when used sparingly (very sparingly), it does give off an excellent, youthful "glow" that so many people are after.

I also love that this cream is infused with jojoba oil and infused with vitamins. I feel that if you want a sun kissed look, it is much better to go after it through creams and tints like this rather than going to the tanning booth or sitting outside. It's so important to protect yourself from the sun!

Overall, this cream is an excellent value, the container is fairly large, with a screw-on lid, which allows you to bring it with you without worrying about it spilling or exploding all over your bag. Definitely order it if you like a tanned/bronzed look and want to nourish your skin at the same time!

Remember, Eyeko offers FREE shipping on all orders. If you order, use the Code: E4321 - you'll get a free gift!

Blasphemous Girl Designs, The †[Blasfemary]† Ring, Necklace & Oil Set

I got my order from Tairrie B. of Blasphemous Girl Designs in the mail a few days ago. Check out her store here!

Let me just start off by saying, 'yes! This is exactly what I have been waiting for!' From the moment I removed the envelope from my mailbox, I was in surrounded with the smell of the perfume that only Tairrie B. can create. I kept smelling the envelope all day long at work, just to make the anticipation of opening it when I got home that much better! I think that the cost of this package is almost worth it for the oil alone (which is notoriously hard to get ahold of, as she makes the vials/sets in limited quantities).

According to the description on her store site, the perfume has a secret recipe which contains the following:

Without giving away my secret I will say it captures the
essence of a sugary french vanilla birthday cake drenched in angel, dipped in
bergamot with a hint of nutmeg, a pinch of amaretto, a side of chocolate covered
cherries and a touch of Tairrie.

And I will say this - it is TRULY delightful and wonderful to be the owner of it.

The jewelry and other pieces that came in the package aid in creating the atmosphere that the perfume evokes. I think one could almost say that the pieces are created around the perfume, that is how much I think the perfume/oil can stand on it's own. I know for certain that when I wear these pieces, I will be proud of my purchase and feel fulfilled in what I ordered from her. I only hope that I have the willpower to not use the oil too fast because I don't know when I will be able to pick myself up some more!

Pictures of me wearing the jewelry soon to come!

Please be sure to check out her blog as well as her storefront!

'Heavenly Naturals Eyeshadow' Swatches

Here are some swatches for your viewing/shopping enjoyment!

You can get these eyeshadows on Heavenly Natural Beauty.

All swatches are over 'Dr. Brandt Pores No More Pore Refiner,' which I received a generous sample tube of at Sephora! (See product info on Sephora).

I like these shadows, I think they have great pigmentation and staying power. I also think that the website offers a great variety of colors to satisfy every kind of person.

2009 Fall Beauty Trends [according to Sephora]

According to the latest catalogue from Sephora, the fall beauty trends are:

The Cat Eye - I love this, classic and looks fantastic on everyone!
Candy Colors - LOVE this trend that is happening right now! Check out Limecrime Makeup, for some seriously intense colors that I am sure you will fall in love with! (Review to be up in the near future). Also, check out Shrinkle (see picture above - that's her!) and you will be sure to be impressed with some hardcore inspirational looks!
Extreme Smoky Eye - I've always loved this! And I don't think people should only wear it at night, I think that wearing a smoky eye during the day is like your own little, secret confidence booster!
Gray Eyes - As in gray eyeshadow all around the eye - romantic and sweet, I love this as well.

Bold Brows - I've yet to pull this one off that well, I have light/thin brows and it's hard to get out of my comfort zone with that. I enjoy darkening them but making them appear larger or bushier brings me to a level of nervousness and insecurity. I DO love them on other people though (i.e., Kat Von D).
Big Hair - Maybe because I was born in the 80's, I have an innate sense that this is such a great look for women or men (with the right haircut of course). The higher the hair, the closer to God? Nonetheless, I love it, give me teased, back-combed hair (done with a a touch of classiness and intent to make it look good). It is wonderful that we are going to get to see it all around us!
Dark Lips - Love, love, love them! Bold, vampy, and altogether sultry. I think a dark lip can ooze confidence and sex appeal. I think it shows the rest of the world you are comfortable in who you are. And I definitely don't think it needs to be reserved just for that Friday-night-out.

What are some of your favorite brands to achieve some of these trends? Any recommendations for me?