Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner {Onyx} [swatch & review]

According to Sephora:

This waterproof, long-wearing eye pencil provides bold color that won't smudge or budge for up to eight hours. The creamy, easy-to-apply formula contains Vitamin E and Jojoba Oil to moisturize and protect. The cap houses a unique built-in sharpener—so you'll always have the most precise application.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens

Smashbox Limitless Eye Liner in Onyx

I think that I've found it.  This is the BEST eyeliner that I have ever tried.  It is incredibly long lasting, stays put and smudges in just the right way.  I have been wearing eyeliner for years and even when I am partially happy, I am always turned off about something when it comes to an eyeliner.  A lot of the time, it is too smudgy and doesn't stay where I want it to or it isn't as dark as I want it to be.  However, I keep reaching for this Smashbox eyeliner because it has yet to dissapoint me.

Pros - long lasting, rich color payoff, creamy and smudgable but stays put after setting, easy to apply (I don't have to tug on my skin), stays on waterline nicely, a pencil will last you a long time.

Cons - expensive (approx. $19), might be hard to find if you don't have a Sephora or an Ulta near you (order online!), only five shades to choose from.

Disclaimer: I received this eyeliner as a gift.

Coastal Scents 'Frenzy' Eyeshadow Swatch

 This is what a sample size container looks like.

A swatch of Coastal Scents Frenzy eyeshadow

Coastal Scents describes this eyeshadow:

Frenzy is satiny smooth with the faintest touch of peach and tan tone. This color works great all over eye prior to adding contrast colors.

To me, this color is a light pink and is a great neutral, shimmery color.  I think this could also be used as a highlighter for the brow or for the inner corner of the eye.  I forsee myself using this color a lot in the future, especially on days when I just want a simple/light wash of color.

'Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof - Long Lasting Eyeliner' Swatch & Review

A swatch that shows this Lancome eyeliner smudged out (top) and a bolder swatch (bottom)

I have been using Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof - Long Lasting Eyeliner off and on for the past few weeks.  It's not a bad eyeliner but it definitely isn't great either, it doesn't do what it claims.  I find it to be smudgy and it doesn't last all day.  The color is nice and bold when you first apply it but I find it fades to more of a gray/black after a few hours.  Personally, I like waterproof eyeliners that are an inky, deep black and do not budge for the entire day!

Pros - Eyeliner/smudger in one, self sharpening, attractive casing with caps for the eyeliner and smudger part.

Cons - Expensive ($24.50 at Sephora - look for better deals!), smudges easily throughout the day, not a true black after a few hours, fades from the lids even with a primer on.

Overall, save your money any don't splurge on this eyeliner.  There are way better options out there.

Have you tried this eyeliner?  What is your favorite eyeliner?

Disclaimer:  I received this eyeliner as a gift.

"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?

'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!

Coastal Scents 'Gel Liner' Swatches

Coastal Scents gel liner's, Black and Deep Plum. I love Deep Plum and I don't wear it enough, I think it would be great to try as an eyeshadow base. Both are vibrant and true to color and apply cleanly and smoothly. They are shown here on clean skin, no base. My only complaint is that the black can be somewhat staining to the skin, but you just have to be careful while washing to make sure to thoroughly remove everything.

I highly recommend these liners! They are affordable, a lot comes in the container and they last forever both in application and wear! Coastal Scents offers a wonderful selection of colors, many of which I still want to get!

You can find these liners on CoastalScents.com. Tell me, what gel/creme liners do you like? Any suggestions that will help me create that perfect cat eye?