Ulta Glam Goth Nail Polish Collection

I just saw this Glam Goth set at Ulta this weekend and I had to get it. In the Ulta that I go to, it was next to the register, I almost didn't see it when I was there!  I really like dark nail polish colors because to me, they can sophisticated yet still edgy in their own various ways.  I like a kind of "goth" sophistication without all of the kiddie influence that an alternative style can have.

Here is what the brush looks like.  Even though it is stout, I found it pretty easy to use.  I like mini nail polish collections because I rarely use an entire bottle of nail polish before it goes bad.

Underground - A dark black with blue shimmer.  There are a lot of colors like this so there is nothing special about it but it is a nice color.

Tainted Love - I am reading that many people like this color.  It is green with gold glitter, quite lovely.  I have also read that it is a near dupe for Sally Hansen's Project Runway so if you missed that or liked that, pick this up.  Personally, I have found that that a lot of greens are hard for me to wear, they end up looking too yellow with my skin.  So a deep forest green is nice to see.

Black Lace - I think this should have a different name, it doesn't seem to fit this kind of nail polish.  A nice deep grey creme, rich and saturated looking.  I think I will wear this regularly.

For Bitten - pink/magenta and orange glitter in a black base.  I love this color and I think it mixes an edgy/sophisticated color with a touch of fun that isn't too bright or too over the top (for when you want to be more subdued in your "alternativeness."  This is my personal favorite color out of this collection.

After Hours - a purple with some shimmer in it.  A nice, normal purple that really doesn't have anything too special or unique about it but still a nice purple.  I think this purple would be cooler if the purple shimmer didn't match it so much and it sparked more than it does.

Milani 'Black Magic Liner & Eye Glimmer' Swatch and Review

A swatch of Black Magic liner in Blackened Pink (bottom) and Eye Glimmer in Pink Magic (top)

Milani Cosmetics states this eyeliner can be used in the following way:

A dual-ended pencil that delivers three amazing looks! Apply blackened liner on lash line or on the eye lid for deep, dramatic eyes. Use the glimmer top coat over the blackened liner to create a spectacular dazzling look.

Wear the glimmer top coat by itself on entire eye lid for a magical effect!

Use blackened eyeliner to create a thin or thick line on lower or upper lashlines. Can also be used to color in eyelids for an instant striking look. Apply glimmer topcoat over eyeliner for a dramatic finish or wear alone on entire eyelids for a shimmer effect.

Tip: To extend the wear, apply your foundation or pressed powder on entire eyelid before applying Black Magic Blackened Eyeliner & Glimmer Topcoat.

Pros - compact, easy for travel, a variety of fun colors, affordable and easy to find at stores.

Cons - creases easily, not as deep and pigmented as I would like, large pieces of glitter, fades and gets spotty as the day goes on.

I think this eyeliner/eyeshadow is just OK.  I don't hate it but I definitely don't love it.  I am going to have a try a variety of ways to keep it from creasing (a normal base just didn't help it enough).  I like the idea of this kind of 2-in-1 product that allows me to go from a light to a more intense look.  I think that this will definitely be able to be used as a base and then I can layer other items on top of it.

Have you tried this or a product like it?  What did you think?

'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!