Review - Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Bordeaux

In the past, I've professed my love for Bite Beauty lip products. I've bought/collected many of their High Pigment Lip Pencils and Matte Crayons, so this time, I picked a different product to try.

Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream
in Bordeaux

Wrist Swatch of Bordeaux

Bite describes this color as "burgundy" - it leans more purple than red to me. To make matters more confusing, there is also a shade called "Burgundy" - which is supposedly a berry! Either way, it's a nice shade for fall.

The product comes with a large doe foot-esque applicator. I hesitate to call it a doe foot, because it does not have the small slant and tip that makes a doe foot applicator look like its namesake. The applicator is larger, rounder, and flatter, making it a little bit more difficult to apply the product. I found that the product was a bit thick, thicker than your average liquid lipstick, which is where it gets the 'cream' part of the name. I had to blot to sheer out certain parts of my lips where the product was darker, due to inability to spread.

The product itself is moisturizing, but I made the mistake of wearing it without a lipliner, so I got a small amount of feathering outside the lips. Unlike most liquid lipstick/cream lipstick products, this does NOT dry to a matte finish. I found that the product gathered into lip lines after about four hours and a cup of tea, and needed to be reapplied. However, it left a nice stain on the lips. 

Pros:

• Moisturizing
• Stains lips

Cons:

• Applicator is a bit difficult to apply to edges of lips
• Gathers in lip lines
• Prone to feathering

Bite Beauty Cashmere Lip Cream in Bordeaux - $28.00 for 0.23 oz

Review - 3.5/5

Review - Ardell Curvy! lashes in #410

My false eyelash collection is steadily growing. Even if I have a bunch of pairs on deck, I can't help but peruse the selection at Ulta or Target or wherever if they have a display. You never know what you're going to find! On one of my recent trips to Ulta, I decided to try out these Ardell Curvy lashes in #410.

Ardell Curvy! lashes #410

Close up of #410 lashes

I decided to give these a try because although they are a little longer than I normally wear, they still looked quite natural in the package. This pair of lashes is SUPER long, and needed to be trimmed significantly to fit my eyes - but I have teeny eyes, so you may find differently. When I took these out of the tray, they immediately fell limp - the band is very very thin. A thin band is usually a good thing, it means you'll have an easier time getting the spine close to your natural lash line and it won't stand out. However, you want a band that can stand up to the weight of the lashes, and that will hold a curve to make applying a bit easier!

The individual fibers of the lashes themselves are super thin, and have a blunt edge. (More companies need to start tapering! It looks good!!) The fibers are so thin that a little bit of handling causes them to splay or lose their curl. I had a super difficult time trying to apply these, just because with glue added, the band was super floppy and difficult to maneuver. 

I've only worn them once, and I'm sure I'll give them another try in the future, but right now, I don't see myself repurchasing this particular pair of lashes.

Pros:

• Clear band
• Nice curl 

Cons:

• Band is too thin to support itself
• Lashes are non tapered, blunt ends
• Individual fibers can lose curl or splay easily

Ardell Curvy! false lashes in #410 - $3.99 for 1 pair

Review - 2/5

Review - NYX Wicked Lashes in Bashful

NYX recently released a new line of false eyelashes - Wicked Lashes. Of course, they sold out immediately on their site, and Ulta doesn't have them online. I was able to track these down in store at Ulta, and this was the first pair I decided to pick up and try.

NYX Wicked Lashes in
Bashful

Close  Up of Bashful falsies

As I'm sure I've mentioned in the past, I have small eyes with short lashes, so I wear natural looking false lashes 95% of the time. (Other 5% is me saying "fuck it" and wearing ridiculously huge lashes out to a bar or something.) I'm always on the hunt for new pairs to try, and these looked perfect! I've worn them about 10 times so far (I've had these pictures to do this review for ages, I slack so hard, I'm sorry!) and I LOVE these! I only had to trim them down a tiny bit, and they apply easily - the band is sturdy enough to hold a curve and apply.

The lashes themselves are not tapered, as you can see from the close up. However, the staggering pattern and density of the individual lashes make them appear quite natural when applied. The band is clear, which is always a bonus for me, since I'm not always wearing black eyeliner. 

I have to say, I prefer the Wicked Lashes over NYX's other line that I have tried, Fabulous Lashes. I found that the Fabulous Lashes had a more difficult to work with band, and the pair that I tried had a black band. However, both are excellently priced, and everything always comes down to a matter of preference. 

(I just checked the NYX website, and they are in stock! Hooray!)

Pros:

• Clear band
• Natural look

Cons;

• Lash tips not tapered, blunt ends

NYX Wicked Lashes in Bashful - $3.50 for 1 pair

Review - 4/5

Review - NYX Simply Vamp Lip Cream in Bewtiching

I love when NYX releases new products! I don't love trying to get my hands on them. Between the NYX site seemingly never getting restocked, Ulta having about 1 in 5 new items online, and Ulta stores being hit or miss on what has been tampered with, getting new NYX products is a pain in the ass. I managed to get my greedy little hands on a couple of their newer products, which I look forward to reviewing for you!

NYX Simply Vamp Lip Cream
in Bewtiching

Bewtiching wrist swatch

When I saw the new Lip Creams from NYX I was a little confused - this looks like a crayon. When I think 'cream,' I think of the Soft Matte Lip Creams, which are actually, you know...creamy! Naming aside, NYX released four collections of these 'creams' - Nudes, Pinks, Reds, and Vamps. I managed to get this one in store at Ulta, where all four collections were on display. Online, you can only pick up Vamps and Reds.

NYX describes this shade as "burgundy with blue undertone," but to me it looks like a deepened fuchsia/raspberry blend. The packaging is a twist up crayon, which I love! No loss of product due to sharpening! When applying, the color went on pretty patchy - I had to run over it a couple of times to get it even and opaque across my lips. During wear, this bled outside the liplines like crazy, so if you decide to purchase, I advise pairing it with a lip liner of some sort, be it clear or a matching color. As the day wore on, this gathered into lip lines and needed to be reapplied. I also wore this with a lip primer, so that was disappointing to me.

Pros:

• Twist up packaging

Cons:

• Lots of bleeding/feathering
• Patchy application

NYX Simply Vamp Lip Cream in Bewtiching - $6.50 for 0.11 oz

Review - 3/5

Haul - Korean Skincare from RoseRoseShop

A few of my friends online (namely Anna and Pigmented Lips) turned me on to the world of Asian skincare. although there is some emphasis on skincare in the Western world of cosmetics, skincare is an entirely different, huge, overwhelming animal in countries such as Korea and Japan. I had been sent a few sheet masks to try (if they do not fit your face it is ok, I don't think they really fit ANYONE'S face) and decided to place my own order. I went pretty tame this time, I didn't order anything with snail or placenta or royal jelly. Perhaps my next order...

Etude House I Need You Hyaluronic Acid!
Sheet Mask

Etude House I Need You, Green Tea!
Sheet Mask

Etude House I Need You, Honey!
Sheet Mask

TonyMoly Sleek Mist and
Skinfood Black Raspberry
Eye Cream packets

Skinfood Avocado Rich Toner and
Emulsion samples

Initial Thoughts:

Skinfood Avocado Rich Toner & Emulsion  - The toner was recommended to me by a friend, and the sample size came paired with the Emulsion of the same line. I really like these, they smell pleasant and really moisturize the skin. I have been using the toner after cleansing and removing makeup, and following up with the emulsion at night, in lieu of my usual Clinique gel moisturizer mixed with some facial oil.

TonyMoly Sleek Mist - I am not going to lie to you, I bought this because it is shaped like a bunny. That being said, I picked up the one formulated for oily skin. I have yet to use it to test my makeup longevity or anything like that, but a few spritzes didn't send my skin into a crazy rage, and it did not have any scent that was easily detected.

Skinfood Black Raspberry Eye Cream - I picked up a ten pack of samples of these. The formula is super creamy and rich, but the scent...I can't really deal with it. It smells like rich earth, with a tiny maybe hint of raspberry that is so fleeting I think I imagined it. I am going to use my samples but probably not repurchase these, or the full size.

Etude House I Need You, Hyaluronic Acid! Sheet Mask - This is the sheet mask I fell in love with that a friend sent me. After using it, my skin feels super moisturized and firmer, with more 'plumpyness' as I  described it. I bought a three pack of these, and will probably re buy.

Etude House I Need You, Green Tea! Sheet Mask - This is another sheet mask, this time with green tea, and the packet says it is for "moisture and relief." I used this the other day, and it was definitely moisturizing, and calmed down some of the redness from some blemishes in my face. Overall, it was a very nice mask, it felt calming to my skin while it was on.

Etude House I Need You, Honey! Sheet Mask - I have yet to use this sheet mask, but the packet says it is for moisture. My thought process is that I like honey, so my face will hopefully like honey, too!

The only drawback from ordering skincare from Korea is the WAIT! I waited three weeks for this package, and I had to sign for it and everything, which was irritating. I also had to pay about $13 to ship...but the products themselves were quite inexpensive! I plan on picking up some more Asian skincare items due to the cost, it isn't breaking the bank to try some new (and unusual!) products!

FOTD - 09.12.14

In an effort to try and spend less money, I am going through my stash and trying to wear some things I haven't even really worn (that's just so terrible, there's actually lot...) and get some more use out of lesser-loved items. This week I've been playing with my Lit Cosmetics glitters! I decided to use one today as well.

One day i will get a real camera.

Face:

• Rimmel Stay Matte Primer
• Urban Decay Naked Skin loose powder in Light
• Maybelline Dream Wonder Fluid Touch Foundation in 15
• NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer in Vanilla
• Anastasia Contour Kit (Fawn, Vanilla, Sand, Banana)
• NYX Cosmetics Baked Blush in Sugar Mama
• Hourglass Ambient Lighting Powder in Dim
• Bourjois Java Rice Powder
• MAC Fix+ Spray
• Urban Decay DeSlick Spray

Eyes:

• Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown
• Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Brown
• NARS Smudgeproof eye primer
• Inglot eyeshadow #353
• Saucebox Cosmetics Forbidden Fruits palette (Tutu, Grape Fruit, Plumtastic)
• Saucebox Cosmetics Etude palette (Toffee, Cream Dream, Beaming)
• Lit Cosmetics glitter adhesive
• Lit Cosmetics glitter in Sugar and Spice
• Ardell #110 false eyelashes
• YSL Babydoll mascara

Lips:

• MAC Prep and Prime Lip
• MAC Viva Glam V lipstick

Review - Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette

When the Naked 2 Basics was announced, I was super excited. I happen to be a fan of Urban Decay's shadow formula, and have already collected the previous Naked collection eyeshadow palettes. A common gripe in the makeup community is that UD doesn't include enough matte shades in the big Naked palettes, and the Basics line is the answer to that. The first Naked Basics palette came out in late 2012, so this one is a long time coming. I'm looking forward to one based off the Naked 3 in the future!

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette

I don't have any swatches of this, as I feel I'm a liiiiittle late to the game on such a hyped palette. Urban Decay describes the palette as "taupe-hued," which I definitely agree with. Five of the shades (Stark, Frisk, Cover, Primal, and Undone) are totally matte, while one shade (Skimp) is a slightly more satiny shade that can be used as a highlight. Three shades - Skimp, Stark, and Cover - lean warmer than the others in the palette, but all of them can be used together to create multiple looks. I found a few of the shades - Stark, Frisk, and Cover - to be a bit powdery, but they still applied and blended nicely. 

Pros:

• Pigmented
• Very blendable
• Satin shade is actually satin and wearable

Cons:

• Some shades are powdery

Urban Decay Naked 2 Basics Palette - $29.00 for 6 x 0.05 oz

Review - 4/5

Review - Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Brandy

I have yet another Bite Matte Crayon to review today! It was 64 F outside today, so it was time to break out a fall color. (I also wore a light sweater!!) I'm still sipping tropical green tea as I write this, but it's nearing mid September and I've switched gears into fall.

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon
in Brandy

Wrist swatch of Brandy Matte Lip Creme

Since I've bounced back to a new Bite Crayon release from one of the J. Crew x Bite Beauty Crayons I reviewed last, we are back to the new packaging with the colored plastic under the cap that matches the shade of the product. I still stand by the original crayon packaging being my favorite, the colored button on the end makes picking your shade much easier. Though I do like the uniform appearance of the top portion of the crayon matching the color of the product - Bite, take notes for your next release!

Bite describes the shade as a "muted raspberry" - I found that the shade is a bit more fuchsia than an actual raspberry would be. When I applied it, the color was true to the color in the packaging (and on the plastic!)

The formula for Brandy is the same as the others from this release - smooth in application, highly pigmented, matte yet not drying. I'm really happy that all of the shades I have picked up so far have been equal in the formula. I applied two coats of Brandy, just to ensure a super even application, though the initial application was not patchy. It applied evenly over my always present coat of lip primer, and did not transfer much onto my morning mug of coffee. I experienced no feathering or bleeding, since I wore without a lip liner.

Pros:

• Smooth application
• Highly pigmented, no patchiness
• Matte, slightly hydrating

Cons:

• Packaging AGAIN...

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in Brandy - $24.00 for 0.05 oz

Review - 5/5 (Really trying to focus on the formula here, guys!)

Review - Ardell Natural Falsies in #110

Due to the very short nature of my lashes, I wear false lashes almost every single day. I tend to opt for a more 'natural' lash, such as these Ardell #110 lashes.

Ardell Naturals in #110

Close up of the falsies

I have small, semi-hooded eyes so shorter, less dramatic lashes work best for me. The #110s are perfect for the size of my eyes - they emphasize my lash line without overpowering my eye, or covering up my lid.

I find that Ardell lashes can be quite hit or miss - I've gotten double packs where one set of falsies differs from the second set - and they're both supposed to be the same type! When I trimmed my first one down today, I cut after the third bunch of lashes on the strip. These were fairly evenly spaced apart, making it easy to pick where to cut. When I went to trim the second, a couple of bunches were right on top of another, making where I cut a little bit different.

Due to the thin clear band, these falsies are a little more delicate than some other Ardell models (I'm thinking #120 Demis, here) and should be handled carefully. I was lucky not to warp the band when unsticking these from the plastic backing.

Although there are some drawbacks to these Ardell lashes, you cannot beat the price. I find that they get the job done and are still durable even though they are a tad bit delicate, and can be reused multiple times when cared for properly.

Pros:

• Clear band
• Natural look
• Easy to trim band down to size
• Reusable when cared for

Cons:

• Ends are not tapered, meaning the longer lashes have a very blunt look
• Delicate band
• Pairs are not always uniform

Ardell Natural #110 false eyelashes - $2.99 for one pair
Review - 3.5/5

Haul - Naked 2 Basics, NYX Simply Vamp pencil, and falsies!

How awesome is the Ulta rewards program? So awesome. I cashed in some points today to take home a mini haul!

The small but mighty haul of the day!

Naked 2 Basics - I originally put this on my wishlist, but I couldn't wait any longer! 

NYX Simply Vamp Lip Cream in Bewitching - I saw these released recently and needed to get my greedy little hands on one. 

NYX Wicked Lashes in Bashful - The new NYX falsies sold out pretty much instantly on their site, so I was super pumped to find these in store!

Ardell Curvy Lashes #410 - These may be a little bigger than what my tiny eyes can handle, but they seem to lean more to the natural side. 

I'll be reviewing these as I get a chance to use them. Very excited about all the new goodies!

August 2014 Favorites

It's the beginning of September, meaning I get to put together my very first favorites post! It was hard to keep it down to three lip products, I got a lot of lip products in this month that I really enjoyed using.

1. Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayons in Sucre - I did a full review of this a few weeks ago but I really need to reiterate how much I love these Bite crayons. I also have several other shades that I have yet to review or even wear, but these are going to be a definite staple moving forward!

2. Kat von D Everlasting Love Liquid Lipstick in Bachelorette - I am a huge sucker for bright pinks. This is the perfect bright yet not too bright pink. Bachelorette was the first KvD liquid lipstick I picked up, and I really love the formula.

3. Charlotte Tilbury Colour Chameleon in Dark Pearl - A full review for this can be found here. I managed to try using this again with no base shadow, and it blended like a dream. Now that Charlotte Tilbury products are available in the U.S., I will grab another one of these for sure!

4. Jack Black Intense Therapy Lip Balm in Black Tea & Blackberry - I must admit, I have a slight problem. If something claims to be 'tea flavored,' I need to buy it. So when I decided to try out these lip balms, the choice of flavor was clear. I love throwing this on before the gym, or after I take off my makeup at night. It smells nice, isn't overly sticky, and keeps my lips hydrated.

5. Rimmel London Stay Matte Primer - Summer makes my skin so gross when it comes to oil production. I love trying out new mattifying primers to see what can stand up to to the test of my oil field forehead. This primer works great for the workday, I was not overly shiny. You can't beat the drugstore price, either!