Love them! NYX Intense Butter Gloss: Spice Cake, Black Cherry Tart, Berry Strudel

 (left to right) Berry Strudel, Black Cherry Tart, & Spice Cake

 (left to right) Berry Strudel, Spice Cake, & Black Cherry Tart

 Black Cherry Tart

 Review

I love these lip glosses where have they been my whole life. Before I graduated to lipsticks I was a lip gloss fiend and collector. And it was always a journey to find drugstore lip glosses with intense pigment and longevity. These darlings have both. NYX I am impressed and astounded. These beat out the Mega Glosses hands down. And those were my original favorites.  These are a spin off of NYX Butter Glosses, which I also love, but have a more sheer application. They are buttery and leave your lips super duper soft. The packaging kind of similar to the NYX matte lip creams. They also have doe foot applicators as well. My only complaint is that the packaging is too small because I want more product of course. But you don't need to use much as these are opaque with one application. Spice Cake is my favorite out of the three reviewed and I plan on purchasing more colors in the future. So you can expect another review and more swatches. The price point is great at $6.00USD each. I give this product a 5 out of 5. Well done.

Where to Purchase

Ulta, Nordtroms Rack & NYXCosmetics.com

 shown above with camera flash 

(from left to right)

Spice Cake 

Black Cherry Tart

Berry Strudel

 shown above without camera flash 

(from left to right)

Spice Cake 

Black Cherry Tart

Berry Strudel

M.A.C Dita Von Teese X Brook Candy Lipsticks

 (left) Brooke Candy-Mind Control (right) Dita Von Teese-Von Teese

 

 Brooke Candy's lipstick (Mind Control) is an amplified finish and comes in a lipstick box with a unique design. However Dita Von Teese's lipstick is matte finish and comes in a specially designed lipstick box, has her signature engraved in the lipstick and glossy lipstick bullet with her signature.

 Dita Von Teese matte lipstick swatch on the lips.

 Review

Von Teese is a vivid tomato red matte and Mind Control is a bright cherry red amplified lipstick. Both lipsticks are very similar in color, with the exception of the finishes. Control is very watery and slippery on the lips. I am not a fan of wet looking lipsticks as they tend to wear off and transfer on everything. Von Teese even though a matte is not as shiny however it reminds me more of a satin finish, than a matte. Both are beautiful colors, but in terms of quality that is debatable. At the price point of $17.00 and $18.00 I would expect more, but M.A.C probably figures it's brand and name can make up for lackluster lipstick quality.  I give both of this lipsticks a 3 out of 5. I do like the packaging I do like the idea, however poorly executed. If you are a fan or both or either of these ladies, buy and support. But if you are looking for a quality red lipstick, save your coins. 

Recommedations:

M.A.C Red Lipstick

M.A.C Ruby Woo Lipstick

Lorac Perfectly Lit Luminizing Powder (Radiant) Discontinued!

 This oil-free, velvety powder brightens and evens, helping skin appear naturally radiant. This unique luminizing powder helps diminish the appearance of imperfections by optimizing the effect of light, for a youthful, luminous, glowing complexion.

 Review

I originally bought this with the intent of using it as a highlight for my cheekbones. If your using a liquidation this is excellent. However if you are a Bare minerals original foundation girl, this can come off ashy. If you have large pores steer clear. However pretty this powder appears to be. It may not work for you so please do your research and not just purchase this on a whim. It is quite pricey, although I got it half off on HauteLook. Intermediate to Professional makeup artist and enthusiast my know how to correctly apply this powder. But I do not recommend this for someone just dipping their feet into highlighting techniques. A good brush is key as this powder is fine and smooth. I love how it feels on the skin. It is long lasting, and I experienced no skin irritation. This particular shade has peachy undertones which come off ashy on my skin tone, but I think it maybe because I was using a powder foundation underneath. Skin prep is key. 

The powder comes in a sturdy mirrored compact with a thin application sponge. 

This powder is suitable for fair to tan skin tones.

Swatch Out! L.A.Girl Matte Flat Finish Pigment Gloss: Tulle, Frisky, Backstage

 (from top to bottom)

Tulle

Backstage

Frisky

L.A. Girl

 Blurring the lines between lipstick and lip gloss, Matte Pigment Gloss has already become a favorite of makeup artists, blogger and fans. These 16 bold shades provide rich, intense color in a flat finish for all day wear. The long wearing formula goes on as a high pigmented liquid and dries to a flat matte finish. Leaving lips colored in gorgeous velvety perfection that last and lasts. Cruelty Free. Never Tested On Animals. Net Wt. 0.17 OZ. $5.00

Review

I'll start with the positives, which is the price and amount of product you get for under $10.00. The longevity of this product is fair, as it will wear for a long while as long as you don't eat or drink anything between that time. The colors are bold and dry down to a matte finish pretty quickly. Careful when applying, some colors may go on patchy or uneven. I found this to be the case with Backstage, (see dry swatch below). I did not have this issue with Frisky or Tulle. The packaging is that of a large lip gloss and it comes with a flat sponge tip applicator for easy application. Once applied to the lips it does not get sticky or tacky before drying like some of the more pricey liquid lipsticks that are on the market.  Since I am a fan of "Red" liquid lipsticks. Frisky is a dupe for Lime Crime's "Red Velvet" Velvetine and Jeffree "Star's Red Rum" Velour Liquid Lipstick.  

Price: 5

Packaging: 5

Longevity: 5

Pigmentation: 5

Shown above when wet

Shown above 5 minutes after applying.

RIP: Melt Cosmetics: Bane, Belladonna 2, DGAF

 (left to right) bane, dgaf, belladonna 2

( left to right) bane, dgaf and belladonna 2

(top to bottom)

belladonna 2

bane

dgaf

Review:

First off let me start by saying that I love these colors in general, the idea was great but the execution is lacking. The formula its self is oily, runs off the lips and is not really matte at all, the color gets all over everything including your teeth and the formula reminds me of a drugstore lipstick. For example Loreal, Revlon's creme formula. The pricing is too high at $19.00 a lipstick plus $6.00 shipping. They describe their formula as a retro matte, but M.A.C had already coined that title with their own line of retro matte's with Ruby Woo being one of my favorites amongst them. The packaging is also not so exciting. With the new wave of matte liquid lipsticks at comparative prices by Colorpop, Jeffree Star, Dose of Colors, Anastasia Beverly Hills, and L.A. Splash Cosmetics, I wonder if matte lipsticks are becoming a thing of the past. 

Why I purchased:

These lipsticks were so hyped up on social media and the advertising was great. I did not see one bad review. But I am a tough critic when it comes to lipstick, so I wasn't surprised by my reaction. Belladonna 2 was the first lipstick I purchased and I noticed it wasn't as pigmented in person as I had seen on blogs, but I chalked that up to lighting, filters and hype. However when it starting running off my lips and transferring onto everything, the red flags came out. Matte lipsticks usually do not transfer, and that is why I prefer them. Bane and DGAF were very pigmented, but also transferred onto everything and did not last long on the lips. I was dissapointed and since then decided not to buy anything else based off of hype and propaganda, plus that dissapointment cost me. Almost $80.00. Price isn't everything but in this case I didn't get what I paid for. 

Pros:

The shipping was fast, and the colors looked beautiful for the few hours they were on my lips. 

Recommendations:

If you are looking for a great decent priced matte lipstick, try NYX cosmetics matte lipsticks on the low end at $6.00 each or M.A.C cosmetics matte lipsticks on the high end at $17.00 each.

Pressed! Rockstar Energy SuperSours Green Apple Inspired Nails

*wet n wild wild shine- stand the test of lime
*hot topic Blackheart beauty multi neon

 *wet n wild wild shine- stand the test of lime*
*hot topic Blackheart beauty multi neon*

This nail look is inspired by my favorite Rockstar Energy drink flavor Green Apple, and as a self proclaimed collector of many nail polish colors, finishes, and brands pairing these two colors together were a no brainer. For right now I'll admit the nails are a little bold and ahead of the curve, since it is winter and everyone is flashing, deep wines, mauves, nudes, and greys on the nails around this time. I thought I would get myself in the mood for spring a little early. And there is no time like the present.

*wet n wild wild shine- stand the test of lime*

Review

This nail color is not opaque at all, it took two coats for this swatch. And it if it were not for the glitter and confetti on top it would be a wash. I do not recommend this for stand alone wear. The color went on uneven and patchy, which is a little surprising because the Wet N Wild brand is never disappointing when it comes to nail polish quality. The watery color could have worked with a shimmer polish, not a creme. I give this particular product a 3 of out 5.

*hot topic Blackheart beauty multi neon*

Review

Hot Topic always dissapoints when it comes to makeup quality, and pigmentation. But I am a little impressed with this color confetti with a clear polish base.  How daring and retro. I like this particular brand because the nail colors come in a cool skull bottle and you know I love skulls. I give this product a 4 out of 5.

Nicka K Lip color: Miami, Tampa, Pensacola, Panama City

 I love that these lip colors give you just enough color on the lips and wear and feel like a lipgloss. Although Tampa and Pensacola are more opaque. They last a few hours before reapplication. And are moisturizing.  $2.99USD

 Pigmentation:4

Packaging: 5

Price: 5 

Longevity: 3

Black Radiance Artisan Color Baked Bronzer: Blackberry

 Price: 5

Longevity: 3

Pigmentation: 5

Packaging: 3

Total=16 out of 20

 Review:

This bronzer is heaven sent for those who love a deep contour. This is a very different color combination that I have never experienced before and I love it. It has grey, gold, purple mixture to it that makes it almost gothic looking on the cheeks. I think this color is perfect for contouring but can be a bit garish on the cheeks if worn as a blush. Use a light hand when applying, a little goes a long way but be careful it doesn't last long, so be prepared to reapply. Hey you get what you pay for. Not bad for a drugstore brand.  

Recommendations:

Tan to Deep Skintones

Pressed! Loreal Nail Color: Flashing Lilac

 Review

Pretty violet nail color with a serious pink undertone. Perfect for all skin tones and the spring and summer season.

M.A.C Silly Lipstick

 M.A.C recently brought back some of their favorites last month and their Silly matte lipstick was one of them. After viewing several swatches I decided to purchase. I am not dissapointed but also not surprised by the patchy and streaky application. Most of M.A.C's matte lipsticks apply this way. With the exceptions of the retro mattes. The color is pretty though. Suitable for fair to tan skin tones. Not suitable for dark to deep skin tones unless you are planning on a full face of makeup or toning it down with a plum lip liner. This is a serious bright retro pink lipstick. $16.00USD Limited Edition and no longer available.

left (daylight) right (flash)

Collection: Jordana Matte Lipsticks

 Review

I have been swatching and reviewing these lipsticks for years. And they are still one of my favorites not only for the price $1.00 to $1.99USD but the quality. It's no secret that Lavender Lady is one of my favorites.  It is the perfect nude against my cocoa skin. I really like Poppy Pink and Plum Obsession. Eggplant is a more affordable lip color for those who want that dark lip without paying the high price. It is just as long lasting and pigmented, and looks great on fair to deep skin tones. Hot Kiss is a orange red and doesn't have the staying power of the others. Berry is a muted plum, which would look great on fair to medium skin tones. Fruity Punch is a matte hot pink perfect for spring and summer looks. Pink Passion is a true pink, sort of retro and would look great with a smokey eye. 

Pigmentation: 5

Longevity:4

Price: 5

Packaging: 3

Lavender Lady: Tan to Dark Skintones

Berry: Fair to Medium Skintones

Eggplant: Fair to Dark Skintones

Plum Passion: Fair to Dark Skintones

Fruity Punch: Fair to Tan Skintones

Pink Passion: Fair to Deep Skintones

Hot Kiss: Fair to Dark Skintones

Plum Obsession: Fair to Dark Skintones

Daiso Japan Beauty Haul

 Everything in store $1.50 or less, items sold on the DAISO JAPAN online store are sold in bulk. I like this shop because it has everything from household items to stationary. Even some beauty and makeup items as well. This time around I picked up some much needed essentials grapefruit makeup wipes, adhesive tape for press on nails, a nail scrubber, oil blotting paper, and pedicure toe separators. All items were $1.50 each.

The oil blotting paper is made from old traditional Japanese "Mino-Washi Paper". And contains natural ingredients that are gentle on sensitive skin.

Wet N Wild megalast Salon Nail Color: Warm Filter

This peachy warm coral color features a ManiCurve Pro Brush for more nail application coverage. It is the perfect fast drying spring/summer nail color. Two coats shown on stiletto press on nails for added drama. $2.99USD Walgreens.

Shown above with camera flash.