Maybelline 24 hour Color Tattoos

So many companies have been introducting their new cosmetics in drugstores lately that are good dupes for high end products. Maybelline’s new Color Tattoos are one of them. Many have compared these to the MAC paint pots. I only own one of the MAC paint points but judging it from the texture and the way it applies, I can tell they’re similar.

I picked up five of the ten colours that were available cause I didn’t want to buy it and then not be able to return it if I didn’t like it. The shades I purchased were Audacious Asphalt, Tough as Taupe, Pomegranate Punk, Bad to the bronze and Tenacious Teal.

(from left to right): Bad to the bronze, tough as taupe, audacious asphalt, pomegranate punk and tenacious teal

I’ve tested these out to see how well they stick to their name. If you have oily lids like me, then without a primer I’m afraid you will notice the product creasing and fading a little throughout the day. I wore it for about 10 hours, with no primer underneath, before I noticed a little bit of creasing. I have yet to test it out with my Urban Decay Primer Potion (UDPP) but from what I hear, it has lasted many up to 12 hours plus. While these are actual cream eye shadows, they make an even better eye shadow base. Topping it off with some loose or powdered eye shadow will keep it looking as good as new throughout the day.

In terms of their colour range, there is a good balance between neutral shades and funky, bright ones. Though, I do wish they included a skin toned colour to use as a shadow base, like MAC’s painterly or soft ochre paint pot. These eye shadows are creamy in texture and easy to blend. Unlike MAC’s paint pot, they don’t dry out as fast so you have enough time to maneuver it before it sets. And when it sets, it doesn’t budge. 

Some of the colours are definitely more pigmented than the others. But you can build up the intensity by putting on one layer, then letting it set for a bit and then go over it with a second coat. I wasn’t really impressed with ‘Too cool (white)’ and ‘Painted Purple’…Too cool looked kind of splotchy to me (I prefer my NYX jumbo pencil in Milk), and painted purple just wasn’t pigmented enough, even after layering. So I didn’t purchase them. Edgy Emerald is next on my list, and maybe Bold Gold. 

Audacious asphalt: a charcoal grey with silver shimmer in it <3

Bad to the bronze

Pomegranate punk

Tenacious Teal: looks more like a bright blue than a teal =O

Tough as taupe: taupe with purple undertones

What do you think about these? :)

Naked 2 Palette Giveaway by ChloeAsh!

Click here to be redirected to ChloeAsh's website. She's giving away the new Naked 2 palette by Urban Decay! 

L’oreal infallible eyeshadows

L’oreal 2012 collections were recently released here in the US. And after watching some of my favourite beauty youtubers in the UK rave about this product, I was dying to get my hands on these. They’ve made their debut in several stores such as CVS, Walgreens, and Target already but since it is a fairly new product, don’t be surprised if your store doesn’t have it in stock yet. The price of this ranges from $7.29 to >$10 depending on where you get it.

L’oreal states that “it is an ultra intense eyeshadow that last from day until dawn – a full 24 hours. This revolutionary formula fuses the ease of a powder with the velvety caress of a cream to create a unique hybrid that glides on effortlessly. And with its unique technology, your eyes are enhanced with pure, magnified pigment. Make a lasting impression without battling an eye!

Intense, maximized color

Luxurious powder-cream texture

24-hour long-lasting hold

Waterproof, crease resistant, fade resistant”

These infallible eyeshadows are loose pigments pressed in a clear jar with a plastic cover on top of the shadow to keep its shape intact. Like L’oreal states, the formula is a cross between powder and cream shadow. It has a buttery, velvet like texture with awesome pigmentation. It almost creates a ‘wet’ kind of look similar to when you dampen your brush with water or fix+ and press a loose pigment onto the lids.

Swatched: Bronzed Taupe, Amber Rush, Perpetual Purple and Eternal Sunshine

The quality of these shadows is very rich, it has little to no fallout, and the staying power is great (creasing is not an issue when you apply a primer underneath). I haven't tested it out for 24 hours straight and frankly speaking, I don't think anybody even wears makeup for that long @_@ but the colour was just as pigmented 8 hours after application as it was when I first applied it. I also swatched a few of the shadows on my hand and washed my hands several times with water + hand soap throughout the day and they didn't budge!

Since neutral shades are more forgiving, I just use my finger to apply it to the lid and it glides on beautifully with no creasing whatsoever. For the darker shades, however, I noticed that using regular make up brushes don’t give it an even application. In some cases, it even takes away from the pigmentation. I tried applying it same way I do with the neutral shades but because of my pudgy fingers, it is hard to place the product where I want. Another option would be to use a sponge tip for application. I have yet to test it out and see how well that works.

Another minor negative aspect of this product is its blendability (is that a word? O_o). It’s not impossible, but it is a little difficult. So if you have polished your blending skills overtime and have some tips on how to combat this issue, do tell! 

Considering the fact that L’oreal owns Giorgio Armanic cosmetics, my hopes for this new product were pretty high. And it’s safe to say that I wasn’t disappointed. Despite not being able to use a makeup brush for application, I still think its great quality makeup for a drugstore brand. The end result outweighs the lil disadvantages :)

The shades I picked out are Iced Latte, Amber Rush, Bronzed Taupe, Eternal Sunshine, Perpetual Purple  and Sultry Smoke. They all have a metallic finish, which looks so pretty. Of all the shades I picked out, Sultry smoke is the only exception. Its a beautiful matte grey.

Neutrals: (top row) Amber Rush , Eternal Sunshine. (Bottom row) Bronzed Taupe and Iced Latte

Smokeys: Sultry Smoke (left), Perpetual Purple (right)

Amber Rush is my fave<3 Look how pretty it is!! ^___^

Revlon Lip Butter Reviews + Swatches

Everyone has probably already heard of Revlon’s new lip line. The main thing that caught my eye, aside from the wide range of colours, was the name of each one of them. They make me want to go to a bakery @_@

I’ve tested these lip butters over a good two-week period and I’m very pleased with the quality of the product. The consistency is light weight, it glides on easily, has great pigmentation and actually does feel very nourishing. The lighter colours could be considered a form of tinted lip balm because they are more sheer in comparison to the darker, brighter shades. The darker shades, however, are a whole different story. I’d say its three things in one. A lipstick in terms of pigmentation, a lip balm due to its moisturizing properties and a lip gloss because of the shiny finish it gives. But not shiny as in super glossy, just a subtle sheen.

One thing people are curious about is its longevity. These WILL NOT last you an entire day, I’d say about 3-4 hours max, considering you don’t eat or drink too much. So if you’re into long wearing lippies, this isn’t for you! Now everyone has their own opinions about them but for me, they’re definitely worth the hype! 

These moisturizing lipsticks come in 20 different shades. While it was tempting to have ALL of them in my collection, I only picked up 7 of them.

Starting from the left side, there’s Cupcake, Strawberry Shortcake, Peach Parfait, Berry Smoothie, Lollipop, Candy Apple and Red Velvet.

Cupcake – a blue toned bubble gum pink lipstick, sheer in colour (had to layer it up). Depending on how you do your make up, it can be a flattering lip colour. I wish it was more opaque and didn't settle into my fine lines .__.

Strawberry Shortcake – a favourite of many, it’s a pale Barbie pink colour. Like cupcake, the pigmentation of this is light. Its my second favourite out of the bunch. If it was slightly more opaque, it would be my go-to lip colour.

Peach Parfait – It’s a ‘my lips, but better’ kind of colour. Perfect for those days where you don’t feel like putting a whole lot on but still want to look a little dressed up. I find myself grabbing this the most out of all of them. 

Berry Smoothie – similar to peach parfait but with more of a brown hue. The colour is gorgeous and buildable so it is sufficient to transform your look from day time to night.

Lollipop – Very Pigmented bright fuchsia colour. One of my favourites <3 Definitely a statement lippy.

Candy Apple- It’s a coral red colour that’s very flattering on many skin tones. It applies more like a stain than a glosstickbalm (O_o). The colour stayed on my lips for a while, which is a plus!

Red Velvet – CRAZY pigmented . It looks like a deep maroon in the tube but it applies slightly lighter, depending on how hard you press it onto your lips. You can layer it to achieve a deeper colour.. It will look great with a neutral eye and winged eyeliner.

Cherry tart and Raspberry pie are next on my list =X Many CVS’s are out of these already ): I’ll have to try my luck at target …Which one is your favourite?

Collective Drugstore Haul

I walked into CVS towards the end of december when they had all sorts of crazy sales going on in the cosmetics aisle...All the good, expensive stuff were on sale for less than 5 bucks  I asked the lady at the counter why everything was on such a good discount and she said that its because companies are launching their new make up line so they need to get rid of the old ones. I was super curious as to what 'new' things these companies are about to display. 


 I obviously took advantage of that and bought some stuff that would've cost me no less than $30 bucks on a regular sale day. But anyway that was that. Then a week later, I walked in to my local drugstore and everything had changed. From my left to right, front and back, I was surrounded by all these beautiful things quietly calling out to me. I felt like a Japanese high school girl in a hello kitty store .__. Everything was so tempting. I didn't know where to start, what to buy, what not to buy. I was stuck in the store for a good three hours, trying to decide which colour eyeshadow or blush or lipstick to get. In the end, I narrowed it down to these babies: 

Revlon Lip Butters in Cupcake, Strawberry Shortcake, Peach Parfait, Berry Smoothie, Lollipop, Candy Apple and Red Velvet

Maybelline Color Tattoos in Audacious asphalt, Tough as Taupe, Bad to the bronze, Tenacious teal and Pomegranate punk

L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadows in Iced Latte, Amber Rush, Bronzed Taupe, Eternal Sunshine, Perpetual Purple and Sultry Smoke

Maybelline falsies flared mascara in Very Black
Maybelline Colossal mascara in Glam Black

Maybelline line stiletto liquid liner in Blackest Black
Almay liquid liner in Purple Amethyst

L'oreal Colour Riche lip gloss in Plum Rush (It looks kinda scary in the tube but it actually turns into a really pretty plum colour when u put it on)

Reviews on some of these products will be posted shortly! :) Until then, enjoy your day <3

Beauty Favourites of 2011

In the year of 2011, I discovered several beauty products that have made it onto my list of holy grail makeup items. It consists of both high end and drugstore products. 


1. Eyeliner - Physician's Formula gel liners 
For a drugstore brand, physician's formula products have always been one of the best. From their tinted moisturizers to mascaras, I've never had any complaints with the quality of their makeup. These highly pigmented gel liners are specifically created to compliment various shades of eye colours from the blues and greens to hazels and browns. You can even mix 'n match the different shades from each eye colour to custom-design your own gel liner trio. 

2. Mascara - Two faced lash injection 
I got a sample size of this when I bought my Urban Decay Naked palette from Macys so I didn't have to pay for it. I normally don't invest in high end mascaras because the formula dries up rather quickly. But I really like the formula of this one and will most likely purchase it after I run out. I use it in conjunction with my L'oreal Voluminous mascara to give my sparse lashes a doll-like effect. 


TIP: after applying one layer of mascara, let it set for a little bit before coating your lashes with a second mascara. 


3. Foundation - Make Up Forever Matte Velvet
My first foundation from MUFE. I absolutely love this stuff. It's a medium-heavy coverage foundation that mattifies the face unlike any other product I've tried before. Its long wearing, gives the skin a flawless finish and there's a wide range of colours to choose from so your bound to find a shade that matches your skin perfectly.


4. Concealer - Amazing Cosmetics concealers
Amazing Cosmetics is definitely one of the best-selling concealers in the beauty market. While it is towards the pricier side, you only need a tiny tiny bit to see results. If you use it sparingly, this little tube of awesomeness could last you upto months (even though it doesn't look like it). 


5. Blush - NYX powder blush in Pinched 
I've heard many rave about NARS blushes and I've always wanted to purchase a few. However, due to a tight budget, I decided to look for a cheaper alternative and I stumbled across numerous blog posts comparing NARS' most talked about, 'Orgasm' to the NYX powder blush in Pinched. I decided to give it a try and ended up loving it. Its beautiful peachy-pink shade with a subtle gold shimmer gives just the right flush of colour.


6. Lipstick - Revlon colourburst lip butter 
Another new product popular amongst makeup junkies: revlon lip butters. I have 7 of them in my collection so far and I love them. Aside from their super cute titles, what I like most about the lip butters is how moisturizing it feels against my lips. Its like a tinted lip balm but better. And I mean that only in terms of pigmentation. It obviously can't replace an actual lip balm when it comes to soothing chapped lips (and if u do have chapped lips, be careful of these cause it will only make it more obvious =X ). Some of my favourite shades include Peach Parfait, Berry Smoothie and Strawberry Shortcake (I'll include swatches of them in another post).

7. Lip gloss - any NYX or Revlon lip glosses
Affordable and many shades to choose from. Doesn't feel icky either. As simple as that.  


8. Bronzer - Two faced Aqua bunny bronzer
This is a cream-to-powder bronzer that literally smells like cocoa powder. Its matte, which makes it perfect and more natural looking for contouring.   


9. Powder - Rimmel Stay Matte powder 
I only have great things to say about this. I've hit pan on it twice and will soon be purchasing my third one. 

10. Eyeshadow - Urban Decay Naked palette, Wet 'n Wild palettes

Like many others, the Naked palette is my go-to palette. It has the prettiest and highly pigmented neutral eyeshadows that can be used to create multiple looks. It's definitely worth the price. 

A cheaper alternative would be the Wet 'n wild eyeshadow palettes. Many of them are even dupes for MAC shadows, in terms of colour pay-off and finishes (satin, matte, etc).

11. Eyeshadow Primer - Two Faced Shadow Insurance 

Two faced shadow insurance takes the trophy on this one. I do like the Urban Decay Primer potion as well. Though I noticed that TFSI doesn't crease the way UDPP sometimes can. 

12. Eyelash curler - Tweezerman 

Its hands down the best eyelash curler I've ever used.

13. Brushes - Real Techniques brushes by Samantha Chapman 

Good quality brushes + super cute packaging + reasonably priced = one happy girl

14. Highlighter- Diorskin shimmer powder in Rose Diamond.
LOVEEEEEEEEEEEE it<3 It gives the prettiest glow, without making you look like a disco ball.

Let's be friends! =]

I'm a college student who has a passion for all things beauty related.  

With the ever increasing number of people getting involved in the beauty community, I was inspired to create a website that shares my make up obsessions with others of similar interests.

Aside from make up, I'm also big on saving money. I found myself inspired to live frugally after watching endless seasons of Extreme Couponing on TLC and loved the idea of being able to purchase several things for the price of one. While the usual life and school gets in between, I try to do as much as possible so I don't feel guilty every time i splurge on cosmetics (we all know how costly that can be =P ). 

Rest assured that the product reviews on this blog will be purely personal and based on my own experiences.