ecotools Travel Brushes

Save the environment plus space in your cosmetic bag.

When I went on a mini trip in January, I realized I packed extremely light on makeup but had to have a whole separate (heavy) bag just for brushes. Before spring break and a few other trips, I realized travel brushes would be a good investment and better traveling solution.

I did a little research on the "best travel brushes" a lot of people like the MAC mini brushes (limited edition, usually available for the holiday season),and the Shu Uemura Compact brush set (no longer available at Sephora or Shu Uemura, priced around $50?) With either brand, I'd only receive 4-5 brushes for $40-50.

I changed my search to "best CHEAP travel brushes" the winner definitely seemed to be ecotools travel brushes. Nine brushes for $20; I had to give it a try.

I have used these brushes on three trips, I actually used them as my regular everyday brushes for about a month as well.


5 Piece Mineral Brush Set
($12.00)

Mineral Powder
This should be your all-over face brush. (Possibly blush?) I don't wear powder. But I do use this for a highlight brush and it works great.

Eyeshading Brush
This really reminds me of MAC 217, not an identical dupe, obviously. But does get the job done nicely. I mainly use it for crease color and blending, ocasionally highlighting.

Concealer Brush
Again, reminds me of MAC 192, distributes product nicely, blends well.

Baby Kabuki Brush
Because it's so little, it does a lot more time and effort.  If you used this for your all-over face powder/foundation it will take a lot longer than a normal size one.  Luckily, I just use this for bronzer and get rid of harsh lines from blush.

Cosmetic Bag
I wasn't impressed with the bag. It's almost too small just for these 4 brushes. I like to be able to dig around in a big bag and grab the I'm looking for rather than dumping them all out/grabbing one by one until I can find the one I'm after.


6 Piece Eye Brush Set
($8.00)

Large Eye Brush
Picks up product well and distributes evenly. I used this for all-over lid color and then the highlight color, as well.

Angled Crease Brush
I'm really confused by this brush (in fact I ending up selling it on eBay) It's too big to get the crease color placed nicely. (I use the Eyeshading Brush from the other set for crease color instead.)

Petite Eye Shading Brush
This brush is good for your inner corners and to fix mascara and eyeliner mess ups.

Smudge Brush
This is nearly identical to the Petite Eye Shading Brush, in all shape, size, and the brush hairs.  Usually, when I hear smudge brush I think of a sponge, not actual brush hairs.  I couldn't really figure out what to do with this brush (another one sold on eBay.)

Highlighting Brush
This brush has the same shape as the Eyeshading Brush from the other kit. However, it's a little smaller and worse quality.

Travel Case with Mirror
Again, I'm not crazy about the case because it only holds these 5 brushes.  Maybe for on-the-go (keeping this brush set and case in your purse), it's good.  But actually travel, it's annoying to have so many bags/cases for brushes.


"earth friendly beauty"
Save the Planet
Cruelty-Free Hair
Natural & Recycled Materials

Both kits were missing a few brushes that I use every day and still have to bring along the full size, (and I'm searching for travel size ones!):


Angled Blush Brush - The Mineral Brush could work as the blush brush, but I'm a little lazy and don't want to have to hold the brush a certain way to get the same effect as the angled brush.

Angled Brow/Eyeliner Brush - This kit doesn't have any type of eyeliner brush, which I found pretty weird since powder and gel liners are becoming more popular than just pencil liners.

Brow Brushes - This kit isn't very brow-friendly at all, there's not one brush.  I know most of us have untamed, wild brows and need an angled brush, spoolie, and/or eyebrow/eyelash comb.  Maybe I should just find a separate travel brow kit.

Rating Scale 
(NEW! click here)
Product: 4/5
Value: 5/5
Packaging: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

The main point: The kits (all 9 brushes and 2 cases for only $20) are well worth the value and quality.  Some of the brushes are too similar and/or serve no purpose or not the correct one it is labeled for.  The kits have some room for improvement and there's most likely even better ones out there.  The 5 Piece Mineral Brush Set is definitely worth looking into, the 6 Piece Eye Brush needs a little bit of tweaking by ecotools,

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March Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."



China Glaze Cracked Concrete Polish - After my obsession with Black Shatter, I wanted another color. This is the same idea, the same crackle affect, just a different color. Someone informed me my nails looked like granite counter tops; I guess that's a good description. It looks best with pastel polishes.

eos Hand-cream (Nourish) - I got this product only because I was sucked into paid advertising. In the Cosmopolitan March magazine, this product was mentioned in many beauty articles, it can fix hair fly-aways, and clean up under-eye make-up. I was most impressed with the cute, practical packaging. So easy to use and carry in your purse. It smells extremely nice too, light and fresh. It's not a miracle hand cream, but I don't suffer from extremely dry skin to mind.

Essie Topless & Barefoot Polish - A great natural shade. This was my first Essie polish. The first coat was quite streaky (not sure if that's normal for the brand?) but the second coat covered it. It would be the perfect nude for very pale somewhat pink skin tones.

MAC Margin Blush - A peachy golden color, it's very natural looking with a hint of shimmer.

MAC Select Moisturecover Concealer - I was on the hunt for a moisturizing concealer to take care of red, dry, splotchy patches around my nose. This did the trick. It's much more moisturizing than the other two MAC concealers I have tried (Studio Finish & Select Cover-up.) The wand application makes the process a lot fast than having to worry with a brush.

MAC Soiree Polish - (Cham-Pale Collection) Such a light, pretty bronze color. Covered in one coat.. impressive! Would be great for summer.

Neosporin Overnight Renewal Lip Therapy - I suffer from extremely dry, flaky lips. I'm always searching for an HG product. This is by no means it, but it does soothe my lips before bed. (I haven't noticed amazing results in 3 days as promised.) It smells like Fruity Pebbles cereal!

OPI Teenage Dream Polish - I think this has made my favorites three months in a row? I keep reaching for it. Such a fun, girly, color. Loaded with glitter. (Would be great for prom!..depending on your dress.)

Organix Morroccan Argan Oil Conditioner - I picked up just the conditioner because I have so many other treatments and shampoos I need to finish up first, but I'm definitely going to purchase everything from the rest of the line. It smells amazing, it's pretty thick so it actually feels like it's moisturizing.

Sephora Glass Nail File - Never again will I purchase the basic emery board. I was tired of going through emery boards like there's no tomorrow. Plus my nails were getting somewhat brittle and always had a rough edge at the top. Not with this file - it makes your nail extremely smooth and doesn't wear and tear them down.

Wet 'n' Wild Mega Protein Nourishing Mascara - I found this at Big Lots for right under $2. (Meaning, I'm sure it's discontinued.) I'm trying to step away from my favorite mascara and give others a try. It doesn't give the false lash effect. It's great for work or school when you still want the natural look. It's a soft mascara, it doesn't make your lashes all hard and clumpy like every other one I've picked up in my life does. I'm not sure if it really "nourishes" but I feel like it does, mental thing. I'm sure.

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Time-Saving Beauty Tips

Here are a few of my favorite tips to spend less time in front of the mirror and get more beauty sleep. (Lately, for class, I do well just to get some moisturizer and mascara on.) Depending on your school and jobs, who believe less is more, these tips may be beneficial to you and allow more shut-eye.

Skip the Morning Shower
Studies are being shown that your natural oils are actually better for you than scrubbing it all away in the shower. Not only that, many gallons of water are saved. Oily hair? Dry shampoo is a great solution. Even cheaper (possibly household) solution?: Baby Powder.

Try: Pssst Dry Shampoo

No Foundation
Let your skin breathe, don't cake product on all day every day. (Especially in warmer weather!)  Try a tinted moisturizer (even better, an energy-boosting one) Treat problem areas with concealer.

Try: Origins VitaZing Moisturizer.

2-in-1 Products
Look for products that serve multiple uses. cheek highlight & eyeshadow, bronzer & contour, double ended products, etc. Use a peachy blush, or something a little darker than your skin tone (depending on your coloring), that can give the right effect and look like you applied contour, bronzer, and blush.

Try: MAC Blush in Margin

Don't Layer Products
"This product lengthens, this one volumizes" etc.  This is especially the case for mascaras.  Look for mascaras that are all-in-one products and provide everything they advertise.  Layering products means you have to take the time for the first layer to dry/set.

Try: L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara

Blank Canvas
Most places actually frown upon colored eyeshadow and eyeliner.  It does make your eyes pop, but it is also somewhat distracting, especially if it's not done right.  Applying six eye shadows and getting it perfectly blended does take a lot of time; save these looks for nights out.  Skip the eyeshadow altogether if you can.  If your eyelids are red/purple because of veins.  Get a cream matte eyeshadow that matches your skin tone. Most cream products can stay without primer.

Try: MAC Paint Pot in Soft Ochre
Brightening Effect
If you still need/want that extra pop in your eyes, try a champagne/nude metallic (rather than white) eyeliner in your inner corner and waterline.  This can give a subtle widening effect for sleepy eyes.

Try: MAC Eye Kohl in I Get No Kick
Skip the Brushes
Grab products that are a in a twist-up, pencil, or wand form. Some people are grossed out about applying product with their fingers, if that's the case, keep it minimal. It takes a lot of time to switch back and forth between brushes, then even more time to clean them at the end. Pour brush cleanser into a spray bottle rather than the regular bottle it comes in to save product and avoid excess mess.


FOTD: Nearly Natural


Face: Origins Vitazing Moisturizer, MAC Margin Blush
Eyes: MAC Brow Pencil in Lingering, MAC Soft Ochre Paint Pot, MAC Technakohl in Graphblack (waterline & tightline), MAC Eye Kohl in I Get No Kick (inner corner), L'Oreal Carbon Black Lineur Intense (lash line), L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara
Lips: MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick (lightly applied)


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February Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."


Coach Poppy
I was surprised I liked this because I'm usually more into somewhat masculine meets sexy scents. This one is completely girl - floral, fruity, summertime.  I loved the sample so much I had to purchase the full bottle.

Eco Tools Travel Brushes
Great set of travel brushes, pretty high-quality brushes for the price.  More in-depth review to come.

MAC Velvet Teddy Lipstick
This is my first matte lipstick.  I had to step away from the viva glams because I used the B2M program for this.  Supposedly it's a dupe for the color Megan Fox often wears.  It's a very light brown.  It's one of those the color-of-your-lips but better shades.

MAC Well Dressed Blush
A pale baby pink in the pan, but a gorgeous color once it meets the skin.  Perfect for everyday wear.

OPI Fiji Weejee Fawn
I think this has made my favorites the past three months?  I constantly reach for it.  A champagne/nude metallic.

OPI Teenage Dream
A fun pink, it takes 3-4 coats to match the bottle though.  Maybe more practical over another shade.

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Vegas
Dupe for Bobby Brown Shimmer Bricks, I would always use a pigment for highlight; powder is so much more practical, especially when in a hurry.  Gives a nice glow.

Tweezerman Tweezers 
I never understood what the point of purchasing $20 tweezers was, all tweezers do the same thing, right? Wrong. Hair literally jumps into these tweezers! I can get rid of hairs that I couldn't even see to begin with. They seem to be less painful, too.  You can send them and get them sharpened at any time.

Zoya Remove Plus
The best nail polish remover I have ever used.  Plus, the no-spill bottle pump is a major plus. It is acetone but it's moisturizing at the same time.  It can even get glitter polish off.  It smells good, too... lavender meets a male's shaving cream.  I will be repurchasing the huge refill bottle!

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Maximize your MAC Palette

I've seen a few blogs and YouTube tutorials on this.  My first thought was I'd never "ruin" my palettes (pop out the insert) because I feared my eyeshadows would not stick and break.  But when I realized I was about to have to purchase a third palette, it was time to do something.  With this method, your palette will hold 26 eyeshadows, almost double the original 15.


First, empty out your palette. You will pop off the plastic insert by wedging a butter knife between the 6 clips. (Marked below.) It should easily pop off.  Then you will have to glue the magnetic insert at the bottom down. (It's not attached.) Keep the 15 plastic insert, you can easily clip it back in if you change your mind.


Next, arrange your eyeshadows however you want them.  For the maximum 26, use the guideline below.  Remember, you're not only limited to MAC eyeshadows you can now put any size pan with a magnet into this palette. 


Optional - you can put the names in the case.  This is especially great if you do tutorials often.  No more picking up the pan and occasionally chipping it to see the name on the bottom.  Some people just use labels.  I think the picture method looks a lot neater.  How to: take a picture of your eyeshadows.  Upload it to your computer and open it with any photo editor (Paint, Photoshop, even Word.) Resize the picture to 7.25"x4.75" (it can be a little smaller, just don't exceed this measurement or your palette won't close properly.) Use the text box feature to add the name over each eyeshadow. (My original template is above, click to enlarge.) Print, cut out, then attach it to your palette... I used photo splits to attach mine; double-sided tape would work too, you could even glue it if you know you won't rearrange your eyeshadows.


Before (July 2010 click here) original 15 eye shadows to After (now) 26 eye shadows.

I really do like having more eyeshadows in the same palette.

Pros:
-It saves time because I'm not switching back in forth between multiple palettes.
-Before the eyeshadows were just spaced too far apart.
-The powder usually made a mess getting all over the black insert making the palette look completely messy.
-Save Money (you can almost fit double the eyeshadows into one palette, saving $15), buying pans is also cheaper. Click here for a price comparison.

Cons:
-Not travel-friendly.  The pans just don't feel secure to travel often.  You should probably pick up a few MAC quads, or even better, a Unii Palette (click here.)

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Three Must-Have Brushes



I honestly do not have an amazing brush collection, like most bloggers and gurus.  I've always stuck to drugstore and ELF brushes.  I've finally realized good brushes really do the work for you.  I thought it was just lies that spoiled gurus and sales assistants sold to you. Some brushes are a little pricey but I'm beginning to see you get what you pay for.

I'm only willing to pay about $25 for a brush (there's plenty of MAC ones I want for $50-$70 each.) Unless you're a makeup artist, I really don't think those are practical prices.  Luckily, there's Sigma that makes dupes of most MAC brushes.

Over the past month (maybe a little more), I've discovered three new brushes that have made a difference.

MAC #217 Tapered Blending Brush $22.50
(Sigma has multiple similar blending brushes at $9 each.)- This has been on my wish list forever, I finally picked it up with some Christmas money. This is my fourth MAC brush; it really should have been my first.  It makes applying crease color so easy.  It's great for blending out all the eyeshadow once your eye color is complete, too.  I have been using the ELF Blending Brush forever, I assumed it was similar enough but I was completely wrong.  I got rid of my ELF brush a few days after I purchased the MAC one.

Sonia Kashuk Synthetic Concealer Brush $9.99
I was on the hunt for a brush to apply Paint Pots and other cream and liquid products.  Obviously, authentic hair brushes are out of the question (massive buildup and bacteria.) So I ended up doing some research.  This brush was the size I wanted, if it could apply creamy concealer it can apply Paint Pots. I was right. No more using my finger or other brushes definitely not made for cream products. I also love the shape of the handle, the curves are exactly were your hand grip goes, it's a lot more comfortable to hold than regular brushes.

Sigma Tapered Highlight F35 $16
A lot of brands don't offer a highlight brush, just because any brush can easily apply loose powder for a highlight.  I used to use a regular face brush but hold it awkwardly to get the right shape/angle for a highlight. After reading this post, I immediately had to purchase it.  It makes applying highlight powders so easy and looks absolutely flawless.

FOTD using all three brushes:


Eyes:
Sonia Kashuk Concealer Brush to apply MAC Chilled on Ice Paint Pot, MAC 217 Brush to apply Bronze Eye shadow in the crease and outer V. Sigma F35 Brush to apply NYX Nude Pearl Pigment. (Also used MAC Lingering Brow Pencil, L'Oreal Telescopic Mascara, & Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Pencil in Zero.)

Cheeks:
Sigma F35 Brush ro apply NYX Nude Pearl Pigment and MAC Well Dressed Blush

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Review: Sally Hansen Nail Polish Strips

I saw these in a magazine ad a few months ago. I thought stick-on nail polish sounded really cool, plus an easy, fast application, mess-free and smell-free. -- wrong.


I picked a box up at Wal*Mart a few weeks ago. I was a little annoyed and shocked at the price - $8.50 My immediate thought was that's a bottle of OPI that will last forever. (Other bloggers have stated they paid as high as $13.) This was just one manicure. Being curious, I still purchased one.


Sally Hansen Salon Effects Nail Polish Strips in Frock Star

I followed all instructions but the application process was still annoying - I have long, skinny nails. I used 3/4 (length) of each sticker.  But I still had to cut and file down the sides because it completely flooded my nails. - On some nails, it ended up chipping (one ripped) immediately from so much tugging and filing for the perfect fit. Then by that time, the sticker was barely sticky - I ended up using some brush-on nail glue beneath the polish on a few nails to make it stay. - Overall, not worth the time and effort and still looked somewhat chipped. - Only my thumbnail actually looked decent, the sticker was smaller than my nail, so it stretched and fit properly (how instructions say it should.)

I thought this would be easy, fast, nail art. (With skinny nails, wrong, it takes too much effort for the perfect fit.) and great for people who travel or people in the office space - no smell, no mess. again, wrong.  The smell was almost as bad as an original nail polish bottle itself. Plus, it made a mess (paper wise) each sticker has 5 parts - tip, top cover, bottom cover, and the actual sticker itself,  and then the excess polish after you fit it properly. (See below for the mess.)


"Last up to 10 days."  Was another reason why I purchased these.  Most nail polishes only have a flawless look for three days, I thought with an actual sticker there may be hope -  10 days? no way... It already chipped immediately after application.  On the third day of wear, two nails completely peeled off. - Since there was no way to fix those two nails, I just easily peeled the remaining 8 nails off.

I really liked the idea of these, but for skinny nails, it's just not practical. It's not cost effective either. One manicure and then 6 leftover strips, the biggest nail sticker was the size of my toenail. - I would recommend these to people with shorter, wider nails (cut the strips in half and you could have two manicures, plus it will stretch properly and hopefully make a perfect fit.

Pros:
-no drying time
-glitter was completely smooth (not the flaky kind you get in bottles.)

Cons:
-too much effort for a perfect fit
-too much chipping and ripping.
-made for larger, wider nails
-expensive
-smell
-messy (paper)
 -last only 3 days


Overall: Stick to nail polish bottles...

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January Favorites

"Favorites" posts/videos discuss the products (and other misc things) you loved for that month. The products can either be purchased that month or (old) "rediscovered" items. Favorites are published at the end of the current month or at the beginning of the following month."

My favorites are pretty overwhelming this month.  Between Christmas gifts, buying items I've just been wanting for awhile with Christmas money, and Makeupalley swaps, I accumulated a lot.  Plus, I had to make a few repurchasing.  Some products I'll do a separate review in the weeks to come.


Cosmetics
(New Products)
LUSH Sea Vegetable Soap
I've tried multiple soaps but I have never just loved any of them, I could never more than about a 1oz piece, the thought of repurchasing never crossed my mind. - Finally, I've found one I love.  Mid-month my local LUSH counter had all older soaps 50% this was the best smelling out of the bunch so I got a huge chunk for only $7.  It's just a nice clean smell, citrus meets the ocean. (The description says lavender, but I don't pick that up.) It's somewhat masculine. It has seaweed on the top to get rid of dry spots on your skin.  The only con: Seaweed chunks left in your drain.

LUSH Seanik Shampoo Bar
My hair is amazingly soft; a separate review to come.

MAC 217
I now own 4 MAC brushes, I wish this was the first one I purchased, it's the only one that's really worth it.  Separate review to come.

MAC Beiging Shade Stick
I saw this on someone's blog (can't remember who...) stating they repurchased over and over again, someone else requested a swap with me and had this on their list so I thought I'd try it out.  I have worn it every day since (with Patina in the crease.) I prefer Paint Pots, but when I'm in a hurry, or just lazy, this is my new go-to. It's a great champagne/nude base.

MAC Dangerous Cuvee Paint Pot
Great for smokey eyes, full review a few posts back.

MAC Patina
A soft frosty brown (great for paler skin tones)

Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes 0L
I received the mini set for Christmas, I always wanted to try these but didn't know if they were worth it, this has amazing staying power, it's my new favorite pencil liner.

OPI Black Shatter*
I know this is sold out almost everywhere, I love it, I wear it over every shade and receive so many compliments.  Again, separate review to come.

OPI Fiji Weejee Fawn 
a Champagne/metallic very light nude.


OPI Tickle my France-y
the perfect nude.

Origins VitaZing Moisturizer 
So many people just raved about this, I wanted to try it but didn't want to pay the $40.  Luckily, I ended up arranging a swap for it.  I really wish Origins made a smaller cheaper size to attract more consumers, but this is worth it.  I hate foundation, I never wear any. In the winter I'm faced with splotches and redness, this has little beads that even out your school tone.  I'm not sure how it works exactly I always thought the beads that match your skin tone was a scam, but this one works! I haven't noticed it being amazingly moisturizing (but I don't really have dry skin) but others have said it is.

Sigma Tapered Face Highlighter F35
A highlighter brush was the only thing missing from my brush collection, this was an impulse/she-made-me-do-it after watching a youtube video, buy. but it makes all the difference in the world.  separate review to come.

(Repurchases)
All of these have been favorites for a long time, but I ran out and had to repurchase this month so I feel like they're worth mentioning again to state I'm still sticking with them.  I've already raved about them enough and still stand by everything I have said.
L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black
LUSH Ocean Salt
MAC Viva Glam V 
 Urban Decay Potion Primer - (Professional Size) If you're a normal UDPP user or haven't tried it out, I recommend the professional size (squeeze tube) it's so much easier to apply than the wand, and no more cutting open the wand package to get all the product out.


Misc
Osfoora for iPhone
(Twitter Application) There's one for blackberry, too.  I was upset with this app at first, it worked for a week then crashed every time I opened it, I'm not sure if there's a new developer or the old one finally decided to fix the problem, but anyway it's been up and running since.  The standard Twitter for iPhone (previously Tweetie) is good, but it's just missing some features. Osfoora offers: customization, more search options, nearby tweets (pretty creepy), follow Friday, more on the profile view, and easier navigation.  The only con: no push notifications. (I still have to keep the official twitter app to get notified of something.) If you constantly tweet from your phone, the extra features are worth the $2.99 investment.

Papermate Flare Colored Pens
5 bright colored pens, felt/marker-like tip so they write really smoothly. I've been on a hunt for some good (cheap) ones and finally found these.

Vera Bradley Laptop Skin
I always wanted one of these but couldn't justify paying $18 on a sticker.  I guess I finally got annoyed by all the fingerprints and the ugly logo on my computer so I finally purchased it.  It makes my netbook and my laptop look a lot nicer.  Plus, I had a little rectangle left over that could've easily covered any type of phone or iPod.


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Review: MAC Cham Pale

I know I'm behind, this collection was released on December 26; I'm posting nearly a month later, my apologies. It took awhile to get my hands on most of these, then I wanted to make sure I used them a few times to give a good review.

For whatever reason, there are about six collections out right now. I'm usually not into collections. (Honestly, the last one I remember purchasing multiple items from is To the Beach, this summer.) This one was an exception. After admiring preview posts the entire month of December, I knew I wanted Feline and Dangerous Cuvee, I picked those up the day of release. After reading more reviews, I picked up Chilled on Ice, and after hard searching for the high demand/always sold out 'I get no Kick' (where did that name come from...?) I finally picked it up, too.


Chilled on Ice (Paint Pot)
Swatches were gorgeous, and me being a paint pot lover, I decided to pick this up (not an original "want".) The best way to describe this is Bare Study with gold shimmer.  I have liked wearing this all over the lid with Bronze Eyeshadow in the crease. It's also good for an under-brow highlight.

Good, but if you have Bare Study and you aren't a shimmer/glitter lover, you probably should skip it.



Dangerous Cuvee (Paint Pot)
This was the main thing I knew I wanted from the beginning.  I don't understand why there's not a gray paint pot in the permanent line, anyway.  I have been reaching for this at least every other day.  It's a must have if you're a smokey-eye lover.  Even if you're not into shimmer, you can put a matte eyeshadow over it, it makes a great base.

Great, worth a buy.



Feline (Kohl Power Eye Pencil)
Reviews raved about how this such a great pencil, the blackest black, great staying power. Etc. The first time I used it, I was impressed. The second time, felt/looked like a normal liner. The third time, my eyes starting hurting. The fourth time, the eyeliner completely smeared, by mid-day, I looked like a sweaty mess (a gothic girl, or someone who wears dark smokey eyes to the gym.) Not only that, but my eyes were just burning. Then I realized I never even checked to make sure it's waterline safe, I never found a straight forward answer, so that could have been my problem.

For this to be so talked about and people say they pick up three or four when it is released again, I was majorly disappointed. I already swapped this for another paint pot on makeupalley.com (go figure. lol.)

Disappointment. For a better black eyeliner... I would recommend: MAC Technakohl in Graph Black (Twist-up Pencil), MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack (Gel), Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes in 0L (Pencil), or Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero (Pencil.)

I Get no Kick (Eye Kohl)
I really want to know what type of name this/where it came from.  Even the Sales Assistant was confused by the name. lol.  I went to three counters for this, it's always sold out online, I was tempted to ask someone make a customer purchase for me, but a counter finally restocked.

I used to be a huge fan of white eyeliner (inner corner and waterline) then looking back at pictures, I realized it was way to harsh, I needed a nude color... so I picked this up.  I like it, staying power isn't that great. By early afternoon, I noticed major fading.  It does open up your eyes.

Okay.  Other people have recommended Make Up for Ever Aqua Eyes in 23L and Stila Kajal Eyeliner in Topez  (I don't own either, so I can't say which is better.) for better staying power.

Overall, Feline & I Get no Kick are way too hyped up.  Dangerous Cuvee is the only thing absolutely a must-have/worth the buy, in my opinion.

A lot of people have been raving about the lip products, specifically the Lip Gelees.  (I can't step away from my chapstick and Viva Glam V) If you're into lip products, they may be worth it.


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What's in my Travel Makeup Bag?

I used to be (truly, I probably still am) such an over-packer. (My family really doesn't travel as much as we did a few years ago for me to really know.) I made an out-of-town visit to a friend last week, I was so proud of myself for getting everything in a tiny suitcase.


Not to mention that, but my makeup in a small bag too; it was only about 3/4 full!  For whatever reason, I had such a hard time leaving makeup items at home.  I've finally realized wearing the same blush and lipstick a few days in a row won't hurt, and I really do not need to tote around a huge eyeshadow palette.


(No, this aren't necessary my top products.  However, quite a few of these are everyday products or travel-friendly equivalent to.)

  • Clean & Clear Morning Glow Eye Brightening Cream
  • ELF Blushing/Bronzing Duo (Dupe for NARS Orgasm and Laguna, I prefer those, for travel purpose, I go with this one.)
  • L'Oreal Telescopic Carbon Black
  • MAC Eyeshadows - Carbon, Espresso, Shroom, & Silver Ring
  • MAC Fluidline Blacktrack
  • MAC Indianwood Paint Pot
  • MAC Select Cover Up Concealer
  • MAC Viva Glam V Lipstick
  • Make Up for Ever Aqua Eyes 0L
  • Model in a Bottle Eyebrow Sealer
  • Origins VitaZing Moisturizer (I wish they made sample sizes!)
  • Revlon Skinlights Face Illuminator (Decant)
  • Urban Decay Potion Primer (Decant)

Makeup brushes were a whole different story; too bad there's not a one-does-all type travel brush...

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Haul: Recent Fashion Finds

My last major clothing shopping spree was on Black Friday.  I desperately need a closet makeover (don't we all?)  I've picked up a shirt or two, but nothing big.  My last fashion post was ages ago so I thought I'd share my recent finds.  This is a collective haul (a few days before Christmas up to now.)  Winter clothes everywhere are at least 50% in most stores, stores are cleaning out for their new Spring lines, so now is time to shop!

I can't believe swimsuits are already out.  (Let alone that I picked one up and I'm blogging about it while there's snow on the ground, If I waited, they'd be sold out.)  I've picked up quite a few solid tees and tanks too, but those are pretty boring to display.  Here's the rest:

Body Central One Shoulder Tops


H&M Oversized Striped Sweater Dress


Forever 21 Cream Satin Top w/ Black Bows


Forever 21 Brown Sweater Top


Wet Seal Pop Jeans


These are amazingly comfortable, fit well, and not to mention they were only $12.50 each.
See you later, overpriced denim.

Target Black Bandeau Bikini Top w/ Gold Flower


H&M Leopard Romper


Are rompers supposed to be "in" again these spring/summer? 
I will be wearing them, regardless!

H&M Black Tunic Vest


Urban Outfitters Racerback Striped Tanks


I love these flowy tanks in the Summer, air goes straight through them.


I splurged for some wish list items that I didn't receive from Santa and desperately wanted:

Coach Kristin Pleated Satchel in Blue Smoke


(15339, for reference.) This color was discontinued, making it almost impossible to find.  But I got my hands on it.  I wanted a business-like purse to carry notebooks and my netbook in for school, I think it will be perfect.

Steven Madden Candence Boots in Cognac


I own two pairs of black boots, which seems to be all I wear for casual days, I wanted some brown shoes to get out of a gothic phase.  (Joke, I just wear black too much.)  These were another almost impossible to find.  A sales assistant said these were "hot tamales."  I finally just ordered them through a department store and they showed up on my doorstep.

Finally, an OOTD:


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Kaitlyn's Pink Giveaway (CLOSED)

Congrats, Kate! Click the picture above to check out her blog.


Rules
This is open to followers/subscribers both old and new.

This open internationally. If there's an international winner, I will send it the cheapest way possible (unless you would like to pay for faster shipping -via PayPal) so it could take at least a month+ to get to you. :/

Any age can enter, but if you're still living with your parents, please get their permission to enter and possibly get a package on your doorstep!

The contest will end February 9, 2011 at 11:59 pm (Central Time)

Winner will be chosen in a month through random.org.
Winner will be chosen and contacted on February 10, 2011 via email.
Winner has two days to reply with their mailing address or another winner will be chosen.
Winner will be announced via Twitter and blog post once address has been received.



Prizes

LUSH Candy Cane Bubble Bar
"If it's sweets your craving, crumble this creamy bar into your tub and climb into its abundant, fluffy, vanilla-candy scented bubbles. It was a bit tricky putting the curl into the top of the Candy Cane, so we left ours straight, but it's just as satisfying as the real thing. If you love the smell of the Creamy Candy Bubble Bar, you'll adore this one as they smell just the same." - lush.com (Haul Post - Click Here)

The Scent Genie
Black Aluminum - 4mL – Fragrance Atomizer - It can hold 50 sprays. (Review Post - Click Here)

LUSH Snow Fairy Shower Gel 3.3oz
“Sparkly pink vanilla fun for shower and bath You won't be disappointed when you wing on over to LUSH for our popular and very pink, sparkly shower gel. Magically vanilla-sweet (as all fairies should be) and lovely on both hair and body, Snow Fairy gets little ones and girly girls into the shower and sugar plum fairies out of their heads.” - lush.com (Haul Post - Click Here)

MAC Angel Lipstick
Best Seller. Soft Pink. Frost Finish. (Haul & Review Post - Click Here)


I'll probably throw in a few more surprises!



How to Enter
(giveaway closed)



Please fill out the form only once and leave only one comment.

Disclaimer: The Scent Genie was sent to me for free; LUSH, MAC, and shipping was.will be purchased with my own money for the purpose of this giveaway.

Thanks for following and entering.
Good luck!

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