November 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."

I can't believe we're in the last month of 2011; I guess it's almost time to round up my annual favorites as well. For now, here are the products I've been loving November...two products are repurchases, two are newbies, and three are minty:


Anastasia of Beverly Hills Brow Highlighting Kit
This has been on my wishlist for awhile now, once the price dropped and I was out of my current brow pencil, I finally picked this up.  It's well worth $16 and can be used for so much more than just your eyebrows (eyeshadow, contour, eyeliner, highlight... It's a very versatile product.) It also came with a mini brow gel that I have yet to try.

Does cold weather mean dry skin and lips for everyone?...

Bath & Body Works Shea it isn't so Foot Cream
I've used this for a few years now.  Around the holiday time, you can find the "spa size" (double the full size for just $5 more.) I love the minty/medicated smell. I'm also impressed with this year's festive packaging. I use this every night before bed and wake up with soft feet.

LUSH Mint Julips Sugar Scrub
Another repurchase. (Yes, it's easier and cheaper to make... I've tried it before and wasn't happy with my homemade version.) It gets rid of all the dead/dry skin and leaves you with soft lips. It tastes good, too. 

Maybelline Baby Lips in Peppermint
I picked up a few of these and wasn't happy with any of the tinted shades, I'm content with the clear one for now.  I've been switching between this and medicated balms, still hoping for super soft "baby lips!" It's the best Maybelline new product line I've seen in awhile.

winter worries,
-Kaitlyn

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Review: CoverGirl Cheekers

Background
The October 2nd Proctor & Gamble insert included a $8 off any 2 CoverGirl face products coupon; this coupon stacked with drugstore's BOGO half off on CoverGirl products made it easy to get products for free. My mom and her neighbors mailed me a few of these coupons, too! I don't wear foundation.  I've hit pan on most of my NARS and Clinique blushes.  So I decided to give CoverGirl's Cheekers blushers a try.  I liked the original one I purchased, Golden Pink.  So over the course of a few weeks, I picked up even more...

Cover Girl Cheekers

I Purchased:
Cheekers
Classic Pink
Golden Pink
Natural Twinkle
Plumberry Glow
Rock n Rose

Classic Color
Rose Silk

Instant Cheekbones
Peach Perfection

Review

The majority of the colors are very soft.  Great for those who want the natural, barely there look.  These blushes can also be easily built up for a more intense color. Some colors have little to no pigmentation and take a few sweeps to be noticed.

It's very easily applied, staying power is several hours.

The texture is solid with no fallout.

The cost varies place to place, but the Cheekers stay under $4.00 for 3 grams of product.  The Classic Color and Instant Cheekbones run from $5.00 to $7.00. Most drugstores have CoverGirl BOGO half off, then you can also add a manufacturers coupon and get these for even cheaper, or in my case - free.

The packaging is quite cheap and pathetic.  Plastic, that very easily cracks, one is having a hard time closing properly. (I'm a sucker for good packaging and I think everything should come in sleek packaging like NARS.) The tiny brush it comes with is absolutely useless and should be thrown out ASAP.

Overall
They're good blushes for the cost.  They're great for someone just starting out with makeup.  There are better one sweep, better-staying power blushes out there.

Rating
Product: 3/5
Value: 5/5
Packaging: 2/5
Overall: 3/5

Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this product to a friend.

to freebies,
-Kaitlyn

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October 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."




Big Sexy Hair Root Pump
My hair is thick poofy, but my roots are weighed down.  This was an impulse buy for extra volume, it's been in my daily routine ever since.

essie breast cancer
Essie Raise Awareness
In case you missed it, most beauty stores were decked out in pink this month for the cause.   I limited myself to just a few products but this was my favorite probably because I don't have any shade like it - It's the perfect baby pink shade.  It did apply a little streaky and took too many coats, but I've had this on my toes for almost three weeks now.

Organix Shampoo in Acai Berry Avocado
I'm becoming fonder of the Organix hair line.  I'm obsessed with the scent - something similar to a bonne bell berry chapstick from my childhood.  I'd like to see other styling products with this scent, as well.

Urban Decay Greed Primer Potion
I've now tried every shade of primer potion.  This one ties for my favorite overall (with Eden) it's great for fun and night-out looks, while Eden is more work/daytime appropriate.  Greed is like a primer and a shimmery base paint point in one step.

childhood chapstick,
-Kaitlyn

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September 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."


Almay Makeup Remover Sticks
I found these little "sticks" while browsing the beauty aisle at CVS.  They look like Q-tips, but the inside is filled with makeup remover, you snap the top, and the remover saturates the bottom - they're perfect for anywhere, anytime. They were under $5.00 - there's no excuse for smudged eye makeup any longer.

Butter London Nail Polish in Come to Bed Red
Your basic red polish, but I'm mostly impressed with the formula.

Bath & Body Works S'mores Candle
previous post I burnt all of my mini ones (3) and now I'm working on the bigger ones. I love the scent, it is literally s'mores in a jar.

Sephora Cuticle Oil Pen (Eucalyptus)
The skin around my fingernails has been peeling badly, lotion hasn't been helping so much so I decided to give this a try - all of the dead skin is gone and no more peeling.  I really like the scent, as well.  I want to a purchase another one for my purse.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter
I've heard nothing but positive things about Soap & Glory, the line was available at my Target a few months back but it disappeared; I was happy to see Sephora now carries it.  It was actually an impulse buy, just the small tub - but I'm definitely purchased the full size.  The scent is great, it's moisturizing, and left my skin super smooth.

Wet 'n' Wild Party of Five Glitters

I picked this up with Wet 'n' Wild's .99 cent promotion.  It looked so neat in the bottle (not that glitter polishes ever look like they do in the bottle.) It's a chunky confetti polish, it took me about 6 coats to make it look like the bottle. I received so many compliments on my nails. (It really reminds me of Sally Hansen's Frock Star strips.) I'll try using it on top of different colors soon.

righteous,
-Kaitlyn

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Fall Haul

Happy Fall, Y'all! It's officially Fall as of last Friday. Between sweaters, Halloween decor, and Fall-scented candles, I've been pushing fall for a few weeks now. Here's a collective haul of a few things I picked up for the season:


Bath & Body Works
I've been really into candles recently, I usually burn cotton or clean smelling candles, but decided I'd pick up a few Fall ones.  First, I picked up the mini ones, I fell in love with S'mores and wanted a full size.  (I ended up returning Autumn for another S'mores, but forgot to take another picture.)  There's a current Bath & Body Works coupon  (spend $10 get a mini candle free.)  They were also running a promotion of the 3 wick candles, 2 for $20.  (One is originally $19.50) so, good deal!

S'mores is definitely my favorite out of all of these, which is so weird since I hate food scents.  Marshmellow Roast is good, too. It's similar to s'mores but has the bonfire scent in the candle.  My least favorite was Leaves, it smells like cinnamon cider to me.

I also picked up Vampire Blood from the halloween collection, I purchased it last year and am almost out.  It's one of my favorites.  It says plum, but smells more berry-ish... like a Bonnebell chapstick from when I was not even a preteen yet.


 

Butter London
I highly dislike Ulta, I received their "21 Days of Beauty" newsletter multiple times but just threw it away.  I was browsing twitter and someone mentioned Butter London was bogoFREE at Ulta only on that certain day for the promotion.  I've always wanted to try out these polishes but I refuse to pay more than $10 for a nail polish. (These are $14 each.)  I litterally ran to Ulta after class.  I really wanted All Hail the Queen  (of course out stock, as always, Ulta.) I got my second choice - Come to Bed Red, and picked up Chimney Sweep with the intention of exchanging it once stock was back in.  I ended up keeping and using both.  I really like them - formula is perfect, staying power is normal.  I was beyond shocked when they allowed me to use the store coupon, too. (It was a new sales associate - prestige brand and I was already receiving an item for free is a definite no, but I thought I'd try anyway.) So basically, these polishes were only $5.25 each, which makes me love them even more.


Clinique
I was walking through the department store and saw Clinique Bonus Time signs every... I did need Eye Makeup Remover.  I was a few dollars away from the free gift, so I also picked up Bottom Lash Mascara, it has been on my to-try list for quite some time.

First impressions are I do like the mascara  - I was kind of expecting one of those gimmicky products, but it actually claims what it's supposed to do.  I will have to say I'm a little disappointed with the size, I was expecting more product, it's even smaller than the deluxe sample size of mascara.

As for the gift, I was only interested in the toner & moisturizer, the remaining products I'll probably give away or swap.  My counter was already out of face powder, but the still provided me with a tiny brush...


A'Gaci
Work is requiring us to dress up more now.  My wardrobe mostly consists of skinny jeans and oversized shirts.  I purchased these three items from A'Gaci along with a few other basics. and dress shirts from Express.

I purchased a few other odds and ends but I'll show them in my September Favorites.

smelling s'mores,
-Kaitlyn

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August 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."


Milani Nail Polish in Black Cherry
I was really impressed with the quality and staying power of the polish, I've always been an OPI girl, but I really liked this color.  Black and red have always been my "go-to" shades, and this makes a happy medium.

OPI Ridge Filler
Recently, my nails have started flaking and peeling making an uneven application.  I discovered this and haven't painted my nails without it.  Between buffing and this ridge filler, my nails are super smooth and even, making polish last even longer.  My only complaint is this fills in white instead of clear, so transparent polishes are out.

Organix Moroccan Curling Perfection Defining Cream 
I did a full review on the 4 original Organix Moroccan Argan Oil products and wished for more styling products - well a dream came true.  I put this on my damp-dry hair and scrunched away.  My hair had a little bit more wave, less frizz, and smelled great.

Revlon Photoready Concealer in Fair
I purchased a second, it's great for under the eyes and spot treatment.  Really creamy and blends like a dream.

Trim Nail Buffer
My nail polish was constantly chipping and peeling off.  I did a little research and most said their polish lasted a few extra days just by using a buffer, I agree!

Wet 'n' Wild Megaslicks Lipgloss in Crystal Clear 
I now own 4 of these (Walgreens has a promotion going on running these for .99 cents until mid-September.)   It's just a basic good-quality clear gloss. Moisturizing and loaded with shine.  Plus, a unscented and nonsticky formula!

dreams come true,
-Kaitlyn

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July 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."

Products
Essie After Sex Nail Polish
A cranberry metallic red, so pretty for any skin tone; application is surprisingly smooth.

Sonia Kashuk Blending Sponge
This is supposedly a "failed dupe" to the Beauty Blender sponge. (Only because of its different shape, it can't roll on foundation perfectly like the beauty blender can.) I don't wear foundation so this "flaw" (comfort spot for your fingers) doesn't matter to me. I do really like this sponge for blending concealer in perfectly as well as cheek highlight.  I've tossed the old white, cheap sponge wedges for this!

Joico K-Pak Conditioner
I've always been a K-Pak fan, especially the Hydrator. I've been using drugstore conditioner for awhile just to be cost efficient.  (At the beginning of the month, I scored a liter of this for $7, it will probably last me forever.) I feel like you can use a low-end shampoo and a high-end conditioner and still get great results.

Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner
I've used MAC Technakohl religiously for three years in. I decided it was time to give a drugstore eyeliner a try. I'm glad I did. I saw so many magazine advertisements for this eyeliner, I did a little research, and found myself purchasing it about a week later. It's a cream liner - such a smooth application.  It is completely smudge-proof and lasts all day.


OPI I Lily Love You Nail Polish
A hot pink with tons of flaky glitter.  It's just as pretty as Teenage Dream but a hot pink shade. However, it's too opaque for my liking, instead of wearing 5 coats to get the color of the bottle, I usually put this over a regular hot pink.

OPI Malaysian Mist Nail Polish
Another perfect nude polish for the time being, calling all pale girls!

Versace Bright Crystal Perfume
I'm awful at describing scents, but I think this may new perfume. It's a fresh/clean scent but has a  feminine touch too. It's an all-day scent, night or day. I received a little (GWP) bottle and have been using it every day. I'll most likely be purchasing the full-size bottle soon!

here's to 5 coats,
-Kaitlyn

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Back to School Giveaway (CLOSED)


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


It's time for another giveaway; the Back to School Giveaway is back!

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!

Fill out the form only once.

The contest will end September 15, 2011 at 11:59 pm (Central Time)

Winner will be chosen through random.org and contacted on September 16, 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
One winner will receive:
School/office supplies
MAC Lipstick (in the shade of your choice)
A surprise gift bag filled with cosmetics and beauty tools.

How to Enter
(giveaway closed)

Thanks for following and entering.

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Review: Organix Moroccan Argan Oil

Mention damaged hair and most will recommend Argan Oil in some form.  Argan oil is a vitamin-packed antioxidant from Morocco. As a hair treatment, it penetrates to soften, strengthen, restore shine, increases elasticity, and protects against UV damage.

Argan oil has mainly been found in high-end products and is rather pricey.  Organix has offered a cheaper alternative.  Each product from the line is $7.99 and can be found at any drugstore.


I've had this review half-written for ages, I just couldn't decide if I loved this line or they were just like all any other drugstore product. I finally came to the conclusion they're just so-so.

Background
I bought them one by one (usually with an Ulta coupon.) In the order I purchased: conditioner, oil, mask, then shampoo. I purchased the conditioner back in March (previous favorites post) and the remainder of the products a few weeks after each one. So all together, I've been using the line for a few months. I don't like reviewing a product until I've used it for at least two weeks.


About a year ago, I tried the Organix coconut conditioner (just because my mom/sister picked it up and it was in my shower.) So I knew nearly nothing about the brand - but Argan oil for $8, a reminder of my childhood (a L'Oreal fish-shaped bottle), and the fabulous smell drew me in. At first, I loved the products - the smell was amazing, my hair looked and felt great - but could this be what I like to call the new product syndrome?

Review
I do switch up hair products like you're supposed to. I've been using these on and off for a few months. I did use all four products together.  As all lines promise, "this works best with the remainder of our products from the line."

Conditioner • I feel like it's an above average drugstore conditioner but still doesn't compare to Joico K-Pak. It doesn't leave the silky feeling that I love after rinsing out conditioner. The scent lingers for a little awhile, not as long as I'd like for it to.

Renewing Treatment • (Mask) I haven't tried any other drugstore hair masks to compare it to.  The instructions say to leave it on for 3-5 minutes, which I feel like nothing can be done within that short of time and my thick hair. I'd leave it in for 10-15, (sometimes even longer but then it would just harden. In my opinion, I found it actually works a little better on wet hair.  My hair was softer and the ends weren't as fried.  But when it came to completely damaged hair, (freshly bleached) it didn't help at all. If your hair is normal and you just want a boost, this is the product for you. • I dislike the jar packaging, it's an extremely thick consistency but I'm sure it could've still worked in a squeeze tube (as all my high-end masks do.) It's just a hassle to screw the lid on and off, keep it out of the water and hold on the lid (especially if you use this in the shower.) I'll usually find product stuck under my nails as well... gross.

Shampoo • It's just your basic drugstore shampoo. (I still haven't found a shampoo I just adore.) It's sulfate free, so sometimes I didn't really feel like I completely got the clean feeling. The scent is great (the products all smell the same) but it didn't linger.

Penetrating Oil • (Serum) This is the only product I still use daily.It tones down the frizz, adds some shine, hydrates, and smells great. This is the only product that the scent actually lingers for awhile. • Again, I dislike the packaging. The flip-top when you need to hold the bottle at an angle/upside down to get a messy oil-serum out isn't convenient.  Maybe I'm messy or just in a hurry when I get ready but a pump would've made my life so much easier. - I did use the higher-end brand, Moroccanoil Oil Treatment a tiny bottle (1oz, if that) for double the cost. I purchased the original formula (should've gotten the light) and it made my hair a little oily. Yet Organix hasn't caused any oiliness, which made me wonder about the ingredients....


The Ingredients
How could Organix sell Argan oil at just a fraction of the cost? Take a look at the ingredients.  The comparison between Organix (Drugstore) vs. Moroccanoil (High End) can be found here. Argania Spinoza Oil is pretty far down on the list for Organix. Nearly last on the Penetrating Oil ingredients.

Overall
Are they dupes? Highly doubt it. (I haven't tried all of the Moroccanoil products, judging by ingredients and cost - it's not likely.) The Organix line is a step above drugstore lines with their ideas and ingredients. But I still think $8 for drugstore shampoo that doesn't continue to produce amazing results after the first few uses is a little pricey.

The Penetrating Oil may be worth looking into if your hair needs a boost, this is on sale, and you can't find or decide on any other product.

Value Tips: Bed Bath & Beyond has mini bottles (travel size) for $1.99. Ulta has BOGO on Organix as well as 20% coupons, Rite Aid and CVS offer Extra Bucks, Target has 50% more free on the shampoo and conditioner (massive bottle for the same cost), my mom said she picked up some of the conditioner at Walmart a month ago for $2.

Rating
Product: 3/5
Value: 3/5
Packaging: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

Bottom Line
No, I would not recommend this line to a friend.

fish-shaped shampoo bottles,
-Kaitlyn

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June 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."

Beauty:
I'd really like to pat myself on the back for not purchasing one single MAC product this month.  Most of these are all drugstore items and I know a lot of you will be appreciative!


Benefit High Beam
I've used 3 sample sizes and decided it was finally time to get (or swap for) a full size. It's great for brow highlighting and the lasting power is impressive too. Unfortunately, the applicator isn't the best, I have to blend it out with a makeup brush to get the finish I want. 

Hard Candy Fox in a Box Blush - Spicy & Sweet
I've heard quite a few raves about this, so I wanted to try it out. The packaging is really cute - similar to Benefit's blushes. The pigmentation is amazing. This may be more pigmented than my NARS blushes, and only 1/5 of the cost! There are four colors within the box so you can create a few different looks; I usually just swirl my brush (definitely not the one it comes with) over all four colors.

L'Oreal Lash Boosting Serum
This was the only product I "splurged" on this month. And for $12, it still isn't that bad cost-wise. It was a little pricey for a drugstore item. Some are comparing it to Rapid Lash and other lash-growing serums, but that's an unfair comparison.  This just helps "boost" your lashes; it conditions them, it doesn't have anything to make them grow faster. I used to wear quite a few layers of mascara; rubbing my make-up off night made my lashes very brittle. I apply this serum on clean lashes at night and immediately notice a difference in the morning. I only need one coat of mascara to get the length & volume I want now.

MAC Mineralized Skin Finish - Soft & Gentle
It's the only highlight [product I use anymore. It's the perfect subtle color (especially for fair-medium) skin tones. I apply this on the top of my cheekbones with the Sigma Tapered Blending Brush.  Occasionally, I use this for a brow highlight and on my chest and color bones, too.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock
I've never really worn sunscreen just because I couldn't stand the oiliness plus sweating.  I've been reading a  lot of skin articles and getting a little more paranoid about tanning and UV rays. This sunscreen makes me want to apply it - it smells great, dries immediately, and seems somewhat moisturizing. It feels like a normal lotion.

Nubar Nail Polish - 2010
My nail polish collection is much larger than it should be, but sadly, I'm already bored with most of the colors I have. This is a dupe for the limited edition and rare Sally Hansen Hidden Treasure. I've been wearing on top of any and every color just to see all the different results. It's large rainbow flakes, but with different colors underneath the result is always different.

NYX Lip Liner - Mauve
I found a nearby local-owned store that carries NYX products for cheap, I was looking for a lip liner to match MAC Velvet Teddy and I think this may be the one. It's one of those "the color of your lips but better"to give definition.

Ponds Cold Cream
I needed a replacement for my MAC Cleanse Off Oil (almost on my 4th bottle - not wallet friendly.) I had a few coupons and ended up purchasing this for only $2. For whatever reason, I always associated cold cream for older skin.  The concept of smearing a thick lotion over a full face of makeup was really weird at first.  It removes every trace of makeup and leaves your skin feeling moisturized.

Sonia Kashuk Metal Eye Lash Comb
I've heard of people using all types of odd items to get rid of mascara clumps - specifically safety pins and bobby pins.  I've always used a plastic eyelash comb, not the greatest - but got the job done.  I've been loving most of the beauty tools from Sonia Kashuk, so for $3 (coupon), I thought I'd try it out, and I'm glad I did. With just one sweep of the metal comb, the lashes are completely clump-free and separated.

Urban Decay Naked Palette - Sidecar 
I'm still loving the Naked palette, but specifically the color Sidecar. It's a super shimmery champagne. I've never been much of a one-color eyelid person but because of laziness and humidity, I have been opting just for this color.



Thrift Stores
I mainly look at the home decor and accessories.  Occasionally, I'll browse through the clothes and find a high-end item like new or new with the original tag for about 10% of its full price.  Nearly all thrift stores (not consignment) that I've been to get all their items donated and the profit goes to charities.  So you can feel even better about getting an item for cheap and knowing your money is going to a charity of their choice.

My favorite finds of the month were these throw pillows for $2.50 each and three canisters for $5.00 total.

boosted lashes & thrift finds,
-Kaitlyn

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Review: Urban Decay NAKED

 "Everybody wants to look good NAKED!"


Review: Urban Decay NAKED Palette
With endless blog and youtube reviews out already, this one may seem insignificant. But this review is specifically for the people who decided they would "pass" on the palette. Those that thought "I have too many neutral eyeshadows" or those that just couldn't justify spending $48.00 on some eyeshadow. - I was one of these people. Plus, with the palette being so rare (limited edition/high demand) I couldn't get my hands on it anyway.


The palette came out in fall 2010, and for the first months it was going for twice it's value on eBay and multiple other cosmetic swap/sale sites. Finally, Urban Decay started producing the palettes faster by replacing the double-ended eyeliner pencil with a brush, but that made a price increase from $46.00 to $48.00 - some weren't happy, but at least Urban Decay was able to supply more.


COST
I did want the palette but even after endless good reviews, I still didn't know if it would be worth it. About a month ago, when I was picking up some shampoo- there it was, one Urban Decay Naked palette remaining. I considered it fate, caved in, and purchased it.

Do I regret it? No. It's the best "I'm not going to spend that much money on that" but then I bought it anyway purchase I've ever made. I've had it for a month and have used it every day. For the rest of you that are cheap (but most likely will splurge on high-end cosmetics - ME!) let me help you justify the cost:

Good Karma Eyeshadow Brush retails for $26.00
Travel Primer Potion retails for $9.00
Then there's 12 x .05oz eye-shadows - (one full size .05oz retails for $17.00) - 12 x $17.00 - $204.00
$239.00 worth of product for $48.00 (about 80% savings) Plus, it's all in one sleek mirrored palette.

I had no problem spending $11.00-$14.50 on an occasional MAC eyeshadow. With MAC, you get the same amount of product - .05oz. With the naked palette, (putting the primer and brush aside) $48.00/12 = the eyeshadows end up being $4.00 each. MAC, the same amount of product for $11.00 (pan) or $14.50 (limited edition/pot.) So, which is the better deal again?


COLORS
Virgin - pale shimmer nude
Sin - champagne frost
Naked - matte beige
Sidecar - shimmer medium bronze
Buck - matte brown
Half Baked - copper frost
Smog - dark bronze
Darkhorse - deep chocolate
Toasted - shimmer dark brown
Hustle - shimmer dark plum-brown
Creep - blue-black shimmer
Gunmetal - blue-gray metallic


REVIEW
I love it. There are a few things I do dislike (cons below) but the good wins over the bad. All of the neutral colors are gorgeous - highly pigmented, great staying power, not chalky, no fallout. I love the palette so much I immediately swapped/sold most of MAC eyeshadows (and by most I mean nearly all - I went from 30 to 8.) I've used it for a month and there's really no sign of use - no surface dents/dips or anything, I feel it will last for awhile!


Every day I use both Virgin & Sin all over the lid and as a highlight, Sidecar on the outer third lid, and Darkhorse in the crease. I often use Buck as an eyebrow filler.

Cons:
Creep and Gunmetal were a big disappointment to me. I'm a big fan of a smokey eye - with no hints of blue. These 2 together nearly look like you've smeared on blue eyeshadow.

Creep really should have been a true matte black for eyeliner, especially since the newer version of the palette doesn't come with any.

The brush was another disappointment. It's decent at packing on all-over lid color on. But I feel like this is more of a concealer brush. It's nearly identically to MAC 195. - I much would've rather had the double-ended eyeliner, but then I still probably wouldn't have this palette due to slow production...

RATING
Product: 4.5/5
Value: 5/5
Packaging: 5/5
Overall: 4.8/5

The Main Point: If you don't already have it, BUY IT. This palette needs to be in everyone's makeup collection.

Naked forever,
-Kaitlyn

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May 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."


Joico K-Pak Liquid Reconstructor
I've used the Hydrator now for about six months and I've loved it. (I didn't care much for the Reconstructor because of the banana scent.) I really needed a detangler because I was tired of using a child one. This was the solution; it fixes damages, detangles, and protects all in one.

OPI Big Apple Red
The perfect OPI red I've been searching for. It's just a classic red - there is no orange, purple, or blue hues that you find in most red polishes.

OPI Skull & Glossbones
This and silver shatter where the only colors that really caught my attention with the Pirates of the Carribean collection. It's a nude soft gray, basically a good neutral shade for your collection. (Unfortunately, I did have to pick up the mini set just for this polish because it was always sold out.)

MAC Soft & Gentle Mineralized Skinfinish
I forgot which collection this was from, I finally arranged a swap for it on makeupalley.com and got my hands on it. It's the perfect color and mix of shimmer for a great highlight anywhere - brow bone, cheeks, body.

Revlon Photo Ready Concealer
This is one of those "she made me do it" products. (Kandee Johnson) - I was on the hunt for a good under-eye concealer. None of my MAC concealers were cutting it. I picked this up in the lightest shade (fair) and it matches perfectly - I'm not sure if I'm extremely pale or these just run darker. It's great for Under-eyes and red spots, splotches, and blemishes it isn't so great for.  This well on it's way to being my favorite drugstore product.

Sigma E40 Tapered Blending
I do have MAC 217, but I use it for crease application.  I desperately wanted the 224, but just couldn't justify $30 on a brush - this is supposedly a dupe (no clue how it compares) for 1/3 of the cost. I don't put any product on this brush, I just blend out what's already been applied - it does a great job.

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover
Another supposedly dupe, for one of the Lancome removers. (again, I have no clue how it compares.) I was tired of rubbing my eyes raw with MAC Cleanse Off Oil (more just for the face than mascara) this was the highest rated drugstore remover. It was only $9 - it doesn't sting the eyes and it gets the job done more so than other drugstore removers and Cleanse Off Oil but it still takes 2-3 swipes to get everything off.


Tangle Teezer
I have no clue what has been going on with my hair recently but it's just been such a knotted mess. I have insanely thick hair so brushing while wet, yanking out tangles, etc. Never really mattered - I had hair to spare. (ha) I realize that's not healthy or good for my hair. While browsing Sally's, I discovered this - only $9, I figured it was a worth a shot. I came home and read reviews, they were all awesome. I'm not sure how it works exactly, a hollow brush with soft bristles but it manages to gently get all the tangles out, on both wet and dry hair.  It works pretty quick and it's painless. (With the exception of those huge knots.) But this is a must-have for people with thin, brittle hair and that are extremely tender-headed. - It also distributes conditioner evenly to your hair in the shower. I have noticed if I back comb my hair with this dry it gives great volume.  Basically, a 3-in-1 product.


Urban Decay Primer Potion in Eden
This is a base and primer in one - the color is a light nude. This product gives a blank canvas and is great for really making eyeshadows pop and will help out those who have bluish veiny eyelids.

Urban Decay Naked Palette
At last, I got one of these (only a year later.) A full review to come later on in June. I could never find these in store, I wasn't going to completely hunt for it or pay an inflated price. I was picking up shampoo and there it was - one Naked palette remaining... I considered it fate, caved in, and bought it. Let me just say I absolutely love it, so much I actually sold or swapped most of MAC eyeshadows.

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MAC Paint Pot Storage

Recycle & Organize!


After endless searching for the correct size drawer organizer to keep my MAC paint pots from rolling around; I realized it was in my pantry all along...



All you need is the tray/container from any cookies or crackers. Clean it out, and you have a new a drawer organizer!

MAC paint pots


The Oreo container is a few centimeters too big to fit the paint pots perfectly but the grips on the bottom of the container keep them in place more so than any other container I've tried. It can hold 18 Paint Pots. It's not the most sturdy, I'm going to double, maybe even triple this tray to make it more portable. But for now, no more paint pots rolling around in my drawer and you can easily see which color is which.

Don't limit yourself to paint pots, remember it can fit single circular eyeshadows and small face products as well.

Happy Organizing!

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Eyeshadow for Green Eyes

Shades of green or purple should be your go-to colors to make green eyes brighter.


Face:
Origins VitaZing Moisturizer
Revlon Photoready Concealer

Brows:
MAC Lingering Pencil
Maybelline Great Lash Clear Gel

Eyes:
Urban Decay Eden Primer
MAC Bisque, Creme de Violet, & Sketch Eyeshadows

Eyeliner:
MAC Technakohl in Graphblack (waterline & tightline)
L'Oreal Telesopic Carbon Black (above lashline)
Wet 'n' Wild Violet Pencil (bottom lashline)

Mascara:
Clinique High Definition

Highlight:
NYX Milk
Benefit High Beam
MAC Triple Fusion MSF

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April 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 Sea Spray
A sky blue meets gray.  This color is perfect for those who have a hard time stepping away from neutrals but wants to join the bright color summer trend. (Baby steps!)

Clinique High Definition Mascara
This is one of my HG mascaras. I've purchased this at least 10 times now.  The applicator has a normal brush on one side but a comb on the other.  Distribution is great and it's nearly impossible to have a lot of clumps and spider lashes with the comb.

Essie Topless & Barefoot
This makes my favorites list yet again, it's the perfect nude for pale skin tones. 

LypSyl Lip Balm
Calling all Burt Bee's lovers! It's time to make a change.  Lypsyl is pure Swedish beeswax.  It gives the same Burt's Bees feel but it's less waxy and last longer.  It also has a tingly mint feeling after application.  Lypsyl is a mix between Burt's Bees & C.G. Bigelow with better-staying power and more hydration than both combined. The Lypsyl packaging is also unique it has a bee slider, rather than the usual twist up chapstick, which makes application much easier.

OPI Silver Shatter
If you loved (or even hated) Black Shatter, you need to try this out.  It's better formulated than Black Shatter (Mine made a gloppy after a few weeks of usage, nail thinner is a must anytime I want to wear it now.) The extreme shimmery silver is pretty over any color.

organix morrocan argan oil (penetrating oil
I raved about the conditioner last month, now I've been using the oil all month. It's a MUCH cheaper alternative to salon's morrocan & argan oil.  This one smells better, too!  I have noticed a lot more shine in my hair after using this whenever I'm out of the shower. I haven't noticed my hair being more moisturized; I admit, I mainly use it for the scent.

Physician's Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Correcting Primer (pink)
I really wanted the green primer to cover up the redness around my nose since it was sold out at multiple stores. I decided just to try out the pink one for evening skin tones. I can't imagine putting this all over my face for actual primer (the real use) it makes my face pretty shiny and bright.  (I don't wear powder or foundation.) I just put this around my nose (to cover redness) and under my eyes (to brighten.) It doesn't completely even out of the redness but it does help a lot. The packaging (twist up brush) isn't the most sanitary, a pump would've been a better option.


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Zoya Earth Day

A step towards natural polish.


I have to admit, when it comes to nail polish, all I ever purchase anymore is OPI. It's is mid-priced, high quality, and a never-ending supply of colors. When you find a good brand, it's hard to try out others because you may be let down.

I don't know all the chemicals that go into nail polish, and if I did, I'd probably start thinking twice about painting my nails again.

Zoya polishes are "long wearing, natural formula" polishes. The formula is Formaldehyde, Toluene, Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) and Camphor Free. I had to look all of these up:

Formaldehyde - colorless gas, preservative
USE: embalmers treat corpses
Toluene - colorless flammable liquid obtained from petroleum or coal tar
USE: solvent for gums and lacquers and in high-octane fuels
Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)- plasticizer
USE: adhesives & printing inks
Camphor - white or transparent solid with a strong, aromatic odor
USE: antiseptic, stimulant, and anti-inflammatory ingredient

For Earth Day, Zoya had a recycle promotion. You could get at least 6 polishes for "free" (as long as you paid the $4 processing & shipping fee.) and you send in your empty polishes (any brand but Zoya.)

Zoya polishes are $8 each; basically, with this promotion,  they were half off.  (When's a better time to try out a new brand?) My mom mentioned she wanted her own bottle of the Remove Plus Nail Polish Remover, (mentioned in a previous favorites post) which was another reason for placing my order.


I purchased 6 polishes, (but one was back ordered), Remove Plus Big Flipper, and the Mini Holiday Gift Set.  With every purchase, Zoya also includes "color plates" swatches of new or current collections, that allows you to "try on" the nail color.  (Which is a good idea, I added a few of these to my wishlist.)


(Excuse the sloppy swatches, I'm still waiting on good swatch wheels to get here from China.)  The six polishes I chose were: Raven (not pictured: back ordered, black), Edyta, Luna, Bebe, Blair, and Astra. Zoya has a few hundred shades to choose from, so it was pretty overwhelming especially being a newbie.  Out of these, Edyta is my favorite. It really reminds me of plastic metallic leather.  It depends on the light that hits it too, tt's forest green in one room then in another room it's black with loads of shimmer.

I purchased another Remove Plus Big Flipper for my mom. (Part of her mother's day present, shh.) This is definitely the best nail polish remover I've ever used.  The smell is nice.  The lock-click pump is fabulous.  (How many times have you spilled an entire bottle of nail polish remover?... that's definitely not possible with this bottle.) I almost purchased a refill (32oz) bottle, but I realized I still have 3/4ths of a full bottle; I've been using it for 2 months.

I also purchased the "Mini Holiday Gift Set" (a little odd seeing snowflake packaging this time of year!) I wanted to try out Zoya's base & top coat, the drying drops, and have a travel bottle of nail polish remover. The top and base coat haven't received such great reviews from others, but products work differently for everyone. - We shall see.

I'm pretty impressed with the quality and pigmentation of the polishes (especially since I only paid $4 a bottle.) "Long wearing".. not so much. I had tip fading the second day of wear.

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