NYX Stella Lipstick Review, Photos, Swatches and Comparisons!

NYX Stella Round Lipstick

NYX Stella Lipstick ($4) is a soft, yet vibrant watermelon pink. Although not hugely noticeable, it contains some fine silver shimmer. On the lips, you can see small flecks of glitter here and there, but it's not a shimmery shade overall.

Because of my warm skintone, I'm very partial to watermelon (or sometimes I call them flamingo) pinks - basically meaning a pink with yellow (warm) undertones.

In my experience, NYX Round Lipsticks are creamy, pigmented and are very lightweight on the lips. They have almost a slippery texture due to the creamy, yet very lightweight texture. Stella is actually a bit different than the typical Round Lipstick I'm use to. Unless I happened to fall upon a dud, it's slightly drier in texture and has a semi-matte finish. The pigmentation is light with one swipe, but buildable to opaque when layered.

It has a very striking resemblance to MAC Viva Glam Nicki. Nicki is more pigmented with one layer, but when applied sheer, they look almost the same. When built, the differences are barely detectable - Nicki is slightly darker and pinker in tone and Stella is the slightest bit warmer. Illamasqua Fable Lipstick is somewhat similar, but lighter (more pastel) in tone. Comparisons at the end of this post.

NYX Round Lipsticks are a great buy as they are cheap, perform well and come in a huge variety of shades. How "huge" do you ask? Well, as of right now there are 144 shades in the line. Yes, you read that correctly. There is a shade for everyone, and if you ever dreamt of certain shade, you'll most likely find it in the NYX Round Lipstick range.

NYX Stella Lipstick on my lips.

Lorac on Hautelook!

Lorac Cosmetics on Hautelook 10/15

If you're a member of Hautelook, make sure to check out the Beauty section, because for today only, you can purchase some Lorac cosmetics for a very discounted price! Some of the palettes would make great stocking stuffers!

If you're not familiar with Hautelook, it's a website with "flash sales". Each day at 8 AM Pacific, shop new sale events featuring brand names in women's and men's fashion and accessories, beauty, kids' apparel and toys, and home décor at up to 75% off. The good stuff sells out quickly, and items only stay in your cart for 15 minutes before they automatically get removed, where they will be available again for others to purchase. Membership is free. It's a highly addicting site!

Visit Hautelook.

Step by Step Eyebrow Filling Tutorial.

How to Fill in the Eyebrows

Everyone uses different brow filling methods - some swear soley by pencils, while others prefer brow powders. You may even prefer a cream product (such as a brown cream liner) or a brow-marker (such as Milani Brow Tint Pen). I love switching up products all of the time, so my brow routine changes often. Today, I'm going to go through one way I fill in my brows using both an eyebrow pencil and an eyebrow powder.

Don't feel the need to go run out and purchase a brow powder - Any matte brown eyeshadow similar to your hair color will do. Although we all favor and thrive for eyeshadows with lots of pigment, we don't necessarily look for the same in our brow products because we want our brows to look to look natural. So, finding an inexpensive shadow at the drugstore should be a sinch. And, if you don't own an eyebrow pencil, you can use a brown eyeliner - but don't apply it straight on as it can look too intense for your brows. Scribble on the back of your hand, and run your brush through the product for a more natural look (or you can just lightly rub your brush across the tip of the pencil).

I don't always use both products, but I like combining both because the pencil yields a very precise, clean line, whereas the brow powder gives a softer, more natural diffused line. The result is a very clean and precise brow, yet it's not as clean/chiseled as it would be if only a pencil was used.

Products I used in this tutorial-
Anastasia Highlighting Brow Kit
MAC Eyebrows (Pencil) in the shade Spiked
MAC Studio Finish Concealer
MAC 208 Angled Brow Brush
MAC 194 Concealer Brush
E.L.F. Eyelash and Brow Wand (Spoolie)
Tweezerman Brow Shaping Scissors
Revlon Tweezers
Eyebrow Razor

Here's the classic diagram of where your brows should ideally start, arch and end. Since we all have different face shapes, natural brow shapes, etc, this figure might not work for everyone. It's often referred to as the ideal brow - with the beginning of the brow lining up with the side of your nose (if you hold a pencil vertical to your nose, it should line up with the beginning of your brows). But depending on the symmetry of your nose, placement of the eyes (if they are very far apart for instance), etc, this method may not work. Instead, use your tear-ducts as a reference of where your brows should start. The arch should ideally line up with the edge of your iris. Your brow should ideally end diagonal (45 degrees) from the outer corner of your eye.

Berry Lips.

Sporting the Fall season berry lip today! I mentioned in my recent E.L.F. Studio HD Creme Blush Review that I love the way Showstopper looks on my lips, and I wore it out today, so I snapped a quick photo. I'm also wearing The Balm Betty-Lou Manizer Bronzer that I reviewed in my previous post and E.L.F. Headliner HD Blush (love!)

I can't get enough of the vampy plum lip, so I went to Target and picked up a handful of different lip products. I should be doing a post soon on them.. Berry on a Budget maybe?

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

The Balm Betty-Lou Manizer Bronzer Review, Photos and Swatches!

The Balm Betty-Lou Manizer Bronzer

The Balm Betty-Lou Manizer Bronzer ($24) is a warm honey bronze/caramel colored bronzer, highlighter, eyeshadow and all-over body shimmer wrapped up in one product. Sweep it on your lids for a wash of gold or dust it on your cheeks for a sunkissed glow. It is talc, oil and paraben free!

After reading Temptalia's review (she rated this product an A+!) I was eager to try this product, despite not really caring for shimmery cheek products. But, when I spotted a bunch of TheBalm products on the clearance rack at TJMaxx last year, I didn't hesitate to grab a couple of these.

I could see what the hype is about, especially because of the texture of the powder. It's very finely milled and super smooth which makes it very easy to blend out on the cheeks. It's also very pigmented, so like the description states, you can easily use it as an eyeshadow as well, or use a large fluffy powder brush and dust it on your skin for added warmth and glow. I sometimes like taking one of my larger brushes and dusting it on my neck and decollete and it looks so pretty!

On the left is a very heavy swatch with a foundation brush and on the right is a light swatch with a blush brush. You can see that it can go from really natural and subtle to really intense in color. (sunlight)

Sephora Fan Friday + Final Days or Urban Decay F&F!

Did you know that every Friday on Sephora's Facebook page there is a new deal or coupon code unleashed  exclusively for Facebook fans before anyone else? About half of the time I forget to check, this Friday you get an early chance to nab the new Gucci Premiere Deluxe Mini that will be available on orders of $25. Use code: GUCCIFAN.

The fragrance opens with the luxury and exuberance of a vintage champagne. A burst of effervescent bergamot fused with feminine and celebratory orange blossom conveys the heady excitement of the red carpet entrance. At the scent's core nestle, the brilliant white flowers of an intense bouquet, laced with a magnetically sensual modern musk. The timeless allure of the leading lady, the perfect balance of power and sensuality, inspires a collective captured breath. The fragrance's warm and indulgent foundation rests in a beguiling cocktail of subtly smoky leather and creamy balsamic woods that epitomizes absolute glamour.

Notes: Bergamot, Orange Blossom, White Flower, Musk, Leather, Wood.
View the full sized product here.

There are two days left to receive 20% off your order at Urban Decay online. Ends tomorrow (10/13) at midnight. Use code: FFHOLIDAY12. There are no exclusions! You can even use the code on sale items, so I think I'm going to take the opportunity to try a few products - the All Nighter Setting Spray XL size is on sale for $18, and with the coupon, it makes the price a little over $14. That's just a couple dollars more than the travel size bottle @ Sephora for over 17 times more product! Sweet deal.

Save 20% off all items on Cherryculture for two more days! Sale ends Sunday (10/14). Pick up your favorites from NYX, Milani and more. Use code: PINK20.

Also, Illamasqua is currently offering FREE UK and International Shipping through 10/15 (no minimum purchase required). Also, use code: LIKE15 for 15% off your order. (Thanks Kristina!)

Additional coupon codes available on the Makeup Sales and Coupon Codes tab at the top of the page.

Any sales to share? Let me know in the comments!

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer Review!

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer

E.L.F. Studio Mascara Primer ($3) is a nourishing mascara primer that will add length and volume when applied to your lashes prior to your mascara. Boost the performance of any of your favorite mascaras and you'll be hooked! Pro-Vitamin B5, Hydrolyzed Wheat and Soy Protein-enriched condition your lashes, which will make them stronger over time.

Mascara Primer is a MUST for me, and I rarely ever go without it. It's something I've been hooked on for the past couple of years and when I don't use one, it makes me think that every mascara on the market is mediocre.

I have yet to find a mascara primer that works well and is affordable, so when I saw that E.L.F. now has a mascara primer with very high reviews, I was excited to give it a try.

I always make sure to curl my lashes really well before ever applying a base. I use a Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, which has been my favorite curler for years.

After curling my lashes, I apply the base as I would a regular mascara, by brushing my lashes from base to end several times until my lashes are evenly coated in product. Then I like to wait a minute or so, and with the very tip of the brush, run it along the ends of my lashes to extend my lashes out, making them look a little longer. Then, I let my lashes completely dry for one minute. (**I've found that if I don't wait for the base to fully dry, it will completely wipe off when I apply my mascara.)

NYX Irish Coffee Jumbo Lip Pencil Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Irish Coffee Jumbo Lip Pencil

NYX Irish Coffee Jumbo Lip Pencil ($4.50) is a peachy-pink nude lip liner and lipstick all-in-one. It's the consistency of a creamy lipstick, but because of the small tip, you can apply it precisely to the edges of your lips without ending up with a smeary pout. This is particularly helpful with the darker shades that are more noticeable.

The color reminds me a little bit of NYX Orange Soda or similar peachy-pink, light cream shades. Since it's such a light shade, I find it works best when applied in a few light layers over a moisturizing lip balm or in conjunction with a clear or sheer gloss to sheer out the color and help it sit better on the lips. I wouldn't wear this alone, as when there isn't anything else on my lips, it accentuates dryness and can look uneven (unless I apply one sheer layer).

It's comfortable on the lips, and is similar in texture to the NYX Round Lipsticks. They are thin and have a glossy feel to them and a similar shiny finish. I don't find them particularly drying.

The tip doesn't wear down too quick, which is a good thing. I've had some lip pencils that wear down very quickly, and it's a pain having to sharpen all of the time.

Swatch of NYX Irish Coffee Jumbo Lip Pencil

NYX Irish Coffee on my lips (I applied a layer of clear lip gloss first, so it's a bit shinier than usual)

Just in: Maybelline Color Show Fashion Prints Nail Stickers and Sequins!

Hey Everyone, just received the word of the new Maybelline Color Show Fashion Prints Nail Stickers and Sequins! These products are limited edition and will be around for the month of November only.

Maybelline New York mixes fashion forward runway style with beauty savvy, taking it from the catwalk to the sidewalk and bringing the latest colors, textures and trends to cutting edge cosmetics from head-to-toe. Now, just in time for the holidays, Maybelline New York introduces Fashion Prints Nail Stickers by Color Show and Sequins by Color Show, two limited edition mini-collections that no nail diva will want to miss!

Fashion Prints Nail Stickers by Color Show

These runway-ready, handcrafted designs are the ultimate fashion accessory. And thanks to UV cured technology that lasts, these fashionable prints are made to stick around.

Eight on-trend patterns include: Fierce N Fuchsia, Midnight Lace, Wild Reptile, Metal Prisms, Cheetah Chic, Sapphire Jewels, Divine Crocodile and Resort Couture.

Easy to apply in three simple steps: 1.Select a sticker that best fits each nail. 2. Lay the sticker over the bare nail and apply a little pressure over the entire surface of the nail using the cuticle stick 3. Fold the spare top of sticker over nail tip and file away the extra length of sticker in a downward motion.

Price: $7.99

Sequins by Color Show

Get your nails ready for the holidays with show-stopping nail candy that dazzles with non-stop runway sparkle and fierce sequin effects.

A unique transparent suspension gel holds these concentrated pigments in their truest form for crisper color and ultra high shine. A flexible resin resists chipping and allows for a smooth, controlled application. The Easy Flow brush makes application virtually mistake proof.

Try all eight glam-tacular sequin-laden shades: Ruby Rhinestones, Lavender Sparks, Silver Gleam, Gold’s Night Out, Sea-Quins, Rose Bling, Sapphire Masquerade and Cocktail Dress.

Price: $3.99

Fashion Prints Nail Stickers and Sequins by Color Show will be available in mass market retailers nationwide as special limited-edition collections for the month of November.

For additional photos, check out Nouveau Cheap.

Laura Geller Semi-Annual Sale Today Only!

Shop online at Laura Geller and save 30% Off All products, with free shipping on orders of $50 and more!

If you have any favorites, now is the best time to stock up! They have a lot of kits that I think would make great holiday gifts! :)

Click Here to Shop.

Laura Geller will also be hosting 'Laura's NYC Studio Sale' on Saturday, October 13th at the Laura Geller Makeup Studio. The doors open at 10 AM, and most products will be 30% off.

1044 Lexington Ave. (between 75th and 75th streets) New York, NY 10021
10:00AM - 6:00 PM EDT.

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer Review, Photos and Swatches!

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer ($3) is a buildable coverage concealer that can be used on the face and body. It's oil-free, highly pigmented and long-lasting. Suitable for covering blemishes and scars, and even claims to cover tattoos and birthmarks.

E.L.F. Studio Maximum Coverage Concealer is available in (5) shades: Porcelain, Sand, Nude, Beige, Tan and Almond.

I purchased Sand, which is ideal for fair to light skin tones with a neutral balance of yellow and pink undertones, and Nude, which is ideal for light skin tones with yellow undertones.

Nude and Sand swatched on my MAC NC25-27 skin

It comes in a fairly large (large for a concealer) squeeze tube that contains 0.7 fl oz/20 ml of product. Most concealers contain around 0.5 fl oz or less of product, so you get a really good amount for the price.

The consistency is creamy and dense, and when you blend it, it has a emollient mousse texture. It's almost comparable to the creamy texture of MAC Studio Sculpt Foundation or Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Makeup.

It blends effortlessly into the skin with the help of my fingertips. I usually apply it with my fingertips, by a light tap-and-drag motion until it's thoroughly blended. If necessary, I'll build a second layer for additional coverage.

(E.L.F. Maximum Coverage Concealer in Nude before and after)

Even with layers, it doesn't feel or look heavy, and it doesn't settle in my fine lines, which I think is due to the moisturizing texture. It really sinks into the skin making my under-eyes look healthy, radiant and moisturized. It has a dewy finish that never really dries/sets though, so applying a good helping of setting powder is a must. I usually take a powder puff and lightly press-and-roll the powder into my skin, making it completely budge-proof (much more effective than dusting the powder under my eyes with a brush).

Tarina Tarantino Leaving Sephora.

If you didn't know already, Tarina Tarantino Cosmetics is leaving Sephora, and all of the Tarina Tarantino line will be discounted until the end of December.

If you have any favorites, now is the time to scoop them up, as all products are up to 40% off!

Don't worry though, the Tarina Tarantino Collection will be still available soon on the Tarina Tarantino website at www.tarinatarantino.com.

Click Here to Shop.

Will you be getting anything? The Dreamy Palette is looking tempting to me right now - check out Temptalia's review and swatches here.

New! Sephora Spin to Win.

Sephora Spin to Win

Sephora launched a beauty roulette online where you spin the wheel to reveal a code for a deluxe beauty sample, 10% off your purchase or free shipping. The prizes will change weekly until 10/25, so I'm really interested in seeing the next offers over the next couple of weeks. It's kind of a fun idea, but since the codes aren't unique (I've seen many people get duplicate codes even though they claim to be unique), it's not really as exclusive as it seems. Oh well. I'm more than happy with the free shipping and 10% off code!

Here's what's on the wheel this week-

• Lancome Defincils Mascara Mini (code: ML4D02) 
• Tarte Smooth Operator Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum Mini (code: MT34S7) 
• Shiseido Urban Environment Oil SPF 42 Sunscreen Mini (code: MS2U3E) 
• Free Shipping over $25 (code: F1AS12) 
• 10% Off Purchase (code: BRG3P8Y)

All codes are available through 10/31.

To spin the wheel visit: http://sephoralove.com/spintowin/.

(read the terms & conditions after the jump)

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes Review, Photos and Swatches!

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes

E.L.F. Studio HD Blushes ($3) are velvety soft cream blushes encased in a pump dispenser. The cream is lightweight, highly pigmented and long wearing.

E.L.F. Studio HD Blush is available in (5) shades: Headliner (natural pink), Superstar (coral), Diva (bright pink), Encore (vibrant rose) and Showstopper (plum raisin).

They look reminiscent of the Make Up Forever HD Blushes ($26), because they essentially have the same packaging and are both named "HD" blushes. They do share some other similarities in that they apply the same way, are both pigmented and long wearing, but the textures are slightly different. The E.L.F. Blush is almost like a creamy cheek stain. I actually find the E.L.F. Blushes easier to work with as the product itself isn't as concentrated as the MUFE Blushes, so it's a bit easier to blend out. They also don't set as quick as the MUFE blushes, so you have a little bit of time to work with them. They have a good amount of silicone in them (although it's not the first ingredient) so if you do well with silicone-based blushes, these blushes should be no exception.

Be warned that they are extremely pigmented. It took me a few tries at first because every time I tried, I applied too much product (which didn't seem like a lot at all). You literally only need a tiny dot for both cheeks. It's a little tricky - you have to be careful not to dispense too much product. I like applying a tiny dot of product on a clean surface, or the back of my hand (sometimes I sanitize the lid of one of my compacts and pump the product directly on the lid) and smooth it out with my fingers and then take a stippling brush and lightly tap the ends of the bristles into the product and then go cheek to cheek applying the blush in circular, buffing motions until blended. Some cream blushes are touchy and can only be stippled on, but these blushes don't deem to disrupt my foundation or make my cheeks look blotchy. I've also applied a dot on each cheek and used a stippling brush to blend with equally good results.

The finish on the skin is very natural, soft and matte.

Swatches from left to right: Headliner, Superstar, Diva, Encore and Showstopper. (please excuse my goosebumps... it was freezing today!)

E.L.F. Studio Small Stipple Brush & Pointed Foundation Brush Review!

E.L.F. Studio Small Stipple Brush & Pointed Foundation Brush

There are so many new products by E.L.F. since the last time I placed an order a year ago. I've been meaning to purchase a MAC 130 Short Duo Fiber Brush ($42) and when I spotted this new E.L.F Studio Small Stipple Brush ($3), I had to get it.

It's much smaller than your average stippling brush (such as the MAC 187 or E.L.F. Studio Stipple Brush) and it's slightly more dense because of the shorter bristles. The bristles are synthetic, so it's ideal for liquid and cream products but can also work well with powder products.

It's a great brush for liquid foundation, and because of it's smaller brush head, it can maneuver around small areas such as under and around the eyes, around the brows and hairline. Whereas a large brush might not be able to blend small areas as well, and it's harder to avoid coating the brows in foundation, etc.

I also really like using it to apply cream blush. It's the perfect size to apply the blush precisely to the cheekbones and blend it in with the extra soft bristles. Also, because it's not super dense, it won't pick up too much product, so if you have an uber pigmented blush, a stippling brush always works the best. The same goes for applying highlighter. It picks up just the right amount of product and it's small enough so you won't apply too much. There are really so many uses for this brush!

I'm kind of kicking myself that I only purchased one, because I can see myself using it often for many different things.

Guest Post: Nars Mata Hari Blush Review!

NARS Mata Hari Powder Blush ($28) can be found at Sephora. After being obsessed with NARS ultra-pigmented products I’ve begun slowly-but-surly expanding my NARS blush collection. On a recent trip to Sephora in hopes to pick out a more fall/winter friendly blush (everyone changes blush with seasons right? Ha) I ended up picking Mata Hari. I was un-sure that I'd like Mata Hari after swatching it two different times when I went into Sephora, but after using this blush it is a wonderful addition to my collection. I usually lean towards peachy-pink blushes but this beautiful cool, matte, rosy pink color is a lot of fun!

Despite how bold this color looks in the pan, its not nearly as vibrant when applied. This blush is by far my most pigmented blush I own. The picture above is only using one swipe with my Sigma F40 brush. Because it’s so pigmented a light hand and blending applies Mata Hari sheer and subtle. If your looking for a more intense look of course add a little more to intensify your look. Usually I find myself grabbing this blush when I use a matte foundation, I can count on Mata Hari staying on all day. Mata Hari is very matte (meaning without any simmer or sheen) so if you want to brighten up your cheeks, or have a glowy face you'll need to use a highlighter.

The Nars and Andy Warhol Collection Events.

Celebrate NARS and Andy Warhol

Driven by François Nars’s longtime admiration for Andy Warhol, this electrifying beauty collection invites you to turn repetition to reinvention. 

Come into Sephora—and color yourself iconic.

MULTIPLE STORES OCTOBER 4 -28

12–6 PM (For a list of US & CAN locations click here)
NARS pays tribute to pop art pioneer Andy Warhol with exclusive
limited-edition sets. Celebrate the new collection with makeovers,
deluxe samples, and more.

• Meet with a NARS artist for an iconic pop art–inspired look designed
by François Nars.
• Receive your complimentary deluxe sample of a bestselling NARS blush
while supplies last.

Walk-ins welcome. Appointments preferred.

NYX Black, Gold and Bronze Glitter Eye Pencils Review, Photo and Swatches!

NYX Black, Gold and Bronze Glitter Eye Pencils

I know, I know, you're probably sick of these NYX reviews, but I swear, I won't bore you for much longer. ☺

I snagged a few of these NYX Slim Eye Pencils ($3.50) at ULTA the other day and have been incorporating them in my eye looks every day since.

I purchased Bronze Shimmer; A deep bronze with gold glitter, Gold Glitter; A copper-gold with gold glitter, and Black Shimmer; A deep black with silver glitter. (On the NYX website, Bronze Shimmer is listed as Bronze Glitter and Black Shimmer is listed as Black Glitter.)

Of the three, Black Shimmer performs the best - It's smooth and applies opaque without having to apply several layers. Bronze Shimmer is smooth as well, but slightly less pigmented. It takes a couple of layers to achieve an opaque line. Gold Glitter gives me the most trouble, as the pencil tugs against my skin and I have to apply several layers before getting a semi-opaque line. It's a shame because it's such a pretty color.

Swatches from left to right: Gold Glitter, Bronze Shimmer and Black Shimmer.

Makeup Sales this Week.

This weeks sales has been updated on the Makeup Sales and Coupon Sales tab! I've now included Rite Aid and the stand-out deals at ULTA.

If there are any additional stores you'd like to see on the list, let me know!

NYX Nude Pink Megashine Lip Gloss Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Nude Pink Megashine Lip Gloss

NYX Nude Pink Megashine Lip Gloss ($5.50) is a creamy, soft neutral pink. The color is soft on my lips, but it's not really what I'd describe as "nude". It's light, but it doesn't wash me out. It's pigmented enough to wear alone, and it looks amazing when paired with any pink lipstick.

NYX Megashine Lipglosses are one of my favorite, if not my favorite line of drugstore lip glosses for several reasons - there is a huge selection of pretty every day colors, the formula is pigmented (although some shades can be sheerer than others), they are non-sticky, feel great on the lips and are inexpensive.

One of the downsides about NYX Megashine Lipglosses are that the tube can sometimes get messy. I've owned several Megashine Lipglosses, and I've had some overflow. You can see in the main photo how much gloss has gathered around the top of the tube. I like to clean the inside handle of the wand applicator with a q-tip once I notice a lot of product gathering and it helps.

Also, they are scented like cherries. Some love it, some hate it. I don't really mind it. Kinda wish it was scent-free, but it doesn't stop me from purchasing them.

NYX Nude Pink on my lips