NOTD: Love & Beauty Camel!

I finally had a chance to use the nail polish I posted about a month ago that I purchased from Forever 21. (View post here). The shade is "Camel" and can be purchased for $2.80. The colour is a light, creamy tan (no pearl or iridescence). It looks very natural and is a perfect shade for the winter! I wear tan very often.. so depending on how well this nail polish wears throughout the week.. I'm hoping to wear this shade a lot more throughout the season.

Have you tried this shade or any similar shades? Share your favorite taupe/brown nail polish in my comments! :)

On a side note.. it was 7 degrees outside today!! *tear* Every year I get more and more aggravated with the winter.. (Well, it's not so bad yet.. )

Here I am this morning.. lol fumbling to put my gloves on or something.. My hands were frozen within 5 minutes.. and ouch that hurts!

Hope you all have a great day today! Be sure to bundle up if it's cold outside.. I sure am.

My Top Drugstore Picks (Unfinished Post)

Hey Everyone! I had planned to do a drugstore top 10 post, but as I looked through a lot of my products I noticed that I was picking up too many repeats (example: I would pick 5 concealers).. So, I thought it may be better for me to give categories and go over my top picks from each category, as I get the question often what my favorite drugstore products are. Most of the products are repeats of items I've mentioned previously. But, I don't have all of the items listed in one organized post. So here is an overview. (Also, I have not added all of the pictures yet. This post will be updated in the next couple of days.. There are still some missing categories. Some photos may not contain all of the products listed because I ran out of some of the products mentioned).

Be sure to share your favorites below in my comments!


Mascara
I can almost say I've tried 90% of drugstore mascaras. My top picks are Covergirl Lash Blast, Covergirl Volume Exact & L'Oreal Lash Out. All three mascaras give me great build able volume and a little bit of length. Also, they don't smudge under my eyes like most mascaras tend to do with me. Other mascaras I'd be willing to give a try are: Covergirl Professional Super Thick Lash, Covergirl Lash Exact, Max Factor Lash Perfection, Max Factor False Lash Effect & Rimmel Extra Super Lash Mascara based on positive reviews from makeupalley.com. Have you tried any of these? What are your thoughts?

not pictured: l'oreal lash out

Eyeliner

I have tested several, but wasn't impressed with the majority. The problem with many of the drugstore liners I've used are that they weren't long lasting, weren't pigmented enough or the applicator wasn't good (for precise lines with liquid liner). I'm more likely to purchase a pot (gel or cream formula) eye liner and use a brush of choice because I have found they tend to be the darkest & they are easy to smudge for a soft look. Here are my top picks:

For pencils, my top picks are L'Oreal Extra Intense Liquid Liner Pencil (Very smooth formula, soft and pigmented. Great for smudging. The only problem is that because the formula is so soft, it may end up under your eyes if you apply it heavily. To prevent this from happening, I like to go over the liner with a thin brush to smooth it out. Also, this pencil tends to run out quickly). Revlon Colorstay EyeLiner Pencil (I like this for my waterline because it is longer lasting than most pencils I have tried. With kohl and kajal liners, they tend to all fall under my eyes and fade from my waterline. This pencil stays pretty much in place for hours. It isn't the blackest black (in my opinion) but I go back to it because of its staying power for a pencil. You have to be careful to always have this capped because I have had a couple of mine dry out). As for liquid liners, I can't really say there are any I have tried that are worth mentioning. I do like Wet n Wild Creme Liner (Smooth formula with good application & the color is very black. The only thing with this liner is, it fades throughout the day). I haven't tried any other drugstore pot liners (L'Oreal HIP or Maybelline Eye Studio), but they have great reviews and I would love to try them in the near future.

not pictured: revlon colorstay eyeliner

Eyebrows
My criteria for the perfect eyebrow pencil/powder is one that applies naturally, pigmented - but not too pigmented where it looks unnatural, has a natural shade of brown (not overpowering with orange tones like several brow pencils) and is easy to use. I have tried almost every brow pencil from the drugstore and these are my picks:

Maybelline Define a Brow (A dupe for the MAC brow crayon. The product is the perfect consistency. It isn't soft, and it isn't too dry. It's the perfect in between. It creates precise lines that look natural. I like to go over my brows with a spoolie to blend the color better or a dry angled brow brush. The brush on the other side of the pencil is only useful to comb my eyelashes). Rimmel Professional Eyebrow Pencil (A good standard pencil that again, isn't too soft and isn't too pigmented where the color cakes on your brows. With light strokes, this product is very natural. The brush on the other side can be used to blend the color into your brows better with light sweeping motions). ELF Eyebrow Kit (See review here). Essence Eyebrow Pencil (Practically the same as the Rimmel Pencil. The brown is a perfect shade of brown. No reddish or orange tones..)

Concealer
I haven't tried many drugstore concealers. I'm not sure why, but probably because there haven't been any raves about any of them. I'm currently testing out Maybelline Superstay Concealer, which seems to work pretty well.. but the color is way too light so I can't tell for sure how I like it without the proper color. The problem I run into with drugstore concealers is usually the color selection and the formula. I can never find the correct color and most of the formulas are either too watery or too dry. I have yet to find the perfect creamy, full coverage drugstore concealer. Is the one out there??? Well, here are the ones I have liked:
Palladio Stick Concealer (Nice soft texture, blends well and offers full coverage), Maybelline Cover Stick (Blends well and offers full coverage - but, it can look heavy if to much is applied) & NYX Concealer in a Jar (A good standard pot concealer. Nice texture.. buildable medium to full coverage, doesn't look heavy).

not pictured: NYX concealer in a jar

Foundation
I have tried many of the top rated drugstore foundations and I can honestly say that none are rave worthy. The main problems are usually the color match and the length of wear. Most of the drugstore foundations I have tried looked great upon application and within a few hours have managed to fade off my my face. I don't have many favorites in this category, but there are my picks: Sally Hansen Natural Beauty Foundation (my review is here. The only problem with this foundation is the store availability is very limited). Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation (Yes, the color selection is terrible. The darker the shades are, the more orange and pink the shades are. But, I found a shade that works when my skin tone is considerably lighter than my average self tan created NC40. It is a good medium coverage, looks natural, easy to blend and has a nice creamy texture. Also, it has a nice smell. lol Overall, average foundation.. nothing to rave about. I like to use it on my "bummy" days). I was 60/40 on Revlon Photoready Foundation.. I haven't used it in months.. but I do think it's a pretty decent foundation. In my experience, it looked very good at first, but faded significantly throughout the day. I would probably only use this as a "go out to dinner and go home" foundation. You can read my review here. Last week I have purchased Revlon Colorstay. It is my third attempt and third color choice. The reason I have given this foundation multiple tries is because it looks so good on so many different people and it has high reviews. But for some reason, I can't get myself to like it!? I'm not someone who finds any odd fragrance offensive, but I really cannot stand the smell of Colorstay. It reminds me of fresh terracotta clay I use to create vases and bowls with in junior high. So yeah, it smells like mud. Also, I don't like the texture. Its not the creamy consistency I like with liquid foundations and I find that it's not very easy to blend because it dries quickly once it comes in contact with my skin. Any advice Colorstay lovers out there? Also, when I purchased Colorstay, I also purchased L'Oreal True Match. I used it a few times and I'm still deciding how I like it. If you would like me to update you in the near future with reviews of both foundations, post a comment letting me know.

Powder
I haven't come across a powder that I like solely for a foundation (drugstore or high end) but for setting powders & powders to add a little extra coverage after I've applied my liquid foundation.. these are my picks:
Palladio Wet/Dry Foundation (Soft, very blendable & provides good coverage. I like taking a powder brush and applying it all over my face after my foundation for an extra airbrushed look. Or, I like applying it under my eyes to add additional coverage to my concealer). Rimmel Stay Matte Transparent Powder (Doesn't have color, but it's pigmented and can lighten up areas. I like using it with a powder brush all over my face or under my eyes to set my concealer and add brightness to the area).

Bronzer/Blush
I haven't tested or owned many drugstore bronzers and blushes. Mainly because I typically look towards higher end brands for my blushes & bronzers. But, there are a few worth mentioning:
Rimmel Natural Bronzer (Soft & pigmented. All of the shades are great - for a soft bronzed glow, I like using Sun Light). NYX Powder Blush (I love using Sand as a shimmery Bronzer and Desert Rose as a darkened pink blush. View swatches of all shades here). I also really like using Hard Candy Baked Blush (I use the shade Honeymoon. It doesn't provide tons of color.. but it's a very soft, pearly pink. Some use it as a highlight.. I love using it lightly over any of my blushes to add a soft pink glow to the color. There are other shades that look very pretty, but Honeymoon is the only one I have tried).

Lipstick
I don't own that many drugstore lipsticks. Usually when I like a lipstick, I wear it and wear it until I find something I like better. But some that I like are: Revlon Colorburst Soft Nude, NYX Pumpkin Pie and Wet n Wild MegaLast Matte in the shades Think Pink and Pink Suga.


Lipgloss
When it comes to lip gloss, I always look to Revlon. I love Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipgloss.. the consistency is great, it doesn't dry out my lips and they come out with some really nice limited edition shades. Currently, the one shade I use from their permanent collection is Revlon Super Lustrous Nude Lustre. And, as you all know.. Life's a Peach was my favorite.. which is now discontinued. I have also found nice colors in their mineral lip glazes, which were limited edition. But, I haven't tried any in their current permanent collection. LASplash has great glittery lip glosses, also with a nice consistency that doesn't dry out my lips. I like LASplash Lipgloss in the shades Sparkling Coral and Girl Crush. These glosses have limited availability, as I can only find them at UTLA.. but on their website they have a fantastic selection of colors. I also like NYX lip glosses.. although I don't really like the scent of the round lip gloss (lemons? fruity pebbles cereal?) I love the shades Whipped and Sorbet. I also like their Megagloss.. the shade I wear is Smokey Look. Some other drugstore lip glosses I like are Milani Glitzy Gloss in the shade Designer Label and L'Oreal Infallible lipgloss in the shade Plumped Pink.

Review: Eyeko Cream with Extra Glow (3 in 1) + Photos & Swatches!

Product Description: "Eyeko Cream with Extra Glow is a multitasking highlighter with all the benefits of your favorite cult classic Eyeko Cream. This NEW dreamy pink cream is loaded with micro light reflecting pigments perfect for creating a soft focus sheen. Add a flattering highlights to brow and cheek bones, your cupids bow, even collar bones and shins for a touch of moonlit magic." - source: http://www.eyeko.com

Eyeko Cream with Extra Glow can be purchased at http://www.eyeko.com for $14.00 (USA). Click here to be re-directed to the product page.

The product looks somewhat similar to Benefit High Beam, so I did a side by side swatch on my hand for comparison.

 

They look almost identical in color and luminosity. The only difference is Benefit High Beam appears a tiny bit more pink.

Once blended, I can barely tell them apart.

My thoughts: I've had this product for a couple of months now and I really like it. It claims to be a highlighter, eye cream and moisturizer all in one. I like to use this product as a highlighter/illuminator for my face and under my eyes. The consistency of the cream is like the texture of a body butter. It's not very soft and creamy nor is it thin and watery. It feels very condensed, but to the touch it is lightweight and slippery. I wouldn't call this product a moisturizer. I didn't find it to moisturize at all. (Based on man reviews I've read, others said the same) But I love it as a brightening product for my face. How I typically apply it is by first prepping my face with moisturizer and then taking a tiny bit of the cream with my fingertip and rubbing it all over my face (as I would apply any moisturizer). Other times I take a little in my palm and mix it in my hands with my moisturizer and apply it all over my face. Using a moisturizer helps spread the product more evenly over my face. If you have dry skin, I recommend you mixing it with a moisturizer, as it may not apply evenly. I haven't had any problems myself. My face is left glowy and radiant. It doesn't leave my face looking greasy, oily or like a disco ball (lol). I haven't found it to be drying and I haven't had any skin reactions to it despite my sensitive skin. I really like using this under my eyes prior to the application of my concealer. I feel like it provides a nice illuminating base for my concealer to sit on. Once I apply my foundation (depending on which I use - with heavy coverage foundations, there is little to no difference. Its more evident with a lighter, dewy foundation) I do notice a slight brightness to my face. I have tried applying this over my foundation by patting it on my cheek bones with my finger or my MAC 131 brush (as I would apply Benefit Moon Beam) and I didn't like the look of it. It actually dulled my cheek and because of the high amount of pearl, it almost made my foundation in that area look gray. So, Benefit is much better for using OVER foundation. But, I really do like this under foundation and under my eyes and I even use it sometimes on my neck and chest mixed with a little lotion or jojoba oil for an extra healthy glow. This is a product I would re-purchase. Plus Eyeko has coupon codes all of the time, so you can purchase it for pretty cheap.

Have you used this product? Or Eyeko's Tinted Cream? If so, post your thoughts in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

Follow Eyeko on twitter by clicking here.

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me to try for free from Eyeko. I was not paid to write this review and I have no affiliation with Eyeko. This is an honest review from my personal experience in using this product.

Lipgloss Dupe: L'Oreal Color Juice in Strawberry Smoothie - Compared to Revlon Life's a Peach! + Swatches!

I picked up L'Oreal Color Juice in the shade Strawberry Smoothie #510 last week at my local drugstore and noticed it is very similar to one of my favorite discontinued lip gloss shades (Revlon Life's a Peach). I thought I'd share my findings :)

Next to each other they look almost exactly the same except the color in Strawberry Smoothie is a little more intense. It has a little more pigmentation as the formula is thicker and I notice there is more of a pearly sheen. I prefer to pat my lips with a little foundation prior to application to tone down the pigmentation of my lips and then apply lip balm so my lips won't dry out. Life's a Peach is a tiny bit lighter and more sheer. I prefer the formula of Revlon Super Lustrous because I don't really care for lip glosses that are too thick, but thicker glosses tend to stay on your lips for a longer period of time, so I can't really complain..

Applied to my bare lips.. (the photo is taken indoors with flash)
View a swatch of Revlon Life's a Peach here in one of my previous posts.

Do you have any dupes for your favorite lip glosses? Post a comment and let me know! :)