Monday, January 2, 2012

Illamasqua Indulge Intense Lipgloss Review, Photos and Swatches!

illamasqua indulge intense lipgloss

Illamasqua Indulge Intense Lipgloss

Illamasqua Indulge Intense Lipgloss ($20) is a bright hot pink, highly pigmented and non-sticky full coverage lipgloss with a super glossy finish.

In the tube this shade looks a little deeper - almost like a slightly reddened neon pink. But once applied to the lips, the shade is a lighter, milky neon pink. Think Betsey Johnson or Barbie pink.

I've been wanting to try Illamasqua's Intense Lipglosses for what seems like forever. I always imagined they would be like a toned down & more moisturizing version of OCC Lip Tars. What sealed the deal was seeing Temptalia's reviews for them over and over in bright, gorgeous hues, which of course built up my "need" for them even more.

The formula is a little thick and gooey, but not sticky. It feels nice on the lips, and has good lasting power because of the thicker texture. It has very good pigmentation for a gloss, so a lot of product isn't necessary. I've found when I applied too much, it looked thick on my lips, felt heavy and even ended up on my front teeth - not a pretty sight! A few drops is all you need.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

If you want the Shoemint Jolly's, Check out your local Marshall's for the Steve Madden Tanngoo's!

Steve Madden Tanngoo

If you're already a member of Shoemint, then you're probably already familiar with the three styles released late November. It's been talked about that two of the three styles (Edith and Jolly) have a striking resemblance to a couple of Steve Madden's current designs. Can't say it's a total shocker, considering Steve Madden is the manufacturer of the brand.

I was eyeballing the taupe colored wedge booties for a while, but never ended up getting them because I've seen similar styles in other brands. I'm glad I didn't because I spotted the Steve Madden Tanngoo's at my local Marshall's on Clearance for $40 (regular price $49.99).


What's the difference? The only difference I could spot, are the loop holes for the shoe strings. I actually prefer the Steve Madden's, so total score! 

For reference, I found that these run true to size. I'm an 8.5 and the 8.5 fits perfect, even with a pair of trouser socks. I've read some reviews that the Jolly's fit pretty true as well, despite Shoemint's recommendation of going a half size up.


If you're interested in these, definitely check out your local TJMaxx or Marshall's stores! Most winter boots have been marked down.

Hope you all had a wonderful Holiday! Any plans for New Year's?

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Review: Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil (Swatches + Before & After)

Maybelline Eye Studio Master Shape Brow Pencil

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION: 
Master Shade: Subtle color pigments enhance your natural brow look
Master Shape: soft grooming brush adds final definition
Master Hold: exclusive wax technology keeps brows in place

Opthomologist tested - safe for sensitive eyes - Contact lens safe

Application: Fill and define brows using small, light strokes following natural brow shape. Groom brow upward and outward with brush to blend color and set brows.

What it basically is, is a tinted wax pencil. It's a little bit different than a retractable crayon (Maybelline Define-a-Brow or MAC Brows) for instance, as it's less crumbly and less pigmented. It's also the case for a standard brow pencil. Although heavy pigment is awesome for an eyeliner, it's a little less awesome for your brows.

As far as I know, it's available in four shades: Blonde, Auburn, Soft Brown and Deep Brown. This product is so new that it hasn't popped up on the Maybelline website yet, so I'm sure if there are any other additional shades.
 (Photo snapped in Walmart last night) From Left to Right: #260 Deep Brown, #255 Soft Brown, #265 Auburn and  #250 Blonde.

I picked up Deep Brown, as my hair is a very dark brown with no golden tones.

CONTINUE READING FOR SWATCHES + BEFORE & AFTER!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Review: Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Hydrating Makeup Foundation

 Diorskin Nude Fresh Glow Hydrating Makeup Foundation

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION:
Containing nearly 40% Active Mineralized water, this fluid foundation offers a fresh and hydrating finish. Your complexion appears smooth, silky and feels more comfortable due to micronized water droplets. This formula offers lightweight coverage, while it evens out the complexion and helps it appear more radiant and transparent.

With daily use, the skin texture improves for a long-lasting natural glow.

*Clinically proven to improve skin quality +27% after 4 weeks (Clinical study carried out by a dermatologist on 30 women: assessment before application and on bare skin after 4 weeks of daily use)

Dior currently has a selection six liquid foundations (including the airbrush spray foundation), with Diorskin Nude (Fluid) being the most popular.

I've been bored with my foundations lately, and Diorskin Nude peaked my interest as I noticed that it - or was, a favorite among many beauty bloggers. So, I decided to pick it up during Sephora's VIB sale.

The numbering system with this foundation is as follows:
yellow undertones = ends in 1
pink undertones = ends in 2
neutral undertones = ends in 0
peach undertones = ends in 3

Knowing that, helped me figure out my foundation shade a little easier. I know that I need a yellow based foundation, so my choices were 021, 031 or 051. So there's basically a light skin match, medium and dark with not much in between - for yellow undertones, that is. The lightest yellow shade (021) actually isn't that light. I'd say it's around a NC20 in the MAC coloring system, not far from a NC25.


CONTINUE READING!