Friday, June 15, 2012

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush Review!

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush

It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush ($48) is a large ultra-plush, dense synthetic brush that can be used in a variety of ways for an always-flawless application. Did I mention that it's OMG soft?

The benefit to using such a large brush is that it covers a larger surface area at once, so application goes by much quicker. The ultra, soft and luxurious bristles create a seamless finish, so not only does it apply product quicker, but completely even with less work than a standard size brush.

I've used this brush in a few different ways - to apply liquid and cream foundation, setting powder, liquid/cream body bronzer and as a finishing brush to help blend everything together.

I love using it for liquid and cream foundation, but because it is so large, you have to use a separate brush to get to the small areas (around the eyes, nose hairline, etc.) so my favorite use for this brush is using it as a finishing brush.

I'm often on-the-go, and when I don't have enough time to adequately blend in my foundation, I always grab my IT Heavenly Luxe Powder Brush and quickly run it across my face working the brush in circular motions. It ensures my foundation is seamless, free of any streaks or blotches.


Thursday, June 14, 2012

MAC Lovelorn Lipstick Review with Comparisons!

Mac lovelorn lipstick review

MAC Lovelorn Lipstick

MAC Lovelorn Lipstick ($15) is described on the MAC website as an emotive blue-pink. It's actually a medium toned sheer, natural pink with subtle cool tones. What's fab about this pink is that it's not overly cool, so it's a pink that both warm and cool skin tone gals could enjoy. Cool-toned pinks aren't normally flattering on my tan skin (they seem to better suit me when I'm lighter) and I often find them difficult to wear, but Lovelorn actually works out well for me.

If you're looking for a barbie pink, Lovelorn isn't it. I find it to be a more mature pink (no, not great grandma mature) - possibly Creme Cup's sophisticated older sister? It's very natural, and kind of gives my lips a "my lips but better" appearance with a couple swipes of the tube. (Check it out on Bloomin Beauty, it looks gorgeous on her!)

Lovelorn is a Lustre formula, which is one of my favorite lipstick formulas for a few reasons - The apply smoothly, don't accentuate dryness, feel great on, and although they are sheer, the color is very buildable for full coverage. Lastly, they have a shiny finish, so I never need a lip gloss layered on top. A simple wham-bam, and I'm done. The only downside is that the lasting power of the lustre formulas aren't the best. After a couple hours, I'm due for a reapplication.

Mac lovelorn lipstick review

Mac lovelorn lipstick swatches
MAC Lovelorn Lipstick on my lips

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara Review!

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara ($29/two tubes) is a QVC exclusive mascara that is promised to provide some seriously dramatic lashes with added volume, length and separation. It even mentions on the box that it's clinically proven (but we all know clinical trials aren't always a trusted source) to increase lash volume by 430%! Yes girl, 430 percent.
Developed with leading plastic surgeons, Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Treatment Mascara revolutionizes and takes the place of five products--volumizing mascara; conditioning, hydrating lash primer; lash-enhancing serum; lash tint; and a lash comb/curler! Hello Lashes offers the blackest of black color that lasts and doesn't flake or fade. The triple-brush lengthens, curls, and separates lashes while the innovative Magic Wand lash ball detailer tip is designed to reach every last inner and outer corner lash. 
Combines a blend of lash-enhancing and conditioning ingredients, including peptides, collagen, proteins, acai, jojoba, green tea, and vitamins A, C, E, and B5.

•Paraben-free •Fragrance-free •Phthalate-free •Sulfate-free •Cruelty-free


Wearing 'It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara' on my lashes

Monday, June 11, 2012

Introducing "Beauty Buzz Sessions" to Miss Natty's Beauty Diary!


A new feature will be added to my blog, called "Beauty Buzz Sessions".

A Buzz Session is basically a discussion of a given topic among a small (although it doesn't have to be small) group of people. Considering there are many of you that visit daily, I thought that adding a feature allowing us to better interact with each other (readers with other readers, and readers with me) would be a great tool to get to know one another a little better by hearing your thoughts/feelings on certain topics!

Of course because this is a Beauty Blog, the topics will tie into beauty - but I'm using "beauty" as a very general term, as the topics aren't going to just be simply about makeup, etc. I'd like to also address some personal feelings into these topics that pertains to many of us, but we all don't necessarily talk about. I strongly believe that when your thoughts and feelings are set free, especially to those who understand, it provides us with self-empowerment, something that each of us can only benefit from. I mean, we're all here because we share some of the same passions/interests, right!? There will also be fun topics here and there!

Discussion is highly encouraged and appreciated! I'd love for everyone to participate if the topic is something you have an opinion about. If you're neutral on the topic and don't have any particular thoughts, it's no biggie. I'll toss in a poll at the end of the post where you'll be able to provide quick feedback - if you want to, that is!

I'll be organizing the first Beauty Buzz Session within the next few days, but I wanted to let you know beforehand, and I'm hoping some of you will participate!

As a little bonus, I will put together a giveaway containing some of my favorite beauty products to each Beauty Buzz Session. Each of those who responded by the given time frame (because for any giveaway there has to be a beginning and end date) will be entered in the drawing, and the winner will be picked by random. The discussion will of course always remain open. It's my personal thank you for participating!

Talk to you soon!

Natty