NYX Gala Round Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Gala Round Lipstick 

NYX Gala Round Lipstick ($4) is described as a soft blue-toned pink with shimmer. It's a very light pink, and applies a bit lighter than it looks in the tube. It's slightly too light for me, but it'd work great for mixing, and when worn alone it'd look best on fair, light and light-medium skin tones.

Sometimes light colored lipsticks can emphasize cracks and dryness on the lips and Gala does just that. If I want to wear Gala, I have to make sure to apply a good lip balm and scrub my lips to remove any flakes. Even after I've exfoliated my lips really good, it still shows a little dryness.

I really like NYX Round Lipsticks — they are great for the price, but not every shade is created equal. Some are very pigmented and apply great, while some (like Gala) take several coats for opaque color and can apply uneven. The majority of the Round Lipsticks I've purchased have been pretty good.

It's still overall a very pretty light pink, and if you're a lover of soft baby pinks, you might really enjoy this lipstick. I'd personally skip because of the formula.

NYX Gala Lipstick on my lips.

Shoemint Abi Booties Review with Photos!

Shoemint Abi Boots 

Shoemint Abi Boots are my latest Shoemint purchase. Actually, I've been skipping every month since my first Shoemint purchase over a year ago because I just find $80 a bit high to spend every month on shoes that I don't really need regardless of the quality.

I was very impressed with the quality of my first pair of Shoemint Shoes (the Pauline booties). I've worn them countless times and they still look brand new. So, when Shoemint added a bunch of their current shoes and boots to the Sale section, I hopped on it.

Although I really love cute and trendy pieces, I like finding classic and practical items that I can toss on with anything and get loads of wear from. I thought these Abi Boots would be great and practical boots that I can wear every day and that'd match with just about anything. Even though they are just plain black, I like how they are composed of several panels of leather to give them a little extra style.

I have to say I'm not at all impressed with the quality. Although they aren't in any way bad, they are suppose to be comparable to high-end brands that are double the price ($160+). I've owned both cheap and expensive shoes, and usually when a shoe goes over the $100-$150 mark, you can definitely tell the difference in quality. These boots to me don't feel like they would cost any more than $40. The leather looks and feels plastic/synthetic-like and I wouldn't think they were real leather unless I looked on the inside label. They also smell like cheap plastic.

They ended up being $39.99 (with free shipping) regularly $79.95.

Nars Ashes to Ashes, Night Star and Etrusque Eyeshadows Review, Photos and Swatches!

 Nars Ashes to Ashes, Night Star and Etrusque Eyeshadows

I've accumulated a few Nars eyeshadows in the past couple of months and I've been trying to put off using them before reviewing them, but as you can see.. I've been using all three!

I love Nars Eyeshadow. Although like any brand, some shades can be a hit or miss, I've been pretty pleased with all of the Nars eyeshadows I've purchased (which is only a small handful).

Some shades are smoother/softer than others, but all of the shadows commonly are very pigmented, and you only need the lightest touch of the brush for good color pay-off (especially the darker shades).

At $24 a pop, these eyeshadows are quite pricey, so I don't purchase them too often, but once in a while I get swayed by the sparkles or the silky textures end end up caving in.

Ashes to Ashes is described as a violet-brown with shimmer, or basically a soft taupe. It's a really common shade (in the same family as MAC Satin Taupe or Wet n Wild Nutty), but if you have "taupe disease" like me, and feel the need to purchase every taupe on the market, then this shade is very necessary. haha!

I find it to be a great every day shade and I often wear it solo on my lid and smudged on my lower lash line for a soft wash of color, topped with lots of mascara.

From left to right: Nars Night Star, Etrusque and Ashes to Ashes.

Swatches from left to right: Nars Night Star, Etrusque and Ashes to Ashes.

The Balm Cosmetics is on Hautelook!

The Balm Cosmetics on Hautelook 2/1-2/4

If you're a member of Hautelook, make sure to check out the Beauty section for a big selection of The Balm Cosmetics on sale now through Monday at 8AM Pacific. Many items are at least 50% off, so if you've had your eye on any products, now is a great time to buy!

I'll be picking up another one of my favorite highlighters - The Balm Mary Lou-Manizer, which is only $12, regularly $24. I'm also curious about The Balm's concealer and foundations. Anyone tried them?

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!

Click here to shop Hautelook!