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)