Showing posts with label first impressions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label first impressions. Show all posts

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Watercolor Haul

Alas! I have a new camera! Special thanks to my parental units for getting me a new camera for Christmas after my outdated one decided it didn't want to function properly. I am beyond happy. I really missed taking pictures!

My boss got me a Hobby Lobby gift card for Christmas, so I went straight away to pick up some new watercolor supplies! I would have preferred the better quality paints, but I didn't want to spend a fortune. I decided since I am no professional, I am going to try "The Fine Touch" brand from Hobby Lobby. I also picked up some brushes, paper pads, a little sealable pallet and a waterproof ink pen. Get closeups and more info below! :)

I got a cheap set of $5.99 round camel brushes in the sizes 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. (The Fine Touch)
I also got a $7.99 with a size 2 liner and rounds in the sizes 8, 16 and 24. (Master's Touch)
My little plastic folding palette was $2.99. (Master's Touch)
I picked up a $3.99 Pitt Artist Pen too. I got the 0.6 mm fine tip with black India ink. (Faber-Castell)


Next, my cheap paints! lol I got this $13.99 set of 24 tube watercolor paints. (The Fine Touch)
I will have some color swatches below! You can also see them in my palette.
I got 6x8 and 9x12 paper books too.


Here is what the palette looks like when it's open. There are 20 paint wells and then 5 other areas to mix colors. There are also little brushes holders and a place to place your thumb. Pretty decent for the price. It will work for now! I squeezed in my paints and will wait for them to dry. They can be activated again with water. :)


 Here are some quick color swatches of the paints. I got most of them here. I think there was one blue and then the gray and black that didn't fit into my palette. I might end up scraping out a red or two later to make room for those though. A few of the reds look quite similar. I didn't use a whole lot of paint and there is still plenty, so it won't be much of a loss. :)

All together I spent about $30 on everything. I used a 40% off coupon on my paints!

I will share some of my little paintings soon. :)
I'm glad to have the always important camera back so I can start sharing again. See you soon!

Thursday, August 28, 2014

August 2014 Ipsy Bag & Look

If you have never heard of Ipsy, check out their website to learn more!
This is my second Glam Bag! I like the products, but they are super small sample sizes this month. I know it's a sample subscription, but boy are these tiny! lol

Take a look at everything I got in my bag this month, with swatches and more info. I also created a look with all the products from the bag!

The bag this month is round and white with orange polka dots and zipper. The theme is "beauty schooled" and it reminds me a little of a pencil case. :) 



The Products

1. URBAN DECAY - Perversion Mascara
2. LORD & BERRY - Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil
3. COASTAL SCENTS - Shadow Palette Sample - Set 28
4. ABSOLUTE - You're the Balm - Green Apple
5. DR. BRANDT - Pores No More - Pore Refiner

Color Swatches & Info

1. URBAN DECAY - Perversion Mascara

"Get bigger, blacker, badder lashes with our ultra-creamy, lengthening and volumizing mascara. So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion glides on and gets you sexy in one stroke. (Yet it won’t quit until you say when.) It’s insane how black it is…the purest, deepest, most intense black color imaginable.  Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that’s not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of “pull” so it glides through lashes. The result: incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it’s been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. Our formula NEVER gets brittle or clumpy." 

I actually do like this mascara... but I don't think I want to pay $20 for it! It does seem very creamy though. It glides on super smooth. I didn't notice clumping either. The results below are after only one coat of Perversion.


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2. LORD & BERRY - Silk Kajal Kohl Eye Pencil

"A kohl eye pencil that lines, defines and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth finish.
Ophthalmologist tested and gentle enough to be used on the inner eye."


Tiny little pencil. The full size is $15. I would have to agree with the description above, but I wouldn't want to use this anywhere it might come into contact with wetness. From my experience with kohl pencils, they smudge pretty easily, yeah?


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3. COASTAL SCENTS - Shadow Palette Sample - Set 28

"Coastal Scents Shadow Palette Samples are an ideal way to try these highly pigmented, stunning shadows. Each miniature-sized palette offers four specially selected, complementary shades to create a variety of looks."

I got the more tame colors this round. Very pretty though! They are super soft and the pigmentation is great! I could use these colors in quite a few different combinations too. The colors in this palette are: Cocoa Diamond, Reef Coral, Rainstorm and Bronze Peach.


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4. ABSOLUTE - You're the Balm - Green Apple

"Treat your lips with the ultra-moisturizing Duo Lip Balms from Absolute New York. Our lightly tinted, creamy, conditioning formula softens, smoothens, and protects lips for a seriously kissable pout. Discover this must-have duo for sensationally soft and luscious lips!"

 I recieved green apple, but it reminds me more of watermelon. In my opinion it smells pretty yummy and goes on thinly and smoothly. Popping this nomnom in my purse. It has a very light pink tint. Also the only full sized product in this months bag.


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5. DR. BRANDT - Pores No More - Pore Refiner

"A cult favorite, Pores No More Pore Refiner Primer is Dr. Brandt’s quick fix for flawless, photo-ready skin. It is the miracle base to create the perfect skin canvas for long-lasting makeup and well-preserved skin. This velvety formula absorbs excess oil, minimizes pores, blurs fine lines and is resistant to sweat and humidity. Prime, touch-up and treat while perfecting your makeup."

Well, I was impressed. I hate my big pores and I saw a noticeable difference very quickly when I put this just on one area of my cheek. I'll only use it on special occasions because this baby is $45 for an ounce! It is a light flesh tone in color and smells a bit like an acne cream medicine. I can see why it's one of their best sellers.


The August 2014 Glam Bag Look

Here ya go! I used the Coastal Scents eyeshadows, Lord  & Berry eyeliner and the Urban Decay mascara. :) Quite a nice "natural" kind of look. Simple for back to school too. Can't go wrong with some nice neutral eyeshadow. Brown shades are always my go to colors.



 

Monday, March 31, 2014

Influenster Uni Vox Box

 I just received my Uni Vox Box from Influenster the other day. I got some cool stuff in this one. :) Everything is free and sent for review from Influenster. Check out their site for more information. ;) Some items may have separate reviews later.

Here are all the products that I got:

Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-On Manicure: $5.99 for colors/$7.99 for patterns. imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails is the revolutionary way to achieve a flawless manicure in seconds. Just peel off, press on, and you're done - NO glue needed! High-shine colors, trendy designs and glam glitter nails that last up to a week!

Expert Last Lip Color in Forever Fuchsia: $1.99 Ready to take your lips to the next level? Try our NEW Expert Last Lip Color in twenty tantalizing shades. Get intense amplified color and shine that lasts up to 6 hours. Our moistrizing formula glides on easily for a silky smooth, velvety finish for all day wear.

Pilot Acrobal PureWhite: $4.59 - $7.49 Acroball PureWhite combines a glossy white barrel with Spring Pantone inspired grip colors and smooth writing advanced ink, which combines the vibrant color of gel with the quick drying benefits of ballpoint ink, so you can write effortlessly.

Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation:
$4.99- $5.49 Lightweight liquid mousse texture leaves skin shineless, yet feels weightless & cakeless. The weight is over - finally, shine has met its matte. Available in 8 shades.

Red Rose REAL TEA Premium Water Enhancer: $4.49 Finally - a water enhancer with no dyes or coloring that's made from real brewed tea. Make boring water taste tea-rrific with REAL TEA from Red Rose!


Thursday, December 19, 2013

Influenster Jolly VoxBox 2013

Please ignore my extreme dorkyness. lol Enjoy looking into my Jolly VoxBox!


ALL PRODUCTS COMPLIMENTARY FOR TESTING PURPOSES FROM INFLUENSTER!

Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong To Go Tissue Pack: $0.49/single pack Puffs Ultra Soft & Strong To Go is still our best non-lotion facia tissue to use in the car, for on-the-go, wherever you go!

NYC New York Color HD Color Trio Eye Shadow: $2.99 HD Color Trio Eye Shadow delivers high intensity color with a silky soft texture. This lightweight formula blends effortlessly for the ultimate smoky eye look.

Rimmel London Show Off Lip Lacquer: $5.49 - $5.99 It's the end of color as you know it! The intense rich colour of a lipstick combined with an invincibly smooth lacquer shine. Available in 14 shades.

Skinny Cow Candy:
$3.99/box, $1.09 single bar or pouch TA DA! Presenting almost too good to be true Skinny Cow Candy!Unbelievably chocolately. Melt-in-your-mouth madness. Perfectly yummy portions. Skinny Cow's line of candy weighs in at 110 to 130 calories. So if you've been avoiding the candy aisle, welcome back. You're gonna feel like a kid in a candy store.

Ducklings Mini Rolls: $2.00 - $3.00 Excellent for repair, crafting, and imaginative projects. High performance strength and adhesion characteristics. Tears easily by hand without curling and conforms to uneven surfaces. Ducklings are perfect for small repairs, trimming out projects or for when you just need a little tape!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

November 2013 Ipsy Glam Bag & Look

If you have never heard of Ipsy, check out their website to learn more!
This is my first ever Glam Bag and I quite like it. I wish I could continue with my subscription, but money is tight. I just wanted to try it once, at least! lol Take a look at everything I got in my bag this month, with swatches and more info. I also created a look with all the products from the bag. :)

The Products


The bag this month is metallic gold snakeskin with a pink zipper and little wrist strap!

1. PIXI BEAUTY- Bronzer - Subtly Suntouched
2. EM MICHELLE PHAN - Lash Gallery Mascara - Dramatic Volume
3. BH COSMETICS - Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Sample - Neptune
4. NAILTINI - Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer - Champagne
5. BE A BOMBSHELL - Lip Crayon - Shameless
6. STARLOOKS - Gem Eye Pencil - Topaz

Color Swatches & Information

1. PIXI BEAUTY- Bronzer - Subtly Suntouched
"This bronzing powder gives your complexion the warmth and luminosity of naturally sunkissed skin. Hydrating, silky-smooth & long-wearing, it also protects against free radicals. Contains Vitamin E to protect the skin and mica, which provides dense natural pigment."

I didn't get a picture of this since it matched my skin and you could barely see it. It has some very subtle shimmer and I think it is best used on the days where you are going for the look of minimal makeup. lol It could be used as a highlighter on someone with skin darker than my own though. Unless you have porcelain white skin, I don't think it would be much of a "bronzer". I suppose it could even be used as an eyeshadow too.

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2. EM MICHELLE PHAN - Lash Gallery Mascara - Dramatic Volume
 "Inspired by the girl who wants to rock out with her lashes. Amp it up and create instant lash drama with a single coat. Uniquely-designed spoon brush 'cup' and quickly builds lashes with rich color and volume."

The formula is very wet, as I assume all or most volumizing mascaras are. It smells like flowers... not like a lotion or perfume flower smell, but like walking through a flower garden. lol I have pretty average looking lashes to begin with... nothing fancy about them. So in my opinion, this was a decent mascara. I think my lashes definitely look more voluminous and dramatic. It's hard to get used to such a wet mascara! I haven't used many like this, so I can't compare it to others, sadly. 

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 3. BH COSMETICS - Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Sample - Neptune
"This Galaxy Chic Baked Eyeshadow Sample will take you from Plain Jane to an infinite trendsetter. Inspired by the moons and planets of the universe, eyeshadow shades range from hot sun-orange to cool earth-blue and colors of the Milky Way. Be as chic as a sparkling star!"

Neptune is a bright shimmery blue color. This is a baked eyeshadow. Some people get put off by colors like this, but if you use it right, you can make beautiful eye looks. The shadow is very pigmented, blendable and buildable. The actual Galaxy Chic palette has some very neat colors in it, if you want to check it out. I was hoping to get the color Asteroid, but this is a nice color too.

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 4. NAILTINI - Straight Up Color Nail Lacquer - Champagne
"Just one of Nailtini's top-shelf, 3-free nail lacquer, available in dozens of shades, textures and finishes. Wear them alone or layered to create custom looks and effects, each one a cocktail unto itself. Cheers to beauty, and as always, apply responsibly!"

This is such an interesting shade. I really like it too. When looking at the bottle a few things come to mind... copper, pink, gold. They seem to be all swirled into one. It does resemble champagne as well, in my opinion. lol I just recently painted my nails, so I put it on top of the very dark plum color that was already a few days old. It covered it very nicely. I only used two coats. Didn't have to try hard at all. :)

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 5. BE A BOMBSHELL - Lip Crayon - Shameless
"A glossy lip crayon with a smooth texture that is perfect for travel and touch-ups on the go. Apply to top and bottom lips for full coverage. For sheer coverage, apply to lower lip only and blot lips together. For more color, apply several coats until you receive desired results."

The swatch is on the same hand as the eyeliner, so it will be down a little further! Anyway, I really like this color! It's a pretty berry color... I'm going to go with "raspberry". I like this a lot and I think it's a great color to wear for fall too. It goes on really smooth and pigmented. It's also shimmery, which I love in a lip product. lol The description on the site says, 'a burgundy with shimmer' as the color description.

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6. STARLOOKS - Gem Eye Pencil - Topaz
"The Starlooks Gem Eye Pencils provide a magnificent metallic finish and are so versatile, soft, and creamy that they can be used as a liner or eyeshadow base! Each highly-pigmented, unique pencil has a gorgeous, micro-glitter finish."

This metallic silver eyeliner is so pretty.I think it's great to line the lower lash line. It will definitely make your eyes pop and shine through. lol I never thought I would go for such a metallic and shiny liner, but it really is pretty to look at! I'll have to find more ways to use it. :) After reading the description, I do have to wonder about using it as an eyeshadow base too now. I'll be testing this more, for sure. It glided pretty well on my hand and then on my eyes. I'd say it is pretty soft and creamy like they state. The only part I hate is that I'll have to sharpen it! lol

The image below shows the eyeliner as well as the lip crayon.

The November 2013 Glam Bag Look




 I used all the products that came in my bag, plus my LA Colors palette in Cafe Au Lait and my Revlon Luxurious Color Smoky Crayon eyeliner. :) Thanks for sticking around! Check out Ipsy and all the brands from this month's bag!


Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Influenster Varsity VoxBox 2013

Take a look at what I got in my VoxBox! Woowhoo!
This is my first video on my main channel... wow. lol
Enjoy!


ALL PRODUCTS COMPLIMENTARY FOR TESTING PURPOSES FROM INFLUENSTER!

More about the items in my VoxBox!

Airheads Xtremes Bites: $1.69 New Airhead Xtremes Bites the perfect balance of sweet and sour, just like Airheads Xtremes belts. These rainbow berry bite sized pieces easy to eat and perfect for sharing with others. Available in 6 oz bag.

Kiss Nail Dress: $6.99 Give yourself the perfect manicure or pedicure in no time with Kiss Nail Dress. Quick and easy to apply, these strips stick on in minutes and come right off with no remover needed! Your manicure will last a week, chip free.

NYC Big Bold Plumping & Shine Lip Gloss: $3.99 Have you always wanted full, plump lips? Get voluminous lips in one effortless stroke with NYC's Big Bold Plumping Lip Gloss! this sultry gloss adds up to 50% more volume and four hours of shine for lasting wear.

Tide Pods: The only unique 3 in 1 Detergent that contains a Detergent + Stain Fighter + Brightener all in one small pac. All you need to do is pop in 1 Tide Pod pac to clean any size load. It can be used in any washing machine and dissolves in any temperature, even in cold!

Clearasil Daily Clear Refreshing Superfruit Wash: $6.49 Delight your senses with NEW Superfruit cleansers from Clearasil Daily Clear. Formulated with a blend of Superfruit Extracts, Vitamin B3 and blemish prevention for radiant skin day after day.

Sunday, October 6, 2013

Haul: First Impressions

First, I will start by saying that all my hauls are usually pretty small! lol At the most there would probably be about 5 items. :) This haul is from my trip to Walmart last night. It all started because I painted my nails and forgot I didn't have any more top coat... after choosing my top coat, I thought it would be a great idea to look around some more... why do I do this to myself??? Anyway, here are my first impressions! I will probably be back again within a few weeks to review them all fully. :) I apologize for the blah quality photos. My Canon is dead and I used my mom's camera... which is not very good. lol

1. Sally Hansen Dries Instantly Top Coat - $3.97

I used another Sally Hansen base coat/top coat before and after a while it got very goopy and I couldn't use it anymore. It started to also ruin my nail designs by smudging them which ticked me off! I want to say it was the Hard as Nails one. I've liked other Sally Hansen products before though, so I thought I would give this top coat a try. Right at the get go, saying "instantly" makes me think... impossible. lol At that point I was thinking, even if it just dries rather quickly I would be totally satisfied! This bottle is 0.45 fl oz.
I applied it to my nails that were painted the day before, but I did touch up the edges of my nails with fresh polish. I always let it set for about 30 seconds before putting on a top coat. It is quite a thin top coat (which I like) and it didn't pick up any of the polish I used to touch up my nails. So I hope it never does when I try it on an entirely fresh paint job! We shall see! I'd say this dried pretty quickly. Probably in about 1 minute. It does leave a nice shine on my nails too. This top coat claims to do a lot of things... quick drying, anti chipping and smudging, strong glass like finish, UV absorbers protect against yellowing and fading... I will test this baby out a few more times and I'll get back to you!

2. Rimmel London BB Cream Beauty Balm - $6.99

I don't usually use liquid foundation on my face because I found that it was just too hard to choose one that works on my skin. I didn't want to keep spending money and not liking the product or color. I've tried a few tinted moisturizers with better luck though. I always do a light layer of a powder foundation and color correctors just to try and cover up my redness and such. I thought it would be a good idea to try a BB cream after hearing so much about them. To me it sounded like a "one stop shop" kind of deal. I could put this on quickly and get out of the house with a great looking face! After looking around on YouTube for reviews, I decided that this cream by Rimmel London would be a great place to start. This product is 1 fl oz. I got it on sale for $5.47. :) I got it in the color Light.


Rimmel claims that it's a 9-in-1 skin perfecting super makeup. Yes, please! It also has SPF 25 which is lovely because I have fair skin. The label on the back says it primes, moisturizes, minimizes pores, conceals, covers, smooths, mattifies, brightens, helps protect and lasts all day! I NEED ALL OF THAT. I have acne prone skin that is always pretty red, I have large pores and could use some mattifying and concealing. lol I tested it on my arm real quick to get a feel for it. It is nice a creamy and not globby at all. I rubbed it into my skin and saw results already. It has a nice finish on it. Made the skin look soft and glowy. It also covered up my red rimmed bunny scratches very well. So I am hoping that it can achieve the same thing on my face! lol I am really excited to give this a go. :)

3. Wet n Wild Color Icon Bronzer - $3.93

Winter will be here soon... and my decent tan from the summer will disappear... I couldn't pass up the good deal on this. lol The packaging caught my eye right away. It's huge and has a pretty sun imprinted in the power. I'm sold. I got this in the color Ticket to Brazil (739) and it is .46 oz.


The color is quite pretty. It seems to have a satin type finish on it. It's not crazy shimmery or totally matte. After I blended it out, I thought it looked rather nice on my skin. Gave it a bronze glowing look that I am sure to appreciate when I become horribly pale again. It has SPF 15 too. Yay for more sun protection! I think this will do the job I need it too.

Well, I think I picked out some decent items! I am excited to really put them to use. Like I said before, I will be back to do full reviews of them once I have gotten to know them better. I will also try to get some batteries for my Canon... ;-P