My Favorite Lip Glosses Review and Swatches

Hi there.  Are you enjoying all the beautiful color of Fall?  

I have pretty chronic dry lips and the cooler, dryer air just make it more of a challenge.  Hence, I naturally gravitate toward lip glosses.  Today, I just want to share with you my favorite that I am currently using.  Lets start with Korres, they are my favorite brand when it comes to natural lip products.

(L to R) Pomegranate, Quince, Raspberry, Light Purple.

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Pomegranate:  The lip butter glaze texture is thinner than their original lip butter (the one in the pot) hence slightly less moisturizing, but is still more hydrating than most lipglosses out there.  I prefer the lip glaze because it is easier to apply and more hygienic.  Pomegrante is a true coral. 

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Quince: Quince is a warm red; a very wearable red for those who are timid.

Korres Lip Butter Glaze in Raspberry:  It has more red and brown than purple, like a deep burgundy.  Perfect shade for Fall.

Korres Cherry Lipgloss in Light Purple:  I so adore this color, it is a very wearable purple.  It does not make you look dead or clash too much against my warm skin.  It is actually a very pretty, semi sheer pinkish lavender.  (Lip Swatch)

(Swatches L to R) NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo, BareMineral in Wild Honey, Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Peony, BareEscentual Buxom in Bambi, Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Lust

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Tokyo:  Remember how I said I battle with dry lips?  This one will accentuate any dry flakes.  Aside from that, it is still one of my favorite for it pigmentation and shade.  Tokyo is an opaque neutral baby pink that does not clash against warm skin tone, it actually brighten my face.

BareMineral in Wild Honey:  Wild Honey is a beige with warm golden sheen.  It is pretty on it own but when you pair it with another lipstick...wow!  It makes everything look so much better especially those unimpressive lip color.  My favorite pairing is with a warm red lipstick or to tone down a too cool tone lipstick.  (Swatch of Wild Honey layer over MAC Sheen Supreme in Full Speed)

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in Peony:  Peony is a sheer peach with micro gold glitter.  It is easy to wear, great for everyday, goes with almost anything.

BareEscentual Buxom in Bambi:  I love Bambi not only because it is a beautiful true, bright coral but it is also very pigmented and long lasting for a lipgloss.  However, if you are strictly against sticky lipgloss then you might find it sticky.  Personally I don't mind because it is what make it long lasting. 

Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss in Lust:  Lust is like the most beautiful dark red.  When you apply it, there is a tiny hint of raspberry and gold shimmer.  Unfortunately I think this is a limited edition color but I have seen it on ebay.

Phew, there you have it, all my favorite at the moment and most of them are great color all year around.

Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream Review

Did you know that there are nearly 14 million of American suffering from Rosacea and many more with some kind of skin redness disorder?  For the past few years, my skin turned red between the brows and sides of my nose.  Occasionally, these areas especially, the sides of my nose will get tiny bumps that can get pretty raw and painful, .  I have been using Eucerin Sensitive Skin Redness Relief Soothing Night Cream for the past 2-3months for my redness.  This gel-cream active ingredient is a skin soothing ingredient, licorice root.

The first time I used this cream, I was not sure if it would works for me.  The gel cream texture feel nice and it absorbs quickly.  However, even though I did not use it as an eye cream, something in stings my eyes. To be fair, I do have sensitive eyes, a few other cream and mask did also irritate my eyes.  I am glad I continue to use it because my skin seem to like it, I just have to make sure to really apply away from my eyes. 

Ever since I started using this twice a day, my skin stopped having tiny bumps, flakes and rawness.  The appearance of redness did not go away completely, it probably reduce by 70%.  The one to two week that I stopped using this cream, the sides of my nose did start to feel raw and painful again.  Once I started using this cream again, the sensitivity went away in about 2 days.  I honestly did not expect to get such result from a drugstore cream.  This would have been my HG if only it did not irritate my eyes.

Price: $11.99 at Target and $14.99 at drugstores.

Overall Rating:  4 out of 5

Disclosure: The products being review was purchased by me.

Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro Nail Polish in Wild Orchid

 

 

Hi there.  I must have a thing for purple nail polish, every Spring, I am on the hunt for some variation of purple/lavender.  This year, I landed on Rimmel Lasting Finish Pro in Wild Orchid.  Wild Orchid is a cream, medium grape purple.  I think the color is unique because most purple nail polish are either really dark or light, you don't find too many in between.  The formula is great, no streaking, opaque with first coat (but I personally always do two coat).  It did not chip on me until about the 5th or 6th day which I think is pretty good considering I use my hands alot.

 

One thing I want to mention is the brush...I love this wider flat brush.  More coverage area and easier to wipe off any excess.  Overall, I am happy and would recommend this affordable nail polish, particularly this color.

 

 

Price:  $3.99 at drugstores and Ulta.

 

Overall Rating:  4.5/5

 

Disclosure: I purchased this item.

 

 



Tickle My Fancy: Garnier Olia Oil Powered Permanent Hair Color

I rarely ever color my hair and when I do, it is normally done at home, by myself.  Lately, the new Garnier Olia is so tempting that it makes me want to color my hair.  The fact that it is oil based, it contains 60% of oil blend and amonia free automatically make me feel like it is less damaging than traditional hair coloring.  Also, the tear drop shape dispenser is cute :)

If you go to the Garnier website, there is a little 3 questions survey you can take and it will give you recommended color that is best for your hair.

Have you tried it? 

Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo Review

Dry shampoo has been around for a long time but I did not try it until now since I normally do not fuss around too much with my hair. I picked up Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo recently and let me tell you, I am like, “Wow, it actually works. Why didn’t I try it sooner?”

Price: $5.99, purchased at Ulta

Pros: One day, I decided to do a scalp treatment, not something I normally do. Perhaps I used too much oil, it still look very greasy after I shampoo. I had to shampoo twice and my hair still look like it has not been wash in a week, just plain gross. Next morning, I sprayed Got2Be Rockin’ It Dry Shampoo and it just soaked up all the grease. My hair looks normal again. I was worry that it would leave white residue on my black hair but once I worked the product in and shook it off as instructed, the white powder disappear. Another great thing is that it also gives a bit of extra volume. All in all, two thumbs up.

Cons: Nothing that I can think of.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Dr. Teal's Eucalyptus Epsom Salt Bath Treatment

Got ache and pain? Or simply love taken bath? If your answer is yes to both then this is a must.

Price: $4.99 for over 1 Kg.

Pros: Ah, to me, taken a bath is such a simple luxury and I always enjoy adding bath treatment to make it even more special. Lately I have been experiencing back, hips, and legs pain due to being 8 months pregnant, all the extra weight and expansion is taken a toll on my little body. The combination of warm water and Epsom salt really help ease soreness. Of course, this is also great for athletes as well. The packaging said add 2 cups but I only use 1 cup yet I can still smell the spearmint and eucalyptus scent which to me is refreshing and calming at the same time. I have tried other brand before and honestly I cannot smell anything so this is a plus. Also, for the price and the amount of product you get, cannot beat that.

Cons: It comes in this huge bag that is supposed to be reseal-able but it is not. As you pour (because there is no scoop), the salt gets stuck in the seal part and won’t reseal easily. I would totally be willing to pay an extra dollar for them to package this in a plastic jar with a scoop.

Overall/Rating: Despite my dislike for the packaging, I think the product and value itself still warrant a perfect 5/5 rating.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes Review and Swatches

The new Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush is a powder-gel formula that is actually bouncy when you apply pressure, like a marshmallow. These comes in 10 shades available, the one I purchased are 15 Rose Petal and 20 Peach Satin.

Price: $7.99 each

Pros: I like this new packaging much better than the old Maybelline Dream Blush. The dome shape of the blush makes it much more accessible versus having to stick my finger in a pot (old version).

The formula applies and blends like a cream blush but has the finish and lightweight of a powder blush. It goes on fairly sheer and is buildable. I just use my finger, by the way. Peach Satin last on me the whole day and only fade slightly.

Cons: The lighter shade like Rose Petal is so gorgeous on pan but it goes on sheer, even after a few layers.  I think it show up a little better on swatch than on my cheeks.  Unless you are fair to light, I would recommend skipping the lighter shades as I am not sure if it will show up on darker skin tone.

Rose Petal (L) and Peach Satin (R)

Overall: A part of me wishes these blush are pack with more pigment for lighter shade like Rose Petal because it is so pretty in pan. Then on the other hand, they give a natural flush and are hard to overdo the way they are. Plus, darker shade like Peach Satin, I think the pigmentation is just right. I can also see this possibly being a hit for oilier skin gal whose skin cannot hold a cream blush.

Rating: It is tough; I am torn between a 4 and 4.5 out of 5


Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Jordane Easyshine Glossy Lip Color Review and Swatches

With a baby on the way, I have to be more conscious with my spending (at least I am trying to). I was happy to find cheap thrill like Jordane Easyliner Retractable Eyeliner. Let’s see if these lippies are also as great.

L to R: Watermelon, Strawberry

Price: $1.99 each at Walgreens.

Pros: Jordane Easyshine Glossy Lip Color is tinted lip balm that live up to its claim and maybe even more. These has the hydration of a lip balm; the shine of a lip gloss, and the pigmentation of a sheer lipstick. They are comfortable to wear, without any stickiness and pretty long lasting power.

Cons: Watermelon has a very strong scent when I first opened it; it takes some getting used to. I however did not have any problem with the Strawberry shade.

Overall: I recommend giving these a try, not just because they are cheap but because I really like the formula. I like the convenience of a tinted lip balm; I can use one instead of two products. Also, for something that is so lightweight, it is hydrating, pigmented, and long lasting.

Rating: 4.5/5

Top: Strawberry, Bottom: Watermelon

 

Lip swatch in Strawberry

 

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Jordana Easyliner For Eyes Retractable Pencil Review and Swatches

Price: $1.99 at Walgreens

Pros: It is super cheap! It works! These eye pencils are pigmented, easy to glide, no tugging and they stay in place all day, without smudging. I also love that they are retractable so I don’t have to deal with sharpening them. I love using the purple on the bottom lash for a pop of color. It goes very well with my brown eyes.

Cons: I have not seen this brand outside of Walgreens so it may be hard to find if you don’t have a Walgreens nearby.

Swatch: Purple Fusion and Denim Blue

Overall: If you can find them, I would highly recommend giving these a try. I don’t think you will be disappointed with the formula and there are many shades to pick from. Plus, they are only $1.99.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

NYX Eye Brow Kit with Stencil Review and Swatches

The review today is on NYX Eyebrow Kit with Stencil in color For Everybody.  The kit also come in For Blondes and For Brunettes.  Each kit comes with 4 colors, 3 stencils, an eyebrow comb and an eyebrow brush.

Price:  $13.50

Pros:  The brow powders are pigmented and come in large size container, about the size of a MAC eyeshadow.  The shades in For Everybody palette is really versatile, it would be suitable for everybody maybe except for light blond.  Last but not least, the inclusion of make it convenient and travel friendly.  

Cons:  I feel that the packaging is a bit thick, they have room to slim it down and make it less bulky.  Also, the eyebrow brush and comb are just okay.  I would use them if I am in a pinch but I mostly use my own separate set.

Overall:  I feel like I cannot give constructive comments on the 3 included stencils because I simply have never use a stencil.  I hardly have to pluck or groom my eyebrows and I have been filling them in stencil-free for the past 15 plus years so I find using a stencil just slow me down.  However, I have to note that I was able to find a stencil that closely match my eyebrow thickness and arch angle.  Overall, I think the brow powders are of high quality and the stencils may come in handy for most people.

Rating: 4/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Real Techniques Blush Brush Review

Being a fan of Pixiwoo (youtube channel), I was immediately interested when I heard that Sam is creating her own line of brushes.  I wanted to test out and review this brush since it first came out a few months ago. Unfortunately, it was so popular that it was always out of stock but I finally got my hand on one. I have been using it for the past 3 weeks and I can tell you that there is a reason why it is popular.

Price: $8.99, available at Ulta

Pros: The neat thing about this brush is that way the handle is structure; it stands on its own. The brush head is tapered in an oval shape, almost like an egg. I have a somewhat small face so I was worry that this fluffy brush would be too big for me but that is not the case at all.

It is made of cruelty-free, synthetic hair that is very soft and non-scratchy. Where this brush really excels is how it picks up and disperses powder. It picks up just the right amount of product and blends beautifully. Out of all the blush brushes I tried (BE, MAC, EDM, Ecotools), this one top them all when it comes to blending.

Cons: Nothing at all.

Overall: The price is so reasonable and its ability to blend is just amazing. Great tool for pro and I think a must for beginner. Beside blush, I also used it to apply bronzer and powder. I would totally recommend and in fact, I am thinking of getting a backup for myself.

Rating: 5/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Revlon CustomEyes in Rich Temptations Review and Swatches

Hi, I hope you all have a great Memorial weekend.  Today, I am going to do a quick review on this Revlon CustomEyes palette in Rich Temptations. I bought it because I am a sucker for green eyeshadow and it is indeed a nice dark green color. The green and two plum/brown colors are pretty pigmented and average in term of texture and smoothness. However, the two lighter colors, champagne and warm pink are big disappointment. They are sheer and chalky, an unflattering combination. Overall, get this if you want to try the darker color and not too picky about texture.

Price: $8.99

Rating: 3/5

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

Got2Be Guardian Angel 425 Degrees Heat Protect ‘n Curl Iron Spray and Gloss Finish

Happy Valentine Beauties!  I hope everyone have a sweet sweet time today, whether it is with a significant other or with your friends.  Moving on to the review...

I like to be as low maintenance as possible and still look good when it comes to my hair. I don’t use a lot of product, just the basic shampoo and conditioner most days and now that I have long hair, a few drops of serum to detangle. So, unless I see a noticeable difference, I won’t even bother adding anything else to the routine.

Price: $10

Pros: It smells really nice; it makes my hair soft and shiny without weighting it down. Most importantly, it helps my hair hold its curls. I have naturally wavy hair. However, lately, I am not sure if my hair’s structure changed or because it’s getting longer and heavier but it doesn’t seem to hold curl like it used it. Also, unless I curl my hair the same day as I washed it otherwise, if I wait till the next day, good luck. This allows me the option to curl my hair the next day if I want to and best of all, it does not make my hair crunchy at all.

You can see here that it is frizzy and kind of brittle hence, I didn't look too happy :)

The act of heat curling itself smooth out your hair.  However, this spray gives it more shine, softer and longer lasting curls.  It will hold till the next day with some loosening.

Cons: It is hard to find, I couldn’t find it at Target or Ulta, which does carries Got2Be. I had to order mine from Amazon.

Overall: It helps my hair hold curls, soft, shiny, smell good…what is there not to like? I just wish Ulta carries this.  Rating: 5/5.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

NYX Black Label Lipstick in Nude Review and Swatches

First off, Happy Lunar New Year to those who celebrate it.  Today review is on NYX Black Label Lipstick in Nude.

Price: $6

Pros: I am a girly girl, I like cute packaging, I like my gift nicely wrapped, my hubby knows. I like the lace print on this lipstick, it is sexy and grown up. I also like the clear bottom with lipstick shade indicator, it make easy to spot what you are looking for when you have a bunch of them in a basket or something.

Years ago, I made a few bad drugstore lipstick purchases, they smell and taste awful. I stopped purchase lipstick and lipgloss from drugstore for awhile, but I am now starting to warm up to it again…slowly, very slowly. Let me tell you, this does not disappoint. It is moisturizing, it glides on beautifully, and coverage is builable. I also like that it is not dead matte, it has a subtle sheen to it.

Cons: If you can grab these in store, great. If you have to order online, the swatches for them are not very good.

Overall: I am a happy buyer and will purchase more in the future. I have dry lips so it is very important to me that this does not dry my lips. I also like that this shade of nude is nude without making me look all wash out like a ghost. Rating 4.5/5

(The camera picks up a lot of pinkness but it's more beige in person)



Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

NYX Powder Blush Review and Swatches

After having tried, loved and totally raved about NYX cream blushes in my previous review, their powder blush has big shoe to fill. So, does it live up to my expectation?

Price: $6 each


Pros: When I first received them, I used my finger to swatch. My first reaction was, “wow, it is so creamy and smooth”. It’s so finely mill, smooth and silky. It blends beautifully; I don’t have to worry about it looking blotchy like some cheap blush can.  It is also pigmented and long lasting.

Angel

Muave

Cons: The packaging of this and the cream blush are rather plain and boring. Oh well, I guess you can’t be too picky at this price point. There is also no good swatch online. Mauve is also a misleading name. It is not a mauve color; it is more of a rose color. Muave pairs well with Rose Tea (NYX cream blushes swatch).

Overall: I am really happy with the quality of these blushes, no complain about them. Since I cannot find them at my local drugstores, I wish they have better swatches online. So, I hope you guys will find my swatches helpful. I do plan on purchasing other shades.  Rating: 4.5/5.


Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.

NYX Cream Blush Review and Swatches

I have wanted to try NYX cream blushes for a long time. Unfortunately, my local Ulta carries NYX but does not carries any of their blushes. So I finally caved and ordered mine online at Cherry Culture. I am sure glad I did.

Price: $6.50 each

Rose Petal

Natural

Boho Chic

Glow

Glow looks really bright in the pot but if you blend and sheer it out, it is bright but wearable.

Pros: I am really appreciating these blushes as it has been bitter cold and my skin is dry and rough lately. They are very creamy and pigmented. I absolutely love how long lasting they are. I sometime set my cream blush with a matching blush to make it last longer but I don’t need to with these baby. They blend evenly, easily, I don't need a brush, just my finger is good enough. They also do not oxidize, the color stay true all day.

Cons: I am not crazy about the glitter in Boho Chic. The good thing is that it does not look garish once I blend it out.

Overall: The texture of these are a lot softer than your typical cream blush (think Stila Covertible) so do not dip your brush in the pot, you would pick up way too much product. I just gently swipe with my ring finger, dab on my cheek, blend out with a brush and its perfect every time. I love how the color stay true and long lasting they are. Also, the pot is big, you do get a lot for what you pay for, the price couldn’t be any better. Totally recommend. Rating 5/5.

Disclosure: The product(s) being review was purchased by me for personal use or review purpose.