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Showing posts with label swatches. Show all posts
Showing posts with label swatches. Show all posts

Sunday, September 15, 2013

My Beauty Favorites Under 5 Dollars!


Hey beauties! I hope you had a great weekend and this week will be as well! If you have followed my blog for a while now you know I'm big on bargains and also drugstore makeup, I love finding inexpensive things that work just as well as high end or designer! So, I'm going to show my beauty favorites under 5 dollars & also throw in some high end dupes as well! Let's get started :)

1. e.l.f. Studio Blushes, $3


e.l.f.'s studio blushes are great for a beginner to blush or to any blush-aholic {hello, I'm Leah and I have a problem!} the packaging is similar to the coveted Nars blushes but with only a 3 dollar price tag, these are the perfect cheap alternative. These are pigmented, easy to work with and just all around great quality! My favorites are candid coral (top, center), berry merry (top, right) and pink passion (bottom, right)! If you are interested in these be sure to subscribe to eyeslipsface.com's emails because they are regularly doing coupon codes, free shipping, etc. so you can get a even better deal!

2. Wet n Wild bronzer, 3.99
Wet n Wild's Bronzer in a "Ticket to Brazil" is absolutely gorgeous, it's not too dark or too light and I believe would be perfect on a variety of skin tones! It has a subtle golden sheen that is not too over powering, it would be great to had a slight glow to the cheeks or even to contour with! Plus, this baby is HUGE, it's .46 oz {compared a Mac blush is .21 oz} And the best part? It is a dupe for Tarte's shimmery verison of their bronzer Park Ave. Princess which retails for 29 dollars! A 4 dollar dupe for a 29 dollar product? Yes please!

3. Jordana Lipliners, 1.99
Jordana Lip Liners are my holy grail lip liner of choice! First off, they are dirt cheap but they also come in a great variety of colors! They don't have to be sharpened... which a lot of the more expensive ones still do. Most importantly though, they have absolutely great color pay off and they are super long lasting, what more could you want? My favorites are: tawny {a muted mauvey pink, goes with just about anything}, rock n' rose {a light brown, works great to deepen coral lipstick} and cabernet {dark wine color, perfect for plum/berry lips}

4. Wet n Wild Eyeshadow Primer, 4.99
Wet n Wild Fergie Eyeshadow Primer This primer's called "Take On the Day" and really does just that. This stuff stays in place like nobody's business, I've wore my eye shadows for 12+ hours without a single crease or smudge! I did an in depth review of the shimmery version in this post {I also compare the original to the shimmery, etc. they BOTH work great!} I've heard others say this is comparable to the Nars eyeshadow primer, I don't own the Nars one so I'm not positive. I do know for me this works BETTER than too faced shadow insurance and that alone is awesome, considering the price different!

5. Nivea Lip Butter, 3.99
Nivea Lip Butter has quickly become my "can't live without it" lip balm! I swore by Carmax chapstick for 5+ years and I literally wouldn't use ANYTHING else. But, in the past couple months I just thought it wasn't doing much for my lips, like my lips had become immune to it or something haha So I picked up 2 Nivea lip butters when they were 2/$3 at Rite aid and they have CHANGED my lips! They are light weight and creamy, and really do seem to work magic! Plus of course they smell amazing, I love caramel cream followed closely by vanilla & macadamia. These are worth the money even if they aren't on special, plus I have a feeling they'll last forever as well! 

6. Wet n Wild Eyeshadows 4.99 and under
Wet n Wild Eyeshadows are simply the best for cheap, QUALITY eyeshadows! {I know you faithful readers of my blog are probably like "Enough already! We know you love wet n wild!" haha} I'm simply obsessed with most things Wet n Wild, but their eyeshadows truly are wonderful and I've never had a bad trio or palette for them, you can't go wrong! My favorite trios are Walking on Eggshells & Silent Treatment and my favorite 8 pan palette is most definitely Comfort Zone I will be doing a in depth dupes post on this palette soon, pretty much all colors are Mac dupes! If you haven't tried Wet n Wild just pick up one trio I promise you, you'll be back for more!

Well that you have it, my go to beauty products UNDER 5 dollars! Do you love anything I mentioned or will you now try something I showed? Let me know in a comment! Thanks so much for reading, until next time!

xo Leah
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Thursday, September 12, 2013

5 Lipsticks to help you transition into Fall!


Hey beauties! I hope your week is going well AND that you are looking forward to having a fabulous weekend! Today I am bringing you 5 lip colors that are PERFECT for transitioning into Fall, they're not too bold or too summery ...they are just right! Plus all of them are from the drugstore and 2 are only a one dollar! So let's dive in!

L to R: Wet n Wild Wine Room, Revlon Rosewine, NYC Sheer Red, e.l.f. classy, Maybelline bit of berry

{maximize for more detail} Top picture: natural light. Bottom picture: with flash

1. Wet n Wild "Wine Room" This shade is great mix of pinky, berry tones with a hint of red. The formula is a matte finish and is super opaque with just a swipe! Since it's matte it's super long lasting {especially for a drugstore formula} without being overly drying. This is a beautiful shade and I think it would be very flattering on a variety of skin tones! Price: $2

2. Revlon's "Rosewine" If you're intimidated by red lipstick this is a great color to ease your way into reds! It's a softer, more brick or tomato color! It's Revlon's super lustrous creme finish, so it will give you the perfect amount of shine without having to add a gloss! Try this for a "no fuss" way to rock a red lip! Price: $5-7

3. NYC's "Sheer Red" This lipstick is exactly like it's name... a sheer darkened red color! {for your reference the swatch above is 2 coats} I'd like to think this lipstick is kind of like a marriage between a Revlon lip butter and a lipstick: it's creamy and buttery but also has great color! This again, is a great way to wear red if you are just starting out with bold colors or just want a sheer wash of color! Price: $1

4. e.l.f.'s "Classy" I like to think of this shade as a great drugstore alternative to Mac's "Up the Amp" it's a mix of pink and purple tones, but it's still very wearable {more wearable than up the amp IMO!} I don't think I could pull off up the amp, but I do think this lipstick is very flattering for having purple tones! If you're all about baby pink lips, try this out for a hint of pink, with darker tones for fall! :) Price: $1

5. Maybelline's "Bit of Berry" If you just can't wait to rock a plum/berry toned lip, this lipstick is for you! Bit of berry is a super wearable berry shade which darkens the lips without being too much. Think of it as a darken version of your favorite pink! Again, a great tone to ease yourself into wearing berrys and plums! P.S. I just swatched this beside Mac's Craving and it's a dead on dupe! 5 dollar Mac dupe, score! Price: $5-7

There you have it, what do you think of my color choices? Do you have any lipstick recommendations that are perfect to ease into the Fall season? Please, share in a comment below! Until next time!

Leah xo
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Monday, August 12, 2013

Beauty Bargain Review: City Color Sunkissed trio


I spotted this beauty at a store called Five Below. {which is awesome, btw!} My hometown just got one so I stopped in to see what the fuss was all about and I must admit it's sooo right up my alley because I'm all about a bargain. Anyway, I've seen City Color products a various drugstores, but have never been too impressed with the looks of the product to purchase anything before. It was available in few other colors, but this trio in "bronzed peach", however, was calling my name. I'm obsessed with blush, especially anything peach or coral toned and for only 4 dollars... I can justify that!

Packaging:
This baby is huuuge, which could be a pro and a con depending on your lifestyle. Con: for travel Pro: for the amount of product you're getting! The compact itself is a little cheap and plasticy. That doesn't bother me though, it seems to be sturdy for the most part and that's whats important.
Compared to a Mac blush
Breakdown:
Sunkissed Trio in "Bronzed Peach" by City Color
Color: Bronzed Peach
Amount: 15.25 grams (compared to 6 grams for one mac blush)
And it is cruelty free! :)

Swatches:


maximize to see bigger & more detailed :)
The blush & highlighter come off slightly sheer, unless you really pack them on. The blush comes off almost completely matte and is sort of a cross between orange & peach. The bronzer is definitely the most pigmented of the group and is gorgeous! I'm not even big on bronzer, but this is so pretty and provides a great sheen without being chunky glitter. The glimmer is subtle enough that you could use the bronzer for contouring without looking too over done.

Performance:
Overall I believe this compact performs pretty great, especially for the price! I wore the trio to run some errands, then {for the true test} to the gym for a pretty sweaty workout and to my surprise the blush & bronzer seemed to last pretty well! The highlighter wasn't very noticeable towards the end, but I almost expected that. I am most disappointed with the highlight because it just has a top shimmery layer, after you get pass that it seems to be just a buttery shadow. But if you don't typically like shimmer this may be right up your alley. Overall performance I'd say is average/good depending how long your day is.

Rating:

Blush: 3.5 out of 5       /       Bronzer: 4 out of 5      /       Highlighter: 2 out of 5

If you're interested in purchasing this you can find it at your local Five Below OR it is also available on the City Color Website {for 2 dollars more} but I'd be willing to pay 6 dollars for it, on sheer size alone. ...my next challenge... not going back for the other colors! haha

Thanks so much for reading beauties! As always please subscribe, share and comment!

xo Leah

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Mac PRICE DROP alert!


Hey beauties! I HAD make a quick post to tell you about this deal I just ran across thanks to {weloveswatches via instagram} it seems that Mac has dropped the prices of all their palettes and palette inserts! See palettes here.

You guys have to check this out NOW so you don't miss out on a great sale! I have no idea if this is permanent or some sort of flash sale- Mac has not mentioned anything about it. I'm assuming it is now permanent or some sort of mistake, considering Mac doesn't not have sales, lol.



This is screen shot taking from my phone so you can see several of the palettes and what they are going for! I know the larger palettes originally start at 18 dollars and the duel sided (which is what I just ordered!!!) normally starts at 27 dollars! Did I mention you get free shipping as well? :)

Get this deal while you can ladies, it may just be a temporary goof on Mac's part!

please comment, share and subscribe!

xo Leah

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Rimmel Show off: First Impression!


So as most of you beauties may know the UK based Rimmel apocalips lip lacquers have made there way over seas (as well as had a name changed) and landed in the US! I somehow did not know much about these before starting to see beautiful swatches on some of my favorite blogs/youtube channels, right away I was so impressed with how pigmented they seemed and decided I MUST get my hands on some!

Amazingly- my sweet future sister-in-law surprised me with the 2 I had be lusting over the most and made my whole day!
Left: Luna, Right: Celestial
Left: Luna, Right: Celestial

Gorgeous aren't they!?
Luna- matte light peach, light coral (my new OBSESSION!)
Celestial- mauvy, dusty rose pink

And -hold on to your compact!- they are just as pigmented as they look! ...

With flash.
Natural light, no flash.
I can say these are FOR SURE the best lipstick/lip gloss hybrid I have ever tried! Usually, in my experience, extremely pigmented liquid lipsticks are drying or very uncomfortable on the lips. I found these to be extremely comfortable on the lips AND non-sticky, it truly is the best of both worlds! For me these last a considerable amount of time (around 4 hours). They also seem to leave a light stained affected, in a flattering way!

Where to buy: So far they seem to be limited to Wal-greens and are 4.99

Over all I think these are great and beautiful! I want more colors, they're all so pretty! Have you picked up any shades? Have any color recommendations for me? Let me know in the comments below!

Until next time my beauties! Please share, comment and subscribe!

xo Leah

Monday, July 8, 2013

For the love of lipstick!: Summer edition



Everyone girl knows the old saying "Can't leave the house without your lipstick" or has heard a women proclaim, "I feel naked without lipstick!" Either way, lipstick is like a woman's best friend. A little dose of awesome to slightly brighten your day. I don't know exactly what it is about those dainty little tubes but I do know they are so pretty and cute... and of course fun to collect! This brings me to Summer, even during summer when you have scaled back your fall and winter makeup routine, lipstick can be the perfect pick me up to dress up your look or just make you feel more put together!

I want to share with you guys lipsticks I love and reach for regularly and some decent shade ranges when it comes to color, and summer is a great season to do so! Let's get to it.
stay tuned for swatches (which show the real color more accurately!) :)
1. Rimmel lasting finish by Kate lipstick in color 109
2. Wet n' Wild matte lipstick in l 903c Just Peachy
3. ELF essential lipstick in 7710 Flirtatious
4. Revlon Super Lustrous lipstick in 415 Pink in the afternoon
5. Rimmel lasting finish by Kate lipstick in 101



1. Rimmel's Kate # 109: I wanted to take an individual shot of this shade because it's showing up more red in most of the pictures and it really is a great hot, darken coral... I've never seen any lipstick like it, including anything high end.


this shows the color a lot more accurate!


If you are a coral/peach fan you have to have this lipstick in your life! It's a gorgeous matte finish but it isn't drying or uncomfortable on your lips and like I said I haven't seen anything like it before so it's definitely worth picking up! Cost: around 5 dollars

2. Wet n' Wild's Just Peachy:  This is a great, creamy light peach shade! It's amazingly pigmented and one of the only true peach shades I own! It's also a matte finish but if you're not a huge fan of matte lipsticks, you could always put a nude/coral gloss over it, that would be beautiful! Cost: 2.99

3. Elf's Flirtatious: This color reminds me of a "barbie doll pink" without being frosty (ew.) or too "bubble gum". Its a creamy vibrant, hot pink and it's PERFECT for summer! It's got a nice scent and great color pay off! Cost: 1 dollar (!!!)

4. Revlon's Pink in the afternoon: This is one of my all time favorite lip colors its the perfect blend between mauvey pink and vibrant pink, it meets in the middle to make a wearable, everyday pink for any season! It's very comfortable on the lips & pretty long wearing. So flattering color and I believe it would be great for most skin tones! Cost: $5-8 Find out more of my favorite Revlon lip colors & the cheapest place to buy them!

5. Rimmel's Kate in 101: This is my go to cool toned pink, it's also got a hint of mauve that makes it very wearable and not too light for my complexion (nudes and really light pinks tend to wash me out) This is a staple pink to have in your collection {it is also a suppose dupe for Mac's please me, score!}

If you're not completely sold, here are the swatches in natural light!

Hope you ladies in enjoyed this post! I hope I have inspired you to run out and get one or a few of these shades for the season! Please let me know in the comments below what your Summertime lipstick staples are? I'm always interested in buying more! haha

Thanks so much for reading, please share, comment and subscribe!

xo Leah

Monday, July 1, 2013

Bits & Bobs: Big Lots mini haul & messy buns!




As I said in my first "Bits & Bobs" post, I decided to start a semi-regular series little "bits & bobs" of things I've been loving recently, products I've used or purchased throughout the week, etc! That way I get to tell you guys the good the bad and the ugly of products and you can do the same (if you'd like) in the comments :)

So Saturday me and my other half went to Big Lots we had to get some spray paint to upcycle some thrift finds and of course I had to go down the beauty aisle (which of course I bee line to before stopping to look at anything else) and I only picked up a few items, I have to really refrain myself from buying more than I need. [and "need" is a term I use very loosely, haha] But, I LOVE what I picked up and of course the prices are so great! If you're not a Big Lots shopper, you can read more about my love affair with it in this post!

It doesn't look too impressive here, but the close ups are better!
First I spotted this Revlon "diamond lust" eyeshadow in 105 plum galaxy. I had seen this eyeshadow before regularly priced and just passed it up because I don't need it, but for a buck... what's not to love? Plus it's so freakin' shimmery, I'm a sucker.

2 different types of lighting, don't forget to maximize!
I still think it's beautiful, I just don't think it swatches quite as nicely as it looks in the pan, oh well it's a dollar!

Their nail polish selection was slim but I found really pretty polish by Revlon colorstay lined called "Calla Lily" it's a creamy ivory color with beautiful duochrome shimmer. Upon looking up the color, it's sheer but I think it'd be super nice over a nude or off white color.
This picture captures the shimmer accurately! photo credit: here.
Again it was a dollar, you can't beat it!

My last score is my favorite because I'm a sucker for glittery top coats and I got 4 of them for 3 dollars. It's a miniture set of the Gem Crush line by Sally Hansen {btw, fun fact: did you know that Sally Hansen isn't even a real women? It's just a made up name... that makes me kinda sad haha} They are all pretty unique colors that I don't have similar to!
love the different subtle color combinations!
They don't have any name on the bottles, or else I'd share that with you! But, I can't wait to use these bad boys, I haven't been into nails for a while and this gets me excited to do mine again. That ends my little haul... not bad for 6 something dollars with tax!

Also, I wanted to show you guys how I've been wearing my hair lately, I've been rockin' a messy bun like crazy. First of all, it's Summer and it's hot as hell not too mention I've been pretty low maintenance lately and it's so nice to not have to do my hair. I rather do my makeup over my hair anyday, that's just me!

What do you think of messy buns? Do you think they can be chic if you dress them up? Or do you instantly think of playing sports or hitting the beach? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for checking out my bits and bobs for this week! Please comment, share and subscribe! xo

Leah