Cream Eyeshadow

Are you afraid to navigate the world of cream eyeshadows? For some, there are simply too many unknowns like, “Do I use a brush or my fingers for application?” or “Do I buy a cream eyeshadow stick or a pot version?” Well, leave all the doubts behind because we are about to deconstruct cream eyeshadows.

First of all, do not be afraid to use a cream shadow. In fact, cream shadows are much easier to maneuver because they can be applied by using your fingers. Now, creams do dry quite quickly, so be sure to blend as soon as you apply. If you can’t bring yourself to apply using your digits, then I highly recommend MAC brush 217. You simply cannot go wrong with the mother of all blending brushes.

As for choosing between pots or sticks, I personally like both for different reasons. For instance, shadow sticks are very easy to apply straight to the eyelid. However, they can dry out quickly if you do not keep the caps on tight. The same can be said about cream pots, but I normally keep them in their original box packaging to help increase their shelf life.  So have no fear and have fun with some cream shadows.  You will love the added dimension they give whether or not you decide to place a traditional powder shadow above it.

Below are some of my absolute favorite cream shadows:

  1. Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Eyeshadow ($6.99 at Ulta):  The Maybelline cream shadows are not only affordable, but they come in an array of colors. If you can only choose one from their collection, I would highly recommend Bad to the Bronze. This is a fabulous neutral that goes well with eyeshadows in the same color family.
  2. Benefit Cosmetics Creaseless Cream Shadow ($20 at Ulta)
  3. Marc Jacobs Twinkle Pop Stick Eyeshadow ($28 at Sephora):  If your looking for a perfect shade for the inner corner of your eye than I highly recommend the shade Honey Bunny.
  4. Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick ($29 at Sephora)

August 2016 Sephora Play! Review

For those who are acquainted with Sephora Play!, know that monthly beauty products come in different bags each month. I absolutely love the August Sephora Play! bag as it’s a simple drawing of a winking eye and below it states, “Wink outside the box”. I thought it was a wonderful way to peak the consumer interest in bags products, which all revolve around—you guessed it—the eyes!

  1. Makeup for Ever – Artist Shadow I-544 ($21/full size): One thing I love about this Makeup for Ever eye shadow is the color. It’s described as an “iridescent pink granite eye shadow”, but it comes off more of a darker pink/purple color. Either way, it’s really a pretty color that requires no more than a swipe of your eye shadow brush. If there is a negative to the sample of the Makeup for Ever eye shadow, it is the size. It’s so tiny that you can only fit a small flat eye shadow brush. However, at the end of the day, it’s a great addition to any travel bag.
  2. Urban Decay Perversion Mascara ($22/full size): If you’re looking to lengthen your eyelashes, then the Urban Decay Perversion Mascara is a good alternative to your everyday mascara. I like the fact that it gives a very natural look without weighing down your eyelashes.
  3. Algenist Eye Renewal Balm($68/full size): I don’t know about you all, but I love me some great under eye cream. The Algenist Eye Renewal Balm was a welcome addition to my collection because this balm has a thin consistency that is easy to massage into the delicate under eye area. The other plus is that a little bit of product goes a very long way.
  4. Lancome Energie de Vie Smoothing & Glowing Liquid Care Moisturizer ($/full size): Over the course of the years, I have used number of Lancome products because they are really good. The Lancome Energie de Vie Smoothing & Glowing Liquid Care Moisturizer is no different.
  5. Sephora Collection Contour Eye Pencil 12 hr Wear Waterproof in Love Affair ($23.50/full size): What a lovely purple color for an eye pencil; not to mention it goes on like butter. Of all the products this month, I have to say this was my favorite, and a wonderful surprise because I’m normally hesitant of using store brand products. However, the Sephora Collection Countour Eye Pencil is worth looking into if you want a smooth and blendable eye pencil.
  6. CLEAN Reserve Warm Cotton ($ / full): I gave my mother this sample to try on thinking that smelling it on her would give me a different perspective on the scent. Well, no matter the time of day, my mother smelled liked a fresh load of laundry the whole day. That’s really the best way I can describe the CLEAN Reserve Warm Cotton perfume. Please note that this perfume is not toted as being the equivalent to Bounce fabric softening sheets, but rather a “bright and pure blend understated floral and musk, reminiscent of the soft scent of fresh linens”. So if you’re looking for a clean fresh scent, then the CLEAN Reserve Warm Cotton is a winner.

  • Sephora Mini-Haul

    Sephora Mini-Haul

  • Bobbi's Skincare Picks

    Bobbi's Skincare Picks

  • Bobbi Brown Mask

    Bobbi Brown Mask

  • Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil

    Bobbi Brown Soothing Cleansing Oil

  • Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Balm

    Bobbi Brown Moisturizing Balm

  • Peter Thomas Ross Acne Invisible Dots

    Peter Thomas Ross Acne Invisible Dots

  • Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Swatches

    Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick Swatches

Here is a glimpse of my Sephora Mini-Haul for the month of October. This month my focus was on the necessities vs. splurges. Alright, the Stila was definitely not a necessity. 🙂 Below is a breakdown and review.

  1. Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner ($10) : I’ve was on the lookout for a universal lip liner because I’ve been sick and tired of trying to match every single lipstick or gloss with a similar lipliner.  I don’t know about you all, but its way too much work and too much money especially if your lip collection is extensive. There were quite a few options on Sephora’s website, but I decided on the Sephora Collection Universal Lip Liner because of its reviews and great price. I’ve used it for a week now and must say that its a great value product that gets the job done.  There was no feathering, no bleeding and no smudging no matter what lip product I used.  The only negative I found was with its waxy consistency, but I expected this given the purpose of the product.
  2. Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Full Coverage Foundation ($39): I have combination skin (normal to oily) and sometimes its difficult to find a foundation that will last hours without having to powder every hour. I use this foundation for daily wear because its one of the few that lasts a full work day and with minimal touchup. It also lives up to its name as being a full coverage foundation, which can make its application a bit difficult.  I either use a damp Beauty Blender ($20) or the Tarte Airbrush Bamboo Foundation Brush (what a gem!) with a few pumps of  MAC Fix+ ($22).
  3. Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots ($12 for 24 dots): I always thought that the minute I past puberty I could kiss pimples goodbye forever. Adios. Hasta nunca baby!  Yeah…I was sorely mistaken.  Millions of adults continue to suffer with acne well past their teens and I’m no exception.  The difference is what I use to combat these nasty little suckers — Peter Thomas Roth Acne-Clear Invisible Dots.  Simple apply the dot over the blemish overnight and let the salicylic acid and hyaluronic acid do its thing.  After two treatments, my blemishes are gone leaving behind no scarring.
  4. Clarisonic Replacement Brush Head Twin Pack ($44/radiance): I’m a month away from having to replace my Clarisonic Mia 3 brush head and decided to stock up. However, this time I decided to deviate on the brush head type going from sensitive to radiance.  Apparently, the radiance brush heads are much softer and better for sensitive skin.  Once I try this bad boy, I’ll be sure to post a review.
  5. Stila All Day Liquid Lipstick in shade Firenze ($24): This line of liquid lipsticks are my absolute favorite, hands down!  So when the shade Firenze popped up as a Sephora VIB Exclusive, in a shade I normally gravitate to, I quickly put it in my basket. Its such a lovely, dusty mauve shade that I highly recommend!
  6. Samples:  Smashbox Insta-Matte, Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer , Dior Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Creme
  7. Bobbi Brown Bobbi’s Skincare Picks: I’m so excited I received this box as part of a promotion code (check RetailMeNot.com for Sephora codes 🙂 ).  As we all know, Bobbi Brown products are expensive, but so, so good.  This box contains a coral grass & green algae moisture mask, a cleansing, and an extra repair moisture balm. I look forward to trying all of these out.

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