Smashbox

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)
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  • 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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  • Sephora Play! Beauty Bag July 2016

    Sephora Play! Beauty Bag July 2016

  • Closeup (lefit to right): Too Faced Soleil Matter Bronzer (in chocolate), BeautyBlender blotterazzi, and Ouai Wave Spray

    Closeup (lefit to right): Too Faced Soleil Matter Bronzer (in chocolate), BeautyBlender blotterazzi, and Ouai Wave Spray

Included products in this month’s Sephora Play! bag:

  1. Nest Fragrances Citrine  (Full size, $68)
  2. First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay (Full-size, $24)
  3. Ouai Wave Spray (Full-size, $26)
  4. Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer (Full-size, $39)
  5. BeautyBlender blotterazzi ($20)
  6. Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate(full-size, $30)First Impressions:

First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser with Red Clay:  At first sight, I was a bit anxious to use the First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleaner because of  its infusion of red clay.  When I hear the word clay, I automatically think of something overly dry and chalky.  However, this product turns into a foaming gel upon skin contact thus eliminating all previous notions that this product would dry up my skin.

Ouai Wave Spray: I’m all about beachy wavy hair, especially during the summer months.  At first glance, the Ouai Wave Spray (1.7 fl oz sample 🙂 ) seemed liked a god send because of my affinity for this texturized hairstyle.  However, the overpowering scent really took be aback to the point where I will not be using this wave spray in the near future.  If you can withstand the strong scent, I still find the Ouai Wave Spray too expensive ($26, Full-size).  Your better off buying John Frieda Beach Blonde Sea Waves Salt Spray ($9.99) because it’s cheaper, smells nicer, and works just as well.

Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer:   I actually own several Smashbox foundation primers because they are that good.  So when it comes to the Smashbox Photo Finish Pore Minimizing Primer don’t think about it too much and go for it!

BeautyBlender blotterazzi:  For most people, summertime is primetime for shiny/oily skin  I am no exception to this rule and as a result, I always carry blotting paper where ever I go.  The BeautyBlender blotterazzi is a flat sponge, just like the original beauty blender, however the blotterazzi is used dry like blotting paper.  I have to say that it worked well in picking up any and all excess oil from my face.  As long as you clean it regularly I can see this sponge being a great addition to any makeup collection.

Too Faced Soleil Matte Bronzer in Chocolate:  Too Faced is known for its great bronzers and I was more than happy to see this sample in this months Birchbox.  In fact, it was my first time ever using the beloved bronzer and quickly learned why it has reached cult status.  The powder is smooth and finely milled and has no trace of shimmer – making this bronzer perfect for contouring.

Bonus Perfume

Nest Fragrances Citrine: “Layers of fresh lotus flower and freesia mingle with citrine, a sparkling golden yellow gemstone” (Sephora Play! list sheet).  I really enjoyed the fresh scent of the Nest Fragrances perfume in Citrine and will certainly use it throughout the summer!

NOTE:  Every Sephora Play! bag comes with a Sephora Play! Pass which gives you 50 extra Beauty Insider Points with any purchase.

Final Verdict: Merge

Kiss Kiss

Makeup Deconstructed Rating System:

1 Kiss = Purge: Only one of the products in the box/bag is worth keeping.

2 Kisses = Merge: Two to four products make this box/bag worth merging into your makeup collection.

3 Kisses = Splurge: All five products are amazing and worth splurging on!

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