Ulta

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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  • June 2016 Birchbox

    June 2016 Birchbox

  • Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in #3 Medium

    Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in #3 Medium

  • The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof

    The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof

Included products in this month’s Birchbox:

  1. Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in 3 Medium (Full size, $24)
  2. Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint (Full-size, $36)
  3. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray  (Full-size, $44)
  4. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant (Full-size, $28)
  5. The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof (Full size, $14.95)

First Impressions:

Let’s begin with the box – it is GORGEOUS!  Simple prism-like boxes in a gradient of colors, it’s by far my favorite Birchbox box to-date.  As for the products:

  1. Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel in 3 Medium: Talk about a no-brainer.  When it came to choosing what Birchbox I wanted for the month of June, I automatically chose the one with the new Benefit Cosmetics Gimme Brow Gel sample.  Before this point, I had never used another tinted brow gel other than the Anastasia Beverly Hills Tinted Brow Gel ($22).  Well that is about to change because the Benefit Gimme Brow Volumizing Fiber Gel (in #3 medium) works just as well and helps create a stunning full brow without much work.
  2. Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 Unscented Matte Tint: If you are in the market for a moisturizer that has a matte finish, then look no further because the Coola Mineral Face SPF 30 fits the bill. From the onset, I was highly intrigued with the concept of a matte moisturizer because I have always wanted a product that would not leave my face looking and feeling greasy.  And true to its word, the Coola Mineral Face moisturizes while simultaneously offering sun protection with a flawless matte finish.  If there is any downside to this product, it would probably be the price.  At $36 (1.7 oz.), it is certainly at the higher end of what I would pay for a moisturizer.
  3. Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray: What else can I say other than you cannot go wrong with any Oribe product, especially with the Oribe Texturizing Spray.  This spray is perfect to use if you are looking for beachy curls or sexy volumized hair.  Again, the only negative I can find is perhaps the price as it comes in at $44 for a full size can!  If the Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray is out of your price range, don’t fret.  The Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray (currently only $10.99 at Ulta.com) can do the job just as well.
  4. Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant: This was my first time trying out a leave-on exfoliant and my experience went really well.  The application of Paula’s Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant is no different than with a toner, simply use a soaked cotton ball of product and apply all over the face.  While the product itself looks like water and goes on as if it was water, it does leave behind a thin glossy film which in turn makes any complexion absolutely radiant.
  5. The Beauty Crop PBJ Smoothie Stick in Raisin the Roof: The PBJ Smoothie Stick is such a lovely addition to my ever-growing chubby lip crayon collection.  The sample sent not only looks like a full-size product, but boasts amazing ingredients such as sweet almond oil.  I would also consider the color, a lilac pink hue, to be understated, but really pretty for everyday use.  My only suggestion, considering the shade color, is to exfoliate really well before application because any excess skin will be apparent upon application of this lip crayon.

Final Verdict: Splurge

Kiss 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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Daily Facial Cleansers

In previous posts, I’ve written about the importance of incorporating masks and peels into your beauty regime. However, before you can even indulge in these products, you must begin with a clean makeup-free face. Deciding on a daily cleaner and makeup remover can be a daunting task given the sheer volume of products in the market. So we’ve broken down our top cleaners based on affordability, ease of use and effectiveness.

Best Budget Cleanser and Makeup Remover:

Best “I Have No Budget” Cleanser and Makeup Remover:

Best Makeup Removing Wipes:

 Best Makeup Remover “After-Feel”

  • Jart+ Dermaclear Micro Water ($32): I want to express how amazing this product is. If you hate the feel of your face after using a makeup remover, then look no further because Dr. Jart’s Dermaclear Micro Water is it. This product feels and looks like water, just as it claims, and you only needs a few drops to remove makeup. The best part is that you don’t have to wash your face afterwards because the product is so light and also works like a toner. What confirmed the greatness of this remover? When I went to my local Sephora and asked for some makeup remover, guess what they handed me…yep Dr. Jart+ Dermaclear.

 

 

 

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