Lipstick Series: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Istanbul

I remember purchasing this particular product right after all the hype of the lip creams came through town…erm… youtube. The packaging is supposed to reflect the actual color of the lip cream, and while it does come out similar, the swatch on my hand leans more toward a cool toned bright baby pink. 

                                   

On my lips, however, this color warms up and reflects more closely to the color on the packaging.  The formula on this product in this particular color is a little streaky, so two coats are my suggestion. (although you can build it up rather comfortably) This formulation does highlight any lines in your lips, so I'd probably top this off with a clear gloss.  

The formula does seem to remain a little tacky on my lips, not fully annoying but not the biggest gripe there is (and I'm sure with a light gloss, it'll feel better).  I wouldn't call this a "your lips but better shade" as this is lighter on me, but I'd classify this color more as a "nude" shade as true nudes make me look quite dead. By the end of the day my lips did feel dehydrated because it IS matte, so a little TLC was needed. 

Because these colors are opaque and creamy, I don't know if I would actually purchase any more shades, to be very honest when I went back to look at the selection, I still was very happy with my choice in this one (plus a little sentiment is in this as I spent some time in Istanbul back in May)

NYX Soft Matte Lip Creams run at $6.  

**I will warn though that the swatches on the website aren't true to color. Istanbul on the website looks more mid toned/ neutral pink with a little dustiness in it. **

Lipstick Series: Be A Bombshell in Hot Damn

                                     

I got this chubby lip pencil in my Ipsy bag, and I gotta admit, it's not a favorite color.  I feel like this color pulls orange and almost neon-esque, and the name made me think it might be more of a cinnamon red.  I just feel that this color doesn't complement me as much as other reds in my collection do.  This lasted a decent amount of time, but it is drying on my lips. The crayon does seem to have some shimmer in it, but on the lips it seems to lean more towards a satin finish. 

Additionally, this is one of those lip colors I'm moving out of my collection because I just know I won't wear this now or really ever. 

If you are interested the Be A Bombshell Lip Crayon is $14

Tide Pods: Are They Worth It?

Hi All!

So on a beauty channel, here I present to you, my readers a review on the Tide Pods in Spring Meadow**.  I'm very skeptical when it comes to multiple purpose 3 in 1 types of products. So I wanted to break down if these pods not only work as well as they claim, and if they are worth the money value, cause hey, let's face it detergent ain't cheap.

I followed the directions on the packet, first off these little jellies feel very weird because they aren't very sturdy.  One wrong drop or paper cut and I feel like these could leak easily. Plus I feel like if I left these in a damp(isn) area, these would melt down.

                              

I threw one in with my comforter and found that a few makeup stains remained (makeup had spilled on my comforter), and the scent was EXTREMELY light.  I threw the blanket back in the wash with my regular detergent, stain stick and fabric softener, and found the stains gone. 

Let's break down the cost of these little jelly caps and compare them to the price with old school products:

           

Taken from Walmart.com

Taken from Walmart.com

Taken from Walmart.com

So the total for all of these above products comes to : 18.42

Taken from Walmart.com

While the pods look like they come out to be about 3 bucks less, let me put it in retrospect. If you have a large load of laundry i.e. linens or a large load of darks (like I always seem to have) you need to throw in 2 packs.  Most of my laundry, let's say 2/3s is large loads, so in theory I would have to use two packs instead of one. So it just doesn't add up!

The individual products are more concentrated and seem to work better.  They cleaned my blanket even on the second wash.  

Final Verdict: If you have laundry that only needs a quick wash with no stains and is a very small load (maybe using a laundromat?) you can purchase these because yes they are lighter in weight than combined previous products.  But for real stain fighting, dirt and grim blasting, ya can't get away from using three separate ingredients plus a little extra time to get the best clean.  

So what do you guys think?

xoxo,

Emi

**This product was sent to me for review by Influenster and does not affect my views on the product.

NYC Plumping Lipgloss in Pleasantly Plump Pink

Hi All!
    Today I wanted to bring a review on a lip gloss that I had a chance to try from the drugstore (and extremely affordable) brand, NYC.  I like a lot of NYC products, it's actually one of those brands that I first got into because it was so affordable to a young teenager like myself (at the time).  Today's gloss is the NYC Plumping Lipgloss in 467 Pleasantly Plump Pink. **I was sent this gloss to try out and after playing around with it for a few days, I've developed an opinion regarding it.

The official NYC website advertises this gloss as the following:

So how did the gloss match up to the claims? Let's delve into it!

Claim: Get voluminous lips in one effortless stroke/ 50% more volume to your lips

Reality: This gloss does make your lips look more voluminous, it fills in those lines and just makes them look plump. the 50% claim is a bit false because if my lips really did go up 50%, I'd be lookin like Angelina Jolie.   For the actual "plumping effect" I'd have to say it's slim to none.  There is a light minty feeling, but the best way to describe it is if you took a tiny TINY bite of sweet mint gum.  (random association I know)

Claim: 4 hours shine

Top Left: Gloss with flash Bottom Left: No flash. Top Right: Sunny day no flash

Reality: This gloss lasted a long time on my lips.  It is a bit thick/heavy on the lips and is a bit sticky, hence the long stay.  As I wore this gloss through the day, it would get tackier.  It didn't really last the full 4 hours, but it does last longer than most of my other glosses.

Additional Comments: While the shade I got was really pretty, the smell of this gloss is something I can't get over.  This gloss has a sickly-floral-old-lady-violet-mint smell.  Not only does the smell affect you, but it just gets into your mouth and you taste it too.  I tried several times to wear this gloss, but I just can't deal with the smell.  It's bad enough that I wouldn't want to kiss my fiance while wearing it.

Final Call: I would say, that with so many other glosses available even in the NYC line, I would pass on this particular gloss ONLY because of the smell.  I can deal with a lot of different fragrances, but when it comes to lip products and scents, I am particular and this is one scent and taste I can't deal with.

Have you tried this gloss?
What did you think about it?
xoxo,
Emi

**I was sent this gloss complimentary of Influenster, yet it does not affect my opinion of said product.

ELF Studio Makeup Remover Wipes

Hi All!
   So I hope this day finds you all well.  What I'll be reviewing today is the ELF Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths which retail for $3 on the eyeslipsface.com website.  These are pre-moistened cloths which come 20 to a pack.

Taken from the eyeslipsface.com website.

Let's first check out those claims:

1. "Gently and easily cleans skin to remove all traces of makeup and dirt, even waterproof mascara."
     I did find that this cloth worked well on removing most makeup, and did actually remove my waterproof mascara! I did go over with a toner and found a little of left over makeup on the cotton pad, but not bad enough for me to get all hell bent.

2. "Great for on-the-go travel"
   Ok, let's admit it...all cleansing cloths are easier to travel with than a bottle of liquid and a cotton pad. (what a duh!) What I like a lot is the fact that the pack has an inner seal and then an outer clasp that snaps shut.  I'm not as paranoid that these will dry out as quickly as other packs.

3. "Gentle Cloths are soft and soothing for even the most sensitive skin."
  These aren't as soft as a baby's bottom, but they don't irritate my very sensitive, contact wearing eyeballs.  While I would not call these nessesarily soothing, they don't leave my skin feeling stripped of moisture.

4. "Infused with Aloe Vera Extract for deep hydration and moisture"
  That would be the nice, and fresh smell I get from these cloths.  I can't argue with the moisture aspect but deep hydration...well how do you test that? I don't feel dry, but I feel clean.  But then I put a moisturizer on....sooo that claim is a little up for grabs.

The price: For $3 bucks, they are probably a cheaper pack than I'm used to for cleansing wipes.  When ELF has a 1/2 off sale I'd say snag a few packs!

Overall reaction: I could see myself buying these again.  The packaging is practical but also minimal and sleek looking.  They have not broken my face out, and don't leave an unpleasant residue on my skin.  I see more people talk about the $1 cloths, but I think these are well worth a shot.

How has your experience with these been? Would you try them out?
xoxo,
Emi

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Shecky's Girls Night Out: Yay or Nay

Hi All!

   So how much fun does a "Girls Night Out" in NYC filled with jewelry, fashion and drinks sound? I know, for us beauty ladies it sounds awesome especially at a discounted price of 12 bucks!.  Shecky's is a company that does Girls Night Out's in many different cities throughout the United States.  There are some events that are three days long and are more fashion focused and others that are just one day and are makeup/ beauty focused.

**DISCLAIMER: I do not have any association with Shecky's.  All opinions are my own, and my event ticket was purchased with my own money.  I do not get any compensation for this post**

I went to a fashion focused event, and found it...lacking.  The original price was $30, but the tickets were discounted at $12, but the day of the event the price went up to $14 for a weekday. Ummm...okay? Sounds a little strange for me.

Taken directly from the Shecky's New York Event page. 

So what they make it sound like seems like it'll be an awesome, relaxing evening with drinks and an AWESOME goodie bag. Before you hit a "purchase button" let's do a quick run down of the reality along with a rating based on what they are telling us a night would be like:

 Food/ Drink: 

1. Expectation: "delectable drinks" logic would also say some finger foods.

    Reality: 

-2 white wines (1 oz samples). 

   - Smirnoff Ices (2 flavors: Crisp Apple & Original) and a few beers.  

-Cash bar available upstairs but looked very cheesy. 

-No snacks at all.  

-Mac & Cheese like foods in styrofoam carry out containers by cash bar, and cupcakes. 

   Grading: 4 out of 10. 

Shopping:

1. Expectation: "discover unique designers": 

   Reality: 

- Summer cast off's or rejects (almost nothing that said "fall"

- unique... erm... aka Forever21 products with raised prices?

-90% jewelry selling almost identical pieces (enough with the collared necklaces already!)

2. Expectation: "cap your night with pampering" 

Reality:  What is this pampering?

-Sally Hansen Airbrushed Legs trial booth. 

- 3 body products: soaps (actually worthwhile), Shea Moisture (yep like from CVS or Walgreens), and body wrap for weight loss. 

- 1 Mary Key rep with EXTREMELY limited display.

Goodie Bag:

1. Expectation: "Glorious good bags"ooooooooo

Reality: Insert Palm to Face. 

-Underwhelmed. Severely. 

Some of the contents of my bag

Yay or Nay?(what do you think!?)

NAY

 If you want to attend this event don't you DARE pay more than $12 for a weekday. Honestly I wouldn't pay more than 5 bucks for this ability to have poor drinks, no food, and "sample sale" shopping. I mean there was not even seats to sit down for a few moments! Several ladies attending the event commented to me that over the last few years the quality of Shecky's events has gone down dramatically.  Goodie bags used to be STUFFED with products, and this year seems to have been the worst yet.  As of October 9th, photos from my event STILL weren't up on the website, when the photographer had promised that they would be up by September 30th.  DOH! I feel like this COULD be a fun event, but the level of expectation they raise needs to be put into check.

Have you attended this event? Let me know how your experience was in the comments section!

xoxo,
Emi

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Review: Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm

Hey Everyone!
   So pretty much every brand has a BB cream in their makeup line...and Urban Decay has totally been workin the "Naked" line too.  I had received a sample of the Naked Skin Beauty Balm with a previous purchase and had put off using it until now.

According to the Urban Decay website the Naked Skin Beauty Balm "Minimize pores, lines, wrinkles and redness instantly.  Get significantly firmer, more lifted skin in 8 weeks".  It also has SPF 20 and claims to have DNA Repair, Optical Blurring and is Oil Free.  Sounds pretty darn great doesn't it? It retails at 34 bucks for 35 ml.  What Urban Decay claims to be so special about their particular BB cream is: "while many beauty balms are tinted to provide coverage, ours diffuses light with high-tech pigments to give you amazing, natural, NAKED-looking skin." This sounds all fancy.  It claims to blur lines to create an "airbrushed" finish to the skin.

Sorry for the ill lighting!

The product comes just in one shade that once blended in becomes translucent.  I'm just going to say it right out from the start...I don't like this product...nor do I really get the point of it.  I was under the assumption that BB creams offer some coverage...this sounds more like a primer.  I don't see any blurring of fine lines either...it truly looks like I've got nothing on my face (which yes...I understand the idea of "naked" skin).

 My redness didn't change at all with this product.  I feel like this would work as a good primer for foundations and tinted moisturizers....but not a stand alone product.  It IS oil-free though, and didn't make me feel greasy.

Final Points: More of a primer than a BB cream, this won't give any coverage, or help redness on it's own.  I'll pass on it.

Have you tried it?
Emi

ELF Studio Blush in Berry Merry

So this is a blush from the ELF Studio Line that I don't hear people mention, really at all.  I've noticed that ELF seems to have attracted the attention of many beauty lovers more for the pinky-peachy tones, and rarely the deeper shades.

After checking the ELF website, I basically understood why no one really talks about this blush...it doesn't look pretty online, in fact it looks muddy and brown and super sparkly.  This is how ELF shows that swatch on the website! Not pretty looking...but in reality it is rather pretty! (and a true berry blush!)

This is what it really looks like in flash and in natural light, with a swatch.  See how much prettier it is, and it is pretty pigmented too!

I love using this blush during the winter/fall time because it creates a very lovely wash of color.  I use a delicate hand and the shimmers that are in the product actually come together to create a nice highlight. It is a smooth and nicely milled blush, and the packaging is sleek and slim, so it's not wasting space in a makeup bag.

I would suggest giving this blush a go if your in the market for a berry colored blush, and at 3.00 it is a steel.  (You can often find it for 1.50 on the ELF website when they have the 50% off sales).

What do you think about it?

NYC Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm in Applelicious Pink

Hey everyone!

   So NYC (New York Color) has been cranking out some new products recently, and I picked up one of their newer lip products, which you've probably seen around.  It's their new Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm.  There were several option to chose from but I grabbed a color that I knew I would like, so at least if the gimmick or actual product sucked, at least I had a pretty color. 

So let's just get a glimpse at what the NYC website says about this product: 

"Only NYC New York Color could find the city’s soft spot with their new deliciously ‘feel good’ APPLELICIOUS lip balm that will deliver color, shine and moisture in one single swipe! Just like the Big Apple itself it’s juicy, shiny and colorfully loud but also reveals a softer and more caring side. Color is fun and fruity and with a hidden apple core of care it’s also delightfully moist. This ‘oh so cute!’ apple-shaped core reinforces the moisturizing properties of the rest of the balm and gives your lips a healthier look! The apple on the cake? A fruity apple scent that will make your lips irresistibly kissable!"

So in essence, this is really just a light balm product with a core of lip moisturizer.  It is definitely cute looking with the apple in the center (which continues through the entirety of the product, and the smell is a sweetened apple/ berry.  

This is definitely build-able in color, so one swipe can leave a light stain of gloss and color, while future layers lead to a nice bold, yet sheer lip.  It doesn't erase your lips, just leaves a glossy stain appearance.  The color I chose was in Applelicious Pink, and is a magenta-pink toned color.  It doesn't have really long staying power, but it does stain the lips a little (but be warned...the stain does dry the lips)

On the moisturizing level I find my qualms.  This wasn't nearly as moisturizing as a Burt's Bees tinted balm, and would dry out my lips, causing me to keep applying the lip balm and continuously leading to dryer lips.  I find that a lot of the glossy-tinted-lip-balm-staining products, once the gloss wears off, are drying to the lips.  

Is it s a cute product? Yes.  Is it a must have from the shelves, not really.  I wasn't extremely impressed by it, but I will continue to use it at a time where my lips won't look like raisins. They retail at the reasonable price of $2.99  

Have you tried these?
xoxo, 
Emi

Incoco Nail Strips Review

Now I feel like everyone and their mother has tried theSally Hansen version of the nail strips. I haven’t yet tried them so I can’t compare them to Incoco, but as someone who had noprevious experience with these strips, I found it to be very straight forwardand simple to use.  There is a slightnail polish scent, but not as strong as straight from the bottle polish. 

Packet I Got

Most of these strips fit on my nails just fine, and the tinyparts that stuck out I could very easily file down.  I topped the strips with 2 coats of clear topcoat to just seal everything in and was good to go! The instructions werestraight forward and really simple.

These lasted me over a week, before they started to lift andmy nails started to grow out.  I’m aperson who once she sees a chip or lifting, I start picking at it, so theystarts to look bad after that first week.

Taking them off: I didn’t realize that these strips were actually glitter (don’t ask why…I thought they were just printed) so trying to remove those things were a pain BUT not as bad as regular glitter polish. 

Incoco Nail Strips retail between 8.99 – 10.99 for the full nail sheets with designs on them.  I was surprised because I always assumed these were more than the Sally Hansen versions, but hey they  aren’t. 

Who would I recommend them for?

-         People who like nail designs and don’t pick at polish

-         Special occasions: (ie Christmas, Birthday,Wedding) Because hey, it’s cheaper than getting a manicurist to try to do the same design!

Have you tried these?

Xoxo, Emi

B&BW Twisted Peppermint Candle vs. Fragrence Oil

Hey everyone,
   So it's that time of year when B&BW does it's semi-annual 50-75% off sale, and it's truly the best time to restock up on products, and even try out some new things.  I am a huge candle lover/ home fragrance person, and of course B&BW carries both.  I was using a few candles recently that just really disappointed me in their scent carrying and strength and then I realized that I had the fragrance oil version of them and decided to put them to the test.  So is one better than the other?

Twisted Peppermint is my favorite winter/ holiday collection scent from B&BW so I had my expectations set for the candle.  When I purchased it, it had a a decently strong scent, but also was something that didn't seem overpowering.  Just would be a minty fresh, yet slightly sweet scent for my bedroom.

Typically fragrance oils are much stronger in scent than candles, so in theory you get more use out of them and don't have to put a whole lot in the diffuser or cotton round.  I have the Scentbug which is a battery powered diffuser with a small fan and a little hatch where you put a cotton round in that has the scent you want to use.  What's great is that you can mix your own home fragrance too!

The Candle: 
I hate to say it but the candle itself was very disappointing when I finally lit it.  It had a barely there scent and just didn't diffuse throughout the room as much as I was hoping for. Perhaps it is because it's from last year, but I do also have a few candles from last year that still have beautiful, strong scents. I just don't like paying for a wimpy candle, even if it is on B&BW sale.   It does have a very clean burn, and it would be safe to say that it burns for a very long time, even the small versions of it.  The candle seems to be better fit for those who like the ambiance, and who don't have to worry about small children or pets getting to it.

The Fragrance Oil:
Now B&BW has a good thing going with these, and it's basically the wallflower oil in different form. Like I mentioned, I have the Scentbug (also purchased a few years back from the 50-75% sale) and while the directions say to use about 20 drops, I find that 10 is fine.  The Scentbug does have a slight hum sound from the fan, but it's actually rather relaxing, and the scent is carried throughout the room, to the point that my hallway smells of whatever scent I am using.  I have tried to add a drop or two of the Twisted Peppermint into the candle for some extra strength, but it caused the flame to create soot, and didn't do much.  This version of the Peppermint was much stronger, and just overall what I was looking for.  You don't have to use the actual Scentbug, if you have a fragrance oil diffuser, it works with that too.

Overall Opinion:
In the case of the Twisted Peppermint scent, the better deal (especially during the semi-annual sale) is the fragrance oil.  You don't need as much as the packaging says, it's potent, and the scent carries into other rooms.  The candle was a disappointment, and I'm really hoping it's just an old candle, but B&BW I think since I've had such great results with the oil, I'll repurchase that one instead.

What about you? Have you had a dud scent from B&BW? Have you tried a fragrance oil from there?
Happy New Year!
Emi 

Birchbox Series: LaROCCA Champagne and Acai Sugar Polish

Hey All,

                Another Birchbox post to bring to you all, I have really been working hard to get finished with all the little samples taking up space in my drawers (which I really need space for other things). I’m bringing a body product to you all, the LaROCCA Champagne and Shimmer Acai Sugar Polish from a November box.  

LaROCCA Champagne and Shimmer Acai Sugar Polish (November 2011) Full Size: $35.00

According to Birchbox:

“This revitalizing sweet-smelling body polish buffs away dull skin with raw sugar, acai, and 24-karat colloidal gold. But that’s not all, coconut oil and shea butter work to moisturize and combat dryness so that you’re left with nothing but softness.”

My Take:

This product smelled soooo good.  The product also did have this awesome shimmer to it, but the sample was not enough to use on my entire body.  When I use a scrub, I want it to be a bit abrasive, and filled with more scrubbie particles. It’s a cool product, and left a shimmer on my skin, but I could feel the oil, and I was not a fan of it. I get that it makes your skin feel soft, but for me, it was uncomfortable. The scrubbie particles were not packed enough, and very easily melted away in my shower, which was a slight disappointment. It just was not a “WOW, I need this product” feeling.  Also the 24-karat gold was just not a selling point for me. 

How Much Is In A Full Sized:

$35 for 6.76 oz (where do they get these random oz?)

Did Birchbox Make Me Want To Buy It:

For me, this product was just “meh”. It wasn’t special, and I rarely use body scrubs.  I just don’t feel a pull to purchase this product. 

Xoxo,

Emily

Birchbox Series: Clark's Botanicals Radiance Mask

Hey All,

                I’m bringing another segment of the Birchbox Series to you.  It has been a while since I posted anything regarding to these little samples, but I finally pulled myself together and finished one. So in an October box I received the Clark’s Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask.  I received enough product to use for a full face application twice. 

Clark’s Botanicals Intense Radiance Mask (October 2011) Full Size: $72.00

According to Birchbox:

“This white clay mask is formulated to purify skin and soften fine lines and wrinkles. White genepi, an alpine plant extract, delivers antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial properties, while algae extract zips in moisture and helps to lift and tighten skin. Finally, an advanced tri-peptide complex reduces redness.”

My Take:

The mask smelled quite nice, but I did not see any amazing results.  Frankly, my Queen Helene Mint Julep Mask (drugstore large bottle at that!) leaves my skin feeling more refreshed than this very expensive product. I did not see any purification, and the softening of fine lines and wrinkles would probably have to come after using this product more than twice. I did not find it tightening, or lifting or reducing redness at all. It was just a mask, that sat on my skin, and maybe took away some oils.  

How Much Is In A Full Sized:

$72 for 1.7 fl oz (Holy crap!?!)

Did Birchbox Make Me Want To Buy It:

Nope. I never had heard of Clark’s so this was a first introduction to the brand, and frankly, I don’t believe I will be purchasing a product from the brand. It seems to be overpriced, and doesn’t do anything for my skin type. So at least Birchbox showed me that my cheap, under 10 dollar face mask works better than a $72 one. 

Xoxo,

Emily

Bath & Body Works Jasmine Vanilla Sensual Body Wash

**Giving a review on a scented product is always difficult. What smells one way to me, may be different to you.**

 I bought this product at one of the Semi-Annual Bath and Body Works sales for right about a buck. I love B&BW, but really miss their old scent which were classics. I find that the newer scents are all pretty similar or just a buncha mixtures BUT ANYWAYS... I have used the Aromatherapy line in the past but usually calming(lavender) and another eucalyptus scent which I can't remember the name of. I was wandering around and saw this scent and figured that since all the rest of this line was so great, I'd try it-- even though I was not looking for an oooh-la-la sensual scent.

The Label:  Awaken your senses. Jasmine Absolute relaxes the mind and inspires sexy self-confidence. Vanilla Absolute helps soothe and calm so you feel at ease.

Let's take this apart.... Awaken your senses: boy did I have a double take on my 'awakening' this was not the scent I thought it would be.  Jasmine Absolute relaxes the mind and inspires sexy self-confidence: I STANK LIKE A MAN... a man who overdid it on the AXE spray. This is so masculine, so the only thing that it gave me was self-awareness that I did not smell 'right'. This is coming from a girl who does use more neutral scented men's deodorants so I am not a person who likes to smell like candy or fruit.  Vanilla Absolute helps soothe and calm so you feel at ease: the jasmine is so strong that I get NO notes of vanilla, even after washing it off. 

BOTTOM LINE: If you want to smell like a man (a la AXE) use this product. If you wanted a lighter, woods-y, spicy, yet sweet "sensual" scent -- this isn't for you. It's not a bad product based on quality and strength of scent, but my dissapointment stems from what I believed the scent would be and what it turned out to be. Maybe I have a different idea of what a "sensual" scent would be like...

Repurchase? NO!

Ever have one of these moments?
Sometimes I really think that B&BW should have a scent cleanser (coffee beans like they do at Lush) so your nose doesn't get all clogged up with every other scent.
xoxo,
Ema