Madd Style Cosmetics: Sheer Sparkle Tutorial

I was playing around with some of my newest MSC additions and actually liked how this turned out! It looks so much more shimmery in person, and 'Fade Away' has such a beautiful blue-purple iridescence that was seemingly impossible for me to photograph. Even though the weather hasn't been on my side (at least for photographing makeup, anyway) I hope you will still enjoy this look I put together. <3

Here are the products I used to achieve this look:

Top left: Tick:Tock Cosmetics Infinity Eye Shadow Base in 'Milky Way' 

& Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer

Middle left: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 'Zero'

& theBalm 'What's Your Type?" mascara in 'the body builder'

Bottom left: bdellium tools green bambu brushes #777 & #781

Top &bottom right: MSC eyeshadow pigments in: 

Birf'day Suit, Frankenberry, The Zed Word, &Fade Away

Apply your eye shadow primer and eye shadow base :) I focus my base on the lid, but lightly bring it all the way up to the brow.

Next, using a shadow brush, apply 'Frankenberry' to the inner-most part of your lid. Use a lighter touch as you get closer to the center of the lid.

Still using your shadow brush (I continue to use the same shadow brush - I keep a paper towel handy &wipe my brush off between switching colors) apply 'The Zed Word' to the rest of your lid. Focus 'The Zed Word' more on the center of your lid, lighten your application toward the outer corner. You may want to overlap 'Frankenberry' a bit to help them blend a little better.

Next up is 'Fade Away' :) Apply using a shadow brush (or whichever brush works best for you!) to the outer corner of your lid, working slightly into the crease &blending with 'The Zed Word'

I then went ahead a blended my colors together a bit more and applied 'Birf'day Suit' above my crease, using my fluffy crease brush, to blend them out.

Apply your favorite eyeliner &mascara and you're all set! :)

(Since these shades are particularly sparkly.. I know, hard to tell in the photos :(... you may need to clean up some fall out! I usually just grab a q-tip and lightly dip it into a liquid makeup remover to clean up any mistakes!)

Thanks for viewing! <3

Birchbox: January 2013 (box #23)

My love/hate relationship with Birchbox will live another year ;) I decided to re-subscribe for now and I am actually pretty happy with my box this month! Here's a look at what I received:

(Insert from my box)

Pictured:

DDF - Acne Control Treatment

Embryolisse - Lait-Crème Concentrè

theBalm Cosmetics - Hot Mama

Aerie - Shimmer

LA FRESH - Waterproof Makeup Remover

&now, the close-ups!:

DDF Acne Control Treatment

I received a sample size (0.5 oz). A full size (1.7 oz) retails for $44, giving my sample a 'value' of about $12.94 (0.5 oz/1.7 oz * 44 = $12.94). I think this is actually a decently sized sample that will allow for multiple uses, &I'm looking forward to trying it out!

Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè

I received a sample size (5ml). A full size (30ml) retails for $16, giving my sample a 'value' of about $2.67 (5ml/30ml * 16 = $2.666). This is actually a really tiny sample.. especially for being such a multi-purpose product! I had never heard of this product before Birchbox but a lot of ladies are referring to it as a 'miracle cream' so I'm excited to see what all of the fuss is about. :) This cream can apparently be used as a primer, moisturizer, and even makeup remover!

theBalm Cosmetics Hot Mama

I received a cute little sample size (1.0g). A full size (7.08g) retails for $20, giving my sample a 'value' of about $2.82 (1.0g/7.08g * 20 = $2.82). I absolutely love theBalm and actually already own a full size of this! ;) Hot Mama can be used as an eyeshadow or a blush, making it that much better. Though it looks really small, this sample will go a long way and I think this is a perfect example of a 'deluxe' sample size. I've received other samples of theBalm products through beauty subs and I really love that their packaging for samples is always on par with their full size products and are always very generous.

Here's a size comparison of the sample I received and the full size I already own, and why I think the sample is 'cute' :)

(sample size from Birchbox on the left, full size on the right)

Aerie Shimmer

Received a little sample perfume vial, no size specification which doesn't surprise me as perfume samples are typically free anyhow. A full size retails for $39.95 (1.7oz).. however it appears to no longer be available from American Eagle/Aerie.

I don't even know what to think about that, haha. At least it was nicely wrapped (like a candy/treat) and smells a lot better than I expected? (a light scent with noticeable citrus and thankfully not over-powering when it comes to the vanilla!) :P

LA FRESH Waterproof Makeup Remover

Received a single use packet (1 wipe). A full size retails for $9.99 and contains 18 of these individually wrapped packets, or for the same price you can purchase a package of 24 wipes (not individually wrapped).  My individually wrapped packet, which is actually my 'lifestyle extra', has a 'value' of about $0.56 (1packet/18packets * 9.99 = $0.555).

This will come in handy for on-the-go use &although I don't wear waterproof mascara, I am curious to see how well this will remove Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils.. because those things are stubborn! :)

If you want to join in the Birchbox madness, I won't hold you back from signing up and using my referral link here. ha ha  Thanks for reading! <3

FTC: This subscription is paid for by myself/by my boyfriend. I am not being compensated to write this post, these are my honest opinions on the products and company. All photos of products and swatches were taken by me in natural lighting, and are unaltered aside from cropping/collaging!

Ipsy (formerly MyGlam): January 2013

My January Ipsy bag has arrived! The theme of the month is 'Super Stars' which I think is kinda cute but also terribly cheesy - however, I really do love the star pattern that they lined our makeup bags with (you'll see what I mean). :)
There were a couple varying products between subscribers this month. Ipsy sent out two different 'classic' Nailtini polish colors (either 'Bloody Mary' or 'Frappe') and three different SOHO brand cosmetic brushes (either a concealer brush, crease brush, or eyeliner brush).

Here's a look at my Ipsy bag and the products I received:

(Insert from inside the bag)

Pictured:

Pacifica - Tuscan Blood Orange Body Butter

Nailtini - nail lacquer in 'Frappe'

Josie Maran - 100% Pure Argan Oil

Sexy Hair - Spray & Play Volumizing Hairspray

SOHO - crease brush

&now for the close-ups!:

Pacifica body butter in 'Tuscan Blood Orange'

The body butter is a deluxe sample/travel size (2.5 fl oz/73ml). It retails for $7 on their website and can be purchased here. I am absolutely in love with this scent (so much, actually, that I purchased their solid perfume in this fragrance.. hehe). I'm really happy to have discovered Pacifica - they are a cruelty-free brand, their products are vegan and made without: phthalates, parabens, sulfates, propylene glycol, benzene, GMOs, mineral oil, peanut oil, and triclosan. Basically everything they make is full of win ;)

Nailtini nail lacquer in 'Frappe'

Received a full size (.5 fl oz/15ml). Nailtini nail lacquers retail for $13 on their website, this shade (described as a 'sheer pale pink') can be purchased here. I'm not very familiar with this brand, though I did receive another one of their nail lacquers from a previous Ipsy/MyGlam bag. I never did give it a shot because it was mostly bar glitter (which I'm not terribly fond of) and because of their price range.. I, personally, don't see myself purchasing this brand in the future.  However, they are 3-free which is fantastic. :)

Josie Maran 100% Pure Argan Oil

I received a deluxe sized sample (.17 fl oz/5ml). A full size (1.7 fl oz/50ml) retails for $48 and can be purchased here. (.17/1.7 * 48 = $4.80) I can't even begin to tell you how much this argan oil has changed saved my skin! I've had more breakouts/acne the past few years than I ever did as a teenager - and believe me when I tell you, I've tried everything. This is the first product I've used that has actually given me noticeable results (and quite literally) overnight. I actually purchased a Josie Maran gift set around the holidays and it contained a travel size of the argan oil - so, I already knew that I loved this product and couldn't be happier to receive a nice sized sample for a back up! :)

Here's a comparison of the deluxe sample I received in my Ipsy bag (.17 fl oz/5ml), and the actual travel size (.5 fl oz/15ml) which retails for $14.

(deluxe sample from Ipsy on the left, actual travel size on the right)

A little tiny bit of this oil goes a long way. I only use 4-5 small droplets to moisturize my face after washing, and I apply it while my face is still slightly damp by patting/pressing.

Sexy Hair 'Spray & Play' volumizing hairspray

Another deluxe sized sample (1.5oz/43g). This sample is actually a teeny tiny bit smaller than their actual travel sized Spray & Play (1.6oz/47g) that retails for $6 and can be purchased here. I found the size difference to be a bit strange.. oh well! I estimate the 'value' to be about $5.63 due to the sizing difference (1.5/1.6 * 6 = $5.625). I haven't had a chance to try this out yet, but I'm looking forward to it!

SOHO crease brush

Last but not least, I received a crease brush by SOHO. This brush retails at $8.99 according to their website here. However, I can't find this line of brushes available for purchase through any online retailers (Walgreens carries them in store only). The brush is much larger/fluffier in person and I will probably pass this on to someone who will get more use out of it.

My favorite part about the actual bag this month?...

...stars!

FTC: This subscription is paid for by myself/by my boyfriend. I am not being compensated to write this post, these are my honest opinions on the products and company. All photos of products and swatches were taken by me in natural lighting, and are unaltered aside from cropping/collaging!

Madd Style Cosmetics: Simple Purple &Grey Tutorial

So sorry everyone! <3  I'm back to battling coughing and sneezes and feeling under the weather so I hope you won't mind this simple look I put together <3

Here's what I used for this look:

Top left: Tick:Tock Cosmetics Infinity Eye Shadow Base in 'Milky Way' 

& Too Faced Shadow Insurance Anti-Crease Eye Shadow Primer

Middle left: Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara

& Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 'Zero'

Bottom left: bdellium tools green bambu brushes #777 & #781

Top right: MSC loose eye shadow pigment in 'Are you my Mummy?'

Middle/bottom right: MSC loose eye shadow pigments in 'Be Fearless and Play' & 'Frankenberry'

As always, start with your primer and base

Using my shadow brush (bdellium tools green bambu #777) I applied 'Are you my Mummy?' over about two thirds of my lid and brought it up into my crease

Still using my shadow brush, I applied 'Be Fearless and Play' to the outer portion of my lid and started working 'Be Fearless and Play' into 'Are you my Mummy?' and just slightly into my outer crease.

Using my crease brush (bdellium tools #781) I lightly added in a little more 'Be Fearless and Play' above 'Are you my Mummy?'

I then applied 'Frankenberry' to the inner corner/duct and also right under the brow for a highlight (can you tell that I'm obsessed with 'Frankenberry' lately? ;))

And last but not least, apply your liner and mascara and you're all done :)

I hope everyone has a safe and wonderful New Year! <3 <3

My December Ipsy (Formerly MyGlam) Bag!

This has been a long time coming! Sorry for my blog neglect - I've been miserably sick :( :(

I received my December bag on the 10th (I almost can't believe how quick the shipping was this month!) and although I was surprised to see it so quickly.. I kinda already knew what we'd be getting (but only because I'm terribly impatient and love to stalk the Facebook page/guess the hints..) ;)

&Here it is:

Pictured:

be a...bombshell cosmetics - lip gloss in 'Hot Mess'

Urban Decay  - 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 'Zero'

Mirabella - 'Prime' for face and eyes

Mai Couture - highlighter papier in 'St. Barts'

NYX Cosmetics - Ultra Pearl Mania eyeshadow in 'Black Pearl'

I don't think there's a single item in my bag (this month) that I wasn't looking forward to trying. I already know and love the Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils so it was a nice bonus to receive (at least for me). &I've been wanting to try the NYX Cosmetics eyeshadows for quite a while now (I always see them at Ulta but end up passing them by).

The bag is pretty cute this month and a little bit different than the bags we're use to seeing:

It's a shiny grey/silver color (love), &a little bit shorter and wider than the other bags we've received. 

They also lined the inside with their name.

Here's a closer look at the items in my bag this month:

be a...bombshell cosmetics lip gloss in 'Hot Mess'

This lipgloss is full size (3g/.11oz). It retails for $14 on their website, and can be purchased here. It is said to be a "true" red and goes on sheer but can be layered for more opaque coverage.

Here is a quick swatch I did on the back of my hand:

This gloss is super pigmented and has some major staying power. 

It left behind a bit of a 'stain' when I went to remove it so if you're not a fan of wearing sticky lipglosses I would recommend blotting your lips a bit after applying this - it should leave you with a nice wash of color. :)

Mirabella 'prime' for face and eyes

Also a full size product (12.85g/0.45oz). This primer retails for $29 on their website, and can be purchased here. Unlike other eye primers I've used, this one is clear (which is more common with face primers, or at least the majority that I use/have tried). This actually seems more like a face primer (to me) and I probably won't end up using it on my eyes - but I think it's really handy that it doubles for a face and an eye primer!

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 'Zero'

Received a travel size (0.8g/0.03oz) which is not currently sold individually. I would estimate the value to be about $6.33 as 'Zero' is currently sold in a set of three (Triple Threat Travel Pencil Set) for $19, or a set of six (Smoked 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil Set) for $38. A full size (1.2g/0.04oz) retails for $19.

The Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliners are by far my favorite eyeliners to use as they come in a range of vibrant colors, as well as the blackest black 'Perversion' - the waterproof formula wears so well for me, I actually have to work a bit harder than usual to remove it! They are also very creamy and rather easy to apply - no scratchy feeling or pulling on my lid. Here is a swatch I did comparing my new Zero eyeliner from my Ipsy bag to Perversion:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in 'Zero' on the left, 

and in 'Perversion' on the right.

Mai Couture Highlighter Papier in 'St. Barts'

Received a deluxe sample size containing 25 sheets - I'm estimating the value to be $14, the full size contains 50 sheets and retails for $28 on their website and you can purchase it here.

This is the only shade they currently offer but I'm hoping they might come out with more shades in the future. Judging by the pictures on their website I would have thought this would be much lighter, but it actually has a peachy tint to it and is much more shimmery than I anticipated..

The Mai Couture Highlighter Papier opens up like a little booklet, and you can easily tear out a sheet to use them. It looks like a really pretty peachy color, but on my skin it shows up kind of orangey :( 

(swatch on the right, swiped a quarter of the sheet on the back of my hand).

NYX Cosmetics Ultra Pearl Mania in 'Black Pearl'

Last but not least, another full size item! (0.06 fl oz/5ml). These eyeshadows retail on their website for $3 and come in a wide variety of colors that can be purchased here.

I'm not a huge fan of black eyeshadow and prefer darker browns to black, but this color is actually really pretty (click the picture to enlarge). Swatch was done over NYX JEP in Milk.

Ipsy decided to implement a 'trusted influencer' program this month. In short, they had a limited supply of a new and unreleased product and rather than pass on the opportunity to sample it out - they wanted to find a way that they could still include them. They chose to send these products to customers who they felt were more interactive on the website.

Although I think that they could have gone about this better, I do understand where they are coming from. Long story short, I sent in my opinions/feedback and Ipsy was absolutely wonderful in listening to my suggestions and went WAY above and beyond by sending me a little 'care package' - this is just one of the many reasons I love Ipsy and continue to highly recommend them/support them. They are *always* listening to our feedback and trying to implement our ideas/suggestions. I've seen so much improvement over the last year and it makes me even more excited for whatever is to come. :)

Because Ipsy was so generous in sending me a little 'care package' - I wanted to add on the swatches of the other three Ultra Pearl Mania eyeshadows I received (and who doesn't love swatches? ;)). I also feel like it's worth mentioning that these eyeshadows have blown me away. As I stated above, black really isn't my choice of eyeshadow color so although 'Black Pearl' is unique and quite pretty - it didn't leave me feeling like I needed to 'run out and buy them' - you know what I mean? When I saw these three, I was excited but still skeptical.. until I swatched them. Holy amazing pigmentation! They are all so smooth and vibrant and just a little really goes a long way with these - out of habit, I pat them over NYX JEP in Milk for swatching but they really didn't need it (though I would still recommend a good primer for wear to eliminate any yucky creasing). For the price point ($3.00/ea.) these are super impressive and I'm thinking I may need to go pick up a few more.. pretty soon.. ;) The only complaint I have with these is the packaging. The way they're 'bottled' and the long neck where the lid screws on (you can see the above photo of it for reference) is inconvenient and messy to use and especially a pain to maneuver a brush into to pick up product (but not entirely impossible).

This is Baby Pink Pearl, Mocha Pearl, and Yellow Gold Pearl.

Absolutely. Freakin'. Gorgeous.

Baby Pink Pearl is like an icy pink but almost looks lilac in some lighting,

Mocha Pearl is like a pretty taupey shade with a bit of a golden overlay,

&Yellow Gold Pearl is a super pretty yellowed gold, 

but if you look really closely it has an orange hue to it (which makes me think of sunsets). <3

All in all, I think this months bag was a huge hit. I originally thought my favorite product would've been the Mai Couture Highlighter Papier, but I have to say I am actually more excited about the lip gloss and NYX eyeshadows. Just goes to show, you never really know until you try it. :) The bag contents are a combined estimated 'value' of $66.33.. but I use this term loosely, because in the end what matters is whether or not the type of products that are sent out are products you will actually use/want to try. If you're interested in finding out more about Ipsy or signing up, you can visit their website here.

FTC: This subscription is paid for by myself/by my boyfriend. I am not being compensated to write this post, these are my honest opinions on the products and company. All photos of products and swatches were taken by me in natural lighting, and are unaltered aside from cropping/collaging!

Madd Style Cosmetics: Playing with Purple Tutorial

I recently received a couple of the Madd Style Cosmetics Dr. Who inspired mattes (from my last order) and decided it was time to see what the fuss is all about ;)  I think it's safe to say I absolutely love them <3

Here is what I used to create this look:

Top left: Tick:Tock Cosmetics Infinity Eye Shadow Base in "Milky Way" - UD Eyeshadow Primer Potion (original)

Middle left: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in "Perversion" - Sephora Full Action Extreme Effect Mascara

Bottom Left: bdellium tools green bambu brushes #777 and #781

Top/Bottom right: MSC Pigments in Frankenberry, I think you call me Sexy, Hallucinogenic Lipstick, Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey

Start off by applying your primer and then your base (all over lids and up to the brow - I apply a more opaque coverage of the base on my lid and then use very little up to the brow)

Using your eyeshadow brush, pat 'I think you call me Sexy' on the innermost part of your eyelid and bring the color up just a bit to the crease/hollow.

Using your eyeshadow brush, pat 'Hallucinogenic Lipstick' on the center of your eyelid, slightly overlapping 'I think you call me Sexy' - you also want to bring this color up a bit, following where you left off with 'I think you call me Sexy'

Still using your eyeshadow brush, pat 'Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey' on the outer portion of your eyelid and pull some of the color into the crease/hollow

Using your crease brush, blend out your colors a bit (if you made any mistakes or the look ended up a bit darker than you wanted - grab a color that's close to your skin tone to help with blending). Grab 'Frankenberry' and very lightly apply some to the inner corner/duct and right under the brow to highlight.

Last but not least.. add your favorite eyeliner and mascara to complete your look :)

&Here's another angle that shows the colors a bit better<3