Makeup, fashion, cosplay, and whatever else. idk beauty and stuff Please note: we are not professionals. We are simply nerdy makeup and beauty enthusiasts.
Okay so I don't know if you guys know this, but I'm obsessed with watching Beauty Gurus on Youtube. Like, I have to watch at least four or five videos before I go to bed every night kind of obsessed. It's a little scary. So recently I found leighannsays (she has a tumblr too!) and I can't help myself. If she says something is good/tells me to buy something, I like HAVE to run out and get it (I also do that for MakeupByAlli but I digress).
So I was at Rite Aid today trying to find packs of Thank You Cards since my graduation was Saturday (which they apparently do not sell in the drugstore which makes no sense to me but whatever), and I saw that a few things she swears by were on sale, so obviously, I HAD to grab them.
Wet 'N Wild Megalast Nail Colors in Sugar Coat and 2% Milk. CAN WE TALK ABOUT HOW THESE ARE LEGIT PERFECT DUPES FOR ESSIE TOPLESS & BAREFOOT AND BALLET SLIPPERS, OR?
I have been looking at this stupid Revlon Balm Stain ("Charm") for like a year, but when there are sales, they NEVER have this shade in stock, and when they have it, they're not on sale. So when I saw that it was there AND it was BoGO 1/2 off, I had to (plus Leighann says (heh) they're amazing so). And then I still can't find the limited edition Lip Butters (I think they're a myth) so to fill the void in my life, I finally picked up Lollipop (another one I've been eyeing but couldn't decide if I actually wanted).
As you can see, I also picked up the July issue of Glamour (I should really just shell out the cash for a subscription) and as you CAN'T see, the Almay Eye-Makeup Removers were 75% off, so I got two tubs of remover pads and a bottle of remover for $5.26.
It's thundering and pouring, and my clothes are still at the laundromat. Damnit.
Let me know what you think, and you guys should check out the channels I linked above! I love, love, LOVE them!
So after having major lipstick envy after seeing these photos, I tried to recreate Karen’s look at the El Rey Theatre for my makeup today, and I’m pretty satisfied with the results.
I forgot how much I hate liquid eyeliner, oh man.
The lips are Sephora Nano Lip Liner in Candid Candy (a STEAL at $5,) Revlon Matte LIpstick in Stormy Pink, and a quick swipe of Maybelline Color Whisper in Petal Rebel (which I regret because I think it made it a little too bright)
As I said I’m pretty pleased, so I think I might do this look again for graduation tomorrow! Ahhhh I can’t believe that’s tomorrow.
Hey, so I'm going to be cosplaying Clara this summer and I've never done it before so it's kind of hard for me :p Do you think you could help me out a little? Just like, with tips I guess hah.
Absolutely! Anything you need advice on, you can feel free to leave in our ask, or if you'd like, you can send them to my personal.
Sorry we've been MIA for a little while. Philly Comic Con was amazing (I made a few posts about it on my personal blog) and I had such a great time, I can't wait to do it again!
spiffariffic at the Doctor Who Cosplay Livejournal requested this a few weeks back, and I was finally able to get around to it. If you guys have any requests (no character is off limits!) make sure you leave them in our ask!
So I went back to Ulta today because I had a few more coupons I wanted to use and I was really hoping they might have the new Revlon lip butters in stock (which, of course, they didn't). I did buy a handful of things while I was there that I'll talk about once I've had a few days to use and review them (I finally caved and got an Anastasia brow wiz).
So as I was walking home I realized there was another CVS that I rarely ever go to close by, and I thought I'd stop in and see if THEY had the new Lip Butters. Well they didn't, but what they did have was a HUGE clearance sale going on, and I went a bit nuts. What should have been an $85.52 trip cost me a whopping $29.84!
Product swatches and first impressions below!
~ Lally
Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow in "Eternal Summer" : $2.07
I actually didn't realize these were creme shadows until I got them home, but I'm loving the packaging with the huge mirror. I had to press a little harder than I would have liked to get a decent color payoff, but I think if I were to use them over a primer or an eyeshadow base I could get a pretty generous amount of color. I really like the orangy-coral and the taupy-grey.
I'd give this a 3/5
Revlon Colorstay 16 Hour Eyeshadow Quad in "Inspired" : $1.99
I have been looking at this quad for like three months I swear to god, and every time I've been so close to purchasing it I've backed away for one reason or another, so when I saw it on clearance I leapt for joy. I'm definitely glad I didn't pay full price because I did have to apply quite a bit of pressure to get a decent amount on my finger, but I really love the way they look. The purple is gorgeous, and the minty-sage green is going to definitely get a lot of use this summer.
Despite the struggle to get color, I'd still give it a 4/5
Revlon Photoready Sculpting Blush Palette in "Peach" : $3.32 and Maybelline Fit Me Blush in "Light Rose" : $2.99
Well they coudn't all be winners I suppose. These were so bad it wasn't even worth showing you the swatches because there was nothing there. I pressed and pressed and got absolutely nothing, which is a bit of a bummer, but I'll probably just give these to my nieces to use for dress up.
0/5
Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner in Sapphire Strength : $4.15
Oh. My. God. EmilyNoel83 RAVES about this stuff but I couldn't imagine that a drugstore eyeliner would be this amazing, but holy crap. It's SO smooth and the color payoff is amazing! I don't wear a lot of super colorful looks, but I'm definitely glad to have this as part of my kit now.
5/5, would buy again in a heartbeat.
Revlon SuperLustrous Lipstick in "Spicy Cinnamon" and "Va Va Violet" : $2.25
Revlon SuperLustrous LipGloss in Coral Reef: $2.12
So when I saw there were a few lipstick shades on sale, I FORCED myself not to buy any shades of pink, so I bought a dark plum color, the furthest left swatch, (I'm amused that the two purple lipsticks I own are "Va Va Violet" and "Ooh La Lilac" ) and a berry/brown color (which I absolutely adore). And because I'm me, I can't walk away from anything that's coral, and I really like this shade. It reminds me a bit of MAC's Pink Lemonade lip glass, but this one's more of a true coral while the MAC one has golden undertones.
4/5
I also purchased a Garnier undereye roller for $6.49, but there was no point in showing that. I'm pretty satisfied, and hey, there were only two dud products. That's not too shabby, if I do say so myself!
Clara Oswald in "The Bells of St. John" Makeup Tutorial
So this started as me planning my makeup for Philly Comic Con next weekend, and turned into this! All the products I've listed are the ones I'll actually be using to achieve this look, but of course feel free to substitute with what you own!
If you guys like this format let me know, and I can do this for other looks as well!
So Shakira asked me to do a video where I reviewed my nail polishes, and I had planned to do it today since it's my day off. Unfortunately I'm feeling a little under the weather and in no shape for my face to be on camera, so I thought what better way to do it than in the form of a tag post!
~Lally
It's a tie for me between Rimmel and L'Oreal. Yes, I know, niether is a company commonly lauded for great quality polishes, but I've honestly found that these pigments and formulas last me longer than some of my HQ polishes, plus the L'Oreal shades are absolutely gorgeous.
2. Glitter or no glitter?
I normally would have said no glitter (just because I haven't had the best luck with it) but I recently splurged on this polish from Ilamasqua's "Speckled" line called Freckle, and I'm obsessed with it. It gives your nails this amazing eggshell effect, it's just gorgeous.
3. OPI, China Glaze, or Essie?
Essie, but that's only because I can't find OPI anywhere near me (aside from the OPI for Sephora line) and I haven't tried anything by CG.
4. When do you change your nail polish?
Usually about once every week / week and a half, but that's only because my nails chip like nobody's business.
5. What’s your favorite color on your nails?
I am obsessed with Sand Tropez by essie. It's seriously the most amazing nude shade I've ever used, oh man. That being said, I'm also really into "Orange You Jealous" by L'Oreal, because it's the most perfect shade of coral for summer (currently on my toes!)
6. Darks or brights?
I think I have to say brights, just because the few dark colors I own tend to smudge and chip really quickly, while the lighter shades have better staying power.
7. What are you wearing on your nails right this moment?
wooo really chipped Ilamasqua Freckle
8. Matte nails, in or out?
I splurged on this top coat a few months back and to be honest I've only used it over grey, but I LOVED the way it looked! Maybe I'll play around with this for the week.
9. French manicure?
Eh, no real opinion either way. I think it looks nice for something like a wedding, but it can be a little bland on its own.
10. Favorite color for each season?
Okay so I'm going to cheat with this question because I think it's really loaded and instead show you guys the colors I'll be wearing for Philly Comic Con. The first is Grey Area by Sally Hansen, and I'll be wearing that with my Asylum of the Daleks cosplay, and the second is Wild Orchid by Rimmel that I'll be wearing for The Angels Take Manhattan.
OKAY so I am a sucker for good deals, and when things go on sale/ I have coupons, I go a little insane. Instead of posting every time I made a purchase (other than things I was REALLY excited about) I've been saving things up to make a GIANT haul post.
So the weather in PA finally got humid and disgusting (YAY SPRING -_-), and I have hair like a silkie chicken if it's not protected, so my LUSH haircare products just weren't cutting it for frizz protection anymore.
Nexxus 'Frizz Defy' Shampoo/Conditioner
Organix Renewing Morrocan Argan Oil
Organix Moroccan Smooth Perfection Blow Out cream
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Leave-In Conditioning Spray
John Frieda Frizz-Ease Hair Serum
I haven't had a chance to try the shampoo/conditioner yet, but the serums and creams have DEFINITELY helped out. I have ridiculously thick hair so I'm not really looking for volume, and these have definitely worked for me. As far as deals go, the John Frieda products were Buy 1 get 1 50% off at CVS, and the Organix were 2 for $7 at Rite Aid. The shampoo/conditioner wasn't on sale, but I did get $10 in Extra Bucks from CVS for purchasing $20 worth of Nexxus products, so not too bad.
So the Real Techniques brushes by Samantha Chapman were B1G1 50% off at Ulta recently, and I finally decided to cave. I'm SO glad I did because oh my god they're amazing. As someone on a (relatively) low budget who can't afford to throw away hundreds of dollars on brushes, I can definitely say I'm satisfied with the quality of these. I bought the "Core Collection" (the orange ones) and the "Starter Set" (purple) and I am SO pleased. I'd been having a lot of trouble getting my Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme foundation to look nice and give me actual coverage with the brushes I had, but when I started using it with the buffing brush from the Core Collection (the orange brush farthest to the right) it gives me EXACTLY the coverage I want, while still being light enough for the summer months. I haven't done too much with the eye brushes yet, but so far I'm really, really pleased, and I haven't noticed much shedding at ALL.
Wet 'N Wild Color Icon Bronzer in "Reserve Your Cabana"
NYX Tango with Bronzing Powder in "When a Leopard gets a Tan
Maybelline New York Limited Edition Powder Blush in "Coral Burst"
and swatches
(L) Reserve Your Cabana: I think it's a little too light to be a proper bronzer, but it's a PERFECT matte highlight shade, and the pigmentation is gorgeous.
(C) When a Leopard Gets a Tan: In the pan it looks absolutely horrifying, because there is so much pink that it absolutely should NOT be a pretty color, but I actually really love it. I've applied it a little heavier on my hand than I would on my face, but I'm still really satisfied with the way it looks. It was also on sale for $4.99 instead of $10, so I can't complain.
(R) Coral Burst: Again, in the pan it looks terrifying, but I've been looking for a good TRUE coral blush for a while, and when I saw this I couldn't help but feel compelled to try it. I LOVE it, although you do have to be pretty careful when applying because too much will make you look like a clown.
Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips Eye Enhancing Eyeliner Trio in Nude
NYX Eyeshadow in "Sahara" and "Iced Mocha"
Rimmel ScandalEyes in Nude (DO YOU KNOW HOW MANY PLACES I HAD TO GO TO FIND THIS DAMN THING)
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk
(L) NYX Eyeshadow in Sahara: a pretty shimmery light gold
(2L) NYX Eyeshadow in Iced Mocha: you can't see it in this photo unfortunately, but it's a shimmery brown with some beautiful gold undertones. Since most of my browns are matte, I really love this for the outer corner of the eye, or even the crease
(C) Rimmel Scandaleyes. Oh my god, I have been looking for this pencil for like a month and everyone is ALWAYS sold out of it. I finally found it at CVS today and I basically screamed in joy. It's just a really gorgeous matte neutral pencil that I've heard is really comparable to Tarte's EmphasEYES inner rim brightener, and I'm really excited to use it on my waterline for a more natural liner look.
(CR) NYX Pencil in Milk: Because everyone needs a good matte white eyeshadow base.
(R) The last three are swatches of the colors in the Physicians Formula set. I'm not sold on any of them; the color payoff is terrible and they don't show in the waterline at all. Honestly, I bought them because all the PF makeup was $6 off at CVS and I had a coupon, but I have a feeling these will be going back. Maybe I'll put them in my SFX kit, but I doubt it.
EOS Lip Balm Set with Honeysuckle Honeydew, Summer Fruit, and Sweet Mint Smooth Spheres and a Vanilla Bean Smooth Stick
Maybelline Color Sensational High Shine Lip Gloss in "Electric Shock"
Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in "Pure"
Maybelline Color Sensational Vivids in Pink Pop
Maybelline Color Sensational in Red Revival
Obviously I didn't swatch the lip balms but oh my god. I was so hesitant to buy into the hype about these but I'm so in love with them, and they have absolutely knocked Baby Lips out of the water. Not to mention they're ADORABLE, and the coupon helped.
(L) Pink Pop. It's a little more lilac than I usually wear, but it's fun, and it looks really nice under my Pink Lemonade Lip Glass from MAC
(L2) Red Revival. I'm really into this, and it's a great red with blue-ish undertones. I found that it bled a little bit, but to be fair I didn't use a liner, and it stayed on for most of the day even with me drinking coffee
(R2) Electric Shock Lip Gloss: I've been really into pink glosses lately, and I bought this to replace the travesty that was the Wet 'N Wild Mega Last Liquid Lip Color that made me look like Nicki Minaj and absolutely PAINTED my lips. No seriously I couldn't get it off even after scrubbing and using a lip exfoliator. It was horrifying. The Maybelline one is MUCH nicer, and doesn't make you look like a cartoon.
(R) Rimmel liner in Pure. IDK I needed a liner, and if I spent $10 on Rimmel products I got $3 extrabucks, so when I finally found the Nude eyeliner I decided to get a liner as well. It's a pretty standard color and I think it would work with reds and pinks, so I like it.
And finally, the miscellaneous category.
Revlon "Defining" False eyelashes
Kiss Ever EZ Lashes (I paid .99 for these after my coupon. It was awesome.)
Illamasqua Nail Varnish in "Freckle"
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs in Light (because it's nearly shorts season and my legs are pasty as ever)
Revlon Age Defying Concealer with DNA advantage
Guys I am so excited about this polish JFC. Those dots aren't really glitter, they're more like dark blue flecks, and it gives your nails almost like an eggshell effect. I spent WAY more on this than I should have, but it's going to be discontinued soon and I really didn't want to miss out.
Well, there it is. A MASSIVE haul of products I've accumulated over the last month or so. Not included in this is my TheBalm "Nude 'Tude," palette that I got off Hautelook for $18 instead of $36, but that's only because it's not here yet. Let me know what you guys think, and if you have any questions feel free to leave 'em!
For those of you guys who live in states that have the Rite Aid drugstore chain, I stopped in today and if you have a Wellness + card, all Revlon products are 40% off! I picked up another shade of Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation for summer, and an Age Defying with DNA Advantage concealer (I had to show some restraint). I'm not sure if it was just my local store, but it might be worth checking out!
So remember how I was internally warring with myself over purchasing Stila’s gorgeous new eyeshadow? Well I went to Sephora yesterday and they didn’t have the shade I’d originally wanted (Center Stage), but they did have Tye Dye which featured 2/3 same colors, so I swatched it and I was just not liking the way the blue looked with my skintone. So just because, I swatched some of the other shades, and I fell in love with this one, Lyric. It looks really baby pink in this swatch, but you can make it really hot pink or even really coral, so I’m super excited. And the other two swatches are some NYX colors I picked up today, Sahara (the center one) and Iced Mocha.
I also picked up a trial size of Benefit’s “They’re Real,” mascara, and I’m not sure how I feel. I really like the applicator, but I felt like it gave me quite the spider-lashes. I’m hoping that it might have just been a little too heavy of an application, but we’ll see. I also had 150 Beauty Insider points, and I got a sample of Laura Mercier’s foundation primer which I’m REALLY excited to try, and Hautelook had a deal on TheBalm today, so I picked up the Nude ‘Tude palette for $18 instead of $36.
tl;dr: MY NAME IS MORGAN AND I APPROVE OF BOI-ING CONCEALER
Okay, so I talked about Benefit Boi-ing concealer yesterday in this post, and I must say, it really is very very good. I mentioned how I was lucky I get few zits and even fewer of them get red and ugly, well... my skin decided to laugh at me over the course of the evening and a little face demon appeared, but HA HA, I HAVE BOI-ING CONCEALER, YOU DICK
It was super easy to apply after letting my liquid foundation set just a minute and it blended in really well. I said yesterday that it was a little lighter than my skin, but when I put it on my face, it was the same color as my face/liquid foundation. Sehr gut, sehr gut. The only reason why I had to "touch up" the concealer was because I ended up messing with the face demon (bad habit, I know I know ugh), but I just dabbed a little on where it needed to go, a little compact powder over it and now I think I'll be good to go until I wash my face tonight.
The only bad thing about it is that the lightest shade (01) may be too dark for the lightest skin tones (I DON'T KNOW THOUGH DON'T HOLD IT TO ME) and judging by the way it looked in the packaging, the darkest shade (05) may be a little too light for darker skin tones... 03, 04, and 05 were only recently released, so who knows if Benefit will make anything darker. I also feel I should mention the undertones of what looks like all the shades is slightly yellow--not really the best for people with pinker undertones. Perhaps I'll test it on one of my pink-undertoned friends (I am yellow so it's perfect for me).
If you get some spots and want a good, long lasting, easy to apply/blend concealer - Benefit Boi-ing. It's sort of pricey but a little goes a long way.
xoxo morgana
-ps, if you like my makeup, let me know if you want a tutorial! Whenever I wear it like this, people call me Lady Loki, so if you're feeling mischievous, it's a good look ;)
