#crown brushes

[theantibridezilla]

Test Drives: It’s Summertime & You Need These Palettes

Summer is officially in full swing which means that there’s plenty of fun and bright makeup that’s just perfect for the season. Whether you’re channeling a bold look for a wedding or tropical vibes for your honeymoon, I’ve got a few fun palettes—plus some other goodies I used in today’s look—that are perfect for everything bridal from weddings to bachelorette parties to your honeymoon. As usual, I’ll highlight what was gifted to me by the brand versus purchased and full makeup details will be at the end!

So today’s look was a fun little play into color for me thanks to the wig on top of the very bright and glittery eye that I created. This weekend was the 37th annual Mermaid Parade in Coney Island. While I didn’t attend, I decided to create an aquatic vibe to pay homage to an NYC tradition. Even though I used a few different things to create this look, today’s Test Drive is highlighting the following palettes: Crown Brush Cosmo Collection (top), HipDot Rio (right), Coastal Scents Creative Me (not pictured), and Nomad Harajuku (left). And as you can see above, I have a few random shadows and a lip color there—those are some unnamed items that I’m working on for an influencer makeup collab with a cool indie brand. Details on that to follow as it rolls out. :) So, let’s dig in!

Crown Brush Cosmo Collection (purchased)

I picked this goodie up at The Makeup Show for a ridiculously low price. I want to say I probably only paid like $5 for this massive 28 shade palette. It’s definitely out of my comfort zone since it’s so focused on bold hues, but that’s exactly why I bought it. While I originally planned to use more color from this, I ended up solely using one of the warm taupe shades as an all over base for my lids because I knew I wanted to use a bold blue-green from my upcoming line and I didn’t want this to compete with it. I’ve used Crown’s other palettes before in a previous Test Drives post and I know that they’re amazing in terms of blend-ability, minimal to no fallout, and bold color payoff.

While not promoted here, my upper lid features a color from another Crown Brush palette, the 10 Color Fuego Palette that I also bought at The Makeup Show. P.S. The Cosmo Collection palette is currently on sale on Crown’s site for $4.95 so at a price like that, you really can’t go wrong with this one.

HipDot Rio Pressed Eye Shadow Palette (gifted)

Okay, there’s a lot to love about this palette. First as you can see, these are bold tropical colors. But what really drew me were the three glittery hues. I fell in love with that rich teal glitter shade (palms) and wanted to use it as an accent. Even though this is a fairly chunky glitter as you can see from the top picture, it was actually very easy to apply and didn’t get all over the place—which can normally happen with bold glitters like this.

Second, I love the way this palette opens. It has a built in mirror, but it opens in a Z-shape so that the mirror is naturally propped up and you don’t have to manually hold it open to use the mirror. Third, while I did use Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas, I didn’t use a setting spray since I wasn’t planning on leaving the house. But I’m now more than 6 hours post application and the glitter is staying in place with no real transfer to other parts of my lid or face overall.

Coastal Scents Creative Me Palette (purchased)

I bought this during Black Friday last year and I’ve used it once or twice in a previous Test Drives article. As you can see, this is also an ultra bold palette. So I opted to use the bottom right hue as my lower lid base and used a blue-green shimmer shade from my upcoming palette as the center lid accent. I’ve been a fan of Coastal Scents for a while because in addition to being budget friendly, their products are very well made. The shades are bold, richly pigmented, and provide true color with minimal to no fall out because they’re finely milled.

Nomad Harajuku Palette (gifted)

Okay, I was super hyped when I got this palette last weekend. First of all, you guys know I’m obsessed with Japan and especially Tokyo. And Harajuku is the district to visit if you’re into alternative fashion and that Tokyo street style (looking at you Tumblr users). And just like the HipDot palette, this particular one also features 15 colors but with five of them being glittery hues. I ended up using Otaku the lower right pan as an accent for my inner corners. What’s interesting about that glittery shade is that it basically takes on the color of whatever shadow is under it. It looks like a cute soft pink hue in the pan, but it’s really more of a sheer shimmer overlay option.

Notable Mentions:

While I didn’t include them officially in this round up, I also used the CTZN Nudiversal lip in Mexico City which I mixed with a liquid lip from my upcoming collection. I’ll feature CTZN in a future Test Drives article because this was a pretty awesome hue and in terms of being able to find a nude that actually works for your skin tone, CTZN hit the mark very well.

Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas is definitely an awesome primer. I’ve been playing with it for a week or two now but it deserves its own Test Drives feature as well. 

So clearly, I loved everything I used today. And I ended up using way more palettes than I had originally planned—but it still came out looking pretty fab. If you’re curious how this makeup look would appear when contrasted against more natural hair colors, I also took a pic of this look with my actual hair out.

One of the main inspirations for the color story I chose today was the wig I’m wearing. And of course, if you love the wig and want to make it your own, you can shop for it here.

It’s a fun little synthetic wig I bought on Amazon and I didn’t even spend more than $30 for it. As I’ve mentioned previously, I don’t buy human hair if it’s a fantasy color that I know I’m not going to wear consistently. But I’m still spoiled by quality full lace wigs so I can’t wear a synthetic wig that doesn’t at least have a natural looking part.

Anywho, for more on fantasy color hair, check out my previous article which also links to some of my other hair color articles. And keep scrolling for more info on my makeup look.

Check out more Test Drives here.

Full Makeup Details

Primer: Farsali Unicorn Essence + Tatcha The Silk Canvas + NYX Eyeshadow Base in nude Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation in 420 Brows: NYX Cosmetics Love Contours All Palette Dark Eyeshadow Pan Brow Contour: E.L.F. Cosmetics Complete Coverage Concealer in Dark Eyeshadow: Crown Brushes Pro 10 Color Fuego Palette for upper lid, Crown Brushes Cosmo Collection for all over lid base, center lid shimmer + outer corner secret shades from upcoming palette, Coastal Scents Creative Me lower lid base and lower lash line, HipDot Rio Palm for cut crease, Nomad Harajuku Otaku for inner corner accent Eye Liner: Wet n Wild Megaliner in Black Lashes: Kawaii Girl Cosmetics Odaiba Under Eye + Contour Concealer: L.A. Girl Cosmetics HD Pro Concealer in Orange, IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye in Deep Rich, Veil Cosmetics Complexion Fix in Deep 5N Contour: Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Powder Palette in Medium to Dark Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Deep Blush: Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Blush in Sunset Bronzer: Buxom Cosmetics Divine Goddess in Athena & NYX Cosmetics Strobe of Genius Highlight: Kevyn Aucoin  Neo-Limelight in Ibiza Lips: CTZN Nudiversal in Mexico City and secret shade from upcoming collection

Full  disclosure: I’m an influencer for Kevyn Aucoin, Pixi Beauty, and e.l.f. Cosmetics. I  am also the owner/founder of Kawaii Girl Cosmetics. Occasionally I post affiliate links so I may receive compensation on some of my posts.

[theantibridezilla]

Test Drives: A Golden Blast from the Past

Have you ever scrolled through your phone and found an old makeup look that you absolutely loved? This is what happened to me over the weekend and I stumbled across a look that I created back in 2016 that I wanted to recreate. So, in today’s Test Drive, I’m reviewing reviewing four new products to recreate a gold inspired look. On the left is the new version I created this weekend, and on the right is the original from 2016.

Today I’ll be reviewing Crown Pro 10 Color Fuego Palette, E.L.F. Cosmetics’ Poreless Putty Primer & Sheer Blurring Under Eye Primer, and Sara Happ’s Let’s Glow Lip Illuminator. As usual, I’ll share what was purchased versus gifted. So, let’s get right to it!

E.L.F. Cosmetics Poreless Putty Primer (purchased)

So if you have your finger on the pulse of beauty dupes, you know that E.L.F.’s Poreless Putty Primer has been a cult favorite as the ultimate dupe for Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas. The concept is fairly simple. Apply the primer and let set for 30 seconds before applying your makeup for a flawless finish. E.L.F.’s primer is infused with squalane to help ensure moisture without causing an oily effect. Full disclosure, I haven’t tested Tatcha’s The Silk Canvas so I can’t compare the two. However...

What I Like:

The primer is truly lightweight and even though it has a very moist feeling when first applied, it dries down nicely. Also, the primer is billed as universally sheer—which it is. To be honest when you first apply it, it can feel like it’s going to leave you shiny. But as you continue applying makeup, everything magically balances out for a nice seamless effect.

What could be better:

I always feel like if you’re going to sell someone a compact, it should come with an applicator. Otherwise, how exactly are you supposed to apply this? Sure, you can use your fingers. But if you don’t like using your fingers you might be left at a loss as to how to apply the product. I ended up using a flat-sided sponge to gently press the primer into my skin.

Something to keep in mind: The directions tell you to use a thin layer and you absolutely should. If you attempt to over do it with this primer it’ll end up caking and leaving gross product beads on your skin. This happened to me a little bit around my temples. It’s easy to wipe off, but better that you don’t find yourself in this scenario at all. 

E.L.F. Cosmetics Sheer Blurring Under Eye Primer (purchased)

If you’re like me, you have slight bags and a bit of discoloration under your eyes that always needs to be corrected if you’re going to wear makeup. So, anything that can help product stick better in that area is a good thing. The Sheer Blurring Under Eye Primer helps to hide puffiness and fine lines for a smooth under eye effect.

What I liked:

Everything I liked about this particular primer are basically the same things I loved about the Poreless Putty Primer. It’s easy to use, and blends out nicely without leaving an awkward ashen effect—even on darker skin tones.

What could be better:

Much like the other E.L.F. product in this review, I hate that this doesn’t come with an applicator. I’m not a person who likes to do finger applications. And having to allocate sponges or brushes on my own can be irritating.

Crown Pro 10 Color Fuego Palette (purchased)

Even though today’s look featured two different shadows that are top secret from a project I’m working on, the base shade and center lid color are from this Crown Brush Pro palette that I bought at The Makeup Show last week. Although I’ve used Crown brushes before, this is the first time I’m using their makeup.

What I love:

Crown’s shadows are finely milled and highly pigmented, which makes them ideal to work with, and offer minimal fallout. This particular palette caught my eye at The Makeup Show because it includes five matte and five shimmer shades that are a beautiful mix of earthy yet warm tones. And I think that these colors are ideal for all skin tones. 

What could be better:

Nothing, I really liked this palette!

Sara Happ Let’s Glow Lip Illuminator in Golden (gifted)

The final item for review is this cool Lip Illuminator from Sara Happ. The concept is that if you love the look of illuminators for your cheeks or other areas of your face, you can give your lips that same effect with a hydrating shimmer balm. When applied lightly, it offers a sheer effect, but if you do like I did—you create a megawatt style.

What I liked:

Now when I created this look back in 2016, I didn’t have a gold lip color. So, I used an eye shadow from E.L.F. The look was nice, but yeah...that lip was drying. So, the ultra hydrating Sara Happ lip option was amazingly better. What I love is that this lip never dries down. Also, it only required two coats to get to this level of high beam wattage. And finally, the Sara Happ lip is a warm gold so it’s far more suitable for a variety of skin tones than the cold hued gold of my original look.

What could be better:

Nothing, it was a really great product and super hydrating.

My Verdict:

For the most part, I liked everything that I tested out in today’s look. There were no losers this time! What I really loved is that I was able to take an ambitious look that I originally created in 2016, and was able to make it a tad more wearable, and less harsh than the original. Mainly, I swapped out the cold gold hues from the first  look and made it warmer while also creating more definition and depth on my cheeks than in the first. Full makeup details below.

Check out more of my Test Drives here.

Full Makeup Details

Primer: Farsali Unicorn Essence + Poreless Putty Primer + Sheer Blurring Under Eye Primer Foundation: Fenty Beauty Pro Filt’r Foundation in 420 Brows: NYX Cosmetics Love Contours All Palette Dark Eyeshadow Pan Brow Contour: E.L.F. Cosmetics Complete Coverage Concealer in Dark Eyeshadow: Crown Pro 10 Color Fuego Palette for allover base, center lid shimmer + upper lid, top secret shade for inner eye and lower lash line, top secret shade for outer corner Eye Liner: Wet n Wild Megaliner in Black Lashes: Kawaii Girl Cosmetics Odaiba Under Eye + Contour Concealer: L.A. Girl Cosmetics HD Pro Concealer in Orange, Veil Cosmetics Complexion Fix in Deep 5N Contour: Black Radiance True Complexion Contour Powder Palette in Medium to Dark Setting Powder: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder in Deep Blush: Kevyn Aucoin Neo-Blush in Sunset Bronzer: Buxom Cosmetics Divine Goddess in Athena & NYX Cosmetics Strobe of Genius Highlight: Kevyn Aucoin  Neo-Limelight in Ibiza Lips: Sara Happ Let’s Glow Lip Illuminator in Gold

[boxyladies]

While I don’t hate Boxycharm by any means, this will be the last Boxycharm box for the time being on Boxy Ladies. There are just other things I want to buy more and I found I wasn’t using all parts of my Boxycharm subscription every month. But that said… the February box wasn’t bad!

BOXYCHARM

Price: $21/month (or less if you subscribe for multiple months)

Box Type: Beauty products, 4-6 full-sized products

Why you’ll love it: In each box you will receive 4-6 full-size beauty items from top brands ranging from makeup to skincare, beauty tools to color cosmetics. Each box has a value of $100+. Brands range from emerging to established, and you’re guaranteed to find a few new favorites in each box. Plus there are a lot of interactive features on their website to get the most out of your box!

How to sign up: Just click here!

Here is the little card that comes in the box that gives you more info about everything.

And here’s everything we got in February!

Naked Cosmetics Holographic Highlighter Palette ($39.99): I actually think it was cool that Boxycharm sent a highlight palette versus an eyeshadow palette! While the highlights themselves aren’t holographic, the packaging sure is! How pretty is that! A few months ago, I had zero colored highlighters and now I literally have three colored highlighter palettes. I haven’t used this one on my face yet but you can check out the swatches below. I like the idea of using a palette like this on the inner corner, to give a little different look than just a regular highlight, you know? It’s not a regular highlight. It’s a COOL highlight.

Not the best swatches in the world, but I’m trying a new camera setup so I can take better pictures of swatches. This will be a learning curve. And the far right swatch is the CoverFX Shimmer Veil, below.

CoverFX Shimmer Veil in Amethyst ($28): I was really interested in this product when I first saw it! I feel like this is basically CoverFX’s answer to Stila’s Shimmer and Glow shadows. I don’t wear this type of color on my eyes regularly, but I do think the color is really pretty so I am glad I have this.

PÜR X-Faux Lips Plumping Lip Exfoliator ($17): Every now and then, I really need a lip exfoliator. And whenever that is, I definitely cannot find ANY of mine. So I am glad to have another one. I do like that it’s in this pencil format so you don’t have to dig your finger into a pot, you can just swipe it on.

Vintage Cosmetics Smokey Eye Pencil ($21): This is a black eyeliner. Enough said.

Crown Pro Trio Brush Set ($29.99): I always like makeup brushes in boxes and I do really like all of the Crown brushes that I’ve tried. I also like the pink/white handle/bristles as well. Right now I’ve used the eye brush more than the other two but I am glad to have all three.

[line]

Final Grade: B

I think this was a decent Boxycharm box! Did it blow me out of the water? Nah. But will I use most of the products in it? Yeah! I do think Boxycharm is a great subscription box if you don’t have a lot of makeup because they do send full-size items and you an really build a nice little makeup collection. I also think it’s neat that they send full palettes and nice brands. But since I personally have so much makeup, I would rather pick out my full-size makeup products. I’m just at that stage of my life, ya know? Like, I would rather buy a full-size Stila Shimmer and Glow in a color of my choosing for the cost of the box. Would I get more out of a Boxycharm? Yes, of course! But I’m not getting what I know I will LOVE. So that’s where I’m at.

Do y’all love Boxycharm? Do you think I’m going to regret cancelling? Let me know what you think!

Purchased; All opinions are my own Post contains affiliate links

Boxycharm: February 2018 While I don't hate Boxycharm by any means, this will be the last Boxycharm box for the time being on Boxy Ladies.

[rougebeka]

SUB’VIEW: Boxycharm February 2018 Review

SUB’VIEW: Boxycharm February 2018 Review #boxycharm #boxymail #boxycharmglow #bbloggers #rougebeka

February’s Boxycharm is ready to “Galaxy Glow,” focusing on makeup and beauty tools. Let’s check out this month’s beaming picks: (more…)

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[thefemmedom]

BOXYCHARM - March 2017

BOXYCHARM is a subscription service that costs $21 per month. Each month you get a selection of beauty products (usually full size) to try.

Accept my invitation to join BOXYCHARM! https://boxycharm.com/refer/Victo-RQPYKWAQ

This month’s theme was Creepy Cute.

Keep reading to see what was in my March box.

1. Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

This full-size primer retails for $16.

This is one of those amazing unicorn items to get in a subscription box. It’s a product that everybody loves and is often sold out at stores, so you wouldn’t expect to get it in a $21 box.

2. Crown SS023 Deluxe Fan Brush

This brush retails for $18.99.

We all know how I feel about getting brushes in subscription boxes <3

3. Naked Cosmetics Urban Rustic Palette

This palette retails for $39.99.

So I have mixed feelings about this product. The colors are pretty, pigmented, creamy, etc. But for the life of me, I just cannot think of any situation where I would use this palette on a regular basis. It’s more of a Halloween/holiday product to me.

4. RealHer Matte Liquid Lipstick

This lipstick in the shade LADYLOVE retails for $15.

This shade is a gorgeous berry/mauve. I think it’s absolutely beautiful and would match the majority of day/night makeup looks. However, I have heard bad things about the formula.

5. RealHer Lipliner

This lip liner in the shade I Am Loved retails for $12.50.

This matches the lipstick perfectly and is super creamy and blendable.

The total value of this month’s box is $102.48!

[thefemmedom]

BOXYCHARM - January 2017

BOXYCHARM is a subscription service that costs $21 per month. Each month you get a selection of beauty products (usually full size) to try.

Accept my invitation to join BOXYCHARM! https://boxycharm.com/refer/Victo-RQPYKWAQ

This month’s theme was the Charm Awards.

Keep reading to see what was in my January box.

1. Adesse Ultra Suede Matte Top Coat

I got this full-size topcoat that retails for $18.

I like doing a matte nail look from time to time, but I’m not a fan of the matte topcoat that I already have, so I look forward to trying this one.

2. Crown Soft Fan Brush SS017

This fan brush retails for $12.99.

This is my second Crown brush this month from subscription boxes. I’m not mad at that at all. I wish I got brushes every month instead of shampoos and conditioners.

3. Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Spray

This full-size dry shampoo retails for $23.

I only use dry shampoo when I straighten my hair, which is not very often, but when I do straighten my hair, I use dry shampoo non-stop. So I’m not mad at this.

4. Vintage Highlighter Double

This full-size highlighter duo retails for $35.

I LOVE highlighters and I didn’t expect to get more highlighters in BOXYCHARM because I just got one last month. I’m ecstatic.

This duo contains a pinky shade called Rose Quartz and a bronzy shade called Chocolate Diamond.

5. PÜR Château Cheek Stain

This full-size cheek stain in the shade Prosecco retails for $26.

I didn’t think I would like this at all, but I actually think it’s a beautiful blush. I’m not sure how often I’ll reach for it though because I don’t really use cream blushes.

The total value of this month’s box is $114.99!

[thefemmedom]

Ipsy - January 2017

Ipsy is a subscription service that costs $10 per month. Each month you get a selection of beauty products in deluxe sized samples (sometimes full size) to try.

Accept my invitation to join Ipsy! https://www.ipsy.com/new?cid=ppage_ref&sid=link&refer=ysl2n

This month’s theme was Metropolis.

Keep reading to see what was in my January bag.

1. Crown Brush Beaute Basics C405 Contour Blush Brush

I got this full-size brush that retails for $7.49.

You guys know I love getting brushes in subscription boxes. You can always use more brushes. Okay, maybe I’m a brush hoarder, but the more brushes you have, the less often you have to wash brushes.

2. TEMPTU Base Smooth & Matte Primer

I got this primer in a sample size, but the full size retails for $35.

This is the second TEMPTU item that I’ve received in a subscription box and I’m not a fan.

If you didn’t know, TEMPTU is an airbrush makeup brand and these items are meant to be used in the TEMPTU airbrush device. Don’t give me items that are supposed to be used with some expensive, novelty device. Most box subscribers probably don’t own this airbrush, so I don’t quite understand why this brand would be featured.

3. theBalm Cosmetics Bahama Mama

I got this bronzer in a tiny sample, but the full size retails for $20.

I love the Balm, but I hate their tiny samples. I’m not mad at the product, the shade is fine, I just wish it was bigger. I don’t know how I would get a big bronzer brush into this pan. I might just have to use it as an eyeshadow.

4. Jelly Pong Pong Coffee + Coconut Lip Scrub

I got this full-size lip scrub that retails for $19.

I’m never mad at getting a lip scrub. I exfoliate my lips often, almost every day in the winter, so these are always good products to have around.

5. IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Under Eye Illumination Anti-Aging Concealer

I got this concealer in a sample size, but the full size retails for $24.

At first, I thought this sample was too small and too dark, but a small dot of product goes a very long way, and medium is the perfect under eye brightening shade for me.

What did you get in your glam bag this month?

[thefemmedom]

BOXYCHARM - November 2016

BOXYCHARM is a subscription service that costs $21 per month. Each month you get a selection of beauty products (usually full size) to try.

Accept my invitation to join BOXYCHARM! https://boxycharm.com/refer/Victo-RQPYKWAQ

This month’s theme was Groovy Town.

I know I’m late in posting this, but I’ve been extremely busy (I’ll explain in a future post), so please, please bear with me.

Keep reading to see what was in my November box.

1. Studio Makeup Cool Down Palette

This full-size palette retails for $49.95.

I am loving this palette. I have told you before that I think my face is suited better for cool tones, so this is perfect for me.

The pictures do it absolutely no justice, this palette is gorgeous.

2. Skyn Iceland Icelandic Relief Eye Pen

This eye pen retails for $20.

As usual, I’m never mad at an eye cream, but it’s never a super exciting product to get.

3. Crown Brush C513 Pro Detail Crease

This pencil brush retails for $12.99.

You guys know that I love getting brushes in subscription boxes. And I’ve been needing this type of brush, so I’m excited.

4. Vintage Illuminating Face Highlighter

This highlighter in the shade Rose Gold retails for $32.

This is a beautiful rose gold shade, but the formula is a bit powdery and settles into fine lines.

5. Makeup Geek Blush Powder

This blush in the shade Blind Date retails for $10.

Everybody loves Makeup Geek, and this blush doesn’t have any shimmer, so I’m excited about this.

The total value of this month’s box is $134.94!