Michael Marcus Refillable Eyeshadow: Amazing

Now that I have had a good chance to wear this eyeshadow, I wanted to put up a post with my thoughts on it.  First let me start by saying this was one of the products I received in my Wantable Box. You can click that link to be taken to my other blog where I posted an unboxing.  You can see all of the products I received. 

The packaging is very simple.  It is a silver compact with a clear flip-top lid and the shadow sits inside.  I did notice that the name of the color is nowhere to be found, except on the outside box.  I don't keep the boxes, so if I ever wanted to know the name, I'd be out of luck.  Now, the name could very well be on the underside of the pan itself.  However, I didn't try to pop it out because I didn't want to ding the shadow. Even if the name IS on the underside of the pan, that is still less than ideal because I don't plan on pulling the pan out of the compact each time I need to see the name.  This is a very minor detail, though, and I'm nit-picking.

As I mentioned in my unboxing post, I was originally underwhelmed by this color.  I like the color and it is something I can easily see myself wearing.  However, it just seemed like a very safe color to send in a box.  Also, when I had test swatched it on my finger it was extremely pale.  I could hardly see any color transfer to my finger.  That had me worried. Now that I have worn it several times, I have changed my mind.  I love the shadow.  Absolutely love it!

It is a greyish brown in the pan, so I suppose you'd just say taupe.  When I put it onto my lids (over TFSI) it shows more brown than the grey.  It can be worn as an extremely light wash or with a flat shadow brush and a bit of "packing on" it can be built up for more color pay off.   I did layer it just a bit to get a deeper color from it, but I am satisfied with the color I can get it to.  I still can't claim it is highly pigmented, though.

I will say this isn't the most buttery and smooth shadow I've ever worked with.  It is somewhat powdery, but nothing that really causes too much of a problem.

Something that I love is that it is a matte shadow.  Mattes are my favorite.  I find them easy to wear and give a nice, clean look to the eye.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a bit of shimmer every now and again, but if given the choice between the two, I'll always pick matte.

It does look like there is some sheen to the shadow, but that is coming from another shadow I lightly brushed on with this shadow.  I'm wearing Amazing with a bit of maroon from one of the Wet n Wild trios as well as Nutty from the Wet n Wild single. 

This retails for $24.00 USD.  While I enjoy wearing this shadow and will continue to do so, I can't say that I'd pay $24.00 to repurchase it.  That seems rather steep considering it doesn't have high pigment and is a bit powdery.  I am able to purchase other high end and even drugstore shadows that are better.  Since this isn't a unique color either, it is easily dupable with something more affordable.  

Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara

After hearing rave review after rave review on this Cover Girl mascara, I had to try it out for myself.  I'm a sucker like that!  HA!  I can only stand it so long before I have to put it to the test on my lashes.  This is the, quite popular, Cover Girl Clump Crusher mascara.  

It is a relatively new product to hit the drugstore shelves.  I've never been a big fan of Cover Girl mascaras, but the fact that this one had some lofty claims intrigued me.   I, initially, tried to get it from Target.  The stock was nearly wiped clean!  They had the brown-black or black-brown available, but I wanted to get a rich, deep black so I skipped buying it there.  I ended up finding it at a Meijer store (in the color Very Black).  I almost walked right by it!  It wasn't in a large, noticeable display.  It was sort of pushed off to the side.   The only reason I even found it was because I was scouting out the newest Maybelline Color Tattoos.  I can't recall the exact price, but I want to say it was cheaper than Target.  For some reason $7.99 sounds right, but don't quote me.

The wand on this mascara is a bit different and unique to others on the market.  It is a rubber style bristle, which I will admit isn't my favorite, typically.  Also, the brush sways or scoops down. But, it doesn't really curve a lot at the top.  This really does help to push the top lashes up as well as fitting into the corners of the eye.  I don't have large eyes, and I found this easily fit around my lashes.  I didn't feel like there were any that I couldn't reach.  

Let's talk about the curl factor, because I know that is a huge deal with lashes.  I, personally, don't feel that this mascara curls lashes.  However, if you curl your lashes first and then apply a coat of this, I do think it holds the curl nicely, and because of the shape, won't pull out the curl as you swipe on the product.  The way that I applied this mascara was to first curl my lashes, then apply a single coat to the top lashes.  Immediately after finishing one coat to the top, I'd use what is still remaining on the wand to coat the bottom lashes.  At this point, I do dip the wand back into the tube and proceed to apply a second coat to the top lashes.  I found this to be the perfect time between coats.  It was enough to let the first coat set up, but not enough to allow it to completely dry.  If I do let the first coat completely dry, it doesn't look as nice and fluttery.

The major claim on this mascara is that it won't create clumpy, spidery lashes.  Did I find that to be true?  YES!  It had the ability to really grab and evenly coat the lashes, but even as I layered it, it didn't get clumpy. I am not a fan of spider lashes (to each her own, right?), and it seemed that no matter how much I tried to build it up (within reason, obviously), it just didn't look like lashes were joining forces and turning into a total of 5 lashes around my eye.  It was amazing!  I noticed that it really opened up my eyes and even, sort of, lined my eyes.  What I mean by that, is it was nice and full at the base of each lash, creating a darkened liner-like effect, but then splayed out at the tips.  I am very impressed!

While I am not a big Cover Girl mascara fan, this particular one has 100% won me over.  I will be repurchasing it again in the future.  I highly recommend everyone check it out, especially for those who usually don't buy Cover Girl.

Maybelline Color Tattoo-Barely Branded vs Barely Beige

I recently stumbled across the new Maybelline Color Tattoo collection while in a Meijer store.  I decided to go ahead and pick up the two colors that had caught my attention because I know so many others haven't been able to track these down in their area (yet). I didn't want to come back later only to find them sold out. I only really wanted two: Inked In Pink and Barely Branded.   

Because Barely Branded has been suspected to be a dupe for Barely Beige (from their fall collection launch), I wanted to pick it up to compare for myself.  I already have Barely Beige plus a back up, however, curiosity  got the best of me.   I will be posting up a review/my thoughts on Inked In Pink soon, but for now, this is just to compare and discuss Barely Branded

Here, you can see Barely Branded and Barely Beige in their pots, side by side.  It is a bit difficult to tell here, but Barely Branded is slightly more golden champagne in color and Barely Beige is more golden-nude pink. 

Here they are again, but with the lid off so you can see directly in to the product.  You can see I have been using my Barely Beige.  When I took this photo I hadn't used Barely Branded yet (but have since). 

They are extremely close in color, and I don't have a preference between the two.  I enjoy them both.  When I put them on my skin, it is extremely difficult to tell a difference.  The subtle difference (one being warmer and the other being cooler) doesn't show up very strong on the lids.  It just looks like a frosted, nude-champagne kind of color.  

However, I did notice a slight difference in the consistency.  I can remember thinking that Barely Beige was super creamy and smooth when I first got it, and in comparison to some of the original Color Tattoos that were released in the first batch.  I still think it is creamy and smooth.  But, now that I have Barely Branded, I can safely say it is even more creamy than Barely Beige!  It is the best of all of the ones I have tried.   It is easy to apply, blends on well, doesn't skip or create a patchy look on the lids, yet sets up nicely and holds up all day.    It was a dream to work with.

The differences were more noticeable on this swatch while in person.  But, even in person it was extremely close.  

If you don't already own Barely Beige, I think Barely Branded is an excellent one to pick up.  I don't feel as though you'd be missing out in the least.  If you already have Barely Beige, I don't think it is entirely necessary to run out and buy Barely Branded.  That is, of course, unless you are like me and curiosity is encouraging the buy (which I totally understand!).  

My understanding is that, while Barely Beige was limited edition, Barely Branded will become a part of the permanent, core collection. This is good news for all of us who have wanted a good quality, affordable option for cream shadow/eyeshadow base!

It would seem that a lot of places are selling these for between $6-$7 (and some change).  I found mine at Meijer for $5.99.  Since that was the cheapest I had heard of, and the only place, at this point, that I had seen them, I went ahead and bought it.  These should start showing up in some BOGO 1/2 off sales, though, so you can likely get it for cheaper. 

Cover Girl BlastFlipStick (Minx)

This is the last of the three Cover Girl BlastFlipSticks I received.  This was the one that I assumed wouldn't work at all on me....and I was right.  The coloring is just far too dark on me and doesn't look right.  However, I can see this being stunning on someone with olive or deeper coloring. 

Interestingly enough, these applied the best of the three I had the opportunity to try.  The others went on crumbly and had a tendency to look patchy.  This one, however, went on with more ease and didn't skip or create patches.  

The color is very rich and opaque.  I did like that there wasn't a ton of glitter in this particular one.  It has sheen to it, but didn't look like chunks of glitter on.  Even though the topping color was a bit frosty, it somehow worked well with the darker base color.  It created more of a sheen than a frosty finish.  

While I don't think I'll be able to get any use of the dark side of this lipstick, I might be able to put the more golden half to use over other lipsticks.  I think it could look quite nice with a rich red, perhaps even a berry shade. 

As with all of the others, this had a very dated, wax-like scent that reminds me of lipsticks from years ago.  Further, they were just as drying as the other two.  They are certainly long wearing, however.  They leave a stain behind even after the initial application has worn off. 

Now that I have tried several from this particular collection of lip colors, I can safely tell you that I (personally) don't see any worthy hype.  I think you are better off putting your money towards one of the many lipsticks that have recently hit drugstores.  I just can't give these my seal of approval.  If you love (or just like) these, though, I would love to hear your thoughts on them and why you enjoy them.  Also, let me know if there is a particular color from this collection that you are liking! 

*Product received for free through the BzzAgent.com website and the Cover Girl campaign.  All opinions are my own.

Cover Girl Blast Flipstick (Vixen)

This is the second of three Cover Girl BlastFlipSticks that I had the chance to try out.  If you are interested in my thoughts on the first, you can check that out HERE! (for the color: Stunner) My feelings, overall, are pretty much the same.

I find them to still be crumbly, but perhaps a touch less with this one.  I didn't enjoy the way they felt on the lips and while they claim to not be drying, I definitely feel as though it sucked the moisture out of my lips. My lips were in worse shape after removal than before applying. I always take the extra step of applying a balm, too, to avoid this. 

While I didn't think I would enjoy the color, I actually believe I enjoy it more than Stunner.  I will admit this isn't a color I pull off well, but I do like it more.   I think they are more wearable (for most).   There are still bits of glitter in the main half of this product, which is something I don't particularly enjoy.  The topping half isn't glittery, but frosty.  If you went very heavy with the second side, I think the color would look extremely dated.  Lightly, though, it is lovely.

In the photo above, the swatches go: side one, side two, and combined with side two over side one. 

I don't think this is something anyone needs to rush out and find.  I just think there are so many fantastic drugstore lip products out right now and this one doesn't rank up there with the others.    These feel too much like something I'd have bought 10+ years ago (scent, formulation, and color wise).

*Product received for free through the BzzAgent.com website and the CoverGirl campaign. All opinions are my own.

CoverGirl Blast Flip Stick in Stunner

As a BzzAgent, I was recently invited to participate in a Cover Girl campaign.  I received three different lipsticks.  These are the BlastFlipSticks.  Their selling point is that you get two lipsticks in one.  You can create multiple looks with this one product.  You can wear each side on its own, layer them together, or create a gradient look on the lips. 

I was very excited to try these seeing as I really enjoy lip colors. People who know me know that I have quite the nail polish collection along with a ridiculously crowded lipstick drawer. Of course I was on board with testing these out!  Unfortunately, I wasn't over the moon with them.

The first thing I noticed upon application was how crumbly they went on.  I have rarely experienced this. As I was swiping it on, it would sort of ball up and crumble away!  What was happening?  I had to take my finger and smooth it onto the lips. 

Further, they are so full of shimmer.  The base color has little gold glitters in it, which on its own is quite bold.  It would be okay...maybe...in the summer.  Even then, though, I'm not a big shimmer or glitter fan.  Not in my lip products.  Of course, this is a personal preference.  I know some people absolutely ADORE shimmer and glitter in their glosses and lipsticks. However, as if that weren't enough, the second side had even MORE shimmer in it!  Ugh, too much shimmer for me.  It was shimmer overload. 

Another thing that I didn't like was the smell.  It was very wax-like and reminded me of lipsticks that you would purchase years ago.  Some people will be happy about this because of sensitivities to added in fragrance (like vanilla and such).  I would have enjoyed a bit of something added to these, though.

Something I can't deny is the wear time.  The pink of this particular one really seemed to cling to my lips.  It almost created a stain on my lips.  Even after it had dulled down and wasn't fresh and vibrant, there was still a decent hint of pink left behind. There was also that pesky glitter, though.  ::grumble::

Over all, this just didn't work for me.  I really wanted to like it.  Of all of them, I thought this would be the one I would like the most.  It seemed to be the one that was most popular, too!  I just can't get on board with it, though.  I would have to say you should pass on this. :-(

*Product received for free from BzzAgent.com through their CoverGirl campaign.  All opinions are my own!

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Foundation

Finding a foundation is one of those struggles that most of us experience. Whether you want to buy from the drugstore or from the department store, it seems it is always hard to find a formulation that will agree with your skin's chemistry as well as be a perfect color match. I thought I had found the perfect liquid foundation, for me, in Revlon Colorstay. 

I bought this at Target towards the end of October.  I selected the version that is made for combination/oily skin, seeing as I have oily skin.  I chose the color 150 Buff.  This was actually an accident.  I thought I chose the Ivory one.  It wasn't until I had gotten home that I realized someone placed Buff in the wrong slot.  All worked out fine, though, because this ended up being a perfect color match for me.  

Everything seemed to be going well.  The color matched me perfectly.  It didn't oxidize throughout the day.  It would stay in place and not transfer onto clothing or anything else.  It controlled oil, which no other foundation had been able to do.  By the end of the day, my foundation looked just as nice as it did when I first put it on!  I was certain this was going to be my "holy grail" foundation.  In fact, I was so thrilled with it, that it made it into one of my "favorites" posts!

There were some minor downsides.  It had a strong paint smell to it.  I had never known any other foundation to smell identical to a bucket of paint that I would slather onto the walls in my home.  However, that would go away after application, so I dismissed it.   

This is a foundation that dries quickly. Because of this point, you have to work in sections.  You can't really dot it on and then blend. You must work section by section across the face and blend as you go.  This was something that I had to get used to, but nothing that I felt was worth discontinuing use over. 

This foundation can look cakey if you aren't careful.  You will look like someone inexperienced with foundation, who has just discovered this bottle of liquid face mask, and slathered it 3 inches thick.  Be careful!  I didn't like the way it applied with brushes.  I did apply with a wet Sonia Kashuk sponge and it worked out nice, but I still felt as though I was wasting product into the sponge.  I decided I preferred my fingers the most.

Now for the major negative for me.  I kept wearing this wonderful foundation because I was convinced it was amazing.  I am someone who doesn't wear liquid foundation every day.  I don't feel that I need to.  I wear it for special occasions and on the weekends if I am testing out a look or the product, itself.  Each time I would wear this foundation, the next day or two days later I would have horrible break outs.  I have never had a foundation break me out in the way that this does.  I am on medications that a dermatologist has given me.  Even those meds couldn't keep the breakouts at bay!  Because this is a known long-wearing foundation, I took special care to be certain I removed every trace of it.  I would get in the shower, moisten my face very well, apply and massage in some coconut oil (this is what I use to remove all traces of waterproof makeup too--it works wonders!), cleanse with my regular face wash.  Once out of the shower, I'd use my alcohol-free astringent on a textured cotton pad to remove any traces that might have been left behind, and moisturize.  That wasn't even enough because, without fail, I'd wind up breaking out after wearing this foundation.

I was so disappointed.  I tried over and over, hoping I'd conclude it was something else.  Ultimately, I had to return it to Target.  Because I had heard that so many people have issues with Revlon foundations, I had held onto my receipt just incase... and I'm glad I did.  It was an easy return.  I ended up repurchasing the Olay ProX brush (which I love, but ruined a few months back when I left it in a puddle of water in a shower basket...which lead to battery erosion and destroying the inside...eek! Don't do that!)

I am sad that it didn't work out because the positive points with this foundation had me very excited that it would be my "holy grail", but I just can't deal with the painful breakouts that it brought on.  That, for me, just isn't worth it. So, I am still on my search for something that will hold up through the day, not oxidize, not turn oily, be a good color match, not break me out, and not cost me an arm and a leg. Good luck, right?