12 Wants of Christmas!

Starting with a good foundation is key but what if you need a little extra help? Simple grab a good concealer. In the past for me I have been hard pressed to find, first a concealer that worked with a foundation that was color matched to me, as well as finding that right shade foundation. While always on the lookout for new foundations or concealers I do, finally, have two I use all the time. But these products are definitely on the radar for this next coming year. In no particular order here are my three face wants for this week.

1.       Matchmaster Foundation by MAC can be purchased at www.maccosmetics.com or their retail locations.

Giving MAC a chance has never been an issue in the past. Some of their products, especially foundations, have worked great for me. But as with anything you never know until you try it. This foundation claims to help aid in absorbing excess oil and give you a demi-matte finish

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.       Lock-It Tattoo Concealer by Kat Von D can be purchased at www.sephora.com

Being a heavy duty multitasking concealer had high hopes simply from the name alone. Using this under the eyes and on blemishes there are no complaints here. I have yet to try to “cover-up” visible tattoos with it. This concealer simply works and does what it is made to do. Check back to see an On The Shelf next year!

 

 

 

 

3.       Skin Base Foundation by Illamasqua  can be purchased at www.illamasqua.com

This is their version of the ever so popular Beauty Balm. From other reviews it has been said to be, “easily blendable and undetectable in HD enviroments”. Personally this is one of those brands I can’t wait to get on my face, so I say, “Cheers Baby!”

 

FYI : Brand updates , Launches and Events...

Melt Cosmetics has worked hard to restock their great shades of one of a kind lipsticks to bring you some joy this holiday season. If you fallow their IG you’ll see fun trips to the lab with clips of the creation process.

 
 

Right now they have 6six6 and DGAF are in stock so hurry and get yours now! But just in case you miss out or if you’re not sure what shades your alien elf would like in their stocking check out another new item, Melt Gift Cards! These awesome gift cards are delivered by email and contain instructions to redeem them at check out. $10 to $200 whatever brings a smile to your lips.

12 Wants of Christmas!

Being like most makeup lovers I seem to be collecting more and more individual color eye shadows than entire palettes lately. Don’t get me wrong but sometimes there are just those colors you see that either aren’t included with, or are not the same brand as your usual favorites. These three colors are definitely ones that have peeked my interest. Here they are, my top three eye shadow wants!

1.     Dollip by Sugar Pill can be purchased at www.sugarpillshop.com

This dreamy vibrant shade of hot pink will get you noticed for sure! I’ve been following Sugar Pill’s Instagram for some time now and first saw Shrinkle (Amy) gaining some major popularity about two years ago. With her own flare and pizazz she has been able to turn something simple like eye shadow and lashes into a major branded company. This will HAVE to be an On The Shelf for 2014 for sure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.     If You’re Rich by The Balm can be purchased at www.thebalm.com

Calling them “Overshadows” The Balm has created an all mineral product line in a limited color range. This one has a nice pewter-purple tint which I know would vamp up a couple looks for me. Hopefully at some point I would be able to try this and see how well it blends as a shimmer or as a standalone with some lashes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.     Simply Marlena by Makeup Geek can be purchased at www.makeupgeek.com

This screams Girly Girl with its pretty pink color and shimmery gold flecks. Having worn Chickadee and Burlesque, Makeup Geek can boast that they not only are affordable but make a quality product that all will love. These shadows are fantastic and I can make only glowing comments because they ARE that good.

12 Wants of Christmas!

 

This week the products are focused again on lips, but more importantly lip maintenance. With so many companies and different ingredients that may do more damage than good how can you tell what works? Just remember K-I-S-S (Keep It Simple Stupid) when it comes to lips, less is more and more is well… just more.

These are my top three lip care products in no specific order:

1.       GlaMER Lips Lip Scrub can be purchased at www.makeupbymer.com

With truly natural ingredients you can’t go wrong with this scrub. Right now with the addition of Holiday scents/flavors there is definitely something for all. If you are like me and have tried your own DIY scrub with refined sugars and honey with warm water STOP! Besides making a mini mess there is something about scrubbing/exfoliating with coarse table sugar that doesn’t exactly work alone. The GlaMER Lips product line has taken the guess work out of the DIY person’s hands and put it in a clear container so you can see exactly what you have.  Having recently won an InstaGram contest sponsored by MakeupbyMER this can actually be happily taken off my list. I am more than excited first off to say THANK YOU SO MUCH, to Mercedes the woman behind GlaMER Lips, for hosting such a FANtastic give away. I’ll be posting an On The Shelf in January about the products I won!

 

2.       Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment can be purchased at www.fresh.com and www.sephora.com

Since I have used Fresh’s Sugar Lip Treatment with better results than your average ChapStick I was after a tinted moisturizer without a plumper or additional additives. Other than the obvious rose tint it is a great moisturizer with SPF as well. Now with the addition of eight colors there may be a sample pack brewing for me to hunt down.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.   Lush Lip Scrub in Bubble Gum can be purchased at www.lush.com or at Lush retail stores

Black Friday 2013 was my introduction to Lush in person. And I was BLOWN away by the personal touch this company puts behind their products. Having fun and quirky organic handmade products you feel like a kid in a candy store (of sorts). Having time to sample this I LOVED the taste of it LOL. I know I wasn’t supposed to be eating it but if it melts or falls into your mouth it is 100% safe to swallow. If you have a chance definitely find a retail store in your area for a one on one with a staff member. I for one will be going back after the New Year and ring in 2014 with personalized facial products just by answering some questions and trying samples in store.

 

On The Shelf

For the month of December my On The Shelf mini reviews have been “shelved”.  In its place will be my “12 Wants of Christmas!”  Every Monday (for December only) I’ll post a list of three products that have peeked my curiosity and hopefully I’ll find under my tree or in my stocking.

These are my top three lipstick wants in no specific order:

1.       DGAF by melt can be purchased at www.meltcosmetics.com

After releasing this as one of their newest ultra matte colors in September it sold out immediately! With the onslaught of Lil Aliens wanting to be blue, melt announced they were going to have another limited production available in November and without much surprise it sold out again! I for one will be pounding the keyboard a little harder next time it is in stock.

 

2.       Babette by Lime Crime can be purchased at www.limecrime.com

If pink shades are your thing then you need this. “Pastel coral” is how it is described from Lime Crime but to me it booms pink with a hint of neon without being too much Malibu Barbie for me.

 

 

 

 

3.       6six6 by melt can be purchased at www.meltcosmetics.com

What can I say? I am simply a sucker for deep dark colors. The almost melancholy burgundy feels full of soul in all the pics I’ve seen. Unfortunately this creamy color is sold out for now along with its sister shades. All good things come to those who wait.

On The Shelf

Overview:

OCC Lip Tar (Black Dhalia)

Purchase Price $18.00 + tax

Retailer Sephora (Local Mall)  

Check out www.occmakeup.com for more product info.


Product Review:

It is official, I have OCC! The attraction to OCC’s Black Dhalia Lip Tar is obvious with its deep dark rich burgundy color with hints of brown undertones. Having done a ton of research (June 1^st post) the bar was set extremely high for this product so you can understand my excitement when it came time to review it. My day job requires me to wear a particle mask/shield for a lot of the work day so contact rubbing is going to happen. With this in mind it was very important to me that the lip products I use must have longevity. Through breakfast, lunch, dinner, and countless water bottles the color stayed perfect. My lips never felt dry, tight, or tacky and I believe the blend of essential oils (hemp and peppermint) played an important role in this. This is one of those great products a little goes a LONG way.

Packaging is simple and durable as each Lip Tar individually sold (OCC also sells collections) comes in a clear vinyl travel case with a mini application brush making it perfect for any bag. Be careful as things will get messy if not properly capped. Be sure to purchase the clear Lip Tar as it preps the lips for the color you choose and then seals it making it last all day. Plus the clear Lip Tar makes a great gloss!

On The Shelf

Overview:

J. Cat Beauty Sparkling Cream Palette

Purchase Price $4.99 + s/h

Retailer www.jcatbeauty.com  

Check out www.jcatbeauty.com for more product info.

Product Review:

Having a subscription to IPSY’s Glam Bag, going on year two now, I am always excited to receive my monthly goodies. Months ago this glittery cream shadow palette arrived and I couldn’t wait to get it on my lids. Having a weakness for glitter I always have high hopes for products such as this. Making a comparison between the J. Cat Cream Sparkling Shadows and, my fav so far, Eye Kandy Sprinkles would not be fair since they are two different products.

The colors in this palette are truly fall inspired and I really do love them but that’s where my adoration ends. Between the smearing and the clumping I couldn’t figure which one caused me more of a headache. After three different applications all ended in a huge disappointment. Attempt number one, no prep to the eyelid just the product and it simply would not stay in place and smeared. Next, using a translucent powder to prep my lids the cream reacted the same way as with nothing at all. Last, applying Too Faced Eye Shadow Insurance had the worst result of all with the cream shadows as they did not blend.

Trying as I may the applications did not seem any harder or easier than any other eye shadow but it seems as though a lot of product had to be used to achieve any look. For me this is definitely not the “cat’s meow”.

On The Shelf

Overview:

True False Lashes (Gypsy)

Purchase Price $0.75 + shipping

Retailer www.truefalseproducts.com  

Check out www.truefalseproducts.comt for more product info

Product Review:

Obviously the packaging on all the True False lashes make a lasting impression. But the distinctive graphics and colors of the Gypsy lash box is definitely eye catching. You will get a great full thick look when you apply these lashes, added to a darker eye makeup gives you that exotic mysterious appearance.

The lash line is thick enough for a generous amount of glue. Make sure to purchase adhesive since it is not included with this brand, I prefer DUO Eyelash Adhesive and you can find it virtually everywhere. These lashes are stiffer than most so proper application and patience is needed. There were no issues blending mascara from my real lashes into these falsies. 

The Gypsy lashes reminded me of those stiff falsies you buy around Halloween time but without the regret. The WOW factor is there and the price will please even the most budget minded person. Having so many choices from True False you should just buy them all for a different look every day of the week!

On The Shelf

Overview:

The original beauty blender

Purchase Price $19.99 + tax

Retailer Sephora @ JCPenney

Check out www.beautyblender.net for more product info

Product Review:

This is truly a beauty buy that all should commit to. A few months back I purchased it’s horrible wanna-be cousin, an off brand hard foam rubber with absolutely no give and impossible to clean. The Original Beauty Blender is a soft proprietary blend of foam, that you will be hard pressed to find out what exactly it is comprised of, is non-irritating in a great pink tear drop shape makes it perfect for applying concealer under the eyes. By simply adding water it grows, you then pat dry on a towel dab it with your favorite product from concealer to foundation and away you go. The application process may take a couple tries to get the stippling motion down but once you do you’ll love the end result.

Using MAC’s Studio Fix Powder (Aug 27^th Review) and Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Foundation (Sept 23^rd Review) I was amazed how well this worked with both. Although the look totally satisfied my needs the amount of product that was used versus standard brushes was on extreme opposite ends. With the powder I found it did not need as much. On the other hand the liquid soaked right up into the Beauty Blender, which is not to fault it, but perhaps the water content in the Urban Decay foundation is to blame. Clean up is a breeze, use a good makeup cleanser you would on any other brush or you can buy Blendercleanser which is available online.

 

This is another one of those products that was created by a makeup artist who knows what a good tool can do. I am definitely going to buy another one just for my on the go makeup bag.

On The Shelf
Overview:

Red Cherry Lashes

Purchase Price $2.50 - $3.50 ea.

Retailer www.ladymoss.com

Check out www.ladymoss.com for more product info

Product Review:

These lashes blend seamlessly with your natural lashes, giving a subtle boost. Perfect for those who want to add a little drama to the eyes, yet keeping others wondering, “Are those real?”

Made with real human hair and having a thin lash line be careful not to use too much adhesive. Adding mascara with these applied is highly encouraged, it really seals the deal. I have only been able to get about two uses out of this brand but with such a great price point you can afford to not feel bad about tossing them.

These of course were purchased from Lady Moss, at their booth at this year’s NYC IMATS. Not only can you make purchases online from www.ladymoss.com , but Lady Moss Beauty has a brick and mortar location in Temple City California.

On The Shelf

Overview:

MAC Mineralize Skinfinish  Natural

Purchase Price $30 + tax

Retailer MAC (Local Mall)

Check out www.maccosmetics.com  for more product info

 

Product Review:

Never truly utilizing a finishing powder before trying this I could not understand the reason for such a product. After a year of use on all types of applications from airbrush, powder, and liquid it absolutely completes any look. And without it I feel as though my routine is not “finished”.

You will be able to find the correct powder since this currently comes in ten shades. Having the benefit of being very low coverage it works exactly the way it should with the MAC Studio Fix Plus Powder (Aug. 27^th Review) and Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Foundation (Sept. 23^rd Review). This mineral powder is non-irritating, lightweight, and does not clog pores so I never worry about breakouts. The ultra-matte finish is great for touch ups and I use it all year.

MAC has always been a constant in my closet, but more importantly this is just another great addition to any routine.

On The Shelf

Overview:

Cailyn Line Fix Gel Eyeliner

Purchase Price $21 + S/H

Retailer www.cailyncosmetics.com

Check out www.cailyncosmetics.com  for more product info.

Product Review:

This gel eyeliner positively is a twenty-four hour smudge proof product. Even with allergies symptoms, like watery eyes, arising this fall I never have to worry about it smearing if I need to rub my eyes. It glides on like a liquid but with more control so you can work it the way you need. Unlike pencils or other waxy type eyeliners there seems to be no “tugging” feeling when making thicker lines.  Once dry the color is rich and waterproof so you will need eye makeup remover.

Coming is thirteen chic shades like chocolate mousse, green, white, and gold khaki just to name a few you are sure to find one that will help create a new look for you. One of my favorite things about this is how travel friendly it is. A built in brush, which is functional, is secured in the screw on cap which keeps the eyeliner from drying out. Another great feature are the tips printed right on the packaging for those who may be a little apprehensive on trying this type of eyeliner.

Trying a couple different gel eyeliners the last few years Cailyn’s Line Fix hands down has the longest shelf life once opened.

Having a subscription through IPSY (think Birchbox but with cutesy bags) this came in one of my monthly Glam Bags months ago. Using this regularly since then the verdict is in. It’s earned a permanent spot in my closet!

On The Shelf

Overview:

NYX Natural Eye Shadow Palette

Purchase Price $7.99 + tax

Retailer Ulta

Check out www.nyxcosmetics.com for more product info.

Product Review:

At first sight this instantly reminds me of a scaled back version of the coveted Urban Decay Naked Palette, but at the always affordable NYX price. Having taupe, beiges, and browns in this palette you will achieve a great natural look for day or make it a brown smokey eye for night. Its compact size and included double ended sponge applicator make it easy to throw into virtually any bag without needing to bring an additional shadow brush/applicator.

Always reaching for extreme colored shadows (yellow, pink, bright blue) or darker colors (navy, purple, black) this was a real nail biter to try. Honestly taking the plunge to natural shades fit for those simple days. With a proper application and a good primer (I used Too Faced Candlelight Eye Shadow Insurance) these shadows lasted a full eight hour work day.

Initially there was some major fallout from the brush but not from my eye lid during application. These shadows adhered and blended well. This is another great buy and another great reason to love NYX..

On The Shelf

Overview:

Living Proof frizz nourishing styling cream

Purchase Price $36 + tax

Retailer Ulta

Check out www.livingproof.com for more product info.

Product Review:

After receiving Allure’s Best in Beauty 2012 Award you can clearly see why this company has such an appropriate name. With Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston not only being a spokesperson and co-owner, she is the embodiment of Living Proof hair care products.

For my frizzy curls there are very few products that ever seem to suit me. Reluctantly this was tried first as a sample before investing nearly forty dollars on what most would consider just another big name paid to hock goods all for the sake of sales. But wait, the weightless cream glides over the frizz making your hair feel luxuriously smooth. Unlike oil or silicone products there is no messy goo or tackiness to weigh down your hair which allows you to still have volume. According to Living Proof’s website they have created a patented molecule “OFPMA” that creates a “weightless shield” that wraps around each strand of hair to block humidity. Not only does this help smooth hair, block humidity, add dirt repellent to the list!

A complex but simply white looking cream is what this sophisticatedly attractive bottle houses. Its distinct odor fades after application, personally I wish it were more pleasant. It distributes easily throughout hair and does not leave any mess on your hands. Best used on freshly washed damp hair but I have used it with great success on dry hair as well. This is a no frizz no brainer.

 

On The Shelf

Overview:

Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation

Purchase Price $39 + tax

Retailer Sephora

Check out www.urbandecay.com for product info

Product Review:

Having tried some of the best makeup brands, from drug store to professional, I could never find one liquid foundation that worked as promised. After watching a review and demonstration by a YouTube vlogger itsjudytime, go check her awesome beauty channel for some great reviews, I was convinced to go and get a sample. After a couple of applications I was hooked on liquid again.

With the Naked Skin Foundation there are eight-teen shades starting with 0.5 which is the lightest and is what I use, the 6 is a medium for golden beige olive skin tones, and 12 is the darkest shade with deep gold undertones.

Having a pump on the bottle makes dispensing extremely easy to control the amount of product that I put onto a Bdellium Tools 957 Pink Bambu brush that creates a nice buildable foundation. Compared to other liquids this seems to dry faster, but getting ready early in the morning that’s not such a bad thing. Surprisingly as promised this does finish to a “demi matte” which I adore since I’m not a dewy look girl. Using a translucent setting powder is not necessary but can be used for touch ups.

Trying for myself using the Tarte BB Primer (Sept. 9^th Review) the foundation seems to be unable to create a base to build off of. The Naked Foundation reminds me of airbrush makeup from the way it has to be shaken in the bottle before using and even the smell. Perhaps this may be an all-in-one that is made to be simply a standalone not needing a primer. Either way I have a great liquid foundation sitting on my shelf.

On The Shelf

Overview:

REN Clean Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

Purchase Price FREE Deluxe Size Sample (Retail Price $55 for 1.7 Oz. size)

Retailer Sephora.com

Check out www.renskincare.com for this and other product info

Product Review:

Receiving free samples is awesome, but DELUXE FREE samples are even better! For my Sephora VIB freebie I chose this since it claims to safely clarify the appearance of your skin without irritation, and I couldn’t agree more. Even though this is not recommended for those with sensitive skin, like myself, there were no adverse reactions. Perhaps the four fruit acid complex (lactic, glycolic, tartaric, and citric) along with the papain enzyme help in a more gentle exfoliating process. Its orange citrus smell is extremely fragrant and pleasing. This feels no stranger than any other lactic acid mask in the way it has a tacky gel feel but with a bright orange color which does not transfer to your skin.

After using Philosophy’s Clear Days Ahead (June 17^th review) making sure my face is as clean as possible I apply this mask. Once a week applications, for ten minutes, are all that are needed to give my skin that supple and rejuvenated feeling moments after gently rubbing the mask away with warm water. Weeks of using this mask has done wonders for the appearance and overall feel of my skin. There will be no hesitation to buy this when the time comes since it has totally satisfied all my needs. If you have any food allergies checking out the ingredient list is a must.

On The Shelf

Overview:

Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12 Hour Primer

Purchase Price $34 + tax

Retailer Sephora.com

Check out www.tartecosmetics.com for this and other product info

Product Review:

After receiving this as a deluxe sample from Sephora, in April, I just had to buy the full size. As you know a good foundation is made great with a great primer. Finding that right primer for me has been a struggle to say the least. With my most recent fail being a Smashbox primer (July 29^th Review), then there was MAC and a few others before starting this blog. I wouldn’t call this my “Holy Grail”, as of yet, but since April it has been my favorite and go to primer since it is by far the closest to my skin tone. Other brands so far have simply failed in one way or another especially when it comes to the them doubling as a primer and Blemish Balm  by either being too orange or gray in color.

Although my use of this is strictly as a twelve hour primer it does several other jobs fairly well; BB as its name states, light foundation, moisturizer, sunscreen, and anti-aging treatment. For some reason the SPF 30 in this product does not cause any break outs as I seem to be sensitive to makeups with any SPF. It applies like any other BB cream light and airy with that staple silky smooth primer feel. Dries very quickly and is perfect for large pores since it fills them in without clogging. The price is on trend with current BB creams and primers. I wish it was ten dollars less but since it does work so well and a little goes a long way I can understand the price.

Using this with MAC’s Studio FIX Powder (Aug 27^th Review) and a light setting powder works best for me. Unfortunately when using Urban Decay’s Naked Skin Foundation it tends to smear like crazy. After reading reviews and hearing comments made about the Naked Skin Foundation it may just be some primers in general that do not work well with that specific foundation.

Wrapping up this Summer using this on those hot days worked out great so I can’t wait to see how well it works for the Fall and Winter.