Hard Candy Makeup at Wal-Mart

Did you know that Wal-Mart sells Hard Candy makeup now? Each item cost only $6. Amazing!

Here's a small Hard Candy haul from a recent Wal-Mart trip. 

Don't you just love a good deal?

 

Save on Makeup - 5 Ways to Buy Cosmetics for Less (Beauty Blog Post)

As a stay-at-home mom, I constantly create ways to live frugally. This includes searching for ideas to save on makeup and skincare. I have found five fantastic ways to buy cosmetics for less, and cannot wait to share.

 1. Hit the Clearance Isle

Every store has a clearance isle or bin. They are usually in the back of cosmetics isles. Sometimes, clearance offers makeup or skincare for less than a half off. Isn't that a super good deal?

If you know where the clearance products are, you can really save a lot of money.

2. Snag Samples

Although sample products are smaller in size, they still last a long time. Department stores often offer sample products for popular brands. Not only can you try various products for free, you might also find something you really like.

This small sample tube lasted over one month.

3. Buy Multipurpose Products

Some makeup offer more than just one purpose. Eye shadow palettes, for example, often provide primer and sponge, as well as an array of colors.

Highlighter, primer, and more. This eye palette has all kinds of goodies for one price.

4. Sign up for Giveaways

I know a few of you consider giveaways annoying, but most bloggers offer great giveaway products. 

I got the Hard Candy highlighter below from fellow blogger Funny Face Beauty, and have been loving it for the past two years.

Love this highlighter's shimmery effect, and love how it was free.

5. Shop the Web

The world wide web is a wonderful place to buy cosmetics at a discount. Internet stores are cheaper because they do not need to pay for physical space.

To find top cosmetics at a reduced price, and get everything you need at a discount, try MyDeals.com.

Hope you found this post useful.

Any other suggestions?

NYC Individual Eyes Smokey Browns Eye Palette Review and Tutorial

Who doesn't love smokey eyes? 

And who doesn't love an eye palette that compacts all the essential smokey colors into one practical package?

Smokey palettes are everywhere, and becoming a most preferred way to achieve smokey eyes.

I picked up NYC Individual Eyes Smokey Browns with high hopes. Its colors looked so pretty and promising in the store. But how did I really like it?


Here's a way to find out:

 

NYC Individual Eyes Smokey Browns Eye Palette Review

Quality

• As a drug store brand, selling for only $4.99 per palette, the quality was not too bad.
• Staying power lasted a few hours. 
• Powder didn't run, get loose or smudge.
• Primer worked well to keep shadows on.

 

Usability

• Shadow applied easily.
• Adding primer to the compact was genius. 
• Sponge wasn't too much help though.

 

Pigmentation

• At first glance, some of the colors were questionable. The ones for "All Over Lid" and "Crease" appeared too dark.
• However, after application, they appeared much more becoming.
• All colors blended well together. They created a truly pretty smokey.

Love the labeling.

Each color look great on the skin. Definitely worked for brown eyes.

Packaging

• Small enough to carry with, but big enough to provide good usability.
• I especially liked the labeling for each compartment.
• I also liked how it defined which part to apply each color. Made application simpler.
• Again, adding primer was genius. 
• And although I don't know what illuminator is for, it's a nice bonus to have.

Convenient packaging was excellent for use.

Great idea adding primer and illuminator.

Likes

• Primer.
• Convenient and compact packaging.
• Easy to use.
• Blend-able and pretty colors.

 

Dislikes

• It would be nice to have a lighter "All Over Lid" color. That way, I can use it for day time.

 

Overall Rating

• 4.75/5

 

Repurchase?

Possibly. 

I'd like to give a definite yes. However, the market is flooded with smokey palettes, and I am just not the type to settle down. Sorry!

NYC Individual Eyes Smokey Browns Eye Palette Tutorial

  

Step 1: Apply primer

Just dab primer on with your finger tips.

 

Step 2: Apply "All Over Lid" color

 

** NOTE: For Asians, "All Over Lid" means "Don't go over your crease."

 

Step 3: Swipe on crease color

Wow. Can't believe I'm using the makeup sponge.

Apply carefully. And blend! You don't want to give yourself a black eye.

 

Step 4: Blend in highlighter

A blending brush is a wonderful tool to apply highlighter with.

If you do it in a circular motion, you'll blend even better

 

Step 5: Add Finishing touches and you are done!

Add mascara and eyeliner. Oh, don't forget to smudge liner for smokey effect.

A little lip gloss completes the look.

 Have you tried NYC Individual Eyes Smokey Browns palette?

What other smokey palettes do you suggest?

Mascara War - Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions vs. Cover Girl Lash Blast

During our search for the best drugstore mascara, we often find products that are neck-to-neck in quality.

Two years ago, I tried Cover Girl Lash Blast, and instantly fell in love with its ability to create natural volume. It became one of my favorite volumizing mascara. 

This year, new Maybelline mascara "Illegal length" became a new fave with its fiber extension technology.

As much as I love both Cover Girl Lash Blast and Maybelline Illegal Length, there could only be one winner in the "Mascara War." Between beautiful volume and super length, which one do I choose?


Stay tuned...

FORMULA

Cover Girl Lash Blast

• Smooth formula wrapped around each lash to provide natural-looking volume.
• No smudging. No mess.
• Though the volume appeared natural, it was thin during the first couple of coats. For a sexier, night time look, you need a few more coats...and then some.
• Good for day. Bad for night.

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions

• Another smooth formula. No smudging and no mess.
• Tiny fiber extensions attached to the tip of lashes beautifully and naturally.
• Formula also provided fantastic volume.
• One coat was enough. Two to three coats did even better.
• Great for day and night.

WAND

Cover Girl Lash Blast

• Although revolutionary, I found the wand's plump body and short bristles hard to handle.
• Did not reach each lash as easily as I would have liked.
• Great separation experience. No wonder lashes looked so natural, as if they were brushed.

Cover Girl Lash Blast

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions

• EXCELLENT wand. LOVE the soft and long bristles. 
• Touched every lash, on every side.
• Very easy to use.

Maybelline Illegal Length

PACKAGING

Cover Girl Lash Blast

• Bright orange color is noticeable and easy to find, especially in a full makeup bag.
• However, its plump design isn't too attractive. In fact, for a mascara, I thought it was over sized.

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions

• Sleek design. Contemporary and easy on the eye.
• Reminds me of a stiletto heel -- always a plus :O)

WINNER IS:

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions

As much as I love Cover Girl Products, I favor Maybelline Illegal Length. It gives both volume and length, isn't messy, and creates just enough sexy that suits both day and night.

On the left: Maybelline. Clearly longer and more noticeable.

What about you? Do you have a winning drugstore mascara you want to share?

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara Review

Illegal length? Sounds dangerous, but for a beauty junkie -- yes please! 

I've tried fibre mascara before, the type of lash lengthening mascara that promise instant gratification. Some, like Ana Sui, lengthened lashes, but had disoriented fiber extensions that looked unnatural. Others, like L'oreal Double Extend, took an extra step to apply. When I heard about the newest mascara by Maybelline, Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara, with a one-step lash lengthening mascara formula, I had to give it a try.

The Claim
on Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara by Maybelline.com

• Build 4mm of measurable extensions!
• Fiber-fix brush has 6 different contact points with each lash for optimal fiber placement
• Breakthrough formula contains fibers up to 4mm in length
• Sealing formula stretches lashes and seals fibers to lashes
• Washable, also available in waterproof formula

My Take

• Absolutely lengthened lashes up to 4 mm. I saw a difference right away.
• Formula was rich yet smooth. No clumping occurred at all.
• Fibers stayed on and out. Did not fall away or become disarrayed at all.
• Created a natural, beautiful look.
• Brush was amazing. Touched every lash and separated them too.

Pros

• Excellent brush. 
• Brilliant formula. No clumping at all.
• Lengthening fiber really performed.
• Two coats and you are good to go.
• Easy to take off.
• Fantastic price (around $7 - $9, depending on which store). 
• Available almost anywhere in the U.S.

Cons:

• Formula weighed lashes down over time. Lashes did not remain curled.

Overall Rating:

4.5/5

Repurchase?

With pleasure!

Here are some pictures...to complete the picture:O)

Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extensions Mascara 

Sleek packaging isn't bad either.

Wonderful lash-separating brush performed extremely well.

Before

Lashes are unnoticed.

 After

Natural, long lashes

 

Have you tried Maybelline Illegal Length Fiber Extension Mascara yet?

What other fibre mascara do you recommend?

Eye Shadow Color for Dark Brown Eyes - Soft Pink

In a previous post about the best eye shadow color for dark brown eyes, I used olive. (You can view the post here.) 

Olive received great feedback. Today, I am introducing another one of the best eye shadow color for brown eyes -- soft pink.

To demonstrate, I am using "Pink Chiffon" by Cover Girl. "Pink Chiffon" is a shimmery eye shadow that looks natural and pretty. Its tender color flatters most skin tones, and its shimmery effect brightens the darkest, dullest eyes.

(By the way, for cheap eye shadows, Cover Girl Eye Enhancers offer wonderful quality and a wide range of colors. Powders never fall loose, and colors last for hours.)

Cover Girl Eye Enhancer -- One of the Best Cheap Eye Shadows Out There

 

 Step 1

Line upper and bottom lash lines with a dark brown or black eye liner.

Using: NYX, another one of my favorite cheap make up brands.

Makeup Tip: to add drama, thicken the line on top.

Step 2 (Optional)

Using an eyeliner brush, or a sponge tip, smudge the stop line.

Step 3

Using a blending brush, apply the shimmery eye shadow all over lids.

Makeup Tip: Use circular motion to apply color evenly.

Step 4

Curl lashes. Add mascara.

Done.

Soft, pink, shimmery eye shadow -- one of the best eye shadows for dark brown eyes.

Do you think soft pink is a good eye shadow color for brown eyes?

Skin Care Blog Post - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub Review

Adult acne happens to more people than you think. According to AcneResource.org, "at an estimate, acne affects...50 percent of adult women."

50 percent. Ouch! Bet you all adult acne sufferers, myself included, are in search of a good cleanser.

Enter Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub. "Santa" left it for me in the stocking last Christmas, and it claims to treat acne and clear skin. After two months of using this product, I am ready to review. Hope you all think it's useful.

Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

The Claim - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub (according to Biore.com)

• Give pores a breath of fresh air

My Take - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

•  Formula felt tingly on the face. A definite refresher.

The Claim - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub (according to Biore.com)

• Our gentle yet effective face scrub uses perfectly spherical beads—not jagged edges—and the pore-unclogging power of salicylic acid to deep-clean clogged pores.

My Take - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

• The beads were tiny, smooth and round. 
• They felt really nice against my skin.

The Claim - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub (according to Biore.com)

• The scrub unclogs pores by penetrating deep down where blemishes start, and helps prevent future breakouts.

My Take on Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

•  No offense, but I honestly did not feel the scrub "penetrate deep down." How are you supposed to tell, any way?

The Claim - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub (according to Biore.com)

• Show the door to nasty pore-cloggers with this face scrub and get ready for beautifully clear, smooth skin.

My Take - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

•  I do feel that the scrub cleaned well. However, I don't feel the scrub alone cleared clogged pores. 
• I use it after steaming my face, which opens pores. So of course the scrub cleans deep into the pores.
• I don't think it is any more special than other scrubs.

The Claim - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub (according to the bottle)

• Acne treatment and complexion clearing.

My Take - Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

•  I did not see a huge difference in my acne problem.
• Complexion did not even out as expected

Likes:

• Nice scrub. Cleaned well.
• Great price.
• Refreshing, tingly sensation after use.
• Beads felt really good.
• Thick foam after scrub. Didn't thin out.

Dislikes:

• Did not deep clean like it claimed. 
• No real adult acne help.
• Not too much different from other products.

Overall Rating:

3/5

Re-purchase?

Maybe. I'd like to try a few other products first.

Tube-style bottle was easy to use.

Formula was nice and thick.

Scrub felt refreshing on the skin.

Thanks for reading. Hope you found the review helpful.

Have you tried Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub?

Do you have any face scrub to suggest?

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream Review

Fellow beauty bloggers have tried NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream. After reading their rave reviews, I grew curious, especially because the product claims to be "nothing you've experienced before" -- TRUST me, honey. I've experienced a LOT of the best beauty products.

Let's see if the product's claim is true:

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream claims:

"It's not lipstick, nor is it gloss. It's like nothing you've experienced before."

"It's lipstick cream that goes on silky but looks soft matte."

My Take:

• It's not thick like lipstick. It's not shiny and gooey like gloss.
• It was certainly not like anything I've tried before -- again, I have tried a LOT of things.
• It goes on silky and light, but produced a subtle matte effect.
• I barely felt it on my lips, unlike lipstick nor gloss.
• The pigment looked soft and subtle.

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream claims:

 

"Soft Matte Lip Cream is surprisingly durable and, unlike some matte lipstick formulas, also moisturizing."

 

My Take:

 For me, who constantly drinks beverages and licks her lips, it lasted about an hour, which felt like an eternity for a lip product. (Most gloss last about five minutes).

Not sure if it was moisturizing, but lip cream definitely did not dry the lips.

Likes:

 

• Easy-to-use twist top applicator. It applies the cream evenly.
• Great muted pigmentation. 
• Goes on smooth and silky.
• Long lasting (well, long enough).
• Price is right (about $6 at the local drug store) -- quality cheap makeup
• Does not dry lips

Dislikes:

• None.

Final Score:

5/5

Repurchase?

Absolutely!

Pictures:

An applicator enables precise drawing.

Product line comes in 11 colors. I used "Abu Dhabi."

Lip cream wore for a long time, and did not dry up lips.

Subtle pigmentation created a natural appearance.

Thanks for reading.

Have you tried NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream?

How did you like it?