Tag Tuesday: Top 10 Under $10 Beauty Tag

 

Today's Tag is Top 10 Under $10!   Here are my favorite makeup products that are each under $10...

Top 10 Under $10 (in no particular order):

1) Maybelline Color Tattoo Cream Eyeshadows - $6-$8

I've mentioned these a few times on here.  My favorite two shades are "Barely Branded" and "Inked in Pink," both from the metals line.  I love "Barely Branded" on its own for a bright, wide-awake, simple eye look.  It also looks great with shadows over it - I love it with MAC "All that Glitters" Eyeshadow.  Inked in Pink also looks amazing on its own.

2) Covergirl Lash Perfection Mascara - $6-$8

I haven't heard a lot of people talk about this mascara, but it's amazing!  I pair it with Covergirl Clump Crusher and Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Waterproof, but it could do all on its own (I just don't wear it on its own right now because I don't have the waterproof version and regular formula on its own smudges on me).  It gives good length and volume and is very black.  I love how it makes my lashes look!

3) Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder - $8-$10

This pressed powder is the best I've tried from the drugstore!  Its not chalky, it blends well, and it gives a little more coverage over foundation without looking cakey.  I can even get away with this and a little concealer if I don't want to wear a lot of makeup.  It really does help my foundation last, too.

4) Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Lipsticks - $5-$8

I've also mentioned these on here before, but they are so gorgeous I had to include them!  These lipsticks are SO pigmented and opaque - you don't even need a lip liner!  They also aren't super drying which is great for me since I have super chapped lips all the time.  My favorite two shades are "Shocking Coral" and "Vivid Rose," but I also own "Pink Pop" and "Fuchsia Flash."

5) L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in "Amber Rush" - $7-$8

I have a few of these eyeshadows, but the ones I have besides Amber Rush are pretty dupeable, non-unique shades.  I love Amber Rush because it's unique and it's a beautiful rose gold color.  It really brings out my green eyes, too.  I find these shadows are best applied to the lid with my fingertips, as the consistency (a kind of loosely pressed pigment) is hard to work with on a brush. 

6) Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles - $8-$9

I use this concealer under my eyes every day.  It gives good coverage without being too heavy and lasts well throughout the day after it's set.  I use the shade Medium.

7) Prestige Waterproof Eyeliner in "Black" - $5-$6

I stumbled upon this in the drugstore and bought it because of the waterproof claim, since most black eyeliners smudge and run on my pretty easily (especially in the waterline).  While it doesn't last all day on my waterline, it does last better than almost any other eyeliner I've tried and it is very black!

8) Revlon Super Lustrous Matte Lipstick in "Pink Pout" - $5-$8

Many people rave about the Revlon Super Lustrous Lipsticks.  The matte formula is great, not super drying.  This color is a classic pink that's not too nude but not too pink either.  I wore this as a bridesmaid in my friends wedding and it looked great in real life and in pictures - it gave me that pinky lip that still looks natural.

9) Maybelline Define-A-Brow in "Light Brown" - $5-$6

I haven't tried a ton of brow products, but I do really like this one.  I like it A LOT more than Maybelline's Eyestudio Master Shape Brow Pencil.  That one is too waxy and the color I got pulled too red.  But this one is great - it has a small tip and creates a really natural look.  My only gripe is the weird little comb that comes on the end of it - I'd much rather have a spoolie.

10) Hard Candy Baked Bronzer in "Tiki" - $9

I heard about this product from YouTube.  This brand is found exclusively at Walmart.  This bronzer is too light to really act as a bronzer, but it's a beautiful highlight.  It really makes your cheekbones glow.  Plus there's a TON of product, so it will last a long time (unless you break the container, like I did).

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I hope you enjoyed my Top 10 Under $10! 

Combo! Review Thursday AND Friday Favorite: Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner

 

Today's post is a combo: Review Thursday and a Friday Favorite: Tarte's Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eyeliner in Black!

 

This product can be found at Tarte's website (http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-Amazonian-clay-waterproof-clay-eyeshadow-eyeliner).  It is also available at Sephora and ULTA.  It costs about $24.

 

This is a very pigmented black gel eyeliner and it's very long-lasting.  It is creamy and applies very easily, even when I do it - and I'm horrible at applying eyeliner.  Even I can get a nice wing with this!  I put this on before my hot waitressing shifts and it stays on the WHOLE time.  I was worried about wearing it to work initially because I was convinced that I would have black down my face without realizing it and would be too busy to fix it and no one would tell me (oh, the things I worry about, haha), but this really stays put.  This very black, long-lasting eyeliner is definitely worth it!

 

There is a lot of product, so it will last awhile, and it hasn't even started to dry out on me yet, so I think I will be able to use it for a long time before I have to worry about that.

 

Above is a swatch of the eyeliner.  As you can see, it's very black and covers very well.  It's not patchy like some other eyeliners I've tried.

 

Above is the swatch after rubbing it aggressively with my finger.  There is very little movement, though it did smudge a tiny bit.  To be fair, though, I didn't wait very long before doing this.  I think saying I waited a minute after swatching to do this would be generous.  So given that it had almost no time to dry and is a heavy swatch, I think this is pretty good.  And as long as you're not going to be aggressively rubbing your eyes, this won't happen.  I touch my eyes a lot throughout the day and I don't have any problems.

 

Above is the swatch after running it under water AND rubbing it more with my fingers while underwater.  It did not BUDGE!  The swatch looks the same as it did before putting it in water and this just shows the staying power.  Again, it would most likely not be smudged at all if I had really let it set.

I love this eyeliner!  I really don't like spending a lot on eyeliner since I don't use it up, but I didn't have a gel eyeliner and I had tried drugstore options (ELF and Essence) that I didn't like.  I wanted something that would stay put and be very black (and easier to apply than liquid).  This definitely did the trick and the splurge was worth it!  And, I forgot to mention, it comes with a double ended brush with one fine side for precise lines/wings and a smudger side for smokier looks.  It's a really really good quality brush, not a throwaway one like most that come with makeup products.  The included brush really makes the $24 worth it, since most high-end eyeliners are around the same price but don't come with a brush, and a MAC eyeliner brush costs around $19!

Beauty Briefs: FOTD (Waitressing Edition)

 

Today's Beauty Brief is a Face of the Day!  This is what I put on for work (waitressing) last night and what I will most likely wear tonight for work.  I usually use all the same face products and may vary the Maybelline Color Tattoo color I use or add some of my Tarte Amazonian Clay eyeliner in black.  But all the products I use, especially when combined, last a long time ... through sweat and heat and running around!

 

Products Used:

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation - 370 (Natural Tan)

The Balm TimeBalm Concealer - Medium (For spot concealing)

Maybelline Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles Concealer - Medium

Bare Minerals Ready Foundation - Golden Tan (As a setting powder) 

MAC Bronzing Powder - Refined Golden

Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush - Glisten

Maybelline Color Tattoo - Barely Branded

Urban Decay Eye Shadow - Venus (From Naked Basics Palette)

Rimmel Scandal Eyes Eyeliner - Nude

Maybelline Define-A-Brow - Light Brown (with ELF Clear Brow Gel/Mascara)

Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara - Very Black

Cover Girl Lash Perfection Mascara - Very Black

Covergirl Lashblast Fusion Mascara (Waterproof) - Very Black

Revlon Kissable Balm Stain - Honey

Tag Tuesday: I Love Drugstore Makeup Tag

Today I'm doing the I <3 Drugstore Makeup Tag!  This was created by Alli from Makeup by Alli (youtube.com/makeupbyalli).  I love her beauty channel and this is an awesome tag to share drugstore gems!

Questions:

1. What is your favorite drugstore makeup brand overall?

This is tough, because I don't think there is one drugstore brand that doesn't have a few misses (same with high-end makeup for that matter).  All in all, I think I'd have to go with L'Oreal.  Even though most of their products are priced a little higher than a lot of drugstore makeup, their products are good quality and they have good products in a wide range of categories - I have L'Oreal eye shadows, eyeliners, mascaras, powders, foundations, and concealers that I love.  Again, I love a lot of brands, like Revlon and Maybelline, but I think L'Oreal has the best success in the most categories.  NYX is another great brand with drugstore pricing, though it is found at ULTA and websites like cherryculture.com, not at local drugstores. 

2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products?

This is hard because I think I change my mind all the time.  Currently, I LOVE Revlon Colorstay Whipped Creme Foundation.  It lasts forever, looks like real skin, and matches my skin very well.  I also love Maybelline's Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser for my undereye concealer.  I don't really use drugstore blush that often, but I do really like the quality of the NYX powder blushes, though I've only tried the shade "Pinched."  For lips, I LOVE the Maybelline Vivid Lipsticks, especially in "Vivid Rose" and "Shocking Coral."  They are so pigmented and creamy and are great for summer.  

3. Least favorite product?

 My least favorite product is probably the Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara.  I like a few of the other Maybelline mascaras, like the Falsies and the Mega Plush, but this one made my eyelashes totally clump up and become rock hard.  I ended up looking like I had five eyelashes and and like they were made of wire.   

4. What is the best makeup bargain?

Everyone says this, but the Wet N' Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Palettes!  I have the three eight-pain palettes, "Comfort Zone" (Greens and Browns), "Petal Pusher" (Purples), and "Blue Had Me At Hello" (Blues).  The shadows are very pigmented and amazing quality for drugstore makeup.  Over a primer they last a really long time.  The only downside is that most of them are shimmery, but for drugstore palettes that are only about $4, you can't complain.  I don't have any of the trios, but I do really want to try "Walking on Eggshells," "Sweet As Candy," and "Silent Treatment."

5. What is your favorite underdog product? (Something you love that often gets overlooked?)

 This one took me forever to think of.  A lot of the drugstore items I love are things that a lot of people talk about.  Part of the reason for that is I check out a lot of reviews before I purchase drugstore products because I want to spend my money as wisely as possible.  Something I use a lot that I haven't heard a lot of people talk about is the Revlon Colorstay Pressed Powder.  I've heard some hype on the Nearly Naked Powder, but the regular Colorstay powder is great for a light setting powder and I really like the way it looks with all my foundations.  I've tried a few other drugstore powders but that is the one I go back to.

6. A drugstore product that is overpriced?

Generally I really think drugstore foundation is overpriced.  I get my foundation at ULTA with their BOGO deals or at Walmart/Target, where you can get it for at least $5 less than drugstore, even at regular price.  I refuse to pay $13-$15 for Revlon Colorstay or L'Oreal True Match Lumi.

7. Show your best drugstore dupe(s)!!

Unfortunately, since I try not to buy a lot of products that are similar to what I already have, I don't have a lot of products that are really similar.  However, I will mention dupes that I have heard other people talk about.  The items in bold are the ones I own:

MAC Eye shadow in "Satin Taupe" - Wet N' Wild's Trip in "Silent Treatment" (Darkest Shade)

Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Lipstick in "Fuchsia Flash" - MAC Lipstick in "Candy Yum Yum"

Urban Decay Eye shadow in "Toasted" - L'Oreal Infallible Eye shadow in "Amber Rush"

ELF Studio Blush in "Gotta Glow" - NARS Highlighting Blush in "Albatross"

Hard Candy Baked Bronzer in "Tiki" - MAC Mineralized Skinfinish in "Soft and Gentle"

8. Drugstore product that isn't worth the hype?

This could be a contentious answer, since this product is universally loved on YouTube and beauty blogs alike.  However, I have not fallen in love with NYC's Sunny Bronzer as have many other beauty lovers.  I've tried in many times and go back to it hoping that I will love it, but I just don't.  I certainly don't hate it, and it's not the worst bronzer I've ever used, but I just don't see what everyone is raving about.  I just feel like it doesn't really do anything for me.  I don't think it makes an amazing contour, at least on my skin tone, and it doesn't give me a healthy glow like my Bare Minerals Warmth or NARS Laguna.  I know I shouldn't expect the same from a $3 bronzer as from a $30+ bronzer, but it just doesn't seem worth the hype to me.  Then again, I do think bronzer is something that is hard to get right, so for the $3 price tag, it's definitely not a bad purchase.

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What are some of your drugstore favorites?

Friday Favorite: Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in "Glisten"

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful July 4th!  Apologies for the lack of a Review yesterday, I came down with a bug on Wednesday night and I'm still recovering.  I don't think I'll be able to get a review up today, but I'm posting my Friday Favorite (obviously, haha).

 

Recently I've been loving Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in "Glisten."  I don't own any other shades from this line, but I'm sure I would love them.  The formula is nice and smooth and the color is beautiful.  This specific color is a berry pink with some peach and some gold glitter.  The glitter comes across more if you swatch it on your hand but on the cheeks looks more like a nice sheen.  This blush lasts all day (as it's name claims) and it gives such a healthy glow.  I reach for this almost everyday and I'm anxious to try some of the other colors.  I've had my eye on "Tipsy," a bright coral color, for awhile.  

These are available from Tarte's website, Sephora, or ULTA for around $25.  Though it's pricey, I've used mine almost everyday for a few months and the little embossed logo is still very visible. 

Tag Tuesday: This or That?

 

Today's tag is..."This or That?" There are categories pertaining to makeup, nails, hair, fashion, etc., so I thought it would be fun to cover a wide range of topics!

Makeup:

Blush or Bronzer? I'd have to say blush.  When I'm in a rush I skip bronzer but I always apply a little blush!

Lip gloss or Lipstick? Lipstick!  I am not a huge gloss fan because I don't like the look of it by itself and I'd rather just use a more pigmented lipstick.

Eye liner or Mascara? I love both but since I use mascara almost every day and skip eyeliner on a lot of days I'll go with mascara.

Foundation or Concealer? Foundation.  I'd rather use foundation and not get to use concealer than the other way around.

Neutral or Colored Eye Shadows? Neutral.  I love some colors but I tend to mostly use neutrals and just add drama with darker colors and smokiness. Plus they are more versatile since they go with anything!

Pressed or Loose Eye Shadows? Pressed.  I really don't own any loose eye shadows.

Brushes or Sponges? Brushes.  I haven't tried the beauty blender, but the other sponges I've used just suck up product (even when wet) and take a long time to blend.

Nails:

OPI or China Glaze? OPI.  I have more China Glaze polishes than OPI but they don't last very well on me and the polish gets sticky more quickly than other brands.

Long or Short? Short, by default.  My nails don't grow very well since they break easily so I keep my nails short.

Acrylic or Natural? Natural.  I've never had acrylic.

Brights or Darks? Brights!  I love bright nail polish year round.

Flower or No Flower? No flower.  I don't usually do a lot of nail art besides adding some glitter sometimes.  Since nail polish doesn't last very long on me I avoid nail art since it takes a long time and I end up changing my polish in a day or two.

Body: 
Perfume or Body Splash? Perfume.  I don't own any body splash.
Lotion or Body Butter? Lotion.  I just prefer the thinner texture.
Body Wash or Soap? Body wash.  I hate bars of soap.  Not sure why, I think the whole germ thing freaks me out. 
Lush or Other Bath Company? Other.  I've never bought anything at Lush and I usually just use drugstore bath products.

Fashion:
Jeans or Sweatpants? I'm going to go sweatpants but change it slightly to leggings, haha.
Long-sleeve or Short-sleeve? Short-sleeve.  Even in the winter I like to layer since I'd rather be able to put more clothing on than be stuck inside in a long-sleeve shirt when someone's cranking the heat.
Dresses or Skirts? Dresses! They're comfortable and easy.
Stripes or Plaid? Stripes.
Flip-flops or Sandals? Sandals.  They can make a casual summer outfit instantly cuter rather than just wearing flip flops.
Scarves or Hats? Scarves.  In the Fall/Winter I love wearing Pashmina scarves.
Studs or Dangly Earrings? Studs.  I wear my hair up a lot and like wearing big studs with a messy bun.
Necklaces or Bracelets? Necklaces.  I have one bracelet that I never take off, but other than that I don't really wear bracelets.
Heels or Flats? Heels!  I wear flats more often, but if it was appropriate/acceptable I would wear heels all the time.
Cowboy Boots or Riding Boots? Riding boots.  I have a few pairs and I love them for the Fall and Winter.
Jacket or Hoodie? Jacket.  I hardly ever wear hoodies unless I'm at home.  I don't like how if I take them on and off they mess up my hair/makeup, haha.
Forever 21 or Charlotte Russe? Forever 21.  I find cheaper things there and they have a much wider selection.
Abercrombie or Hollister? Neither? Haha.  I think I've bought one pair of jeans from Abercrombie in my life and I've never even been in a Hollister.
Saks Fifth Avenue or Nordstrom? I also don't really shop at either of these stores but I guess I'd say Nordstrom since I usually browse MAC products there, haha.

Hair:
Curly or Straight? I like my hair better curly when it's down but I usually wear it straight.  So I guess curly is my preference though I'm frequently too lazy to take the time, haha.
Bun or Ponytail? Bun.  I wear my hair in some kind of bun almost every day.

Bobby Pins or Butterfly Clips? Bobby pins.  I've never worn butterfly clips but I use bobby pins everyday to hold all my hair in.

Hair Spray or Gel? Spray.  I never use gel since it makes my hair feel really greasy.

Long or Short? Long!  I used to cut my hair up to my chin but I let it grow out for 5 years and it was down to my butt.  I just cut six inches off, but it's still long and I don't plan on chopping it anytime soon.

Light or Dark? My hair is a light brown, so it's kind of in the middle range of hair color, but if I had to go lighter or darker I would probably go lighter because I think it would look better on me.

Side Swept Bangs or Full Bangs? Side swept.  I've had side bangs for years (though I'm growing them out now).

Up or Down: Up!  I wear my hair up almost every day.

Random:

Rain or Shine? Shine :) I love the sun and the summer.

Summer or Winter? Summer!

Fall or Spring? Spring - I love when it's just starting to get warm out and the excitement of breaking out spring clothes.

Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate.

East Coast or West Coast? East!! I've lived in a beach town on the East Coast my whole life!

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Those are my answers to the "This or That?" Tag! If you have any tag suggestions please let me know!

Beauty Briefs: Summer Polish Picks!

Today's beauty brief is all about my favorite summer nail polish colors!  Apologies in advance for basically all of them being Essie, but I love their nail polish colors and tend to buy mostly Essie!  I love bright neons for Summer and love variations of blue, green, pink, and coral!

Essie "In the Cab-ana"

I mentioned this and the next two in my June favorites, but I had to give these three another shout out since I love them for summer!  This is a beautiful turquoise blue that comes out more turquoisey-blue on the nails than it looks in the bottle.  So fun for summer and love this especially on my hands.  This is from the Resort 2013 Collection and should still be available at some CVS, ULTA, Bed, Bath & Beyond, etc.  All Essie nail polishes are around $7-$9.





Essie "Boom Boom Room"

Also in my June Favorites, Essie's "Boom Boom Room" is a gorgeous light neony-pink.  I love bright pinks but I'm not a huge fan of really neon hot pinks, so this is perfect.  It enhances a tan and is fun and girly for summer!  It's part of Essie's Neon 2013 Collection which again, should be available now. 





Essie "First Timer"

 This was another June favorite (last one, I promise, haha).  This is a beautiful medium semi-minty green.  It's not as dark as Essie's "Mojito Madness," which I like, and comes out lighter and creamier.  I love this nail polish a lot, I think it's my favorite green.







 
China Glaze "Flip Flop Fantasy"

I love this color for summer.  It looks amazing with a tan and is super neon.  It dries with a matte finish, like all China Glaze polishes, pretty much, but I always use a top coat anyway, so it doesn't bother me.  The only downside to this polish is its lasting power, but no nail polish lasts very well on me so I don't judge it too harshly.  My best friend also loves this color and can go days without chipping, so I think it's just me, haha.  I get my China Glaze polish from Sally's Beauty Supply for around $6-$7, but it's also available at ULTA for $7-$8  and other places online, like Amazon.

OPI "Don't Pretzel My Buttons"

I love this OPI nude color for summer when I want something subtle.  It look great on its own, or with glittery top coats like OPI's "Which is Witch" or "Polka.Com."  It's very flattering for a nude polish and even on my nails this lasts a long time.  It looks good even when I'm paler in the winter, but it looks great with a tan.  This is available online or at ULTA for around $9.




Essie "The More the Merrier"

Back to Essie!  I love this neony yellow-green from Essie's Summer 2013 Collection.  It's very bright, but doesn't make you look like you have some weird disease like some yellowy-greens can.  It's a little more daring and I go for this more on my fingernails rather than my toes just because I don't want my toes to look like they have some kind of fungus or something, haha.






Sally Hansen Hard As Nails Extreme Wear "Pacific Blue"

I love this gorgeous, creamy royal blue for a bold summer color.  It is very opaque and is great for something interesting but not over the top.  I've gotten multiple compliments when I've worn this color and it really looks beautiful on the nails.  I got mine at ULTA for about $3, but it's also available at drugstores and Walmart/Target.

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What are some of your favorite summer polishes?  Are you more of a classic pink and coral girl or a daring blue and green girl?  I'd love to hear from you!