ShimmerNSparkle26: Mid-week Manicure!

ShimmerNSparkle26: Mid-week Manicure!: Just thought I'd share my manicure from this week!  I'm wearing OPI: Meet Me on the Star Ferry & Nicole OPI: Rainbow in the S-Kylie.  I us...

Mid-week Manicure!

Just thought I'd share my manicure from this week!  I'm wearing OPI: Meet Me on the Star Ferry & Nicole OPI: Rainbow in the S-Kylie.  I usually don't splurge on these brands, since they are a bit expensive, but last week, I was in Target and found the Nicole OPI Kardashian Kolors on clearance.  I was able to buy two polishes for $5, and I simply could not pass up that opportunity!  Then I found the OPI at a discount store in my local mall for only $6.  

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ShimmerNSparkle26: Is it still Lotion if it's a Liquid?

ShimmerNSparkle26: Is it still Lotion if it's a Liquid?: No matter what type of skin you have: normal/dry, combo/oily (or anything in between) a good moisturizer should be a staple of your beauty...

Is it still Lotion if it's a Liquid?

No matter what type of skin you have: normal/dry, combo/oily (or anything in between) a good moisturizer should be a staple of your beauty routine.  That's why I was excited to try the Elf Lotion Wipes.  (These were an item I received for free in an Elf Mystery Bag a few months ago.)  When I first saw the packaging of this product, it immediately reminded me of the Elf Studio Makeup Remover Cleansing Clothes (a product I absolutely love), so I assumed the two products would be pretty similar.  

Unfortunately, I was totally disappointed with this item.  The cloths were drenched with a liquidy type of lotion.  It turned out to be nothing more than a huge mess.  I was actually able to squeeze lotion out of this cloth with little effort.  Once I wiped the cloth all over my face, my skin was soaking wet and I ended up having to massage the "lotion" into my face after using the cloth and wipe my hands off afterwards.  

It seemed to take FOREVER to use up these wipes.  I was relieved when I finally got to the bottom of this package.  Another thing to keep in mind with this item: the Lotion Wipes are the same price as the Makeup Remover Cloths ($3), but the Removers come with 20 wipes, while the Lotion Wipes only include 15 wipes.  I understand $3 isn't much money, but considering the great value Elf has on other items, this seems like a bit of a rip off.  I would suggest avoiding these at all cost.    

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High End Quality, Low End Price

If you're a makeup junkie (like myself), you know that if you don't have a serious eye primer, putting on eyeshadow is nothing more than a waste of time.  Without primer, eyeshadow begins fading and creasing within a few hours.  Using a primer keeps the colors vibrant and stops them from fading throughout the day.

Although a few drug store brands are beginning to develop eye primers, none seem to hold up against brands such as Urban Decay or Too Faced.  Over the past few years, I've been using Urban Decay's Primer Potion in "Eden" on a daily basis.  It's a  fabulous product which does everything it claims to.  Between running from school to work, I've really put this primer to the test and it's come through for me every time, stopping my shadows from fading, keeping my eye makeup crease-free the entire day, and creating a smooth surface to work with.  Some days I'll be out of the house for 12-14 hours so I need some serious staying-power.

So I think it's safe to say I have a pretty high standard when it comes to eye primers, which is why I didn't believe a lower-end product would be able to get the job done.  I was stunned by the NYX High Definition Eye Shadow Base.  This product completely exceeded all my expectations!  It gives me the staying-power I need and creates an incredibly smooth base to work with.  This is an amazing and affordable product and I really don't see myself repurchasing Urban Decay's Primer Potion.  

The only major difference between these two products, is color and texture.  The NYX base is much smoother and feels more like a face primer than the Urban Decay one.  (The texture reminds me of NYX's Shine Killer or Hard Candy's Sheer Envy Primer).  And for those of you who have used Urban Decay, you know some of their primers are a tinted and provide a bit of coverage for any discoloration on the eye lids.  The NYX base dries almost clear so if you are looking to cover any redness, this may be a product you'll want to pass on.

(I know NYX Cosmetics line can be a more difficult to find, which is unfortunate since it's such a great brand.  All of NYX cosmetics are also hypoallergenic and cruelty-free!  I usually buy mine from Ulta, Sears or Harmon Discount Health & Beauty.  Some people have also found NYX in Christmas Tree Shops, so keep your eyes open!)

http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?skuId=2225922&productId=xlsImpprod3020041&navAction=push&navCount=1&subdoc=51nyx20off&categoryId=cat40006

Search for the "Perfect" Concealer

In my opinion, concealer is one of the most important products in any makeup collection.  We all have a few blemishes, birth marks or acne scars that could use a little help, but finding that "help" is easier said than done.  There are an overwhelming amount of products on the market, each with more outrageous claims than the next.      

 Over the years, I've tried a variety of concealers: L'Oreal True Match, Maybelline Superstay, Maybelline Fit Me, Elf Concealer and so on.  And while none of these turned out to be a particularly horrible product, I wasn't overly impressed by any of them.  I've been searching for a concealer able to tackle my rosacea.  It seemed no matter which concealer or foundation I tried, and no matter how much I put on, my rosacea always managed to show through.  And just to be clear, it's not the "cute" rosacea that gives you those great rosy pink cheeks, it's a variety of different shades of splotchy pink all over my cheeks which can change shades constantly.

After years of unsuccessful searching, I have finally found my solution: Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer.  This concealer completely covers my rosacea while using only a minimal amount of product.  While the consistency is very thick, it easily blends out and provides maximum coverage.  A small amount will go far.  When I first used this product, I was shocked.  After covering my rosacea, my skin tone was almost completely evened out!  I could even skip foundation if I wanted to.  All I need is a bit of power on top, and I'm ready to go!  And what is the price for this amazing product?  Only $6 at your local Walmart.  I don't know if there's any such thing as the "perfect" concealer, but this comes pretty close.

Check it out!
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Hard-Candy-Glam-Concealer-Light-312/15599851