Eyes Lips Face Cosmetics

Hey guys! Okay I'm sure you've heard of ELF Cosmetics but if you haven't I'll give you a very brief background. ELF is an online cosmetics line that launched in 2004 with your budget in mind - most of the products retail for $1. ELF has recently expanded to include bath and body products as well as a Studio line with "higher end" products that usually retail for $3 a pop.

I've purchased from ELF before and have had no problems with customer service, shipping, etc. They often offer discount coupon codes, free shipping, and free gifts as incentives to those on their email list.

About a week ago I received a coupon from ELF for $1.98 shipping (versus the usual $6.95), so I though "What the heck? Why not?" I figured there were a few things that I wanted to pick up or that I could use as backups or alternatives to my everyday makeup routine. As you can see it doesn't take much to get me to buy makeup. :-) Here is a list of my order:

ELF Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed, Warm Tan, and Luminance
Studio Blush in Tickled Pink
Nourishing Cuticle Pen
Mineral Eye Shadow Primer
Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara
Eyelash Curler
Total cost including shipping $15.98

My camera is dead so I'll have to post pics and swatches tomorrow. SORRY!! In the meantime I'll post a pic of a look I did a few weeks ago using the ELF Butternut eye palette.

Ok - My honest opinion of ELF cosmetics is that their color payoff of the liners, e/s and lip products are weak, although the lippies offer high shine. The mascara is decent...for $1 it may good for an everyday look for someone who wants a more natural look (For the record, I am not that person). The blushes offer a subtle glow and the brushes are a pretty good buy for the price.

You can purchase ELF Cosmetics at eyeslipsface.com and ELF will be available in Target stores starting November 1st!!!


My look with ELF Cosmetics eyeshadow-
Eyes: ELF butternut palette, Lancome Hypnose mascara, NYC eyeliner in White
Face: MAC Mineralize Satinfinish Foundation, Lancome concealer, MAC Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Dark, CoverGirl Trublend Mineral Bronzer in #440 Natural Bronze

L'Oreal True Match Concealer Review

Hi guys!
So yesterday I went to one of my favorite stores - Target. This was seriously the biggest Target I have ever seen – it could I have been 3 stores in one…needless to say I was SUPER excited.

I had a few things in mind that I wanted to pick up from the cosmetics aisle, but was so overwhelmed by the massive amounts of products that I forgot to get a few of the items. Anywho, I picked up a L’Oreal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Concealer for $7.49. Now usually I love me some Lancome Maquicomplet Complete Coverage Concealer for $27.50, but let’s face it, it’s a recession - so L’Oreal Paris here I come.



The True Match concealer comes in three categories: Warm, Cool, and Neutral. Within each category there are three subcategories: Fair Light, Light Medium, and Medium Deep. I concluded that I’m a Warm Medium/Deep.

This tube is a little on the small side at .17 oz (a regular sized chap stick is 0.15 oz) but a little of the product goes a long way. I applied it to my under eye circles and some redness on my nose area and it worked like a charm. It is easy to blend and has only the slightest makup-ey smell. I also liked that they have a wide range of color options for both fair and dark skinned women. This is the first day that I’ve used it and so far no weird skin breakouts (I get those often). Overall I would definitely purchase this again.

On a side note - I've got my eye on this Lorac Double Feature which has a concealer, highlighter and blender in one.


I'm dying to try it! Hmmm...looks like it only comes in three shades.This retails for $24 at Sephora. What do you think? What products do you have your eye on?

Till next time...

Peace,
MochaMakeupLover

Winter Weather Skin Solutions

For all of you who have a winter season in you region, you know that winter weather brings dry skin, chapped lips, and brittle hair. My skin is naturally dry and when winter weather hits it gets even worse. UGH! Lately I’ve even started to get eczema patches on either side of my nose. In lieu of the impending dry skin season I’m going to share some of my favorite winter skin care products.

Vaseline Cocoa Butter Vitalizing Gel Body Oil

This is a new take on good ole’ baby oil and is for those of us with very dry skin. This product is a thick, gel-like consistency but is non greasy. It also has a slight cocoa butter scent which makes it nice for those who need a little aroma. A little definitely goes a long way – one tube has lasted me for over a month. It retails for $7.49 at Walgreens but I can usually catch a 2 for $10 sale at Target.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer with SPF

I have to be careful when using products on my face because I tend to have sensitive skin and am prone to breakouts. One of the main reasons that I love this facial moisturizer is because it’s oil free and hypoallergenic. It comes in SPF 15 and 30 – I use SPF 30 as it very important to apply SPF to the face every single day! Even women of color need to remember to do this. This product retails for approximately $12- $13.

Smith’s Rosebud Salve

Although it looks pink in the container it applies as a clear balm. It has the consistency of a light Vaseline but is not heavy or greasy and is unscented. This product is great for dry, chapped lips and even dry cuticles. I also apply it to some especially dry patches on either side of my nose. This retails for approximately $5 and I usually get mine from Sephora but it can also be purchased at rosebudsalve.com.

Shea Moisture 100% Shea Butter

I slather myself in this stuff! I usually use it in the evening for my body, face, and hair. It prevents my hair from become dry and brittle and works wonders for dry skin and produces a healthy, even skin tone. Because it is of thicker consistency, you’ll need to rub this between your palms to heat it up a bit before application. It is all natural, non- perfumed, and will not clog pores. This can usually be found at your local beauty supply or drugstore for around $6-$8.

Carol’s Daughter Sage & Shea Foot Butter

I really like Carol’s Daughter products because they are natural, paraben/petroleum free and not heavily scented. Carol’s Daughter is also owned by a smart, hardworking woman who started her company by hand making these products in her own kitchen. Loves it! This product is the perfect relief for tired feet. Trust me. Check out carolsdaugher.com or your local Macy’s more info. This item retails for $10.50.

I own LOADS of products, but these are among my essentials and they retail for less than $20 a pop. I hope this helps. What are your winter weather products? Let me know.

Peace,

Rashida

Lets get it!!!

Hey everyone - welcome to very first blogpost. I'm so excited to share my thought, veiws, ideas on all things MAKEUP!
Soooo, I'm taking a stab at makeupartistry as a side hustle because it is something that I really love to do (wish me luck). I am working on my kit and starting a portfolio as we speak. I will keep you updated on my progress. What would you guys look for in a makeup artist? Let me know.

Peace,
MochaMakeupLover