Ulta Haul

 I hardly ever go to Ulta because of it's distance from where I live, however I was in the neighborhood a few weeks ago and was excited to grab some things.

Here is what I picked up:

NYX Xtreme lip cream in 08 Skin Tone and 09 Strawberry. I have a previous post about the NYX Soft Matte lip creams and these are just as wonderful PLUS they are very creamy and hydrating.  These lip creams are amazing!! Swatches below.

Maybelline Define-a-Brow pencil. These pencils are very similar to the MAC eyebrow pencils but retail for half the price. I have been having difficulty finding them in drugstores lately, but if you can get your hands on them, I highly recommend. I purchased two!

Essence Clear Mascara/Brow set. This is your standard clear mascara - I use it to set my brows and keep them in place all day.

Katy Perry lashes in Oh, Honey! Haven't worn them yet, but they look promising. Each box contains 1 pair of lashes, 1 small tube of lash adhesive, and an insert with tips to apply lashes like a pro.

Essence gel eyeliner in 01 Midnight in Paris (black). For such an inexpensive brand, thus eyeliner works pretty well and stays all day.

NYX Eyebrow Shaper. This was pencil is supposed to groom browns into shape. I purchased this to use on clients with unruly eyebrows.

MAC Prep + Prime Skin Refined Zone (obviously not from Ulta). Your pores will become invisible and your skin will be as soft as butta. This can also be used on non makeup days for a smooth, mattified look.

Have you tried any of these products? I think the NYX lippies may be my favorite so far!

What has your makeup done for you lately?

This post is super late, but I picked up the Tarte ‘What has your makeup done for you lately?’ set which was available as a QVC exclusive on July 13th. This set came with the full sized products listed below.

· Maracuja Miracle 12-hour Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 15

· 100% pure Maracuja Oil rollerball

· LipSurgence Lip Shine in smitten soft pink with built-in sharpener

· Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara in black

· modernEYES waterproof creaseless shadow/liner duo

· Retoucher bamboo foundation brush

· There was also an eye cream added to the mix as a ‘Sneak Peak’…nice touch, Tarte.




Photo courtesy of Musingsofamuse.com


Clearly everybody and their mama copped this set (or was gifted this set) and are raving about it
all over bloggerland. I’ll add my two cents in a series of brief posts, quickly detailing my experience with each product.

First up: the eyes. I have been using the Maracuja C-Brightener Eye Treatment religiously for the past several months and overall, I think it is a good product. It is not a moisturizing as I would like, but I have noticed a slight decrease in my dark undereye circles.
The modernEYES waterproof creaseless shadow/liner duo in plumberry and plum brown is a dual ended pencil with a plummy eyeshadow stick on one side and deep purple eyeliner on the other. I used this in the look below and got fantastic results. It applied easily, there was no tugging or unevenness, and it lasted all day with ZERO creasing even though I used it with a sub-par eyeshadow primer as an experiment. Needless to say, I am impressed.

And can we take a minute to discuss this mascara. The Gifted Amazonian Clay Smart Mascara is a gift from above. I am seriously in love and will repurchase this mascara as soon as I run out. It lengthens, volumizes, and adds some serious sexy to the lashes. Yes, ma’am!

Do any of you have this set? I was skeptical before purchasing because I have not used many Tarte products, but so far, so good. Up next we’ll discuss the LipSurgence Lip Shine.

I cannot believe I forgot about this lipstick!

My Christian Dior Rouge Dior lipstick in 752 Favori Red. This is a luxurious, moisturizing lipstick with excellent color payoff and longetvity. Let's not forget about the sleek packaging.

I purchased this SOOO long ago and completely forgot about it *hangs head in shame*  I dug her out of makeup drawer, dusted her off and gave her a go. Now I remember why I lover her so...

Maybelline Dream Matte - My Thoughts

Hola! Let's get right to it.

Ok, let me reiterate once again that I am not a regular foundation wearer, however on the occasion that I do wear it, I want it to last all day and look as fresh as possible throughout the day. Usually I have dry skin but due to the recent increase in temperatures and humidity I become oily and shiny in my t-zone after a few hours. The problem is that the foundations that I own for personal use (not to be used on clients) are formulated for dry skin and are intended to leave skin looking moisturized…not good for me during this time of year.

I decided that I needed blow some money and get a summertime foundation to control my oilies. Enter Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse Foundation. The website states:

• Revolutionary air-soft mousse provides perfecting coverage for 100% velvet-matte perfection
• Ideal for normal to oily skin
• Fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, allergy-tested, non-comedogenic – won’t clog pores, safe for sensitive skin

First off, the texture is not something that I’m used to seeing or feeling on my skin. It’s a light mousse consistency that spreads over the skin like buttah. I’ve worn it a few times on the hottest of days and can attest to all the claims. It definitely kept me matte all day, did not cause breakouts on my sensitive skin, and did not look cakey or heavy at all. I really love this foundation for the summer months. I also love that there is a good selection of darker colors in the line.

Take a look below.

BEFORE:

8:00am

AFTER:




5:30pm and still matte with the exception of my cheek area

 As you can see, after almost 10 hours of wear with NO blotting or reapplying throughout the day, my face is still matte. As you can tell by the hair there was a considerable amount of humidity, and based on the sweat where my sunglasses were, it was hot as Haites. This foundation performed excellently.

Other products used on face:

MAC MSFN

Wet N Wild bronzer

NYX Terra Cotta blush

Buxom mascara

Revlon lip Butter in Sweet Tart

Joise Moran Tinted Moisturizer

Hey Guys! Found this SUUUUUPER old post from way back when my hair was colored lol.

I picked up a Josie Moran tinted moisturizer around a year ago. I was super excited because all of her products are infused with Argan oil but was sorely disappointed by the lack of coverage it provided. I am well versed in tinted moisturizers as I wear them/test new ones all the time, but this?...nah. I'll pass. I'm wearing it here with powder.

What is nice about this product is that it contains Agran Oil which is great for the skin. It also makes the product very moisturizing which is nice in cooler months.









**UPDATE** To date, this product has sat unused since this time. Maybe I will use it as moisturizer in the future.
I'm thinking of revisiting this hair color. What do you guys think?

Recent Favorites

Hi MakeupLovers!

Just a quick post to show you guys a few of my summer favorites. Hope you enjoy!

HAIR

Curls Whipped Cream - Great, lightweight moisturizer. This is perfect for the summer because it is not too heavy but still provides  tons of moisture while aiding in the detangling process. I've been using it non - stop for the past few months.

Curls Unleashed No Boundaries Leave-In Conditioner - with - Curls Unleashed Set It Off Curl Boosting Jelly - I get LIFE from my hair when I use these two products together. Moisture and hold for days! 

SKIN and SCENTS

Flowerbomb by Viktor and Rolf - I cannot say enough about the sexiness that it this perfume. It was love at first sniff. I got this little gift set from Sephora for around $35, however this perfume can be pricey if you purchase a full size bottle. 

Clarosonic Mia - I've had this for a year now and I use it every. single. day. Love! After using this for the first time, I was AMAZED by how soft and clean my face felt. It works great with every face wash I've tried so far.

MAKEUP

MAC Mineralize Skin Finish Natural (not pictured) - This can be used to set liquid or cream foundations or by itself to provide light coverage. I usually wear this alone on an everyday basis to provide a slight amount of coverage; it also feels very lightweight and comfortable on the skin and allows the skin to breathe in the summer heat.
Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate in #14- This is the perfect nude lipstick for women of color. Since this is a part of a collaboration between Rimmel and Kate Moss, I'm not sure if it's limited edition however I've already purchased a back up tube...I have a ton of pics while wearing this lipstick.
NYC Sun 2 Sun bronzer- provides great summer bronzy glow. For a quick, everyday face, I apply this to my cheekbones on top of my MAC Mineralized Skin Finish with  a bit of gloss.
MAC Creamsheen in Richer, Lusher - A recent MAC acquisition that gives a great peachy-pink tint to my lips. Perfect for the summer months when I need something light, quick, and easy, which is usually everyday!


MISC

Gel manicures (not pictured) - Theee absolute most convenient creation know to man...well, me. No fuss, no chips, no drying time. Love! Love! Love!
iPad - I purchased an iPad for myself as a birthday gift in March and I've been using it nonstop. Initially I was hesitant to purchase such an expensive toy, but I literally take this thing everywhere and it comes in handy when traveling, working, for school etc.

Don't forget to stalk me on Twitter: @xoxorashida

NARS Laguna Illuminator...

...is so Illuminating! Love the glow it gives.