Friday Haul: Revlon, NYC & Almay!

I am SO excited to share this weeks haul with you guys! I know last week, I mentioned that there were some good deals to be had this week at CVS. However, upon closer look, and the release of next weeks ad, I decided to wait until next week to haul some of the items I've been wanting, so I'll get a better deal on them then. I did end up getting 1 thing at CVS, though and I'll share that with you. So, on to the haul. I got 5 items this week, 4 from Rite Aid, then one at CVS when I went in for something else entirely (dang those beauty deals :).

1. I got 2 NYC liquid lipshine's in "Fashion Ave Fuchsia" & "Prospect Pink". These were from Rite Aid and they were on sale buy one get one free. They retailed at $1.99 each, so I paid $1.99 for both of them making them about $1 each.

 2. Almay Shadow Softies in "Creme Brulee". This also came from Rite Aid this week where all Almay cosmetics were 40% off. This had a retail of $4.99, and I printed a coupon for $2 off from here. So, with combining the sale and the coupon savings, I ended up paying about $1 for this eye shadow.

3. The last item I got from Rite Aid this week is a Revlon blush in "Haute Pink". This was also 40% off this week. Retail for this beauty is $9.99 and, I used a manufacturer coupon from here for $2 off and a Rite Aid coupon from here for $3 off, making this $10 blush only about $1 after sale and coupons. That's a 90% savings!! Not to mention, it's a perfect bright blush for spring.

4. Last but not least, I got another Almay Shadow Softies in "Hot Fudge". This one was from CVS, and was not on sale at all. But I went into CVS to get some chocolate for an afternoon fix, and I scanned my extra-care card at the wonderful magical coupon machine inside most all CVS stores, and it printed a lovely coupon for me to use that was for $4 off any Almay color cosmetic item. So, of course I marched myself over to the Almay display and found that their Shadow Softies were only $4.99 (you can see the price in the background of the above picture). So, I scored this Almay Shadow Softies for only about $1. BUT WAIT!!! I'm a member of the CVS beauty club, which gives me $5 extra-bucks for every $50 I spend in the beauty department. That $50 is BEFORE coupons. So, even though I only paid $1, the full price of $4.99 will go towards the beauty club balance. So, if you take the $5 for every $50, and think of that as 10% off of your beauty purchase, 10% off of $4.99 is about 50 cents. So, my grand total after all is said and done, was about 50 cents for this Almay Shadow Softies.

There you have it! I got $24 worth of makeup this week for only $4.50!!! That's a huge savings. Make sure you visit next weeks Friday haul where I show you how you can make money on your beauty purchases from the drug store.

Smackdown: Tarte emphasEYES for brows vs. Maybelline Define-a-Brow

Today's smackdown, is all about the brows. I personally like to fill in my brows with a pencil. I think I have better control, and I also feel like it looks more natural than filling them in with a powder, expecially when done correctly. Tarte emphasEYES for brows and Maybelline Define-a-Brow are 2 pencils that are specifically for your brows, and they are very similar. But how similar? I'll tell you my expiriences with both of them and compare for you, so that you can decide which would be better for you. In this smackdown, I'm comparing the Tarte emphasEYES in Taupe - light taupe. And the Maybelline Define-a-Brow in dark blonde.

Lets start with the price of these 2 products. The Maybelline Define-a-Brow for .001 oz. is around $6. Where the Tarte emphasEYES will set you back $19.50 for the exact same amount of product, .001 oz. So, the Tarte emphasEYES is quite a bit more expensive. Expecially considering you can often find Maybelline products on sale at your local drug store.

Both pencils have a very fine tip. In fact, other than the color of the plastic surrounding the product, I cant tell a difference between the 2 of them. The application is the same for both. Using short stokes to fill in your eyebrows where needed, to create the illusion of little hairs where they may be sparse. One thing I do want to point out, is that the Tarte emphasEYES is much easier for me to twist up than the Maybelline Define-a-Brow. I'm not sure if all of the Maybelline Define-a-Brow pencils are as difficult to twist as mine is, but it is definitely a noticeable difference.

 

Tarte emphasEYES has a spooly on the opposite end of the pencil for you to groom your eyebrows before and/or after you apply your pencil, where the Maybelline Define-a-Brow has a small comb for the same purpose. I personally think the spooly on the Tarte emphasEYES is much better for it's intended use and grooms my eyebrows a lot better and easier than the comb version on the Maybelline Define-a-Brow pencil.

The color payoff is the same and they even look very similar when swatched out. Maybelline Define-a-Brow is a much harder formula than the Tarte emphasEYES, so the Tarte emphasEYES goes on a bit easier and creamier, however once applied they have the same effect.

Personally, overall I like the Tarte emphasEYES a little bit better. And, I think I lean toward liking that one better only for the fact that it has the nicer grooming tool on the other end of the pencil. That being said, the  Maybelline Define-a-Brow is certainly a wonderful alternative and very close dupe that costs a lot less for the same overall end results.

Whats New: Wet n Wild Limited Edition Walking the Red Carpet, Flirting at the After Party & Champagne Toast with swatches!

Wet n Wild has done it again. If you are a stranger to Wet n Wild coloricon eyeshadow's and megalast nail colors, then you need to run to your local drug store and grab some! I don't care if you are a brand snob or a true believer in the "you get what you pay for" rule,  I know you will love them! I will do a review of some of my favorite pallets from the coloricon line if enough people ask me, but truly, they are amazing, pigmented, buttery, and CHEAP. Even some of the most famous beauty gurus agree. And, they've tried everything!

So, with that being said, I have 3 new Limited Edition Wet n Wild products to show you today. 2 new 8 pan pallets, and 1 of 6 of the new magalast nail colors. All 6 of the nail colors were very pretty, but I'm not a big nail polish junkie. I tend to stick to what I know, and what I know is makeup. That being said, the color I chose in this new line up is the perfect champagne color ever! I'm a sucker for champagne shades, since they look great on everyone, and this one does not disappoint! This shade is called Champagne Toast. It was very easy to apply and dried very quickly. I'm not sure of the staying power yet, but I'm guessing you could get a week without chips if you applied a good top coat over this polish. This was found at Walgreens for $1.99. Which is a great price for the quality of this nail color.

Now, on to the new Wet n Wild coloricon eyeshadow's. Like I said, these are Limited Edition, and with all things limited edition, they will fly off the shelves. So, if you are even wanting these pallets a little, you need to grab them. People have been finding these at Walgreens, Harmons face values, Bed Bath & Beyond, Christmas Tree Shops, and a few CVS stores are carrying them as well. I got mine at Walgreens. They retail for $4.99 each.

The one on the left is called Walking the Red Carpet, and on the right is Flirting at the After Party. Walking the Red Carpet I would say is pretty neutral with the exception of the gold and copper shades that are on the right side of the pallet. Even still, looking at the pan, those 2 shade are very pretty. Flirting at the After Party is a very purple pallet. Very purple. So, if you aren't a purple lover, this one isn't for you. I, however LOVE purple, so this one was a no brainer. I had to have it!

I've swatched both pallets below, so you can try to get an idea of what the color payoff will be. Please keep in mind that everyone's skin is different, and swatches are meant for you to see how the shades apply and get a feel for the pigmentation. Especially with drug store products, it can be hard to tell what they will be like until you get them home and rip them open. These swatches are with one swipe of my finger and aren't built up at all. Also, I am VERY pale, so the lighter colors just don't show up too well on me. Trust me, they are pretty good and pigmented :) So here they are:

Walking the Red Carpet

Flirting at the After Party

Tip Tuesday: Using Bright Blushes

One of the more widely used items in my makeup case, are my blushes. I love how they make me look like I'm not dead, and that they can perk up even the most bland of skin days. As we head into spring, I feel like the most colorful and spring-like thing you can add to your makeup routine is a bright eye popping blush! I have several blushes in my collection that would make most people cringe, but here are 3 reasons why I love them so much.

1. Bright washes of color on the apples of your cheeks makes you look more youthful. I was reminded of this on Sunday when I was curling my 6 year old daughters hair. Her cheeks had this hint of color on them that made her simply glow. As we age our skin looses pigmentation. So, adding that pigmentation on your cheeks makes you look younger.

2. It can save you money! This post was inspired by a bright blush I purchased just yesterday (I'll tell you more about that in my haul post on Friday). Bright colors can make for some very clown-like looks if you aren't careful. But, with a light hand and a good quality blush brush, you can use a very minimal amount of that blush, so it will last a long time. And, if you read my haul Friday post, you'll see just how affordable it truly can be!

3. Bright colors show up and look great on everyone. From the lightest of lights to the darkest of dark's. Bright, bold colors are universally flattering no matter what color your skin might be. I'm very pale, and you would think that using a bright, highly pigmented blush would make me look like I've got neon cheeks. However, I apply it very carefully and with a light touch to both the product and my skin. So, I'm left with a light wash of brightness that wakes my face up and makes me look alive again. You can always add more blush if you feel like the pigmentation isn't enough for you, so build it up until you get the color you want. But, always start with a very small amount.

So, there you have it! Below I've given you some examples of the blushes that are in my collection that are super vibrant and pigmented.

1. Maybelline Master Glaze Blush in "Pink Fever"
2. NYX Rouge Cream Blush in "Glow"
3. bareMinerals Blush in "Fruit Cocktail"
4. elf Studio Blush in "Pink Passion"
5. essence Silk Touch Blush in "Life's a Cherry"

Review: L'Oreal Silkissime eyeliner in black & highlighter

Today's review is on the L'Oreal Silkissime eyeliners in black & highlighter.

First, let me just start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of pencil eyeliners. Sharpening them? It's makeup, not school. And after they are sharpened I feel like they are never the same as when you first open them. Not to mention, that I think people can really abuse eyeliner. Mostly liquid eyeliner, but even pencil form, some lady's tend to over due. I could go on for days on techniques and proper ways to apply eyeliner, so it emphasizes your eye shape, but I'm reviewing, not teaching. And there is plenty of information on the web if you're interested in that. Now, on to my review of the L'Oreal Silkissime eyeliners.

I have these in 2 shades. Black and highlighter. Lets start with a general review of both. These are super pigmented and very creamy, and silky (like the name suggests). I have honestly NEVER used an eyeliner with this much color payoff. Ever.  The staying power is phenomenal as well, and while I'm not sure if these are waterproof, they can be used in your waterline with great results. They are also a bargain, retailing at around $8 each. I got mine when my local store was having a sale on L'Oreal. So I scored both for about $10. Look for sales on drug store cosmetics. I very rarely pay retail for anything at the drugstore.

The black color of the L'Oreal Silkissime eyeliner is so rich. As you can see in my swatch it is BLACK. It glides just like butter on your skin, and it fills in every nook and cranny along the way. So, if you have more mature skin and your eyelids aren't as youthful looking as they once were, this is definitely an eyeliner you could use. I really like to use this eyeliner in my upper waterline. This technique makes my lashes look so thick and black.

The highlighter version of the L'Oreal Silkissime eyeliner is a pink shimmery shade. This shade is so, so pretty when swatched, and the picture I took does not do it justice. I like to use this on the inner corner of the eye, and even under the bottom lash line for a very opening effect.

Overall these are defiantly worth a try! I am in love with how well they glide on and how long they last. However I think there are 2 downsides of these. First, I wish it came in a brown color. Being fair/blonde, it's nice to have brown for an every day look. And second, I wish it were an automatic twist up design instead of the pencil you have to sharpen with a sharpener. The formula would definitely work for the twist up design since they are pretty firm eyeliners. Even with being so silky.

Eco-Emi: February 2014 Box

 

Have you heard of Eco-Emi? It's a monthly subscription service that's $15/month, and every month they send you a box full of earth-friendly, Eco-friendly goodies! Most of them are sample sized, but some are full sized! Like the lip balm this month is a full sized product. I've gotten eyeshadows, and mascaras, and eyeliners in the past that were also full sized, just to name a few. It comes in a small sized Priority Mail box, and it is always packaged so nicely. I have been subscribed for about a year now, and I've never been disappointed. I always get my moneys worth and more as well. Here is a list and short description of the products (from the card you get within the box) that I got in February's box:

 Tea Light Candles by Goodlight Natural Candles 6 pack / $2.49

What a great way to top off your night! These paraffin-free tea light candles are made from 100% palm wax and pure cotton wicks which creates a warm and inviting atmosphere without the harmful fumes.

 Chocolate Vanilla Paste by Premier Organics 1 pouch / $1.35

Made from the highest regarded premium cacao. Ek-Chok Chocolate is boosted with herbs and a hint of hazelnuts to add flavor. Bask in the aroma of this delicacy while enjoying it on flatbread or toast.

 All Natural Hummus by Wild Garden 1 pack (5 pieces) / $4.29

This healthy snack is made from chick peas, and many flavorful spices making it both nutritious and delicious! It does not require refrigeration , so you can enjoy it on the go! Try it on pita chips, vegetables, or even use it as a sandwich spread. Yum!

 Organic Hairspray by Aubrey Organics 5 oz / $9.95

The search for an all natural product that keeps your hairstyles looking great is finally over! This organic hairspray is infused with quinoa protiens that add body as well as smooths hair fibers to eliminate frizzing. It is USDA, NOP certified organic. Shake well before use!

 Eyelash Conditioner by Lauren Brooke Cosmetiques Full size tube / $10

This great product is made with vitamins, herbs and extracts that will help feed and protect your lashes. Gently use this lash conditioner at night after washing off your mascara. Leave on for 20 minutes, or thoughout the night, if desired. Use three times per week to promote longer, healthier lashes.

 Lavish face Mask by Blissoma 2 oz / $33.99

Great for dry and stressed skin. Lavish mask contains a combination of anti-reactive herbs, restorative oils, and cupuacu butter that helps rebuild skin from deep within. Use once or twice a week to help remove fine lines.

Vegan Lip Balm by Jersey Shore Sun .15 oz / $5

Earth friendly, cruelty free, and winter mint fragrance? This lip balm can't get any better! It has anti-aging properties that are gentle enough to use on other areas of the face making it great for winter sports and traveling.

And, that's it! I can't wait to dig into some of these products. Which ones would you be willing to try?

Friday Haul: NYX, tarte, Benefit and more!

As a makeup hoarder, I tend to buy makeup or some sort of beauty item every single week. Sometimes lots, sometimes just 1 thing. But, just about every week, I get myself a little something to add to my collection. I'm a true hoarder. And, what's crazy, is that I normally use everything I buy. And, whats great, is that if you absolutely hate something, most places will take things back!  So, if you've been dying to try something, but aren't quite sure if you'll like it, save your receipt. You normally have nothing to lose :)


So, here is my haul for this week. I'll do a breakdown of what I got, and even how much I paid for it, so you can try to get the same deals before the week is over!

1. Essence Sun Club Matt Bronzing Powder for blondes. They also have this for brunettes/darker skin. This is a nice light bronzer that looks very natural on my skin, and I'm liking it so far. I got it at Ulta, and it was $4.99, so very bargain priced for such a large compact. 

2. Benefit They're real! mascara. I have the full size of this, and it's pretty good. Not worth the hype in my opinion, but it's good. I got an email from Ulta so I could get this mini size for free if I showed them the email. So, I paid nothing for this travel friendly sized mascara. Although, it did get me into their store so I had to look around, and ended up getting a few things while I was there.

3. Tarte Be MATTEnificent pallet. This sucker is limited edition, and like all things in the makeup world that are limited edition, if you see it, you need to get it or it will be gone the next time you go to the store. Mark my words, I cannot tell you how many times I've seen something at the store that is limited edition, and thought in my head "I like it, but I'll sleep on it and come back in a few days and get it then if I still want it" - only to find that a few days later it's gone. Then, in your desperation you ask the nice sales person when they'll get more in and they precede to tell you that what they had is all that they will get since it's limited edition. People, like I said above, if you hate it you can take it back. This pallet was a bit of splurge for me at $37. But I love, love, love it! I am so in love with tarte cosmetics, and this pallet is just awesome. The shadows are so silky, and the blush as I said in my tarte review on Monday, is my favorite, and this shade is so subtle and pretty. 

4. NYX nude on nude pallet. This was a TOTAL score for me! I love neutral shadows. They are just funner for me to work with, and I don't feel like I'm trying to hone in on my 80's past. Don't get me wrong, I'll still rock the blue eyeshadow here and there. But, normally it's the neutrals that get me excited. Plus, the lipgloss pans are pretty, too. I got this at Ulta this week. I read through the fabulous inter-web that Ulta was having a NYX overhaul and they were clearancing a bunch of their stuff, so of course I had to check it out. I found this baby amongst a bunch of things that were marked down (they had single eyeshadows, and smaller eyeshadow pallets as well as a few lip products at my store, too). I spotted this pallet with a sticker that said it was normally $25 and was now $12.50. Score! I was super excited about my find, and when I went to check out, it rang up at $4.99!!!! Holy crap! And, to make things even better, I have the Ulta app on my phone, that had a weekly offer for 20% off one single item. So, I scored a $25 pallet for $4. Even if I don't like this baby (which I know I will), at $4 I'll let my 6 year old daughter have it for playing with before I'll return it.

That's it! I normally don't spend over $50 in one week on cosmetics at all! But, tarte always gets me with their pretty packaging and great quality. Other than the tarte pallet, this was a very budget-friendly week, being that I got a free mascara, and a $25 pallet for only $4. Next week there will be a haul from CVS for sure. They have some great deals going on for the week that are sure to make for some cheap makeup! So I'll see you back here next Friday to share my findings!

Smackdown: The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain vs. Benefit Benetint

I'm all for a good dupe! Sometimes I literally cannot tell 2 products apart from each other when they are swatched out or applied to the face. And, sometimes there is a definite difference, even when you think things will be the exact same, or look the same when just looking through the bottle or at the pan. Today's smackdown is between The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain in Rose Pink vs. Benefit Benetint. Both claim the same thing; that they will give you a rose flush to your cheeks or lips with a staining action. Thus, making it a natural and long wearing product. 

First, lets look at the price. The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain is $14 for 0.2 oz. And, Benetint is $30 for .42 oz. (size of Benetint in my photo is not full size). So, really ounce by ounce Benetint isn't that much more than The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain. However, The Body Shop has sales on their makeup all the time. I got the full size product that you see in the picture above at 50% off during one of their sales making it only around $7. Where I have never seen Benetint for sale or discounted.

Next, the consistency of the products are different. The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain is more of a gel-like consistency, where Benetint is a strait up liquid. It makes me think of cranberry juice, ha. 

The application process is basically the same for both products. Benetint has a brush applicator that you dot on your cheeks, then sheer out with your fingers or a brush, where The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain has a doe foot applicator, and instructions are the same. 

Staying power for both products is the exact same for me. I feel like they both last all day when I apply them to my cheeks, and have about a 4 hour time frame on my lips.

The colors for both products are described as a rose tint. They are both red based, but they have different undertones. The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain has a more purple undertone, which is better for cool skin tones, and Benetint has a more Orange undertone, which would be better for warmer skin tones. The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain definitely looks to me like it is more of a "rose" color like they both proclaim to be.  

I've swatched both products below. Please keep in mind, that I'm very pale, and these are much heavier than I would wear them on my cheeks. The photo is to show you that there is a difference between the 2. 

So, which is your favorite? Does a staining product scare you? Let me know! As for me, I'm more in love with The Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain. I like the gel formulation, and the application is easier for me than Benetint because of the thickness of the gel. I also think the color is nicer and richer than Benetint.

What's New: Maybelline Color Tattoo's

If you love staying power, pretty colors, and rich pigments on your eyes, then you probably have already tried Maybelline Color Tatoo's. These are among my very favorite shadows in the entire universe. And, they have 6 new colors for spring! I saw these and snatched up 3 of the 6, and I'm already in love. Here are the 3 that I picked:

Stroke of Midnight

This is a black shade (the 1st black in the color tattoo line). It is pretty pigmented, but not impressively so. It has fine silver flakes that are very noticeable, so if your going for matte, this one isn't for you. 

Nude Compliment

This is one of 3 mid-toned shades in the new line up. I liked this one the best, since the other 2 weren't great shades for my skin tone. I feel like this is a true "nude" shade and doesn't have any underlying pigments making it more red or yellow toned. It's has a beautiful sheen that comes off very well and isn't overpowering at all. 

 

Pure Nude

This is my favorite of the 3 that I chose. A very pale, pink shade that is pretty pigmented. As you can see in the swatches below, I'm super pale. So it's hard for me to find shades that are on the lighter side that don't look washed out on me. And, while this is very close to my skin tone, you can definitely tell that its there. Especially when it's on my lids. Just like Nude Compliment, it has a very pretty sheen that isn't sparkly or over done. This looks great for a natural look that has pizazz! Such a gorgeous color.

 

So, have you seen these at your local drug/grocery store? Did you pick some up, too?

Tip Tuesday: Coconut oil-how I use it in my beauty routine

Photo credit

Behold the power of coconut! I'm addicted to this little gem, and for many reasons! I'm sure you've heard of the many benefits of coconut oil for the skin, hair and body. It's something that is quickly becoming a household staple for many people. I use coconut oil for lots of things, including cooking and baking. It's a 1:1 substitution for butter. And, it's probably the most versatile product in my beauty arsenal. Here are some of the ways I like to use this wonderful oil in my beauty routine.


As a hair mask:
Coconut oil as a hair mask is so perfect. It has essential fatty acids that can repair damage, and it's super moisturizing so it leaves behind a beautiful sheen without making your hair look "oily". I will use coconut oil on my hair 1-2 times per week during the summer and more than that during the winter if my hair needs it. Typically I will mash it with a dropper full of argan oil, too. Argan oil is full of vitamin E, which coconut oil lacks, so they make a great pair. I will leave it on for around an hour, but you can leave it on over night for a deep repair if needed. When your done, just shampoo your hair a few times, until it feels clean again. No need for conditioner after a treatment like this.

As a moisturizer:
Swapping coconut oil for lotion is simple! Plus, coconut oil is GOOD for you skin, where most lotions and creams you buy at the store are full of chemicals like parabens. I like to slather my skin in a good healthy coating of coconut oil right after I get out of the shower. It only takes a few seconds for the oil to absorb into my skin, and it leaves my skin looking like I have a satin-like glow.


As a mineral makeup base:
I love me some mineral makeup! It's natural, it has a beautiful finish, and it's good for your skin. During the summer months, mineral makeup is my every day staple. But, in the winter, my skin gets a bit too dry to use it without looking like a chalky mess! Coconut oil to the rescue.... I will place a tiny amount of coconut oil in the palm of my hand to warm it up so it melts, then I'll tap some mineral foundation on top and swirl it around to make a liquid foundation consistency.  Using my fingers or a foundation brush, I'll apply it to my face and buff it into my skin. It transforms my powdered mineral foundation into a moisturizing tint that covers and blurs all my imperfections. And the best part? It's chemical free! And, again you guessed it-good for your skin.

As a makeup remover:
Have you ever bought a mascara that was fabulous, and didn't flake at all, and didn't smudge at all, and was waterproof, so you could cry, swim and sweat and it would still look awesome? And, did that same mascara haunt you at the end of the day after you've scrubbed everything else off your face? Ya, been there. But, now you can remove it so fast and easily now that you have coconut oil in your bathroom cabinet. Just massage a pea sized amount onto you closed eyes, for about 30 seconds, then wipe clean with a warm, damp wash cloth. I promise it will come off with this technique. It has saved my eyelashes more than once! Just please make sure you don't get the coconut oil in your eyes. While it's natural and most people say it's okay for you to put coconut oil in your eyes, your eye makeup may not be okay to get in there.

As a scrub:
Okay, coconut oil alone is not a great scrub. But when you mix it with a tiny amount of baking soda it's amazing! Seriously, nothing makes my skin feel as baby soft as when I use this 2 ingredient scrub. Just warm a small amount of coconut oil in the palm of your hand, then sprinkle a tiny amount of baking soda on top. Swirl it together to make a thin paste, then very gently buff it onto your skin. Gently being the key word here. You don't want to be too harsh or you could irritate your skin. Gentle, circular motions with the pads of your fingertips for about a minute, then rinse off. It's easy and so effective, and also so much cheaper than scrubs that you buy at the store. Plus, again, it's natural, so no worrying about a chemical rash or worse!

As a replacement for neosporin:
Yes, you read that right. You can swap coconut oil for neosporin! It is antibacterial and naturally lubricates the cut or scrape and promotes healing. If your worried about it not killing enough germs, and the cut is pretty deep, you can also add a drop of tea tree oil with you coconut oil, and that will boost the antibacterial action by a lot. Just, make sure you wash the wound with warm soapy water before applying your oils.

And, that's it! How do you use coconut oil? Comment below and share!

Review: QVC excusive Tarte Colored Clay 7-Pc Collection with Bag

 Image taken from QVC's website

First, let me just start by saying, that my FAVORITE brand of makeup is tarte. I love that they promote a more natural line of makeup and skincare. Their ingredients are usually safe, and they are effective! I honestly have not bought something from the line that I haven't loved. So, when I saw this set as the 'todays special value' on QVC, I grabbed it.

This 7 piece set includes the following:

• clay eyeliner in Black
• LipSurgence Lip Gloss in True Love, a sheer raspberry shade
• clay blush bronzer in Pink Bronze
• colored clay SPF 15 liquid foundation
• colored clay CC primer
• lights, camera, LASHES mascara in Black
• Bamboo foundation brush
• and Bonus makeup bag

All items in this set are full size, and if you were to buy them separately, it would cost you well over $200. Currently, as I'm typing this blog post, it is for sale here for $65.96 with $7.22 S&H. You're saving well over 60% on this people!

On to my review. Lets start with the foundation. The colored clay SPF 15 liquid foundation as of right now is a QVC exclusive, and it is what makes this set stand out in my opinion. The set comes with a brush to apply it with, and the 2 products work together wonderfully! The foundation comes in the same jar as the Amazonian clay airbrush foundation. It has a net-like sifter that you touch your brush with to get a small amount of product, then you buff it onto your face. The lid of the jar has a stopper on the inside to prevent the foundation from spilling all over the place, and you are supposed to shake the jar before each use. This foundation is very build-able, and lasts all day with a satin matte finish. It is quickly replacing my go-to foundation (tarte's Amazonian clay 12-hour full coverage SPF 15). I have very oily patches, and also have some dry patches as well, and it wears very well on me throughout the day. It doesn't cling to my dry areas, and there is very little to no breakdown where I'm more oily.

Moving on to the colored clay CC primer. This product I'm a bit on the fence about. I like it enough that I will probably repurchase it, but it's definitely not my favorite primer of all time. Mainly because of the color it leaves on my skin. it has 4 chambers of color on a very chubby stick, that you drag across your face and then buff out with your fingers. 2 chambers are skin colored, 1 is a very light green that is supposed to counteract any redness on your face and then the last chamber is purple, which is supposed to even out and brighten your skin. I'm very pale, and I got the shade 'fair' in this stick, and it goes on a bit dark for me. Once I sheer it our with my fingers, and then apply foundation over it, it looks just fine. But, this isn't a product that I can use alone by any means like the description says.

The clay blush bronzer in Pink Bronze is one of the more disappointing products in this kit. Everyone who loves makeup knows that tarte's Amazonian clay 12-Hour blush is a cult favorite. And, this blush in comparison to those is just okay. The bronzer portion is very peachy and the blush portion is very pale and not very highly pigmented. when you swirl around the whole pan, you get a very brownish peachy pink color that has a slight shimmer to it. The staying power of this blush bronzer is decent, however not as good as the Amazonian clay blush that is a tarte favorite. Overall, I'm not sure tarte could have really gotten it any better after the Amazonian clay blush, to be honest. So if I weren't comparing this blush to that, then it would be okay.

 The clay eyeliner in Black is a nice addition to this kit as well. It is a waterproof twist up eyeliner, and the pigmentation is good, the staying power is great, and it is very smooth to apply. I used it in my waterline when I first got this, and it lasted about 6 hours, which is a decent amount of time for me. And, when worn as a normal eyeliner next to my lash line, it stays all day with no visible signs of wear. 

Next, the LipSurgence Lip Gloss in True Love is yet another QVC exclusive product as of right now. When I got this kit, I wasn't expecting to like this gloss very much. Being on the more pale side I try to steer clear of bold lip colors in general, but this one was surprisingly great. You can sheer it out for a more natural pinkish red look, or build it up to be a more intense berry red. The doe foot applicator has a divot at the top that holds a lot of product which has been something that most people haven't liked about this product. I'm okay with it, and I think it makes this lip gloss different. The divot forms to your lips better than a normal doe foot applicator, and it holds more product on it, too. It has a very pleasant and light scent, and a touch of sparkle.  It's not very sticky when you sheer it out like I like to do, and it would go on top of a berry or red toned lipstick awesomely! Another new hit from tarte! I can't wait to try new shades of these when they come out.

 
Lastly, the lights, camera, LASHES mascara is something that wasn't new to me at all. I've been using this mascara for a long time, and it is a go-to for me. It doesn't flake, it doesn't smudge and it separates your lashes very wonderfully. The snake skin purple packaging is adorable, and it lasts all day with out making you look like a raccoon by the end of it. Love!

The bag that comes with these products is rather large. it is a bright pink zip top bag, and it holds everything you get with this kit, plus LOTS more. It has a cute little golden tarte embellishment on one side and the material is a smooth polyester that feels pretty sturdy.

Overall, this set was a big hit for me. With the exception of the blush everything in this kit was stellar. QVC also has everything on auto-ship as well, and the auto-ship has a few changes every time. You can go here to see what you'll get next if you choose to do the auto-ship.

So, what do you think of this kit? A must have? Not a tarte fan? Don't think it's a great value? Let me know in the comments!

Welcome to Winky Pink!

Hi, my name is Cherity. I'm a licensed cosmetologist, and have always loved all things beauty. I'm here to share with you my passion of cosmetics and give you a few tips, reviews and tricks along the way. Thanks for stopping by!