Light Golden and Burgundy EOTD featuring theBalm


I haven't done an eye of the day post in a long while and I've been trying to experiment with different eye shapes so this blossomed after using my thebalm Balm Jovi palette I got as a Christmas gift. 

I'm stoked for the end of December and the beginning of January! I go back to school in three weeks (seems so short) so I'm going to enjoy these last few weeks as best I can before school and clinic starts up. 

alicecoppereotd-1

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Products Used

Too Faced Shadow Insurance
Tarte Amazonian Clay Skinny Smoldereyes Liner in Purple Garnet on the lower lashline and the outer third of the upper lid
theBalm Iron Maid-en on the inner corner
theBalm Alice Copper in the outer 2/3rds
Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes Mascara
Anastasia Lash Genius
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown

What did you guys get for Christmas if you celebrated Christmas?

Disclaimer: I received the Anastasia products as a gift from attending events/trade shows. I received the theBalm Balm Jovi palette as a Christmas gift. The rest I purchased myself. All opinions are my own.

City Color Cosmetics Shadow Primer in Nude Review

Press Sample

A few months back, I received a few products from City Color Cosmetics and am finally getting to my review on some of the products. If you have a Rite-Aid close to you, you might have seen a few items there but for the most part, you gotta shop online at City Color Cosmetics to purchase the full range. Thankfully though the products are quite affordable.

The first product I wanted to talk about is the Shadow Primer, the next in another post is the Matte Lipstick.

citycolorcosmeticsshadowprimer3-1

Where to purchaseCity Color Cosmetics
Price: $2.99 for 2.3 grams. 
Do they test on animals?: The company does not.
Packaging: The eyeshadow primer comes in a plastic tube with a doefoot applicator. I do find the packaging to be a little cheap because the plastic does squeak  as you're removing the wand.

Formula:

The primer actually feels quite thin, kind of watery compared to other creamy primers I've tried. The color Nude is a translucent neutral that sheers out as you blend but I think the nude color might be a little chalky looking on tanner skin tones.

citycolorcosmeticsshadowprimer3-2

On my oily eyelids, the primer wasn't as strong as other primers I've tried in protecting against creasing. It still fared about 6 hours before creasing but I've experienced longer wear with other primers. While it isn't as good as other primers I've tried, it does enhance eyeshadows you wear on top. It was much better with pressed eyeshadows than loose eyeshadows.

Here's a comparison of Urban Decay's Gravity eyeshadow with (on the right) and without (on the left) the Shadow Primer.

citycolorcosmeticsshadowprimer-1

All in all, while it isn't my favorite primer it's not bad if you have drier eyelids and are looking to enhance your pressed eyeshadows.

Purchase if:
a) You have dry or normal eyelids
b) You're looking for an inexpensive primer

Don't purchase if:
a) You have oily eyelids

Disclaimer: I received this product courtesy of the brand. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this post.

Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smokey Eye Palette Swatches and Review


Press Sample 

Hey everyone, I hope you had a lovely Christmas or a typical Wednesday! A few weeks ago, I got sent this Studio Gear Holiday Smokey Eye Palette as part of a campaign with BrandBacker. I've only tried the CC Cream from the brand before so I was interested in trying their eyeshadows out.


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Where to Purchase: Studio Gear, ULTA 
Price: $25 for four eyeshadows and one blush. On Studio Gear's website it is $25 but it appears to be $10 on ULTA's website. I'm not sure how much it'll cost in stores.
Do they test on animals?: The company does not however it says that their products may be tested in places where required by law. 
Packaging: The colors are housed in a cardboard palette with a magnetized closure.

You get four eyeshadows and one blush in the palette. They have a face chart in the lid of the palette but it's actually got the eyeshadows labeled incorrectly. The eyeshadows from top left to bottom left are: Frost, Coal, Glimmer, and Platinum. The blush is called Snowy Glow.


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Formula/Swatches:

Unfortunately I wasn't impressed with the eyeshadows and the swatches kind of speak for themselves. The eyeshadows were swatched dry over Too Faced Shadow Insurance and the picture was taken in natural daylight with no flash.

From left to right: Frost, Platinum, Glimmer, Coal, and Snowy Glow

studiogearholidaypalette

You can tell that even with a primer, it didn't help with the eyeshadows. Frost and Glimmer were especially flaky and prone to fallout. Coal looks sheer and Platinum was the best of the bunch, although it still needed the help of a primer. 

All in all, I personally wouldn't recommend this palette. For $25 I think there are other palettes out there that are a better value and have better pigmentation.

Even if you don't like the eyeshadow palette, you can still get 10% off your order with the code SGHOLIDAY on their website.

Purchase if:
a) You're curious and have $25 to spend

Don't purchase if:
a) You expect more out of your eyeshadows

Disclaimer: I received this product for review via Brandbacker. I was not paid for this review and all opinions are my own!

Bite Beauty Best Bite Set: Swatches and Review

I Purchased This

When I got the $15 Beauty Insider Reward Certificate in my hands (I just hit VIB but not in time for the system to figure it out I guess), I had it in my mind to get this Bite Beauty Best Bite Set. 

The set contains four minis of the High Pigment Matte Pencils in Quince, Rhubarb, Cranberry, and Madeira in this compact metal tin (that has a mirror inside!). Quince, Rhubarb, and Madeira are part of the permanent line but Cranberry is limited edition (I'll show how it compares to a few other colors I have from the line). Unfortunately they've taken it off the website but they are available in stores!

bitebeautybestbiteset5

The set is great because a) it costs $25 for FOUR pencils, each containing .05 oz when a full size is $24 and contains .09 oz. b) the tin is cute and I love minis c) you get to have a set of four colors
Click through to read my thoughts and see both lip swatches and full face photos!

Tarte Stop and Stare 6-Piece Eyeliner & Lash Set: Swatches and Review

I Purchased This Affiliate Link

I'm so happy that my first semester of grad school is over, now I can actually spend winter break blogging (without feeling like I'm neglected my school work). There are a few reviews I have to get up soon but I did want to finish this one and my next on the Bite Beauty Best Bite Set because they're limited edition holiday items.

After seeing Phyrra's review of the Tarte Stop & Stare Eyeliner Set, I knew I had to get my hands on it. It was on sale at Sephora for only $27 (down from $39) and combined with the Beauty Insider Reward Certificate, it was a sweet deal. Today, I'm going to review the eyeliners (not the mascara).

TarteStopandStareSet3

Where to purchase: Sephora (affiliate link) and ULTA

Price: $27 for three skinny SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liners and two SmolderEYES Amazonian Clay Waterproof Liners plus one deluxe Lights, Camera, Flashes Statement Mascara. It was previously priced for $39 but is on sale at Sephora and ULTA (it was on sale in stores at Sephora but I'm not sure about ULTA).
Do they test on animals?: The company does not.
Packaging: The pencils are all color coordinated and sharpenable. The thicker Amazonian Clay Liners come with a built in smudger tip.

The three Skinny Amazonian Clay Liners are Purple Garnet, Azurite Green, and Onyx. Onyx is permanent and Purple Garnet and Azurite Green are limited edition.


TarteStopandStareSet2


The regular Amazonian Clay liners come in Rose Gold and Taupe. I personally don't think it's actually a Rose Gold, I do think it's more bronze and not pink enough but it's still a nice color. These appear to be limited edition colors.


TarteStopandStareSet

Click through to read my thoughts on the formula and swatches!

Beauty Blog Coalition $900 Winter Giveaway!

The bloggers from the Beauty Blog Coalition are at it again and have set up a group giveaway with one grand prize winner and two first place winners!

All terms and conditions are listed in the Rafflecopter widget below. The giveaway is open from 10 December until 21 December, internationally to all those ages 18 and up. You may tweet using the Rafflecopter option once a day until the giveaway is over for extra entries. One winner will receive a $500 prepaid Visa gift card. Two more winners will receive a $200 prepaid Visa gift card. (Both are available as a one-time PayPal transfer if the winner so chooses.)

Please take time to visit the bloggers who made this giveaway happen and good luck!


A Little Polish

Ashley is PolishAddicted

Beauty and Fashion Tech

Beauty by Krystal

Beauty by Miss L

Beauty Info Zone

Big Time Beauty

Blushing Basics

Blushing Noir

Citizens of Beauty

Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom

Cosmetic Sanctuary

D.G.S.Beauty

daydreaming beauty

Fabulous Awesomeness

Geniabeme

Glamorable

Glamorous Mama

GlitzGlamBudget

Hairspray and Highheels

Honeygirl's World

InTruBeauty

Justina's Gems

Kat Stays Polished

KellieGonzo.com

KillerLipGloss

Lawless Lacquer

Liesl Loves Pretty Things

Lipgloss Break

Logical Harmony

Makeup by Kim Porter

Midnight Manicures

Moxie Reviews

My Highest Self

My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog

Peace Love Lipgloss

Peek & Ponder

Phyrra

Pointless Cafe

Polarbelle

PolishGalore

polish insomniac

Portrait of Mai

Pure Natural Diva Botanicals

Set in Lacquer

Smashley Sparkles

Stephanie Louise- All Things Beautiful Blog

The Crumpet

The Lacquerologist

TheFabZilla

Will Paint Nails for Food


a Rafflecopter giveaway
The total maximum Prize pool value is US $900. The Prize values are the recommended retail values and are correct at the time of printing. The Promoter is neither responsible nor liable for any change in the value of the Prize occurring between publishing date and date the Prize is claimed. All Prize values are in US dollars.

The Prize is not transferable or redeemable for cash. The Prize or any element of the Prize cannot be exchanged for any other prize/s with the exception that the winner may receive the prize as a one time PayPal transfer. The contents of the Prize will be at the Promoter’s sole discretion. The Prize is subject to availability and the terms and conditions of the entities supplying the Prize.

Review & Swatches: em michelle phan Creamy Color Classic Lipstick

I Purchased This

I meant to post this earlier but I'm glad I'm able to now while their Cyber Monday (Buy one product, get another in that shade for free!) sale is going on today! I'm reviewing the em michelle phan Creamy Color Classic Lipstick in Nude Lace. I've already reviewed the Matte Lipstick in a previous post so I'm covering the classic lipstick today. I wanted to get an idea of the brand's lipsticks and since I don't really have a place in my collection for a sheer lipstick, I got the Classic formula.


em michelle phan creamy color classic lipstick nude lace

To save space on my blog's front page, I've put everything under a cut~ 

Introduction, Swatches, and Review: Limnit Lipsticks

I Purchased This Press Sample

Today I'm really excited to introduce, swatch, and review a new cosmetics company for you guys called Limnit Lipsticks. I was introduced to the company only last week and I'm already so stoked to talk about them.

I was browsing on etsy (in between my school work because why not) and came across these listings of a beautiful bright teal and deep navy blue lipstick. Intrigued, I clicked to get more information and I'm immediately hooked. I'll admit I was a little hesitant at first because the company is so new (they opened about two weeks ago) but I was comforted by the fact that they have:
  • Well-thought out branding and color names (Olly Olly Oxen Free for an Oxblood lipstick, Punkin' for a bright orange, etc)
  • Detailed Ingredient lists. Each listing has an ingredient lists and the color index (CI) number listed for each colorant. I hate having to search around for the ingredient lists so I'm thankful it's listed nice and clear.
  • Well-lit and accurate photographs and swatches that they actually took. I've been burned lately by companies stealing photographs or having poorly lit photographs so it was nice to see the photography. 
They had sample jars available so I picked up three in Bewitching Hour, League of My Own, and Olly Olly Oxen Free. (I'm a sucker for lipsticks and especially a sucker for samples). The owner Trina was kind enough to gift me with two extra samples of Racin' Carnation and Deepest Taupes and Dreams.

FYI These lipsticks ARE Vegan and Cruelty Free.

limnit lipsticks

I've got a lot of pictures in this post so I'll be putting it under a cut in case you're reading this from my home page!

Black Friday/Cyber Monday 2013 Beauty Picks

Before Black Friday and Cyber Monday, I wanted to compile some sales from a few beauty brands that I've tried and like. There are tons more sales out there but here are my picks!

Darling Girl Cosmetics is having a 20% sale with the code Gobblegobble, starting 11/28 5PM CST until midnight 11/29 CST. Orders over $20 will get a limited edition mini of "Who Cares, It's on Sale". FYI they will be closing the shopping cart down December 1st in order to fulfill all orders before they go on holiday and will not open until January.

em michelle phan is having a sale where you can get $10 off a purchase $30+, $20 off a purchase $50+, and for every $100, you get 50% off. (I reviewed their matte lipstick here and it's worth a try!)

Inglot is having 20% off all products excluding Freedom System Palettes and Accessories plus you get a free Gel Eyeliner in the shade 77 with any $80+ purchase this weekend from 3AM EST 11/28 until 3AM EST 12/4

Sephora (affiliate link) has a bunch of $10 specials beginning on the 29th, some that are available online only and some in store and online. You can check out the list on their Pinterest. You can use the code FIXIT for a 12 piece holiday sample bag with any $25 purchase.

Silk Naturals just released their Holiday 2013 Collection and you can get 7% off sitewise with the code "snowflake7" until the 30th. They rarely ever have sales so take advantage of it while you can!

Sugarpill Cosmetics (affiliate link) and their Black Friday sale is one that I anticipate most every year, it's usually when they have the best discount on their cosmetics.  This year all items are 20%-50% off 11/28 thru 12/2 with no code necessary. If you want to pick up their products at a great price, now is the time!

thebalm will be having a 40% off sale on their website Monday 10am PST thru Tuesday 10am PST. Their blushes and eyeshadow palettes are fabulous! are fabulous

Disclaimer: The links marked with the affiliate link are links that give me a commission based off your use of the link. Feel free to use a nonaffiliate link, the affiliate link just helps to support me and the blog!

Fyrinnae Cosmetics Winter 2013 Collection

Nothing to Disclose

Hot diggity, a new Fyrinnae Winter 2013 Collection is up! There's seven eyeshadows, one powder blush, and one lip lustre available for purchase! I didn't expect them to be releasing a new collection so soon so I'm glad that they were able to. Peppermint Vodka and Because Cats looks beautiful!

FYI: Fyrinnae doesn't do limited edition collections so don't worry if you're not able to get the products now.

fyrinnae winter 2013

Hue in the City: Beauty Bloggers Chat Vol 4.0

hueitc
Question of the week: Do you struggle with pairing an eye look with a bold lip?


I usually keep it simple when I have a bold lip, usually just doing a liner look as opposed to a dramatic eyeshadow look so in a sense, I don't usually have trouble. I'll usually pick a feature (eyes or lips), then work around that.

Check out this week's posts from the Hue in the City Bloggers!

Cosmetic Companies and the Problem with Photography Stealing

I've been noticing a disturbing trend, where certain companies have been stealing and manipulating photos from other companies or blogs to use in their product listings. This is extremely distressing because it's exceptionally deceptive, unethical, shady, illegal, and misleads customers. 

impulse cosmetics valkyrie 1

I would hope that I don't have to tell this to anyone at this point, but here it is - STEALING is BAD. When you take something that is not yours and pretend like it is, that's stealing. While downloading and using a photo from the internet is not the same as shoplifting from a store, it’s theft just the same. When you see a picture of a product, take it, put it on your product listing, and insinuate that that picture represents your product, you are lying to your customers.

I do want to take the time to explain intellectual property rights in the context of photography. When you take a picture, you own that picture and all rights regarding the use and distribution of the photo. When you post the picture to the internet, you still reserve all rights to the photo. You do not lose the copyright to it. The photograph is still the intellectual property of the person who took the picture. If you download a picture and use it without the consent of the copyright owner, you can, in fact, be sued for violating their copyright. Companies that repeatedly, knowingly use product photos from other brands are opening themselves up to a serious amount of liability. 

There are so many companies out there have great product photography or if they're unable to have good photographs, they outsource the work. I know of a few indie brands that have actually paid someone to do product swatches for them, and I think that's fantastic. I know that not everyone has the budget for that, but there are still options out there for brands on a tight budget. If there's a blogger you like, contact them to see if they would be willing to swatch in exchange for product and/or a fee to license the photographs. There are plenty of bloggers out there who are great at swatching. Please don't resort to stealing.

While my intent for the post was to be a general rant, there is a specific company in mind that needs to be called out on their behavior. 

Impulse Cosmetics. 

I was so very interested in their lipsticks a long time ago but was turned off by their photoshopped listings for the lipsticks. They eventually switched over to having someone model their lipsticks so I thought "Okay cool, I'll keep them in mind and maybe pick up something later"

Then this happened...

I was in a Facebook group when it came to my attention that they STOLE a picture from Fyrinnae Cosmetics, cropped it, and used it in a product listing. When I saw this, I was very upset because Fyrinnae is one of my favorite indie companies. They are one of the companies you think of when you think indie and they do not deserve to have anyone stealing their work.

I won't take credit for the find, but I'm thankful for the information. Since it must be said, I have not manipulated or photoshopped ANY of these photos. I have merely screencapped the photos together for comparison.

I was discussing what had happened in a makeup subreddit I follow (feel free to check out the thread here) and I felt compelled to write on Impulse Cosmetics' Facebook wall about it, while someone else in the subreddit mentioned that they had messaged the company. My post linked to the image of the stolen photograph and I had chastised them for stealing the photograph from Fyrinnae. In the end, they deleted my post on their Facebook wall and they never responded to the person who sent the message. I did not manage to get a screencap of my post but if you look in the reddit thread, there are several people who mention that they do not see my post anymore (indicating that it was there).

After this, they had closed the shop for restocking (which they were actually doing) but after they reopened the shop, they removed the Fyrinnae photograph from the listing for Valkyrie. Whether it was directly because of me and the other person messaging them is unknown but the timing certainly suggests so.

This was the listing for Valkyrie. Again, the picture was removed but it's evidence that they were taking the photograph from Fyrinnae.

impulse cosmetics valkyrie

Further detective work (not by me but I wish I had such keen eyes) showed that they have stolen at least one other photograph from Fyrinnae:

Previously, I wasn't able to see the stolen picture being used and had to refer to a previous transaction, but I now see that they are in fact STILL using it.

impulse cosmetics scramble

You're probably thinking "Uh those aren't the same colors" and that's true but if you look inside the circle that's the part that has been cropped and merely color corrected.

and while this isn't an example of them stealing from another indie cosmetics company, it does show that their glitter appears to be sourced from The Conservatorie however there's no mention on the listing that it is not a custom blended glitter.

impulse cosmetics honor

Quite honestly I'm suspicious of the rest of their listings that have been cropped in a circle but I don't have any concrete proof yet of further listings.


There has been no mention of the photography issue both publicly or privately. I was not messaged or emailed by the owner of Impulse Cosmetics regarding the deletion of my post. There has been no apology from Impulse Cosmetics to their customers or to Fyrinnae Cosmetics for stealing the photographs. Considering this, how can we really know if they will never do it again or feel remorseful for their actions?

You might be thinking "well they took the photographs for Scramble and Valkyrie off, the matter is over right?"For me, no the matter is not over. Like it or not, they clearly violated Fyrinnae's copyrights by downloading the photos and using them for commercial purposes in their shop. There's clearly a history of them misrepresenting their products through the use of those photographs.

I personally don't understand why they felt the need to steal photographs for their listings, they actually have some decent swatch pictures of their eyeshadows. Either way it begs the question, how can you rely on them as a company if they can't even manage to do their own product photography and think it's okay to steal photographs instead?

I am not saying that you shouldn't shop from them, or that you should somehow enjoy what you have gotten from them less, just consider who you shop from and the ethics system that they choose to follow. I don't want to be supporting unscrupulous companies who steal photographs from fellow indies. There's already so much suspicion around with indie companies due to the bad ones and it really just hurts the good ones. Please support the good indie companies and avoid the rest!

Review & Swatches: em michelle phan Creamy Color Matte Lipstick

I Purchased This

Today I'm going to be reviewing the em michelle phan Creamy Color Matte Lipstick in Cuddling. When I first heard about the EM Cosmetics line, I was so so intrigued by it. They were having a sale (and they're having a coupon code out now where you can get 30% your purchase until the 30th with the code IPSY30) so I bought two, the matte lipstick I'm reviewing today and the creamy color classic lipstick in Nude Lace I'm reviewing later.

em michelle phan creamy color matte lipstick cuddling

I've got a lot of pictures and thoughts to say so I'm putting a cut so your bandwidth won't be eaten up if you're on my blog's front page!

FAQ Answered!: Turning Metallic Lip Tars into Lip Tar Pencils

Nothing to Disclose

I've had a lot of people ask me questions about turning lip tars into lip pencils and I've answered most of them in this FAQ. However I hadn't covered the issue of metallic lip tars mainly because I didn't own any at the time. Now that I own one (Black Metal Dahlia) meant for wearing opaquely on the lips, I thought I would tackle the issue of the outcome of turning your metallic lip tars into lip pencils.

Black Metal Dahlia Lip Tar and Lip Pencil

After turning Black Metal Dahlia into a lip pencil in addition to seeing Phyrra's swatch of her metallic Super NSFW and Batty+Tarred Lip Pencils, I would NOT recommend turning your metallic lip tars into pencils. When I was using Black Metal Dahlia with a brush, I noticed that the lip tar wasn't as watery like my regular lip tars and I had to use more than usual in order to get opaque coverage on my lips. That's because the lip tar is packed full of shimmer and sparkle which makes the base color less pigmented. Some of the other metallic lip tars are also pretty sheer which means they'll be even less pigmented as a pencil.

Using the ratio of 2 grams of lip tar to 3 grams of eyeliner base won't work since the 2 grams of metallic lip tar in a pencil will be more diluted than an equal amount of the regular lip tar. When I followed my original ratio, the color was weaker AND the sparkle seemed very dull. The color didn't seem as "glowing" and "lit from within" the way it was when I applied the lip tar normally.

Here is a swatch of Black Metal Dahlia applied regularly on the top lip and as a pencil on the bottom lip so you can see what I mean. The pigmentation of the pencil is quite poor compared to the lip tar applied normally.

Black Metal Dahlia Lip Tar and Lip Pencil

Although you could certainly increase the ratio of the lip tar in your formula, I am a little worried about it impacting the texture and compromising the wear time. I also think that at a certain point you're just diluting the lip tar way too much in an effort to be convenient and I think it's better off staying in liquid form.

In the long run, I'd say apply your metallic lip tars with a brush and save the penciling process for your regular lip tars. I don't own a Stained Gloss lip tar so when I do get my hands on one, I'll be sure to write another post on it!

I hope this post helped!

Giveaway: Win a Set of Lilly Brushes and $250!

lilly brush 1
Today I have the lovely pleasure of hosting a giveaway (with my fellow beauty bloggers) for $250 and set of Lilly Brushes! More information will be posted later on in the post but I wanted to take a chance to explain what a Lilly Brush is.

The Lilly Brush is a pill removal brush that helps restore and rejuvenate natural fiber clothing and removes pet hair, lint and fuzz. It comes with a houndstooth carrying cover and is sleek enough to fit in a purse or jacket - perfect for anyone on the run! It's an eco-friendly solution to sticky rollers, and is made to last for years.

In case you're wondering, the Lilly Brush works on all natural fibers including cotton, wool, cashmere, hemp, and alpaca. The soft, nylon bristles of the Lilly Brush won't snag or make holes in delicate sweater weaves. For washable fabrics the Lilly Brush can be dampened before use to eliminate static.

To use: apply moderate pressure while sweeping the Lilly Brush across your garment in any direction to make short work of pills, pet hair, lint and light soil. To clean the Lilly Brush, simply wash with light soap, rinse, and tap briskly to remove excess water.

The people behind Lilly Brush get just how annoying it is to part with a favorite cashmere, wool or cotton sweater simply because normal wear has left it covered in pills and the Lilly Brush is a quick alternative to sticky lint rollers. 

For more information, visit Lilly Brush. LillyBrush also has an active social media presence on Facebook and Twitter

All of us are giving away $250 plus a Lilly Brush in each color (graphite grey and red) to one lucky winner! US only. You must be 18 or older. By entering, you agree to the official rules.


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Hue in the City: Beauty Bloggers Chat Vol. 3.0

hueitc
You know I don't think I ever explained what the Hue in the City roundup is, I think I just started posting about it without explaining! Basically Hue in the City is a small roundup of blog posts from a variety of beauty bloggers who represent a variety of different ethnicities and hues. I think it's wonderful way to be introduced to different bloggers who represent the varied spectrum of beauty.

Question of the week: What are your top 3 go-to makeup products when you're getting ready in a rush?

My top three go-to makeup products would be my Missha Perfect Cover BB Cream, Almay Liquid Lip Balm in Just Plum Good, and Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash.

What are your guys' go to products when you're in a rush?

Charity Event Spotlight: Love, Preview

Today's post is a little more serious because I wanted to talk about this event called Love, Preview happening in Orange County, CA on November 10th. I first heard about this event from Jen at The PolishAholic. She mentioned this curated beauty and fashion charity shopping event that benefited No Kid Hungry, a charity that works towards ending childhood hunger and it sounded like a wonderful cause.


Love, Preview

The event was started by Victoria, the owner of Serum No. 5, an indie brand of hand mixed nail polishes. I personally haven't tried any of their polishes but I know they're well-loved in the indie nail polish world. The event has many different fashion and beauty brands that you can purchase from (check out the list in the flyer!). All the profits from the ticket sales, vendor fees, sponsorships and donations will go towards No Kid Hungry.

The event will take place in Orange County, specifically the Shark Club in Costa Mesa.

You can purchase tickets for $10.59 online (until the 9th) or $15 at the door. This is a 21 and over event however. Tickets include admission, a raffle ticket, and gifts from Seven til Midnight, Planet Beauty and NAIL IT! Magazine (while supplies last). All the money collected from ticket sales (after the administrative costs) will go towards No Kid Hungry.

If you're not able to attend the event, you can donate to their Indiegogo campaign for another week! There are many donation tiers and you can donate any amount you'd like.

I know not everyone will be able to go or donate so feel free to share information about this event if you'd like to!

FYI: I'm not being paid to post about the event. I'm actually going to be attending the event and asked to be a media partner to promote the event but I do not receive any compensation (it'd be terrible if I did anyway yeah? I mean all the money should go towards the charity)

Rose Gold Romance FOTD/EOTD

I Purchased This Gift

There is a high probability that I'm taking a break/procrastinating on a paper due next Tuesday. There are only so many times I can reread an article before I need a break from it. I've really been into the color Rose Gold for Fall and rediscovered my L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush which I think is the perfect shade so I wanted to use it in a quick look.

I paired it with a Jane Cosmetics Eyeliner in Rose Gold that I got impulsively but I think it's going to go back to the store since the color payoff seems super poor on me.

Rose Gold Eyeshadow FOTD

Rose Gold Eyeshadow FOTD

I also wanted to use my Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak. I'm feeling kind of underwhelmed by it. Don't get me wrong, I like the color but it takes a few swipes to get opaque looking (and even then it's prone to getting a little streaky). It does last about four hours comfortably on my lips. I got it on sale for $17 but I think the full price of $22 is hard to swallow when it's not super opaque and I have to be wary of streaks. I'm going to keep wearing it to see how I like it but I'm hoping I didn't set my hopes too high because of the hype.

Rose Gold Eyeshadow FOTD

Products Used:

Face

BareMinerals Ready Foundation in Golden Medium
Rock and Republic Blush in Bedroom

Eyes
L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Amber Rush
Jane Cosmetics Water Resistant Eyeliner in Rose Gold
BUXOM Hold the Line Eyeliner in Here's My Number
Anastasia Lash Genius
BareMinerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara
Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Medium Brown

Lips
Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Streak

Disclaimer: I received several products in this look as a gift from attending Generation Beauty and several products courtesy of their respective brands. All opinions are my own.

Hue in the City: Beauty Bloggers Chat Vol. 2.0

hueitc
Question of the Week: What makeup rule(s) do you ignore?

My answer: I had to ponder this for a while hmm. There's this rule that if you have small eyes, you shouldn't line your lower waterline with black eyeliner but I actually think that without eyeliner, my eyes look undefined and really top heavy.

For you guys: What makeup rules do you ignore?

After you've finished answering, feel free to check out other posts from the other Hue in the City Bloggers!

  • Leticia is going to show you how to do awesome nail art with short nails.
  • Ishah reviews the infamous Diamond Candle. Did she score a diamond?
  • Eugenia creates a nice green and orange look using Fyrinnae.
  • Mina reviews L’Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder makeup.
  • Jessica thinks your lips should be ruby red during the fall.
  • Melody played with the Maybelline Master Duo liners.
  • Quinn found five blushes that are Fall perfect.
  • Mai has perfect swatches of the Dreamworld Hermetica Hocus Pocus Eyeshadow collection.
  • Aprill wants to know what you have to hide with toe concealer.

Sugarpill Cosmetics Die Pretty! Halloween Special Sale

Affiliate Link

sugarpill sale die pretty

Sugarpill (affiliate link) tends to be pretty consistent with their big sales (one in February and one in November) so it's nice when they have random sales like this. With the coupon code "DIEPRETTY" you can get their new Cold Chemistry Collection and their Burning Heart Palette for 15% off. They do ship worldwide by the way! Be sure to check out Temptalia's and Leesha's swatches of the collection!

Disclaimer: The photo and the link in this post are affiliate links that give me a commission based off your use of the link when you make your purchase which helps support myself and the blog. Feel free to use a nonaffiliate link!

Hue in the City: Beauty Bloggers Chat Vol. 1.0

hueitc
Question of the Week: What three makeup items can you NOT live without and why?

The three makeup items I can't live without and why are my Milani Eyeshadow Primer, Shu Uemura/Koji eyeshadow curler, and Anastasia Brow Wiz in Medium Ash. I need eyeshadow primer because my hooded oily Asian eyes do a number on any eyeshadow if not protected, an eyelash curler because whenever I curl my eyelashes, it really opens my eyes, and Anastasia's Brow Wiz because I've been making a mess out of my uneven brows and I gotta keep them in shape!

I'd love to know what your three cannot live without makeup items are! After you've commented, feel free to check out some awesome reads from the rest of the Hue in the City bloggers!

Ishah wants to show off her HG highlighter.
Genia shows us the wonders of a $5 blue eyeliner
Leticia, her smoky brown eye, and Urban Decay Bang
Jessica reviews Foreo’s Luna- The Ultimate Skin Saver
Mai swatched OCC Pro's Pick Lip Tar Set in v2.0
Mina died and went to makeup heaven
Sephora Friends and Family sale? Aprill pooped that party.

BonBliss Scrub-2-Go and Body Truffle Scrub Review

I Purchased This Gift

It only took me oh about nine months after I was introduced to them to finally post a review. Most assuredly, I can blame Alyson/The Gloss Menagerie for introducing me to these BonBliss body scrubs because she instagrammed a picture of a sweets shoppe-style selection of individually wrapped chocolate-style body truffles at ISSE Long Beach.

I didn't end up purchasing anything until June when I went to PHAMExpo to pick up a tin of their Scrub-2-Go, a travel-friendly tin of their body scrubs. I purchased a tin of the Scrub-2-Go in the Mango Sorbet scent and the owner Elissa was nice enough to give me an extra Body Truffle (also in Mango Sorbet, if you've ever met me in person you'd know how obsessed I am with mango-scented anything)

These salt and sugar scrubs are amazingly moisturizing and exfoliating on the hands and body. After you use the scrub, you'll find your hands and body smooth and moisturized with a bit of cocoa and shea butter residue left over. I hate to say residue because it sounds like it has a negative connotation but it makes you feel like you just put on a nice coat of lotion and you can rub it in for further moisturization.

BonBliss Scrub-2-Go Body Truffle

The Scrub-2-Go tin retails for $10.95 for 1.2 oz/34 grams of product. Each cube weighs about 2 grams and so there's about seventeen cubes in each tin. I had exactly seventeen cubes in my tin. These are a brilliant hand scrub, especially before doing a manicure on yourself or as a foot scrub if you want to target dry heels.

The Body Truffle retails for $3.75 for 1.0 oz/28 grams of product. As you can tell, the Body Truffle is a better value but whereas the Scrub-2-Go is marketed as a hand scrub, the Body Truffle is marketed as the name says, to use as an all over body scrub. I was able to get two full body showers out of the Body Truffle so you don't have to use it all at once. 

Be sure to keep the Body Truffle out of the direct stream of water if you're using it in the shower.

BonBliss Scrub-2-Go Body Truffle

How to use:
  • Unwrap either a Scrub-2-Go cube or the Body Truffle. The Body Truffles are wrapped in parchment or wax paper and then in the foil. You can use the whole Scrub-2-Go cube at once but I preferred breaking off portions of the Body Truffle, 1/2 is enough for one shower.  
  • Then wet your hands or body, gentle crumble and rub the scrub where you need it. If you find it too abrasive, add a bit of water and rub until the salt and sugar is dissolved. Be careful about slipping in the shower!
  • Rinse yourself clean.
  • When drying off, pat yourself dry to ensure you don't rub off the moisturizing shea butter. Your hands should feel nice, smooth, and moisturized for ages.
I like to use the Scrub-2-Go about once a week so I run out of my tin less quickly. I like using it before doing my nails so I can smooth down my cuticles and hands. I find these scrubs to be wonderfully moisturizing and now that the Santa Ana acrid winds are coming into Orange County (which is the onset of dry weather for autumn), I'll need every bit of moisture I can get.

The scent Mango Sorbet is a deliciously sweet and fruity mango scent. I found that it lasted at least three hours on my skin after washing.

Shipping is $6.95 flat rate and free on orders over $75. There are some local stores that stock BonBliss scrubs so feel free to check out their Facebook page for the list of locations.

Would I purchase more? Hell yes I would! They're actually exhibiting at Be Well Expo which I'm attending this Saturday so I might just pick up another tin of Mango Sorbet. If you can get your hands on them, I would definitely recommend picking up a tin!

Disclaimer: I purchased the tin of Scrub-2-Go myself and received the Body Truffle from the owners of the company. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this post and there are no affiliate links in the post.

Dreamworld Hermetica Hocus Pocus Collection Eyeshadow Swatches and Review

Press Sample

So before I get to the post, I want to talk about something I've been pondering for a while. I've been rethinking how I do my swatches and I want to start doing eyeshadow swatches with and without primer so you guys can see how pigmented (or not) an eyeshadow is on its own. I think a lot of brands have started to rely on a primer to "boost" the pigmentation of their eyeshadows and I would like to hold companies to a better standard where the consumer doesn't have to rely on that. I personally always wear primer and you can get a decent primer for only a few bucks. Still though, I suppose for those who really want to see an eyeshadow stand alone, it's worth seeing how it is without primer. Is this something you guys would be interested in?

Anyway, back to the post! Today I have the Dreamworld Hermetica Hocus Pocus Collection Eyeshadows to swatch. The collection is themed after the movie Hocus Pocus and it's perfect timing before Halloween! The collection includes sixteen eyeshadows, two cheek colors, and two lip colors. I have all sixteen eyeshadows to swatch for today.

I was supremely impressed with the eyeshadows. They're quite pigmented without primer but enhanced with primer. I recommend primer anyway to prevent creasing but this isn't an eyeshadow that needs a primer to make it look good. These eyeshadows are finely milled but not dusty with brilliant sparkle and a metallic shine. 

Where to Purchase: Dreamworld Hermetica
Price: $2.75 for 0.5 to 0.75 grams (without a sifter). $5.49 for 1 to 1.5 grams.
Packaging: The mini and full size come in jars. The mini doesn't come with a sifter but the full size does.
Do they test on animals?: Nope they don't.

Dreamworld Hermetica Hocus Pocus Eyeshadow Collection

All swatches were photographed in natural daylight. The eyeshadows were swatched dry, the left swatch over bare skin and the right swatch over Milani Eyeshadow Primer. As you can see, most of the eyeshadows don't need it. 

Dreamworld Hermetica Hocus Pocus Collection

1963: "Deep purplish brown" Although not a color I liked, it's a deep red toned purple that's got a shine to it.
All Hallow's Eve: "Warm metallic with pink undertones that shift" A deep metallic orange, it's perfect for fall.
Angry Zombie: "Mixture of copper, bronze, and tan that has created a beautiful deep bronze" One of my favorites in the set. It turns positively metallic and foiled over primer. A must-have!
Black Flamed Candle: "Purplish brown with yellow undertones. Slight shimmer." I didn't think this was much of a purplish brown, it almost seemed more like a deep pewter. I thought it looked beautiful in the bag but I thought it had a little too much fall out.

Dreamworld Hermetica Hocus Pocus Collection

Bloody Witch: "Deep brownish black with shifting reddish undertones" I'm surprised at how much I like the color.  Deeply pigmented with or without primer.
Cursed Boy: "Deep black with copper undertones" Meh, I didn't like this color as much. I was hoping the black would be deeper and that the copper sparkles would stand out more. I don't think it's a must-have.
Evil Witch: "Medium greenish color with blue undertones" This color would be perfect as an inner corner highlight or for a pop of color in the middle of the lid. It does need primer to look its best.
Girl with the Yabbos: "Brown to green shifting color" This actually reminds me of MAC's Green Brown though the green shifting color isn't as strong. Great for a smoky eye.

Dreamworld Hermetica Hocus Pocus Collection

Hallowed Ground: "Soft iridescent green with a warm undertone" I actually don't see the green in this, it seems much more of a blue silver than a green with a warm undertone. Still beautiful nonetheless.
Hocus Pocus: "Multi-colored, multi-dimensional. A charcoal black with silver sparkle." This was one that really needed the help of a primer. I also thought it was a little difficult to see the rainbow sparkle. This was prone to fall out.
ICE: "A blueish silver" This also really needed the help with a primer, this was the worst offender for fall out so you gotta be careful.
Little Witch: "A peachy bronze with gold shimmer" Super duper thought this was brilliant. I think this is a good color for when you want to do a lazy eye look, pat it on to your eyelid for one shade and blend in your crease for another.

Dreamworld Hermetica Hocus Pocus Collection

Siren Witch: "Deep satiny cool purple" Purples can sometimes be tricky but this performed wonderfully with and without a primer. 
Spell Book: "Deep burgundy with multiple shimmers" It's difficult to see but Spell Book has this brilliant gold filled sparkle against the burgundy background. It was one of my favorites though you do have to be careful about fall out.
Under Ground Crypt: "Green with blueish undertones. Satiny finish." This has a real brilliant shine to it. A pretty sage green.
Young Virgin: "A gorgeous blue color with shifting colors" I'm a little meh on the color. I thought it looks a little muddy compared to the rest of the shades in the line. Not a pick for me.

Would I purchase more? I would like to try more! I'm happily surprised at the pigmentation of some of the colors. I think it's been difficult for me to quantify significant differences between indie eyeshadows when swatching over primer so it's brilliant to see that many of these shades are pigmented even without a primer. Must haves are All Hallow's Eve, Angry Zombie, Bloody Witch, Spell Book, and Under Ground Crypt.

Disclaimer: I received these eyeshadow samples courtesy of the brand. All opinions are my own. There are no affiliate links in this post. I was not compensated for posting about these eyeshadows.