New-ish Makeup Launches I Want to Buy and Launches I Might Skip Vol. 1

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Hey everyone!

I feel like everyday we're hearing about more and more beauty products being released/launched by brands and it can get so overwhelming. I wanted to condense it down a bit and talk about a few newish makeup products that I want to get myself and a few makeup launches that I'm eh about. I guess the latter half of this post can serve as like an "anti-haul", though I don't promise that I might not try the products out later.

Keep reading to see which products I think might be worth buying and ones I am thinking about skipping.

A Liquid Lipstick that Will Make You Want to Wear It: Jouer Long-Wear Lip Creme

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Hey everyone!

Today's post is on the Jouer Long-Wear Lip Creme Liquid Lipstick. I remember first seeing this at Generation Beauty and initially dismissing it as "another liquid lipstick". I think given the trend of liquid lipsticks coming out, it can get overwhelming. While I was at The Makeup Show LA, I tried the Long-Wear Lip Creme Liquid Lipsticks out while at Frends and oh my gosh it was like a revelation. 

Click through to read my thoughts on the formula (though you can probably already tell they'll be positive) and see a lip swatch with a full face photo!

Learn How to 2-in-1 with Make Up for Ever Pro Sculpting Lip

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Hey everyone! 

Today's review is on the Make Up For Ever Pro Sculpting Lip in 11 Rust. This Pro Sculpting Lip is new addition to the Pro Sculpting Collection and joins the Pro Sculpting Brow and Pro Sculpting Palette which was added to the range for Spring 2016.

Given that everything lately seems to be all about contouring and sculpting your face, I was curious to see how the concept translated over with lip products. The Pro Sculpting Lip in particular is a 2 in 1 product, with a lipstick on one side and a cream to powder highlighter on the other side. The cream to powder highlighter can be used to accentuate the cupid's bow or the center of your lip to add a multi-dimensional effect to your usual lip look. 

I got the shade 11 Rust, which has a muted strawberry red lipstick and white gold cream to powder highlighter.

Check out my thoughts on the lip duo and whether I think it's worth it!

Go on a Sweet Adventure with Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette

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Hey everyone! Today I'm going to be reviewing the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette, their third installment in the Chocolate Bar Palette line.

Initially I had some difficulty getting into the palette because the colors aren't organized from lightest to deepest or from matte to shimmery shades. However, I saw Kat's post where she viewed the palette in halves and it totally blew my mind and made me see the palette in a whole different light.

It's not an overly warm palette; there's a nice mix of cooler browns, warmer browns, and some brighter pops of color that make the palette more than the usual brown eyeshadow palette. It's also got the signature cocoa scent that makes it smell absolutely delicious.



Click through to read my thoughts on the palette, check out swatches, and see a few eye looks!

Shake Up Your Lips with Lancôme's Juicy Shaker in Walk the Lime

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Hey everyone! 

Today I'm reviewing Lancome's newest lip product, the Juicy Shaker. The Juicy Shaker is Lancome's take on the Korean oil lip tint. Lip Tints are super popular with Korea and Japan and this launch isn't surprising given the popularity of Korean and Japanese innovations in Western cosmetics. 

You might be wondering, what makes an oil lip tint better than a water-based lip tint/stain? Oil lip tints tend to be much more moisturizing than water-based lip tints, which provide color but can be drying on the lips. Oil lip tints tend to have a shinier/glossier finish whereas water-based lip tints/stains dry to a more matte or satin finish (which again, can feel drying). If you have issues with dry lips, you'll might prefer an oil lip tint as they can be more forgiving when your lips aren't in perfect condition.

The range comes in 20 colors with each color having its own corresponding scent. I have the shade Walk the Lime, which is scented like a lime sherbet. 

Check out my review and swatch of Walk the Lime.

Swatch & Review: Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Beige Naturel - For the Everyday Skin Look

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Hey everyone! 

Today I have a review of the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Beige Naturel. I've been looking for something lightweight to wear, that manages my oily skin, while also providing a bit of coverage. I typically wear the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation but I wanted something that wasn't as heavy. I got the Matte Moisture Tint at Generation Beauty and wanted to test out if it lived up to my needs.

Check out the review below!

FOTD: Week in Review/to Come Vol. 1 - Warm Brown Smokey Eye and Red Gradient Lip

Hey everyone! 

Today's look is inspired by a realization I had recently. I have this tendency to review products and then move onto the next thing without using what I've reviewed as much as I would like to. In an effort to actually use up products, I thought I would start doing a Face of the Day (FOTD) using including the products I've reviewed during the week or will be reviewing soon. Kind of as a refresher for things I tried out and a preview for things soon to come.

Today's face will be featuring two products I reviewed and three that will be coming up. If you missed out, I reviewed the NUDESTIX Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil in Belle and Royal. Reviews for the Jouer Matte Moisture Tint, Lancome Juicy Shaker in Walk the Lime, and the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons palette will be posted soon!

I decided to do a warm reddy brown smokey eye look and tried my hand at a gradient lip with the NUDESTIX lip pencils topped with the Lancome Juicy Shaker for a glossy finish.

For the eye look, I used Bordeaux from the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons palette as the main color and blended it out with a mixture of Pecan Praline and Almond Truffle. 

Products Used:

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint in Beige Naturel
Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Exposed
City Color Cosmetics Timeless Beauty Palette (the middle highlight color)
Milani Eyeshadow Primer
Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons Palette (Bordeaux on the lid, Almond Truffle + Pecan Praline to blend it out, Divinity as the highlight
Essence Make Me Brow Gel Eyebrow Mascara in Browny Brows
NUDESTIX Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencil in Belle and Royal (Belle applied around the edge, Royal applied in the middle and blended out)
Lancome Juicy Shaker in Walk the Lime

Hope you enjoy this week's eye/face makeup and I'll be posting reviews on Jouer Matte Moisture Tint, Lancome Juicy Shaker in Walk the Lime, and the Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons palette soon!

Disclaimer: The post includes products that I received as press samples. The links above are affiliate links which provide me with a commission based off your use of the link. All opinions are my own and honest.

Swatches/Review: NUDESTIX Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencils in Belle and Royal

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Hey Everyone! Today's swatches and review is on the NUDESTIX Intense Matte Lip + Cheek Pencils. They're a recent addition to the NUDESTIX line, promising a matte finish with a comfortable wear.

I had the pleasure of meeting both Ally and Taylor at Generation Beauty and was so blown away by their effortless makeup look. It looked so easy to wear but stylish at the same time. The makeup they wore really enhanced their features instead of trying to obscure them.

Given their makeup style, it wasn't surprising to see it translated into these lip + cheek pencils. The pencil concept makes it easy to apply and stash colors as you need it and reapplication is a snap.

Continue to see my thoughts on the formula and swatches!

Double Duty Skincare: Tackling Anti-Aging and Acne with Paula's Choice Skincare

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Hey everyone!

Today I'm going to be talking about my skincare routine and how I've been using Paula's Choice to target all my skincare woes. I finished a bottle of the 2% BHA Gel and was already using their Resist Ultra Light Antioxidant Serum (which I love!) when I got the opportunity to try out more from the brand.

My concern with my skin as I'm heading toward the latter part of my mid-twenties is acne and anti-aging while balancing having oilyish skin. Based on my consultation with the Paula's Choice Representative, they suggested the Resist Advanced Kit for Wrinkles and Breakouts for Normal to Oily Skin which targets both anti-aging AND acne. They have a Resist line for Normal to Dry Skin.

The kit contains the Resist Perfectly Balanced Cleanser, Resist Weightless Advanced Repairing Toner, Resist Daily Pore-Refining Treatment 2% BHA, Resist Weekly Retexturizing Foaming Treatment 4% BHA, Resist Ultra-Light Daily Antioxidant Serum, Resist Youth-Extending Daily Hydrating Fluid SPF 50, Resist Anti-Aging Clear Skin Hydrator.

Check out how my thoughts on the products and how you don't have to compromise tackling your acne and anti-aging concerns plus my Before and After Photo.

Swatches/Review: PÜR Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation (5 Shades)

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Hey everyone! 

Today I have a review on the PÜR Hydrafluid Water Serum Foundation. This is recent addition to the PÜR foundation line, contrasting to the matte foundation trend by being a serum foundation with an emphasis on water and a dewy, medium coverage finish.

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

Get the Brows But Better Look with Essence Make Me Brow

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Hey everyone! Today's review is on the Essence Make Me Brow Gel Eyebrow Mascara. This is a recent add to Essence's brow line and great for anyone looking for an affordable fiber brow gel. Fiber brow gels are excellent for building volume and depth for your eyebrows.

One can't help but notice that it looks strikingly similar to a certain Benefit Gimme Brow product. I don't own the Benefit Gimme Brow but I'm happy to try anything that sounds even remotely similar. Check out my thoughts on the eyebrow mascara!

The Makeup Show LA 2016: Show Recap

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Hey everyone! I know it's about a month late but I still wanted to give a show recap on The Makeup Show LA, sharing information about some of the brands I saw there. I was able to interview James Vincent, the Director of Education and Artistry for The Makeup Show and will be posting that soon. The Makeup Show NY is coming up in a few weeks so this can be a preview of what you will expect if you attend the NY Show!

Check out some of the brands I saw and information on their products and upcoming releases!

See How NYX Be Gone! Lip Color Remover Will Make You Love Liquid Lipsticks Again

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Hey everyone!

With so many makeup companies jumping on the liquid lipstick/long wear lipstick trend, the issue of makeup remover is ever more important. Typically you'd use an oil-based remover to get rid of the lipstick but I highly suggest trying the NYX Be Gone! Lip Color Remover.

You might be thinking "why bother, I could just use coconut oil or a makeup wipe". While that's true, coconut oil can cause breakouts around your lips if you're acne prone and it can take multiple makeup wipes get the color off. This makes the process so much easier.

Check out my review and see how I put it to the test!

Swatches & Review: L'oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss - A Lip Product that Won't Leave You Dried Out

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Hey everyone! Today's review is on the L'oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Glosses. I know I know, let's get it out there that the name "matte gloss" is a contradictory but these claim to be following the trend of lip products that are matte but don't dry down to a completely set, ultra drying transfer-proof finish. 

The range comes in ten shades, I have five of the brighter shades to show you!

Does the formula live up to its name? Continue to read the review!

Review: Sephora Black Magic Makeup Remover Cloths - A Reusable Makeup Remover Cloth

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Hey everyone! While we all love to wear makeup, we can all agree that the removal at the end of the day can be really annoying. Products like cleansing oils and makeup wipes are useful but if you want a product-less alternative, then Sephora's Black Magic Makeup Remover Cloths might be up your alley. These cloths promise to remove makeup (including eye makeup), oil, pollutants, etc with only water. 

Does it live up to its claim? Continue to read the review!

You'll Want These Essence Sheer & Shine Lipsticks for a Great Casual Lip Look

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Hey everyone! Today's review is on the Essence Sheer and Shine Lipsticks. For someone looking for an everyday relaxed makeup look, these are promising a sheer lip with a bit of shine for only $2.99. I'm glad to see Essence expanding their makeup line and these were a surprising welcome. They have started launching in Target stores but are they worth the scope?

Continue to read the review!

Swatches & Review: L'oreal Colour Riche Monos Eyeshadows

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Hey everyone!

L'oreal recently revamped their single eyeshadow range and came out with the Colour Riche Monos line. The range consists of fifteen shades promising a smoother finish and better color payoff for less than six dollars a color.

I have fourteen out of the fifteen shades. I have the shades Little Beige Dress, Sunset Seine, Cafe Au Lait, Quartz Fume, Mademoiselle Pink, Pain Au Chocolat, Violet Beaute, Noir C'est Noir, Argentic, Grand Bleu, Petit Perle, Green Promenade, Teal Couture, and Meet Me In Paris (pictured below in that order).

Do these live up to their claims of having a smoother payoff and better pigmentation? Feel free to watch the video review or continue reading!

EVENT REMINDER: The Makeup Show LA 2016 - Info & James Vincent's Trend Report for 2016

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Get your calendar ready for March because soon it'll be time for The Makeup Show LA! The Makeup Show LA is bar none, my favorite makeup event to attend. The Makeup Show is a pros-only event that visits multiple cities throughout the year including NYC, Dallas, Chicago, Orlando, and of course LA! They have also started doing Pop-Up shops which are two day events open to the public that allow you to shop from a variety of makeup brands. If you aren't able to travel to one of the shows, the Pop-Up Shops allow you to shop from the professional brands!

You can purchase tickets online here.

In honor of the 10th anniversary, The Makeup Show will be having a gala on March 18th at 7:30 at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. The theme is "Femme Fatale", and they will be honoring Susan Cabral-Ebert for her work and dedication to the makeup industry as President of The Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild, IATSE Local 706. You'll be able to mix and mingle with your makeup idols while enjoying hors-d’oeuvres, drinking, and dancing. You'll be able to get tickets on TheMakeupShow.com and you can get a discount if you get the gala ticket along with your ticket to The Makeup Show LA.

As it turns out, Alyson (who I've gone to the show with multiple times) also has a list of brands to check out and she and I have pretty much the identical list. Instead of compiling my own list since it's practically the same as Alyson's, I wanted to share tips from James Vincent, who is the Director of Education and Artistry for The Makeup Show. He's compiled a list of upcoming trends for 2016 and products to check out for the trends at The Makeup Show LA and I've added in my personal picks!

"The runway and red carpet have given us some new twists on classic trends this season that allow the makeup wearer to make a choice based on individuality which is always exciting!" - James Vincent

Trend: Candy Apple Red Lips
The classic vintage allure of red lips is timely and timeless and can be worn by anyone, anywhere and anytime. Try combining a bold blue red lipstick with a warmer red gloss for a lip look that is alluring on anyone. Combining the two undertones makes the lip flattering for any face. If you are afraid to try a bold red try staining on the lip in a more sheer application or a gorgeous red gloss. A few of my favorites for lipstick are NARS Audacious Lipsticks, Besame Lipsticks with a vintage inspiration or OCC Makeup Liptar in NSFW. For a gloss Inglot Cosmetics has a wide array of shades.

My Personal Picks: NARS Rita, Besame Cherry Red, OCC NSFW

Trend: Blue Eyeliner
Blue Liner is back and can be a simple way to get a sophisticated fashion look. The traditional cat eye takes in new life in shades of blue and a blue hue will whiten and brighten the eyes and lenghten lashes. Try NARS Eye Paint in Solomon Islands for a waterproof option in an unforgettable turquoise, or for a less dramatic look a blackened blue Liner from Cao Cosmetics or Smashbox works well on everyone. Pair it with a neutral shadow for a natural look or add in a touch of color on the lids for more flair. 

My Personal Picks: NARS Solomon Islands (I love it!), Smashbox French Navy

Trend: Red Eye Shadow 
Gaga has given everyone the idea to try red shadow, and while it seems unexpected red can be a very flattering look on the eyes when work properly. MAKE UP FOR EVER has both cream and pressed shadows in warm red hues that can be worn across the lid or just as liner. KETT Cosmetics Metals are a beautiful liquid option that look sheer and sophisticated in a warm red shade that you will love. 

My Personal Picks: Make Up For Ever ME740 , Kett Cosmetics TNT

Trend: Black Graphic Liner 
The new crops of eyeliner pens allow for easy liquid lines with a kitten kick or more dramatic graphic looks. Kat Von D Tattoo Liner has a perfectly precise tip for everyday or more adventurous lines. MAKE UP FOR EVER and NARS have waterproof options and for those on a budget Mustaev and Crown Brush offer black liquid pens that allow anyone to try the look. Of you are not comfortable with creating the perfect Liner look use a soft taupe shadow or pencil to perfect your shape and trace back over it with black. It will give you a great guide and offer more dimension to elevate a liner look. 

My Personal Picks: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner, MUFE Aqua Eyes, NARS Via Veneto

Trend: Metallic Eyes 
Mined metals like copper, bronze and gold give anyone a look that is great for summer and right into fall. Melanie Mills Hollywood Rose Gold is an unexpected take on this trend that is unforgettable. Kat Von D and MAKE UP FOR EVER metal powders are a great addtliton to any makeup kit.

My Personal Picks: Make Up For Ever Metal Powder, Kat Von D Thunderstruck,

Hopefully you found the tips on upcoming trends for 2016 helpful! I hope to see you there at The Makeup Show LA!

Disclaimer: The links in this post are affiliate links which provide me a commission based off your use of the link when you're making a purchase!

Make Your Cheekbones Glow with Ofra Cosmetics You Dew You Highlighter

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Hey everyone! Today I have a swatch and review of the Ofra Cosmetics Highlighter that they did in collaboration with the women behind the Dupethat Instagram. They collaborated and launched two shades, You Glow Girl and You Dew You (the shade I got). I was super happy to get You Dew You, which looks up my alley as a shade to wear to get out of the wintery blues.

REVIEW: Luxie Beauty Precision Face Brushes

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Hey everyone!

Today I'm reviewing the Luxie Beauty Precision Face Brushes that just launched on their website. I had the pleasure of checking the brand out at Generation Beauty and receiving a set of the Precision Brushes at the show. 

I remember seeing the line on Instagram and being absolutely entranced by the pink handles and rose gold ferrules. It's a brush line you want to display on your vanity. The brush line is vegan/cruelty free, uses only synthetic bristles, and the brushes are coated in an antibacterial solution.

Feel free to listen to my review or read it below!: