Sunday, July 31, 2011

Mini Haul

Over the past week, I was on vacation, but I did pick up a few things! I went to a Cosmetic Company Outlet, which was awesome! I wish I could've bought everything.

Vacation Purchases
MAC Select Sheer Pressed Powder ($17) <-- yay for the price!
I ran out of my blot powder, and since I was in the CCO on vacation, I wanted to replace it! Since I'm not blot powder's number one fan, I wanted to switch to a different MAC powder. I chose Select Sheer (in NC5), and I really like it so far! It's also nice to have a full MAC powder once again... :-p
Bath and Body Works 5 for $5 mini Hand Sanitizers
This is such a great bargain! I carry around Bath and Body Works hand sanitizers on my wallet with the little carrying case all the time. The five for five deal is such a bargain because these hand santizers last forever and smell great! I bought the scents Summer, Guava Grapefruit, Caribbean Escape, Seriously??? (starfruit), and Aqua Blossum. I love all these scents so much and expect them to last me until the end of the year. I previously had Island Margarita and Fresh Market Apple, which were fabulous! Island Margarita is definitely my favorite so far.

Sunday, July 24, 2011

E.L.F. brush set review!

Before buying this set, I only had around four brushes, and I knew I needed more. But I'm not the kind of person who is going to splurge of MAC brushes. Like they're seriously expensive. So one day I was at Target and stumbled across a brush set by E.L.F. that was only ten dollars! And you get ten brushes! So obviously I bought it and have been using it the past week. Here's what I think.

Face Brush: Eh... it's okay. I have an Avon face brush that I think works much better and spreading the powder around. The E.L.F. version doesn't seem to pick up a lot of powder, whether it be regular face powder or bronzer. But we'll see...
Foundation Brush: My reaction is the same as the face brush. I have a foundation brush from Avon that I prefer using; however, if you are without a foundation brush, I would suggest buying one because it makes your foundation very smooth!
Angled Blush Brush: Love love love. Did I mention I love it? It picks up a good amount of powder and has a great angle.
Eyeshadow Brush: This brush is a little fluffy and is pretty normal. It does work though, so I give it two thumbs up.
Eyeliner Brush: This brush is not angled, I wish it was, but it actually works pretty well! I put some black or other dark eyeshadow on it and then brush it against my crease line. The eyeshadow definitely shows up.
Lip Brush: This is one of my favorites from this set. I am obsessed with lip brushes now! Apply lipgloss looks so different and smoother with a lip brush than without one.
Concealer Brush: I don't really use this one since I'd rather put concealer on with my fingers, but I did try it for the sake of this review and it does work for those who want to know.
Eyelash and Brow Brush: These are two different brushes and they are pretty standard. And they work. So that's good all around.
Smudge Brush: Also standard and I already have one attached to my Benefit BADgal LIner so I don't really use the E.L.F. one... but it does work nonetheless.


Overall, I give this set a two thumbs up for the price and quality!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

New Ulta Haul!

I went shopping at Ulta recently and picked up some new products that I am now obsessed with! I highly recommend all of these products, even though some a little pricey. They're worth it!

-NYX Powder Blush in Pinched ($6)
This blush has a lot of pigmentation and staying power. A few sites that I've looked at compare this color to NARS' famous Orgasm blush! And I have to agree...
-NYX Tango With Bronzing Stick in Tango and Highlight ($10)
Love this! I've been using this as a highlight. The product is very creamy, beautiful, and stays for hours.
-Benefit They're Real! Mascara ($22)
I have used Benefit's BADgal Lash in the past, but They're Real! is my new favorite. I can literally see my lashes without looking in the mirror they are that long. There is no clumping and your lashes look so long!
-Urban Decay Naked Palette ($48)
While the palette is a little expensive, this is totally worth the splurge. This palette also comes with an eyeshadow brush that is worth $26 and a little primer potion, which is fabulous. The colors are highly pigmented and stay for hours. I feel like I never need to buy any neutral colors again because this palette has it all!

Monday, July 18, 2011

My Survey

Skin Care

What facial cleanser do you use?:
Cetaphil

What toner do you use?:
Neutrogena

What moisturizer do you use?:
Clinique or Aveeno

How many times a day do you wash your face?:
Twice

Do you use eye makeup remover?:
Yes!

If so, What kind?:
CVS Babywipes or Neutrogena

Is your skin oily, dry, or combination skin?:
Combo

What is the best part about your skin?:
I don't get cluster acne

What are your skin problems?:
Some acne on my face and chest, painful acne



Makeup

What foundation do you use?:
MAC Mineralize Satinfinish with SPF 15 <-- SPF is important!

What powder do you use?:
MAC Blotting Powder

What eyebrow pencil do you use:
None

What eyeliner do you use?:
Benefit BADgal Eyeliner

What is your favorite eyeshadow?:
NYX Mink Brown

What mascara do you use?:
Benefit BADgal Lash or Maybelline The Falsies

What are five of your favorite lip bams/glosses/sticks?:
NYX Sheer Tube Gloss in Rose, anything Burt's Bees, Clinique Lipstick in Black Honey,  Benefit Lipstick in Lady's Choice (sample from Ulta), and Sally Hansen Lipgloss in Purple


Hair

Do you color your hair?:
Yes

At home?:
Once with L'Oreal Excellence Creme in Natural Blonde (loved it, will do it again!)

At the salon?:
Got blonde highlights twice

What is your stylists name?:
I don't have one stylist

What salon do you go to?:
I used to go to one in town, but I switched to Hair Cuttery. Basically the same thing but much cheaper!

What is your natural hair color?:
Dirty blonde

What is your hair color now?:
Regular blonde

Do you have straight or curly hair?:
Straight with some waves

Do you use a curling iron?:
No, but I do own one

A straightener?:
Yes!

What kinds?:
Curling iron: Conair
Straightener: Babyliss <-- love

Do you use a blowdryer?:
Occassionally

Do you use gel and if so, what kind?:
When I scrunch my hair, and Tresemme Tres Gel

Do you use mousse, and if so, what kind?:
Sometimes, Garnier Fructis

Do you use serum and if so what kind?:
Sometimes, and I forget the name but it has diamonds in it and is a sample size

Do you use any other hair products and what kinds?:
Hair spray: Tresemme Tres Two Spray
It's A Ten Miracle Spray
John Freida Blonde Go Blonder Lightening Spray (highly recommend for blondes)

What shampoo do you use?:
Rusk

What conditioner do you use?:
None

Do you use leave in conditioner?:
Nope!



Scents

What deodorant do you use?:
Dove in Revive

What body wash do you use?:
None as of right now

Or soap?:
Irish Spring or Dove

Do you use a loofah, washcloth or soap to wash?:
At school I use a loofah

What perfumes do you use or like? Name five:
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy, Calvin Klein One, Calvin Klein Eternity, Clinique Happy, Marc Jacobs Daisy

Do you always have to smell good?:
Yes!



Jewelry

Are diamonds really a girl's best friend?:
Pearls are a girl's best friend, but diamonds are a close second!

What is your jewelry essential?:
Pearl earrings and my claddagh ring

What jewelry do you wear most?:
My claddagh ring

What jewelry do you crave most?:
Anything simple, sentimental, and can be worn with anything!




Purses and Shoes

How many purses do you own?:
Three

Which is your favorite?:
My Longchamp

How many shoes do you own?:
Hmm... good question! I have collected them from over the years, but nothing too out there or expensive except for Uggs.

Which pair is your favorite?:
Summer: Rainbow sandals
Winter: Tall black Uggs

Who is your favorite handbag designer?:
Longchamp

Who is your favorite shoe designer?:
Tory Burch (don't have any yet though)

Shopping

What are your top five favorite stores to clothes shop?:
Forever 21, Nordstrom's, Urban Outfitters, Macy's, and Target

What is your personal style mantra?:
You attract what you exude

How would you describe your personal style?:
Cute, girly, classy

What is your favorite shirt?:
My sorority letters or tops from Nordstrom's

What is your favorite jeans?:
Seven For All Mankind or Lucky (Plato's Closet has great deals on them! Don't buy full price!)


Miscellaneous

Favorite Magazine to read?:
People

Favorite nail polish?:
Essie in Topless and Barefoot

Favorite Book?:
The Help

Favorite Band?:
Hot Chelle Rae

Favorite Girls Night activity?:
Watching TV shows or going to a mixer

Favorite Girly Movie?:
Bridesmaids

Are you high maintenence?:
No!

Do you enjoy being a girl?:
Of course!!

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Poll!!

What is your favorite drugstore brand?? Look on the side to answer! If you have a favorite that I did not list, leave comments here!

Friday, July 15, 2011

Dollar Store Purchases

Now, I don't admit this to people I know, but since this is my blog, I'm going to be truthful! Yes, I have bought makeup products at the Dollar Tree, and yes I use them. And I also highly recommend them for people who aren't even on budgets or are slim for cash.
Finds at the Dollar Tree
-Revlon Single Eyeshadows
I found these in the beauty aisle, and knew that they were a steal! I bought one in a light shade of pink a few months ago and have used it for a highlight, in the corners of my eyes, a quick eyeshadow, and a highlight. These single eyeshadows are also sold at regular beauty stores, such as Ulta, but for $5! While they are high quality and pigmented, I would suggest buying them at the Dollar Tree instead of beauty stores.
-Sally Hansen "Teeth Whitening" Lipgloss
Now, this lipgloss doesn't actually whiten your teeth, but it comes in very pretty colors! This product promises to make your teeth appear whiter; however, I haven't really noticed that. Probably why they are in the dollar store! I don't believe this product is sold anymore, but Sally Hansen may have some other products sold at the Dollar Store. Buying a lipgloss that normally goes for $8 is such a bargain!
-Makeup Remover
Fortanately, I am a college student that has a Dollar Tree within walking distance. One week I was strapped for cash and without any makeup remover cloths. So, I decided to purchase Dollar Tree makeup remover cloths. The only time I would ever recommend buying these is when you literally have three dollars and it is an emergency. If you have money and need makeup remover, I suggest buying brands such as Neautrogena or Garnier Fructis. Nevertheless, the Dollar Tree makeup remover did the job and got most of my makeup off.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

I'll die living as free as my HAIR

My hair is fine, sometimes oily, and I colored it in April with Loreal hair color. I am naturally blonde, and I dyed my hair a little bit blonder. That's just some basic information about me for this post :-)

Shampoo
Shampoos for me have always been a struggle. I have never really found one that controls the oil without drying my hair out. When I was at school this year, I used Tresemme Gentle Cleansing occasionally with Dove Intensive Repair conditioner (which I had received as a sample with Dove soap). The conditioner was amazing in small doses, by the way, and I plan to buy a full size when I go back to school. Anyways, this routine was okay; however, I wasn't fully satisfied. Now that I am at home for the summer, I use a slightly more expensive brand of shampoo: Rusk Sensories Full Shampoo, which is made with green tea and alfalfa. This shampoo gives my hair a cleaner feeling and more body. I tend to not use conditioner during the summer because it makes my hair so oily.

Straightening
Before I straighten my hair, I always use a heat protectant on my hair so I can prevent damage. I have previously used Tresemme's Heat Tamer spray, which worked, smelled great, and didn't break the bank at all. However, due to the bottle deciding to spill all over my computer case, I am now using one of my family member's heat protectant called It's a 10 Miracle Leave-In Product. This spray is not only a protectant; it controls frizz, detangles, adds shine, enhances body, and much more. This spray, although a little expensive, is a great product and I recommend it to anyone that uses heat on their hair regularly.

Scrunching
Every now and then I like to shake things up and scrunch my hair instead of straightening it. When I have wet hair from getting out of the shower, I brush the tangles out slightly, but not all the way straight. Then, I squeeze some of Tresemme's Tres Gel in my hands and start to scrunch my hair. I gather a section of hair in my hand and then squeeze it together. This creates a curly effect. I repeat this step a few more times, then wait ten minutes, and go back if necessary. To make sure it holds, I use Tresemme's Tres Two Spray and spray that around my hair.

Good scents for good deals

Rollerballs
Perfume rollerballs are the best way to fill up your perfume collection without breaking the bank. Most rollerballs go for around twenty dollars and last for a long amount of time! I received a Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy rollerball for Christmas, and it hasn't even hit the halfway mark with daily usage!

Body Sprays
Body sprays are cheaper than perfumes to buy; however, most offer the same results. My favorite body spray is Victoria's Secret Pink With a Splash Body Mist in Fresh and Clean. One bottle runs for $15, but I got two (Pretty and Pure) for only $22. Fresh and Clean is my favorite body spray, and I know a few of my friends are fans of it too. There are also miniature versions of these scents sold for $8 at Bath and Body Works.
Another body spray I just recently purchased is Dove's Go Fresh Body Mist in Revive, which is a scent that contains pomegranate and lemon fragrances. This body spray came for free with the same scent but in deodorant at Rite Aid. Even though I am still new to this Dove spray, I love it and the scent! It definitely has its staying power and I have aleady received some compliments!

Minis
Many drugstores and other stores sell miniature versions of higher brand fragrances, such as Juicy Couture, Calvin Klein, Burberry, and more. These are similar to the prices of rollerballs; however, they do go for a little more since there is more product and it comes in a bottle. I received two of these miniature perfumes a year and a half ago, and they have lasted me a long time! I received two Calvin Klein perfumes in Obsession and Eternity. These are not my favorite scents; however, I do wear Eternity at least once a week and Obsession during the wintertime.

Daily Eye Products

Mascara
-Maybelline The Falsies Volume Express ($7)
This product took some getting used to, but now I am in love! This is a great drugstore brand mascara that lasts a good amount of time, doesn't clump, and volumizes lashes greatly. I highly recommend buying this.
OR
-Benefit BADGAL Lash ($19)
For those who are looking for a higher quality mascara, BADGAL is definitely one to try out. It has a huge brush that volumizes lashes without clumps. My lashes always look natural and polished when using it.

Eyeshadow Primer (for neutral looks)
-NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone($7)
For the price, this base does its job. I have tried Urban Decay Primer Potion in the past; however, the NYX base is just as good. I would not consider buying UDPP since finding a cheaper alternative.
OR
-NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencil in French Fries ($4.50)
The color of NYX Eyeshadow Pencil in French Fries is so beautiful and makes eyeshadows in similar colors truly pop and stay for hours. I sometimes wear French Fries by itself when I am in a rush and it still looks great. I highly recommend everyone buying these pencils in French Fries or other colors.

Eyeshadows (neutrals)
-NYX Triple Shadows in Aloha/Mink Brown/Deep Bronze ($8)
I wear these shadows nearly everyday. This shadow trio has lasted me about a year with still a lot of product. All the colors, especially Mink Brown, are so beautiful and offer a lot of pigmentation. When used with French Fries, it is the most pigmented and I receive a lot of compliments!
-Urban Decay YDK Shadow ($17)
While this shadow is a little more expensive, it is a beautiful copper and shimmery color. I was introduced to this color in an Urban Decay palette, and when it has run out, I will buy it in its full size. I sometimes wear it just by itself; however, I sometimes pair it with Urban Decay Twice Baked and NYX Aloha for a full look.

Eyeliner
-Benefit BADgal Liner Waterproof in Black ($19)
After trying a number of eyeliners, I finally splurged on this one and will never go back to any other liners. I tried NYX eyeliners, and they had little staying power and I would find that the color would transfer to my crease within an hour of putting it on. The Benefit liner never transfers to my crease and stays on my waterline and lid for up to eight hours! This liner is definitely worth the splurge.

Daily Face Products

-Benefit Boi-ing Industrial Concealer ($18)
I bought this concealer because I was sick of my NYC concealer. That one did just not do the job. The benefit concealer is cheaper than most high brand products and covers up basically everything! I've owned this concealer for about a year and I still have enough to last me a few more months.
-MAC Mineralize Satinfinish SPF 15 in NC15 ($29.50)
Honestly, I don't know if this foundation is worth it. It has excellent coverage; however, if you don't feel like spending thirty dollars, don't do it. There are plenty of drugstore brands that deliver similar results.
-MAC Blot Powder Pressed in Light ($23)
Again, I don't know if this product is really worth it. The powder does not work well without the foundation already on my face and it only lasted me a few months. I have a little bit of it left now, but once the tin is fully clear, I am going to try something else.
-Maybelline Expert Wear Blush in Precious Pink (around $5)
Excellent blush for the price. It has lasted me about a year now and I still have plenty to go!
-NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder in 720A/Sunny (around $3)
This product should be sold for more! It has lasted me over two years with still plenty of product. The pigmentation is excellent and a perfect color for girls with lighter skin such as myself.

Welcome!

Welcome to my cheap makeup blog! I'm a girl that loves makeup but doesn't necessarily have the funds to buy all the big name brands, and I'm sure I am not alone with this issue! I will be posting reviews of products that I own and use in my own collection. Some are drugstore brands, cheap brand names, and a few higher brand names. Hope you enjoy and please leave comments!