Review: Ulta's Lash Blow Out

Hi Lovelies! I believe I've mentioned once or twice before that I'm somewhat of a mascara whore... I like to try a lot of different kinds.. different brands.. different types... etc. So maybe you're wondering what I've been using lately?

For about the past month (is that too long? I think it's time to throw it away.. lol), I've been using Ulta's Lash Blow Out! I was super excited to try this since I loved the L'oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara! The Lash Blow out was about the same concept with the little round applicator vice the traditional straighter applicator.

I used the color Jet Black and it's a very good formula black. People actually noticed/commented on my eyelashes saying how long they looked. So that was nice:) It works well to separate the lashes and to provide a little definition... but there were some days I felt like it clumped a few of my lashes together so that I looked like there were just 8 spider legs coming out of my eyes:( Not cool.

At $10 for a tube, I think it's safe to say I will not be purchasing this again (p.s. it's $.51 more than the L'oreal one! And as much as I love Ulta, I still think of it being kind of a "generic" or "store brand" type brand compared to something as big as L'oreal!) I felt like it started to dry out/get clumpy after just a day or two of use. I was constantly having to wipe the excess off so I didn't get huge globs on my eyeball! Not a fan.

Have you tried Ulta's Lash Blow Out? Did you like it? What is your favorite mascara right now?

Nail Challenge Week 23: Ombre Nails

Hi Lovelies! This was probably one of my favorite challenges from the past month or so--finally one turned out that I really liked!

Now you may be wondering what an ombre mani is. Or, perhaps you "know" what it is...but you may be wrong. The Swatchaholic did an amazing post a couple weeks ago describing the differences in ombre, skittles, and gradient. Many, many people are confusing ombre and gradient. So, if you think an ombre mani is when the color changes on the nail... I'm sorry to inform you, that is actually a gradient mani (which p.s. is coming in week 28;) When you Google "ombre" mani, sooo many of the pictures are gradient! So this is definitely a common misconception!


The whole point to ombre is that it is a gradual change of color.. so each nail is from the same color family but changes from dark to light or light to dark. I really thought  my nails would be pink this week 'cause I figured I'd have the most variety of shades there... HOWEVER, when I saw some of my purple polishes together, I knew I had a winner!

The polishes used were LA Girl French Nails Purple, Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Lacey Lilac, Ulta Tutu Cute, Revlon Top Speed Grape, and Orly Out of This World.

I did the left hand dark to light from thumb to pinky and the right hand was light to dark from thumb to pinky!

The lighting isn't perfect... but I promise in real life it looks so fun! I never would've thought I'd like to have a different color on each nail, but I think it is sooo pretty!! When I buy more polish, I'm definitely going to consider how it works with other shades I have so I can do ombre manis in other colors as well:)

Have you done ombre nails? Did you know the difference between ombre and gradient? What colors would you have used to do this challenge?:)

Review: NYX Crimson Amulet Collection

Hi Lovelies! Before I jump in to today's post, I wanted to draw your attention to my fabulous new blog layout! LOL. I know I'd been saying that when I got my 100 followers, I felt like I was a *real* blog now and wanted to make it feel... better. Hahaha, I wasn't sure exactly what that meant, but I knew I was just looking for something *more*... whatever that *more* was... I went through 100s of pages of blog templates.. and layouts... I looked at blog designers portfolios... I just couldn't see paying someone to do the work for me that I should be able to figure out on my own, ya know? (nothing against people who do do that; believe me, I was *very*close to having someone do it for me). But, my dad taught me years ago that you appreciate things more that you do yourself... and so... I fought on. Anyway! I think the finished product (for now) really captures my personality and what I wanted when I thought of the words "glitter" "gloss" and "glaze" nearly eight months ago!

So! Onto today's topic! I picked up The Crimson Amulet Collection bout a month or so ago from Ulta. This palette was based on the new Johnny Depp movie--Dark Shadows. I was really excited about getting this! It has twenty-four eye shadows, four lip colors, five blushes, one highlighter, one shadow base, and one liquid liner. OMG there is so much in this little box!!!

I'm going to be completely honest with you--I have not used any of the blushes, the liner, or the shadow base. (sorry!) But I don't want to wait any longer before at least starting the review! It's a limited edition collection, and if I wait much longer to review it, you won't be able to buy it! hahahah

So, I've also been putting off the review, because when I first started using it, I really wasn't that impressed. I don't like the lip colors at all... the consistency is just awkward for me... I think I was hoping they'd be more creamy.. more gloss like? And they're just very stiff... while there is some color variation, they aren't lip colors I'd really use a whole lot.

The eye shadows are good texture--typical NYX shadows. It's got a lot of neutrals with some pops of color--both matte and shimmery--I did like that part. The colors are all very blendable, and I'm pretty sure the possibilities are pretty endless.

I'm going to give it a positive review though because I have gotten more compliments on eye looks I've made from this collection than from anything else in a while. Every time I use the blues and purples together people are always asking "Close your eyes! Let me see!" or "What color is that on your eyes?" It's a huge hit!:)

However, here is the best part, ladies and gentlemen! You get all of this for $25!! I'm totally serious!! What a bargain!! So, while I don't really like the lip colors, the eye shadows make up for it, and I love how it's like a little book you can carry. You can throw it in your purse and pretty much use it to touch up or change your look throughout the day... perhaps change your daytime look to a date night or girls night out look!:)

Have you tried this collection? Do you have any favorite products that come in a package deal like this? Have you seen the Dark Shadows movie??

Review: L'oreal Telescopic Explosion Mascara

Hi Lovelies! And welcome to the start of another week! When someone asks you what your favorite products are, you probably have a pretty good idea--my favorite foundation is X... my favorite eye shadows are Y... my favorite lip gloss is Z... etc. But when it comes to mascara, I have one I really like, but I'm not sooo comitted to it that I'm not willing to try others.

In fact, if we're being completely honest, I'm what one might call... a mascara whore... lol. Anytime a new mascara comes out, I feel like I *need* to try it! I have this compelling need to see if it does what it really claims! ('cause you know EVERY mascara promises to thicken, lengthen, plumpen, darken, yada yada yada. But do they really???!)

So, I've tried A LOT of mascaras. And some work.. some get gloopy.. some make my eyelashes fall out.. okay, that one hasn't happened, but it's felt like it at times! lol.

When I saw this mascara at Ulta ($9.49), I was quite intrigued! It didn't have the normal mascara wand, but rather a little ball on the end of it! What an idea! I figured it could get into all the little crevices of my eye where it may be harder (and more possible to stick in my eye) to use the regular classic wand design.

May I introduce you to L'oreal's Telescopic Explosion Mascara!

Before I get into a full review, can I please draw your attention to this packaging. It looks like a.... wait for it... TELESCOPE!!!! OMG! I honestly did not even see that when I bought it; it wasn't 'til I'd been using it for a few days before I saw it! HAHAH Love it!

So when you open it up, you can see how it has a little ball on it:

Here's what it claims: "100% of lashes are extended and separated. The spherical brush allows you to apply in every direction - result... you have fanned out lashes for a dramatic effect." I know a lot of girls didn't really like this. And I'd even been warned before I used it. Someone told me, "Oh, I tried that; you're not going to like it." So I went in to using it kinda nervous... and skeptical.

I think this mascara is actually pretty fabulous. I've been using it for about three weeks now, and I'm very happy with it. The formula is lovely--not too thick, not too thin. It's starting to get a little clumpy, but since I've been using it every day, I'm not too surprised.

I like that it makes my eyelashes look dark (I got it in blackest black) without making them look too shiny or like I have a lot of mascara on, ya know?

I don't feel like my lashes are a whole super lot longer, but I do believe it "fans" them out and makes them appear longer. People have noticed my eyes more since I've been using it, so it definitely works:)

Final opinion? I like it, but it is a little pricey. I probably will not buy it again, not because there is anything wrong with it, but I still haven't found a mascara I'm ready to commit to and will continue whoring myself out until I do:) Next up? I'll be comparing Ulta's Lash Blow Out to this one!

So, have you tried the ball mascara applicator yet? What did you think? And what is your favorite mascara?? Do you have one??

Haul Time! Ulta and Walgreens!

So Lovelies, there was a community yard sale this past weekend in my neighborhood! For those of you who don't know what that is, basically the community advertises and if you want to set up shop in your front yard, have at it! There's a lot of traffic that comes through and it's a good time to get rid of unwanted junk stuff!

I set out some jewelry (thanks everyone who gives me earrings as gifts, but MY EARS ARE NOT PIERCED, so I'm trying to make some money on it lol), shoes, nail polish, CDs, DVDs, video games, etc. and actually made a good little bit of cash! So, it was time to boost the American economy and go shopping!:)

First stop was Ulta. Oh, Ulta, how I love thee. I didn't really go for anything specific, just did a little browsing and left with the following:

1.) The China Glaze Magnetix polish in Drawn To You
2.) The Magnetix Magnet (sidenote, really?? $10 for each?! Can't there be some bargain deal or something! I suppose the bright side is, you won't need to buy it again with other magnetic polishes, but still...)
3.) Piggy Polish in Envy (for my Skittles Mani;)
4.) Orly polish in Out of This World (which to me looks slightly similar to Sinful Colors Daddy's Girl. Curious to see how they compare in swatches!)
5.) A new bottle of Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat (yes, I already have some; but I had the extra money and thought I'd pick up another; this is not something you want to run out of at an inopportune time!)
6.) Revlon Lip Butters in Sugar Plum and Gum Drop. (yes, I tried lip butter before; yes, I really didn't like it. But I've read some other reviews of girls who also didn't like Strawberry Shortcake [the one I had] and tried some other flavors and liked it better. Soooo, Revlon, I'm giving you a second chance. Plus it was buy one get one 50% off!) And I got to use my $3.50 off $10 or more coupon! I think all together I saved $7.25!! Yay! Bargain!:)

Then, I had to run to Walgreens. While there, I wandered through the makeup section (honestly, I could be at Walgreens for ANYTHING, medicine, tampons, a card, whatever; I always have to walk thru their makeup. I think that's why they put it so close to the front door, they know everyone will;)

You may recall during Christmas time I was obsessed with the Sinful Colors Extra Shiny Lipgloss and had to go to a couple different Walgreens to find them. Well! There's a limited edition *new* Sinful Colors lip gloss out there now! Lip Shine Lip Gloss--and they're all super glittery! I picked up the one that looked silvery called Crystallized! I hope when I do my full review I'll be able to get good enough pictures to show all the glitter! This was a dollar more than the regular lip glosses in December, so I'm hoping I'll love it as much or more!:)

Anyway, I picked up that and also got a new Sally Hansen Nail Art pen. My last white one went kinda crazy with my Skittles nails. Started leaking all over the place and whatnot!:( Now, at some point I want to do a whole comparison review of the Sally Hansen pens versus my Migi Nail Art pens... if you have opinions on the two, leave them in the comments!!:)

Have you done any shopping lately?? Picked up any new bargains?? And what do *you* think of Revlon lip butters?? I know they've been released in the UK now, so you British girls should even have an opinion!!:)

Results are in...

...and the debate is over! You may remember that a little over a week ago, I posted a debate question to see if you were all on Team Ulta or Team Sephora! I was very careful to not provide my opinion or any information that may sway the vote! I didn't even reply to any of the comments that all you fabulous readers left!

Now is the time of truth! Now is when we determine which one is actually better and why!!!

So, here's how the "votes" turned out:
Ulta: 5
Sephora: 2
Neither: 1
Both: 1

There you have it! According to my completely, non-scientific, random sampling survey TEAM ULTA WINS!!!!!

Yaaaaaay!!!!

A lot of the factors were price, location, the variety of products and brands, the sales, coupons, etc. I could not more whole-heartedly agree! I wasn't actually sure if I could accurately vote since I've never even bought anything from Sephora; but I made sure I went in to the Sephora at the mall this past weekend so I could give a full opinion:)

I'm going to agree with what a lot of you said--Ulta is fab because it has both the high-end more expensive brands, but also a lot of the drug store brands. It's great that I can buy Urban Decay and Maybelline in the same building!

The sales--there is always SOMETHING on sale at Ulta! And there are always coupons for the store as well! I feel like I'm getting a bargain even if I do buy the more expesnive products.

Location--this is definitely a factor. I have an Ulta and a Sephora about the same distance away from me right now. The Ulta is in a shopping center/strip mall location (which I think is super conveineint) and Sephora is in the mall (which sometimes is a hassle since I've gotta walk the whole way thru the mall even if that's the only place I want to go). I also feel like Sephora is smaller and they cram in a whole bunch of stuff so that I feel overwhelmed and almost claustrophobic. Ulta, on the other hand, is open and beautiful with lots of room to move around and very well lit!

Nail Polish--I really didn't see a huge selection at Sephora (unless I just missed it). But I think Ulta has a more extensive and varied selection.

I'm not completely anti-Team Sephora, I've heard good things about their VIB program, and I think it's cool they give you a little gift for your birthday! So I'll probably look into it:)

For those of you who haven't been able to experience either of them (Marina;) I'm sorry you're missing out! But there is always online shopping ;)

Are you surprised at the results of the debate? Do you think Sally's or another store might win a competition against Ulta?

Which Team Are You On? Let's Debate:)

Hellllooooo!!! So today's post is going to be a little different than usual. Instead of me getting all babbly and rambling, I want to hear from all of you!

There's lots of different "Teams" you can be on these days. "Team Jacob" or "Team Edward" .. back in Laguna Beach Days there was "Team Kristin" or "Team Lauren"... then I think The Hills kinda made us choose "Team Lauren" or "Team Heidi."

Today, friends, I'd like you to choose "Team Ulta" or "Team Sephora." And sure, you can be on both teams! But I want to hear which store you like better and why.

This is came up when A Mommy To Be and I were talking about which store we go to more. We were kinda discussing the different perks each of the stores have; is it dependent on location or other factors; etc.

Now, to all my dear European, Canadian, and other foreign friends; you may not have Ulta and/or Sephora where you live--have no fear! You can jump in and tell me about your favorite makeup store!

I'll check in sometime next week and see if we have a consensus as to which one is better and why:)

One more haul--ULTA!

Okay! One more big shopping trip to share with you all! Then it's time to use all this amazing stuff and tell you how fabulous (or not;) it all is!! (you are all guaranteed reviews for AT LEAST the next month! hahahah:)

Tonight I went to Ulta, and as soon as I walked in they had their whole display of Urban Decay Naked and Naked 2 Palettes. Now, for anyone who has been following my blog for any length of time, you know I'm definitely all about the more inexpensive makeup brands. A lot of my makeup is e.l.f., Wet 'n Wild, Hard Candy, etc. I figure if I'm gonna buy a lot, I don't want to go broke.

But.

There it was.

In all its splendor.

And everyone has said such great things about it...

And now I own it.

So, not wanting to let all you lovelies down, I knew I needed to *invest* in some other products to rate, review, and compare. And around the store I went. I picked up:

Illuminating primer!

Which one will make my lashes fuller?

These both have the little round applicator

 Then this product caught my eye! I have never seen, heard, or have any knowledge of it, but it looks amazing! (if it works)

Spray foundation?! Airbrush-"like"?

Now, I had also purchased a small $10 NYX palette that had similar colors to the Naked 2 (I wanted to compare). But after leaving the store I realized the palette *in* the box (Jazz Night) was NOT the one advertised *on* the box (Champagne and Caviar). So, when I went to return it, I somehow ended up buying this in its place:

 

So yes, now I will be reviewing both of them. My first ever real "expensive" eyeshadow. I'm excited and kinda nervous!:) 

And that's about all the shopping I should be doing for a while! Many, many reviews and comparisons to come!!

NOTD More Stamping

I have been wanting to do this post almost all day, but for whatever reason I could not get the polishes and my stamping to work together!! I know I keep saying how easy stamping is and I highly recommend it, etc. And really, I still do, but there was some major drama today. The stamps kept smearing on my nail. Not sure if was the polish of my base color or the new Konad polish (which worked just fine the other night) or if there's something wrong with my stamper... the polish was staying on the stamper and not going on my nail as right. Might need to look into that.

Anyway! Here we go!

The polishes I used were OPI Natural Nail Base Coat, two coats of Ulta's Tutu Cute, Konad Special Nail Polish white, Sinful Colors Nail Art Fashionista, and Seche Vite Dry Fast Top Coat.

For the design, I used Shany Plate SH23.

And ta-da! Here's how it came out!

As usual, the left hand looks better than the right:) But I keep telling myself it will get better with practice:)

And just for giggles, here's a picture of the mess left after all was said and done:)

nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream--Review

Can you believe it's just a few days 'til Christmas! I can hardly believe it myself! Especially since here in Florida it was like 80 degrees today. Granted, it was an absolutely beautiful day; it just doesn't FEEL like Christmas to me! This is the first year I'll be away from my family for the holidays; and while I'm kinda excited about not dealing with family stress/drama, it's still kinda sad to not even see them. But, I got the box my dad sent yesterday and there are plenty of presents under the tree now! I'm super excited that even though I'm nearly 900+ miles away, my mom and dad were sweet enough to send fully wrapped presents so I have something to open!:) More on that later!

Today is lips or eyes day, and I was reallllyyyy close to doing a review on a HardCandy mascara, but I wanted to discuss my nyx Soft Matte Lip Creams instead. I know I've mentioned these in passing, but haven't done a full review on them. I stumbled upon a new-ish blog today Helen Rambles On and she had a post about Collection 2000 Cream Puffs... I have never ever heard of these before.. a little research led me to believe it may be only in the UK (some places may have international shipping). When I saw her pix and swatches though, I just thought, OMG those are exactly like the nyx ones! (which she alluded to also in her post). So, while I'm not able to do a completel comparison for you now (since I don't have the Collection 2000 ones:) I wanted to at least do a quick review on my nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream.

I first saw these advertised several months back in a magazine and the advertisement is so catchy! "It's not a lipstick, nor is it gloss. It's like nothing you've experienced before. It's lipstick cream that goes on silky but looks soft matte." How could I pass up trying something like that?! Not to mention it's only $6!

I now own three of them: Milan, Addis Ababa, and London. They come in a regular lip gloss tube with the typical lip gloss applicator. Completely true to their word, they go on like a gloss and really do look like a lipstick. Since it's matte, there's no glossy/sparkly/fancy look to it at all. The lasting power is aaaaamazing. And they don't dry out my lips. Now, I prefer to put a lip balm on first, just because I want to take every precaution that the color doesn't crease into my lips and look crumbly later.

Milan was the first I got and it is a very soft pink color. It's a hard pink to describe though... not really coral.. but almost a fuller pink color, if that makes sense. It's soft and works well with darker eyes because it won't take a way from a dramatic eye look.

Unlike Addis Ababa which pretty much steals the show. I love how bright magenta pink it was in the tube and I just had to have it. It is bright though. When I first put it on my lips I was like, ohhh nooo, I can*not* where this in public. It is just TOO much. I've become a little more brave with it, and when I really want the attention to be on my lips, it works really well (with like a neutral or very light pearly pink shadow).

London is a creamy light brown--almost the color of a latte or milk hot chocolate. That's pretty much how it looks on my lips too! Almost like my lips were kissed by a Hershey's chocolate bar lol. It's a very neutral color that would probably work on anyone whether they have warm or cool skintones.

I love all of them! (in case I hadn't mentioned that already;) they aren't heavy; they aren't sheer; they're just the perfect amount of color. No scent, no flavor; just straight up creamy color. They're pretty much the *only* lipstick I use right now. (and technically they're not even a lipstick haha)

They can be bought online or at Ulta and possibly other select beauty sellers.

Have you tried them? Are you able to try the Collection 2000 Cream Puffs? Are they dupes? Or just a little similar? Let me know what you think!

xoxo,

Shopping is good for the soul!

I do believe in Heaven. And I do believe I'm going there. I know all the stories about the streets of gold and blah blah blah. But, in my heart, I know that my Heaven will be a lot like a DSW combined with ULTA. It will be bright and beautiful and full of shoes and beauty products! It will all be free!! There will also be donuts and endless supply of pumpkin spice lattes.... 


So I had a little piece of that Heaven since I went to ULTA tonight. There is just some feeling about walking in there... all the lights... the organization of it all... the products... It puts a smile on my face just thinking about it. I wasn't looking for anything specific, just kind of browsing, so I only picked up a few things.

The first thing was O.P.I. correct & clean up refillable corrector pen.  The front of the box says "The easy way to clean Nail Lacquer off cuticles for great-looking nails! Includes pen plus one replacement tip." I'm sure I will be using this product alllll the time since it seems I can't ever keep the polish just on my nail. I have not read any reviews yet, and I probably won't so my opinion won't be swayed when I try it. It seems a lot like a white-out pen. Looks like a spongey, brush type thing and the instructions to refill seem pretty easy. Put in new tip and refill with polish remover. So we'll see. I'm curious to see how long it lasts and how easy it is to use. ($6.95) note: Sally Hansen had a similar product. I may do a comparison of the two at a later point.

Next up was a new holographic polish by essence in 01 Gagalectric. Straight on it looks like a light lilac-y purple, but as you move it, the sparkle/holographic part changes to blue-ish, minty-green shades. I haven't done the color-changing-in-different-angles polish in years, and this one just caught my eye. This is my first polish by essence so I'm excited to try it. Plus, it was only $1.99 so even if it sucks, I'm not really out a whole lot. Obviously the picture just doesn't do it justice, but I'll get better ones when I use it.

Lastly, I can't leave ULTA without passing through the NYX lip color section. I love love love their soft matte lip cream--it's not a lip stick, it's not a gloss, it's just the right texture! I already own Addis Ababa and Milan so tonight I picked up London--a soft, light brown--almost like hot cocoa with melted marshmallows:) What I love most about these lip creams is that it goes on so smooth and the color really lasts! It feels good when it goes on--doesn't dry out my lips like a stick, but provides more coverage and not too drippy like some glosses. The Addis Ababa is hot pink, which with most of my makeup looks seems a bit much. But I really do love the color. The Milan is softer and prettier, but I'm not completely comfortable with how it blends (or rather, doesn't blend) with my skin tone. I have high hopes for London since it is almost getting cooler and fall colors are finally becoming more fashionably acceptable here in Florida. Will probably use it tomorrow and let you know what I think. ($5.99)


And that was all I got today! Total with tax $15.98! What a deal!! :)

xoxo,