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Saturday, January 29, 2011
Review :: NYX Cosmetics - HD Studio Foundation & Blush (Part 1)
Hey Everyone! :) I was given an amazing opportunity by a PR rep from NYX Cosmetics (www.nyxcosmetics.com) to choose a few products to try and review.
i've been testing these products for 2.5 weeks and here is my review:
This is the list of items i chose to review:
- HD liquid foundation in Natural
- HD Grinding Blush in Sangria in Madrid
- HD Grinding Blush in English Rose
(will have a separate post - a part 2 for these):
- Velvet Rope Eyeshadow palette
- Champagne & Caviar eyeshadow palette
- Jazz night eyeshadow palette
I'll go ahead and start with their new HD products!
HD Foundation ($15.00 on website) - the description from their website:
"NYX's new line of liquid foundation is formulated from HD Photogenic synthesis. When light hits skin, the diffusing effect of the foundation reflects the light to make skin appear smooth and reduce the appearance of pores. The foundation covers skin flawlessly with tri-peptides infused to promote collagen generation, reduce wrinkles, and rejuvenate skin. The HD Studio foundation is ideal for everyday use, professional shoots and shows under bright lights."
Please visit NYXCosmetics.com for complete list of ingredients on this foundation.
I wasn't sure on which color to get, but for reference i'm about an NC25 in MAC. i was given this foundation in "Natural" which did seem a little dark on my skin at first, but when blended - it matched quite well.
the way i would describe it - it's semi thick, not liquidy/runny. the consistency reminds me of MAC's Studio Sculpt but not as creamy. there is a slight scent to it, so for those that are sensitive - you may not like that. it did not bother me however.
the coverage i'd say is medium and it's very build able. I did like how i barely needed any concealer to cover any redness because it covered it quite well. When fully blended - it felt like second skin! It would last quite awhile before i needed to do a touchup. although it did not keep me completely oil free (not like it promised it, but i do try to look for that in any foundation), i did not get overly shiny on my t-zone.
i did not have any white cast on my face when taking pictures. Here are some pictures of me with the foundation on.
Packaging: 4/5
The packaging was in plastic bottle, and the box was real nice with pictures of how HD effect works. nothing too fancy and it had a pump which was a plus for me! it was sturdy yet not bulky.
Quality: 4/5
Very awesome foundation I must say. I loved testing this product. it didn't break me out, was not greasy feeling and did not irritate my skin. the slight smell did not bother me, but it was present. I liked how it felt like second skin on me and didn't really feel like i was wearing anything. It did not even get cakey around my nasal area where i usually get really dry/flakey. it did not accentuate any fine lines that I have around my under eye area and the coverage was amazing.
Usage: 4/5
It was super easy to use especially since it had a nice pump. the pump let you control how much or how little I wanted and i really liked that about the pump. I used my Sigma F80 brush to apply this and it looked flawless and my skin looked airbrushed. did not oxidate on my skin at all which was a plus since it was a tad darker than my skin - but did not bother me at all or look funny on me (not that i could see in my pictures lol)
Overall: 4/5
overall i think this is a great product. Although i did receive this for free to review, I'm not sure that i'd really want to pay $15.00 for this product. but honestly, I do like it that much that if I run out of this product - im thinking i really might since it's HD and really works!. It's a great product, it helps my skin look amazing in pictures. it did not irritate my sensitive skin or break me out. it was easy to use and it did it's job. I would definitely recommend this product to those interested in an HD liquid foundation and are looking for something under $20.00.
HD Grinding Blush ($16.50 on website) - Description from website:
"A Revolutionary system for face blush. This genius system grinds mineral-enriched high-definition blush powder that deflects light from skin and makes pores appear smaller and smoother. Perfect for photos and filming. Grinding powder allows you to control the amount you need and keeps remaining product fresh. Say goodbye to oil trappings on powders, contamination, and cracking."
I received two blushes: Sangria in Madrid & English Rose
This was the only swatch i was able to get, but as you can see it's very pigmented and you can blend it very well into the skin. it's buildable to your liking!
In the above pictures of my full face with the foundation, I am wearing very lightly the HD Grinding Blush in Sangria in Madrid.
Packaging: 4/5
I really liked how sturdy and how well made the blush packaging was. It had a nifty little mirror on the blush cap. I did wish it was a flip top, but it was okay. I did like how it had a plastic tab over it so it wouldn't go all over the place. it was a loose powder, but in order to get to the product you had to screw the middle portion clockwise and the powder would come up through the little holes. although i did get a little messy with it, i did like the concept.
Quality: 4/5
I really like the quality of the blush. although i didn't really notice it making my pores appear smaller, it did look soft on the face, along with the HD Foundation - they complimented each other very well. The lasting power to me didn't last as long as i'd like, maybe because i didn't put too much? but overall it didn't make me itchy or anything.
Usage: 4/5
Although like i mentioned it got kind of messy because it was loose (and i'm clumsy lol) It was rather easy to use, but you have to build the coverage to your liking. it's a very natural looking kind of blush.
Overall: 4/5
Overall I did like the blushes that I was able to use. My only issue if you would really consider it an issue is that i wish it was a flip top like other blushes, but i do understand how sanitary this packaging is. it's a great product and works really well with the HD Foundation. Maybe it might be too pricey for some at $16.50 but i guess because of the quality it's worth it. there is so much product it'll last quite a while and be well worth the price. I'd definitely recommend this if you're into High-Definition products especially into blush.
Have you tried anything from their HD Line? what are your thoughts? did you like?
Please stay tuned for Part 2 of my review! I'm also going to have a giveaway - so you definitely will want to check it out! Stay tuned!
FTC: I was sent these products by a PR firm for review purposes. I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Just a Trim..
It's been awhile since i last got a hair cut or anything with my hair.. but i had been really wanting to do something to my hair since it's been growing a little bit.. and well i've always had short hair.. and the past year and a half.. i've been growing it..
and so i really didn't wanna chop all the hard work off LOL.. it takes me forever to grow my hair, so i figured i'd just get my hair relayered.. and bangs reshaped..
Before:
After:
(Sorry bad pic - it was nighttime on my Macbook Pro)
LOL my makeup is terrible i know.. long days worth of work..
Sorry that the pic makes me look pale lol..
So what do ya think? I think i'm going to continue to let it grow until it's long enough.. then we'll go from there.. in another 2 months lol.. :)
I May decide to go short again come summer! we'll see though! I'm looking forward to playing with my hair and learning how to fix it and what not..
Review :: Buff'd Cosmetics - all Natural Mineral Cosmetics
lately i've been so bad at keeping up with the blog, but i have a good excuse.. family, work, studying & the Holidays :) lol..
but this is a long overdue review on this amazing company! a few months ago someone on twitter posted a link for beauty bloggers to sign up to get free samples from this company called Buff'd .. i had never heard of this product/company before and of course like and other make-up junkie.. i wanted to try it!
So i signed up and a few weeks later i got a tiny package that suprised me.. it had a ton samples! here are the items that i received:
My beauty blogging sample consists of the following products & shades:
- Beige - Medium light mineral foundation in original formula
- Neutral - Medium light mineral foundation in concealing formula
- Putty mineral finishing powder
- Candlelight illuminating dust
- Maple Mineral Bronzer
- Petunia Mineral Blush
- Tricky Mineral Blush
- Gracious Mineral Eyeshadow
- Rabid Mineral Eyeshadow
- Stormy Mineral eyeliner
I originally only entered the first two (two shades i was interested and finish) and my eye color and the rest were picked for me from my colors/shades that i chose.
So here are some pictures/swatches (couldn't take all of them sorry!)
Here are pictures of me with some of the products:
(i'm wearing Buff'd Petunia blush in the above with
Maple Mineral Bronzer)
the above 3 shots were taken with my
NEW :) Canon T2i DSLR! hehe so excited!
Buff'd "Tricky" Blush
very iridescent/sheer. in bag it looks so pretty!
Stormy EyeLiner
So i must say, the samples did come in packets, instead of small jars that i'm used to.. (like my still glamorus eyeshadows, mac pigment samples i collect etc).. so getting the samples in packets were really different for me.. much more messier trying to get the product out (as i'm a clutz as it is).. so this i did not really like, but it was free - so i didn't really have much say in complaining lol.
The powders itself were compared to other mineral powders i have tried, especially the foundation weren't as finely milled as i'd expected.. although coverage was nice.. sometimes mineral make-up tends to make my face itch for some reason.. but these products did not do that at all.. it actually felt very light and the staying powder was amazing. it lasted me a good 6 hours.. with some creasing.. maybe because i decided to try out a new primer while i was at it (which isn't a good idea for me lol)..
other than that the color selection they chose for me, matched beautifully with my skin. I actually loved the mineral bronzer and the blushes the most. the eyeshadows in the packets and also the eyeliner in the packet were the most messiest so i didn't have that much fun using them.. i really think i'd enjoy them a lot more if they were in jars.. but again that's just my opinion.
the website that sent them again is called Buff'd. you can visit their website at www.buffd.com - check them out and try to sign up to get samples whenever they announce it!
Packaging: 3/5
Like i mentioned, i didn't like the packets, but i guess they have to save on shipping etc for sending out so many beauty samples lol.. this is just my personal opinion.. it was just harder for me to get and try the product in such a small baggie without it spilling all over the place.. i would have liked it to be in 5g jars lol.. so i cannot really comment on their packaging as this was what i was given.
Quality: 4/5
I think the products that were given to me were actually really nice. I think it is great for those wanting to try out mineral products and are curious to try products that are all natural. i must say all natural and mineral makeup are great products to try for those with skin issues.. the products weren't super chunky, but they weren't super finely milled.. but it didn't have any problems with application and the actual use of the product. (i had this issue with bare minerals many years ago and did not like it).. like i said these products did not break me out nor make me itch.
Usage: 4/5
the little insert that comes in the packet explains your products, some information on the company and also leaves you with contact information if you do not know how to apply any of the products.. which was great, they even e-mailed me to check-up and see if i was having trouble with any of the products or had any questions on how to use it..
although the samples being in baggies did make it hard to use, that actual usage of the product on my skin was quite easy. it was super easy to blend and didn't chalk up or flake/crust even on dry spots. the staying powder was great for my combination skin.. although it was probably due to a new primer i mistakenly tried out at the same time made it crease on my t-zone (which gets sort of oily) reapplication was easy.. didn't oxidize on me either which i really liked..
Overall: 4/5
overall i must say this beauty blogger sample package was amazing. the quality was great and if you visit their website the prices are reasonable and affordable.. and the website goes in depth with their products - they have some amazing sales currently - so if your interested in trying their products now might be a great time! i think the products are great for sensitive skin, those with acne issues as the products are all natural and mineral. customer service was great and they even offer on the website (and e-mail) application help and tips for their products.. great if you are a beginner to make-up or to their products and are unsure.
i definitely liked all the products that were sent to me and if i were to order after i run out.. defintely would be the mineral bronzer, the blushes (petunia being my absolute fave) also the powder foundation in their concealing formula. so they defintely get an a-okay in my book!
if you do decide to get anything from their website, let me know.. or if you've tried their products before let me know your thoughts! til next time!
here's a sneak peek of my upcoming post..
Yes it's messy.. but it's MY getaway haha!
FTC: I was sent these products by a PR firm for review purposes. I was not paid to do this review, nor does it alter my view on the product. As always, my reviews are with my HONEST thoughts and opinions.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
Merry Christmas Everyone!!
Hello Everyone!!
I Wanted to pop in and just tell all my fellow bloggers and friends Merry Christmas! :) I hope you all are enjoying your weekend with your loved ones! it's not about the presents that you give or receive, but the presence and quality time spent with those you love and that matter to you!
For those of you that follow my twitter, i had tweeted about needing help choosing between two things that i wanted for christmas.. originally if was the Vanity Girl Hollywood broadway mirror.. or a coach purse.. as thats what was on my wishlist..
And My husband told me to choose.. and well i was looking around at coach purses and then i thought.. well.. i've been wanting one for a year now.. and i just kind of hinted at him.. what about a Canon EOS Rebel T2i DSLR?
i thought it was going to be a longshot.. but he thought about it.. and told me it was my choice.. i was like omg! because i could really use the broadway mirror.. it would be awesome with my vanity.. and amazing lighting and everything for my YT tutorials/videos etc.. but then i was thinking well.. the DSLR would be awesome FOR my blog/videos as well!
and i thought hubby could also use it and we could use it to take awesome HD pictures of the kids! and well.. i was SO undecided that i decided to ask this question on twitter.. and had gotten mixed answers..
every other person was like.. MIRROR! Camera! mirror... camera.. lol.. so i ultimately.....
I went with the Canon T2i DSLR!! :) and i'm SO happy with my choice! i of course purchased the wrong memory card, so i cant take HD Videos just yet.. but i want to let you all know that i'm so excited to blog more and make more videos!
I hope you all got what you wanted for christmas.. I actually have some scheduled posts waiting for pictures LOL.. but they should be posted soon! :) and I'm thinking about doing a major collective haul video from the past few months lol *thinking*.. not sure.. don't want to bore you all!
and for those that have been wondering about my fitness.. YES! i still go, i just haven't been posting my sessions.. only because i'm doing a different routine.. but i want to elaborate more on it in a separate post! but yes - keep being active and exercise.. don't let the holidays be an excuse! :)
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE! <3
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Fitness Tip :: 12/12/2010
so here's my little quick fitness tip for today! for those of you who follow me on twitter, i post these there too when i get a chance.. i'll try to do them more often for you! :) I'll post them on my blog as well..
"Working out with weights builds strength and muscle tone and helps you lose weight by increasing/improving your metabolism"
so try incorporating some free weights into your regimen! you just might see some amazing results! :) stay fit, stay beautiful! <3
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Urban Decay :: Book of Shadows Vol. III Swatches
i had originally purchased this item during the Sephora Friends and family 2010 sale.. I was waiting for another purchase to open them together to show you all, but there was a problem with the other package.. it had been "lost" and they had to resend it to me.. which that's another story..
but i wanted to share with you all the Urban Decay Book of Shadows Volume III.. since i did this with the urban decay naked palette, i thought it'd be fitting..
So some of you are like, what is the Urban Decay of of shadows Vol III.. no it's not a book ;) but from the sephora.com website..
What it is:
A playful, pop-up eyeshadow kit that lights up when you open it.
What it does:
Inspired by the glimmering lights and iconic landmarks of New York City, Urban Decay's Book of Shadows Volume III features 16 versatile, shimmering eyeshadows, two 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, and a travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion. The pop-up book package is so cool and artful, you'll want to keep this scene of the Big Apple on display.
A playful, pop-up eyeshadow kit that lights up when you open it.
What it does:
Inspired by the glimmering lights and iconic landmarks of New York City, Urban Decay's Book of Shadows Volume III features 16 versatile, shimmering eyeshadows, two 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils, and a travel-size Eyeshadow Primer Potion. The pop-up book package is so cool and artful, you'll want to keep this scene of the Big Apple on display.
here are pictures of the swatches of everything! :) enjoy!
umm don't mind me HAHA
the paper that came from the package/box thingie
swatches of Zero and Ransom with flash
No Flash
And for the swatches...
perversion, uzi, loaded, kush (no flash)
perversion, uzi, loaded, kush (with Flash)
(top flash, bottom no flash)
midnight cowboy rides again, last call, rockstar, money
(top no flash, bottom with flash)
Haight, Maui Wowie, smog, Bordello
(top no flash, bottom with flash)
Radium, Snatch, suspect, Psychedelic Sister
the set :)
So if you don't have this palette, and don't have many eyeshadows - this is a great palette with versatile colors.. a range of bright/vivid and neutral to muted colors.. great to play around with.. I've heard Urban Decay is notorious for re-promoting eyeshadows in different palettes.. but this wasn't the case for me.. well minus smog, since that eyeshadow came in my urban decay naked palette, but nonetheless i loved that color, so i don't mind.. but every other color in this palette, i did not have.. (then again this is only my second palette from urban decay)
the towers on the pop up are supposed to light up, they used to.. i don't know what happened.. they light up occasionally lol.. sucks! but anywho i really use it for the shadows and liners so that's okay i guess..
there were some colors that were really gritty/glittery and i didn't like that which were only 2 i think.. but the rest of them were just like the naked palette buttery feeling and just pure amazingness! LOL
9:55 PM
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