Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup 8/30/2013

• Mama Fashionista: It may be the end of August, but Quinn says it's better late than never to share her July Faves!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Think that you can do without a toner in your skincare routine? Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion may change your mind!
• Glamorable!: Are you a Birchbox subscriber? Check out what Anastasia received in her August box!
• Carinae L'etoile's polish stash: Pretty purple matte and pretty purple shiny shiny glitter!
• TheFabZilla: Have you tried Eclos skincare products? TheFabZilla reviews the line made from Swiss apple. Yay or nay, find out!
• BellBelleBella: Successful YouTube beauty guru Michelle Phan launched her makeup line. Brittney reviews one of her Life Palettes.
• Beautyfiends: Read about the issues Julia has had with Beauty Box 5 and why she won't recommend them.
• Beauty Apocalypse: Beauty Apocalypse reviews a luxury spa in Hawaii.
• Makeup, Life and Love: In the need for a new concealer; Jamie shares a few of her faves.
• Geniabeme: What do you do to wind down during the week? I like to do a mani with a yummy drink!
• Beauty by Miss L: Want to get pretty light blonde hair?
• Daydreaming beauty: Cancel out skin redness with It Cosmetics Bye Bye Redness.
• The Passenger Element: Wet n Wild Three's a Party LE-Summer Trio (swatches).
• Chickettes.com: Gelish Under Her Spell collection review and swatches; new fall 2013 colors!
• Icy Nails: Icy Nails shares Ageless Derma Lip Polish in Petal Pink. Beautiful and nourishing, this lip polish makes lips pretty and plush.
• ColorMeSoCrazy: Tri Polish Challenge using Green, Red and Yellow. See what I did!
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor has swatches every shade of the latest foundation release from YSL...the Youth Liberator Serum Foundation!

Wet n Wild ColorIcon trio in Three's A Party (LE-Summer)

*Disclaimer - Product shown was purchased by passengerelement blog.  I am in no way affiliated with this company or am being paid for my review*

WetnWild Three's A Party Trio - partial sunlight / no flash

I went through quite a wild goose chase for this one.  Here I have Wet n Wild's summer, limited edition trio in Three's a Party.  I found this at Walgreen's for $2.99 USD.  Inside the plastic clam-shell case, you get three shadows for a total of 0.12oz/3.5g of product.  These were available at Rite-Aid, Walgreens, etc.

Wet n Wild Three's a Party Ingredients

WnW Three's a Party - open, partial sunlight / flash

Three's a Party consists of three matte shadows.  The "browbone" color is a stark cool white.  I usually am not a fan of white shadows as they tend to be chalky, but this white is smooth and slightly creamy, which makes application easy.   The color marked "crease"  has a slight overlay of super tiny glitters, but as you continue to use the shadow it goes away.  These glitters do not show up in the color at all during application. The crease color is a nice basic cherry red.  The color marked "eyelid" is a flat, matte black.  I found that this was the creamiest of all of the shadows.  Though creamy, it is not as opaque as I would have hoped,  but with a few swipes, was able to achieve a much richer application of the black.

WnW Three's a Party swatch - partial sunlight / no flash

 These swatches were all done without a base and only 2 swipes per shadow.  Now, there may be some of you that may not like that they are not super pigmented right off the pan, but with the right base these colors JUMP!  Once set on a primer,  I found these to stay vibrant and did not crease, although your mileage may vary with the primer you use.  With these being matte, I was surprised at how easily these blended together.  Not only did I purchase this one, I got my hands on three of the other trios that will be reviewed on the blog.  I am very happy with this purchase.  It is nice to see this kind of quality from a drugstore brand.

WnW Three's a Party swatch - partial sunlight / no flash

These trios are all limited edition, but there are times when they get rereleased under different names and collections so you may be able to find them at a later time :).  Keep a watch out for Wet n Wild as they release limited edition trios and palettes consistently and they always go so fast!

*Disclaimer - Product shown was purchased by passengerelement blog.  I am in no way affiliated with this company or am being paid for my review*

Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup 8/23/2013

• MakeUpMom123: Perfect Holographic Polish - 1st of 3 Swatches.
• Mama Fashionista: Quinn wants to introduce you to a brand that can add some French luxury to your routine!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Burberry Lip Definer in Nude Beige No. 01 & Rosewood No. 07 are the perfect must-have everyday neutrals!
• Beyond Beauty Lounge: New Gel Tech nail polishes from SinfulColors.
• TheFabZilla: Prestige introduces WonderGloss nail lacquers with 27 shades. Check out Saucy and Scarlet and see if they're worth a try!
• Carinae L'etoile's polish stash: I found my polish destiny with Dior Destin!
• Put On Your Big Girl Lipstick: Put On Your Big Girl Lipstick shares her recent Nordstrom Beauty Event haul.
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s simple red manicure with nail art studs.
• Confessions of a Sarcastic Mom: Destany shows off the wonderful Ninja Polish Pacific Coral!
• Glamorable!: For just $10/month Ipsy subscribers receive a makeup bag full of fun cosmetics to play with. Check out what was in the August bag!
• Daydreaming Beauty: This is the prettiest garbage I've EVER seen!!
• Beauty Professor: The Beauty Professor reviews the latest releases from the Napoleon Perdis Line...will she finally find a BB cream that she adores?
• Geniabeme: We love Sinful Colors! See our collab post with Sinful swatches!
• Beautyfiends: Week 3 of the Pinterest Inspired Nail Art Challenge featured chevron nails, and didn't go as planned for Julia!
• The Beauty Delicacy: A blushing affair with Milani coming up roses + Sonia Kashuk review + swatches.
• BellBelleBella: Brittney tries out some shadows from Makeup Geek, check out her review to see how they compare to MAC.
• Makeup, Life and Love: Jamie is finding sheer lip crayon perfection with these picks...
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura shares the contents of her August Wantable Box.

Back To School Giveaway!

**Was out of town when I was to post this without resources.  I apologize for the inconvenience**

Its giveaway time again ladies and gents....what do I have for you this time?

Please excuse weird lighting

Here we are, that time again...Back To School!  Which is exciting since I too will be heading back to college to finish my studies.  What better way of getting you geared up for the new semester by giving away a back to school goodies bag featuring 8 awesome products!

Product close ups:

1 Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment (deluxe sample size)
2 L'Oreal Infallible 6 HR lipgloss in Rebel Red (full size)
3 Wet n Wild Mega Last lipstick in Don't Blink Pink (full size)
4 Wet n Wild Wild Shine lip lacquer in Enamored

5 Two Cosmetics shadow duo in Heartache (full size)
6 Wet n Wild ColorIcon eyeliner in Turquoise (full size)
7 Wet n Wild Wild Shine nail polish in Sparked (full size)
8 Color Club nail polish in London Calling (mini)

Follow the directions on the widget and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway
Open to US residents only
giveaway run - 8/23/13 - 9/23/13
Winners will be announced on the blog, facebook, google+, twitter and tumblr.
*Disclaimer - not affiliated with any of the cosmetic brands represented*

Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup 8/16/2013

• The Convenient Beauty: Shiseido and Cle de Peau cotton pads face-off: which one's superior even better priced than drugstore brands?
• Mama Fashionista: Quinn shares a beauty on a budget find, great for makeup beginners and pros alike!
• Adore A Polish: Kristina's husband takes over the blog with his review of the HYD For Men shaving kit.
• Glamorable!: Do you like flowers? What about nail art? If you answered "Yes" to both, you might love Anastasia's whimsical manicure featuring bright hand drawn carnations!
• Makeup by Kim Porter: Saving Face with Mario Badescu's Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs & Rosewater.
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Hourglass Femme Rouge Velvet Creme Lipstick in Edition is a lovely sheer pink lipstick that sure to delight you!
• BellBelleBella: 752% more volume from a mascara? Check out Brittney's review of Tarte's Lights Camera Flashes mascara.
• TheFabZilla: TheFabZilla does a FOTD featuring Laura Geller makeup.
• Beautyfiends: Julia at Beautyfiends is failing at this nail art thing. Check out week 2 of The Pinterest Inspired Nail Art Challenge!
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura shows us the IT Cosmetics Limited Edition 6 Piece Vanity Brush Collection.
• ColorMeSoCrazy: Do you love indie polishes?? Check out this one from Blue-Eyed Girl Lacquer!
• Beauty by Miss L: Check out Miss L´s cool irregular French manicure.
• Daydreaming Beauty: Another multi-tasking gem from Ole Henriksen! Amber looks at Perfect Truth CC cream this week.
• The Passenger Element: Quick Tip featuring Epielle Facial Essence Masks at Big Lots!
• Beauty by Arielle: Arielle's 5 Must Have IT Cosmetics Products in Under 5.
• Geniabeme: Want an affordable bright eyeshadow palette? Check out Sleek!
• Midnight Manicures: Jeanie shares with you her swatches and review of the Zoya Cashmere Nail Polish Collection. Enter the giveaway to win the collection.
• Icy Nails: Icy Nails shares a review of the Ageless Derma Stem Cell and Peptide Anti Wrinkle Cream.
• Makeup, Life, Love: All Natural Fountain of Youth.

Quick Tip! Epielle Facial Masks @ Big Lots!!!

Epielle Facial Masks

Hey there!  I have another quick tip for you today featuring an awesome find at Big Lots!  Epielle Facial Masks come in three formulas...Firming and Lifting w/ Vitamin C, Green Tea and Aloe, and Collagen w/ Vitamin E.  At such a bargain, I purchased these makes for .60c a mask!  Holy Bargain, Batman.

And these are fantastic.  Before a date last week, I used one of the firming and lifting vitamin C masks and was delighted at how saturated with product they were, but also how well it worked at brightening and softening my skin.  The holes for eyes and mouth are a bit on the small side for me, but nothing a little customizing with a pair of scissors cannot handle :).

I have seen these at Big Lots for the past three weeks now...but as you all know, you cannot expect it to last forever at a store like that.

If you end up picking some up, let me know!

Happy Bargain Hunting :)

*Disclaimer - product shown purchased by the passenger element blog*

Quick TIp! Epielle Makeup and Cleansing Wipes @ Big Lots

Hey all!  I have a quick tip for those of us looking for a bargain!  I found these Epielle Wipes at Big Lots for $2 USD.  Only two bucks...60 wipes per package.  Now, for blogging I adore them when I do swatch photos.  They smell really good, and do a decent job at cleaning up makeup.  On my face they are not bad, but I tend to like a softer wipe for it.

I have seen these come in the 60 wipes pack and a 30 wipes pack that retail for $1 USD.  This is one item that I consistently see at Big Lots.

Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup 8/9/2013

• Beauty by Miss L: Miss L is loving Queen Helene Mint Julep Natural Facial Scrub which is mechanical scrub, but doesn't feel harsh on your skin.
• Mama Fashionista: Quinn shares a new way to use your facial exfoliating pads for beautiful, summer skin!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Love a gorgeous ethereal glow? Then Burberry Fresh Glow is a brilliant choice, and it is back in stock!
• TheFabZilla: Do you have The Face Shop where you live? TheFabZilla found one and was ecstatic with her haul.
• Fun Fierce Fabulous Beauty Over 50!: Fashion - Manolo Blahnik Florals are making a huge comeback.
• Glamorable!: Have you heard of Le Métier de Beauté? Anastasia reviewed some of their bestsellers and a brand new pre-release matte lipstick.
• MakeUpMom123: Beach Waver v. Instyler.
• Tres Beau Glamour: Nay has created a beautiful lip look using Mac's infamous Candy Yum Yum lipstick. Interested in seeing the ombre lip effect? Check it out!
• Daydreaming Beauty: Amber found the CC cream of her dreams with IT Cosmetics CC Cream. Full coverage, high spf, anti aging hydrating serum and snail secretions?!
• Midnight Manicures: Milani released two new nail lacquer collections this month. Jeanie show's you the Miliani Retro Glam Collection.
• Geniabeme: Gorgeous Cosmetics have great bright eyeshadows!
• ColorMeSoCrazy: Throwback Thursday with Maybelline and Funky Fingers.
• Carinae L'etoile's Polish Stash: Cirque Lullaby is beautiful subtle pastel glitter explosion!
• Betzy's Makeup A Beauty Blog: My recent experience at the new exhibits in Buena Park, if you like the Titanic they are a must.
• The Passenger Element: Maybelline ColorSensational Lipgloss in Iced Chocolate (swatch).
• Peace Love and Glitter: A CC creme with FIVE sources of vitamin C! Hello collagen!

My Favorite Nudes - Maybelline ColorSensational Lipgloss in Iced Chocolate (swatch)

I am a red lippie girl through and through.  But there are times where I get a hankering for a luscious nude lip. I would not call myself a connoisseur of nude lip products, but I am particular enough that I will hunt and hunt for the perfect color and texture.  Maybelline's ColorSensational lipgloss in Iced Chocolate is one I could not live without!

Maybelline ColorSensational Iced Chocolate - overcast/no flash

Iced Chocolate is one of 12 glosses from the permanent range of colorsensational glosses.  You get .17floz of product in the tube.  These retail for around $7.50 USD, but have luck finding them on sale plenty of times, and Maybelline is good about doing coupons for lip products often.

Maybelline CS Iced Chocolate - overcast/no flash

This gloss has what I like to call a "cushion" effect.  Sits very nicely on the lips...the formula, although it covers completely, is not thick.  It really does a fantastic job of coating the lips and making them feel soft and saturated.  Iced Chocolate does have silver micro sparkles but they are not in your face, they add more to the look of shine than glitter.  I find this gloss moisturizing enough to be able to go about 3 hours before I need to reapply but your mileage may vary there.

I do not have the world's most pigmented lips.  They are somewhere between pigmented and washed out :(
Even with this, what I love about Iced Chocolate is that it gives the perfect amount of creamy nude with a slight hint of healthy pink!  In the picture above it comes off pinkier than it really is.  I can imagine that on someone with more pigmented lips, this would actually take on a more rosey tone.

What more could you ask for in a drugstore gloss...

awesome price point
healthy nude look ( a my lips but better if you will)
amazing texture and formula

Thanks for stopping by!

Beauty Blogazon Weekly Roundup 8/2/2013

• Mama Fashionista: Quinn shares her Fab Five Favorite Josie Maran Cosmetics products!
• Lola's Secret Beauty Blog: Summer Skincare Tips To Keep Your Skin Hydrated, Fresh, Glowing & Protected.
• Beautyfiends: Love Argan Oil? You've got to try DermOrganics hair care products! Julia is giving away a bottle of their Argan Oil leave in treatment!
• TheFabZilla: Still struggling with cat-eyes? TheFabZilla does it in 3 steps using liquid eyeliner. Come check it out!
• The Socialite's Closet: Enter to win a Limited Edition Justice YoYo Lip Gloss.
• BellBelleBella: Brittney reviews a palette from the new Marc Jacobs Beauty line available August 9.
• ColorMeSoCrazy: I've stuck with it for a year!! Now, let's CELEBRATE!!!
• My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog: Laura from My Newest Addiction Beauty Blog shares a great palette from City Color Cosmetics.
• Betzy's Makeup A Beauty Blog: If you looking for new websites to shop online, don't forget to check out Fancy Steps.
• Glamorable!: Nail stickers that last up to 14 days and look natural? They exist! Check out Anastasia's review and enter the giveaway for a chance to win a pack of your own.
• MakeUpMom123: Minions & Manis Giveaway!!
• Geniabeme: Wantable did it again! See what came in my Wantable August box!
• Beauty by Miss L: This week Miss L love Rimmel Metal Rush nail polish Gold Save the Queen.
• Harajuku Girl FL Beauty: It's time to Rock Your Colour with the new butter LONDON Cosmetic collection!
• Daydreaming Beauty: Find out what Amber's latest skin care obsessions are in Monthly Favorites - Skin Care Edition!
• Midnight Manicures: Cosmoprof North America 2013 was a blast. Check out Jeanie's recap, pictures and interviews with Zoya, John Blaine and Dita Von Teese!
• The Passenger Element: Wet n Wild Nude Awakening swatches.
• Makeup, Life and Love: Add some Zing into your life with Origins.
• Carinae L'etoile's Polish Stash: Week 1 of Gelish's VitaGel Nail Strengthener - It's Fabulous!

Wet n Wild ColorIcon Nude Awakening Palette (limited edition)

Wet n Wild Nude Awakening Palette - direct sunlight

Don't you love it when you go scouring, store after store and score the thing you love most?  For me, it was Wet n Wild's Nude Awakening Palette (#34051).  This was released as a limited edition some time ago, but they starting to reappear in stores like Walgreen's, Meijer, etc.  The 8 pan palette was purchased for $4.99 USD, net wt. 0.3oz/8.5g.

WnW Nude Awakening Palette Ingredients - direct sunlight

WnW Nude Awakening open - direct sunlight

Nude Awakening is split in two groups if you will, with both sides labeled for what part of the eye they are for.  I do not follow this as you can use these colors where you want, how you want.  The left side of the pan are more day neutrals.  All but one of these shadows is shimmery.  The third shadow down on left side is a beautiful, creamy matte.

The right side of the palette are all nicely saturated, shimmery shadows.  These are more nighttime neutrals.  Again, you can use these colors whenever you would like!

WnW Nude Awakening palette swatches - direct sunlight

There are no color names on this palette.  From left to right:  I will describe them as best I can.
custard(satin), taupe(shimmer), camel brown(matte), dark brown with black(shimmer), bronze(metallic),mocha chocolate brown(shimmer), gunmetal(shimmer), black(silver shimmers)

Nude Awakening's shadows are soft, ultra blendable, although that black can be a bit tricky.  The pigmentation is fantastic...All of the swatches above were done without a primer.  Some of the shadows have a bit more fallout than the others, but I am willing to work with it as these shadows are really fantastic.  They have a nice wear time as well.  With primer, I can go about 7 hours before I notice any wearing or fading.

If you are a neutrals girl....I suggest running out and getting it before it goes away again :)

*product shown was purchased by the passenger element blog.  All opinions are my own*

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream in Medium/Deep (swatch)

A quick swatch is what I have for you today.  Garnier's Skin Renew BB Cream in the the color Medium/Deep...

Garnier Skin Renew BB Cream Medium/Deep - sunlight

Like a lot of people out there, I purchased this as soon as it came out.  That is, the first formulation of this.  I was so in love with the texture and scent of it.  The first 10 minutes of wearing that first formulation was absolute heaven.  And then...the horror...the horror!  I was now entering slick oxidation city.  The BB cream turned orange and I could not control the oil.  Completely bummed out, I gave it to a friend who it worked for beautifully.  

What I have here is the second formulation that came out some time ago.  Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector in Medium/Deep (Combination to Oily Skin).  What?  I beg your pardon?  This was quickly snatched up!  Those who are afraid to try the new formula should really give this another chance.  The BB cream still has SPF 20, but for the combo/oily skinned gals, they have upgraded this to be a much different consistency on the skin.  The cream is more a thick liquid that spreads and blends easily but has a dry down that you need to work with.  They have also omitted the lovely scent that the first incarnation had (which you may appreciate if you are allergic).  

Garnier BB Cream ingredients

It seems as if they got the colors a little bit better this time.  Now, I am not saying that everyone will find a match because unfortunately that could not be further from the truth.  But for a latina like me, this second go around was much kinder in regard to tone match.  

Garnier BB Cream Medium/Deep - direct sunlight/no flash

Garnier BB Cream Medium/Deep - direct sunlight/no flash

Even in the warm sun, moving around to capture a good shot, this did not oxidize!!! A huge plus right there.  There is a dry time to contend with...you only have so long before this sets, rather nicely I might add.  This has been perfect for the summer time...I literally slap it on, quick blend with my fingers and I do not set with powder as this sets to a semi matte or satin texture.  Light to buildable medium coverage.  I do get about 4 hours of fresh wear before I have to blot the t-zone area.  I did appreciate that with my combination skin, this did not cause any breakouts or irritation.  

Perfect for summer - yes

Price - pricey for drugstore, but coupons can always be found 

wear - even tone, decent coverage, but no long lasting

*Product show was purchased by the passenger element*