Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Best Red - swatch

*Disclaimer - Product shown purchased by passengerelement blog.  I am in no way affiliated with this company.  All views are my own*

It is red lipstick time again!  This time from Milani Cosmetics...

Milani Color Statement Lipstick - Best Red

Specs:

Purchased at local Meijer for $5.99 USD
Gold metallic tube with click top
contains 0.14oz/3.97g of stick product

Best Red is from Milani's Color Statement lipstick line, and is one of 36 shades!  Aside from the diverse range of colors Milani offers, they also come in different finishes too.  Matte, cream, pearly shimmer, etc.  Best Red is a matte, but I want you to erase everything you know about mattes from your memory...here is why...

Milani Best Red - direct sunlight/flash

Best Red is a true red with subtle blue undertone to it.  It goes on incredibly creamy.  The lipstick has  a slightly thick formula, but never feels dry on application.  Once applied, it has shine that does linger for a bit, but dries down to the loveliest matte finish.  This does have a rather strong scent, so those with allergies/sensitivities may want to steer clear.  For me, it smells like cucumbers, and the scent does linger quite a bit.  I rather like this aspect, but buyer beware.

Milani Best Red - direct sunlight/no flash

For a matte, this negated everything I had known about mattes.  I never experienced dry lips while wearing this.  It is so richly creamy, and proceeds to stay creamy for a good 6 hours.  Though you do have a bit of shine at application time, this never affects the opacity of the product.  When worn for hours, and after normal activity (talking, drinking, eating), this wore down to a really vibrant stain.

I do wish that reapplication was a bit more pretty.  When I try to layer this hours later, I do get a bit of piling on the lips.  But that is a small price to pay for such beautiful color and quality!  Do yourself a favor and pick one of these up now.

Enjoy,

D - xo

*Disclaimer - Product shown purchased by passengerelement blog.  I am in no way affiliated with this company.  All views are my own*

NYX Butter Lipstick in Mary Janes - swatch

*Disclaimer - Item show purchased by thepassengerelement blog. All opinions are my own. I am not being compensated for my review*

I wholeheartedly wear my red lip obsession on my sleeve.  No longer hiding the tubes upon tubes of  red goodness.  In keeping true to form with this, I have purchased yet another red...because red.

NYX Butter Lipstick - Mary Janes

NYX's Butter Lipstick in Mary Janes was purchased at my local Ulta for $5.99 USD.  Mary Janes is one of 22 shades in the line.  Inside of the colored tube (which not only matches the color of the bullet, but you also get a clear window to show true to color color :) ), you get 0.16oz of buttery goodness.

ingredients

NYX Mary Janes Butter Lipstick

One thing I have to say right off...holy jesus these are moisturizing!  The word Butter in the title does attest to the formulation and wear of these lipsticks.  Butter Lipsticks have high pigmentation and wonderful slip, without being too high maintenance.  For me, Mary Janes is opaque, but with the highly moisturizing formula, feels extraordinarily light!  Extremely comfortable to wear, in my experience, I could go up to 5 hours of normal use (light drinking/eating) without having to reapply.  It also kept my lips smooth as it wore away and did stain my lips quite a bit.

NYX Mary Janes swatch - overcast/no flash

Mary Janes is a described as a true red.  On my lips, and since I like to swipe my lipstick two or three times, I find that the more I layer, the darker it gets.  You could definitely get this to look vampy if you wanted, and is totally appropriate for a fall red.

Mary Janes swatch - overcast/flash

A deep cherry shade, I love that this does not lean towards any side too much!  Let me touch again on formula...it is moisturizing and it does leave for such wonderful slip on the lips, but it did grab on to a few of my dry patches.  Though I will also state that I generally do not pre-moisturize my lips and on most days, do not have texture problems with application.

For the price, formula, wear and color selection...this is sooo on the money!


*Disclaimer - Item show purchased by thepassengerelement blog. All opinions are my own. I am not being compensated for my review*

NYX Love in Rio Trio in Voodoo Love Spells - swatch

*Disclaimer - Item(s) shown was purchased by thepassengerelement blog.  All opinions are my own.  I am not being compensated for my review.*

A good neutral palette is good to have in your collection, kit, makeup bag.  One that is travel friendly is even better.  NYX has the answer to neutrals on the go...

NYX Voodoo Love Spells Trio

Love In Rio is a series of shadow trios from NYX that range from neutral to vibrant.  Voodoo Love Spells is one of 21 trios in that collection.  Voodoo Love Spells (VLS) was purchased from my local Ulta for $6.00 USD.  Total product contained within the plastic compact is 3 x 0.035oz/1g each.  The compact itself is lightweight, but sturdy and the locking mechanism seals tightly.

NYX Voodoo Love Spells - Ingredients

NYX Voodoo Love Spells Trio - direct sunlight

VLS consists of three shadows.   The colors from left to right are a matte taupe, a medium brown, and a charcoal.  Now, I have a bit of a problem with NYX calling the taupe shade matte, as it does have some micro shimmer, that, once on the skin, leaves behind a subtle sheen that is actually very pretty .  The other darker shades are true mattes.

NYX VLS swatches - sunlight/no flash

NYX VLS swatches - direct sunlight/flash

All swatches above done without primer.  From the first picture above, you can easily see that the first taupe shade that is supposed to be matte is actually a satin.  This is a very sheer, very light version of taupe, and cool at that.  I would have chosen a deeper taupe that was high in sheen for contrast, but the color here is gorgeous, and so is the formula. All shadows are soft and feel creamy in the pan.  The first two shades did not give me trouble when it came to layering and blending.  The charcoal shade was a bit patchy upon application and took a bit more work.  Medium brown is just a straight medium brown, but we all need workhorses like this in our collections, especially for smoking out looks.  The charcoal shade, though lovely in the pan, lacks anything special.

With primer, these shadows looked fresh for around 7 hours.  There was minimal fallout when working with them and aside from the charcoal shade, were easy to work with.  I have thrown this into my school bag on mornings when I hit the snooze a bit too much and its been nice having an on the go palette that can go from day to night.

Looking forward to grabbing a few more of these trios...

xoxo, D.

Maybelline Color Elixir gloss in 065 Caramel Infused

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

I am a red lip girl.  I am obsessed with everything red.  But even more so when it comes to a nude lip.  The journey to finding a perfect nude lip for me is neverending since I do not like a full on nude.  The nude I look for is creamy, juicy, skintone color with a hint of pink, peach or berry to ensure not looking like a corpse.

 Thanks to Maybelline...I have found an awesome contender for nude lip of the my life award :) ...

Maybelline Color Elixir in Caramel Infused

Caramel Infused was purchased at my local Meijer for about $6.99 USD.  This lovely gloss is one of 20 permanent shades from the Color Elixir/Color Sensational line from Maybelline.  The packaging is misleading as it looks like a lipstick bullet with a clear case.  In this twist tube, you receive 0.17 fl.oz of product.  The clear body of the tube does allow for almost true to life color of the gloss contained inside.

Maybelline Color Elixir - Caramel Infused

Maybelline states these Color Elixirs are a hybrid between a gloss, lipstick and balm.  I agree with the gloss and balm mix.  The formula of Color Elixir is so unique!  You get a nice, healthy shine and sweet dose of color like you would from a gloss, but you also get a really protected, balmy feeling.  It it wears really nice on the lips, though if you are more into gloss than lipstick or balm, you may not like the semi-thick feeling of this. This has a scent...those averse to products with scents will want to turn straight away!  Though it is not unpleasant or lingering, upon application, these smell a bit of earl grey tea and lemon.  The scent does not last much past initial application, but it may bother those who are sensitive to scents.  The triangular brush head really hugs the curves of the lips and lays product down evenly.

Maybelline Caramel Infused - direct sunlight/no flash

Maybelline Caramel Infused - direct sun / flash on

Caramel Infused is a nude with a big dusty pink influence.  There is nothing "dead" looking about this gloss...it gives the lip the right touch of color.  With my Latina skin color and tone, I was looking for anything that did not read corpse girl lips.  This did it.  While the gloss does not stain my lips, once worn away, you still get a touch of moisture that is rather nice. I found no issues or dryness or flaking while and after wearing this product. Color Elixirs are not sticky and remain shiny while on the lips.  I do have to reapply throughout the day as this is not long lasting.

This is a definitive repurchase for me.  Color, formula, price...it has it all.

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

Revlon ColorStay liquid liner - Blackest Black (swatch)

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

Today, let us enjoy the many lovely aspects of this liquid liner...

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Liner

Revlon CS Liquid Liner - ingredients

I purchased Revlon's Colorstay Liquid Liner at my local Ulta for $7.99 USD.  You can find this at most drugstores everywhere.  Colorstay Liquid Liner comes in two colors, blackest black and black brown.  This liner comes in a pen and well system, both parts being a nice sturdy black plastic.  As for total amount of product, you get 0.08fl.oz/2.5ml inside.  As stated on the package, Revlon claims that this will provide all day wear, as with all of their Colorstay products.

Revlon CS liquid liner - packaging

Revlon CS liquid liner pen - close up

There are two things that I absolutely love about Colorstay Liquid Liner:

1.  Formula - inky liquid that glides easily and grips into place without sucking moisture out of your lids and making them appear crepey.  very opaque black and it is MATTE!

2.  Applicator - the tip of the applicator is semi-flexible and it is built right into the handle.  this took me a minute to get used to, but helps with control and also aides in getting close to the lashline.

Revlon Colorstay Blackest Black liquid liner - swatch - direct sun

Swatches above show that the flexible tip can create thin or thick lines.  Also this shows how truly matte this really is!  It is such a treat to find a liquid liner that has no shine.  I have never had trouble with the tip unraveling and this will be my third bottle.  The container must be shaken to ensure true mix of liquid and it contains a bead to aid in that, much like a bottle of nail polish.  Revlon's colorstay formula dries pretty quickly, which is nice once you have mastered the applicator, but can be a hassle once it comes to fixing mistakes.  I have normal eyelids that after an 8 hour day, get a bit oily and do not have any trouble with this disappearing or smudging.  Long wearing for a normal day or working, running around = yes.

Will definitely repurchase as I have in the past.  Think this is a liner you will want to try out?


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

Wet n Wild Fergie BB Cream SPF 15 / shade A104 Medium/Deep

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

Today's product comes from Wet n Wild...

WnW Fergie BB Cream in Medium/Deep

From the WnW Fergie Collection comes the Fergie 8-1 Beauty Balm in the shade Medium/Deep.  I purchased this at Wal-Mart for around $5.50 USD.  Inside the squeeze tube, you receive 1 fl. oz/30ml of liquid product.  This comes in at least 5 shades last I purchased this.

WnW Fergie BB Cream - packaging

Wet n Wild Fergie 8-1 BB Cream

Fergie's 8-1 Beauty Balm is considered an "8-1" because it supposed to be a primer, concealer, foundation, etc.  The squeeze tube you see on top is clean, easy to use and decent at controlling the amount of foundation you need.

WnW Fergie 8-1 BB / no flash, overcast light

Above : Swatch in natural light, overcast, no flash.  The BB itself is liquid, but viscous enough that it does not run quickly.  Underneath is the BB blended...thankfully, this "beauty balm" did fantastic at blending into my skin and to my coloring.

WnW Fergie BB - flash

Above: Swatch in natural light with flash.  I did not find that this flashed back on my hand, and when taking random pictures with this on my face, did not see any white casts.

There are a few things I like and dislike:

Like: Color matched me nicely, though with only 5 shades, I do not know if all will be this lucky
Was a dream to blend and layer.
Very hydrating, perfection during this harsh winter we are having.

Dislike: Only comes in a limited range
Wear is heavenly for about an hour, after that, on my combo/oily skin, I am an oil slick
Very heavily scented ( I love scented products and am not allergic to scents in makeup/skincare, but this is over the top!)
Coverage is lovely...if you have PERFECT skin...coverage is light, even with multiple layers.

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

Jordana 12 HR Made to Last shadow pencil - 04 Continuous Almond - swatch

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

Jordana 12 HR Made to Last e/s pencil - 08 Continuous Almond

Everyone,  today I have Jordana's 12 HR Made to Last eyeshadow pencil in 08 Continuous Almond.  I have previously done a review on Endless Emerald from the same line HERE.  This was purchased at Walgreen's for $3.99 USD.  This shadow pencil contains 0.10oz/2.8g of product in a barrel you can sharpen.  Like Endless Emerald, this is part of an 8 color selection from the 12 HR Made to Last colors.

Jordana 12 HR shadow pencil 08 Continuous Almond - flash

Like the other Made to Last eyeshadow pencil I own, Continuous Almond is super blendable and amazing as a base!  This is a very light creamy nude color that on my skintone is bright, but I have seen this on lighter skinned gals and will pass for skin color.  With the slight beige tint that this has, I found it to work with cool, warm and neutral colors.  There is a set time with this product, so work fast!!!  Once I blend it to my satisfaction, I find that it is dry to the touch and will not blend further.  I also do not need to set with powder if I want to use this as my shadow for the day.

Jordana 08 Continuous Almond - natural light/no flash

As a base, this is MADE TO LAST.  I can get anywhere between 8-12 hours of crease free wear.  I do not have super oily lids, but after at least a 5 hour stretch, I do get shadow breakdown.  This curbed all creasing, and kept my colors in place and vibrant.  I will say this...if you are looking to use this as a base, work fast, as it has an insanely quick drydown time.  For shadows that need a stickier base, look elsewhere.  For my creamier powder shadows and cream shadows in general, I find this a treat to work with.

No better bargain to be found...excellent to use on their own or as bases :)

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

Jordana 12 HR Made To Last eyeshadow pencil in 08 Endless Emerald - swatch

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

Today's swatch consists of Jordana's 12 HR Made To Last eyeshadow pencil in 08 Endless Emerald

Jordana Made to Last shadow pencil in Endless Emerald - natural light/no flash

I purchased this awesome little pencil at Walgreen's for $4.99 USD.  On the pencil this is inscribed - "highly pigmented formula, shimmer finish, long-lasting, water resistant".  The pencil is non-twist up and the total weight of product you receive is 0.10oz/2.8g.  Endless Emerald is one of 8 shadow pencils in the Made to Last pencil range.

Jordana Endless Emerald shadow pencil - no flash/natural light

What I love about this pencil is that it is so soft and blendable!!! It was nice to have something so smooth on the eye without any tugging.  And holy pigmentation batman!  One swipe gets you a nice base, layered this becomes an intense color.  Endless emerald is truly a jewel tone slightly deep green with silver glitters.  Now, when I first purchased the pencil, I did not see the glitter, and the packaging only stated "shimmer".  Once the "newness" rubbed off the pencil, I could see the glitters.  Most were small, but there was some noticeably big glitter pieces.

Jordana Endless Emerald shadow pencil - flash / outdoor 

This was not completely transfer resistant.  I had used this under my eye for a smokey, dropped shadow effect, and after a couple of hours, had noticed that the color started to run in the creases under my eyes, which was rather bothersome.  On the lid, this worked like a dream.  If you have oily lids, there may be more transfer than you may like, but as always your own mileage with this may vary.  On the lid this wore like armor...pigmentation that lasted for hours and no creasing or fading of the product.  When I first swatched this, I rubbed and rubbed the swatch and only after rubbing profusely was I able to get the product to fade!  With a makeup remover towelette, it was a bit tedious to get all of the product off, having to rub quite a bit to get it off.  With a an oil or cream based cleanser, I was able to easily get the pencil off of my eye with minimal work.

The range of colors is nice, from neutral to bright.  For under $5 USD, you get a decent amount of pencil that is so soft and so fantastically pigmented, I do not think you can go wrong :)

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

Tiny Haul ft Jordana, Wet n Wild, and Cover Girl

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

Hey Everyone!  It is nice to be back after a crazy time during my accelerated biology class.  But now that that has calmed down, I am glad to be back again and in full force!  Today's post is on a small haul I did a few days ago from some of my favorite brands.  With school taking up most of my time and finances, I have become somewhat of a bargain beauty and it has been nice scouring the drugstores for quality items at awesome prices.  Let's see what I picked up :)

Wet n Wild Fergie shadow primer / Coverall face powder

From Wet n Wild, I picked up two back up items that I will HAVE to review for you as they are now holy grails.  Wet n Wild partnered up with artist Fergie, and she came out with an exceptional collection that includes this amazing primer, Take on the Day shadow primer.  This retails for under $5 USD, but have seen it go on sale many times (plus, if you buy at Walgreen's or Rite-Aid, there are usually coupons).  Next is the Coverall face powder which retails for under $3 USD.  For a latina like me, it was nice to see a powder range with colors that were friendly for my coloring! 

Jordana 12 HR Made to Last eyeshadow pencil

As far as my shopping experience in brick and mortar stores, I have only found Jordana in Walgreens in my area.  I was able to snag two of the 12 HR Made to Last eyeshadow pencils.  I believe Milani has similar pencils, but these were found to be a bit cheaper.  Both pencils ran me just under $8 USD.  From first swipe, these were incredible!  Still testing out wear with these bad boys and a review is in the works.  

Cover Girl Smoochies lipbalm

I am a lip product addict.  I know it, everyone knows it.  I cannot stop myself from buying more lip products.  I picked this up as I was a huge fan of Lipslicks years ago, and this seems like an updated version of those.  This is a really fun, bright red color.  For a quick pick me up with not a lot of fuss, these are perfect.  I have found that Cover Girl regularly goes on sale.  I purchased this for around $6.50 USD.  All products above purchased at Walgreen's.

I have tried all of these products and am in the midst of finishing use trials and getting reviews out to you all very soon!  Thanks for stopping by!

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.