Reviv Serums Lash & Brow Stimulating Serum - review and giveaway!

*DISCLAIMER: Item sent by company for the purpose of testing/reviewing it.  I am not being financially compensated for this review.  All words and opinions are 100% my own.**Powered by Brandbacker*

What do we have today?  A product that I am sure we have all thought to help us along the way.  Longer lashes, thicker brows?  Well, Reviv Serums RevivLash Lash and Brow Stimulating Serum is here to help!

From RevivLash - "RevivLash Lash and Brow Stimulating Serum can significantly boost the appearance of eyelash and eyebrow length, thickness, strength and overall health.

RevivLash is the first product of its kind to include award-winning Redensyl(R) from Switzerland based InduChem AG.  Redensyl won In-Cosmetics 2014 Silver Award for Best Personal Care Ingredient.  The ingredient combines two patented InduChem molecules - DHQG and EGCG2 -to target follicle stem cells.

RevivLash is specifically formulated to reduce potential for the irritation that occurs with other eyelash restoration products.  Unlike Latisse(R) and LiLash(R), it contains no prostaglandin analogues, and is a cosmetic that can be purchased by consumers without having to obtain a prescription."

What does this all mean?

RevivLash Lash and Brow Stimulating Serum comes in a lip gloss style tube with a soft, doe foot applicator.  Contained within the tube is 8ml / 0.25 fl. oz of liquid product.  This comes in the standard size and usually retails for $100.00 USD, but can be found on their website right now for $49.00 USD.  

Here is a before shot of what I am working with.  Light lashes with a medium density I would say.  Though I am a compulsive eye rubber and that tends to make mine fall off all the time.  My brows have a few sparse spaces and also do not grow on the ends.  I would like a longer brow.  

Let's get to the details...

*RevivLash comes in a nice, sleek, easy to use tube.

*Texture - Really lightweight, feels almost like a serum.  Sinks into applied areas quickly.  Dried clear on my skin.

*Applicator - The doe foot really helps at allowing you to do large area sweeps over the eyebrow area.  The point on the doe foot lets you pin point, in an almost eyeliner style, placement of the product right on the lash line!

*Scent - The scent is extremely herbal, but dissipates once it has dried on the applied areas.  Once dry, it almost has a sweet, half floral, half sugary scent.  It does not linger very long.

*Use - Since the serum is lightweight and the doe foot helps to apply both all at once and in pin point areas, it is very easy to use!  Use it twice a day, on eyebrows, top lash line, and even bottom lash line if you like!

brow application

lash application

I have been using this for 3 weeks, and although I have not seen much in growth, I have noticed that my lashes tend to fall out much less than they did before, even with eye rubbing!  This is a treatment, and as such, I do not expect results quickly.  I am excited to check in at the 6 week mark to see improvement.  I will be photographing a check in for that moment...cannot wait!

There has been no irritation noted on my behalf.  The RevivLash has played well with my current skincare.  I have also worn this under makeup with no flaking, running, or texture changes.  I am happy with the strength my lashes have gotten thus far.  There will be much excitement when I see growth, both on the lash line and to fill the spaces in my brows.  Easy to use, and the commitment is minimal....twice a day!  

Now...let's get to the goods....a GIVEAWAY!  Reviv Serums is giving 5 lucky people the chance at winning a full sized tube of RevivLash Serum, a $100 dollar value!  What do you need to do, be a reader of this blog, follow me on social media and be located in the United States or Canada.  Enter right here...

Discount time!  Reviv Serums is offering 10% off to my readers with the discount code LONGER10 to use at checkout at revivserums.com!  Discount code is good through 2/29/2016. (limit one per customer).

To learn more about RevivLash and Reviv Serums other products and their amazing company, go HERE.

*DISCLAIMER: Item sent by company for the purpose of testing/reviewing it.  I am not being financially compensated for this review.  All words and opinions are 100% my own.**Powered by Brandbacker*

Fast, effective makeup removal with The Makeup Eraser - review / giveaway

*DISCLAIMER - Product sent by company for purposes of testing and review.  I am not being monetarily compensated for this.  All opinions and words are my own.*

Beauty confession # 1...I don't always remove my makeup.  I know, I know...I should know better, but sometimes the night gets the best of me and instead of reaching for soap and water, I grab whatever I have at hand, wipe and go to bed.  Being a beauty blogger, freelancer and all around makeup addict, I tend to buy quite a lot of makeup removers, towelettes, anything that promises a clean face in less time.  It gets frustrating not finding something that works perfectly and it is getting expensive...but I may have found my solution!

The Makeup Eraser retails for $19.97 USD and they do ship internationally.

Makeup Eraser

The Original Makeup Eraser is the chemical-free, cruelty free, natural way to remove your makeup with just water!  Sounds to good to be true?  This uber soft pink towel is made of a blend of polyester fibers, that when wet, works to remove your makeup and softens your skin.  The Makeup Eraser has two sides, one that has shorter fibers for makeup removal, and one that has longer fibers for finishing and exfoliating.  Do not let the word exfoliate alarm you...this pink dream is as soft as a baby's blanket!  Totally gentle on the skin and non-irritating, you do not have to use any additional products to get your skin squeaky clean.

Makeup Eraser - short side

The short fiber side is for makeup removal.  This feels like velvet!  It is super soft.  When prepped correctly, this side catches your makeup and aides in the breakdown of mascara, lipstick and foundation.

Makeup Eraser - long side

The side with the longer fibers is like a finisher...grabs anything left and also softly exfoliates.  Both sides are equally soft and do a great job at removing makeup from your face.  Though you do not have to use any additional cleanser with this (it really does a nice job of cleansing your face), you can use whatever products you want in conjunction with this and get the same amazing results.

Makeup Eraser - length

The Makeup Eraser is about a foot long, so you have tons of surface area to which you can use to cleanse.  This eraser will last you about 1000 washes!!! How economical is that?  I have already put this through it paces and washes clean when directions are followed.  The stitching at the side is nice and sturdy, I have tugged and pulled and twisted this and it always looks good, and do not find any areas of weak construction on this.

I am really happy with the performance of the Makeup Eraser.  This would make a perfect gift for all beauty/skincare lovers, and will probably throw a few of these in my kit as I can see these being super beneficial on jobs.  They are suitable for all ages, all skin types...just gentle, effective cleansing.  What are you waiting for...ERASE YOUR FACE!

Now, you have a chance at winning one of these bad boys for yourself!  Enter the giveaway HERE !!

To learn more about The Makeup Eraser, check out their website HERE

To purchase The Makeup Eraser, go HERE

Youtube Demo/Review - HERE

*DISCLAIMER - Product sent by company for purposes of testing and review.  I am not being monetarily compensated for this.  All opinions and words are my own.*

L'Oreal Infallible 24 hr Eye Shadow in Sultry Smoke - swatch

*Disclaimer - This item purchased by thepassengerelement blog.  All opinions are my own.  I am in now way being compensated for my review.*

L'Oreal Infallible 24 HR shadow in Sulty Smoke

If you are like me, you went right out to buy any one of the L'Oreal Infallible 24HR eye shadows since they have come out.  Why not?  They are fantastic!  One of those that is a favorite and perfect for fall is the lovely grey known as Sultry Smoke (#998).  I purchased this at my local Meijer for $7.00 USD, but do note that these go on sale quite often.  Sultry Smoke is one of 24 permanent shades in this range.  Inside the screw top jar, there is 3.5g/0.12oz of pigment shadow.

What you get when you open the jar, is a pressed shadow, not unlike  a pigment.  The powder feels creamy which aides in the blendability of this product.  There are several reason why the packaging and the product itself lend themselves to an awesome drugstore find!...

a) the shadow is packed in...allows for controlled application, as well as little fall out
b) the pot comes with a plastic shield that not only covers the surface area of the shadow, but helps in packing it in after you are done
c) pigment like shadow has wonderful color saturation
d) infallible 24 HR shadows come in a diverse array of colors and textures

L'Oreal Sultry Smoke 24HR Infallible shadow - direct sunlight/no flash

Sultry Smoke is a semi matte, medium grey with a touch of blue that really stands out in the swatch above.  I say this is a semi matte because when you work with the product, you can actually see very teeny tiny micro shimmers scattered about the shadow.  They are easier to see when the color is packed on.  Once blended, the shimmers become unnoticeable  .  The more you layer of Sultry Smoke, the less blue it becomes...so those fearing the blue tinge, there is hope.

L'Oreal Sultry Smoke 24 HR Infallible shadow - direct sunlight/flash

I will say that for Sultry Smoke, a layered approach is best.  The lighter the hand you have or the more blended you want to make it, it appears patchy, with out without primer.  Big frownie face as this is really lovely when its just a wash of color.  Full on layers give drama without ever being too dark.  For fall eye looks, I have been pairing this with metallic chocolate browns, matte and shimmery berries, as well as purpley pinks!

This is my third of the 24 hour Infallibles and am working my way to getting many more!

Enjoy!  xoxo.


*Disclaimer - This item purchased by thepassengerelement blog.  All opinions are my own.  I am in now way being compensated for my review.*

NYX eyeshadow base in Skin Tone - swatch/review

NYX eyeshadow base ESB03

Today, I thought I would share my thoughts on NYX's eyeshadow base in Skin Tone (ESB03).  The contents of this pot are 0.25oz/7g.  It comes in a screw top, plastic container that seals very nicely and tight. This usually retails for around $7.00 USD, but goes on sale often.  You can purchase this at NYX site HERE, Ulta stores/online, and Meijer.  This is where it is available in my area.  Their site has a nifty search tool to see if it is available near you.  I have heard of NYX popping up in other stores around the US not mentioned here.

NYX ESB03 Skin Tone ingredients

NYX ESB Skin Tone  - open

When I picked this up at my local Ulta, I was on a base rampage!  I have a bit of a problem...and that is buying eyeshadow bases.  I tend to work long hours, or spend time outside where I do not always have the option to touch up.  A good eyeshadow base is key.  I am always on the lookout for the best, skin toned shadow base, so when I saw NYX's, I jumped at it.

This base is pretty simple.  It claims to improve wearability and staying power of shadow, prevents fall out, and makes shadows more vibrant.  I do not agree with all of those claims.

Let us start with:
wearability - the base itself is creamy, but not so much so that it creases easily.  This makes blending on the eye a dream.  No dragging or pulling of the eye skin.  It feels moisturizing, and dries to a nice matte finish.  It feels very comfortable upon application, as well as throughout the day.

staying power - upon application, the shadow looks fresh and vibrant.  I do not have oily lids, but an 8 hour work day will test the validity of any shadow for sure.  Around hour 5 I do start to see some fading and creasing, although minimal.

vibrancy - I like that the skin toned color of this base did not compete with any of my neutral shadows.  I do use it with more colorful shadows, but I do find because it is not brighter, that they do not stand out 100%.

NYX ESB03 swatch - direct sun

Though it does not last as long as I personally would like it to, this primer is fantastic.  It is perfect for those who are looking for a base that is easy to take off, cost effective and easy to find. I have had mine for about 8 months and I am starting to see a divot in the pot, but I still have a long ways before I am out of product.  I have given this primer to friends who are getting into makeup and they find the ease of use of this product to be great.

See you next time!

Firmoo - your online one stop shop for glasses

*(DISCLAIMER: The Passenger Element received this product for free from firmoo.com for consideration/review.  I am not being compensated for my thoughts/review of this product.  My opinion is 100% my own, and I will try to be as honest and objective as I can.)*

Hello all!   

Today I come at you with something a bit different.  Being a glasses wearer, I know how expensive it can be to get a new pair or back up when you need them.  Especially now, every dollar counts.  I was lucky enough to receive a pair of glasses for free from FIRMOO.COM.  What is firmoo?

Firmoo.com is an online eyeglass store that carries a ton of frames in the latest styles and trends at an affordable price.  They have everything from prescription to non-prescription and sunglasses to choose from.  The site was super easy to navigate.   On the site, you will find a photo viewer that allows users to upload a photo (or use your webcam) and from there, you can literally place the frames on your face to see what you would look like!  I found this extremely helpful in the process of purchasing from them.

eyeglass order from firmoo.com

When I ordered online, they have a promotion that your first pair of glasses are FREE!  Yes, free.  So I uploaded my photo, and looked around to see what best caught my eye.  The frames I chose were $29.00 USD plus shipping.  The frames above #SDSB1782.  If you want to see even better information on these frames head here #sdsb1782

The shipping was fast.  The package I received was sent from China and to my home in Michigan, was about a week and half.  This was total from ordering, to processing my glasses to the shipping.  In my package, I received:

Glasses enclosed in a sturdy, hard shell case

Soft plastic sleeve with cord closure

Mini glass repair kit with extra screws and nose pad

Chamois for cleaning glasses

All was tucked away neatly in a bubble envelope, and when I opened it, all items were in pristine condition.  

#SDSB1782 from firmoo.com

 I was extremely happy with my choice of frames and all of the customer service I got from firmoo.com.  Anytime I had a question, it was answered quickly.  The frames are super light, comfortable and feel very tailored to my head.

If you guys want to find out how to receive a pair of glasses for free - firmoo.com - first pair free program.

Any other questions you may have, please feel free to check out their FAQ

*(DISCLAIMER: The Passenger Element received this product for free from firmoo.com for consideration/review.  I am not being compensated for my thoughts/review of this product.  My opinion is 100% my own, and I will try to be as honest and objective as I can.)*

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 HR blush in Frisky - swatch/review

Tarte AC blush in Frisky

Today I bring you Tarte's Amazonian Clay 12 hour blush in Frisky.  This blush can be found at Sephora, Ulta, and Tarte's own site.  There are 15 colors to this series.  Each blush retails for $26.00 USD and contains 5.6g/0.20oz of powder product inside.  The case is a hard plastic with sturdy closure, mirror inside. Tarte has colored the plastic as close to the blush color inside as possible.

Tarte AC blush Frisky - outdoors/no flash/overcast

The color of this compact in particular is very close to what you get inside the pan.  This is a bright, shimmering coral with gold flecks.  The compact does a good job of reflecting that.

Tarte AC Frisky - outdoor/overcast/no flash

At first swipe of this for a swatch, Frisky was very bright.  It almost turned me off to it.  Also, the gold flecks, which are damn beautiful to look at, flew all over my skin.  The texture of this blush is nice.  The blush cake is hard, but soft to a brush's touch.  I do not find this to be powdery at all, the only fallout was the glitter.  The glitter does not stick around (WOO HOO!), once you swirl over the brush and tap the brush, you do not get any of the glitter on your face.

AC Frisky blush: outdoor/overcast/no flash

This looks vibrant, and it really is, but what I love about the formula is that it is incredibly buildable.  I do find that not all AC's are created equal.  The blush cake on this is firm, and when you swatch with either a brush or finger, it does not feel as if you are picking up a ton, but a swatch later, and holy pigmentation!  Light touches with this particular blush are best.  I have a few other AC's that I do two or three swipes with in order to get a nice amount of color.  I would not say that for me, combo-oily skin, these last 12 hours.  I do get a good 6-8 hour period though, and you cannot beat that.

These are all really great blushes.  I like that the color range isn't overwhelming in regards to color choice.

Thanks for stopping by!

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color in Cherry Picking/Stoplight Red (swatches)

I am a sucker for bright lips. I am a sucker for red lips. I am a sucker for magenta/fuchsia lips. It is getting to be a problem for my wallet. What has not been are these awesome finds from the ultra affordable Wet n Wild line...

Wet n Wild Mega Last Lip Color

T: 965 Cherry Picking / B: 911D Stoplight Red

These little tubes of awesome can be found most retailers for between $2-$3 USD.  For that price you get 0.11oz/3.3g worth of product.  The bullet comes enclosed in a black, twist up casing with clear plastic cover.  Nothing special really, though I do like that for a drugstore product the case closes nice and tight. As far as these two colors, I have noticed no difference in the formula between both colors.  The finish to this lipstick is an extremely creamy, semi-matte lipstick.  This does have a bit of slip, so first couple hours of wear are nice and comfortable.

WnW Mega Last lc in 965 Cherry Picking

I will start with Cherry Picking.  Now, when I swatched/wore this, it is an extremely vivid magenta with red/blue hints that leans more red.  When I have looked at other swatches of this online, I have seen it look like a dull rose, head on primary red, and melon pink.

Swatch: WnW 965 Cherry Picking (overcast/outdoor/no flash)

Swatch: WnW 965 Cherry Picking (overcast/outdoor/flash)

Up next we have 911D in Stoplight Red...

WnW Mega Last ls Stoplight  Red 911D

And now for this lovely red.  Stoplight Red is a blue based red that is creamy and semi-matte.  I love the very retro quality of this red.

Swatch: WnW Mega Last ls Stoplight Red (overcast/outdoor)

Swatch: WnW Mega Last ls Stoplight Red (outdoor/overcast/flash)

Overall, great wear on this formula.  Even when I primer with a good lip balm, these dry out my lips.  After a few hours of wear, they get dry and somewhat crumbly.  I like to apply a good waxy balm over them to extend the the wear to ultimate comfort.  They had a nice variety of colors from these bright, lively ones, to nudes and neutrals.  I have not had any trouble finding these anywhere.

Do yourself a favor and purchase a few of these...they are lovely, and who can beat that price! :)

See you later :)

Revlon Lip swatches (ulta haul)

Here we are with the second half of the ulta lippies haul...

Revlon lip stains

First product is Revlon's Just Bitten lipstain + balm in the color Crave.  This is a felt tipped pen on one end, and a clear, hydrating balm on the other.  This can be found at most retailers and are usually around $7.50 USD.  Though this type of "marker" style stain has its problems...(the tip can become dry and hard, giving no color, or the tip can splay), it is really a fantastic product!

The second product is the Just Bitten Kissable balm stain in the color 020 Lovesick.  This is a twist up mix between a thick balm and stain that colors the lips nicely once it has worn off.  You can also find these almost anywhere for around $7.50 USD.

Just Bitten lipstain - Crave (overcast)

Crave is the color on top.  Looks just like a felt tip marker.  The ink it contains is very nicely pigmented.  Now, this is one swipe of this color.  This can be built up like you cannot believe.  The first time I wore it on my lips, I did three swipes and it quickly turned vamp-a-licious.  This is a beautiful, very reddy magenta with nice subtle purple tint.  Wear is long lasting...just remember to keep applying the attached balm.

Lovesick is the bottom swatch.  It is a pretty straightforward vibrant pink.  Now, on my hand this looks a little darker than it does on my lips.  On the lips, these usually wear away to a stain that can be drying.  I get about two good hours of the balm characteristics, and then the dry down stain.  Lovesick in particular turns pretty neon on my lips.  This may or may not be something you like.  If you are one that is sensitive to scents, you may want to look elsewhere...it smells mint-like.

Overall, very happy with these purchases...looking forward to getting more colors from both of these ranges.

Thanks for stopping by!

NYX Lip Haul - swatches

Remember these?

NYX lippies! / Outdoor, overcast

Let me get this out...I am addicted to NYX lip products.  They cover quite a range of products, finishes, color ranges...they just get it!  Here is what I picked up from Ulta a few weeks ago.  Do note that some of these are repurchases, just in different colors.  I will continue to go back to all of these formulations.

Lt: Scarlett, T: Bonfire, Rt: Tea Rose

Left: Pump it Up lip plumper in Scarlett.  A sheerly tinted, lip plumping gloss that works!  The color Scarlett is just a tinge of a pinkish red.  This is in a tube with doe foot applicator and can be found for around $5.49 USD.  The formula is not sticky whatsoever.  It adheres nicely to the lips without causing anything to get stuck to them :).  This does sting people.  I am not a wimp, especially for all things beauty, but it does have a bite.  Licking this is not advised...but I can tell you, after my burny tongue, this does not taste like anything.  You just get the tingly sensation and that does not last very long.  A slight flush does occur on the lips...natural, and no ring around the mouth looking painful thing either! Double yay!

Top: Xtreme Lip Cream in Bonfire.  Thick, matte, long lasting, staining perfection in a bottle!  An intensely pigmented product this is a gloss, cream, and stain in one.  I would call this one a bright reddish rose.  It comes in tube packaging with a doe foot applicator and usually retails around $5.99 USD.  The lip creams are thick...really thick.  They have a nice glide on the lips and play well with other products.  Upon application, the formula is very creamy and shiny.  After a few hours of wear, it dries down to a comfortable matte.  And even longer into wear, it thins out to a stain.  The wear is very comfortable in all of its incarnations.

Right: Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Tea Rose.  A sheer, non-sticky gloss with milky attributes.  Like the others, it  comes in a tube with long doe foot applicator.  I have found this at retail for $5.49 USD.  Tea Rose is a very MLBB color.  A mix between a bubblegum pink and healthy beige.  This formula is light on the lips, and though it does wear away after about 2 hours in my experience, it leaves a nice non tinted sheen on the lips.  Very moisturizing and an easy choice on days when I want a quick, no fuss lip.

Outdoor, no flash, overcast

Coming up next...Revlon lippies! :)

L'Oreal Infallible eye shadow - 890 Bronzed Taupe (swatch/review)

Ladies and gents, I am back!
After taking some time away for personal business, I am glad to be back here reading your blogs and blogging away!

There has been a huge uproar in the beauty community about these little pots of awesomeness....what awesomeness, you ask?

L'Oreal Infallible Bronzed Taupe

Here we have L'Oreal's 24hr Infallible eye shadow in 890 Bronzed Taupe.  This lovely shadow comes in a screw top style pot with a plastic "stamper" insert to keep eye shadow fresh and tamped down.  The pot contains 3.5g of product.  I usually see this product retail for about $8.00 USD.

 The feel of this shadow is kind of like a spongy, wet powder.  It is a unique texture but not at all hard to work with.  I have used this shadow both wet and dry and have found no problems using it either way.  I use both brushes and my finger to apply this to my eye.  I find that because of its consistency, it helps in adhering it to the brush and my eye lid.

swatch - Bronzed Taupe - direct sunlight

The color is very much a taupe, but a taupe with tons of versatility!  On my skin tone, I do not find that it leans purple or grey on  me...a soft taupe with bits of brown and golden cast.  I have seen other gals with this shadow on and think that this is a suitable neutral for a lot of skin tones.

swatch - Bronzed Taupe - direct sunlight

The sheen to this product is amazing.  I do not find it to be glittery at all...just a shimmery sheen that looks like wet metal.  I do have to use this with a primer as I have tried it without one and I did experience creasing.  But please do not let that stop you from trying this.  It is a lovely shadow that wears well, works well, plays well with other shadows and different types of primers.

You can find these at Ulta, Walgreens, CVS, RiteAid...but this color has been very popular and sold out quite frequently!

Thanks for stopping by boys and girls!

NYX Xtreme Lip Cream - Strawberry Jam

NYX Xtreme Lip Cream - Strawberry Jam

Yes.  Beautiful summer sun.  Bright colors...yes please!

Here I have NYX's Xtreme Lip Cream in Strawberry Jam.  NYX calls this a hybrid between a lipstick, lipgloss and a stain.  I agree with aforementioned descriptors.  This is a encased in a plastic tube with screw top.  Inside is a normal doe foot applicator.

XLC09 Strawberry Jam
Net.Wt. 0.23oz(7ml)

open view - NYX Xtreme Lip Cream Strawberry Jam

This really is a lipstick with lipgloss mixed in with a stain.  This color in particular looks like a reddened, blue based pink mixed with latex.  The shine in this at first application verges on patent leather!  This is very thick and emollient in the beginning.  There is a scent to this that is slightly sweet, not organic, not chemically, not really anything.  Sugary.  This is an extremely opaque gloss, but I do warn you, that the gloss part of this equation is not long lasting.  I have worn this for an 8 hour work day and two things are true in my experience, first shiny, then matte stain.  The shine/moisture factor of this gloss does wear off after a few hours, and it turns into the most beautiful matte lipstain.  I have a few of these lip creams and they are very pigmented.  This has stained my hands, lips.  For those that do not like stains, this may not be for you.  I find that it does remain a bit tacky so that I may rub my lips together, but once set as a stain, does not offer any type of moisture.

NYX XLC Strawberry Jam - direct sunlight

NYX XLC Strawberry Jam - direct sunlight

I purchased this product at Ulta.  These run for $6.00 USD.

Learn more at www.nyxcosmetics.com

Thanks for stopping by!

Summer Staple 1 - theBalm Staniac in Beauty Queen

Hello everyone!

I hope everyone is finally getting a well deserved cool off period.  Here in the Midwest, we were getting pummeled with heat and little to no rain.  This past week has been a godsend for the rain and break in heat.

Today I have for you a product that I often overlooked, but has become a staple this summer...theBalm's Staniac in Beauty Queen.  They describe this as a "hint of tint for cheeks and lips".  The tint comes in a tube with a wand and doe foot applicator.  You get 8.5g or 0.3 oz of gel tint.  Screw top ensures for a nice, tight seal on the bottle.

theBalm Staniac in Beauty Queen

The formula of this tint is a gel, which I found a bit interesting to work with at first.  For a tint/gel, this is actually forgiving as long as you don't wait an eternity.  Beauty Queen is a berry pink, very sheer, but extremely buildable.  I am not usually a fan of light stains...they never seem to work for me.  But Staniac did. On lips is actually very nice, though prepping is important.  On cheeks it is bright, sheer, and almost dewy if you do not powder over it.  

swatch - direct sun light

This is one pass of the wand, blended out.  A pinky, berry stain.  I like that this lasts through some serious summer temps and also through my sweat.  One of the biggest pluses about this tint is that it is not sticky.  Once rubbed into the skin, its smooth and dry and good to go!  I throw this on top of some tinted moisturizer, lightly powder my oily areas, wp mascara, lip conditioner and I am out the door :)

Summer staples that are fast, easy and always worth letting someone else know.  :D

Tarina Tarantino Eye Dream Hypershadow in Victorian Punk (100th post)

Welcome to my 100th blog post!!!

I just want to thank everyone who reads this blog.  I go day in, day out, thinking that no one notices my little corner of the internet.  It has taken quite a bit of time to get here.  Some days it was easier than others to produce a post, others I was churning them out like butter!  I may not be the wittiest, prettiest, richest or have the best photos in the world, but this is my passion...always has been, always will be.  My dream is to continue to do this for as long as I can.  Thank you once again.

Now, on the the pretties!!!

I present to you Tarina Tarantino's Eye Dream Hypershadow in Victorian Punk! 

TT hypershadow - packaging

Can we just pause for a second and say "holy ****, what cute packaging!" for a second?  Shown here is Tarina Tarantino's Eye Dream Hypershadow in Victorian Punk.  I had purchased this shadow at Sephora when they were still carrying this particular line of shadows.  Yes, unfortunately this is discontinued, but still deserves its just due.  The shadow itself is 2.5g, a decent little shadow that comes in a plastic, click, clam shell compact.  The plastic itself is very much like the shadow, shimmery awesomeness.  The compact is mirrored and closes tightly.

TT Victorian Punk - open shot - direct sunlight

Yes.  I know, I am drooling too.  Just looking inside gets me to want to do loop-de-loops.  The formulation of these shadows is to die for.  They are soft, easily blendable, but because of the level of shimmer, have a minute amount of fallout.  This is a mid-range purple heavy with gold, microfine shimmer.  Alone or over bases, this looks amazing, and plays well.  I have yet to use this dry (what is my problem? :p)

TT Victorian Punk swatch - direct sunlight

My favorite aspect of this lovely shadow is that it layers very well.  Now, I like to layer this A LOT!    Using this shadow for a wash does not work for me, but your mileage may vary.  Though the amount of shimmer may look intimidating, its micro-fine texture makes this one very wearable shadow.  I have worn this in looks to work even!  For dupes, I have seen that some say Revlon's Violet Starlet is close.  But from what I have seen, Victorian Punk is much more deep and rich in color.

This shadow caused me to look deeper into Tarina Tarantino's line which is actually very nice.  I have since purchased a few items that you can still find now.  I am looking forward to blogging about those in the future!

If anyone knows of any dupes for this shadow, please let me know :)

Once again, thank you for helping get to 100 posts and here is to the next 100!  Cheers!

LORAC multidimensional shadow in 3D-licious / Swatch (UD Lounge DUPE)

The purpose of this particular post was to let you know about LORAC's eyeshadow in 3D-Licious, one of a few that came out for their Multidimensional shadow range.  From what I remember, this was a kit that had 3 shadows and a lovely clutch, a palette, and there may have been another kit in there.  This came out a while ago, and I was lucky enough to purchase my shadows from Ulta.

LORAC 3D-licious eyeshadow

This little pot is 1.7g of awesome duo-chrome.  The duo-chrome flash is green, brown and red.  The formulation of this shadow is to die for.  I have always been a fan of LORAC shadows as they tend to be very soft, very buttery and a dream to blend.  The quality extends to all of the shadow formulations...from the matte, to the shimmery, to the satin.  

shadow description

open shadow pan (brown.green.red flash)

open shadow pan (direct sunlight)

This shadow is a combination of a few colors on me.  Keep in mind that I only use a few bases with it.  For true to pan color, I use either LORAC's Behind the Scenes primer or Too Faced Shadow Insurance.  For colored  bases, I use a NYX JEP in a dark color, or MUFE's Flash color Palette in a dark color as well.  My favorites have been dark brown, dark green or black.  This is a shadow I tend to use all over the eye, as once blended, it looks different from certain angles.  


I like to put on my base, pack the shadow onto my lid, and blend the color up into and above my crease.  The lid itself retains all of the duo-chrome gorgeousness, while on me, the shadow falls into a reddish brown gradient in the crease.  

Swatch: LORAC 3D-licious (natural, direct sunlight)

If you are saying to yourself "Have I not seen this color before on this girl's blog, and was it not Urban Decay's Lounge?"  Then yes, you are correct.  I find this to be an exact dupe of UD's Lounge eyeshadow.  To view an eye look with it, please go HERE.  


Here is a side by side of the shadows...

LORAC's 3D-licious vs. UD Lounge shadow

Lounge has a bit more of a reddish undertone on  me than 3D-licious...but boy aren't they pretty?  I am in the process of getting 3 other very close dupes of this color.  Stay tuned :)


What are everyone's favorite duo-chromes?