October 2014 Favorites

Hello lovely ladies! Today I will be sharing my October Favorites. Fall time is here, which means darker colors are in! I have to admit however, I haven't been very good with stepping out my comfort zone for a darker lip. Unfortunately, I won't be including any lip products in this post today. Moving farward though, I have a few blushes perfect for fall I've really been loving!

I have quite a bit of favorites this month so I'll jump right in!

First, let me apologize for the super messy lid on my foundation. I was honestly too lazy to clean it out... 

Moving on, starting with the first face products we have:

⚫ L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup.

⚫ L'Oreal True Match Super-blendable Concealer.

⚫ Rimmel Stay Matte Primer.

L'Oreal True Match Lumi Healthy Luminous Makeup

I had originally tried this a little over a year ago and I LOVED it. But then I tried others, and when I ran out, I forgot all about this. Recently, I was reminded of this long lost favorite when I was watching someone on youtube. I made it a mission to get my butt to the store and track it down. And I'm soooo happy I did! To me, this has such a beautiful flawless finish, and covers wonderfully. 

Even though I have super oily skin, I forgot just how much I loved this stuff. I usually like my foundations nice and matte with no trace of shine or "glow" (I know I know, defeats the purpose), which is how I wore this when I first used to use it by setting with a powder. This time around though? I can truthfully say that I have only used a setting powder with this once. Every other time, I skip the powder all together. You must be thinking how, if I'm so oily and it states "Luminous" right on the packaging, wellllll that brings me to my next favorite! (Yes, I went out of order, I'm sorry.)

Rimmer Stay Matte Primer

I'm not sure if other matte primers exists, but seeing how the cosmetics industry is always changing and trying to be better than the next, I'm sure there are. I've never heard of them, but when I went to restock on my beloved Rimmel Fix&Perfect Pro Primer, this had caught my eye (not because it was right above it or anything) and I really wanted to try it. 

Like I stayed above, I usually prefer my foundations to be matte, which most of them are. So not to any (or some) surprise, a matte primer paired with a matte foundation, well.. It's just TOO matte. BUT, Rimmel Stay Matte Primer paired with L'Oreal True Match Lumi, a perfect combo! 

This primer dries matte, but still leaves a smooth canvas for foundation application. This also makes my (lumi) foundation the perfect balance of luminous and matte. It still has that luminous glow, without being too oily or shiny. I feel like this primer controls that aspect extremely well, and my makeup even lasts all day. This is definitely a new staple piece in my collection, and the only one I will use with the lumi foundation!

L'Oreal True Match Super-blendable Concealer

I've only tried a couple concealers, but so far I really like this one. It covers my dark circles when I don't get enough sleep, and redness from sore breakouts. I haven't used concealers much until last month, since I really had no reason to. This lasts all day, but if you apply to much, it will get cakey. I really want to try out the Mac Pro-long Concealer, have any of you tried it? But until then, this is my current favorite and I would definitely recommend it!

Next I have a couple blushes to show. Blushes are my absolute favorite piece of makeup. I just love the gorgeous flush of colors you can choose to help really pull any look together.

⚫ E.l.f Blush Palette.

⚫ Flower Beauty Cream Blush.

⚫ Maybelline Fit Me Blush.

E.l.f Blush Palette 

When I was shopping on the E.l.f site about a month or two ago, I was really excited when I saw this. I'm a blush fanatic (if it isn't obvious already(; ), so of course I had to have it! There are two different palettes with convenient names "Dark" and "Light. I own both. My favorite one at the moment, can you guess? .. The dark palette! But since it was late afternoon when I took these pictures, the lighting is really off so here is a better image:

The lighting is still a bit off, but this shows the color much better. The colors I've been using the most are the two on the right. The top right is a really pretty darker form of a babie pink color, while the bottom right is a darker berry color. I do plan on doing a full indepth review of both palettes soon!

Flower Beauty Cream Blush

Flower Beauty is a new cosmetics line made by Drew Barrymore, which are sold exclusively in Walmart stores. Her line is very affordable, and of good quality (from her intentions and what I hear). I have only tried two products from this line, with this being one of them. There are several different blushes, and I believe I got the darkest shade? I'm not sure, it's been awhile. The color I got however is "Rose-O-Den-Dron". A unique name to say the least. But the color payoff, and how it looks and feels on your cheeks. Phenomenal. I'm obsessed. It's the perfect shade for fall, and I definitely plan on going back for more (when I'm not broke of course!).

Maybelline Fit Me Blush

The last blush I have been loving this month is this one from Maybelline's Fit Me Line in Light Nude. Even though the name is nude, I certainly see a peachy tone to it. It's by far a gorgeous color, but it does take a few strokes for it to show up on my fair skin. I really love the color though, so I don't mind. I'm not sure if all the blushes in this line are like this, as I only own one, but I do plan on adding more to my growing collection. 

For eyes, I have a few products I've been loving and obssesing over.

⚫ Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascar Sample.

⚫ Maybelline The NUDES Palette.

⚫ L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes.

⚫ E.l.f Smudge Pot.

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara

I've never tried a high end mascara before until I recieved this in a gift set along with my purchase. This is also the first time I have used a fiber mascara. And I have to say, the first stroke/coat seriously amazed me. I have never tried a mascara that was anything close to this. I would definitely by the full size if it were in my price range. This gives both awesome volume and length, I couldn't ask for anything more. And being a fiber mascara, I had no problem with getting anything in my eyes (yay!). The formula on this is great, not to wet or dry. Perfectly in the middle. And since I like my mascaras to be more dry, a few days of using, I love it even more(;

Maybelline The NUDES Palette 

Everyone has already raved about this all over the beauty community, and I just had to add to the hype! I haven't worn eyeshadows in years. I didn't plan on buying this, but one day I said what the heck. It's cheap, affordable, and in arms reach. I wanted to see what all the fuss was about, and boy do I ever! With 12 different shades, the possibilities are nearly endless! And they blend sooo smoothly (with an eye primer of course). My eyelids do tend to get oily also, and so far I have gone a full work day with no creasing. I have not tried using this without a primer, so I really can't be sure if it's the primer or both. I'm certainly happy I finally caved though, definitely going to be a repurchase for me!

L'Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes

I picked this up when I couldn't find my beloved one by Rimmel. I haven't tried many L'Oreal mascaras, simply for the fact I haven't had much luck. But this. This one really takes the cake! My lashes look so full and rich, I believe I have a new hg. I honestly wasn't expecting much, but I have to stop judging a book by it's cover..or brand. Just because I had no luck with a few, doesn't mean I will with all, right?

E.l.f Smudge Pot

If you saw my beauty bundle post, then you should remember this. This is a cream eye shadow in the color "Back To Basics". I don't really use this as a straight shadow, but rather a base/primer. I've ony used this with the Nudes Palette, and it does a great job. The color is a pretty light shimmery gold, and goes with just about every color beautifully. The color payoff is also really great. I love the formula and smooth consistency of this. Super easy to apply with an eyeshawdow brush or just using your fingers!

And finally, contouring! 

⚫ Covergirl Tru Blend Pressed Powder.

Covergirl Tru Blend Pressed Powder

I haven't really found anything that I really like to use for a contour. I know your supposed to use a cool tone color, but since I have no idea how to tell what undertone a product has, I'm left guessing. This is a good product, and since I've been using it the majority of the month, I decided to add it to my favorites. However, I'm not sure this is really my favorite product to use to contour with.. I got this in the shade "Translucent Honey", thinking any darker would have been too dark. But, I was wrong. This shade is a tad too light. I'm still deciding if I will pick this up in a darker color or not or try something else. We shall see!

*I know this is up a bit early, but since we are moving in just over two weeks, I wanted to make sure it was up in case I get too busy. But that is all for my favorites this month, I hope you enjoyed!

What have you been loving this month?!

Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara Review

Today I'll be doing a review on the Estee Lauder Sumptuous Bold Volume™ Lifting Mascara sample. I had recieved this in a gift set with a purchase a few weeks ago, and finally got the chance to test it out.

Isn't it cute? Everything little is always adorable looking. The packaging is nice with a pretty touch of gold accent.

Estee Lauder's Product Details 

(From the Estee Lauder website)

$26 for .21 oz

Now lift your lashes all the way to big, bold, beautiful.

With weightless volume, Sumptuous creates daringly full, sensuously curved, all-out seductive lashes.

Unprecedented Bold Volume™ formula has ultra light, lash-thickening fibers. Lifts and plumps even sparse lashes into big, lush lashes that are all lightness and flirtatious curl.

Benefits

Bold, weightless volume. Exclusive BrushComber™.

Formula Facts

• Ophthalmologist-tested

• Fragrance-free

• Suitable for contact lens wearers

What really cought my eye was the wand. As soon as I took

it out of the tube I had good vibes about this. The bristles are nicely packed, yet spaced just enough. The formula is not too wet nor too dry. I typically prefer dryer formulas personally. However, I feel like this would be perfect for those who like their mascaras to be more in between wet or dry. And I loved how the wand starts out skinny and smoothly widens to the end.

So this is what my lashes look like with no mascara on. I basically have none. (the wonders of makeup right?) Please excuse my tired eyes, this was taken waay too early in the morning. 

The top picture shows what one coat of this mascara looks like (applied 6:30am). I have to say I was really impressed. After seeing one coat, I was curious what three would look like. As you can see with two and three coats on, this mascara builds really nicely. By the third coat, my lashes did start to clump together a bit. But once I wiped off the excess mascara from the wand I was able to fix it.

This picture was taken at 3pm, after an eight hour shift of work. By this time my mascara (along with most of my makeup) would be just about gone. I work in a mill, so you can imagine how hot it can get. I was shocked to see that my lashes were still very visible and hardly any of my mascara had faded.

My overall thoughts

⚫I seriously loved this mascara. I've never owned a fiber one before and I really believe I fell in love with them after this one.

⚫ Even though this is $26 a tube, I would absolutely buy the full sized one (first thing on my list now!).

⚫ Every claim Estee Lauder stated for this mascara was more than true. It made my barely there lashes big, bold, beautiful and sensuously curved, right down to the very T!

⚫ The wand made getting each and every lash a breeze.

⚫ I had no problems with any fibers getting in my eyes.

⚫ Lasts all day.

⚫ Even though I only wear glasses, I thought it was a great plus that this is suitable for those who wear contacts. (although I'm you can wear all mascaras!?)

⚫ And lastly, this is fragrance free which is always a plus.

So that is it for this review. Thank you for reading and I hope you all have a great weekend!

Have you ever tried this mascara before? 

How did you like it? 

Also, what your favorite mascaras?

I'd love to some new ones out!(:

Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation Review

Today I will be reviewing a foundation I had the chance to purchase a couple weeks ago. Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation. (Longest name ever? Holy crap!)

But before we get into this, I just want to say that I do have very oily acne prone skin. So what may work for me, may or may not work for you. Remeber that we all have different skin types as well as different reactions to different products. Now, if you want to read what I think about this foundation, continue on! (:

About this foundation: 

"15 hour staying power. Flawless all day. This worry-free, long-wearing makeup stays fresh and looks natural through heat, humidity and nonstop activity. 

Won't change color, smudge, or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comforable. 

Now the flawless look you see in the morning is the look you keep all day." 

BENEFITS: 

• Long-wear: 15 hours

• Medium, Buildable

• Non-transferable

FINISH: 

• Natural

• Semi-matte

Formula Facts:

• Oil free

• Dermatologist-tested

• Non-acnegenic; won't clog pores

• Fragrance-free

The packaging for this foundation

is nice, but because there is no pump, I don't find it very practical for traveling. It comes in a frosty glass bottle that holds 1.0 ounce of foundation. The bottle seems pretty durible, but I would still be careful not to drop it. (Wouldn't want all that money to go to waste!)

I didn't want to make this post rediculously long by posting several different photos. So instead, I decided to put them all together. The top left picture is what it looks like when it first comes out of the bottle. As you can see, this foundation is a very runny liquid formula, so I used my finger to get it out versus pouring and making a big mess (I know, not very hygenic of me!).

The bottom left is it swatched, while the last picture shows what it looks like spread all over  the top of my hand. In that photo, you can see that it does dry to an almost completely matte finish.

One thing I've learned about oily skin, liquid foundations are best. Which, when I was speaking with one of the ladys who works at Estee Lauder, she suggested this foundation for me. She said for two reasons, this is formulated especially for those with oily skin, and also because of it's staying power of a matte finish. 

This foundation also comes in a variety of 30 different shade, which means there's a shade for just about everyone!

Not going to lie, this was pretty hard (and slightly embarassing) for me to post. But I sucked it up because I wanted you too better see the coverage this foundation gives.

I do have some acne scarring as well as some acne on my chin (my problem area), so I wanted something to really cover that up. I know most medium to full coverage foundations feel a little heavy on the skin, and because this is a medium (buildable) coverage, that's exactly what I had expected. 

But to my suprise, it didn't feel heavy at all. It gave great coverage (with slight layering) with a lovely lightweight feel. I can't say it felt like I was wearing nothing because it did, but it definitely was very comfortable. Also a beautiful flawless finish! (was applied at 7am)

The claim of "flawless all day, worry-free, long-wear stay fresh" makeup definitely holds true. After an 8hour humid day (plus wearing a long sleeve shirt and jeans thinking it would be cooler), my makeup is still in place. Only the tiniest bit dewy, and still covering my scaring just as I first applied. My problem area is slightly visible, but after 8hours (3pm) I was pleased.

After an hour however, I did start to get a bit more dewy. Not to long after that slight shine from the oils finally started seeping through, requiring some blotting throughout the rest of the evening (which in all honestly, I expect that from any long wear of a foundation). The staying power of this though was certainly impressive compared to the drugstore ones I have tried.

Pros and cons: 

• Foundation doesn't transfer

• Controls oil and shine for up to 8hours

• Lightweight feel

• Has a matte finish

• Medium to full coverage

• Doesn't get cakey

• Doesn't clog pores/cause breakouts

• Doesn't last 15hours without needing to blot/powder

• Doesn't come with a pump

(Although, I hear 

• Does cost more than I normally would spend ($37)

My Overall Thoughts

I really love this foundation, this is definitely a repurchase for me (when I'm not broke lol). The coverage of this is better than most drugstore foundations I have used. I feel like Revelons Colorstay could be a close dupe, though not exactly (maybe I'll do a comparison in the future?). This would make a great summer/spring pick to help control shine. Though I wouldn't recommend this for those who have dry skin because this is a bit drying it self, since it is more for those with oily skin.

That is all for todays review, I hope you all enjoyed reading and have a great weekend! 

Have you tried this foundation before?

If so, share your thoughts/opinions below;

I would love to hear them! (:

First High End Purchase with free gift! Estee Lauder edition

  As I said in my first post, I have never strayed away from drug store products. Solely for the fact I am a young mother, and spending money on expensive beauty related products is just not a reality for me unfortunately. However! This past weekend my bf and I had decided we had a little extra money we could splurge with, which of course, I took full advantage of!

  Fortunately enough for me, we had gone the same day they were starting their free gift which meant I didn't feel bad for spending nearly $40 on one item(yay! The foundation it self was $37, with tax $39.)

 Since I've never ventured into any higher end stores, I've never been professionally matched with a foundation that was perfect for my skintone. But since I wanted to try something new, I didn't want to waste my money on a color I "think might match"(I don't live close to any malls, returning would be too much of a hassle). Needless to say, it was a very awkward experience. 

  For one, I really don't understand the point of knowing your undertones anymore. I'm almost positive I have pink(?)/cool undertones. However, when the lady from Estee Lauder color matched me, she said she feels the cool undertone one would make me look to light, that she rather use a neutral on me. But, I know absolutely nothing when it comes to that sort of stuff. So I had no choice but to trust her. 

  She matched me with the shade Desert Beige 2N1. At first, I was really scared by the word "beige" before she even tested it on me. I have very fair skin, and every foundation I've seen in the shade beige was always for someone with tan skin. But I have to say it was a near perfect match for me! I was seriously so shocked. 

I also really enjoyed their customer service. She was so sweet and helpful, but getting up close and personal was just a lil weird for me. I mean it was just really awkward. I didn't know if I should look at her or look away lol. 

I won't be doing a review for this today, but I will say this might be my new hg foundation! 

So with the free gift, you are given a choice between either a blush or bronzer. And since shades are not optional, I decided to go with the blush. Which is fine with me considerig I'm a blush junkie! However if the bronzer wasn't so dark I would have went with that only because I don't own that many. 

Look at that color though, omgodness! Isn't it beautiful? This is in the color 02 Pink Kiss Satin. I was definitely happy with this pick, I don't know why but blushes are my favorite piece of makeup. They really bring the whole look together and really just make you feel so pretty! For me, anyways. (Lol)

It's even prettier on the skin than in the pan! 

As you can see there is slight sparkle but nothing crazy. The color pay off is awesome and the texture is so light and silky, it's simply gorgeous all the way around.

I'm sad about this next one. The gift set orginally came with two different shades of lipstick. Somehow though, I misplaced one so I only have one of the two (or atleast until I find the other one) to show you guys :( The one I still have though is in the shade 82 Pinkberry Creme. The picture really does no justice for the actual color though. In person it is a gorgeous creamy nude pink-y color. Here it looks more red and far darker than it actually is.

Again, the picture does this no justice. Ugh, how I wish I had better lighting. 

You can see how creamy it is though, it feels so nice and light on the skin. I haven't used this on my lips yet, so I'm not sure how long this lasts. According to the packaging, it claims to be long lasting. I can't wait to try it out on the weekend (when I can actually do my makeup)!

For being a free gift, I was really surpised by how many things they actually give you. This is a sample sized Sumtuous Bold Volume Lifting Mascara in Black. I do plan to do a further detailed review on this later, and let you know if I would buy the full sized one.

I really love the wand on this, so thick and full! Just by the wand I feel like this is going to be a really great mascara. I'm super excited to test this baby out!

 The consistency also seems so nice and creamy, with the perfect amount of "thickness" to it. Nothing like I've seen in regular drugstore mascaras. It amazes me the difference in the quality of makeup. Especially when you never shop high end!

Yay, we're almost to the end! This is their Modern Muse Body Lotion. The first thing I noticed was the packaging. Compared to everything else, the packaging is very blah and boring. I probably wouldn't have picked this up just for the fact (I know, I know. You shouldn't judge a book by it's cover.). 

I did try this though, I wanted to see how it felt and honestly I didn't like it. I think the reason being though, I typically like thick lotions because I have really dry skin (weird right? Super oily face but dry everywhere else?). And although this does look like it may be thick in the picture, it's actually really light. Also, I don't know if this is supposed to moistuize your skin, but it did nothing for me. I can't complain though since it was free!

And finally, last but not least! Estee Lauder's Advanced Night Repair Eye Synchronized Complex II. I honestly don't know much about eye creams or if they even work.

This is another one I plan to do a full review on later. Like I said, I've never used an eye cream, but since I now have one why not test it out? The consistency of this seems really nice. It's a thick-ish, transparent lightweight formula. I tested a tiny bit on my finger and it absorbs rather quickly without leaving a greasy feel/residue behind. 

All in all, I'm very happy and pleased with my first high end purchase. I'm really looking forward to doing a full review on the founation and other items mentioned! Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed putting this together for you (:

What was your first high end purchase? 

Were you happy with it? 

Let me know in the comments! (: