Friday, August 28, 2015

NYX Cosmetics Micro Brow Pencil: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz Dupe?



Ever since I discovered NYX brow products, I've been hooked.
Shown here is the micro brow pencil in black.

The pencil allows you to make thin, med, or thick strokes.
There are about 8 other shade options currently available for every hair color.
You also get a brow spoolie on the other end of the pencil for a soft look.

So here are my untamed, bushy brows. Let's make them presentable, shall we?

I'm going to start by taking the spoolie and combing through the hairs.
This makes the wild hairs that are out of place in line with your natural shape.

I like to start in the middle and trace along the natural shape.

Use light pressure when you get to the front.
You don't want to go heavy here because it can look very harsh and scary.

Use feather-like, short strokes to fill in the top arch and portion.

Don't forget to use your spoolie to soften the brows if you get heavy handed.
Taking your time is the best way to achieve the look you're going for.

If you see any bald spots, just go over that area until you are satisfied.


This part is optional but now I'm going to set my brows in place.
I love how affordable this brow gel is and how well it works.
I never have crunchy looking brows with this product. I'm in love!
I just use my finger to tap in the gel if I get too much on and...voila! Done.
It was 105 today and even in this summer heat, my brows stayed put.
I like these products equal to or even better than my brow wiz by Anastasia.

Don't forget to use your ulta coupons or points to save more $$.

NYX is doing great things for the makeup industry my friends.

xo,
Sharlene

Saturday, April 4, 2015

March 2015 Favorities!

Kat Von D Shade + Light Contour Palette

This contour palette is perfect for defining the face w/o looking muddy.

The colors can we worn for very fair to deep complexions.
The best part about these powders are that they don't cause breakouts!
Sephora-$46
The top row contains highlighters and the bottom row are for contouring.

Top row: Levitation, Lyric, and Lucid.
Bottom row: Subconscious, Shadowplay, and Sombre.
I have a whole foundation/contour/highlight tutorial on my YouTube.

Ulta Makeup Setting Spray-$10

This setting spray does a good job of keeping my makeup in place.
I love that it's affordable and you can use your Ulta coupon to save $.
I haven't had any breakouts or irritation since I started using it.
It smells fresh and clean with a fine mist.


If you want an affordable palette, try this rose gold themed eyeshadow.
The top row contains shimmer and high sheen colors.
The bottom row has all matte eyeshadows.
I use a primer underneath and the shadows stayed put w/o creasing all day.
You can see an in depth review on my previous blog post.

Color Shown: Stirring

This is my favorite color from Ulta. 
It's non-drying, highly pigmented, and doesn't bleed.
I use a nude lip liner first then apply 2 layers on top for a deep burgundy color.
The best part is the price!

Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick
Color Shown-Aria

Aria is a beautiful plum/berry liquid lipstick from Stila.
It's non-drying, very opaque, doesn't bleed, and stays put all day.
I love the quality and one layer is all you need.

Sephora Microsmooth Foundation Powder

Thee best powder for us oily skin girls!
I use this as my finishing powder for my oily t-zone and it works.
My face stays matte all day w/o any touch ups.
I love how there is a wide range of colors for every skin tone.
Color Shown: Medium 30, Sand

The powder is silky smooth and doesn't accentuate my pores.
If you have dry skin, use a large fluffy brush to lightly dust on the face.


Have you tried any of these products? What are your favorites?
xo,
Sharlene.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Ulta Rose Gold Natural Eyeshadow Palette

Ulta's new rose gold eyeshadow palette is a pretty collection of 12 matte and shimmer shades.

The top row contains 6 shimmer eye shadows with a cool, rosy undertone
The bottom row contains all matte and cool toned shadows.

Top row from left to right: 
Champagne, Pink, Hopeless Romantic, Chandelier, Luxe, and Dahlia.

The bottom row contains all matte eye shadows:
Prosecco, Bubbles, Breathless, Dessert, Sweetheart, and Orchid


Colors shown from left to right:  Champagne, Hopeless Romantic, and Chandelier
These shimmers have a high sheen but decent color pay off.

From left to right:  Dessert, Sweetheart, and Orchid
The shadows are powdery but are highly pigmented and long lasting.

I used Milani's eyeshadow primer underneath these shadows and they did not crease/fade.

Surprisingly, the palette comes with a synthetic eyeshadow brush.
The brush is soft yet firm enough to grab just the right amount of shadow to put on the lids.

This palette is NOT a dupe for the Naked 3 palette by Urban Decay. But for the price and with an eyeshadow brush included, I just couldn't resist.

I am very impressed with this palette and can take my look from day to night.
All of the shadows blended easily and did not look or feel cheap in quality.
The brush is also a smart complement to the palette.

What are your thoughts?
xo,
Sharlene.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Bobbi Brown Dark Peach Corrector


Shown here: Dark Peach
Bobbi Brown's corrector in Dark Peach is perfect for stubborn dark circles.
It's meant to go under your concealer and foundation to neutralize dark areas.
There's a complete range of pink and yellow-based correctors for all skin tones.
I have dark circles, sun spots, and tired/puffy eyes from allergies.
It's a slightly thick consistency and a little bit goes a long way.
I also placed some around my nose and mouth to brighten and even out my skin.
Since I have olive skin and a yellow undertone, I use a yellow-based concealer on top.
After my foundation and concealer, my skin looks natural and brighter.
As you can see, the dark circles are non-existent.

My finished look. I hope you try out this corrector and let me know how it worked for you!
xo,
Sharlene

Monday, March 2, 2015

February Favorites 2015!


Hi my beauties! February was the month of the nudes.

My go-to nail color has been O.P.I's Chocolate Moose.
Not only is it creamy and opaque, but it's the perfect pinky brown shade that's on trend.
Here I'm wearing just two light coats and I just love the formula.

If you don't know which blush to pick up from NARS, it has to be Zen!
This gorgeous pink nude blush with a satin-matte finish will suit any makeup look.
This blush never goes on blotchy and stays put all day. 
You just can't go wrong with Zen and need this in your collection.

Also, I cannot resist the packaging..I'm a sucker for cute packaging :)

I'm obsessed with this lip combo lately. 
I just love a perfect nude lip that won't make me look dead.
Rimmel lip liner in Spice is a nude, pinkish brown color.
I line my lips with this pencil and then top it off with my nude lipstick.
MAC lipstick in Blankety is my signature nude lipstick.
Blankety is a cult classic for MAC junkies like myself and it's perfect on everyone.
Rimmel's Spice lip liner and MAC's Blankety lipstick make the perfect pair.
Both products are so creamy and last all day on my lips.
I can't say enough how obsessed I am with these two products.

I hope you enjoyed my monthly favorites. What are your fave makeup products?

xo,
Sharlene.

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