Haul: cherryculture.com

Hiyas everyone! Happy Wednesday! A couple days ago, I received my cherryculture.com order and I have been very excited to show you what I purchased. I love that the site makes brands such as NYX and Milani, so affordable. Here are some of the items I picked up!

Note: All the pictures in this post have been taken in natural light.

NYX Round Lipsticks

From L to R: Circe(522), Milan(621), Heather(623), Doll(635), Femme(643) & Spell Bound(644)

Swatches

From L to R: Circe(522), Milan(621), Heather(623), Doll(635), Femme(643) & Spell Bound(644)

Favorite Colors: Femme & Spell Bound

NYX Round Lipglosses & NYX Megashine Lipgloss

From L to R: Mauve(06), Strawberry(11), Apricot(19), Real Nude(34) & Tea Rose

Swatches

From L to R: Mauve(06), Strawberry(11), Apricot(19), Real Nude(34)

Bottom: Tea Rose

Favorite Colors: Strawberry & Apricot 

All in all, I think the items came real fast. Like I have said in my previous NYX posts, I really love the affordability and quality of their products. I hope this post is useful for those of you that are looking for swatches of these products!

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

BH Cosmetics: Palette Reviews and Swatches

Hi everyone! Finals week has arrived at school and I have been bombarded with exams and projects. However, I did make a purchase a while back that I have been itching to write a review on and was in the mood to do so today. As you can see in the title, I will be reviewing and swatching some palettes from BH Cosmetics (warning, this post is pic heavy)! The company always seems to have promotional codes and I figured I would invest in some palettes rather than spend so much monies on eyeshadow singles.

Without further ado ^__^ here goes!...

Above is the packaging I received the palettes in as well as the outer packaging for the palettes themselves. I was very happy at how quickly the order was shipped and received.

Shiny plastic outer packaging for all three eyeshadow palettes. On the inside, all three palettes come with a mirror and some double sided disposable eyeshadow applicators. I do wish this came matte though since after a while, your fingerprints show (I tried to be careful, but I think you can see an example of this on the bottom of the case in this pic :(.) 

Just to give you a measure on how large each of the shadows are.

The 88 Standard Matte Palette in natural light.

Closest true to color picture I could get of the 88 Standard Matte Palette. Love how the colors are so vibrant and that there is such a wide variety!

Some random color swatches on MAC NW15 skin. Not sure why I picked these specifically.

Closest true to color picture I could get of the 88 Shimmer Palette. Color assortment is very similar to that of the 88 Matte Palette, but only difference is that these are shimmery.

I was very surprised at how pretty the colors swatched!

Closest true to color picture I could get of the 88 Neutral Palette. Again, lots of variety if you don't own that many eyeshadow shades.

Some swatches on MAC NW15 skin. I tend to wear more neutral makeup for class, so this palette definitely lets me create more professional makeup looks.

Pros

Good pigmentation

Wide variety of colors

Good starter palette

Versatility in creating varying makeup looks

Cons

Some of the shadows can be a bit chalky

Some of the eyeshadows were unevenly placed in the palette(as seen above)

Overall Rating: A-

Although the eyeshadow quality is not the best I have seen, I think this is a great buy for someone that wants to experiment with different colors or who wants to create different looks, but does not want to spend crazy amounts of money.

Note: I did read in some reviews that sometimes single eyeshadows would fall out. Although that has not happened to me as of yet, I thought I would just mention that as well.

Along with the eyeshadow palettes, I also purchased a blush palette...

10 Color Professional Blush Palette. This picture as true to color as I could take for the blush palette. I was very excited when I saw the colors in this palette!

However, when I swatched the blush colors(depicted in the same order as the colors in the palette), some colors definitely were more pigmented than others(as seen above).

Pros

Good variety in colors

Some colors come pretty pigmented

Easy portability

Affordable

Cons

Wished some of the colors were more pigmented

Overall Rating: B+

One of the major downfalls for this palette is that the blushes were not very pigmented. I really liked the variety of shades available in the palette, but it was disappointing when the colors were so pretty in the palette and did not swatch the same way on my hand. However, if you are someone that applies blushes with a heavy hand, this palette might turn out to be very good for you and for the amount you pay, you get a lot of colors to play around with.

Hopefully, this review was helpful! Post below if you have questions at all and since the holiday season is here, let me know if any of you find any cute gift ideas. I have a lot of girl cousins(ranging in all ages) and would definitely appreciate the help in brainstorming!

 Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

NYX Lipgloss/Lipstick Review and Swatches

Hello! Hello! So, recently, I was looking through my drawer and realized I had collect a large number of NYX lipsticks and glosses.  Not sure how I came about to acquiring all of them, but thought that I should share in case anyone needed swatches and reviews on the colors.  I think I actually purchased most of then from cherryculture.com (the site currently has a promotion for 40% off on their NYX products from Nov. 8th thru Nov. 13th if you enter code NYX40), but you can purchase them from nyxcosmetics.com as well. Plus, I have a tiny break between school projects, so I thought I would provide an update ^_^.

First are NYX's Black Label Lipsticks:

(From L to R: Beige(129), India(109), Bling(191), Diva(114), Dusty Rose(108), Cherry(105))

Swatches on MAC NW15 skin in same order as above (yes, I am pale):

(From L to R: Beige(129), India(109), Bling(191), Diva(114), Dusty Rose(108), Cherry(105))

Pros

Wide color selection

Pretty packaging

Smooth formula

Light fruity scent

Cons

Can be a bit drying, but I wear it with lip balm and it works out well

More expensive than their regular lipsticks

Favorite Shade/s

Bling

Overall rating: 4/5

Next, NYX Round Lipsticks:

Not sure how I came about purchasing all of these...

Swatches:

(From L to R: Thalia(529), Ceto(546), Indian Pink(550), B52(565), Jupiter(604), Goddess(613), Watermelon(616), Pumpkin Pie(630), Frappucino(632), Louisiana(634), Fig(640), Rose Bud(641))

Pros

Lots and lots of colors

Smooth formula

Very inexpensive

Light scent(don't remember it lingering after I put it on)

Cons

Packaging is definitely not standout

Favorite Shade/s

Ceto

Louisiana (surprisingly flattering for pale skin)

Overall rating: 4.5/5

Onto NYX Megashine Lipglosses(might actually have more of these at home, but currently at school):

Swatches:

(From L to R: Sponge Cake(120), Pink Frost(127), Beige(129), Baby Rose(146) Smokey Look(159))

Pros

Decent color selection

Easy to apply(doe foot applicator)

Inexpensive

Bubble gum scent

Surprisingly decent pigmentation for a gloss

Cute packaging(on top of the black caps, there's are upraised bows)

Cons

Can be a bit sticky

Favorite Shade/s

Beige

Baby Rose

Overall rating: 4/5

Lastly, NYX Round Lipglosses:

Swatches:

 (From L to R: Sparkle(05), Kiss(20), Whipped(28), Sorbet(30))

Pros

Inexpensive

Easy to apply(doe foot applicator)

Citrusy scent

Not as sticky as some glosses

Cons

Color goes on pretty sheer

Simple packaging

Favorite Shade/s

Whipped

Overall rating: 4/5

Overall, I really like NYX products because they are affordable with a large selection of colors.  I think the quality of their products are also great.  Since I do not use makeup on a daily basis, I probably don't need to repurchase, but I definitely would consider repurchasing these products if needed.  I definitely recommend others to give these products a try!

Are there other NYX lipstick/gloss colors that you've tried that you would recommend? I'm also considering purchasing Bare Escentuals mineral powders (foundation/concealer).  Just wanted to see if any of you have tried their products.  I also have sensitive/combination oily skin and do experience breakouts...any recommendations/advice would be appreciated ^^!

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

E.L.F. Haul Part 2: Face

Hiyas everyone!  Sorry for the late post!  It has been crazy this past week because I just finished up my last week at work and am currently preparing to head back to school for this fall.  School starts in two weeks.  Eek!  So excited, but scared too because I am not sure how difficult my classes will be!

Yay! So this will be the second part of my e.l.f. (eyeslipsface.com) haul.  I warn you now though because some of the items are new and some of the items are products I purchased a while back.  I figured if you were interested in purchasing some of these items, might as well put everything together and review all the products I have.

Here's a pic of all the products together ^^.  

 e.l.f. products from (L to R) top to bottom:

Studio Bronzer - Warm Bronze ($3.00)

Studio Tone Correcting Powder ($3.00)

Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder ($3.00)

Studio Translucent Matifying Powder ($3.00)

I purchased these products a while back.  Ignore the dirty makeup sponge please...

Studio Bronzer: I think the studio bronzer works pretty well, but since I am pretty pale, I definitely have to use a subtle hand when applying this product.  I do not normally use bronzers often, but the texture of this one is pretty good especially for the price and if you need to, you can always pick from which color block you want.

 Note: First color in this set of swatches are all the colors combined and then it is just swatched L to R

Studio Tone Correcting Powder:  I think this product actually used to be referred to as Complexion Perfection Powder.  I originally purchased this item to help cover up hyper pigmentation because I used to have pretty bad acne.  I think the product is okay for use in covering up/neutralizing light redness.  However, if you are looking to cover up acne or looking for medium to heavy coverage, it probably is not the best choice.

Studio Contouring Blush & Bronzing Powder:  I think the blush/bronzer duo works well and the combination makes it easy to take on trips/for travel.  I think since again, my skin is pretty fair, this product needs to be applied with a light hand.  The blush is a pretty shade of coral and gives a nice pop of color for the summertime!  I think if you are looking to save some money, this is definitely a product to look into.

Studio Translucent Matifying Powder:  I think out of all the products mentioned above, I used this product the most.  My skin gets pretty oily and this definitely helps to reduce the shininess.  It comes with a makeup sponge, but I usually apply this with a brush.  It also goes on translucent (as mentioned in product name) and did not leave a ghostly hue to my skin, but sometimes did make me break out.  For the price, the product is good for people without uber sensitive skin like mine.

In this last haul, I decided to pick up some blushes since I had never used e.l.f. blushes before!

 e.l.f. studio blushes from (L to R) top to bottom ($3.00):

pink passion

tickled pink

peachy keen

gotta glow

I love these blushes!  Yes, the colors are pretty subtle, but all are very wearable without producing a clown effect ^__^.  I think my favorite out of all the colors would be 'pink passion'.  I feel that 'pink passion' had the best color payoff compared to the other blush colors.  'Gotta glow', I would definitely consider using as a highlight though (eyebrow more so than cheek).  Some people say this is a dupe to NARS Albatross, but since I have never tried NARS blushes, I can't justify this claim.  Overall quality of these blushes are pretty good and packaging is nice and sleek.

I also picked up this e.l.f. studio line pressed powder in Porcelain (I have NW15-20 skin) for $3.00.  I think this pressed powder works well.  Thankfully, it does not break me out!  It pretty much serves the purpose of matifying and does a good job in doing so.  The product also applies well and does not go on chalky, which is a definite plus!

Along with the pressed powder, I also picked up the e.l.f. studio line Flawless Finish Foundation in Porcelain ($6.00).  I actually like this more than my MAC Studio Fix Fluid because that thing broke me out with each application.  I do not think this product provides heavy coverage, but closer to light to medium coverage.  For the price, you get a good amount of product as well!

Lastly, I repurchased a new studio line kabuki face brush ($5.00).  I think the bristles of the brush feel very soft.  For as long as I have been using it, I have not experienced much bristle fall out.  This is a definite product I would recommend if you like to apply makeup via kabuki!

Overall, I am very happy with the items I purchased.  For the price, I would definitely shop at e.l.f. again and they always have online coupon codes so that you can get their products for even cheaper.  Gotta love a bargain!

Random thought, but I noticed HauteLook.com has NYX cosmetics on sale Friday, 8/12.  If you are not familiar with Hautelook.com, it is a website that sells name brand/designer items for discounted prices.  NYX cosmetics are usually pretty cheap already, but just figured I would throw it out there if anyone was interested in purchasing.

My personal referral link to HauteLook is: 

http://www.hautelook.com/invite/JJin437

However, if you were interested in visiting the site without using the referral link you can do so as well at:

http://www.hautelook.com  

Happy Thursday everyone!

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

E.L.F. Haul Part 1: Eyes

Hiyas everyone!  I just returned from Rhode Island and was it a lovely, welcomed break.  Really glad I got to see and visit my little sister!  Thing is though, whenever we get together, somehow we always do damage shopping and since there's no tax on clothing in Rhode Island...we definitely enjoyed our time at the mall and nearby consignment shops (will have a future post on the trip itself ^_^).  We also ate a lot...

However, before I left on my trip, I had received some E.L.F. items I purchased, but since I like to take pics in natural light, I did not get a chance to put up a post before I left.  Now that I'm back, I have a lot of pics to share.  I did have to split the haul into three parts though since I did purchase a large number of items.

First part of the haul (as you can see in the title) is Eyes!

E.L.F. Custom Eyes Shadows (L to R): Sage, Golden Glow, Moondust & Dusk

I had been eyeing the Custom Compact and eye shadows for a while, but did not bring myself to actually purchase the compact until this haul.  The compact itself is very inexpensive.  I purchased it for only $1.00. Can you believe it?!  The shadows were also $1.00 each, so the entire palette came out to be $5.00.

It was really easy to pop the shadows into the palette once they were out of the original packaging and it doesn't seem as if you need to try hard to get them back out (if necessary).  The palette also comes with a nice mirror.  I'm not sure if the compact is made of the sturdiest material, but for $1.00, I'm definitely not expecting this to last forever.

 Of course, I had to include swatches of the colors I picked.  I chose all these colors based on how wearable they were.  The swatches were also all one swipe and I did not try to blend them out.

E.L.F. Custom Eyes Shadow Swatches (L to R): Dusk, Sage, Moondust & Golden Glow

Pros

-affordable

-creamy texture/easy to blend

-good color payoff

-can be incorporated into everyday makeup

Cons

-wish there was a little more variety in colors

-would like some matte colors as well

Next items...

 I also purchased two Brightening Eye Color mini palettes in my haul in Drama and Silver Lining.  However, I did pick up Butternut at Target a couple weeks ago and Nymph Dreams in an earlier haul, so I decided to include them all in the picture ^^.  The mini palettes were again, $1.00 each.

E.L.F. Brightening Eye Color mini palettes (L to R; Top to Bottom):
Butternut, Drama, Silver Lining & Nymph Dreams

Again, all the swatches below were made with one swipe!

Favorites

Butternut & Drama

Pros

-affordable

-wide variety of colors

-smooth application

-good color payoff

Cons

-packaging is not be the sturdiest

-some colors can be a bit chalky

And there's more...

 I also wanted to try some of E.L.F.'s Studio Cream Eye Shadows, so I picked up Bronzed, Natural Glow & Dawn.  The cream shadows were a little more expensive since they came from the studio line, but still very affordable $3.00.

E.L.F. Studio Line Cream Eye Shadows (L to R): Bronzed, Dawn & Natural Glow

I really like the formula for these shadows because they are creamy and easy to blend.  The texture almost feels like mousse ^__^.  My lids get pretty oily though, so primer really helps to keep the shadows in place.  The packaging is also nice and sturdy, but is a little bulky in size and swatches below are again, one swipe.

E.L.F. Studio Line Cream Eye Shadow Swatches (L to R): Bronzed, Dawn & Natural Glow

Lastly...

I wanted to try the Wet Gloss Lash & Brow Clear Mascara since I heard good reviews of the product on makeupalley.com.  I picked the product up in the color Crystal (as of right now, it only comes in Crystal and it was $1.00) and I also wanted to show you the two Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Sticks I bought a while back. I picked up the Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Sticks in Black/Smoke and Brown/Basic for $3.00 each.

E.L.F. Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Sticks (L to R): Smoke/Black & Basic/Brown

For the eyeliner/shadow duo sticks, I can definitely say the formula for the liners applies very smooth.  However, for the shadow end of the product, I felt I had to rub back and forth a little to get the product to show some color.  The smoke shadow color also came out flaky when I was swatching the product and after a couple weeks, the eye shadow sticks fell out of the product O.o.   

Overall, I think the Studio Eyeliner & Shadow Sticks would be the only items I would not repurchase and I was pretty happy with the rest of the items that I picked up.

I probably won't do another E.L.F. haul soon, but in case I do, do you all have any recommendations on eye products you have tried ^^?

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.

NYX: Single Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

Hi everyone!  Now, I know I showed you swatches of the Limited Edition True Blood Palette by Tarte a little while back, but not everyone is always interested in purchasing a whole palette of shadows.  For those of you that are interested in getting some single eyeshadows for everyday use, I just wanted to show you some swatches of the NYX single eyeshadows I had.  Although the shadows by NYX are inexpensive and affordable (can be purchased at both cherryculture.com for $3.75 each or Ulta for $4.99), I would not categorize them as being bad quality.  I feel that the color payoff of NYX shadows are generally pretty good and the shadows apply smoothly.  NYX also has a crazy selection of shadow colors, so that it fits most people's shadow needs ^^.  With that being said, here are the shadows that I have and the swatches for them.  Enjoy!

*Wild Fire's texture was a little chalky feeling (not sure if it was the glitters in it or if it was just the shadow that I purchased)

*Dallas doesn't show up too well on camera since it blends in with my skin tone, but it is a matte muted pink color

Overall Review

Pros

- large color selection

-good color payoff

-smooth texture when applied (for most shadows)

-inexpensive

Cons

-simple packaging

-inconsistency in some shadow textures



Favorite Shadow Colors

Herb. Eggplant. Flamingo

I'd love to hear from everyone!  Have you all tried any single eyeshadows from NYX and do you have any favorites?!  If you have swatches/pics of the shadow colors that you have on your blogs etc., let me know as well!  I'd love to take a look at them ^.^

Note: Products were purchased with my own money and the reviews are 100% my own.