5 Drugstore Mascaras You Must Try!

I’ve been testing out several new mascaras lately (well new to me at least) and have fallen in LOVE with quite a few.  Here are 5 drugstore mascaras that you NEED in your life!

#1 – L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise $9.99 (0.28 fl oz)

This mascara has been creating quite a buzz on social media…and for good reason.  It claims to provide length, volume, soft feathery lashes with over 200 bristles, and more black pigments.

I completely agree with all these claims and have fallen hard.  I’ve tested it out on very hot days when I’ve been sweating and have not had any flaking or smudging.  It’s got a thick gel-like formula that coats the lashes well, holds curl, and lasts all day.  It’s a drier formula, which isn’t a bad thing, just something to note.  I haven’t noticed it drying out though, its remained the same as when I opened it a few weeks ago.  My new FAVE from the drugstore!

Kat Von D | Shade + Light Glimmer Eye Palette ~ Review & Swatches

Kat Von D recently released the Shade + Light Glimmer Eye Palette, a companion eyeshadow palette to her very popular original Shade + Light Eye Contour Palette.  When I saw this online, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it.  As you know, I love myself some glitter and metallic shades.  I don’t own the Shade + Light Eye Contour, so I thought this palette would give me the best of both worlds – glimmery goodness and neutral shades the original is known for.

This palette contains 12 all-glimmer finishes ranging from shimmering satin base colors to glitter top coats.  The eyeshadows are said to be long-wearing and as high-performing as what we’ve come to expect from KVD.

Let me take a moment to say how gorgeous is this packaging?!  I know it’s just the outer box, but look at how beautiful the holographic design is.  Kat Von D’s presentations are always amazing to me.

Now, let’s take a peek inside and get to the good stuff…the swatches! ☺

NYX | Soft Matte Lipsticks ~ Review & Swatches

I’m a huge fan of matte lipsticks, so when I saw that NYX released a new line of soft mattes, I had to grab a few to try.

These lipsticks are said to have a velvety-soft color and the same powdery-matte finish as the iconic Soft Matte Lip Cream. They also feature a unique bullet shape that is supposed to be ideal for both drawing and filling.

For me, these lipsticks are kind of hit and miss.  Some are quite patchy and dry and others are not a full matte.  I do have a few faves though (listed below) that are very comfortable, have fairly even pigmentation, and wear well throughout the day.

I’ve noticed that they’ve been recently discounted at Ulta, so if you have an inkling to try one for yourself – now is the time!

Tarte | Make Believe in Yourself Eye & Cheek Palette (LE) ~ Review & Swatches

Tarte’s Make Believe in Yourself Eye & Cheek Palette (Limited Edition) is currently on sale, and although originally I wasn’t interested in purchasing it, once I saw it was on sale I decided to grab it before it’s gone.

Now through July 21st, Tarte is having their Friends & Family 25% Off Sale (use code: PARTY) so it’s a perfect time to stock up on some of your favorite Tarte products.  Luckily this palette is eligible for the sale too!

This palette includes 10 eyeshadows, 1 highlighter, and has a pleasant aroma of vanilla.  The eyeshadows all have a shimmer or metallic finish except for 1 matte/transition shade.  The shimmers are beautifully luminous and can be foiled (or used wet) for a more intense color payoff.  Just spritz your brush first with a setting spray before picking up the shadow and apply damp.

Kat Von D | Lock-It Makeup Setting Mist ~ Review

If you’re looking for a good setting spray, or have never tried one before, let me introduce you to Kat Von D’s Lock-It Makeup Setting Mist.  It’s one of my favorites!

I’m a huge fan of setting sprays; I think they help your makeup last longer and look better.  They take away the powdery look we sometimes get when applying all our setting powders, bronzers and blushes.  Setting sprays are usually the last step in your routine and will lock in your hard work and really create a more refined appearance to the skin.

What I love most about Kat Von D’s Setting Mist is that it’s got a unique aerosol-like sprayer that delivers a soft continuous mist and doesn’t leave splotches or wet spots like some other setting sprays do.  It’s got a pleasant and refreshing fruity smell that I really enjoy, and it makes my makeup last all day long without fail!

My Mom (who is new to the setting spray world) was over the other day chatting with me as I was finishing up my makeup; she noticed the ultra-fine mist and commented on how nice it was spraying.  I told her about this product and she was really impressed.  Even a novice like my Mom can appreciate a good product when she sees it! ☺

The Nitty Gritty

Price: $14 (1.0 fl oz) or $26 (4.0 fl oz)

Available At: Kat Von D and Sephora

Overall Impressions: Kat Von D’s formula is fabulous.  It doesn’t irritate my sensitive, acne-prone skin and it doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue.  It’s smooth and gentle and the best part, it really works!

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Did you know I’m hosting a GIVEAWAY for a Globenfeld Super Sport Metal Men’s Watch?  Just click HERE for more details.  The deadline for entry is July 21, 2017.

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Until next time my lovelies…♥♥

Best Drugstore BB Cream | Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream

I’m not usually a huge BB cream enthusiast, but the Covergirl Clean Matte BB Cream is one of the best, in my opinion.  It’s a great foundation for the summertime with just enough coverage and lasting power to handle the hot days ahead, plus it’s affordable and available almost everywhere.

This BB Cream is lightweight, hides imperfections and blemishes beautifully, evens skin tone and is really long-lasting.  It has a matte finish and keeps shine at bay all day.

I originally purchased the shade light/medium (530) but that was a bit to dark for my skin tone.  I found mixing the lightest shade in fair (510) creates a better color match for me.

Urban Decay | Vice Special Effects Lip Topcoat ~ Review & Swatches

The beauty world is currently being taken over with glitter, sparkle and all things unicorn, and I have to say…I LOVE IT! ☺  Today I’ve got a few of the new Urban Decay Vice Special Effects Lip Topcoats to share with you.

These topcoats are said to be long-lasting, water-resistant, and can transform any lipcolor, whether it be cream or matte, into a duo-chromed and metallic wonderland!

What I like most is that you can pair them with different lipcolors to create custom looks, or you can do what I do and use them on your eyes for extra sparkle and dimension.  Just to be clear, Urban Decay does not promote these for the eyes, but the gel-cream formula is fast drying and stays put, so I find its ideal to layer on top of an eyeshadow or even worn as an eyeliner.  I don’t find it irritating at all and I have very sensitive eyes.  They are incredibly versatile and in my opinion a superb product!

Butter London | Glazen Eye Gloss Review & Swatches

The most wiggliest, jiggliest, funkiest product I’ve ever seen has to be the Butter London Glazen Eye Gloss.  These little guys are crazy weird and feel like jelly, but they are hands down some of the best things I’ve ever used.

Butter London launched a small line of Glazen Eye Glosses last year and I initially purchased one and really liked it.  Since then I’ve acquired the entire collection and they’ve quickly become some of my go-to eye products.

These Eye Glosses are an innovative pudding-like formula that apply wet but sets quickly to a powder finish.  They are hella sparkly, super long-wearing, and feel really comfortable on the eyes.  They can be worn alone or with other shadows in the crease or outer corners.  Honestly, they are so beautiful that I usually just wear one all over the lid and blend a bit into the crease and that’s it!

Top to Bottom (L to R):  Spark, Frosted, Oil Slick, Bronzed, Icing, Moonshine and Mermaid

bareMinerals | GEN NUDE Matte Liquid Lipcolor Review & Swatches

I’m BAAACCCKKK!!!! ☺  My sincerest apologies for the little hiatus lately, life has a way of interfering sometimes, and that’s just the way it goes I suppose.  But I’m back now and I’ve got a ton of awesome products to share with you!  Today we’ll be looking at one of my most favorite lip products.

The GEN NUDE Collection from bareMinerals is a beautiful and vast line of nude lip colors designed to suit every skin tone.  It includes lipsticks, lipglosses, lip liners, and my personal favorite the Matte Liquid Lipcolors.

These liquid lipcolors are a cream-to-matte formula that are incredibly comfortable to wear, long-lasting, silky smooth and lightweight.  They glide on effortlessly and feel so soft on the lips, however, they are unlike traditional liquid lips as they do transfer.  They apply creamy, set to a matte finish, and surprisingly last quite a long time on the lips.  Now, I’m not a huge fan of the liquid lip trend, but I do enjoy a long-lasting lipstick.  These are a wonderful alternative for those of us that want the staying power of a liquid lip but the comfortability of a hydrating lipstick.  I can’t say enough good things about them, you just have to take my word for it and try them yourselves, I promise you won’t be disappointed!

They have a flattened paddle-like applicator which I find is very useful to help define the lip line.  I always wear a liner with my lip products, and because they are creamy I would suggest doing so with these.  Once they set down to a matte finish though I don’t find they bleed outside the lips.

L to R: Slay, Infamous, Swag, Frenemy, Weekend, Friendship, Juju, Bo$$ and Swank