March Favorites

March is finally over and April's starting (Note: I can't STAND April, because here it just means rain all the time).
There were a good amount of products that I found myself using quite a bit this month.


Maybelline Quad in Natural Smokes

I Heart Maybelline eyeshadows. I really like these quads, and natural smokes is slowly becoming my favorite (after Chai Latte). I grab this when I have no idea what to wear on my lids. It's simple and wearable.

NYX Single Eyeshadows in Champagne and Ray

Champagne lends a really nice wash of color on my entire lids. Ray is Mac's Goldmine's dupe. It's a true gold and I use it mainly near my lashline, because I tried it all over the lids... and well, my eyes were REALLY gold.

MAC Eyeshadow in PHLOOF!

This is a really nice highlight color. I reach for it almost everyday to place under my brows.

MAC Fluidline in Blacktrack

Oldie but a goodie. I had it for the longest time, but I never liked it because I preferred my Loreal HIP cream liner. But this month I realized, guess what? Gel beats Cream.

Benefit High Beam

I've always loved this product, but I never really used it in the past. Highlighting my cheekbones was always a skip I preferred to skip. Lately though, I've been using this everyday and I love the way it makes my face look dewy in the morning light.

Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Beige

Here's something else I like to use to highlight my cheekbones. Not really much to say about it except that it's awesome!

Revlon Superlustrous Lipgloss in Life's a Peach and Lancome Juicy Tube in Over the Rainbow

Life's a peach is a cult drugstore favorite. I usually pair it over nude lipstick. Over the Rainbow looks like a white-clear color but it's actually REALLY prismatic. I understand why it's called Over the Rainbow, there are so many different colored reflects in the gloss, it also looks good over a nude lipstick. (What can I say, I love nude lipsticks!)

Of course there are a lot more products that I liked and used this month, but these were the ones I really felt were worth talking about =)

What are your March favorites?

Korres blushes on sale at Sephora!

Sephora.com currently has a deal on four shades of their blushes. $10 each! That's amazing since they're originally $24! Shades are: Purple, Purple Brown, Orange, and Coral. Coral is sold out, but I did order the other three!

check em' out here! 

I just felt I should share this amazing deal with you guys =)

L'oreal Voluminous Mascara

Thank god, a mascara with a normal wand

"Swatches": (Again, excuse my no make-up face)

You guys are probably thinking my lashes don't look that different before and after. I however, really like this mascara regardless. The formula is smooth and I do like the way it makes my lashes look. They just look darker and a tad thicker. I'm sad that it didn't do much for length. Oh well. I think it's a pretty good mascara, but that might be just because I'm still a wee bit annoyed at Lash Stiletto Voluptuous. I'm aware that it seems my lashes look a little shorter after... but that's because my lashes don't hold a curl so they fell!

I say you should give it a try =)


*I was just looking at my old review for the lash stiletto, and the pictures are so crappy in comparison

UPGRADE!

So, I'm sure you guys have noticed me complaining about how my lcd screen on my camera shattered, and every photo on here is in crappy iPhone quality. The Olympus camera that I broke was given to me last year for my birthday by my boyfriend, and this year he got me a new camera!

Heres the SAMSUNG tl210:

It's really cool. It has a front LCD screen also for camwhoring. LOL

Anyways, I'm really excited to be posting better quality pictures on here! So look forward to that =)

Getting Older

Yeah, that's right. I officially turned the big 2-0 today and am no longer a teenager =)

I didn't do much to celebrate, because today was the first day of spring term. LAME, I know. I did go out last week over spring break though (See pictures below). 

Pink dress is Wetseal. Pale gold is Forever 21.

You can't really see my makeup, so there's no point in listing out the products.  =)

Heels for my lashes?

Today I'm reviewing Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous Waterproof Mascara. 

Maybelline says: 
Now long lashes don't have to be skinny. Only our dual action brush stretches as it thickens each lash for dramatic length and volume. Our rich cream formula adds the most seductive finish.

Here comes my no-makeup face...

 After using the mascara, I can see a difference in length. However, the voluptuous part isn't doing it's job. I'm also not too fond of the formula, the consistency isn't as creamy as I'd like, it feels dryer. But maybe it's just the retarded wand that's doing that. Is the curve of the wand supposed to be helpful?? BECAUSE IT'S NOT. It's awkward and doesn't do its job in coating my lashes, meaning I had to go over the same areas a lot of times. I had high hopes for this one because it's so darn SEXY.


Conclusion. Length= good. Volume, formula and wand = not so good.

This is probably something I won't buy again, but I will layer it with my lash blast for extra length =). Now I'm not saying it's a bad mascara. It works decent, but I don't prefer it.

CCO Mini Mac Haul W/ Swatches

Yesterday I persuaded the boyfriend to take me to the Cosmetics Company Outlet in Woodburn, which is about 45 minutes from where I live. I was a little disappointed because the MAC selection was basically the same as it was when I went down there last month. I did manage to find a few things I liked though.

I got the Fun in the Sun Mineralize Kit from 2009's Magic, Mirth, and Mischief collection. It includes a MSF in Shimpagne, a mineralized blush in Nuance, a mineralize shadow in Play on Plums, and a 181SE brush. I also got eyeshadows in Knight and Apres-ski, as well as a lipglass in Young Thing.

Swatches: (from left to right) Knight, Apres-ski, Shimagne MSF, Nuance blush

I REALLY love Nuance. It's such a pretty peach. Shimpagne is also gorgeous. I'm not a big fan of Knight, it took me too many dips to get an ok swatch, but Apres-ski is really nice.
I didn't swatch Play on Plums... because I don't plan on keeping it ;).

Swatch: Young Thing Lipglass over concealer

Young thing showed up too sheer over my lips since I have pigmented lips, so I had to put concealer under it. Overall, It's a really pretty nude color.

*BTW. They also had Estee Lauder blushes that looked very much like Mac ombre blushes! I wanted the EL Peach Nuance one since I missed out on the Mac collection, but I figuredI'd hold out until I can get my hands on the Mac ones. Sigh.And now I'm regretting not getting it...

Do you guys frequent the CCO?

Drugstore Haul #1

I haven't updated all week! Spring break... you know how it is ;)

Anyways, I stopped by Rite-Aid and Target this week for some major drugstore haulage.

Eye makeup:

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips in Bronzed Brown Eyes, Pop Brown Eyes, Green Eyes
Prestige Beauty Bar in Surrey
Maybelline Quad in Designer Chocolates, Natural Smokes, Emerald Forest
Maybelline Eyestudio Quad in Copper Chic, Taupe Temptress, Mad for Mauve, Give Me Gold
Prestige Shadow Duo in Sugar Daddy, Tartan, and Pretty Penny
Revlon Perle Shadow in Galaxy
Revlon Satin Shadow in Nude Slip

Face makeup: 

Physician's Formula Mineral Loose Powder in Buff Beige
Revlon PhotoReady foundation in Nude (too light for me)
Physician's Formula Mineral Face Powder in Buff Beige
Physician's Formula Shimmer strips bronzer in Waikiki
Prestige Baked Bronzer in St. Tropez


Mascara and a lonely lipgloss:

L'oreal Telescopic
L'oreal Voluminous
Maybelline Lash Stiletto Voluptuous
Revlon Superlustrous lipgloss in Toast

Whew. It's gonna be awhile before I get done trying these out.
Which ones are you guys most interested in me reviewing?

Acne Acne Acne

Today I wanted to talk about acne, particularly two wonder products that have always worked for me. Throughout my entire life, I've never had an acne problem, so I don't know if these products will work for more acne prone skin. I do get a spot every once in a while, and using these products makes it disappear within 48 hours! These products are both spot treatments, not a full face treatment.

First off is the Clinique Emergency Gel Lotion ($13.50) for .5 OZ:

 I've been using this since high school and it hasn't failed me yet. I apply it at night on the spot before I go to sleep and my zit is either downsized in the morning or vitually gone. It says its a gel, but the consistency is more of a white cream.

Second up is Neutrogena's Rapid Clear Acne Eliminating Spot Gel (About $7.00) for .5 OZ:

This is a newer product I've been using. I had this zit that the Clinique one just wouldn't clear, so I decided to try this. In my opinion, this one actually works a little better. The formula feels stronger. This one is more gel-like, and is clear. I apply this morning and night.

Both tubes are quite small, the Neutrogena one looks about half of Clinque's size,but I guess they contain the same amount.

I also use the Neutrogena Oil- Free Acne Stress Control Power Clear Scrub when I shower. But to be honest, I only use it because it has beads to exfoliate my face and get rid of some makeup before I use my eye makeup removers.. Other than that, the formula itself doesn't do much for acne.

I highly recommend the two acne spot treatments for those who have yet to find a product to get rid of those annoying spots.

*A little off topic, but can someone recommend a good makeup-removing facial wash. NOT a makeup remover because I have plenty of those, but facial soaps that erode makeup =). I've tried a few and they haven't done a good job of removing makeup at ALL.

Revlon Baby Pink Lipstick Winner!

Using Random.Org the winner of the giveaway is post #7.... who is...

lisaa__

congrats! To claim your prize please email me at jennieisbetter@gmail.com with your full name and address =D!

Thanks everyone for entering!

To those who didn't win: Don't worry! I'll have another giveaway coming up!

[CLOSED] Mini giveaway: Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Baby Pink

 YAY! finals are over and I thought I'd celebrate with a mini-giveaway!

So, judging from my last post on the new Revlon lipsticks, a few of you guys haven't been able to get your hands on the Revlon Colorburst lipstick in Baby Pink that I ADORE. I have an extra one that I'd like to giveaway. Yes, this isn't a big giveaway, just a teensy-weensy little one for the few followers I have.

Rules:
1)You must be a follower (I can check since my followers list is small, I'm not dumb lol)
2)Simply leave a comment saying "Enter me"
3)One entry per person

(Open internationally)

One winner will receive this lipstick:

 Gorgeous. I know.

And even if I only get one entry, it goes to you ;).

This giveaway will end on friday (3/19/2010) @ 11:59 pm.

Eve Pearl at Hautelook

I'm sure everyone's heard of Hautelook.com. They have designer sample sales at insane prices. I'm in it for the makeup. The Eve Pearl sale started today. They're famous for their HD foundation duos (which are now on hautelook for only 18.90 (retail is 54.00)!!

I picked up:

Salmon concealer in light ($12.25)

Absolute Eyelashes in Black ($2.10)

The Eye Palette in Ultimate ($14.00)

I regret not getting the primer, HD foundation, and mascaras but I'm not about to place another order and pay for more shipping. (Plus, I'm still on this beauty budget of mine)


 The site used to be invitation only, but now anyone can join =). I'm leaving my referral link anyways in case anyone feels nice : http://www.hautelook.com/invite/JHuynh175 (when you invite people and they make their first purchase, you get $10)

Yes, Im posting on here instead of studying for my final that starts in half an hour. 

Products I Regret Buying

I'm sure this has happened to everyone. You go to the store, see something you have to have, just to go home, try it, and be mega disappointed. Here are 10 items I shouldn't have bought. (Not to say them won't work for you. they just didn't for me.)

1) Mac's Hello Kitty Blush in Fun and Games

 

I tried so hard to like it, and managed to even persuade myself it was perfect. However, I've come to the realization that the pigmentation is so sucky, I'm not really getting much color out of it.

2) Loreal HIP Duo in Wicked

Seventeen magazine sucked me into buying this along time ago. It won best eyeshadow of the year. HAH. Yeah, right. Those 12 year olds obviously don't know good pigmentation. The bronzey side is ok, but the purple side is awful. I've tried to use this about 2 times now and the color isn't smooth and it gets muddy. YUCK.

3) NARS Concealer duo in Custard/Ginger

I was really excited for this one. I mean, c'mon it's NARS. Sadly, it doesn't conceal much. I use it on my eyelids now. AND, I still believe Nars has THE crappiest packaging. Fingerprint alert.

4) Urban Decay Blush in Exhale

It's super sparkly. Meaning, theres huge glitter chunks in this. I expect this out of their eyeshadows. But blush too? The color is nice but doesnt show up great, plus, did I mention the huge craft glitter?

5) Victoria's Secret Femme Lipstick

Yeah, it's a nice nude color and all in the picture. But it has crappy quality up the wazoo. It's drying on my lips and the color is strange on me. Again, DRYING.

6) Rimmel Lipstick in Airy Fairy

I had heard a lot about this one so I decided to try it. I HATE, ABHOR, DESPISE the color (on me anyways). And I really don't know why. I think I'm disappointed from the hype.

7) Sephora Lipliner in Chair Lift

First of all, the brush end is plain retarded. Second, who the hell invented the wood on the pencil. It's so harsh! The color would be nice if it didn't go on unevenly and chunky. Yeah. (note: try out Sephora's native nude lipliner, that stuff is geat).

8) Stila Major Lash Mascara

Doesn't do anything for my lashes. No volume, no length. Major lash? More like major a**. End of story.

9) OPI for Sephora Nail polish in A True Romantic

Tried this out once. Not doing it again. It's one of THOSE colors. The one's that come on two sheer, the ones for french manicures. I was not aware of this when I bought it. I was expecting a pink pastel.

10) Maybelline Superstay Foundation

I knew I shouldn't have gone behind colorstay's back. I'm a big fan of anything that says it'll "Stay". This is supposed to be transfer-proof. It's not. It transfered on EVERYTHING that touched it. A napkin, my shirt, my boyfriend's pillow. Freakin Fantastic huh?

I actually have a very important number 11 to add : Loreal HIP Cream eyeliner in Eggplant. IT SUCKS. pigmentation is poor. It's very sheer. I like the black one they make, but the purple is ridiculous.

What are the products you guys regret buying? I'm tagging everyone! (Because I love looking at products I SHOULDN'T buy)

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick W/ Swatches

I'm sure by now everyone's heard of the new ColorBurst lipstick.
I managed to get Baby Pink and the very popular Soft Nude (last one at my store =D, I'm really excited for this one)
I'm always a sucker for packaging, and I love the design of the lipsticks. They look really chic.

Baby Pink and Soft Nude

Baby pink is a light, well baby pink color. Soft nude looks tannish in the tube, but is actually a bit peach when swatched. the consistency is creamy and staying power is great. I haven't actually worn Soft Nude yet, since I actually got it after Baby Pink.

Here's some swatches of me wearing Baby Pink on the lips:

As you can see, the color sadly didn't show up that great. (I'm still using my stupid iPhone as a camera. If you guys click on the picture you can see the color better.)

But in real life the pink is really vibrant. So, I can say that so far, Love. So, do I really need Mac's Viva Gaga?

And I'm debating if I should get Crimson (red) or not...

Have you guys tried them yet?

Makeup Muses

Do you guys ever look at a picture and think "Wow. I wish my makeup looked like that?"

For me, it's always been this picture of Jessica Alba:

OK OK. I know that she's gorgeous, and as much as I'd like her FACE (in this picture anyways), I'm saying that I want her makeup LOOK. There's a soft quality about it that's so natural and pretty. Yes, I know there's photoshop involved, but that's beside the point. Everything about the makeup application is simply gorgeous.

Antoher look I like: (I believe I got this picture from makeupandbeautyblog.com ages ago):

Yes, it's Eve. Isn't her make-up flippin' awesome?

Do you guys have pictures that inspire you cosmetically?

CoverGirl LashBlast Fusion

A New LashBlast?! One that promises length AND volume?! Where's my credit card?!

Don't get to excited, it has yet to be released! I've been in love with the original LashBlast and will most likely be pre-ordering this through facebook.com/covergirl (starting March 12th). The official release date in stores is in April, but you can pre-order with free shipping through e-retailers on the link above from 3/12 to 4/5 ! =D

Want or pass?

Wild Thang! You Make My Heart Sing!

I'm not a big nail polish person. Reason being because I don't have time to care about my nails. I paint my nails two times a months, TOPS. I'm also not a base/top coat person. I'm impatient that way. So it's a surprise that I'd do a nail polish review.

Essie's Wild Thing Nail Polish is a berry color with slight shimmer. You can't tell by the picture that there's shimmer (I'm wearing two coats by the way, one is much too sheer). The bottle color is way darker with more glitter, so I was a little disappointed that I didn't get a plummy-sparkly color. Nevertheless, the texture is very good and the color's great. I personally am not really a red/pink nails type of gal, but the evenness of the polish is enough to win me over. Plus, drying time was quite short.

SEXY.

What do you think?

Urban Decay Primer Potions Trilogy W/ Swatches

I know I've only been blogging about drugstore products. I can explain. Last month I started myself on a makeup budget, so recently I've been scouring drugstores for makeup. I'm sure you guys need a break.

I decided to review/compare all three UDPPs since Eden just came out.

 

Original, Sin, and Eden

Swatches

The Original (cult fave) is a skin tone color that is easily blended in. Some people like Too Face Shadow Insurance better, but after comparing, I must say, UDPP will always be my HG. 

Sin is a sparkly champagne color. I have to admit, this is my least favorite out of the three. Sometimes when I use it, I feel that my lids... look dirty? I don't know how to explain it. It is still pretty though. I don't use it often because it's not as versatile and it really shimmery. 

Eden is a matte yellow. BE CAREFUL WITH THIS STUFF. Only put a teeny amount on. The first time I used it, I put the normal amount I would have used with the Original, and my whole lid was a stark YELLOW and the primer didn't blend in! But putting just a smidgen on, this primer really covers my lid well so I don't need concealer prior. It doesn't blend as well as the Original. 

Overall, they all have good staying power. They make my shadows last a lot longer and stick better. My only problem is it gets a little hard to blend sometimes.

Note about the bottle: I know a lot of people hate these bottles since they have to be depotted (maybe even with the new wands) but I F-ING LOVE THEM. Maybe it's because I grew up watching I Dream of Jeannie

My favorite? The Original. And I'm sure that it'll stay that way unless UD releases something new and better.

Which one's your favorite?

FTC DISCLAIMER: I threw my own hard-earned money on this crap because I like to. My opinions. I wasn't threatened, bribed, or manhandled in any way. Thanks.