The Best and The Rest: February 2012 (Happy Leap Day!)

So I decided to start doing monthly faves posts and this will be my first one on Leap Day :)  Find out what made the list and also what I wasn't too keen on this month!  And once you're done looking through my list after the jump, make sure to leave me a note about what your favorites were this February in the comment section!

Fas'Swatch: E.L.F. Studio Pigment Eyeshadow Swatches!

L-R:  Golden Goddess, Mystic Moss, Passionate Purple

I have not yet truly ventured into loose pigment territory, with the closest being my tango with L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadow.  It's always so messy for me and I just find it easier to use my pressed shadows.  I'm embarassed to admit I've had these Pigment Shadows from e.l.f. for over a year now and haven't touched them.  So I figured I would at least get some use out of them and swatch them for you!  I did like how pigmented they seem to be so I think I will be playing with these soon.  How do you like to use loose pigments? Wet, dry, with mixing medium?

Top-Bottom:  Passionate Purple, Mystic Moss, Golden Goddess

Pretend You're In a Winter Wonderland with Physicians Formula Cashmere Wear Blush

Thinking of cashmere sweaters isn't something I've done in a long time until I came across this blush.  You see, I guess Mother Nature hasn't flipped her calendar to the winter months yet here where I live as yesterday was in the 60s.  I personally don't mind much, but if you've missed the feel of being wrapped up in warm cashmere goodness, you may want to consider getting next to Physicians Formula's new Cashmere Wear Ultra-Smoothing Blush in Rose.  Not only will it give you a cashmere fix with it's cute packaging, but it will also give you the perfect frost-bitten rosy cheeks you used to get from playing in the snow.  Get ready to snuggle up after the jump!

Teaser Trailer: L'oreal Infallible Eyeshadow in Eternal Sunshine

So here's the deal:  I'm holding off on doing a formal review of L'oreal's Infallible Eyeshadow until I get more shades, but I couldn't wait any longer to share Eternal Sunshine with you all.  I'm not even going to hold it in though, I LOVE this so far.  Because of it's pressed-but-loose pigment nature, you get maximum pigmentation and shimmer but minimal fallout which is my wildest dream come true!  As soon as I tried it I was ready to sing it's praises, but then I realized that I really needed to see how well these guys work together before I completely hop on the bandwagon.  So I promise as soon as a good sale comes up for them I will try some more out and give you a solid review, but for now enjoy some quick swatches after the jump!

Gettin' My Glow On Early: Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Review

I can't begin to tell you how many good things I've heard about the Physicians Formula Bronze Booster.  To bring a little more perspective, it has a 4.6 rating on Makeup Alley which is kind of rare.  I'm not what I would consider a veteran fan of Physicians Formula, having just recently discovered such gems as the Gel Liner Strips and Mineral Wear Correcting Pebbles, but my interest with them is quickly growing, especially after using this bronzer.  Check it out after the jump!

Walmart Coupon Wallet...My New Bestie!!

Having a makeup addiction when the economy sucks and you don't have a traditional full time job is not a great thing.  Then deciding to start a blog documenting your makeup addiction and therefore having even more reason to buy new things is an even worse thing.  But it is what it is and I have to work with it.  Enter my new obsession:  couponing!  I'm learning a lot and I'm thinking about doing a blog series about this frugal journey I'm embarking on, but for the meantime I'd like to introduce to my new best friend that I found at Walmart.  I was having trouble organizing all my coupons so my mom pointed this Coupon Organizer out to me in the office section and I've been in coupon heaven ever since.  Check it out after the jump!

Here We Go Again, E.L.F. Being All Creative and Junk...New Glitter Applicator

I've been more vigilant than normal in checking the 'New Items Section' on e.l.f.'s website since they've seemed to be putting out a number of new and interesting items as of late, (I've already reported on their powder cleanser and under eye setting powder).  So tonight I hopped over there and sure enough they've done it again: a Studio Glitter Eyeshadow Applicator.  Now, when I first saw it I rolled my eyes thinking it was just a fancy sponge tip applicator, and we all know how I feel about those.  Upon reading the product description though I saw that it's sporting a head made out of silicone.  Apparently this material grabs glitter very well for "precise and concentrated" application.  I'll tell you one thing, if this thing works I'm buying 10 because if there's one thing I can't stand it's glitter fallout all over every part of my face except my lids.  I love using shimmer and glitter for my eye looks but the fallout drives me so crazy I don't even bother half the time.    Definitely a product I haven't seen before, have you?

Hey ELF! Oh You Fancy, Huh? (New Studio High Definition Undereye Setting Powder)

Just now I spied, with my makeup-hungry eyes, something beginning with "e.l.f.", and boy did it make me do a double take.  The company recently put up on their website this High Definition Undereye Setting Powder from their Studio line.  And yes, it's $3!  For a company known for such low prices, they've certainly been coming up with some innovative, and seemingly high end-type products.  When I first started purchasing from them some 4 years ago, I would never have thought in a million years they would be putting out Undereye Setting Powder, or a powder Face Cleanser for that matter.  But that's why I think we love e.l.f.; they have an unbelievable ability to churn out top quality types of products for dirt cheap prices.  Can't wait to try this out!


P.S.  Has anyone tried out the face cleanser yet?  How do you like it?

'Clueless' Why I Didn't Get the Ecotools Brush Set & Bag Sooner!

I remember the exact moment when I first watched the movie 'Clueless'.  I had to tape it off of HBO and watch it the next morning since it came on after my bedtime.  I loved every minute of that movie and still do to this day.  Can't believe its been close to 20 years since the movie premiered, can you?  The star of the film, Alicia Silverstone hasn't done much lately in the way of films as of late, but she has been making waves in the beauty industry with her collaboration with Ecotools to bring eco-friendly yet fashionable beauty implements to drugstores everywhere.  I've purchased Ecotools products before, but this Brush Set & Bag is my first buy from the Alicia Silverstone line!  Check it out after the jump!

Beauty School for the Blind: Stay in Line!

It's so easy for your eyes to get lost behind your glasses.  Sometimes they just lose their sparkle when you have  to wear your glasses, which is a real shame since glasses can be a great accessory.  To fix this little glitch, I like to add a pop of color by using a bright liner to bring out the color of my eyes.  For today I'll be using a liner some of you have been asking me a lot about - E.L.F.'s Teal Tease!  I've used this before in an Urban Decay look, but that was rather unwearable and I wanted to show you a more practical way to use it.  Tips and products used after the jump!

A Surprising Use for Epielle Cleansing Tissues!

Back when I was in a state of euphoria over my first trip to Big Lots, I had purchased some Epielle Aloe Vera Cleansing Tissues in hopes that I would be able to replace my Neutrogena Wipes.  Don't get me wrong, I love Neutrogena Makeup Wipes but if I could get a good or better product for less money, why not?  Find out which wipes I decided to keep after the jump!

Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara Review (& a personal revelation about Fiber Mascaras)

I've been dragging my ass on this review for Maybelline Illegal Lengths Mascara because I was trying to figure out a way I could use this and love it, but I just couldn't :(  Maybelline has worked up a good reputation with me when it comes to their mascaras so I figured I could somehow make it work for me if I just kept at it.  One thing that I did get out of this was a revelation that will probably save me a lot of money in the future though.  Find out what that revelation was and a full review on the mascara after the jump!

Are Sponge Tip Applicators Really that Bad?

I've gotta say that the most I usually get out of sponge tip applicators is a headache from rolling my eyes so much when I open an eyeshadow palette and wonder why the company bothered to put them in there in the first place.  I mean, I'm just gonna throw them out anyway, and that's the attitude of many others out there.  When I first really got into makeup, everyone I watched on YouTube used brushes so that's what I did too.  Although lately I've realized that I never gave the poor little guys a real chance so being the equal opportunist that I am, I decided to put them to the test.  Find out if I'm gonna add them to my brush collection or if there permanent home will be at the bottom of my trash can after the jump!

Grammy's 2012 Mashup Look: Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, Rhianna

There were definitely some prevailing themes going on at the Grammy red carpet this past Sunday.  My favorite were the golden glistening eyes rocked by the likes of Alicia Keys, Nicki Minaj, and Rhianna, so this is my kind of mashup of all three ladies.  They were just positively glowing and couldn't settle on who to focus on so I figured, why not do them all?  List of products used and the celebrity inspiration pictures after the jump!

Claw Candy: Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish in Whitehall Teal & Trafalgar Square

After reviewing the Nails Inc. Magnetic Polish in Houses of Parliament I rushed to get the other two shades on my Christmas list and was lucky enough to get Whitehall Teal and Trafalgar Square (silver).  Formula-wise Whitehall Teal was just as opaque and beautiful as Houses of Parliament upon the 1st coat while Trafalgar Square definitely requires 2 coats to obtains opacity.  I applied 2 coats of both colors though to get the best out of the magnetic effect.  One thing I did notice, however, was that Whitehall Teal didn't magnetize as well as House of Parliament or Tragalgar Square did.  I had to take extra special care with this shade to make sure the magnetic effect was even whereas I didn't have to worry about it as much with the other two shades.  Not sure yet if it was really the shade or user error.

One Is The Loneliest Number: EOS Lip Balm Review

I'm just going to start this post off by acknowledging the fact that I'm aware that I'm the only person in the world who doesn't like eos's Smooth Sphere Lip Balm.  I've come to terms with that now after owning this balm for over a year now.  After many failed attempts my lips just can't seem to get along with this cute little fellow :(  I wanted so badly for this to gain HG status with me but things just didn't work out.  Find out why after the jump!

Fas'Swatch: Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Grape-Tini

CVS is clearing out a lot of their Milani stock at 75% off to make room for new products so I picked up a Color Perfect Lipstick in Grape-Tini.  It's a bit more of a plummy-rose color than the photo depicts and gives off a kind of duo-chrome effect when worn on the lips.  Pretty unique color!

Color Me Curious: ELF Mineral Face Cleanser

So E.L.F just put up a few random new products on their website but none so random and unique as the Mineral Face Cleanser.  It's a powder...and a cleanser...yea.  I've never seen a product like this before so excuse my bewilderment.  As per the instructions listed on the site, apparently you moisten your hand, dump some of the powder, rub your hands together to lather, and then rub your face and rinse it just like a normal cleanser.  And because it's a powder, E.L.F. says it also exfoliates while it cleanses.  It's also filled with all kinds of aloe, green tea, jojoba, avocado, and Vitamin E goodness.  I'm not one to bounce between different skin care products but this had definitely perked my interest.  Especially with its additional claim of its calming ability.  I'm probably gonna check this one out, even with the $8 price hike.


Do you know of any products that utilize powder to cleanse the face?

FOTD: Tarnished

Today's FOTD is done using all Urban Decay Shadows and a few Too Faced.  I was inspired by a pin I saw on Pinterest, (which by the way is the most addictive thing ever), that had a bronzey look with a mossy green touch.  I just put a more golden tinge to it though. 

Glam or Sham? Smooth Away Hair Removal System

*Glam or Sham is a new series in which I will investigate the sometimes outrageous & sensational claims made by some As-Seen-On-TV health & beauty products*


I hate shaving.  As a matter of fact I hate all types of hair removal:  waxing, creams, etc.  My real problem though is that as much as I hate hair removal, I hate being hairy even more.  So when I saw Smooth Away at my local Big Lots promising an easy-peasy painless process, I thought, why not?  Find out if this really does result in instant and painless hair removal or if you should just stay with the trusty razor after the jump!

Quick TIP: Run out of Brush Cleaner? TRY THIS!

I've been looking for the perfect, most efficient and effective way to wash my brushes for a while now.  I've used actual brush cleaner (which was fine but a bit expensive compared to other options), olive oil (took me a long time to get all the oil out of the brushes, and baby shampoo (I know a lot of people like this method but it never fully cleaned my brushes).  Finally, yesterday while digging around in my stuff I noticed an old bar of Dove Soap I had but never used.  There's a strange phenomenon in my house where we always have bars of soap stocked even though no one in my house actually uses bars of soap (we're liquid soap people).

Anyway I decided to try using this to wash my brushes and I got the best results I've ever seen.  All I did was wet the brush, swipe the brush on the bar a few times to create a lather, and then scrub it on the palm of my hand under the faucet until it was clean.  I was able to give my brushes a real thorough cleaning without having to buy more brush cleaner or baby shampoo.  Since for whatever reason I always have bars of soap around my house I don't foresee having to repurchase anytime soon :)

How do you like to wash your brushes?

I Give Up: Garnier Fructis 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment Review

I've had luck with Garnier Fructis hair products once.  It was the conditioner for long hair and it was splendid, but mysteriously it only helped my hair a handful of times.  It was like my hair got used to it and built up a resistance, which for me happens a lot more often I'd prefer.  But because of those few select times my hair was in love with the one conditioner, I'm constantly giving Garnier chance after chance with other products in hopes to feel that magic again.  Sadly, time after time, I'm disappointed.  However, I think it's finally come to the point I can skip the Garnier hair section at Walgreen altogether now as I hated the Triple Nutrition 3-Minute Undo Dryness Reversal Treatment.  Find out why after the jump!

Fas'Swatch: ELF Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Warm Tan

Today's Fas'Swatch is brought to you by e.l.f.'s Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Warm Tan.  It truly is a tan color with little to no trace of orange or red undertones.  It's a bit too shimmery for my tastes though.

ELF Studio Makeup Clutch Review: Part 2 (Sample Valentine's Day Look)

To test out the e.l.f. Studio Makeup Clutch, I decided to do a Valentine's Day look with the pinks and mauves included in the palette.  I made a point to only use the products in the palette, except for things weren't included like foundation.  The look came out a lot better than I thought it would and overall I definitely think this product is worth checking out!  Read on for more thoughts on the Makeup Clutch and pics :)

ELF Studio Makeup Clutch Palette Review: Part 1

When I first laid eyes on the e.l.f. Studio Makeup Clutch Palette the phrase "extremely practical" came to mind.  Here you're provided with almost everything you need to create an infinite amount of looks for day or night.  It seemed like it would become a travel essential, so during the Cyber Monday sale last year I plopped it in my cart.  The price right now on e.l.f stands at $15 and if you wait for a sale you could definitely grab this for $7.50 :)  Now, does it live up to my expectations?  Check it out after the jump!

I NEED THIS!!! Possible Guerlain Dupe on its Way From Physicians Formula??

First and foremost, HAPPY SUPERBOWL DAY!  I know it's not technically a holiday, but its the only day that practically every other channel throws in the towel on their regular programming and just shows reruns, (can't tell you how P.O.'d I am that I can't get my new dose of Mob Wives & Once Upon a Time tonight.  Mob Wives even came on New Years!).    I'm not much into pro football, more into college games, so I don't have any vested interest in tonight's game.  But for the hell of it, GO GIANTS!, just because I don't like Tom Brady's hair lol.  Who are you rooting for?


Anyways.....I've been drooling over the Guerlain Terracotta 4-Seasons Bronzer for about a year now.  I like the idea of being able to adjust your bronzer within just one product for the change of season or moods or what have you.  Why haven't I just copped it yet than, you ask?  Well, no real reason other than it being SEVENTY-FOUR FRIGGIN' DOLLARS!!!  WTF?  Apparently its made with real gold, but you know what?  I don't particularly need real gold on my face.  I'm perfectly fine with the fake gold shimmer we've all been living with all this time.  I think I prefer it actually because when companies make bronzer with it they don't cost SEVENTY-FOUR FRIGGIN' DOLLARS!!  But I digress...there may be a bronzer from Physicians Formula that could satiate my desire for this guy, check it out after the jump!

E.L.F. Studio Cream Blushes Review & Swatches!

L-R:  Heartbreaker, Flirt, Seductress

Note:  Normally I like to give you guys pictures of products when I first get them so you can get an idea of what to expect if you were to purchase.  In the case of these E.L.F. Studio Cream Blushes, I 've had these for a long time, way before I started this blog.  So sorry for the above picture with my finger prints all over them.
But anyway, on to the actual review!  I'm a big fan of these blushes from E.L.F.  They're very unique in formula and they work very well to provide your cheekers with a natural flush.  Read on for more info and swatches of the blushes in Heartbreaker, Flirt, and Seductress.

Milani Baked Bronzers Review & Swatches!

Like the Milani Baked Blushes I raved about a little bit ago, the Baked Bronzers are of superb quality as well.  They all have a beautiful peachy undertone that imparts a very natural bronze glow.  You won't have to worry about that muddy or oompa loompa look that some bronzers give you.  The Baked Bronzer line includes three shades but today I'm sharing the ones in Glow and Golden.  Read on for more info and swatches!