Review: NYX Pin UP Tease Mascara

Some of you may recall that before I went on my no-buy, I was on the search for the perfect mascara. I picked up NYX's Pin Up Tease mascara when they were having a NYX sale. It typically retails for $6 from NYX. It's described as "Features a smudge-free formulation that adds major curl to the lash as it coats them with sexy, vibrant color. Hard bristle combs help separate lashes and shape their curl. Part of the Boudoir Mascara Collection, seven distinct NYX mascaras featuring unique formulations and wands."

 The wand is very curved and definitely stiffer than other mascara wands I've used. 

 I have to say that I'm in love. The formula is neither too wet nor too dry. You don't have to scrape a big gob of mascara off the end.  With one or two swipes, my lashes are longer and have a definite curl to them.

Bare Lashes

2x Swipes of NYX Pin Up Tease Mascara

Bare Lashes

2x Swipes of NYX Pin Up Tease Mascara

I find this doesn't cause any dark circles. It may flake a little if you rub your eyes a lot. It provides a nice soft and full looking lash without getting chunky or fake looking. My lashes still look great after an eight hour day at work.  NYX cosmetics are Cruelty Free.


Bat's Rating: 10. I really can't find anything I don't love about this mascara.

Question Wednesday-Colors!

1} What is your favorite color? How about your least favorite? My favorite color used to be Red. Right now I'm leaning toward a nice royal blue. Maybe it's just summer. Least favorite would have to be pink in pretty much any shade.

2} What is your favorite color in a lip product? Berry or a softer mauve color for a more neutral look

3} What is your favorite color for eyeshadow? A nice cool toned gray. It really brings out the blue in my eyes.

4} What was your favorite color as a child? I was all about lavender when I was a kid.

5} What is your favorite color combination?  Pretty much black and any of the jewel tones (ruby, sapphire, emerald, amethyst). I'm also a big fan of "peacock" color combinations.

Want to join in on Question Wednesday? Details are here. Question Wednesday is hosted by Aly @ Wonderland Beauty.

BlogLoveTherapy Blog Hop

Blog hops are a great way to find new blogs to follow and to pick up new followers.  I recently joined the BlogLoveTherapy Blog Hop.  I'm amazed at the variety and quality of the blogs on this hop. I've added so many new blogs to my following lists. Check it out!

July Birchbox

So I didn't blog about my May or June Birchboxes because they just were kind of "meh." I was actually thinking of cancelling my Birchbox. I was really worried for this month's box as well because there were many samples that I've already gotten from Sample Society that I wasn't really interested in. Thankfully, I got box #12 and there is only one Sample Society repeat.

• Color Club Summer Pastels in Blue Ming Deluxe Sample (Full Size Retail $8) I'm just not that into nail polish or nail art. Don't get me wrong. I admire those of you that have the patience and steady hands to do amazing nail art but I just don't go crazy for nail polish. This color is not one that I'd ever really consider wearing unfortunately. I have it up for trade.
• Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner in Black Full Size (Full Size Retail $15) The precision pen tip allows you to control the thickness of the line you create and vary the intensity of your look. Plus, the fade-proof formula will hold up all day and night. I'm so thankful I got this color in black. The olive does not appeal to me at all. I never thought that I'd be good at applying winged eyeliner or that it would look good on me. The Eyeko Skinny Liquid Eyeliner has prove me wrong on both counts. I loved this! It applied easily and was long lasting. I have a performance coming up in September where we are performing a piece from the 1940s. This will definitely help me get that 40's look down. I'd be interested in getting my hands on the purple version of this that a few people received.
• Harvey Prince Hello Perfume vial (Full Size Retail $55 50ml) Made with eco-friendly ingredients, this scent has all-day staying power. A top note of Meyer lemon captures the scent of fresh-squeezed lemonade, while Satsuma mandarin adds a double fruity note. Next up, summer forsythia and pink plumeria—traditionally found in Hawaiian leis—give the scent its heady floral layer. I really like Harvey Prince perfumes. I wound up purchasing the full size Yogini from my first Birchbox. Hello reminds me faintly of Flowerbomb but isn't quite as floral which to me is a good thing. I like Hello and will use up this sample but I don't know that I will purchase.
• Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint in Pearl (Full Size Retail $38 1.7 oz) The formula has light-diffusing minerals, which give skin a soft glow and also smooth over any fine lines. Antioxidants like ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract help improve skin, and SPF 20 wards off UVA and UVB rays.  I also received this in my Sample Society box this month. The Sample Society was twice as big but in a color too dark for me. Pearl is the lightest color they carry. There was something about the color that still doesn't suit me. I think it is still too yellow. I thought it was a bit too shiny for my liking as well. I may be spoiled by BBs but I wanted more coverage from this.
• Larabar uber Bananas Foster (Full size retail $12.69 qty 5). I love Larabars! I have an Apple Pie bar nearly every day. I also really love Blueberry Muffin and Ginger Snap. Larabars are made from actual food ingredients. All are gluten free. Most are also soy and dairy free. I received Bananas Foster and I have to say it wasn't my favorite flavor but I'm still a big fan of the brand overall.
• Birchbox Earbuds Lifestyle Extra not for sale.   I haven't used these yet but I'm glad to have a spare pair of earbuds. This was an unexpected addition and I think these lifestyle extras really set Birchbox apart from other subscription services.
• 
  

July Sample Society

What is Sample Society? Sample Society is a monthly subscription service that is a partnership between Allure magazine and Beauty Bar. For $15 a month you get five deluxe sized samples and a one year subscription to Allure.  You also receive a $15 gift code towards the purchase of any of the brands in your box. It's nice that you have some flexibility and don't have to buy the exact product. You can also use your gift code multiple times. The booklet also includes some tips on how to use the products.

• Borghese Tono Body Lotion (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $36.50 8.4oz) An extra-rich treatment creme that locks in hydration with moisture intensifying molecules. The body is veiled in invisible moisture, which becomes obvious in both the appearance and texture of the skin. Firms and smoothes skin tone.  I've been using this for a few days. It has a definite fragrance to it that I don't dislike but I don't care for either. I'd say it's what you expect for a lotion.
• Jouer Luminizing Moisture Tint  in Golden (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $38 1.7 oz) Jouer Cosmetics Luminizing Moisture Tint SPF 20 evens out imperfections and fades the appearance of fine lines with its light-diffusing multi-mineral formula. This lightweight, water-resistant, hypoallergenic tint features SPF 20 to protect from UVA and UVB rays while ginseng and gingko biloba leaf extract deliver antioxidants to the skin, promoting a healthy complexion. Water-resistant, hypoallergenic and oil-free.  This was also in my Birchbox this month. I got my Sample Society box first. There's quite a disparity between the two. The Sample Society  size is much more generous. Unfortunately, Golden is too yellow for me. I've arranged to trade this over on MUT for a sample in Pearl. My tiny sample from Birchbox is also in Pearl. YAY. Jouer is also sending me some samples. I've definitely been favoring my Holika Holika BB lately but I'll give this moisture tint a try. Here's a picture showing the difference in the two sizes. 

• vbeaute Eye Never Nourishing Repair Eye Cream (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $85) VBeaute Eye Never is an age-defining, line concealing eye cream that immediately smooths and silkens the delicate skin around the eyes, minimizing the appearance of puffiness, lines and wrinkles. Formulated with the brand's powerful age-defying complexes, this eye cream boosts collagen production while protecting against free radical damage. At the same time, it helps increase moisture and relax muscle contractions to help prevent future signs of aging.  I've heard some people complain about the small size of this sample. Hello, it's an eye cream! How big are your eyes? I've gotten at least three days of morning and night time usage of this. I haven't really noticed any difference though.
• Vincent Longo Duo Lip Pencil  in Lavender Lite and Grape (Full size. Retail value $26) This smudge-resistant pencil is easy to apply and long-lasting. The soft texture and rich pigment allow for precise definition and shaping. Full sized makeup product. YAY! But I really only use lip liner when I wear red lips. So I'll probably be putting this up for trade.
• Sisley-Paris Hydra-Global Intense Anti-Aging Hydration (Deluxe Sample. Full size retail $250 1.4 oz) This formula uses botanical, mineral and aromatic extracts to replenish skin’s thirsty moisture cushion in the epidermis, dermis and stratum corneum layers of the skin. Skin is left intensely moisturized and revitalized, so that wrinkles and line lines are minimized and elasticity and youthful appearance are restored. Anti-aging aside, I live in the desert. So I'm all about products that are super hydrating. This has a slight fragrance to it that I don't really mind too much. I've been using at night since I use a BB during the day. I like it but I don't love it enough to go for the full size.

Even though there are a couple of products I'm not terribly jazzed about this month, Sample Society is definitely my favorite of my subscription boxes. I've definitely been introduced to products I never would have tried and the sizes are ample enough to really try a product out before making a purchase.  I don't mind investing in an expensive product if I know beforehand that it's going to work for me. 

Review: Makeup Geek Lipstick in Delightful

I'm a huge fan of the Makeup Geek eyeshadows and brushes so I just had to try out one of the new lipsticks. Since I'm more of a gloss kind of girl, I limited myself to just one lipstick. I chose Delightful.

Makeup Geek Delightful Lipstick

They describe it as a warm pink with peach undertone. On me it seems more like an orange undertone than peach. The shade is also a bit brighter than I would normally choose for myself.

Natural Lip color

 

Makeup Geek Delightful

There's something about this color that I'm just not sure that it suits me. I may have to wear it a few more times before making a final decision. Maybe it would work better with a warmer skin tone?

The formula for these lipsticks is creamy and applies easily. They also have a rich color payoff. Although I'm not quite sure this particular color is for me, Long lasting and neither drying or super moisturizing. I'd like to pick up Adorable (soft creamy pink) and Elegant (deep rosy red). Makeup Geek Lipsticks are available at the Makeup Geek online store. These sale for $7.99 each. MUG lipsticks are cruelty free. 

Bat's Rating 7.5: I love the formula and the price. Not sure about this particular shade.

Confession Time: I Don't Love the Naked Palettes

I have a confession to make. I don't love the Naked palettes from Urban Decay. I bought the first palette and found it to be too warm for my complexion. So I sold it and bought the Naked2 because it looked better suited to a cool skin tone. I find myself skipping over this palette in my drawer and reaching for my Inglot palettes instead. Most of the shades are too shimmery for me. Personally, I have a hard time putting together a look that works for me with this palette. I really struggle with it and find that I have to mix in an Inglot or MUG shadow.  There was also more fallout than I anticipated. The flat end of the brush is alright but the blending end sucks. I do like the lip gloss that came with it though.

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette

I just sat down and tried to work with this again. I tried two different looks. Unfortunately, I haven't yet mastered the skill of taking a picture of my own eye yet. So no pics sorry. For the first I used Busted (holy fallout Batman) in the crease, Tease across the lid, and BootyCall under the browbone and the inner corner. It came out way too dark and I felt like I had a black eye. Maybe I was just too heavy handed with it.  For the second look I used Pistol in the crease, Verve across the lid, and BootyCall for the browbone and highlight again. I liked this look and found Pistol and Verve easier to work with than Busted. It came out a light silvery smokey look. I liked it though. I didn't love it.

If I'm doing my everyday neutral or for a quick smokey eye, I reach for one of my Inglot palettes. To be fair though, I did hand select all the colors.

Inglot Palettes

I also started using my Inglot palette long before I bought either of the Naked palettes. Maybe I'm just a creature of habit but I think it has more to do with me preferring matte eyeshadows.

So this is palette did not live up to the hype for me. I love UD lipglosses and eyeliners. I have a cheek highlighter that I don't use often but I do like. Maybe UD eyeshadows just aren't for me or I just haven't found the right ones yet. For those of you that love this palette, what are your go to looks? I'd love to hear from you.  I'd especially love to hear from any other really fair cool toned ladies.

July No-Buy

So over the course of May and June I had a lot of expenses and I did a lot of shopping. It's starting to catch up with me. I also need to start saving for my trip back to VA in the fall. So for the month of July I'm going to attempt a No Buy. I'm going to try really hard not to buy any makeup or new clothing. I have plenty of makeup in my stash to work through. I will be keeping my Birchbox and Sample Society but skipping Little Black Bag. I never thought I'd skip LBB! I'm not in love with any of the new items so that helps. There are a few things I like but nothing I can't live without.

 I tend to shop online when I get bored so I will have to stay active. I will also have to do some meal planning. This no buy will include eating out. Now if a friend wants to go to dinner, I will but no more "Hey, I don't feel like cooking. I'll just order Thai food."

Wish me luck!

Are you on a no buy? How do you get through it?

June Favorites

It's hard to believe June is over already! I really haven't been wearing that much makeup this summer.

Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush, Holika Holika BB, Revlon Lip Butter, Balenciaga Perfume

• Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush in Peach Satin.  I had forgotten about this blush until I found it again while digging through my makeup drawer. I love this blush. I'm so sad it's discontinued. I do have an unopened one in my secret stash. I find this blush gives a nice peachy glow.
• Holika Holika Shimmering Petit BB Holika Holika is a Korean cosmetic company. BB stands for blemish balm. These are like a somewhere between a tinted moisturizer and a foundation. They also usually have some skin nourishing ingredients and sunblock. I am so in love with this. I hardly ever wear foundation any more. I will do a full review of this soon. I promise.
• Revlon Lip Butter in Berry Smoothie.  When I first bought this, it just didn't live up to the hype for me. I decided to give it another shot and now I can't put it down. This gives a nice berry color to the lips. It lasts a decent amount of time and isn't sticky.
• Balenciaga Essence Perfume Someone sent this to me as an extra with one of my trades. The funny thing is that I just added to my wishlist because I wanted to try it. I'm so in love with this perfume. I'm starting to not wear it every day now because I'm running out. I may have to break down and buy the full size. I suck at describing perfumes so just look it up. :)

So those are my June favorites. Not a whole lot as I'm going for minimal effort these days. I've also spent most of June on the quest for the perfect mascara. I haven't found it yet. ;(