Loving This Time of Year

Why?

Because CVS and Walgreens - even Ulta and a bit of Target and Walmart - are having huge sales to clear out stuff for their new merchandise! You know what that means? Beauty CLEARANCE SALE!

As far as I know - this is still going on - and so I want to quickly review a product that I got a week ago and urge you guys to take advantage of this awesome deal.

What I'm talking about is:


Revlon Age Defying Moisturizing Concealer

My shade is Medium -- and check out the 75% Off!!

So I'm not gonna go into major details but I always think that a picture can say a thousand words so - here are some pics of this baby doing its thing.


before

after

So?? What do you think?

The texture, I would describe this, as more liquid than cream. I was SURPRISED to see how pigmented this is considering it is a liquid concealer. It comes on SOOO light and it feels light but it covers so well!!! And a little bit goes a long way! I just squeeze out a tiny bit (like less than pea size... like a droplet) and I was able to use that for my eyes and other redness/spots on my face!

Easy to blend and the shade works quite well for me.

The most amazing thing about this is that it is hydrating and it doesn't get cakey! It doesn't settle into lines because of how moisturizing it is! This is the aspect that I love the most!

I guess the only bad thing is I don't think it has strong lasting power. I would say 4-5 hours would be the max!

I remember almost purchasing this for it's full price $10 but I got it for $2.50... sooooo.....

Yeah, don't walk - run to your closest CVS and fingers crossed that it is still on sale.

Product Battle: $1 vs. $18

I think eye primers are truly important and I think I would pay $18 to have a great shadow primer that helps with minimal creasing and fading throughout the day. I think that creasing is the worst when it comes to wearing eye shadow. It's like a nasty little line that draws all the attention to your eyes and scream: "Look at me... I'm GROSS!".

This is actually one of the reasons why I didn't wear shadows until I finally bought the UDPP. Then I got the TFSI to compare. But a month or two ago, I went to Target and found ANOTHER primer for $1! And I thought to myself - I need need need to do a comparison! I mean, $18 for a great primer that keeps your look fresh is pretty awesome. But if a $1 product can do the same thing... WELL... I might as well save that $17 and go buy myself a nice dinner or something!

Well, without further ado:


Yes, you've guessed it - I'm talking about UDPP vs. ELF $1 primer!

So, I bought the EFL primer on July 20th and it is now September 25! So I have been testing this out for 2 months now. This primer was definitely put to the test since I live in 100* F weather all summer and even til now it is still in the late 90s* F.

What I have been doing is wearing the ELF primer on the right eye and the UDPP on the other. When I'm lazy, I just wear the ELF primer. And at one point, I even switched - wearing the ELF primer on the left eye while UDPP is on my right. Note that I wearing eye shadows about 3-4 times a week on average.

Yeah, I really wanted to be thorough! So these are pretty much my opinions - I'm being totally honest. I'm just stating what I noticed while using these products and it is really up to you guys to make the decision whether to buy the high-end primer to stick to a cheaper alternative.

Packaging: Well, obviously the UDPP one is cooler and more intricate while the ELF one is pretty simple. I mean, that is one thing you should expect from ELF is that their packaging is not amazing! But that doesn't mean that the quality is horrible. In ELF's case, you shouldn't judge the "book by its cover!". Both are wand applicators and both are pretty much the same. I think the ELF one is fluffier - doesn't bother me and shouldn't really bother anyone, really.
The good thing about the ELF's packaging is that you can see all the products that you have. With the UDPP's packaging, you have to deal with the whole depotting thing... which doesn't sound too appealing. Plus, if you have to depot - the ELF one is obviously the easier to do.

Quantity: ELF: 0.17 fl oz for $1; UDPP: 0.34 fl oz for $18 --> 0.01 fl oz for $1 (please let me know if my math is wrong!).

Quality: So this is the part you guys actually want to read right? Yeah, well I have to lay out a background, don't I?

Texture: I think that UDPP's texture is better. It is creamier and therefore easier to blend out. The ELF one is a bit runnier so when I apply too much (and since it is so cheap, I don't mind applying a bit more than UDPP), it gets a bit messy to blend into my skin. Which brings me to the next point is UDPP blends into my skin way easier - not to say that the ELF doesn't. It just takes a bit more blending to get it to set. Still, it's not really something I'd complain about. I just wish that all the primers in the world has UDPP's texture - nice and creamy. If you guys recall, I feel that TFSI's texture is runnier as well.
Here's the important thing to note: ELF primer isn't invisible when it dries like the UDPP. I think it leaves a light beigy cast on the skin. Sometimes if I'm not careful and I apply too much, the blending is a bit messy and I can see the cast that the primer makes. It's kinda hard to explain but just know that it doesn't dry to a clear finish.

Creasing: This is when the ELF one really impressed me. Every time I wear ELF on one lid and UDPP on the other, the creasing is pretty much the same on both lids. Never was there an incident when one product showed creasing while the other didn't. So either I get creasing on both eyes or no creasing at all - which is really nice!

Fading: Now, when it comes to fading, the ELF primer couldn't really beat UDPP. However, I would say that ELF effectiveness is 85% of UDPP's when it comes to fading. That's not bad, especially when you just want to wear an easy color all over the lids for everyday look.

Color Improvement: Hmm... well, I think picture speaks louder than words.

Covergirl's quad in Tropical Fusion; the green color
As you can see, UDPP does a much better job of making a color more bright and vibrant. ELF primer helps a little bit but nothing compare! It is definitely better than having NO primer at all though.
Again, this is fine for me since I don't want such strong colors on my lids for school. But if I go out and I want a more dramatic look - I'd go to UDPP to get a more vibrant color.

My opinion: I think that for $1, ELF is a fantastic and a must in any make up collection! WHY? Because for an everyday look, this is perfect. It will help with creasing and fading and will keep your eye look nice and neutral. Only when I go out, do I want to use UDPP to make sure my shadows don't crease and remain bold throughout the night. I think that if the ELF primer can help the colors to be more vibrant, Urban Decay would be out of business. Then again, some people are bothered by the packaging. Yeah, the ELF one looks cheaper but I think the quality is fantastic!

I think I will keep repurchasing it because I think it is great for everyday looks. And I sometimes use a cream shadow base underneath and it really helps promote the color of my shadow.

I still love my UDPP and will continue to use it - but I will save it for the more special occasions!

I hope you guys enjoyed this review! I think it is a bit long but eh... just wanted to be detailed.

Let Me Break It Down For You:

Items I recommend buying that are UNDER $3!!


These are great items for people who are starting out with make up and need to just get started... Why spend a fortune if you don't really know what you are doing yet?

** Names are not exactly correct... I just don't have the items w/ me but you guys got the picture right?

+ WnW Trio - Mojave Mauves (might not be sold anymore...). I use that trio a lot! A LOT for everyday look. Trust me, no matter what you do w/ it, you'll always get a nice natural-everyday look. Pigmented, easy to blend... very beginner friendly.

+ ELF $1 Eye brushes - amazing qualities. AMAZING for beginners.

+ WnW Eye Kohl Pencil - okay, I use this EVERYDAY to do my brows... and it works wonders! SO CHEAP - $0.99 CHEAP! Can't get any better than this.

+ ELF $1 Eyeshadow quad - These can produce great pigmentation and allow you to practice with colors and smokey eyes!

+ NYC nail polish - well, these are hit or miss. The one I have is in Mod Mauve and I really like it! Stays on a long time and hasn't gotten goopy on me yet!

+ Burts Bees - LIP BALM! Always a MUST MUST and this is my all time favorite. I've tried so many but I always always go back.

+ B&BW's hand sanitizer - You need a clean hand to apply make up and just in general - always good to have hand sanitizer in your purse. I love these b/c they smell great and usually they are 5 for $5 @ the store.

Items under $5!!


These are the items for you guys who want to find some nice cheap thrills!

+ Milani single shadows - you can buy these @ cherryculture. AMAZING qualities and are known to be MAC-dupes.

+ CoverGirl single shadows - some are misses and some are HITS! People really like Tapestry Taupe, Brown Smolder, Mink, Shimmering Sands trio... it goes on and on

+ CoverGirl Cheekers - I enjoy these blushes! Some have insane pigmentation! But either way, these babies have strong lasting power and comes in so many different colors.

+ Jane Blushes - I have 2 - Blushing Petal and Blushing Plum. Both are great and simple and have perfect pigmentation! Blushing Petal is the color that is natural and easy to wear. Everyone needs a color like this.

+ Sally Hansen Double Duty Base Coat and Top Coat - this thing makes my nail polish stay on twice as long. It is amazing - seriously, go check this out. You would not be disappointed.

+ CoverGirl Professional Mascara - doesn't flake - gives nice volume and length. Very natural and yet it can build on itself to give you nice volumized lashes. A lot cheaper than Lash Blast but the applicator is not awkward to use!

+ B&BW's mini lotion - great to have in your purse! Smells nice! Moisturizing... a must have for emergencies!

Items for UNDER $10


For those of you who are just looking for more fun with make up. If you want to experiment with drugstores, here are some things that is worth your while!

+ Maybelline Quad in Chai Latte - Either you like it or you don't. At first, I was skeptical. I mean, what is it about this quad that I'm suppose to like? But, I really enjoy it! Great for everyday b/c the shadows are just so neutral and natural!

+ Revlon Quad in Coffee Bean - If you don't like Chai Latte, let me tell you that this is very similar... again, perfect for everyday look. Useful shades - pigmented and easy to blend!

+ Maybelline's Mineral Power Concealer - so light weight but covers so easily and flawlessly. Great for redness - under the eyes, around the nose, and other marks.

+ L'Oreal HiP Shadows - Sassy is in the picture but they have way more colors and selections. So pigmented and with so much variety of colors. Definitely a must-try for those beauty lovers. Also MAC-dupes worthy!

+ Mabelline's Moisture Extreme Lipstick - People love the ColorSensational but I still love these ones the most! SPF 15 is great. Smells great and pigmentation is lovely. I really enjoy these - especially for the moisturizing effect.

+ Revlon ColorBurst Lipstick - Colors are very unique and has a very good staying power. It feels so light on the lips and the packaging is to die for!

+ Revlon Super Lustrous Lipgloss - Okay, so it should come to no surprise that these lip glosses are amazing. I think these might be the best lip glosses that I have! Some are more sheer than others but overall, texture, smell, packaging, and color selections are superior!

+ Rimmel Natural Bronzer - Man, I cannot stop raving about this item. It's been in my make up drawer since the beginning and I find myself using it so much! Lovely matte bronzer for fair to medium skin tone.

+ Maybelline Dream Matte Powder - speaking of matte - this thing will keep your face oil-less and IS NOT CAKEY! I use this all the time as a setting powder. Works great for me even though I don't have oily skin. This is probably holy-grail materials to those who have to deal with oily skin during the day. Too bad you can't use this on oil-spill. I'm sure it would work ;p J/K.

+ Revlon Colorstay Eye Liner - stays on all day without smudging. It is just a really reliable item to have! Wish it was more smooth and creamy... but we all get used to things. It's all good.

Items for OVER $10


You guys know I don't like to spend too much on make up, but there are some things I really enjoy using; A splurge once in a while - not so bad. Buy yourself some gifts - award yourself for being awesome!!

+ UDPP - I use to not like to wear eyeshadows. Not because I didn't know how to apply (that you can learn and practice...) but because it always look horrendous at the end of the day. It has changed now... my shadows stay looking nice all day and I never EVER have to worry about it! It's so reliable and such a great investment! $18

+ Ecotools 5pc Brush Set - BEST THING I'VE BOUGHT at the drugstore... NO JOKE! I have a use for every single item (except for the brush holder... b/c I lost that...) but AHHH!! SO SOFT! So useful!!! Make up beginners, you guys should look into this FIRST before you look at other brushes... because these will be the best drugstore brushes you'll find. $12

+ Lancome Lipsticks - The only "high-end" lipsticks that I've ever tried and these are really expensive... BUT I adore the packaging, love the pigmentation and texture and moisturize. Has SPF and it smells amazing! ha ha - it is definitely one of my favorite lipsticks. $25

+ Physicians Formula Shimmer Strips - Really fun to use as highlights and even eye shadows! If you are looking to have some summer glow or beachy bronze look - check these out! Very pigmented... it will not disappoint $12

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That's all I have... Sorry this post is extremely long! I was gonna make it into three parts but then I was like... nah - what's the point of that! Just give it all!

Thanks for reading!!

Major Bargain!! Go Walmart!

So I'm not a big Walmart shopper. One) the stuff there isn't always the prettiest things when it comes to clothes and girly accessories.
Two) It is always messy in someway!
Three) The people there scares me sometimes - especially when it is busy! Too many people makes me want to just LEAVE!

But I am going to a friend's Bday part today and I wanted to get her something pretty... but I'm broke so also cheap. I thought Walmart was on my way and why not? It's been awhile since I last stopped by. Maybe there are some good stuff there.

CHECK THIS OUT:



This one is black - more triangular shape - with really pretty colors to accent it.



This one is cute! With blue/white stripes. Please ignore my face in the last one. I don't know what my problem was!

** I think I'm gonna keep the blue one and give my friend the black one. I think I've seen her w/ something like that before... so I am guessing she likes the style.
I found these two scarves... for.... $3 EACH!! So $6 overall. WOO HOO I say.. WOO HOO!!! There are so many cute scarves over there too actually, these are not the only ones! They are all ranging from $3 (clearance stuff) to $8. Honestly, I think everyone would really enjoy these scarves. Don't hesitate going to Walmart.

Sales Are Just Marvelous!

So after hearing about all of these amazing deals going on at CVS and Walgreens - I HAD TO CHECK IT OUT! And I am so happy I did because I bought stuff that I wanted for 75% and I am really happy w/ a lot (if not all) of my purchases!

So at CVS:

- Milani Glimmer Stripes in Honey Glimmer
- Milani Sunset Duo in Sunset City
- L'Oreal's HiP Paint in Nervy

All 75% OFF!!

And then before that I went by Walgreens and picked up:

- Milani shadow single in Java Bean
- Rimmel's nail polish in Milk Chocolate

Both were $2.19!!

So AMAZING finds! In a way - I'm glad these were on sale. If not for that, I don't think I would try them out. But then again, they are discontinued so too bad I like them... they're gone forever huh?

Sorry this post isn't that interesting! I'd try to write more but I'm so tired...

BEEN WATCHING FIGURE SKATING ALL DAY!!! Ha ha ha--- yes. Love that.

Stay tune b/c I want to write a review on my Milani products.

Guess what??? The Sunset City is very similar to the ELF Studio Blush/Bronzer combo. If you don't like to order things online... this might be the sale for you. CHECK OUT YOUR CVS!! QUICK.

- remember, they might not have the sticker but they are on sale. Just get it and bring it to the counter.

Wanna end the post w/ happy pictures I found on my camera:

San Diego w/ the family last summer;


My doggy - cute as ever :) (he's barking like crazy right now though)

Check out your Ulta... hurry!

So Ulta is having a really great sale last time I went - which was Thanksgiving weekend... so I don't know if they still have this BUT::

Revlon buy 2 get 2 free...

2 things I got from that deal:


* 2 Revlon eyeshadow contour brushes, 2 illuminance cream shadows - Coastal Blues and Pink
Yeah, so all of this was $7.50!! Yeah, it was insane because the stuff was "clearance"

And I am in love w/ both of them already:


I was so excited to see these on sale because I hear Emilynoel83 on youtube talk about them all the time! So, I HAD TO TRY IT OUT!

This contour brush is soft! It is dense and fluffy!! It is tapered and really well cut. It looks sturdy and it is just great at blending and putting colors in the crease.

The only problem is that it is pretty big for my eyes but it works so well! I've been playing with it nonstop. It is the only brush I use to put on shadows... ha ha...

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Then the cream shadows - I haven't opened up Pink Petals yet... but Coastal Blues... is so lovely!! This is a great palette for those who love blues or smokey eyes. And it is great because of that neutral color in the midst of those more dramatic ones.

Here are some swatches... it was really hard to take a picture of them for some reason:


** sorry for the tiny pic!




Very pigmented! All the colors are vibrant and lovely. I LOVE THAT GRAY!!! OH YES LOVE LOVE LOVE!!! Great for smokey eyes!!!

I just wanted to post quickly about these great items just in case it is all gone or sold out. I should've done this sooner but I was busy! SORRY GUYS!

Here is a quick look I did using the brush only and a few other little things:





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So, the Holiday season is about giving... and let me tell you... THERE ARE A TON OF GIVEAWAYS going on at the moment!

1) Rai's 1 Year Anniversary Giveaway!! AWW...

2) Sleek for Beauty's 50 Followers+Xmas giveaway
- Really fun blog and great prizes!

3) Nouveau Cheap - a favorite blog of mine is having a massive giveaway - so many chances and so many choices!!

4) Finally, Lipglossing - another MASSIVE giveaway!! these prizes blow my mind! WHOO!

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And of course - my own giveaway :D


CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE!!!

Important Brushes

These are the brushes that are extremely helpful when I'm doing my make up:


Of course, I cannot do much without the ELF eyeshadow and blending brush. Those two are nice, soft, they do the work and they are both $1 each! I really recommend this for anyone who is starting out. Why go and fork out $20 for a brush if you don't really know what you're doing anyways?

Then the Ecotool brushes - one of the best purchases ever! I use the blush brush (which is not in this pic) everyday and I use the liner a lot! I randomly have the concealer brush in there (not for eyes) but for under the eyes ;p I really recommend beginners to look into these brushes again. MAN are they soft! And healthy for the environment (b/c of the material) and cheap! $11 for 5 things you find important for everyday use.

Finally the Essence of Beauty crease brushes - it comes in two and I do find myself using both but the bigger one is better to use for crease work (so is the little one... - depends on the situation I guess!) but this is a great brush! For details for getting the colors in there! Totally worth the $5-6 dollars that it costs!

So many cheap brushes around. I've been eye-ing the more expensive ones but I just haven't found a reason to buy any new brushes yet because I don't feel like I need to. These will do just fine... for now :) They haven't broken on me... well my ELF ones had but easy fixes! I don't know... give 'em a try!


This is what I came up w/ after looking at a few vids and inspired...

I actually did a cool make up look for Halloween - a total purple/black smokey eye! But I didn't take any pics! SAD! Oh well.

My skin has been acting extra horrible lately. So much break outs! I think they have all calmed down though... hopefully!

Thanks for reading, see ya all later.

you are my destiny,"

Ahh, I need to go to sleep...
BUT I found a CVS thing and Walgreens thing so (bargains... I'm so out of it right now)

Buy 1 Get 1 Free for all Maybelline!! BTW, I went on their website and really enjoy that I can ask them to choose colors for me. He he!
Buy 1 Get 1 Free for Almay
Buy 1 Get 1 50% off for CoverGirl eye or lip
Buy 1 Get 1 50% off for NYC! Makes it extremely cheap - w00t
Neutrogena 40% off for everything. Have you guys seen their concealer kit...??? That looks so cool.

The crappy thing about CVS is that you have to have a like a membership card. Just get it online if you don't feel like filling something out at the store.

Walgreens has
Buy 1 Get 1 50% off for Maybelline. Damn! If you are really into Maybelline's stuff then this is the week for you.
Buy 1 Get 1 50% off for L'Oreal - foundation, powder, blush, eye
Neutrogena 40% off for everything
Sally Hansen 40% off for lip and nails

Now, I prefer Walgreens more than CVS b/c they don't require any card. They have a little cosmetic counter and also they just seem to have more brands!

Have fun shopping. The economy needs you!

Ulta Sales

So, I'm working at an office and we get mail sometimes. Guess what we got today?? An Ulta ad!! Yes, and I'm extra excited b/c there is a $3.50 for $10 purchase coupon on the front. Yay.

Buy 1, get 1 50% off on selected brushes (Paula Dorf, Japonesque, Studio Gear...)
Buy 2, get 1 free on Maybelline
Buy 2, get 1 free on Palladio
Buy 2, get 1 free on Neutrogena
Buy 2, get 1 free on CoverGirl
Buy 1, get 1 free on L'Oreal lip, eyes, & HiP
Buy 1, get 1 free on Revlon
Buy 1, get 1 free on Ulta

If only it was my Bday and I could splurge on myself. BareMinerals Perfect Bronze looks delicious and the Smashbox HD Concealer. Yum!

If I was to take advantage on this sale, I'm thinking I want to buy some Revlon nail polishes and maybe aquaint myself with some L'Oreal HiP things.

Hmm, we'll see how the week goes.

BTW, more bargain news - if you go to Walgreens, Jane is having a major crisis and is having a major sale! Also, they have these little bargain bins hidden somewhere w/ a lot of things marked off. Check those out, k?

See ya all lata!

so I drew a new face and laughed"

So I always hate it when I buy something and then I go to another store and find the same thing for much cheaper! If you look on my sidebar, I listed Revlon Colorstay eye pencils are my favorite eyeliners right now and they cost about $7-8. Well, I just came back from Walmart and they sell these for $5 right now! I didn't grab any because I already have two... but I thought to myself... DANG! I should've checked here first.

Also at Walmart, L'Oreal HiP Eyeshadow duos are only ~$5 and The Revlon's Illuminance Creme Shadows range at $5.

I haven't checked other things but, if you guys are interested in these products and don't want to wait for a sale - Walmart would be a place to go.

PS. I don't know about Target because I don't go there often.

SEE YA later! Thanks for visiting. <3~