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.

Eyeshadow Collection - The Motherload

So about a year and a half ago, when I just got into make up, I only had a few shadows here and there. My love for eye shadows really increased when I finally purchased an eye primer - UDPP. The problem with me and eye shadows have always been the creasing so UDPP really helped my shadows stay all day and stop looking horrible.

But the biggest problem with me and shadows is still blending and working with the colors. That is still something I must keep practicing! However, you can't practice much if you don't have a lot of eye shadows to play with. This is pretty much my collection... I have quite a lot. I wouldn't say as much as some of you out there, but definitely more than my friends combine!! Luckily, I'm a cheapie and so these are all fairly inexpensive items.

Without further ado:



Notice how there is almost two of everything???

I think I will start with the left top corner...
ROW 1:
- I have 2 sample MAC pigments: Vanilla and another brown color... never knew the name.
- Victoria's Secret baked shadow in Expresso Lane
- Wet n Wild's Trio in Mojave Mauves
- Two Smashbox shadows: Photo shoot and Test Shoot
- Maybelline single in Beach Blush

ROW 2:
- Lancome quad that my mom gave me.
- 2 Cover Girl singles in Tapestry Taupe and Brown Smolder
- 1 Cover Girl quad in Tropical Fusion (my first palette EVER)
- Milani's single in Java Bean - if only I could find more of them in the store!
- MAC's single in Sketch.

ROW 3:
- Jane's single in Midnight
- 2 Maybelline quads in Neutral Smokes and Chai Latte
- 2 ELF quads in Drama and Butternut
- 2 Revlon quads in Nude Element and Coffee Bean

ROW 4:
- 4 NYX singles in Taupe, Champagne, Root Beer, and Iced Mocha (lots of drinks here... except for Taupe though)
- 2 L'Oreal HiP duos in Sculpted and Sassy

Then, I have the cream shadows and eye primers and what-nots!

From L-R
- MAC's paint pot in Rubenesque
- Urban Decay Primer Potion
- ELF's Mineral Eye Primer and the $1 one
- 2 Revlon's Illuminance Cream Shadows in Pink Petals and Coastal Blues
- HiP's Cream Shadow Paint in Nervy

But if I had to recommend a few, I would definitely narrow down to these four:



1) Chai Latte is so easy to use. The texture is nice and smooth and you can wear this for an everyday look or a really nice glamorous look (because of that pretty metallic coppery shade). I'd say pick this up if you have been debating about it. It's totally worth it!

2) Coffee Bean is a perfect quad if you work in an office and you have to wear the most natural look ever. The colors are pretty and pigmented. You have a lot of good options with this quad. I definitely struggle between which one I like more - Chai Latte or Coffee Bean... but I think I'm going with Chai Latte... for now. Funny because I'm drinking more Chai Lattes lately than coffee too.

3) Wet and Wild Mojave Mauve is like my vacation trio. I take this with me on my vacation and I will NEVER EVER be disappointed with it. I always bring several eye shadows but this always work on me... it is so pigmented - easy to blend. And it isn't your typical boring neutrals. This has a gorgeous taupe, a nice maroon, and most of all, that lovely lightest shade... it's like a creamy lilac. I don't know, I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE it. I recommend this to everyone and their mothers.

4) Butternut from ELF is something I recommend to people who are just starting out. At $1, this quad will help you learn what your style is and you can practice and practice with it until you get better. I don't like the idea of going out and getting something expensive if you don't even know what you are doing. Besides that, I enjoy the colors! That dark brown and the lightest shade are my favorites. Together they can make some nice smokey eyes!


As for colors, I really enjoy these two quads. The CG's Tropic Fusion was my first shadow palette ever... which isn't a good thing for beginners... ha ha. But I love using the colors (mostly the blue and green) to line my eyes. It makes the look more interesting. And the HiP's duo in Sculpted has the prettiest pink color and pretty purple. It can change the typical look into something more fun and girly!

I hope you enjoy this post. Please let me know what your favorite/recommendation is! I am always up for trying something new.

Stay Cool For Summer

Let me ask you something: do you have a pair of jeans that you never ever wear?

I have one that has been taking up space in my closet for the longest time! I bought it because at the time I thought it looked good... BUT they are really flared! HUGE flares as a matter of fact - ha ha - and I didn't want to be the only kid in school dressing for the 70's so I just never wore it.

Now, ever since I was little, my mother told me: NEVER CUT YOUR CLOTHES - never ruin them - poke holes in them... blah blah blah - you guys know what I'm talking about.

But it is summer time and I'm HOT! And I want new shorts. So I debated with myself for awhile and FINALLY decided that I will make these pair of jeans into a pair of shorts! So I went for it - finally! I've contemplated this for a really long time but just didn't have the GUTS to cut my jeans. I don't know what got me to do it but I am really glad I did.






What I did was I put on my jeans, marked how short I wanted them to be. Then I cut it with an extra four inches (or something like that) so I can have enough fabric to roll the jeans up.
Iron it down and TAH DAH!! It is just that easy and simple. I wore it all today and I am so happy to have it! SO EASY!

So if you are in the same dilemma as me - I suggest you close your eyes and use those scissors!

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I have to apologize for not writing as much as I would want. I get into a writing mode but I have absolutely nothing to write about! WEIRD huh... but no worries, I went to target today and picked out some new writing topics.




I was so EXCITED to see the ELF $1 primer at Target!!! It is MADNESS!! I will do reviews FOR SURE FOR SURE.

And I have been wanting to get my hands on these new Wet N' Wild matte lipsticks for a really long time! I got two (WHICH IS A BIT EXCESSIVE but they were only $2.99 each so I couldn't resist). I got one in Rose-bud which was the one I couldn't put down and then I saw Wine Room which was the one that I've been wanting since all the swatches gone up for these lipsticks.

Finally, I have been wanting a new nail polish color for the longest time. Again, being so cheap - I was like - MUST HAVE IT! I got the WnW Megalast nail color in Underground. Very pretty mauve - there is also another purple/lilac color too. Can't wait to get that later.




That is the lipstick color in Rose-bud. It is a very true PINK but warm pink so it is so wearable for me! LOVE it so far.



Also, this was my FOTD on my BDAY dinner. I had so much fun w/ my friends and I really enjoyed my make up here. And I gotta say, thanks to UDPP - my make up lasted through dinner and fun fun dancing. So, let's hope ELF can deliver the same thing... I will certainly let you know.

Thanks so much for reading!! Be sure to stay tuned for swatches and reviews of all the products mentioned.

Battle of the Primers

VS.

Who will win?

So the idea of an eye primer is to make the quality of the shadows better - more pigmentation, better "blendibility", and greater staying power.

Hearing this news, I was like "Yeah! Give me some-a-that!" When I watch youtube vids or read makeupalley reviews on these primers, I was given the impression that these will prevent my shadows from creasing and fading through out the day.

** I'm sorry that there are no pictures... first of all it's kinda hard for my camera to pick up on all the details of my make up... and also I haven't had time! SORRY!

These primers - as you both know are $17 - but I bought them for cheaper prices from blog sales. So I got both for $11 each... so I don't know, look out for those sales! For a while, I would use both primers at the same time to compare the results. My findings surprised me:

- my shadows STILL CREASED!!! And they still faded... and I was somewhat disappointed. I thought this was gonna be my lifesaver and would make my eye make up look fresh and awesome throughout the day. No, no, no - alas... no. But you know what, it really did help the pigmentation of these shadows. I also think it helps w/ blending because they both turn my lids into very smooth canvases. So the application process is a great improvement but the wear isn't that great.

An important thing to note is that both primers are not very consistant. I mean, I always apply these primers in the same way - place the product on my lids and smooth out w/ my finger. But these primers would work great one day, crease another, and many other things varying in between. I guess it also really depends on the weather. They both wear better in cooler temperature... but you don't need me to tell you that.

And they both work pretty much the same on me... like one would crease one day and the other would crease the other day.... OR BOTH creased on the same day. So when it comes down to which one do I like better I have a lot of other factors helping me make this decision.

- TEXTURE - UDPP has a creamier texture while I find TFSI kinda runny and wet. Being runny and wet - TFSI has the higher tendency to come apart - into oil and product. I am starting to notice that w/ my TFSI. While the UDPP still holding on strong to it's texture.

- PACKAGING - UDPP has that wand that I like... I don't know why but I like that you can directly place the product on your lids. This allows me to calculate how much product I should use. W/ TFSI, even though it is in a tube and stuff, I never know how much product to use. It's weird - it's probably just me... you can probably ignore this fact.

- WHAT I NOTICED - is that UDPP, once set, is drier than TFSI - this means YAY to those girls w/ really oily lids. UDPP actually grabs on the shadows better - I've noticed. But this means that it is harder to blend.

So, seriously - which would I choose??? UDPP, my friend, is the winner. I just like using it better. Thing is that both products work the same on me that you can't really compare them in that way - so it really comes down to personal preference. But I just think that UDPP lasts longer than TFSI.

However, do you guys think eye primers are really that necessary? I know for me, before using primers, my shadows would crease and whatever but my shadows still creased when I used primers. I think I should experiment on that more and let you know.

And if I run out of UDPP - I will be looking into ELF and L'Oreal Decrease to figure out which is better. I don't think I'd want to spend $17 all the time on one product.

This is probably such a horrible post b/c there are no pics and stuff... I'm sorry! This was totally an impromtu post. I just find myself at liberty this morning.

And for you lovely ladies that commented on my last post - Thank you so much! You guys are really sweet and I'm so lucky to have gotten to know you through this blogging journey.... HUGS AND KISSES for all of you!!!

Oh and speaking of which - I can't believe I've been on blogspot for a year now!!! WOO HOO!! I probably can't have a giveaway - b/c I'm so broke, it isn't even funny. But maybe I will do something in the summer!!!

LOVE YOU ALL - thanks for the awesome comments. I hope this helped.

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!!!

Haulage, Review, and Playing of NYX

So as you guys all know about the HUGE sale on Cherryculture for NYX. And no, I did not just got my stuff today. I got it a few weeks ago but I wanted to play around with them first before I post anything. So, here are some pics to tell the story:


Stuff from Cherry Culture.

Root Beer and Taupe


Mega Shine lip gloss in Frosteed Beige (I thought these were the Goddess of the Night lip glosses...)

Then Ulta was having a buy 2 get 2 free... and I did

Iced Mocha and Champagne


--- REVIEW ---
Eye shadows:
- I love that the texture is soft and smooth which makes it easy to blend
- The darker colors are so pigmented!
- The lighter colors need a base to be good but they are gorgeous colors!
- Not overly shimmery (if they are) although Champagne is a bit frosty
- I don't like that they are a bit powdery
- That they need a base (although most eye shadows need bases to be vibrant)

I give this product: 5/5!!!

Honestly, these are the best eye shadows I have so far. I can see myself using it for almost anything - dramatic, neutral - and just so great and easy to work it. You just can't go wrong with these!

Jumbo pencils:
- I really like them as bases for shadows. They work great.
- You can also use them on their own but they will smudge... so be careful. Don't put too much.
- I don't like the packaging. It can get messy really quickly if the cap is not put on right.
- Some colors a bit dark so you can't really use a lighter shade on top without making that shade look dark too.

Overall: 4/5


Lip gloss:
- Umm... well, it's nothing special but it is a really nice nude gloss. Really great for nude lips :D.
- I also don't think it is drying or sticky or goopy.
- The applicator is a lot bigger than some of my other lip glosses (bad or good, you decide).
- I really love the bow at the top.
- Can't wait to try more colors out b/c nude colors bore me at the moment.

Overall: 4/5


Finally, end of this ginormous post w/ a FOTD (well from a long time ago) using ALL NYX PRODUCTS! Another neutral shade, of course :D.

EYES: NYX Iced Mocha and Champagne
Maybelline Full and Soft mascara
Revlon Colorstay Eyeliner in Blackberry

LIPS: NYX Round Lip stick in Thalia

FACE: NYX blush in Terracotta (really nice on my cheeks!)

That is all for now. Mother this is a long post.