I have always heard great things about Coastal Scents, but since I already know I am not into a bunch of colored eyeshadows I didn't think buying one of the 88 or 120 palettes would be beneficial to me. They were offering 50% off on face palettes and there were some I wanted to try without paying full price. This is what I ended up getting:
I purchased the Blush & Contour Palette as well as the Camoflauge Concealer Palette. I have read great reviews about both of these and thought they would be great to try. I also purchased two very similar blending brushes that are very reminiscent of the MAC 217. I have used all these products only once, but I am very impressed- especially for the price I paid. I truly can find uses for all of these products...even the dark concealers.
In the Blush & Contour Palette I use the lighter shades to set my under-eye concealer and of course the very darkest shade to contour my face. I also love the blush on the bottom row, all the way to the right (when looking at the picture). It is one of those perfect colors for a dark eye, with a little more mauve than I usually use.
I have to admit that the main reason I purchased the Camoflauge Concealer Palette is because I wanted a dark concealer to try an intense contour. I like the feel of these concealers and although they provide nice coverage they don't feel heavy on the face. Also, since I have been spray tanning my skin tone has been changing as the color fades and builds so I needed some extra concealer shades to mix together, so I could find the perfect color for my skin tone at that moment.
Best of all, I love the brushes! They are absolutely great for blending and even applying a light wash of color. I can't brag enough about these! And to add on, they weren't ridiculously expensive (SHOCKER). They are absolutely soft and didn't shed- even though I didn't wash them before use...shh don't tell.
Overall, this was a great order. I could not be more satisfied with my purchases! I'll let you know if my opinion changes as I use these products more, but I doubt that will happen. To add to the perfection, they added the most adorable wrapping paper (which you can see a glimpse of in the picture- I <3 makeup)...why do they not sell this in stores?! They also added an "I <3 makeup" bumper sticker (which I put on my laptop) along with some small eyeshadow samples. Perfection!
You can easily find all these products on coastalscents.com but if you need more elaboration or links, let me know in the comment section below! What Coastal Scents products do you use or have tried?
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Friday, December 28, 2012
beauty samples 2
As I mentioned in a few blog posts, from some of the Sephora orders I received a lot of samples. Sometimes I think they are amazing, especially if the sample is decent sized! Here is what I tried this time around.
First, was the L'Occitane Amande Shower Oil. I really liked this a lot not only because it had an amazing scent but also because it made my skin feel amazing! It smelled like a combination of vanilla and coco butter and applied like an oil and then lathered with water. It was very moisturizing and I even felt like I didn't have to put on moisturizer after my shower- which is so important, especially in the winter months!
A sample I just got recently is the Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm. I have noticed that they have this whole "naked" thing going on, with the foundation, the new palette (the old palettes as well) and now this bb cream. The packaging, even on this sample, is very nice and consistent- which I like. I tried to find this on the website and I don't think they have released it yet. I applied it with my fingers and it was very sheer, but I was able to build the coverage by applying more layers. I tried to look for a shade, but couldn't find it...so I'm thinking it comes in only one which is probably not great. I do have a very light complexion so I'm not sure it would be suitable for someone who has the opposite.
Next were the Bamboo Shine Luminous Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. I really enjoyed these. They had a really nice clean scent that smelled like the outdoors, but in a good way. The shampoo didn't foam as much as I like but in its place were no sulfates or parabens (which I have heard is bad for your hair). The conditioner left my hair soft and very easy to manage.
On the bottom row, I have Too Faced Shadow Insurance which I already talked about in this post. The last two are face products, starting with Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm. First I noticed that it only comes in one shade, which is absolutely laughable. These products really need to meet the needs of everyone(!) and there is no way one shade fits all...I think all these high-end bb creams are the same and really not worth it.
Lastly is the bareMinerals Ready SPF 20 Foundation. I think this is supposed to be their mineral foundation in a pressed compact. Although I have used the loose powder it was a while ago so I can't really compare their coverage. I would say this had light coverage but was buildable. The problem with these sized samples is that they aren't enough for the whole face and can barely tell you if you will like this product.
Overall, the only thin I would actually purchase is the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. However, I usually get these with eyeshadow purchases so I don't worry. A bit disappointed at the size of the samples, but I guess that's just how they come!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
A sample I just got recently is the Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm. I have noticed that they have this whole "naked" thing going on, with the foundation, the new palette (the old palettes as well) and now this bb cream. The packaging, even on this sample, is very nice and consistent- which I like. I tried to find this on the website and I don't think they have released it yet. I applied it with my fingers and it was very sheer, but I was able to build the coverage by applying more layers. I tried to look for a shade, but couldn't find it...so I'm thinking it comes in only one which is probably not great. I do have a very light complexion so I'm not sure it would be suitable for someone who has the opposite.
Next were the Bamboo Shine Luminous Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. I really enjoyed these. They had a really nice clean scent that smelled like the outdoors, but in a good way. The shampoo didn't foam as much as I like but in its place were no sulfates or parabens (which I have heard is bad for your hair). The conditioner left my hair soft and very easy to manage.
On the bottom row, I have Too Faced Shadow Insurance which I already talked about in this post. The last two are face products, starting with Stila Stay All Day 10-in-1 HD Beauty Balm. First I noticed that it only comes in one shade, which is absolutely laughable. These products really need to meet the needs of everyone(!) and there is no way one shade fits all...I think all these high-end bb creams are the same and really not worth it.
Lastly is the bareMinerals Ready SPF 20 Foundation. I think this is supposed to be their mineral foundation in a pressed compact. Although I have used the loose powder it was a while ago so I can't really compare their coverage. I would say this had light coverage but was buildable. The problem with these sized samples is that they aren't enough for the whole face and can barely tell you if you will like this product.
Overall, the only thin I would actually purchase is the Too Faced Shadow Insurance. However, I usually get these with eyeshadow purchases so I don't worry. A bit disappointed at the size of the samples, but I guess that's just how they come!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Monday, December 17, 2012
dark lips
Some pictures in this post were lost. I apologize if that makes this post difficult to understand, however I didn't want to delete it so you would still be able to refer to it.
I have seen the purple/deep red lipstick really come into fashion this holiday season and the more dark lips I was seeing, the more I wanted to try it. You may already know that I like to stick to my baby pinks and nudes, but this was something I did want to take a shot at. I wanted to go for a drugstore lipstick first since I didn't really know if I was going to like it.
The lipstick I used was Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry. The picture doesn't really show the true color. It is a bit darker and has more red than the picture shows. (Lately, the weather has been pretty crappy so I am not really able to use natural light.)
Always stay happy and healthy! :) Tschüss, Katharina
I have seen the purple/deep red lipstick really come into fashion this holiday season and the more dark lips I was seeing, the more I wanted to try it. You may already know that I like to stick to my baby pinks and nudes, but this was something I did want to take a shot at. I wanted to go for a drugstore lipstick first since I didn't really know if I was going to like it.
I applied it very quickly- and then ended up taking it off- so I didn't follow all the steps I usually would with a dark lip color. I would first scrub my lips, either with a lip exfoliator or toothbrush, and then apply lip balm to moisturize the lips. After about 5 minutes, or longer if possible, I would wipe away the lip balm and then line my lips. I don't think you have to use a liner in the same color as your lipstick, just something to create a frame for the lips. I would then slowly apply the lipstick since dark shades usually stain the skin.
I really enjoyed how the color looked, especially since I had a very light eye. I was wearing a lot of black though, which made me look somewhat gothic. Once I find an outfit I am comfortable wearing this lipstick in, I will definitely rock it because the color is beautiful!
What dark lip colors have y'all been sporting lately? What are you favorite lip colors? Let me know in the comment section!
Always stay happy and healthy! :) Tschüss, Katharina
Sunday, December 9, 2012
dark smokey eye
Some pictures in this post were lost. I apologize if that makes this post difficult to understand, however I didn't want to delete it so you would still be able to refer to it.
Lately I have been loving combining my Lorac Pro Palette along with Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette to create a perfect smokey eye. I wore this dark smokey eye last week when I cheered at Madison Square Garden. It did require some time, but I really liked how it came out.
First I started with an eye primer, which is a necessity to me. I then took the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk and put that on the first half of my eye- to brighten this area. I then blended that in and added the shade White from the Pro Palette over the area where I applied the jumbo eye pencil. I have found this method in particular makes the lightest areas of a smokey eye stand out more.
Next, I took a piece of tape (removed some of the tackyness) and placed it from the outer corner of my eye to the edge of my eyebrow, so it layed somewhat on my cheek bone. This is to create a more defined line. I then took the shade Verve from the Naked 2 Palette and applied that in the center of the lid and then took Pistol to the outer corner and under the eyelid. Lastly, I took Blackout from that same palette in the outer corner and under the eye. I also blended this into the crease.
Lastly, I needed something to blend out the black, so I took YDK and blended that at the edges of the black. You then can add any highlight shade to the inner corner and brow bone to highlight those areas. I used Bootycall from the Naked 2 Palette since it was handy.
Then I removed the tape and had a much harsher line than I wanted, so I used a clean shadow brush to fade it out a bit and then added concealer to areas that needed touching up. You can add lashes and liner- which I did- however you like it best.
I hope you enjoyed this look, I know I did. I feel like I sometimes use a lot of eyeshadows at once, but that's what gives my looks dimension! Let me know if you tried this look and share your pics in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Lately I have been loving combining my Lorac Pro Palette along with Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette to create a perfect smokey eye. I wore this dark smokey eye last week when I cheered at Madison Square Garden. It did require some time, but I really liked how it came out.
First I started with an eye primer, which is a necessity to me. I then took the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk and put that on the first half of my eye- to brighten this area. I then blended that in and added the shade White from the Pro Palette over the area where I applied the jumbo eye pencil. I have found this method in particular makes the lightest areas of a smokey eye stand out more.
Next, I took a piece of tape (removed some of the tackyness) and placed it from the outer corner of my eye to the edge of my eyebrow, so it layed somewhat on my cheek bone. This is to create a more defined line. I then took the shade Verve from the Naked 2 Palette and applied that in the center of the lid and then took Pistol to the outer corner and under the eyelid. Lastly, I took Blackout from that same palette in the outer corner and under the eye. I also blended this into the crease.
Lastly, I needed something to blend out the black, so I took YDK and blended that at the edges of the black. You then can add any highlight shade to the inner corner and brow bone to highlight those areas. I used Bootycall from the Naked 2 Palette since it was handy.
Then I removed the tape and had a much harsher line than I wanted, so I used a clean shadow brush to fade it out a bit and then added concealer to areas that needed touching up. You can add lashes and liner- which I did- however you like it best.
I hope you enjoyed this look, I know I did. I feel like I sometimes use a lot of eyeshadows at once, but that's what gives my looks dimension! Let me know if you tried this look and share your pics in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Friday, December 7, 2012
make green eyes pop!
Some pictures in this post were lost. I apologize if that makes this post difficult to understand, however I didn't want to delete it so you would still be able to refer to it.
I personally love looking for shades of eye shadows that make my eyes pop! I would say I have a mixture between green and blue eyes that are more on the dark than light side. I was trying to use up the rest of my Stila In the Lights Palette sample to see if this would be worth buying. I'll talk you through the look first and then let you know my thoughts on the palette.
This look was so easy, just required a bit of blending. It is highly shimmery so it might not be for everyone. I started off with one of the light shades, Kitten, and applied that all over the lid up to the crease and also on the inner corner and under the eyebrow- to highlight those areas. I then took the matte mid-brown shade, Bliss, and applied that in the crease and a bit higher to give the next shade something to lie on. I also applied this on the lower lid, about half way in.
Next I took the shade Sandstone and applied that to the exact crease line. I blended it up a bit, which created a flawless blend since we already had that Bliss shade blended above the crease line. I also took Sandstone about a third of the way in on the lower lash line.
Finally I took some black liquid liner and created a small wing, along with lots of mascara- as usual! I think because the shades all have a gold undertone, it works really well with green eyes. I also really like how shimmery it is (I have somewhat of an obsession with shimmery shadows).
Now, on to what I think of the actual palette...I would say, for me personally, it is not worth it. I really only liked that one light shade- I feel the rest I would be able to find in other palettes. Maybe I can buy it as a single eye shadow, but to buy the whole palette for just one or two shades is not worth it.
Hopefully this was helpful for anyone thinking about buying this palette! Let me know if you have other ideas for posts you want to see in the comments below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
I personally love looking for shades of eye shadows that make my eyes pop! I would say I have a mixture between green and blue eyes that are more on the dark than light side. I was trying to use up the rest of my Stila In the Lights Palette sample to see if this would be worth buying. I'll talk you through the look first and then let you know my thoughts on the palette.
This look was so easy, just required a bit of blending. It is highly shimmery so it might not be for everyone. I started off with one of the light shades, Kitten, and applied that all over the lid up to the crease and also on the inner corner and under the eyebrow- to highlight those areas. I then took the matte mid-brown shade, Bliss, and applied that in the crease and a bit higher to give the next shade something to lie on. I also applied this on the lower lid, about half way in.
Next I took the shade Sandstone and applied that to the exact crease line. I blended it up a bit, which created a flawless blend since we already had that Bliss shade blended above the crease line. I also took Sandstone about a third of the way in on the lower lash line.
Finally I took some black liquid liner and created a small wing, along with lots of mascara- as usual! I think because the shades all have a gold undertone, it works really well with green eyes. I also really like how shimmery it is (I have somewhat of an obsession with shimmery shadows).
Now, on to what I think of the actual palette...I would say, for me personally, it is not worth it. I really only liked that one light shade- I feel the rest I would be able to find in other palettes. Maybe I can buy it as a single eye shadow, but to buy the whole palette for just one or two shades is not worth it.
Hopefully this was helpful for anyone thinking about buying this palette! Let me know if you have other ideas for posts you want to see in the comments below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Sunday, December 2, 2012
similarities between Pro and Naked?
As I was doing some looks that combined both the Urban Decay Naked and Naked 2 Palettes along with the Lorac Pro Palette I saw some similarities between the shadows of these three. I wanted to do a quick post comparing some of the colors that looked similar for anyone that thought they all looked too close to purchase separately. I did swatches of the colors I thought may be dupes for each other:
So, as you can see, some of the colors do look fairly similar to each other but there are no exact dupes. Starting at the top, left there is Mauve from Pro and Tease from Naked 2. I did think at firs these were going to be definite dupes of each other, but swatched you can see that Tease is a bit darker and less lilac than Mauve.
Next, I swatched all the light shimmery shades: Nude from Pro, Sin from Naked, Champagne from Pro, Virgin from Naked and Bootycall from Naked 2. Again, all very similar but none of them are exactly the same color as the other.
Then going to the bottom, left there is Black from Pro and Blackout from Naked 2. The black from the Naked 2 is actually deeper than the Lorac Pro Palette but both go on very nicely and pigmented.
In the middle you can see Gold from Pro and Chopper from Naked 2. The gold in the Pro Palette is much more orange based whereas Chopper has some more brown shades.
Lastly, there is Slate from Pro and Gunmetal from Naked. I think these are the closest shades to each other. Gunmetal is a bit more metallic than Slate, but they both have the same blue-gray concept going on. I don't necessarily enjoy this shade because I like my grays to be silver and not blue based.
So even though some of the shades in all of these palettes are the same, they aren't exact. If I really had to make a choice about which one to purchase I would probably chose the Lorac Pro Palette since it has the whole row of matte shadows, but all the palettes are great for anyone who loves neutrals! I hope you enjoyed this post, it isn't something I would usually do but I did enjoy comparing some of my favorite palettes!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Next, I swatched all the light shimmery shades: Nude from Pro, Sin from Naked, Champagne from Pro, Virgin from Naked and Bootycall from Naked 2. Again, all very similar but none of them are exactly the same color as the other.
Then going to the bottom, left there is Black from Pro and Blackout from Naked 2. The black from the Naked 2 is actually deeper than the Lorac Pro Palette but both go on very nicely and pigmented.
In the middle you can see Gold from Pro and Chopper from Naked 2. The gold in the Pro Palette is much more orange based whereas Chopper has some more brown shades.
Lastly, there is Slate from Pro and Gunmetal from Naked. I think these are the closest shades to each other. Gunmetal is a bit more metallic than Slate, but they both have the same blue-gray concept going on. I don't necessarily enjoy this shade because I like my grays to be silver and not blue based.
So even though some of the shades in all of these palettes are the same, they aren't exact. If I really had to make a choice about which one to purchase I would probably chose the Lorac Pro Palette since it has the whole row of matte shadows, but all the palettes are great for anyone who loves neutrals! I hope you enjoyed this post, it isn't something I would usually do but I did enjoy comparing some of my favorite palettes!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Friday, November 30, 2012
non-stop November: November favorites
Since I did a mid-month favorites post, I just wanted to update everyone on what other products I have been enjoying throughout the month! There are only a few of them so this will be short and sweet! :)
First, I really liked the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. I got this through a purchase from Urban Decay. I think this gives a great finish to your makeup and does make it last longer. I also notice my face not getting as oily as it would. Not quite sure if it is worth the price, I have been meaning to try MAC Fix Plus. If any of you have tried both, let me know which one you like better below!
The second favorite of the month is the Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer with Concealer Pencil in Medium and Light. I spray tanned, as you may know, so I was using the medium one but generally I would go with Light. It covers my under eye circles very well and I like the way it goes on with my fingers. Because it is so thick I don't really want to use a brush- I like the warmth from my fingertips.
My final favorite product is bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener. This is kind of like an under eye highlight. It has a bit of shimmer and some light coverage. It doesn't exactly cover any dark circles, but it leaves any area that you put it on brightened. This is definitely a product I would put under or over my concealer. Overall, very enjoyable!
What products did you enjoy this month? Have you used any of the ones I talked about? Did you enjoy them as well? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
First, I really liked the Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray. I got this through a purchase from Urban Decay. I think this gives a great finish to your makeup and does make it last longer. I also notice my face not getting as oily as it would. Not quite sure if it is worth the price, I have been meaning to try MAC Fix Plus. If any of you have tried both, let me know which one you like better below!
The second favorite of the month is the Hard Candy Glamoflauge Heavy Duty Concealer with Concealer Pencil in Medium and Light. I spray tanned, as you may know, so I was using the medium one but generally I would go with Light. It covers my under eye circles very well and I like the way it goes on with my fingers. Because it is so thick I don't really want to use a brush- I like the warmth from my fingertips.
My final favorite product is bareMinerals Stroke of Light Eye Brightener. This is kind of like an under eye highlight. It has a bit of shimmer and some light coverage. It doesn't exactly cover any dark circles, but it leaves any area that you put it on brightened. This is definitely a product I would put under or over my concealer. Overall, very enjoyable!
What products did you enjoy this month? Have you used any of the ones I talked about? Did you enjoy them as well? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: Christmas wish list
My family celebrates Christmas and every year it gets harder and harder for my mom to figure out what my sister and I would like. This year I only asked for a few things, which included a trip to Florida to see my sister compete at college UCA nationals! So I will be in Orlando from January 17 until the 23! I am so excited for this trip, it's going to be so fun, especially going to Disney! I have only been once, and my sister has never been. A friend is coming along with us, as well as my parents. It is going to be one fun trip!
The second thing I asked for is Calvin Klein Euphoria perfume. I talked about this in another post, which you can get to by clicking here. I really enjoy the smell of this and as much as I would love to have the large sized bottle, I think the small one will be sufficient. I'd rather have a collection of smaller perfumes, compared to a bunch of half full bottles that I won't use that much.
The final thing I asked for is the Too Faced Shadow Bon Bons Palette. I saw a review on this palette and it seemed like it was the perfect one for me. Lots of browns with a few different colors here and there. You also get a full sized Too Faced Shadow Insurance and a mascara. I will definitely do a review of this palette once I receive it and probably some looks.
Does your family celebrate Christmas? What is on your wish list this year? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
The second thing I asked for is Calvin Klein Euphoria perfume. I talked about this in another post, which you can get to by clicking here. I really enjoy the smell of this and as much as I would love to have the large sized bottle, I think the small one will be sufficient. I'd rather have a collection of smaller perfumes, compared to a bunch of half full bottles that I won't use that much.
Does your family celebrate Christmas? What is on your wish list this year? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
non-stop November: Lorac Pro palette
Oh, I am sure you probably all could've guessed this review was coming! I love this palette just as much as I was expecting to. It probably has a lot to do with the matte shades that are offered, but either way there is nothing negative to say about this!
So here are my official thoughts on the Lorac Pro Palette. The shades are so creamy and easy to apply! I think this is a great starter palette for anyone new to makeup. Again, a lot to do with the matte shades. Matte shades are really hard to find in a lot of palettes so it makes me very giddy when I see a whole row of them. And they are all the perfect color that can be great for natural looks, going out looks, extreme smokey eyes- anything really!
Some of my favorite shades include Mauve, which is a purple type of brown- it kind of reminds me of Tease in the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. I also really like Nude, Champagne and Garnet (being covered by the primer). I am planning on doing some looks with this palette, so look for those coming up in December!
The only slight negative thing I would say about this palette is that some of the shades are a bit powdery. That can sometimes lead to a lot of fall out, so I might suggest waiting to put on your foundation after doing your eye look.
I know this palette has been reviewed many times in the online beauty community, but I thought I would share my positive thoughts on this! Hope you enjoyed and let me know what types of posts you'd like to see in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
So here are my official thoughts on the Lorac Pro Palette. The shades are so creamy and easy to apply! I think this is a great starter palette for anyone new to makeup. Again, a lot to do with the matte shades. Matte shades are really hard to find in a lot of palettes so it makes me very giddy when I see a whole row of them. And they are all the perfect color that can be great for natural looks, going out looks, extreme smokey eyes- anything really!
Some of my favorite shades include Mauve, which is a purple type of brown- it kind of reminds me of Tease in the Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette. I also really like Nude, Champagne and Garnet (being covered by the primer). I am planning on doing some looks with this palette, so look for those coming up in December!
The only slight negative thing I would say about this palette is that some of the shades are a bit powdery. That can sometimes lead to a lot of fall out, so I might suggest waiting to put on your foundation after doing your eye look.
I know this palette has been reviewed many times in the online beauty community, but I thought I would share my positive thoughts on this! Hope you enjoyed and let me know what types of posts you'd like to see in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: favorite mascaras
This post may not be very telling of how well mascaras work for my type of eyelashes since I layer so many of them on top of each other. But I thought it might be important to let y'all know which ones I do keep buying. There are three that I use on a regular basis and those are CoverGirl Lash Blast, L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes and Mally Beauty Volumizing Mascara. All of them give me that clumpy, thick-looking lashes look that I truly enjoy and strive for every day.
Honestly, I would take this with a grain of salt since I use so many different mascaras on a daily basis. I personally think you can make any mascara work for you as long as you use a primer! I have a post on that, which you can get to by clicking here.
There are some mascaras that I am really looking forward to using which I'll list below:
Almay One Coat Get Up & Grow Mascara
Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara
Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara
Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara
Let me know if you have tried any of these and how they have worked for you in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Honestly, I would take this with a grain of salt since I use so many different mascaras on a daily basis. I personally think you can make any mascara work for you as long as you use a primer! I have a post on that, which you can get to by clicking here.
There are some mascaras that I am really looking forward to using which I'll list below:
Almay One Coat Get Up & Grow Mascara
Urban Decay Supercurl Curling Mascara
Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Mascara
Benefit Bad Gal Lash Mascara
Lancome Hypnose Doll Lashes Mascara
Let me know if you have tried any of these and how they have worked for you in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: beauty samples
As I have mentioned several times now, I got lots of great samples with my Sephora orders. I am going to have to divide this into two or more posts since there really were that many!
Going from left to right, here are my thoughts about these products:
Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer- (rant: why do these companies have to make such long names? how do they expect you to recommend this product to your friends if you can't remember the darn name?) there isn't enough product in this to really make a true impression, but first I know I don't like the smell. It is moisturizing but nothing special. Couldn't even tell you how much it costs, but considering it's Philosophy, it's probably more than what you would pay at the drugstore.
Too Faced Shadow Insurance- I honestly think all eye primers work pretty much the same. I really enjoy it, just as much as any previous ones I have used.
Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel in Radiant- I don't know what this is. That's all I have to say. I don't know if it's a primer or a tinted moisturizer? It says on the back that it's supposed to "reduce the appearance of redness, enlarged pores and fine lines. It can be layered for buildable coverage." That I don't agree with. You would have to use a whole tube to cover anything. As a primer it works fine, I guess, but I'm not quite sure what people use this for. If you use it, let me know what you do with it, because I'm so curious!
Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil- this was beautiful. It was like oil in my hands and once I rubbed it on my face it heated a little and felt like a tiny massage. I was surprised at how easily it washed off and how it made my face feel. I actually wouldn't mind buying this to use once in a while as a little self-spa day.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster- I probably have no need for this. I don't have too many wrinkles, and even if this small sample wouldn't be enough to notice a difference. All I can say is that I don't like the smell- I expected citrus...
Stila In the Light Palette- I talked about this sample in a full review, which you can see if you click here.
Hopefully this little review was helpful if you were thinking about getting any of these products! Are any of these products so amazing that a sample can't encompass their brilliance? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Oil-Free Energizing Oxygen Gel Cream Moisturizer- (rant: why do these companies have to make such long names? how do they expect you to recommend this product to your friends if you can't remember the darn name?) there isn't enough product in this to really make a true impression, but first I know I don't like the smell. It is moisturizing but nothing special. Couldn't even tell you how much it costs, but considering it's Philosophy, it's probably more than what you would pay at the drugstore.
Too Faced Shadow Insurance- I honestly think all eye primers work pretty much the same. I really enjoy it, just as much as any previous ones I have used.
Per-fekt Skin Perfection Gel in Radiant- I don't know what this is. That's all I have to say. I don't know if it's a primer or a tinted moisturizer? It says on the back that it's supposed to "reduce the appearance of redness, enlarged pores and fine lines. It can be layered for buildable coverage." That I don't agree with. You would have to use a whole tube to cover anything. As a primer it works fine, I guess, but I'm not quite sure what people use this for. If you use it, let me know what you do with it, because I'm so curious!
Josie Maran Argan Cleansing Oil- this was beautiful. It was like oil in my hands and once I rubbed it on my face it heated a little and felt like a tiny massage. I was surprised at how easily it washed off and how it made my face feel. I actually wouldn't mind buying this to use once in a while as a little self-spa day.
Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster- I probably have no need for this. I don't have too many wrinkles, and even if this small sample wouldn't be enough to notice a difference. All I can say is that I don't like the smell- I expected citrus...
Stila In the Light Palette- I talked about this sample in a full review, which you can see if you click here.
Hopefully this little review was helpful if you were thinking about getting any of these products! Are any of these products so amazing that a sample can't encompass their brilliance? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: muted smokey eye
Some pictures in this post were lost. I apologize if that makes this post difficult to understand, however I didn't want to delete it so you would still be able to refer to it.
I had a game a while back and remember being in a rush. I wanted to do a smokey eye but keep it light and quick. I only used 3 shadows, so the key to this look was mostly blending.
First, I used NYX Single Eye Shadow in Aloha all over the lid. I made sure to make this very visible and sparkly. I wanted to keep the whole eyelid light, minus the outer corner.
Next, I used the Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Superstar. These are baked shadows that can be used wet or dry. I used the darkest color in the outer corner and carried it into the crease. I started out with very minmal product and kept adding more while blending in between. This is really key to keep the look flawless and not have any harsh lines. The best way to blend this out is with a clean fluffy brush and using windshield wiper motions. I then used the same dark shadow on an eyeliner brush. I applied this very close to my lash line and kept reapplying until the line was dark enough for me.
The last step is to put on some mascara and falsies. I used the e.l.f. ones because they are cheap and work for me.
You can see that this adds some drama without being overly done during the day. Like I said above, they key really is to keep blending until you have the desired effect you want- I know it's tedious, but the end result is definitely worth it!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
I had a game a while back and remember being in a rush. I wanted to do a smokey eye but keep it light and quick. I only used 3 shadows, so the key to this look was mostly blending.
Next, I used the Lorac Starry-Eyed Baked Eye Shadow Trio in Superstar. These are baked shadows that can be used wet or dry. I used the darkest color in the outer corner and carried it into the crease. I started out with very minmal product and kept adding more while blending in between. This is really key to keep the look flawless and not have any harsh lines. The best way to blend this out is with a clean fluffy brush and using windshield wiper motions. I then used the same dark shadow on an eyeliner brush. I applied this very close to my lash line and kept reapplying until the line was dark enough for me.
The last step is to put on some mascara and falsies. I used the e.l.f. ones because they are cheap and work for me.
You can see that this adds some drama without being overly done during the day. Like I said above, they key really is to keep blending until you have the desired effect you want- I know it's tedious, but the end result is definitely worth it!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: NYX's must haves
NYX is a great makeup line that has some amazing lip products. This line is affordable, yet the products could match many high end brands. I wanted to let you in on some of the products that I love!
Starting with the top row, I have NYX Round Lipstick in Summer Love, Circe and Hero and NYX Black Label Lipstick in Nude. Those swatches are below in the middle of my hand, going from top to bottom. Those are three great nudes with a nice berry kind of red. Love the consistency and pigmentation of all of these lipsticks. I honestly haven't found a NYX lipstick that I haven't enjoyed yet.
Then below the lipsticks are three glosses I enjoy. These are swatched on the right side of my hand from top to bottom. First is NYX Sheer Tube Gloss in Shangri-La. Perfect nude gloss! Then are two of the Mega Shine Lipglosses in Sugar Pie and Natural, swatched in that order. There aren't enough positive things I can say about these glosses! I would love to get them in all the colors available.
Lastly, I have a blush and an eyeshadow, which are pictured on the right side and swatched on the left side of my hand. The blush is the NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Natural. I suggest everyone get this blush! It is the perfect neutral color to give the cheeks a pop of color that looks exactly like a flush. Below that is NYX Single Eye Shadow in Aloha. You can see that it has sparkle and a bit of a silvery pink color. Perfect highlight on the brow bone and inner corner!
If you haven't tried any NYX products, I highly advise you do! There are almost no products that can't work for you- and even if that was the case, you wouldn't feel too terrible knowing you didn't spend that much money on the products.
What are your favorite products? Do you use any of these? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Then below the lipsticks are three glosses I enjoy. These are swatched on the right side of my hand from top to bottom. First is NYX Sheer Tube Gloss in Shangri-La. Perfect nude gloss! Then are two of the Mega Shine Lipglosses in Sugar Pie and Natural, swatched in that order. There aren't enough positive things I can say about these glosses! I would love to get them in all the colors available.Lastly, I have a blush and an eyeshadow, which are pictured on the right side and swatched on the left side of my hand. The blush is the NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Natural. I suggest everyone get this blush! It is the perfect neutral color to give the cheeks a pop of color that looks exactly like a flush. Below that is NYX Single Eye Shadow in Aloha. You can see that it has sparkle and a bit of a silvery pink color. Perfect highlight on the brow bone and inner corner!
If you haven't tried any NYX products, I highly advise you do! There are almost no products that can't work for you- and even if that was the case, you wouldn't feel too terrible knowing you didn't spend that much money on the products.
What are your favorite products? Do you use any of these? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: Sephora Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist
As you may know from my recent Sephora haul I bought the Sephora Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist. After reading a few reviews I thought this was worth the shot and I needed something to get me free shipping. While I was home for Thanksgiving break, I thought I would give it a try since I could spend some time inside if it looked very bad.
I have only tried this two times, but I really like the color! It looks really natural, even for someone like me with very pale skin in the winter. Although I did not spray it by myself I am currently experimenting with the best way to do it- my mom sprayed me in the shower.
These are the things I did to prepare myself to get spray-tanned. I showered and used a light exfoliating body wash to get all the dead skin off my body- not exfoliating can lead to streaks and blotchiness. After I was done showering, I made sure to keep my hair covered but moisturize my body completely so I wasn't spraying this on dry skin. Lastly, I just had my mom spray me in the bath tub, stomach side first and then turned around for my back. For legs and arms I did kind of a slow turning motion so all sides would get covered. I also did my face and neck, but very lightly. I then let it dry for a few moments and put on loose dark clothing.
I think this is a great at home spray-tan for people doing it themselves. It lasts about 3-5 days before having to reapply, but it is definitely buildable. I just wanted some color on my legs, back and arms since I do have to wear a white uniform for basketball games. I haven't had any problems with it rubbing on to clothes, but I will keep y'all updated on that. It also dries fairly quickly and doesn't have too terrible of a scent, which is more than I can say for some lotions and other sprays.
I think I will do a follow-up post on this to keep everyone in the know about how to best apply this on your own and whether I see a difference once sweating. Let me know if you have tried this spray and what you think of it/how you personally apply it!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
These are the things I did to prepare myself to get spray-tanned. I showered and used a light exfoliating body wash to get all the dead skin off my body- not exfoliating can lead to streaks and blotchiness. After I was done showering, I made sure to keep my hair covered but moisturize my body completely so I wasn't spraying this on dry skin. Lastly, I just had my mom spray me in the bath tub, stomach side first and then turned around for my back. For legs and arms I did kind of a slow turning motion so all sides would get covered. I also did my face and neck, but very lightly. I then let it dry for a few moments and put on loose dark clothing.
I think this is a great at home spray-tan for people doing it themselves. It lasts about 3-5 days before having to reapply, but it is definitely buildable. I just wanted some color on my legs, back and arms since I do have to wear a white uniform for basketball games. I haven't had any problems with it rubbing on to clothes, but I will keep y'all updated on that. It also dries fairly quickly and doesn't have too terrible of a scent, which is more than I can say for some lotions and other sprays.
I think I will do a follow-up post on this to keep everyone in the know about how to best apply this on your own and whether I see a difference once sweating. Let me know if you have tried this spray and what you think of it/how you personally apply it!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: Stila In the Light Palette
One of the samples I got from my Sephora purchases was the Stila In the Light Palette. I have gotten a Stila eyeshadow sample before and I was thorougly surprised at not only how pigmented and soft the shadows were but the size of the sample. I obviously was only able to get about 5 uses from them, but that was much more than I expected!
When I got this sample and saw all the neutral nude colors, I was very very excited! I tried some of the shades and they all look really beautiful. One of my favorite shades is the first one, which is called Bare. I used this all over my lid with Bliss in the crease. Bare is almost like creamy light brown, while Bliss is a mid-tone brown.
Bare gave the most beautiful brightening to my eyes and throughout the day I just kept noticing how open and wide my eyes looked. I paired it with some black liquid liner and lots of mascara.
I have somewhat been contemplating getting this shadow, depending on how much I like the other shades. However, as I looked up the palette online, it looks so cheap. The shadows are obviously still the same quality, but it is made out of cardboard. At $40 that isn't so worth the price. All you get with it is an eyeliner.
I am still on the fence about this palette. I really like the colors, but it just doesn't seem worth it to me. I didn't see that they made this shade on its own, but I think I could possibly live without it. The rest of the shades seem like they would be some I could find in either my Urban Decay Naked and Naked 2 palettes or Lorac Pro palette.
What do y'all think? Have you tried this palette before? Do you enjoy the Stila eyeshadows? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: no more BULL
I hope everyone is enjoying this lovely Wednesday and excited for the upcoming weekend! As you may be able to infer from the title, I wanted to make this post about a project I have been working on in one of my classes. Bullying is something so unfortunate that many people have to endure during their lifetime. My class created this public service announcement to make people aware of bullying and its effects.
NO MORE BULL!
I would truly appreciate it, if you could take a moment to watch this short video! Every view counts to end bullying!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
NO MORE BULL!
I would truly appreciate it, if you could take a moment to watch this short video! Every view counts to end bullying!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
non-stop November: the 5: red lipsticks
For today's post I wanted to let y'all know about my favorite red lipsticks! I personally do prefer nude or pink lips, but a classic red lip is unbeatable sometimes. It is important to know what your perfect red is because it can be a bold, classic look. Here are some that I like:
From left to right: Avon Extra Lasting Lipstick in Forever Burgundy, Rimmel Moisture Renew Lip Colour in Berry Queen, NYC Ultra Moist Lip Wear in Sheer Red, bareMinerals Pretty Amazing Lip Stain in Rouge and Maybelline Color Sensational Lipstick in Are You Red-dy. If I had to pick an absolute favorite I would chose the bareMinerals lipstick. I love how it goes on! It is so creamy and has the perfect red color. I also love how it wears off! It is a stain but the top layer washes off somewhat after a few hours of wear. I think the best color is the one that shows once it has worn off a bit.
All of these are fairly long lasting, with the exception of the NYC lipstick. It is a sheer-er red, but a beautiful one, nevertheless. You can see the swatches of the lipsticks in the same order I named them, below. On the left side is natural inside lighting, and on the right side is inside light and flash.
I have worn all of these to games and they do photograph well. I suggest you try the one that best matches your skin tone, but I would honestly say they can be worn by anyone! I hoped this helped any of you looking for a great red lipstick! What are your favorite reds? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
All of these are fairly long lasting, with the exception of the NYC lipstick. It is a sheer-er red, but a beautiful one, nevertheless. You can see the swatches of the lipsticks in the same order I named them, below. On the left side is natural inside lighting, and on the right side is inside light and flash.
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Monday, November 26, 2012
non-stop November: nails of the day
I wanted to share what nail polish I am wearing this week with y'all before I forget! When I was home for Thanksgiving break I decided I needed to paint my nails and wanted to try a different type of neutral. My sister had this nail polish in her closet and I thought it would look good. This is L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Polish in Eiffel for You. I thought this was such a clever name and reminded me a little bit of OPI names.
This polish is amazing not only because it dries fast on the first coat, but even after layering several coats it still takes less than 10 minutes to dry! The picture on the left is with inside lighting and the one on the right is with flash. I would say the left picture is most true to color.
Another thing I really like about this shade is that it is so multi-dimensional. In some lights it comes off a bit more gray and in other lights it looks like a very muted lilac. Overall, I am very impressed with this!
Hopefully you get to try it too! Have you tried any other polishes in this line? What is your favorite nail color right now? Let me know in the comment section!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: random lippies
Sometimes the name brand products aren't always the best, but here are a few great lip products that may not be so well known. They are all under $5 and very affordable.
The first swatch (from right to left in sample pic, left to right in swatches) is Jordana EasyLiner for Lips in Rock n' Rose and then Tawny right next to it. They are two very good neutral lip liners that are great for any lip look. I think they are staples that everyone should have in their collection! And not to mention, they are very affordable. I believe I got mine for around $3!
Next is Bonne Bell Lip LITES in Cappuccino. You can see in the swatch that it is a great brown nude color. It also smells absolutely delicious! I think this is great for anyone that loves nude lips- which I do.
A last lip product that I love is Bonne Bell Lip Smacker Lip Gloss, Dr. Pepper. It gives the perfect lush looking lip! And I love Dr. Pepper so that is a plus for me. It is great for days when you want a natural looking, youthful lip. Perfect for every day wear!
I wanted to mention these products because they don't really get the recognition that I feel they deserve. Let me know if you use any of these products/brands and what you think about them in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Next is Bonne Bell Lip LITES in Cappuccino. You can see in the swatch that it is a great brown nude color. It also smells absolutely delicious! I think this is great for anyone that loves nude lips- which I do.
A last lip product that I love is Bonne Bell Lip Smacker Lip Gloss, Dr. Pepper. It gives the perfect lush looking lip! And I love Dr. Pepper so that is a plus for me. It is great for days when you want a natural looking, youthful lip. Perfect for every day wear!
I wanted to mention these products because they don't really get the recognition that I feel they deserve. Let me know if you use any of these products/brands and what you think about them in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Sunday, November 25, 2012
non-stop November: the 5: faves of Maybelline
Maybelline is a great brand with some awesome products! Here are some of my favorite ones:
I really enjoy the Maybelline Expert Wear Eye Shadow Quad in Natural Smokes. It is a palette made up of different shades of brown. It is very natural but has two matte shades that are necessary for any kit. The two shimmery shades are a taupey color and a mid-tone brown. They have a great amount of pigmentation and go on easily. Also very blendable. This is just a must have palette for anyone that enjoys natural eye looks! At about $5 it is also very affordable.
Next are the Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 HR Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze and Tough as Taupe. These are amazing eyeshadows or can be worn as a base. They are so creamy and apply flawlessly. I am also so impressed by the pigmentation and staying power. I generally use them as a base, but the colors are beautiful enough to be worn alone. They cost about $5 and are definitely worth it!
The last two products are staples in makeup collection! First is Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Nude Nuances. This was a limited edition shade that was almost impossible for me to find! It is a baby pink that can be somewhat hard to wear, but I think it is just gorgeous. I talked about this in my favorite nude lipsticks post so you can click that if you want a more detailed review.
Another one of my absolute necessities is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Light. I also love the illuminating one! It is just perfect for lightening up the triangle area under your eyes.
I hope this helped you figure out what you may want to purchase next from Maybelline! Are any of these your favorite products? What do you love from Maybelline? Let me know in the comment section!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
I really enjoy the Maybelline Expert Wear Eye Shadow Quad in Natural Smokes. It is a palette made up of different shades of brown. It is very natural but has two matte shades that are necessary for any kit. The two shimmery shades are a taupey color and a mid-tone brown. They have a great amount of pigmentation and go on easily. Also very blendable. This is just a must have palette for anyone that enjoys natural eye looks! At about $5 it is also very affordable.Next are the Maybelline Color Tattoo 24 HR Eyeshadow in Bad to the Bronze and Tough as Taupe. These are amazing eyeshadows or can be worn as a base. They are so creamy and apply flawlessly. I am also so impressed by the pigmentation and staying power. I generally use them as a base, but the colors are beautiful enough to be worn alone. They cost about $5 and are definitely worth it!
The last two products are staples in makeup collection! First is Maybelline Color Sensational Lipcolor in Nude Nuances. This was a limited edition shade that was almost impossible for me to find! It is a baby pink that can be somewhat hard to wear, but I think it is just gorgeous. I talked about this in my favorite nude lipsticks post so you can click that if you want a more detailed review.Another one of my absolute necessities is Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer in Light. I also love the illuminating one! It is just perfect for lightening up the triangle area under your eyes.
I hope this helped you figure out what you may want to purchase next from Maybelline! Are any of these your favorite products? What do you love from Maybelline? Let me know in the comment section!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Friday, November 23, 2012
non-stop November: black Friday
Yes, I was one of those crazy people that went shopping yesterday at midnight. Well actually, we left the house around 9:15 pm. Our point of going out was not to snag the hottest electronics and deals, it was more for the experience- we weren't looking to spend boat loads of money.
My sister and her two friends came along, and we started our long shopping process at Walmart. We started walking towards the store and saw the line...let's just say we decided it wasn't worth it. We were looking for a mini fridge since my sister is dorming next semester, along with a small vacuum and some pants for my mom. We decided to order everything online instead.
Our next stop was the mall. A mall around us opened up at midnight and because we ended up not going to Walmart we were quite early- an hour and a half to be exact. So we waited for a while in the car and around 11 pm they opened the doors to the mall. We scouted out the stores we wanted to go to and decided to start with Sephora. They had $10 deals and at midnight I ended up getting two of the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powders with Real Cocoa.
The next store we went to was Old Navy and the line was terribly long! They did have really nice fleece full and half zip-ups for $9 and $5, respectively. My sister ended up getting the full zip-up in a hot pink color along with a few other things. I really liked them but didn't think I would wear it often so I decided to skip out.
Next stop was Express, and I ended up getting a black pair of capri leggings and a loose blouse. Everything was 50% off so in terms of Express clothes that was a steal. I wish I had went in to Express earlier to try on the pants so I could grab the size I wanted and go. I really did like how the dress pants looked, but it would have been too much of a hassle to try clothes on. I would say I waited a solid 45 minutes online.
My sister also looked at Hollister but the lines were way too long there. At about 2 am, we decided we had enough. It wasn't the shopping per se that made me tired, more like the non-existent AC in a lot of the stores. I was sweating just waiting on line!
I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed at the deals offered. The 50% off was nice but other stores only offered deals on one or two items- like Victoria's Secret, which we also went into. I am really happy with the purchases I made but overall I think it could have been a lot better.
I hope y'all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and a successful black Friday (if you went out)! What deals did you get? Or did you opt to stay at home? Leave a comment in the section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
My sister and her two friends came along, and we started our long shopping process at Walmart. We started walking towards the store and saw the line...let's just say we decided it wasn't worth it. We were looking for a mini fridge since my sister is dorming next semester, along with a small vacuum and some pants for my mom. We decided to order everything online instead.
Our next stop was the mall. A mall around us opened up at midnight and because we ended up not going to Walmart we were quite early- an hour and a half to be exact. So we waited for a while in the car and around 11 pm they opened the doors to the mall. We scouted out the stores we wanted to go to and decided to start with Sephora. They had $10 deals and at midnight I ended up getting two of the Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powders with Real Cocoa.
The next store we went to was Old Navy and the line was terribly long! They did have really nice fleece full and half zip-ups for $9 and $5, respectively. My sister ended up getting the full zip-up in a hot pink color along with a few other things. I really liked them but didn't think I would wear it often so I decided to skip out.
Next stop was Express, and I ended up getting a black pair of capri leggings and a loose blouse. Everything was 50% off so in terms of Express clothes that was a steal. I wish I had went in to Express earlier to try on the pants so I could grab the size I wanted and go. I really did like how the dress pants looked, but it would have been too much of a hassle to try clothes on. I would say I waited a solid 45 minutes online.
I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed at the deals offered. The 50% off was nice but other stores only offered deals on one or two items- like Victoria's Secret, which we also went into. I am really happy with the purchases I made but overall I think it could have been a lot better.
I hope y'all had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and a successful black Friday (if you went out)! What deals did you get? Or did you opt to stay at home? Leave a comment in the section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Thursday, November 22, 2012
non-stop November: perfume samples
Firstly, I hope y'all have a lovely Thanksgiving with your loved ones! I will be spending the day with my parents and sister and then having desert with some family friends.
Now, as I told you, I made a purchase from Sephora and was given a ton of perfume samples. Sometimes I think these are even better than an actual perfume because they do last quite a while!
Some of them I have had before and enjoyed, but some of them are new. Here is a list:
Taylor Swift Wonderstruck- like this one
Diesel Loverdose- really like this one
Lady Gaga Fame
Escada Especially Escada
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy- like this one
Dolce & Gabbana The One
Justin Bieber Girlfriend
DKNY Be Delicious Intense
Fresh Grapefruit
Calvin Klein Euphoria- really like this one
So far I have really been liking Loverdose and Euphoria. I have heard that Fame, Wonderstruck and Girlfriend all smell similar- but that is just hearsay. I guess I will let you know when I try them.
Also, if you make an order at Sephora you can get one of two samples bags. If you use the code "ITKIT" you can get your choice of semi-full sized samples in three different styles. Any of those kits is a good choice, it's about what samples you really want to try. If you enter the code "LITTLELUX" you can get 14 samples and your choice of bag. I think both of these require a $25 purchase, but I was able to get both and they are worth it, especially if you wanted to try any of these products!
If you want updates about how I feel about the perfumes, just leave a comment below!
Stay happy, healthy and safe on this lovely Thanksgiving! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Now, as I told you, I made a purchase from Sephora and was given a ton of perfume samples. Sometimes I think these are even better than an actual perfume because they do last quite a while!
Some of them I have had before and enjoyed, but some of them are new. Here is a list:
Taylor Swift Wonderstruck- like this one
Diesel Loverdose- really like this one
Lady Gaga Fame
Escada Especially Escada
Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy- like this one
Dolce & Gabbana The One
Justin Bieber Girlfriend
DKNY Be Delicious Intense
Fresh Grapefruit
Calvin Klein Euphoria- really like this one
So far I have really been liking Loverdose and Euphoria. I have heard that Fame, Wonderstruck and Girlfriend all smell similar- but that is just hearsay. I guess I will let you know when I try them.
Also, if you make an order at Sephora you can get one of two samples bags. If you use the code "ITKIT" you can get your choice of semi-full sized samples in three different styles. Any of those kits is a good choice, it's about what samples you really want to try. If you enter the code "LITTLELUX" you can get 14 samples and your choice of bag. I think both of these require a $25 purchase, but I was able to get both and they are worth it, especially if you wanted to try any of these products!
If you want updates about how I feel about the perfumes, just leave a comment below!
Stay happy, healthy and safe on this lovely Thanksgiving! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
non-stop November: best of Revlon
I find Revlon to just be such a classic brand with some very great products! I always thought I had more Revlon products, but I realized there aren't very many in my collection. These, however, are some of my must haves:
Next is the Revlon Precision Lash Glue. This is a great lash glue. It has a good consistency and comes with a brush applicator. I like that a lot better than the squeeze tubes. The only thing I have noticed that I don't necessarily enjoy is that the glue sometimes goops up at the top. But besides that, the glue lasts long and holds your lashes on for as long as you are wearing them!
A new, but favorite product of mine is the Revlon ColorStay Brow Enhancer in Light Brown. I think this is the greatest brow pencil invented. It has a waxy consistency so it saves the time of applying a brow gel on top. It also comes with a highlight shade. I think I need to buy back ups of this because it is just so amazing. (swatched at top)The last three products are all for lips. Swatched from left to right are Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Precious, Revlon Just Bitten Lip Stain in Instinct and Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Creme Brulee. They are all nude colors that are perfect for every day wear. I talked about two of them in my favorite nude lipsticks post. The actual lip stain is such a great color for all day wear and it makes my lips look lush!
So those are the best things from Revlon. I forgot to include Revlon Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Peach Petal which just falls in line with all the the Revlon lip products I own. I hope you found this helpful if you were considering picking up something new from Revlon. What are your favorite products from Revlon? Any of these? Let me know in the comment section!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: not so favorite products
Sometimes, no matter how you try to make a product work, it just doesn't. These are a few products that I tried to like but they just didn't make the cut for me.First product on the list is Garnier Skin Renew Miracle Skin Perfector B.B. Cream for Light/Medium skin. Aside from being very light and having a very select shade range, I think this product does nothing that it claims. It is definitely not for oily skin, so that rules out that skin type also. Also, anyone with acne prone skin shouldn't use this either because it made me broke out like crazy! Even after only a day's use. I wish it would have worked for me since I was in the market for a great tinted moisturizer...but no.
The next product fail is not necessarily because of the product itself. I purchased the e.l.f. Studio Daily Brush Cleaner when it first came out and was so surprised to receive a huge bottle. It lasted me such a long time and was perfect for spot cleaning my brushes. I love the formula and it also has a scent that I enjoy. Well I ordered this again and was not pleased to open my package and receive the mini bottle that I did. I was really disappointed because for basically soap water, I though they would send out the big bottle. I thought at first it was a mistake, but on the website it shows it carries 2 something fluid ounces...just sort of a disappointment.
Lastly, is a product that was highly talked about in the beauty community, Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Crème Compact. I was able to receive a good sized sample of this through a Sephora purchase. I have never tried the actual liquid tinted moisturizer but hear only good things about it. I felt like this was somewhat drying and looked a bit cakey at times. I also had to worry about any dry patches, because this clinged to them like crazy. Overall I would just say this is an "eh" product. I used it up because I didn't want to chuck it but it wasn't exactly amazing.Are any of these products your favorites? Am I using them wrong? Let me know your opinion on these products and whether or not they have worked for you. Leave a comment below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: Sephora haul
So while I was still doing my no-makeup-buying challenge, I had a lot of time to do research on products that I thought I may want to buy. There were 3 things in particular I had in mind, and I just got them in this week!
Even though I haven't used any of them, I know I will enjoy them a lot. First, I will start with the Sephora Sunkissed Glow Essentials Kit. I really only bought this because I needed something under $10 to get free shipping and handling. I read some reviews about the Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist and there was a general positive response, which is great because I really would like to try a self-tanner right now. The Bronzing Powder in Aruba may not be my favorite product- it has shimmer- but it might be nice for dusting on my shoulders or chest. I'm sure I will be able to find a use for this.
I also heard a lot about the Lorac Pro Palette and just thought I had to have it. It comes with the Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer. Even if I didn't like any of the shimmery shades, I thought it would be worth it for the matte shades. They really are the colors any makeup lover should have in their collection. I swatched them when I went to Ulta and they are so creamy and smooth. I am sure that I will love every color!
For lips I got Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream in the Color Naked Dolly. This I did try on my lips and it is the perfect pink nude. It will definitely become a part of my favorite nudes. It is so moisturizing and creamy, there is nothing bad to say!
I saved this product for last because it was the most difficult for me to purchase, but also probably my favorite of all the ones I did buy if I had to rank them. I have had my eye on the DiorSkin Shimmer Powder in Amber Diamond (002) for a very long time. I kept telling myself I didn't need it, because at $44 it is quite the pricey highlighter. But I just couldn't resist. Everything about it is beautiful. The packaging, the compact and of course, the actual powder. It is just gorgeous.
So, now that I am broke again, I'll have to wait until Christmas to buy more makeup- even though I probably won't last. What things are you asking for on your holiday wish-list? Do you own any of these products? What do you like/dislike about them? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Even though I haven't used any of them, I know I will enjoy them a lot. First, I will start with the Sephora Sunkissed Glow Essentials Kit. I really only bought this because I needed something under $10 to get free shipping and handling. I read some reviews about the Tinted Self-Tanning Body Mist and there was a general positive response, which is great because I really would like to try a self-tanner right now. The Bronzing Powder in Aruba may not be my favorite product- it has shimmer- but it might be nice for dusting on my shoulders or chest. I'm sure I will be able to find a use for this.
I also heard a lot about the Lorac Pro Palette and just thought I had to have it. It comes with the Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer. Even if I didn't like any of the shimmery shades, I thought it would be worth it for the matte shades. They really are the colors any makeup lover should have in their collection. I swatched them when I went to Ulta and they are so creamy and smooth. I am sure that I will love every color!
For lips I got Too Faced La Creme Color Drenched Lip Cream in the Color Naked Dolly. This I did try on my lips and it is the perfect pink nude. It will definitely become a part of my favorite nudes. It is so moisturizing and creamy, there is nothing bad to say!
I saved this product for last because it was the most difficult for me to purchase, but also probably my favorite of all the ones I did buy if I had to rank them. I have had my eye on the DiorSkin Shimmer Powder in Amber Diamond (002) for a very long time. I kept telling myself I didn't need it, because at $44 it is quite the pricey highlighter. But I just couldn't resist. Everything about it is beautiful. The packaging, the compact and of course, the actual powder. It is just gorgeous.
So, now that I am broke again, I'll have to wait until Christmas to buy more makeup- even though I probably won't last. What things are you asking for on your holiday wish-list? Do you own any of these products? What do you like/dislike about them? Let me know in the comment section below!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: mid-month favorites
Although I usually do a monthly favorites post, I had to share my mid-month favorites with y'all because I just have been loving them! They are all makeup related, and two of the three are drugstore products. So let's get going!
First, I have loved the L'Oreal ColourRiche Caresse Lipstick in Merino Muave (184). I mentioned this in my post about my favorite nude lipsticks. I just find it to be the perfect pink color on days when I don't want my lips to be absolutely nude. I also love that you can be wearing completely natural make up and it won't look over done. It has a great texture and feels soft and buttery on the lips. I do suggest exfoliating your lips before putting it on.
Another product I have loved is the Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Makeup. I love this foundation, maybe even more than the original one. I have the color Sand Beige (200). It has a beautiful whipped texture that feels smooth and soft on the skin. Coverage is medium to heavy and can be buildable, but I also feel that it can be sheered out. I would definitely recommend it to everyone! If you have extremely dry skin, this could be potentially flaky on you but it is something that moisturizer could fix. I have been applying this with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush, which could just as well be part of this since I use it every day. I love it!
Lastly, I have been really liking the Mally Beauty One Kit Blush in Plum Pretty. My sister got this for me for my birthday and at first I wasn't too enthused about the color. It has a rosy plum color that I didn't think would suit me that much. I have trouble getting product on any brush I use, but once I do get some color it is absolutely stunning. It is a great nude plum color with a hint of pink. It fits my criteria for a great nude blush to wear with a dark smokey eye, even though the color in the packaging would lead you to think otherwise. When you swatch it, it has the slightest sheen but is practically invisible when applied to the cheeks.
So those are my favorites half-way through November- maybe a bit more than half. I don't think I'll mention these in my monthly favorites, just because that would be boring. If you have any questions about these products or suggestions for more blog posts, let me know in the comment section below!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
First, I have loved the L'Oreal ColourRiche Caresse Lipstick in Merino Muave (184). I mentioned this in my post about my favorite nude lipsticks. I just find it to be the perfect pink color on days when I don't want my lips to be absolutely nude. I also love that you can be wearing completely natural make up and it won't look over done. It has a great texture and feels soft and buttery on the lips. I do suggest exfoliating your lips before putting it on.
Another product I have loved is the Revlon ColorStay Whipped Creme Makeup. I love this foundation, maybe even more than the original one. I have the color Sand Beige (200). It has a beautiful whipped texture that feels smooth and soft on the skin. Coverage is medium to heavy and can be buildable, but I also feel that it can be sheered out. I would definitely recommend it to everyone! If you have extremely dry skin, this could be potentially flaky on you but it is something that moisturizer could fix. I have been applying this with my Real Techniques Buffing Brush, which could just as well be part of this since I use it every day. I love it!
Lastly, I have been really liking the Mally Beauty One Kit Blush in Plum Pretty. My sister got this for me for my birthday and at first I wasn't too enthused about the color. It has a rosy plum color that I didn't think would suit me that much. I have trouble getting product on any brush I use, but once I do get some color it is absolutely stunning. It is a great nude plum color with a hint of pink. It fits my criteria for a great nude blush to wear with a dark smokey eye, even though the color in the packaging would lead you to think otherwise. When you swatch it, it has the slightest sheen but is practically invisible when applied to the cheeks.
So those are my favorites half-way through November- maybe a bit more than half. I don't think I'll mention these in my monthly favorites, just because that would be boring. If you have any questions about these products or suggestions for more blog posts, let me know in the comment section below!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
non-stop November: T. Swift
When "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" released I refused to buy Taylor Swift's new CD Red. I felt like she was not her country self at all and was a bit disappointed by the pop-iness of her new songs. I thought she was trying to copy her crazier alter ego, Ke$ha. (I love Ke$ha, maybe more or equally as much as Taylor.) My sister, an avid T. Swift fan kept telling me her album was great and I should change my mind.
Fast forward 2 weeks or so after her release date, I was listening to Pandora Radio at my job and a new song came on (I usually listen to Today's Country Radio). I loved the song and went to check the name and artist, and what do I know...it's Taylor Swift's song "Begin Again". I immediately told my sister and she gave me a few more songs I would probably like- including "22". Once I realized that I really liked a lot of her new songs...I just had to get the CD, which is cheaper than buying it on iTunes, by the way.
I only got it yesterday, but some of my favorite songs include "The Last Time", "I Almost Do" and "I Knew You Were Trouble.". Along with "22" and "Begin Again". Soon enough I'm sure I will love all of them.
So if you were wavering, or even refusing to buy her new CD, let me just tell you, you're going to like it. Taylor just knows the female race too well!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Fast forward 2 weeks or so after her release date, I was listening to Pandora Radio at my job and a new song came on (I usually listen to Today's Country Radio). I loved the song and went to check the name and artist, and what do I know...it's Taylor Swift's song "Begin Again". I immediately told my sister and she gave me a few more songs I would probably like- including "22". Once I realized that I really liked a lot of her new songs...I just had to get the CD, which is cheaper than buying it on iTunes, by the way.I only got it yesterday, but some of my favorite songs include "The Last Time", "I Almost Do" and "I Knew You Were Trouble.". Along with "22" and "Begin Again". Soon enough I'm sure I will love all of them.
So if you were wavering, or even refusing to buy her new CD, let me just tell you, you're going to like it. Taylor just knows the female race too well!
Always stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
Sunday, November 18, 2012
non-stop November: challenge end
So as you may know from a post a while back, I was doing a no make up buying challenge. I lasted two whole months without buying make up and I have to admit, I was very proud of myself for that. I wouldn't necessarily say that my make up buying is out of control but sometimes I find it hard to not buy make up. This has definitely made me realize that I can do it and that it isn't as difficult as I had thought it would be.
I actually went a few days longer, but when I came home this weekend there was a few things I wanted to purchase. They are all drugstore products. One of my favorite purchases is the Revlon ColorStay Brow Enhancer in Light Brown. It is a dual ended brow pencil with an highlight on the other end. The pencil is the perfect consistency because it is waxy and tinted at the same time. I have been interested in a product like this because I am a little annoyed with having to use a clear brow gel over my brow pencil.
I also bought the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Shade 10. I haven't tried this yet so I couldn't give you an accurate impression, but I read many reviews about this concealer and thought I should give it a try.
A third product I bought was Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe. I already have one in Bad to the Bronze and love it. This is a gray brown shade that you can wear alone or use as a base for other shadows. It is very long lasting and has a creamy consistency. There is really nothing negative to say about this product.
The last thing I bought was NYX Round Lipstick in Summer Love. It is a nude pink shade. I didn't wear it out yet, but did swatch it on my lips. It is very similar to Circe. I will probably do a side by side swatch in a later post so you can compare them.
Overall, I was very satisfied with my purchases. I didn't want to go absolutely crazy but just purchase a few things that I have been wanting for a while. I plan to make one more trip to buy some drugstore make up, but only a few things. I will keep y'all updated on any new purchases I make and give little reviews about the products, similar to what I have done here. Let me know if you have any questions about the products in the comment section below!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
I actually went a few days longer, but when I came home this weekend there was a few things I wanted to purchase. They are all drugstore products. One of my favorite purchases is the Revlon ColorStay Brow Enhancer in Light Brown. It is a dual ended brow pencil with an highlight on the other end. The pencil is the perfect consistency because it is waxy and tinted at the same time. I have been interested in a product like this because I am a little annoyed with having to use a clear brow gel over my brow pencil.
I also bought the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Shade 10. I haven't tried this yet so I couldn't give you an accurate impression, but I read many reviews about this concealer and thought I should give it a try.
A third product I bought was Maybelline Color Tattoo in Tough as Taupe. I already have one in Bad to the Bronze and love it. This is a gray brown shade that you can wear alone or use as a base for other shadows. It is very long lasting and has a creamy consistency. There is really nothing negative to say about this product.
The last thing I bought was NYX Round Lipstick in Summer Love. It is a nude pink shade. I didn't wear it out yet, but did swatch it on my lips. It is very similar to Circe. I will probably do a side by side swatch in a later post so you can compare them.Overall, I was very satisfied with my purchases. I didn't want to go absolutely crazy but just purchase a few things that I have been wanting for a while. I plan to make one more trip to buy some drugstore make up, but only a few things. I will keep y'all updated on any new purchases I make and give little reviews about the products, similar to what I have done here. Let me know if you have any questions about the products in the comment section below!
Stay happy and healthy! :)
Tschüss, Katharina
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