2013 Hits and Misses

Hello all! <3 I now have a Youtube channel. Check it out for makeup tutorials, among other things ;D. Anyways, tell me your loves and hates of 2013

                                                        2013 Hits and Misses :)

Kat Von D: Eyeshadow Palette in Ludwig

I'm honestly like a child in a candy store whenever I step into Sephora. The familiar and warm feeling of walking out with a 'unregrettable' purchase, as my gait quickens to the never-ending rows of makeup.

I was so excited to see that Kat Von D had a cosmetics line. I'm in love with the woman! I adore her 1940s alternative-pin up girl aesthetic.  Sephora actually had this palette on sale for $15, so I considered it a steal. When I swatched the colors, I fell in love...then I got home.

-Huge dramatic sigh-

The only colors I like (for my skin tone anyways) are Baroque (satin bronze), Leather (matte dark brown), and Lucifer (matte black). The light cream colors look ashy on my skin, the light green is just so unwearable, and I have yet to find out how to make the moss green shade work. The brushes included are a joke, honestly. They can used as an eyeliner brush or lip brush, however. I can get 8 hours of wear without  a primer, which is totally awesome since I have oily lids AND I live in Florida. The palette itself is beautiful with its sleek black design and intricate stencil drawings (I'm a sucker for anything black). Kat Von D's cosmetics line can only be found in Sephora. Next time, I'll purchase Kat Von D's (all matte!) eyeshadow palette in Ladybird.

I'll try to include the swatches later. Everything is so so  so busy >_<

But, for now...

Rating: 3.5/5

Revlon:Illuminance Creme Shadow in Not Just Nudes

I wanted to like these shadows...


When I went to the drugstore, I decided that I was going to try something different. This is my first time using cream shadows. The colors look nice in the container, but the application isn't all that. I was hoping to use these as a base to my powder shadows, but it didn't last all day. I've had better longevity using powder shadows alone. The application is patchy, especially with the shimmer shades.There is one matte shade, the tan shade. I gave this palette one too many chances and I'm returning it today...




The lighest shade and second lighest shade, look horrible on me. As stated before, I really wanted to like these shadows. The way the container is made is pretty weird too. I kept opening it the wrong way. After 30 minutes, these shadows creased. After about 2 hours, it disappeared.

Revlon. Seriously.


Rate: 2/5

MAC: Blush in Raizin

Hello loves <3.

I really hope you haven't lost faith. My life has been consumed by school. But since it's Spring Break, I have a bit more time.

Today, I'm reviewing MAC's blush in Raizin. Raizin is this beautiful brick red shade and I'd say it was more for an evening/night out. I wear in the day sometimes, but I feel like it might a bit much for daytime wear (for me, anyways). This blush gives my cheeks this "just pinched" look. This color could be a too much for really fair skin tones. It might put you in clown territory. However, if you are tan to medium deep/dark, this blush is absolutely perfect. Oh my gosh, this blush is just so amazing. When I first applied it, I was so shocked how beautiful it was.

The beauty industry is always telling us darker skinned girls can only wear plum shades. Well, not only can we pull off plum, we look great in red and orange blush. I was so wary when I saw the color in the pan.

Anyways, like I said before, I don't wear this out during the day much. I wear this to performances. I'm looking for an orange blush, that isn't too out there, for daytime wear. Any suggestions? I'd love to hear from you guys :).  

Rate: 5/5

L'Oreal Paris: True Match Blush in Sweet Ginger (N7-8)

  So in a previous post, I reviewed L'Oreal Paris' True Match Super Blendable Foundation in Cocoa (C8) *Since that foundation is about 1-2 shades lighter than my actual skin tone, I use it to highlight and on the naturally lighter parts of my face. 

  I thought my actual shade was N8 or N9, but I've NEVER seen any shades in the collection darker than 8 (for exaple N8 or C8...a bit suspicious~). I can only find darker shades online, but I don't buy foundation online because the color usually isn't what it appears to be.

Anyways, this blush was just...no. That's all I can say. I guess I'm not N8, because True Match collection is supposed to correspond with one another. This shade are for those in N7-N8. It didn't even show up..and when I added more, it just looked ashy. This is the first time L'Oreal has failed me. The packaging sucks, the blush is chalky and streaks if you're not careful. I returned the blush the very next day. But I decided to take pictures to review for you guys.

Try again, L'Oreal~

Rate: 1/5 (I gave it a rating due to the handy mirror~)

Avon: Smooth Minerals Blush in Perfect Plum

Hello lovelies <3

   Recently, my mom bought me this blush and I have to say I like it. I've never tried Avon's makeup products, just their perfume (which in my opinion is mostly diluted with so much alcohol, it's pretty much all I smell). 

  The product is smooth, but it's a bit chalky. It's more of a mauve shade, too. It looks beautiful against my dark skin, honestly. But it has no lasting power :(. I really wanted to love this blush. It lasts for about 3, maybe 4 hours. This blush has to be blended really well to look seamless, because it has a tendency to look chalky and ashy (in my case) when first applied. I wasn't all that satisfied with this blush. I wear this blush when I'm not long (grocery store and such).

   This shade is suitable for those with olive/dark skin with a cool undertone. I have a cool to neutral undertone. 

   I also don't have the patience for loose powder. With the sifting and shaking to get the right amount and all that. I prefer pressed powder/cream formulas of anything. The packaging is pretty cute and simple :). It's a nice size to throw in your bag and be on your way. No mess or anything.

Rate: 3/5

Revlon: Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

    This is the first primer I've ever used. Since it's my first, I can't compare. But so far, it's good. My foundation stays all day and leaves it with a semi-matte finish. One day, I tried this face primer with eye shadow and the color was vibrant and stayed on all day. When I apply this primer, it creates this cooling effect. It just feels refreshing. It leaves the skin smooth and prepares it for your war paint, haha :3. This gel-like substance is clear, meaning it's perfect for all skin tones. The package is kinda small, though. I bought this Revlon primer on Amazon but can be found in drug stores.

Rate: 5/5

ELF Cosmetics: Cream Liner in Black

Hi there :)

   Today, I'm reviewing ELF's Cream Liner in Black. I have to say...not bad. I actually like this liner. I'm usually wary of cheap cosmetics. But I bought this liner for friend, along with the Beach Party nail polish set as a Christmas present by the same brand and I decided to get two. One for her, one for me. The nail polish is a bit...eh~. I'll do a review on that on some other post.

   The liner comes in a cute and minimalist package with a small brush. (I'm a sucker for minimalism). The brush is too small, so I went ahead and bought the Japonesque Angled Liner Brush. But I just wanted to show you guys. I've read comments about this liner. A lot of people said it dried out rather quickly. The liner hasn't dried out on me yet, but I guess you get what you paid for. You have to get a lot of product on the brush for it to show up. I love the smooth texture of the liner, the longevity, and the precision. This liner is perfect for lining the lower lash line. I usually don't line the lower lash line during the day, just a wing on my upper lash line. But I wanted to show you guys how precise this liner was. It doesn't cause any irritation of my sensitive eyes. I love defining my eyes and this liner does a great job. I feel like it makes my brown eyes look richer. Give it a try :). You can buy ELF Cosmetics online or places like Target.

Rate: 5/5