ELF HD blushes review!

Hey y'all!

I just placed an order at ELF's website for the following items:

Eyebrow kit in Dark

I've always wanted to get an eyebrow kit because I have a huge fear that I'll run out of the shadows I use to fill in my brows. I've only seen the medium kit in stores, so I just grabbed the dark one from the internet. Because shipping over 25 dollars is free and I needed another product.

HD powder in corrective yellow

I've been looking for any dupe to Ben Nye's Banana powder, so I grabbed this. If it's not super yellow I'll just use it to set my undereye concealer.

Studio blush in Giddy Gold

I've had my eye on this for awhile now! I'm in love with these blushes and they come in such unusual colors that I couldn't turn this one down.

Small stipple brush

I need this to apply foundation like nobody's business. I did a little research and it's the size of the Real Techniques stipple brush, so I'm excited!

Contouring blush and bronzer in Antigua 

The original colors didn't even appear on my face, and this beautiful brown and pink were too perfect to turn down.

Last but not least, 

THE ELF HD BLUSHES

I got the three darkest colors: Showstopper, Diva, and Encore

Can't wait to review these when they get here in a few days!

Mac Diva Dupe!

Isn't this graphic cute?

I'm a recent addict. I have about 25 lipsticks and the majority of them are bold colors. I've been excited to wear a dark, bold, statement lip since the seasons changed. There's something about a dark, sultry lip and winged black liner that screams winter (opposed to oranges and corals and bright pinks of summer.)

Don't forget that dark lips are on trend this fall/winter!

I've been on the hunt for a brown-red lipstick ever since I got my hands on Revlon's Lip Butter in Red Velvet. I came across a few ideas: Revlon's Black Cherry and Covergirl's Enamor. Then I watched a youtube video that changed my life. The lovely Farah Dhukai applied a mixture of Mac's Russian Red and Mac's Diva (All on top of Mac's currant lipliner.) I knew I had to have it. 

And by it, I mean a dupe. 

If you Google Search 'Mac Diva Dupe' you get nothing. I knew I had to do some more research. I looked at swatches of a few lipstick brands, and I found myself at my favorite ultra cheap lipstick brand: Wet n Wild. I caught sight of the beauty that is Cherry Bomb.

Cherry Bomb is perfection. It is without flaw. It's an awesome darkened red-burgundy that is insanely pigmented. A little goes a long way. This also looks amazing with an ombre effect. Dab a little of a lighter red like Wet n Wild's 'Stoplight Red' or Covergirl's 'Hot' in the center of your lips for a fashionable red lip. Or you can just dab it on and use it as a stain.

It looks amazing on everyone. Every skin tone, every hair color.

This photo doesn't do it much justice, but it's a deep, creamy red-brown with a creme finish. Go pick some up! It's only two bucks.

Swatches of Mac's Diva

The Beauty Blogger Tag

I found this interesting tag on Ashley, or ACMakeuplover's blog, and I had to do it!

1. Is your hair naturally curly or straight?

My hair is naturally kinky and coily, but I relax it myself!

2. What is your natural hair color?

My natural color is a deep dark brown, but it's been lightened by the sun in some places.

3. Do you dye it yourself or go to a salon?

I've put a few rinses in my hair, so I've had purple and red tinted hair. Since my hair is already chemically treated, I'm going to stay away from dye until it's stronger.

4. How often do you wash your hair?

I wash my hair whenever it feels dry or I need a change of style.

5. Do you wear the same style every day or change it?

I wear the same hairstyle 90% of the time. I rope braid my bangs and put the rest of my hair in a ponytail or bun.

6. Do you do your own mani/pedi or go to a salon?

I always do my own nails. I think I've been to get my nails done once before.

7. How often to you change your nail polish?

Waaaaaay too often. Sometimes I paint my nails every day. Interestingly enough, my nails are still pretty strong.

8. Do you polish your toes in the winter, too or just in the summer?

I rarely paint my toenails because I never keep up with the polish. As of today I've painted my nails twice this year.

9. How long does it take to put on your makeup?

It depends on who's rushing me! If I'm not doing a full face I'll just put on my L'Oreal True Match powder in Nut Brown, a little concealer on pimples, blush, mascara, eyeliner, and lip color on the go. That probably takes under ten minutes. If I'm beating my face, it can take ages. Maybe an hour if I'm being super slow.

10. What do you do first? Face or eyes?

Eyes, eyes, eyes.

11. Do you "collect" makeup or just buy what you need when you need it?

Collect. Makeup and nail polish are my hobbies, but I do give away a good deal of what I don't like or don't use.

12. How often do you wear false eyelashes?

Never? I've worn them once in my life, but I'd love to start using them!

13. Do you do a full face of makeup every day?

Nah. I don't normally put on a full face for class because I'm lazy, but when I'm performing or if I have time, I will beat my face.

14. Do you wear makeup when you are home alone (or with family)?

If I'm home alone I'll put lipstick on just to see how it looks or I'll test makeup looks. I wear makeup around my family too, even though my extended family doesn't understand.

15. Will you leave the house without makeup?

Absolutely. Sometimes I'm just lazy.

16. How many high end products do you have?

Just a few. I don't believe in splurging for the sake of splurging. Why would I buy a Guerlain lipstick when Covergirl has the same thing for 40 dollars cheaper.

17. How often do you wash your makeup brushes?

Whenever I feel like they're dirty. If I haven't been wearing much makeup I won't wash them once a week or anything, but if I've been putting makeup on other people I'll wash them right after I'm done.

18. Do you plan your OOTD every night or decide when you are getting dressed?

Sometimes. I'm pretty lazy about that. I visualize outfits in my head

19. How often do you change your handbag?

Not super often. I don't have a lot of bags, and the ones I do have are fairly similar.

20. What time do you get up & go to sleep?

I wake up around 10am and I go to bed around midnight if I'm not doing anything.

21. How often & when do you workout?

Whenever I clean up. I swear, I'm pouring sweat when I vacuum.

22. Left-handed or Right-handed?

I'm a righty.

23. How tall are you?

5'11". I frequently refer to myself as a giant.

24. Do you speak a foreign language?

Nope, but I hope to one day!

25. How many pets do you have?

I currently don't have any, but I'm a dog lover.

26. How often are you on Blogger?

Erryday.

27. Do you read the comments posted on blogs?

YES! It's how I find awesome blogs!

28. Do you keep a list of products to try as you see other posts?

I totally do. As soon as a collection's out, I'm hunting it down.

29. How did you come up with your blog name?

I'm a lover of neutrals and other things, hence neutrals etcetera.

30. What kind of camera do you use for photographs?

My phone camera. It's 8 Megapixels, which isn't much, but it works just fine for now.

31. How often do you clean your house? (Daily, weekly, other)

Weekly.

32. What is your favorite color?

Pink!

33. What is your favorite beauty/fashion magazine?

Glamour and Cosmo, but I gravitate towards Seventeen (old habits die hard.) when I'm in the store.

34. Do you swear?

Yes. A lot. Some things can't be expressed without profanity.

35. What are you doing with the rest of your day?

Watching TV and updating all of my social media!

Maybelline Color Tattoos Swatches and Reviews

If you've watched any amount of Youtube videos, you've definitely heard these words:

"And now I'm going to prime my eyes with my MAC paintpot..." People rave on and on about the MAC paintpots, which are a colored cream shadow base. I've also heard that they're crease resistant.

(L to R) Bad to the Bronze, Gold Shimmer (LE), and Rich Mahogany (LE)

I'm not ashamed to say I have 7 or 8 of these bad boys. 

Now, the Maybelline Color Tattoos are generally the same thing as the Mac Paintpots, but at a fraction of the cost. Paintpots cost 18.50 and color tattoos are 5.99-7.99, depending on where you shop. However, the paintpots come in more neutral shades like Painterly and Soft Ochre, whereas the Color Tattoos come in brighter, shades with shimmer. They claim to last for 24 hours, which I totally believe. I wore Bad to the Bronze on my (incredibly oily) lids for about 11 hours with no primer and there wasn't even a hint of creasing or fading.

If you are a beauty lover, there's no reason you shouldn't own these beauties. Give them a try, even if you have the MAC paint pots!

August Favorites!

These are my favorite products from last month. Picture taken on my pillow by my phone's camera. I won't judge if you won't.

Covergirl Cheekers Blush in Golden Pink I'm not sure of the price. It was 50% off, so it couldn't have been more than $2.50. It's normally around $4.00-5.00

I know, I know. Covergirl Cheekers have never been anything to brag about. They're everyone's first blush brand (Rock n' Rose was my only blush for at least a year.) and they lack pigmentation, staying power, blah blah blah. Golden Pink is an exception. It brings the prettiest pink color to your cheeks with an added golden sheen. It's a great blush for the days I just feel like putting on a light dusting of powder foundation, no contour and light eye look. I highly recommend it!

NYX Blush in Pinched $4.99 at ULTA

I can't think of an area in which NYX products fail. They make amazing eyeshadows, amazing eyeliners, amazing lipliners, amazing lipsticks...need I go on? This blush in Pinched does not disappoint. It's basically the poor woman's version of NARS Orgasm in a slightly pinker base. I can't wait to see how it works with my darker fall makeup looks!

e.l.f. Blush in Gotta Glow $3.00 www.eyeslipsface.com 

This is an amazing highlight. It's basically NARS Albatross for a fraction of the price. I dust this on my cheekbones no matter how heavy my foundation and I look like a glowing goddess. It's fabulous!

Revlon Lip Butter in Tutti Frutti $6.48 at Walmart, anywhere from that price to $8.00 everywhere else.

This is probably my favorite lip butter. It's the prettiest shade of pale coral (heavy on the orange) and it gives the lips a great sheen. I have two of these and one of them is always in my purse, so my lips are Tutti Frutti a lot more often than not.

Wet N Wild Coloricon Blush in Mellow Wine $2.99

This cheapie blush is without a doubt the most pigmented one I own. It's not powdery and doesn't kick up when you pic it up with your blush. It's a dusty mauve color and I've heard that it's a dupe for Mac's Dusty Rose. Use a light hand with this one or you'll end up looking like a hot tranny mess!

Revlon Whipped Creme Foundation in Caramel $11.99 at Target I picked this up for 8 dollars at Target. I had a 4 dollars off any Revlon product coupon that came in my summer Beauty Bag.

This foundation is almost everything I'd ever dreamed of. It doesn't feel heavy on your face, doesn't cake, gives great coverage, and doesn't melt off. The only drawbacks are that it doesn't come in enough colors and has to be applied with my fingers. Still, it's an amazing foundation and dries to a satin-matte finish. If you can, check this out!

Covergirl Lip Perfection Lipsticks in Flame and Divine 5.99 at Walmart

I can't say enough good things about this lipstick line. They feel moisturizing on, last forever, and are insanely pigmented. Flame is a HOT red with hot pink undertones. It's the brightest coral lipstick I own, and I love wearing it with minimal eyeshadow and the blue gel liner I've also listed in my favorites. 

Divine is a light pink based purple that looks great on anyone. All I can do is tell you buy it. It's perfection. 

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain in Sweetheart 7.49 at Walmart

Sweetheart, the product blending in with my pillow is an amazing hot pink. I didn't know just how bright it was until my reflection scared me! I can't say enough good things about Revlon's lip products. These balm stains are exactly like the Tarte ones but a bazillion times cheaper and more accessible. Pink is a color for all seasons and I plan on wearing this one into the fall.

Wet N Wild Megalast lipstick in Sugar Plum Fairy 908C 2.99

When I tell you this lipstick is everything I've ever wanted I'm not joking. It's a perfect dupe for Mac's Rebel at a fifth of the price. Did I mention that it was a fifth of the price? It's a deep berry purple color that flatters all skin tones, stays on forever, and has a matte finish. Unfortunately, it was limited edition and was insanely hard for me to find. It was the last one in a grocery store display. If you do find it, snatch it up immediately!

Wet N Wild Coloricon Single Eyeshadow in Penny 1.99 

This eyeshadow is a dupe for Mac's Expensive Pink. It's a beautiful pink base with gold reflects. It's a great alternative to regular golds. The shadow itself is creamy and soft without being powdery and has amazing payoff. Unfortunately, this eyeshadow was discontinued at the beginning of this year. Still, I would recommend any of the eyeshadows from this brand, especially if you're on a budget.

L'Oreal True Match Powder in Cool 7 Nut Brown 7.03 at Walmart

This powder is a dream. It's pigmented, gives good coverage when layered, but can still set your liquid makeup. I've been wearing this powder for two years and I've got no complaints.

Up and Up 10% Benzoyl Peroxide Cream 3.99 at Target

This stuff does NOT play with pimples. It dries them up in hours. Yes, hours. I've been using this for years and I DEMAND that everyone with acne prone skin (but no sensitivities to Benzoyl Peroxide) go and get it immediately.

Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Polish in Mint Sorbet and Golden-I 2.04 at Target

These polishes wear like iron on me. They're one of my favorite brands and these colors are nothing special, just a mint green and a finely milled gold and copper glitter. Golden-I is a real bitch to remove, so be sure to use pure acetone

China Glaze Nail Polish in Peach Keen 4.99 at Sally Hansen

This polish is a nice muted coral. Coral polishes seem to be few and far between, so this one is a real gem. It doesn't scream coral when it's on your nails, but it makes a nice statement. And it transfers into fall well too!

Phew! What a long post. What were your favorites from August?

Kristen

ELF HD blushes

image credit: e.l.f. facebook page

They're here!

After a month of teasing us, e.l.f. has finally released the HD blushes! I caught sight of these on tumblr and nearly lost it! I immediately knew that these were low end dupes of the Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish blushes, which will run you $26.00 for .2 fl. oz. of product. The e.l.f. blushes are $3.00 for .34 fl. oz. 

Did I mention that the e.l.f. blushes are only three dollars? I absolutely HAVE to pick these up as soon as I can! 

Now for a real product rundown. The e.l.f. blushes only come in 5 colors to MUFE's 14, which is a huge letdown. However, hope is not lost. e.l.f. frequently comes out with new shades of their products, so I'm sure we'll be seeing new shades of these eventually. 

I also grabbed the ingredients for both products in similar shades. 

e.l.f. HD blush Encore ingredients:

Isododecane, Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Cetearyl Methicone, Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Polyisobutene, Nylon-12, Barium Sulfate, Mica, Quaternium-18 Hectorite, Propylene Carbonate, Silica, Tocopheryl Acetate (Ve), Propylparaben. May Contain: Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Red No.27 Lake (CI 45410), Red No.7 Lake (CI 15850), Yellow No.5 Lake (CI 19140), Red No.40 Lake (CI 16035), Blue No.1 Lake (CI 42090), Ultramarine Violet (CI 77007), Manganese Violet (CI 77742)

Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Blush 2 Caught In the Act ingredients: 

Isododecane, Mica, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Hydroxystearic/Linolenic/Oleic Polyglycerides, Pentaerythrityl Tetraisostearate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Lauroyl Lysine, Glyceryl Caprylate, Talc, Propylene Carbonate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Parfum (Fragrance), Tocopherol, [CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), CI 19140( Yellow 5 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 7 Lake), CI 15850 (Red 6), Tin Oxide, Silica, CI 77492 (Iron Oxides), CI 77491 (Iron Oxides), CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 75470 (Carmine), CI 45410 (Red 27 Lake, Red 28 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake)].

And last but not least, here are the actual photos from the e.l.f. website.

Headliner is a lot like MUFE's Walk of Shame, which is described as a 'bubblegum pink.'

Superstar could be a match for MUFE's Quickie, which is described as a 'salmon pink.'

Diva looks a lot like MUFE's Truth or Dare, which is described as a 'hot pink.'

 As previously mentioned, Encore looks to be a lot like MUFE's 2 Caught In the Act, which is described as a 'bright raspberry.'

Showstopper seems to be similar to MUFE's Innuendo, which is described as a 'vibrant plum'

What do you think? Encore, Diva, and Showstopper are practically calling out to me. Will you be picking any of these up? Let me know!

First blog post!

Hello, lovely readers and welcome to my blog! I'm a twenty year old with a slight makeup hoarding problem. I've wanted to have my own blog since I discovered makeup blogs and Youtube channels six years ago, and now I'm finally taking the plunge! My goal is to keep this blog professional and informative and interactive. Got a question? Let me know in the comments!