L'OREAL: Telescopic Shocking Extensions Mascara

I purchased this mascara about two months ago from Rite Aid and Target and I have been using it ever since. I have to say, it's definitely one of my favorites among all mascaras I've tried and the best mascara I've tried for lengthening.

I have been using both the waterproof and regular formula to see if I could notice a difference. The waterproof mascara is definitely a drier formula but they both work well at lengthening the lashes. I didn't notice any flaking and as for the waterproof claim, I don't wear mascara under water but both formulas have not run down my face or anything like that. Between the two, there really isn't much of a difference except for the fact that one is a bit drier. They both are very black and I find that both hold a curl for about the same amount of time.

March 2013 Favorites

I loved so many things in March, it was hard to narrow down all the items to keep this post from becoming an essay. Some of the products I feel need their own post so as I get those up, I will link the post so you can read a more in depth review of those items.
I say it every time, but seriously, where does the time go? I mean I literally didn't realize it was Easter until like 3 days before the actual day! Hence, why this post is up late....

Anyways, here's what I loved, used, and abused for March:

Rimmel: Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipstick #17

Shade #17 is a nice mid-toned pink, perfect for everyday wear. I love pinks like this because they go with any make up look and really require no thought. It is a warmer pink which I usually don't like, but I find this to be very wearable and a great pinky nude.

This color apparently came out as part of the Spring 2012 collection. However, at the Walgreens I purchased it at, it was advertised as a new shade. As many make up brands release in the US first before releasing overseas, Rimmel releases products in the UK first before releasing them here in the states. (Is anyone else waiting for the Apocalips to release here?! Hurry up Rimmel!)

Color Club: Halo Hues in Blue Heaven

Holy Halo Batman! This polish is amazing! As I finally get my hands on one of the polishes from the 2012 Halo Hues Collection, Color Club has already come out with their 2013 collection! Oops.

I've been eyeing this collection since it came out last year, but for some reason I never got around to purchasing it until a month ago. I really wanted Harp On It or Cherubic but the place I go to was sold out, so I picked up my third choice: Blue Heaven. Let me just say, no regrets on this purchase! I love this color because it has the hint of blue that I like but in other lighting it also looks like silver halo.

The formula is thin which is nice because you can layer coats without a problem. I found that it was a little streaky so about 3 light coats was perfect for me. I absolutely love the holographic effect! It looks exactly the same on your nails as it does in the bottle! But I'm sure you could care less about what I have to say about the polish, let's let the photo do the talking!

*3 coats applied, no top coat. Taken in direct sunlight, no filter on photo.*

Can we just all take a moment to awe over how effing amazing this polish is?! Ugh, I can't. Seriously, speechless.  In love. The end.

Maybelline: Colorsensational Vivids in Vivid Rose

Oh Em Gee...I freakin love this lipstick! Bright Magenta goodness is Vivid Rose in a nutshell. The color is super pigmented, bright, but very wearable and not garish at all. The formula of these lipsticks are also great. They aren't drying, have great staying power, and no off putting scent. There is a great color range and although some of the pinks are not exact dupes, if you were ever interested in MAC's Pink Pigeon or Candy Yum Yum, this line is a great affordable alternative. I found at regular price, these lipsticks were cheaper at Walmart (where I purchased mine) and Target compared to all the other drugstores. Of course drugstores usually have some deal going on, so you should definitely take advantage when Maybelline is on sale and pick up some of these vivid amazingnesses.  I definitely need more of these in my life!

Now bask in the glory of that which is called Vivid Rose!

NYC: Smooch Proof 16HR Lip Stain

Wow, I just noticed this is my 3rd post about lip stains in less than a week! So I raved in my previous two posts: Revlon Balm Stain and L'OREAL Wet Shine Stain about how much I really liked those products, so let's see how this product faired.

As I mentioned before, I'm not a big fan of marker type lip stains. I've tried affordable and high end ones and I've never been impressed to the point that I wanted to try more. About a month ago, I was at Rite Aid and noticed that NYC was buy one get one free (aka a deal you should never pass up). NYC is one of the drugstore brands that I'm least familiar with as I've only tried one.. maybe  two products from the brand. I saw that the lip stains were running scarce and figured people must like them if there aren't that many left.

They retail for $4.99 and with the promo going on, even if I hate them, I was only out $5. I picked up two colors: Forever Fuchsia and Forever Freesia.

These marker type lip stains claim the following (taken from NYC's website):

• Color lasts up to 16 hours
• Will not transfer, rub off or smear, even when eating or drinking
• Lightweight formula, bare lip feel, matte finish
• Precise and even application
• Allows you to build color

So let me break it down real quick about the claims and my experience with the product.

L'OREAL: Colour Caresse Wet Shine Stain

I finally got around to trying the notorious dupe for the YSL Glossy Stains that I have been hearing about for months now! I don't own any YSL Glossy Stains and the most I have had in contact with them is swatching them on my hand a long time ago at Sephora, so I'll have to take everyone's word for it. What did intrigue me though, was the fact that a lip product that costs $10 rivals a high end product going for $34! (I mean let's face it, those are always the best finds!)

I remembered seeing these when they first came out and thought the packaging was really nice, the applicator looked interesting, and there was a nice selection of pinks (my fave!). Months went by and I never purchased them because I just thought they were a lip gloss...nothing special and I have so many already, I don't need anymore.

Then a coupon popped up in my email I think, $2 off a L'OREAL lip product. So I did what any responsible shopper would do. I bought something I didn't need, and told myself the coupon justifies the purchase. Right?! No?! Whatever.

So I picked up Pink Rebellion which from the package looked like a hot magenta color. Totally right up my alley. I have to admit though, I was not a big fan that these do not come sealed...who knows what people do with them or where their hands have been. Hello, germ fest! Anyways, I picked the one that looked the least tampered with and I'm happy to report no herpes...yet.