Essence: Eyeliner Pen

As I continue my quest for cheaper alternatives of liquid eyeliners, I came across this particular one at ULTA. I've never used anything from the Essence brand but I have heard good things about some of their products. I hadn't heard anything about this particular product, but for $2.99, it was definitely worth a try.

From my first use, this product reminded me of my absolute favorite: Stila's Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Liner. This was super exciting for me. The liner was nice and dark black, the tip was perfect for precise application and winging out the liner, and it stayed put all day on me. It's not water proof or as smudge proof as Stila's, but for the price I thought this was an amazing liner.

Revlon Precision Dark Lash Adhesive VS. DUO Dark Tone Lash Adhesive

When you wear false lashes as much as I do *cough* almost everyday, it's important to use a good lash adhesive. For years I have sworn by DUO's Lash Adhesive in dark tone. Nothing drives me crazier then when I see pieces of white lash glue dried on the lids or lash band. Yuck.

About a month ago, I saw that Revlon had a dark version of their precision lash adhesive at my local Walmart. It was about $4 and I thought I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did....seriously, my new holy grail lash adhesive!

Compared to my previous beloved DUO Dark Tone lash adhesive, there are a few things that stand out  to make this product the obvious winner in my book.

Dollar Tree Finds!

I have to share a few things that I was excited to find at the Dollar Tree today! I love the Dollar Tree and I'm always excited to find name brand items for a $1. A dolla makes me holla honey boo boo! I always go there for my cotton rounds and kleenex tissue (damn allergies), but today I saw some beauty goodies I haven't seen before!

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.

Polka Dots & Floral Print Nails

Spring has arrived! Polka Dots & Floral Print are definitely on trend this Spring so I thought I'd combine the two for an easy but very cute nail look. Instead of using all pastel colors which would also look great, I decided to make it a little retro by using the good ol' black and white combo. Enjoy!

Polishes Used

Black: Wet n Wild Ebony Hates Chris 

White: Circus Reverso

Darker Pink: Sinful Colors Beautiful Girl

Lighter Pink: Spoiled My Button Fell Off

Green: Mixed Julie G Gelato in Venice with Color Club Age of Aquarius

Fergalicious Cheetah Nails

I entered a Facebook contest in the beginning of March that Wet n Wild is hosting featuring the Fergie line of polishes. You can vote here: Fergie Polish Contest by clicking that link and hitting 'like' (voting ends April 27th).  I decided to do 2 fun looks and I have been asked what colors I used. For the first look, I did a "rainbow" gradient with cheetah spots. Again, I used all Wet n Wild polishes from the Fergie line to achieve this look. I'll post part 2 by tomorrow. Hope you like it!

Polishes Used

Gradient from cuticle to tip of nail:

Glowstick

Miami Spirit

Fergalicious

Layered 'New Years Kiss' on top of the gradient for some sparkle

For the cheetah spots:

Going Platinum

Blue Eyed Soul

Revlon: Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

Let's just cut to the chase, Revlon you've done did it again in the lip department! I am lovin' the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains! I purchased Honey and Cherish and it's the only lip products I have been wearing since I purchased them!

In general I'm a fan of lip stains in theory, but I've tried numerous marker type lip stains (including Revlon's Just Bitten Lipstain + Balm) and I'm still not big on them. For me, the formula of the marker type stains always fade in the most random places on my lips. They also go on weird on me: either really streaky or leave my lips looking like I've used red food coloring to stain my lips. I don't know if any of that makes sense but my point is, I don't like it. What makes this stain nice is the formula; the fact that they are a creamy "balm" consistency allows them to apply more evenly to the lips than most of the marker type stains I have tried. These balm stains remind me a lot of Revlon's beloved Lip Butters but in chubby stick form which makes them even easier to use. They have a mint scent which is not overpowering so I actually find it quite nice and refreshing. They also require no sharpening which is great! The two I tried had a surprising amount of pigmentation which again is reminiscent of the Lip Butters. As far as lasting power, I can get a good 3 hours of wear before I reapply again and that's with drinking and eating. Again, the chubby stick makes it so easy to apply that I never use a mirror when reapplying. Bonus points for major convenience!

Pastel Nails

Whenever Spring starts to shine its way through, I'm always in the mood to paint my nails in pastel colors. Maybe it's all the Easter merch that pops up everywhere but to me, pastels = spring! Using all drugstore polishes, I went for a different color on each finger because it was just more fun. (Plus, it's a good way to rock all the colors you love if you can't decide...haha.) This picture is taken on the 4th day of wear and I'm quite impressed nothing has noticeably chipped yet!

Polishes Used:

Pinky Finger: Sinful Colors  Sugar Rush

Ring Finger: Revlon Sunshine Sparkle

Middle Finger: Sinful Colors Candy Coated

Pointer Finger: Sinful Colors Orange Cream

Thumb: Julie G Gelato in Venice

Rimmel: Kate Moss Lasting Finish Lipsticks

From L-R: #103, #110, #06, #10

I haven't been to Walgreens in a hot minute so I was shocked when I was there about a week ago and saw that all Kate Moss Lasting Finish lipsticks were 50% OFF! Yes, you read that right...50% off! Originally $5.79, which is not a bad price to begin with, $2.89 is a freaking steal! I've always wanted to try these lipsticks and what better time to do so. I'm not sure how long they are running this promo but I do know that all Rimmel is 50% until Saturday, 3/16, so it's a great time to buy!

The selection was a bit scarce at my local Walgreens but I picked up a few colors that weren't destroyed by someone previously mangling with the product. (I know you have come across those lipsticks that looks like someone half bit it/used it to draw like a 3 yr. old would..ugh.)

Easy St. Patrick's Day Nail Look

I posted this photo on the new Gaudy Glam instagram yesterday (@Gaudy__Glam) and as promised, here are the polishes used. This look was super easy to do and took maybe 10 mins including the drying time. I hope it inspires you to create some of your own awesome St. Patty's day looks as well! I'm really digging the green glitter base combo :)

Green base color: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Going Green
Green glitter top coat: Sinful Colors in Call You Later
Gold Glitter Accent Nail: OPI When Monkeys Fly
For the Rainbow-
Red: L.A. Colors Art Deco in Red Glitter
Orange: Circus by Andrea's Choice in Spectacle
Yellow: China Glaze in Lighthouse
Blue: L.A. Colors Art Deco in Blue Glitter
Purple: Color Club in Jingle Jangle

OPI: When Monkeys Fly

While browsing online, I saw a photo of OPI's Oz The Great and Powerful collection and I wasn't that impressed...at all. Then a few days later, I find myself gawking over a swatch of When Monkeys Fly at a local beauty store. Seriously, holographic glitter with large flecks of gold...yes, please. I had no idea from my initial online pursuing that those large gold flecks were part of the polish. It just looked like another gold glitter polish online. So of course, I had to have it and I put it on immediately when I got home.

 Now as much as I love how awesome this polish can look...it was a BIOTCH to work with. To achieve the look I wanted, I had to blob that shit on..literally. The formula is a bit thick and the application of gold flecks was sporadic with each coat. Like I said, I just blobbed it all over my nails to get the gold flecks to pack onto my nails. The gold flecks are basically confetti pieces placed throughout the polish so it might have been easier to just apply confetti pieces to my nails for the look I wanted. It dried pretty quickly which was a plus side for how much I was putting on, but if you hate glitter polishes in general...steer clear of this one.  I personally don't like this as a top coat but rather worn alone which I show in the second photo.

The photos below are a bit blurry but hopefully you get the idea.

*For the final look, again I "blobbed" or rather patted the brush on my nails instead of using a swiping motion so I could get the nails packed full of the gold flecks.

Finger-Licious Nail Entry

Hey there beautiful people!

I decided to enter a little nail contest on Facebook that Wet n Wild is hosting. The most likes wins so if you like the nail looks I created using all Wet n Wild polishes from the Fergie line, please go here: Fergified Nail Look Entry and 'like' the photo! It would make me one happy girl! Thanks!

Oz: The Great and Powerful Inspired Look

In honor of the movie Oz: The Great and Powerful coming out tomorrow, I thought I'd bust out my Urban Decay Theodora palette and do an eye look. I'm so excited to see the movie, I hope it doesn't disappoint!

Colors Used:

Brow Highlight: Broken

Above the crease: Beware

In the crease: West

Lid and lower lash line: Jealous (darker green side)

Outer Corner: Spell (Black shadow)

Lips: UD Super Saturated High Gloss Lip Color in Theodora 

*You can find my initial review of the palette here: Urban Decay Theodora Palette

Other products used:

Foundation: Revlon Colorstay in 330 Natural Tan

Powder: Sephora Microsmooth face powder in 30-Medium

Blush: Benefit Dallas

Eyeliner: MAC fluidline in Blacktrack.
Water Line: Too Faced Perfect Eyes Waterproof Eyeliner in Perfect Black

Brows: Benefit Brow Zings 

False Lashes: Ardell Wispies

Mascara: L'OREAL Telescopic Shocking Extensions


*Bonus: Oz inspired nails!

How fitting that pantone named Emerald as the color for 2013 and Oz comes out in 2013...(hello, Emerald City...get it?!) Anyway, I love this green glitter polish I found at Walmart for under $2. The color is I'll Behave by Pure Ice (which is like an exact dupe of OPI's Fresh Frog of Bel Air). I decided to pair it with black polish just to give it some contrast but the polish also looks great on its own.

Essie: Nothing Else Metals

Hi. My name is Kristina and I am obsessed with nail polish. My addiction love for nail polish is so bad that I decided to give it up for lent...buying new ones that is. So how am I doing with that? Ummm....I struggled for lasted 2 weeks! So 14 days out of 40...that's almost 50% of the way! (Pathetic I know...baby steps.)

Anyways, I had a coupon for $2 off an Essie polish at Rite Aid so of course I had to use it. I'm not the biggest fan of Essie because I find the formula to be streaky but I'm all about giving things another chance. I have always loved the colors that Essie comes out with and Nothing Else Metals caught my eye. It's a shiny, metal finish polish that has a silver lavender hue to it.

The thing with metal polishes is they all tend to be streaky and show any imperfection you may have on your nail...this unfortunately was no different. I love the color of this polish and how it looks from far away, but up close, ugh. Every time I look at my nails with this polish on, I am reminded that I should take better care of them...maybe drink more milk, buy a nail buffer...ugh. Yea, so this polish is going back (Love Rite Aid's return policy) and the metal polish hunt continues.
*Best metal like polish I have found so far is from Fergie's line for Wet n Wild which I swatched here: Going Platinum.

2 coats of polish were applied in these photos. The formula dried quickly and lasted a solid 4 days with no chipping.

Here are some close up shots where u can see the streaking, bubbling, and all my nail imperfections highlighted: