HIATUS

Havent been feeling well (still) thanks to my pregnancy so thats why i havent made a post in nearly a month. I havent even purchased new beauty products in a couple months - shocking! Just dont have the motivation or time right now.

I have decided to take a HIATUS for the time being, i hope you all remain as followers because I WILL be back sometime in the near future to supply you with more reviews, photos, opinions, tutorials, etc.

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years! :)

Benefit Cosmetics Luuux Pack

I finally received my third Luuux order in the mail a couple weeks ago so i wanted to a review for you of my ordering experience/process and the products i received from the Benefit Cosmetics Luuux Pack which is 7,560 Luuux$ in the shop and can be seen by clicking the link. If you're unfamiliar with Luuux you basically upload your own photos & reviews, comment on posts, etc. which earns you points for free stuff.

Ordered: Sept.1st
Processed: Sept. 15th
Completed: Sept. 20th
Received: Sept. 22nd
= Total of 21 days

Overall the ordering process took a little longer than my other two previous Luuux orders but it wasn't terrible i guess. It took a total of 21 days from ordering to the day i received it in the mail. Just don't expect to get things ASAP. Luuux has to audit your account to make sure you've fairly earned your points and then they go ahead and place the order. However, after 2 weeks of no progression with my order i decided to email them and ask them if there was an issue or why nothing was happening, i didn't get a response but that same day my order was finally processed. So i guess sometimes you just have to reach out to contact them to make sure you're order goes through or it may take longer.

Benefit Cosmetics Luuux Pack
♥ Eye Bright Pencil

Light pink eye brightener to illuminate eyes and mask darkness

♥ BADgal Lash Mascara

Award winning mascara for your fattest, blackest, baddest lashes ever

♥ Bathina Body Balm

Scented golden pink all-over body balm for beautiful glimmering skin. No shimmer/glitter.

♥ Some Kind-a Gorgeous in Lite

Foundation faker that smoothes away pores and unevenness, oil-free, light coverage

♥ That Gal Brightening Face Primer

A perky pink primer that goes under your makeup to smooth and brighten skin.

plus….
Sample of Girl Meets Pearl
Sample of The POREfessional Primer
Benefit Catalog

Overall im really pleased with this order as i expected i would be. I have tested the Bathina body balm, That Gal primer, and Some Kind-a Gorgeous foundation already and they are definitely all high quality. I will do detailed reviews & photos on each product when i have given myself a fair amount of time to try them all out and develop an opinion.

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Also i want to apologize for being MIA on luuux & blogspot for so long, not supporting my friends by commenting on their posts, or answering any comments/questions that have been left for me on my posts. Unfortunately i have been very sick and very busy :( Hope you can all forgive me, and when i start feeling better i will definitely do some catch-up.

Photos and content are mine, do not use... Content copied from my Luuux page

Clearasil Rapid Action 12 Hr Acne Scrub

I purchased this acne scrub about 2 weeks ago at CVS for around $8. Its expensive for a drugstore acne cleanser, in my opinion, but it does work pretty well to some extent. I wanted to try it for a couple weeks before i reviewed it for you.. so here i am!

*I have oily/combination skin.

PROS
scrub is not too harsh or too gentle.. its just right
makes face feel super clean
doesnt leave a residue
washes off easily
doesnt dry my face or make it tight feeling
exfoliates really well
moisturizing
2% salicylic acid
works quickly

50/50
Has a very light medicinal smell but its hardley noticeable. This may bother some people but i can look past it.
$8 a tube which is sort of expensive, but worth it.

CONS
Opening on the tube is large so ALOT of product comes out if you squeeze too hard.

This stuff does not completely rid you of acne in 12 hours - but it does reduce blemish size ALOT and it cuts the acne off from getting any worse. So basically after first use you're working towards clearer skin already and you know the breakout will not continue to get worse. Im pretty pleased with this even though the price sucks.

I purchased this because i had a breakout at the time thanks to a new face sunscreen i was using (boo!). I figured it would be the perfect chance to check this out since i had seen so many great ads about it and it claimed to significantly help clear up acne in 12 hours.

Have you ever tried this? Would you consider trying it?

Please comment, like & follow! Photos are mine, do not use.

Equate Facial Cleansing Towelettes

 

I have been using these constantly for a year or more. Theyre affordable and you get alot in one pack so its totally worth the money, plus they're available at WalMart which is accessible to alot of people.

Price/Size: $6 for 2 pks. of 60 wipes (120 wipes total). The pop-up tub costs around $3-4 and includes 60 wipes also.

PROS
moist but not dripping wet
no scent
gentle
hydrating
effective
removes waterproof eye makeup
doesnt irritate skin or eyes
textured to remove more makeup/dirt
face feels super clean after use

CONS
I dont like the sticky peel-back opening because it can wear out and loose its stickiness, so instead i buy the tub.

I purchased the hard plastic pop-up case for these which is about $3-4 for the case + 60 wipes so its a pretty good deal. Since i bought it several months ago ive just been buying the 120 wipe replacement packages and refilling the little tub whenever i need to. These are incredibly moisturizing and they remove makeup REALLY well which is why theyre always a re-purchase for me. I use them everynight to remove 99% of my makeup before washing my face, toning, and moisturizing.

Thanks for reading! Whats your favorite makeup wipes??

Please comment, like & follow Photos are mine, do not use

Revlon ColorStay Mineral Bronzer in Golden Bronze

 

I got this in a giveaway that i won a few months ago from Pang!. I had never been interested in trying these before but im so glad she sent it to me because i ended up liking it alot and ive been using it all Summer.

Because im so pale its hard to find a great bronzer. But because this is super sheer and very natural looking, i find that it works great with my pale skin in Summer.

PROS
cute packaging
travel friendly, tight closure
great for light skin tones
VERY subtle shimmer, almost not noticeable
no scent
long lasting
natural looking

CONS
Brush isnt so great. Its tiny and does not pick up the product at all.
Product is super sheer (which is good for me) but others may not like that. You really have to build it up to see color.

As you can see this isnt much darker than my natural skin tone and thats what i love most about it. I can put a light dusting of this on my cheeks and they look naturally sunkissed as opposed to putting on a fake looking bronzer. Next to Physicians Formula Happy Booster, this is my favorite new bronzer!

Have you tried these? Would you try them? Thanks for reading :)

Please comnment, like & follow! Photos are mine, do not use.

NOTD: Barracuda

I really love blue polishes, no matter how dark or light they are. They go great with my light skin and cool undertones. I am always searching for that perfect unique baby blue polish and this is definitely it! Sally Hansen's Barracuda is a beautiful shade that is perfect for Spring and Summer! They retail for roughly $7.99 at drugstores.

Swatches:
1 coat Sally Hansen Hard As Nails
2 coats Sally Hansen Barracuda
1 coat INM Out The Door

This polish is a tad streaky with one coat, but 2 coats seals the deal and makes it opaque. Surprisingly this is only my second S.H. Complete Salon Manicure nail polish - the only other one i own is Hidden Treasure (a Nubar 2010 dupe). I really love the brush and i would have to say its even better than OPI's! This shade will definitely be a staple for me. I just love the way it looks. Thanks for reading! :)

Queen Helene Mint Julep Masque

Holy cow!! I cannot describe how much my husband and I absolutely love this face mask! I saw so many people rave about it here on Luuux, and a couple months ago i was in Dollar General and i saw the bonus size tube for only $2.50!!! I was amazed at how cheap it was so i immediately grabbed some.

Scent/Color: A thick green paste that smells like spearmint.

To Use: Apply to a dampened face 1-2x per week, allow 15-20 minutes to dry, then remove with a warm wet washcloth. Or you can apply a small amount just to blemishes as often as needed.. remove the same way.

Quality: It's amazing!! Seriously! Even my husband is obsessed with this stuff. I typically apply it 1x per week, around my nose and chin it burns a little at first but that feeling quickly subsides. You dont need a thick layer - a thin one will do just fine. It dries to a light green and is very easy to remove with a warm damp washcloth. When i remove it and my face dried its baby soft and feels REALLY clean. I also use toner on a cotton ball and my fav. moisturizer afterwards. The best part is this stuff never dries me out! It makes my skin feel so amazing i want to use it everyday, lol. Definitely worth the $2.50, especially since i go the bonus size with 33% more product.

My Collection: Nail Polish

I have well over 150 bottles of nail polish, which is pretty ridiculous! lol. That doesnt even include my nail art stripers, topcoats, basecoats, and nail treatments. Plus i have alot of fimo's and other nail art stickers/decals as well.

My Collection Includes:
Essie
OPI
Nicole by OPI
Sephora by OPI
China Glaze
Sally Hansen
Color Club
Revlon
Misa
Sally Girl
AVON
Wet N Wild
Rimmel
Milani
Sinful Colors
Hot Topic
& more...

I paint my fingernails about 1-2x pr week and my toenails roughly 1x per month. For whatever reason my toenail polish never chips and it stays on forever so i can go long periods of time without repainting. My husband finds my nail polish collection really annoying, LOL. He thinks i have way too many and in reality - i do. I really have no need to buy anymore in the near future but chances are i will anyways, LOL.

Below are some basic nail care tips I use on a daily/weekly basis whenever i paint my nails. Hope they help! Thanks for reading :)

Nail Care Tips

1. Using a gel or liquid cuticle remover & an orangewood stick, clean up cuticles 2-3x per month if you frequently paint your nails.
2. Use an old or cheap angled eyeliner brush to do post-manicure cleanups. Dip the brush into polish remover and swipe along the edges of your nails to make even lines.
3. To remove glitter polishes, soak a cotton ball in remover, place on your nail then wrap the nail in foil and allow to sit for 10-15 minutes. When you take it off use the cotton ball to remove any excess glitter.
4. Use a cuticle cream/balm everynight before bed or after every manicure! Cuticle health is directly related to nail health, so if you have bad cuticles your nails will most likely suffer too and be dry, brittle, weak, etc.
5. To fix small smudges in freshly painted nails simply take an old eyeliner or eyeshadow brush, dip it in remover and very gently wipe across the top of the nail to smooth it out. You may need to reapply 1 thin coat of polish and/or topcoat afterwards.
6. Choosing a good topcoat is incredibly important. I would recommend INM Out The Door or Seche Vite.

My Collection: Eyeshadow Singles, Duo's, Trio's & More!

Today i was bored so  i decided to take photos of part of my eyeshadow collection, which includes 70+ individual eyeshadow shades. This is NOT my entire collection - i also own 17 palettes and numerous other shades but i keep these specific ones im showing you on my vanity so i can quickly grab them if i need to.

*If you have any questions about these or would like to see swatches simply comment below and ask away. I will reply to you here in the comment area with your answer and/or a link to swatches of whatever it is you requested. Please be specific about which item you're referring to and remember to check back for answers!

Collection #1

This is a little basket filled with Wet N Wild eyeshadow trio's, Comfort Zone 8-pan palette, MAC eyeshadow in Swimming, Urban Decay Cream Shadow in Midnight Rodeo, Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Jones, 3 NYX eyeshadow singles, Victoria's Secret Eyeshadow in Private Beach, and 2 Wet N Wild single shadows.

Collection #2

I dont use this basket as often. it's almost all drugstore products. It includes 2 CoverGirl quads, 5 CoverGirl single shadows, a Mark eyeshadow + MAC All That Glitters, 2 Maybelline Duo's, Some Rimmel Trio's and Duo's, 2 Revlon singles, Almay Eyeshadow in Cinnamon, and a Victorias Secret Beauty Rush eyeshadow.

Thats it! Thanks for reading. Like i said if there are any questions or requests for swatches leave those in the comments below. Photos are mine do not use. Please comment, like and follow! :)

Follow my beauty blog! When i reach 250 followers I will be holding a huge giveaway. Anyone who is a current follower before the date of the giveaway can enter!

NOTD: Romeo & Joliet

Revlon ColorBurst Lipgloss in 022 Sunset Peach

HAPPY 47TH BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL MOTHER!! :)

Lots of birthdays this month! lol I purchased this several months ago in early July at CVS (where i do most of my beauty hauls lol) and i really wasnt sure what to expect. The color looked like a bronzey-peach and its called Sunset Peach, but when applied to lips its VERY sheer and has alot of glitter and shimmer in it.

This gloss has a very odd smell. Its nothing fruity or sweet or floral - its... weird and i dont like it. The shade itsself is pretty i guess but i definitely expected it to be more opaque considering its called "ColorBurst" i mean doesnt that suggest to you that its bursting with color? This isnt.

It is a little sticky and you can sometimes feel the larger glitter particles on your lips when you rub them together, but it has nice shine and lasts a long time. Overall, im not sure if im pleased with this but its jut o.k.

CoverGirl Outlast Smoothwear in Plum Satin

HAPPY 24TH BIRTHDAY TO MY WONDERFUL HUSBAND, JOE!! :)

And now on to the review, lol. The only reason i purchased this lip color duo is because CVS had it on sale for 50% off. They didnt have many left so this was basically my only option color-wise since everything else was way too red for me. If you've never used a duo like this here are some directions...

Directions:

1. Apply color to clean dry lips.
2. Allow the color to dry completely.
3. Apply clear balm topcoat ontop of color to seal.

These are a semi-permanent colors so once you put it on and allow it to dry you're stuck with it for a while. Its almost like a matte lipstick/lipstain all in one. The color lasts through meals and doesnt smudge, budge or transfer. I wiped my lips onto the back of my hand and NOTHING! There was zero color on my hand, just a little sheen from the balm topcoat. So these are definitely smooch-proof! lol

My only issue with this is the fact that 1) the color doesnt suit me, in my opinion, and 2) once its on you're stuck with it for several hours so there no turning back if you hate it. Otherwise these are great and if you find a color you adore these would be Holy Grail lip colors!

Revlon CustomEyes Mascara in Blackest Black

This mascara has a very unique wand! It has 2 settings which are controlled by the top of the wand (the part you pull out). Put it on setting 1 for Length & Drama, or set it to setting 2 for Length & Definition.

The swatches you see in the first photo are from setting #1 - Length & Drama. And just to be honest i found that both settings gave me good results, but #2 did have a much more defined look which i like, but i prefer volume and drama more - so thats why i chose to swatch #1.

My only issue with this mascara is the fact that it dries super quickly on lashes which can make adding more coats a little hard. It tends to clump sometimes however, it does not make lashes crunchy or stiff. They are still relatively soft and flexible.

It sells for roughly $8.99. The front of the packaging has a $2 Off Coupon that you can peel off and use at the cash register, plus i had $4 Off Revlon Mascara at CVS so i got this mascara for roughly $2.99 total!

EOTD + Review: Wet N Wild Don't Steal My Thunder

I bought this palette a few months ago at CVS when i had $8 Extra Bucks to spend. I didnt really need this palette but I decided to get it anyways to give it a shot. It sells for $2.99.

Shades: browbone (matte white), crease (black sheen), eyelid (silver sheen)

This palette has three pretty shades that - in my opinion - are best for night looks. I really dont own hardley any black, silver, or matte white eyeshadows so this palette actually adds to my collection without being a duplicate of any other shades i own. All of the shades are pigmented and smooth just like every other Wet N Wild eyeshadow, but the silver was a tad hard to pick up with an eyeshadow brush. Otherwise this is a great palette - just not something i wear will alot considering its best for night looks.

Neutrogena Build-A-Tan

I really wanted to love this when i bought this several month ago during Summer, considering it was nearly $15 a bottle at CVS. However, i just cant use it anymore due to the fact that it leaves me looking orange.

I am particularly pale but all the bottles i looked at of these are for every skin tone - no bottle specifically states it should be used on light, medium, or dark skin tones. It is a gradual sunless self tanner than can be used on anyone. (supposedly).

PROS
large pump bottle
has a nice light floral scent
moisturizes well
noticeable results in a couple hours

CONS
streaky, patchy
turns me orange
takes forever to dry
hard to blend
feels sticky while it dries
stains anything it comes in contact with
expensive

Overall, I would much rather use Jergens Natural Glow gradual self tanning lotion instead of this. It gives a more natural "browner" looking sunless tan instead of a fake orange shade. Before using this i exfoliated and cleansed myself thoroughly (each time) in the shower. While using this i spent TONS of time blending and blending to make sure there were no harsh lines or streakiness. However, it still happened every time. Even though i exfoliated well, if i let this lotion touch my knees it would turn them dark orangish-brown and there was a noticeable line where my wrist and the base of my hand meet. No matter how hard i tried to blend that line and fix it, it just got worse and worse. Not to mention i am 100% sure i covered myself well but some areas were still very light and others very dark. My husband and other family members pointed out to me that they could see the lines and "orangeish" shade on my skin. Very fake looking.

When using the Jergens lotion i have MUCH better results. It doesnt turn me orange, the lotion dries faster, blends better, and the results actual resemble a real tan even though it does take much longer.

I will NOT be buying this Neutrogena Build-A-Tan ever again!

NYC Lip Sliders

This is another item i picked up at Dollar Tree for $1 a few months ago. I had been curious about the NYC Lip Sliders for a long time but i couldnt find them anymore!

This particular shade is Pink Sugar, a warm deek pink. It gives lips a healthy flush but isnt 100% pigmented so they color payoff isnt amazing.... however, it is a gloss and not a lipstick so thats to be expected. These are a tad thick/sticky and i have a feeling if left in a purse, car, etc where its hot they would def. melt.

Overall i'd give this a 7/10 if i had to rate it, but it was worth the $1 i paid for it.

Palladio Rice Powder in Translucent

A few months ago i read a review on this product by Mica G, a Luuux.com friend. Ever since i saw her post i had been dying to try this and one day in June i walked into Sally's Beauty Supply and to my surprise they had a brand new Palladio section!!

Price: $4.99

Size: 0.6 oz

Packaging: This comes in an adorable sturdy plastic box with a tight fitting lid.

Product: This is a translucent finishing powder but it also comes in two more shades for light and dark skin tones. Translucent is meant to suit all skin tones and types. I apply this with a duo fibre brush or powder brush after applying my liquid foundation to finish & set it.

PROS: Very affordable, doesnt feel heavy on skin, blends very well, no scent

CONS: May be hard for some people to find, only comes in 3 shades

Overall im pretty pleased with this and ive been using it all summer. It gives a nice matte finish to foundations and sets it so it doesnt budge, while reducing oily/shinnies at the same time. Definitely worth the $4.99

Almay Pure Blends Eyeshadow in Cinnamon

I got this full size Almey Pure Blends eyeshadow in Cinnamon at Dollar Tree for $1 :) If you don't live near a Dollar Tree or have never been in one you are totally missing out! EVERYTHING is only $1 and they have a fairly large beauty selection with products like E.L.F., Almay, Maybelline, Revlon, and more!

This eyeshadow, called Cinnamon, is a bronzey-brown sheen shade. Its very pretty and pigmented pplus i love the packaging! It has a very sturdy, tight metallic closure and its very feminine looking. Overall im pretty pleased with this and i think ill be heading back for more!

NOTD: OPI Teenage Dream

LUSH 9 to 5 Cleanser/Makeup Remover

This is an amazingly gentle makeup remover and cleanser! It smells very lightly floral and is white & runny in consistency. I purchased this from LUSH in June after running out of my prized Baby Faced makeup remover. However, over Summer i actually have learned to like this alot more!

To Use:

1. Apply to a DRY face and massage in, especially where there is heavy makeup like the eye area. It will not irritate or burn eyes.
2. Allow to sit for 1-2 minutes.
3. Using a warm damp washcloth (ring out the excess water) begin to wipe away the cleanser.
4. When you're finished wipe face w/ a cotton ball soaked in toner and put on your favorite moisturizer once your face is dry.

Thats it! Its a little different from most products but its very soothing and softening on skin PLUS it takes away all dirt and makeup. I have combination-oily skin and this has never broken me out or gave me problems. I really love using it before bed.

NOTD: Essie - Super Bossa Nova

This is ONE coat of Essie's Super Bossa Nova from their summer collection called Brazilliant. Isnt it beautiful??

My Everyday Look

So this is basically what my makeup & hair looks like on a daily basis and it has been this way throughout Summer and Fall. I do switch up my eyeshadow colors alot but they usually stay pretty neutral. My hair is naturally wavy/curly so i can shampoo, comb, and spritz in some Aussie Sprunch Spray when its 1/2 dry after pulling the bangs back to achieve this look.

Its pretty quick and very simple for me to do which is important because i'm a stay at home mom so all the laundry, dishes, grocery shopping, feeding the dogs, running errands, paying bills, sweeping & mopping the floors, cooking, and taking care of my daughter is left up to me everyday. Therefore i need something quick & easy so i can get back to doing what i need to do for the day.

Products Used:
price are approximate

• NYC Skin Matching Foundation in Light, $4
• CoverGirl Pressed Powder in Buff Biege, $6
• Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trios, $3
• Physicians Formula Solar Powder Bronzer, $9
• CoverGirl Liquiline Blast eyeliner in Brown, $8
• Rimmel Extra WOW Lash Mascara in Black, $7
• Wet N Wild Lipstick in Bare It All, $2
• NYC Liquid Lipshine in Brighton Beach Peach, $3
• Aussie Sprunch Spray, $4
• Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo, $8

What does your everyday look consist of?? Is it simple or complicated and roughly how long does it take you to get ready everyday? Thanks for reading!

EOTD: Cool As A Cucumber

I purchased this Wet N Wild Cool As A Cucumber at Rite-Aid (along with I'm Getting Sunburned) in a Buy On Get One 50% Off deal. Im bored and staying at home today w/ my daughter today so while she was taking her afternoon nap I decided to try this look.

Eye Look Steps

simply used the instructions on this palette to create the look - but i added the purple on my bottom lashline also. I finished it off with black eyeliner on my waterlines and black mascara. Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

Overall i like this trio but i dont love it. It goes really well with my green eyes (in my opinion) and definitely makes them appear brighter but its not a trio i would choose for an everyday look.