Thursday, June 30, 2011

NOTD: Mermaid's Tears


This is the second time im trying this polish. The first time was terrible, the formula was streaky and bumpy, i had no idea what was going on. Maybe it was me - because this time it worked great LOL.

This particular shade, Mermaid's Tears, is from the new OPI Pirates of The Caribbean collection and i LOOOVE pretty much all the shades in it. It was opaque in two coats and (this time) the application was smooth.

*Also - for my Luuux followers - i am having the hardest time viewing or posting anything on Luuux right now. I keep getting a "Bad Response From Server" error and nothing works. This has been the 2nd day in a row. VERY frustrating!! So i promise im not ignoring you, I just cant comment on your posts or reply to you because the site isnt working for me.

4 Eyeshadow Primers Compared





Today i want to list the 4 eyeshadow primers i own, tell a little about each one, and then explain to you which is my favorite and why. This is a very lengthy review, sorry :\ lol.  I won't be comparing them directly, you can decide for yourself which one you would prefer according to the descriptions. Prices are for full size product, photos are mine.

Swatches: 
1. Urban Decay Primer Potion $19
2. Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer $20
3. Benefit Stay Don't Stray $24
4. E.L.F. Eyelid Primer $1
5. NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone $7. (not pictured)




[[Product Descriptions:]]
Benefit Stay Don't Stray, $24 - 10mL, ❝This dual-action power primer works 360° around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant and true...you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!❞ 


My Opinion?? This is one of those nude tinted primers, so it doesnt dry invisibly but it does serve as a nude basecolor for shadows. However, i dont like it. Along with Smashbox's Photo Finish Primer, this also makes every shadow i own look chalky and matte (even shimmers), and i experienced creasing and oiliness within 4 hrs of use. This is also the runniest of all the formulas i own, and E.L.F. Eyelid primer comes in at a close 2nd to that. Its not creamy, more like a runny lotion consistency. So be careful when you pump it or you'll get way too much. Despite not working at all for my shadows, this doesnt do a half bad job at making my concealers stay put!

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Urban Decay Primer Potion, $19 - 11mL, ❝Eyeshadow Primer Potion is coveted by makeup artists and makeup junkies alike because it guarantees more vibrant eyeshadow that lasts for 24+ hours and NEVER CREASES! Once you experience its powers (plus how smoothly it glides on – an added bonus) you’ll never want to live without it. Original formula dries down invisibly, while Eden, Sin and Greed are shades that can also be worn as shadows or highlighters!❞ 


My Opinion? Loooove this stuff! Not only does it dry invisible, zap any oiliness on lids, make my shadows stay put for 24+ hrs, but it also makes my shadows more vibrant too! No, the original formula isnt tinted, so it doesnt act as a base but if you want a base + primer check out their other shades. It doesnt get any better than this!! I own this in the bottle form w/ the wand, and the squeeze tube. Especially now that its in a squeezable tube form, its soooo much better!

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Smashbox Photo Finish Lid Primer, $20 - 2.5mL, ❝This revolutionary formula contains Phytomoist™, a plant-based hyaluronic acid for ultimate moisturization plus skin perfecting amino acids. Soft focus pearls help diminish the appearance of fine lines and discoloration on the lids, while the patented delivery system ensures effective results. Create the perfect canvas for shadow application with this ultra-luxurious lid primer. Just like our best selling, award-winning face primer, this vitamin-packed formula glides on and instantly smoothes and perfects lids. Wear it alone for a flawless natural eye or under any shadow to give it the staying power to withstand anything (even the occasional all-nighter). ❞ 


My Opinion? I dont like this very well. I know alot of people do, but honestly, turns all my shadows matte (even shimmer, satin, and metallic ones) and makes them all powdery/chalky looking. If you're using this for matte shadows only, this would be ok because it wouldn't effect your eyeshadow finish, but i wouldnt recommend using it with anything except matte's. I do experience a little creasing a few hours into wearing this, but it does act as a nice base color. Overall? Wouldnt purchase it if I were you. Also - im not sure if its only 2.5 mL (as opposed to UD and Benefit which are 10 and 11 mL) because it's super lightweight or what but the bottles are about the same size.

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E.L.F. Eyelid Primer, $1 weight unknown, ❝Preps your eyelid for smoother, longer-lasting and crease-proof eyeshadow. The ultra sheer nude color works to increase eye color longevity. The lightweight liquid formula quickly absorbs into the skin for comfortable wear.❞

My Opinion? This stuff is just okay, nothing special. But i guess its what you would expect for a $1 product, right? Its pretty runny and not creamy like most eyeshadow primers and takes alot longer to dry. E.L.F. also sells a "Eyeshadow Primer" $3,  as opposed to this, which is an"Eyelid Primer". Not sure what the difference is between the two but this one isnt anything great. I dont notice it making my shadows brighter or last longer, and it does crease. Not sure it's even worth the $1, but i will use it until its gone so i dont waste my money.

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NYX Eyeshadow Base in Skin Tone, $7 weight unknown. ❝Maximize the intensity, longevity and unashamed brilliance of your eye shadow statements with our eye shadow primer pots. Each of the three NYX Eye Shadow Bases—for vibrant, pearl or neutral tones—creates a smooth canvas for color, increases its durability and prevents fallout..❞

My Opinion? Ehhhh idk if this really does what it claims. This stuff definitely serves as a great base color but i still get creasing from it within a few hours and it does (like my other tinted bases/primers) have a tendency to make some shadows look chalky. My guess would be that the White Pearl shade would work alot better (maybe like UDPP?). If i could turn back time, i wouldnt have bought this particular shade. Its just OK formula wise.
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The Verdict?
I've never found a primer that works better than UD Primer Potion so that will always be a re-purchase for me. (its also why i own 3, lol) It's been a long time since i owned the Too Faced primer so i cant really compare it to that but i loooove UDPP!! Overall, i guess i'd say if you're tight on money check out E.L.F or NYX, but if you can afford it definitely buy Urban Decay! The others are just a waste of money in my personal opinion.


Wednesday, June 29, 2011

2 Wet N Wild Eyeshadow Trios: Knock On Wood and Walking On Eggshells






L to R: Knock on Wood, and Walking On Eggshells 
I purchased these WnW Trio's in Knock On Wood and Walking On Eggshells two days ago at CVS which was having a sale on WnW cosmetics - Buy One Get One 50% Off at the time.
Shades Knock On Wood: Pearly pink (browbone), Medium chocolatey brown (crease), and Muted plum shimmer (eyelid).
Shades Walking On Eggshells: Pearly white(browbone), light chocolatey brown (crease), and pale champagne pink (eyelid).
[PROS]
Very smooth and pigmented
Easy to apply
Easy to blend
Small compact/ travel friendly
Comes with double sided sponge applicator and a brush applicator
Palette closes securely
3 great shades for a pretty neutral day look

[CONS]
Shades may not suit everyone but would be great for brown and hazel eyes. 
Some fallout on certain shades.

I really like these palettes! I took advantage of the BOGO 50% Off sale and purchased Walking On Eggshells and Knock On Wood, i paid a total of $4.48 total for both palettes so i got a pretty good deal!! They are typically $2.99 each. Wet N Wild has definitely stepped up their game lately and these shadows are great quality, i would definitely recommend them!


Tuesday, June 28, 2011

NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Milan





I am totally IN LOVE with these lip creams! And coming from me that says alot because i hate lipsticks and glosses. If you havent tried them you definitely need to. Theyre a beautiful creamy hybrid between a lipstick and gloss with an amazing matte finish. This particular shade, as you can see, is Milan - a rosey pink.

PROS
super soft
smooth
applies like a dream
very pigmented
doesnt stain lips
long lasting
comes off easy w/ makeup remover wipe (which is good)
doesnt sink into fine lines on lips
doesnt make lips look dry
hydrating and silky

CONS
needs to come in more shades

I like these 100x better than a lipstick or gloss. They are very natural looking and the shades are so pretty, plus theyre super smooth and dont make lips look dry even though they have a matte finish. I plan to buy these in Istanbul and Tokyo as well because those shades look great and im loving this one so much and im going to need backups, lol.

I would HIGHLY recommend these!!

Monday, June 27, 2011

NYC Liquid Lipshine Swatches & Comparison

Click any image to enlarge it.
 

 


A while ago i bought my first NYC Liquid Lipshine, which was Brighton Beach Peach. Since then i have bought 3 more so i figured i would show them all to you side by side for comparison. I have found these at CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, WalMart, Kmart, Dollar General, and Family Dollar.
NYC Liquid Lipshine
Brighton Beach Peach - Sheer peachy-pink shimmer
Prospect Pink - Bright pearly pink shimmer
Nude York City - Sheer pale nude shimmer
Wine N Dine - Deep plum shimmer
Price: $2.50-$3 each (comes in more shades)
Product:
All of these are a tad sticky, but only if you apply them super heavy. If you apply a sheer-medium amount they aren't very sticky at all. Pigmentation varys with shades which is nice because there's a gloss for everyone. Some are sheer, some are medium, and others are full coverage and give a lot of opacity. So depending on what you like, theres a gloss for you. Each gloss has a vanilla-caramel scent and a high shine finish as well as a straight flexible wand.
Overall I like these a lot but i really have no use for Wine N Dine, unfortunately. It's much to dark for me although it is a very pretty shade. I may try toning it down somehow or wearing it super sheer. We'll see. These are definitely worth the $2.50 i paid for them and i would highly suggest them if you're looking for a new gloss.

Wet N Wild VS. CoverGirl: Eyeshadow Comparison




Today i'm going to show you a comparison of 2 Wet N Wild shades form the Walking On Eggshells Trio, and 2 CoverGirl Single eyeshadow shades. I actually bought all of these on the same exact day and somehow didn't notice how similar they were before purchasing them, lol
COMPARISON #1
❧ Wet N Wild Eyelid Shade (Walking On Eggshells Trio, $2.99) is a soft champagne pink shade. The color is pigmented, smooth, but just a tad bit powdery compared to CG Mink and i do experience fallout from it. Otherwise both shades are near exact dupes and the almost the same quality.
❧ CoverGirl Mink (Single shadow, $3.50) is also a soft champagne pink shade. This shadow is obviously a little larger than the WnW shade which comes in a Trio, almost $1 more expensive, but it is slightly better quality. The WnW shade, as i said before, is powdery but this one is not. Both would be good as an allover lid color.
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COMPARISON #2
❧ Wet N Wild Browbone Shade (Walking On Eggshells Trio, $2.99) is a light, shimmery pearl color. Once again soft and smooth, but not super pigmented. I dont find that this is powdery, like the Eyelid shade is in this Trio, and i do not experience fallout.
❧ CoverGirl Champagne (Single shadow, $3.50) is also a light, shimmery pearl. As you can see from the swatches the two shades are VERY similar except this CG shade is more pigmented and light reflective, and a little larger. Both would be good for highlighting.
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THE VERDICT?
All four shadows are nice quality, but the CoverGirl ones are just slightly better and more pigmented. However, you get 3 shades with the WnW Trio for $2.99, and only 1 shade w/ CoverGirl for $3.50 so there is obviously a price difference. In my opinion i would purchase the WnW Walking On Eggshells Trio again but probably would not purchase the CoverGirl single shadows just to save money. Im sure there is a CG equivalent of the WnW Crease shade, but i do not own it to do a comparison, sorry.
Also, CG Mink and the WnW Walking On Eggshells Eyelid shade are both dupes for MAC - All That Glitters AND Stila - Kitten incase anyone wanted to know. **Photos and content are mine.

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Winner of my Giveaway!!!!



Ok its official. I added all of the names and entries from my first ever giveaway to random.org and the winner is....

☆ Tiffany ☆

Congrats on winning, Tiffany!! I have sent an email to the address you provided with the information about the giveaway. You will need to respond with your home address for shipping purposes within 48 hours or i will pick a new winner. Winnings are shown in the photo.

Giveaway Items:
Rimmel Lash Flirt Mascara in Kohl Black
Maybelline One by One Mascara in Blackest Black
AVON Wash-Off Waterproof Mascara in Black

Bonus Items:
Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Tempting Teal
E.L.F. Hypershine Lipgloss in Flirt

Samples:
LUSH Sea Vegetable Soap
AVON Spectracolor Lipglosses
AVON Foot Works lotion
Mark. Eyeshadows (2)
Mark. Matte Chance mattefying face lotion
Mark. That's Deep face cleanser
Mark. Sassy perfume

Thank you to everyone who follows me, comments on my posts, and entered my giveaway! As i have said before once i reach 250 followers there will be a larger even better giveaway so please spread the word and you may soon have another chance at winning! :) 

- Amista

Wet N Wild Everything Under The Sun Bronzer



The FOTD i created w/ this bronzer & eyeshadow trio a while back. 

A couple weeks ago i did a small CVS haul where i picked up these brand new Wet N Wild summer products. This particular on is the 'Everything Under The Sun' bronzer ($2.99). 

PROS
very smooth
pigmented
when all shades are mixed its a deep bronzey-brown shade
can be applied super light w/ a duo fibre brush
for a heavier application try a condensed blush brush
nice for summer
has a beautiful sheen - this doesnt have glitter or 'sparkles' 

CONS
way too shimmery for me - the effect is pretty but for paler skin tones it not great. (for me)
the brush that comes with the bronzer isnt great, but not terrible

Overall i like this but it would def. look better on someone darker or someone with a golden tan. However, for only $2.99 its still a pretty good deal.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes





If you're looking for a new highlighter or bronzer for summer you really need to check out this Mark. Touch & Glow Shimmer Cream Cubes All Over Face Palette, $15., click here.
What Mark. says:
❝Look your most luminous, thanks to these cubes: with a sweep of a brush, shimmery shades of pink, gold and bronze combine for allover color, or dab individual shades onto eyelids using your finger.
• 9 shades combined add instant radiance to skin
• Individual shades can light up the lids with gorgeous shimmer
• Blendable cream-to-powder formula❞
[PROS]
Just the right amount of shimmer/sheen but not sparkly or glittery at all
Good pigmentation
Creamy texture that turns to weightless powder when applied to skin
Beauty shades, perfect for summer
Compact is sleek and small enough for travel
Multiple uses
Great for ANY skin tone!
[CONS]
Price - At $15 not everyone may be able to afford this, but it is still worth it!
Summary:
If this were a drugstore product, i may not want to pay $15 for it even though it is absolutely amazing. You can see from the swatches the shades by themselves are gorgeous and could be used as shadows or browbone/inner corner highlighters. When blended together they create a beautiful pinkish-golden sheen on skin that has ZERO sparkle or glitter particles. Its just a dewey glowing sheen which is perfect for summer skin. I honestly believe these would be great for ANY skin tone. So what's the verdict? I love it and i definitely think it's worth the $15 (even though i got it for $7.50 thanks to my husband who works at AVON).
*Photos and content are mine.

Giveaway is Over!

The official end of the Giveaway was 10PM EST. I have added up the entries for each person and will choose the winner through random.org and post it within the next 48 hrs as well as photos of all the winnings (including the surprise bonus items!).

Remember, when i reach 250 followers there will be another even bigger/better giveaway! So spread the word and you'll have another chance to win soon!

Friday, June 24, 2011

Check Out My Blog Sale!

Click here to view it. Items range from AVON, MAX Factor, Hard Candy, NYX, Revlon, The Color Workshop, and more! Some are lightly used, others are brand new. Everything is clean and sanitary.

Anyone who makes a purchase over $25 gets free shipping, extra samples and i will throw in 2 brand new drugstore items! If i sell the items in there now i will add more at a later time - including purses as well as cosmetics.

If interested view the link above then send your form (highlighted in yellow on the blog sale page) to myaffordablebeauty@hotmail.com

MAC Eyeshadow in Swimming







Yep, its yet another awesome product that I wont in Trina J's makeup giveaway for Easter. Please check out her blog and follow!!

This MAC eyeshadow in Swimming is a beautiful mermaid-green shade with a golden sheen, in my opinion. Its smooth, pigmented, and has just the right amount of shimmer with a beautiful lustre finish - which is my favorite! Obviously, MAC is the highest wuality of makeup and this eyeshadow is no exception. It definitely makes me want to invest in other MAC shadows now.

I havent used this yet in an EOTD but i have swatched it, obviously, and have used it as a top lashline eyeliner shade and i LOVE it! The shade Swimming may not be for everyone and i think it would best suit people with hazel and/or brown eyes only.

What's your favorite MAC shadow?

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NYX Single Eyeshadows in Morocco, Lagoon, & Frosted Flake






Today i wanted to show you the three single eyeshadows i chose in the 50% Off online NYX haul i did a couple weeks ago. They are frosted flake, lagoon, and morocco!

PROS
very soft
super pigmented
no fallout
comes in TONS of shades
small and travel friendly
cute packaging


CONS
i dont like the structure of the eyeshadow itself - how its like 3D pyramids - i prefer flat shadows, lol idk why

These eyeshadows are great and i am highly impressed with the quality! They were all true to color and very pigmented, plus they last an amazingly long time with or without a primer. I will do some EOTD's with each shade as soon as possible! In the mean time id like to buy more of these :)

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ONE DAY LEFT! Must be a Luuux and/or beauty blog follower to be eligible. Click here to enter!
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Please read all rules.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

EOTD: The Gilded Age #2





This is the second look i've created from the new limited edition Wet N Wild The Gilded Age eyeshadow trio. It's being sold in select drugstores for $2.99 and it will be gone soon so go grab one!! To see my first look click here.

Tutorial

  1. Apply a primer like UDPP to lids.
  2. Sweep the champagne shade all over lids and on bottom lashline.
  3. With a small fluff brush shade the gold shadow into crease and work slightly outwards towards browbone.
  4. With a small eye shading brush or angled brush apply the dark brown shimmer shadow into crease only.
  5. Highlight browbone and inner corners with a pearly-white shadow.
  6. Apply a brown liner to upper & lower waterlines.
  7. Finish your look off with brown or black mascara. I used Rimmel Extra WOW Lash in black.
Thats it! This proves you can make a lighter daytime look with this palette that isnt so flashy or shimmery, plus it still has that beautiful bronzed goddess feel. What do you think??

Alot of people have been telling me they dont feel like this palette is necessary, and maybe it isnt to them, but i love it!! I have 3 perfectly matched summery-bronze shades in a small compact, CHEAP, travel friendly case that i can make at least 2-3 different looks from.

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Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Please read all rules.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

EOTD: The Gilded Age


Click to enlarge. 

Here's the eye look i promised to post from the new WnW The Gilded Age eyeshadow trio. This trio is brand new and limited edition for $2.99 at drugstores or wherever Wet N Wild is sold and also available is a Everything Under The Sun bronzer!

I mostly followed the directions on the palette for this look. So for those of you who are beginners or just like to keep it simple this is a very easy look to create!

Tutorial
  1. Apply a primer like UDPP to lids.
  2. Sweep eyelid shade (gold) all over lids and onto bottom lashline
  3. Apply crease shade (deep brown) into crease and on top lashline
  4. Highlight your browbone and inner corner using browbone shade (medium champagne)
  5. Using a blending brush/fluff brush, or whatever you have available, blend out harsh lines
  6. Apply a brown eyeliner to waterlines only (i used CoverGirl Liquiline Blast in Brown). and finish with a black or brown mascara of your choice (i used Rimmel Sexy Curves in Extreme Black).
Thanks to the simplicity of the Wet N Wild Trio's you can create an eye look within several minutes. So its quick and easy, plus super cheap! I would recommend everyone go out and buy this new limited edition palette! All the shades are beautiful and perfect for creating that 'bronze goddess' look! *I will do an FOTD using both WnW summer collection products asap. Photos are mine, do not use. Please comment, like, and follow!

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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Essie - Haute As Hello

Important Info & Links

Checking and following my luuux page will get you earlier access to my reviews, EOTD's and more!

If you've never used or visited Luuux it's basically a review website where people submit their photos and opinions to earn Luuux$ which can be used in the shop for free-to-you items!

Also - click here for a Hautelook.com invite and join the site which offers HUGE discounts on tons of different things. I just did a FREE Urban Decay cosmetics haul thanks to HL credits.

And finally, there are only 4 DAYS left to enter my giveaway!! Click here to enter & read rules.

Monday, June 20, 2011

NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil in Medium Brown





Here is another item from my 50% Off online NYX haul. When i ordered this i did not own an eyebrow pencil at the time and it just so happens a couple days later i got one at CVS for $2, lol. So now i have two. This particular one comes with a brow pencil in medium brown and a comb/brush on the lid.

PROS
shade matches me well
pencil is rectangular
you can turn it horizontally for thicker coverage
and you can turn it vertically for thin coverage
i got it for 1/2 off
travel friendly

CONS
brush is super flimsy
nothing under the brush cap but an empty hole (pencil is on other end) so why are there two caps? totally pointless.

Despite the fact that the packaging doesnt make a ton of sense and the brush sucks, this eyebrow tool is a great shade for me. I can deal w the bad brush and just use one of my other ones for now. Have you ever tried these? What do you do to groom your brows?

ENTER MY GIVEAWAY
Must be a Luuux and/or beauty blog follower to be eligible.
 Click here to enter!
Open to U.S. residents 18 years and older. Please read all rules.