Each Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascara is decorated with a psychedelic 70′s print and appropriate font. There’s a colorful 7.5g/0.26 US oz. of product, meant to give your lashes some fierce bangitybangness.

They come in four colors:

• Electric Blue – bright turquoise
• Flipside – bright teal
• Black Cherry – burgundy
• Indigo – ink blue (looks like a deep violet to me)

If you love the extra-thickening powers of Big Fatty Mascara, round out your collection with these wearable shades. Turquoise and navy hues give brown and blue eyes a jolt, purple shades make green eyes more dangerous, and burgundy adds drama to any eye color-a refreshing alternative to basic black.

Check out photos!

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras
packaging (front)

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras
packaging (back)

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras
packaging – top

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras
Electric Blue wand

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras
Indigo wand

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras
Black Cherry wand

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras
Flipside wand

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras

Urban Decay Big Fatty colored mascaras

Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara
Electric Blue

Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara
Indigo

Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara
Black Cherry

Urban Decay Big Fatty mascara
Flipside

PROS

• Incredible color payoff!
• Shows up wonderfully on very dark lashes (mine are black)
• Because they’re so pigmented, you may not even need two coats
• Provides decent lash thickness

CONS

• Dries out quickly in the tube
• Can flake pretty badly
• Urban Decay could have sealed these to help prevent them from drying out so quickly
• Slightly fume’y…causing light irritation

OVERALL

My review is pretty subjective, only because I do not know if the mascaras I received are even how Urban Decay usually makes these. There is a huge possibility that they’ve been sitting on the Hautelook shelves for a good year before they arrived to me. Or, this could very well be how they are. I’ll get into the cons a little further, but here’s a positive..they are super pigmented! Crazy pigmented. My lashes are very black, and with just one coat of this mascara you can see the color very vividly. The only color that didn’t show up on me as well was Black Cherry — but my lashes are black, and it’s already a dark color. It’s pretty though, and would pop on blond or even brown lashes.

To elaborate a bit more on my cons, I think that if Urban Decay sealed these mascaras then there would be less of a “Did I get a bad mascara?” ponderation, and more certainty that it just might be the actual formula. Since I can only speak on the mascaras that I have, if they are dried out, it’s a shame because they’re actually very bright, gorgeous mascaras. Sadly, my favorite color of the four — Electric Blue, was also the driest of the bunch. I gently flicked my lashes around after it dried and several flake-balls fell off. I was pretty heartbroken, the color is amazing. The other three also felt slightly dried out, and were less clumpy than Electric Blue — I still don’t know if that’s because they’re slightly younger than the Electric Blue mascara, or if that’s the formula prime of their production. Since these were a little dried out, they were also a tad fume’y. My eyes didn’t water full-on, but they had that “someone’s blowing air in my eye” feeling — even hours later. That sucks.

I’m going to give Urban Decay the benefit of the doubt and say that these mascaras aren’t normally like this. I know my other mascaras turn like this when they’re starting to get too much air into the tube. I’ve also noticed this happens a lot more with smaller mascara tube sizes. You know how MAC used to give away those mini Zoom Lash mascara samples? These are around the same size as those, and therefore dry out at the same rate. Most mascaras can last me a good 6-8 months with cycled use — but anything in the smaller packaging only lasts about 2-3 months. So yea…I said all that (LOL!) just to say that they do dry out fast — or at least that’s my assumption.

I’m very curious to know if anyone else has tried these, but who might have purchased them directly from Sephora or the Urban Decay website — and if there are any differences/similarities in formula. I did get these from Hautelook, and it took about 2 weeks to ship..so, who knows. For now, I have to give these mascaras the following grade below. Who knows, this may change if I’m able to try a guaranteed fresh mascara and compare.

RATING

(a very hopeful C+ lol)

Availability: Urban Decay

Each Rock & Republic eyeshadow is $28 and weighs in at a good 0.11oz/3g, and is gorgeously tucked away into it’s signature metal case donning the super sexy R&R logo. There’s a little mirror inside of each eyeshadow compact, which is something you don’t get with most eyeshadows (but will find in a few high-end brands). You get double the amount of product as you would a MAC eyeshadow (which is 0.5oz/1.5g and $14.50). However, If you hurry, you can buy these babies at $14 $7 a piece (use code ROCKCOSMETICS to get the additional 50% off)…

Available in three finishes: matte, satin or shimmer

Long wearing, formulated for easy application

Richly pigmented

Fine jet-milled powder

Full range of shades

So I ordered 26 additional Rock & Republic eyeshadows, after being beyond pleased with the first 12 I purchased. I also ordered an additional color, Snakeskin, which should be here soon. When it arrives, I’ll update this post with a swatch.

Rock & Republic eyeshadow packaging

Rock & Republic eyeshadow packaging

Rock & Republic eyeshadow packaging

Rock & Republic eyeshadows

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
how I’m storing them as of now…

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Fade, Asphalt

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Corrosive, Jaded

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Emerge, Hangover

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Chain Link

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Love Rocks, Scorch

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Adrenaline, Privilege

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Femme

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Wicked, Revenge

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Provocative, Paranoid

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Fiend, Electric

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Brink

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Lost, Diffused

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Vintage, Sabotage

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
Veil, Carat

Rock & Republic eyeshadow swatches on nw43 skin
Fade, Asphalt, Corrosive, Jaded, Hangover

Rock & Republic eyeshadow swatches on nw43 skin
Corrosive, Jaded, Hangover, Emerge, Chain Link

Rock & Republic eyeshadow swatches on nw43 skin
Love Rocks, Scorch, Adrenaline, Privilege, Femme

Rock & Republic eyeshadow swatches on nw43 skin
Wicked, Revenge, Provocative, Paranoid, Fiend

Rock & Republic eyeshadow swatches on nw43 skin
Provocative, Paranoid, Fiend, Electric, Brink

Rock & Republic eyeshadow swatches on nw43 skin
Lost, Diffused, Vintage, Sabotage, Veil, Carat

Rock & Republic eyeshadows
wearing: Exile, Chronic, Ambition and Tribal

You can see 12 more Rock & Republic eyeshadow swatches here.

These are my favorite eyeshadows that I own, brand’wise. To me, they’re everything an eyeshadow should be — smooth, silky, richly pigmented, non-chalky, long-lasting, blendable, buildable, and beautiful. Rock & Republic totally nailed the formula, it’s gorgeous and these eyeshadows have the best texture. I really do love all of these, and feeling rather foolish after saying just last year, “Ehh, I don’t need anymore eyeshadows…I’m not interested in these at all”. Welp! That was a lie LOL!

Out of the 38 shades I have, here are my personal favorites:

• Exile
• Denim
• Ammo
• Alloy
• Chronic
• Tribal
• Hangover
• Brink
• Love Rocks
• Lost
• Diffused
• Sabotage
• Vintage
• Corrosive
• Scorch
• Ambition
• Privilege
• Fiend

A lot, I know…I do love them all but those are my top picks. There are a good 4 or 5 shadows that I didn’t buy yet, but will more than likely pick up soon. I think that you guys would truly love these eyeshadows if you haven’t already tried them. To pretty much have $21 taken off the $28 price is simply music to my wallet.

Hope this post was helpful to some of you Don’t forget to check out more swatches here.

-Stay beautiful

Availability: Rock & Republic

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Lashes mascara comes in a “gold” tube with a fat, spiky, rubberized wand that tapers on both ends to allow you get every lash on your inner and outer corners. You get 0.03fl oz. of product for around $8 or so, wherever L’Oreal products are sold.

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara – the wand

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara – the wand

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara – the wand

my bare, uncurled lashes

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara
-two coats

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara
-two coats

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara
-two coats

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara
-two coats

L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara
-two coats

extreme closeup of L’Oreal Voluminous Million Mascara
-two coats

PROS

• Inexpensive and easy to find
• Doesn’t irritate my sensitive eyes
• Great wand design allows you to get just about every lash
• Decent formula, smooth and not super clumpy
• Lengthened and volumized my lashes really nicely
• Really makes my lashes stand out and more noticeable, even behind my glasses
• Buildable up to 3 coats, so I can go for something subtle or really dramatic without risking a clumpy mess
• My lashes hold their shape with this mascara all day until I’m ready to remove it

CONS

• For me, after a good 8 hours this stuff can seriously flake
• Weird scent, as typical with most drugstore mascaras

OVERALL

I really like this mascara. Million Lashes is so easy for me to apply without making a huge mess on my eyelids or lower lashline, but then again it took me a while to nail proper mascara application lol. The only thing I really don’t like about this mascara is that when it eventually does start to flake, it’s not just one or two lil specks….it’s a whole mess of flakes. Thank goodness this only happens (to me) after a long day when I’m about to remove it anyway. It won’t flake that bad on me really, as long as I don’t touch my eye lol. I think it can flake on anyone sooner though, if you’re applying too much or if you happen to rub your eyes while this stuff is on your lashes. I think if L’Oreal can figure out how to make a less flaky formula, it would get higher marks from me. I know a lot of people who have used this mascara and have hated it, but your love for any given mascara depends greatly on the current condition of your lashes and your application technique. My mom has shorter lashes than me, so she hates just about every mascara that promises “length” — I mean, it can only do but so much if you already have super short lashes. My lashes aren’t super long either, but they’re slightly longer than hers and mine naturally curl while her’s are straight. I have always liked the L’Oreal “Voluminous” series of mascaras, I think it’s a solid drugstore brand overall. This actual mascara isn’t waterproof, so be careful if you’re emotional and prone to crying a lot. I’m not sure if they have a waterproof version, but it might be worth looking into.

Have you guys tried this?

RATING

Availability: Amazon, drugstores

*this post contains an affiliate link

Each Rock & Republic eyeshadow is $28 and weighs in at a good 0.11oz/3g, and is gorgeously tucked away into it’s signature metal case donning the super sexy R&R logo. There’s a little mirror inside of each eyeshadow compact, which is something you don’t get with most eyeshadows (but will find in a few high-end brands). You get double the amount of product as you would a MAC eyeshadow (which is 0.5oz/1.5g and $14.50). However, If you hurry, you can buy these babies at $14 $7 a piece (use code ROCKCOSMETICS to get the additional 50% off)…

Available in three finishes: matte, satin or shimmer

Long wearing, formulated for easy application

Richly pigmented

Fine jet-milled powder

Full range of shades

Just like their amazing blushes, the eyeshadows are insanely pigmented, lush and gorgeous. Do you know what this means? This means I want them all. Every single last one lol. I MUST HAVE THEM!!! If you could see the maniacal spaced-out yet serious look I’m giving you all right now

But no seriously, they’re beautiful eyeshadows and I’m kicking myself in the ass for not buying them sooner.

Rock & Republic Eyeshadows
l-r: Fatalistic, Denim, Ammo

Rock & Republic Eyeshadows
l-r: Fuel, Envy, Tribal

Rock & Republic Eyeshadows
l-r: Wrath, Spy, Exile

Rock & Republic Eyeshadows
l-r: Alloy, Ambition, Chronic

Rock & Republic Eyeshadow Swatches
l-r: Fatalistic, Denim, Ammo, Fuel

Rock & Republic Eyeshadow Swatches
l-r: Ammo, Fuel, Envy, Tribal

Rock & Republic Eyeshadow Swatches
l-r: Wrath, Spy, Exile, Alloy

Rock & Republic Eyeshadow Swatches
l-r: Exile, Alloy, Ambition, Chronic

All eyeshadows were swatched with a MAC 252 brush, using Lorac Behind the Scenes eye primer as a base. I’m gonna try my best to describe the colors and finish of each eyeshadow I have here…don’t laugh..

• Fatalistic – smokey matte charcoal black
• Denim – dark smokey matte blue
• Ammo – shimmery golden bronze
• Fuel – shimmery sunshine gold
• Envy – satin smokey green (similar to MAC’s Humid eyeshadow)
• Tribal – matte chocolate brown
• Wrath – shimmery rosy golden brown
• Spy – satin neutral nude
• Exile – shimmery golden taupe
• Alloy – shimmery rosy peach
• Ambition – shimmery light yellow gold (very similar to MAC’s vanilla pigment)
• Chronic – satin golden army green

So, should you buy these? Well, they’re on sale right now for just $14 $7 each…so my answer for you would be “Heck yes!”. Right now they’re $7.50 cheaper than a MAC eyeshadow and double the product, so they’re MORE than worth it. If you have room for these gorgeous little darlings then I think you’ll be pretty darn happy with your purchase. I will be buying the rest of them over the course of the sale, hopefully. If I don’t buy them all, I will definitely get a good amount lol. I’m completely sold on Rock & Republic, they’ve proven to be a phenomenal brand with incredible sales!

Check out 26 more Rock & Republic eyeshadow swatches!

-Stay beautiful

Availability: Rock & Republic (currently $14 $7 each if you use code ROCKCOSMETICS for an additional 50% off)

Just about everyone who helped me out on twitter and from the comments mentioned a brand called Oyin Handmade, so I decided to try their obviously beloved HoneyHemp conditioner. My hair is mostly 4a with random bits of 4b and little bits of 3c in the back (weird). My hair needs moisture year-round with a monthly shot of protein. Because of that, I decided to go with the 32oz. bottle and I’m seriously glad I did. The 32oz. bottle is also $32. Might be a bit steep for some of you, depends on your budget. I personally think it’s absolutely worth it. My thing is, if I can buy a $30 lipstick that will last me about 2 years max, I can spend that much on a conditioner that will make my hair awesome — and my hair will hopefully be with me for many, many years to come. If anything, I’d rather spend more on my hair than on some random lipgloss.

Anyhooburgers, here’s the low-down on this awesome conditioner directly from the Oyin website:

Oh, Honey. It’s a natural humectant… nature’s gift for glowing, supple hair. Ah, Hemp Oil. With an incredibly rich array of Fatty Acids to ensure well-nourished tresses. Oh! Ah! Oyin’s Honey-Hemp Conditioner! How could it possibly be improved? Perhaps by adding just the smallest touch of Silk Protein and an generous dollop of Aloe Vera Gel… just to take the succulence over the top. ;o)

A creamy rinse-out conditioner has been an often-requested product at Oyin. We are very proud of the Honey-Hemp Conditioner – a penetrating, silky blend enriched with aloe vera gel, hemp oil, honey, and hydrolyzed silk protein, it’s got nice detangling slip and serious moisturizing power. It rinses cleanly and also makes a nice pre-shampoo deep conditioning treatment. It can even be used as a creamy, nourishing leave-in!

HOW TO USE: Slather on. Hum a tune. (To use as a pre-shampoo deep treatment, insert an hour and/or a warm towel here.) Detangle. Rinse Out. Ah yeah.

This product is preserved with a paraben-free wide-spectrum cosmetic preservative. Honey Hemp Conditioner contains: purified water, organic aloe vera gel, behentremonium methosulfate (emulsifier derived from colza oil), honey, virgin hemp oil, , coconut oil, vegetable glycerine, hydrolized silk, citrus essences, fragrance, optiphen (preservative)

Please use within 3-6 months. Although we have tested this product to be safe to use when stored in a cool place up to one year, the fragrance begins to go funny before then, so please purchase in a quantity you can use in 6 months or less! ;o)

I’ve used this stuff in a number of ways, just to see how it would perform…

I’ve taken a salon spray-bottle, 1-2 tablespoons of Oyin’s HoneyHemp conditioner, water, few drizzles of my favorite oil and would spritz my hair once a day for a nice hydrating drink of water — loved it! I have also used as a deep-conditioning treatment with a hooded dryer — loved it! I’ve used as an overnight or 48hr leave-in — loved it! I’ve used as a traditional after shampoo conditioner, left it in for about 30min and rinsed out — loved it! Finally, I’ve used it as a co-wash — loved it!! My hair responds extremely well to this conditioner, it soaks it up like a sponge but also leaves it silky soft after rinsed out or used lightly as a leave in. The scent of the conditioner reminds me of the citrus’y Skittles (lemon, lime and orange flavors). It’s thick, creamy, has great slip and is awesome for detangling…it’s everything. I have a ton of different conditioners but nothing performs for my hair like this baby.

Oyin Handmade HoneyHemp Conditioner

Oyin Handmade HoneyHemp Conditioner

Oyin Handmade HoneyHemp Conditioner

Oyin Handmade HoneyHemp Conditioner
-it’s really thick!

Oyin Handmade HoneyHemp Conditioner
-not a runny conditioner at all

Just in case you’re curious as to what my hair looks like now, here’s a sneak peek below…my bangs are touching the top of my eyebrows, and I have a giant forehead sooo yea LMAO! I’ll post pictures of my full head once it’s at a length I’m comfortable with. I love my hair, I think it’s beautiful, but I’m still wearing protective styles (wigs/weaves/etc.) and giving it a rest so it can grow nice and thick by the summer of 2011 (hopefully).

I have a super tiny amount of Oyin’s HoneyHemp conditioner in my hair as a leave-in, sealed with a small dab of Vatika enriched coconut oil. My hair is fully dry here, and I just unraveled a tiny braid so you can see the texture.

OVERALL

I am beyond pleased with this conditioner. I want to put the bottle in a set of pajamas and let it sleep with me, it’s that serious. I don’t fall in love with many hair products because I’m usually too impatient to wait a month to see if a certain product will give me results. But this stuff delivered the very first time I used it. It seriously helped repair my hair by giving it the moisture it so desperately needed. It smells amazing, like a fresh citrus piece of candy, feels wonderful and is so moisturizing and hydrating for my mostly 4a hair. It’s products like this that make the whole “natural hair journey” thing worth it to me. I love it as a co-wash, leave-in, deep treatment, random burst of hydration — pretty much every kind of way I’ve used it, I love it.

I’ve been really taking a huge break from actual makeup while studying up on how to properly take care of my hair. I’ve been stalking a ton of natural hair blogs and youtube gurus to see what everyone is loving/hating and it’s been incredibly fun and exciting trying so many different products. I have sooo many products now and have tried almost all of them at some point, and will be reviewing them in the future. I will say this though, so far I am loving absolutely everything I’ve tried from the Oyin HandMade line…it’s an awesome brand. This stuff melts into my hair, softens it, detangles it, gives it great shine — I just love it. Thank you to everyone who suggested it to me, I am forever in your debt

RATING

Availability: Oyin HandMade, CurlMart

**In celebration of MLK Day, CurlMart is offering 17% off site-wide so take advantage!! Use code MLK17 Happy shopping!

Don’t get me wrong, I love Oprah and will possibly stan for her, but I promise that’s not the entire reason I bought this lol. Hope in a Jar has always been my absolute favorite moisturizer for the past 5 years, but I haven’t purchased a jar since last year. I saw this as a great opportunity to re-up! The 8oz. jar retails for $105 (shown below), the 4oz. is $60, and the 2oz. is $38. I’ve always purchased the 2oz. or 4oz. jars in the past, but I’m a big girl now so…I had to get the big kahuna

What it is:
A cult-favorite moisturizer that gently hydrates, exfoliates, and protects the skin.

What it is formulated to do:
Philosophy Hope in a Jar is a 99.9% oil-free, deeply hydrating, lightweight wonder designed to smooth the complexion while reducing the appearance of wrinkles and discoloration. Originally created for the medical market, this expert essential delivers soft, healthy, glowing results.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know:
This beloved formula contains antioxidants that protect skin against environmental damage and provides continuous exfoliation to keep roughness at bay. An infusion of yeast-derived beta glucan supports the skin’s natural defense system and improves repair capabilities.

“here’s to 25 seasons of hope, joy and love.
the oprah winfrey show will always be one of our favorite things”

Cute, festive box right?

My first time trying Hope in a Jar was out of sheer curiosity. I didn’t wanna drop a lot of money on something that I wasn’t sure was worth it at the time, so I went to Ebay and found a 2oz. jar for about $25. I used it, and I loved it! That little 2 ounce jar lasted me a good 4 or 5 months, so you know this 8oz jar may very well take me into the Fall of 2011. If you’re on the fence about this or any product, try a smaller size before buying a big tub of it. I really love that it’s not a heavy moisturizer — in fact, it’s pretty darn lightweight. It’s formulated for all skin-types, too. My combo/oily skin literally drinks it up and glows. This stuff may be lightweight, but it’s very hydrating. Hours after I apply it, my skin is still so soft and supple — never greasy. There is a soft scent to this moisturizer, I can’t quite put my finger on it but it’s not really a “perfume’y” scent…more like a “Oh, I can smell this and that ingredient” kinda scent. I have a very sensitive nose/sinus situation and I can’t take anything too heavily scented on my face — but this doesn’t irritate me at all. The scent also disappears soon after it’s absorbed.

After I wash my face, I tap my finger into the product until I get a “peak”, and I then dot areas of my face and gently massage in. My face wakes up and I look refreshed, love it! I really enjoyed all of the moisturizers I’ve used for the past year, but I feel so much better being reunited with my long lost love *holds it in the air and twirls around like an idiot*

QUICK NOTE: A lot of people think that if they have oily skin they shouldn’t wear a moisturizer. I’m not a doctor nor am I a professional, and I cannot really tell you which moisturizer to try…but I do know that for most people, whatever your skin issue may be — you should use a moisturizer. Apparently when you skip the moisturizer, your skin goes into overdrive trying to compensate for lack of hydration so you’re actually pumping out even more oil than usual. At least that’s what they say. Everyone’s skin issue is unique though, so whatever skin regimen someone else benefits from may not necessarily work for you

UMMM, RESHA WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??

As some of you know, my grandmother died on Sunday, Nov. 28th and I haven’t really been able to focus on a few things. I really miss her, and I’m so sad she spent the last few years of her life suffering, in and out of hospitals. However, I am very happy that she is out of her misery and doesn’t have to suffer anymore. So through the tears, I have to celebrate her life and appreciate her legacy — she’s one of the reasons I cook as much as I do now. That woman could throw down, ya’ll! Anyway, back to the beauty grind!

I have so much to catch up on. Email to respond to, clothes to unpack, worlds to save…the usual

-Stay beautiful

Availability: Philosophy, Sephora

*this post contains an affiliate link

The Alima Pure “Fairy Tale” collection is made up of two mini collections (“Happily Ever After” and “Once Upon A Time”), featuring beautiful colors perfect for the upcoming holiday season. The collections are $25 each, with $2 going to the Global Fund for Women — hooray for charitable proceeds! Here’s a bit about the company:

We are a small, independent mineral cosmetics company based in Portland, Oregon. We were the second cosmetics company in the US to receive the prestigious “Certified Natural Cosmetics” seal from the BDIH in Germany. Our foundation contains only four ingredients, and is perfect for sensitive skin. Our brushes are also ideal for sensitive skin, as they are all man-made bristles rather than animal hair, which can be irritating to some people.

“Happily Ever After” ($25) includes:

• Poison Apple – rosy blush with a peachy shimmer
• The End – almost-black eyeliner, sparked with diamond-like silver shimmer
• Magic Wand – magical, do-anything nude shimmer with multi-toned sparkle that can be worn on the eyes, cheeks or décolleté

“Once Upon A Time” ($25) includes:

• Enchanted Forest – soft taupe sprinkled with gold and silver shimmer
• Spun Gold – deep golden shade (this is GORGEOUS ya’ll!)
• Glass Slipper – soft silvery yellow
• Fairy Godmother – medium purple w/ generous serving of silver sparkled

Ingredients: Contains: Mica (CI 77019). May contain: Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499), Ferric Ferrocyanide (CI 77510).

Photos and swatches for ya!

Alima Pure: Happily Ever After
l-r: Spun Gold, Glass Slipper, Enchanted Forest, Fairy Godmother

Alima Pure: Happily Ever After
l-r: Poison Apple, Magic Wand, The End

Alima Pure: Once Upon A Time
l-r: Poison Apple, Magic Wand, The End

Alima Pure: Once Upon A Time
l-r: Spun Gold, Glass Slipper, Enchanted Forest, Fairy Godmother

Dude, their friggin foundations only have FOUR ingredients?? I can barely make a sandwich with just four ingredients, so you know I’m intrigued lol. Okay that’s a whole ‘nother post, lemme stick to the subject at hand. I found the shadows to be very soft and smooth, and their intensity will heighten the more you pack the color on. The colors in this collection are very holiday friendly, nothing is too scary or too bold — making it perfect for those of you who are still a bit makeup shy.

PROS

• Affordable, all things considered
• Beautiful colors
• Richly pigmented, yet very buildable (can also be sheered out)
• Smooth formula, the powder is very buttery and soft
• Minimal ingredients, perfect for those with sensitive skin
• Blendable
• Versatile (can be used wet)

CONS

• Loose powders will always be messy
• Might be difficult to use if you don’t have decent brushes/tools

OVERALL

I really love these products. I may be biased because I love mineral makeup anyway, but not every mineral is created equal. I’ve had a few crappy experiences with a few other companies I won’t mention, but I love Alima so far. The fact that their products contain so few ingredients is a huge plus because a lot of people are allergic to bismuth, talc, parabens, etc. Just goes to show that you don’t need all that extra stuff to have a beautiful product. These products would go great with your collection if you’re looking for gentle makeup solutions — as well cool stocking stuffers I love that the eyeshadows don’t feel scratchy, gritty or cheap. Instead they’re soft, smooth and very buildable. You can sheer them out or really pack them on — it’s up to you. If you love mineral makeup as much as I do, give Alima Pure a try. I’m definitely ordering more from the line very soon, itching to try those foundations

RATING

Availability: Alima Pure

*this post contains a product sample sent for consideration

Here’s what I picked up..

• Torrid – beautiful shimmery coral
• Amour – peachy pink
• Lovejoy – shimmering bronzed rose

NARS blushes – Lovejoy, Amour, Torrid

NARS blushes

NARS blushes – Lovejoy, Amour

NARS blushes – Amour, Torrid

NARS Torrid blush

NARS Amour blush

NARS Lovejoy blush

NARS blush swatches
l-r: Lovejoy, Amour, Torrid

NARS blush swatches
l-r: Lovejoy, Amour, Torrid

I looove these colors, but then again I don’t really have a NARS blush that I don’t like. Lovejoy is very natural looking on my face, though not easy to photograph when I’m actually wearing it. It’s very close to my skintone when blended out, but give a really nice bronzey-rose tint. It’s a great everyday blush for the NC40-NC45 range. Amour is a pinkier blush than Torrid, but both are really pretty when worn. If you’re into corals, try Torrid.

MAC LOVEJOY vs. NARS LOVEJOY

So both MAC and NARS have blushes called “Lovejoy”, and to be completely honest they are extremely similar. Both blushes run in the same family but there are very subtle color differences.

MAC Lovejoy vs. NARS Lovejoy

MAC Lovejoy vs. NARS Lovejoy swatches

MAC Lovejoy vs. NARS Lovejoy swatches

MAC Lovejoy vs. NARS Lovejoy swatches

MAC Lovejoy vs. NARS Lovejoy swatches

As you can see, they are very similar but just a tad different color-wise — NARS is rosier than MAC, which is more bronze. The MAC blush will run you $21 for 0.11oz of product, and the NARS will run you $26 for 0.16oz of product.

• MAC Lovejoy – bronzier, more pigmented, softer, has a bit more shimmer, will show up better on darker skintones versus NARS Lovejoy — yet it works for all skintones.
• NARS Lovejoy – rosier, finer in texture, more subtle than MAC Lovejoy, will show up better for lighter to medium-dark skin tones.

WELL DANG, WHICH ONE SHOULD I BUY?

While I can’t answer that for you, because everyone’s tastes are different…I personally like the MAC version of Lovejoy more than the NARS. I have to really get the NARS Lovejoy to show up on me, while the MAC one requires very little effort. If you’re lighter than me, either one will show up on you. If you’re darker than me, I’d say try the MAC version over the NARS.

Hope that helps you lovely little boogers <3

-Stay beautiful

Availability: Sephora, MAC

YSL Rouge Volupte’s were the ones I tried to talk myself out of ever considering to buy. I was like “Oh no ma’am, I will not!” but who are we kidding? Do those lovely makeup restrictions ever work for long? Not for me. But as I kinda danced around earlier, Sephora only does this once a year so screw it — 20% off is better than 0% lol.

ROUGE VOLUPTÉ
Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15
What it is:
An extremely smooth and creamy lipstick with a formula that transforms into a fluid veil of radiant color when it touches the lips.

What it does:
One of these Yves Saint Laurent ROUGE VOLUPTÉ Silky Sensual Radiant Lipstick SPF 15 is sure to be your new signature color: they’re sensual, radiant, and strong. With shades that drench the lips with densely pigmented color and a unique color-shine complex, lips are visibly smoothed, plumped, and radiant with luminous satin color.

What else you need to know:
It’s made with a long-lasting and highly comfortable formula that contains SPF 15.

Size: 0.12 oz

The two colors I have are Red Taboo, which is described as a true blue red — and it is, but it’s not the bluest red I’ve seen (MAC Ruby Woo still wins that category as far as my stash goes). Then there’s Exquisite Plum, which is described as a deep rich plum. Both shades are very pretty and perfect for Fall!

Let’s check out a few photos shall we?

YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum

YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum

YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum

YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks

YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks

YSL Rouge Volupte lipsticks – mirror on top of each tube

YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum

YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum

YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum

wearing YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick #18 Red Taboo

wearing YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick #18 Red Taboo

wearing YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick #22 Exquisite Plum

wearing YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick #22 Exquisite Plum

YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum

YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick swatches
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum (w/o flash)

YSL Rouge Volupte lipstick swatches
l-r: #18 Red Taboo, #22 Exquisite Plum (w/ flash)

I have a few other YSL lipsticks, but these are my first two from the Volupte line. They’re expensive, but you should expect that seeing as how they’re YSL The formula is really smooth and creamy with a nice slip — the slip reminds me of NYX’s round lipsticks but without that cheap plastic scent. I wore Exquisite Plum for about 4 hours before it started to fade to the point of reapplication. It left me with a nice flushed stain and semi-hydrated lips. My lips weren’t totally dried out, but they weren’t as lush prior to putting this stuff on of course. I’d still say they’re hydrating because they don’t dry to a thick pasty flaky mess like most lipsticks. I love the packaging and I love the little mirror on the top of the lipstick cap — which would honestly allow you to just throw this into a clutch or your pocket and reapply without having to worry if it’s properly on your lips.

OVERALL

Overall, I absolutely LOVE these lipsticks. They feel amazing, they’re long-wearing, and they’re hydrating. I can’t wait to try a few other shades. Do I recommend these? Only if you’re looking to splurge on a nice luxury lipstick. These are by no means “must have’s” for the average cosmetic buyer, but they’re more than likely “must have’s” for those used to spending this kinda cash on a single item. I love cosmetics — from the low/drugstore stuff to the mid-high end stuff to the luxury stuff. I’m at a place where I can sometimes spend a little more to spoil myself and not feel guilty about it. Don’t think you have to buy all this expensive stuff to have a nice solid collection, because you don’t…cuz Lord knows some of my favorite lipsticks cost less than $10

RATING

Availability: Sephora

There are 15 total shades. Each gloss has 3.5ml/0.11 fl oz. of lip smacking product for $26 a pop. However, if you are lucky enough to catch the 50% off sale then you’re only gonna pay…$13 — we call that a win!

They’re described as…

* Ultra high gloss finish
* Vitamin A for skin cell renewal
* Vitamin E for conditioning
* Perfect consistency and texture
* Can be layered to be sheer or bold

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Glosses

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Glosses

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Glosses – the handle

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Glosses – the wand

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss – Tyrant

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss – Loudmouth

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss – Sexy Beast

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss – Cougar

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss – Hot Sauce

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss – Mistress

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss Swatches
l-r: Loudmouth, Tyrant, Sexy Beast, Hot Sauce, Cougar

Rock & Republic Luxe Lip Gloss Swatches – Mistress

Rock & Republic’s lip glosses are different from any product I own. They almost feel like a liquid lipstick but aren’t anywhere near as drying as your typical liquid lipstick. The product feels great on, and they’re nicely pigmented and opaque. I really love that the doe-foot applicator wand doesn’t soak up too much product, so you’re not slathering too much gloss on your lips. All of these colors here are very women-of-color friendly (if you’re not a chicken ), but they’d look amazing on anyone. I’m gonna try my best to describe the colors here:

• Mistress – golden rose with shimmer
• Loudmouth – creamy muted bubble-gum pink
• Tyrant – creamy reddish brown
• Sexy Beast – golden deeper rose with shimmer
• Hot Sauce – golden peach/tangerine with shimmer
• Cougar – creamy neutral red

You can sheer them out or build them up. Most of the colors (as I’m typing this) are gone but they should restock soon — at least they usually do during these sales. At this very second, Cougar is my favorite — being the red lip fanatic that I am. That lil baby is FIERCE! I love them all though, they’re fabulous — don’t sleep!

I’ll post lip swatches soon, I just wanted to hurry and get this up while I had a few minutes — I am SLAMMED at work. I don’t really have time to do anything but work/sleep/repeat!

-Stay beautiful

Availability: Rock & Republic (use code: ROCKCOSMETICS for 50% off)