MakeupMaiWorld invites you into Maile's world and asks you to embrace your imperfections and highlight the beauty that shines from within you. Nobody is perfect but everyone can be their perfectly imperfect selves. You can't be the person you want to be and stay the same.
A couple of weeks ago I had stopped by my local Ulta for a new foundation (click here to see that Ulta Haul) and saw that Too Face had released a few special holiday items. One in particular really caught my eye but unfortunately both Ulta's by my home were sold out. :-(
Fortunately enough for me I have a best friend who ran out to her local Ulta and of course they had it in stock. So into a priority envelope it went and I received it into my eager little hands today.
I was so happy to open the package and see all of the pieces included. Not only do you receive a eye shadow palette with 12 beautifully shimmery shadows, but you also receive a gold clutch and a deluxe sample size of the Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara...all for $39.00.
Let's start with the deluxe sample size of the Better Than Sex Mascara.
Too Face claims... Too Faced Hourglass-Shaped Brush was designed after discovering the bust-waist-hip ratio of an iconic silver screen Blonde Bombshell held the secret to the perfect brush silhouette that separates, coats and curls each lash to voluptuous perfection. One coat of the carbon black, collagen-fueled formula and lashes are full, defined and stretched to unbelievable lengths. Two coats and lashes are even more luscious, curled and dramatic. Three coats and achieve the most intense black, oversized, multidimensional lashes possible! A mascara so amazing...it's Better Than Sex!
Product Highlights:
1,944% more volume*
100% saw longer lashes**
100% saw dramatic volume**
93% saw base-to-tip curl**
8 out of 10 say it's the best mascara they've ever used**
*results observed in a clinical study. **results observed in a consumer study.
I did try this mascara and find that it does increase the volume definitely amps up when I apply two coats. However, I didn't see that the curl really hold throughout the day. I believe it's because the mascara is not a waterproof formula which tends to hold my stick straight lashes in a curl better. I will continue to use this product and see if using different eyelash curlers will help. The second item is the gold clutch...
It's a standard makeup bag style clutch. It's so beautifully glittery and a great size if you wanted to use it for makeup or a night out. The thing I do love about it is that the "glitter" is that is doesn't flake off. The material that the bag is made of is smooth and shiny. It's definitely something you can carry with you and not worry about snagging it on your clothes...It's just a nice little bonus. So now for the main event....THE PALETTE!
There are so many options with this palette. First off there are 12 shadows total, of them there are 5 matte shadows and 8 shimmer shadows. When I swatched the shadows I found that the matte colors are very pigments and do have a bit of fall out when applying it to my skin. However, this is typical of matte shadows and I'm going to wait and see how they perform with a brush before I make any decisions whether I truly like the matte shadows as much as I do today. As for the shimmer shadows...I'm really impressed at their texture and pigmentation. I can see working these shadows into my looks for upcoming holiday parties. Overall I believe this is a great value for the money. I have been shopping for many holiday sets in the past couple of weeks and for the amount of product and the quality of product you get I am impressed. Whether or not I will stay impressed is yet to be determined....Stay Tuned. To see my first impression and review of this product when I opened it please watch the video below.
For some reason I have a really hard time sticking to only the one or two things I need when I'm shopping. I mean I begin my shopping excursion with the best of intentions but then I see this shiny thing or that just out on the market product and the next thing I know I'm checking out with five extra items I really feel I need...well at the time at least Last week's shopping experience at Sephora.com was no different. I went onto the site to look at the new holiday gift sets that are slowly making there way onto the market and I came across one from Kat Von D...but that's for another blog. This blog is focusing on the Kat Von D item I wasn't intending on buying but am so extremely glad that I did. It's the Chrysalis Eyeshadow Palette.
When I looked at the palette I thought to myself that those are all of the colors I use on a regular basis all wrapped up into one beautifully packaged product. I needed to order it and get my hands on it immediately. So into my shopping cart it went.
When it arrived the other day I was so impressed with the weight and feel of the palette's packaging. It is a substantial palette and feels as though it would not be easily bend or damaged when travelling with it. However this palette it very light weight even though you are receiving a large mirror, 3 highlight texture bases and 9 eye shadows.
According to the Sephora website this palette:
What
it does:
From
subtle to sultry, experience a rebirth of color and explore endless eye looks
with the Chrysalis Eyeshadow Palette. Featuring cool-toned shades in an
ingenious arrangement that gives you the biggest basics and the most accent
hues, now you'll have the freedom to create your heart out without running out
of the go-to colors. Relish in the luxurious texture of triple-milled powder,
which picks up instantly and lays down with a one-sweep, full-coverage
application. The patented Power Last™, long-wearing formula gives you
buildable, from dawn-to-dusk drama, while an infusion of antioxidants including
rose extract and vitamins A, C, and E all work to keep your eyelids hydrated
and protected.
After trying out this array of shadows I must say that the claims on the website actually hold true. These shadows are HIGHLY pigmented and have a soft and creamy feel. When I swatched the colors below I was surprised as they transferred to my skin very true to the colors viewed in the palette. Given that there are really no two shades alike I believe I will get a lot of use out of this palette. First let's discuss the three textural base shadows included at the top
. These three bases highlights are very different. Lifelike gives you a creamy neutral color with matte finish. Lunar Lights gives off more of a taupe glittery color with a metallic satin finish. Lucid gives off a soft pink color with a shimmery finish. As for the eye shadow shades I found very little fall out and very true colors with a lot of depth and dimension. They are a good mixture of matte, satin and liquid metallic finishes all from a powder shadow.
From left to right...Lifelike, Lunar Lights, Lucid, Hybrid Moments, Mezzanine, Transition, Glasswing, Melancholia, Black Milk, Graphic Nature, Entombed and Tornay.
I will be putting together a few makeup looks using this palette and will post a tutorial or two on my YouTube Channel MakeupMaiWorld.
If you would like to see first hand my impression and review of this palette please watch the video below.
After trolling the internet for this year's Halloween costume I stumbled across this cute and flirty broken doll costume.
I found the costume on BuyCostumes.com. Here is what the website had to say:
You don’t need to wind yourself up to get moving.
Everyone will want to play with you in this Broken Doll Costume, complete with a dress with detachable bow, shrug, leggings, half mask and hat.
Black and purple dress makes you look like an absolute doll. Feel youthful with the plaid pattern. Button appliques add a nice touch to the dress. This dress features a large detachable purple bow for a feminine style.
Matching shrug sure makes this costume look authentic. Sheer, puffy sleeves transition into long sleeves that resemble cracked white arms. Purple back presents itself as if it were part of the actual dress.
Cropped leggings match the sleeves so you look like a broken doll. Cracked details won’t stop you from feeling young and alive.
You’ve got the body looking like a broken doll, what about the head? This costume includes a half mask to look more broken in the face. Add the matching plaid hat for a so everyone belts, “Hello, Dolly!”
Life’s better in costume! Check out BuyCostumes for a plethora of costumes for kids and adults of all ages.
Includes: dress with detachable bow, shrug, leggings, half mask and hat.
Does not include: wig, petticoat or shoes.
Everything included above cost $49.99. Which thrilled me since I really didn't need to buy anything else.
The mask half mask that came with the costume was a bit of a disappointment since the strings that hold it onto the face would completely show and couldn't really be hidden under the hair. But that was alright since it gave me the opportunity to create this look.
If you do decide to give this look a try please send me a picture of the final product. I'd love to see how it turned out. Please email these pictures to makeupmaiworld@gmail.com.
Straight from Mount Olympus Here are your Ingredients: Foundation: Makeup Forever Matte Velvet + in shade 060 Face Paint: Ben Nye - in shade white Powder: It Cosmetics - Bye Bye Pores Micro HD Powder Bronzer: The Balm Cosmetics - Bahama Mama Bronzer Powder Blush: The Balm Cosmetics - Cabana Boy Blush Cream Blush: Urban Decay - Afterglow Glide-on Cheek Tint in shade Quickie Normal Brow: Anastasia Beverly Hills - Brow Dip - in shade Chocolate Doll Brow: Milani Brow Palette - in shade Dark Brown Eye Primer: LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer Eye Shadow: NYX Matte Eyeshadow - in shade Dance the Tides (Crease Transition) Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette - in shade Marzipan (Lid) Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette - in shade Semi-Sweet (Crease) Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette - in shade Triple Fudge (Outer Corner) Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette - in shade Triple Fudge (Lower Lash Line) Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette - in shade White Chocolate (Brow Highlight) Mascara: Maybelline Colossal Volume Express - in shade Black Eyeliners: Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - in shade Perversion (Upper Lash Line) Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in shade Zero (First outline of the cracked mask) Napoleon Perdis Eyeliner in shade Chocolate Mousse (Second outline of the cracked mask) Maybelline Line Stiletto Eyeliner in shade Blackest Black (Third outline of the cracked mask) Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eyeliner in shade Blackest Black (Random Cracks) Lashes: Fright Night - Spellbound Normal Lip Pencil: Colour Pop - in shade Bossy Normal Lip Color: Colour Pop - in shade Bossy Doll Lip Color: L'Oreal leMatte Colour Riche - in shade She's so Matte Doll Lip Color: Revlon Ultra HD Lip Lacquer - in shade Tourmaline Watch the video below to see how I achieved this childlike look...
So last Friday I went on a mini shopping spree at Ulta with the intention of buying a new foundation. I did in fact find the foundation I was looking for and had a chance to try it out over the past week. Here are my findings:
Foundation: Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme ($44) Company Claims: Ideal for any skin type, this formula contains a balance of 21 percent pure pigment and 22 percent water, which work in synergy to completely conceal imperfections, redness hyperpigmentation, and uneven texture in a weightless cream. This foundation is also free of parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol and fragrance.
Packaging: I was truly impressed with the packaging. The container is made of plastic and resembles a travel size hair spray canister. The bottle held 1.01 fl Oz of product. The packaging feature I enjoyed most is how the product is dispensed. This foundation has a pump dispenser (pictured below) and this earned the product major points with me. The pump allows control over how much product is dispensed in a sanitary way. I hate when I have a glass bottle that has to be tipped to its side in order to pour out the foundation and then too much product comes out that can't be returned to the bottle since it would be unsanitary. Also you don't live in fear that you might accidentally knock over the bottle and splash foundation all over the walls and floor. Becca really paid attention to the details when designing the packaging for this product.
First Impression: When applying the foundation I found that it requires prep with a good moisturizer and primer. If you do not have these you will not have the right amount of slip to the skin for application. This foundation is tacky to the touch and does not dry overly fast. The foundation does blend well and it did not go on streaky or unevenly. The Finish: This foundation is thick and you would expect for the finish to be completely matte given the formula's texture but instead of drying completely matte the skin has a light satin finish. It didn't look oily or shiny with the first application. Lasting Power: I put this foundation on at 10:21 am and topped it with the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Micro HD Powder and my skin looked flawless. I was really surprised that a foundation that felt like it wasn't going to apply well, actually did and it didn't settle into my fine lines and wrinkles. I completely forgot that I was wearing makeup that day and had to keep reminding myself not to touch my face. After almost four hours I checked on the foundation again and found that the finish was still fairly matte. I did note some oil peeking through on my nose area but it was not enough to look truly shiny or greasy. I check in again four hours later and found that yes I was a bit shiny but not in an unattractive way and that the foundation had held up all day. This review took place on a relatively warm Southern California day and I ran many errands which had me walking for most of the day. With all of that activity I was really impressed that at the end of the day it appeared as though I could use some blotting paper and my face would look good as new. I did not notice any dry spots where they normally show up on my face and I found that my blush and bronzer stayed true to color all day long without oxidation. Final Thoughts: I give this foundation high marks for consistency and longevity. The packaging is beautiful, convenient and well put together. The wear of this foundation rivals many full coverage matte foundations like Makeup Forever Matte Velvet + and Kat Von D Tatoo Foundation. This product did not oxidize and stayed very true to color. The number of shades available gives many people a chance to find a match without mixing to bottles. The price is a bit much in my opinion and would like to see the price come down to be comparable to other high end foundations.
The second product I reviewed was a new loose translucent face powder. Powder: It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Micro HD Powder. ($24)
Company Claims: Bye Bye Pores HD Micro Finishing Powder is the perfect setting powder and all over face finishing powder. This powder is infused with hydro collagen to smooth lines, luxurious silk for a poreless finish, and vitamin K to help reduce discoloration. It also contains anti-aging anti-oxidants Vitamins A, C, and E to help ward off free radicals throughout the day. This translucent formula works on most skin tones. Talc, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalate free. Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. Packaging: The powder is housed in a typical loose powder sifter jar. The lid is rubberized and makes it easier to open the container. However that is were my happiness ends with this powder's packaging. I tipped the jar on its side to try to get a little powder into the lid so I can powder my face and when I opened the lid I found that a full tablespoon of product had gathered in the lid. I was so disappointed that the powder was floating everywhere, the outside of the jar was now powdery and the jar threads were caked with powder as well. In order to clean up the mess I ended up losing product. If only the holes on the sifter were a bit smaller I wouldn't have had the issue I encountered. First Impression: The powder is very silky and finely milled. It had no smell to it and when applied to the face slid on easily. I used a large powder brush to apply this product and simply pressed the product in where it was needed. Primarily my t-zone. The initial application blurred out my imperfections, minimized my large pores and took away all shine. I was very happy with the powder. The Finish: The powder eliminated all shine and oily spots on my face and left it with a matte finish. I knew this would work out best for me because as my face got oilier throughout the day this powder would absorb it and in combination provide a more skin like finish. It really did look like my actual skin and not a heavy layer of product. Lasting Power: This powder lasted nearly all day. On a regular day I probably would have need to touch up at least once during that day. However even without touching up I found that my face looked soft and basically shine free most of the day. Final Thoughts: This powder is going to be my new go to setting powder. I believe I have figured out how to dispense the product without wasting it...I hope. The long wearing power and finish of this product exceeds my expectations. I believe the combination of the Becca Foundation and the Bye Bye Pores Powder is nearly bullet proof. I will continue to use it going forward and if I come across any challenges I will report back here.
First application of both Becca Foundation and Bye Bye Pores Powder
For details on the application of these products and my reactions please watch the video below:
What happens when you go to a Ulta store in search of a new foundation? You guessed it...a Haul! I swore that I only had the Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme in my basket and the rest of the stuff jumped in on it's own...well...maybe. So here are the results of the Ulta foundation trip and pictures of the lonely products that couldn't be left behind.
So first let's start with the reason I went to Ulta. I had seen many reviews on this foundation and was wondering if whether it would work with my skin right now. I've been having issues with extreme dry patches combined with an oily t-zone. I didn't want a foundation that was going to suck all of the moisture out of my face and at the same time I didn't want it leaving me looking like I stuck my face into a pan of grease. Supposedly this foundation is supposed to be able to do both.
There are many shades from which to choose and I was stuck between Tan and Bamboo. I decided to try Tan since we are going into the winter season soon enough and I am going to lose some of my color.
I must say I was really happy with the packaging and how light weight the container is. You get the standard 1 fl. Oz. of product and because this foundation is contained within a light plastic container it will be very easy to travel with.
The next plus is that the foundation is dispensed by a pump.
This really makes me smile considering it will save me the mess of having to pour the foundation onto the back of my hand and it also allows me to really control how much product I'm putting out. That means that I will have less waste in both product and the tissues used to clean up product from the back of my hand. I have been using this product now for a few days and I must say it appears to be living up to the hype. I will put out a full review once I've thoroughly tested it out. So here is one of the first products to take asylum in my shopping cart (I really was just trying to find them a good home...mine) :-)
This is the It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Anti-Aging Micro Powder. I have been looking to change my setting powder since I currently switch between the Tarte Smooth Operator translucent powder and the Ben Nye Banana Luxury Powder. Both are good products but I felt as though both were leaving my pores looking large and obvious. So when I had read the reviews on this powder I was intrigued.
Here is what It Cosmetics has to say about their product: Bye Bye Pores HD Micro Finishing Powder is the perfect setting powder and all over face finishing powder. This powder is infused with hydro collagen to smooth lines, luxurious silk for a poreless finish, and vitamin K to help reduce discoloration. It also contains anti-aging anti-oxidants Vitamins A, C, and E to help ward off free radicals throughout the day. This translucent formula works on most skin tones. Talc, paraben, sulfate, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrance, and phthalate free. Hypo-allergenic and non-comedogenic. I have tried out this powder for a few days and I must say it is finely milled and blurs out my large pores beautifully. My only complaint about the product would have to be it's packaging. The powder puff that comes with it really is not large enough and won't stand up to the multiple washes it would take to utilize it in a sanitary way. Also, when attempted to shake out some product into the lid I ended up with a small mountain of product. I was so disappointed that so much came out at once and that the sifter holes were so big to allow that. Since that mistake I have since taken to laving the cap on the product and simply shaking it from side to side without turning it over and I can get enough product to work with. It was sad to have lost so much product on the first day.The next items that hitchhiked home with me were the NYX Matte Lipstick in Alabama and the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam.
I have used both of these products before in different shades so I know that the feel of these on the lips would not be drying and that the color payout should be solid. I was not disappointed. Let's start with the Matte Lipstick in Alabama.
As you can see above the color is a true red and to me it appears to have a bit of a blue undertone to it. This color swatches very true to the tube color and has a creamy consistency. Since this is a true matte lipstick the staying power should be good. I'll let you know in a future blog if that is not the case.
The second NYX product is the Soft Matte Lip Cream in Amsterdam.
This lip product comes in a standard gloss container but is an opaque lip color. As you can see above it has a doe foot applicator and it comfortably smooths on the product evenly.
This lip cream has a thick consistency and although it glides on with a liquidy feeling, this lip product dries to a soft matte finish in a few seconds. I have used this product line before and the staying power is good and only requires touch up after meals. The last product that jumped into by Ulta basket is this brush by It Cosmetics for Ulta.
This is the It Cosmetics Blending Concealer Brush #203. According to the display this brush can assist in blending cream, liquid and powder concealers. As you can see below this is a densely packed yet fluffy blending brush.
My hope is that I can use this brush to apply my under eye concealer products and it will assist in preventing the products build up in my fine lines. We will see if it lives up to its claims... Here is the tally for my Ulta shopping excursion: Becca Ultimate Coverage Complexion Creme - $44.00 It Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Anti-Aging Powder - $24.00 NYX Matte Lip Stick - Alabama - $4.49 (Buy 1 Get 1 50% off. Reg.$5.99) NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - Amsterdam - $4.49 (Buy 1 Get 1 50% off Reg.$5.99) It Brushes for Ulta - Blending Concealer Brush - #203 - $22.00 Grand Total: $98.98 (Before California Sales Tax) So in order to get out of the Ulta parking lot you are "forced" to drive by a brand new Marshalls. This is completely unfair as I am unable to resist the calling of a newly opened store. Because of this my car parked itself and I was drawn into the store. Here are my impromptu Marshalls purchases: First we have to have a snack...I found this Almond Pops with blueberries by 180 snacks.
I am always looks for quick and healthy snacks to munch on and these caught my eye since I had similar snacks when visiting my best friend a few weeks ago. After speaking with her we found that these are actually made by the same company as the variety she found but rather than blueberries, her bag contained cranberries.
When I tried this out on video I was really surprised. They smell like a blueberry muffin when you open the bag and when you taste them they are actually really good. Most rice based snacks are dry and many do not have any flavor. But the combination of the rice, almonds and blueberries made for a really tasty treat.
As you can see above they are a great healthy snack. But be careful with these...since they are in a large bag it is really easy to consume a few servings very quickly. I would recommend filling smaller snack bags with 2/3 cup servings and tossing one in your bag for when that sweet tooth hits.
The next items I bought were for both my best friend and I. Being a beauty junkie, I had to stop by the Marshalls beauty displays and there I found these two beauties...
I couldn't believe that there were two really cute monogrammed styling tool heat resistant pouches and they had both mine and my best friends initials on it. What are the odds? I love these heat resistant pouches and they enable you to throw hot styling tools into your bags just after usage and they protect the other items in your bag from being affected by the heat.
These are two good size pouches and as shown above, have a Velcro closure. On the back of each pouch is a pocket to hold the cord from your styling tool. I can't believe I lucked out and found such a useful item in a cute pattern and with our initials on it. I hope my bestie like it.
The next thing I bought was really driven by the title on imprinted on it.
This simple little journal could not be left behind given the message written on its front. I live and die by writing out my plans, making lists and ideas. I like to keep a organized as possible these journal type notebooks really come in handy. I carry one with me at all times and am forever jotting down ideas for my next video or products that I really want to try or just drawing out the next makeup look I've dreamt up. This little guy will be filled up in no time.
The last item I bought brought to an end a very long search. For the past year I have been looking for a comfortable, stylish and black pair of knee high boots. I have a very difficult time finding boots as I have very muscular calves and rarely can I find a boot that will fit over them. Much to my delight I found these lovelies:
I finally found a pair of black flat boots and have a stretchy fabric on the back end that allowed the boot to hug my ankle and calf. So rather than make my leg look thicker it really extenuates its shape.
The boots have these tiny button going up the outer side of the boot shaft which give the boots a little something special. When I tried these on they felt super comfy and I know they'll be a wardrobe staple during the fall and winter seasons.
Here is the damage done at Marshalls:
180 Snacks - Almond Pops with Blueberries - $7.99
Monogrammed Heat Resistant Styling Tool Pouch - $6.99 X 2
"Plans for World Dominiation" Journal - $4.99
Tahari - Brady Knee High Boots - $69.00
Grand Total: $95.96 (Before California Sales Tax)
To see these boots in action and for more about this haul please watch my video. Enjoy!
Keeping with the Halloween spirit I decided to throw on my ivy crown and toga...So of course I needed a dramatic makeup look to go with my Greek Goddess costume. This look was completely inspired by the lashes I found at Rite Aid. These lashes are made by Fright Night and include an upper and lower lash set. They do include their own adhesive but I used my my standard Revlon Lash Glue to apply these. They are a fairly stiff false lash set and do need to be trimmed a bit from my small eyes. When applying the lashes start with the bottom set since they do not have as much wiggle room and when you apply the upper lashes you have more control over where the outer tail sits so the jewels are noticeable.
The eye shadow look needed to be able to stand up to the dramatic lashes so I took two vivid blue hues and balanced them out with a black cut crease. I figured that an elongated exotic eye would fit with my temporary regal status. So whether you are looking to dress as Aphrodite or Hera you can definitely take this eye look and make it your own.
If you do decide to give this look a try please send me a picture of the final product. I'd love to see how it turned out. Please email these pictures to makeupmaiworld@gmail.com.
Straight from Mount Olympus Here are your Ingredients: Foundation: Makeup Forever Matte Velvet + in shade 060. Powder: Tart Smooth Operator Bronzer: The Balm Cosmetics - Bahama Mama Bronzer Blush: The Balm Cosmetics - Cabana Boy Blush Highlighter: The Balm Cosmetics - Mary-Lou Manizer Brows: Anastasia Beverly Hills - Brow Dip - in shade Chocolate Eye Primer: LORAC Behind the Scenes Eye Primer Eye Base: NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - in shade Milk (Lid)
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil - in shade Electric Blue (Lower Lash Line) L'oreal Silkissime - in shade Black (Lower Lash Line) Eye Shadow: Inglot Pearl Eye Shadow - in shade 415 (All over Lid and blended into and just above the crease) Urban Decay Eye Shadow - in shade Haight (transition color above crease to brow) Lorac Pro Palette - in shade White (Brow Highlight) Mascara: Maybelline Colossal Volume Express - in shade Black Eyeliner: Urban Decay 24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner - in shade Perversion Lashes: Fright Night - Cleopatra Lip Pencil: LORAC Nude Lip Pencil Lip Color: NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream - in shade Antwerp Watch the video below to see how I achieved this other worldly look...
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