even more on my face

 

 okay so I'm still make up binging...so far I can comment on almost all of these products with more to be reviewed on the way (including some pictured here that I haven't tried yet).

Starting from the very top:

Wet n' Wild metallic gloss: I don't know how exclusive these are, but I found them at Walgreens and it's not exactly worth checking for. The wash of translucent shimmery gloss is slightly above generic or at least more than what I expected from the brand. "Chrysanthemum's the word" is the color I got, it's a cute Bratz Doll pink against my skin tone.

I tried Jordana for the first time and I was pleasantly surprised. These matte lippies have a crayon-like texture that at first comes off kind of cheap, but then substantial as the opacity is there and the longevity of the color is comparable to more expensive brands. I got "matte me pretty" and "popular"; one makes me look like a Barbie doll the other a crackhead. I love both.

Estée Lauder is another brand I've never tried, this "steely lilac" eye shadow is 10/10 I love using it as an all over the eye look, it makes me feel like a goddess.

Moving on to yet another brand that's new to me Smashbox basically knocked my socks off with this matte lipstick in "first time matte". The formula is so luxe I feel like it upgrades my entire face.

I was interested in dabbling in bright pink lips for the summer and due to Stila "patina" being legit on of the best matte liquid lipsticks out there I figured I would try their stay all day formula, which has been out for a while now. Unfortunately "amalfi" had to be returned as the formula just did work for me at all despite all my efforts (with and without chapstick, a lighter hand etc, nothing worked or made it more comfortable to wear).

The Maybelline color blur lip crayon thing was just okay for me, definitely not a repurchase or even something I'll be reaching for. It came off like a second rate version of Lorac's pro matte lippies (which are pretty legit by the way).  I think the "blur" aspect of it (that white erasure looking thing) just keeps the formula from curdling up, which is a different approach I guess, but still underwhelming.

Finally, Katy Perry collaborated with Cover Girl to create these slightly above basic lipsticks that I was here for enough to repurchase in other colors.  I believe it's limited edition as most collaborations tend to be and I'm glad I was able to pick up the few shades I could find; the one pictured is called "catoure" and it makes a wonderful daytime color. The other two I picked up are "kitty purry" and "sphynx" which make me look about ten years younger and like a worn out pornstar respectively. All have a creamy, chapstick-like formula (not the best, but not the worst) that isn't consistent from color to color, but it's okay because they layer well and the colors actually show up as expected.

Mascara Review | Maybelline vs. Milani vs. Wet n Wild

So when it's Africa hot outside the one of the few attempts I will make at getting all pretty is to put some mascara on. Here are the three I'm currently using plus a semi-in-depth review of each so you may or may not purchase them for yourself...

First off, here are my eyes au-naturel: 

right eye

left eye (the top lashes are a bit longer than my right eye)

Now here are my options when I decide to spruce them up a bit:

1. Milani Total Lash Cover with 3 Zone Brush

...not that it matters, but the packaging is adorable.

Now let's talk about that brush--cute right? I found using it to be a little tricky mainly because all the product got stuck on that over-sized tip and the bristles were sort of defeated by the pink comb part which ended up clumping the lashes more than separating them. Additionally, the formula smudges at the slightest hint of moisture so it's definitely not appropriate for a humid day or if you're sweating. Here's how it looked on my left eye:

Would I repurchase? Nah.

2. Wet n Wild Mega Impact Mascara

At only $2.99, this is the best bang for the buck as far as I'm concerned. There really isn't anything special about the formula; it takes a moment to get it to start defining, but it layers on beautifully with minimal clumping. It's not much for lengthening the lashes, but the volume and separation is really wonderful. Here it is on my right eye:

Would I repurchase? You betcha.

3. Maybelline The Rocket

It's one of the hottest mascaras out right now in the beauty community, so hot that I got all nervous picking it up at the drugstore and I accidentally picked up the waterproof one--good a thing I have waterproof mascara remover so it's not a problem. However, I still would like to compare it to the non-waterproof formula because I've heard waterproofing makes the formula more waxy. Anyway, I think it lives up to the hype; it lengthens and volumizes within the first few swipes and the clumps are minimal if not offset by the lengthening. Here it is on my right eye:

 Would I repurchase? Yes, the non-waterproof version.

So there you have it, three different options to keep your face from looking all messed up in the heat. 

Day 23: submitted. Crossing fingers for no bullshit.

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara Review

I bought this a while ago at my local grocery store for about $7 (the price might decrease as it becomes less "new" I guess) I wanted to try it out because of the "gel formula" I heard about in the commercials. The cute summery packaging got my attention as well :)

Performance

BRUSH:

As you can see, it's the standard fat brush, ideal for coating the maximum amount of lashes in one swipe. The tapering on either end means you can easily get the larger middle section in the corners of your eye without much risk of smearing from the outer bristles. The bristles themselves are meticulously spaced so they're tightly packed and separated to make clumping easily avoidable. So basically, a pretty standard ergonomically correct design that is also attributed to the flex applicator. (MY VOCABULARY IS INCREDIBLE THOUGH, RIGHT?)

FORMULA:
I had up to three coats on while wandering around for hours in the 100-degree weather one day and NO FLAKING. That's pretty much all that I require of a good formula.

LASH ACTION: (in pictures)

Coat 1

 Basically, a very natural-looking finish. This just gives you an idea of what type of lashes I have; they're really feathery and naturally curly.

Coat 2

 It really only takes about two good coats for my lashes to become visible.

Coat 3

 

Swiping the tips of the lashes is pretty much standard procedure when it comes to achieving the perfect bold lash look. That's basically what I did here and I really, really like how the formula DID NOT CLUMP. Amen.

Well, that was my first make up review, I hope it was helpful :)

 Questions? Comments? Leave them below!