FOTD: Greens Greens and More Greens

I'm thinking this might end up being my Budget Beauties look of the Month

Eyes:









Products used:
ELF Essential Eyelid Primer
ELF Duo Eye Shadow Creme in Olive (green blended on lid)
ELF Eyeshadow Duo in Olive (green on 2/3 of lid)
ELF Mineral shadow in Earthy applied wet (on last 1/3 of lid, blended into crease just slightly)
ELF Eyeshadow Duo in Olive (brown blended into crease)
ELF Mineral shadow in Golden (as highlight and inner tear duct brightener)
On Lower lash line Golden and Earthy are applied
P2 Automatic Eye Liner in Dark Brown (Brown from the Duo eyeshadow applied on top for upper lashline and in the waterline as well)
Rimmel Glam Eyes Day 2 Night Mascara in Black using Length Wand







Lips



ELF Mineral Lipstick in Rich Raspberry
ELF Mineral Lipgloss in Au Natural

Overall Look





Rest of Products Used:
Wet N Wild Intutitive Blend Foundation in Medium 177
ELF Studio Complete Concealer in Light
Cover Girl Professional Loose Powder in Translucent Light
Wet N Wild Mineral Blush in Rose Shimmer (apples of cheeks)




I like the combination...how about you?

FOTD: Providence and Grace Smokey Topaz

I did this look awhile ago, however as everyone does notice it does take me a bit to get the blog posted.

This is an entire eye looking using Providence and Grace Fine Cosmetics, as at the time I did this look. I was getting final opinions of the products for my formal review. *If you are interested in finding out my thoughts on their products that I was sent check out the video.

I got quite a few compliments the day I rocked it at work, as I was told it made my brown eyes really shiny. I guess I will let you be the judge of that!

When I originally picked out the colors from Providence and Grace to review, I had a certain idea of what type of look I wanted to do. So I actually challenged myself to attempt a second look using the exact shadows but somehow making it different.

Thus I came up with a Smokey Topaz eyes which I paired up with a nude lip (cause I wanted to try out my new Lady Gaga 2 Dupe).

Face Products:

Rimmel 25 hr Foundation in

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Light

Cover Girl Professional Loose Translucent Light Powder

ELF Esstential Bronzer in Sun Kissed

Eyes:

Providence and Grace Eye Primer

NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Yogurt

Providence and Grace Antique Copper Shadows on lid

Providence and Grace Baby Shadow blended into crease

Providence and Grace Shine Shadow highlight and inner tear duct

Wet N Wild Cream Liner in Black water line

Maybelline The Volumnious Mascara in Black

I really liked the way Antique Copper looks as a lid color, however I was a bit worried that Baby blended into the crease would be a but hard. So what I did decide to do was apply Baby wet and then added blended it again dry. Layering the color made it darker which is exactly what I was hoping for.

Lips:

MNY Lipstick in Uptown Girl (dupe for Lady Gaga 2)

ELF Glossy lipgloss in New York

Overall, I really liked the way the look came out. If you haven't already checked out Providence and Grace Fine Cosmetics, I would recommend it. I'm big into indie mineral make up/shadow companies!!! And I only recommend companies whose products I am willing to spend my own hard earned dollars/euro on!!!

Hope you enjoyed this little post!!!

Update: Finish What You Start Make Up Project...OMG MY HG CONCEALER IS OUT!

Now this update...I'm sad to post just because it is talking about my HOLY GRAIL concealer that is now GONE!

I have had my Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer for what seems like forever...and it has made several appearances in my monthly Favorites besides being listed in my description bar for any recent make up tutorials.

I am seriously quite saddened that Maybelline decided to discontinue this particular product...I never really understood why...if it was to introduce FIT me into their brand that was the STUPIDEST mistake ever! You can still find random ebay stores or sellers that have a few jars of this type of concealer, but the mere fact that I will now have to be on the search for a good drug store concealer is just a pain in the butt. Don't get me wrong...as a make up addict I should be really excited about it...means I get to try out different products.

However once I find a product I really really really like...it's hard to find a second..or another to replace the first. Shoes are one thing...shirts another...but make up....I don't know.

My HOLY GRAIL CONCEALER

May You Rest in Peace!

Why I liked the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer:

First, the texture of the product was nice...it seemed like it could be rather thick if you applied to much. However the coverage was AMAZING...it could and would cover any redness I had from any random break out (or pop up of a cynst acne). Besides of course cover the dark circles under my eyes.

Second, the amount of product for the price is pretty good. It literally took me months to finish this concealer...and that was using it everyday...sometimes even twice a day (ie redoing my face for going out in the night with friends to the pub or dance club). I do not like spending alot of money on drug store products, however this concealer was one of the few items I would easily purchase (again and again...if I could).

Third, again the coverage on this product was amazing. I heard alot of people say that it would cause break outs or that it would be horrible for under the eye (as it would crease or make that area greasy...because it was a bit thicker than the type of concealer you want under you eyes). But I love this concealer...it seriously ruins my day that they had to discontinue it!!!

What I will be using now

ELF Studio Complete Coverage Concealer is next in my little box of items that I will be reaching for in my make up dresser. I was not a fan of the correcter by ELF but I'm hoping that the Complete Coverage Concealer will be something that budget savvy girls (like myself) will be able to use.

Major KUDOS to ELF for giving a variety of shades within the quad...I decided Medium would be the best bet for me to use during the summer. Fingers crossed that it will work out for me...as well as they don't dry up before I have gotten an good opinion of what they can and can't do!

Hopefully this new concealer will at least give me decent amount of coverage...perhaps even correct..as I notice that there is a apricot/peachy color in the mix (which would work to help correct the darkness of my circles under my eyes). Only time will tell!

This update of another product done from my make up collection is bittersweet. Just because I am very sad to see one of my favorite and HOLY GRAIL products finally bite the dust!

Yup, Make Up Project Update again!!!

Just wanted to quickly let ya guys know that I finally finished my ELF Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips today!!!!

No lies I am ubber excited to have actually finished a lip product to entirety!!! I have actually never accomplished this feat before...and it is a feat considering how many lip products I do have now in my extensive collection.

Thank Goodness I am really sticking to this project, I think I might actually get through more of my products this way.

Now as it worked out, I did allow myself the luxury of ordering a new lip product...when I receive it in the mail I will be for sure making a small post on it with swatches as well.

But I did want to show you some physical evidence that my lipstick is done!!! So here we go!!!

Yup, totally holding up my empty for everyone to see!!!

Comparing a full ELF Liquid Lipstick to an Empty

Top: ELF's Cherry Tart Liquid Lipstick

Bottom: ELF's Baby Lips Liquid Lipstick

Although I have ordered a new lip product, I have decided to make my new product to use up from my lip collection the Cherry Tart Lipstick from ELF...as I believe it will take me about a month to use it up. Plus I have been wearing complementary colors on my lips the past week, so I figure I can just keep doing so.

**I hope anyone else who is doing the Finish what You Started Make up Project is doing alright. I'm nearly done with my foundation and I have finally hit pan on my drug store concealer.I'm just waiting now to see how long it takes me....as I started this project whole heartedly about a month ago.**

I will again update when I am closer to finishing off a product again...I'm thinking it will be my foundation that will finish off next over my lip products...unless of course I keep my lips moisturized with this winter weather!!!

ELF Mineral EyeShadows

A little while ago I received a bunch of ELF's Mineral Eyeshadows from a fellow YouTuber (who actually asked to remain nameless). She had sent them to me because she had purchased the entire collection of Minerals (when they were having their 50% off sale). She went through most of them and kept only a few (mostly neutrals that she felt she would actually use).

Thus I received an email after I had put up a review on an ELF product from her and it lead to me receiving these products. Which of course I am very grateful for (as many had only been swatched, some not even opened). I went through the various colors, swatching to see which ones would be my favorite.

I personally turned around and sent out about 6 colors to a different, younger YouTuber so that she could try them out as well. Since I knew she wanted to try out ELF products but didn't that the funds to do so.

Anyways after my long winded story, I wanted to share some swatches of the various colors and some first thoughts on them.

I have used these quite a few times since I received them, the purples I used in a Budget Beauties look for this month on my YouTube channel. So far so good for pigmentation and for wearablity...though with these you should use a pretty good base...as they will last longer.

**My biggest issue with ELF when it comes to these Mineral shadows is they have NO description of the various colors. Literally, just a picture for a customer to look at (which we all know that pictures are at times deceiving). Thus for my descriptions I can only go off of what I perceive of the color..so I tried as best to describe it.**

*These products were swatched both Dry on ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer and NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk. The top is the ELF Primer the bottom is the NYX Eye Pencil.**

The Mattes

According to the ELF UK website (where it is not mentioned on the US version) "All our Mineral Eyeshadows are shimmery with the exception of 'Seductive', 'Partier', 'Temptress', 'Innocent' and 'Enchanting' which are matte".

I wish they would have this statement on the US ELF website...however it does help those who are looking to try out the Mattes...or even stay away from them.

Swatches: Left: Enchanting, Right: Seductive

Enchanting: a light matte brown (khaki brown) though its more noticeable of a brown if it is on a white base. It looks more neutral beige/pink on just a primer

This color would be good to use as a blending color to where the crease color meets the highlight color. Or an all over the eye color...like a base eyeshadow that other colors could be put on.

Seductive: a matte Black (though its very light especially when it is blended out). It contains small flecks of silver sparkle in it (again more noticeable on a white base).

This color is best as a crease color...to help darken or smoke out a look. Also could be used on the waterline to help set any cream or pencil that is placed in that location. You will be able to get the most dark color payout for this shadow by placing it on top of a dark (ie Black) base.

Thoughts of ELF's Matte Shadows (that I own):

I think ELF attemption of matte mineral shadows are going in the right direction...however for the color to really pop I had to use a white base. And I don't think someone will always want to use a white base under their shadows (especially if they are wanting to put a shimmer on their lid). If somehow ELF could make their mattes pop a bit more I would be happy to add them to my collection...but for now. I'm content with the two that I have...and trying to figure out ways and looks to make them really stand out.

Definitely products that you have to build up to use them to their full potential.

Recommended Colors: None of the Mattes...spend your money else where

The Purples Kinda

Swatched: Left: Socialite, Middle: Royal, Right: Girly

Girly: Lilac/pink color with a little bit of shimmer (the shimmer is a light pink color to it). Blended out this color takes on a slightly iridescent lilac pearl

This color makes a good Highlight color or inner tear duct (eye brightener).

Royal: dark purple grey with a slight undertone of a grey. Tons of shimmer all throughout this shadow, it being purple shimmer and reflects.

This color is a pretty all over lid color or even a good crease color (pending on the look that you are trying to do). If this color is applied Wet or on top of a purple/dark base the metallic undertone really pops.

Socialite: One of the interesting colors from the entire batch I have...it's a gunmetal grey with lots of shimmer (the shimmer is a combination of a silver and grey). On a white base this color has more of a rusted metal payout.

Another pretty color to use on the lid or blended into the crease.

Thoughts of ELF's Purple Shadows (that I own):

First, I categorize Socialite in the purple category because I think the color actually looks pretty swatched with Royal and Girly. But besides that the color Royal itself is a purple that when foiled is quite metallic and it seemed appropriate to have another metallic color within this swatch (family). All three of these colors together would actually make very pretty look...perhaps when I have some more time to play with my minerals I will do so.

Overall color payout and pigmentation for these colors is quite good.

Recommended Colors: Royal and Girly

The Neutral Metals

Swatches: Left: Sassy, Middle: Confident, Right: Golden

Golden: pretty gold with tons of shimmer (shimmer is of course gold). When this color is applied over a white base its a darker golden color, with a slight hint of copper coloring.

Gorgerous color to use as a lid, inner tear duct (eye brightener) or lower lash line. Also would be very pretty turned into a liner.

Confident: a darker brown...reminding me of bit of a walnut shell with a ton of shimmer (the shimmer is more copperish coloring).

A pretty crease color...perhaps even lid (for a darker brown smokey look)

Sassy: Rustic copper color with a TON of shimmer (the shimmer is more golden color). The color itself reminds me of a brand new penny.

Pretty lid color or perhaps applied wet as a liner would make green or hazel eyes POP!

Thoughts of ELF's Neutral Shadows (that I own):

I actually really like these three shadows in particular...and I'm normally a color lover girl. I think these shadows are a must have in mineral colors...if you are going to go with ELF minerals. The Golden can be worn all by itself with a funky black winged liner for something fun. While putting all three of these colors together would be a pretty metallic wearable everyday look...these colors remind me alot of the colors offered in the Urban Decay's Naked Palette.

Using NYX Yogurt Jumbo Eye Pencil under these shadows would be a great way to make the shadows really stand out...and keep with the neutral look.

Recommended colors: All three...Golden, Confident, Sassy

The Earthy Metals

Swatched: Left: Caffeinated, Middle: Wild, Right: Earthy

Earthy: Olive green color with a shimmery golden undertone. Reminds me alot of Golden Olive by MAC

Beautiful color to be used as a lid color, liner, and blended into the crease

Wild: chocolate brown with shimmer (golden shimmer). This color had better pigmentation and color payout over the white base..as it made it look darker brown.

This color would be good to use into the crease...or if you have a neutral look to add a little more depth to the inner v of the crease.

Caffeinated: darker gold with tons of golden shimmer. It reminds me of an antiqued gold.

Another pretty lid or liner color.

Thoughts of ELF's Earthy Shadows (that I own):

I think these Earthy Metal colors are pretty..good especially if you like the darker neutrals or something in the browns/green family. Wild is the color that is closest to a matte dark brown that ELF has, pending on how much you pack on and blend I could see it falling into a matte category. Caffienated and Earthy are definite colors to get...especially if you are looking for a dupe to MAC's Golden Olive.

Recommended Colors: Caffienated and Earthy

Final Thoughts

I have read that alot of people compare these mineral shadows to Bare Essential shadows (which I do have some now...so I will test that theory out). But considering I am a mineral shadow lover and have quite a few different brands...I feel I can give an honest opinion in regards to these shadows.

I think while ELF is trying to come up with some affordable mineral shadows...I do think they need to go back to the drawing board at least when it comes to the Matte color choices. Most of the other shadows have tons of shimmer in them...which people have complained are the only things that stay after wearing these shadows for the day.

So far in the time frame that I have played with these shadows I have had a tiny bit of creasing...in the normal spot for me that always happens (if shadows are going to crease...inner crease just above my lid by my inner tear duct). I am going to continue to try these shadows out to give a final overall review of the products.

But just from the time frame of using them now...they are not bad. If you are new to mineral make up (IE wanting to play with loose shadows) I would recommend to try these out as learning on since they are affordable and can last a long time (quantity) if you are not wanting to spend alot of money.

FOTD: ELF Mineral Shadows

Considering it felt like a Monday, though it's really a Tuesday. I decided it was time to do another FOTD using some products that I hadn't tried out yet.

Now, I received these ELF (EyesLipsFace) Mineral Eyeshadows the other day, and since I suffered from major insomnia last night and swatched the new additions to my growing collection. I figured I would try them out..get a feel for what I now have.

Mind you, I'm not trying at all to brag when I refer to my collection or do hauls and show products of different beauty companies. I do believe that no make up company is better than the rest, I will have my favorites...but I'm not going to deter someone from using a certain brand of product, just because I don't like it. To each their own, and I am completely honest when I say that. I love to find new products (especially make up companies who have lots of pretty colors to play with).

Anyways enough rambling on about why I have such variety in my collection, let's get down to the make up I used for the day.

Since, I had to work and it was a bit cooler in the morning...I decided I was going to wear a long sleeve shirt. I got this purple one at KiK (a German store....kinda similar to a Walmart, mixed with a Dollar General). I will be blogging about my thoughts on KiK another day, but let me just state I have no issue with getting random pieces of clothing from KiK. I'm not ashamed of finding a good bargain for clothes (especially when it comes to finding the right size in tops...I take what I can get). Thus with picking out a purple top, led me to my decision of make up.

So here is the FOTD

Threw up my hair, pinning my bangs in a mini poof. Pulled the sides of the top part of my hair back and up in a small clippy and left the rest of my hair down. I honestly don't know what to describe that style...but it got my hair in check and that was what was important! Plus I rocked my awesome new feather and stone dangle earrings from my old college friend Jenn. I got about 4 comments on my earrings, saying they were super cute. And I asked where did I get them from (makes me wish Forever 21 was more than a click and wait 3 weeks for my purchase away).

For my foundation I tried out my Almay Smart Shade with SPF 15 in 03 Medium (which I received in a Swap from of my lovely subbies). What I think is interesting about this foundation is the fact that it comes out white (with small blueish beads in the mix), and that when it is blended into the skin it changes color. Mind you I really do think that 02 Light/Medium would be a better match to my skin tone (especially with the winter closely approaching...and the sun fighting to make appearances in the sky). But the darker shade gives me a "tan"...I'm not orangey looking, but I'm not pale looking either. Give me about another month and I will be having to use a different foundation color.

For the rest of the face I wanted more of a sun kissed glow look, I contoured with a bit darker bronzer ELF's Warm Tan. However I used NYX Blush in Terra Cotta on the apples of my cheeks and NYX Mosaic 01 Highlighter to highlight. I normally highlight right above the apples of my cheeks and then down the bridge of my nose.

For eyes I used three of the ELF's Mineral eyeshadows for the look today...I won't lie it looks a bit muddled in this picture. But in person, I do believe it looked quite nice. I will have a more in depth posting of the colors I have with swatches and whatnot soon.

Products used:

ELF Mineral EyeShadow Primer

ELF Mineral shadow in Royal applied wet and all over lid (just below crease)

ELF Mineral shadow in Seductive blended into crease

ELF Mineral shadow in Girly as highlight and small pop on inner tear duct to brighten the eye

Milani Metallic Eye Pencil in 01 Black

Lancome Definicls Mascara in Black

I did use a bit of Seductive about half way on the lower lash line from the the outer corner in and then finished it off with Royal. I tightlined and lined the eye with Milani Eye Pencil...setting the waterline with a bit of Seductive. Believe it or not I went a total of 4.5 hours before having to reapply any pencil into my waterline (major thumbs up to Milani's Eye Pencil for that...it's longer than my MAC's Smolder Eye Kohl).

To finish off the look I decided I would continue my signature Pink lips..though of course using a darker shade and using my Essence Sun Club 03 Berry Delight Ligloss/LipPencil and my Essence XXL Ligloss in Supergirl.

Overall, I was pretty happy with what I threw together...I have noticed pending on my eye base..the color mineral shadows I use change about halfway through the day. I think I might try this look another day, but changing up the eye base. Just because as the day wore on...Royal (the dark purple) lost its vibrancy and took on more of a purple grey color.

Keep an eye out for my in depth look at ELF Mineral shadows.

XOXO