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!

Another Item DONE: Update Finish What You Started Make Up Project

Yup...About that time again!

Another beauty product down in my arsenal of items that need to be used! Though with this being a facial product...and it being so small compared to what I have used before...I figured it would be done a whole lot faster than the regular sized product (boo to trial sizes for that reason...though they are good to let you know if you will like them or not...plus of course for travel).

I know I stated I would keep y'all updated on my overall thoughts and skin results from switching from one face wash to another. As I was originally using Clean & Clear BlackHead Eraser..which I do really love! So I started out using my Clean & Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser..and it was quite different that the Blackhead Eraser (as it is a cooling effect and doesn't have the scrubbie beads).

Now I did have a bit of a skin break out when I first switched to the Deep Action Cream Cleanser as I think my skin was like...what the heck is this?! It took about a week for it to get back to normal..and overall I liked the Deep Action Cream Cleanser...would I repurchase it (which I received this travel size version in a Swap with another YouTuber last year) more than likely not. It reminds me alot of the Noxzema Face products...even down to the tinglying cool freshness it give to the skin.

As the Clean & Clear website states "Deep Action Cream Cleanser removes dirt, oil and make-up deep down to the pores as you wash. Its oil-free formula won’t clog your pores and a special cooling ingredient leaves your skin feeling refreshed and clean."

Overall, I do agree that it leaves the skin feeling soft, smooth and clean..however that is after about a week of using it everyday. I say a week, because with switching to this product...the skin needs time to adjust..and if the product is doing its job properly. It should be deep cleaning the pores of any dirt, grime and nastiness so that the skin will be looking fabulous!

Since I finished off this product, I figured it was time to finally hop on the band wagon...as when i first got into YouTube I noticed everyone was talking about this face product.

That's right, the St Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot Scrub (which was voted 2010 award winning product from Glamour Magazine).

Again another product I hadn't used before...but I was very very interested in...as I have seen even knocks of this particular product sold at the military exchanges on our bases (sad I know huh?). Plus like I said everyone and their mother was talking about this product back when I first started to sit down and watch Monthly favorites and what not!

According to the St Ives Website "From America's #1 Scrub brand, this award-winning Apricot Scrub deep cleans, instantly leaving skin smooth and glowing. Exfoliates to reveal smooth, radiant skin"

Again I will have to keep you updated on the overall experience of using this product...though I did want to point out that when people say they use this scrub, they normally use it once to at most three times a week. While mind you, I will be using the scrub everyday as my day to day face wash.

I personally think I will have a bit of break out when again switching to a different product....I will let you know...when I switch to my next facial product!!!!!

Update: Finish What You Started Make Up Project 2011

Another day, another make up product is officially done and a new one started. I honestly feel pretty proud of myself because of how well I'm doing with attempting to finish make up that has been in my collection. And I dont doubt it prolly is looking a little annoying that I am constantly updating my blog with posting in regards to my Finish what you Started Make Up Project!

I really thought I was going to have a bit of an issue trying to actually finish products, but so far I have been doing pretty good. Plus with finishing the various make up items, I am making more room in my collection (and storage area). Doesn't necessarily mean I'm off to immediately replace them as soon as I am done (as I end up having at least one back up product so that I can have something to use once one item is done).

Keep in mind, if I believe something is Holy Grail status I will be hopping in the car or online to get my hands on another product...as when I find something I really like (and that works well for me) I need to get my hands on it again. As my luck tends to be when I find something that I really like (and I only get one back up) the product gets discontinued...perfect examples the Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer and MAC's Moistureblend Foundation...both products I love. Both products that went BYE BYE!

This time it is one of my pressed facial powders that has finally taking a rest, my Wet N Wild Natural Blend Pressed Powder in 821 Natural (as when I originally purchased this powder it was during the winter..hence the light color choice).

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Overall, I have personally enjoyed using this pressed powder...and I love the fact it is at a good price point. Though I will not lie, I do have some shine through and have to retouch my T zone area about 4 hours after applying it...sometimes a little sooner (pending on if I get sweaty or not).

The powder is very light, it gives minimal coverage (if you are a pressed powder only faced girl) but it feels very soft on the skin...and does not leave a powdery feeling on your fingers (if you were to rub your hands across your face). Even though I had a very light shade for pressed powder...it actually ended up helping me out, as I had a liquid foundation that was a tad to dark (thus it gave me at one point a semi-orangey looking face). With a bit more of buffing this pressed powder in, I did notice that the liquid foundation coloring got a bit lighter (huge plus, considering I'm trying to finish up products...verses trying to purchase more).

I know Wet N Wild has been stepping up their game in regards to their eye products, thus I do think it might be time to at least change up the packaging a bit for their facial products. Understand that the actual packaging for this pressed powder is made of recycled paper...thus it will not make a good compact to throw in your travel make up bag or gym bag ( I did that to a different powder and I was sad to have to clean it out of my purse a week later). That is really my one issue with this product...is the packaging is left to be desired for!

According to the Wet N Wild website the Natural Blend Pressed Powder is "Paraben-free pressed powder made with natural ingredients and infused with vitamins and minerals to nourish skin. Enriched with light-diffusing pigments to help minimize imperfections and provide even-looking coverage."

Since I have scraped as much as I can from the Wet N Wild pan, I am now going to try out a powder I purchased on sale a few months ago and see how it goes....it is the Revlon ColorStay Pressed Powder in the color Light-Meduim.

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Now I personally have never used any pressed powders from the Revlon line, however I have used the Colorstay foundation on myself (I use the Photoready foundations in my make up kit for when I work on clients). Though I have one Colorstay Lip Liner in my kit (it's the truest red that I have ever seen and looks great on all skin tones).

So trying out another item within the Colorstay family should be pretty interesting. The biggest compliant that I have read when researching a bit about this pressed powder is that it doesn't sit right on the skin when using it to set liquid foundations (the only one it seemed best suited for is the ColorStay liquid foundation).

I just barely started using this so I will have to keep an eye out and see what happens with it! I suppose time will only tell if this product will be a good or bad...but no matter what at least I got it for 50% off the normal sales price! he he!

According to the Revlon website the Colorstay Pressed Powder is "Exclusive ColorStay™ jet-milled formula for ultra-fine, silkier texture helps to minimize shine and creates a fresh, flawless finish that wears for up to 16 hours over makeup."

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!!!

Update: Finish What You Started Make Up Project 2011

Figure I would post a quick update in regards to my Make Up Project Finish what You started.

I did throw away one of my items as I couldn't get any more product out of it (due to the structure of it) and the little bit of product that I did get out was starting to dry up. So...SO LONG to my ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer..it has seen better days. I know there are videos on Youtube of how you can depot the ELF version of the eyeprimers and use it to the entirity. However considering I have had that particular primer is about a year old..I figured it was time to let it go (it was in my second purchase ever from ELF from February of last year...kinda crazy huh?)

In regards to other products, I am about a week at most away from finishing off my Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips from ELF as well. I will be posting my February favorites and it makes an appearance (plus you can see how much is literally left in it). No lies I'm pretty proud of myself when it comes to finishing off a lip product as I really can't think of any lip products that I have done that to...lol.

So, hopefully sometime next week I will be posting another update and have told you that Baby Lips is no longer with us!!!! He He

Once that lipstick is done...I'm so all over buying a new lip product, MAC's Viva Glam Lady Gaga 2..totally all over it! I actually don't really like nude lipsticks...but since I have the original Lady Gaga lipstick (pink one...my total spring favorite). I figure I should get the second one...just because I dunno it seems like a good idea (and I'm a sucker for Lady Gaga).

**Which I am totally doing a mini funeral for my Lady Gaga lipstick when it is done...I'm about halfway done with it. Though I randomly save it for a fine occasion**

On a totally other side note, I'm totally loving my cream blush from NYX in Boho Chic 11...that has been my favorite for a few months now. And one thing about cream blushes is that they last FOREVER! Only a little bit of product is required to get a decent color pay out (wash of color)...and considering this blush has a shimmer in it. I don't require any highlight powders!!!

I do like to change up the color by patting a very small amount of a pressed blush ontop of BoHo Chic (when my favorites for Feb go up...you will see what I mean).

I'm more than halfway done with my Rimmel 26 hr liquid foundation...which is nice because I'm really looking forward to trying to find a good drug store foundation. I do like Revlon Colorstay and the Photoready..but I'm looking for something else. I'm really itching to make up shop..however I'm sticking to this make up project (and not buying anything new from a category until I have finished one item).

Anyways enough rambling...I will keep you updated. As products are finished, I will tell you of what I will be purchasing next (if there is anything in that category that I am wanting to try). And I will be letting you know when I add a new item to my list to finish, as once I finish my ELF Baby Lips...I will purchase the Lady Gaga 2 lipstick. And I will be adding another ELF Liquid Lipstick to my Make Up Project to finish in the color Cherry Tart (their pinky red...that reminds me of a lipstain color).

Finish What You Start Make Up Project

So I attempted to do Project 5/10 Pan last year and FAILED horribly!!! I think I went about two weeks of trying to use my products and not buy anything...and then I hung out with Cookiemix and we went shopping. Two make up addicts and lovers together is never a good thing, so needless to say. I overestimated myself...I thought that I could do it...and I couldn't!

Well it's that time again, however I thought about trying something different and it just so happen that other YouTubers were thinking the same thing. Verses trying to finish certain things off before buying anything else...this is to finish off products that have been used that are almost done. And when that item in particular...the type is done..then you can (if you need to) repurchase another one. However the major point of this make up project is to really try to use products and make room in your storage area.

Thus I started going through my make up and pulling items that were halfway done and putting them into their own little basket within my storage unit. **Which if you wanted to know how I store my make up collection that is my personal use...i will be uploading a video soon on it. I just recently filmed a video for it...it's a bit long...but perhaps my organization will inspire someone else to do the same**

I do make a stipulation in regards to two different products, the first being mascaras and the second being eyeshadows or pigments.

I decided to do this project mostly focusing on products that I use in my day to day... IE mostly face products and lip products. My eyes are constantly changing, pending on my mood and how much actual time I have to do them. As on my off days from basketball or work, I take the extra time to be a little more creative than if I have other plans.

Normally I am a mineral girl...but with my busy schedule of basketball practice twice a week and a game, besides working anywhere from three to all five days a week...I have been reaching more often for my pressed eyeshadow palettes. Whether its a quad from ELF or my 28 Neutral from Coastal Scents with a colored cream liner...I try to make it simple easy and an overall complete face that takes 15 minutes.

Thus my minerals are patiently waiting til I have more time to play with them...which will be hopefully soon. As will my reviews of products....having the time to throughly research and break down pros and cons to a product and company takes just as much time as being creative with a make up brush.

Mascaras are one of the most expendable product in a make up collection...because they need to be replaced the most frequent. Thus I don't even count mascara as a thing to actually try and finish. I honestly only try to use one mascara at a time...unless one is black and then the other one is a colored mascara.

Pretty much meaning you will never see me trying to finish off a mascara in a project pan because there is no point. Even if it is your Go To mascara for the three months that it is open and good to use...it is rare that someone finishes all the product before it has to be tossed.

Anyways with all that rambling I have thus made a final list of the products that I will be trying to finish off. Keeping mind in that once that item is completely finish, I can if I need to replace it.

Face Products

Foundation:

Rimmel 26 hr Foundation in 202 Nude

Concealer:

Maybelline Dream Mousse Concealer in Light 0-1

MAC Studio Concealer in NC20

Powder:

Cover Girl Professional Loose Powder in Light

Bronzer/Contour:

ELF Essential Bronzer in Warm Tan

Blush:

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic 11

Eye Products

Eye Base:

ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer

Eye Pencils:

Urban Decay 24/7 Glide on Pencils in Zero

Wet N Wild Brow/Eyeliner in Dark Brown

Lip Products

Lipsticks:

MAC Angel Lipstick

NYX Thalia Lipstick 529

ELF Essential Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Baby Lips

Lip Gloss

Essence XXL Lip Gloss in SuperGirl 02

Glamour Gloss in Socialite

Other Beauty Products

Perfume

Paris Hilton's Can Can travel size

I feel more confident in this Make Up Project as I have all the different products that I need to finish grouped together in my make up area. Seeing them all together is a helpful and visual reminder that I need to finish them before I can do anything else (looking for a new product to review or try out).

Another good thing out of forcing myself to do this Make Up Project is it helps me revisit products that I might have started to use and then decided it was time to switch things up. By reusing them again, it will give me more information to help with reviewing the product which will be useful later!

SO JOIN ME

If you want in trying to make some room in your storage space for your make up collection!!! Cause I know trying to do it on my own didn't work...I would love to support anyone else who is thinking of taking this on!