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.

Glamour Doll Eyes: Swatches and Thoughts

With the month of December comes several exciting times. And for this make up lover and collector, nothing got me more excited than the release of new colors on Glamour Doll Eyes!

Yes, the lovely and amazing Vee, Creator &Genius, of the oh so lovely brand is a MAD woman. And when I say MAD I mean it in the sweetest, most loving way.

Vee by far has proven that she is a creative and ubber savvy business woman. Not only releasing two HUGE Hit collections, 80's Child and Big Cities. But she has released several new colors to the site. Now the colors I purchased in this small little haul was mostly the colors I did not already have in my own personal collection (which includes the Twi Shadow Perfect Cure...somehow I misplaced this shadow...hate it when that happens).

Overall there were a total of 7 new colors released in the line, which 4 of the 7 were part of the limited edition Halloween Sets*.

**If you are interested in reading a bit more about the Halloween Set then check in my previous blogs. They do include swatches of the colors and first thoughts and impressions of the colors**

Another key point I want to bring to your attention is the new labels that are found on the jars of Glamour Doll Eyes Products. Vee had a contest a little while back, seeking the aid of creative followers and subbies to help her create a new look for GDE labels. With the release of new colors and the "reopening" of the website (as she had it down during her trip to southern California), all products will have the new labels.

As a side note, I would like to also state that when I received these shadows (which were sample sizes), they came sealed. Another new addition that the lovely Vee has added to her products, which shows customers that they are receiving neatly packaged and sanitized products! HUGE THUMBS UP! Plus it ensures that the jars will have a harder time spilling in transport..and since mine is traveling all the way to Germany. I know I greatly appreciate the change!

So the newly released colors include:

* indicates I have previously blogged with pictures of swatches of the colors

Brusied*

FrankenGlamour*

Infectious*

Undead*

Dazzle Me

RoxxCandy

Rocket

With this purchase I decided to order Dazzle Me, RoxxCandy and Rocket. So let's get into some swatches and thoughts!!

How this will work is I will post pics of the products (in their jars), pics of swatches, give you my description of the color and then the site's official description will be marked with (*). I also want to point out these items were swatched Dry on ELF Essential Eyeshadow Primer (the one for $1).

See New Label. The label is cute, the only thing I do miss is the ability to see which color I am reaching for!

Dazzle Me-nudey gold with a TON of gold shimmer.

It reminds me alot of Bare Naked...another GDE color. The major difference is Dazzle Me seems to be a more subtle nude, making it a great highlight color.

The amount of shimmer in the shadow though is AMAZING, whichever angel I moved my hand the light was constantly reflecting and kept my eye fixated on the color! I think if this color was applied wet it would be even better!

*Dazzle Me is a light beigish sheen with silver shimmer

RoxxCandy- Silver Sky Blue with hints of silver shimmer and glitter. Tons and Tons of Glitter which include, blue, purple and green

RoxxCandy is an interesting color as when it is swatched on my skin (NC15-20 at the moment) it seems to take on more of a silvery color (with just a hint of blue). But looking at it in the jar I can totally tell it is a soft blue, it's always interesting how that happens.

Again another amazingly packed shimmer filled Blue silver that just screams highlight or inner tear duct eye brighter. I think it will be a great color Wet all over the lid, I would also love to see this color over a black base. Perhaps then the blue will POP more! Overall, very pretty..I'm just a little sad that it doesn't show as nice on my skin tone.

*RoxxCandy is a very light blue with silver, green and purple sparkles

Rocket-mixture of a blue grey color with a undertone of gold or green. It's hard to tell as it seems to change with the light. TONS of Shimmer though it appears to have a more satin finish.

Again this color reminds me of another GDE...Pistol Pistol. I think its the underlying greyish color, mixed with the shimmer, especially when it is blended out. The major difference between Rocket and Pistol Pistol is the undertone is more multi colored with Pistol Pistol. While Rocket has more of a golden/green (maybe I'm seeing green..but I swear it kinda has a green sheen on my skin).

Another color that would look GREAT applied wet or on top of a black base, as I think the true nature of this color would POP. I think this could make a good lid color or be blended into the crease (of what type of look...I'm not quite certain).

*Rocket is a very unique color. It is almost a gray with blue and dark dark purple undertones with gold shimmer. Very complex color

This ends the newly released colors.

However, since I haven't done much blogging in regards to the Twi-shadows I did want to include the swatch and thoughts of the additional shadow I ordered.

Twi-shadows are just like the regular shadows in the Glamour Doll Eyes line, however these particular colors are inspired by the characters of the series Twilight.

The Perfect Cure Inspried by Carlisle (the father of the Vampire Cullen family)-Medium brownish gold with golden shimmer

This color is interesting because it has a texture of a satin...but the color output of a matte (if that's easy to explain..ha ha). Definately is a crease color....or perhaps a lid color if you wanted to do a fun dark smokey brown.

This color would look amazing wet...I'm still not quite certain how I don't have this color with my other Twi-shadows. I'm thinking I swatched it...decided it wasn't for me and swapped Cookie for something else (cause I'm silly like that). So it is only right that I get it back into my collection...as it's always good to have a nice brown shadow around!

*The Perfect Cure This color is a medium brown with a low sheen, almost matte, with a tiny bit of gold and green sparkle.

Final Thoughts on New Colors

I look forward to playing with them as the newest addition to my collection of Glamour Doll Eyes. I think it will be actually a little more of a challenge for me to come up with looks using these new colors as they are just JAMMED packed with SHIMMER.

I know I know, how in the world is that possible....for there to be too much SHIMMER in shadows..and there isn't really. I just think as time goes along and as Vee continues to add colors to her collection, the colors are getting more and more AMAZING!

The biggest question on my mind right now...is how will she top these new jewels?

XOXO

FOTD: Glamour Doll Eyes Using My Shadow Tower

Another day, Another opportunity to play in my Glamour Doll Eyes.

From previous posting I have mentioned about shadow towers, so you will know that I was lucky enough to be asked by the lovely Vee to make a shadow tower.

I chose some basic colors, Bare naked, Chocoholic and Fabulous!

So it would only be appropriate that I randomly rock my tower when I feel so inclined to. With the other week being my vacation (ie Birthdays and Anniversary week off together). Joe had decided we should go down to Trier (one of the oldest cities in Germany) and check out the hookah bars/lounge.

Yes, I do smoke hookah. Flavored tobacco is still just as bad as regular tobacco, but I figured how often do I get to say I went to a hookah bar/lounge in Germany. Thus, Friday night was our DATE NIGHT!

I figured what the hell, might as well rock some GDE's. Seriously even if I am having a bad day, I reach for my Glamour Doll Eyes and I instantly feel better!

I think Fabulous! makes an amazing Liner..especially for BROWN eyes!

If you have coordinating accessories it does really finish off the mostly neutral eye!

As you can see I applied Fabulous! wet to both the upper and lower lash lines. Making sure it was a winged look...a little tricky with a brush (at least for me).

I applied Bare Naked all over the lid wet and then blended Chocoholic into the crease. Bare Naked is a very pretty color dry, but wet it takes on this amazing metalic golden sheen. Then using Chocoholic, which is a pretty warm brown, to blend into Bare Naked. Pending on how heavy you apply Chocoholic, it can take on a warm metally brown to a deep Brown.

I could see why Joe at one point asked if I had on more shadows than just the aqua liner, as Bare Naked and Chocoholic seem so light compared to the brightness of the Fabulous! I just think that if you are going to have such dramatic liner, you want something softer on your lids.

I paired off the eyes with some strong pink lips, using my monthly favorite NYX LipLiner in Fuschia and topped it off with Glamour Gloss Scene Queen.

Overall, I enjoy rocking my tower when I'm feeling "lazy" but want a little bit of make up!

FOTD: Glamour Doll Eyes 80's Child

I actually did this look a few weekends ago (ie Halloween weekend) but with this week of my mini vacation. I got pretty lazy when it came to blogging, so I figured it was time to get cracking down on some of these Glamour Doll Eyes looks I have been hording! he he

I received my 80's Child Collection the week prior to Halloween and decided that it was time to play with the colors. Now, if you haven't checked out the 80's Child Collection from Glamour Doll Eyes, you are missing out on some amazing SHIMMER FILLED COLORED FUN! And considering that I was a child of the 80's (and these shadows are based off of some of mt favorite shows as a child. I had to get them for my birthday.)

I felt pretty feminine that day, I actually decided on my shirt and accessories before I did my make up (normally it's vice versa). So keeping the pink in mind and wanting to use the 80's Child Collection shadows I came up with this kinda fun and super easy look.

Not really certain what to call it, I asked Joe and he was at a lost! that NEVER happens! he he

Products used for this FOTD:

MAC Paint Pot in Soft Orche

MAC Fix + (to wet the shadows & make liner)

Glamour Doll Eyes 80's Child Shadow in Romper (all over lid)

Glamour Doll Eyes 80's Child Shadow in Berrywood (in crease)

Glamour Doll Eyes 80's Child Shadow in Shimmer (as highlight & inner tear duct)

Glamour Doll Eyes 80's Child Shadow in Vanity (as liner for top & Lower lash lines)

MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating

Lancome Deficiles Mascara in Black

Going to post some pictures of the Eyes in particular, since it's all about the eyes in this look anyways! I know with such a bright liner, one would opt for false lashes. However I think this can be done as an everyday fun look!

Natural Light

I believe that blue shadows look really great with Brown eyes, it just seems to draw attention.

I didn't want to over do wing in this eye, just because then it would REQUIRE lashes in my opinion. So I kept it small (compared to how I normally do colored liner looks).

One thing I love about Glamour Doll Eyes shadows is the fact that they make such great eyeliners! Vanity is beautiful blue with silver sparkles, and when its applied wet it takes a neon blue that just really POPS!

With FLASH

Using Shimmer as a highlight and eye brightener in the inner tear duct (in my opinon) finishes off this look. It adds just enough shimmer and glitter to the eye, plus with its multi colored sparkles (yellow, red, blue, purple, pink) it was just perfect!

**For the rest of the face I paired it off with some light pink cheeks using my NYX Blush in Pinky and for lips I decided on a recent newest go to, NYX Lip Liner in Fuchsia topped off with Glamour Gloss in Scene Queen**

Overall, I really liked the combination of these shadows together! I hope to give myself some more time sometime soon and come up with another fun 80's Child FOTD!!

FOTD: Glamour Doll Eyes Greens

So another day, another FOTD!!!!

This week I have been off from work, celebrating my birthday/anniversary/husband's birthday week! Yes, we make it a week because my birthday is the 7th, anniversary the 9th, his birthday the 11th.

This year sadly we didn't have enough funds to go somewhere (last year we went to Amsterdam for three days...and boy was that a trip to remember. NOTE: DO NOT TRY CHINESE FOOD IN THE NETHERLANDS).

Since we were local, I decided to take a job doing make up and hair for another military spouse (she was attending her husband's graduation from leadership school. And wanted to get pampered. Now, sadly the hair thing didn't work out as well as I would've liked. Though I do think the make up I did was nice (sadly it didn't photograph well...looked so much nicer in person...hate it when that happens). So far I have made a small routine of making sure my own personal make up is pretty that day. I mean who would want their make up done by someone who isn't done up NICE themselves???!!!

So I reached for my favorite minerals, Glamour Doll Eyes.

Considering I decided on a very basic outfit to wear (black top and jeans, I wanted to have a pop of color). Thus, I thought it would be fun to play with some colors I don't use that often, GREENS! I have always heard that brown eyed girls can look great with most colors, I have been told by at least two make up artists to try Green.

So I decided, sure why not!!!!

Products used for this look:

MAC Soft Orche Paint Pot

MAC Fix + to apply the lid color

Glamour Doll Eyes Apple Martini shadow (all over lid)

Glamour Doll Eyes Olivia Green shadow (blended light into the crease)

Glamour Doll Eyes Urban Trash shadow (inner v and blended into crease)

80's Child Collection Jerrica shadow (highlight)

80's Child Collection Shimmer shadow (inner tear duct and highest point of brow)

P2 Liquid Eyeliner in black

Wet N Wild Cream liner in black (waterline)

CoverGirl Lash Blast Waterproof Mascara in Black

I did use a bit of Apple Martini, Olivia Green and Urban Trash on my lower lash line.

Using two different matte shadows in this eye is something I don't normally do. However I thought Olivia Green would be a good complementary color to go along with the shimmer in Apple Martini. Yet I wanted just a hint of black in the inner v to darken the look. It's very subtle and soft, I didn't want to take away from the greens.

Using some of the 80's Child Collection shadows has been a goal of mine. I received them earlier last month and have been so busy I really haven't given myself time to be creative. Figures that it comes out when I'm getting ready to go do someone else's make up! ha ha

**To finish off this look, I decided on peachy cheeks, using my Jordana blush in Coral Sandy Beach and for lips a pinky brown shade. I used NYX Lip Liner in Natural and NYX Girls Round Lipstick in Thalia, topping it off with a little bit of ELF's Super Shiny Lip Shine in New York ( a discontinued orangey/nude color). **

Overall, I thought this look was pretty and easy. I might (actually give myself time and recreate it for a tutorial).