NEW VIDEO: June 2014 | Empties (Kenra, Tree Hut, Burt's Bees)!

Here's my latest empties video! Check out the Luvocracy collection to see all the products mentioned in the video!

http://www.luvocracy.com/macyxmakeup/collections/june-2014-empties

NEW VIDEO: June 2014 | Beauty Favorites (Tarte, Revlon, & UniqOne)!

Products mentioned:
- Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs, and Rosewater
- Tarte Maracuja C-Brighter Eye Treatment
- Beauty Blender
- Revlon Nearly Naked Foundation
- UniqOne Coconut Treatment

Check out the Luvocracy collection to see all the products mentioned!

http://www.luvocracy.com/macyxmakeup/collections/june-2014-favorites

NEW VIDEO: June 2014 | B&BW, Sephora, & Ulta Haul!

Just a "little" summer haul!

NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation Review, Swatch, & Photos

After purchasing the NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation and Liquid Foundation in an Ulta Haul in June, I decided to do a... somewhat tiny review on the powder foundation! I've only used the liquid foundation once, and realized the shade is a little too light for me in the summer, therefore I'll test it out and review it in the winter! However, I have used the powder foundation almost every day, and have just recently finished it!

 

 

 

The above pictures are of the box that the powder comes in. As you can see, there are quite a few different things that appear on the box. One of the first things on the box is a list of what the product claims to have or to do. The two things that popped out when I read it was "sweat resistant" and "water resistant." Hopefully you're thinking the same thing as me... A powder foundation that withstands water and sweat? Yeah, sure.

The ingredients are listed on the back of the box, while the directions and shade/color is printed on the sides of the box. This definitely comes in handy when searching through boxes to find the right color. The shade is printed on the top of the box, which means you can stack the boxes in a drawer and easily pull on out to use the powder. I think this would be a great idea if you were using this in a makeup kit - even though the boxes might make it a bit more bulky!

As for the actual packaging, I'm a little disappointed. It's very plastic-y and lightweight. It feels very cheap, but is also extremely bulky. It does include a sponge in the bottom, but I still feel like NYX could make the packaging more manageable. Also, there is only 7.5 grams of powder in this container (for $9.99), which can go very quickly. But, this is still more cost-effective than some powder foundations, such as MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation which is $27 for 15 grams. You're still saving money with the NYX powder, but is it worth it?

I have now used this foundation for a couple months and I want to say that no, I do think it is worth saving the money over buying something such as MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation. I've used this several ways - to set a liquid foundation, to blot, and as a powder foundation. The only ways I would use this to set a liquid foundation or to blot. It definitely mattifies the skin and takes away any oil or sheen that may be on the skin. This is definitely nice for the summer months! However, using this powder as a powder foundation resulted in an extremely cake-y face. EXTREME. I cannot even explain to you how powdery this is. I have never had a problem with MAC Studio Fix Powder Foundation. I find that to be extremely silky and it glides on to the skin almost like a cream. This NYX powder is just that, POWDER. It flies everywhere when you put you're brush into it! If you have dry skin, don't even dare! My oily skin couldn't even handle this powdery mess! It literally sits on top of the face without looking like skin. It just looks cakey!

As you can see in the swatch photos, the powder seems seems very dry and kind of patchy. That's exactly how it applies on the face. The coverage is okay, but not good enough that it covers without the powdery mess. Like mentioned before, MAC Studio Fix Powder goes on to the skin and looks like skin, not like you're wearing makeup. It's a silky finish, but still leaves you matte. It's the ultimate powder foundation for somebody that wants to apply some powder and is out the door!

I hope this helps you out, and maybe steers you clear of buying the NYX Powder Foundation. There are much better options, and I wouldn't waste $10 on a powder that doesn't leave your skin looking beautiful.

If you have any other questions, that I didn't answer, please leave them down below! :)

Inglot #154 Eyeshadow Review, Swatch, & Photos

I cannot believe I'm finally writing this blog post! Or that I even have this product to show you! After my best friend goes off to Vegas for her 21st birthday, the last thing I expect is her bringing back an Inglot Eyeshadow!? I was completely baffled none the less, but so so so thankful! <3

I have been wanting to try Inglot forever now! Of course, I live nowhere near one, since most Inglot stores are in bigger cities, but I know if I ever go to a city with one... I'm going to be all over it! I would love to order online, but I am a little overwhelmed with the number of shadows they have! I find it super hard to base eyeshadows on their swatches online, so I'd much rather swatch in store!

With that being said, my best friend, Emily, went into the store looking for a neutral color (knowing that's basically all I wear). I believe she said a sales girl ended up helping her pick out a bestselling neutral shade. And here's what she ended up getting me...

How stunning is this shadow!? Beautiful metallic taupe! I want to mention the packaging first though...

The palettes are completely magnetic, so the eyeshadow just pops right in! The top of the palette is also magnetic and can be completely taken off (below) or left on (top) to use the eyeshadow. I find this so hand that it gives you the control you want - especially with the single eyeshadow!

However, the one negative point I want to make about the packaging is that once you get the eyeshadow in... it's NOT easy to get out! I've watched YouTube videos on how to get this out, and I still can't figure out the trick. So if anybody has any tips, please let me know! As you can see the bottom is a magnet, which makes the shadow stick very well in the palette!

If you aren't set on the Inglot palettes that they offer (and having trouble getting them out), I recommend grabbing a Unii or Z Palette. The eyeshadows will magnetize to these palettes and you won't have one problem getting them out. Also, because each eyeshadow is made for a palette, the number is printed right on the back!

Now I want to move onto the actual eyeshadow! I don't think I can say any negatives about it to be quite honest. It's amazing. The formula is buttery smooth and the pigmentation is outstanding. I am so extremely happy with this eyeshadow that I have the urge to order online because I don't think I could be disappointed with any of the eyeshadows if the the formula is similar to this one!

The color is a perfect bronzy-taupe with a metallic sheen. Looks great for any look, and any eye color! Lately, I've been putting this all over the lid, and then blending it up into the crease. This adds an effect that looks like I added a darker color in the crease - which I didn't! It's so quick and easy for every day!

As you can see, the shadow is beautiful! I would recommend this shadow 100%. You can buy this shadow from Inglot's website, or Inglot stores. The eyeshadow is $6, while the palette/pan is also $6 - adding up to $12 if you want just one single eyeshadow. This is why I recommend buying more than one, because you'll end up saving money with the palette price!

Hope you enjoyed the review! I really hope some of you get to try these eyeshadows because they're awesome! If you have any questions, please leave them down below! :)

Rimmel Nude Scandal Eyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Review, Swatch, & Photos

Disclosure: This product was purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 10/10

Sold: Drugstores

Price: $4.49

Description: A yellow-based nude kohl eyeliner; claims to be “smudge-proof and waterproof”

Review:

Pros

• Incredibly pigmented!
• Extremely yellow-based – good for concealing redness in the eyes (best for medium to dark skin)
• So creamy to apply! Literally glides right on to the waterline!
• Stays very well on my eyes – doesn’t seem to smudge!

Cons

• If you have light skin with very pink undertones (like myself), I wouldn’t recommend this! It looks extremely yellow compared to the rest of my face and makes me look a little… sick! LOL! ****Although this doesn’t work on my waterline, I have been recommended to try it as a brow highlight! This definitely seems promising!***

Revlon Pink Lemonade Colorburst Lip Butter Review, Swatch, & Photos

Disclosure: This product was purchased with my own money. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 10/10

Sold: Drugstores

Price: $7.99

Description: A light peachy-pink

Review:

Pros

• Beautiful shade!
• Shade is not over-pigmented, but it makes a very pretty light sheen!
• So creamy on the lips!
• Can be put on easily – without a mirror

Cons

• I hope this a part of the permanent line! I know it was in the Revlon Pacific Coast Collection, but I don’t think it’s a limited edition shade (cross my fingers!)

Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 6/10

Sold: Drugstores

Price: $6.99

Description: “40% less hard waxes for massive volume with a supply touch; extra-soft, patented Flexor Brush”

Review:

Pros

• Wonderful brush! You can really position it any way you want to reach every single lash!
• Stays very well!
• Doesn’t smudge above or below the eye

Cons

• Formula turned from very wet to very dry – there was no happy-medium!
• I felt like the formula clumped my lashes together just because it wasn’t the right consistency
• Couldn’t build up the volume or length very much
• Too much of a “natural” looking mascara for me!

Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 8/10

Sold: Drugstores

Price: $9.99

Description: “Makeup so refreshingly light, it melts right in, creating a fresh even look. Blends seamlessly, buildable coverage.”

Review:

Pros

• Available in 16 true to tone shades
• Feels very light on the skin
• Blends very easily – Personally, I use the beauty blender!
• Leaves the skin with a natural finish – not too matte, not too dewy
• If you have dry skin, I don’t think you would have to set it with a powder!
• Lasts about eight hours, after setting with a powder, before it starts to seperate

Cons

• No pump!
• Not sure if it was just this shade, but it has a very warm undertone!
• Very similar to L’Oreal True Match Makeup, but doesn’t last quite as long!

Maybelline Volum’ Express Turbo Boost Mascara Review & Photos

Rating: 7/10

Sold: Drugstores

Price: $7.77

Description: “Long-lasting waterproof turbo-boost formula and patented Anti-Clump Brush quickly thicken lashes for 5x more volume”

Review:

Pros

• Very wet formula
• Coats the lashes evenly, allowing them to be very rich and dark
• Volumizes the base of the lashes
• Makes lashes look extra thick
• Would be great for blending in false eyelashes
• Love the tiny brush – very easy to get to the lower lashes and outer corner lashes

Cons

• Can clump easily – especially when first opened because the formula is so wet
• Seems to smear above and under my eyes
• Does not lengthen the lashes at all (although it doesn’t claim this either)

NYX French Kiss Mega Shine Lip Gloss Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 7/10

Sold: NYX, Ulta, Cherry Culture

Price: $4.99

Description: A shimmery rose pink

Review:

Pros

• Beautiful color
• Very universal for all skintones
• Neutral shade that can go with any makeup look
• Opaque color
• Smells of sweet tarts

Cons

• Very sticky
• It’s hard to apply evenly

Revlon PhotoReady BB Cream Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 4/10

Sold: Drugstores

Price: $10.99

Description: “A lightweight, multi-benefit Beauty Balm that combines skincare, makeup, and sunscreen into one step”

Review:

Pros

• Thicker consistency so it will cover areas of discoloration
• Very creamy
• Love the packaging!
• Would be great for those with dry to normal skin types
• Has SPF 30 – great for using when you’re headed outdoors

Cons

• I haven’t heard anybody else mention this, but this completely oxidizes once it hits my skin.. complete orange! Not to mention, this is the lightest shade, and it looks fine when it first comes out!
• Also, I’m not sure I would recommend for oily skin. It is rather thick, and I feel like it could definitely leave the skin feeling oilier than normal!

NYX Green Papaya Slide On Eye Liner Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 10/10

Sold: NYX, Cherry Culture, Ulta

Price: $7.95

Description: Light minty green

Review:

Pros

• Amazing pigmentation
• Very pretty, unique color
• Glides on to the eye without any effort
• Does not smudge
• Can be put on the waterline without irritation
• Adds a pop of color and opens the eyes

Cons

• None!

NYX Sweet Heart Lip Gloss Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 6/10

Sold: Ulta, Cherry Culture, NYX Cosmetics

Price: $5.50

Description: A shimmery beige

Review:

Pros

• Good consistency
• Very opaque
• Looks great to add some highlight over a lipstick

Cons

• Almost too light of a color for it to be so opaque
• Color doesn’t go on evenly

NYX Gun Metal Slide On Eye Liner Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 8/10

Sold: Ulta, Cherry Culture, NYX

Price: $7.99

Description: A dark gray with slight shimmer

Review:

Pros

• Wonderful eye liner to line the eyes
• Stays put on the skin for hours – no budging
• Adds definition without being a harsh black

Cons

• Cannot use on the waterline – particles from the pencil seem to get into my eye (probably has to do with the shimmer)

Josie Maran Summer Lovin’ Argan Color Stick Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 9/10

Sold: Sephora & Josie Maran

Price: $22.00

Description:

Review:

Pros

• Feels so soft on the skin
• Glides onto the skin – not dry, but not oily at all
• Perfect consistency
• Wonderful color for a bronzy look
• Would be great for dry skin
• If you have darker skin, this would work great as a highlight!
• Works great as a lip color too because it is moisturizing!

Cons

• I wish the color wasn’t so metallic!

NYX Golden Olive Slide-On Eye Liner Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 9/10

Sold: Ulta, Cherry Culture, NYX

Price: $8.00

Description: A metallic dark olive green

Review:

Pros

• Great for adding a pop of green – especially for green or brown eyes
• Looks great for lining, or as a base!
• When lining the eyes, it stays on extremely well!
• Adds a metallic sheen to the eyes

Cons

• Not the best for the waterline – I find it flakes into my eye

Bare Minerals Confidence Blush Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 8/10

Sold: Sephora, Ulta, and Bare Escentuals

Price: $19.00

Description: Peachy, apricot blush

Review:

Pros

• Pigmentation is extremely nice!
• Matte finish!
• Gorgeous color!

Cons

• Can look a little powdery if you apply too much!

L’Oreal Liquid Diamond Infallible Eye Shadow Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 10/10

Sold: Drugstores

Price: $7.95

Description: A shimmery silver, with a hint of blue undertone

Review:

Pros

• Looks very multi-dimensional
• Can create an entire eye look just with this shadow
• Amazing pigmentation
• Very reflective
• Goes on smooth across the eye

Cons

• I’m not a fan of the blue undertone, but I feel like it’s very hard to find a silver without a blue undertone

Maybelline Barely Beige Color Tattoo Review, Swatch, & Photos

Rating: 10/10

Sold: Drugstores

Price: $4.99

Description: A light shimmery beige

Review:

Pros

• Very similar to MAC Bare Study Paint Pot
• Goes on very creamy
• Only need a tiny bit to spread over the eye
• Works great as a base, or by itself!
• Really brightens up the eye
• Crease resistant

Cons

• None!