A Not-so-bronze Bronzer Review

From left to right: Maybelline Fit Me Bronzer, E.L.F. Bronzer,
Wet n Wild Colorcon Bronzer in Bikini Contest

I decided to do a review on bronzers I'm currently giving you ideas on bronzers.

I will rate each one from 1-10 individually and from 1-3 on which is my favorite.

Maybelline Fit Me Bronzer in Medium Bronze - $5

I give this bronzer a 5 out of 10. You can do without it.

It's number 2 on my list. I've only tried 3 bronzers so that's why it's number 2.

Otherwise, this would be low on my favorite bronzers list!

I wasn't too surprised at the quality since it is drugstore brand and Maybelline.

Maybelline Fit Me products have never been a favorite of mine since

1) not well pigmented

2) priced high for the quality of the product

My advice to you: don't buy it! Same for the blush!

Eyes Lips Face (E.L.F.) Bronzer in Golden Bronze - $3

This gets a 5 out of 10 and it's number 3 on my list since it's horrible!

I gave it a 5 and not lower since this works better as a highlighter than a bronzer.

As a bronzer, it sucks! Horrible! I don't like it!

I'm not sure if I bought the wrong shade for me, which was like medium, I think.

The next one up would have been too dark for me.

Again, I'm not surprised with the quality since E.L.F. is fairly cheap.

Guess I get what I paid for, right?

Wet n Wild Colorcon Bronzer in Bikini Contest - $4

Of course, this is my favorite bronzer! Save the best for last!

I rate this a 8 out of 10 and of course it's number one on my list.

I didn't give this a 10 because sometimes when I apply it it's blotchy,

but I can work around that by blending it out more.

This is highly pigmented! Super! I love this!

The sun design is a plus to the bronzer too!

Out of them all, I definitely recommend this.

It's the same price as the Maybelline Fit Me one, but better quality.

I'm never disappointed with Wet n Wild products.

Some swatches of the bronzers

Wet n Wild

As you can see, the E.L.F. one is very sheer so you can't see it well as a bronzer,

but like I said, it's a great substitute for a highlighter.

The Maybelline Fit Me one is almost the same color as the Wet n Wild,

but it's a little lighter. The color matches me best but I have to like pack it on!

MyGlam January Bag Review

I can't rotate it!

"Finally, a New Year's Beauty Resolution that you are going to love! This year's first Glam Bag is full of great brands that are good for the planet and good for you. We've searched for the purest and most natural makeup lines on the market. Ones that are cruelty-free, organic, all-natural, and earthy. After all, this year's beauty resolution shouldn't only be about looking beautiful, it should also be about feeling beautiful from within. Here's to an amazing New Year ahead!"

                                                              xoxo

Michelle

My MyGlam bag finally came! There was a shipping delay.

I was so excited to get this that I went to my mailbox everyday!

Then, when I finally received it...I wasn't as excited. : (

I'm not a huge mask fan nor a nail polish fan.

I am an eco-friendly person though so having these products are great.

When I first looked at the nail polish my first impression was, "Aaaah!"

I don't match dark colors especially a teal color...But when I

tried on theBalm Hot Ticket Nail Polish I was amazed!

The nail polish has a shiny effect and is very pigmented. 

I only needed ONE coat!

I was very impressed!

Too make the beautiful teal color even more luminous

I added a glitter nail polish by China Glaze in Dorothy Who?. 

Now, the Sheer Cover Duo Concealer is my fave of them all.

I have never tried such a creamy concealer before. At first glance, I thought the light/medium color wouldn't match me, but I was dead wrong! I love it and it's my new, everyday concealer now. It applies flawlessly although  it's not long-lasting. Regardless, I am thinking about purchasing the product myself when I'm out.

As for the other products, I haven't tried them yet. I'll let y'all know how I feel about them eventually!

Extras that came with the bag:

Freeman Beauty Products discount - 16% off the Feeling Beautiful Trio

WEN special offer - save $20 on WEN Healthy Hair Care System

Sheercover special offer - $100 in makeup and gifts for only $19.95

Can you see the clear formula?

It's sticky when first applied but peels off nicely after.

This smells amazing!

Now for the product info:

Shopping Haul: Forever21, H&M, Wet Seal, Gap

PRODUCTS MENTIONED:

From Forever21

Black flower top $14
Happy Slouchy Off-the-shoulder Sweater $17.50
Gray Leopard Print Crop Top $13.80
Long Navy Blue Blouse/Shirt $17.50

From Gap

Crocheted Purplish Blue Scarf $19.99
3 Long-Sleeve Shirts $7.99 each
1 Chiffon Long-Sleeve Shirt $12.99

From H&M
Long Black Print Shirt $3
Black Skinny Jeans $19.99

From Wet Seal (5 for $20 deal)

4 pairs of cotton leggings - 2 black, 1 gray, 1 white
1 blue tee

Seven Deadly Sins of Beauty/Makeup Tag

TAG! YOU'RE IT!

GREED
What is your most expensive beauty item?
The Naked2 Palette! It's $50...one hell of an investment!


What is your most inexpensive?
E.L.F. makeup products especially the eyeshadow quads and brushes.

I'm a huge fan of E.L.F. and all, but I absolutely detest their bronzer!

I love their BLUSH though! :)

WRATH
What beauty product do you have a love/hate relationship with?
Foundation and concealer. I can never find the right color since I have uneven skintone and on top of that horrible undereye circles! What's a girl to do?!


What product has been the hardest to get?
The Naked Palette. Any of them! I had to go to multiple stores several times in order to get the first Naked Palette...and the second one was always out of stock. So, I waited for a few weeks until I got mine! 


GLUTTONY
What are your most delicious beauty products?
I don't really have scented products unless we're talking about perfume.

I love the Victoria Secret body mists! Yum! :D

As for makeup products, I don't have many scented ones.

I think I have fruity lipsticks or else a clean smelling scent like the MAC foundation primer.

SLOTH
What beauty product do you neglect due to laziness?
Eye cream...day and night. The eye cream I use is StriVectin-SD Eye Cream which reduces appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. Sometimes I'm exhausted and have no patience for putting on eye cream at night or even applying it in the morning before school. This is probably why I don't see AMAZING results.


PRIDE
What beauty product gives you the most self confidence?

For me it would be eyeshadow. I feel as if you can tell what mood someone is in by their eyeshadow. If it's neutral colors then that person is going to work, school, or just doesn't want to amp it up much. If it's bold, darker colors perhaps that person is going to go out or wants to look sexy. I don't know; it can be many things.


LUST
What attributes do you find the most attractive in the opposite sex?
Personality. It's everything to me especially the first impression.


ENVY
What products would you most like to receive as a gift?
Urban Decay 24/7 Pencils since I've been looking for a long-lasting eyeliner and the NARS Orgasm blush since everyone's raving about it. <3

Favorite Beauty Products of 2011

Since everyone on Youtube has been uploading videos like this
I thought I would too since I'm just sitting here while it's snowstorming!

In case you didn't watch the video...here's the product list:

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Maybelline Eyeshadow Quad in Sunlit Bronze

NYX AUTO Eyebrow Pencil in Charcoal

Your Best Friend (YBF) Automatic Eye Brow Pencil in Universal Taupe

L'Oreal Paris Lineur Intense (Liquid Eyeliner) in Carbon Black

Covergirl Lash Exact Waterproof Mascara

Urban Decay Primer Potion

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anit-Dark-Circle Roller

Lancome Effacernes Waterproof Concealer in Medium Bisque

E.L.F. blush in Pink Passion

Lancome Color Design Lipstick in Pale Lip Cream

EOS lip balm in Summer Fruit

Sonia Kashuk Radiant Tinted Moisturizer in Tan

MAC Prep+Prime Transparent Finishing Powder

L'Oreal Paris Go 360 Degrees Clean Anti-Breakout Facial Cleanser

Short Sexy Hair Shaping Balm

Kenra Hairspray/Mousse

Organix Brazilian Keratin Therapy Flat Iron Spray

Aussi 3 Minute Miracle Deep Conditioner

Victoria's Secret - Pink with a splash Warm + Cozy All-Over Body Mist

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion

40 Carrots Moisture Splurge (lotion)

Since I already mentioned reasons why these are all my faves in the video

I won't write a more detailed review here since that would take

FOREVER...and it would be kind of boring to read product reviews 

over and over.

That's it for now folks! Hope you liked the video/blog post! <3

The Worst Makeup Remover Pads!!!!

Image source: [olafitness.wordpress.com]

Have y'all ever tried these makeup remover pads?

What's your opinion on them?

For me, as you can tell by the title, 

I strongly dislike these makeup remover pads!

I don't hate them because they do remove my makeup, 

but they leave me with a stinging feeling.

These are EYE makeup remover pads that are ULTRA-SOFT,

which they are, but why do they sting my eyes so much?

I may just have very sensitive skin.

I've tried other makeup wipes before like the Olay brand.
It also stings my eyes horribly and sometimes...even my face.
One thing I will note is my dry skin so I understand the sudden irritation.
This is my personal opinion of these makeup remover pads.
I don't know if it will be the same for you or any other woman.
I'm just telling y'all how I feel about them. :)

January Eyeshadow Favorites/Review

Image source: [drugstore.com]

Image source: [asos.com]

These two are my ultimate fave drugstore eyeshadows to use.

For now these are the ones I reach for most...even more than the Naked Palette!

First, I'll talk bout the Revlon eyeshadow quad.

Below are swatches of each color.

(yes...I know I have VERY dry skin!)

The two shades on the left are matte while the other two shades

are sheer with some glitter particles.

The packaging says it lasts 16hrs...that I haven't tried out. 

I wore this quad today outside while it was snowing

and I didn't have a problem.

The only thing I think is a downside is the amount 

of fallout from the matte shades.

They're kind of powdery especially if you use a brush.

Overall, this quad is well pigmented and long lasting!

Next up is the Rimmel eyeshadow trio! Of the two, my fave!

Hehe...it looks like poop colors LOL

It's kind of hard to see, but above are the swatches!

On the left is the darkest brown shade followed by the taupish color.

Last is the highlight color that I use to highlight under my brows.

The colors are very neutral although sheer so easily glammed up!

That's why the trio is called "Glam'Eyes!"

I love this eyeshadow trio! I've been wearing this 

everyday since New Year's Day.

This was a gift from my sister for Christmas...thanks so much sis! <3

*DRUM ROLL*

Now time for the Revlon Cosmetics deal time!!!!

Image source: [revlon.com]

If you go to CVS now there is a deal on Revlon cosmetics.

Buy one of the three: 3D Volume Mascara, 16-Hour Eyeshadow Quad, 

or a ColorBurst Lip Butter, for about $5.99-$7.99 

and receive $3.00 extracare bucks (if you're an extracare card holder). 

If you don't know what extracare bucks are 

they're simply in store credit that's printed off on a receipt from items that 

have the yellow tags hanging on them indicating that you can receive 

extracare bucks for them.

In other words, it's like you're spending $2.99 on an eyeshadow quad.

EXTRAS!!!

This is what happens when you have kids around! They drive you nuts!

P.S. I was babysitting my nieces and nephews. 

Hehe...I have siblings too so they helped watch! :)

CVS (Awesome Couponing) Haul

(I can't rotate the picture! It won't let me!!!!)

Are you an extreme couponer? I'm not either! Haha! 

My sister recently got me hooked onto couponing.

She's very thorough and neat with all her couponing...unlike ME!

So, I'll walk y'all through with what I did to save about $15+

with just coupons and only paying about $7 out of my pocket.

FIRST!!!!

Print off a $1.00 coupon for any Aveeno Facial Care Product 

and a $1.00 Aveeno Hand/Body Lotion. CVS also has a 

BOGO half off sale for Aveeno products.

Be sure to either clip the Revlon deal in the CVS ad 

or just grab the whole CVS ad.

The Revlon deal is to buy either the 3D Volume mascara, an eyeshadow 

quad, or one of the infamous Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butters 

and pay $5.99 and get $3.00 extracare bucks.

SECOND!!!!

I picked out one of my favorite Mars candy bars, 

which was Dove Milk Chocolate Almond.

This was $0.75, but you get $0.75 extracare bucks so basically it's FREE.

Next, I grabbed the purple Revlon eyeshadow quad for $5.99. 

Last, grab one of the GE Light Bulbs for $2.99 and  get $2.00 extracare bucks.

Total for this transaction, I paid $10.22 and earned $5.75 extracare bucks.

FINALLY!!!!

*note* It was my birthday this past Sunday so I got a $3.00 off coupon.

Go to the lotion aisle and pick out your favorite 

Aveeno lotion or facial product.

I chose the Aveeno Skin Brightening Scrub for $7.99 

and the Aveeno makeup wipes with soy extract or something for $7.99,

but remember it's BOGO half off.

Then, for the lotion I got a travel size 

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion for $3.69.

Last, as an extra since I needed them, I got bobby pins for $1.99.

The total so far is $21.66 without tax. 

Minus $4 or the half off I get for the second Aveeno facial product

Minus $1 for the Aveeno facial product coupon

Minus $1 for the Aveeno hand/body lotion coupon

Minus $3 for the birthday coupon

Minus $3 for the Revlon extracare bucks

Minus $2 for the GE Light Bulb extracare bucks

and  finally minus $0.75 for the Mars candybar.

Overall deductions - $14.75

New subtotal - $6.91 + $0.73 (5% tax) = $7.64 

Now, let's add up both transactions.

$10.22 + $7.64 = $17.86

Total without discounts or coupons.

$10.22 + $24.04 (w/tax) = $34.26

As you can see I saved myself more or less $15 on this shopping trip.

Like I said, I'm not a huge coupon person so I do spend more than

the usual extreme couponer. But, I did save a lot...$15 that I can spend on something else!

Share your couponing experience in the comments.

Or, post a blog and tag me or something!

I would love to know about your couponing techniques and habits.

Thrift Store Haul

Thrift Store Haul Video

Today I went to my local Goodwill store and bought some amazing pieces! All for only $8?!

Most of the clothing items I bought were either on sale or clearance but they were still in great quality.

Now, I don't know about you guys but I love my Goodwill store.

I admit that sometimes the prices are high but if you look thoroughly you can find amazing deals!

This is actually my second trip to Goodwill. I didn't do a blog post or anything for the first trip simply

because I didn't have time to blog about it.

All the things I bought are listed below along with the price that I bought them for.

Abercrombie & Fitch Muscle Tee - $1.49

Maurices Gray Plaid Vest - $1.75

Maurices 3/4 Length Maroon Shirt - $1.49

GO(vest)                          GO(shirt)

These two are from the actual Maurices site. They look similar to the two Maurices' items that I bought so thought I would post them so y'all have an idea of how my pieces look. If you want to see more product info on them simply click the "GO" button and you'll be directed to the exact page on Maurices.com where the item(s) is located.

GO

Here is the Old Navy Dolman Sweater from oldnavy.com that looks similar to the sweater that I bought for my sister. I bought it for $0.74 at Goodwill. If you want more product info on this sweater click the "GO" link under the image and you'll be directed to the product location.

GO

Here is a look-alike of the muscle tee I bought from A&F. This is from the exact site abercrombie.com and if you click the "GO" button you'll be directed to the product location.

As for the white skull-patterened tee I don't know where it's sold at. I bought it for $1.49.

Did y'all recently go thrift store shopping? Comment below on the great deals you found! :)

My 2012 New Year's Resolutions

This was a picture of me from 2-3 years ago.

Years ago I used to be skinnier, better looking skin, more energy, and the list goes on. There are a lot of things I regret doing in the past but I wouldn't change them at all because they're what makes me...ME! There is one thing that I truly want to change and that is motivation. I have no motivation whatsoever. I don't even blog that much nor do I upload Youtube videos anymore. I always say I don't have time but I just don't make time. I'm lazy! There, I said it! : p

So, here comes the resolutions list that I hope to achieve:

1. Lose 15-20 pounds

2. work out more / exercise everyday

3. eat more healthy foods less junk food, less soda and...alcohol :(

4. work harder in school! you're paying for it *****

5. spend more time with family...that means mommy too!

Well, that's all I can think of for now. Those are the main issues I have...especially losing weight and exercising because I'm lazy and I love to eat. I'm a PIG! Hehehe.

CVS/Walgreens/Target/TJ Max Haul!!!!

Over the past few weeks I've gone shopping at various drugstores/department stores such as CVS, Walgreens, Target, and TJ Max. I stumbled along some of the greatest products that I'll ever use...and some that aren't so fun.

CVS

Oral-B Complete products that I had $1-$2 coupons off for and earned $2 extracare bucks* 

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (bought two -->BOGO 1/2 off)

This is my all-time favorite daily lotion to use whether it's for my face or my body. And, it works great especially if you have dry skin like I do.

Maybelline Master Precise Black Ink Pen Eyeliner

close-up of the pen tip

Physicians Formula 2-in-1 Eye Booster + Serum (eyeliner)

This I didn't actually buy from CVS but you can get it there or any drugstore. I got this as a present from my sister for my birthday which was yesterday. This is supposed to boost the length of your upper lashes and is a eyeliner as well. It works great and I love it! I included it not only because I love it but I'm comparing it to the Maybelline Master Precise Black Ink Pen Eyeliner. The Maybelline eyeliner is actually more black than the Physicians Formula one, but both are very pigmented. I haven't tried the Maybelline one yet, but will do a blog review as soon as I try it out enough.

Top: Maybelline Master Drama Eyeliner in Midnight 

Bottom: Milani Liquif'Eye Metallic Eyeliner in 01 Black

I bought the Milani eyeliner from CVS and Maybelline eyeliner from Wal-Mart. The reason why I have both together is to give a little review/comparison of the two. Milani Liquif'Eye supposedly creases and smudges easily, but I say that it's fine if you simply put a matte black eyeshadow over it. The Maybelline eyeliner on the other hand smudges like crazy no matter what! That's the sole reason why I switched eyeliners. If you're looking for a good, pigmented, black eyeliner I would choose the Milian Liquif'Eye eyeliner over Maybelline's.

Left: Your Best Friend (YBF) Eyebrow Pencil in Universal Taupe

Right: Milani Eyebrow Pencil in Natural Taupe

The YBF pencil you can't get at CVS but the Milani one you can. I'm just comparing both eyebrow pencils next to each other. You can see that YBF eyebrow pencil is more brown but it actually is more of a reddish tone on my eyebrows so that's why I would prefer the Milani eyebrow pencil. The Milani eyebrow pencil is more natural-looking and doesn't seem like you used an eyebrow pencil. Plus, it's cheaper: approx. $5 compared to YBF eyebrow pencil which is $12 on birchbox.com and compared to the Anastasia Brow Wiz $20 on sephora.com. I know the Milani one looks like orangish in the picture but it isn't...it's much lighter and brownish on eyebrows.

Maybelline Dream Matte Powder in Beige and Rimmel Trio in 621 London

These products I also didn't purchase myself. My sister also gave them to me, but for Christmas. I am in love with these two products. I've been using them for the past few days and cannot stop obsessing over them. They are the best combo ever. I was iffy on the trio in the beginning because it's all matte colors, which don't appear well on my tan skin tone, but they just make my eye makeup look beautiful.

John Freida Root Awakening Shampoo & Conditioner

This was also a gift from my sister for my birthday. I've been using it since yesterday and this shampoo & conditioner is very good. I love it. I really needed these two hair products since I recently dyed my hair and was in need of a good shampoo & conditioner. So, far these have been good to me and hopefully don't change my opinion of them when I keep using them.

Finally, the last product from CVS! This is the CVS Pharmacy Clarifying Cleansing Towelettes

I picked this makeup remover wipe from others because it has soy extract which won't dry out my face after removing my makeup. Most makeup remover wipes I've used in the past totally dry out my face. I've only used this twice so I can't really judge the quality yet, although I will say that my face isn't as dry from using this.

WALGREENS

eos lip balms: in back is sweet mint, left is honey dew, front is summer fruit

Originally $2.99 each but earned $2 in register rewards* so it's like I paid only $0.99 for each!!!!

Revlon Lip Butters in Pink Passion and Berry Smoothie

I absolutely love these two shades and the product as well! There was SO much hype about these and everywhere I went they were sold out. Eventually I just decided to buy them and I don't regret it. They are highly pigmented and moisturizing! <3

TARGET

Sonia Kashuk Brush & Sponge Cleanser

I needed a new brush cleaner so I decided to buy this one. I tried it out the other day and for the first time using it I can't say I'm a fan. None of my makeup brushes were completely clean. Perhaps this cleanser just disinfects the brushes? I noticed that there was still foundation on my brushes so I cleaned them with my usual method: dish soap + olive oil.

TJ MAX

StriVectin-SD Intensive Concentrate For Existing Stretch Marks

This is supposed to reduce the redness and appearance of stretch marks. I've heard really good reviews on this product so I decided to buy it. This was $39.99 at TJ Max for all three products. If you were to buy just StriVectin-SD it would be $59.99 at TJ Max (for a bigger size I'm assuming) or originally it's about $120+. If you want to know more about StriVectin-SD visiti sephora.com for product details and reviews.

*extracare bucks - If you are a Extracare card member (which is free) at CVS you earn extracare bucks which is basically in store credit that is earned from certain products in the store and is printed off at the register on a receipt

*register rewards - at Walgreens there are certain products in the store where you can earn register rewards which is like store credit that is printed off at the end of a transaction in the form of a receipt