b e a u t y {marx} .

Hey lovelies,

I’ve been on a search for the perfect setting powder (I’m very picky with powders…I don’t know why. LOL) and I think I’ve finally found one that I really love.

I picked up E.L.F.’s High Definition Powder a couple weeks ago and have been using it everyday for the past week. *Random fact: I only shop for cosmetics when there’s some kind of deal or sale. With the exception of MAC…I’ll settle for free shipping with them. LOL

This powder is part of E.L.F.’s Studio line, and can be purchased on their website at www.eyeslipsface.com or Target (although the availability in-stores varies and may be very limited.) I purchased mine for $6.00 but recieved 50% my entire order with a promo code.

For my full review, please click the link below. :)

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(Source: beautymarx)

Hey dolls!

So this palette is part of Smashbox’s Summer 2011 Collection. Here’s a little description from Smashbox:

Inspired by the Softbox Studio at Smashbox — Where natural light rules - Our summer collection is all about effortless, diffused beauty.

Photographers use softboxes and specialized bulb umbrellas to diffuse bright light sources and eliminate harsh shadows, making the light that falls on their model appear softer and more natural.

It’s the same premise Smashbox applied to the products in their Softbox Studio collection. The three makeup sets for eyes, lips and cheeks mimic the qualities of natural light and embody the idea of effortless beauty.

I was at Sephora this past weekend (Which, I should prrrrrobably be banned of) and was initially shopping for a liquid eyeliner pen. A girl that worked there recommended a liquid eyeliner pen from Smashbox (which I will review at a later date) and as I was browsing around the Smashbox section, this beeautiful neutral palette caught my eye.

For my full review, more pictures, and swatches - Please click “Read More” below. :)

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(Source: beautymarx)

Hey lovelies,

I have yet another E.L.F. product review for you!

I wasn’t really going to do a review on this but I figured since I love it so much, I’ll share with you guys. :) So the product I’m reviewing is the Golden Bronzer from E.L.F.’s Studio collection.

Price: $3.00 at Target or www.eyeslipsface.com.

Packaging: Is the exact same packaging as the contouring blush/bronzer duo. Here’s a closer look below.

There are 4 shades as you can see below.

Don’t you just love these colours? Obviously there is a little bit of shimmer in this bronzer, but not too much that it scares you away. (I’m very picky with bronzers…Just because for me, they have to be completely matte or have juuuust a little bit of shimmer. I HATE the look of obvious glitter specks all over my face!)

Anyways - I’ve been using this as a very light contour, and the lightest shade as a highlight..Just to give my everyday look a little glow. I must say, I’m quite impressed. It blends out so smoothly. You know how there are some bronzers/blushes that are so stubborn, and end up making your face look dirty or blotchy? You don’t have to worry about that with this one.

Here are the swatches:

The lightest shade on the left is the one I use for a highlight. It’s sooo pretty. And then I typically blend all the other 3 colours together as a bronzer/contour for my cheeks.

I wouldn’t recommend this bronzer if you’re trying to achieve a “sharper”, more defined contoured face.

I do however, highly recommend this if you’re looking for something that is a.) affordable, and b.) will give you a nice, natural looking glow. I think it’s fabulous for Spring/Summer looks.

So I hope you all found this helpful. As always, let me know if I’ve missed anything or if you have any questions/requests.

xo,

Nikole

(Source: beautymarx)

Hey lovelies!

I know a few of you have been anticipating this review, so here it is! I hope you all find it helpful, and as always - Please feel free to ask me any questions if I missed anything. :)

Just a little bit of info: All Color Icon palettes come with 6 colours. 3 of them are matte, and the other 3 are metallic/shimmery shadows. 

Packaging: Basic clear plastic packaging. Comes with two shadow brushes..that I don’t use. LOL.

Price: $4.99 at CVS. 

So I’m going to start off with the “PRIDE” palette. Here’s what it looks like:

• MATTE COLOUR SWATCHES:

• SHIMMER/METALLIC COLOUR SWATCHES:

Okay! And now for the “LUST” palette:

• MATTE COLOUR SWATCHES:

• SHIMMER/METALLIC COLOUR SWATCHES:

And last but certainly not least, my current favorite, the “GREED” palette:

• MATTE COLOUR SWATCHES

• SHIMMER/METALLIC COLOUR SWATCHES:

What I like: Do you guys see how pigmented these shadows are? I absolutely LOVE them.  Not only that, but these eyeshadows are so extremely smooth and blendable - It makes them so easy to work with. And for only $4.99? Yes please! I am LOVING how drug store products are improving the quality of their products to compete with higher end cosmetics. That means getting great quality for a fraction of the higher end cosmetic prices!

The only thing is: FALL OUT. There’s ALOT of it! I would recommend holding a tissue under your eye while you’re putting these shadows on your lids - Especially for the darker colours. As always, tap your brush after picking up the eyeshadow. Also, on “Pride” palette - The highlight colours are way too white for me, so I typically don’t use them under my browbone. I think it’d be okay for an inner tearduct colour though.

Would I repurchase? Of course! These are quite possibly one of my new favorite drugstore eyeshadows :)

xo,

Nikole

(Source: beautymarx)

Hey lovelies!

I know some of you have been awaiting a review on this product - I apologize for my random absence! Lol okay so let’s get to it :)

I was running low on my UDPP (Urban Decay Primer Potion) about a month ago and was a bit curious about E.L.F.’s eyelid primer. As always, I was skeptical about trying it because it is ONLY A DOLLAR. Really, how good could it be?! O____O;

LOL. So I did give in and decided to give it a chance. I picked this up at Target for $1.00 (You can also buy it on their website for the same price).

Packaging: The little plastic tube is very simular to UDPP. Except this one is obviously see-through. It has a felt tip applicator, just like….You guessed it. :)

Consistency: This is one of the things that made me go “WOW” about this product. LOL. The consistency is EXACTLY like UDPP. You know, kind of like whipped cream. Very easy to blend.

Colour: Nude/transparent. Again…exactly like UDPP.

Price: $1.00

How to use it/Tips:

• Apply a very small amount to your lid. (If you use too much, it will crease!)
• Smooth out the product onto your entire lid and a little bit right under your lower waterline. (I typically use my finger…It’s easier.)
• It feels a little oily at first, but quickly dries to a matte finish.
• Apply your eyeshadow for the day. :)

OVERALL…..

I give it a 8 out of 10. GREAT product. I’ve been using this for the past 3 weeks on a daily basis, and it has not given me any issues. It will not crease unless you’ve applied too much. My eyeshadow doesn’t budge, and the primer definitely makes the colours come out better. In my opinion, this is definitely comparable (and obviously a way cheaper alternative) to Urban Decay’s Primer Potion.

(Left: No primer, Right: E.L.F. Eyelid Primer) *for both.

See how much more intense the eyeshadow is on the right? ALWAYS USE A PRIMER FOR BEST RESULTS & COLOUR INTENSITY!!

The only thing is: There isn’t much product in the bottle. But then again.. It IS, again, only a dollar. I can buy another backup and not feel guilty about it!! Oh, andddd it would be great if E.L.F. followed in Urban Decay’s footsteps and came out with a squeeze tube version for this product. Juuust sayin’. ;)

Would I repurchase? Definitely! This has become my 2nd favorite eyelid primer next to UDPP. :)

Hope this was helpful for you darlings!

xo,

Nikole

Hey loves! 

So I felt utterly compelled to buy this product after seeing it @kikimakeup’s Tumblr a few weeks ago. I’d been looking for a product that would help “seal in” my lipstick and keep it from smearing everywhere. Especially because I have gotten into wearing lipstick alot more than I did before, I want it to last as long as can be on my lips.

Per the packaging it came in, here’s a little bit about the product:

“Give your lipstick staying power! If your lipstick is more like lipslip, you need Lipcote. With it’s original, long-lasting formula, it’ll keep your lips looking luscious and kissable all day long. No wonder it’s used by millions worldwide — Including professional make-up artists and celebrities.”

So here is my review after using it for the past 2 weeks:

Packaging: Very small and compact. Fits nicely into my makeup bag and I can take it anywhere. Looks almost like a nail polish bottle…doesn’t it?

Smell: To be honest, the smell is not that appealing. It literally smells like nail polish remover, I think. But then again, it is an alcohol-based product. I personally got over the smell, but some people may find it too strong.

Consistency: The formula is very thin, not thick whatsoever. Very easy to apply over your lipstick.

Cost: $5.99 at http://www.lipcote.com/. GREAT price!

How to use it:

1. As always, apply your favorite moisturizer to clean, bare lips.
2. Then apply your favorite lipstick. (I recommend using a matte colour because this product is formulated to give you a satin/matte finish. Opt for non glossy, bold, classic colours for best results.)
3. VERY IMPORTANT: Make sure you BLOT your lipstick prior to applying Lipcote. It will peel if applied to wet lips.
4. After blotting, apply brush a thin line of Lipcote around the lip line; and then finish by brushing all over your lips.
5. *Now, there is a weird tingling sensation when you first apply this product to your lips because it is alcohol-based. After using Lipcote several times, I did get “used” to it, but I have read reviews where some people were very turned off by this and didn’t like the product because of it.
6. It is best to let the sealant dry by keeping your lips apart for about 30 seconds.
7. And that’s it! Your lipstick is concealed. Now go be beautiful. :)

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Avoid eating and drinking for about 10-15 minutes after applying the product.
• If it feels sticky when you put your lips together, that means you’ve applied too much. You only need a very thin layer!
• If it peels, you probably applied it over wet lipstick.
• I wouldn’t recommend using it on an everyday basis. I noticed that after using it for about 3-4 days straight, my lips were a bit dry.
• I’d avoid licking your lips. The taste is….not the best taste ever. Lol
• As I stated before…it does contain alcohol. Try to keep your lips away from fire/flames ladies. :)

To show you guys how it worked, here’s a test using a mug:

Let’s test it on bold red lips!

As you can see above, here’s what happened when I applied the lipstick, blotted, and DID NOT apply the Lipcote.

This time around, I applied my lipstick, blotted, brushed on the Lipcote, and waited about 5 minutes until I tested it on my mug. As you can see..There isn’t as much lipstick residue on the cup as opposed to when I didn’t apply Lipcote. Although there is a very faint lipstick stain from the inner rim of my lips, because I typically don’t like to apply the product “too far back”. I prefer not to eat the product. Lol.

PERSONAL NOTE:

I wore this over my lipstick at work (where I ate, drank, and talked to people alllll day!) It stayed on suprisingly well after 8 hours. A little drying, but it wasn’t too bad.

OVERALL….

I looooove this product. It’s works really well for me and keeps my lipstick on practically ALL DAY. I’d give it a 9 out of 10, only because the smell does through me off a bit, but as I said before…It (personally) doesn’t bother me TOO MUCH.

Again you can buy this product at http://www.lipcote.com/. (Company is based in the UK. I ordered w/ standard shipping, and it arrived in exactly one week.)

If you guys have any questions or requests, please feel free to ask. :)

xo,

Nikole

(Source: beautymarx)