Rimmel ScandalEYES

Rimmel ScandalEYES Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner is a longlasting liner that is "waterproof, smudge-proof, sweat-proof, heat-proof, humidity-proof, and scandal-proof". (Wow that is a lot of "proofs" to live up too!) The two shades I bought were Black and Nude.  They are around $4-5 at a drugstore. I got mine in a Buy 1 get 1 50% off. These applied very smoothly and are very pigmented. I don't think I've ever had a black eyeliner so black! Since they do apply smoothly, they are on the soft side and after about two days, I need to sharpen them. 

 <--------- Here is my eye makeup in the morning.
And below is my makeup 6 hours later. There was some traveling and it did run into the inner corners and almost gave me "raccoon"eyes on the bottom.

(L-R: water on Black, normal Black, smudged Black----smudged Nude, normal Nude, water on Nude)

So how about those claims we read earlier? Well, it is water proof to an extent. It won't rub off when water is applied. However, in my water line, it does end up washing away a bit. I live in a hot climate were there is heat, humidity, and of course that brings about sweat. As far as smudge proof, it failed for me. I don't like when my eye liner smudges and runs all over my eyes. So since it smudges, I really don't know if it is heat-proof, humidity-proof, or sweat-proof.

Would I repurchase? No. I've been looking for an eyeliner that won't budge throughout the day, and sadly this was not the one.

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment

Fresh Sugar Lip Treatments are "a hydrating lip product that nourishes, protects, and plumps lips." Ingredients: sugar, a blend of nourishing oils (meadowfoam seed, black currant, seed avocado, and jojoba), grapeseed polyphenols, avobenzone and octinoxate. The sugar prevents moisture loss, the oils deeply moisturize dry areas, grapeseed polyphenols protect, smooth, and soften, and the avobenzone and octinoxate provide SPF 15 sun protection.

Fresh has 7 tinted lip treatments and one clear lip treatment for a total of eight choices, each at $22.50.

I received this Beauty Insiders mini set as my Sephora birthday gift. It came with a mini size "Sugar" and "Rose" lip treatment. It is pretty much a lip balm, one is clear and the other is a rosy pink tinted lip balm.

They are very nourishing and my lips do feel soft and smooth after use. Honestly, this is not my first choice for when my lips are dry. I prefer to use a lip butter or rose salve. I use these lip treatments when my lips are normal, but could use a little moisture boost. I did not notice any lip plumping properties when it was applied.

I absolutely love the packaging! The lip balms come in a metal case that can twist the product up. It feels so classy and is pretty neat. Apart from Sugar, all the tinted balms come in a case with the color it corresponds too. Sugar comes in a brown case, although the balm is clear.

All of them have a sweet lemony scent. It makes sense for the clear balm, but I guess I expected a rose scent for the Rose tinted balm. The lemon scent does indeed make my lips feel "fresh". 

Rose swatches like a nice rosy pink, but barely shows a hint of color on my lips. Obviously Sugar will appear clear. 

Would I repurchase? No, I don't think I can justify paying $22.50 for a lip balm. There are plenty other lip products out there that are similar or even better then these. However, it is always nice to have a "high end" looking lip balm.

Murad Oil-Control Mattifier

I have combination skin (oily t-zone, normal cheeks). For the past seven months, I used Estée Lauder Oil Free Creme as my morning moisturizer before I apply my makeup. However, my face would look very shiny within the first couple of hours of having makeup on. I got tired of having a shiny oily face and decided I needed a way to change this.

One day, as I was browsing sephora.com, I saw the Murad Oil-Control Mattifier and clicked on it for more info. Here is what it said:

"A three-in-one moisturizer that mattifies immediately, controls oil for up to 8 hours, and effectively reduces breakouts."

Murad is known for their skin clearing products and they have a good reputation for it. I also read that the mattifier was not only a moisturizer that controlled oil, but that it also had an SPF, perfect! I went to Sephora as soon as I could to get a sample of it. I loved it so much, that I bought the full size! 

The mattifier is $39.50 and comes in a 1.7 oz tube. The SPF is 15, which is a little lower than most daily moisturizers, but it works fine. It also has Willow Bark Extract that helps manage breakouts and clear the skin of impurities. Lastly, it contains Argan Extract that is suppose to reveal softer, smoother skin.

My Experience:

I was a little thrown off by the smell at first. To me, the mattifier smelt like Elmer's Glue. (child hood memories!)

But after a few days of using it, I was use to it. I figured that it smelt like that because of the willow bark, but am not sure. It is not an offensive smell, but I didn't expect it to be a scent for a skin care product!

Since it is a mattifier, it is a little difficult to spread across the face. It is not as creamy as a lotion, but still hydrates the face. It takes some effort to cover your face since it won't glide on. I only use a pea-sized amount, and is a good amount for me. My makeup blends fine on top of it, and it helps my makeup feel and look fresh all day!

I have been using the mattifier for about a month now and I have seen a reduction of breakouts. Of course I will still have the occasional hormonal breakout, but overall I have seen improvement. My skin has also been smoother and softer, although I think this has been due to other factors as well.

Would I repurchase? Yes I would! It works great and does exactly what it says!

NOTW: China Glaze Light As Air

China Glaze Light As Air is a dusty lavender shade. The nail polish is from the Up & Away collection. Application was smooth and surprisingly the polish dried quickly! I did not observe any streakiness and the polish evenly covered my nail in one coat. I added a second coat because I usually do that!

Look at these lovely flowers! They opened beautifully. I gave them to my mom for her birthday over the weekend.

EOTD - Every Day

I have recently started wearing eye shadow on a normal basis. I like to keep things subtle and natural, and sometimes eye shadow can give a little "oopmh" to help eyes stand out! I used the Tarte Call of the Wild palette for today's look. This is what I normally do everyday.

1. Apply an eyelid primer

2. Use "Call" to cover eyelid from lash to brow

3. Apply "Jungle" in the crease

4. Highlight underneath the brow with "Instinct"

5. Line the waterline and upper lashes with a black eye liner

6. Apply mascara

Simple enough =)