I decided to do some lip swatches with the elf glossy glosses so that women of color or at least my skin tone can get an idea of how these glosses will look on them. If you have a lighter skin tone than me I think these swatches may help you in deciding which colors may be to strong, dark, etc. I also included a swatch of the elf glitter gloss in golden glitz because I only kept that color and gave the rest away so, I don't have them to swatch. Obviously I wouldn't wear this shade by itself because it's just to glittery so, I recommend wearing these glitter glosses over lipstick. F.Y.I these pictures was taken without a flash in natural light so that the true color will show.
About a month ago Maybelline released some shades to their existing make up line, I'm not sure if this is their new fall collection but, all the new colors are limited edition so pickings are very slim. I really love the new colors to the lipsticks and eye shadows but, my favorite is the blush. Usually drug store make up companies come out with colors that have more fair skinned people in mind if you know what I mean. Take Neutrogena for example, the darkest shade in their make up is tan and even that color looks to light for someone with a skin tone like Beyonce. The best thing about these new colors is that all women no matter what skin tone can wear everything and that's rare for drug store make up. By the way, I was only able to find these at Walgreen's, CVS didn't carry it and I don't have a Rite Aide in my area so, lets get on with the review (if you want swatches just leave a comment).
Maybelline New York Blush
805 Ravishing Rouge
This is such a beautiful color and very pigmented, you can actually use this as an eye shadow. This blush isn't powdery at all, it last all day, & since it is so pigmented you need to use a light hand when applying this to the cheeks. Maybelline really hit the ball out the park with this blush because there isn't many drug store brand blushes that's this dark & works well for women of color. This can be a very dupable color when it comes to high-end make up but with drug store make up not so in fact, the La Femme blush in the color bordeaux is really close but it has a little shimmer to it and the maybelline blush is a satin/matte finish. In all, this is a great blush I just wish it was a permanent color.
Maybelline New York Eyestudio
815 Sapphire Stylist
202 Mythical Mermaid
805 Strut it Suede
These are some of maybellines best eye shadows, I have almost all of the quad colors that are permanent and when I seen that they came out with some new colors I was so happy. There were a total of 4 new quads but these 3 stood out to me the most especially the strut it suede because it has a matte shade. If your familiar with the other shades to this line of eye shadows then you know that their all shimmery but, this is the only quad that has a matte shade and I love it.
Maybelline New York Colorsensational Lipstick
975 Moonstone Mauve
978 Amethyst Ablaze
979 Rubylicious
980 Plum Jewel
130 Fruit Punch
I love the new colors, they're perfect for the fall because of the jewel tones. Of course my favorite is the purple color called amethyst ablaze, it's so pretty I had to buy a backup. I felt bad because maybelline only made 4 lipsticks per color so after the two I bought there was only two left, oh well. My least favorite is fruit punch, not because of the color but of the formula. It's not really a lipstick but more of a sheer lip tint, it's okay but I really don't like it so, I will most likely give this to my cousin. In all I love these lipstick, I have other colors in this line of lipstick so these are no stranger to me.
I found this collection at my local CVS Pharmacy in the make up section not the Halloween aisle. I felt this had made up for the dreamweavers collection that for some reason never made it to Reno. These colors are great for the fall, the most unique color is the clear black with red specks, I know that sounds crazy a clear black but, that's what it is. Most glitter/novelty polishes have a clear base but this is a sheer black base which make it look gorgeous over black polish. This color is so pretty I had to go get another one and of course when I went back to CVS they were sold out, I should've known because I think there were only 4 polishes per color so not very many. This is a great collection and I like the fact there were no repeats well, the black could be a repeat but it's a different name, the black in the permanent line is called ebony hates chris and I don't own that so I can't compare the two but, in-all it's a great collection.
I just wanted to quickly share my bargain find today. I went to T.J. Max looking for some tops and of course, I had to go to the beauty aisle. Well, I notice on the end cap of the aisle they had a small section of nail polishes and make up palettes. I could not believe when I saw some products by a make up company called theBalm. I love their products, in fact I was going to go to Sephora next week to get a blush and to see if the new Cast Your Shadow Face palette was out yet. This palette is inspired by the muppets and it's limited edition. Anyway, T.J. Max had the Cabana Boy blush that I wanted for $9.99 (reg. price $21), I also purchase the Mary-Lou Manizer & Betty-Lou Manizer duo set for $19.99 (reg. price $48), and the last Balm product I was able to get and happen to be the last one was the Balm and the Beautiful palette for $19.99 (reg. price $45). I also got one elf product. Lets talk about theBalm first, I love the blush it's such a pretty color and it works well on all skin tones, not to mention this product like most of their items is a multitask-er because you can use this as an eye shadow as well. The lou manizers are the same, they can be used on the cheeks or the eyes and since this is very pigmented a word of caution, don't swirl your brush in this product only tap. Speaking of eyes, the eye shadow palette is great in fact, it's an exact duplicate of the Cast Your Shadow Face palette so, I really lucked out. The eye shadows are very pigmented, long lasting, and some of them can even be used as eyeliners. In all I really love these products and I'm glad I was able to get my hands on them and best of all was my savings, I saved a total of $64. The elf item I got was a nail polish set called Electric Rave, it's a metallic neon trio and I love it. I only paid $3.99 and since elf went up on their nail polish I would have paid $6 so I saved $2 not bad. This nail polish set must be limited edition because I never seen it on the website or anywhere else and the three colors that is included are not sold separately, which is a bummer because my favorite is the metallic orange. I love all the colors but, that orange was the most unique and if T.J. Max had more I would bought at least two more sets that's how much I love it but, they only had the one and I was happy to at least get that. So, go check out your local T.J. Max to see what beauty bargains you can find.
e.l.f. Essential Beauty School Eyeshadow Pigment Collection
If you are already familiar with elf's pigments then you know they're pigmented and great to have in your make up collection plus, it's a great way to get some practice in using loose eye shadows because it can be a little tricky. This set is great to have and the colors are a great combination because you can get several different looks. The only negative thing I have to say is that if you already own the colors golden goddess, magical maroon, and naughty norie in the studio line eye shadow pigments, then you don't need this set because the colors are identical. I love the set I just wish they would have came out with new colors rather then repeating the colors they already have because 9 times out 10 everybody has these colors. I really hate when companies re-release a product that they have and just slap a new name on it. If I base my rating just on the quality these pigments would get 5 stars but, since these colors are in the studio line pigments and most people have them I give it 3 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Makeup Lock & Seal
This product is elf's version of a mixing medium and we are aware of the different things you can do with a product like that. Well, this is no different. You can use this with your eye shadows, loose pigments, eyeliner, & lipstick, you can use this lock & seal on just about any make up product and it really does work. The only problem I had was using this on lipstick, it really didn't make it last longer than normal but, it did make the lipstick matte so, this is good if you want a matte lipstick and it's glossy. I give this product 4 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Mascara Primer
I never used a mascara primer before until I tried this one from elf and I have to say that I like it. Now I can't compare this to other brands but, from what it did for my lashes this is going to be a staple in my make up application. This makes my lashes longer and more define and this product will probably help with clumping to. I'm glad that elf came out wit a primer because I don't like to use high end mascaras and brow pencils since I go thought them so often I can't see myself spending that much money every month, especially since they're perfectly good drugstore brands that get the job done. I give this product 5 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Wrinkle Refiner
I love this wrinkle refiner, in fact this is one of the best products that elf has came out with. I don't have wrinkles but, I do have fine lines under my eyes and I have laugh/smile expressions around my mouth and this product really works. I don't know if it reduces the appearance of lines/wrinkles over time from using it. The best way I can describe this product is like a good primer not for allover the face but, just for the area with fine lines. This can be a little sticky but, just let it dry before you apply your make up and a little does go a long way so be careful on the amount you use. I defiantly give this product 5 stars.
e.l.f. Essential Eyelid Primer
The new colors to the eye lid primer are pretty decent, they do what a primer is suppose to do. The colors does offer a little variety on how your eye shadows may come out and I do like that. My favorite is the champagne and golden colors the pearl color is okay, when I bought it I thought it was going to be a white color primer so I wouldn't have to use a white base on top of the primer. This is white but, it has a little to much glitter so it's not as matte as I thought it was but it's still usable I just would have to use a base. The primer itself is really good, it does the job of what a primer is suppose to do for WAY less money less other primers on the market. I have some of the Urban Decay primer potion in Eden which I really love but, I can't see myself spending $20 on it. I got mines in a palette so it's like I got it for free and I don't have oily lids so I really don't need the real expensive stuff so that's why the elf works for me, not to say it won't work for someone with oily lids. The new colors are a great addition and it gets 4 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Retractable Lip Brush
This is a great lip brush, it does what I need it to do and best of all since it's retractable I can travel with it and I really do love the sleek design of this brush. There isn't much to say about this lip brush other than I like it so, I give it 5 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Single Eyeshadow
I feel that I speak for everyone who love elf products when I say that I'm glad they came out with some bright colors to their single eye shadows. The color choices that was available before these colors were just okay, they were on the natural side so the eye looks you come up with using the shadows were limited. But, now you can add so color in life and they're not half bad, you do need to use a base to make the colors show up better but, other than that I don't have any complaints. I give these 4 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Body Shimmer
These body shimmers are a new product and I have to say that I like them. Depending on your skin tone some of the colors can be used as a blush but, for the majority these will most likely be used as highlighters on the face as well as the neck and chest which I used on and I love the effect it gave. The packaging kind of reminds me of a stick of deodorant but, it's not hard like it, these are very creamy and soft so, I would suggest dabbing this product on and not sweeping because you will get way to much. Elf did good on the color selection because no matter what skin tone you are you can use just about every color. Just for reference in Make Up Forever Duo Mat powder I'm shade 218 chocolate or since most people can relate in MAC's studio fix powder I'm shade NW45 and I can were all of these shades, the only color I have to use a light hand with is mystic moonlight. These get 5 stars.
Watch the video to hear my thoughts and see swatches on some of ELFs new products and new colors.
If you are a person that is afraid of trying or wearing metallic eye shadows well, here is an affordable and very neutral wearable metallic eye shadow look. This look was inspired by the beaded wrapped spiral hoops that I made with using some topaz color beads. I hope you enjoy the tutorial and thanks for watching.
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` P R O D U C T S
Maybelline mineral power concealer in dark as a base
ELF single eye shadow in coffee bean
Loreal HIP Studio Secrets Metallic eye shadow in charged
ULTA eye shadow in molten
ULTA eye shadow in truffle
Loreal Lineur Intense liquid eyeliner
Loreal Lineur Intense liquid pencil eyeliner
Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara
I didn't mention in the video but, I used Loreal super blendable concealer in medium/deep as a highlighter under my brows and on my face even though you can't see is Loreal super blendable concealer in medium/deep under my eyes and Loreal true match super blendable powder in cocoa to set the concealer. I don't wear foundation, on my cheeks is elf studio blush in giddy gold and my lips I have on Revlon super lustrous lipstick in mink with NYC extreme lip glider lip gloss in downtown brown on top.
I decided to do some lip swatches with the elf glossy glosses so that women of color or at least my skin tone can get an idea of how these glosses will look on them. If you have a lighter skin tone than me I think these swatches may help you in deciding which colors may be to strong, dark, etc. I also included a swatch of the elf glitter gloss in golden glitz because I only kept that color and gave the rest away so, I don't have them to swatch. Obviously I wouldn't wear this shade by itself because it's just to glittery so, I recommend wearing these glitter glosses over lipstick. F.Y.I these pictures was taken without a flash in natural light so that the true color will show.
About a month ago Maybelline released some shades to their existing make up line, I'm not sure if this is their new fall collection but, all the new colors are limited edition so pickings are very slim. I really love the new colors to the lipsticks and eye shadows but, my favorite is the blush. Usually drug store make up companies come out with colors that have more fair skinned people in mind if you know what I mean. Take Neutrogena for example, the darkest shade in their make up is tan and even that color looks to light for someone with a skin tone like Beyonce. The best thing about these new colors is that all women no matter what skin tone can wear everything and that's rare for drug store make up. By the way, I was only able to find these at Walgreen's, CVS didn't carry it and I don't have a Rite Aide in my area so, lets get on with the review (if you want swatches just leave a comment).
Maybelline New York Blush
805 Ravishing Rouge
This is such a beautiful color and very pigmented, you can actually use this as an eye shadow. This blush isn't powdery at all, it last all day, & since it is so pigmented you need to use a light hand when applying this to the cheeks. Maybelline really hit the ball out the park with this blush because there isn't many drug store brand blushes that's this dark & works well for women of color. This can be a very dupable color when it comes to high-end make up but with drug store make up not so in fact, the La Femme blush in the color bordeaux is really close but it has a little shimmer to it and the maybelline blush is a satin/matte finish. In all, this is a great blush I just wish it was a permanent color.
Maybelline New York Eyestudio
815 Sapphire Stylist
202 Mythical Mermaid
805 Strut it Suede
These are some of maybellines best eye shadows, I have almost all of the quad colors that are permanent and when I seen that they came out with some new colors I was so happy. There were a total of 4 new quads but these 3 stood out to me the most especially the strut it suede because it has a matte shade. If your familiar with the other shades to this line of eye shadows then you know that their all shimmery but, this is the only quad that has a matte shade and I love it.
Maybelline New York Colorsensational Lipstick
975 Moonstone Mauve
978 Amethyst Ablaze
979 Rubylicious
980 Plum Jewel
130 Fruit Punch
I love the new colors, they're perfect for the fall because of the jewel tones. Of course my favorite is the purple color called amethyst ablaze, it's so pretty I had to buy a backup. I felt bad because maybelline only made 4 lipsticks per color so after the two I bought there was only two left, oh well. My least favorite is fruit punch, not because of the color but of the formula. It's not really a lipstick but more of a sheer lip tint, it's okay but I really don't like it so, I will most likely give this to my cousin. In all I love these lipstick, I have other colors in this line of lipstick so these are no stranger to me.
I found this collection at my local CVS Pharmacy in the make up section not the Halloween aisle. I felt this had made up for the dreamweavers collection that for some reason never made it to Reno. These colors are great for the fall, the most unique color is the clear black with red specks, I know that sounds crazy a clear black but, that's what it is. Most glitter/novelty polishes have a clear base but this is a sheer black base which make it look gorgeous over black polish. This color is so pretty I had to go get another one and of course when I went back to CVS they were sold out, I should've known because I think there were only 4 polishes per color so not very many. This is a great collection and I like the fact there were no repeats well, the black could be a repeat but it's a different name, the black in the permanent line is called ebony hates chris and I don't own that so I can't compare the two but, in-all it's a great collection.
I just wanted to quickly share my bargain find today. I went to T.J. Max looking for some tops and of course, I had to go to the beauty aisle. Well, I notice on the end cap of the aisle they had a small section of nail polishes and make up palettes. I could not believe when I saw some products by a make up company called theBalm. I love their products, in fact I was going to go to Sephora next week to get a blush and to see if the new Cast Your Shadow Face palette was out yet. This palette is inspired by the muppets and it's limited edition. Anyway, T.J. Max had the Cabana Boy blush that I wanted for $9.99 (reg. price $21), I also purchase the Mary-Lou Manizer & Betty-Lou Manizer duo set for $19.99 (reg. price $48), and the last Balm product I was able to get and happen to be the last one was the Balm and the Beautiful palette for $19.99 (reg. price $45). I also got one elf product. Lets talk about theBalm first, I love the blush it's such a pretty color and it works well on all skin tones, not to mention this product like most of their items is a multitask-er because you can use this as an eye shadow as well. The lou manizers are the same, they can be used on the cheeks or the eyes and since this is very pigmented a word of caution, don't swirl your brush in this product only tap. Speaking of eyes, the eye shadow palette is great in fact, it's an exact duplicate of the Cast Your Shadow Face palette so, I really lucked out. The eye shadows are very pigmented, long lasting, and some of them can even be used as eyeliners. In all I really love these products and I'm glad I was able to get my hands on them and best of all was my savings, I saved a total of $64. The elf item I got was a nail polish set called Electric Rave, it's a metallic neon trio and I love it. I only paid $3.99 and since elf went up on their nail polish I would have paid $6 so I saved $2 not bad. This nail polish set must be limited edition because I never seen it on the website or anywhere else and the three colors that is included are not sold separately, which is a bummer because my favorite is the metallic orange. I love all the colors but, that orange was the most unique and if T.J. Max had more I would bought at least two more sets that's how much I love it but, they only had the one and I was happy to at least get that. So, go check out your local T.J. Max to see what beauty bargains you can find.
e.l.f. Essential Beauty School Eyeshadow Pigment Collection
If you are already familiar with elf's pigments then you know they're pigmented and great to have in your make up collection plus, it's a great way to get some practice in using loose eye shadows because it can be a little tricky. This set is great to have and the colors are a great combination because you can get several different looks. The only negative thing I have to say is that if you already own the colors golden goddess, magical maroon, and naughty norie in the studio line eye shadow pigments, then you don't need this set because the colors are identical. I love the set I just wish they would have came out with new colors rather then repeating the colors they already have because 9 times out 10 everybody has these colors. I really hate when companies re-release a product that they have and just slap a new name on it. If I base my rating just on the quality these pigments would get 5 stars but, since these colors are in the studio line pigments and most people have them I give it 3 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Makeup Lock & Seal
This product is elf's version of a mixing medium and we are aware of the different things you can do with a product like that. Well, this is no different. You can use this with your eye shadows, loose pigments, eyeliner, & lipstick, you can use this lock & seal on just about any make up product and it really does work. The only problem I had was using this on lipstick, it really didn't make it last longer than normal but, it did make the lipstick matte so, this is good if you want a matte lipstick and it's glossy. I give this product 4 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Mascara Primer
I never used a mascara primer before until I tried this one from elf and I have to say that I like it. Now I can't compare this to other brands but, from what it did for my lashes this is going to be a staple in my make up application. This makes my lashes longer and more define and this product will probably help with clumping to. I'm glad that elf came out wit a primer because I don't like to use high end mascaras and brow pencils since I go thought them so often I can't see myself spending that much money every month, especially since they're perfectly good drugstore brands that get the job done. I give this product 5 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Wrinkle Refiner
I love this wrinkle refiner, in fact this is one of the best products that elf has came out with. I don't have wrinkles but, I do have fine lines under my eyes and I have laugh/smile expressions around my mouth and this product really works. I don't know if it reduces the appearance of lines/wrinkles over time from using it. The best way I can describe this product is like a good primer not for allover the face but, just for the area with fine lines. This can be a little sticky but, just let it dry before you apply your make up and a little does go a long way so be careful on the amount you use. I defiantly give this product 5 stars.
e.l.f. Essential Eyelid Primer
The new colors to the eye lid primer are pretty decent, they do what a primer is suppose to do. The colors does offer a little variety on how your eye shadows may come out and I do like that. My favorite is the champagne and golden colors the pearl color is okay, when I bought it I thought it was going to be a white color primer so I wouldn't have to use a white base on top of the primer. This is white but, it has a little to much glitter so it's not as matte as I thought it was but it's still usable I just would have to use a base. The primer itself is really good, it does the job of what a primer is suppose to do for WAY less money less other primers on the market. I have some of the Urban Decay primer potion in Eden which I really love but, I can't see myself spending $20 on it. I got mines in a palette so it's like I got it for free and I don't have oily lids so I really don't need the real expensive stuff so that's why the elf works for me, not to say it won't work for someone with oily lids. The new colors are a great addition and it gets 4 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Retractable Lip Brush
This is a great lip brush, it does what I need it to do and best of all since it's retractable I can travel with it and I really do love the sleek design of this brush. There isn't much to say about this lip brush other than I like it so, I give it 5 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Single Eyeshadow
I feel that I speak for everyone who love elf products when I say that I'm glad they came out with some bright colors to their single eye shadows. The color choices that was available before these colors were just okay, they were on the natural side so the eye looks you come up with using the shadows were limited. But, now you can add so color in life and they're not half bad, you do need to use a base to make the colors show up better but, other than that I don't have any complaints. I give these 4 stars.
e.l.f. Studio Body Shimmer
These body shimmers are a new product and I have to say that I like them. Depending on your skin tone some of the colors can be used as a blush but, for the majority these will most likely be used as highlighters on the face as well as the neck and chest which I used on and I love the effect it gave. The packaging kind of reminds me of a stick of deodorant but, it's not hard like it, these are very creamy and soft so, I would suggest dabbing this product on and not sweeping because you will get way to much. Elf did good on the color selection because no matter what skin tone you are you can use just about every color. Just for reference in Make Up Forever Duo Mat powder I'm shade 218 chocolate or since most people can relate in MAC's studio fix powder I'm shade NW45 and I can were all of these shades, the only color I have to use a light hand with is mystic moonlight. These get 5 stars.
Watch the video to hear my thoughts and see swatches on some of ELFs new products and new colors.
If you are a person that is afraid of trying or wearing metallic eye shadows well, here is an affordable and very neutral wearable metallic eye shadow look. This look was inspired by the beaded wrapped spiral hoops that I made with using some topaz color beads. I hope you enjoy the tutorial and thanks for watching.
*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` P R O D U C T S
Maybelline mineral power concealer in dark as a base
ELF single eye shadow in coffee bean
Loreal HIP Studio Secrets Metallic eye shadow in charged
ULTA eye shadow in molten
ULTA eye shadow in truffle
Loreal Lineur Intense liquid eyeliner
Loreal Lineur Intense liquid pencil eyeliner
Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black mascara
I didn't mention in the video but, I used Loreal super blendable concealer in medium/deep as a highlighter under my brows and on my face even though you can't see is Loreal super blendable concealer in medium/deep under my eyes and Loreal true match super blendable powder in cocoa to set the concealer. I don't wear foundation, on my cheeks is elf studio blush in giddy gold and my lips I have on Revlon super lustrous lipstick in mink with NYC extreme lip glider lip gloss in downtown brown on top.
I'm a very crafty person and I love all things dramatic, from make up & nail polish to accessories & clothes. Yes, I have to admit that I am a cosmetic addict and I love being one. This blog is about my obsession, so come join me on my journey of exploring make up looks, making cute jewelry, playing around with yarn, and just all out having fun with beauty.
