Quick Review | L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss

So apparently gloss can be matte now. Back in the day, you know, just a few months ago, gloss was known for looking glossy. Now there are already three (or more) new lipgloss formulas that are matte at the drugstore.

I am trying out a couple but today we are here to talk about my favorite so far, The L'Oreal Infallible Pro-Matte Gloss. I purchased mine for $9.99 at my local Ulta. That's a hefty price for drugstore lipgloss, right? Nude Allude is the only shade I purchased to review, however, there are ten shades in the range.

 When L'Oreal slaps Infallible on a product I know they mean business. Their Infallible line is marketed as a line with highly intense colors with all day pro results. Let's see if the Pro-matte Glosses are truly infallible or if L'Oreal just slapped the name on it for more sales. 

 The Application is very pleasant and easy. This applicator has a small divot on the tip, which helps pick up a lot of product.  It's really nice to not have to go back into the tube to grab more product as often. I can get a pretty decent amount to have a complete look the first time around. When I do desire more pigmentation, two pumps will get the job done. I have never experienced any patchiness or skipping with the gloss. The color is opaque but it applies evenly, even better than I thought it would be. 

The finish is more on the glossy side, than it is matte. Though, I can see why they called it a matte gloss. Both of those words contradict each other but it really does look like a matte gloss. Not so much at first but within a 15-30 minutes It has more of a matte appearance but, at the same time it still has the finish of a gloss. Confusing, I know, but it really is a great product. 

The texture is very unique, By unique I mean it's different for a matte lipstick. It's basically the same thing as a comfortable gloss. It's creamy, lightweight, opaque, and super smooth. 

The wear time is great for a gloss but nothing compared to a liquid lipstick. It stays true to color for 3-4 hours then starts to fade to a light stain. It doesn't feel drying at the slightest. It's really nice to have an option of a matte lip color that's not drying at all! It also doesn't bleed outside of my lip line or cling to dry patches at any point of the day. It does transfer onto anything that touches my lips.  Reapplication is easy and flawless. 

So there's two things YOU NEED TO KNOW. First, the gloss does have a scent. It's sweet but, chemically, it's not bad though. It doesn't bother me to the slightest but, it does linger around for a while. The more important thing you need to know is the feeling it gives. It's really weird, almost immediately after application my lips feel numb. It's not too bad but I thought I should definitely mention it so no one freaks out, haha. 

The packaging is super nice. Like I said before, the wand is really handy for application. I absolutely love the applicator because it holds a nice amount of product and provides excellent precision. Another plus is the safety barrier. When the lid is unscrewed it shows an empty chamber but it fills with the product when it has been opened. 

Final thoughts, I really love this gloss. It actually launched last year as limited edition but L'Oreal brought it back in all new colors. I didn't get the chance to buy any last time and I'm glad I had the opportunity to this year when they made them permanent. I wear glosses a lot because they're super comfortable and I don't have to worry about them fading away unevenly. It's nice to have a lip product that looks like a lipstick but has the simplicity of a gloss.

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So have you tried any of the matte glosses from L'Oreal? If so let me know your experience in the comments below! 

One Minute Review | Maybelline Color Sensational Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color

Another Matte Lipstick?!

I purchased my Maybelline Vivid Matte Liquid Lip Color for $7.99 at my Local Ulta. There are a total of 10 shades available, I have Nude Flush.

Application

The application is easy. The doe-foot applicator is a little stiff but it’s manageable. The color is very pigmented. It doesn’t apply streaky or patchy. I don’t notice any tugging either. There is a fragrance present. It doesn’t bother me but I have heard some people complain. 

Finish

It's a light pink lipstick with a satin, almost glossy, finish. The claim of a matte finish is bizarre, at best it’s a satin matte...if I blot it. I kind of feel like Maybelline put liquid matte on it just for extra sales. We all know liquid matte lipstick is trending, and that’s how they make more money. It really bothers me when companies are shady like that!

Texture

The texture is very mousy and creamy. When I press my lips together I can feel the lightweight texture smoosh between my lips. It’s actually quit entertaining. 

Wear / Time

The wear time is very short, usually about 3-4 hours, less if I eat. Towards the end, it does have more of a matte appearance and it looks like a soft stain. When I wear it I don’t notice too much drying but I can tell there is some dryness happening. 

Overall, it’s ok for what it is. I do recommend something else if you’re after a true liquid lipstick, like Colourpop's Ultra Matte Liquid lipsticks.

Photos 

Nude Flush

Check to see if it has been opened! 

Single swipe on the left.  It looks lighter on my lips! 

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Quick Review | Maybelline Master Prime Long-Lasting Eyeshadow Base

Eye primer is one of those things I hate spending money on. I know its important but my goodness, it's a hard product to get excited about.

The only way I'll truly look forward to buying it is if the primer is from the drugstore. I love a good deal on anything but especially boring cosmetics like primer.

I bought mine for $7.99 in the Prime & Matte formula. The other two finishes are: Prime & smooth, and Prime & Illuminate. 

If you're familiar to my blog, you already know I love Milani's primer and it's affordable just like Maybellines. Now let's see how the Maybelline version performs!

My first test for the primer is color enhancement and payoff. The first day I received it I swatched it on my arm and applied sheer shadow over the swatch. As you can see in the picture above, the primer does provide a nice tacky base for eye shadow. I honestly don't feel the tackiness to the touch much but I can tell its there by how the shadow clings to the primer. It really helps with making shadows a lot more prominent in color. Just keep in mind the base will need to be set if you're going to do any blending. This primer, just like other primers, can make the crease area look patchy if product is applied directly on top of the primer for blending.

Now does it help eye makeup last longer? Mostly, but it is average at tackling longevity. It's not necessarily bad but it's certainly not the best I have tried. It's truly just average. If you're on the hunt for a better oil control eye primer, try Milani's. For my semi-oily eyes, Maybelline's Master Primer provides a crease-less wear for 6-8 hours. 

Does it neutralize darkness on my eye lids? Not really. I actually thought my eye lids looked darker on my pale skintone. The tone to this primer is warm and semi-pigmented. It has just enough pigment to add color but not eough to conceal color. Its sheerness actually makes my skin look more uneven. However, that personally doesn't bother me too much because I'm going to cover it with eye shadow anyways.  One thing I do like about the primer is for adding extra warmth in my crease. It adds a little extra something in the crease to help fade out my eye shadow. But because of this, keep in mind it may look terrible with cool-toned looks, unless you completely cover the warmth.

The packaging for the Maybelline Master Primer is super nice. It reminds me a lot of the new Vivid Matte Lips they just released. It comes in a square, clear plastic tube with a doe-foot applicator. The wand is really flexible and comfortable to use. Maybelline nailed the packaging. 

Overall, I guess this primer is pretty good but I still feel like it's just average. I cant say if the other two formulas perform like the matte but I'm sure they work about the same. It does provide a decent wear time, and help enhance color payoff. However, my favorite is still the Milani primer. I will continue using this one, and who knows, maybe I'll try the other formulas if I come across a promising sale. For the price I say try it if you're curious but don't purchase it if your solely searching for a holy-grail. 

Have you tired the other two formulas? What is your opinion on this primer? Let everyone know in the comments below!

Pros

• Smooth
• Creamy
• Packaging 
• Price
• Blends easily
• Enhanced color payoff
• Smooth finish
• Different finishes
• Adds some extra longevity 

Cons

• Just average
• A little too warm
• Can be uneven 

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Review | Maybelline Master Contour Face Contouring Kit

 Use to I would tell everyone to buy a foundation powder a couple shades darker than their skin if they wanted a contour powder for a reasonable price. We can all still do that but now we finally have the option to buy an affordable contour kit from the drugstore. Thank goodness!

This spring we have the luxury of picking from many new contour kits dropping into drugstores like rain but for now the only one I have spotted is the Maybelline FaceStudio Master Contour Kit. 

I found mine at Ulta for $12.99. There are two color options- Light to Medium or Medium to Deep. I chose the light option since I have fair skin. Both palettes contain one contour powder, one blush and one highlight. I do think the medium to deep palette has a cooler contour powder (I think). It will probably be their best seller of the two. I kind of wish I also picked it up too, even though I love this one.

Natural lighting

Contour 1

We'll start with the highlight of the palette, the contour shade. The contour shade is the softest powder in the kit. It blends easily with a fluffy brush. It's smooth, pigmented and doesn't kick up much powder. I don't find it to be chalky or patchy. It does last on all day (about 8 hours).

  Although it is a contour powder, I think of it more as a bronzer. It can still be used as a contour shade if you're light handed. The tone is warmer, girls with cool undertones probably won't like this powder for contouring. If you have neutral or warm undertones it may work for you. My undertone is neutral and I can get it to work if I lightly contour. I wouldn't recommend using it for sharp contouring. 

Natural lighting 

Blush 2

I like the formula of this blush. It's smooth, pigmented and bendable. However, I don't find the color to be particularly unique. The shade may already exist in your collection but if not, It's a great addition. It doesn't fade away in patches or accentuate my acne. I like it enough that I would purchase it in a single. The wear time is the same as the bronzer (about 8 hours).

Natural lighting 

Highlight 3

The drugstore is not loaded with great highlighters. So when I do find one I like, I usually praise it. To me, this whole kit is worth the money just for the highlighter. I'm not saying it's the only good thing this kit has to offer but it is what stands out the most. It's really creamy and non-chalky. When applied it doesn't look like powder sitting on top of the skin or frosty. It gives off a subtle but glowy vanilla highlight. The wear time clocks in around 6 hours or longer if a setting spray is used. 

This kit did come with little brush...I hate to break it to ya, but it's pretty useless. The size of it is too small for contouring or applying blush. You could use it for highlighting but it's a little scratchy. Mine has a new home in the trash can.

The packaging is slim and black. It does not come with a mirror, boo! I haven't had any problems with the powders popping out but some people have. If that does happen, super glue will work just fine to pop them back into place. 

Overall, I really like this palette. I promise everyone can use the contour shade like we want to but it makes a great bronzer. Or like I said, it depends on the person, it can be used as a contour shade if you're careful or have the correct skintone. Just don't build it up so much that it looks too warm.
 I find that all three formulas are really good. I didn't experience patchiness, odd fading, or trouble blending. I'll definitely continue using it, especially when I travel! It makes a great travel palette if you're makeup bag is small. 

Artificial lighting 

Let me know in the comments below if you plan to purchase this kit! And if you already have, what do you think about? Does the contour shade work for you? 

Pros

• smooth 
• pigmented 
• blendable 
• long wearing
• non patchy
• fades evenly
• great for travel
• packaging 
• good formula
• price

cons

• no mirror
• lacks a broad color selection
• unusable brush
• contour is a little warm

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L'Oreal Lumi Cushion Foundation | Review For Acne Prone Skin

How exciting is it that America is finally jumping on the cushion band wagon?! Cushion foundations have been a popular item in Korea for a while now. They are known for their flawless finish and buildable coverage.

There are a whopping amount of 12 shades available, starting at Light Ivory and ending at Cocoa.  The shade I have is N2. The price is $16.99. Wait. What? Yes, freaking $17 for a drugstore foundation! What the heck Loreal?! And the amount of product is even cut in half (52 oz)! This item is permanent at the drugstore.

The shades are pretty accurate to the sticker on the compact. When you first open the foundation the cushion looks a little darker than the actual foundation. So don't be alarmed about a wrong color match.  

The packaging is very cute. The foundation comes in a bulky compact with a rose gold lid. The top lid lifts up and reveals a large mirror and sponge.There is another protective lid that clicks and seals in the cushion foundation. Although I do love the packaging, it can be hard to tell if the sealing lid shuts completely. ( It does by the way, it's just hard to tell since it doesn't click convincingly)

 I'm pretty confident that the packaging will keep the cushion saturated in product. One of my first thoughts was, "Oh no, it's going to dry out like a sharpie marker". Nope, were fine in that department. Now my main concern is bacteria. Granted, the sponge does have an anti- microbial layer but will that really keep bacteria at bay? Who knows!

Swatch: Looks yellow in the picture but in person it's more neutral. 

Oh, coverage,  I'm sure that's what every one is concerned about. I do find the Lumi Cushion foundation to be buildable as in the sense it builds well without looking cakey. However, I don't agree about the coverage being buildable. Even with three layers on, it almost looks the same as it does with one layer- sheer coverage. It does cover redness but not problem areas. The only thing I'll personally use it for is a base foundation for fuller coverage or for any everyday wear to take my dog outside... Acne sufferers will understand what I mean by that. 

Left to right: No foundation, One Layer, Two Layers, Three Layers 

The finish is very flawless and lightweight. It really does live up to the cushion foundation hype. I find no matter how much I apply it always blends into a flawless base. Speaking of blending, darn this stuff is easy to apply. It's as simple as patting and moving on to powder. It's such an easy product to use.

It doesn't emphasize pores or dry patches! Unfortunately, it can accentuate peach fuzz, so be sure to wax beforehand. 

The lasting power is average. It stayed on my combo skin for 5 hours before my oil started to break through. After that point it turned my face started to look like a frying pan.  I do set it with Rimmel Stay Matte powder and I have been using Nivea's After Shave Balm as a primer. Since it has a dewy finish that doesn't set completely, I feel the need to set wherever I applied it. For now on, I may use an oil control primer to prevent oil seeping through! 

 I feel like those who have super oily skin will despise this foundation. Normal skin gals out there will probably love it, as well as dry.

Overall, I do like this foundation even though the coverage sucks. L'Oreal didn't claim it to be a full coverage foundation, so I'm not going to penalize it for that reason alone. I like the finish, shade range, blend-ability, the way it applies, packaging, weight and how it doesn't have a smell. The only things I don't like is the price for the amount you get and the potential for bacteria growth. I don't see it replacing my foundation but it may be my new base product. I love how it smooths over my dry patches and provides a thin layer of extra coverage. I'll finish it up but I won't repurchase it just because I do require more coverage for my acne. 

Pro's

•  doesn't break me out!
• buildable
• flawless finish
• easy to apply
• lightweight
• great base foundation
• blends easily
• shade selection
• no smell
• very saturated 
• nice packaging
• Natural looking 
• Covers redness 

Con's

• sheer coverage
• pricey for drugstore
• little amount of product
• may not be sanitary 
• Can Accentuate peach fuzz 

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Acne Coverage Test | Loreal True Match

Welcome to the new "Acne Coverage Test" series. Last week I mentioned I may start a new series where I test the coverage of any foundation on the market and see how it performs covering acne. It's just so darn hard now-a-days to find a review of a foundation by someone with problematic skin. I'm the perfect candidate, so why not me? 

For my first pick I actually grabbed a foundation I used quite often- The Loreal True Match Foundation. I didn't plan on starting my series right away but this morning I just had an urge to share the results of this foundation. 

Three Layers Applied With Beauty Blender

I love how blendable it is and it's easy to build. Typically I use three layers of the foundation and don't notice any cakeyness. It does cover most of my problem areas but the coverage isn't completely full. I do still have big pimples that need to be covered with concealer. That's ok, though. Foundations that are full coverage usually look too cakey for me anyways. This one thankfully does not! 

The wear time is actually really good. It will last on my combo skin for about 8 hours before breaking down. Almost always,  my foundation breaks down within a couple hours because my skin is just so stubborn but I don't worry about that with this foundation. I can easily see it being my holiday foundation. I really look for one during the holidays that keeps up with me on my busiest day of the year. No girl has time to worry about her makeup! 

How does it compare to others? Well, it's not the fullest coverage I have tried but it has enough coverage for me to feel comfortable wearing it. I also like how natural the True Match looks. Even though I wear a lot of it, it doesn't bunch up or look too cakey. I'm totoally head over heels for it. The shade selection is really good... Hence the name true match. It's also affordable at only $9.99.( click here to purchase) The packaging is functional. I wish it included a pump but I'm ok with pouring it onto the back of my hand. 

I'm for sure going to repurchase this when I run out. Honestly, I love this foundation so much, it makes me want to try the new Loreal True Match Cushion Foundation. Future participant.. Hmm? 

Alright guys, if you have any questions feel free to ask!

Coverage: Medium to semi full

Finish: Natural 

Best for: dry or oily skin (set with powder)

Best applied with: beauty blender

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Fall Inspired Makeup Look | Drugstore & High End | Morphe 35C

A couple weeks ago I decided to give in and order my first Morphe palette. I ended up picking the 35N and what do you know, I love it. In fact, I loved it so much I ordered another one. The second one, which is the 35C, arrived a day ago (as I'm writing this), and I couldn't help but create a look with it for a tutorial. 

Now I know some of you said you'd rather have a day time tutorial before the fall tutorial but I wanted to go ahead and get the fall one up before... Well, Fall is over! Christmas is seriously right around the corner and we all know holiday tutorials are in store. 

Don't worry, though. My day time look will be up next week! 

You will need:

Morphe 35C palette or similar colors

Tarte Tarteist Clay Paint Eyeliner or Black Gel Eyeliner 

Catrice Cosmetics Liquid Metal Eye Pencil in "Blingo Starr" or a silver shimmer eye pencil 

Covergirl Supersizer mascara or mascara of your choice 

(Optional) NYX Cosmetics Tame & Frame Brow Pomade or Brow product of your choice

Brushes: Sigma e25, fluffy blending brush, angled eyeliner brush, smudge brush, flat shader, small pointed brush.

Directions

1. Prime your eyelids with a primer or concealer. Then set the product with a powder or any light eyeshadow you have on hand. 

2. Grab a fluffy blending brush and use eyeshadow A on the second row as your transition shade. Apply it in a sweeping motion into the upper crease, than blend it in using circular motions. 

3. Grab shade A on the top row with the same brush and do the exact same thing but a little lower in the crease. Blend until there are no harsh lines. 

4. Now to deepen the crease use shade B on a Sigma e25 and sweep this into the crease over the second A shade we used. Once it looks blended take a clean fluffy blending brush and blend even more!

5. Take shade C and apply it all over the lid using a flat brush. Once applied take your Sigma e25 and blend that into the crease with no additional product. 

6. Now take shade D and apply this on the outer V for extra definition. I used the Sigma e35 for this step. What I do is start off tapping on the black shadow all over the outer V. Then I make short sweeping motions towards the center of my eye. Just don't go to the center. Keep that black shade on the outer part of your eye. Now take a fluffy brush and blend out any harsh lines from the black shadow. 

7. Now take shadow E with any brush (I used a fluffy one) and pick up just a little bit of eyeshadow. Use that to lightly transition the black shade into the lid color...Just so there are no harsh lines. I used light tapping motions. This shade is pretty similar to the lid shade but just a little lighter. So mixed in with the black, it pretty much looks the same afterwards but that's what I did, so yeah. You can go in with that same lid color in step 5 or use this one. Either is fine.

8. I forgot to add it in the picture above but I used the lightest shade in the palette to highlight my brow bone. Seriously though, any white or cream shade you have will work!

9. Now for the fun part! Use your silver eye pencil and run it around the inner corner of your eye. Once you have the desired pigmentation, use your finger and lightly dab out the edges to blend it in. 

10. Use your gel eyeliner to line your eyes. I went with a simple wing that I created with an angled brush. 

11. Don't apply your mascara just yet! First, we need to do the bottom lashline if you're comfortable with that. Take shadow A from the second row and sweep it on the whole lashline. Use any brush that you like. I just used my Sigma e25.

12. Now take shade C on a smaller pointed brush and blend that closer to the lash line. Don't go too low or it will look dark and messy down there. 

13. Grab some of the black, shade D, and apply it on the outer half of the lashline only. I used a small smudge brush for this step. 

14. Now take the Sigma e25 brush and blend out the lower lashline. Do not drag the shadows down, just blend them together (lightly). 

15. Now take a clean fluffy brush and blend out any harsh lines anywhere on your eye. If there are none, add mascara and call it a day! 

The lipstick I have on in the photo above is Chilly Chili by Colourpop. A full review of it can be found here.  Also, the brows are optional. Don't feel like you have to do your brows. I sometimes don't but I always do for photos just because they look more... Put together? 

Are you going to try out this look? If you do, please tag me on Instagram (@TaylorPieB) and show me your work. I would love to see it! 

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Covergirl Star Wars Collaboration Review

"There has been an awakening" and it is my inner geek girl. Covergirl recently (and by recently i mean a couple months ago) released a collaboration with the blockbuster film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The collection contains 6 lipsticks, 6 nail polishes and two mascara formulas (Super Sizer in regular and waterproof) with 10 different quotes.

It took me a while but the force was with me last week and helped me spot it at my local drugstore. Everything was mostly picked over but I did find one lipstick I liked and a mascara in the regular formula or, as advertised, the dark side edition. Click here to view on Targets website.

 

The lipstick is in the shade 30. It's a metallic red with glitter chunks. The formula actually comes from the Colorlicious line by Covergirl but the shade itself is limited edition. You can find it at your local drugstore for about $6. Each tube contains .12 oz.

Application was pretty easy. The formula is really slippery but creamy. I didn't notice any patchiness and it applied in full color with one layer. I noticed a slight sweet scent while applying it but that went away after application.



 The texture feels smooth but has glittery junks in it that are obvious on the lips. I can easily feel the glitter when I rub my lips together but I don't notice it too much otherwise. The wear-time of the lipstick is relatively short. It transferred easily and bleed outside of my line within an hour. I strongly recommend a lip liner with this lipstick.



 The mascara is actually just the SuperSizer that was released earlier this year but with limited edition packaging. The options you have to choose from are 10 famous quotes from Star Wars and the choice between waterproof (light side) or regular (dark side). You can find it at your local drugstore for around $6 and it contains . 40 oz.

The synthetic rubber wand for the mascara is definitely different. Its not my favorite for building volume but it works with extra effort. I do like the formula though. It is more wet than dry but its not overwhelmingly wet. Its great for adding length and adds somewhat of a curl.

I wouldn't normally go for this mascara just because I do like others better but I bought it anyway for the packaging. However, a lot of people claim to love this mascara and it does have a lot of positive reviews on Ultas website (buy it at a different store though, it's cheaper).  It does last all day on me without smudging or flaking. Its dark and separates my lashes beautifully. Maybe would make a great lower lash mascara? I do notice a faint smell with this mascara but it fades after application.

 I didn't purchase the nail polish because I personally don't like the formula from Covergirl. But if you're interested, it's available at your local drugstore for $4-5. The packaging looks like the permanent Outlast nail polish but with a Star Wars sticker on the handle. Nothing special if you ask me.

I honestly wish a high end brand would have done the collaboration. Don't get me wrong, I love the drugstore prices but I wish there was more to the line. I would love to see some metallic liners, blush or even highlighters. I feel like there could have been more to the packaging as well. Covergirl just slapped Star Wars on it and called it a day. I mean I guess I'm still OK with that because I love the idea. I just really wish the line would have been more unique like MAC limited edition collections.

 But the lipstick does makeup my inner geek happy when I see it on my vanity. I don't regret buying it or the mascara. 

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Are you a Star Wars fan? 

Does the collaboration interest you? 

Are you going to purchase anything? Or have you already?

Let us know in the comments below!