Review | Marc Jacobs Glow Stick Glistening Illuminator

 

The Marc Jacobs Glow stick retails for $42 on Sephora.com. It only comes in one shade, Spotlight, which is claimed to suit all skin tones. The packaging is very travel friendly. It actually reminds me a lot of a deodorant stick, just a lot prettier and expensive looking. So far I haven't had any problems with the packaging being defective or causing the product to fall out.

The consistency is very creamy but not in a thick way. It doesn't skip on my skin, the formula is very smooth. The shade comes off more as a silver. Up close, super fine gold and silver pigments are visible. They can appear to look like glitter glistening in the sunlight but at the same time it looks like a natural, youthful sheen... Kind of like sweat in a way but it doesn't look oily. 

The application is pretty easy. It can move around foundation if too much product is used but I find building it up makes my makeup underneath stay put. In my opinion, the best way to apply it is with my finger tips. It just looks more natural and its easier to control how it blends. Using a brush works too, though. I do wear powder over it, but it doesn't change the strength of my glow. Also, it doesn't make powder look cakey. It can be worn sheer or intense, depending on how much you apply. 

The wear time is pretty good. It can last all day (maybe 10 hours), as long as the foundation I'm wearing stays put. Setting with powder does help extend the wear time.

Honestly, I'm really loving this glow stick but I cant say I would purchase another one. Don't get me wrong, it is beautiful but the price just isn't worth it to me. There are other highlights, cream even, that can accomplish the same look. I do like how it caters to a wide variety of skin tones, though. I have seen photos with women of color wearing it and it looks just as beautiful. However, olive skin tones should think twice before purchasing it. 

I received this Glow Stick as a gift for free from Influenster & Marc Jacobs Beauty, but all opinions are my own!

Photos

 

 

 

(Natural lighting)

Thanks for reading 

 

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.

---

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! 

---

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 

---

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 

---

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. 

---

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! 

Colourpop Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks Review | Chilly Chili, Bumble, Solow

I always wondered why Colourpop used a "U" in their name. I read online they added a "U" because it's less boring and more unique. Hahaha, Colourpop made me appreciate them even more just because of that. With their low costs and dependable products, they have me hooked. 

When the Ultra Matte Liquid lipsticks first released I was dying to try them but everything was instantly picked over. I ended up waiting a long time to try them because I was constantly adding other things to my list. But when I saw the new shades they added for fall I knew now was the time to get on the Colourpop trend. I actually wanted Bad Habit (new/LE) but it sold out before I had the chance. I went with Chilly Chili (new/LE) instead. 

The Ultra Matte Liquid lipsticks sell for $6 each and they come with .11 ounces. The tube is plastic but looks expensive rather than cheap. The applicator is a standard doe foot that picks up product easily. You can buy them on Colourpop's website. Colourpop is an American brand based out of C.A. 

Solow-Permanent 

Solow is described as a neutral nude pink with warm undertones and a matte finish. On me it looks exactly how It was described and swatched on Colourpops website.  The application is easy but it can be hard if you like to work slow. It dried fairly quick and didn't budge once it was completely matte. One thing that bugged me about this lipstick is it crumbles. If I rub my lips together small crumbs will form on my lips. But that only happens if I try to do it. The only time I noticed any transfer was when I was eating a taco that was a little greasy. It did stay on all day though, until I went to bed, which at that point I just removed it with coconut oil. I would suggest picking this shade if you're just diving into the liquid lipstick vendetta. It's wearable and the formula is nice. 

Bumble-Permanent 

Bumble is a dusty warm terracotta with warm undertones and a matte finish.  This is my favorite out of the three shades I purchased (because of the color). It does apply smoothly but sets quickly and tends to flake if you apply too much or in layers. It did dry my lips out over time just like both of the other liquid lipsticks. It also wore just as long and only faded a little bit on the inner corner. 

Chilly Chili-Limited Edition 

Chilly Chili is a muted plummy brown with warm undertones and a semi matte finish. It didn't dry down completely like the other matte liquid lipsticks from Colourpop. This is an intense shade and It looks really dark on fair skin. It does apply evenly and smoothly. I kind of like that it's semi matte since it allows more time to finish applying before drying down. Sometimes more time is needed to apply darker shades because more precision is required. Chilly Chili did transfer a little more since it didn't dry down completely but it did last just as long as the others mainly because it's darker. It felt somewhat drying but not as drying since it's not ultra matte. I can get around 6 hours out of it with regular eating and drinking. 

Overall, 

The finish of each lipstick is matte with absolutely no moisture levels (except for Chilly Chili). They do dry my lips out some but not to the point where they aggravate me. When applied it's best to work quickly or the lipstick will dry before you're done and they do not work well when layered. It takes anywhere between 30 seconds to a couple minutes to dry to a complete matte finish. Once dry they do not transfer unless you're eating greasy or wet foods. The lipstick won't breakup from the food but it will make it a little moist and transfer because of that. However, it will dry back down. The wear time is around 8 hours even with drinking and eating. I tried reapplying the shades but they tend to crumble when I do that. They also crumble if I rub my lips together in sweeping motions with pressure. The pigment will still remain on my lips but I do notice crumbs on my lips. However, if a thin layer is applied at the initial application this won't happen. Nonetheless, I really do like the Ultra Matte Liquid Lipsticks by Colourpop. I feel like there are unique shades and the price is right as well as the formula. I would recommend it to anyone who loves matte lipsticks and doesn't mind a drying formula  (that's just how liquid lipsticks are). 

Photos and Swatches 

Warning: These liquid lipstick are literally liquid. They do spill out of the tube. When I first swatched one it spilled directly onto my pants, went through them and got on my leg. My leg was still stained a day later and my pants will forever have Chilly Chili on them. 

---

Have you tried Colourpop? 

What brand makes your favorite liquid lipsticks?

Let us know in the comments below!