Category: Beauty

I Fell in Love with … Essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara!

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Essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara 1

I first heard about this mascara on Taylor Wynn‘s YouTube channel, a beauty influencer that I love watching. And since I was dissatisfied with my previous mascara, I decided to take a chance. I have never tried an essence product before, so I was excited to branch out of my comfort zone.

Essence Lash Princess Sculpted Volume Mascara 2

The wand definitely looks different, compared to my previous wand. It’s longer, thinner, more curved, and has longer  bristles. I wasn’t sure if the wand would work for me, but I tried it … and loved it!

Unlike the Covergirl Lash Blast mascara that I have used in the past, this wand grips my lashes and gives me that instant volume look that I’ve been waiting for. The formula is also thicker, which I think helps add to the volumizing effect. (Also keep in mind that I used a lash curler.)

I do wish that it came in black brown or even brown, but that is a minor complaint. Overall I adore this mascara and can’t get enough of it!

Price: $4.99 on Amazon

Verdict: A Beauty Must-Have!

Note: This post is not sponsored.

Look Flawless with … Bellix Beauty Sponges from Amazon!

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Bellix Beauty Amazon Makeup Sponge Set 1

I love beauty sponges! I think it gives such a nice, pretty finish to my foundation or BB cream, depending on what I am using.

Now… a beauty sponge is supposed to be replaced every 3 months… my old one was probably veering into the 6 month range. So, finally, I decided to buy an 8 pack of beauty sponges from Amazon. The nice thing is that it cost me only a dollar more for 8 sponges than I paid for 2 sponges at Walmart.

Bellix Beauty Amazon Makeup Sponge Set 2

It definitely gets bigger when wet, which can be good or bad depending on how much surface area you want to cover. Personally I like it. I can spread foundation quicker, and then use the narrow end for more precise application. I noticed that the sponge seemed to stay almost permanently bigger after being wet for the first time, but it may just hold onto moisture longer than my older sponge.

The material is soft and bouncy, just like it should be, and applies foundation easily. I also found that it washed well too. Thankfully I am at least in the habit of washing and rinsing after every use! (I like to use the Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser to clean it.)

Price: $6.59 on Amazon

Verdict: A Beauty Must-Have!

This post is not sponsored.

What I Think About … Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara!

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Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara in Brown 1

Today I’m reviewing the Covergirl Last Blast Mascara. I bought this mascara because it comes in the color brown, not just brown black, which is more flattering to my skin tone. That said, it is the only aspect of the product that I like.

Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara in Brown 2

The thing about the wand is that the bristles are so short, that they don’t grip my lashes, so not a lot of product gets deposited. I have to do three coats just to get a semi-decent eye look. The formula doesn’t seem to do much either.

Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara in Brown 3

As you can see in this picture, the mascara does make my lashes darker, but it doesn’t do much in terms of length or thickness.

Overall, it’s not absolutely terrible, but I definitely don’t recommend.

Price: $6.17, Walmart

Verdict: Meh… It’s Okay

This post is not sponsored.

What I Think About… Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray!

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Rimmel Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray

Today I am reviewing Rimmel’s Stay Matte Fix & Go Setting Spray.

Sigh. This a product that I had high hopes for. It promises to mattify skin, as well extend the wear of my makeup. As far as I am concerned, it did absolutely nothing besides dry my skin out and make it feel sticky. My makeup lasted the same amount of time, and if anything, my skin looked shinier. Also, the nozzle didn’t spray evenly. I was disappointed, as other people reviewed it highly on Amazon. Unfortunately, my experience was not the same.

If you are looking for a good setting spray, I would recommend either Wet ‘N Wild’s Photo Focus Matte Setting Spray, or if you don’t mind spending a little more, Urban Decay’s All Night Setting Spray.

And so the search continues!

Price: $5.97, Walmart

Verdict: Bottom of the Waste Basket!

This post isn’t sponsored.

What I Think About … Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer!

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Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Concealer

Today’s post is about the Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi-Use Concealer, in the shade Cool Ivory. I have heard great things about this concealer everywhere from beauty blogs to YouTube channels to Instagram influencers, so I had to try it out. Unfortunately, I was disappointed.

It does add some coverage and brightening to my eyes, but it does not cover up the darkness under my eyes, which was a bummer. It doesn’t crease under my eyes, which is a plus, but the main reason I bought it was to conceal darkness. It is supposed to be a dupe for the Tarte Shape Tape concealer, but in my view, is completely different. The Tarte Shape Tape Contour Concealer is super heavy duty, and completely gets rid of darkness under my eyes. It has a steeper price tag, at $27 at Ulta, but works much better. While I am tempted to buy that, I will keep searching for a good drugstore concealer.

As you can tell from the picture, I have used most of this product up, so I have a better informed opinion than in a first impressions post. Overall, it’s an okay product, but nothing special.

Price: $7.98, Walmart

Verdict: Meh… It’s Okay

This post is not sponsored.

My Sephora Mini Haul #2

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Sephora Haul #2 1

Here is my second Sephora package! With the FREESHIP code going on right now (it gives free shipping on all orders), I decided to try a $9 eyeshadow, and use up my Beauty Insider Posts. Here is what I got!

Sephora Haul #2 3

Buys

Sephora Collection Colorful Eyeshadow in Make A Wish, $9

Beauty Insider Rewards

Sephora Haul #2 4

  • BareMinerals Mineralist Hydra Smoothing Lipstick in Honesty, 100 Points
  • Kat Von D Vegan Beauty Lock-It Setting Powder, 100 Points
  • IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Pores Translucent Pressed Setting Powder, 100 Points
    Samples

Samples

Mini Sephora Haul 1 Samples

Milk Hydro Grip Primer, Free with Purchase
Smashbox The Original PF Smooth and Blur Primer, Free with Purchase

I can’t wait to review and share my results with you!

This post is not sponsored.

My Sephora Beauty Haul #1!

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Mini Sephora Haul 1

I have been waiting for my Sephora package for the past few weeks! As soon as I got my hands on them, I ripped this baby open! (Shipping is delayed due to COVID-19 safety procedures.)

Among the items that I got, were my free birthday gift, purchased products and samples. All in all, I think I did pretty good for $50!

Here’s what I got:

Buys

Mini Sephora Haul Purchased Products

Sephora Banana Hand Balm, $5

Sephora Collection Lipstories Lipstick in Spiked, $9

Sephora Rouge Lacquer Lipstick in Strong as Helle, $14

Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Green Tea, $12

Insider Rewards

Mini Sephora Haul 1 Birthday Gift

Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream and Coco Cabana Cream Birthday Set, Free

Samples

Mini Sephora Haul 1 Samples

Milk Hydro Grip Primer, Free with Purchase

YSL Top Secret Pore Refiner Concealer, Free with Purchase

I will do reviews on all of these products in the future, so stay tuned!

This post is not sponsored.

Prime Your Skin with …Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser Face Primer!

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Maybelline Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser Face Primer

Today’s post is about the Maybelline Baby Skin Pore Eraser Face Primer. It works great as a smoothing face base, to make my makeup glide on smoothly and settle nicely on my skin. It has a soft silicone feeling, and isn’t too greasy or filmy. It also does a good job of cutting down the shine from my SPF, which is nice.

As for its primary claim, it does minimize my pores somewhat, though I wouldn’t say it completely disguises them. I found that a little disappointing, as I am on the hunt to cover up the pores on my nose and surrounding area. When I find something that works better for that purpose, I will let you know. In the meantime, this works great as a basic face primer.

Price: $5.98, Walmart

Verdict: Not Too Shabby!

This post is not sponsored.

What I Think About … Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Translucent Powder!

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Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Translucent Powder 1

Today’s post is about the Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Translucent Powder. I use it often, and it is a staple in my beauty routine. I like to use it to set my foundation, as well as add as a base to my eye primer.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Translucent Powder 3

I do like that it comes with a sponge and a mirror. It makes applying easier on the go.

Maybelline Fit Me Matte + Poreless Translucent Powder 2

As for the beauty claims, my feelings are a little mixed. It does definitely mattify my skin, and I sometimes use it when I am applying sunscreen but not foundation. That said, I don’t see any difference in my pores -they look just as visible.

Overall, it’s a decent powder, and it gets the job done.

Price: $5.34, Walmart

Verdict: Not Too Shabby

Note: This post is not sponsored.

Smell Like Paradise with … Sage Goddess Tropica Perfume!

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Sage Goddess Tropica Perfume

If you have read my blog for some time, you may know that one of my favorite companies is Sage Goddess. They sell rocks, crystals, saging kits, perfumes, and other fun goodies.

Today I am talking about one of my perfumes by Sage Goddess, called Tropica. I think it smells divine! The notes are mango, coconut, Asian pear, and Bourbon vanilla. It smells warm and inviting. I have already received several compliments on the perfume!

As you can tell, I have already worn it several times over, because I love it so much!

Price: $32, Sage Goddess

Verdict: A Perfume Musthave!

Note: This post is not sponsored.