Favorite Eye Shadows of 2015

Looking back on 2015, I didn't review that many single eyeshadows (I kinda have a thing for palettes) but there were a few that really stood out to me. Here they are in no particular order...

NYX Prismatic Eyeshadows ($5.99)- These are soft, buttery and amazingly pigmented. They lay down some super-intense color with only one swipe and apply beautifully with your fingers or a brush. 

See my NYX Prismatic Eyeshadow review here. 

bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow ($19)- The first time I tried these shadows, I didn't expect to love them as much as I do, but my mind was completely blown from the first application. These contain skincare ingredients and SPF, plus they act as a primer and a long-wearing eyeshadow. They go on sooo smoothly and make your eyelids look flawless, taking away any crepiness and covering any signs of discoloration or redness. I love to wear them on their own, but when I need my eyeshadow to stay put, I use them as a primer too. They're just amazing and I now own every single shade, even though they're not cheap. I love them that much! 

See my bareMinerals 5-in-1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadow review here. 

Mally Beauty 5 Pc  Evercolor Shadow Stick Extra Collection ($44.54- no longer available)- I'm obsessed with Mally's Evercolor Shadow sticks, so when I saw this 5 piece collection on QVC that contained all wearable, neutral shades (for less than the price of 2!) I jumped at the chance. These eyeshadow sticks are totally bulletproof and stay on all day (until you take them off). I love how easy they are to apply...they're my everyday go-to! You can still purchase her original shadow sticks individually here.

See my Mally 5pc Evercolor Shadow Stick reviews here and an older 5pc set here.

Finally, the City Color Shimmer Shadows ($6.99) are a beautiful collection of intense metallic shades that are total dupes for the Kat Von D Metal Crush eye shadows! These are super soft and pigmented and come in 16 gorgeous shades. 

See my City Color Shimmer Shadow review here.

So there you have it...my favorite eyeshadows of 2015. Which ones did you discover this year? 

Mally 5 Pc Shadow Stick Extra Collection Review & Swatches

I recently saw the Mally 5 Piece Shadow Stick Extra set ($44.54 on QVC) a few weeks ago and I ordered one before they even finished the presentation. Let me just start by saying that I love Mally and don't talk about her products nearly enough. She is such a beautiful person inside and out, and her products do exactly what she says they will...period. Even though I focus mainly on drugstore products here, I always say that I don't mind paying more for a product that performs well and hers have never let me down. 

One of my favorite Mally products is her Evercolor Shadow Sticks. They are truly "bulletproof" as Mally claims...no fading, no creasing, they last until you take them off and they're so easy to use! They're a bit pricey though...if you go down to your local Ulta store, you'll pay $25 for one of them. Last year, I bought a Holiday set from QVC which made them much more affordable and I've been using them regularly ever since. That's why the second this year's holiday set came on the screen, I knew I was ordering one! It's $44.54, which makes these only $8.90 each, which is like drugstore prices! These are also a brand new formula, packaging, and shades so keep reading and I'll fill you in on all the details...

City Color Shimmer Shadow Review and Swatches

It's no secret that City Color Cosmetics is one of my favorite budget beauty brands because they consistently wow me with their high-quality formulas that seem like they should cost a whole lot more than they do. So when they released their new Shimmer Shadows ($6.99 each) last week, I knew I wanted to get some to try...what I didn't know is that they were going to blow every other eyeshadow out of the water, even the most expensive ones! If you like shimmery shadows like Kat Von D Metal Crush or NYX Prismatic, you're definitely going to want to read this! They actually look a lot like the Kat Von D Metal Crush shadows, don't they? Let's take a look...

bareMinerals 5 in 1 BB Cream Eyeshadow Review & Swatches

bareMinerals 5 in 1 BB Advanced Performance Eyeshadow ($18) is a creamy full coverage color, primer, sunscreen, brightener and smoother in one for the eyes. 

I was first introduced to bareMinerals 5 in 1 BB Advanced Cream Eyeshadows in my Ipsy bag a while back. They sent a cute little sample tube in the shade Divine Wine, a gorgeous raisin brown. I loved it so much, I went to Sephora and bought a full size in Sweet Spice, which is a lighter brown shade. Then I got another sample size in Soft Linen (a light tan shade)...I think it was in a sample bag from Sephora or Ulta but I can't quite remember. Then, Ipsy was offering (as a points reward) a full size in Delicate Moss, a light green shade, so I used my Ipsy points for that one. Then just recently during a Sephora haul, I purchased another full size in Blushing Pink. So I have five shades to share with you today!

It's hard to believe I haven't reviewed these yet because they're my favorite cream eyeshadow ever- they're so versatile and offer a lot of different benefits, plus they come in really pretty, wearable shades...I would wear every single one. So let's take a look! 

bareMinerals 5 in 1 BB Advanced Performance Cream Eyeshadows

City Color Shimmer Shadows Have Launched!

If you're on Instagram, you may have seen all the swatches of the brand new Shimmer Shadows that City Color Cosmetics released today. These babies look absolutely incredible and they're only $6.99 each! They come in 16 gorgeous shades and offer seriously intense color payoff with a metallic finish.

From @citycolorcosmetics on Instagram

City Color just posted short 15 second videos of these being swatched on Instagram (4 at a time) so you can see those HERE, HERE, HERE & HERE.

Watching those pretty much sealed the deal for me...I just picked up 9 shades! I'm thinking Makeup Geek Foiled dupes perhaps? :) 

So what shades are you guys drooling over? You'll have to let me know which ones you end up getting!  These are likely to sell out quickly, so I wouldn't wait too long! You can find them at CityColorCosmetics.com.

My Favorite...Drugstore Eyeshadow!

I have gotten many, many requests over the past year or so from readers wanting to know what my favorite beauty products are. So I thought I'd do a series of posts highlighting all of my favorite things from drugstore to high-end! 

I wanted to start with drugstore powder eyeshadows because there's a pretty big gap in quality between shadows from brands like Urban Decay, Lorac, and Tarte and those from the drugstore. It's unfortunate, but most powder eyeshadows I've tried from brands like Cover Girl, Revlon and Maybelline have fallen short when it comes to pigmentation, longevity, and that soft, buttery texture we all want in a shadow. But there is one exception, and that's L'oreal's Infallible 24 Hour Eye Shadows (around $7). While they're not perfect, here are all of the reasons I love them enough to own 13 different shades...

Dupe alert! $5.99 ELF Neutral Palette dupe for Urban Decay Naked Palette

Target has put out their ELF palettes for the holiday season, and I was psyched to see a neutral eyeshadow palette for $5.99...a total steal.
I'm not willing to shell out $50 bucks for Urban Decay's version, but this one has all those colors plus more! Granted, the UD shadows probably have more pigment, but the ELF ones are way better quality than one would expect. Slap some eyeshadow primer on first and you're good. 
Here's a look at the shades...oh and this also comes with a brush! 

I'm going to pin this to my Dupes board on Pinterest, so if you'd like to check out tons of beauty dupes for less, please visit me on Pinterest!

New NYX Products for Spring 2013

I'm such an NYX fan and am excited to see new products launching for Spring 2013!  Also, once you've read this post and seen stuff you like, check out this deal- get $60 worth of NYX products for $30!

First up is the Wonder Pencil- $4.50

"Introducing the Wonder Pencil…It’s the essential pencil that will meet all of your beauty desires! Conquer the 3 important makeup deeds with one product – conceal, brighten, and line! Use this pencil as a lip liner and an eye brightener inside your water line. Get that impeccable look naturally. Available in 3 shades to match your skin tone flawlessly"

Next up is the Smoky and Natural Shadow Palettes- $7.00

I love palettes, and these have some really great shades in them.

Love in Rio Palettes- $6.00- Available in 22 shades.

These 3-shade palettes are gorgeous, shimmery colors perfect for summer.  Shown in Amazonian Babes.  Love the bow compact too!

• What it is: Astonishing 3 color eye shadow palette featuring natural and pulsating colors. Available in 22 color selections. Debuting New NYX Bow Compact.

• What it does: Provides intense eye colors with a silky texture for seamless application for any eye look that you desire.

• Why we love it: Consists of 3 complementing eye shadows to wear together or alone. Carry your favorite trio with you and create any look on the go with the help of the dual applicator that allows you to apply, smudge and line your eyes effortlessly!

Next is the Collection Chocolate- $6.  6 brown eyeliners in different formulas from satin to matte, kohl to liquid.  Whatever finish you're looking for, they have it!

"Let your eyes take the cake with Collection Chocolaté! The collection carries 6 different formulations of lustrous eyeliners, from matte, satin, glossy pencils to liquid eyeliners. Wrap your eyes with one or all of these smudge-free formula liners. The collection offers various types of eyeliners that apply smooth and effortlessly for lasting and dramatic wear". 

Butter Gloss- $5.  

Add a little more sweetness to your lips with a touch of the Butter Lip Gloss available in 12 scrumptious colors! Get creamy sheer to medium coverage on your lips without that sticky sensation. It’s perfect for every sweet tooth!

Born to Glow Liquid Illuminator- $7.00

Enrich your lovely features with a touch of the Liquid Illuminator that will give your skin a hint of a pink or peach tone. A light application will give your skin that luminous and healthy goddess glow.

Love in Florence Shadow Palettes- $8 (shown in Tryst by the Trevi).  These come in such beautiful, feminine shades.

Live, explore and discover Love in Florence through the lush 5 color eye shadow palettes available in rich hues catering to all eye colors and looks! This compact palette comes with a dual ended applicator so you can carry the kit and spread the love everywhere you go. Available in 10 different complementary collections.

Love in Paris Shadow Palettes $10 (shown in A La Mode).

Fall in Love in Paris with our brilliant 9 color palette that complements all eye colors and fashion ensembles. Use this adorable travel friendly kit with the included applicator through every voyage and adventure for creating captivating looks and touch ups. Attract the Love in Paris with your eyes! Available in 12 color selections.



Do any of these appeal to you?  If so, which ones will you get?  Or have you tried any of these already?

E.L.F. Essential Jumbo Eyeshadow Stick Review and Swatches

The other day, I posted part 1 of my ELF haul, reviewing their new Jumbo Lip Gloss Sticks, which I'm loving right now!  So for part 2, I wanted to review their Jumbo Eyeshadow Sticks. At $2 a piece, they're a total steal, but did I like them as much as the Lip Gloss Sticks?  Read on....

I purchased five shades: From left to right, they are- 

Rock Out- A dark grayish green.

Turkish Coffee- A bronzy brown.

Feeling Lucky- Dark plum shimmer.

Little Miss Thing- Golden Shimmer.

French Lace- Nude with a hint of pale pink shimmer.

Here's some packaging shots: 

These are chubby sticks that twist up and down from the bottom- no need to sharpen.  I find that using them on their sides rather than pressing the tip down directly helps to keep them in a point.

Left to Right: French Lace, Little Miss Thing, Rock Out, Turkish Coffee and Feeling Lucky

The Good News: 

These are creamy, and very pigmented.  They glide right on without much tugging, although I prefer to apply eye crayons to my finger first, and then press them onto my eyelid.  It helps to get a more even color.  

Left to Right: French Lace, Little Miss Thing, Rock Out, Turkish Coffee, Feeling Lucky.

The Bad News: 

These CREASE.  The first time I wore them, creasing started within about 2 hours or so.  The next day I used a primer which helped them last a little bit longer, but they still creased. And I have dry skin, so those of you who have oily eyelids will likely see these slide right off, unfortunately.  

The Bottom Line: 

I'm disappointed in these, since I loved the ELF gloss sticks so much.  Their smooth creamy formula, while easy to apply, isn't dry enough to keep them in place for long.  The only way I'll use these now is as a base under eyeshadow- the powder on top should keep them from creasing, and the color from the sticks will add depth.  But other than that, I wouldn't recommend these. 

NEW Drugstpre Launches- Rimmel BB Cream and Eyeshadow Sticks, Neutrogena Eyeshadow Sticks and Lip Crayons plus more!

Today I was at my local Walgreens and spotted a slew of new products!  I couldn't even photograph them all because I was getting weird looks from the employees and I didn't want to get kicked out.  I'll get some more photos tomorrow.
Anyway, get ready to be excited- there's so much to talk about!

First up is a BB Cream from Rimmel called BB Cream 9-in-1 Super Makeup. There were only three shades in the store, but it looks like there's a spot for a fourth, so I'm thinking there has to be one more.  I bought one so look for a review very soon!

Next from Rimmel is Scandaleyes Show Off Mascara.  This is supposed to lift, give volume and length.  It also has a funky brush with a rounded tip, similar to Benefit's They're Real mascara or Revlon's PhotoReady.  I wasn't too impressed with the last two Scandaleyes formulas, but maybe this one will be better!

Also from Rimmel is 24 Hour Eyeshadow sticks and Kohl Eyeliners.  I'm really excited to try these out!

Neutrogena has come out with new Crease Proof Eyeshadow sticks!  I also can't wait to try these out! 

Lastly, at least for today, are Neutrogena MoistureSmooth Color Sticks, which look a lot like Clinique's Chubby Stick (Revlon also launched a similar version last Spring).  I purchased one of these also, so a review will be coming shortly. 

All in all, I'm really anxious to try all of these new products.  What about you?

New Maybelline Fall 2012 Color Tattoo Eyeshadow Shades and Swatches!

I was beyond excited today when I walked into Walgreens and saw the Maybelline Fall 2012 display.  In addition to some new powder eyeshadow quads, and a Magic Lumi-type highlighting cream, they launched some new very neutral shades of Color Tattoo 24 Hour Cream Eyeshadows!

Just a few posts ago, while reviewing one of Tarte's cream shadows, I was lamenting that Maybelline needed to bring some more neutral shades to the Color Tattoo line, so I was super happy to see it actually happen!

There are four new shades: Rich Mahogany (deep brown), Gold Shimmer (dark honey gold with shimmer), Mossy Green (an olive shade with a hint of bronze) and Barely Beige (a soft, champagne shade).
I didn't purchase Gold Shimmer because it looks very similar to one I already own- Bold Gold.  But here are the other three!  The formula is the same, super long wearing, high pigment, easy to build, and just amazing!  (Can you tell how much I love these?)

Left to Right: Mossy Green, Barely Beige, and Rich Mahogany.

With the caps off:

Splurge! Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Cream Eyeshadow Review, Swatches vs. Maybelline Color Tattoo.

This weekend, after it stopped raining, I was dying to get out of the house, so the hubby and I decided to take a ride down Greenwich, Connecticut.  It's beautiful there, and it's a great place to window shop- lots of fancy, posh boutiques and stores you'd normally see on fifth avenue in NYC, but in a pretty New England setting. While there, I decided to stop in to Sephora on Greenwich Ave. and see what's new.  Since I'm a girl on a budget, I don't get to shop there as often as I'd like, but hey, a girl's gotta splurge once in a while!
This time, I ended up making a purchase from one of my favorite brands, Tarte.  It was so hard to choose, but I decided on one of their Amazonian Clay Cream Eyeshadows.  I've been borderline obsessed with Maybelline's Color Tattoo cream shadows, and I guess I was curious to see how the more expensive brands stacked up.
Besides, Color Tattoo has only a few wearable shades that I would consider wearing every day, while all of Tarte's shades were soft and wearable.
Here are the shades:
Top Row right to left- Shimmering Bronze & Slate
Bottom Row right to left- Shimmering Moss, Plum Smoke, & Seashell Pink

According to Tarte's website, these shadows are:

Powered by skin-smart Amazonian clay, micronized Amazonian clay intensifies color pigments while working double-duty as a primer, which binds the pigment to the skin so it won't slide off midday. Thanks to a botanical blend of natural plant waxes, the shadows glide on smooth and form a budge-proof layer that protects against sweat, tears, and creasing for hours of wear time. Not only is it super long-wearing, but it covers delicate eyelids with Amazonian clay, carnauba wax, mineral pigments, and vitamins A and E.

They also have:

skinvigorating™ benefits
			formulated without mineral oil formulated without paraben formulated without phthalates cruelty free formulated without sodium lauryl sulfate

I ended up purchasing the Slate shade, which is a bit lighter than Maybelline Color Tattoo's Tough as Taupe (one of my favorites, tied with Bad to the Bronze). I wanted all the shades, but at $19 a pop, it would have cost me $100 (yikes!).  It comes in a really big box, but it basically sits on top of a cardboard pedestal inside, so the bottom half of the box is empty.

The formula itself is very smooth and creamy, and it goes on silky.  I was worried about this when I first applied it, because I was positive it would rub off easily.  Maybelline's Color Tattoo has a thick, tacky texture which really holds in in place, but the Tarte version felt like others I've tried in the past that didn't last long.  

Ok, so I was totally wrong!  By the end of the night, it looked just like it did when I put it on- no creasing or fading whatsoever. 

Here's a swatch of the slate color on my arm:

It's grayish brown, which makes it such a versatile shade.  One thing I noticed is that this goes on a little sheerer than Color Tattoo, but the color can build really easily, and the smooth application makes it easy to apply. 

Here's the swatch next to Color Tattoo's Tough as Taupe:

My only complaint about Tarte's shadow is the packaging.  The jar is deep with a narrow opening that makes it hard to get a lot of product on my finger.  I like Maybelline's packaging better because it's a shallow jar with a wide opening.  Here are the two side by side:

While I'm not in a position to pay $19 for an eyeshadow all the time, they do exactly what they promise, and come in shades you can't find at the drugstore. I'll definitely be buying more when it's in the budget!

If you'd like to splurge and try one (or two or three!), Tarte is having a 30% off friends and family until August 6th.  Use code FFAUG at checkout at www.tartecosmetics.com.