My ELF Haul

I ordered my biggest ELF order as a birthday present for myself, with some birthday money I had gotten.

Here's what I got:

And Close up shots:

And everything except my back ups unopened:

AND I paid for 3 day shipping, and even though it got delayed by the hurricane, it arrived on my birthday!
See my cat in the lower left corner checking things out?! hehe.
I used a 50% off studio code, and saved $44.50! woohoo!

Do you guys have any of these items? Have any questions about anything, feel free to ask!

My Makeup Storage!

I'm aware this is going to change (rather drastically) once my latest ELF order gets here, but as of right now, this is how I store my makeup collection.
I do keep all of my open lipglosses in a cosmetics case in my purse (along with a few lipsticks.)
I also have an ELF stash of unopened items and back ups, randomly throughout my room.

On top of my Sterilite container, I have a makeup brush holder, which has 3 categories: face brushes, lip stains/eyeliner pens, and eye brushes. I also have face sunscreen, Qtips, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and a lamp.

Second drawer:

Top left: Empty cosmetic containers/bottles, nail polish remover, acne wipes.

Top Middle: Face Moisturizers, eye creams, nail file, ELF eyelashes. 

Top Right: In Zip pouch: ELF Zit Zapper, Blackhead pusher, tweezers.

Bottom Left: Palettes and ELF Studio Brush set bag.

Bottom Right: Primers, Concealers, Eyelid Primers, ELF All Over Color/Cover Sticks, cream highlighters.

Top Left: ELF Studio Blushes

Top Right: All over brand blushes, all of my bronzers.

Bottom Left: All face powders, loose and pressed.

Bottom Right: Liquid Foundations/tinted moisturizer.

Top Left: Lipglosses/chapsticks I don't use often.

Top Green Container: Mascaras.

Middle Green Container: Eyeliners and ELF Studio Brow Kit

Bottom Green Container: Lipsticks/non pen type lipstains

Bottom cardboard container: all eyeshadow singles, duos, trios, quads, etc.

I got the small green containers and pink containers at The Dollar Tree! This was all very cheap and easy to do! The brushes holder came from Wal Mart, cost $5, and is actually a pen/pencil holder. 

Feel free to ask my opinion of any product you see.

Enjoy! :)

FOTD

(Yes, that's American Chopper in the background- it's my boyfriend's favorite show!)

Products used:

Banana Boat 30 SPF Sunwear Faces
Equate SPF 15 Moisturizer
Monistat Chafing Gel as Primer
Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Soft Beige
ELF Studio HD Powder and Studio SPF 45 UVA/UVB Protection Powder mixed
ELF Studio Blush & Bronzer Contouring Duo- used Bronzed only for contouring.
Hard Candy Fox In A Box Blush in Skinny Dipping
ELF Studio Golden Bronzer as highlight

ELF Essentials Eyelid Primer in Pearl
ELF Essentials Brightening Eye Color in Butternut-all four shades
ELF Essentials Liquid Eyeliner in Black
ELF ESsentials Defining and Lengthening Mascara in Black
ELF Essentials Clear Lash and Brow Mascara on brows only
ELF Studio Brow Kit in Dark- gel side only

ELF Studio 2 in 1 Conditioning Lipgloss in Supermodel

I Just Placed My Biggest ELF Order Ever

As if I didn't have enough ELF stuff, I got some birthday money early and placed a 45 piece ELF order from eyeslipsface.com!
I paid $75.40 total for my order.
$11.90 for 3 day shipping/1 day processing time.
AND I saved $45.50 using their "STUDIO" 50% off Studio line code.
So what did I get?
In case any of you may be curious, I'll list the items I ordered.
I'm crossing my fingers nothing was out of stock, but we all know how that goes.

St. = Studio
ES.= Essentials
(I didn't get any mineral items.) I'll also include the price I paid.

-St. Angled Eyeliner Brush $1.50
-St. Mineral Infused Mascara in Black $1.50
-St. Cream Eyeliner in Black, Gunmetal, Copper, Coffee, Purple and Golden. $1.50 each.
-Es. Blending Eye Brush
-Es. Shimmer Eyeliner Pencil in Iconic Ivory, Blissful Blush, Grassy Green, Boldly Bronzed, Plum Passion, Precious Pink (I'll have them all now!) $1 each
-St. Blush Brush $1.50
-St. Glitter Gloss in Bronze Bling $1.50
-St. Cream Eyeshadow in Natural Glow, Dawn, and Bronzed $1.50 each
-Es. Lipstick in Captivating, and Nostalgic $1 each
-Es. Eyelid Primer in Champagne $1
-St. Makeup Mist and Set $1.50
-St. Matte Lip Color in Coral $1.50
-Es. Eye Crease Brush $1
-Es. Eyeshadow Brush $1
-St. Eye Transformer $1.50
-Es. Eyeliner Brush $1
-Beauty School Eyeshadow Pigments Collection- three pigments $3
-St. Concealer Pencil & Brush in Fair $1.50
-St. Cream Blush in Heartbreaker $3 (I'm most excited about this!)
-St. High Definition Powder $3
-St. Kabuki Face Brush $2.50
-Es. Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Luminance $1
-Es. Matte Clear Finisher Nail Polish $1
-St. Glossy Gloss in Pink Candy $1.50
-St. Powder Brush $1.50
-St. Stipple Brush $1.50
-St. Single Eyeshadow in Sunset $1.50
-Es. All Over Cover Stick in Toffee $1
-St. Tone Correcting Powder (Formerly known as Complexion Perfection) $1.50
-St. Blush in Twinkle Pink (I'll have them all now!) $1.50
-St. Wrinkle Refiner $1.50

Phew! Have you tried any of these? I can't wait!

p.s. My free gift is Hypershine Gloss in Honey (I have and like this!)

EOTD Tutorial feat. ELF products!

1. Apply ELF studio Golden Bronzer lightly between eyebrow and crease with ELF Studio Angled Foundation Brush. (This helps the crease and brow bone colors blend better.)

2. Apply ELF Essentials Eyelid Primer in Pearl. Blend with fingers.

3. Apply the green shade from ELF Essentials Brightening Eye Color (Quad) in Teal Dreams on the inner half of eyelid with included sponge tip applicator.

4. Apply ELF Studio Single Eyeshadow in Mystic Moss on outer half of eyelid with ELF Studio Concealer Brush, blend the two lid colors together.

5. Apply the black shade from ELF Essentials Brightening Eye Color (Quad) in Drama with ELF Studio Angled Liner Brush to outer crease/outer v area and outer third of eyelid. Blend into the Mystic Moss shade. Also apply to lower lashline with same brush.

6. Apply ELF Studio Single Eyeshadow in Butter cream under brow bone and to inner corner of eye with ELF Studio Contour Brush.

7. Apply ELF Essentials Shimmer Eyeliner in Black Bandit to outer third of lower lashline.

8. Apply ELF Essentials Liquid Eyeliner in Black along upper lashline.

9. Apply ELF Essentials Defining and Lengthening Mascara in Black to upper and lower lashes.

10. Apply ELF Essentials Clear Lash and Brow Gel to brows.

11. Fill in brows with gel side of ELF Studio Brow Kit in Dark.

Other face products used:

Monistat Chafing Relief Gel-Powder as Primer

Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation 240 Soft Beige

ELF Studio SPF 45 UVA/UVB Protection Powder

ELF Studio HD Powder

ELF Studio Blush and Bronzer Contouring Duo

ELF Studio Blush in Pink Passion

ELF Studio Golden Bronzer as Cheek Highlight

ELF Essentials Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed

Revlon Colorburst Lipstick in Blush

ELF Essentials Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Nude Pink

Hard Candy Mini Must Have

I have been sooo busy at work these past few days, I've completely gotten behind on reading all of the new blog posts I follow!
I also haven't gotten a chance to do any blogging!
BUT- I have the weekend off, so I hope I can get some swatching done then.

I have to tell you about an ADORABLE and AFFORDABLY AWESOME product I saw today!

While waiting for a prescription to get filled at Wal Mart today, I browsed the cosmetics section for a good 45 minutes. (Time flies when you're lost in makeup land!)

At the Hard Candy display, I came across the CUTEST thing, called "Mini Makeup Must Haves." The one that caught my eye was called "First Flush." So babydoll pink and pretty!
Apparently these were in the Winter 2010 collection, but I am just noticing these!
(There were 3 others)

In this kit, you get sample sizes of: the baked blush in Living Doll, The Glow All The Way Illuminator in Dollface, Plumping Serum in Uptown Girl, and Sheer Envy Primer.

I don't know the specs, but I think the blush is VERY close to the full size. The full size retails for $7, so basically for $1 more, you can try out three more of their products! If you bought the full size of all 4 products, you'd spend $29, so this is a great way to see if you'd actually want the full size of these. I've actually had my eye on the Living Doll blush, and this is a great way to try out some other Hard Candy products!

Do you have any of these products? I think I'm going to pick this up when I get paid!

My Elf Collection: Eyes Edition (Video!)

Hey everyone! I did my second youtube video!
If you missed the first one, you can watch it here.

I decided to show you my ELF collection, but I'll be breaking it up between Eyes, Lips, Face, and brushes.

The Eyes edition is up now!

I recorded the "Lips" video, but it's going to take forever to upload- the eyes one seriously took me about 8 hours to upload!
Thanks for watching, everyone! :)
-Posh

Massachusetts Mask: Back to school giveaway

Have you entered Massachusetts Mask's Back to school giveaway?
The prize for this is AMAZING. I want everything!
Click the link to enter, good luck beauties!
Massachusetts Mask's Giveaway!

ELF Essentials Luscious Liquid Lipstick in Ruby Slipper

This lipgloss costs $1 at www.eyeslipsface.com, or in select Targets and Kmarts. This is my favorite red lipgloss-it's as pigmented as a lipstick, when applied heavily, but it's as shiny as a lipgloss too. When applied lightly, it can just be a sheer wash of color. It is vanilla mint flavored, and reminds me of original Mentos.
I love this because it's an actual red lipgloss, and it's like my natural lip color, but red. The swatch is from a cell phone picture, but you get the idea! I highly recommend this gloss!

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Nail Polish Remover Pads

I recently started using ELF's nail polish remover pads, and I've been hooked on them!
I picked one up in an ELF order I purchased from www.eyeslipsface.com, and wasn't expecting much. I threw them in my purse to use for on to go removal, because I tend to pick at chipping polish, and then it looks soooo bad. Plus, a lot of people see my hands at my work.
So, after picking at my polish for a few hours one day, I remembered my ELF pads- and bam! they worked so well I was hooked!
They do feel dry at first, but once the pad gets warmed up from the friction going over your nails, it releases an oil, which removes the polish.
For darker polishes or glitter polishes, you do need 2-4 pads for all 10 fingers, but with a simple polish color, I was able to use 1 pad for all 10 fingers.
I was at Target, and picked up 3 more of these! (They're $1/piece, and you get 18 pads.)

These also work really well for your toes.

I'm convinced after using these that I like it so much better than regular polish remover.

Here's why:

*I never know what to use with nail polish remover- cotton balls, cotton pads, paper towels?

My favorite thing to use is wash cloths, because the rough texture works better than cotton, but then you have ugly stained washcloths!

*So for the price you spend on polish remover, plus a removal tool (ie cotton balls) you're really not spending much more for these pads.

*Remover Pads are acetone free! So they're great for sensitive skin and noses, children and old ladies!

*They do not burn if you have a cut or hangnail.

*They can be stored in your purse, your car, at the office, etc.

*They can travel in your luggage without worrying about the horror of it spilling. (Not that I ever travel!) They can also go on airplanes!

*They're good if you want/need to remove polish in a small/closed in area, because they actually smell good. (The ELF ones are citrus scented.)

Hold up.

LA COLORS has nail polish remover pads too now?!

Yup, they just released them! And since I LOVE these ELF ones (and my Target is 45 minutes away), I knew I HAD to find these in a store near me.

I checked Food Lion, Wal Greens, Two Dollar Generals, The Dollar Tree, and NO LUCK! :(

I finally went on the LA Colors facebook page and asked if anyone had seen these in stores, and about 2 weeks later, a nice girl replied and said she had seen them in Family Dollar.

So after work today, I went to Family Dollar in search of these puppies.

...And there they were, in all of their peach and melon scented glory.

I bought 6.

These pads are $1 and you get 32- that's double the ELF ones!

Plus, they come in 6 scents, although my FD only had 2.

And, they're slightly bigger than the ELF ones.

Goodbye Acetone, it was nice knowing you, but you smell badly, and dry out my poor nails. Since I change my polish every 3-4 days, I need these pads in my life!

Have you tried Nail Polish Remover pads before?

I think Hot Topic is selling some Vanilla cake flavored ones at the moment, but I don't have a Hot Topic nearby.

My First Youtube Video!

Hey everyone! This is my first Youtube video I've done!
The topic is how to blend eyeshadow with Q-tips.
Excuse the bad lighting and bad camera angles, but I hope my tips are helpful!
My channel name is PoshLovesMakeup if you'd like to subscribe!
Thanks lovelies!
-Posh

Products I've Finished Lately

I don't always finish products before I stop using them, but these products, I have finished recently.  I got the idea for this blog post from the lovely Krystal at Power Femme.

Olay Body Wash Plus Body Butter Ribbons with Jojoba Butter

Will I repurchase: No

Out of 10, I give this a 6.

I bought this in a Christmas set from Wal Mart that included a travel size shaving cream, a Venus razor, and a 1 year subscription to Allure magazine, all for around $12.

This retails for about $5, and although it did last me from December until August, I will not repurchase this again. I like to try different products, and this didn't impress me enough to repurchase. It wasn't as moisturizing as I thought it would be either. It did smell very good though.  I'm not convinced that the "aqua current science" actually puts moisture where you need it the most.

ELF Nail Polish Remover Pads

Will I repurchase: I already have! I picked up 2 more at Target.

Out of 10,  I give these a 9.

These cost $1 at eyeslipsface.com, or you can find them at Target.  These smell like orange, and feel like oil. (I rinsed my nails before I reapplied polish.) They don't feel like regular nail polish remover- they are acetone free. These did a great job removing my polish, but they feel dry at first and you have to work the oil out onto your nails.  I had to use more pads for darker polish, and chunky glitter polish destroyed the pads, but it still removed it.  The good thing about these is A. They're great for travel or to keep in your purse! B. They're great for sensitive skin/noses like children's. C. They don't burn if you have any bad hang nails or cuts.  

D. They're perfect for toe nails!  I love these!

BUT L.A. Colors has released a line of nail polish remover pads; 32 pads for $2 and they come in 6 different scents. (Melon?! sweet!)  Check them out here! If I can get my hands on these guys, they'll probably replace my ELF ones, since my Target is 45 minutes away.

Suave 24 Hr Protection Wild Cherry Blossom Deodorant

Will I repurchase? Probably only if I'm trying to save money/on a budget

Out of 10, I give this a 6.

I bought this at Wal Mart for around $2. I was trying to limit the amount I spent that month on beauty products, so I opted for some cheaper alternatives.  This didn't really glide on clear like that package said, nor did it offer 24 hour protection. It did smell AMAZING though. I really liked the scent. But it didn't apply very smoothly, and it wasn't a match for this terrible summer heat we've been having. I also went through this rather quickly.  I picked up my trusty Secret deodorant when I ran out of this. (Scent Expressions Truth or Pear.) While this was good for $2, it only contained 14% of the active ingredient Aluminum Zirconium, while the Secret contained 19%.  I glanced at a few Clinical strength deodorants, and they were all mostly 20%. So for $4, the Secret was the better buy, as all of the Clinical strength ones were over $5. The Secret deodorant does a great job with sweat, and it smells awesome. My boyfriend loves it!

ELF Studio Blush in Gotta Glow

Would I repurchase? I already did!

Out of 10, I give this an 8.

This costs $3 on eyeslipsface.com. This is intended to be a highlight shade, so I'm not sure why it doesn't specify that in the product description.  I applied this with my ELF Studio Blush Brush as a highlighter. I went through this rather quickly though.  I really enjoyed the light golden shimmer it gave my face.  I repurchased this though, and the second one is way more powdery, chalky, and less shimmery! Did I get a bad one?! I've had my eye ELF Essentials Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Luminance to use as a highlighter, but although it was included in my last order, it was out of stock when they shipped my order. I probably won't repurchase this, since I'm not using it every day as my highlighter anymore. 

Jon Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo for Dry Hair

Will I repurchase this? This was my second tube I used up.

Out of 10, I give this a 10.

Seriously, I love this shampoo. I recently stopped using because I got a shampoo and conditioner for free, and was using that instead. But I miraculously had about 1 use left in the bottle in my shower. I decided to use it the other night and holy hair I forgot how much I love this stuff! My scalp gets very itchy between washes, but I don't have dandruff. This shampoo completely gets rid of my itch, like no other shampoo does.  The shampoo smells so amazing, the scent actually makes me happy.  It tingles your scalp and feels so refreshingly clean. This is a little bit on the pricier side for drugstore shampoo, retailing about $6-$7. Sometimes you can find it on sale though. I'm not sure if I'll repurchase the conditioner- I really like the way it feels on my hair in the shower, but it wasn't as moisturizing as my hair needs.

Gillette Satin Care Dry Skin Shave Gel

Would I repurchase? No.

Out of 10, I give this a 5.

The biggest problem I had with this shave gel, when I had about 1/4 product left, I couldn't get any more out. It just stopped coming out, and if by chance some did come out, it was no longer in gel form.  This also did not moisturize my legs any more than any other shaving cream.  It was only around $2 though. I had a travel size and thought it was okay, so I bought the full size. It was only okay though.

Some products you never quite finish before you toss them, like mascara.

What have you finished up lately?

Beauty Crazed in Canada's Giveaway!

Beauty Crazed in Canada is having an amazing give away!
The best part is, you don't have to live in Canada to win!
There are so many high end products in this giveaway, such an awesome prize.

To enter, click the link below and follow their instructions.
Good luck!
http://www.beautycrazed.ca/2011/07/have-sizzling-summer-by-winning-enough.html

Banana Boat Sun Wear Faces Oil Free SPF 30 Review

I recently switched from using a foundation with SPF protection, to one that doesn't have any SPF.
Since these summer months are on the extreme side, I figured it's best if I wear an SPF under my makeup now.
I've considered looking into a good oil free sunscreen for my face, but it was something I really didn't get around to doing, I kind of forgot!

I saw this Banana Boat sunscreen- get this- at The Dollar Tree for $1. I checked Amazon.com and it retails for $8.11!

What the bottle says:

On the front: New! Made With Essential Organic Botanicals

Banana Boat Sun Wear Face Oil-Free Daily Sunblock Lotion

SPF 30

Ultra sheer, clean feel

Avo Triplex photostable UVA technology

Long Lasting UVA/UVB Protection Age-Defying Complex

On the back: Ban harmful UV rays with your essential every day Sun Wear Faces lotion.  This 100% oil free, ultra sheer sunblock has patented AvoTriplex technology for photostable, high UVA/UVB Protection that won't break down under the sun. The Essential Organic Botanicals formula in enriched with antioxidants and botanicals to help your skin appear more youthful and radiant. Dermatologist tested. Hypoallergenic. Waterproof.

I don't know if lives up to all of it's claims, but this is a great sunscreen for face-use. I'm glad I found it at The Dollar Tree for $1, because I'm not sure that I would pay the $8 for it, since it's such a small tube. (3fl oz) But I suppose it is cheaper than the oil free sunscreen Neutrogena sells. I may go pick up a back up or two of these, if they still have any left!

This blends into my face really well and doesn't feel greasy. It does smell like sunscreen, but the smell disappears after awhile. 

The first time I used it, I mixed ELF Essentials Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal with it, applied a primer (Monistat Chafing Relief Gel Powder) and foundation (Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation) over it, and it didn't alter my makeup at all.

Today, I applied it first, then ELF Studio Tinted Moisturizer in Nude, mixed with ELF Essentials Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal, and it didn't alter my tinted moisturizer either.

Over all, I really like this- and it's something my boyfriend can use too.

I've looked for this at Wal Mart and Food Lion, since I bought it, and I haven't seen it anywhere else.
Do you use a sunscreen daily? I've also been using ELf Studio SPF 45 UVA/UVB Protection Powder daily, but I'm not sure that provides the best protection.

Sunscreen smells and Dollar Tree finds.
-Posh

Wet and Wild Fast Dry: The Gold & The Beautiful

I picked this up at Kmart two days ago when they were having a BOGO Free sale on WnW Cosmetics.

It's a clear base with yellow gold shimmer. You can apply multiple coats to make it a foil, or you can wear it over a base coat. This is three coats, and it still leans on the sheer side. It's a very thin polish, so you can get away with multiple coats. I applied 1 coat Nail Life Gripper Base Coat underneath, and 1 coat Nail Life Speed Demon Top Coat on top.
I had a hard time photographing this because it was so shimmery! But it's not a chunky glitter that feels rough on your nails, it's very fine.

This definitely leans towards a more yellow undertone then it picked up on camera.
My boyfriend suggested it would look cool with an orange base, so I tried it on my toes with 1 coat of Sinful Colors Cloud 9 underneath.
Excuse the feet picture!

This made the polish a very pretty orange copper color opposed to gold. 

I really like this polish for summer! Next time I'll know to apply more coats!

I paid $1.06 with tax for this polish, along with 1 other WnW Fast Dry in Teal of Fourtune.

And just because it's Sundog, here's a gorgeous picture of my sweet dog, Paris!

P.S. I've gotten 9 new followers this week! So a little shout out to all of you lovelies! If and when I ever reach 100 Followers, I will be holding a give away with some of my favorite products!
Happy Sundog!

Update:
I added a fourth coat and photographed outside in sunlight, so you can see the true color.

Short story!

I figured I should share this little story with you beauties:

Today I returned some foundation to Wal Mart that was the wrong color- it was Rimmel 25 Hour Lasting Finish in 200 Soft Beige- it was too dark.
The lady at the Customer Service desk asked me if anything was wrong with it, and I said, "No, nothing is wrong with the product, it's just too dark." (Which wasn't completely the truth, I ended up really not likely that foundation, but it was a shade too dark.)
She replied with, "You know what's good? Neutrogena Skin Clearing makeup. It's really expensive, but it's really good."
At this point, I hadn't looked up at her face much, but after she mentioned her opinion of a good foundation, I glanced at her face.
This lady had a very pale, and very red, splotchy face, absolutely covered in acne.
She wasn't wearing any makeup either.
I hated to be mean, but after we walked away, I turned to my boyfriend and said something about how the makeup obviously doesn't work that well.
If she was wearing any makeup, I might have considered looking into that foundation, but a splotchy face covered in acne, and not wearing any makeup, isn't going to convince me to buy skin clearing makeup- or any make at all.
Am I too used to seeing flawless faces sell me makeup in all of the ads?
Would you take makeup advice from someone who isn't wearing any makeup at all?
I usually determine how seriously I should take someone's make up advice on how their makeup looks at the time- is that wrong?
I just couldn't take her recommendation seriously, but I did want to give her a make over.
Oh makeup community, what I am rambling about?!
Have a good night, makeup lovers!
P.S. I looked for NYC's cream blush sticks at Kmart and Wal Mart today and couldn't find them!

Wet and Wild Cosmetics BOGO Free sale ends today!

I went back today to pick up two Color Icon Trios. Because I couldn't make up my mind in the store, I looked up swatches online to make my decision.
I picked up Walking On Eggshells-it was the last one! and I'm Getting Sunburned.
I swatched them quickly in the car, and holy makeup they're pigmented!
Swatches and reviews to come of these buttery beauties!

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FOTD: Heavy on the Bronzer!

Excuse the poor lighting- cell phone camera! And why does my face look it's covered in clay in the first picture? Thanks, cell phone camera!

Products used:

*ELF Zit Zapper

*Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel as primer

*Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation in Soft Beige applied with ELF Studio Powder Brush

*ELF Essentials All Over Color Stick in Light Beige

*ELF Studio SPF 45 UVA/UVB Protection Powder applied with ELF Studio Complexion Brush

*ELF Studio Blush/Bronzer Duo: Bronzed applied with ELF Studio Foundation Brush, Blushed applied with ELF Studio Blush Brush

*ELF Essentials Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed applied with ELF Studio Complexion Brush as highlight, and applied under brow bone with ELF Studio Crease Brush

*ELF Studio Bronzer in Golden applied with ELF Studio Fan Brush

*ELF Studio Eye Shadow Singles in Buttercream all over lid applied with ELF Studio Concealer Brush

*ELF Studio Eye Shadow Singles in Coffeebean applied with ELF Essentials Defining Eye Brush in crease

*ELF Essentials Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black on top
*ELF Essentials Liquid Eyeliner in Black on top

*ELF Studio Eye Shadow Singles in Charcoal to set liner, applied with ELF Studio Angled Brush

*ELF Essentials Clear Mascara on Brows

*ELF Studio Brow Kit in Dark- wax only

*ELF Studio Lengthening&Volumizing Mascara in Black

No lip product at this point, but I was wearing ELF Essentials Hypershine Lipgloss in Honey.

I woke up late this morning and very quickly threw this look together. I didn't realize I used Three different bronzers- but 1 was for contouring, one for highlight, and the other for tanning my face.

P.S. If you don't know me personally, I work at an animal hospital- hence the scrubs!

Make Up Diary's Giveaway!

To enter the lovely JC over at Make Up Diary's HUGE Giveaway, click the link below!
http://www.makeupdiary.org/2011/08/makeup-diarys-huge-just-because-thank.html
Good Luck!

All Wet and Wild cosmetics BOGO free at Kmart!

Mannnnn If your Kmart has the Dream Weavers ikon palettes then you lucked out! Mine unfortunately didn't so I just picked up two polishes I've had my eye on for awhile. Teal of Fortune, and The Gold& the Beautiful. :) I paid $1.06 for both polishes with tax!

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FOTD: Purple, please!

Without Flash.

With Flash.

Like my scrubs?! 

What I used:

*Monistat Chafing Relief Powder Gel as primer all over face.

*Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation in 200 Soft Beige (I'm returning this- I can't stand this stuff!) All over face, applied with ELF Studio Powder Brush.

*ELF Essentials All Over Cover Stick in Light Beige on blemishes, applied with fingers.

*ELF Studio SPF 45 UVA/UVB Protection Powder, lightly dusted all over face and neck with ELF Studio Complexion brush.

*ELF Essentials Clear Mascara on brows.

*ELF Studio Contouring Blush and Bronzer DUO in Bronzed only to contour under jaw and cheek bones, applied with ELF Essentials Bronzing brush.

*ELF Essentials Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed applied with ELF Studio Complexion brush lightly on the outer edges of face and down cheeks and cheek bones. 

(I LOVE THIS BRONZER!)

*ELF Essentials Radiance Blusher in Glow applied to cheek bones with ELF Studio Blush brush.

*ELF Essentials Eyelid primer in Pearl applied with fingers to eye lids.

*A light purple packed all over lid with ELF Studio Concealer brush (all eyeshadows are from an unnamed 120 color eyeshadow palette I purchased on Ebay, similar to Manly's.)

*A metallic shimmery pinkish purple in crease with ELF Essentials Defining Eye Brush.

*A matte medium colored purple applied to outer third of crease with ELF Essentials Defining Eye Brush, and applied to lower lash line with ELF Studio Angled brush.

*A shimmery golden cream color applied under brow bown with ELF Studio Crease Brush.

*ELF Essentials Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black applied to top lash line.

*ELF Studio Lengthening and Volumizing Mascara in Black (My favorite mascara!)

NOTD: Summer Pastels

One coat Nail Life Gripper Base coat.
Two coats Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Mint Sorbet on pinky amd thumb.
Two coats Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Lacey Lilac on ring finger and index finger.
Two coats Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Wet Cement on middle finger.
Same pattern on both hands.
Two coats Wet and Wild Mega Shine Hallucinate on all nails.
One coat Nail Life Speed Demon Top coat.
My poor pinky nail suffered a recent break!
:)

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FOTD: A dewey look

On my days off from work, I like to use products that I don't use daily- or don't necessarily know how to use them in my daily looks.
My FOTD today is some new products I bought lately that I'm testing out, mixed in with a few I don't use often, and a few that I love.

What I used:

Face:

*Soothing Care Monistat Chafing Relief Powder-Gel (As primer, all over face, applied with fingers)

*Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation in 200 Soft Beige (All over face, stippled on with ELF Studio Powder Brush)

*ELF Essentials Shimmering Facial Whip in Lilac Petal applied with ELF Studio Angled Foundation Brush (As a highlighter above cheekbones and brow bone)

*ELF Essentials All Over Color Stick in Golden Peach (All over cheeks, not blended in-just applied from tube)

*ELF Studio Blush in Peach Keen (All Over cheeks, where Golden Peach was applied, applied with ELF Studio Blush Brush)

*ELF Essentials Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder in Sun Kissed (Along temples, as a cheek contour, and a light dusting along outer edges of face, under chin and jaw, applied with ELF Essentials Bronzing Brush)

Eyes:

*L.A. Colors 5 Color Metallic Eyeshadow in EP45 Tea Time (Second color from left applied with ELF Studio Eyeshadow "C" Brush all over lid; Fourth color from left applied with ELF Studio Contour Brush in crease; First color from left applied under lower lash line with ELF Studio Small Smudge Brush)

*ELF Studio Single Eyeshadow in Coffee Bean (Applied in outer third of crease with ELF Studio Contour Brush and in lower lash line with ELF Studio Small Angled Brush)

* ELF Essentials Shimmer Pencil in Twinkle Teal (Along top lash line, drawn heavily)

*CoverGirl Volume Exact mascara in Brown

Lips:

*ELF Studio Minty Lipgloss in Chicago

Normally I would use a face powder after my foundation, but I'm trying different techniques with this Rimmel foundation. I would also normally fill in my brows, but since I'm not leaving the house today, I didn't bother.

<3

Makeup Setting Sprays Comparison

I've recently been wondering about how well setting sprays extend the wear of your makeup, as this summer heat has been melting my makeup off of my face, especially at work.
I picked up ELF's Studio Mist & Set at Target for $3 and I think it's been helping somewhat- although I'm trying out a new (to me) long wearing foundation, and I already use a primer.
Today while browsing the Sephora website, I saw Kat Von D's new setting spray: Lock 'N Load.
For $24, I will definitely not be purchasing that, but I was wondering how the ingredients compared to ELF's spray.

Product Amount:
ELF's spray contains 2.2 oz, while KVD's spray contains 3.4 oz.
For the same price as the KVD spray, you can buy 17.6 bottles of the ELF spray, where you'll get 38. 72 oz of product, vs. 1 bottle of KVD spray with 3.4 oz.



Left: KVD Lock 'N Load Right: ELF Studio Mist & Set

Ingredients Comparison:


ELF: Water (Aqua), AMP-Acrylates/Allyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Propylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe) Leaf Juice, Green Tea (Camelia Sinensis) Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vc), Tocophryl Acetate (Ve) Retinyl Acytate (Va), Phenoxyethanol, Methylparaben, Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben.
On a positive note, there are some moisturizing ingredients in this product- Aloe juice, Green tea extract, and cucumber extract. BUT on a negative note, there are not 1, but FIVE types of parabens in this! I've never had a problem with parabens making my skin break out, and I haven't made my mind up on how I feel about parabens. I don't think that as of right now there are enough studies that prove it's harm, for me to find paraben free alternatives to all of the products I use daily.

KVD: Water / Aqua / Eau, Alcohol, PVP, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Mineral Oil / ParaffinumLiquidum/ HuileMinerale, Aloe BarbadensisLeaf Extract, PolyhydroxystearicAcid, Isononyl Isononanoate, EthylhexylIsononanoate, Sodium CocamidopropylPG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, CucumisSativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Fragrance/Parfum.
Positives: mositurizing ingredients in this as well- Aloe extract and cucumber extract. This one is paraben free though! So if you're looking for a paraben free setting spray and don't mind the price tag- here's a great option for you.

But in comparison to the two ingredients, it seems to me like the ELF one will be more moisturizing. ELF's moisturizing ingredients are higher up in the list, meaning they have a higher concentration then the KVD spray most likely. ELF's spray contains green tea extract, and KVD's doesn't.
Also, ELF's has Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JUICE, while KVD's has Aloe Barbadensis Leaf EXTRACT. I'm not sure if this really makes a different, but leaf "juice" sounds so much more moisturizing.

I think the key to the setting spray is to have the moisturizing ingredients, because it will make the makeup not cake, settle, crease, and crack.

Here's the biggest difference for me in the ingredients (besides the parabens of course):
the KVD spray has ALCOHOL as the SECOND ingredient.
Alcohol? The most drying liquid in the world of makeup? But won't this dry out your makeup and defeat the purpose of a moisturizing setting spray?
And ready for this?
The KVD spray also contains MINERAL OIL as the sixth ingredient!
This can make your face break out, make your face oily, and melt away your makeup!
The KVD spray also contains a fragrance/parfum, while the ELF spray does not.

Verdict:
Price tag: Elf wins hands down! $3 vs. $24- you do the math!
Ingredients: ELF, as long as you don't mind parabens. I'd rather spray parabens on my face versus mineral oil and alcohol. We don't know enough about parabens to say if/how bad they really are just yet. But everyone knows alcohol is drying, and mineral oil can break you out!
Besides, Parabens are used in products as a preservative, and we're trying to preserve our make up with a setting spray- seems logical to me.

If you have tried the Lock 'N Load spray versus the ELF Mist & Set, I'd love to hear your opinion, but from the looks of things, I'll be sticking to my trusty ELF spray.