Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Revlon Colorstay Whipped Foundation Review (Compared to Covergirl)

Photo from: target.com

My all time favorite foundation is the Covergirl Whipped Cream Foundation:

Photo from: target.com

But I'm pretty sure it's been discontinued because it was clearanced out at all of my local drug stores and grocery stores and now I can't find it anywhere! (If you know a store that still sells it, please let me know!)

I was forced to find an alternative. I love the "whipped cream" texture for foundation because it is light and airy. It gives color and coverage without caking up on my face. I have normal to dry skin and it provides the perfect amount of moisture (sorry, I hate that word too) without making my skin oily. If you love liquid foundations, you might want to try a whipped foundation for the summer because it is lighter without sacrificing coverage!

I've been using the Revlon whipped foundation for the last couple of weeks and I have several thoughts on it so far. Maybe if I tried it first, I would love it more, but I'm biased because I LOVE the Covergirl one.

First thing you'll notice about this product is the PRICE. It is twice as much as the Covergirl foundation (which averages about $6-7 depending on where you shop). The Revlon version is about $12 (even at Walmart!). The only problem is, you're not getting twice as much product (which would make the price better). The Revlon packaging may look huge (because it is) but you only get 0.8 ounces. It's more than the Covergirl version, which was 0.6 ounces, but it's not THAT MUCH more....

Like I said, the PACKAGING is huge! Both versions come in a glass container with a plastic lid. The Covergirl one was a small, compact container, filled to the brim. The Revlon version is a gigantic glass JAR (basically) but only a small part of that actually holds product. The bottom half of the jar is just glass and could have been done away with. The lid is bulky and the container does not fit in my makeup storage system. (Every other foundation I've ever bought fit in the three-drawer organizer) Sure it's pretty but it's not practical. I haven't traveled with it yet, but I'm kinda scared it's going to drop and break. At the least, it will take up a lot of room in my makeup bag. I used to be able to throw the Covergirl foundation in my purse and not even notice it was there, but the Revlon one takes up so much space!

All that aside, it's not a bad foundation. The COVERAGE is pretty nice. I'd say it's medium coverage. It is a thicker texture than the Covergirl version and goes on heavier. I used to use my concealer with my Covergirl foundation but I haven't really needed to with the Revlon one.

Both have about the same color range, but I'd found my perfect SHADE in the Covergirl version (320, Creamy Natural). I'm using 200 Sand Beige in the Revlon (which sounded really dark to me), it's pretty close, but not exact. It almost has a grey UNDERTONE which makes me look sickly in the wrong lighting. To combat this, I use extra bronzing powder in a really light shade. This helps to warm my face back up without turning me from grey to orange.

The Revlon Colorstay line claims to last 24 hours, but we all know that's impossible. (Even if it was possible, I don't think I'd want my makeup to last that long....) It does have good STAYING POWER and lasts me all day (about 9 to 10 hours). There is an obvious difference from when I put it on to when I take it off, but it could be worse.

BOTTOM LINE: I'm still looking for an alternative to the Covergirl whipped cream foundation (if you know of one, share it!) and also hoping they'll bring it back to store. The Revlon Whipped Foundation is fine. It costs a lot (comparatively) but works well. It's just middle-of-the-road for me. I'm not crazy about it and if I find something else, I definitely won't buy it again.





Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Spring Cleaning: Just Throw it Away!



          For some reason, I have a tendency to hang on to old, unusable makeup. I talk myself out of throwing it away even though I know good and well I will not use it again! But no more! I have finally broken that cycle (more or less) and did a major clean out! I realized that I was using the same products everyday and I didn’t want to use anything else. I had boxes and plastic containers full of makeup that I didn’t use and, most importantly, I didn’t want to use. I got all of my makeup down to a more manageable size after one major clean out. Now, it all fits in my three-drawer plastic organizer. I am able to find just what I want and everything is neat and clean. I also threw away old nail polishes and now, only my best and favorite polishes are on display. I found the whole process to be stress-relieving and I am much happier because of it! 

Here are some tips for cleaning out your own makeup collection. Let’s start the summer off with a clean slate!

1.                    Check the expiration date! Not all products have one, but many have a symbol on the back that looks like a small, open container with a number and the letter “M” (See the picture below). The number is the number of months the product is good for after it has been opened. For example, “12M” means the product is good for 12 months after you open it. If the product is expired, THROW IT AWAY! Even if it is something that you use, it is no longer good for your skin! It has been open for a while and collected germs and bacteria that you are just putting back on your face. EW!
Example of expiration date




2.                    Have you used it in the last week? I understand that some makeup products are used only for special occasions so you only use it every once in a while. But, if ALL of your makeup is for special occasions, you should probably rethink your buying strategy. Otherwise, only keep the products that you use on a regular basis (plus a couple of special occasion things like a super glittery eyeshadow). If you’re still worried about throwing something away that you’ll miss, take out all of the products you don’t use regularly and put them to the side. Go an entire week without using them. Did you miss them? If not, throw them away! They’re just taking up space and they’ll probably go bad before you get around to using them. If you feel bad about throwing stuff away, give it away. Spray the product with rubbing alcohol to disinfect it, and then give it to a friend who’d wear it or maybe a little girl who will play dress-up with it.




3.                    Is it your color? Maybe you have some makeup left over from the winter when you were three shades paler. Or maybe you have some from when you got that spray tan and now it makes your face look like an Oompa Loompa. Throw it away. Seriously, if you keep it, you’ll only be tempted to wear it. Don’t wear it! It’s not your color and you know it! If you really liked that foundation or bronzer or whatever, go buy it in YOUR SHADE!




4.                    Is it dirty? Products covered in dirt or residue from other makeup is just gross. You can try to clean stuff off with disinfectant, but most of the time you should just toss it. Every time you pick it up, you’re getting that stuff on your hands. If you throw it in your makeup bag, it has infected all your other products. Don’t put germs so close to your face!




5.                    Is it broken? Sometimes you can save products after they break, sometimes you can’t. It’s just the facts of life. If you’ve tried to put that eyeshadow back together and it just won’t stay, it’s time to say bye-bye. Broken products have a nasty tendency to spill and go everywhere, especially powders. It’s going to ruin other products if you hang on to it for too long. Broken containers are also problems because they can cause leaks. It won’t be fun the day you open your makeup bag and find liquid foundation coating everything. If it’s something you really love, try moving it to a different container. If that doesn’t work, throw it away.





6.                    Do you want a new one? Let’s be real, we’ve all wanted a brand new version of something even though ours is perfectly fine. Maybe there’s a new packaging or the label has come off on yours. Sometimes it’s ok to throw the old one away and get a new one. Should you do this with your $60 foundation? Probably not. What about that $4 lipstick? Go for it! Maybe you don’t like the shade anymore or you like the new one better. Or maybe the product is just fine; you just don’t like it any more. Don’t leave things in your collection that you hate. It’s your makeup collection; you can do whatever you want! So just throw it away!




Friday, April 5, 2013

Updates!

Sorry I've been away so long! It's been crazy! Hopefully, you've kept up with my YouTube channel! If not check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/user/MissMalzie

I just ordered the Too Faced Beauty Editor Darlings Kit from Amazon! The total (including tax) was $19, and I had free shipping with Amazon Prime! The kit includes 5 smaller sized products of their most famous or highly rated items: Shadow Insurance, LashGasm Mascara, Glamour Gloss, Lip Insurance, and Primed and Poreless face primer. 

Photo from Amazon


I've always wanted to try Too Faced products and while I realize they are more expensive than the drug store, they are less than most "high-end" brands. Also the products in this kit are not much smaller than the regular sized product, so you are getting a TON for a small price. 

Hopefully this will be in soon and I can do a review!

As always, feel free to ask questions, request reviews or videos, and give me your feedback!

Thanks for reading!!!!

Check out YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/user/MissMalzie

New Twitter! https://twitter.com/MakeupWithMal

Thursday, March 7, 2013

The addiction continues: elf Unboxing! Plus I stop being lazy!

Hi everyone! How's it going? I've been a little lazy lately and haven't posted, but I'm back in gear now so no worries! If you watch my YouTube videos, you know I FINALLY got my elf order! I posted a HAUL VIDEO (so much fun!) and I'll link it below!

I'm just gonna post a few pics of what I got. This will be a "written unboxing" (if that's possible....) and I'll describe a few of the products and what I think so far. More in depth reviews will be coming soon!!!! PLEASE COMMENT WITH WHAT YOU WANT ME TO REVIEW!!!!

*Disclaimer!* I'm not bragging or being sponsored! K thanks!

The amazing box-o-stuff:



Eyes Products:

  

5-Piece Due Eyeshadow Collection in Night: The shades are a lot more pigmented than I expected. You get a light and dark shade of each color which is great for on-the-go or travel. The brush/eyeliner is AMAZING! It's one of my favorite things so far. The eyeliner is great and stays on well. The brush is full-sized and great quality.
Custom Compact & Eyeshadow Pans: I got the colors Ivory, Wheat, Moondust, and Aubergine. I have been using this for a week or so now as my everyday look. I love these colors and they work well together. The pigmentation is good, but there is a little fallout. 
Waterproof Eyeliner Pens in Black and Plum: These have been working really well so far! I love to use the plum one to mix up my look a little bit and add a hint of color. Don't let the "waterproof" scare you--they come off just fine with makeup remover.
Eyelid Primer in Pearl: I gotta say I don't like this as much as the one in "Sheer." The primer blends out to nothing but it leaves glitter behind! It works well as a primer so far, but the glitter is bothering me....I didn't know it was full of glitter when I bought it because it doesn't say that on the website.
Cream Eyeshadow in Bronzed: I haven't really gotten to use this much even though I was really excited about it. But, I did swatch it when I first opened it (check out my video!) and I was impressed so hopefully I can use it soon!

Lips Products:

 
Lip Exfoliator: I put off buying this product for soooooooo long, but I'm glad I got it! My lips haven't been dried out but they haven't been smooth either. This exfoliator is definitely working wonders so far so I'm pleased!
Lipstick in Sociable: I LOVE this color! I've only used it a couple of times but I'm loving it so far! It's super creamy and pigmented!
Lip Stain in Pink Petal: I was really looking forward to trying this but mine is kinda dried up. I emailed elf and they credited my account but now I'm still lip stain-less....
Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick in Summer Nights: I'm loving this one too! It goes on light and gives a little sparkle to your lips. The only downside is the cap is too big for the product and it's always slipping off. Mine colored the inside of my box....I emailed elf and they credited me back for this one too so no big deal!

Face Products:

Contouring Blush and Brozer Duo in St. Lucia: I love the blush and have been using it almost everyday. The bronzer is a little too dark for me though so I need to practice applying it lighter. There's also a good bit of fallout with this so be careful!
Gem Kabuki Brush in Blue: This brush is so adorable! I've been using it to apply my setting powder and it's a good brush!
Cover Everything Concealer in Light and Corrective Yellow: This is the concealer I've been searching for all my life! It's light and creamy but gives absolutely FULL COVERAGE! I was worried the "Light" was ironically too dark for me but it goes on fine and matches my foundation perfectly. I use the yellow concealer under my eyes and I'm loving the results! I actually look awake even though I'm sometimes not....

Nails Products:
Glam Bam Nail Polish Set: You get 3 nailpolishes: a gold glitter (Golden Goddess), a pink-gold nude (Blush), and a deep maroon/purple (Cranberry). Blush and Cranberry have great pigmentation and they apply smoothly. The box says they dry quick but they didn't dry that fast. The Golden Goddess is kinda pointless. It takes a million coats to get 10 pieces of glitter on your nail! Maybe I'm just applying it wrong but I don't think so. Also, they kinda smell funny---just sayin'.

And then I got a ton of brushes so check out my post with that list or my unboxing video to see those! I'm using them slowly and trying them all out so I'll let you know my thoughts soon!

Hope you enjoyed this! Let me know what you've used and what you like! Request reviews and tutorials!

Other Info:
MY HAUL VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnA0iDeoIIc
My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MissMalzie?feature=mhee
elf Website (like you need it again): eyeslipsface.com

Monday, February 25, 2013

My First Baked Eyeshadows: Sally Girl Baked Eyeshadows

Some Background:
I was looking for a makeup brush shampoo (I never found one, so if you know of a good one let me know!) and I ran into Sally Beauty Supply. I walked past their Sally Girl makeup display and saw that most of the products are a dollar! I have never tried baked eyeshadows before so I thought I would pick some up because I've heard so much about them! I went with a light brown, a dark brown, a light silver/white, and a dark silver. My thought process was that I could create a smokey/silver eye look and a neutral/brown look.

The Product:
The Sally Beauty Supply website says these are not only eyeshadows but can be used as liners as well. They can also be used wet or dry. Baked eyeshadows are supposed to be brighter pops of color with great pigmentation. The lighter two shades do not have names listed on the back, but the darker shades do.


(L-R) Light brown shade, Carmel Candy, Light silver/white shade, Silver Frost

How It's Supposed to Work:
Like I said above, baked eyeshadows are typically very pigmented. They can be used dry like regular eyeshadow or wet to get a little more color. All of these colors have a little glitter or sparkle to them as well.

How It Really Works:
I was not happy with these at all. I love the two darker colors because they are very pigmented and feel silky smooth. The lighter shades, however, have very little color, wet or dry! I could get some pigmentation when I swatched it with my fingers but hardly any color goes onto the lid! This kinda ruins my plan to do two different looks....I'm not sure if the darker shades are just more pigmented or what. The lighter shades feel extremely dry, almost like styrofoam, even when wet. The darker shades don't feel wet, but they are not dried out and hard as bricks! The fact that you can't get any color from the lighter shades leads me to believe that they won't make good eyeliners. I can see it happening with the darker shades, but even that might take some work. Also there was almost no difference between using the shadows wet versus dry.


Swatched with flash on. (L-R) Light brown shade, Carmel Candy, Light silver/white shade, Silver Frost

The Bottom Line--Price:
These were only $1 each, but I still expect some color payoff. I like the two darker shades and I will definitely use them, but I don't think I will be repurchasing these or other colors anytime soon! This product is really a hit or miss and you can't swatch them in the store. If you happen to find a color you're just in love with, get it, but otherwise I wouldn't recommend these. I don't know if it was just the particular colors I picked up that were dried out so maybe look into them a little more if this is a product you're interested in or want to purchase. At least keep your receipt so that you can try to trade it if it doesn't work.

Other Info:
My YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/MissMalzie?feature=mhee
Sally Beauty Supply Website: http://www.sallybeauty.com/
Page for this product: http://www.sallybeauty.com/baked-eye-shadow/SALGRL19,default,pd.html?cm_vc=SEARCH

Friday, February 22, 2013

Shipping is NOT my Friend! But the Haul will be here SOON!!!!

I'm just going to post a mini rant/air my grievances on here so bear with me! I've been ordering a bunch of stuff lately because I put off buying makeup until I do it all at once; this happens about once a year.
As you know, I ordered the elf Powder Brush from Amazon (why not from elf? I had an Amazon gift card so it was basically free), the Monster Bundle Blenders from Amazon (review coming soon on those!), and then my huge elf order! The elf brush and blenders were from separate venders so they shipped separately. The elf brush was from a private seller who was amazing! Check out my unboxing post for that! They got it to me in 3 days! Amazon shipped the blenders and took their time plus it got delayed by the holiday and weekend!
Now I'm obsessively checking my elf order because they give you the shipping number! (They shouldn't do that to me!) I'm constantly updating the FedEx tracking page. I just saw that it got pretty close to where I am but my post office just closed! AND now they don't put stuff in the mail boxes on Saturdays!
Hopefully I'll get it by Monday and then I can film the haul and post pictures and swatches on here!
Stay tuned! 
Tell me your shipping problems! We're all friends here! Just let it out!

Sally Girl and LA Colors Nail Polish Review! Plus MY FAVORITE NAIL POLISHES!

Sally Girl Review:
 
I recently picked up some stuff from Sally Beauty Supply from their "Sally Girl" line, including two nail polishes. These were $1 each and the colors don't have names. 
I've been searching for a nude/brown nail polish for a while now so I picked up the color on the left. It is a nice sand color with a little bit of gold. 
I've also been on the hunt for a dupe of Essie's Go Overboard. I swatched that one in the store a while back and thought I knew what it looks like, but I was way off when I picked up the nail polish on the left. Both colors from Essie and Sally Girl are blue-green but Essie's is way more blue and this one is way more green. I really do like this color though!


Both of these nail polishes from Sally Girl are pretty great! They have good pigmentation, and I only used 2 coats with the green color. They are really small bottles and you get 0.18 fl oz of polish, but the great pigmentation will keep you from having to apply a ton of coats. I really recommend these because even though they're small, you get a lot for your dollar! Sally's has a ton of other colors as well!

LA Colors Review:
Mega Watt by LA Colors

In my search for a nude nail polish I found LA Colors Mega Watt. It was in my dollar store and the bottle is full size (0.44 fl oz) so I was really excited to try it. When I put it on, I was thoroughly disappointed. There is almost no color in this at all! It looked like I had mixed in other colors with my top coat and it got dirty, then I put it on my nails! It was very thin and runny as well so it wouldn't even stay on my nails! I understand it's a one dollar product, but compared to the Sally Girl nail polish, I expect more. This is the only color I've tried from this brand, so I'm not writing them off completely, but I don't recommend this color!

MY FAVORITE NAIL POLISHES! 
I'm a nail polish junkie! I love them so much and I love it when my nails are done. The only problem is, I'm really bad at doing my own nails! I usually end up taking the color I want to my good friend and she does them for me.... There are several great brands that sell inexpensive nail polish that last just as long as brands like OPI and have the same great pigmentation!
Fusion Neon by Sinful Colors
My absolute favorite nail polish is Fusion Neon by Sinful Colors! Sinful Colors can be found in most drugstores, I picked mine up at Walgreens. They usually run for $1.50 to $2, but they go on sale a lot for $1! I also have a light purple color from them that is pretty good called Purple Diamond. Fusion Neon is a bright, matte, hot pink color that looks amazing!
I also love NYC's nail polish, I have a white and a red but the red is my favorite. It's called Big Apple Red Creme and it has great pigmentation and goes on smoothly. It lasts a pretty long time too!
My favorite summer colors usually come from Essence's Colour & Go line. I got several colors from Ulta, but Let's Get Lost (the blue color) and Ultimate Pink are my two favorites. These run for about $1 a piece and I got a few for few when I used my coupon from Ulta for spend $10 get $3.50 off. They usually run that coupon a few times a year so look for it in the mailer!
My most expensive polish is Teal the Cows Come Home by OPI. It is a really cute denim color with a little sparkle to it. I believe it cost between $6-$7 and I want to say I bought it at Ulta, but I'm not sure. I also love to layer this one over Let's Get Lost by Essence! It turns into a really deep, rich blue with a light shimmer!
For top/base coat, I use Sally Hansen Double Duty. I got this at Ulta for around $4 or $5. It works really well and makes your polish last forever! I recommend paying the $4 once and getting way more usage out of your polishes!

Let me know what your favorite nail polishes are! And if you've used any of LA Color's nail polishes and they worked for you, please give me the names! I love that they're just a dollar, but I want them to work! Be sure to check out my YouTube video of this linked below!!!!

Other Info:
My YouTube Review of this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3orm0cN2Jik&feature=youtu.be
Sally Beauty Supply Website: http://www.sallybeauty.com/
LA Colors Website:http://www.lacolors.com/
Sinful Colors Website: http://www.sinfulcolors.com/
Essence Website: http://www.essence.eu/us/home.html
NYC Website: http://newyorkcolor.com/

OPI Website: http://www.opi.com/
Sally Hansen Website: http://sallyhansen.com/