To the anon who asked about if pink blush & red lipstick go together; here are some of my makeup inspirations who rock a light pink blush with red lipstick. Dita von Teese, Bernie Dexter, Gwen Stefani & Katy Perry.

FACE:
Primer: Bare Minerals’ Prime Time Oil-Free Primer
Concealer: Benefit’s Erase Paste in no.2
Foundation: MAC Studio Fix in NC 25
Pressed Powder: Maybelline’s Dream Matte Pressed Powder in Medium 2.5
Loose Mineral Powder: Physician’s Formula Mineral Wear Loose Powder in Buff Beige
Bronzer: Physician’s Formula Healthy Wear Pressed Bronzer in Light
Blush: ELF’s Studio Line Blush in Tickled Pink
Highlight: Terra Bronzer in Light (some unknown Italian Brand, well to me at least)

EYES:
Eye Primer:  Urban Decay’s Primer Potion (original)
Base/Cream Shadow: MAC’s Paint Pot in Painterly
Eyeshadow Brand: Urban Decay
Favorite Single Eyeshadow: Revlon’s Matte Eyeshadow in Peach Sorbet
Favorite Eye Palette: Urban Decay’s NAKED Palette
Eyeliner: Bare Mineral’s Big & Bright Eyeliner in Intense Black
Mascara: MAKE UP FOR EVER’s Smoky Lash Mascara in 01 Black

LIPS:
Chapstick: Lip Smacker’s Dr. Pepper Chapstick
Lip Gloss: Too Faced’s Mood Swing Lip Gloss in Pink
Lipstick: MAC Viva Glam Cyndi
Lip Liner/Pencil: Milani’s Lip Flash in Hot Flash 

SKINCARE:
Makeup Remover: Clinique’s Take The Day Off Makeup Remover
Face Wash: Biore’s Blemish Fighting Ice Cleanser 
Toner: Clinique’s Acne Solutions Clarifying Lotion
Moisturizer: Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion
Acne: Patricia Wexler’s Acnostat Overnight Repair Lotion & Neutrogena’s Oil-Free Stress Control 3 in 1 Hydrating Acne Treatment.

MISCELLANEOUS:
Fragrance: Givenchy’s Ange Ou Demon & Victoria’s Secret SLT Noir Tease.
Shampoo: Pantene Pro-V Shampoo (Curly Hair) Dry to Moisturized
Conditioner: Herbal Essences Hydralicious Self-Targeting Conditioner
Hair Treatment: Proclaim Olive Oil Glossing Polish
Hair Spray: Herbal Essences Toussle Me Softly Spray Gel (?)
Shower Gel: Bath & Body Work’s Paris Amour Shower Gel
Lotion: Johnson & Johnson Stress Relief Lavender Lotion & Bath Body Works Country Chic.

Well, I guess this sums up some of my favorite makeup and beauty products of this year! Feel free to do repost and do your own version. I’m curious to see your favorites for this year as well! :) <3

Different variations of a neutral eye. It’s my go-to, favorite everyday look :)
Here’s a semi-old picture of me with my typical neutral eye (with a hint of shimmer). Excuse the messy bangs & cheesy smile.
 

NARS Blushes.

(Source: temptalia.com)

Product Claims/ Info:
Benefit’s Project Flawless 
A four-piece makeup kit featuring Benefit’s top sellers.

 
What it does:
This set is the most flawless gift of all, featuring a watermelon-pink blush, an ultra-shine lip gloss, a do-it-all mascara, and a radiance-boosting luminizer, all tucked inside a brilliant, collectible box.

 
This set contains:
- 0.25 oz Girl Meets Pearl (pearly golden pink)
- 0.14 oz A Little Bit BADgal Lash Mascara in black
- 0.17 oz Ultra Shines in Foxy Lady (diamond rose)
- 0.28 oz Bella Bamba (watermelon pink)

Exclusively sold at Sephora: $32
 

Everyone should already know by now that Benefit is among one of my top 3 favorite makeup brands. I love most of their products that I have tried so far & I usually jump on an opportunity to try more of their products whenever they come in a kit because it is honestly a great chance to try some of their new or top selling products for a reasonable price. I was excited to see that this kit came with a full-sized Bella Bamba blush because I really wanted to purchase it & try it- but also pretty stoked that it came in a giftset with other great products. Thus being said, I’ll get on to my individual reviews:

Girl Meets Pearl- I would describe this being more of a pinky-champagne illuminator that absolutely goes great with Bella Bamba or any pink blush for that matter. I only use a little of it on the apples of my cheeks and above my cheekbones; it gives a great glow to the skin and if used lightly and blended out- it can give you a natural glow that doesn’t look super shimmery or shiny.

A Little Bit BADgal Lash Mascara- Okay, I was going to write a separate review for this product, but since I haven’t gotten around to it and I put it off, I guess here it goes… I have a love/hate relationship with this mascara. I LOVE the minis, but HATE the full-size. I don’t know if it was just the full-size product that I purchased that I didn’t like or I just didn’t get lucky. I love the mini BADgal Lash because the formula is perfect and so is the brush and love how it leaves my lashes looking. However,  the full-sized was just too dry for me, the brush wasn’t working for me and didn’t give my lashes that full-look. I don’t know what it is, but in this case the mini BADgal wins in my opinion. The bristles in the brush are full and add some volume to your lashes and it is a buildable mascara, you can go from a natural lash look to a bold, full, voluptuous lash look with a couple of coats.  Call me crazy, but… I know they’re the same product and all, yet there were some major differences performance-wise, between the sizes. Overall, I love the mini BGL- but I might give the full-size a second chance some other time.

Ultra Shines Lipgloss in Foxy Lady- I was actually excited to see that this shade of the Ultra Shines was in this kit because prior to knowing about this kit, I had swatched this lipgloss color and was just left amazed. Its a pretty pink, with a blue duochrome/undertone- that just looks great on the lips and very wearable. I honestly think the reason that I really like this lipgloss is because of the color and because I didn’t have anything like it in my lipgloss collection (& if you’ve seen my makeup collection- you already know that I have tons of lipglosses already). I also like that it’s not sticky, it doesn’t taste or smell weird and that it actually stays on my lips for a long time. So kudos Benefit, for making awesome lipglosses. I’ll definitely look into getting other shades some other time. * I also just remembered that I do have a mini ultra shine from “Her Name Was Glowla” kit, called ‘Life on the A List.’

Bella Bamba- Okay, this has got to be the star player of this kit. I had already been lusting after this blush after hearing and reading many good reviews on it and being on the search for a delightfully perfect pink blush- this had given me even more of a reason to purchase this kit.  Bella Bamba is described as being a 3D blush that will leave your skin instantly brightened and amplifies your cheekbones- giving that sculpted effect.  When I applied this blush, I didn’t really feel that it sculpted my face but it did brighten it and gave a nice look to my complexion. Also, the color really is watermelon pink color with shimmery gold undertones, similar to Coralista but much pinker. When you swatch it is truly comes out as a bit of a deep pink, but when you blend it out, it just gives you the nice pink flush over the apples of your cheeks. I can honestly recommend this to any skin tone , from fair to deeper or darker tones, because it will look flattering on either one (although, I would recommend for fair tones to use it a bit sparingly or blend it out, while deeper skin tones can have a buildable color applied to their cheeks for a nice glow). I’m honestly glad that I held off on getting this blush until it came out with this kit came out because the blush itself costs $28 when retailed by itself and for $4 more, you get a full sized lipgloss, travel-size mascara & mini illuminator. Now, that’s what I call a deal.

Overall, I’m pretty satisfied with this purchase and really glad that I got to try out new Benefit products for a decent price. I would honestly repurchase most of these items and recommend them to others to try them out & see how they like them.

***** GIVEAWAY*****
 
I will be giving away a few Benefit minis to one of my lucky followers this week! This giveaway includes a mini BADgal Lash mascara, Stay Don’t Stray Primer & Concealer, & Creaseless Cream Eyeshadow in R.V.S.P. 

How to Enter:

• you obviously must be following me
• like this post
• message me telling me that you want to want to be part of this giveaway
• & tell me if you have tried any Benefit products at all or you would like to try them.

I will be messaging you back to confirm your entry with a number & I will pick a random entry (number) through random.org on Saturday night, December 10th 11:59pm PST. Good luck! :)

BareMinerals Big & Bright Eyeliner in Intense Black

This has got to be one of the best eyeliners that I have ever used. & trust me, I’ve used plenty in my lifetime! I love the formula, how smooth it is, the pigmentation, how long it lasts and it doesn’t smear or get all runny. It is smudgable, but once you put it on and it sets, it wont budge. I also love that it’s an automatic liner & has a smudger with it! I went through this eyeliner very quick and have yet to repurchase a new one!

My favorite liquid eyeliner would have to be ELF’s Liquid Eyeliner.

I tried this liquid eyeliner about two years ago and have been hooked ever since. This is one of my all-time favorite ELF products- I love the formula on this as well; it’s not too wet or goopy, it’s just about right. & the Black is a true dark matte black (as well as the BM Big & Bright Eyeliner). I love the felt tip and it’s very sturdy and doesnt come apart like other liquid liner applicators; it’s pointy and precise and perfect for a defined line or wing liner :)

Product Info/Claims:
A universal translucent finishing powder to be applied over foundation or worn alone.

What it does:
Sets the foundation and slightly mattifies skin without changing its natural contours. This 100% mineral silica powder softens the appearance of imperfections. Completely evens out the complexion for a glowing, radiant look. One universal shade for all skin tones.

What else you need to know:
It’s completely translucent and goes on any skintone. Its talc-free formula does not dry the skin and is formulated with 100% silica. Dermatologically tested. MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Microfinish Powder is an Allure Best of Beauty Award Winner.

Exclusively Sold at Sephora: $30 for 0.35oz

I was really curious to try MUFE’s reputable High Definition Microfinishing Powder after hearing many good reviews about it. From my understanding it wasn’t just another mattifying transluscent powder, it was supposed to reduce the appearance of pores, fine lines and set your makeup regardless of the color of your foundation or you could just wear it by itself. I was introduced to this product about almost two years ago and was able to purchase it with a MUFE Christmas kit from last year and get it additionally as a deluxe sample with my Sephora VIB points. I’ve used this powder several times and liked what it did for my skin, especially since I’m always looking for products that can mattify my face and not look super shiny. I usually apply this right after using liquid foundation or concealer, making sure I blend it in evenly so it wouldn’t look cakey or too noticeable or powdery (or pasty white), like other translucent powders that don’t set in right with your skin (tone).

I found that you can use this specifically on your t-zone area especially if you have a oily/combination skin because it helps with oil control and shine. I’ve also used this by itself before putting on foundation and it felt just like a primer; mattified my skin and made it feel silky smooth like any other silica or gel based primer. I don’t use this product quite often; I find that it comes in handy during the summer time, when my skin starts to get a bit oily or have trouble setting my makeup to make it last longer. I find this HD powder to be very similar to Bare Escentual’s Mineral Veil. However, there are some distinct differences- the color and texture. Mineral Veil has more of a natural tint to it and is a light, smooth powder that easily blends in with your foundation, whereas the MUFE HD powder is a pure white-based, featherweight/light powder that kinda has this soft, airbrush finish to it if you use it properly.

I do suggest putting on this powder before you put on any blush or bronzer, just because it might not blend well and powder down the color your going for with either of those products.  Orrr-  you can also use MAC’s Fix+ to take away the powdery look and make it blend and set in along with your other makeup.

However, I have encountered a few cons with this product: I do suggest to use this product sparingly and make sure you take the time to blend it in right, because it can look a bit like baking flour on your face if you don’t buff it in. Also, I would only suggest this product to fair and light medium skin tones,  only because I’ve read reviews from people who were darker skin tones & didn’t like it for being more of a white based powder & were not able to blend it in to match their skin tone perfectly.  The price is quite steep for just this product alone that isn’t all that necessary to your everyday skin or makeup routine. I only find that this product is useful for me the summer, so I don’t use it quite often or need it as much.

Overall, it is a good product for what it does for me- keeps my face from looking all oily and shiny, it feels soft and lightweight- it isn’t cakey or heavy. I probably wouldn’t repurchase this product by itself unless it came in a kit, just because of the price and the amount of product you get in a little container. I do want to try other powders out there, but for now, I’ll just stick to what I have… my beloved mineral veil, but more on that later ;)

**** GIVEAWAY! ****
 

I do have a deluxe-sized sample (2g/0.07 oz- it’s just as big as the mini/travel size, just a bit smaller) to giveaway to one of my followers if any of you are interested in trying out this product or just ran out of yours. All you have to do is like this post & message me to enter (or reply) telling me either if you want to try it or if you have already tried it (& what you liked about it). I’ll be picking a winner on Monday night (11.28.11-11:59pm PST) & message you with details. 

A few disclaimers:

You must be 16 or older and live in the US. I’ll probably do an International giveaway later for those interested.

xoxo- Cynthia.

this was just added to my Christmas wishlist. I just spent like an hour researching and trying to pick out the perfect matte eyeshadow palette.

Today only! You can get $20 off this years’ Urban Decay Book of Shadows IV that includes 16 eyeshadows (10 of them being new), eyeliner, mascara, Primer Potion, & tutorials for 5 different looks!

This is a perfect chance to get this palette for yourself or maybe as a Christmas present! Act now, only the first 1,000 customers get the discount! Only available at http://www.urbandecay.com!

Use Promo Code: BLACKFRIDAY11

Happy Shopping! :D

*edit: you will be able to use this code on Black Friday as well!

Mark your calendars, ladies! All of the following items and kits will be on promotion for $10 on Black Friday:

• Tarte’s multiplEYE primer and lights, camera, lashes duo. ($30 value)
• Korres’ Guava All Butter Moisture Therapy Pack ($22 value)
• Josie Maran’s Argan Color Stick ($22 value)
• Stila’s Glitz & Glam Palette & Lip glaze ($76 value)
• Bare Minerals’ All Decked Out Kit ($44 value)
• Buxom’s Welcome to the Party: Eyeliner & Mascara duo ($30 value)
• The Art of Shaving- Shave starter Set ($25 value)
• Sephora Collection Travel Brush Set ($30 value)
• Tokidoki Cromatico Eye Shadow Palette ($25 value)
• Kat von D’s Adora Fragrance ($55 value)

*Disclaimer: Limit of 2 of each Black Friday product per client. Valid through 11/25/11 11:59pm PST or while supplies last.

Feel free to reblog or spread the word! <3