Wednesday, May 30, 2018

ColourPop Lippie Stix Lip Swatches!

Hello! Good afternoon! Today, is the ColourPop Lippie Stix swatches! 

I love this formula. It's soft and it's not sticky! As I have mentioned yesterday, these colors do not have longevity. They do not claim to have longevity. So, if you're looking for a few hours of wear, do not buy these. 



I love this formulation and I recommend these shades

I hope you enjoy the swatches! 

XOXO,
Krys.

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

ColourPop Lippie Stix First Impressions!

Hello & good afternoon!! 


Today, I'm doing a first impressions of the ColourPop Lippie Stix that I just received in the mail!!

I love ColourPop. You'll probably hear me talk them up quite a bit on my blog. I have bought from them in the past and recently and I've never been 
disappointed! 

Now, with the Lippie Stix, keep in
mind that the colors DO and WILL 
transfer. This used to make me HATE 
lipsticks. If you think about it though,
this is how lipsticks have always been
before the makeup industry came out
with liquid lipsticks that have more of
a "staying power" to them. To the right is how much of the product you get in the lippie stix. Not too bad for the price point, I'd have to say! 

I have to try to keep a realistic mindset about lipsticks. They're going to come off
if we're normal human beings that eat and
drink all day long, right? Whether or not they're
a liquid lipstick or a regular lipstick. 

So, with that in mind, what was my first
impressions with these colors? YES! Love them!
Soft and comfortable on the lips and pigmented. 
Meaning, I don't have to apply layer after layer
of the color to get the desired results.

If you want a long-lasting lipstick that won't fade, these aren't for you. If you just love a good color and don't mind re-applying, then get yourself a hand full of these gorgeous colors/formulation! 

Tomorrow, I'll do lip swatches and post them for you all so you can have an idea of how they look on the lips! Links of the colors I purchased below! 

*When I purchased them, they had a BOGO deal going on and that's now over. Right now, they are $5.50 each which is still a great deal!!*

Cookie
https://colourpop.com/search?q=cookie

Grunge
https://colourpop.com/search?q=grunge

Peppermint
https://colourpop.com/search?q=peppermint

She Bad
https://colourpop.com/search?q=she%20bad


XOXO, 
Krys. 

Monday, May 28, 2018

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Luminizer Primer Review!

Hello and good afternoon! 
Today I'm reviewing yet another 
Dr.Brandt product!

This product, for ME personally,
isn't a good one. I have naturally 
oily/dewy skin and since this is
an "luminizing" primer, it made me
TOO dewy. I also apply a facial oil onto my face before I apply my foundation. So, this just added way too much luminosity to my face. I didn't notice that it shrank my pores either. This product retails for $38.

Now, if you have dry skin, this 
product will most likely benefit you! 
To me, if this product is going to be so expensive, it needs to perform well and it didn't to me. Again, dry skin may LOVE this formulation! If you have dry skin and you want to try out this product, I'll put the link below! 

I know this review was short but hopefully helpful! 

XOXO,
Krys. 

https://www.drbrandtskincare.com/products/pores-no-more-luminizer-primer


Friday, May 25, 2018

Pur Cosmetics Bronze & Brighten Pallet

Hello everyone and good afternoon!

Today, I want to review the Pur Cosmetics
Bronze & Brighten Pallet! 

I want to start off by saying that I've only
used this pallet once but I really liked it!

It DID, however, show my fine lines and
texture a bit. Again, I have YET to find a 
highlight (or anything shimmer) that doesn't do that. When I do, I'll be sure to let you know!

Please excuse the messy pans. I accidentally stabbed it with a make-up brush. 

The colors are beautiful! I actually like the blush! I thought it was going to be too bright for my skin tone, but it wasn't. Now, I'm not sure what this pallet would look like on pale skin (I have a tan). If you're rocking a tan this Summer, I would say pick it up! 

There are no cons to this pallet, other than it emphasizing fine lines & texture. Smooth formula and it's build-able, which I prefer. I don't like colors that just splotch it on your face in one area, then doesn't blend because the pigmentation is too much in one area. This isn't like that. Very soft and very build-able. Start off light-handed, then work your way up. This is how I do every product, just so I can get a feel of the formulation and pigment. Then, if I want to go a little more "ham," you have that option! 

This product retails for $34 but there is a 50% off sitewide sale going on RIGHT NOW! So, if you're interested, pick it up now while you can get a 50% discount! 

Here is the link:
https://www.purcosmetics.com/bronze-and-brighten-cheek-palette

Hope this review was helpful and I hope everyone has a blessed day! I will be busy this weekend so, I'm not sure when I'll have a new review up so, keep your eyes peeled! 

I believe I posted a picture with it on my skin in my last post! If not, I'll post a picture of it on my Instagram whenever I wear it again!! Keep a look out for it there!! Link to my Instagram below:

https://www.instagram.com/make_up_queen02/?hl=en

XOXO,
Krys.  




Wednesday, May 23, 2018

Pur Cosmetics Sculptor Pallet Review

Hello and good afternoon! 

Today, I want to review the 
Pur Cosmetics Sculptor Pallet. 

I did not like this pallet at all. This is the product that I said that I was going to give another chance (with different techniques) in my post from yesterday. 

Yesterday, I applied concealer to my lid with a beauty sponge and added a powder on top to set. Didn't work. 
Today, I applied concealer to the lid 
using my fingers (like I normally do)
and WITHOUT a power to set. Didn't work. 

I had to blend a LOT to get this product to look decent on the eyes. I also switched from a fluffy brush to a more dense brush and it still had issues blending. 

Yes, I realize that this is a contour/highlight pallet and I did use it for that as well. It was also difficult to blend out on the face. Pretty patchy. 

The highlight, however, is okay. It emphasized texture, fine lines & pores (I think most highlighters do), but  it was really pretty on the eyes! That's what I have on the inner lid, inner corner and on my face. It didn't do too bad.

Would I spend $30 on this product? No. Absolutely not. The only thing in this pallet I'd reach for, is the highlight shades and to me, $30 isn't worth it for just these two shades. 

I hope this review was helpful to you if you were thinking about buying this product. 

XOXO,
Krys.


Tuesday, May 22, 2018

Eye-Liner Review!

Good afternoon! I had another 
post up and ready to go but I decided to give the product ONE more shot before I review it (trying different techniques). 

Today's review will be on the "Pretty Vulgar" eye-liner. 

First of all..let me say..the packaging. SUPER cute!! I LOVE how it looks like an old ink dipping canister. There is a good amount of product in here (which shocked me). 

I received this in my Boxycharm this month. The brush it came with is tricky so, I would recommend using it with one of your favorite eye-liner brushes. My favorite is the Sedona Lace EB 17 brush. 

This product retails for $24. Considering how much product you get (6g/0.2oz), I think this amount is a fair price.

PROS

- Great amount of product for the price. 
- Glides on effortlessly and is very smooth. 
- Super cute packaging (which I'm a sucker for). 

CONS

- It transferred onto my eyelid after a few hours of wear (I have oily eyelids so, that could be why). When I noticed that it did this, I gave it another try and applied a matte black eye-shadow on top and it has been staying put thus far! I've had it on for a few hours now and no transfer! 

If you don't mind doing this extra step, I'd say it's worth it! 
Here is the link if you are interested in purchasing this product!!

Eye-Liner
https://www.prettyvulgar.com/the-ink-gel-eyeliner.html

Sedona Lace Brush (on sale for $6.98 right now)!
http://www.sedonalace.com/Cosmetic-Brushes/70/Brow-Spoolie-Duo-EB-17.aspx

I hope you enjoyed today's post! As always, feel free to comment below! 

XOXO,
Krys.  

Monday, May 21, 2018

How I Save Money On My Nails!!

Hello Everyone! Today I want to tell you how I save money on my nails!

We all want our nails to look pretty, right? It's SO expensive to get them done at a professional salon though. 

You'll have an initial splurge with money to get all the products you need to do this, but afterwards you would only need to get products as needed.

So, how can you accomplish pretty nails at home and only spend money once every...
3-4 months? I'll tell you how! 

What you'll need:

  • Walmart Gel Kit $24.88
  • Kiss Clear Press On Nails $5.32 (usually comes with glue).
  • Glue $2-$5 (if it doesn't come with the kit). *Kiss brand also*
  • Medium Nail File .89 cents (I got mine at Sally's Beauty Supply but you can probably get one at Walmart)!
  • NON-ACETONE Polish Remover $1.48
  • Seche Vite Fast Dry Top Coat $5.30 (online). 
First, I lightly file the natural nails to get rid of any smoothness. 

Next, you CAN (optional) wash your nails with Dawn Dish-soap to get rid of any oils. 

**MAKE SURE YOUR NAILS ARE TOTALLY DRY BEFORE APPLYING NAILS TO AVOID FUNGUS** Not to sound gross but if fungus DOES happen, it's fine. Don't freak out. Just keep the area clean and it'll grow out with your nails and leave no lasting damage. I have done this and my nails are 100% fine. IF it bothers you, you can soak off the nail, give it a few days and re-apply. The fungus is from moisture getting under the fake nail. Nothing more. Just make sure the nails have no air bubbles underneath. This can be avoided by pressing hard on the nail while it's drying. 

Now, I take the press on nails and glue them on after they've been fitted. You CAN press back cuticles before this step if needed. 

Once they are on, I paint them and apply a the top coat as normal. 

Now, me personally, I can wear press on nails for a good long while before they pop off. I'm just careful for that first week. 

When they start growing out a bit, DON'T take them off!!! Here is where my tips and tricks come into play! 

All you have to do is take off the polish with NON-ACETONE polish remover. Since you're taking polish off of fake nails, you need to use non-acetone so as not to melt the fake nail off. 

Once the color is removed, take your file and file the edges until they're smoothed and no longer lifted along the edges. 

Once you do that, lightly file the whole (fake) nail. Getting rid of the smoothness will ensure that the gel will stay put! 

Once you have lightly filed all of the lifted, bumpy edges, you can apply the gel polish. This is not difficult at ALL! Just paint like you would regular polish. The ONLY thing you have to be careful not to do is getting the gel polish on your skin. If you do that, the nail will lift up and can cause cracks and chipping of the polish. 

Apply the gel to the thumbs first, then cure them (stick them under the lamp). Leave the nail under the light until it turns off on it's own. After the light goes off, there is a special solution that comes in the kit to wipe off the excess goop from the gel. Wipe it with a cotton ball WITH the solution on it. 
**After the solution runs out, you can just get rubbing alcohol and use that with a cotton ball instead to get the goop off**
Apply gel to the rest of the fingers & cure. The only reason I said to do the thumbs first is because it's a small light and it's hard to squeeze all of the fingers under the light at once. 

Once you have a shiny coat of gel on all the filed down press on nails, you have one of two options:

1- You can apply the gel colored polish that came with the kit, cure it and apply a gel topcoat (cure again). This WILL stay for 2+ week and will require soaking to remove. 
OR
2- You can apply regular polish and use regular top coat (this WILL stay and will be SO much easier to remove). Or you can use the gel polish for a solid top coat (harder to get off). 

I, personally, do regular polish with regular top coat (kind mentioned above). It's so much easier to change colors and fill when needed and there's no soaking required. I do dishes, take showers, clean and wash my hands as normal and it stays put without a problem! 

When you run out of the gel topcoat, you can repurchase at Walmart (with more primer, as it comes with it), $9.97 for both.

Everything is rather inexpensive when you think about it. Especially when you can drop $40-$50 every 2-6 weeks at a salon! That's crazy! I'm all about saving the green!! 

I hope you enjoyed today's post and that it was easy to follow and understand! 

I normally post links to everything but I highly recommend going out to the store to purchase this so you can see what you're getting. 

Screen-shot the picture above of the products I used to make it easy for you!! 

If you have any questions, feel free to post below!! 

XOXO,
Krys. 















Saturday, May 19, 2018

First Impressions

Hello Everyone! 


Today, I'm doing a first impression/look of the day!
I want to review the 
Maybelline Matte+Poreless Fit Me Foundation as well as the Cover FX Blurring Primer.

Now, if you know me, you know that I don't wear foundation. I typically hate how foundation feels on my skin as well as the clean up at the end of the day. I'm just not a fan! 

This foundation claims to be Matte + Poreless. Did I notice a reduction in my pore size? No. Was it matte? Not really. It does, however, feel very light on the skin. It doesn't feel like I'm wearing foundation at all, which is a HUGE plus in my book!! Also, it allows my natural skin to pop through so it doesn't look like "cake face" either! 

Now, on to the Cover FX Primer. This claims to fill in the pores as well. Did I notice that it did? No. It's pretty pricey stuff too!! I did notice that the primer helped my 
foundation (or so it seemed) lay nicely on the skin. I still have texture showing through as well as some fine lines popping out but that'll happen (another reason why I stick to "less is more"). The foundation costs under $10. I got mine at my Family Dollar for around $7!

Overall, I would recommend the foundation! As I said, sits nicely on the skin, not thick at ALL and looks nice.

The Primer? No. I wouldn't buy it. Only because of the price point. I would expect it to preform better if it's going to be that expensive ($38). Thankfully, I got this in my Boxycharm! Whew! 

I hope you found this review helpful! As always, when I show first impressions and how things are supposed to sit/show on the skin, I do NOT edit (other than crop) my photos. I want you to be able to see the real deal when it comes to certain things. 

XOXO, 
Krys. 

Friday, May 18, 2018

Facial Cleansing Brush!

Hello all!! Today, I want to review 
the "Modesa Facial Cleansing 
Power Brush." I have only used this for two nights and I've gotta say that I LOVE it
already! 

What it claims to do:

- 2 Speed (high and low)
- Deep Cleans Skin
- Gently Exfoliates Skin


What it comes with:

- Soft Brush Head (for sensitive skin).
- Medium Brush Head (a little scratchy but it does the job)!
- Sponge Head (haven't tried this wet but dry and it was uncomfortable).
- Massage Head (don't use dry)!
- Battery Operated Base (NOT waterproof!!!) 2 AA Batteries required. Mine did NOT come with the batteries. 

I can say that I believe it does the things mentioned above. 
My skin almost feels "squeaky clean" after
I've used this brush with my cleanser. 
Best part? It was only $5 at my local Family Dollar!

So, if you're in my area, head up to the Family Dollar and grab this little gem before it's gone! My location is at the Cheat Lake Family Dollar on Venture Drive (Morgantown WV). 

Sadly, I couldn't find this exact one online. 

I hope you enjoyed today's read and I hope you're able to go pick up this little gem because it's definitely worth the $5! 

XOXO,
Krys.  

Thursday, May 17, 2018

My Go-To Lipsticks!

Today, I want to share with you my
favorite lipsticks! Some stay put, some
don't. I still reach for them all and love them 
ALL! 



-First Shade- 
I received this in my Boxycharm this month and I LOVE it! This is "Kiss Me" Long Wear Matte Lipgloss from Beauty Creations. This is a stay put color! This color (once dried down) is sticky if you press your lips together. Now, it does start to chip away and fade within a couple of hours. To me, whether they are a stay put lipstick or not, they're going to come off EVENTUALLY. Still, some stay better than others and I will let you know which ones they are in this list!

- Next is Lumiere by ColourPop and it's also a collaboration with one of my favorite YouTube artists, Kathleen Lights. This color is a "Lippie Stick" and it will not stay on but the color is gorgeous, soft and pigmented. I love this one! 

- "Precious" is a drugstore find from the brand, Milani. I LOVE this liquid lipstick!! This one has some staying power. Will it fade eventually? Yes. It does stay for a good long time before that happens though so I HIGHLY recommend this brand! Keep in mind that with ALL of these "stay put" colors that it does depend on what you're eating. If your eating greasy foods, it's more likely to come off faster. 

- The color in "My Lips Are Sealed" from the brand "Pretty Vulgar" is STUNNING! I love the formulation. Not sticky and very comfortable on the lips. This one does not stay on long and re-application is needed. Still worth the purchase if you love the color! 

- The color "Committed" from The Balm is AMAZING!!! I LOVE this formulation and color. The product smells like mint and leave your lips feeling tingly. I recommend this product! 

- The color "Front Row" from Tarte Cosmetics stays put really well and dries down to a matte. Very comfortable on the lips and very pigmented! 

- The color "Strip" from ColourPop is a great color as well. This formulation is a tad sticky and will transfer but I love it! ColourPop is one of my favorite affordable brands (if you can't tell). I have yet to purchase something from them and be disappointed. 



Here are the colors on my lips. Forgive my messy application! It happens sometimes. I have a slight tan and I think they all look good! I can see these showing up and looking great on multiple skin tones! As always, I will post the links below in case you're interested in purchasing. 

XOXO, 
Krys.


Milani "Precious" $6.39
https://www.target.com/p/milani-amore-mattes-lip-cr-232-me/-/A-51434903?preselect=51088091#lnk=sametab

ColourPop "Lumiere" $5.50
https://colourpop.com/products/lumiere

ColourPop "Strip" $6.50
https://colourpop.com/products/strip

Tarteist Lip Paint in "Front Row" $20
https://tartecosmetics.com/en_US/makeup/lips/liquid-lipstick/tarteist-quick-dry-matte-lip-paint/923.html?dwvar_923_color=homeslice%20%28peachy%20nude%29&cgid=#q=lip%2Bpaint&lang=en_US&start=5

Beauty Creations "Kiss Me" $10
https://www.beautycreationscosmetics.com/products/copy-of-01-long-wear-matte-lip-gloss-pretty-in-pink?variant=8173104201831

The Balm Cosmetics in the color "Committed" $17
https://thebalm.com/products/meet-matte-hughes?variant=16700619846

Pretty Vulgar Cosmetics in the color "My Lips Are Sealed" $24
https://www.prettyvulgar.com/my-lips-are-sealed-liquid-lipstick.html

I hope you found this helpful! Now, treat yourself to some pretty bomb lip colors!! 
More of my favorites to come soon! 





Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Favorite Highlighters!

Hello everyone! 
Today, I want to share my
favorite highlighters with
you! 

*AS ALWAYS LINKS WILL
BE BELOW*

The first one here is "Rodeo Drive" from Ofra Cosmetics! This is POSSIBLY the cheapest option for today.It depends on if you purchase it from Ulta or Ofra's site. This retails for $35 on Ofra's website and $29 (online only) at Ulta. 
This product is amazing.Packaging is cheap but to me but as long as the product is great, I don't care too much by how it looks. I got this in my Boxycharm months ago. It looks horrible because I dropped it and had to repair it with rubbing alcohol. Not glittery AT ALL! Very sheer and shimmery. I use this stuff in the winter as well as in the summer. I don't find it looking bad with my two extreme skin tones. Beautiful all the way around. Would I repurchase? Yes! 



Here to the right is "Champagne Pop" from Becca Cosmetics. This retails for $38 and I purchased this one with my own money.
I am a huge Jaclyn Hill fan and this was her collaboration with Becca Cosmetics. If you can't tell, I LOVE this highlight! I've hit pan on it(if you can see in the picture). I had forgotten that I had it so, I haven't worn it in a while but now that I remembered..look out!
This color is STUNNING! No chunks of glitter. Very soft and it has great pigmentation. Be light-handed on the Becca highlights because it's like a strobe light on your face if you go heavy handed (unless you like that look)! Would I repurchase again? Absolutely! These products last for a long time as well. So, don't think that you'll have to drop $30 every couple of months. That's not the case at all!

Here is the Becca Cosmetics pressed powder highlight in the color "Prosecco Pop." This one is just as gorgeous as the color above. I always forget that I have this one as well but I like it!! No chunky glitter, just a nice blinding shimmer! This one is also $38. If I HAD to pick one over the other, I'd have to pick "Champagne Pop." Only because I haven't used this one ENOUGH to say that I LOVE it. They are both very stunning though. 

Here are all the swatches! I would've shown you the shades on my face but I already had highlight on today.  













Becca Cosmetics Champagne Pop (Sephora)
https://www.sephora.com/product/shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-P381176?skuId=1721240&icid2=products%20grid:p381176

Ofra Rodeo Drive (Ofra's site)
https://www.ofracosmetics.com/products/rodeo-drive-highlighter

Ofra Rodeo Drive (Ulta Online)
https://www.ulta.com/rodeo-drive-highlighter?productId=xlsImpprod15931203

Becca Cosmetics Prosecco Pop (Sephora)
https://www.sephora.com/product/shimmering-skin-perfector-pressed-P381176?skuId=1721240&icid2=products%20grid:p381176

The two Becca Cosmetics Highlights are the same link, all you have to do is choose the color! 


Hope you found this helpful! Enjoy! 

XOXO,
Krys. 

Monday, May 14, 2018

My Favorite Mascara!!!

Hello all!! Today, I want to share with you my favorite mascara!! That is the "Maybelline Lash Sensational" mascara. I have been using this mascara for about a year or year and a half now and I LOVE it! 

I have been trying out different mascaras but I always go back to this one because it does it all! It gives great volume AND length. Now,it does start to get clumpy the more layers you put on. I find that one coat is rather lovely but I enjoy chunky (not tarantula) lashes so, I usually do 2 coats.

**MAKEUP TIP** 
If you have issues getting volume with your lashes, add Baby Powder to your lashes before applying the mascara! It gives an extra boost to the lashes and it sets a nice base down as well!! 

Here to the right are my results from no mascara, to two coats! I think I may prefer one coat over two for a more "natural" look. Now, if you're rocking a smokey eye or a more dramatic eye look, then I'd say do two coats! 

Hope this was helpful and I hope you enjoyed! As always, feel free to comment below! 

XOXO,
Krys. 

Friday, May 11, 2018

Mascara Test/Review

Hello everyone! Good afternoon!! Today, I want to review the "Double Decker Lashes" Mascara from Butter London. Below are the before, first and second coat of mascara. I've worn this before but I never really paid attention to how it preformed throughout the day. So, today I'll do that for you! Later, I'll upload another picture before I wash it off so you can see if there are any bits that fall off through the day. I'm not a fan of the slight clumping I had but it's not TOO bad.  

**I applied this mascara a little before noon.**



Yes, my right side is the "good side" with my mascara. My right side always looks better with the mascara. Anyone else better lashes on one eye?! Here are the links and price to the mascara, so I don't forget to post later. 



Mascara's are $20 on BOTH Ulta and Butter London's website. 

Ulta
https://www.ulta.com/double-decker-lashes-mascara?productId=xlsImpprod13831067

Butter London 
http://www.butterlondon.com/home/?search=Double+Decker+Lashes+Mascara

Check back in later for my final thoughts!! 

XOXO, 
Krys. 

CHECKING IN!! Okay, so..not super impressed with the staying power. I had watery eyes today and it leaked and transferred. I'm pretty sure that's the case with all mascara unless it specifically says "transfer proof," "water resistant" or "water proof." Pictures below! 

Forgive the scowl. Haha! It was bright outside when I took the picture. You can see here that the actual volume and length is the same.

Here you can see on the lower, outer corner that it did transfer a bit. I was laying on my swing with my eyes on my cushions and on my arm so..not TOO bad. 

In this picture, you can see a tad bit of transfer right above my upper lash line. 


PROS


  • Gives volume
  • Gives length 
  • The volume and length stays put. 

CONS

  • Transfers
  • It's $20 
  • You would have to pay shipping and handling (which is worth it to me if it's a FANTASTIC product).                     
Overall thoughts: I wouldn't repurchase this product. Only because it's $20, there's transfer AND S&H would have to be dished out. Again, if the product is amazing, I would happily to that. This product didn't "wow" me so, I would not repurchase.  

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Inspirational Look of the Day!

Today, I recreated a look from the lovely 

Samantha Ravndahl from YouTube. I LOVED this "beach glow" look! 

The main products used in this look:
EYES
  • "You Had Me At Hello" pallet from ColourPop.
  • "The Jaclyn Hill" Pallet
  • Studio Makeup "On-the-go" Pallet in SSP-03 Warm Up. 
LIPS 

  • ColourPop Lippie Stick in the color "Lumiere" topped with a clear gloss (purchased from Old Navy).

For the transition shade I used the Studio Makeup "On-the-Go" pallet in the light brown shade. 







For the outer "v" and crease shade, I used the color "Want You Back" in the ColourPop Pallet.




Here is the side-by-side comparison of the two looks! I love this look!!! She's a great YouTuber so, if you haven't given her a follow, you should. 

**Keep in mind, she's not a beauty guru that you would want to watch with your children in the room. She swears. **


Here is the look with my eyes half closed and open, just to give you an idea of the overall look! 

Hope you enjoyed today's post!! Please feel free to comment below! 

XOXO,
Krys.