Drugstore Makeup Haul /How I Got Makeup at CVS Almost for Free / Opal and Violet Eye Tutorial

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I always get so excited to get makeup basically for free. I’m here for drugstore makeup and I’m all for drugstore savings, especially when you’re on a budget. With amazingly affordable brands like Wet n Wild and e.l.f at the drugstore, there’s no reason to forego quality because you can’t afford high end makeup.

I found two intriguing products by e.l.f at my local drugstore. One inspired me to do this look, the Stardust Glitter Eyeliner. Both the name and the look of the product lured me in. Anyone who knows me knows I’m all about opals, stars and starry astronomy related things, and of course, also glitter.

Stardust Glitter Eyeliner by e.l.f in Pink Opal. $4. ElfCosmetics.com, CVS, Target, etc.

It looks way cooler in person and has intense pink reflects. It looked amazing swatched and paired beautifully with the other new e.l.f product that intrigued me, the No Budge Shadow Stick in Rose Gold.

E.l.f’s No Budge Shadow Stick in Rose Gold. $4 at CVS, Target, etc.

This product is supposed to be a no budge formula. Though both the liner and the shadow stick were very pretty, they both definitely creased on me throughout the day so I suggest using a very full coverage thick concealer with them as eyeshadow primer, like Bye Bye Undereye by It Cosmetics or Shape Tape by Tarte.

Wet n Wild’s Megacushion Foundation. $7.89 at Target, CVS, etc.

At CVS, I used $5 of Extra Bucks, a 15% off coupon, and a $3 of $11 off makeup coupon, and I scored the e.l.f eyeliner and shadow stick for $1 and change. I was stoked. I then went back a few days later to get the Wet n Wild Cushion foundation with $3 Extra Bucks I still had.

Wet n Wild’s Megaslicks Lip Gloss in Sun Glaze. $1.93 at Walmart, CVS, etc.

Since I ended up spending $10 on Wet n Wild makeup on the foundation and a lip gloss, I got $5 more extra bucks.

Brush Shampoo by e.l.f. $4 at CVS, ElfCosmetics.com, etc.

I then got $3 more at checkout so I went back and got an e.l.f liner brush and brush cleaner for a dollar and change. I haven’t washed my brushes in a hot minute so I’m looking forward to be getting the gunk out of them.

E.l.f’s small angled brush. $3.

Needless to say, it’s been a good week for drugstore savings for sure.

This look was easy to do but took tons of layering to get the pigment to where I wanted it. I haven’t used the eyeliner for its actual intended purpose, but I will give it a try. I began by priming my eyes with Kokie’s Be Bright Illuminating Concealer.

Kokie’s Be Bright Illuminating Concealer. $8 at Walmart.

I actually really like this for the undereye but for this look, a thicker more full coverage matte concealer would’ve been better.

Colourpop’s Super Shock Shadow in Stereo. $5. Ulta, colourpop.com etc.

I then used the shadow stick allover the second half of the eye. I cut my crease and filled the entire inner half of the eye with the eyeliner.

Essence’s Single Eyeshadow in Black as a Berry. $3.

I blended the two shades into each other to get rid of the harsh lines. I placed Colourpop’s Super Shock Shadow in Stereo on the outer corner and used Essences’s single shadow in Black as a Berry to line the lower lashline.

I would’ve liked the look to have more shimmer and glitter but I made the products work, and it’s good for an everyday glam kinda day.

What products have you scored at the drugstore lately?

Love & light!

Thanks for reading

❤️💫

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June Ipsy Glam Bag Review

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Sorry for posting this bag a bit late but what can I say? I have three jobs this summer! 😅

I’m loving the June Ipsy Glam Bag theme, Flying Colors. I’m not only an eternal lover of bold color, but the theme is in line with Pride month. I’m all for it. Love is love. Live and let live. Plus, the bag is too cute.

As for the products…

My favorite was hands down the…

Moisturizing Eye Bomb by Belif

Moisturizing Eye Bomb by Belif.

I was beyond stoked to get this in my bag in June. I saw a few other people had received it and kept my fingers crossed I would too. As someone unwilling to shell out exorbitant amounts for skincare products I’m not sure will even work for me, I’m totally down to try any for a fraction of the cost. Let me tell you, this does what it claims to. Though I haven’t been using it long enough to say I see a totally different person, I can see the difference in my under eyes. They are refreshed and plumped every time I use this and it is so nice for the summer due to how cooling and refreshing it is. I need to try more K Beauty and purchase a full size of this asap.

Kaleido Cosmetics Skin Blush in Primadonna

Kaleido Cosmetics’ Skin Blush in Primadonna.

As a lover of peachy glowy blushes, I feel like this blush is a perfect fit for me. As an added bonus, it is “100% cruelty-free, vegan, talc-free, phthalate-free and para ben-free.” Yay! The formula is glowy, creamy, and buildable. I will definitely be using this a lot and already have. Also, the creator is pretty awesome and the company’s team took the time to comment and reply to me on ig, which is so cool!

In the words of Ipsy,

“We’re kinda obsessed with the founder of Kaleido Cosmetics and her relatable, fun-loving attitude. In her own words: “I have lots of fun with the product descriptions and shade naming, most of which are done over a glass of wine with a big bowl of nachos and guacamole with my fantastic girlfriends!”

So me!

Ferdinand Lipstick Mini Lipstick in Rose Gold

I love the color of this lipstick, and anything rose gold, but it’s not the best formula honestly. It’s not as opaque as I’d like and requires many layers to look close to how it does in the tube. On the plus side though, it’s super creamy which I’m all for. I’ve been layering it with liquid lipsticks to make them more comfortable on the lips. It’s perfect for sticking in your purse for an easy lip.

Bare Minerals Skinlongevity Vital Power Serum

Bareminerals’ Skinlongevity Vital Power Serum.

As someone past the age of 21, which I’m honestly not too sad about as 21 wasn’t my best moment, (bad friends and boyfriends are a toxic combo), I’m stoked to finally have a skincare routine. I would always look at the Lancome and Clinique counters with wonder as a kid and want to slather all of my mom’s skincare all over just for fun. Now I can do it for real and I have totally seen a difference in my skin. I’ve only been using this for two weeks along with everything else I’m using, but I love my skin’s renewed looking texture and how refreshed it looks. Ipsy’s description says it all:

“It packs a special blend of ginger extract which helps brighten, and antioxidant-packed California poppy which protects your skin from damage like fine lines and sun spots. Even though it’s concentrated, it’s really lightweight and sinks into your skin immediately—so right after applying you’ll feel fresh, hydrated, and super glowy” I would have to say that so far, that’s pretty accurate and my skin is super sensitive and prone to breaking out and I’ve been happy with it.

Kokie Cosmetics Be Bright Illuminating Concealer

Be Bright Illuminating Concealer by Kokie Cosmetics.

I’ve been wanting to try this, and like with so many products, Ipsy seems to read my mind. After hearing my girl Tati rave about this in so many videos, I was sure I’d love it as I usually agree with her. It’s not as full coverage or matte as I’d like as a girl with acne scars and who is oily, but surprisingly, I like this for a no makeup makeup day. It’s prefect for under the eyes and to highlight for natural glowy skin. This is great for the summer, when you don’t always want to wear a full heavy face of makeup. I’ve been wearing it to work and love it combined with my L’Oréal Infallible Pro Matte. The combination works well for me.

Overall, I am happy as I really needed to boost my skincare game even more and I received two great skincare products. I’m obsessed with the blush, can totally make the concealer work, and the lipstick is a great color but wish it was more pigmented. Still great for easy makeup days.

In terms of boxycharm vs. Ipsy if have to say this month, it’s a toss up! Loved both.

What did you get in your Ipsy bag? Any goodies? Any flops?

Love you all!

Love +light

❤️💡

First Boxycharm + Alamar Cosmetics Reina del Caribe Palette Review and Tutorial

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Photo from mysubscriptionaddiction.com

I gave in to my Boxycharm yearnings finally!

I’ve swooned over the Alamar Cosmetics Reina del Caribe palette since I laid eyes on it. My favorite beauty guru, Kathleen Light’s, close friend created it and I’m all for it. It’s an homage to her Cuban heritage and all around a sick palette.

I’m pretty sure a lot of makeup lovers were thinking the same thing I did if they signed up for Boxycharm this June for the first time like me; the box pays for itself as the palette alone is $28. Boxycharm is $21 a month for four full sized products so yes, I was totally in.

Reina del Caribe Palette by Alamar Cosmetics

Alamar Cosmetics’ Reina del Caribe palette. $28. Alamarcosmetics.com

The colors are absolutely drop dead gorgeous, totally up my alley, and perform beautifully. They are hyper pigmented and super creamy and blendable.

Swatches on deep skin from alamarcosmetics.com

These alluring summery shades would definitely work on every skin tone. It is clear it was made to do so and a lot of care and thought was behind the making of this product. I love it and can’t say enough good things about it from the packaging, to the shade names, to the quality.

Swatches on fair skin from alamarcosmetics.com

The other products I received were not shabby at all though the palette was my fave for sure. My second favorite was a set of three Luxie brushes, which I’m sure you’ve seen in Boxycharm unboxings. I’ll give you my thoughts anyway.

Three Piece Luxie Face Brush Set: Precision Foundation 660, Tapered Highlighting Face Brush 522, and Duo Fiber Powder Brush 516

Image found on poshmark.com.

Luxie brushes are some of my favorite ever, so I was ecstatic to see them in my box. I’m in dire need of some face brushes so I’m living my best life with these. Though two of them do basically the same thing, they are supposed to be used as a foundation brush, a highlighting brush, and a powder brush. I use them both for contouring and blush at the moment, but I’ll have to try them for foundation and powder. I’m very happy overall with them.

Brazilian Bum Bum Cream by Sol de Janeiro

This cult favorite smells absolutely delicious and is extremely creamy and moisturizing. As noted on the Sol de Janeiro website,

“Infused with all-powerful caffeine-rich Guaraná extract and a cocktail of Cupuaçu Butter, Açaí Oil, and Coconut Oil, this fast-absorbing cream with our addictive Pistachio and Salted Caramel fragrance“.

I probably would never pay $40 for the full sized product, as you can find similar products for way less, but if it. really tightens the skin as the company claims, it may just be worth it. I’ll have to put this to the test. As addictive as the smell is, it may be worth it just for this.

Jonteblu Eyeliner Pencil

Jonteblu Eyeliner pencil in Charcoal. $5.00

This is the product I was least excited about or interested in. To be honest, I don’t really wear eyeliner anymore. The rare times I do, I prefer a creamy formula and I am not fond of pencils as I find that they’re rough on the eyes. I may just give this to a friend, as overall it’s a pass for me.

Ofra Cosmetics’ Long Lasting Liquid Lipstick in Verona

Ofra Cosmetics’ Liquid Lipstick in Verona. $20. www.ofracosmetics.com/

As a self professed makeup addict, I can’t really call myself one without owning some Ofra, but up until now I hadn’t tried their products but wanted to after hearing so many people rave about them. I couldn’t be more happy, as I think I’ve finally found the only liquid lipstick that doesn’t dry out my lips! This is pretty awesome. The shade is totally me and I need to try out many more by Ofra.

Battington Beauty’s Monroe Eyelashes

Battington Beauty’s Monroe Eyelashes. $28.

Much like with eyeliner, I don’t really wear eyelashes, unlike most beauty addicts. I feel like I’m happy most of the time with my lashes as they’re one thing I was blessed with. (Thank God). Nonetheless, sometimes I want a bit more drama, and though these are on the tame side for most lash wearers, they’ll probably be just right for me.

I am completely happy with my first Boxycharm, and loved every product except for one, which is totally not bad for the value you’re getting. If you’re a makeup lover, there’s no way you’ll be disappointed getting four full sized products for $21 every month. I suggest if you do, you cut back on your regular makeup purchases.

My Top 3 Favorite Ride or Die Extremely Affordable Drug Store Nude Lipsticks

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e.l.f Moisturizing Lipstick in Pink Minx. $3.

In my opinion, a girl can never have enough nude lipsticks and I’m always on the hunt for great drugstore versions because I don’t know about you but it hurts me to spend a ton on lipstick. I wear nude lips almost every day and go through them quick. They also spend a lot of time in my purse and I need something I can grab and go and not feel bad about using up.

Here are my top ride or die affordable nude lipsticks from the drugstore:

e.l.f’s Moisturizing Lipstick in Cheeky

I’ve been a fan of e.l.f. since I discovered their insanely low priced but amazing goods in college one day in Target one day. I remember stocking up a ton of $2 goods. My favorite e.l.f formula is the Moisturizing Lipstick. It’s infused with Vitamin A, C, and E, which is awesome. As I’ve told you guys before, my lips are the Sahara desert.

e.l.f. Moisturizing Lipstick in Cheeky. $3.

This makes them look plump and is opaque enough to cover any dryness. It’s also very creamy and pigmented and overall very pretty. My favorite shade, Cheeky, is above. Here is another nude, Party in the Buff, below. These are only $3.00, so how can you lose?

e.l.f Moisturizing Lipstick in Party in the Buff.

KISS Ruby Kisses Matte Lipstick in Bare Nude

RK by Kiss Matte Lipstick. $2.99.

This lipstick claims to be matte but is super creamy and comfortable. The color shows up as more of a neutral greyish nude than what it initially looks like. If you like the look of a true matte lipstick you probably won’t this lipstick or most of these lipsticks. If you need a quick nude lip, then this will do. It looks opaque, pairs great with any gloss, and is super affordable.

LA Colors’ Moisture Rich Lip Color in Nude

I love how creamy this lipstick is and like the first two lipsticks I mentioned, it goes with any gloss. It goes perfectly with my skin tone. If you’re lighter than me you might want to dab a lighter or pinkier shade over it or wear it as a darker nude. I also think it’s pretty cool that these have Vitamin E and Aloe Vera in them. For $2.00, I’m sold. I’m buying enough back ups to last me a life time.

Galaxy Halo Eye Tutorial and Review of Sahi Cosmetics’ Cream Metallic Foil Eyeshadow

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I was inspired to do a halo eye because I received a gorgeous shimmery metallic shade in my Ipsy bag a few weeks ago, Sahi Cosmetics’ Cream Metallic Foil Eyeshadow in Doha. I had never heard of this brand or product prior to this but as with many Ipsy products, I’m so happy I did.

Sahi Cosmetics’ Cream Metallic Foil Eyeshadow with Jojoba Oil in Doha. $22. Sahicosmetics.com.

The shadow is so unique. The formula is similar to Colourpop’s Super Shock Shadows and is certainly a cream. The color is gorgeous and flecked with large and a small reflects but it doesn’t appear the least bit chunky on the eyes. It’s very reflective when it catches the light and glam.

The description on Ipsy’s website says it all:

“Doha is a coppery gold shade with crushed pearls that’s inspired by the city of Qatar’s skyline at sunset (and we can totally see why).”

Seeing it on my vanity and not being able to use it for my day to day work looks made me feel like I wanted to go all out with my makeup this weekend. I wish I could convey how cool this look looked in person.

I definitely need to research what cameras are best for beauty photography.

I have never thought to do a halo eye with so many shades but I visualized this look and thought, “Why not?” I was inspired by space and cool illustration I’ve seen on Instagram. I began by priming my eyes with concealer.

I used the matte ivory shade in Colourpop’s Yes Please palette to set the lids. I then used the peachy shades in both the Yes Please and Dream Street palettes as transition colors.

The peachy shade remains my favorite transiton shade ever. I always feel like I get the steps in a halo eye wrong but the more I do them the easier it’s been getting.

I then used the matte deep teal shade in Kathleen Lights X Colourpop’s Dream Street palette to start building the halo eye effect on the inner and outer portions of the eye. I used Lisa Frank’s single eyeshadow in Heartthrob to further intensify the whole crease and outer corner.

I cut my halo eye shape with Wet N Wild’s Photo Focus Concealer. I used a trick I learned from Nicole Guerriero’s Youtube channel to do this. She places concealer on the middle of her lid then looks up. She blends the concealer up to wherever it lands.

I placed the purple shade from Makeup Shayla X Maybelline’s City Mini Palette on the outer corners of the cut crease and blended into the teal.

I love the combination of the purple against the teal. It reminds me of the milky way. I then added more teal and extended and smoked out the outer v of the eye look. I then patted Doha in the center of the lid where I applied concealer with a brush and then with my finger.

I used the ivory color in the City Mini Palette to highlight my browbone and went over it with the shimmery champagne shade Moony in the Dream St. Palette. I highlighted my inner corner with it as well and went over it with the gold shade in the City Mini Palette.

I smoked out my lower lashline with the purple shade.

For lipstick I used Fifty Kisses Locking Lip Color in Beige Bite by Laura Geller. I went over it with the plumping gloss by Smoke and Mirrors.

I definitely give the Cream Metallic Shadow by Sahi Cosmetics an A+ and I can’t wait to try out more shadows by the brand.

That’s it! I hope you enjoyed this tutorial

Purple Blown Out Glam Eyes + Ulta Haul & Reviews ( Benefit Brow Service, Essence, Colourpop, Peter Thomas Roth & more)

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Every time I go to Ulta I get roped into trying new products. It’s too tempting not to, especially since they have some of my faves, including Colourpop now.

?

Colourpop’s Super Shock Shadow in Stereo. $5. Ulta & Colourpop.com

One of the to dos on my bucket list is to own every Super Shock shadow. It’s my favorite eye shadow formula ever, hands down. At five bucks a pop for intense beautiful pigments, you can’t lose. This sparkly reflective purple plum with glitter flecks above, Stereo, caught my eye.

Swatch of Stereo found on Pinterest.

When I saw Essence’s 1.99 single shadows, I thought Black as a Berry, a gorgeous blackberry shade would pair beautifully with Stereo.

After hearing so many YouTubers rave about Essence, I’ve really been wanting to give the brand a try. I can see the reason for the praise. For 1.99, this shade packs a punch. Though a tiny bit patchy on my left eye, it really didn’t give me much issues blending out and creating some smokiness so I’m definitely going back for more.

I used the peachy shade from the Perfect Me, Perfect Hue palette I reviewed previously to start building the crease. I used the brown shade in the palette to build the intensity.

Perfect Me, Perfect Hue Palette in Tan/Deep. $39.99 at Ulta, Sephora, etc.

I then used the Black as a Berry shade in both the inner and outer halves of the eyes to create a halo effect. I patted the Stereo shade on the center of the lids with both a flat brush and then my fingers.

Another product I’ve been wanting to try forever is the the Procisely My Brow pencil by Benefit. Again, I can see why so many people love it. If you don’t like brow pencils I say give this a try anyway. It’s so easy to use and the product is just waxy enough. As someone with extremely unruly brows and lots of sparse patches, I can see myself using this a lot.

Also I decided to try a brow trim by Benefit as my brow hairs have been pointing and growing every which way lately and I’m pretty impressed what a $6 trim can do. If you’re like me and have sparse but thick brows, give it a try. It’s nice to have a second pair of eyes to spruce up your brows sometimes.

I filled them in with the Precisely my Brow pencil and set them with Essences Make Me Brow. I’ve tried better brow gels before like Maybelline’s Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer, which I love. The wand is not very big and you have to go back into the tube about three times to coat your brows throughly, but for $2.99 it’s a nice brow gel to have to throw in your bag and use in pinch.

Make Me Brow Eyebrow Mascara by Essence. $2.99 at Ulta, etc.

To apply my foundation, (Maybelline’s Fit Me Matte and Poreless), I thought I’d give e.l.f’s Kabuki Brush a try. Though I’m still a die hard beauty sponge lover, I love how fast it blended out my foundation and think this would be great to get ready for work or whenever I’m running late. It did a pretty decent job of providing coverage as well.

Of course after a long day of using tons of makeup, you have to take care of your skin.

I ran out of cleanser so I thought it’d be fun to put this Peter Thomas Roth anti aging cleanser to the test. Though I’m not aging rapidly quite yet prevention is always key. I have a few fine lines and smile lines so it’d be interesting to see if this makes a difference. So far I love the peachy smell but can’t comment on this obviously as I’ve only used this once. I may do a full review. It did a good job of taking all my makeup off and giving it that nice squeaky clean feel is oily girls appreciate.

What products are you loving lately? Love you all!

Love + light

💫❣️