Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita and Lolita II - Review and Swatches

My next blog review was supposed to be on a MAC palette but I decided to bump this one up instead. I should have the MAC palette review up within the next day or two.

Jumping into the matter at hand, today I am going to review the Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Lolita and Lolita II. The ones I have are mini ones that came in a set I got from Sephora a couple of months back. I wanted the full sized Lolita just so I would know what the fuss was all about. It was and continues to be constantly sold out online and in every Sephora store I have visited for the past few months. So when this set popped up online, I snatched it up. In case anyone is interested, I saw a huge display of Lolita II at the Sephora in the Eaton Centre this past week. They had hundreds....

The full size is $20 U.S. or $24 Canadian. I can tell you upfront that they are well worth the money and I think the price is reasonable for what they are. They contain 0.22 oz. The minis I have are 0.10 oz. each so they are a good size still. I paid $23.50 for the set. I have used the Lolita one pictured above a number of times and I don't even see the quantity of lipstick going down as yet. Lolita is described as a chestnut rose which I would say it accurate. I love this colour. It is very "in" right now. You can certainly build it up and make it quite dark on your lips or put on a little with some clear lip gloss to brighten it up. Personally, I prefer to wear a little of my Bite Agave Lip Mask under it. I still get good staying power, it is comfortable to wear and it gives it a gorgeous sheen.

If you wear it on its own it does get quite dry on the lips but is still somewhat comfortable in winter as it remains a tad tacky. The dryness might be a bit much for some people to tolerate. This method of wearing it alone though gives you the most staying power for hours. It is probably not as dry on in the summer months I would guess.

Here are the swatches with Lolita on the left and Lolita II on the right.

Personally, I much prefer Lolita and I get what all the fuss is about. Its a gorgeous colour and it goes with a hell of a lot of makeup looks. This will definitely be a repurchase if I can ever get my hands on a full size. Lolita II is described as a terra cotta nude. I really didn't like this colour the first couple of times I wore it. Its very orange on me. However, if you are wearing the right colours (like grey for example to offset it) it doesn't look as loud. But hey, maybe you like loud lipstick that is orange! It's a personal choice. I prefer to wear this colour with no gloss added, no Bite Agave Lip Mask. Just straight up. It dries darker that way and is more pleasing to my eye anyway. I am slowly warming up to this colour but it really has to be worn with the right makeup and clothing or it looks awful on me. Lolita II would likely look fantastic on someone with a honey or peaches and cream complexion or a dark complexion.

I really like this product in general and I plan to buy other colours for sure from the line. The packaging is cute and the doe foot wand works well. They feel nice upon application and have a slight smell which isn't off putting. The pigmentation is crazy good. These are definitely one of the best lip products that I have discovered in the past year.

Packaging: 10/10 

Pigmentation: 10/10
Easy to Work With: 10/10
Longevity: 10/10
Texture: 7/10 (could be more comfortable when worn alone)
Price: 10/10 (worth every penny)
Ingredients: 8/10
Travel Worthy: 10/10
Attractiveness of Product: 10/10
Would I buy this again? YES, YES, YES!!!!!!!!!
Overall Rating: 9.5/10 (a bit dry otherwise a 10/10)

December 2015 Empties!

Happy New Year!!!

Here are my December empties so let's get to it.

First up is a small travel sized jar of Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Eye Balm. It was ok, but I don't think it did anything for me. I think I blew through another one of these back in November. Both were gwp. Will not repurchase.

L'oreal Voluminous Million Lashes Mascara was just plain awful and it smells like toxic garbage. It doesn't give me any volume nor length. Useless. This mascara is nothing like the Original Voluminous mascara that works really well and I maintain is the best mascara at the drug store. Save your money and never buy this.

Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover was a gwp bottle. It worked okay, but was greasy and some days did not remove my mascara fully. I will not repurchase. I only have love for my Klorane make up remover.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Light in 2.0. Another one bites the dust. It's my fave and I keep going back to it. Nothing compares. Already repurchased two bottles. Now that's hard core.

Gehwol Biosana Swiss Foot File is simply the best shower foot file. I have had this particular one for longer than I care to say. As you can see from the state of the wood, this dog has had its day. Already repurchased.

The Clarisonic Mia 2 Normal Brush Head I wasn't so crazy about. I think I prefer the Sensitive Brush Head the best. I am using the Deep Pore one right now and tests are still underway lol.

Is it freaking Estee Lauder day? Sheesh Alexis. Okay, last one I swear for the day. Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye was no great shakes in my book. It too was a gwp. It felt nice on but I noticed zero difference day after day and week after week.

Bourjois Paris Volume 1 Seconde Mascara worked well for about a week and then turned to crap. Strangest phenomenon for a mascara ever. It was too inky and burned if it got into my eyes. It acted like a cheap drug store mascara within days of starting to use it. I don't know why I had it kicking around so long. It had to go. Here is the link to the full review: http://mymakeupissues.blogspot.ca/2015/04/bourjois-paris-volume-1-seconde-mascara.html

Last, but not least, I have a tube of the Lorac Behind the Scenes Eye Primer. It really wasn't that bad. I got it with a Lorac palette I got ages ago. I wouldn't rush to go and buy another, but it worked and it also gave some nude coloured coverage for the eyelid as well. One of the better eye primers out there. The last little bit became hard as a rock and I can't squeeze it out of the tube.

So that's it! I have a MAC eyeshadow palette up next along with some eyeshadow singles from other brands to review for you. I am working on testing out the Urban Decay Gwen Stefani palette so hopefully I will have a review on that up within the next few weeks.

Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place High Cover Concealer 2W Light/Medium (Warm) SPF 35 - Mini Review and Swatch

 

I am calling this a mini review because I have only used this concealer for one purpose and it has been a fail. That is, I have only used it as an under eye concealer. The colour I have, 2W Light/Medium (Warm) is too dark for the rest of my face so I can't really road test it as an overall face concealer. I specifically purchased this shade to cover my dark circles which is why it is so yellow and darker than my regular shade. Why do I keep looking for an all in one holy grail product??? I know I really need a corrector and a concealer, but alas I keep hoping for a quick, on the go, miracle product.  

 

 

 

This concealer does an ok job of concealing, however, I can still see my dark circles after I use this. My main beef with the product is that when it sets it looks all dry and cakey. Awful really. It even settles into fine lines. This Double Wear Stay-in-Place High Cover Concealer really is not suitable for under the eyes. It is a bit too dry for this type of use. It is nice and thick, but too thick I am afraid. It doesn't even matter if you moisturize the heck out of your under eye area. Same result. This particular shade, 2W Light/Medium Warm is super yellow so unless you have strong yellow undertones to your skin, this one will stand out for you big time on the rest of your face. Here is the swatch:

 

The product is $24 U.S. and contains 0.1 oz or 3g of product.

 

Packaging: 10/10  (sturdy, compact)

Pigmentation: 6.5/10 

Easy to Work With: 7/10 (applies a tad stiff)

Longevity: 2/10 (stays on all day but looks like crap)

Texture: 7/10 

Price: 3/10 for what it is

Ingredients: 8/10 

Travel Worthy: 10/10 

Attractiveness of Product: 2/10

Would I buy this again? NO

Overall Rating: 3/10 for under eye coverage only

 

Anastasia of Beverly Hills Self-Made Eye Shadow Palette - Review, Swatches and Close Dupes

I feel like a bit of a jerk doing a review of this Anastasia of Beverly Hills (ABH) Self-Made Eye Shadow palette now since it has been out for a few months and it is hard to come by at this point. This palette retails for $35 U.S. or $46 Canadian. I am happy to say that I snagged mine during the Sephora VIB sale so I got an extra 20% off. You may still be able to get these in stores (Ulta, Sephora etc.) but I think they are sold out online at those stores. Some of these shades can be purchased as singles through ABH though. I am so thrilled with this purchase and will say that in my opinion, this is the best ABH palette that they have ever put out. The palette contains 0.65g or 0.023 oz. of product. These 14 eyeshadows are phenomenal in terms of quality and the price point is excellent in my opinion.



My first impression of the palette was that the colour selection was odd but I felt I could make it work. I was going to pass on picking it up, but the reviews were just so darn good, for the price, I thought, "what the heck?" In general, I find ABH palettes to be quite colourful and mismatched sometimes. This palette is actually one of the most neutral they have ever put out! As mentioned there are 14 eyeshadows in this palette and they are from left to right and top to bottom as follows:

Pink Champagne, Metallic Plum, Self-Made, Witchy, Blush, Blossom, Buttery, Deep Purple, Treasure, Hot & Cold, Sherbert, Isla, Spirit Rock and Hot Chocolate.  

The best colours in this palette as far as I am concerned are Pink Champagne, Metallic Plum, Witchy, Blush, Deep Purple, Treasure, Sherbert, Spirit Rock and Hot Chocolate. My favourite by far is hands down Treasure. It's a less peachy version of Stila's Kitten. The only dud in here would be Buttery in my opinion. It's dry, super yellow and doesn't look like much on the eye. It's a bit sheer too.

Pink Champagne, Witchy and Blush were pleasant surprises to me. Pink Champagne looks like a straight up glitter bomb. The consistency is not chunky nor rough at all in actual fact. It applies so easily and looks like a million bucks. I wear it alone with black liner and you are ready to go party. Witchy such a cool colour it's hard to explain. It's kind of olive yet grey, gold and smoky. It doesn't look as dark on as it does in the pan and it's just gorgeous. I have done a few great looks with it. Blush is an opal shade with some green and pink in it. I have no idea why they called it Blush. It reminds me of a darker version of Makeup Geek's Rockstar.  

I want to talk about Isla for a quick second. It may be straight up mint green in the pan, but it is so subtle on the lid. If you don't like green eyeshadow, you might be ok with this one because it is not overpowering on the lid at all. It blends in with whatever other colours you are using and adds just a little dimension to things. Finally, Sherbert is a great transition colour. The rest are exactly what you would expect. Oh wait, Spirit Rock is really neat! It is a kettle black with pink shimmer. I really like this one too. Looks great with Blossom. Okay swatch time! From left to right below is: Pink Champagne, Metallic Plum, Self-Made, Witchy, Blush, Blossom and Buttery.

Bottom row of eyeshadows are as follows: Deep Purple, Treasure, Hot & Cold, Sherbert, Isla, Spirit Rock and Hot Chocolate.  

I am not joking when I say this Self-Made palette is by far one of the best palettes I have purchased this year. I cannot think of one negative to say about it except I am not keen on Buttery. The packaging is nice, sturdy and compact.

Packaging: 10/10   

Pigmentation: 10/10
Easy to Work With: 10/10
Longevity: 10/10
Colour Stays True: 10/10
Texture: 10/10 (except Buttery)
Price: 10/10 
Ingredients: 8/10
Travel Worthy: 10/10
Attractiveness of Product: 10/10
Would I buy this again? HELL YES
Overall Rating: 10/10

Makeup Geek MUG Eyeshadows in Americano and Cherry Cola - Review and Swatches

Merry Christmas everyone!

Today, I am going to review Makeup Geek (MUG) eyeshadows in Americano and Cherry Cola. Americano is on the left and Cherry Cola is on the right in the picture above. Americano is described as a dark brown with subtle purple undertones and a matte finish. I would say that is accurate. The colour is really pigmented and is so easy to work with. I sometimes find dark browns can be stiff or fly everywhere when you use them, but Americano was ridiculously easy to work with. It has great longevity too. It's already in the Top 3 dark brown eyeshadows in my collection as far as I am concerned.

Cherry Cola (don't you just love that name) is a deep brown with strong red undertones and a matte finish. It's the more brown version of MUG's Bitten. I really like it and I don't have anything like it in my collection. It blends well and has good longevity. It's such a fun colour. It is darker and more burgundy than MAC's Folie. Both of these eyeshadows are great additions to my collection. These are quite neutral and could be worn daily if you so desired. Here are the swatches:

Americano is on the left and Cherry Cola is on the right.

I have two palette reviews up next! I should have one up tomorrow since I finally have a few days off with no work, studying, baking or Christmas shopping! Yeah!

Packaging: 10/10   

Pigmentation: 10/10
Easy to Work With: 10/10
Longevity: 10/10
Colour Stays True: 10/10
Texture: 8/10 (a little dry)
Price: 10/10 
Ingredients: 10/10
Travel Worthy: 10/10
Attractiveness of Product: 10/10
Would I buy this again? YES
Overall Rating: 9.5/10 Americano and Cherry Cola

Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash - Review

I've been busy studying for an exam for work the last month or so and my exam is day after tomorrow. Yikes! Needless to say I have been neglecting my blog for a bit. Good news is the exam will be over with soon so hopefully I will be back with a slew of reviews soon.

I ran out of face wash while I was on vacation this past summer. I purchased a small bottle of the Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash in a 2.5 fl. oz. or 75 ml size. Not the one pictured above. It has an interesting, slightly herby smell, but it is not unpleasant. I bought this because the words "deep cleansing" always appeal to me. Sadly, I did not find this product to be so.

On the plus side, the formula is gentle and I think anyone could use it without irritation. It foams well once you rub the product together in your hands and it is quite enjoyable to wash your face with. I noticed within a couple of days of using this that my skin seemed to be breaking out. I have used this product on and off since my vacation, and I still have the problem. I am not sure if it is this product. I have a funny feeling that I am not actually having a reaction to it, I think it is more than it is not cleaning my face properly and as a result, my pores are getting clogged.

I can wash my face twice with this and if I rub a cotton ball across my face afterwards, I still have a good deal of makeup and dirt coming off. My face is not dried out and feels calm after I use it, but my face just doesn't feel clean and it isn't. It feels refreshed, but dirty. For some reason I am determined to finish this bottle because it's almost gone. I use it mostly in the shower now if I am washing my face in the morning. It's useless for nighttime makeup and grime removal. Needless to say, I will not be repurchasing.

A regular 235ml bottle is $35 Canadian. I think I paid close to $20 for my small one. Ouch! I was desperate at the time though.

Packaging: 8/10

Texture: 10/10

Price: 6.5/10

Ingredients: 8/10 Sulfate and Soap Free

Easy to Work With: yes but it doesn't work well! so 1/10???  

Travel Worthy: 6/10 

Deep Cleans: 1/10

Moisturizing: 9/10

Comfortable/Softening: 9/10

Smell: 7/10

Would I buy this again? NO

Overall Rating: 2/10  (weighing doesn't deep clean or work heavily here)

November 2015 Empties!

It's that time again - empties! For November I had a mix of some regulars and a few one off items. Let's get started.

John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk is a product I have had for over 3 1/2 years. That's embarrassing. I have had it for ages because I love the smell and it was pricey so I was trying to conserve it. While this lotion is good - moisturizing, smells awesome, nourishing etc. I really prefer the body wash. Here is the link to my review on that:

http://mymakeupissues.blogspot.ca/2012/02/john-masters-organics-blood-orange-and.html

It just got to the point where I was asking myself how much longer was I going to look at the inch of product that was left as it was taking up room on my vanity in my ensuite. I decided to finish it off. I would consider repurchasing, but really I think I get more bang for my buck with the body wash and the smell of that is even better than the body milk.

Klorane Floral Water Make-Up Remover - I have ranted and raved about how much I love this stuff so much I am not even going to bore you again. Already repurchased.

Origins Zero Oil Pore Purifying Toner - Old faithful. One of my holy grails. Have gone through countless bottles. I went off of toner for a while but I am getting back into it. Already repurchased.

Bath & Body Works Black Raspberry Vanilla Anti-Bacterial Deep Cleansing Hand Soap I have had this hand soap for so long it isn't funny. I had it in my guest bathroom and it took forever to disappear. Maybe it's me, but I think I might be sensitive to some ingredient in it. My fingers feel like they swell up after I use it. Happy to big it adieu. Not one of Bath & Body Works finest products.

Oh my goodness, I just realized that my bottle of Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is backwards in this photo. Sheesh. Sorry about that. I can't stop using this and I have a 100 samples so I have never had to buy the full size! It does seem to make a difference most mornings when I look in the mirror versus when I don't use it. My makeup looks better the next day too after use.

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Eye Balm. It was ok. Not my fave but it worked well enough in terms of moisturization. This was a gwp size.

Estee Lauder Revitalizing Supreme Global Anti-Aging Creme. It too was ok. Not my fave but it worked well enough in terms of day moisturization. This was a gwp size. Yeah, ditto the last product lol.

Estee Lauder Gentle Eye Makeup Remover was also a gwp. I am an Estee Lauder whore. It was gentle but a tad greasy. It would not remove all mascara on its own without help from another product. Will not repurchase. It's Klorane or bust for me. Unless of course I get a freebie of something else to try for kicks.

Last, but not least, we have Urban Decay's Lip Junkie in Naked. This product has been discontinued. I got this as a sample or something from Sephora. I really liked this product. Pity it's discontinued. I liked the colour too.  

Bits and Bites

• I am planning to get rid of some products I have had hanging around the house for too long so you may see some oldies in my next empties post.
• I have a MAC palette, some Buxom eyeshadows and ABH palettes coming up so stay tuned!
• I got the UD Gwen Stefani palette the other day. I am so excited!