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Target | Sephora | CVS | Beauty Haul!

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Hello Beauties!

It has been awhile since I went shopping for beauty products on items that I just want to try out. I have been limiting myself on shopping because I have so many products that I need to go through in my beauty collection already. But… there were some pretty good deals so I couldn’t resist!

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Target

WOW Butter Toffee Gluten Free Cookies – Probably the softest cookie you will ever have. It almost crumbles when you touch it. Although it is nice and soft but because of the Gluten free factor it tastes more on the cookie dough side than a baked cookie.

Yes To Grapefruit Facial Scrub – Needed a new facial scrub and sine I have NEVER tried anything from the Yes To line, I thought I’ll give it a go.

Aveeno Hydrate + Protect SPF30 – This is not new on this blog. I love it for the summer because its essentially a lotion with SPF that doesn’t stink!

Mossimo V-Neck Tee – My ABSOLUTE ALL TIME FAVE V-neck 😀 ❤ It!

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CVS

Maybelline Pumped Up Colossal Volume Express Mascara – New to try!

Maybelline Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser – My current under eye concealer is running low so I thought I’ll revert back to what has been tried and true.

Physicians Formula Youthful Wear Foundation – Saw a review on this and they said that its their ALL TIME fave foundation that is really underrated by the blogging community. If its a light weight foundation, I gotta try it!

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Carlton & Sephora

I was not planning on repurchasing Moroccan Oil anytime soon because it is quite pricy. BUT since there was a giant sign in front of Carlton’s when I walked by that said 30% off ALL Moroccan Oil products, I caved. I caved hard. I left the store in less than 10 minute $60 less in my pocket.

To equal things out, I had my target set on this Too Face Better than Sex mascara and walked in and out of Sephora with just this. Proud? Yes. Since there was so much hype around this mascara in March I had to try it out for myself to see if it really is THAT good. I have used it once since and for my first impression I can see why so many people like it. For a first impression I do like the volume and length it gives me but unfortunately it does not hold my curls (damn asian lashes!).

Sorry that this post was delayed! I had a crazy crazy weekend to meet some deadlines and lets just say that I was operating in zombie mode.

Until Next Time,
❤ Jess

 

 

Winter Empties- Makeup | Hits and Misses

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Hello!

Finally, here is the part 2 of my winter empties that includes makeup products! I realized that this was along the lines of a Hit or Miss so I guess it works both ways!

 

Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara – I know I have written a review on this and have said that I would repurchase it but my mind has changed! For the price, there are better ones out there instead of a 4/5 it has dropped to a 2.5/5.

 
Maybelline The Rocket Mascara- One of my HG mascara giving me volume and hold. One of the few that actually holds my lashes and for drugstore price you can’t beat it.

 
Majolica Majorca Lash King Mascara- With a higher price tag than the Maybelline Rocket, this is another one of my HG mascaras. This has fantastic hold, length and volume. The formula is more on the dry side so keep that in mind. I don’t experience much flaking due to the dry formula but I have read from others that it can be a problem.

 
Etude House Oh My! Eye Line – A liquid liner that I don’t recommend because of how the formulation works. While applying it, if it dries on you and you try to go back to fix certain areas it will rub off on itself. This can be quite annoying because I for sure am not an eyeliner expert that can get things right on the first try. It is long lasting and will not fade or smear throughout the day but there are definitely better mascaras out there that has the same staying power and finish without the frustration.

 
Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Line Pencil – Standard eyeliner pencil. Will smudge after about 4 hours on the waterline but thats expected considering it is a pencil liner.

 
Cover Girl Liquid Line Blast – Very similar to the LiquifEye liner but not as soft.

 
Milani LiquifEye Metallic Pencil – Nice and soft and blend-able with decent staying power of about 4 hours as well before slight smudging begins.

 
Covergirl Olay Concealer – I expected this to be super hydrating since it is infused with moisturizer but I didn’t feel as though it was much different than other concealers without the moisturizer swirl. It is smooth and blend-able but I only wish that it was more hydrating.

 
Physicians Formula Conceal RX- One of the cheapest higher coverage concealer from the drugstore. The only problem is that the tube doesn’t last that long because the product will start to separate in the tube and theres really nothing you can do. Towards the middle I had to squeeze the liquid out before I actually got to the product and eventually I decided to throw it out because it got a little nasty. But for about $5 bucks its great while it lasted.

 
Holika Holika Concealer – This is a medium coverage concealer that I don’t really care for. It didn’t impress me nor disappoint so it was a regular concealer that can be overlooked. The color was more on the cool side reminding me of a BB cream color.

 
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Undereye Eraser- Cult favorite and its understandable why it is. Super blend-able and smooth on the under eye while brightening it as well. The packaging can be improved because mine broke and I was unable to get the rest of the product out. I would repurchase this again in the future though.

 
Nivea A Kiss on Mint and Mineral- Not a lip balm that I would run out to repurchase. I have super dry lips and for me this didn’t penetrate through my dryness to actually moisturize my lips. Instead it kind of just sat on the top and temporarily protected it from the surface.

 
Laura Geller Spackle Tinte Primer – Bronzer- Absolutely not my type of primer. The feeling of this was extremely silicone-y like the smashbox primer that I am not a fan of. If you are okay with it then you probably won’t have a problem with this. The second thing would be the color. I have very fair skin and the bronze color was very muddy on me so all in all this did not work for me at all.

 

Until next time,
❤ Jess

Jan ’15 Loves

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Oh my.. 1/12 of the year has passed already. Before we know it 2016 is going to be right around the corner! Thats too crazy to think about so today I will be sharing with you today my January favorites. Surprisingly I have quite a bit of makeup product because I normally only have about one or two.

Maybelline Dream Lumi Brightening Concealer (Ivory) – I’ve had this product for awhile now but have never really cared for it because I didn’t it did much. One random no make up day this month I decided that my under eye area needed some brightening just to make me a little bit more awake so I applied this under my eyes and parallel down my nose. It made such a big difference.

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer (Light2 Vanilla) – As much as I don’t want to like this concealer because of its price, it really is an amazing concealer. The color matches my skin perfectly and it blends out nicely without it creasing or caking up. I would say that this is a medium to full coverage because it just depends on how much product you apply on.

Jouer Matte Moisture Tint (nude) – I have waited so long to finally try this and I absolutely LOVE it. It feels like a liquid to powder finish and it leaves your skin shine free without it being way too matte. Throughout the day it controls my oil without me looking like a shiny mess and its light weight and natural looking. Recommend this to everyone!

Laura Mercier Invisible Loose Setting Powder (Universal) – Super fine translucent powder that sets your makeup flawlessly. It mattifies your skin without it looking really powdery like how some setting powders can make you look.

Covergirl Lip Perfection (307 Seduce) – Favorite lip color of December and January. This to me is the perfect red when it comes to the tone (warm or cool) and vibrancy. If I want a regular red lip then I can apply this on its own or I can layer on a more brown lip color to deepen it into a more sultry red. It can be long lasting if your lips are nice a prep before application but once you eat or drink it will come off. I also don’t find this overly drying.

Ren Omega  3 Optimum Skin Serum Oil – Great addition to my skincare routine because it really helps to replenish my skin by adding a ton of moisture. Does not leave my skin greasy or oily.

NeoStrata HQ Skin Lightening Gel – I have a lot of hyper pigmentation from acne scars and every time I break out, a scar will form without a doubt. I was recommend this by my family doctor and I have seen a difference of my scars lightening a lot faster than usual. I’m still experimenting and documenting the progress so I can write a in depth review of this product.

One Line A Day – I’m sure a lot of people have heard of this book but if you have not then its a 5 year memory book. Basically you write a mini blurb about your day in this book for 5 years. You can write about anything you want. New friends you made, new experiences, what you’re thankful for, Goals, anything interesting you learned, etc. I have found that its a really great way to sit back, relax and really reflect on your day. We are all trying to get through one day after the next so quickly that it doesn’t give us time to just stop and think how was my day today? What did I do that made today such a great day or not so great day?

How did you start off your new year?

Until Next Time,
❤ Jess

July Loves ’14

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Hello Lovelies!

Another month has passed which means its time to reflect back on this past month and think.. what products have I been really loving and reaching for nonstop?

I am going to start off with something that I have just been OBSESSED with..

Maybelline Rocket Volume Mascara:I just reviewed it here and I have not stopped using this since I opened it in the middle of this month. I am not joking that I can’t stop admiring my own lashes as to how awesome it looks because I have finally found a drugstore mascara that will keep my stubborn stick straight lashes curled all day.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF20 – Fair to Medium: I am not an outdoorsy person so when summer comes around and I bust out those shorts my legs can probably blind you from a mile away because they are so pale and white. I have tried Jergens regular moisturizers in the past so when I saw that they had one with SPF I was like SCORE! There is nothing better than finding a multifunctional product that works really well. This is a gradual self natural looking tanner that is a moisturizer with SPF that doesn’t stink or feel sticky. I think thats all I have to say for you to get the overall picture of how awesome this product is.

Moroccan Oil: I normally do a deep repair hair mask about once a week but since I finished the ones I had I haven’t had the chance to repurchase any so I didn’t have any to use this month. To compensate for the lack of extra moisture I usually give my hair I have been using this Moroccan Oil after I wash my hair. It leaves my hair feeling soft and good smelling without it getting greasy. I can’t say that it prevents my hair from getting damaged and split ends because I have a ton to begin with but it is one of the best leave in conditioner/oils I have tried.

Michael Kors Watch: I’ve had this watch for awhile now but it was never my go to watch until this month. I didn’t realize how versatile it was and the leather strap goes great with my casual everyday summer outfits. My other watches are linked watches so it just looks more formal with the metal hardware compared to the leather. Also leather is just more comfortable to wear when it gets hot and sweaty.

Puzzles and Dragons: I have been obsessed with this game! Its a game on you phone that has bejeweled type puzzles that you have to clear to fight monsters. Through the game you get to accumulate different monsters almost like pokemon and you also get to assemble your team to fight the next levels. It’s a lot more fun than a regular puzzle game like candy crush because your progress goes beyond just passing the level. You can add your friends that plays as well so you can assist each other through each stage/battle.

If you could recommend one product that you loved this month what would it be? AND if you play Puzzles and Dragons then we should probably be friends!

Until Next Time,
❤ Jessica

 

Review: Maybelline the Rocket Volume Mascara

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Hello Lovelies!

I have been on a Mascara Binge lately which would explain why I have so many mascara reviews up. I would like to do this review a little later but I just can’t contain how excited I am to have found this miracle worker in a tube.

Package: Feels just like any of the other Maybelline Mascaras.

 

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Brush: Although I have mentioned that I generally don’t like plastic brushes but I DO like this one. This brush is very similar to the CoverGirl Lash Blast Mascara (which is another mascara that I like as well).

 

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Formulation: The most PERFECT consistency. Just the right amount of wet but not overly wet that will make my lashes loose its curl.

 

Maybelline_Rocket Volume_1

Performance: I got this in the waterproof formula (my usual) and I haven’t experience much smudging during a 7+ hour day. Your lashes are properly separated without it clumping up and best of all it holds a curl fantastically!

Final Verdict: Hands down the BEST drugstore mascara I have ever used. The curling power of this is comparable to my beloved Majolica Majorca Mascara which is amazing because I have not found one that is comparable until now. My only complaint would be that I would like this to be a bit more volumizing. I’m not saying that it isn’t volumizing already because it is, but in a very natural way. I like a bit more volume but besides that I Really Really Really do recommend this to those that have trouble finding a mascara that will hold your curls.

Until Next Time,
❤ Jessica

Would I Recommend these?… I think NOT

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Helllooo Lovelies!!

So I have shared a lot of my beloved product discoveries but as we all know there are many not so great products that was tried along the way. Instead of snatching a special spot in my collection of products they get their own special blog post.

Maybelline EyeStudio Cream Shadow Palette: Just don’t do it. This is one of the worse cream shadow products I have tried. If you have tried the old NYX Jumbo Eyeshadow pencil and those don’t work for you then I can guarantee you that this will fail you miserably. It creases on me almost instantly.. well.. more like an hour after application. It tends to just slip and slides and never really sets.

Loreal Telescopic Carbon Black Mascara: I have heard so many great things about this mascara but unfortunately it doesn’t work for me at all. The formulation is really wet, it’s a plastic flexible brush, it doesn’t hold a curl at all, and it smudges within a couple hours without it giving me any volume.

Stila One Step Bronze Primer: The product looks like mushed up jello when it’s dispensed from the tube. The bronze coloring doesn’t disperse evenly so it leaves your skin blotchy after applying. The weirdest and grossest part is that after application theres some residue that forms if you continue to rub it. It’s so weird and nasty that makes me almost believe that I got a bad bottle.

Bare Minerals Face and Body Color Genuine Jade: This highlighter gets more and more green each time you use it. Unless you’re the Incredible Hulk I haven’t met anyone that has a green undertone to their skin. I have quite a yellow undertone so I thought that this product would work and the first couple of times did work but as time went on I noticed how green this product actually is.

Laura Geller Blush n Brighten in Honey Dipped: As much as I tried liking this bronzer in the end I just couldn’t force it to work. The color was just too orange for me and a little to shimmery as well.

Big Sexy Hair Spray and Play: I don’t like crunchy stiff hair spray. That is all.

Until Next Time,
❤ Jessica

Aug Loves

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Oh man.. August has passed already?! Insane! I have gotten a bit busy with work, vacation, and school starting so I haven’t been able to post. I am back today though with my August favorites! Even though its late but better then nothing.

I haven’t been using or venturing out to many new products this month since the weather has been rising in LA. Weird.. global warming! Our seasons are totally out of whack. Its been nice and cool during the whole summer until the end of August and BAM went from mid 70’s to 80 to 90 to 100’s.

 

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If you have read one of my earlier post on what I packed on my vacation then you’ll be familiar with this combo. Mac’s Styled Blush and Nars Orgasm Illuminator. Together these two give you the prettiest golden glow on your cheeks. I have been in love with this and have been wearing it since mid August.

 

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Mascara’s are one thing that has been getting used up in my collection one at a time. Since I’m not allowing myself to buy new ones until all the ones I own are used up, I have just been picking up mascara that have been neglected in my drawer. The Maybelline One by One has never been a favorite of mine. Not saying that its a bad mascara but its not one that WOWs me (i much prefer the falsies). I have been really liking this one actually. Mainly because it goes really well with the lighter make-up look that I have been opting for. So if you like the more natural separated lash look then go ahead and give this a try. Holds well throughout the day and I haven’t really experienced any smudging and my makeup is on for 12+ hours a day!

 

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Blotting paper. This has been a MUST. With the weather being so hot I have noticed that my face is getting more and more oily as the day goes on. I have tried many other blotting paper but ultimately, I have to say that the Clean & Clear one is my favorite. I feel as though my oil is really getting blotted and it mattifys(?) my face. Best one in the market. If you guys know of one thats better then definitely let me know.

 

nature valley

Random Food Favorite of this month is Nature Valley’s granola bar. I use to eat these ALL the time when I was in high school. But too much of one this will eventually get boring. I haven’t had one in a couple of years and recently I discovered new flavors. Say what!? Peanut butter flavored.. drool.. You guys know I love peanut and almond butter so this was delicious! It just reminds me of how good these bars are so I have been craving them for the second half of august. Its not the most healthiest bar considering that it doesn’t provide much protein or fiber but needless to say its a good and delicious snack to have in your purse.

Summer Picks

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Since summer is in full swing, let me share with you some summer products that I have been reaching for the most and items in the general category that is a must have for the summer season.

What do I look for in products I use in the summer?

It must be light weight, smudge proof, and long lasting.

FACE: Skin79 Super BB Triple Functions -Whitening

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OK, so Summer = Tinted Moisturizer.At least thats what I think. And for me, BB Cream is pretty much a tinted moisturizer but better. (Don’t think I need to go on about what a BB cream is since you can easily google it and you’ll get TONS of information on it.)  This one that I have has higher coverage than usual tinted moisturizer. SPF25 (protects against UVB  – causes sunburn) PA ++ (protects against UVA- causes premature aging, sunspots, skin cancer) Many Asian skin care products have PA protection levels (more + the better) and the Western markets are starting to introduce it. Best to look for products with both SPF and PA protection.  The color straight out of the pump is a bit gray but after you blend it out, it matches my skin tone perfectly. (about Mac NC25-30) Given I am quite pale, so I don’t think that this will work for people who have darker skin tones. This lasts about 7-8 hours before the coverage starts fading but considering that this is a BB cream I find that to be perfectly acceptable. I can’t say that this is great at oil control though. I don’t have the most oiliest skin, but a couple hours in I do see that my face gets a bit shiny, so for my oily friends, you probably will need to use a oil control primer.

EYES: Estee Laudeer Double Wear Stay-in Place Shadow Creme
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I absolutely love cream shadows. The Estee Laudeer ones are one of my favorites. I have a couple of these andtheir all quite the same across the board. Creamy and blendable. Does not dry out as fast as the MAC Paint Pots. actually none of the ones I own has ever driedout.  I mostly use these as a primer. But for the summer, I also use these just as shadows. After blending this out, it comes out quite sheer but the color is still there. I love shimmery champagne colors and this Golden Sands is a nice eye brightening color for a natural look.

EYES: Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner- Twilight Night Shimmer Ink

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Compared to the Physicians Formula Liquid Liner

Pairing with the Golden Sands, is this Bobbi Brown Gel Liner. This color isn’t jet black so its softer and more natural. I love gel liner because it creates a softer look than a liquid liner. There is no smudging, smearing, melting, or any of it with this liner. I’ve had it on for about 12 hours and it still looks the same as when it was first applied in the morning. There is a bit of shimmer and its really pretty after applied. Its not too overly glittery, its very subtle. The shimmer doesn’t fall out and make your face look like a disco ball or anything.

EYES: Majolica Majorca Lash Enamel Glamour Volume On
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BEST Mascara ever! Not a mascara that I would use everyday though. Why? Because it doesn’t budge. Isn’t that suppose to be a good thing? Well it is, until when it comes time to remove your makeup. It takes double the time to remove my eye makeup than usual if I have this on. Proving, that if your looking for a mascara that holds a curl, adds volumes, and lengthen then this is your go to mascara! I have worn it for 24 hrs before, unintentionally! And my lashes looked the same as when I first applied it. This is probably the ONLY mascara that will hold my curls and not have it droop one bit. Not even a little. Amazing (: (Majolica Majorca is the drugstore line of Shiseido.. no wonder right?)

CHEEKS: Gilly Hicks – Hydrangea

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The ultimate goal of most people during the summer is getting tanned. For those that don’t go out very much, will try and fake that tan. A blush that is a bit darker can give the illusion of tanner, more golden skin. Hydrangea has that more tanner blush color. This blush is my first and only Gilly Hicks beauty product. I remember just picking it up to try during one of their crazy sales. For those that don’t know, Gilly Hicks is the lingerie store of Abercrombie & Fitch. This isn’t super pigmented so it makes it really easy to use (meaning you won’t overdo it) Blendable and buildable .

LIPS: Maybelline – Baby Lips

We all know that sunscreen is needed whenever we go out in the sun. We all apply it on our face and body but a lot of time we forget to protect our lips. Lip balm doesnt’ just help with preventing our lips from getting chapped, but it can also protect it from the sun. Getting a sunburn on our back or arm hurts already, imagine getting your lips burned! Definitely something we don’t want. So when buying a lip balm, make sure to get one with some type of SPF. Baby Lips by Maybelline is a great one. It has SPF 20 and its inexpensive! About $3-4. They have so many different colors and “flavors”? The one that I have is the Melon Mania and oh goodness, it smells delicious! I’m not even a fruity scent girl, but this one really does make you want to slather more on. It also gives you a little bit of color payoff with a bit of glossiness to it.

Maybelline 24 Hr Color Tattoo Maybelline 24 Hr Color Tattoo

(left: cool crush right: lavish lavender)

OK.. I am an absolute sucker when it comes to cream shadows. Theres just something about the convenience that I love. I have extremely oily eyelids and these cream shadows (which i mostly use as base) holds up really well. The only other color tattoo I have is bad to the bronze and that one works amazingly. I Have picked up two new colors awhile ago when the spring collection was out. The two color I picked up was #35 COOL CRUSH and #45 LAVISH LAVENDER.

Maybelline 24 Hr Color Tattoo

(left: cool crush right: lavish lavender – swatched)

COOL CRUSH in the pot is this gorgeous Silver duo chrome with blue,purple, and pink. Theres just so much dimension that I wish translated on the eyes. When applying it to the eyes, it totally loses that 3D color effect. The more you blend out, it just turns into a silver. I would say its more of a silver with a hue of purple. Honestly, if you already have a silver cream shadow then theres not need in picking this one up. Don’t get sucked in with how pretty it looks in the pot!

Maybelline 24 Hr Color Tattoo

(left: cool crush right: lavish lavender – blended out)

LAVISH LAVENDER is a lavender metallic color. The light purple looks a bit darker when applied. Not as bright as I would’ve thought it would be but its still a wonderful light purple. This is a unique color to own if your like me and purple is one of those colors that your comfortable venturing out on compared to say.. orange?

All of these are very smooth in texture and applies like a dream. It makes my shadows last all day without creasing and I use these in place of a primer.