Thursday, January 22, 2015

Maybelline Brow Drama- Review

It took some doing, but I was finally able track down a BrowDrama in my shade: Deep Brown.
Multiple stores that I went to had clearly been picked over, with only a few blondes left.  After having a few days to play with it, I have come up with an opinion that will hopefully help some of you make your own decision.

Overall, I like the product, and at around six dollars, it’s a good buy. I knew I had to try it to see if it was a drugstore type dupe of Benefit’s Gimme Brow. Admittedly, I have not tried the Gimme Brow, because I can’t justify the price when I already have a brow routine that I love.  

The colors that are available are deep brown, soft brown, auburn, blonde, and clear. As I mentioned above, the shade I chose is deep brown and is pretty much an exact match with my brow hairs.

I recommend using a light hand so that you don’t accidentally get the colored gel on your skin- especially if you already have your foundation done.

My one complaint with this product is that applicator: the round bubble end of the want makes it difficult to get the tail end of your brows. If the entire wand was the thinner size, I feel as though I would have the control I desire when working on my brows.

I was lucky to find such a good match to my natural brows, but if you don’t match one of the colors, at least there is the clear gel so you can get the grooming and brow control.


I have decided that I like using this gel for a light, groomed look. After using this product, my brows look neat and groomed, but not like I have makeup in them or that they are all done up. Perfect for a day with minimal makeup or for anyone who is uncomfortable full on filling in your brows: I know I didn’t always like the look of fully filled in brows.

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Let's Meet Marsala

So by now I'm sure you have heard the buzz about this years' Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala. While I am a big fan of "wear whatever makes you feel great no matter the trends", I figured I would still take a look at Marsala.

The best way I have heard Marsala explained is as an earthy red. Last year's color, Radiant Orchid, was a lot easier to pin down. Ever since Marsala's debut I have seen many variations of the shade. But since Pantone is the one who chose the color, I'm going to stick with the swatch they supplied:



I decided to shuffle through my makeup collection to see what I could come up with.

 Below I have created some swatches of drugstore Marsala shaded goodness:



Some Marsala toned Lippies. 
Top Row- Left to Right: Kate Moss for Rimmel in 08, Revlon Matte Balm in Elusive, Revlon Matte Balm in Sultry, Maybelline Matte Lipstick in Lust for Blush, Covergirl Jumbo Gloss Balm in 225.
Bottom Row- Left to Right: Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Ravish, Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Obsession, Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick in Bordeaux, Revlon Lip Butter in Red Velvet, Maybelline 14hr Lipstick in Wine and Forever, Almay Liquid Lip Balm in Just Plum Good.






Underneath the lippies I swatched Maybelline Color Tattoo in Pomegranite Punk (left) and the wine color from Maybelline's Designer Chocolates Palette.







Maybelline Wine and Forevernail polish:

















Ideas of how to wear Marsala:
If you want to add Marsala into your makeup look there are two ways to add it into a look without being overbearing, and everyone can do it, even if they aren't super skilled in makeup, or their schedule doesn't allow for lots of makeup time.

1. Pop of Marsala: Use a little bit of a marsala shade into your crease.
2. Lipstick statement: Keep your eyes simple with just some mascara and eyeliner and use a marsala lipstick as a quick and trendy statement.
3. Marsala manicure

Do you plan on giving this color a try?

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Physician's Formula Mineral Pearl Highlighter Review

So I have been using my highlighter from Physician's Formula for about a year now and I will definitely be repurchasing it. That said, I know that this highlight is now going to be everyone's (please forgive the cliche) cup of tea. Without further ado, I will talk about the properties of this product so that you can decide for yourself.

If you do decide to head in the direction of this product, please use a light hand, unless that is the look you are going for. This product is very pigmented, so a little goes a long way. With a light hand, I can get a nice glow going. With a medium hand, I can easily become a disco ball. And with any more pressure than that, this highlight becomes an opaque pearly white later of pigment. When I first swatched it, I saw the intense pearl pigment and got nervous. I'm so glad I stuck it out though, because I love it. It's kind of like a build able highlight. From subtle to editorial- whatever you decide. I love that versatility. 

The only thing that I think will put some people off is that there is some glitter/sparkle to it. With a light hand it is subtle, but if you aren't careful it can look like you dumped glitter on your face.