3 looks with the Everything Nice Holiday2014 palette by Too Faced

Howdy everyone,

I've been playing withe the Everything Nice Pallet and want to share 3 looks I did with it.

If you are interested in the palette it is $56 and exclusive to sephora.com *not an affiliate link

The looks: 

Look 1: 

This look is probably replicable from other palettes but I really liked how it turned out and how easy it was to create. 

I used: 

 Fawned of You in my crease and Dram On right above it. 

Honey Pot all ove the lid 

Don't Settle in the outer corner and into the crease

Knockout stamped in the outer corner to deepen the look 

Heaven as a brow-bone highlight 

On my face: 

Sweet Pink on my cheeks

Inner Light as a highlight and

Chocolate Soleil to contour and warm up my face

 Look 2:

This was a bright but very wearable look. 

I used: 

Fawned of You on my crease and Dream on right above it

Live it Up on the lid

Head Over Heels on the outer corner 

After Hours on the center of the lip for a pop

Heaven as a brow-bone highlight 

Be You on the lower lashline

On my face: 

Papa Don't Peach on my cheeks 

Chocolate Soleil to contour and warm up my face

Look 3:

This is a look I want to do again! 

I used: 

Fawned of You on my crease and Dream on right above it

Be You on my lid

Mauvelous int he inner corner and on the center of the lid

Secret Lovers on the lower lashline 

Heaven on my brow-bone 

On my face: 

Papa Don't Peach on my cheeks

Chocolate Soleil to contour and warm my face

Inner Light as a highlight 

The Review: 

Now that I have had a chance to play with it, I can say that I love it! The shadows are beautiful and I like the looks that come out of them. They are also easy to work with and blend, though there is fallout on the glittery shades. 

On the face products: I am really into Chocolate Soleil at the moment, on my brown/tan skin it looks nice, not too harsh but is buildable. Inner Light is a very pretty highlight and does not make my face a glitter bomb, something I was worried about. The blushes on the other hand I don't think work on me. Papa Don't Peach is a bit too light and shinny for me. Sweet Pink is cute but not my favorite pink and does require building up to show up on my skin. 

I have not tried the brushes yet but I already know that I love the mascara :) 

Let me know if you have any questions!

Parting Thoughts: 

-It is still hot in Southern California, why?!

-I hope everyone is having a great week. Only a few more work days until the weekend! 

**I paid for all products used with my own money and all opinions and thoughts are my own. 

xoxo Cynthia 

Too Faced Everything Nice Set: Swatches and Comparisons

Howdy 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and it's just September! Plus we are in the middle of a heat wave here in California.

I got my hands on the Too Faced Everything Nice set exclusive at Sephora and wanted to share pictures and swatches right away. I will also be doing looks as soon as I can.

The set is $56 at sephora.com and should be available in stores soon :) 

The set: 

You get 20 eye shadows 2 blushes, 1 bronzer, and 1 highlighter 

Shadow names from left to right: 

Row 1: Turtle Dove, Dream On, After Hors, Fawned of You, Knockout

Row 2: Paper Roses, Kindness is Free, Mauvelous, Be you, Secret Lovers

Row 3: Heaven, Shiny Happy, Honey Pot, Don't Settle, Girly

Row 4: Totally Fetch, Live it Up, Too Glam, Head Over Heels, Chocolate Moon

Blushes: Aweet Pink, Papa Don't Peach

Bronzer: Chocolate Soleil 

Highlighter: Inner Light 

Plus a super cute brush set, a mascara, and a look book :) 

The swatches: 

The first row: 

Turtle Dove is very light, Dream On is peachy and more noticeable on my skin tone, After Hours which has some glitter but is not chunky, Fawned of You is a nice matte brown great for the crease, Knockout is a matte dark brown, perfect for outer corner work

Second row: 

Paper Roses is a light pink with a sheen, Kindness is a bit darker of a pink, Mauvelous has glitter on it and is a gorgeous lilac shade, Be You is my favorite looking shade, it is a matte lavender shade, and Secret Lovers is a satin deep purple with a sheen 

Third Row:

Heaven is a matte white, Shinny Happy is a gold glitter shade but does not feel to chunky, Honey Pot is a peachy, caramel color with glitter, Don't Settle does not seem to have glitter but it's definetly shinny and has a nice sheen, Girly is a beautiful dual chrome with green and brown, this one is available in the Pretty Rebel palette and I know first hand it is a great shadow

Fourth Row:

Totally Fetch is also in the Pretty Rebel palette and it is a vibrant pink, Live it Up is a gorgeous purple shadow, the swatch was a bit powdery but that does not mean it will be powdery when applied to the eye, Too Glam is a vivid green, it has a sheen but looks almost matte, Head Over Heals is a shinny blue, and Chocolate Moon is a black with glitter in it but the glitter is not too noticeable. 

Top to botton face products: 

Sweet Pink, Papa Don't Peach, Inner Light, Chocolate Soleil 

Comparisons: 

Girly and Totally Fetch are definite repeats so that is something to note. At first impression this palette also look very similar to last-year's palette. This was my main concern when trying to decide if I wanted to purchase it. I did find some very similar colors but it is different enough for me to justify the purchase :) 

Taffy (from last year's palette) is also a light pink and is actually quite similar to Paper Roses though here it looks like Paper Roses has more glitter in it. 

At first I thought that Don't Settle was most similar to Crisp Apple Struddle but as you can see it is actually very much like Buche de Noel. 

Honey Pot and Honey Honey (last year's palette) are also very similar, though Honey Pot appears to be just a tad deeper. 

Now for the shinny colors: Shinny Happy is closest to Tinsel (from last year) than to Snowflakes (from last year) though I have to say that both Snowflakes and Tinsel were a bit hard to work with while Shinny Happy appears to be less chunky and easier to work with and blend. 

Now for the mattes: Heaven and Turtle Dove are both from this palette and swatched look identical and not close to Cream Colored Ponies (from last year). 

Overall thoughts: 

- I really had to have this set so I did not mind the similarities to last year's palette but if you are on a budget and have that palette, I would definitely pass on this one. 

- I just saw that there will also be a palette exclusive to Ulta and that one seems to be very similar to this one but smaller and cheeper so that one might be a good alternative to this one.

-Let me know if you have any questions. 

-Did anyone else order the set? What did you think of it? Or are you planning on getting it? 

**This set was purchased by me and all thought and opinion expressed on this post are my own. This is not a sponsored post. 

xoxo Cynthia

Give Me More Lip: Swatches and First Impression

Howdy all, 

Earlier this week Sephora released the Give me more lip set for the holiday season. Right now it is only available to VIB rouges but I am sure that it will soon be available to everyone and in stores so I wanted to show you some swatches and give you my thoughts on the set. 

It is $59 and if you are Rouge at Sephora sephora.com

The set: 

This set includes 17 delux size lip samplers in red, pink, nude, and berry categories.  

The reds: 

Hourglass liquid lipstick in Icon

Laura Mercier lip coolor in Red Amour 

Kat von D ever lasting liquid lipstick in Outlaw

Sephora Rouge Infusion in 10 Red Essence 

The berries: 

Occ lip tar/matate in Black Dahlia 

Tarte lipSurgence lip tink in Moody 

Fresh Sugar in Berry

Buxom lipstick in Menace

The pinks: 

Tarte lipSurgence power pigment in Flush 

Too Faced melted liquified long wear lipstick in Melted Fuchsia

Benefit Posie Balm 

Bite Beauty luminous creme lipstick in Palomino 

The Nudes: 

Makeup Forever Aqua lip crayon in Neutral beige 

Too Faced la creme lipstick in Naked Dolly 

Bare Minerals marvelous moxie lipstick in Speak your mind 

Laura Mercier lip glace in Blush 

Stila stay all day vinyl lip gloss in Nude

The swatches: 

Lip swatches and First Impressions:

First I would like to say that I know that these are not perfect lip swatches but they will give you an idea of what these lipsticks and glosses look like on lips. I do have pigmented lips so keep that in mind. If your lips are not as pigmented then each lipstick might look slightly different on you. However, for those of you with pigmented lips, this will give you a more accurate look :) 

All pictures were taken in natural lighting. 

My bare lips for reference. 

Makeup Forever lip liner in 3C neutral beige: 

it is very much my lips but better and I think I have finally found a nude lipliner I actually like 

Too Faced la creme lipstick in Naked Dolly

Not my favorite nude but I do love this formula, I have a couple of the full size lipsticks in it and it is super comfortable though not long wearing. 

Bare Minerals marvelous moxie lipstick in Speak Your Mind: 

Really nice nude, it has enough pink in it to make me feel comfortable wearing it

Laura Mercier lip glacé in Blush: 

I am not a lipgloss person but this one is very comfortable and pretty

Stila stay all day vinyl lip gloss in Nude: 

This is a more rubbery formula, one that I am not used to so this is not my favorite. However it does look very nice

Bite Beauty luminous creme lipstick in Palomino: 

I love the bite lipsticks, they are super comfortable and wear nicely throughout the day. I already had Palomino (it is available in a duo at Sephora) so I know I love it!

Benefit Posie Balm: 

I have to say that this one was a huge disappointment. I tried clicking it up and would not go back down again then the inside just fell off... The actual balm in very nice, sheer but it's a balm so very comfortable.    

Too Faced Melted liquified long wear lipstick in Melted Fuchsia: 

Llovely formula and it's a resent release so if you have not tried any of these, this set is a good way to try it. It is a matte formula, the color is wonderful and it is long wearing. 

Tarte LipSurgence power pigment in Flush: 

Super comfortable formula and a pretty color

Buxom lipstick in Menace: 

this one came in last years set and it is a lovely vampy color, the formula is comfortable and easy to apply. 

Fresh Sugar Berry: 

Super nourishing formula though it's very sheer so you don't grab this one for the color, it's all about the formula. 

Tarte LipSurgence lip tink in Moody: 

Moisturizing formula that applies very nicely but color is sheer. This is actually a nice berry especially if berries scare you a bit. 

OCC Lip Tar/Matt lin Black Dahlia: 

This is a formula that if sheered out is not scary at all, though it can go much darker and dramatic :) I chose an in between application, so know that it can go on a bit lighter and darker. The only thing that I don't like about the lip tars is that you need a brush and you need to be careful with applications so they are a bit high maintenance for me but great for a special occasion. For this reason I love that this is not a full size, last year there was a full size and I rarely pick it up. 

Sephora rouge infusion in 10 Red Essence: 

This is a nice red, the formula is actually comfortable and I am really liking the color on me. 

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick in Outlaw: 

This was the hardest one to remove so I am sure that it is long lasting. The color is vibrant and gorgeous.  

Laura Mercier lip colour in Red Amour: 

This is an easier application than any of the other reds. It is not as vibrant as the Kat Von D but it is still gorgeous. 

Hourglass liquid lipstick in Icon: 

This one was also in las-year's set and it is a really gorgeous color on me. It is also available for individual purchase ($10) at Sephora. 

Overall: 

This set is worth while. I did notice that we got less full-sizes than last year so that might annoy people. I never go through these so I am happy with the sizes and selection. There is a good variety of excellent brands and colors. 

Parting Thoughts: 

-Let me know if you have any questions and if you are planning on picking it up! 

-The holidays are still far away but holiday sets are here, so my wallet is going to be in some pain :/ 

September Ipsy bag

Howdy all,

I received my ipsy bag late last week and have spent the weekend playing with my goodies so that I could write first impression reviews. Spoiler alert: This is one of my favorite bags so far.

The goods: 

Sally Hansen Miracle gel nail polish in Redgy and the top coat

Cailyn Art Touch tinted Lip gloss in 09 Basic Instinct 

Be a Bombshell smooth criminal powder

Pacifica eyeliner in fringe 

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! deep conditioning mask 

The reviews 

I've been eyeing the Sally Hansen gel polishes fro a while and now I don't have to buy them to try them :) The color I got is perfect for my taste and I think it works as a good color as we transition into Fall. 

The Be a Bombshell powder works great as a setting/finishing powder and has actually done a great job of controlling my oils. It has been better than the powder I have been using. I am so impressed and while I won't need a new powder for a while, this is my go to right now. I want to add that I live in Southern California, where it is really hot and humid and this powder still held up. 

The Pacifica eyeliner takes some time to build up to the intensity that I like but it stays on all day without melting. This is extremely important to me and the fact that it is cruelty free, is a huge plus. 

The Briogeo hair mask is great! I actually bought the full size a couple of weeks ago and I am super happy to have a nice one to travel with :) 

The Cailyn lip gloss is the one product giving me the most trouble. The first time I tried it, I hated it. I just didn't like the consistency of it or the way it feathered. However the second time was not so bad and I just tried it yet again and it's not so horrible but still not something I think that I will be reaching for. 

Overall, I am very pleased with my bag!

Parting thoughts:

- What did you all get in your ipsy bags? How do you like them? 

- I hope everyone is having a great start to the week! 

- If you are going through a rough patch, remember that you are not alone and don't be afraid to lean on friends and family. 

xoxo Cynthia 

It Brushes for Ulta Review: Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush Set

Howdy all,

I was so excited when I saw that It Cosmetics was releasing a line of brushes for Ulta. Before this, I had two brushes, one that came in a set and one I purchased on its own. On every visit to Ulta, I love touching the It Cosmetics brushes, they are just so soft and gorgeous.

It Brushes for Ulta come in three different collections but they can be a bit pricy so I started out with a set: Your Beautiful Basics Airbrush 101 5 pc Getting Started Set 

The set is $58.00 at ulta.com and comes with:
-Airbrush Powder Brush
-Airbrush Foundation Brush
-Airbrush Concealer Brush
-Airbrush Shadow Brush
-Airbrush Crease Brush

The goods: 

You might notice that I actually got 2 shadow brushes and no crease brush. I would return it but I actually love the shadow brush so I'm going to keep it and maybe purchase a crease brush separately. 

The Review: 

I actually love these brushes. My two favorites are the shadow brush (of course) and the powder brush. You will notice that the powder brush looks like a bunny's tail :) and I have found it to be the perfect size for setting my under eyes and for placing setting powder all over my face. It is super soft and I've noticed helps prevent the cakey look that can happen. 

My second favorite brush is the shadow brush, which is perfect for outer corner shadow placement and for crease work. I really love it for both of these things, which is why I actually prefer having two of them. 

The foundation brush is good. I've used it with both liquid and powder foundations and it works great. I do wish that it were bigger and not as soft... yes I know this is weird. 

The concealer brush is really great as well, I usually use my Tarte concealer brush but this one is just as great at blending concealer in and making it look beautiful :) 

So over all, I think this is a great set! It is pricy but for me worth it because I have been using these brushes non stop for two weeks. One downside is the handle, the handle is not as expensive and luxurious as the handles on other It Cosmetic brushes. I have notices that this is the case with the It Brushes for Ulta sets. On the other hand you are not paying as much as you would if you bought them individually.  Finally, I want to add that these brushes as not indispensable but if you have the money they are worth it. 

** I purchased all products mentioned with my own money and all opinions are my own. None of the links provided are affiliate links. 

Parting Thoughts: 

-I bought a couple more brushes one from the Velvet Luxe line and one from the Live Beauty Fully Inspired Collection. Reviews to follow :) 

-Have you purchased any of the brushes? What do you think? 

-I hope everyone is having a great week!

September Olia Box

Howdy all,

This month my box arrived beyond early. I do live really close to the Olia headquarters so no special treatment just location, location, location! This is my favorite box so far so just some quick info.

Olia Box is a jewelry subscription box. You don't get to pick what you get but you do create a style profile and can choose to only get gold, silver, or rose gold.

The options:
$25 for 2-3 pieces
$35 for 3-4 pieces
$45 for 4-5 pieces

Check out their website for yourself  http://oliabox.com/

I have been ordering the $35 box :)

The goods: 

I got 2 necklaces and a pair of earrings! As you can see one of the necklaces is simple, classic and quite beautiful. The second is a statement piece in a great teal color with matching earrings. I love the simplicity of the first necklace and teal is going to look gorgeous on my tan skin :) 

I would absolutely recommend that you check out Olia Box and see if it is something you would be up for! 

** All items mentioned were purchased by me and all opinions expressed are my own. This is not a sponsored post. 

Parting Thoughts: 

- Friday is here! I hope everyone had a great week and 

- I am almost done with my summer teaching duties. I will get to sleep in but I am going to miss my students. They were one of the best groups I have ever had the pleasure of having. 

Makeup Geek Vegas Lights Collection

Howdy all,

I am so excited to tell you about the new Vegas Lights collection by Makeup Geek. I ended up ordering the entire collection: palette and 5 pigments. I wore all the shadows in the palette so I also have a look along with first impressions :)

The goods: 

Pigments in order of appearance: 

Nightlife 

Liquid Gold 

Jackpot 

Pokerface 

Vegas Lights 

The Swatches: 

I bring you the palette swatches, from top to bottom: 

Bada Bing

Desert Sands 

Mirage

Roulette

Sin City 

Cassino 

First Impressions: I had so much fun with these shadows. I an not sure that I would have picked all of these individually but I am so glad they come together. I do find desert sands to be a bit powdery but it's not too bad. They are all very pigmented and easy to blend. I really could not say enough good things about these. 

These are the pigment swatches, from top to bottom:

 Nightlife 

Liquid Gold 

Jackpot 

Pokerface 

Vegas Lights 

Holly molly are these pigmented. I am new to pigments and these don't come with sifters to I am getting pigment all over the place, lol. It is a bit annoying but I will get better with them. I have not played with these yet, but I will have a full review once I use them :) 

The look: 

Using the Vegas Lights palette I first primed by eyes with Urban Decay primer potion, and used Mac's paint pot in painterly as a cream base to cancel out the pigmentation on my lids. From the palette I first took Desert Sands and blended it into my crease, next i took Bada Bing into my outer corner and blended it into my crease about 1/3 to 1/2 of the way. I then placed Sin City on my lid and blended out the edges and blended the same shadow on top of my crease (making sure not to cover up Desert Sands). Next I used Mirage as a browbone highlight and placed Casino on the center of my lid. Finally, I placed Roulette on my lower lashline. 

I really liked the look that came out and I hope that some of you like it as well! You will have to let me know how YOU are using these shades and post your looks or links to them :)