Category: Makeup

Products I’ve Used Up #3

Happy Sunday! It’s time for another round of products I’ve used up where I share mini reviews about all of the different products I’ve used the last couple months. I actually finished these products up a few weeks ago, but am just now getting around to posting this entry. That means another one is probably not too far behind. Nonetheless, let me share my empties with you!

 

NAIL CARE

Nail Care Empties

  • CVS Strengthening Polish Remover – I am always going through nail polish remover! This is the purple formula that you can find at the drugstore. It was alright, but I’ll be going back to normal acetone. That stuff really works!
  • Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear in Rockstar Pink – I went to use one of my all-time favorite nail polishes just to discover it was all dried up! What a bummer! I used this so much during my senior year of college that my suitemates knew it was my signature polish. At some point I’ll be repurchasing this. [BUY]

HAIR CARE

Hair Care Empties

  • L’Oreal Triple Resist Reinforcing Shampoo – I really love this line from L’Oreal. It’s super affordable, and my hair reacts well to it. If you are looking for a good shampoo from the drugstore, I highly recommend this line.
  • Macadamia Healing Oil Treatment – If you’ve been reading Adventures in Polishland for a while, you know I love this hair oil! I’ve repurchased it again, so I’m currently working on my third bottle. I know this is expensive, so I always buy it when I get a percent off coupon from CVS! [BUY]

MAKEUP AND MAKEUP REMOVER

Makeup Empties

  • Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/Medium – I absolutely love this eyebrow gel! It fills in your brows while keeping them groomed. I used it on days where I wanted just a bit of color on my brows. I wish it wasn’t so expensive or I would repurchase it for sure. [BUY]
  • Urban Decay De Slick Setting Spray – You can tell it took me a long time to use up my De Slick setting spray because this is the old packaging! It lasted me nearly a year, and I’ve already repurchased the All Nighter version. I definitely recommend these setting sprays! [BUY]
  • Simple Cleansing Wipes – I haven’t been using makeup remover wipes as much, but I did go through another pack of Simple wipes. They’re not my favorite, but they get the job done! [BUY]
  • Almay Lash Care Eye Makeup Remover Pads – I loved these pads! They do an excellent job of removing that stubborn mascara, and they’re very gentle. I would definitely consider repurchasing these in the future. [BUY] 

SKINCARE 

Skincare Empties

  • Bioré Deep Cleansing Pore Strips – These strips are amazing! I try to use them once per week to clean out my pores. I do recommend them, but read all of the instructions before use so you don’t damage your skin. I’m working on a new box now! [BUY]
  • Olay Fresh Effects Shine, Shine Go Away Cleanser – I got this free sample of this cleanser and I did like it, but wasn’t amazed by it. I didn’t see a huge difference in my skin when I used it, so I don’t think I’ll repurchase it. I do like the other products in the Olay Fresh Effects line, though! [BUY]

BODY CARE

Body Care Empties

  • CVS Hand Sanitizer – I always keep a small hand sanitizer in my purse or school bag. You never know when you’re going to need to clean your hands on the go!
  • Bath & Bodyworks Hand Sanitizer in Mango Paradise – I also used up the sanitizer that lives on my desk! I got this last year for free with a coupon at Bath & Bodyworks. It did smell nice, but I prefer unscented sanitizer. For that reason, I’m not going to repurchase it.
  • Lady Gage Fame Perfume Sample – I absolutely love Lady Gaga’s perfume! It smells amazing, and I’ve used up all the samples of it that I’ve gotten with Sephora orders. At some point I’ll probably purchase the full size. I highly recommend it! [BUY]
  • Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Body Wash – I splurged on some Philosophy body wash a few months ago, and I’m glad I did! This one smells just like vanilla cake, and is a great treat. I would get it again during a sale event, but it’s a little expensive for every day. [BUY]
  • Dove Go Fresh Deodorant in Revive – I’ve used Dove deodorants for a long time since they are affordable and worked well for me. However, I think my body has become used to it, so I’m on the hunt for a great new deodorant. Let me know your favorite in the comments! [BUY]

And those are all of my empties for my third Products I’ve Used Up post! Please let me know what products you’ve recently used up that you are going to repurchase in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

NYC New York Color Expert Last Lipstick in Forever Fuchsia

Happy Tuesday! Today I have a quick review of the NYC Expert Last Lipstick from my Influenster Uni VoxBox (see my unboxing HERE). I’ve never tried a lip product from NYC before, but I love the brand’s nail polish and blush. Let me go ahead and show you Forever Fuchsia!

NYC Expert Last Lipstick in Forever Fuchsia
NYC Expert Last Lipstick in Forever Fuchsia

As you can see, Forever Fuchsia is a bright pink lipstick. Here is the blurb in NYC’s advertisement describing the product:

Ready to take your lips to the next level? Try our NEW Expert Last Lip Color in twenty tantalizing shades. Get intense amplified color and shine that lasts up to 6 hours! Our moisturizing formula glides of easily for a silky, smooth, velvety finish for all day wear.

NYC Expert Last Lipstick in Forever Fuchsia
NYC Expert Last Lipstick in Forever Fuchsia

I swatched Forever Fuchsia both on my arm and on my lips so you can see the color. I do love how opaque this lipstick is, and the fruit punch scent. However, it clung to the dry patches on my lips, and did not leave a smooth, velvety finish. Forever Fuchsia did feel moisturizing, but I definitely recommend using a lip scrub before applying it as any imperfections will show up quite visibly. As for the color, the bright pink is a bit much for me personally, but if you love bold lips this is the shade for you!

All in all, I would give this lipstick a 3 out of 5 stars. It’s affordable at just $1.99 at drugstores, but does not have the advertised finish. I would definitely consider testing out other shades from this line to see how they compare. Let me know your thoughts on the NYC Expert Last line in the comments!

This product was provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream | Review & Coupon Code

Happy Wednesday! It’s time for another makeup review here at Adventures in Polishland. I got the opportunity to test out Studio Gear Cosmetics’s new Hydrating CC Cream, and can’t wait to share my experience with all of you. As you may know, I love keeping things more natural when it comes to my makeup, so CC creams are the perfect choice for light coverage. Let me tell you more about this product, and share my experience with you!

Studio Gear Hydrating CC Cream | Review & Coupon Code

The Studio Gear CC Cream is designed to fight aging, retain moisture, and cover and treat blemishes all in one non-oily formula. It is also SPF 20, and is infused with Hydra-Extend technology that provides up to 72 hours of continuos hydration. With all of these amazing qualities, it almost sounds too good to be true! Plus, this CC Cream has a unique formula that you have to see to believe.

Studio Gear CC Cream
At first, the CC Cream appears white, but look closely and you’ll see encapsulated pigments!
Studio Gear CC Cream
As I begin to blend out the cream, the pigment appears. How cool is that?!
Studio Gear CC Cream
Finally, the CC Cream is blended out and gives my skin a beautiful & healthy glow that will adapt to my skin tone in minutes.

I experimented with this CC Cream, and found that my favorite way to wear it is over a primer and applied with my fingers. Because I tend to get oily throughout the day, I set the cream with some pressed powder. The result is an almost airbrushed look that lasts all day! I am really impressed with this CC Cream! It is lightweight and I definitely don’t feel like I’m wearing a full face of foundation, but I still get the benefits of a fine-tuned complexion. The only drawback with this product is that it only comes in three shades (I am using Linen, the lightest shade). Luckily, it does adjust to my skin tone quite well, but I think in the winter months I would need just a shade lighter.

Other than that, I am loving this product! It truly is hydrating, and does not cling to dry patches. If you suffer from dry skin, this is definitely a great CC Cream for you! It also does a great job of giving my skin a glowy quality while not looking shiny. I am definitely making this my go-to foundation in the summer months!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Studio Gear Cosmetics Hydrating CC Cream on the brand’s website HERE. The 1oz tube retails for $34, but you can save 10% off of your entire order with coupon code bloggercc at checkout. I really like this CC Cream, and think you will, too! Please let me know if you’ve tried any products from Studio Gear Cosmetics in the comments!

The product in this post was provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Influenster Uni VoxBox Unboxing

Happy Saturday! Today I have a box of goodies from the website Influenster to share with all of you. Influenster is a free website that anyone can join. Once you create a profile and interact with the site a bit, you become eligible to get free products to test out. I was recently sent the Uni VoxBox. This box is filled with products geared toward college students. It contains a mix of beauty and lifestyle items, so I thought I would share it with all of you!

Influenster Uni VoxBox Unboxing | Adventures in PolishlandI was pretty excited with the size of the box! I knew there had to be some fun goodies in there!

Uni VoxBox Beauty ProductsFirst up are the beauty products! From the left to right, the products are:

Uni VoxBox Lifestyle ProductsThe Uni VoxBox also had a few lifestyle products inside.

  • Red Rose REAL TEA Premium Water Enhancer in Black Tea – $4.49 – I love iced tea in the warmer months, so this water enhancer might be a great way to make my own on the go! I’m a bit disappointed that this does contain preservatives, but I’ll still test it out for sure!
  • Playtex Sport Fresh Balance Tampons – $4.99 – I was super surprised to find a full size box of tampons in here! Feminine care products tend to be more expensive, especially for a college student.
  • Pilot Acroball PureWhite Pen – $1.53 – I can always use a good pen! I’ve been hearing about this line a lot recently, so I wonder what the hype is. I’ll have to find out!

I’m really excited about the Uni VoxBox! It contains over $25 worth of products! I will definitely post a review of the imPRESS nails, but if you want to learn more about any of these products, please let me know in the comments! If you would like an invitation to join Influenster, please send me your email address.

The products in this post were provided for my unbiased review. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

Whiplash Eyelash Curler Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Happy Tuesday! Today I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the Whiplash Eyelash Curler. I’ve actually never used an eyelash curler before, so I was nervous and excited to test out Whiplash. I luckily have naturally curled eyelashes (in fact, sometimes people ask me whether or not I’ve curled my lashes!), so I just never picked up a curler. When I had the opportunity to review Whiplash, I thought it would be fun to test it out. Let me tell you a bit more about the product, and show you the results!

ABOUT WHIPLASH

Whiplash Eyelash Curler Review | Adventures in Polishland Whiplash Eyelash Curler

Whiplash Refill PadsHow cute is the Whiplash?! I love the box it comes in, and the pink detailing on the curler itself. Each Whiplash curler comes with five extra cushion pads, so you can replace the pad when you notice any wear. Here is what Whiplash has to say about the curler (I think it’s helpful to read the exact claims!):

“NEVER WEAR FAKE LASHES AGAIN! Get Dramatic Natural Looking Lashes In Seconds!

Designed with precision in mind, Whiplash increases the natural curl of eyelashes by 80%. It captures every lash to create dramatic, fully curled lashes that will stay curled all day long. Each Whiplash curler comes with 5 refill non slip cushion pads, which will prolong the life of the curler.

Features of Whiplash include:

– Ergonomic handle provides for full control and ease of use 
– Captures each lash for fully lifted lashes 
– Designed for all eye shapes and sizes 
– Create dramatic lashes that last all day 
– Closure latch makes it perfect for traveling”

MY EXPERIENCE

Whiplash Eyelash Curler The first thing I noticed with Whiplash, is that it is really easy to hold. Having a steady grip is important when sticking something so close to your eye! Next, it was time to test it out!

Before using WhiplashWhiplash Eyelash Curler Results

To use the Whiplash, bring it up to your eyelid, as close to the roots of your eyelashes as possible. Gently press the curler together and hold for five to ten seconds. Repeat, and you’re done! Make sure to only use the Whiplash on clean eyelashes – put your mascara on after curling!

I used the Whiplash every day for about a week, and my results were consistent. I didn’t notice a huge change in the curl of my lashes, but I did notice that the Whiplash helped to spread out my lashes and give them a fuller look. As you can see in the photo above, the curled lash has more of a falsies effect, while the uncurled lash appears thinner and more scattered. I’m definitely pleased with the results! I don’t need a lot of extra curl, but I do like the polished look I get when I use the curler. I wouldn’t reach for it on a daily basis, but when I want a bit more va-va-voom it is the perfect choice. Plus, I think it is great for those of you who don’t have naturally curled eyelashes! I definitely recommend it!

WHERE TO BUY

You can purchase the Whiplash Eyelash Curler for $29 on the Crave Naturals website HERE or on Amazon HERE. As I write this, the curler is on sale for just $14.88 on Amazon – an amazing steal! While the curler is a bit more than what you would pay at the drugstore, I think the value is amazing due to the Whiplash’s great quality, and because you get the five refill pads. Plus, the pink color is just adorable!

Do you use an eyelash curler on a regular basis? Let me know in the comments!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wet ‘n Wild Limited Edition “Walking the Red Carpet” Eyeshadow Palette Review

Happy Saturday! I’ve been wanting to try out the Wet ‘n Wild Color Icon eyeshadows for a long time now. Despite the affordable price tag, they have a great reputation in the beauty community. I spotted a limited edition display at my local Duane Reade last week, so I picked up the palette in Walking the Red Carpet. At only $5.49, I knew I had to grab it!

Wet 'n Wild Walking the Red Carpet Palette Wet 'n Wild Walking the Red Carpet PaletteWalking the Red Carpet comes with eight neutral eyeshadows. I love that the palette is labeled, so that makeup newbies like myself have some guidance in applying the shadow. The shadows on the left create more of an every day look, while those on the right are definitely a bit fancier and perfect for a night out.

Let’s take a closer look at the shadows and at some swatches! I’ve numbered the shadows and swatches so you can see how they match up.

Wet 'n Wild Walking the Red Carpet Palette

Wet 'n Wild Walking the Red Carpet Palette SwatchesI swatched all of the shadows over my Manna Kadar Eye Primer so the colors would show up on camera (feel free to click on the photo above for a close-up of the shadows). I typically prime my eyes if I’m wearing eyeshadow, but you can still get a great look without primer as the shadows in this palette are nicely pigmented. The two browbone shades (1 and 5) are very light, but show up as a faint highlight. All of the shadows have a shimmer formula, and shadows 6 and 8 have some glitter mixed in as well. The shadows feel nice and buttery, and I only experienced fall out with shade 6. I’m impressed with how nicely they apply and wear!

If you’re looking for a great neutral palette at the drugstore, I definitely recommend Wet ‘n Wild’s Walking the Red Carpet. Make sure you visit the drugstore right away, as these limited edition palettes are flying off the shelves! If you would like to see a full makeup look featuring these shadows, please let me know in the comments! Also let me know what other Wet ‘n Wild products you love!

Drugstore Foundation Review: Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse

Happy Wednesday! Today I have a review of the brand new Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. I’ve been using the Stay Matte Pressed Powder for years now, so when I saw that Rimmel expanded the Stay Matte line I had to try it out. Since I have combination skin that gets oily throughout the day, I hoped this new foundation would help control that shine and keep me fresh faced all day long. Let me share my thoughts on this foundation with you!

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation Review

The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation comes in a squeeze tube at the standard foundation size of 1oz. There are eight shades in the line, and I got shade 091 Light Ivory. This foundation is advertised to be lightweight and control shine, as well as blend flawlessly for a natural look. It retails for around $5.49 at drugstores (I got mine at Duane Reade!).

Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation – Formula
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation – Blended Out

As for the formula, I find it to be a bit on the thick side. It’s definitely a heavier consistency than I expected, but it blends out flawlessly. I’ve tried it both with and without primer, and I do prefer to use a primer just to have a smooth and flawless base. To apply the foundation, I use a damp BeautyBlender, which works perfectly! This is definitely a full coverage foundation, but it does not feel heavy on this skin. No cake face here!

The Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation also has an amazing wear time! I’ve tested this for about two weeks now, and when I get home after an eight to ten hour day, my skin still looks great. While I do get a bit shiny without any touch ups or oil absorbing sheets, I see a huge improvement when I use this foundation. It is definitely one of my new favorites!

All in all, I am really impressed with the new Rimmel Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. It is so affordable, and my skin loves it! I highly recommend it, and now want to try the other new products in the Stay Matte line. Let in me know in the comments if you’ve tried the Stay Matte BB Cream or Primer!

Products I’ve Used Up #2

Happy Monday! It’s time for another “empties” post here at Adventures in Polishland. I think these posts are a great opportunity to learn about a lot of products in a short amount of time. Plus, they serve as a personal reminder since I can always look back and see which products I would repurchase in the future. Let’s get right into all of the products I’ve used up!

HAIR CAREProducts I've Used Up

  • L’Oreal Paris Triple Resist Reinforcing Conditioner – I’ve been using this L’Oreal system for a while now, and I really like it. My hair seemed to strengthen a bit, and I have no complaints! Plus, this line is really affordable. With sales and coupons, I can find this for around $2-3! [BUY at the drugstore]
  • Not Your Mother’s Beat the Heat Thermal Styling Shield Spray – I picked up this heat protectant last year, and it lasted forever! This protectant was just okay. It worked to protect my hair, but it left my hair crunchy and has a weird smell. Despite it being an affordable $5.99, I don’t think I would repurchase it again. [BUY]

NAIL CARE

Products I've Used Up

  • CVS Strengthening Polish Remover – This used to be my go to nail polish remover, and I snagged a couple bottles a few months back during a clearance event for just $0.55! After using pure acetone and the Julep remover, this just doesn’t cut it for me anymore. It’s good, but not the best. [BUY at CVS]
  • Julep Acetone Free Condition Nail Polish Remover – This is my all time favorite polish remover! It works really well, plus it leaves my nails feeling healthy and it doesn’t have a strong smell. Unfortunately, it is a tad expensive. I would totally buy this in large quantities if Julep had that option! I highly recommend this! [BUY]

SKINCARE 

Products I've Used Up

  • Clean & Clear Foaming Facial Cleanser for Sensitive Skin – This is another product that lasted me a very long time. It’s a great cleanser for sensitive skin, and I used it whenever I wanted a gentle cleansing. I would repurchase it again in the future for sure. [BUY] 
  • Michael Todd Jojoba Charcoal Facial Scrub – I got this scrub in an Ipsy bag a few months back, and I am in love. This is the best scrub I’ve ever used! My skin always felt so clear and healthy after I used it. Although it is a bit on the expensive side, I will definitely be repurchasing it after I run out of the scrub I’m using now. It is seriously worth it! [BUY]
  • Gold Bond Ultimate Skin Therapy Cream – I talked about this moisturizer in my December Favorites, and it made that list for a reason! This is a great lotion, and I would definitely repurchase it at some point. Read more about it HERE. [BUY]

Products I've Used Up

  • Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes – I really do like these makeup wipes, and I am working my way through a few packs that my Mom got me for Christmas (thanks, Mom!). You can see all of my thoughts on these wipes HERE. Make sure to grab them during sale events, or shop on Amazon for a great price! [BUY]
  • Tatcha Aburatorigami Beauty Papers – I got these blotting papers in a PopSugar box, and was happy to try them out. Unfortunately, these were a flop for me. The blotting papers from the drugstore work much better than these high end ones for a much lower price. I wouldn’t repurchase them. [BUY]

MAKEUP

Products I've Used Up

  • Too Faced Primed & Poreless – I’ve talked about this primer many times on Adventures in Polishland, so I won’t go on forever! This is my first bottle, and it lasted me several months so it is a good investment product. You can see my full review HERE. [BUY]
  • Revlon Lash Potion by Grow Luscious in Blackened Brown – This mascara was good, but not my favorite. I did like it on days where I wanted natural looking lashes, and I applied it with short and fast strokes. This did clump up rather quickly, but I’ve heard others have really liked it. I’m not sure I would repurchase it, but it’s not a bad product! [BUY]
  • Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder in Transluscent – I love this powder, and have repurchased it several times! With coupons and sale events at the drugstore, I get this powder for next to nothing. Plus, it’s a great quality product. I wish I was able to make use of the residual product still left in the container, but at such an affordable price, I don’t feel bad throwing it out as is. [BUY at drugstores]

SAMPLES

Products I've Used Up

  • REN Hydra-Calm Global Protection Day Cream – I got this as a free sample with a Sephora order, and loved it! It has a bit of an odor, but works so well to moisturize my skin. I considered purchasing the full size, but when I saw it was $45 I had to say no! If you have room for this in your budget, it’s a great product! [BUY]
  • Taylor Swift Enchanted Wonderstruck Perfume – I may not be a Taylor Swift fan, but I’m a huge supporter of this perfume! I loved this so much I asked for a full size for Christmas. I love the fruity yet musky scent. Plus, you can get a great price by purchasing this on Amazon instead of a department store! [BUY]
  • Versace Bright Crystal Perfume – I also loved this perfume sample by Versace. It smelled expensive! It also has a great mix of sweet and sultry scents together. I would consider getting the full size if it were more affordable. [BUY]
  • Benefit It’s Potent! Eye Cream – Finally, I got this eye cream in a Birchbox, and really liked it. It really is potent, so make sure to be careful when applying it so the cream doesn’t go in your eye. I’m using another eye cream now, but I would definitely consider purchasing the full size in the future. [BUY]

Phew! That is a lot of empties this time around! I hope you liked hearing more about these products. I always feel a bit accomplished when I finish up a product, since it makes me feel like I got my money’s worth. Do you agree? Let me know if you’ve tried out any of these products in the comments!

This post contains affiliate links. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Dare to Compare: Maybelline Baby Skin vs Too Faced Primed & Poreless

Too Faced Primed & Poreless vs Maybelline Baby Skin

Happy Friday! I was so excited when I saw that Maybelline released the new Baby Skin Instant Pore Eraser, and knew I just had to pick it up. If you’ve been following my blog for a while, you’ll know that I just love Baby Lips, so my fingers were crossed that Baby Skin would be just as great. After trying it out, I couldn’t believe how much I liked it, and how similar it is to the Too Faced Primed & Poreless primer that I use every day. Today’s post is going to compare these two primers, and see which one is the best option.

 

 

MAYBELLINE BABY SKIN

Maybelline Baby Skin

Price: $6.99 (or $10.43 per oz) [BUY]

TOO FACED PRIMED & PORELESS

Too Faced Primed & PorelessPrice: $30 [BUY]

SIDE BY SIDE

Baby Skin vs Primed & PorelessAs you can see from the swatches, the main difference between Baby Skin and Primed & Poreless is the formula. Baby Skin has a clear gel formula, and Primed & Poreless starts out as a nude tone with an almost lotion-like formula that becomes invisible once applied to the skin. Baby Skin is a bit thicker in consistency, but after application both are extremely similar. Are you ready for the results?

Baby Skin vs Primed & PorelessVoila! I seriously cannot tell the difference between these two primers! Once applied they both have the same exact smoothing effect on the skin, and both are amazing primers to wear under foundation. I find that both Baby Skin and Primed & Poreless last just as long throughout the day, and my foundation glides over each with ease during application. The only real difference in wear between the two is that Primed & Poreless is definitely better on its own than Baby Skin. Thus, if you’re looking for a primer that you can wear alone on no makeup days, I would recommend Primed & Poreless. Otherwise, Baby Skin is just as amazing as the high end primer I’ve spent a lot of money on!

All in all, I’m so glad I’ve discovered Baby Skin! I still love my Primed & Poreless, but will definitely be reaching for Baby Skin on days that I’m wearing makeup. Thanks to Maybelline for creating an affordable primer at the drugstore! I will be sure to stock up during sale events. Let me know in the comments what your favorite face primer is, and if you’ve tried Baby Skin yet!

This post contains an affiliate link. All opinions are my own. See my Disclosure Policy for more information. 

 

Let Your Natural Beauty Shine in 2014 with L’Oreal Products! #WalgreensBeauty

CB Disclosure White Background 600 px wide

Happy Sunday! Today I am excited to share with you some great products from L’Oreal that are all new to me. Adventures in Polishland is all about being fabulous and affordable, and everything in this post sure fits that description. I headed to Walgreens to check out the L’Oreal section, and got some great deals along the way. I had my eye on the brand new Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, and of course picked up some other goodies as well. Let me show you the makeup and nail looks I created, to share how to be beautiful in 2014!

Let Your Natural Beauty Shine in 2014 with L'Oreal Products! WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias

MAKEUP TUTORIAL

My first aim was to create a new makeup look that let my natural beauty shine. If you’ve followed my blog for a while, you know that while I love trying out new makeup trends, I typically stick to the basics. If you’re looking for a more natural look in the new year, here are a few makeup tips I have for you!

STEP 1 – A FLAWLESS COMPLEXION

L'Oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias
L'Oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder Swatch #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias

L’Oreal Paris Magic Nude Liquid Powder – 312 Classic Ivory – $12.99

I always like to use some sort of foundation just to ensure my skin is looking clear and even. I’ve been intrigued with the concept of the Magic Nude Liquid Powder since it was first released, and just had to try it! This foundation goes on like a liquid and dries to a powder finish. Just shake the bottle, tap a few drops into your hand, and rub it onto your face like a lotion. I was skeptical, but it works! I get a gorgeous, natural finish that lasts all day! I’m so impressed with this foundation, and highly recommend it.

STEP 2 – AWESOME EYELASHES

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias
I found the Voluminous Butterfly Mascara right away! My store had a lot in stock!

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias 
#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias

L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Mascara – Blackest Black – $8.99

L’Oreal just released the Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, and as soon as I saw the unique applicator I couldn’t wait to give it a try. I rarely like a mascara upon the first use, but I am blown away with this one! Not only does it grab onto each lash to separate and lengthen, but it truly curls the lashes into a beautiful, winged out look. The formula is great, and I experienced no clumping whatsoever. I also like that this mascara is ophthalmologist tested, and safe for even those with sensitive eyes. I’ve definitely found my new favorite mascara!

STEP 3 – LUSCIOUS LIPS

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias

L’Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour – 174 Rose Taffeta – $9.99

The last step in this makeup look is a bit of lipstick. Despite what other makeup you may (or may not) be wearing, lip color can really change up your look completely. I grabbed a nice pink shade that isn’t too bright to ensure my lips would look polished yet still natural. I’m loving Rose Taffeta! The formula is moisturizing and easy to apply. Plus, the shade is quite wearable.

COMPLETED MAKEUP LOOK

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbiasMANICURE

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbiasOf course, I had to pick up a couple L’Oreal nail polishes at Walgreens, too. I spotted the limited edition The Magic Top Coats display, and grabbed The Holographic. Then I headed to the permanent display to pick up a color to go with my new top coat.

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbiasI began with L’Oreal in Paparazzi Pleaser, a purple creme polish that has a hint of blue to create a dustier shade. I applied three coats for the look in the photos, and I’m loving this color for winter. It’s not too “out there,” but it’s different than a neutral or pink. Paparazzi Pleaser also pleases Adventures in Polishland!

#WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbias #WalgreensBeauty #shop #cbiasTo complete the look, I applied two coats of The Holographic, a flakie top coat. I have never worked with a flakie before, but it is quite like a glitter top coat, just with flakes of holographic leaf in place of glitters. I was surprised with how chunky The Holographic is, but it definitely looks neat. I had a difficult time capturing just how holographic my nails look in person, but the last picture gives you an idea of the reflective shine. It’s really cool!

L’OREAL PARIS BUTTERFLY MASCARA LAUNCH EVENT

Join L’Oreal and Walgreens on Wednesday, January 15 at the Walgreens in Times Square from 11:00am–3:00pm! Get an eye makeover in-store, and pick up the new mascara! This is sure to be a fun experience, and I just know you’ll love the mascara!

GIVEAWAY

Last but not least, L’Oreal is also providing one of you with the Voluminous Butterfly Mascara! Please enter using the Rafflecopter below, and ensure you read all of the Terms & Conditions written in the widget.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway