Kate Gene
Member Since: January 13, 2010Reviews
NYX Professional Makeup Hot Singles Eyeshadow
I wear a smokey eye every day, regardless of what I'm doing. My best friend and I ran a 5K last year, and I showed up to the event with a fully done up face. (Minus falsies, of course! LOL!) Some think it's a bit much, but I have fun... +
I wear a smokey eye every day, regardless of what I'm doing. My best friend and I ran a 5K last year, and I showed up to the event with a fully done up face. (Minus falsies, of course! LOL!) Some think it's a bit much, but I have fun with it!
I really like NYX products. I only own a handful of eyeshadows from them, but I plan to get more. As many of you already know, NYX's shadows are, for the most part, smooth, easy to blend, and very pigmented. The only shadow out of this lot that gives me any grief is Frosted Ocean. I've never experienced such horrible fallout in my life! That said, it's a very pretty color - regardless of where it lands on my face. Ha!
NYX eyeshadow can be found online and at limited locations, such as Ulta. My favorite website to order from is www.cherryculture.com as they often have great sales. Make sure you snag a few the next time you come across them; they are worth every penny!
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NYC Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder
A few months ago, I purchased the mega-hyped N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder (720A/Sunny) at my local Ulta. One thing a lot of people complain about is the fact it's difficult to find a natural looking bronzer without shimmer or... +
A few months ago, I purchased the mega-hyped N.Y.C. Smooth Skin Bronzing Face Powder (720A/Sunny) at my local Ulta.
One thing a lot of people complain about is the fact it's difficult to find a natural looking bronzer without shimmer or sparkles. I, for one, don't mind getting my Edward Cullen sparkle on. (However, I prefer keeping my shirt on when glittering in the sunlight, unlike my favorite vampire.)
Having said that, matte bronzer is better for contouring. It also seems more winter-friendly, if that makes sense.
Here is my pros and cons list:
Pros: matte, natural color, doesn't break my extremely sensitive skin out, dirt cheap at $2.99
Cons: no hinge on the compact, takes a bit of elbow grease to build up the color
Would I re-purchase this? Yep, but I'm still going to try out other matte bronzers in the meantime. Any suggestions?
Have a great day, y'all!
[Edward Cullen photo courtesy of: www.sigmatwiomega.files.wordpress.com]
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Clarisonic Mia
After hearing YouTubers and Bloggers rave about the Clairsonic, I entered a contest to win one. Skin care is important, but $149.00 is a bit steep for someone cheap like me. (No, not cheap like yo momma. Cheap as in, I refuse to spend a lot... +
After hearing YouTubers and Bloggers rave about the Clairsonic, I entered a contest to win one. Skin care is important, but $149.00 is a bit steep for someone cheap like me. (No, not cheap like yo momma. Cheap as in, I refuse to spend a lot. Ha!) I lost the contest, but my awesome in-laws kindly surprised me with one on Christmas Eve. I was so excited!
As soon as my adorable husband and I got home that night, I brushed my teeth and got ready to "brush my face". LOL! Initially, I wasn't that impressed. I didn't think the Clairsonic got my face any more clean than traditional washing did, and hated how it felt when used on my nose. The vibrations from the brush tickled and made me feel like I had to sneeze.
But now? I love it! I still dislike how it feels on my nose, but I'm getting used to it. I use the Clairsonic every night with my Proactiv cleanser and have been very pleased with my results. (The Clairsonic wash that comes with the brush is nice, but nothing to write home about.)
Just the other day, my husband complimented me on my "glowing skin". Pictured above is my five-head sans lotion and make-up!
I definitely recommend this product. Unfortunately, as I stated before, it's expensive. If I hadn't received the Clairsonic as a gift, I highly doubt I would have picked one up on my own. My buddy, Nee, made a video that shows you how to exfoliate without breaking the bank. Her trick is a great alternative and definitely worth checking out! (Here is the link to her tutorial: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVf1tZrqfok)
Happy exfoliating! :)
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Buxom Full-On Plumping Lip Cream
Over the summer, one of my sisters sweetly surprised me with a tube of Buxom Lip Polish in "Claire", a pretty mauve color with tiny sparkles. I've been hooked ever since. Buxom Lip Polishes are extremely moisturizing, shiny, and have great... +
Over the summer, one of my sisters sweetly surprised me with a tube of Buxom Lip Polish in "Claire", a pretty mauve color with tiny sparkles. I've been hooked ever since. Buxom Lip Polishes are extremely moisturizing, shiny, and have great staying power. Unlike some glosses, these aren't sticky or tacky.
When I started running low, I tried the Michelle Phan gloss saving trick. (Check it out if you haven't seen it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poBgTkYsUvl) Sadly, there was so little to salvage that I decided to toss it. I replaced "Claire" with "Katie". Before you start thinking I'm narcissistic, know that I picked this gloss simply because I liked the color. Okay, and maaaaybe because of the name. LOL!
"Katie" is a shimmery, milky pink that is perfect to layer over lipstick. I wouldn't wear it on its own as it's very sheer. As far as plumping goes, the gloss has a cooling effect when applied and gives my lips a subtle boost.
Check out my before and after pictures. In the before photo, I have no products on my pout. The after photo proves that the gloss truly has plumping power! ;)
xoxo
[Angelina Jolie photo courtesy of: www.babble.com]
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Sally Hansen Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit for Face, Brows, and Bikini
Frida Kahlo, a world-renowned Mexican painter, was known for her vibrantly colored self-portraits that depicted her pain and suffering. She was also notorious for her unconventional appearance. The late artist proudly rocked flamboyant clothing... +
Frida Kahlo, a world-renowned Mexican painter, was known for her vibrantly colored self-portraits that depicted her pain and suffering. She was also notorious for her unconventional appearance. The late artist proudly rocked flamboyant clothing and... a unibrow and mustache. Now, I'm not normally a fan of facial hair on women, but Frida worked it! You've gotta love the gal for being herself!
I don't have a lot of facial hair, but I do like to keep things in check by using tweezers and Sally Hansen's Hair Remover Wax Strip Kit. The kit is inexpensive and easy to use. You just warm the strips between your hands, peel them apart, stick 'em where you need 'em, and tear them off. Included in the box is a small container of azulene oil, which helps soothe freshly waxed skin and gets rid of any sticky residue left behind from the wax strip.
They really work! As you can see, in my before picture, I resemble an old Asian man/Captain Hook. In my after photograph, I resemble a freshly waxed old Asian man/Captain Hook. Ha ha!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
xoxo
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