Quick Review: Too Faced Peanut Butter and Jelly Eyeshadow Palette!

As many of you know by now, I started working with Too Faced Cosmetics in February.  I adore the company and everything they stand for, and I am very happy to be on the team!  I picked up the new Chocolate Bonbons palette, and planned to be on a no-buy for a while.  That didn't last when I walked into my Northgate store and saw how gorgeous the Peanut Butter and Jelly palette was in person.  I had to have it.  I expected to not like it much since I can't usually do warm browns, but something about this palette was different.

Too Faced Peanut Butter & Jelly Palette; $36 for 9 eyeshadows

The warm browns almost have a copper toned element that makes them look great with my eye color.  I have hazel eyes, and I struggled to decide if the palettes colors make them pull more green or brown.  Ultimately, I think it depends on which colors I wear, but I feel like they typically pull more green with this palette.

I am wearing over half of the palette in this look.

Overall, the palette is everything I expect from Too Faced.  The eyeshadows are smooth and silky and blend easily.  The textures are nice and easy to work with.  Even the more glittery shades were fun to work with, and I was able to easily avoid fallout.  Basically, you could say this is a "no ragrets" kind of buy.  Honestly, my only regret is that when I wear it into stores, they're usually sold out of it!

Makeup Rules For Anyone New to Makeup

When I say new to makeup, I meant anything from the twelve year old who's school allows visible makeup this year, to the thirty year old who has never worn makeup but is interested in learning.  You can learn how to apply makeup at any age, and you are never too old.  The thing that shocks me is not how many grown women don't know how to apply makeup, but how many of them are embarassed to ask.  Applying makeup is not some inherit skill that you were born with (unless you actually are a makeup artist by trade; and even some of the people that do makeup had to learn it, it didn't come naturally).  It's not like learning to walk or remembering to eat.  It's something you learn, and if no one ever shows you, you may not know how.

I spend a lot of time teaching people about makeup.  Whether s/he is brand new to makeup, or just struggling to get her eyeliner to stay on like how it seems to stay on everyone else, I really have seen almost everything.  I've taught transgendered girls how to make their faces more feminine, and I've taught forty year old women how to look pretty and polished before re-entering the dating world or starting a new career.  I will rarely say that there are rules in makeup, but if there are, these are five things I would tell you to follow.

FOTD: Inspired by Lady Gaga's FAME fragrance!

Today at Sephora we all dressed up with Lady Gaga inspired looks.  I pulled various pieces of looks I like dating all the way back to the Fame days (2008), mostly because I'm a hopeless fangirl, but also because that is the name of the fragrance.

Jillian (my lovely co-worker) chose a more subdued Gaga look, whereas I went for gold leaf, black "scales", black lips and as close to riglets as I could get in my hair in about five minutes flat.

Here is a better look of the detailing, though my hair & lips were not finished.  I used a lot of eyeshadow in this look, including Urban Decay's Blunt and Half Baked, as well as Wet N Wild's matte black.  It looked a LOT more dramatic in person, but unfortunately photos aren't doing it justice.  =[

Also, how do I like the Lady Gaga fragrance?  It smells TERRIBLE on me, but fantastic on pretty much everyone else (which is totally normal).  It's almost like a more sophisticated Justin Bieber fragrance, but in the best possible way.

FOTD: Back in the swing of things with Detrivore!

So after not wearing makeup for about four days, I'm back!  Here's a look I did today with my newly acquired Detrivore Cosmetics eyeshadows.  There are only two eyeshadows in this look, but do to the darker colors properties, it looks like three or more.

Skincare:
Dr. Brandts Dark Spots No More Serum [V, CF]
Sephora Collection Instant Depuffing Roll-On Gel [CF*]
Philosophy Take a Deep Breath Gel Hydrator [V, CF]
Smashbox Photo Finish More Than Primer Dark Spot Correcting



Face:
Urban Decay Naked Foundation in Shade 2.0 [V, CF]
MAC Studio Finish Concealer
BareMinerals Ready Bronzer in the High Dive
Buxom True Hue Blush in Euphoria
Maribella Permanent Eyeliner in Black (brows)

Eyes:
Korres Quercetin & Oak Anti-Aging Eye Primer
Detrivore Cosmetics pigment in Ghost [V, CF]
Detrivore Cosmetics pigment in Plague [V, CF]
Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in Zero [V, CF]
MAC Eye Kohl in Fascinating
Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara

Lips:
Buxom gloss in Celeste (I think...)

Color Vegan List for Sephora Kenwood #258!

Hey guys, this list only applies to my store in the sense that other stores may have more cruelty free brands.  My store carries several other non-CF brands, so I didn't bother to research their vegan-friendly products because they're not really vegan-friendly!  The other non-CF color brands at my store are Bobbi Brown, Smashbox, NARS, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Laura Mercier, Givenchy (inconclusive on their CF status), Guerlain, Lancome, Clinique, Benefit, Buxom, Bare Escentuals and.. anyone else I forgot.  I did not research products that are in Beauty To Go because most of those are brands that are in the store and are mini-sizes of their full size products.  I am still researching skin care and currently have an incomplete list.  I also need to research our nail polish lines and our hair care.  I have started both, so if you need any suggestions now, please feel free to comment below.

DISCLAIMER:  This list was researched by me, Elizabeth A Durham, and does NOT represent the opinion or act as any sort of statement on behalf of Sephora, LLC, LVHM, or any of it's subsidiaries.  I researched this list based off of emails from companies, public vegan lists, or other trusted resources.  This list is accurate to the best of knowledge as of the date of it's post.  Any changes made to formulas of finished products is simply out of my control and as things change, I will try to keep up with editing this list.  This list was compiled for my personal use, and to share with my clients.  If you see any errors or have any questions about this list, please comment below.

COLOR  LINES: only includes brands considered cruelty free – meaning company does not test, parent company does not test, nor do they do third party testing.

Anastasia Beverly Hills
I am still researching a vegan list from this company.

Blinc
100% vegan & cruelty free.

Eyeko
I am still researching a vegan list from this company.

Hourglass
Illusion Tinted Moisturizer – all shades
Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation – all shades
Oxygen Mineral Powder – all shades
Solar Self-Tanning Primer
Script Liquid Liner
Superficial Waterproof Bronzer
Veil Fluid Makeup – all shades
Veil Mineral Primer

Josie Maran
100% Pure Argan Oil – all sizes
Argan Bear Naked Wipes – all sizes
Argan Blemish Clearing Pads
Argan Bronzing Oil
Argan Bronzing Powder in Beach No 1
Argan Cleansing Oil
Argan Magic Marker Liquid Eye Liner – all shades
Argan Matchmaker Serum Foundation in Fair/Light & Medium/Dark
Argan Natrual Volume Lip Gloss in Strength & Happy
Argan Oil Hair Serum – all sizes
Argan Oil Lipstick in Bambolina, Courageous, & Mysterious
Argan Pressed Powder in Natural
Argan Primer Mist
Argan Self Tanning Cream
Argan Sun Protection for Body
Bear Naked Wipes
Bohemian Waves Argan Hair Mist
Foundation Brush
Healthy Child Healthy World Limited Edition Kit
Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain Trio in Fuschia, Mauve and Sienna
Magic Marker Lip & Cheek Stain in Cha Cha, Flamenco, Fox Trot, Jitterbug, Jive, Mambo, Quickstep, Tango & Waltz
Whipped Argan Oil Body Butter in Sweet Citrus & Vanilla Apricot

Makeup Forever
There is no vegan list available from MUFE.

Sephora Collection & Sephora Originals (owned by Louis Vuitton – fur)
The is no vegan list available from Sephora Collection.

Tarte
Amazon bronze Amazonian clay & annatto body bronzer
Amazonian clay matte waterproof mineral powder bronzer – Park Avenue Princess
LipSurgence matte lip tint – all shades
aqua-gel eyeliner – all shades
smooth operatior Amazonian clay waterproof concealer – all shades
multiplEYE lash enhancer
empahsEYE Amazonian clay waterproof brow pencil
Amazonian clay bronzer in Park Ave Princess & Hotel Heiress
smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder in bronze
double dose berry boost & gloss lip gloss – all shades
Amazonian clay shimmering powder
smooth operator Amazonian clay finishing powder

Too Faced
Amazing Face SPF 15 Powder Foundation – all shades
Absolutely Flawless Concealer – all shades
Beauty Balm – all shades
Borderline Anti-Feathering Lip Pencil
Brightening Blush – Mochi Mi Amore
Brow-ney Pencils – all shades
Sun Bunny
Chocolate Soleil – all shades
Galaxy Glam – all shades
Duo Eye Shadows – Ooh & Aah, Fantasy Island, Skinny Dip, Lucky Charms, Shamrock Chic, Rich Bitch
Exotic Colors – Nice Stems!, Cop a Teal, Firefly, Frilly Lily, Petals to the Metal, Midnight Mist, Poison Orchid, Enchanted Garden, Night Nymph, Violet Femme
Foiled Liners – Bronze Bombshell, Black Beauty
Full Bloom Crème – Prim & Poppy, Tea Rose
Full Bloom Powder – Sweet Pink, Coca Rose
Glamour Dust – Blue Angel
Leopard Love – Candy Leopard, Peach Leopard
Lip Injection
Lip Injection Super Size
Lip Injection Extreme
Lip Insurance
Liquif-Eye
Liquid Lava Eyeliner – Lava Matte, Long-Stemmed Lashes
Matte Eye Collection
Metal Eyed Eyeliners – Blackout, Hand Cuffs, Twilight, Get Lucky, Plum Crazy, Brown Sugar, Dirt Bag, Shotgun
Mirror Mirror – all shades
Peach Leopard
Perfect Eyes Eyeliner – all shades
Perfect Lips
Primed & Poreless – all
Royal Oil
Eye Shadow Single – Label Whore, Blonde Ambition, Neptune
Starry Eyed Eyeliner – all shades
Tanning Bed in a Tube
Wrinkle Injection
Shadow Brushes
Kabuki Brush
Flatbuki
Powder Pouf
Bronze-Buki
Teddy Bear Hair Brush Set
Petite Pouf

Urban Decay (temporarily announced selling in China before withdrawing; CF again)
Eyeshadows – Baked, Bender, Blackout, Buck, Bust, Chase, Cobra, Darkhorse, Foxy, Gunmetal, Haight, Half Baked, Hijack, Kush, Loaded, Lost, Maui Wowie, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Mildew, Mushroom, Naked, Peace, Roach, S&M, Shattered, Smog, Tease, Twice Baked, Virgin, & Zephyr
Vintage Eyeshadows – Aquarius, Baked, Dashiki, Eldorado, Goddess, Gunmetal, Haight, Half Baked, Kiddie Pool, Lounge, Maui Wowie, Midnight Cowboy Rides Again, Mildew, Minx, Oil Slick, Roach, S&M, Shattered, Stray Dog, Strip, Twice Baked, Urb, Vapor
24/7 Concealer Pencil – all shades; CIA, DEA, FBI, NSA, ATF, DOD, KGB, MI6
24/7 Glide-on Shadow Pencil – Barracuda, Clash, Clinic, Lit, Mercury, Narc, Rehab, Sin & Wasteland
24/7 Glide-on Eye Pencil – Perversion, Covet, Deviant, Eldorado, Electric, Flipside, Graffiti, Gunmetal, Lucky, Mildew, Oil Slick, Stash, Underground, Yeyo, & Zero
24/7 Glide-on Lip Pencil – all shades; Envious, Gash, Heavy, Illegal, Midnight Cowboy, Naked, Ozone, Paranoid, Wallflower & Wicked
24/7 Shadow Pencil Blending Brush
24/7 Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner – Bobby Dazzle, Demolition, Eldorado, Perversion, Radium, Retrograde, Revolver, Sabbath, Siren, Smog
Afterglow Glide-on Cheek Tint – Quickie, Greedy, Bang, Crush & Indecent
All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray – all sizes
Baked Bronzer – all shades; Baked, Gilded, & Toasted
Complexion Primer Potion Brightening
Complexion Primer Potion Pore Perfecting
De-Slick In a Tube
De-Slick Mattifying Powder
De-Slick Oil Control Makeup Setting Spray – all sizes
Deluxe Eyeshadow – Graffiti, Honey, Peace, Ruthless, Shag, Underground, & Zero
Dew Me Moisturizing Makeup Setting Spray – all sizes
Good Karma Brushes – Smudger, Liner, Blush, Multi-Tasker, Powder, Lip, Finishing, Shadow, Crease, Blending & Shading Brushes
Grind House Double Barrel Sharpener
Guardian Angel Spray Moisturizer With SPF 8
Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner – all shades; Air Guitar, Baked, Catfight, Distortion, Glam Rock, Groupie, Metal Head, Midnight, Spandex & Stagedive
Lip Envy Lip Stain – Envious & Greedy
Lip Junkie Lipgloss – Perversion, Jilted, Love Junkie, Crush, Peroxide, Wallflower, Midnight Cowboy, Red Light, & Runaway
Lipstick – all shades; Naked, Apocalypse, Confession, Gash, Hotpants, Lovechild, Midnight Cowboy, Oil Slick, Peroxide, Pistol, Rush & Sellout
Lush Lash Mascara Growth Serum Infused Conditioning Mascara
Lush Lash System
Matte Eyeshadow – ABC Gum, Perversion (more shades previously listed; sold out currently)
Pocket Rocket Lip Gloss – all shades; Rashad, Dustin, Timothy, James, Kirk, Max & Colin
Razor Sharp Ultra Definition Finishing Powder
Stardust Eyeshadow – 54, Atmosphere, Bobby Dazzle, Diamond Dog, Griffith, Moon Spoon, & Void
Starlight Glitter Body Art
Surreal Skin Mineral Makeup – all shades; Illusion, Nirvana, Dream, Supernova, Trance, Hallucination, Vision, Mirage, Trippy, Destiny, Fortune & Fantasy
Urbanbrow Styling Brush and Setting Gel
Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20 – Halo, Bodyguard, Bulletproof & Forcefield
Urban Lash False Lashes
Urban Lash Mascara for False Lashes

HAUL: Shiro Cosmetics!

 Edit: I am editing this to add that EVERYTHING from Shiro Cosmetics is vegan!  I forgot to mention that before & this is vital because those intertubes have some pretty amazing coloring without including carmine!

I placed in order with Shiro Cosmetics a little while back for samples. I wanted to try a few things out and get a feel for the brand before I purchased any full sizes. Mostly because j0hn & I couldn't narrow down our choices of intertubes from "all of them". I waited for j0hn to leave for Mexico, then ordered a few samples that I felt he was the most interested in, then choose the rest for me.   His three choices (whether he knew it or not) were Me Gusta, Sad Keanu and Insanity Wolf.



To see what I got up close and personal...

TUTORIAL: Summer Lovin' Look with Madd Style Cosmetix!

I recently received my grab bag from Madd Style Cosmetix and fell so in love with the products inside that I was compelled to immediately apply ALL of them to my face.  I'm not kidding.  Before I started on my eyes, I already had the Frenchie lip bomb on my lips and the Cha Cha bronzer on my cheeks as a pretty blush.

Please note that my eyes are already primed at this point, as well.  Let's get started with supplies.

 

We have here the Korres Antiaging Eye Primer, the Sleek Primer Palette, pigments from Madd Style Cosmetix in the colors Kozmosis, T-Birds, Crybaby, Beauty School Dropout, Greased Lightning and Pink Ladies; MAC eye kohl in Fascinating, ELF Waterproof Eyeliner Pen in Black and Makeup Forever Smoky Lash in Black.

So let's get to business...

Birchbox & Myglam June 2012!

They're here!  =D

In this box:
1.  Stila One Step Bronze - Skin Ton Illuminating, Bronzing Serum; 1 fl oz
2.  Wonderstruck by Taylor Swift sample
3.  Comodynes Urban Cosmetics Self-Tanning Towelettes; 2 - 1 towelettes packages
4.  Luna Bar in Chocolate Pepermint Stick; mini size (0.7 oz)
5.  theBalm Staniac in Beauty Queen; deluxe sample size (0.04 fl oz)

First Impressions:
Birchbox this month was pretty exciting!  I have been very interested in self-tanners because I'm extremely fair and have no plans to tan.  I am a huge fan of the St. Tropez bronzing mousse we have at work, but I like the idea of a towel for ease of use.  I'm really excited to try this; they're from Spain!  I have theBalm product in the full size and love it.  The Luna bar is actually one of my favorite flavors.  I don't dislike Wonderstruck, but I'll probably pass on the sample to someone else.  As far as the Stila, I'm always excited to try new Stila products!  This one is no exception, and this is a full size product that usually costs $36!  This product alone makes this month's box.

In this bag:
1.  Philosophy Take A Deep Breath; deluxe sample size (0.4 fl oz)
2.  Living Proof Frizz Nourishing Styling Cream; 2 fl oz
3.  NYX Round Lipstick in Iced Honey; full size
4. Marbella Permanent Eyeliner Pen; full size

First Impressions:
You all know that I LOVE Take a Deep Breath, so I was excited to have this sample size to add to my brush belt (which also holds a sample size of Hope in a Jar and Eye Hope).  This gel hydrator is great for combo/oily skin types, or for people who are already using some type of serum that still needs just a little more hydration afterwards, not a full on lotion or cream.  Also, Philosophy is doing their 30% off sale until June 16, 2012, so take advantage of the coupon code Philosophy12.  I love Living Proof products, so I'm excited to try this product; also, this size is about $9-$12 in stores!  The NYX lipstick made me a little sad.  They sell in the Chinese market so it drives me crazy that their tube states "cruelty free" and I already have several colors close to this one.  However, I don't hold this against Myglam because this product is a good match for their demographic; easy to find, easy to afford, and a huge range of colors.  The last product originally left me a little disappointed, as it's a permanent eyeliner pen, but it can't be used with [contact] lenses.  I was debating using it anyways when j0hn (that brilliant boy) says, "This would be great for doing your eyebrows!  This is a good idea!"  I hadn't even thought of using it that way!  Three cheers for j0hnnyboy!  I'm unfamiliar with the brand, so I need to look them up.  They're apparently German, which gives me hope that they'll be cruelty free (European companies are usually more forward in animal rights; usually).

Overall:
I am really happy with my beauty subscriptions this month.  In value alone they were both excellent, but I was also really happy with the actual products I got in my boxes.  Look for these products to be in my June Favorites video on my youtube.. if they make the cut.

Day Eight: a daily must have item

I chose two.  I use my Philosophy Take a Deep Breath every morning after I wash my face because it's a lightweight gel hydrator that works really well with my combo/oily skin.  The other item is an MSC lip bomb, in this case, one of the mango butter ones; I use at least one of these each day.  I own like twenty, haha.

posted from Bloggeroid

Day Seven.

Oddly enough, I choose my LONG HAIR & drawn on eyebrows for this one, hahah.

So.. the last time I had long hair was in the fourth grade (for those of you counting, like 15 years ago).  Having long hair makes me think of being a little kid and pony tails and horribly tacky 90's hair accessories.. and that makes me happy.  Hell, thinking about the 90s in general makes me happy.  What a time that was.  Before that, I had chin length hair that was a long bowl cut that my granny used to give all of us (hence why my hair was really long once I had an opinion about my hair.. it was either bowl cut or no cut, haha).

My drawn on eyebrows?  Well, j0hn and I clearly have an odd relationship.  The night we waxed off our eyebrows together, though odd to most, was a bonding experience.  Also, it didn't hurt, like, at all, so it was an all around good night.  We giggled at how silly I looked, we laughed at how horrible I was at drawing them on, and we were bummed by how little anyone noticed that j0hn's were gone.

PS:  Also happy evoking in this photo?  The Cruelty Free necklace I'm wearing that Danielle unexpectedly sent me (makes me smile everytime I look in the mirror), my Tangerine Tango hair flowers and tank top (that I bought while training for Sephora in Minneapolis), and my snakebites, which were a gift to myself after I quit my "corporate" job, haha (see: Blockbuster).  My arm tattoos represent my veganism and my love for Batman, both of which are pretty awesome things.  =]

Day Six: Something You Wish You Wore More Often

I don't wear foiling mediums and bases OR fake eyelashes nearly enough.  Bases and mediums are always an after thought ("this would have looked SO GOOD over Awesome Sauce!!") and fake eyelashes are always a pain for me to put on unless they're only half lashes.  I need to get over avoiding fake eyelashes though because I absolutely love the way they look when applied properly.

posted from Bloggeroid

Blog Sale!! =D

BLOG SALE!  =D

If you buy more than one item, they will obviously be sent together in one package.  =]  Shipping is probably going to be around $3, so just add $3 plus the items combined and send the money as a gift to my paypal at bethbr00tality@gmail.com.  If you buy a lot of items, shipping may be more.

If you want an item, say so, and I will hold that item for you to pay for 24 hours.  After 24 hours, I will release the item to be purchased again.  Please don't ask me to hold an item if you aren't going to purchase it.

I will eventually take photos, but my camera is dead right now.  As a general disclaimer:  I don't think any of these items are vegan.

mark. cosmetics:

Super Flip -$7
http://meetmarkbeauty.onsugar.com/FREE-mark-Make-Big-Lash-Plumping-Mascara-7-value-when-you-purchase-mark-Super-Flip-Color-Kit-12670848
9 eyeshadows (a few have been swatched)
6 lipglosses & 3 lip colors (one has been swatched)

It Kit - $7
http://www.musingsofamuse.com/2011/03/new-in-beauty-mark-what-a-line-felt-tip-eyeliner-mark-it-kit-trend-color-compact-mark-nailed-it-trend-mini-lacquer.html
3 eyeshadows
1 bronzer (has a mark on it, but i've never used it, i think it was from the plastic film)
3 lipglosses
3 cream colors for eyes, lips & cheeks

Rebel Rose Eyeshadow Quad - $4 [SOLD]
http://dailingfordollars.ecrater.com/p/6069075/rebel-rose-eye-shadow-quad
4 eyeshadows - Rebel, Saucy, Corset & Luvstruck
never used, came with pan slightly ajar & it made the film rub on the surface of the shadows

Get A Tint in Buff/Natural - $5
http://shop.meetmark.com/shop/product.aspx?pf_id=36644&level1_id=300&level2_id=469&pdept_id=483&&dept_id=490&cat_type=C
I've only used this a handful of times just to test out the consistency.. it's too dark on me, and I'm NC15/20, so I'd say NC25-35 could wear this.

Other Brands (see individual products):

Wet N Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder in Catwalk Pink - $2
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=101191/Mega_Glo_Illuminating_Powder_in_
I swatched this once.  Not what I expected and apparently not vegan (oops), so I'll probably never use it.  Beautiful illuminating powder though.

Rimmel Natural Bronzer in Sun Dance - $2
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/rimmel-natural-bronzer/ID=prod1544059-product
I rarely use shimmery bronzers now.  I got this last summer when I was tan as heck.  Not planning on doing that anymore.  Has been used maybe a dozen times, so there is signs of use.

NYC Cheek Glow in Central Park Pink - $1
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=85348/Central-Park-Pink-655B/New-York-Color/Blush
Not enough color in this for me, I like my pinks more of a peach or blue based pink, this is more neutral & pastel.  It's a touch warm and it has a kiss of peach micro-glitter in it.  Best use as a highlight, or for an all over glow (like a beauty powder).  Used a half a dozen times, but hardly any signs of use.

Ulta Eyeshadow Single in Gold Leaf - $2
http://m.ulta.com/mt/www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp;jsessionid=7A9EACBA8310B5C25B9536B9ADB24FFC.p-a2-app1?productId=xlsImpprod3570089&skuId=2231890&un_jtt_v_page=1
I bought this to do a holiday look, but after using it once, it wasn't the color I wanted.  So.. it's sat in my drawer since, haha.

Hot Topic Eyeshadow Quads - $3 each or all five for $10  [SOLD]
http://www.kaboodle.com/shop/z/z/plexi-eye-shadow?q=plexi+eye+shadow&st=item
I bought these because they reminded me of Tokidoki.  Some I got at full price, some I got on clearance (different trips).  One is still new & sealed, the rest are open, but unused.  I swatched the Unicorn one.  I lost the sponge tip applicator to the Octopus one.  I'm sure I dropped it & just threw it away.. once those things hit the ground they are trash.  I have Unicorn, Octopus, Monster, Cloud & Panda.

Physician's Formula Multi-Color Blush in Blushing Berry - $5
http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=205376&productId=205376&navAction=push&navCount=1&no_new_crumb=true
I used this a handful of times.  The little brush inside is still in the plastic, unused.  Cute color, just not for me.

Physician's Formula Shimmer Strips Custom Eye Enhancing Shadow & Liner in Pop Hazel Eyes - $5
http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/productdetail/eyes/eye-shadows/07055.html
Pretty colors, not what I was expecting.  I've swatched a few of the colors.  This was isn't vegan either, sadly.  Missed carmine in the list, somehow when I bought it.

NYX Eyeshadow Single in Taupe - $3
http://www.nyxcosmetics.com/products/eyes/eye-shadow/single-eye-shadow
I literally used this once, haha.  Then it went in the drawer and I haven't looked at it since.  Pretty light to medium brown with blue shimmer.

Hard Candy Baked Eyeshadow Duo in Secret Rendezvous - $4
http://www.makeupalley.com/product/showreview.asp/ItemId=139538/Kaleyedescope_Baked_Duo_in_Secret_Rendesvous/Hard_Candy/Eye_Shadow
I would love this if these colors were matte.. they'd make a great Bert McCracken eye, haha.  Sadly they're shimmery so they need a new home.  I swatched both sides, and the darker color came to me with a dent out of it (which is pretty common with cosmetics at Wal-mart, haha).

That's it for tonight!  I might go through some more drawers tomorrow!

Day Five: Your Best Bargain Buy

I have several items I would choose as bargain buys, but let's face it.. this is the best one.  It's the ELF Liquid Eyeliner.  It's $1.  I wear it every single day as my eyebrows.  It doesn't (usually) grey out, it last all day, and it comes off easily at the end of the day.  I love it.

Warning:  they've apparently since changed the brush.  Crap.  Looks like I'll be getting the Sephora liner next.

Day four: your favorite eyeshadow color

Hands down? Green. These are my greens just from msc, haha.  & I'm missing a few.

posted from Bloggeroid

Day three: something I've never worn

These are all of my unopened pigments from msc. O.o gotta change that on as many as possible tomorrow.

posted from Bloggeroid

EOTDs: Neutral

You know how sometimes you get in a rut and wear the same look over and over?  Yeah.. well.  Here's my makeup for the last three days because my allergies have been so bad that I'm terrified to play with color.

Busted out my trusty old Naked palette for this one.

j0hn's band had their first show, so I busted out a spicy lipcolor, literally.  It's a new shade from Wet N Wild called Salsa Lessons from their new megashield lip color line.  It has an SPF 15 & the name is on the bottom!  0.10 oz for $2.99.

This is today, at the end of the day.  It's been over ten hours and it is HOT and I'm just starting to show some oil.  Eyes are Stila's Karat & Bronze.  Face is Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer, NARS Sheer Matte, & ELF HD Powder.

FTC:  I received the Stila shadows and the Naked palette from my friend Jess.  I got the NARS Sheer Matte from work.  Everything else I purchased with my own money.  These are my honest opinions and no one paid me to use these products.

11 Questions Beauty Tag

I was tagged by Caity to do an eleven question tag.

RULES:

• - You must post these rules.
• - Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.
• - Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.
• - You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.
• - Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.
• - No tag backs.
• - No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this’. You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

So on to the questions:

1: What are your top five favorite musicians/bands?



Nine Inch Nails, Dillinger Escape Plan, Acacia Strain, Wednesday 13 (& his many bands), Marilyn Manson; I listen to a huge range of music (Die Antwoord almost made this list, for example) but for bands I've liked the longest & listened to the most, these five are up there.

 2: Your top eyeshadow primer?

I am currently using up a tube of Too Faced Shadow Insurance, have a sample of Benefit's Stay Don't Stray & regularly use the vegan primer Under the Rainbow from MTcoffinz.

 3: Best lipstick shade for your skintone?
Black.  It matches my soul.

 4: Favorite drugstore mascara(s)?

None.  I don't think I ever found one I'd call a favorite.  I did like the Physician's Formula Organic Wear one and the NYC Show Time Waterproof formula & at one time I thought I was in love with the Almay.. Triple Effect One Coat or something like that?  Spend a few more $$ and get the Sephora Lash Plumper mascara.

5: Do you enjoy practicing on others by doing their makeup?
lol, it's my job.

6: Can you record videos (or do makeup) with others watching? (Significant other, siblings, etc)

yes.  I have over 300 videos & my work is photographed and I'm given feedback/criticism at work from my bosses and co-workers.

7: Which do you prefer; loose pigment or pressed powders?
Depending, but probably loose pigment.

8: Do you enjoy foiling?
With a good foiling medium, yes.  With water, no.

9: How many times have you colored your hair?
I dye it at least once a month.

10: Do you like cats?
Not particularly.  If they live in their world & let me live in mine undisturbed, we're fine.

11: What is your most favorite full-face makeup attire that you've done on yourself?
I actually didn't think I could pick just one, but here it is:

I TAG.. I don't know eleven people with blogs, sadly.  =[

Everyday Vegan Cosmetics List!

IMPORTANT NOTE:  Urban Decay is no longer cruelty free.  At the time of this article they were.  I have to find alternatives to list here, but in the mean time, please note, they are NOT cruelty free anymore!

Are you switching to veganism?  Looking to make the cruelty free switch?  Congratulations!  You are doing a very noble thing.  It's not always easy, and you will often find that there's a bit of leg work to do, but hopefully this post can be a step in the right direction.  =]  Some of these brands are high end, and there are always cheaper alternatives, but these are ones that are worth the money.

1.  Face Primer:  Hourglass Mineral Veil Primer - 10ml for $17.00 or 30ml for $52
This is probably my favorite primer that I've found.  It feels nice, it controls my ridiculously oily tzone, and it doesn't break me out.  Even better?  It's 100% vegan.  =]  Oh, and it has SPF 15!
http://www.hourglasscosmetics.com/index.php?type=complexion&item=complexion_primer

2.  Concealer: Beauty Without Cruelty Creamy Concealer Pencil OR Supercover - $15.95 to $16.95
This was the second concealer I've tried that I truly love a month after using it (the first being MAC's Studio Finish, which is not vegan, nor cruelty-free now).  It covers well, it's extremely easy to use, and there are no icky animal products that you wouldn't want to be slathering on your face.  The biggest drawback?  There are only two shades, neither of which would suit medium to deep skin tones (for darker skin I'd check the Urban Decay 24/7 Concealer Pencils, $18.00).
http://www.beautywithoutcruelty.com/scat.php?link=BEAUTYWITHOUTBEAUTY&subcat=0475&vendor_id=11150

3.  Foundation:  Pumpkin & Poppy - 30g jar for $11.25
Kristy is a vegan.  Kristy is cruelty free.  It goes without saying that her entire line is, as well.  She makes foundations, blushes, color correctors, contouring powders, eyeshadows, and she's even dabbling in cream liners and lip products now (with cute product names like Molly's Lips and Cat Liners).  She makes a range of colors for sensitive skin.  Her range is mostly light to medium tones, but I'm sure there will be deeper shades in the future.  The best part?  If you find the perfect combination of colors to make your perfect skin shade, Kristy will send you a custom mixed pot of your color.  That's the perfect vegan foundation right there.
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/pumpkinandpoppy/0/0/168163

4.  Setting Powder: Tarte Smooth Operator & Smooth Operator in Bronze - 9.07g/0.32 oz for $28
You need a good setting powder, and while you can get one from Madd Style Cosmetix (Effin Perfektion Powder) or from Pumpkin & Poppy (Mineral Finishing Veil), sometimes you just want to pick one up for a major brand in a store.  In that case, I recommend the Tarte finishing powder Smooth Operator.  It is a part of what they call the vegan collection, as they clearly outline vegan items on their website.
http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-smooth-operator-finishing-powder

5.  Blush:  Everyday Minerals - currently on $ale!
I haven't tried Everyday Minerals yet, but I've only heard good things so far.  They have a HUGE range of shades, which is why they are my choice for blushes, AND they're currently on sale!  Give them a try!
http://www.everydayminerals.com/store/color/cheeks.html

6.  Eye Primer: MTcoffinz Under the Rainbow Eye Primer - 7.5g for $14
I first got this primer eight months ago, and have used it on and off again since that time.  I often use it as a neutral base, but truth be told it's a great stand alone primer.  Once upon a time, Urban Decay Primer Potion was THE vegan primer, but they found out their lanolin wasn't synthetic and it has gone downhill since for UDPP.  Under the Rainbow lasts for a good eight hours, is affordable, and does well with bright colors.
http://www.mtcoffinz.com/Shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=49_54&products_id=335


7.  Eye Shadow:  Madd Style Cosmetix - 5g pots for $5 or 5/$20
You should have expected this.  I'm not just a model of Madd Style Cosmetix, I'm a HUGE fan.  I would never represent a brand I wasn't 100% behind.  Mo Love offers the most amazing range of colors, finishes, collections, and foiling mediums and basses to boot.  If there is a color that MSC doesn't have.. just wait.
http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/maddstyle

8.  Eyeliner:  Urban Decay 24/7 Glide On Pencil (Perversion/Yeyo) - 1.2g e 0.04 US oz. for $19.00
If you need a good liner, Urban Decay has you covered.  The best part is that many of the formulas are vegan, and they are clearly marked by a purple "Marley Paw".  The best news yet?  Their "blackest black", Perversion, and matte/mattene white, Yeyo, are both vegan formulas!
http://www.urbandecay.com/perversion-eye-pencil/45060,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=1

9.  Mascara:  Beauty Without Cruelty Full Volume Mascara - 0.24 oz for $23.95
Beauty Without Cruelty is actually a full color vegan line that also has skin care options.  I've only had good experiences with their products, and recently reviewed them both here on my blog as well as on youtube.  I haven't personally tried this mascara, but I've only heard good things about it.  If the price tag seems steep, just take into consideration the next vegan mascara I know of is blinc mascara (formerly Kiss Me, which runs $24 per 0.21oz tube, it is available at Sephora).  I am researching more options if neither of these sound desirable to you.
http://www.beautywithoutcruelty.com/item.php?item=047750

10.   Setting/Touch Up Spray:  Urban Decay All-Nighter, De-Slick & Dew Me - $11-$34
If you've never tried a setting spray and you use a lot of powder products, you're really missing out.  Some people actually use setting sprays in place of finishing powders because of a preference is how their makeup wears.  Others will wait until they finish their entire face of makeup, then use the spray.  Urban Decay recommends them both before and after makeup.
http://www.urbandecay.com/makeup-setting-spray/4_500,default,sc.html?prefn1=isVegan&prefv1=true

11.  Brushes - Sigma Bunny Collection Brushes - $59-$109
This collection is 100% vegan.  The Mrs. Bunny set is more fun & colorful, the Mr. Bunny more sleek and professional.  The travel sets are available for $59+s&h, and the full size sets are $109+s&h.
http://www.sigmabeauty.com/category_s/141.htm?Click=66296

FTC:  No one is paying me to write this article.  These are my honest recommendations.  I have tried most of these items personally, and have noted which items I have not tried. 

Madd Style Cosmetix: Queen of Hearts Collection!

I still remember being terrified of the ill-tempered Queen of Hearts when I watched Alice in Wonderland as a child.  When Mo announced she'd be doing a collection based off of the character, I was so excited.  When I saw the colors, I was even more excited.  The collection is a beautiful range of pinks and reds, and as a vegan, I'm always super excited to find pinks and reds that I can use, haha.  Even better, because they're loose pigments, they're super easy to mix into gloss, nail polish, eye seal, etc to use them as more than just eyeshadows.

The Queen of Heats Collection is $21.00 for five pigments and a glitter bag.

Here are a description of the colors taken directly from the MSC page:

♥ QUEEN OF HEARTS- a metallic red with pink and silver sparkle
♥ SEEING RED- red with subtle shimmer.
♥ PAINTED ROSES - a coral pink with rose glitter.
♥ OFF WITH THEIR HEADS! - a blood red burgundy with color shifting glitz.
♥ FLAMINGO CROQUET - a flamingo pink :)
♥ [BROKEN HEARTS - dusty pink glitter]

So let's dive into some swatches.. even though I'm terrible at them.

From L to R: Off With Their Heads, Queen of Hearts, Seeing Red, Painted Roses, Flamingo Croquet, and Broken Hearts glitter

 Make sure you get this collection, because like most collections, once it's gone; it's gone.

FTC:  I was provided this collection as a gift.  I will also be using it as a model of the company.  I was not paid for this article or my recommendation.  These are my honest opinions, and I reserve the right to them.

Five Easy Gift Ideas for Valentine's Day!

Does your girlfriend have a "makeup" problem?  Do you constantly complain about how much she spends on it?  You know what would be an amazing gesture this Valentine's Day instead of chocolate or flowers?  Show her you really pay attention to her addiction and get her these Valentine's Day friendly cosmetics!

1.  Tokidoki Til Death Do We Part Arte Palette - $10 (Exclusive to Sephora & Sephora.com)
This is an adorable little palette.  It's limited edition and comes with four pretty shades of eyeshadow and an illuminating rosey blush.  It's also similar in size to a gift card, so you could combine this item with a giftcard to say, "Baby, I love you, glitter addiction and all."
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P297315&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=5971

2.  Physician's Formula Happy Booster Products - $8-$15 (available at drug stores)
These products are not only perfect because they're covered in hearts, but also because they smell like roses and will make your girl look pretty and glowy.  When your guys ask why your girl has such a healthy glow about her, you can tell them whatever you want.
http://www.physiciansformula.com/en-us/product-line/happy-booster.html


3.  Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Original Chocolate - $29  (available at Sephora, Ulta & online)
This bronzer is perfect for every lady in your life.  It lacks the gross orange tones found in many other bronzers, and is matte for perfect contouring.  Even better?  It's color comes from actual cocoa, meaning it smells absolutely amazing.  It'll last her a lot longer than a box of chocolates, and has less calories.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P229406&shouldPaginate=true&categoryId=4225

4.  NARS Wicked Attractions Collection - $49 (available at Sephora & Sephora.com)
Let your girl know you find her wicked hot by getting her this NARS collection.  For just less than fifty dollars, you get a full size eyeshadow, and travel sizes of their eyeshadow primer, a kissable gloss, and a duo of their infamous blush/bronzer duo in Orgasm and Laguna.  All of these shades are universally flattering so you can't go wrong.  Even better?  It already comes packaged in a cute little box.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P301777&categoryId=C10476

5.  Tokidoki Til Death Rollerball Duo - $30 (available at Sephora & Sephora.com)
Want to tell your girl you're in it for the long haul and make her smell pretty?  Check out the limited edition rollerball duo that comes with extra pretty versions of Tokidoki's rollerballs in Ciao Ciao and Adios.
http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?block=2&id=P296220&rule=&categoryId=5971

FTC:  These are my opinions.  I paid for all of the items in this post that I own.  I do not represent Sephora or any of it's subsidiaries in any way, shape, or form.