Hi there, my darlings! TGIF! This has been a weird week, weather-wise--alternately cold and rainy. Despite the almost overwhelming need to just curl up and nap, I've been quite productive! I've tested and swatched and waxed eloquent about some fabulous products this week. I guess it's the true sign of a beauty obsessed blogger when she resists the urge to nap and plays with makeup instead! It has definitely helped that I've had the opportunity to review and share some really great new products with you all! And we really should end the week strong with some new goodies for eyes from one of my favorite brands, L’Oréal! Take a look at what I've been testing recently!



COLOUR RICHE® Pocket Palette Eye Shadow
($9.99)

Multi-finish. Multi-color. Infinite Eye Looks.

Create your color obsession with L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche® Pocket Palette, our first multi-color, multi-finish eyeshadow quad. Create sophisticated looks and make your color statement with specially curated shade families and finishes that range from shimmery to matte. Blends smoothly for easy application.


Available in 8 sets, I have 2 to share with you today: Violet Amour (left) and Haute Hazel.




 Haute Hazel is a gorgeous, pigmented quartet in shades of shimmery burnt gold, shimmery bright blue, shimmery gunmetal gray and matte midnight blue. Personally, all four shades I would wear, either individually or combined so this is a great little palette for me!




Violet Amour lives up to its name with shades including a shimmery light lavender, a matte violet with a touch of sparkle, a shimmery lilac and a deep, dark mauve/eggplant so intense that it's almost black. I love purples for the eyes so another hit for me! Especially that dark mauve--perfect for a Fall smokey eye!




I'm a huge, huge fan of L’Oréal's mascaras and almost use them exclusively. While I've discovered a couple of other drugstore brands that work well, nothing beats L’Oréal when it comes to mascaras! I'll go so far as to say that they rival, if not outperform my pricey MAC mascara--with the price difference, I usually stick to my L’Oréal mascaras! So, I was really excited to try out a couple of new mascaras, along with an old favorite!


What's New:

*VOLUMINOUS® Lash Primer ($7.99)

Instantly Thicker, Longer Lashes. Mascara Amplifier. Conditions lashes over time.

L'Oréal Paris presents Voluminous® Lash Primer, the perfect pair to your favorite mascara to instantly boost every lash look. Lightweight eyelash primer instantly builds dramatic volume and length on each lash. Creates a boosting effect, building dramatic volume and length on each lash. Lash primer conditions over time for soft nourished lashes. Use mascara primer with your favorite L'Oréal Paris mascara to amplify every lash look.

Pro tip - apply primer then mascara to one eye at a time before the primer dries. Add two coats of primer for more impact.


*VOLUMINOUS® Feline Waterproof Mascara ($8.99)

Instant Volume. Ferocious Full Lash Density. Intense Black Finish.

L'Oréal Paris presents Voluminous® Feline Waterproof Mascara, our first mascara for instant volume and full lash density. Feline mascara and Quick-Charge brush captures each lash to deliver instant volume and fullness. Quick-Charge, ultra-glossy black formula provides feline volume and shiny smooth lashes in one coat. The new cat eye look: so powerful, so captivating, so feline. To complete the total Feline look, discover Voluminous® Liner Noir.


Tried and True:

*VOLUMINOUS® Original Mascara ($7.29)

Separates and builds lashes. 5X fuller lashes. Bold volume.

Voluminous® Volume Building Mascara is uniquely formulated to resist clumping, soften and build lashes up to 5X their natural thickness. -The unique maximizing formula quickly thickens and builds lashes in a single application for a full and dramatic look. -The Volume Maximizing Brush thickens lashes evenly and smoothly, leaving them soft with virtually no flakes, smudges or clumps. Clump-resistant. Fragrance-free. Ophthalmologist-tested and allergy-tested. Suitable for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
 
To safeguard L'Oréal purity, reserve this product for your personal use. Treat the applicator with the hygienic care you give your eyes. Never apply this product in a moving vehicle. Do not dilute mascara with water, saliva, or any other substance. Cap tightly after use. If change in odor or appearance occurs, discontinue use. Do not use this or any other eye cosmetic if your eye is injured, irritated, or infected. Consult a physician promptly.
AQUA / WATER / EAU, POLYBUTENE, PARAFFIN, POTASSIUM, CETYL PHOSPHATE, CERA ALBA / BEESWAX / CIRE, DABEILLE, COPERNICIA, CERIFERA CERA / CARNAUBA WAX / CIRE DE CARNAUBA, STEARETH-2, CETYL ALCOHOL, ALCOHOL DENAT, PHENOXYETHANOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, ACACIA SENEGAL GUM, PANTHENOL, ETHYLENEDIAMINE/STEARYL, DIMER DILINOLEATE COPOLYMER, CAPRYLYL, GLYCOL, HYDROGENATED JOJOBA OIL, HYDROGENATED PALM OIL, 2-OLEAMIDO-1,3 OCTADECANEDIOL, DISODIUM EDTA, BHT, ROSA CANINA FRUIT OIL, STEARYL ALCOHOL, MYRISTYL ALCOHOL, PENTAERYTHRITYL TETRA-DI-T-BUTYL, HYDROXYHYDROCINNAMATE, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, PROPYL GALLATE, CITRIC A




Before, we get started here's a look at how my natural lashes look on a regular day. I know, nothing to write home about!




When I first opened the tube, I have to say I wasn't very impressed with the brush of the Voluminous Feline mascara. I mean, what good could those short, stubby little plastic bristles do?! But this is a good case of "Don't judge the mascara by the brush". That unassuming brush packs a pretty powerful punch!




I wore this out to dinner last night and first of all, let me just say that I was running out the door and applied all my makeup on the subway! Even so, my results are pretty good! This mascara does give you volume--perhaps not as much as its sisters as you'll soon see but you can't complain. While the length of my lashes were only somewhat increased, it does fan your lashes out in a very appealing way! Oh and when they say "waterproof", you better believe they mean it. Dinner, then a walk in the rain, followed by a subway ride home and it did NOT budge! Plus, I really had to work to get it off--4 baby wipes, my regular cleanser plus coconut oil and then I was finally able to get it all off. You know those interminable work days or those special events that go on forever? Grab this mascara for those days!




I was really excited right off the bat about this primer! I've used L’Oréal's dual-ended mascaras, where one side is a primer and the other is the mascara, in the past and loved it! The brush of this primer is absolutely lush--full and thick and oh-so-soft. Let's say I went into this with high expectations!




And it did not disappoint! Just look at the volume and length achieved just with the Primer! It's safe to say I'm totally in love!




Finally, what can I say about the OG Voluminous mascara, except that it works! And how! You'll get dramatic length AND volume with this baby! Plus, the brush is very easy to use and the formula very gentle on the eyes. Believe me, I wear contacts and you know how the slightest thing can throw those into a tizzy! I can comfortable wear this mascara for hours, with no irritation whatsoever.




And I'll let the picture do all the talking! Isn't that just amazing!? Lashes for DAYS!




So there you have it, my darlings! L’Oréal products are available at fine retailers and mass merchandisers nationwide, such as Rite Aid and CVS, across the US as well as your local Ulta. To find a retailer near you, please visit L’Oréal's website HERE.


To discover other great products, you can follow L’Oréal through the outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
Youtube
Tumblr
Website


What's your favorite L’Oréal mascara? Have you tried any of the eye shadow palettes yet? Tell me which one in the comments section below!










****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****


Hi there, my darlings! I've been a member of the Rakuten Affiliate Network (RAN) almost since the very beginning of my blogging adventures. But, I have to admit, I haven't been very good at affiliate marketing! The network itself is very easy to work with and allows bloggers the opportunity to earn some compensation while sharing some of their favorite products. So, recently I reached back out to them to re-establish the connection and learn how to use affiliate links such that it's beneficial for the blog yet not annoying for any of you. As a result, I attended a very informative networking event in NYC recently and best yet, I had the privilege of trying out the exclusive Bloomingdale's Bonus Box through RAN. Today, I'd love to share with you all my thoughts on the fabulous products included in this box!



EVE LOM Cleanser ($50 for 1.7 oz)

Acclaimed by Vogue as "probably the best cleanser in the world," this award-winning classic does it all—melting away makeup and grime as it exfoliates, brightens and tones. With its soothing blend of essential oils and cocoa butter, it powerfully decongests as you gently massage it into skin. The specially woven muslin cloth is used with the Cleanser to improve skin circulation while cleansing and exfoliating the skin in minutes. The result is clean, perfectly balanced skin and a radiant complexion. Suitable for all skin types.

Mighty praise coming from Vogue, you can imagine my excitement to try this for my self! Although recommended for all skin types, I do have acne-prone skin so I'll be saving this for the colder months when my skin needs a little extra hydration and doesn't immediately erupt in blemishes.



CLINIQUE City Block Purifying Charcoal Clay Mask + Scrub ($28 for 3.4 oz)

Who it's for: Appropriate for all skin types.

What it is: A 5-minute dual-action detoxifying and exfoliating clay mask.

What it does: Purifies and polishes skin for a delightful deep-clean treatment. Natural bamboo charcoal and kaolin clay help remove pollution and impurities, while natural silica beads gently refine texture.

Great to know: Allergy tested, 100% fragrance free, dermatologist tested.


As most of my regular readers know, I've a huge fan of charcoal skincare products--it does wonders for my skin! The most unique thing about this one is that it turns blue once dry and ready to be removed, which is in about 5 minutes time. Fast, easy and efficient--what more can you ask for, right?! My skin has been loving this every time I use it!





KEVYN AUCOIN Eyelash Curler ($21)

Create wonderfully curled lashes with this slim, professional quality eyelash curler. Its sleek, stainless steel frame provides a firm grip while its curved rubber pad bends lashes to perfection. Plus, you can turn the curler upside down and curl your bottom lashes for a Hollywood starlet look.

I have to say, I don't use eyelash curlers very often--they intimidate me so I usually just let a good mascara do the heavy lifting. However, I love the sleek, light design of this one and the pads feel so spongy and gentle that I might just give it a whirl!




BOBBI BROWN Sparkle Eye Shadow in Silver Moon ($33)

New featherweight formula that instantly lights up eyes with a unique combination of shimmering pearls and glitter in a translucent base. Creamy-soft powder shadow glides on smoothly and clings to lids for crease-free, long-lasting wear. The shadow pans feature clear protective covers and can be popped out of the compacts and inserted into Bobbi's custom palettes.


I'm a HUGE fan of the brand so I was very excited to see this included in the box! Unfortunately upon opening it, it had been smashed and loosened in transit--glitter everywhere! But oh such pretty glitter! The sparkle to this is insane and once I had fixed it with a little rubbing alcohol and smooshing action, it was ready for action! I can already tell you this is going to be used A LOT during the Holiday season!



MISSONI Eau de Toilette ($94 for 3.4 oz)

Fresh, radiant and sparkling. Like the ephemeral light of the earliest hours of the day, the new Eau de Toilette caresses the newfound Missoni woman, restoring her color and natural rhythm.

A delicate fragrance inspired by the unique, fleeting moment of daybreak, accompanies her movements and kindles her vivacious reawakening. A magical light bathes and illuminates the woman, who is reborn into the feminine sensuality innate to her being.

A citrus, floral and woody fragrance.

- Top notes: Blood Orange, Nashi Pear, Pink Berries
- Middle notes: Freesia, Peony, Rosewater Orpur
- Base notes: Heliotrope, White Cedar wood, Georgy wood


As a huge fragrance lover, I must say this was my favorite product in this box! This fragrance is just beautiful--a combination of refreshing fruitiness combined with an intoxicating floral bouquet, this has quickly become a huge favorite on my dresser, especially for daytime wear. This is a Bloomingdale's exclusive so definitely check it out!




So there you have it, my darlings! If you pick up any of these products through the links here, I thank you for your support!









***Products were sent to me for editiorial consideration as part of the Rakuten Affiliate Network. All opinions are my own***


Hi there, my darlings! With the holidays fast approaching, our minds and hearts naturally turn towards thoughts of gifting. I, for one, find giving gifts to special, loved ones particularly gratifying. But, with the holidays, our thoughts also should turn towards those less fortunate and hopefully we can find a way to give back a little. So, with that thought in mind, today I'd like to feature 3 brands that give back in some way. While you're making those gift lists for your favorite beauty lover, why not do a little good while you're at it, right?!




1. COCO CONSCIOUS COLLECTIVE

About the brand: 

Relishing in the fabulousness of our natural beauty, straight hair or curly hair, is nothing new to us. Celebrating one’s individuality, life’s little hair achievements whether it be the Big Chop or the “halfway, semi-sorta transition?” or just going with the follicle flow is second nature.

But even these things are trumped by the attributes we herald the most. Like our capacity for love, our unparalleled desire to leave this earth a better place than how we found it and our deep rooted value of transparency into the ingredients in the products we use each and every day. Ingredients matter to us. Truth and establishing trust for the personal care products we create and discerningly curate matters to us. Just like these things matter to you. Different from many others, authentically natural beauty is what we purvey.


How they give back: 

And giving is what we, together, do. Feeling invested in the well-being of the people in our neighborhoods, Mother Earth, and strangers halfway across the world is what we know. Join us on our journey as we continue to dream up and cultivate a better way of life; always seeking new ways of better for our products, ourselves, our families, our global sisters and our planet. Alone our impact is meek. Together our impact is mighty.

We began with the vision of spreading prosperity and wealth to other female entrepreneurs across the developing world. The founder of CoCo | Conscious Collective™ realized that in living a purpose filled life, we are bound to pay our many blessings forward.

It is with the aim of spreading the seeds of sustainable wealth through entrepreneurship across the globe that we provide investments to assist other like-minded, female purveyors of goods and services, in fulfilling their missions of purpose, family, and community.

CoCo | Conscious Collective™ is dedicated to this mission by donating $1 of every product sold online to support the cause of community building through other women like us.

We have partnered with The Glow Effect Centre for Women and Girls in support of the community of Masaka, Uganda this year in our mutual commitment to advance women toward financial self sufficiency and sustained community leadership.


What I tried:
Straight Transformations™ Purifying Gentle Cleanser ($15.99)
  • Purifying Gentle Cleanser has natural antibacterial, purifying agents that thoroughly, yet gently, removes product and other environmental build-up without stripping the hair and scalp of its natural, healthy surface. Advanced elasticity protection seals in moisture to aid texture retention.

Straight Transformations™ Conditioning Shine Rinse ($15.99):
  • Conditioning Shine Rinse is true to its name, containing a nutritive blend of exotic, botanical oils and essences that moisturize, detangle, and leave a natural shine to hair, repairing its innate moisture balance, not just replenishing what most harsh shampoos strip away. Our conditioning rinses are formulated to work in tandem with our cleansers to restore the proper balance of hydration, elasticity and strength.

Straight Transformations™ Intensive Style Primer ($15.99):
  • Intensive Style Primer is a protective pre- and post-styling serum that creates a natural protective barrier against thermal damage and the elements, forming an elasticity shield to seal in style and keep hair healthy while repelling moisture. Intensive Style Primer is lightweight enough to use before and after heat styling and for daily moisture for natural tresses.

The shampoo is a very gentle formula and although it doesn't lather as well as I would like, it rinses away nicely, leaving my hair and scalp feeling clean. The conditioner is my favorite! The formula is just the perfect consistency to work through my long tresses and a little goes a long way. Plus, surprisingly despite being a girl who loves her florals, I quite enjoyed the rather unique gingery fragrance of this duo.

The oil I used just a smidgen on the very ends of my hair, which are very brittle and it absorbed in very well, leaving the ends much softer to the touch. I can see myself pulling this out during the Winter months when the cold turns my ends into crackling!

I have combination hair, which is dry, frizzy and curly at the ends and has the tendency to get quite greasy at the crown, Then I have a bunch of baby frizzy fly-aways all around my head. As you can imagine, my hair can be quite the problem child in regards to finding the right haircare system for it! So, I have to admit I was quite concerned that this system would weigh my hair down, which admittedly it does to an extent. The good news is that it virtually eliminates all my frizz, both at the ends and the flyaways! So that's a definite plus! I let my hair air-dry as opposed to the recommended gentle blow-drying, so my hair isn't pin-straight but it's much smoother and softer after use. If you tend to have very dry hair with curls that become unmanageable, especially during the colder months, you will really enjoy this formula.




2. GLOW FOR A CAUSE:

About the brand:

GLOW for a cause is a beauty company unlike any other. What started out as a quest to create the purest and highest quality body care products and soy candles has evolved into a glowing movement.

Founded by artist, teacher, and skincare productista, Johanna Querry Smith, GLOW for a cause is a passion project that makes both people and the world just a little more beautiful. GLOW for a cause products are made from the finest and purest ingredients available.


How they give back:

Every time you buy a GLOW for a cause product, you are not only pampering yourself, you are giving back 5% to our partner non-profit organizations (LISTED BELOW). Now that’s beauty that GLOWS on the inside and out.
  • Cowgirls vs. Cancer provides retreat scholarships for women with breast cancer to experience healing with horses and yoga in Montana. 
  • Boston Firefighter's Burn Foundation is comprised of Boston firefighters who volunteer their time to provide emotional and financial support to burn victims and their families.
  • The Red Sox Foundation provides tutoring, mentoring, enrichment programs and college scholarships to academically talented but economically disadvantaged students through their Red Sox Scholars Program.
  • MaxFund Animal Adoption Center is a true no kill animal shelter in Colorado, giving animals, including the injured, abandoned and abused, a second chance at life. 
  • The Gathering Place is Denver's only drop-in center and community of hope for women, children and transgender individuals who are experiencing homelessness or poverty. 
  • Berni's Journey is a cinematic quest that serves as a mirror for us to reflect on universal themes of happiness, hope, and living authentically. Answer the call of adventure and become the hero of your own story. 

What I tried:

BODY BUTTER inspire ($16.00 FOR A 2.5 OZ TUB):
  • A decidedly young and uplifting scent with a vibrant blend of florals and a dash of sunny citrus.
  • Our luxuriously rich body butter with nature's best moisturizing oils of coconut, jojoba, sunflower and vitamin E, hydrates and protects the skin while leaving behind a sexy and lasting scent.

As a blogger who started out mainly featuring nail polishes, I've become pretty obsessed with body butters. With nightly swatch counts factoring into the double digits, I saved all my rich, luxurious creams for my hands. Every night after swatching and then again just before going to bed, I would slather my hands with the richest cream I could find. This one has become a permanent fixture on my nightstand and I alternate with a couple of others, depending on my mood. Not only is the luscious cream super moisturizing, but I love the fragrance--this floral stands up to almost any fine fragrance out there! Very indulgent, very appealing!




3. TRAVALO

About the brand:

Have you ever wished you could have a quick freshen up when you're out and about?
Carrying a big glass perfume or aftershave bottle is inconvenient, heavy and can be dangerous if it falls and shatters.

Travalo is a refillable atomizer bottle with a difference. Its patented easy fill system allows you to refill in seconds with a simple repeat pump action. Travalo makes it easy and convenient to have your scent with you any time, anywhere.


How they give back:

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, Travalo, the leader in travel fragrance options, is thrilled to partner with Bright Pink. Bright Pink is on a mission to save women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer by empowering them to live proactively at a young age. Bright Pink is the only national non-profit organization focused on prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women.

For the month of October, 25% of all sales of the Travalo Excel, Classic HD, and Milano pink models (from left to right below) will be donated to Bright Pink. Consumers will be supporting Bright Pink’s goal to reach 52 million young women in the US between the ages of 18 and 45, while continuing to have the ability to refill fragrances directly from a standard bottle through the patented and unrivaled Genie-S pump-fill system.


What I tried:

Classic HD Pink Travalo ($19.99)
  • The Travalo Classic HD Perfume Atomizer allows you to have your favorite fragrance wherever you are. It fits easily into any handbag and its low weight is certainly a plus. Available is a number of colors to match all outfits and needs.
  • Quality aluminum surface will prevent damage when dropped
  • Windows to see how much fragrance remains
  • Fits into the smallest of handbag

I live in the far reaches of Brooklyn so getting into Manhattan, whether for work or play, usually means an hour or longer commute. Hence, I carry everything but the kitchen sink in my purse...you know, just in case. But, if you ask me, a travel size atomizer is a must! Especially if you have long commutes or long days at the office or if you travel a lot. There's nothing worse than smelling funky at the end of a long day. Besides, when you have to go out right after work, a spritz of your favorite fragrance is just what you need to get you in the mood! And don't even get me started on the myriad smells one encounters on an everyday commute or out-of-ton trip--I can't tell you how many times a spritz here or a spritz there has saved my nose and my lunch, if you know what I mean! If you're like me, grab one of these for your purses and you'll never be very far from your favorite scent.




So there you have it, my darlings! I hope this post gave you some ideas for the upcoming holidays! I'll definitely be back with more gift giving tips and tricks as the holidays grow ever closer!


Have you discovered a new brand that gives back? What is the cause that is closest to your heart? Tell me in the comments section below!









****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****


Hi there, my darlings! So, it seems like I ghosted there on you guys for a few days, huh? I'm sorry! Birthday week turned out to be unexpectedly busy! Oh and the times I wasn't out celebrating with some of my favorite people, I was at home being utterly, thoroughly, shamefully, deliciously lazy. But, a girl needs a few days of R&R, right? Especially around her birthday! I'm back though, refreshed and ready to share some amazing goodies! This week, the blog will feature some of my favorite brands and lust-worthy beauty products. To kick things off, today I'd like to share what's new from a brand that I haven't had the opportunity to cover in awhile but one that remains one of my faorite affordable picks--Milani Cosmetics and their new matte eyeliners!


STAY PUT MATTE 17HR WEAR LIQUID EYELINER ($7.99):

For eyes that turn heads, you need this quick-drying liquid-to-matte liner that delivers full color for up to 17 hours. An ultra thin felt tip applicator lets you create natural to bold looks with ease and controlled precision—in one single step. No need for constant mirror-checks—this formula is humidity and sweat-resistant. Choose from four richly pigmented matte shades. Shake well before using. Remove with an oil-based eye makeup remover.

Available in 4 shades (shown below from left to right:
  • Black Matte (Jet Black)
  • Safari Matte (Hunter Green)
  • Coffee Matte (Dark Brown)
  • Midnight Matte (Cobalt Blue)



Now, I've mentioned that I usually buy eyeliner pencils on my yearly trips to India, because I prefer the sheer depth of blacks I find there. They do not compare the most of the blacks I've encountered in the US! I feel similarly about liquid eyeliners--I usually pick them up in India too. Not only are the liquid eyeliners there much more pigmented but because India is a tropical country, the formulas are made for the tropical climate--that is, the ones I pick up usually do not smudge or smear. While I've found a couple in the US that I love, they are usually niche brands like Marbella or Eyeko--definitely not something you can run to your local drugstore and pick up! Until now, that is!

These eyeliners are amazing! Incredibly pigmented, they do indeed dry super fast to a gorgeous matte finish. Now, there's nothing lackluster about these mattes! You know what I mean, some mattes just tend to look kinda dull or even a little grayed out. Not these! Even under my super bright studio lights, take a look at how bright these shades are! Except for the green shade, which more of a grey-green than not. And let me tell you right now...THEY. DO. NOT. BUDGE. When I wore the black out on the town, it remained immaculate all night long and when I came home, I removed it with my usual makeup remover wipes so I didn't think much off it. Now, imagine my surprise when I swatched them for these pics, then went off to shower, completely forgetting to use a makeup remover to take the swatches off. A good body wash and pouf later, I stepped out of the shower and these were still on my hand! You can't beat staying power like that! But, you must be wondering if then they're a pain to remove. Nope! A good oil-based makeup remover will take it all off just as easily.

The last thing I want to mention is that tip which I love! The tapered felt tip gives so much precision and control to your lines. You can go for a medium thickness, go super fine or go all out for a bold, wing tip. That tip will let you do whatever your heart desires that day. At that price, I highly recommend giving these a whirl! I promise you won't be disappointed!




So there you have it, my darlings! You can pick up your favorites from the the Stay Put liners on Milani Cosmetics' online site HERE for just $7.99 each! You can also find them at select drugstore/retailers such as CVS, Walgreens and Duane Reade--grab them for all those upcoming Holiday parties!


Don't forget to follow Milani Cosmetics through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Pinterest
Twitter
Snapchat
Youtube
Website


Which of these gorgeous eyeliners are YOUR favorites? Will you be adding any to your stash? I would love to hear from you in the comments section below!







****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****


Hi there, my darlings! Today's post marks another chapter in my eternal quest to find the perfect foundation. As I've bemoaned umpteen times in the past, it's been quite the challenge to find the perfect shade of foundation for my skintone. However, in the recent past, I've come across a couple that have worked very nicely and let me tell you I was thrilled...until I reminded myself of the price tag. Almost all of the ones that match my skintone are higher-end--not crazy expensive but not budget-friendly either. Which got me to thinking. Is an affordable alternative currently available? Would I be, say, able to find a new foundation in the local drugstore? I was still wondering when two likely candidates from L’Oréal showed up on my doorstep. Were these the answer to my question? Read on to find out!


INFALLIBLE® Pro Glow Foundation ($12.99):

The New Pro-Look of Longwear. It’s Pro With an All-Day Glow. Up to 24HR Foundation.

Discover the new pro finish of longwear: up to 24 hour wear with a hydrating glow. Lightweight and creamy, this long lasting foundation goes on smooth with a glow finish that lasts. With medium coverage, it instantly hides imperfections for a clear complexion. The hydrating foundation with SPF is ideal for normal to dry skin.


I was sent the shade Caramel Beige (#209) and while it looked close enough enough in the tube, it really didn't match my skintone. While I definitely have yellow undertones, this one was too yellow, too warm as the swatches below will show you. Furthermore, the finish probably wouldn't work for my oily, acne-prone skin. I did notice that several shades (12, to be exact) are available for purchase and a couple of them look very promising. So, if you're in the market for a new foundation and have dry skin, particularly during the colder months, give this one a whirl!





TRUE MATCH™ Lumi Cushion Foundation ($16.99):

Liquid Foundation. Fresh Luminous Finish. Buildable Coverage.

Liquid Foundation revolutionized – build luminous coverage in a tap. Introducing new True Match™ Lumi Cushion, a liquid foundation infused in an innovative sponge that delivers the perfect amount of makeup. Our luminous refreshing formula creates sheer to medium coverage. Tap a little for a fresh natural glow, tap on more to build a new level of luminous coverage. Liquid foundation + tap on applicator puff gives you convenient on-the-go coverage.

Formulated with Precise Match™ Technology to match your skin’s tone and undertone.
  • Available in 12 true-to-skin shades
  • Finish: Fresh, Natural & Luminous
  • Coverage: Sheer to medium, buildable coverage
  • Skin Type: For all skin types. Safe for sensitive skin. Does not clog pores.


I've been a huge fan of the True Match Blendable Compact in True Beige (N5) and have used it for years. So, I had high hopes for this one! I was sent the shade Creme Cafe (W8) and it's a near perfect match for my skintone! My face has always been a little darker than the rest of my body so this worked out very nicely. I love how light, almost airy the feel of this formula is and I really love the coverage--not too heavy since I prefer a lighter coverage. Too heavy makeup and my skin explodes with blemishes! I probably won't use the included sponge but this is definitely going into my purse for casual, every day use. At just under $20, it's pretty affordable too!




Here are the swatches for you! Pro-Glow in Caramel Beige on the left and True Match Lumicusion on the right.




So there you have it, my darlings! L’Oréal products are available at fine retailers and mass merchandisers nationwide, such as Rite Aid and CVS, across the US as well as your local Ulta. To find a retailer near you, please visit L’Oréal's website HERE.


To discover other great products, you can follow L’Oréal through the outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Pinterest
Youtube
Tumblr
Website


Do you have the perfect drugstore foundation? Tell me which one in the comments section below!









****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****


Hi there, my darlings! Can you believe October is almost over?! I can't say I'm sorry to see this year end because boy, it's been a challenge! But if there's one good thing that's come out of this year, it's the The Holo Hookup box. I've taken a step back from indies but THH keeps my need for indies, specifically holos, well satisfied! The theme for November 2016's all-holo The Holo Hookup collaboration box featuring Jill of Glisten & Glow, Missi of Different Dimension, Sara of Cupcake Polish and special guest, Nine Zero Lacquer is titled "Birds of a Feather". Take a look at the beautiful birds that were this month's inspiration!




Flamingo from Cupcake Polish is an "bright pinky orange colored linear holo". Smooth, easy formula and application that's the distinctive feature of Sara's polishes--the swatches below show 2 easy coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. I absolutely adore this shade--any time of the year!










With flash!




Pygmy Kingfisher from Different Dimension is a "red to orange to yellow multichrome linear holo". Lovely formula and aplication--the swatches below show just 2 coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat to bring it all together. A true chameleon this one, it seemed to change with the slightest movement of my fingers--just take a peek at that macro to see one such example!










With flash!




Purple Grenadier from Glisten & Glow is a "medium purple linear holo with added shimmers and cherry galaxy glitters". Fantastic application and formula--the swatches below show 2 easy coats topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. Although purple is one of my favorite colors, it's been awhile since one really spoke to me. This one speaks volumes and 3 days later I love it too much to take it off! Totally unheard of!










With flash!




Masked Flowerpiercer from Nine Zero Lacquer  is a "cerulean blue linear holographic polish". Perfect, easy formula and application--the swatches below show just 2 easy coats, topped with 1 thin coat of Glisten & Glow's HK Girl topcoat. This is my very first polish from this brand and if this one is any indication of its quality, it sure won't be the last!










With flash!




So there you have it my darlings! Pre-orders for November 2016's box will begin Friday 10/21/2015 at 9 pm EST at the Holo Hookup's website HERE, and continue through Friday 10/28/2015 at 9 pm EST. This collection of 4 exclusive, all holographic polishes will be priced at $40 plus shipping and is only available during this special one week pre-order. Both domestic and international shipping will be available!


For more swatches, sneak peeks and all the latest info, don't forget to follow The Holo Hookup through the social media outlets below :

Facebook
Instagram
Website


What are your faves in this box? Will you be grabbing one of these exclusive boxes this month? I'd love to hear from you in the comments section below!








****Products were sent to me for an honest, unbiased review. All opinions are my own.****
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