Showing posts with label MAKE UP FOR EVER. Show all posts
Showing posts with label MAKE UP FOR EVER. Show all posts

Sunday, May 4, 2025

April 2025 Departures

Ok folksickles. Departure blogs will contain items that aren't empties but that are going to be given away for one reason or another. I'm working hard to curate my makeup collection and want it to include only the products that I think truly work well, that I reach for often and do what they're supposed to do.

1. MAKE UP FOR EVER Artist 9 Artist Shadow Palette Vol. 2 Artistic: Passing on this palette comes as a bit of a shock to me because both the color selection in it and the quality of the palette are both extremely up my alley. That said, even though I love both those things, I feel like I have these shades in other palettes that I just think to reach for more often and I'd rather pass this off to a friend who'd get more use out of it. I also wish it had matte shades in it because all of them being metallic, in my opinion, makes it difficult to creature textural depth in eyeshadow looks.

2. Anna Sui Twinkling Eye Glitter (Eye Color) in 300 - Pink Parade: As pretty as this eyeshadow topper is, unfortunately on me it causes the eyeshadow underneath it to crease.

3. Makeup Geek Orange CrushOlive YouMother NurtureStormy, and Ocean Eyes Mini Palettes: I really thought I was going to hold onto these palettes because when I purchased them I really loved them. While I find that their quality is nice, I have these colors in other palettes that I'm much more likely to reach for so I've decided to pass them along.

Disclaimer: The MAKE UP FOR EVER palette was provided for testing purposes. The Anna Sui product was a gift from a friend.  I purchased everything else myself. All opinions are my own. 

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: MAKE UP FOR EVER 9 Artist Shadow Palette Vol.2 Artistic

Hello folksickles. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eyeshadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eyeshadow junkie. In order to declutter a bit I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eyeshadows for the month and have that be my monthly selection for those instances where I'm not doing a tutorial for the blog. Every month I'll do a recap on the eyeshadows - how I feel about them and whether I'll be keeping them or giving them away (and why :P). 

These are the looks I created this month:
So as you can see I created all sorts of colorful looks with these shadows. I personally have found that these shadows are easy to blend, and the pigmentation on them is fantastic. All of them work really great in my experience! I really thought this palette would be a keeper because its quality is incredible, however, I will be passing it along. The reason being I just know for a fact that I have these colors in other palettes that I'm more likely to think of reaching for. I haven't really played with this since I got it years ago and I feel like I'll end up forgetting about it again. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: This palette was provided for testing purposes. I am under no obligation  to mention it on this here blog. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

March 2025 Favorites

Hey folksickles,

Alright, all the goodies I've been enjoying in March :) 

1. Make-Up Designory Pixie Eyeshadowstila Eyeshadows in wheat and cassisMAKE UP FOR EVER I-804, ME-734,and I-838 Artist ShadowsMAKE UP FOR EVER D-316, S-314, D-236, D-200, ME-224, and I-112 Artist Shadows: These shadows are so pretty and created such nice looks that I was genuinely sad when it was time to move on to the next palette. They are beautifully pigmented, buttery smooth, blend easily, and generally play nice with one another. Truly a pleasure to use!

2. ORLY Beautifully Bizarre Nail Polish (not pictured): I love this polish because while it's this safe pastel pink that looks nice with everything, the teal pearl in this gives it a little something extra in a fun way! I'm mentioning this again because I did my nails with it again the other day (3/30) and they just look so elegant and pretty!

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer:  I purchased the products mentioned above myself.

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

March 2025 Empties

 All my monthly trash on display for you to see. :P

1. Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 Hemp Citrus Pure-Castile Soap: I'm sad I've run out of this because buying these big bottles full-price is expensive and I snag them when I see them at Marshall's. This one has a nice citrusy scent and I like using it to wash my brushes as it removes makeup quite well. 

2. The Face Shop Clean Beauty Rice Water Bright Vegan Eye Cream: Unfortunately this eye cream was neither hydrating nor brightening enough for me. It works alright as a basic daily eye cream but I was left unimpressed. 

3. NARS High-Pigment Longwear Eyeliner in Via Veneto: This was a mini that I used mainly for doing swatches for the blog. It's too soft and smudgy for my personal tastes as eyeliner on the upper lash line - you all know I love my sharp cat eyes. As for the waterline, I don't like wearing black on it because it closes up my eyes. So overall the main purpose of this wasn't daily wear, although I feel like I ran out of it quite suddenly regardless.

4. Ardell Professional Active Lash in Speedy x2: I really like how soft and natural these lashes look, they add a little length and volume without being over the top. That said, similar to many other pairs I have issues with, they really like popping off at the inner corner and it's a bit of a fight to get them to stick on there. I wish they were like a centimeter or so longer because what causes issues is how difficult that inner corner is to grab onto and adjust.

The following two shadows have dried out and become unusable



7. equate Shea Sugar Scrub in Tahitian Vanilla:  As I've noted many times, I love how gritty these shea sugar scrubs are. They really make my skin feel smooth and are invigorating to apply. This one in particular has a pleasantly sweet vanilla scent that's not too over the top.

8. e.l.f. 16HR Hydrating Camo Concealer: I feel like there's a little bit of a learning curve with using this concealer because a tiny bit goes such a long way, it's best applied with a fluffy brush to give nice, thin layers of product so it doesn't go on thick or cakey. That said, once I figured out the application technique, I really fell in love with this product! It gives beautiful coverage, lasts a long time (both because it's long-wearing and because the tube itself lasts a long time), and I really like the way it gives my skin a healthy glow. 

9. e.l.f. Halo Glow Liquid Filter in 0.5 Fair: I love how brightening this is, that it gives my skin a beautiful glow when used all over as a primer, has a tacky grip that holds my foundation in place, and seems to provide a little extra coverage. But that said, despite me purchasing the lightest shade this comes in, I feel like the shade itself is a hair too dark and too warm-toned for my skin. I wish they would come out with pinkier, lighter shades of this! 

The following three products have all developed an off-scent


12. Random Franken-lipstick: I melt leftover odds and ends of lipsticks and balms to create franken-lipsticks because it's difficult to get to those bits at the bottom and use them up fully so this gives me a way to do so. That said, this smells very off so I feel like it's safer to just discard it.

13. Green Pharmacy Chamomile and Cotton Proteins Facial Toner: Although I didn't like the way this toner smelled, when I transferred it to a spray bottle, the scent of it was much more pleasant when atomized. That said, it isn't my favorite and I don't think I'd get it again. This felt refreshing going on but that was pretty much it. 

14. MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Seal: I purchased this years ago and frankly I don't even remember what my plans for it were. That said, it's gotten really thick and sticky so it's time to part ways.

15. Bath & Body Works Pocketbac in Pink Pineapple Sunrise: This hand sanitizer smells really nice and I guess it gets the job done? Being a germaphobe I always have hand sanitizer on me and I like that these have a nice scent. They don't have that heavy alcohol scent that standard hand sanitizer tends to have. 

16. ColourPop Over the Moon Super Shock Cheek: This was such a pretty highlighter - with pink and violet glitter - that gave me a nice glow - and I'm sad to have used it all up. 

17. Trader Joe's Oatmeal & Honey Soap: As you may know by now if you read this blog frequently, this soap is somewhat of a holy grail for me. It's very hydrating, a bar lasts a month or so, and it doesn't dry my skin out or aggravate my hand eczema even with frequent hand washing. I love it and highly recommend it especially for anyone with inflammatory skin conditions.

18. The Ordinary 100% Plant-Derived Squalane: As  always when I run out of this oil, I am sad to have done so. I did purchase a replacement so I wouldn't have to be without but I just adore this oil so much! It's lightweight, it really helps reduce inflammation and redness in my skin, and it also helps to smooth out my skin's texture.

19. Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum VI: The sample size I got was only enough for two uses, so I can't tell you how this functions long-term. But that said, this serum isn't as hydrating as I prefer my serums to be, it felt fairly watery.

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the products mentioned above with the exception of the NARS eyeliner which I received for testing, stila next to notte which I received as a gift, and the Sulwhasoo Serum which I received as a sample.  All opinions are my own.

Monday, March 31, 2025

Love It Or Leave It; Review 2.0: Make-Up Designory Pixie Eyeshadow, stila Eye Shadows in wheat and cassis, MAKE UP FOR EVER I-804, ME-734,I-838, D-316, S-314, D-236, D-200, ME-224, and I-112 Artist Shadows

Hello folksickles. As a makeup junkie and blogger you may have realized that I review a LOAD of eyeshadow palettes and I like to think of myself as being largely an eyeshadow junkie. In order to declutter a bit I've decided to pick out a palette or series of eyeshadows for the month and have that be my monthly selection for those instances where I'm not doing a tutorial for the blog. Every month I'll do a recap on the eyeshadows - how I feel about them and whether I'll be keeping them or giving them away (and why :P). 

You can find a look I did with the Make-Up Designory shadow here. These are the looks I created this month

So as you can see I created all sorts of colorful looks with these shadows. I personally have found that these shadows are easy to blend, even the ones that look like they'd be chunky, and the pigmentation on them is fantastic. All of them work really great in my experience and I really enjoyed using them! They are all keepers this time. 

Please let me know if you have any questions or comments.

Disclaimer: I purchased all the eyeshadows mentioned myself with the exception of the Make-Up Designory eyeshadow, which was provided for testing. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, November 1, 2023

October 2023 Empties

  All my monthly trash on display for you to see. :P

1. ogx smoothing+ coconut coffee scrub & wash: Several people I watch on Youtube were raving about this and the matching body lotion and while I couldn't find the body lotion at a decent price, I did find this and decided to give it a try. This smells delicious, it smells like a toasted coffee to me, I don't get much coconut but I love it regardless. I found that this left my skin feeling soft and smooth although I will say the scrub particles in here are too small to do any actual exfoliation so I used a more abrasive body scrub in addition to this.
 
2. Julie G Nail Color in Kickin' It: I feel like I've held onto this polish for so long because it's such a pretty shade but I'm essentially entirely out of it where it's both goopy due to age and difficult to get to because there's not much left. It's that time to say goodbye.

3. Dr Teal's Shea Sugar Scrub in Prebiotic Lemon Balm: This was a bit more scrubby versus the one I had in the past, which I wasn't mad at - I feel as though it provided a nice exfoliation for my skin and left my skin feeling soft. That said, I felt like it kind of turned into soup by the end of its lifespan.

4. Ardell Professional Studio Effects Lashes in Wispies: I really love these lashes because they're on the softer, more natural side but they still add a bit of length and volume. Unfortunately, however, the inner corner of the left lash in this pair kept wanting to pop off my eye. 

5. Moana Dominican Handcraft Coconut Candles in Coconut and Orange: Despite this having instructions on how to burn the candles (nothing out of the ordinary) I personally think this was meant more as a decorative souvenir type item because the wax in these candles melted very unevenly, there isn't enough of it to try and salvage it out of the coconut to make a wax tart to use in a wax burner, and because they didn't burn for long in the first place. That said, the orange scented candle had nearly no scent and no throw but the coconut one smells really nice and made me crave Bounty bars as it was burning.

6. Charmed Aroma Strawberry Donut Candle: I am so sad that this candle burned out entirely because it smells absolutely delicious! I love that my bestie got this very yummy candle for me and the ring inside it is beautiful also. 

7. Nature Republic 49 Wild Pink Color & Nature Nail Color: I am so sad that this nail polish has come to an end because it's such a pretty sparkly silvery rose gold and definately has what feels like a party vibe. That being said, it's very dry and goopy at this point and it has also developed an off-odor. 

8. MAKE UP FOR EVER AQUA MATIC in I-30: This is another item that I'm sad to be parting ways with but I've got to come to terms that it's both broken and pretty much gone and it's also completely dried out so it's that time to say goodbye. 

9. wet n wild Ultra Black Breakup Proof Skinny Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Ultra Black: Honestly I have mixed feelings on this liner because at first I felt like it gave me really nice precise lines and it was easy to work with. However, as time went on this would fray (which I did fix by using a moist paper towel or wipe to taper the bristles back together) but the product itself also became slightly smudgy so I'd have to go in and fix things. 

10. Sephora Collection The Mascara: I honestly liked the mascara in terms of how it worked - this gave me volume, length, and definition as it claims to. That being said, if my eyes got even a little teary or wet, this would smudge. Additionally, when I went to wash it off it would seem like it all came off but by the time I went to apply my eye cream, this would give me racoon eyes. 

11. Duo Rosewater & Biotin Striplash Adhesive: Personally these Duo brush on adhesives are staples in my collection. I like this one in particular because I feel like it's a bit more conditioning than the rest so if this is available I get it.

12. Bath & Body Works Golden Sunflower Ultimate Hydration Body Cream: This is a really nice hydrating body cream, I love how it feels and how it makes my legs very smooth and silky. That being said, I feel like the price on these has become ridiculous. They're nice, but not nice enough to pay $17 for. I got mine on clearance. 

13. Trader Joe's Honeycrisp Apple Scented Candle: This candle smells delicious and had a great throw that scented up my entire room. My only complaint is I felt like I burned through it really quickly - it lasted less than a week. Other than that though I really enjoyed this candle.

14. Dr. Teal's Pure Epsom Salt Soaking Solution in Glow & Radiance: I'm going to be honest in that, because I used this to soak just my feet, I can't speak to it giving much glow or radiance. That said, this has a delicious citrus scent and leaves my feet feeling relaxed, soft, and smooth. 

15. ORLY Kiss The Bride Nail Lacquer: When I tell you, I am SO SAD to have run out of this nail polish, I absolutely adore it! It's a great milky pink shade that looks great with literally anything and everything and is perfect for any occasion. That said, because I reach for it so often, I am pretty much out. 

16. now essential oils 100% pure lemon: This is a really nice, sweet lemon essential oil that I like using in my diffuser. 

17. Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Essence SPF 50+ PA++++: As always, I'm sad to have used this all up - even though I went and bought a backup - because I love it so much! It's a great hydrating, yet lightweight SPF that also works fantastic as a primer for the face. I am a big fan!

18. Dr. Bronner's Pure Castile Soap in Almond: I'm sad to have used this all up - I purchased a few of these at Marshall's at the start of the year and it seems like it's no longer in stock there so I have to go out and pay full price for the soap. I really enjoy using these to wash my brushes with. 

19. CALA SPOOKY LASHES in Electra: These lashes are beautiful - I personally really love the wispy yet spiky effect that they have. That being said, I find that they like to pop off at the inner and outer corners of the eyes so they're a bit fiddly to apply.

20. Dove summer care grapefruit & lemon balm body wash: Since I've gone to my doctor and gotten a cream for my eczema, I've gone back to using this for shaving and found that it hasn't caused me any further irratation. This foams up nicely, smells good, and provides a nice glide for my razor.

21. Soapology Dead Sea Salt Scrub in Waterlily and Jasmine: This scrub smells absolutely delicious and decadent, a truly wonderful floral experience. It's also really abrasive and scrubby just how I prefer my scrubs to be. That being said, I personally found that this is somewhat greasy and tends to leave a residue behind on everything it touches whether that's surfaces or skin which is then, in my experience, difficult to remove. Additionally, as someone who shaves, I prefer sugar scrubs mainly because when salt gets into wounds it stings in quite a prominent way and that's no fun.

22. HM mint essential oil: This oil, in my opinion, is alright. It's quite pricey for a small bottle and doesn't have a particularly strong scent where I felt like it carried through in my diffuser.

23. LASH ADHESIVE (this came with the CALA SPOOKY LASHES): I am tossing this because, frankly, for one it smells like garlicky mushrooms which I think is kind of strange. Additionally, and the main reason I'm getting rid of this, is because it's black. I personally just don't understand who a black lash glue is good for because if you mess up or need to hold it on the inner or outer corners to keep the lashes from popping off, it just will smudge and go everywhere. It makes a mess that is then difficult to remove because lash glue isn't just tint, it's also texture. Maybe I'm just not the best at applying lashes but because this makes such a mess, I cannot get my lashes to stick on in a clean way without making a giant mess and it's literally doing the opposite of sparking joy - it is sparking massive disappointment and frustration. 

24. Bath & Body Works Pumpkin Caramel Latte: Another item that, unfortunately, did not spark joy. Now, the issue with this is that my lovely best friend sent it to me, but he's been keeping it in his stash forever so because the wax was old, it burned very poorly and the candle wicks would constantly sink into the wax pool and go out. I was able to salvage the melted wax by pouring it into my silicone cupcake liners that I use to make wax melts out of remaining candle wax but I'm just sad I couldn't enjoy it as a candle. It smells really good though and it's a scent that really should make a comeback because I'm sure it would do well.

25. Green Pharmacy Rose Water and Almond Oil Facial Toner: I am genuinely so sad to be done with this toner because I loved it so much. It smells delicious and left my skin feeling very soft and smooth.

26. South of France Orange Blossom & Honey Triple Milled Soap: This soap smells so delicious and left my skin feeling very soft, silky, and pampered. This foamed up really nicely as well.

Disclaimer: I purchased all of the above with the exception of the Moana Dominican Handcraft, Soapology, HM essential oil, Bath & Body Works (candle) and Charmed Aroma candle which were gifts