Maybelline "The Nudes" Swatches & Review

I know, I know. I'm a little late jumping on this band wagon, but that's because I was debating on purchasing it ever since it was released last summer. I was instantly drawn to this palette because of the beautiful neutral shades (duh. I love neutrals). However, I felt I already owned shadows comparable to almost all shades in the palette. 

I cannot tell you how many times I picked up this palette, walked around the store, and put it back on the shelf. Well, the other day I had some "extra bucks" from CVS and thought heck, I have no excuse not to buy it now, I got it for a whopping $5!!!  

Much to my surprise, when I got home I was shocked as to how many shades I did not have dupes for. Most of my neutral shades have warm/orange tones, while most of The Nudes palette has cool/grey tones.

This or That? Maybelline Define a Brow VS Anastasia Brow Wiz

I cannot seem to shake this cold I've had for the past few days. After a night of insomnia, I woke up feeling like death. I have quite a few PTO days left for the year so I decided to take the day off and relax. What a better day to lay in bed during the Law & Order SVU marathon? Oh.. and to blog of course! Anyway,  onto the important stuff...

It's no secret Anastasia Beverly Hills is known for their amazeballs brow products, but how about Maybelline? Does a drugstore pencil add up? Or is the high end pencil even worth the hype? 

I did a comparison based on five categories: Application, Precision, Color, Durability, & Brushes. 

Here's my observation...

Cinco De Mayo | Makeup Tutorial

Okay. Let's be honest. We all use Cinco De Mayo as an excuse to drink an exorbant amount of margaritas until we fall on the floor. So we might as well look beautiful falling riiiighhht? Righht. But no, really, Cinco De Mayo is a wonderful holiday to celebrate joyfully! Anyway....

This look will be created using Maybelline's Eye Studio Quad in Coral Oasis. It's my favorite of the quads and every time I wear it, I get tons of compliments so I thought I would share it! Enjoy!

UD Naked 2 | Makeup Tutorial

Urban Decay's Naked palettes are staples in any beauty guru's collection. The taupe inspired shades are just so beautiful and perfect for everyday, neutral looks. This look is one of my favorites!

Start by priming face & eyes.

Then, apply a neutral cream shadow to the lid. I used Mary Kay's Cream Eyeshadow in Pale Blush (light pink) using a concealer brush. I will be adding a shimmery shade on top of this and think adding a cream shadow underneath really brings out the pigment of the shadow that goes on top. (Think of how much putting a white polish underneath neon colors makes the color really stand out). 

Using MAC's "Cork" (light brown/beige) add to the crease. I applied with Real Technique's Crease brush. 

Apply "Bootycall" to the lid. I used MAC's 242 brush, but the flat end of the brush that comes with the palette works just fine (mine had glitter all over it!)

Take "Busted" and blend from the outter lid to about 1/4 way in the lid making "flick" like strokes working outside in. Blend into crease.

With the same brush used for "Bootycall" apply "Foxy" overtop lid & sweep lightly over the outter part of the lid where it meets "Busted." This creates a softer look. 

Using a crease or small contour brush, lightly add "Blackout" in the outer V. With a blending brush, such as Sigma E35, blend out any harsh lines and touch up anywhere necessary. At this point I usually reapply "Foxy" again on the lid, as well as the brow bone. 

Mixing "Foxy" & "Bootycall" apply to tear duct & about 1/4 way into lower lash line. Use a smudger brush to add "Snakebite" on the lower lash line, smoking out. 

Add a winged liner & use "Blackout" with an eyeliner brush to put overtop liner. 

Other Products Used:

Benefit POREfessional
Mary Kay Eye Primer
L'Oreal True Match in Natural Beige
Maybelline Dark Circle Eraser + NARS Creamy Concealer
Anastasia Brow Wiz + Anastasia Brow Duo
Tarte Off the Cuff Palette- Bronze + Mauvey Pink
Mary Kay Mineral Powder- Ivory 0.5 

Lips: Urban Decay Native + NARS Chelsea Girls






The End.