Rimmel #Insta Conceal & Contour (Light and Medium) Review + Swatches

These palettes run around $6.99 each.

The other day I shared my review of Rimmel #Instant Conceal & Correct that does a  fantastic job for hiding under eye darkness.  Today, I want to give you my thoughts on their #Insta Conceal & Contour Palette. This palette comes in three shades and is meant to conceal, highlight and contour in one product.  

I found the formula creamy and easy to blend.  The colors appear darker in the pans, but lighten up when used.  Overall though, I found some problems with this palette.

On the left are the three shades of the Medium followed by the three Light shades.

The conceal shade  I tried in the Light palette is the right color for my fair to light complexion. However, it does not provide the depth of heavy duty coverage for disguising under eye darkness like the #Insta Conceal & Contour Palette.   The contour shade is deep enough to contour, but has some orange color to it.  This makes it look more like a bronzer than a natural contour.  The highlight shade is light with a soft gleam to it that worked nicely.

Here is the Light palette.

The conceal in the Medium palette is too dark.  The contour shade is more brown, which is a good thing for light complexions like mine for tackling this.  The highlight is only a tad darker than the Light palette, but provides a believable glow to the skin.

These are the shades of the Medium palette.

This formula really adheres to the skin in how deeply these colors stain.  I used two different makeup removers before I could dislodge it.  

While I loved the #Insta Conceal & Correct Palette, I cannot say that I feel the same degree of adoration for this product.  Of course, you may feel differently.  Have you tried Rimmel London #Insta Conceal & Contour Palettes yet? 

Visit Rimmel London to learn more or find the #Insta Conceal & Contour Palettes at your local drugstore.

Rimmel #Insta Conceal & Correct Review--Keeping Flaws Secret

This product has amazing coverage for being so lightweight.

Rimmel London launched a few new #Insta products.  Today, I want to tell you about #Insta Conceal & Correct for hiding flaws such as darkness under the eyes, problems with redness to any places on your face that could use a boost of brightness. 

The colors appear darker until you use them.

This palette consists of three cream shades and comes in one option, 001 Universal for all skin tones.  In the compact, the shades appear deeper than they actually are until swatched when they lighten up.  The first color is peach, but changes into a pale beige once you use it.  This is the shade that is intended to cover dark circles.

The second color is sort of a sea foam green color.  This shade is for help with redness.

The last shade is a lavender color. It is meant for dealing with dull spots on your face that could benefit with some brightness.

I was really surprised how creamy and wonderfully this product blended, especially for under the eyes without feeling too thick. I do have a problem with darkness toward the outer sides of my eyes, but this product amazingly did the trick.  For feeling so lightweight, it managed to hide the darkness quite well without the black surfacing or the need of several layers of coverage.  

I also loved the convenience of having one palette instead of reaching for another product to help brighten up that area at the same time.

For a product that retails for about $6.99 at drugstores, the Rimmel #Insta Conceal & Correct Palette did more for my under eye darkness than I ever expected.  If also have some problems that you need to hide, you need to try this one for yourself.  

Burt’s Bees Mineral Blush Line Review + Swatches

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

These shades look extremely natural.  Bare Peach is on the left, Toasted Cinnamon (middle) and Shy Pink on the right.

Now that Burt’s Bees has finally expanded their cruelty-free and natural skin care line into makeup, I am one happy girl.  The other day I told you about their better for your health foundations.  Today, I want to tell you about their new mineral blush line.

Currently, this is only a three-color line with a warm pink (1210 Shy Pink), a vibrant peach (1205 Bare Peach) and a brown-orange (1215 Toasted Cinnamon) at a cost of $10 each.  Like most cosmetics these days, this blush is not sold with any brush.  

Here are the shades that I swatched.  Notice Toasted Cinnamon in the middle can double as a bronzer. 

The formula is infused with skin boosting ingredients of bamboo, honey and vitamin E to help bring out the most natural glow.  As always, you have no need to fear parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum or synthetic fragrances.

These blushes are lightweight, silky feeling and go on rather sheer, but the glow you get can be easily built up.  For the most part, you would consider the finish matte.  Yet, when you check the blushes deliver a very subtle glow. There are no glitter or sparkles, but I noticed the faintest radiance when examining my face from different angles.

You also don’t have to worry about the colors fading quickly.  I had this blush on from morning until close to dinner time and found the colors stayed true.

This is the second product from the company’s new makeup line that I really like and will buy again.  If you want a blush with safer ingredients that will also appear realistic over a fake, powdery sort of glow, you need to try Burt’s Bees Mineral Blush.  I know that you’ll be pleased!

Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Full Coverage Liquid Makeup–Buff (1015) and Linen Beige (1030) Review + Swatches!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

This mineral foundation treats skin with healthy ingredients and excellent coverage.

Natural beauty lovers have reason to rejoice.  After 33 years of helping us steer clear of synthetic and less than safe ingredients in mainly skin and lip care products, Burt’s Bees has expanded into makeup.  Today, I want to fill you in on their Goodness Glows Full Coverage Liquid Makeup that I had a chance to test recently.

These are the two of the lightest of the warm-toned shades.

The line has 12 shades and retails for $17.  The formula is 98.9% natural without parabens, phthalates, SLS, petrolatum or synthetic fragrances that could jeopardize health.  This liquid mineral foundation has wonderful moisturizing ingredients to aid the complexion and help promote luminosity from meadowfoam seed oil, sunflower oil and just to name a few humectants such as  honey, glycerin and squalane.  The product also has a sanitary pump for dispensing the foundation, which cuts down on bacteria and keeps it fresher longer.  

On the left is Linen Beige with Buff closest to my wrist.  Linen Beige is lighter upon blending it out.

The colors I tried were the fairest of the warm shades Buff 1015 and one shade deeper with Linen Beige 1030.  Depending on the brand, I usually range from Fair to Light with warm undertones.  On ULTA’s website, the color descriptions go from fair and jump straight to medium, skipping light, which is not accurate.  Linen Beige is light with warm undertones, (not a medium) as they labeled it.  This color was a close match for me.  Next time, I would like to try the Natural Beige with a tad more pink to it.  On the other hand, the Buff was a bit pale for me.  The only way that I could wear it would be by adding some extra color to my face with a blush.  The shades do run a bit lighter so keep that in mind.   

This is full-coverage foundation that blended and smoothed over my dry complexion beautifully.  At the same time, my skin felt soft and pampered and had a radiance that came through to the surface.  In the hours that I wore it, this foundation never caked up in spots or migrated to settle in my laugh lines or produce an excessive shine.  I really thought it was a great foundation for performance, health, and price.

I don’t know how this foundation would be for anyone with an oily complexion.  All I can say is if your skin is normal to dry skin like mine and you are looking for a wonderful new and healthier foundation without overspending, you can’t beat Burt’s Bees Goodness Glows Full Coverage Liquid Makeup.  Look for it at your local drugstore or wherever you buy Burt’s Bees products because you’ll love it! 

Rimmel #Insta Flawless Perfecting Radiant Skin Tint (Light Medium) Review + SWATCH!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

This skin tint is a new way to gain that radiant glow to your complexion.

Rimmel has a new skin tint foundation product with SPF 15 that I had a chance to sample.  #Insta Flawless Perfecting Radiant Skin Tint comes in two shades of Light Medium, the one I thought was best for my fair to light complexion and a deeper shade of Medium Dark.

The color is slightly darker than you might expect and has a glowy finish.  The Light Medium has somewhat of a bronze cast, more like a summer shade that I use after spending time in the sun.  Nonetheless, the depth of this color does sheer out so keep that in mind.

Rimmel 24HR Volume Flash Super Speed Mascara Review

*Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

The zigzag design of this brush helps fill out more lashes.

My eyes are precious to me.  Therefore, one product that I make sure to replace frequently is mascara to protect them from any contamination that may have accumulated through use.  In fact, I was about to buy new mascara when Rimmel sent a tube of their new 24HR Volume Flash Super Speed for my review.

This is a gel-like formula with a quick fix polymer that is advertised to build up lash volume without clumping in one swipe.  It comes with a zigzag brush of soft bristles around its curved design to help accomplish the task.

This mascara also has a decent texture that you can work with of not being too dry or wet for application that helps the process. I found that the brush was helpful in coating from the roots to the tip of the lashes quite nicely. 

Take your time to coat if you intend for the best looking coverage.  Of course, you may be tempted to give it another coat to balance it since some spots may receive less mascara than others with just one swoop. Though my lashes didn’t look gaudy with brittle spikes when I tried two coats, I feel they were more natural and fuller looking without overdoing it. 

For inexpensive drug store mascara, I think you would be pleased with it–-that is, if you are want more definition and fullness over exaggerated bold lashes.  If so, then do check out Rimmel 24HR Volume Flash Super Speed Mascara when you shop.

Rimmel Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lip Liner Review

*Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Colorless lip liners can save you money since there is no need to match them to lip products.

Bleeding lipstick or runaway lip gloss can happen when you neglect the extra step of lip liner. You could solve this preventable problem with a nude color that is close in shade to your natural lips.  Still, the most ideal method is matching the color of liner to the shade of lipstick or gloss that you’re wearing.  Yet, this could amount to buying quite a few different lip liners, which can run into money unless you went colorless like the one I tried from Rimmel with their Moisture Renew Universal Transparent Lip Liner.

Review: NEW Rimmel London’s Keep Calm and Lip Balms (040 Rose Blush, 030 Berry Blush) + Swatches!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Rimmel's Berry Blush Keep Calm and Lip Balm is one the left with Rose Blush on the right.

Rimmel London recently launched a new line of lip products with their Keep Calm and Lip Balms to heal and color dry lips.  According to the company’s clinical study, the formula contains long-wearing moisturizing oils capable of increasing lip moisture by 22 percent, which sounded fantastic to me.  

I received 040 Rose Blush and 030 Berry Blush out of the five to review.  The color is very sheer, especially the Rose Blush, being a whisper of peach-pink.  The Berry has slightly more of a pink-mauve tint to it.

Rose Blush is on the left and Berry Blush is on the right.

Unlike the flat heads most lip balms have, these products are easier to maneuver since they are shaped like lipsticks.  Once I applied, my lips received light hydration that in about two hours sunk into my lips.  Of course, you may have better luck.  However, this is how the product performed on my lips.

Have you tried Keep Calm and Lip Balm from Rimmel London yet?  These retail for $2.50 each.  You can learn more at Rimmel London.

*Disclaimer:  Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Review + SWATCHES: NYC New York Color City Proof 24 HR Waterproof Eyeshadows

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Starting on the left is NYC New York Color Cityproof 24HR Waterproof Eyeshadows #610 Tribeca Taupe, then #630 Empire State Building, #600 Wall Street Bronze, and endingwith #640 Central Park Tulips on the right.

When people look at you, the first place they go is to your eyes.  To maximize and make them as expressive as possible, you need to enhance them with the right products and shades to help you accomplish that. With the assortment of new NYC New York Color City Proof 24 HR Waterproof Eyeshadows I was sent, you’ll find it easy enough to define them without dropping much cash.

These eyeshadows come in the form of twistable, chubby crayons.  The line includes 11 shades that retail for $2.99 each.  The colors I received were #610 Tribeca Taupe (more light gray to purple-brown than typical taupe), #630 Empire State Building (gunmetal gray), #640 Central Park Tulips (violet), and #600 Wall Street Bronze (warm bronze).

Starting on the left is NYC New York Color Cityproof 24HR Waterproof Eyeshadows  #640 Central Park Tulips, #630 Empire State Building, #600 Wall Street Bronze, and ending with #610 Tribeca Taupe on the right by my wrist.

According to the company, they are said to be crease-proof, smear and tear proof, waterproof, give an intense color payoff, and can last for 24 hours of wear.  

First of all, these are easy on the eyelids with a creamy sort of glide and quite pigmented.  With the exception of #610 Tribeca Taupe, a matte shade, I would describe the colors as more shimmery.   

These eyeshadow crayons were long lasting.  For the hours that I had them off, I had no problem with creasing  but a 24-hour claim seems a bit of a stretch.  Nonetheless, they do hold up for a very long time even without primer.

If you want to have a lot of fun and be quite creative in your makeup, check these new NYC New York Color City Proof 24 HR Waterproof Eyeshadows out when you shop and have a blast! 

Disclaimer:  Free products were provided to facilitate this review--not my opinion.*

Review: Reel Him in With NYC New York Color's NEW Sparkle Eye Dust Shadows Collection for Eyes!

**Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

NYC New York Color

Ladies, if you want to reel in his attention, I got just the bait for you with NYC New York Color's new Sparkle Eye Dust Shadows that recently hit store shelves this spring.  These ten highly pigmented tubes of loose powder shadows are loaded beautifully with metallic like color for maximum impact.  

With stunning colors like #887 Brilliant Sapphire (a bold deep blue), #886 Aquamarine Sparkle (a pale turquoise), #879 Opal Sparkle (beaming white light), #884 Bronze Shimmer  (a rich copper-bronze), #885 Amethyst Dazzle (an adorable lilac), #888 Diamond Dust (gleaming silver), #880 Golden Champagne (a beige-gold shimmer), #881 Pink Topaz (a radiant soft pink), #883 Amber Glitz (a glowing gold-bronze) and #882 Smokey Topaz (a purple amber), the selection is sure to please. 

From left to right in the photo below is:  #880, #884, #879, #872, #883, #885, #887, #881, #888 and ending with #886 on the right. 

NYC New York Color's NEW Sparkle Eye Dust Shadows Collection

  
These shadows are packaged like a slim lipstick or lip gloss that  you pull out the sponge applicator with the powder.  Be careful of how quickly you take it out because you could spill flecks on yourself or elsewhere until you get the hang of using it.  By the time you dip your sponge back in, you will be amazed at that dynamic shimmer of color. 

Some of the shades had noticeably more fine glitter sparkling through the shimmer than others.  Nonetheless, the result is a striking and dramatic metallic effect that you can pull off inexpensively at $2.99 each.  

I advise wearing an eye primer underneath if you intend to wear this shadow all day.  Otherwise, you might have creasing problems in about four hours if you skip priming.  That extra minute it takes to apply the primer is well worth the payoff of how long this stunning color will keep your eyes extra riveting, especially helpful on date nights.

Another thing you should keep in mind is these shadows adhere well once they are on your lids and are best removed with a heavier duty eye makeup remover such as an oil-based waterproof eye makeup remover.  This formula completely takes off every trace easily.

Keeping everything I said in mind, I think you will love these NYC New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust Shadows for experimenting with new looks for dazzling metallic eyes at a fraction of what you could expect to pay.  Check your drugstores or their website and let the eye flirtations begin!

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  Free products were provided solely to facilitate this review.*

Freshen Up Your Beauty Routine! Review of Essence Cosmetics Spring, 2013--Photos + SWATCHES!

*Disclaimer:  This post has been compensated through a free product (s) or monetary payment.  Opinions are solely mine. All links are "no-follow" links.**

Essence Cosmetics 3D Shadows and Match 2 Cover Concealer

If you're wondering what's in store for Spring, 2013 from German beauty brand, Essence Cosmetics, then prepare to dazzle with bright  neon colors balanced against subtle shades of nudes.  The result is a fresh look as reborn as the season.

Start with your eyes and their Essence 3D Eyeshadows.  You might want to start with (04) Irresistible Caramel Cream.  This gleams with intensity in a golden-brown and beige-apricot highlight.  

Then again, you may want to go bolder with (06) Irresistible Mermaid Kiss, swimming with appeal from the glistening teal to a vibrant turquoise.  Going more dramatic is easy just by wetting your brush.

Closest to my wrist in the next photo is 06 Irresistible Mermaid Kiss and 04 Irresistible Caramel Cream.

I also tried their Essence Match2Cover Cream Concealer that comes in two shades of light and medium beige.  This product provided decent coverage for lightening the under eye area.  It also spread well and didn't seem to accumulate in any fine lines.

Eyes are not complete unless you have a great mascara like the Essence I Love Extreme Volume Mascara also sent along.  This has to be one of the best mascaras you can pick up that can give some high-end brands a run for the money.  

The brush is easy to maneuver and separates lashes beautifully to give you a thick curtain of black lashes. Another thing I loved was its gentle formulation that was perfect for sensitive eyes prone to allergies like mine.

All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder and I Love Extreme Volutme Mascara

Last in my package was the Essence All About Matt! Fixing Compact Powder.  This is white translucent setting powder that once you take your big, fluffy brush to it will keep your face looking amazing for hours without any shine.

Do look into Essence Cosmetics.  I  suggest starting with that excellent mascara because it is fabulous! Look here to find where to buy.

*Disclaimer:  This is my own honest opinion.  Free products were provided to facilitate this review.*