Browsing for Brow Kits

Eyebrows can really MAKE or BREAK your whole look.

As of late, I've been spending more time and focus on my eyebrows than any other part of my daily makeup routine. My recent purchases have been primarily on eyebrow products because honestly, my eyebrows need help: they're sparse, thin, and short which makes it so important for me to get them perfect-o. An excellent product for me will be one that is well-pigmented, has great staying-power, and is easy to use.

Through the search, I came across two very similar yet different products for the eyebrows, and found a surprising winner between the two.

Benefit Brow Zing in Medium, $32

It was the endless recommendations, high ratings, and curiosities that led me to try the Benefit Brow Zing BUT... I've got to say, I wasn't amazed by this product. Maybe I'm just being picky. But I expected a lot for this high-end eyebrow kit because I already love Benefit's mascaras, blushes, and primer. After giving it many tries, I stronger reasons to return this item. 

PROS:

• sleek, compact case with large mirror,
• comes with mini on-the-go tools: blending brush + flat angle brush + tweezers
• includes a wax base to keep hairs in place and a powder base to outline and fill

CONS:

• the wax-base is light -- not as pigmented as it looks
• has a strong unpleasant odor (must be the wax formula)
• too expensive -- more costly than most eyebrow products

I'm sure the Benefit Brow Zing is great for others, but not for me. This will work best for those who have slightly denser eyebrows than what I have, and those who don't need to do much filling as I do.

e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyebrow Kit in Dark - $3

e.l.f. Cosmetics Eyebrow Kit in Dark - $3

Beware of the underdogs -- the e.l.f. Eyebrow Kit was a surprise winner to me. It looks just like the Benefit Brow Zing with a wax base and powder duo, except this one was only $3! (and reasons below):

PROS:

• AFFORDABLE & EFFECTIVE
• comes with a dense double-ended brush to shape and fill
• includes a wax base to keep hairs in place and a powder base to outline and fill
• sleek small compact with mirror included
• wax base is long-lasting, well pigmented, true to color -- unscented!
• more color duos available: in Light, Medium, Dark, and Ash

CONS:

• none!

Although e.l.f. Cosmetics isn't typically considered as a 'high-end' or department store brand, it's hands-down one of the best brands I've ever tried. This kit is best for those with sparse, thin, and lighter eyebrows because it fills very well while still giving a natural look.

If you were looking for a new eyebrow kit to use at a better price, I say go for e.l.f. Cosmetics. My opinions may not reflect those of others, but consider what your skin type, shape, and features are like. Try different brands -- even if it's the same kind of product -- to find what will suit you best, and brings the best value.

I hope this helped and I hope you enjoyed this review as much as I did writing it. Come to think of it, I think I'll do more of this comparison type of review between two (or more) similar products from different brands, so do look out for more!

Forever 21's New Premium Collection Cosmetics

We all know that the popular retailer Forever 21 is all about bringing top fashion trends in apparel and accessories at accessible and affordable prices. They've also always had a cute selection of beauty tools and other care items like hair brushes, mirror compacts, tweezers, and small sets of makeup brushes available. Upon my last visit to a Forever 21, I came across this set up:

SAY WHHAAAT.

Apparently Forever 21 had just launched their new expansion of cosmetics and beauty products with the 'PREMIUM COLLECTION' introducing "a full range of elevated essentials from skin care to lip gloss, to artistry brushes, and everything in-between".

In other words, it's not just that cheap teenager glitter lipgloss you see in plastic little tubes or neon blue eyeshadows -- It's now for grownups, with a little less glitter and neon, and an upgraded price tag.

Now if you know me, you'd know how easily skeptical I get about the legitimacy of things. What are these beauty/makeup items doing at a clothing store? Is this gonna give you a rash? Who'd really even buy this stuff? 

And if you REALLY know me, you'd know how curious I'd be -- I'll quickly lose sense of priorities, question life, and give into it. So I strolled around the setup and glanced at what they had available. They had lots of testers out and a cleaning station, which got me thinking, "Maybe this is actually 'legit'..." 

I knew I was in need of a face moisturizer and an eyebrow kit at the time, so those definitely got my immediate attention first. I also checked out their 'smoothing face balm' which just sounds like a fancier name for face primer. Below I've listed my initial impressions, which items I purchased, and my individual reviews with PROS and CONS.

GENERAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS: 

• Nice minimalistic packaging in matte black and white
• Made in Korea - (at least it's not Made in China, thank god)
• Decent amount and sizes
• Looks and smells good
• But NOT ENOUGH info/reviews, description, or listed ingredients on the items, must retain box packaging for the details - (may seem kinda sketchy)
• Middle-tier price range ($5-$15), about the same--if not slightly more costly--as compared to average drugstore cosmetic prices

Purchased: Face Moisturizer, Eyebrow Kit duo powders, and Smoothing Face Balm
Love the minimalistic packaging.

Face Moisturizer - $10.80 at Forever 21

First off, I'm quite indifferent about the Face Moisturizer. I don't mind using this daily, but there are better moisturizers out there for much less. This one has a nostalgic smell to it like baby powder crossed with sunscreen lotion which strangely reminds me of my childhood. 

PROS

• Soft nice scent
• Feels hydrating with its light, spreadable, cream texture
• Gives good finish before applying any liquid foundation, BB cream, or concealer
• I prefer using it before sleep

CONS

• But MUST AVOID THE EYES, it stings terribly
• Does get too shiny for me throughout the day - I'd recommend this moisturizer for those with dry to normal skin (or if you have oily skin, use a really effective face primer after this moisturizer, however, this may be too heavy of products on your face already)

Eyebrow Kit in Dark - $10.80 at Forever 21

Next, I noticed the duo color shades of this eyebrow kit to be very ideal for my dark brown hair color. This product would be better if it included a wax base like the Benefit Brow Zings or the e.l.f. Eyebrow kit but if your eyebrow hairs are already trimmed, short, and sparse you can usually get by with just powder.

PROS

• Comes in two shade range: light kit and dark kit
• Moderate lasting/staying power
• Spoolie wand and flat angle brush are included - ideal for travel
• Gives softer and more natural look to your brows
• Best for filling in brows (not shaping), perfect for those with short and sparse hairs

CONS

• Not the best to shape brows, can't create sharper strokes
• Expensive / over-priced for its size and medium quality
• Pigmentation is light, could be better - requires multiple coats on my brows to get it darker

Smoothing Face Balm in White - $10.80 at Forever 21

I actually like this product most of all the ones I tried. This face balm is essentially a normal face primer. It has a silica base formula that glides on your skin and leaves a smooth matte finish. It's perfect for filling in any pores or uneven skin texture, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. I like to use this after a moisturizer and before applying any BB cream or foundation. 

PROS

• It really works!
• Soft, lightweight, matte finish
• White cream dries clear
• Long-lasting, keeps my face texture looking smooth all day
• Great as a face primer
• Minimizes appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, pores, etc.
• Has a good light citrus scent
• Comes with applicator cap to scoop out product instead of having to dip fingers in

CONS

• Not for shine-control
• A little pricier than expected
• No other darker skin color base yet available

Overall Forever 21 Premium Makeup Collection is probably going to be a hit or miss for some users, and quite overpriced for those on a budget. I do like their packaging, and the fact that their beauty products are accessible for those who are shopping at Forever 21 for apparel as well. 

I will note that I've been using these products above on and off still for the last month and they have not given me a rash, break out, or allergic reaction. But honestly, I'd personally stay away from the other main products like foundation, blushes, and lipsticks because they don't have a wide selection of colors available, nor a strong fan-base yet -- Best to be safe than sorry by going for brands that have a bigger rep for makeup and beauty. 

Until next the next makeup move!

NYX Lip Cream and Blush Review

NYX /niks/ noun : (Greek mythology) goddess of the night

I love their name and I love their products. NYX is yet another one of my favorite affordable lines of makeup products with amazing quality. I've tried a few of their eyeshadows and eyebrow products, which had always been a part of my daily makeup routine. nyxcosmetics.com recently had a 50% off sale on all their lip items, so I decided to try their new and highly-raved lip creams, with a couple grabs of their powder blushes as well.

LIP CREAMS

Lately I've been more curious with lip creams/lip stains over lipsticks which was why I was so excited to try the new NYX Soft Matte and Xtreme Shine lip creams. I purchased one bright pink color in the matte cream (Candy Land), and a pop cool-tone pink in the glossy cream (Istanbul). I didn't expect the two colors to end up looking so similar to each other after application. Unfortunately, my overall impression of both these lip creams is a disappointment--I feel mean saying this but it almost felt like playing with 'toy' makeup or children's paint.

Firstly, the scent for both lip creams were overwhelmingly noticeable and smelled like a 'cheap' product. And second, the application process was difficult as the brush tip is quite stiff, creating visible stroke lines on my lips. Lastly, the thickness of the lip cream actually highlights the fine lines on my lips instead of smoothing them out. So unless your lips are perfectly even and free of creases, this product is not worth trying. I do like its great color payoff and the wide range of colors they have available. If I had to choose one, I'd prefer the Xtreme Shine over the Soft Matte lip cream simply because it has a little more glam and doesn't dry out my lips as much as the other. I believe NYX could improve their lip cream in the future, but for now it's just not a hype for me.

Soft Matte Lip Cream in Instanbul (left) - $6 and Xtreme Shine Lip Cream in Candy Land (right) - $6

• Pros
• high pigmentation - great color payoff
• wide variety of colors available
• Cons
• highly noticeable scent - smells like really sweet cotton candy or 'Play-Doh' clay
• doesn't adhere to lips well if you have already applied lip balm
• brush/wand is stiff, does not bend or flex - visible stroke lines
• thick cream, feels heavy and non-hydrating
• dries into your ridges and shows creases
• transfers and smudges outside of lip line

POWDER BLUSH 

Now, the NYX Powder Blushers were a great purchase. I ordered the a matte light orange color (Coral Dream) and a matte tan color (Taupe). Amazing product. I'm so impressed with their color payoff, soft texture, and staying power. I'd typically avoid 'coral' colors since 'orange' is already too similar to my yellow beige skin tone. But surprisingly, this Coral Dream shade blends out to a warm peachy flush with my skin and looks quite natural on me than other true pink shades.

Additionally, you might wonder how a taupe color could be a 'blush', but it gives just enough tan and warmth to create dimension without having to add too much color to your overall makeup look. This taupe blush powder can be used to contour the sides of your nose, cheeks, temples, and jaw line while still drawing the focus to your eyeshadow or lips. I'd strongly recommend the NYX Powder Blush to everyone as it is a definite hype for me--I wish I had more!

NYX Powder Blush in Coral Dream (top) and in Taupe (bottom) - $5

• Pros
• affordable product for great quality - bang for your buck
• color pigmentation and payoff is accurate
• soft powder, very blend-able
• long lasting wear, matte for natural finish
• taupe shade is perfect for adding some dimension without over-doing colors
• Cons
• color previews online do not depict accurate color swatch
• some lighter colors with shimmers may not be as pigmented for darker skin tones

I hope this has been helpful! NYX Cosmetics is an innovative makeup company that's always improving their products and creating new ones with great quality and affordability for us to explore. Do check out their website at nyxcosmetics.com for more products and colors*!

*I noticed the colors displayed on the website do not always look the same in person. I do suggest reading the descriptions carefully to compare matte vs. shimmer, cool vs. warm, etc.

Valentine's Day Glam with Drugstore Makeup Picks

Roses are pink, violets are purple.

I used to think that you have to spend a lot in order to have a good time and look glamorous for Valentine's Day. My recent visit at Walgreens had me at these few new and affordable drugstore products that may suit perfectly for a dolly romantic look. I decided to focus on a soft look, with lighter colors like pink and purple this time. And though I've never tried these shades before (as browns and darks are usually my style) I think it'd be nice to change my makeup look for a more (gl)amorous feel this weekend. ;) Cue song: Glamorous - Fergie ft. Ludacris

After testing out the products, I could quickly tell which items were my favorite and which ones weren't. My new favorite rave for lip products would have to be the L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lip. They go so well for any look, day or night. And unlike lipsticks or lip glosses, this liquid lip product feels so light and hydrating.

As for L'Oréal Paris' new Voluminous Butterfly Mascara, the unique 'winged' brush and the silver packaging was most intriguing. However, because of its asymmetrical shape and my being right handed, I found it easier to apply to one eye and more difficult to apply to the other eye (unless you can twist your hand around and still maintain control OR simply be ambidextrous).

Last but not least, the Revlon ColoyStay Shadow Links were a surprise. Revlon has always been a go-to favorite line of makeup for me, but this time I'm not too impressed with their new eyeshadow links. What really sold me was their novel idea to connect single eyeshadow cases together. Other than that, the product itself is just 'okay' quality. (See review summary in PROs/CONs list at bottom)

Overall, it turned out better than I expected! I'm glad I got to try out my recent curiosities with pink and purple shadows (see photo below - obviously feeling extra girly and flirty with this look). It's fun to step out of your comfort zone with makeup once in a while, especially for a holiday! Valentine's Day is a day we celebrate love--the love for your family, friends, significant other, and most importantly, the love for who you are as you are.

So whether you're planning to get fancied up for a date/party, or chilling out solo -
Celebrate you.

love yourself

PRODUCT REVIEW SUMMARY, PROs/CONs LIST:

EYESHADOW
Revlon ColorStay Shadow Links in Candy (pink shimmer), and in Purple (matte) - $3 each

pros - Good range of colors from mattes to shimmers. Decent pigmentation. Designed for 'mix-n-match' / build your own set by sliding cases together. Nice for travel.

cons - Texture is medium (not too hard not too soft), and causes some fallout. Cases don't stay on too tight.

MASCARA
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Butterfly Waterproof in Blackest Black - $9

pros - Unique wand design has a winged flare that reaches corners of outer lashes well. Thickens lashes while holding up the curl pretty well. Best for 'demi' style lashes. 

cons - Asymmetrical wand shape is difficult to apply same way for both eyes. Short tiny bristles does not comb out and separate lashes enough. Still see clumping. Formula takes longer to remove/wash off.

LIP COLOR
L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Extraordinaire Liquid Lip in Blushing Harmony (103), and in Nude Ballet (601) - $9

pros -  Luxurious and compact packaging. Smooth long-lasting formula. Sweet fruity smell. Great color payoff without looking too opaque. Good shine and feels hydrating, not sticky. 

cons - Sponge tip is flat and triangular but wish it could be pointier at the tip to precisely reach outer lip corners.

Happy Valentine's Day, my loves!

Join the annual Faces of e.l.f Cosmetics Beauty contest!

Don't you just love e.l.f. cosmetics? ♡ 

e.l.f. cosmetics is doing their annual 'Beauty at All Ages' for 2014. Aspiring models and beauty/makeup enthusiasts from their teens through their 40s+ are invited to submit their best photos (candid or professional) for a chance to be the featured face for this year's campaign, along with other special prizes.

Once again, e.l.f. cosmetics is partnering up with the premier modeling website at ExploreModeling.com, to count votes and manage entry submissions. Only 4 Grand Prize winners (one from each age group) will be hand-selected by official judges and be brought to NYC for a makeover and photo shoot to feature in the next eyeslipsface.com and social media campaigns, along with extra spending cash and makeup goodies. Another set of Top 10 winners will be selected by Most Popular Vote counts to win an extravagant vacation getaway trip sponsored by Beaches Resorts at beaches.com.

This contest is free and open to the everyone! (US and Canada) They encourage aspiring or professional models, and any loyal e.l.f. fan to submit pictures that capture the individual's unique beauty and personality. They also recommend close-up snapshot and at least one full-body snapshot; candids are accepted and professional shots are not required.

So my lovely friends, let's not be afraid, I highly recommend you try it out, and spread the word!

Check out the contest link HERE to sign up, see the competition, or cast in votes for your favorites!

See me there, and send some love (and votes!)

>> face of e.l.f. Cosmetics: Jenn Nguyen's Profile Page << 

Makeup Must-haves in 'Radiant Orchid', Color of the Year

Ever since Pantone announced their decision on the new 2014 Color of the Year: Radiant Orchid, I can't stop noticing violet purple everywhere! From interior decor, to commercials, to magazines, to fashion and beauty products, to even food. I wouldn't usually wear this bright violet color in clothing or even makeup but I feel that 'Radiant Orchid' will be an exciting iconic theme for the new 2014 year. 

It's a vividly blooming color that brings out confidence and charm. Related colors range between light lilac and lavender softness, to medium pink violets, and to deep plums and burgundy. Being a purple shade with both cool and warm undertones, this color is expected to last brilliantly throughout the changing seasons in the year, and most importantly, is still flattering for all hair, eye, and skin tones. 

Here's a linked list on popular 'Radiant Orchid' makeup and beauty products to try!
(most items are included in photo above) 

EYES

• Revlon ColorStay 16 Hour eyeshadow quad in Seductive, $5.99
• Maybelline Eyestudio Color Plush Silk eyeshado quad in Purple Icon, $9.99
• Too Faced Eyeshadow Intense Color single in Poison Orchid, $18
• Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Asphyxia, $18
• Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof Eyeliner in Violet, $20
• Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour in Orchid, $26
• Yves Saint Laurent Ombres 5 Lumières Palette in 4 Lilac Sky, $58

LIPS

• Maybelline Color Sensational Whisper Lipcolor in Oh La Lilac, $7.49
• Shiseido Luminizing Lip Gloss in Barely There Lilac, $22
• Bite Beauty High Pigment Matte Lip Pencil in Violet, $24
• NARS Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Never Say Never, $25
• Yves Saint Laurent Volupté Sheer Candy Glossy Balm Crystal Color in 08 Iced Plum, $32

CHEEKS

• NYX Stick Blush in Tulip, $5.99
• MAC Powder Blush in Breathe of Plum, $21
• MAKE UP FOR EVER Powder Blush in Lavender, $21

NAILS

• Essie nail polish in Splash of Grenadine, $8.50
• OPI nail polish in A Grape Fit, in Do You Lilac It?, and in Purple with a Purpose, $9
• Butter London nail lacquer in Molly Coddled, and in Moggins, $15

SKIN

• St. Ive's Body Lotion in Coconut Milk and Orchid Extract, $4.43
• Bath & Body Works Body Lotion in Enchanted Orchid, $9

There's much more to explore on this purple passion, but as you can see, pretty much anything that reminds you of the beautiful purple orchid flower will do. 

I'm starting to lilac it a lot. ;)

Eyeliner: Different products for different looks

Of all makeup products and styles, eyeliner has got to be the easiest and most essential part of my makeup looks. It can really accentuate the eyes and complete an eye makeup look. Even if you skip the eyeshadows or the mascara part, having just eyeliner can make a whole lot of a difference.

There are 4 common types of eyeliner products:
         1. Pencil
         2. Powder (eyeshadow)
         3. Gel
         4. Liquid


Pencil liners are my least favorite since they smudge easily on my oily lids, especially in my inner and outer corners of my eyes--that is even if I have primer on! I believe it's my eye shape and naturally oily lids that make it more difficult for my cream-based eyeshadows or eyeliners to stay put. I also don't like that the eyeliner pencils round off at the tip once you start using it, which then create bolder lines than I prefer. I could try sharpening them more often to keep it pointy, but that just seems to waste more product. The best time for pencil liners to me are when they are thin retractable ones for tight lining my upper and lower waterline.

favorite pencil liners:

• Department: Stila Smudge Stick Waterproof in 'Stingray' - $20 at Sephora and ULTA
• Drugstore: Milani Liquid Eye Pencil in 'Graphite'- $6.99 at Walgreens

Powder/eyeshadow as eyeliner is my least favorite type, but I do like that it's the easiest to remove. With a flat angled brush, you can dab eyeshadow to your lash line. What I like about this most is the fact that it gives the most subtle look, emphasizing the eyes by making the lashes look fuller. It's also the best way to blend out for a soft smokey effect, but it won't necessarily be the best tool to create a sharp edge or tip. Because pencil and gel can smear/rub off, I've found it's best to use a matte black or dark brown powder/eyeshadow as a setting layer on top of an already applied pencil or gel eyeliner. It can also be used to soften the harsh edge that liquid liners make.

favorite powder/eyeshadows for eyeliner:

• Department: SEPHORA COLLECTION Colorful Eyeshadow Matte in 'Black Lace' - $13 at Sephora
• Drugstore: NYX Nude Matte Eyeshadow in 'Stripped' - $4.99 at ULTA, $4.50 on NYXcosmetics.com

Gel liner is something I haven't used too often, simply because I find the process to be more a hassle than other eyeliner products. I don't like having to use a separate tool (brush), dipping it into the gel a few times, worry about the rest of the jar drying out if I leave the cap opened for too long, and then also cleaning the brush after every use in order to prevent any gel residue from hardening on the brush hairs... blah! That said, I do think gel liner is best for more dramatic and bold eyeliner looks because you can build layers and adjust the shape of the eyeliner more easily than pencil or eyeshadow powder. As a tip, use a little bit of product at a time, and work fast but carefully in small strokes as the gel does dry quickly upon application.

favorite gel liners:

• Department: Bobbi Brown Long-wear Gel Liner in 'Black Ink' - $27 at Sephora
• Drugstore: 2 very good comparable selections
• Maybelline Eye Studio Drama Gel Eyeliner in 'Blackest Black' - $9.99 at ULTA, CVS, and Walgreens
• L'Oréal Gel Laquer 24 Hour in 'Blackest Black' - $9.99 at ULTA, CVS, and Walgreens

Liquid is my favorite method to apply eyeliner. The felt tip* gives the quickest application with the darkest and straightest edge, allowing me to draw my cat-eye wings evenly. It wasn't easy at first but after much experimentation, it's gotten much easier for me to control my liquid liner pen. It's best to start on the outer corner, drawing thin short lines on your lash line, pointing the felt tip towards the inner corner. Work your way inward by connecting the short lines together. Use less pressure to create a thinner line and add more pressure to create a bolder line or continue to layer until you've achieved a desired definition.

favorite liquid liners:

• Department: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner in 'Trooper' - $18 at Sephora
• Drugstore: Maybelline Eye Studio Master Precise Ink Pen Eyeliner in 'Black' - $6.49 at Target,  $7.99 at ULTA

* Look for 'felt tip' liquid liners that have fine synthetic hairs as they are best with sharp precision and won't dry out quickly. Avoid liquid liners with a single foam point as they are more flimsy, rounded at the tip (instead of being pointy), difficult to control, and tend to harden over a shorter time.


Here's an simple info sheet I've compiled of the 4 eyeliner varieties for an easy overview of their differences: