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 << 

Lipstain: The perfect alternative for winter dry lips

My lips get really dry and chapped especially now that winter is here. The weather has been so dry and cold lately. Chapsticks and other lip balms keep my lip hydrated well, but I've been wanting play more with lip colors. Maybe it's the holiday season spirits that have been calling my interest.

Normal lipsticks seem to be easier to control during application since you're applying the color directly to your lips. But matte colored lipsticks tend to dry my lips very easily, and shiny colors can smudge off quickly. I felt like lipstick colors can require high-maintenance, especially when you're going for reds or darker plum colors that will show mistakes more apparently.

As an alternative, I recently tried a lipstain for the first time, and it worked out so well! At first, I thought this would be too difficult to apply and control. I'm not applying the color directly on my lips as I would with a lipstick, but instead use the thin applicator brush cap. I purchased the creamy lip stain from the Sephora collection in 'Strawberry Kiss' for $13, which is actually a such good price for its impressive quality (as compared to the popular Stila lipstain at $24).

Sephora's creamy lipstain in Strawberry Kiss, $13 at Sephora

As always, you should have some lip balm on before adding any lip color. This lipstain color will appear glossy at first, but will dry matte if you have a matte color. I find it easier to use a matching lipliner to outline your shape first and then applying a thin layer on the lips. I will also blot my lips onto a facial tissue to get any excess lipcolor off. Once it dries, you can also build on another thin layer if you want it to look more opaque on your lips, but I think the color already looks amazing with one coat.

Why I like this product:

• highly pigmented, color payoff is accurate
• creamy, hydrating, does not dry and crumble or flake off
• long lasting
• affordable for its impressive quality, more 'bang for your buck'
• variety of shimmer and matte colors - pinks, reds, and plums

see jtennisfer on Instagram

It's definitely a bolder look for me. Because this one is in a matte color, the color will show so well in photos. I must say that it's not entirely smudge-proof. I've found that some color may be transferred upon contact, but it's very ideal for a party or big event. I'm happy with how this product has turned out for me, especially since the upcoming winter holiday celebrations will be perfect opportunities to add more glam and color to my makeup looks. I'm looking forward to trying out other colors!

Intro

Hello, world.

I'm Jenn. Just your average 'tomboy' chick raised by her loving father and grew up enjoying topics on cars and motorcycles, tools and sports (especially tennis), technology, and random gadgets and gismos. As a kid, I was usually freaked out by dolls (especially the ones that make crying noises and closes its eyes), I thought playing dress-up and makeup was disgusting, and I simply hated being a girl. 

In some ways, I still feel that way. Being a girl sucks (ladies, y'all know what I mean). You have to deal with puberty earlier on, face the damnation of getting your period every month, wash your hair, brush your hair, groom your underarms, shape your eyebrows, wear a bra, worry about your boobs not growing, wear a dress, walk in heels, get blisters, get pregnant... and that's just the physical stuff! Then you have all the emotional things, the social things, and relationship things to worry about even more. 

OTHER THAN THAT, I think being a girl has proven to be a good thing for me. Two years ago, I finally decided to try some MAKEUP on my own for the first time. After watching some YouTube makeup videos, I figured I'll start with a black eyeliner pencil (that's usually the first thing girls go for, that or a lipstick). It wasn't easy at first. I kept poking my eye and could hardly stand the tickling of it. But I really liked how I look with some eyeliner on. I looked and felt somewhat more sophisticated and 'put together' knowing I tried something different with my appearance, instead of the usual 'plain Jenn' before.

Though I used to think 'natural beauty is the only beauty', I believe that makeup allows you to enhance and accentuate your natural features. Most importantly I see makeup as a form of art and personal expression. You get to create your own look any time, anywhere, with anything. There are so many styles you can play with, such as a glam, chic, edgy, or a natural appeal. Whatever the desire, you can always try different makeup products or looks to add to your daily engagements.

Needless to say, I'm not a professional makeup artist, I didn't go to beauty school, nor am I trying to say that all that I say here will be the absolute truth. I base my experience by learning from others, trial and error, and personal observations. I will be using this little blog site to share my makeup encounters and fill it with some photos or videos about my Makeup Move. Now that's something to keep myself busy with...

Peace out.