NYX Nude Pink Megashine Lip Gloss Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Nude Pink Megashine Lip Gloss

NYX Nude Pink Megashine Lip Gloss ($5.50) is a creamy, soft neutral pink. The color is soft on my lips, but it's not really what I'd describe as "nude". It's light, but it doesn't wash me out. It's pigmented enough to wear alone, and it looks amazing when paired with any pink lipstick.

NYX Megashine Lipglosses are one of my favorite, if not my favorite line of drugstore lip glosses for several reasons - there is a huge selection of pretty every day colors, the formula is pigmented (although some shades can be sheerer than others), they are non-sticky, feel great on the lips and are inexpensive.

One of the downsides about NYX Megashine Lipglosses are that the tube can sometimes get messy. I've owned several Megashine Lipglosses, and I've had some overflow. You can see in the main photo how much gloss has gathered around the top of the tube. I like to clean the inside handle of the wand applicator with a q-tip once I notice a lot of product gathering and it helps.

Also, they are scented like cherries. Some love it, some hate it. I don't really mind it. Kinda wish it was scent-free, but it doesn't stop me from purchasing them.

NYX Nude Pink on my lips

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Great color and pigmentation
• Doesn't wash me out like some nudes can
• Creamy, non-sticky texture that is comfortable on the lips
• Large slanted applicator that I love! Puts the perfect amount of product on the lips.
• Shiny finish

Cons:

• Artificial Cherry scent might be bothersome to some
• Lasting power could be better
• Tube can get messy, as product seems to gather up under the lid.

Price: $5.50, Ulta, NYX & Cherry Culture. (Currently NYX is 40% off at ULTA)

NYX Hippie Chic Matte Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

NYX Hippie Chic Matte Lipstick

NYX Hippie Chic Matte Lipstick ($5.99) is a bright pastel flamingo pink with a matte finish. If any of you are familiar with NYX Orange Soda, it reminds me of a pink version of it. Or, a lighter version of Nars Bolero Velvet Matte Lip Pencil.

I don't have any experience with NYX Matte Lipsticks (I've only used the Round Lipsticks) and although I tend to steer away from matte formulas, I really liked some of the colors of the matte lipstick range.

The problem is - when pale lip colors have a matte finish (especially when they are very pigmented), they can have the tendency to apply streaky and look chalky on the lips, unless it's a sheer, moisturizing formula.

When wearing Hippie Chic I have to make sure to moisturize and exfoliate my lips, so they are completely free of dryness and flakes. Dryness becomes very noticeable with this lipstick. Even after my lips are completely free of dryness, the color still manages to look dry on my lips unless I apply a layer of lip balm as a base.

To really get this lipstick to work, I like applying a good coat of Smith's Rosebud Salve (my favorite lip balm - has a glossy finish) and applying a few coats of Hippie Chic over top. I additionally like to apply a coat of lipgloss on top, because Hippie Chic has the tendency to hang out in the lip lines.

Hippie Chic is a super pretty color, so if you're willing to work around the not-so-great formula, it might be worth giving a shot. It could also work as a good mixing shade (as MAC Myth is a popular shade to tone down other lipsticks).

For matte lipsticks, I highly prefer Wet n Wild Mega Last Matte Lipsticks - and they are cheaper!

NYX Hippie Chic on my lips.

I have one more shade I'm going to review, but I don't think I'll purchase any other lipsticks from this line. I'll stick to their Round Lipsticks.

The Round-Up 

Pros:

• Pigmented
• Lightweight formula
• Great colors to choose from
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Accentuates dryness
• Can be drying when worn alone
• Can look chalky if too much is applied

Price: $5.99, Ulta, NYX & Cherry Culture. (Currently NYX is 40% off at ULTA)

NYX Absolute Red Xtreme Lip Cream Review & Photos!

NYX Absolute Red Xtreme Lip Cream

NYX Absolute Red Xtreme Lip Cream ($5.99) is an opaque cherry/blood red lip color with a glossy finish. NYX Xtreme Lip Creams are a lipgloss/lipstick hybrid as the product is completely opaque with one coat, yet it has the texture and shine of a gloss. I'd compare the pigmentation to OCC Lip Tars, though these are much more moisturizing.

Absolute Red is such a perfect, sexy shade of red, and I can't imagine it looking bad on anyone. It looks like a "Snow White" red with one coat and if I blot my lips with a tissue, it takes on a bright raspberry color (which is essentially what it fades to on me). With two coats, it takes on a deeper red-wine shade. It's kind of like a chameleon..

The first ingredient in this gloss is Castor Oil, so if you're familiar with it, you can imagine the consistency. It's thick and moisturizing, yet it's completely non-sticky/tacky or greasy. Also, if you're familiar with the scent of Castor Oil, that's what the gloss smells like - kind of woody/plastic-like, but I don't even notice it anymore.

The lasting power is just as really good - the red in particular is still on my lips after several hours (although it will fade slightly).

NYX Absolute Red on my lips.

I am obsessed with NYX Xtreme Lip Creams and I'm thinking about purchasing the whole collection because I am that crazy! My favorite color for every day is the color Nude Peach Fuzz.

If you haven't tried these out, I urge you to check them out if you have access to NYX products near you. Currently NYX is 40% off at ULTA!

The Round-Up

Pros:

• The perfect red (can vary with different skin tones)
• Extremely pigmented color 
• Isn't sticky - comfortable on the lips
• Great lasting power - better than standard lipglosses
• Inexpensive

Cons: 

• Yucky smell of Castor Oil - which may only be bothersome to those sensitive to scents in lip products.

Price: $5.99, Ulta, NYX & Cherry Culture.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Collection Preview (Part 2)

 MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Gift Sets

There hasn't been too much information released other than some pixelated promo and product images for the upcoming MAC Holiday Collection (which is HUGE, btw!). But I can't help but share the photos and information I've come across related to the collection.

I don't normally get excited about upcoming MAC Collections because they come and go so quickly, but I'm actually kind of excited for the MAC Holiday Collection! I'm over my obsession of bows, but I can't help but love the packaging for the all of the palettes. They are so elegant and glam!

*The actual names of the products as well as the descriptions and prices have not been released yet. 

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Eyeshadow Palettes

There will be three eyeshadow palettes with each palette containing five eyeshadow colors and a mini-size eyeshadow brush.

• Palette 1 – Taupeless, Satin Taupe, Love Spice, Spellcaster and Black Slip
• Palette 2 – Blonde Mink, Magical Mist, Brun, Enviable and Smut
• Palette 3 – Glamour Light, Retrospeck, Honesty, Cognac and Sketch

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Face, Eyes and Lips Palettes

• There will be three palettes with each one containing three eyeshadows, two lip colors, one face powder (not sure if it's a bronzer or Blush) and a mini double-ended eyeshadow and lip brush.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Complexion Touch-Up Palettes

• There will be three sets to choose from with each palette containing one lipstick and one oil-absorbing/touch-up pressed powder.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Pigment Sets

Pigment Set 1

• She’s Got Class – shiny platinum gold
• Moss Garden – satin green lake
• I’ve Got a Crush on You – metallic green brown
• Spruced – metallic blue-green

Pigment Set 2

• Rose Light – rosy pink
• Silk Stocking – golden sand
• Darling Coquette – shiny white gold
• Ever Elegant – dark reddish brown with pink pearl

Pigment Set 3

• *Information on this set is currently unavailable.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Lipgloss Sets

Lipgloss Set 1

• Out for Glamour – bluish pink with glitter
• Sublime Shine – pale orange brown
• Geo Pink – soft red
• On the Scene – pale fleshy orange

Lipgloss Set 2

• Satin Slip – light pearly orange
• Fashion Whim – soft pink
• Kiss Don’t Tell – dark brown
• Get Rich Quick – dark coffee with multi-color pearl

Lipgloss Set 3

• *Information on this set is currently unavailable.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Lip and Eye Gift Sets

Eye Gift Set

• There will be three gift sets available with each set containing one Eyeshadow Duo, Opulash Mascara, Pencil Eyeliner and a travel Eyeshadow Brush.

Lip Gift Set

• There will two gift sets available with each set containing one Cremesheen Lipglass, One Lipstick and one Mini Lip Liner.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Brush Sets

Mineral Brush Set (Orange Set)

• #187SE Duo Fibre Brush
• #130SE Professional Short Duo Fiber Brush
• #286SE Professional Duo Fiber Blending Brush
• #282SE Professional Eyeshadow Brush
• Leopard Cosmetic Bag

Classic Brush Set (Pink Set)

• #167SE Blush/Powder Brush
• #168SE Large Angled Contour Brush
• #239SE Eye Shader Brush
• #217SE Blending Brush
• #212SE Professional Flat Definer Brush
• Leopard Cosmetic Bag

Advanced Brush Set (Green/Blue Set)

• #190SE Foundation Brush
• #129SE Blush/Powder Brush
• #275SE Medium Angled Shading Brush
• #266SE Small Angle Brush
• #226SE Color Brush
• Leopard Makeup Bag

The US Launch Date is rumored to be November 6th. We'll see soon enough!

See anything you like?

For ACTUAL photos of the products, displays as well as some swatches, click the image below!!

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Collection Preview (Part 2)

 MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Gift Sets

There hasn't been too much information released other than some pixelated promo and product images for the upcoming MAC Holiday Collection (which is HUGE, btw!). But I can't help but share the photos and information I've come across related to the collection.

I don't normally get excited about upcoming MAC Collections because they come and go so quickly, but I'm actually kind of excited for the MAC Holiday Collection! I'm over my obsession of bows, but I can't help but love the packaging for the all of the palettes. They are so elegant and glam!

*The actual names of the products as well as the descriptions and prices have not been released yet. 

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Eyeshadow Palettes

There will be three eyeshadow palettes with each palette containing five eyeshadow colors and a mini-size eyeshadow brush.

• Palette 1 � Taupeless, Satin Taupe, Love Spice, Spellcaster and Black Slip
• Palette 2 � Blonde Mink, Magical Mist, Brun, Enviable and Smut
• Palette 3 � Glamour Light, Retrospeck, Honesty, Cognac and Sketch

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Face, Eyes and Lips Palettes

• There will be three palettes with each one containing three eyeshadows, two lip colors, one face powder (not sure if it's a bronzer or Blush) and a mini double-ended eyeshadow and lip brush.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Complexion Touch-Up Palettes

• There will be three sets to choose from with each palette containing one lipstick and one oil-absorbing/touch-up pressed powder.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Pigment Sets

Pigment Set 1

• She�s Got Class � shiny platinum gold
• Moss Garden � satin green lake
• I�ve Got a Crush on You � metallic green brown
• Spruced � metallic blue-green

Pigment Set 2

• Rose Light � rosy pink
• Silk Stocking � golden sand
• Darling Coquette � shiny white gold
• Ever Elegant � dark reddish brown with pink pearl

Pigment Set 3

• *Information on this set is currently unavailable.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Lipgloss Sets

Lipgloss Set 1

• Out for Glamour � bluish pink with glitter
• Sublime Shine � pale orange brown
• Geo Pink � soft red
• On the Scene � pale fleshy orange

Lipgloss Set 2

• Satin Slip � light pearly orange
• Fashion Whim � soft pink
• Kiss Don�t Tell � dark brown
• Get Rich Quick � dark coffee with multi-color pearl

Lipgloss Set 3

• *Information on this set is currently unavailable.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Lip and Eye Gift Sets

Eye Gift Set

• There will be three gift sets available with each set containing one Eyeshadow Duo, Opulash Mascara, Pencil Eyeliner and a travel Eyeshadow Brush.

Lip Gift Set

• There will two gift sets available with each set containing one Cremesheen Lipglass, One Lipstick and one Mini Lip Liner.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Brush Sets

Mineral Brush Set (Orange Set)

• #187SE Duo Fibre Brush
• #130SE Professional Short Duo Fiber Brush
• #286SE Professional Duo Fiber Blending Brush
• #282SE Professional Eyeshadow Brush
• Leopard Cosmetic Bag

Classic Brush Set (Pink Set)

• #167SE Blush/Powder Brush
• #168SE Large Angled Contour Brush
• #239SE Eye Shader Brush
• #217SE Blending Brush
• #212SE Professional Flat Definer Brush
• Leopard Cosmetic Bag

Advanced Brush Set (Green/Blue Set)

• #190SE Foundation Brush
• #129SE Blush/Powder Brush
• #275SE Medium Angled Shading Brush
• #266SE Small Angle Brush
• #226SE Color Brush
• Leopard Makeup Bag

The US Launch Date is rumored to be November 6th. We'll see soon enough!

See anything you like?

For ACTUAL photos of the products, displays as well as some swatches, click the image below!!

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Collection Preview (Part 1)

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Collection

There are so many things I love about the holidays - Fall Fashion (scarves, long sleeves and boots), the cold weather (and good hair days - see ya next year humidity!), pumpkin spice lattes, fun-size candy bars, the Christmas lights that light up Chicago, wrapping myself in my self-made cocoon of comforters at night.. and of course, the holiday makeup collections.

We're beginning to see a ton of previews for the new holiday collections and I'm already anticipating October/November so I can go on a swatching rampage at Macy's (Chanel and Dior, I'm coming for you!).

The MAC Holiday Collection is as usual in two parts - the Colour Collection (below) and the Sets (brush and makeup sets).

If you missed out on the highlighters from MAC's Extra Dimension Spring 2012 Collection, don't worry! They are being re-released (the most popular ones, anyway).

Extra Dimension Eyeshadow

• A Natural Flirt – soft peachy nude
• Divine Blue – midtone aqua
• Ready to Party – pale lilac
• Stylish Merry – midtone dusty violet
• Tall Dark and Handsome – black with pearl
• Evening Grey – steel silver
• Round Midnight – dark burgundy
• Stolen Moment – dark taupe

Fluidline

• Catch My Eye – cool taupe grey with dazzle pearl
• Little Black Bow – charcoal with dazzle pearl
• Feminine Edge – pink mauve with dazzle pearl

Kohl Power Eye Pencil

• Raven – intense black with red pearl
• Orpheus – intense black with gold pearl
• Mystery – intense black with green pearl
• Feline – intense black with black pearl

Extra Dimension Skinfinish

• Superb (Repromote)
• Whisper of Gilt (Repromote)

Powder Blush

• I’m the One – midtone blue pink
• Easy Manner – light dirty peach
• Small Vanity – dusty rose tan

Lipstick

• Beauty – pale cool pink (Glaze)
• Dramatic Encounter – deep purple (Amplified)
• Glamourdaze – midtone creamy plum (Cremesheen)
• Innocence – soft coral (Frost)
• Outrageously Fun – midtone magenta violet (Cremesheen)

Lipglass

• Deliciously Demure – soft cool brown with pearl
• Flight of Fancy – rich purple
• Impossibly Sweet – sheer soft pink with multi-dimensional pearl
• Pink Fade – light creamy pink
• Talk Softly To Me – light creamy coral pink

Nail Lacquer

• Endless Night
• Girl Trouble
• In the Limelight
• Everything that Glitters

Availability: Late October/Early November 2012. Although, I don't have the confirmed date yet.

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Collection Preview (Part 1)

MAC Glamour Daze Holiday 2012 Collection

There are so many things I love about the holidays - Fall Fashion (scarves, long sleeves and boots), the cold weather (and good hair days - see ya next year humidity!), pumpkin spice lattes, fun-size candy bars, the Christmas lights that light up Chicago, wrapping myself in my self-made cocoon of comforters at night.. and of course, the holiday makeup collections.

We're beginning to see a ton of previews for the new holiday collections and I'm already anticipating October/November so I can go on a swatching rampage at Macy's (Chanel and Dior, I'm coming for you!).

The MAC Holiday Collection is as usual in two parts - the Colour Collection (below) and the Sets (brush and makeup sets).

If you missed out on the highlighters from MAC's Extra Dimension Spring 2012 Collection, don't worry! They are being re-released (the most popular ones, anyway).

Extra Dimension Eyeshadow

• A Natural Flirt � soft peachy nude
• Divine Blue � midtone aqua
• Ready to Party � pale lilac
• Stylish Merry � midtone dusty violet
• Tall Dark and Handsome � black with pearl
• Evening Grey � steel silver
• Round Midnight � dark burgundy
• Stolen Moment � dark taupe

Fluidline

• Catch My Eye � cool taupe grey with dazzle pearl
• Little Black Bow � charcoal with dazzle pearl
• Feminine Edge � pink mauve with dazzle pearl

Kohl Power Eye Pencil

• Raven � intense black with red pearl
• Orpheus � intense black with gold pearl
• Mystery � intense black with green pearl
• Feline � intense black with black pearl

Extra Dimension Skinfinish

• Superb (Repromote)
• Whisper of Gilt (Repromote)

Powder Blush

• I�m the One � midtone blue pink
• Easy Manner � light dirty peach
• Small Vanity � dusty rose tan

Lipstick

• Beauty � pale cool pink (Glaze)
• Dramatic Encounter � deep purple (Amplified)
• Glamourdaze � midtone creamy plum (Cremesheen)
• Innocence � soft coral (Frost)
• Outrageously Fun � midtone magenta violet (Cremesheen)

Lipglass

• Deliciously Demure � soft cool brown with pearl
• Flight of Fancy � rich purple
• Impossibly Sweet � sheer soft pink with multi-dimensional pearl
• Pink Fade � light creamy pink
• Talk Softly To Me � light creamy coral pink

Nail Lacquer

• Endless Night
• Girl Trouble
• In the Limelight
• Everything that Glitters

Availability: Late October/Early November 2012. Although, I don't have the confirmed date yet.

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blushes Review, Photos and Swatches!

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blush

Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blushes ($12.99) are a small range of cream blushes that were released with Revlon's Summer 2012 Collection. They are now part of Revlon PhotoReady's permanent range, so if you've been curious to try them, don't worry, they aren't going anywhere (for now at least).

There are (3) colors to choose from: Flushed (cool pink), Coral Reef (vibrant coral) and Pinched (natural peach).

If cream blushes scare the wits out of you (because some formulas can be tricky to work with), the Revlon PhotoReady Cream Blushes are a good place to start. It's silicone-based (the first ingredient in the blush is dimethicone), so the very smooth texture allows the product to glide easily across the skin. 

The cream is firm  - somewhat like the Bobbi Brown Pot Rouge, but they aren't tacky, and they aren't as sticky/greasy as a lip balm. They offer sheer pigmentation with one layer, but are buildable. I find that Coral Reef builds much better than Flushed. Even after several layers Flushed remains quite sheer.

I don't tend to use my fingers much for application of cream blush, but you can literally use anything without messing up. I still prefer using a brush, and it doesn't necessarily have to be a duo-fiber, because of the texture, you can use any blush brush.

They are cased in small, plastic containers with a glossy black screw-top lid, very reminiscent of the older style Bobbi Brown Pot Rouges. They are compact and lightweight, so you can toss them in your bag without weighing down your bag or taking up too much space.

Revlon Coral Reef on my cheeks

Swatches of Flushed and Coral Reef

Of the two, I like Coral Reef a bit better. It's very reminiscent of MAC Optimistic Orange Cremeblend Blush, so if you missed on it, Coral Reef is a good dupe.

The lasting power is pretty decent. I have very balanced skin - never dry or oily, and this blush gets me through most of the day. For oily skin types I can see it fading fairly quick.

The Round-Up
Pros:

• Non-sticky, tacky or greasy
• Easy to work with 
• Natural finish
• Sheer color that is buildable

Cons:

• I'd love to see additional shades! Perhaps some more natural shades?
• When worn without foundation, the color has a tendency to sit in my pores (much like how silicone primer/powders like to sit in the pores) which isn't very noticeable unless you look closely
• Lasting power could be better

Price: $12.99 at your local drugstore. Prices may vary based on location.