Lots of Makeup on Clearance at Walgreens!

If you're a regular at your local Walgreens, be sure to stop by the Cosmetic aisle and take a look at the products marked with a bright orange sticker. Many products are marked from 50-75% off. I didn't want to go crazy and purchase on impulse, but I picked up a couple of things at a ridiculously low price.

I can't remember everything, but I recall seeing Rimmel Clean Finish Foundation, L'Oreal Eyeshadow Quads, Maybelline High Shine Color Sensational Lipsticks, L'Oreal Magic Souffle Foundation, Covergirl Nature Luxe Foundation, Revlon Cream Eyeshadow Quads, certain shades of assorted Revlon Foundations and lots more!!

I have no clue how the system works, and if the products are only being removed from Walgreens or if the products are being discontinued everywhere. If anyone has any insight on this, let me know! I went to CVS last night and none of the items I saw at Walgreens were on clearance. I'm wondering if they're making room for new products that brands typically launch at the end of the year and start of the new year.

Also, I went to two different Walgreens locations and some products were marked clearance that weren't marked at the other location. Locations can differ, so if you're planning on picking up something that you know should be marked, try having a cashier scan it at the register. Some stores are just behind on marking things.

If you stop by, let me know what you found!

Berry Lips on a Budget - A Wallet-friendly List of Vampy Lip Colors!

Berry Lips on a Budget

If you want to experiment with dark, vampy lip colors this Fall and don't want to break the bank, I compiled a small list of some wallet-friendly options for you to give a try.

Speaking for myself, the only lipsticks I ever reach the end of are my every day shades, so when it comes to rocking trendy colors - such as hot pink, red, orange and deep-dark shades, realistically I'll never finish a full tube before they'll eventually get tossed. There's nothing wrong with splurging if you can fit it in your budget, but for something like a statement lip color that you probably won't get much wear from, you might want to look into the less expensive options to really get your money's worth. And, there are so many options at the drugstore!

The term "berry" is so vague as berry can refer to a huge range of shades. The colors I picked are very Fall appropriate wine/plum/berry shades, some of which should work on most skin tones. I apologize in advance that some are very similar.

Revlon Red Velvet Colorburst Lip Butter ($7.49) is a medium-dark, neutral wine-red with a shiny finish. With one layer it gives a sheer, semi-shiny stain. With a few layers, the color is completely opaque. The formula is moisturizing and feels great on the lips. This is one of the few darker shades that I can get away with without using a lip brush. It's one of the easier shades to wear because it's a very balanced red toned wine and doesn't wash out the complexion. I think it's a universally flattering shade.

Revlon Red Velvet

Revlon Bordeaux Colorburst Lipgloss ($7.49) is a rose wine/darkened raspberry with very fine golden shimmer and a glossy finish. It's sheer but buildable to full coverage. The formula is creamy, lightweight and feels comfortable on the lips. It makes my lips look fuller and juicy. This is easily my favorite from the bunch as it has a very "mod" vibe and there's a brightness about it that makes my face look healthy and youthful. 

Revlon Bordeaux

Revlon Black Cherry Super Lustrous Lipstick ($7.99) is exactly as the name states - a ripened cherry plum with a semi-shiny finish. I find it to be a little dark for me, but I really like the way it looks when I pat it off with a tissue - it gives off a more wearable cranberry shade. This lipstick poses a few problems as it seems to apply a bit uneven, and when I rub my lips together, it causes the lipstick to look streaky. I also notice that when I apply the color heavily, it settles a bit in my lines. Although it has very favorable reviews and is a popular shade I wasn't too impressed with the formula. It looks best when it's applied in one layer, or when a gloss is added on top. (I showed what it looks like when patted off with a tissue and added a clear gloss on top.)

Revlon Black Cherry

Revlon Black Cherry blotted with a napkin + clear lipgloss on top

Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb Mega Last Matte Lipstick ($1.99) is a very vampy black cherry with a satin finish. Despite it being in the matte range, it doesn't look flat and it doesn't look or feel dry on my lips. The color applied fairly even, and the lasting power is super good. Since the actual shape of the lipstick has a flat top like a chapstick, it's a bit difficult to apply because it's such a dark, pigmented shade. You're best off using a lip brush for this one, unless you have full lips, you may not have much trouble. It's fairly similar to Revlon Black Cherry, but it's slightly redder, whereas Black Cherry is a bit more plum toned. 

Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb

Wet n Wild Vamp It Up Mega Last Matte Lipstick ($1.99) is a deep eggplant purple with a satin finish. It's super dark and pigmented and works best when applied with a lip brush otherwise it can look a little uneven. For lighter skintones it may be a difficult shade to pull off (it looks rather gothic), but for deep/dark skintones it looks gorgeous. It's also a great shade to use to deepen other shades. You can mix it with your red lipsticks to create a darker, purple toned red/berry. 

Wet n Wild Vamp It Up

Wet n Wild Black Orchid 508A Silk Finish Lipstick ($0.99) is a medium wine with subtle plummy undertones and a shiny finish. It's slightly sheer with one coat, but builds easily to full coverage. Unlike some of the others, it won't get super dark if you layer it, and it's one of the more wearable shades from the lipsticks mentioned in this post. It's smooth, applies evenly and feels moisturizing on the lips. Because this lipstick is really easy to work with, and because it's only one dollar, it's a great lipstick to experiment with. 

Wet n Wild Black Orchid

NYC Wine n Dine Liquid Lipshine Lipgloss ($2.49) is a medium rose-wine with a fine sparkly purple sheen and an ultra-glossy finish. It's almost identical to Revlon Bordeaux, and on the lips it's very difficult to tell the difference between the two. Perhaps the plum/purple tone is the slightest touch stronger in Bordeaux, but it's not really a notable difference. The formula is fantastic. It's slightly concentrated so it doesn't run if a few coats are applied, and it feels ultra smooth and moisturizing on the lips. Love this gloss and I'm now curious to see the other colors in this range. 

NYC Wine n Dine

Swatches from left to right: Revlon Black Cherry, Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb, Wet n Wild Black Orchid, Revlon Red Velvet, Wet n Wild Vamp it Up, Revlon Bordeaux and NYC Wine n Dine.

Easiest to wear - NYC Wine n Dine, Revlon Bordeaux, Revlon Red Velvet and Wet n Wild Black Orchid. These are the lighter/sheerer shades that won't get super dark when layered and the shades that I found the most flattering on my skin tone. The lip glosses are the best choices if you're very intimidated by color since they are the least concentrated.

Most difficult to wear - Wet n Wild Vamp it up; which I'm sure isn't a surprise, Wet n Wild Cherry Bomb and Revlon Black Cherry. These are the darkest shades of the batch, and when layered, all three of these shades get darker and darker.

Just for fun...

I applied Wet n Wild Black Orchid Lipstick to my lips, then applied Revlon Red Velvet in the center of my lips for a pop of red. Then, I outlined and darkened each end of my lips with Wet n Wild Vamp it up and applied NYC Wine n Dine on top.

Would you wear any of these shades? What are some of your favorite vampy lip colors?

Physician's Formula Boost your Beauty Giveaway Ends Today! Don't Forget to Enter!

Physician's Formula Boost your Beauty Giveaway

If you haven't already, make sure to enter my Physician's Formula Boost your Beauty Giveaway! The prize is the Physicians Formula products shown above! Entering is easy, and you are allowed (3) entries in total.

The giveaway ends at midnight. Unfortunately, this giveaway is only open to US residents. Thank you for understanding!

Click here to enter!

Weekly Poll Results - What's Your Favorite Brand for Makeup Remover Wipes?

What's your favorite brand for make-up remover wipes?

Over the course of the past month or so, I went on an experiment trying a handful of different makeup remover/cleansing towelettes to see which is the best. My results didn't surprise me, as the most effective wipes still turned out to be my top choice from the past few years; The Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleaning Towelettes, $4.74, Target.

I was really curious to see what all of your favorites are, so I created a poll that lasted a little over a week asking which brand is your favorite from some of the main brands you can find at drugstore (with the exception of MAC).

The results are... 

Neutrogena - 78 votes (34%)
E.L.F. - 9 votes (3%)
Olay - 8 votes (3%)
MAC - 27 votes (11%)
Ponds - 21 votes (9%)
Aveeno - 8 votes (3%)
Equate - 14 votes (6%)
Other - 63 votes (27%)

This poll is based on 228 participants.

The majority voted for Neutrogena, but it didn't win by a landslide. The runners up was actually other brands not mentioned. I'd love to know for those of you who who voted "Other", which brand would you choose to be your favorite?

Are makeup wipes a must-have in your bathroom, or do you only rely on your cleanser?

Do you have any ideas for questions in the weekly poll? Let me know in the comments!

MAC Superb Extra Dimension Skinfinish/Highlighter Review, Photos and Swatches!

MAC Superb Extra Dimension Skinfinish/Highlighter

MAC Superb Extra Dimension Skinfinish/Highlighter ($29) is described on the MAC website as a soft peachy nude with multi-dimensional shimmer. It has a hint of warm pink to it and mixed with the glistening champagne-peach, it gives off a rose gold appearance. It's a limited edition highlighter originally released in the MAC In Extra Dimension Collection this past Spring, but was re-released in the newest MAC Glamour Daze Collection.

The power itself is very finely milled, silky smooth and almost feels like a pressed pigment. It's highly pigmented with a high shine finish. I found that when I apply too much, it looks very metallic. This is easily the most intense highlighter I own. The great thing is that if you over-do it, it's easy to fix. If I screw up, I'll lightly run my foundation brush over it (with foundation residue), and it lightens up perfectly.

To apply, I usually use a small stippling brush or my fingers. Either work fine, but I like using my fingers to diffuse the edges. It works really well. Due to the texture, a synthetic and/or dense brush picks up product better than a natural bristle brush.

I really like the way it wears over time. Some highlighters tend to sit on top of the skin, sometimes looking a bit ashy/powdery and unnatural. Superb becomes one with my skin and catches light without looking like an obvious highlighter. I prefer this formula over the MAC Mineralize Skinfinishes which can look a little powdery.

It stays put all day, which is a huge bonus. Since I'm not one to touch-up my makeup throughout the day, anything long lasting is good news for me. One of my favorite highlighters is The Balm Mary-Lou Manizer, but it disappears too quickly on my skin. By the end of the day, Superb hasn't gone anywhere.

In this photo I've applied Suberb to the back of my hand with a fan brush. You can see that it's not very shimmery or frosty, but it has a very rich sheen making it appear very natural.

Here's a close-up of Superb appied to the heights of my cheekbones and blended out with my finger.

From left to right: MAC Superb, MAC Honey Rose Magically Cool Liquid Powder (didn't swatch well) and Dior Amber Diamond. You can see how much more metallic Superb is compared to the much sought-after Amber Diamond.

Overall, I'm really happy with Superb, and I can't say for sure yet because I haven't had it for too long, but I can see it becoming my favorite highlighter. I already purchased a back-up, and I'm not one to ever purchase back-ups. Once I finish a product (which is also very rare) I usually can't wait to discover something new, but because Super is so unique, I had to have an extra on hand!

Did you purchase any of the Extra Dimension highlighters? What's your favorite highlighter?

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Gorgeous color
• Silky smooth texture 
• Blends really well on the skin - doesn't sit on the skin looking ashy or powdery
• Captures light better than any of my other highlighters
• Will work on a variety of skin tones (especially nice on warm skin)

Cons:

• Natural bristle brushes don't seem to pick up product as well as synthetic brushes - with a natural bristle brush, it causes a bit of dust, and produces fall-out on the cheeks.
• Can look too metallic if too much is applied (but don't worry, it's quick fix)

Price: $29, MAC, Nordstrom, Dillard's.

MAC Pink Pearl Pop Lipstick Review, Photos and Swatches!

MAC Pink Pearl Pop Lipstick

MAC Pink Pearl Pop Lipstick ($15) is described on the MAC website as a frosted mid-tonal pink. It's a very girly and subtly warm, vibrant pink, so if you're feeling like you want to wear something other than your average muted pink but don't want something very bright and in-your-face, Pink Pearl Pop is a great median. And despite what the description says, it's not frosty. The pigmentation is sheer, and buildable to medium coverage. It has a shiny balm-like finish.

I own many pinks, but I couldn't find a perfect dupe for Pink Pearl Pop. Revlon Perennial Pink Colorstay Mineral Lipglaze came the closest, as when I applied Pink Pearl Pop on my bottom lip and Perennial Pink on my top lip, I could hardly tell the difference, other than the lipgloss obviously being glossier. Pink Pearl Pop is a little more vibrant.

Pink Pearl Pop launched recently a couple months ago with the MAC Cremesheen + Pearl Collection, along with six other lipsticks and an array of Cremesheen Glasses. I had my eyes on several shades, but considering they are permanent products, I'm in no rush to get them all at once.

As with most Cremesheen formulas, Pink Pearl Pop feels moisturizing and comfortable on the lips.

MAC Pink Pearl Pop Lipstick on my lips.

Swatches were just not working in my favor today. It's really chilly outside, and as soon as the cold hit my body - instant goosebumps! From left to right: MAC Pink Pearl Pop, MAC Lovelorn, Revlon Strawberry Shortcake Lip Butter, MAC Viva Glam Nicki and Revlon Perennial Pink Mineral Lipglaze.

What I find irritating about Cremesheen Lipsticks in general is that I always have to apply them with caution because it poses a few problems: Because of the softer formula (which I don't even find that soft), the lipstick bullet might move (pushed forward or backward slightly) and the bullet will scrape against the inside of the tube each time the lipstick is twisted. Which will lead to the base of the lipstick becoming loose and possibly breaking off if you aren't careful. Lastly, it melts easily. I've only used this lipstick a couple of times, and it's already scraping against the inside of the tube.

I do love the Cremesheen formula though, and it never stops me from purchasing them.

I really like this lipstick and I know it will be one of my go-to shades that will often be kept in my bag.

If you're a pink lover like me, it's a fun shade to have.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• A very wearable shade of vibrant pink - because of it's sheerness, it gives off a balm-stain type look
• Feels good on the lips - lightweight and non-drying
• A natural shiny finish
• Brightens up my complexion

Cons:

• Because you have to pile on the color for a solid medium coverage and the lipstick is very firm and sheer, after a couple of uses, the lipstick bullet is already brushing against the inside of the tube.
• I wish this particular was a little creamier. The consistency is very thin - it's almost like a lip balm rather a lipstick with a couple of swipes.
• Wear time could be better. I get a couple of hours.

Price: $15, MAC.

Sneak Peak MAC Apres Chic Collection for December 2012!

MAC Après Chic Collection December 2012

I know, the MAC Holiday Collection just launched a few days ago and we're already word of the collection to follow! It's a Mineralize Collection, which is exciting news to me because I love Mineralize products (especially the blushes). The collection is set to launch late December in the USA/Canada. So far, I haven't seen any promo images, but I will post them once I spot them. So far, the only photo we have to go off of is the one above that has been floating around and it doesn't include everything in the collection. There also seems to be an extra lipstick out (maybe a double?)

"Changing scenes from the high drama of the holidays to the haute chic of the ski slopes. Natural glamour appears effortless, and in its element, against a brilliant blue sky or luxe lodge. This gorgeous look starts with luminous MAC Mineralize Skinfinish and Blush applied with the 187 Duo Fibre Face Brush. Use the 287 Duo Fibre Eye Shadow Brush to build layers of dimensional colour with Mineralize Eye Shadow. Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm packs lips with moisture, while adding the right pop of colour and shine. And, because eventually the mittens will come off, Nail Lacquer in Dangerously Fun heats things up in blazing berry red."

Mineralize Skinfinish (Limited Edition)

• Porcelain Pink – Soft pinky coral with gold veining (re-promote)
• Stereo Rose – Coral with golden-bronze shimmering nuances (re-promote)

Mineralize Blush (Limited Edition)

• Amber Glow – Warm peach
• Gentle – Raspberry with gold pearlized pigments (re-promote)
• Alpine Bronze – Mid-tone caramel

Mineralize Eye Shadow (Limited Edition)

• Ice – Light peach base with white veining
• Silver Birch – Grey base with peach veining
• Fireside – Deep plum with grey veining
• Frost at Midnight – Deep blue-grey base with purple veining
• Winter Pursuit – Copper base with grey veining

Pro Longwear Eye Liner (New Permanent Items)

• Black Ice – Rich black 
• Rich Experience – True brown 
• Mountain Air – Vibrant teal 
• Night Trail – Deep navy blue 
• Snow Shadow – Purple violet 

Mascara

• Zoom Waterfast Lash – Black

Lipstick (Limited Edition)

• Après Chic – Pinky brick red (Cremesheen)
• Haute Altitude – Mid-tone blue pink (Amplified Creme)
• Hot Chocolate – Mid-tone plum (Satin)
• Cozy Up – Deep caramel (Matte)
• Warm Companion – Beige with gold pearlized pigments (Frost)

Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm (Limited Edition)

• Pure & Tender – Plumy creamy nude
• Slightly Nude – Nudey coral with subtle pink pearlized pigments
• Nice & Simple – Bronzy gold with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments
• Rosy Romance – Bluish plum with subtle pink pearlized pigments
• Stay Warm! – Creamy light pink

Nail Lacquer (Limited Edition)

• Dangerously Fun – Berry tone blue red (Cream)
• Hangin`Loose – Mid-tone pink nude (Cream) (re-promote)

Brushes

• 187 Brush – Duo Fibre Face Brush (Natural / Synthetic Fibre)
• 287 Brush – Duo Fibre Eye Shadow Brush (Natural / Synthetic Fibre)

What do you think of this collection? 

Sneak Peak MAC Apres Chic Collection for December 2012!

MAC Apr�s Chic Collection December 2012

I know, the MAC Holiday Collection just launched a few days ago and we're already word of the collection to follow! It's a Mineralize Collection, which is exciting news to me because I love Mineralize products (especially the blushes). The collection is set to launch late December in the USA/Canada. So far, I haven't seen any promo images, but I will post them once I spot them. So far, the only photo we have to go off of is the one above that has been floating around and it doesn't include everything in the collection. There also seems to be an extra lipstick out (maybe a double?)

"Changing scenes from the high drama of the holidays to the haute chic of the ski slopes. Natural glamour appears effortless, and in its element, against a brilliant blue sky or luxe lodge. This gorgeous look starts with luminous MAC Mineralize Skinfinish and Blush applied with the 187 Duo Fibre Face Brush. Use the 287 Duo Fibre Eye Shadow Brush to build layers of dimensional colour with Mineralize Eye Shadow. Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm packs lips with moisture, while adding the right pop of colour and shine. And, because eventually the mittens will come off, Nail Lacquer in Dangerously Fun heats things up in blazing berry red."

Mineralize Skinfinish (Limited Edition)

• Porcelain Pink � Soft pinky coral with gold veining (re-promote)
• Stereo Rose � Coral with golden-bronze shimmering nuances (re-promote)

Mineralize Blush (Limited Edition)

• Amber Glow � Warm peach
• Gentle � Raspberry with gold pearlized pigments (re-promote)
• Alpine Bronze � Mid-tone caramel

Mineralize Eye Shadow (Limited Edition)

• Ice � Light peach base with white veining
• Silver Birch � Grey base with peach veining
• Fireside � Deep plum with grey veining
• Frost at Midnight � Deep blue-grey base with purple veining
• Winter Pursuit � Copper base with grey veining

Pro Longwear Eye Liner (New Permanent Items)

• Black Ice � Rich black 
• Rich Experience � True brown 
• Mountain Air � Vibrant teal 
• Night Trail � Deep navy blue 
• Snow Shadow � Purple violet 

Mascara

• Zoom Waterfast Lash � Black

Lipstick (Limited Edition)

• Apr�s Chic � Pinky brick red (Cremesheen)
• Haute Altitude � Mid-tone blue pink (Amplified Creme)
• Hot Chocolate � Mid-tone plum (Satin)
• Cozy Up � Deep caramel (Matte)
• Warm Companion � Beige with gold pearlized pigments (Frost)

Mineralize Tinted Lip Balm (Limited Edition)

• Pure & Tender � Plumy creamy nude
• Slightly Nude � Nudey coral with subtle pink pearlized pigments
• Nice & Simple � Bronzy gold with multi-dimensional pearlized pigments
• Rosy Romance � Bluish plum with subtle pink pearlized pigments
• Stay Warm! � Creamy light pink

Nail Lacquer (Limited Edition)

• Dangerously Fun � Berry tone blue red (Cream)
• Hangin`Loose � Mid-tone pink nude (Cream) (re-promote)

Brushes

• 187 Brush � Duo Fibre Face Brush (Natural / Synthetic Fibre)
• 287 Brush � Duo Fibre Eye Shadow Brush (Natural / Synthetic Fibre)

What do you think of this collection? 

Pick your Eyeshadow Palette GIVEAWAY! UD Naked Palettes and More!

Pick your Eyeshadow Palette Giveaway!

Hey Everyone! A few days ago I hit 5,000 followers on Google Friend Connect, so I thought it'd be the perfect time for a giveaway! I was originally going to give away one of the Urban Decay Naked Palettes, but because of their popularity, many already own them, I thought it'd be fun to give you the choice between a few different palettes! Additionally, I'm going to toss in some of my favorite products from the drugstore.

The winner will receive:

• Your choice from the following: Urban Decay Naked Palette, Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette, Urban Decay Smoked Palette, Too Faced The Return of the Sexy Eyeshadow Palette and Laura Mercier Artist's for Eyes Palette. 
• Some of my favorite makeup items from the drugstore as an added bonus!

There are two ways to enter:

• Leave a comment on this post about anything you'd like. Did you order anything from the MAC Glamour Daze Collection? Which websites are your daily regulars? What's on your nails right now? Did you collect anything when you were younger? Or simply write Enter me! This will yield (1) entry. *If you comment anonymously, please leave your name or e-mail. 
• Follow me on Twitter @nattyngeorge. I have to bribe you somehow, right? If you're already following me, tweet about the giveaway! For example: Enter @nattyngeorge giveaway for a chance to win your eyeshadow palette of choice! http://www.missnattysbeautydiary.com/2012/10/pick-your-eyeshadow-palette-giveaway-ud.html. This will yield (1) additional entry.

Terms and Conditions:

• This giveaway will run for one week, and the deadline to enter will be on Thursday  November 1st at 11:59 PM (CST). 
• For fairness, the winner will be chosen at random using random.org.
• Winner will be announced within 48 hours of the deadline. 
• This giveaway is open internationally. I will ship anywhere in the world.
• You must permission from a parent or guardian to enter if you are under the age of 18 in most states (with the exception of Alabama and Nebraska, 19; Mississippi, 21).
• The winner will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Thank you all for your continued support! It means the world to me!

Tips on How to Wear a Berry Lip this Fall!

Berry Colored Lips for the Fall

Now that it's Fall, it's time to pull out your darker lipstick shades from hibernation. Wearing a dark lipstick could be very intimidating. I know it took me a long time to feel comfortable with wearing darker colored lipsticks, but now I can't get enough of them!  In this post, I've written out some tips to keep in mind when wearing a berry lip. I've included a slideshow at the end of this post for inspiration.

Your Lips should be the Focal Point

Simplicity is key whenever you're wearing a bold lip because you want your lips to be the star of the show. When wearing a bold lip, keep the eyes clean by adding a matte nude shade to the lids (I like using MAC Brule eyeshadow) to even out the color of the lids and hide any redness or veins. Apply a black liquid liner the upper lash line and wing it out if you'd like sort of the pin-up look. For something a little more natural, line your lid with a soft black pencil eyeliner and use a small brush to smudge/soften the line. If you're fair skinned, you might want to use a dark brown instead of black as sometimes black can look too harsh with this look. I love voluminous lashes with this look, so apply lots of mascara to the upper and lower lash line. To add a glamorous girly touch, apply false lashes snipped in half to the outer end of your eyes. Anything more might look too dramatic.

Pick Neutral Eyeshadows

I you want a little something extra on your eyes, opt for neutral shades. Neutral shadows pair great with plum, wine and cranberry lipstick shades. Think ivory, champagne, silver, taupe, ashy browns, charcoal, plum, etc. If your lipstick has red tones to it, gold and warm brown work great.

Here's a little example of shades I'd pair with a berry lip. I'd pick two colors at the most - one shade all over my lid in a sheer layer and a second shade in the crease, or as a highlight.

Swatches from left to right: Urban Decay Half Baked, MAC Electra, Highlight from Dior 5 Golds Quint, MAC Retrospeck, Urban Decay Sidecar, MAC Jardin Aires Pigment, MAC Patina Eyeshadow, MAC Gold Stroke Pigment, L'Oreal Bronzed Taupe Infallible Eyeshadow, MAC Soba Eyeshadow, MAC Satin Taupe, MAC Maroon Pigment, Nars Galapagos, Urban Decay Gunmetal, MAC Silver Ring, Generic Purple Eyeshadow.

A Radiant Complexion

I would also choose a foundation with a little bit of natural glow, maybe something with a satin finish to it to keep the look very fresh and chic. I also wouldn't over-powder the face. Try using a powder puff and press the powder into your skin in your-zone or wherever you typically get oily. Make sure to use concealer on any blemishes or areas of redness. Typically when wearing a berry toned lip, redness on your face could look a little more obvious.

Don't forget to add highlighter on your cheeks!

Blush is a Must

A darker lip can pale your complexion, so make sure to bring some radiance back into your face. Applying blush is a must. Pick a shade that compliments your lip and eye makeup. You might want to skip the neutral blush and go for something that will add a little color to your face, but keeping it natural so the attention will only be drawn to the lips. If your lipstick has a hint of red in it, or if it's warm try a natural peach or bronze. Nars Madly Blush is one of my favorites. If the lipstick is very purple-plummy, a similar shade of blush would look fantastic.

Some Extra Tips

• Apply your lipstick after you've applied your foundation so you can better evaluate what your skin needs in terms of color on the eyes and cheeks. This will help you not over or under-do the rest of your face.

• Instead of applying the lipstick straight from the tube, use a lip brush for precise application that will never look messy. Jordana makes some really great wine shades for $2 at Walgreens (See swatches here.)

• To clean up any mistakes, apply makeup remover or baby oil on the end of a q-tip and clean up any mistakes. Certain reds can temporarily stain your skin, so try to remove it as soon as it happens.

• To make your lips look really clean, take a concealer that is the same shade as your face, and with a small concealer or eyeshadow brush, outline your lips with your concealer. Then blend out the edges.

• If you're topping your lips with a gloss, try using a thicker consistency gloss, as a runny gloss can cause the color to run/drip. Lightly pat your lips with a napkin to remove any excess gloss.

• If you've picked a shade that's too dark or purple, take your favorite red lipstick and mix the two. It will leave you with a shade that's much easier to wear.

• To darken your lip color, take a black kohl eyeliner and lightly pat it on your lips and blend with a lip brush.

• If you're feeling iffy about the whole berry look and want to try it, but don't want such a pronounced look, take your finger and dab the lipstick and then lightly pat the color on your lips as a stain.

• Wear it with confidence!

Hope this wasn't too lengthy and you found it a little helpful.

Let me know if you have any tips of your own!

For a Quick Fix, Try Mixing your MAC Pro Longwear Concealer with your Favorite Moisturizer!

Some days when I'm in a rush or just need to run a couple of errands and don't feel like putting on my full-face, I always look to my concealers for a quick fix. Concealing my under eyes is always a must, and then sometimes I dab a little concealer on each area of my face and blend with a large brush. Then pop a little blush or bronzer on my cheeks and I'm out the door.

So, a couple days ago when I was on my way out the door and didn't want to scare the general public, I decided to try out a recommendation from LoveMelisaMichelle (thanks, girl!) in her recent Flawless Face video. She mixed her favorite moisturizer with MAC Pro Longwear Concealer ($18) for a great lightweight light-medium coverage foundation.

I would have never thought of it before because MAC Pro Longwear Concealer isn't really what I'd call full coverage (although it does provide a very good medium), but somehow, it morphs into a (much better) second skin once combined with a moisturizer.

I like to take one pump and mix it with equal parts moisturizer and then apply it to my face with my fingers, working it into the skin as I would a moisturizer. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer sets very quick, and doesn't go too far when you try spreading it alone, so it really needs the combination of the moisturizer to be able to smooth it out all over your face and give you the extra time to blend. I like adding in a drop of illuminator too to make my skin glow.

It feels like I have nothing on my face, yet my skin looks naturally perfected. It's the perfect "no-foundation" foundation. Depending on your moisturizer, it may make your skin shine after several hours, so make sure to set with a little powder.

I absolutely love this combo, and highly recommend trying it if you own MAC Pro Longwear Concealer. After all, if you already own it, you have nothing to lose. I've tried this with other concealers, but I like this combo the best.

Hope your Monday is a little brighter than mine! What's up with this rain?!

Last Chance for 40% Off at Drugstore.com!

40% Off All Makeup @ Drugstore.com

The 40% Off sale on all makeup at Drugstore.com is wrapping up, so if you have any drugstore staples or favorites, now is the time to buy! I'm heading over there right now to take a look. Also, shipping is free on orders over $25! Sale ends tonight! Use code: MAKEUP40.

*Apparently, the 40% doesn't work on everything in the makeup department as advertised. I was going to pick up a few Real Techiques Brushes, but the code didn't work. I thought maybe it only works on actual makeup, but it did work for instance on makeup remover wipes. I wasn't able to locate the fine print on the website.

Also, if you need to grab any goodies from Tarte Cosmetics, make sure to place your orders before Oct. 21 @ 11:59 ET for 20% with code: TREAT.

Unfortunately, I just noticed that there are exclusions, one of which is the Fantastic Foursome set pictured above. *sigh* See the website for the fine print. (In the top left hand corner of the page where it mentions the sale, click "*click for details")

Chanel Pink Explosion Joues Contraste Blush Review, Photos and Swatches!

Chanel Pink Explosion Joues Contraste Blush

Chanel Pink Explosion Joues Contraste Blush ($43) is a medium-toned cool pink with fine shimmer. It's not overly cool, so thankfully it works really well on my warm skin. It provides that dolly pink cheek that pairs well with neutral and cool eyeshadows (purples, taupe, etc).

Mine is the Euro (original 2010) version, which is a baked powder as opposed to the version you'd get from the Chanel counters in the US, which is the standard pressed-powder version. There are slight differences - in general, the baked version isn't as pigmented with one swipe and isn't as soft. I prefer the US version. (You can view a comparison on Cafe Makeup.)

If you know me by now, I find any form of pink color cosmetics hard to resist and I love, love, love Joues Contraste Blushes. Pink Explosion has been on my wishlist for a while now, so when I spotted it in a blog sale, I jumped on it! (Hi Risa!) Anyways, who wouldn't love a product named Pink Explosion?

The pigmentation is good - it's light, but buildable and what you'd want from a blush that's so pink. I'm actually less inclined to use some of my really pigmented blushes (Nars for instance) because I tend to use too heavy of a hand. With my Joues Contraste Blushes, I never go overboard - but if I do, the color blends so well into my skin that it never looks unnatural.

Swatched heavily on the left and lightly on the right.

Is it a must-have? Eh, not really considering I own shades that are similar enough and the color isn't all that unique overall. But, I love the luxury of Chanel cosmetics and I'm happy to have it.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Cool pink that is soft enough for daily use
• Blends very well on the cheeks - diffuses into my skin, looking very natural
• Good amount of pigment that is buildable
• Luxurious packaging :)
• Rose scented - love!

Cons:

• None!

Repurchase? Well, I'm pretty sure I'll never finish this blush among others, but I love building up my little Chanel Blush collection and if per say I lost this blush, I would replace it. :)
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Price: $43, Chanel.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer Review & Photos!

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer ($45) was created to mimic the appearance of healthy, radiant skin. It's a cream foundation and concealer wrapped up in one product. Containing honey and jojoba oil, this foundation is creamy, moisturizing and creates a soft, natural dewy finish.

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is available in (16) shades: SX01, SX02, SX03, SX04, SX05, SX06, SX07, SX08, SX09, SX10, SX11, SX12, SX13, SX14, SX15 and SX16.

I chose SX08, which is a warm medium shade with strong yellow undertones. It's suitable for the MAC NC35 coloring.

The texture of this cream is a bit different than other cream products I've used. It compares to the creaminess/goopiness of Benefit Erase Paste, but it's more dense and not as tacky. For instance, it's absolutely nothing like MAC Studio Finish Concealer (MAC Full Coverage Foundation) or Cinema Secrets/Graftobian/Ben Nye Foundations which are like the standard cream compact makeup - often dry and dense or with a similar consistency to a concealer stick. It's so much more creamy - luxuriously creamy, but it's also very thick/dense. Because of this, you need a tiny amount (about 1/4 the size of a pea or less) to provide full coverage to the entire face.

Since the formula is so concentrated, it doesn't move around well on dry skin. Whenever wearing this foundation, moisturizing and/or priming the face is an essential step. I usually use a silicone based primer for it to spread better, or apply a generous amount of moisturizer. Then, I like taking a concealer brush and wiping a line of product on each cheek, my chin and forehead. Then, I take a duo-fiber brush and with small circular motions blend it in completely. After it's blended, I like taking a facial mist and spritzing my face and using the duo-fiber brush again buff my face more to make sure everything is perfectly blended.

The result is completely flawless skin that actually looks like skin.

(Wearing Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer SX08)

The consistency is a little tricky, so it might take a few trials and error to get it right. You might benefit from mixing equal parts moisturizer or primer to thin it out a little bit, or using a dampened beauty blender or cosmetic sponge. I've read a review where the person mixed it with a BB cream with amazing, full coverage results. I have yet to try a BB cream, but I'm definitely going to give that a try when I do.

The finish isn't really what I'd call dewy - it's more of a satiny, healthy finish. I feel it's necessary to set with a powder, otherwise I'll get a little shiny on my nose and chin area.

The lasting power is amazing. It gets me through a full day (still looks amazing at bedtime) without touch-ups.

One thing I love the best of all is how comfortable it is on my face and how it doesn't break me out. I love how much coverage cream foundations provide, but you tend to feel them on your skin. After wearing a cream/cake foundation, by night time I'm feeling anxious to wash my face. It's almost like I can feel the pimples forming. As much as I love wearing Cinema Secrets, at the end of the day it starts feeling uncomfortable and I can't wear it more than a few days in a row before getting a blemish. Not this though, I can wear it every day with no problems.

In the photo on the left, I wiped a couple lines of product on my cheek - this will cover half of my face. In the photo on the right, I've started to blend the product with my duo-fiber brush. (The color is a little darker than my face right now, but it matches my neck perfectly.)

In the photo on the left, I've completely blended the product on my face. Everything is covered, but my face looks very one dimensional. To add a little dimension to my face, I added YSL Touche Eclat (highlighter), bronzer and blush. My makeup is finished on the right.

I love this foundation and I think it can work well for almost anyone. Even though it's a heavier coverage foundation, you can really adjust it however you'd like. For those with pigmentation and acne scars, I can see this working miracles. 

I'm planning on purchasing a couple additional shades - maybe a lighter shade I can use for a concealer and highlighting, and an additional shade for when I'm not tan. SX 08 works fine as long as I'm self-tanning, but it's too dark/yellow for when I'm not. 

Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer is rated 4.1 out of 5, with a 71% repurchase rate based on 296 reviews on Makeupalley.

The Round-Up

Pros:

• Covers undereyes and blemishes really well
• Super pigmented/full coverage - you can sheer it out for a lighter or medium coverage
• Long-lasting - doesn't budge all day and night with a setting powder
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Can be a little tricky to work with at first.
• The first ingredient is mineral oil, and although it doesn't bother me at all, I know that it can be bothersome to some.
• Expensive, but a little goes a long way

Repurchase? Yes! I'm planning on purchasing additional shades.

Price: $45, Barney's, Dermstore.