Product Spotlight: NYX Eyeshadow Base

Back in June, at the IMATS Show- I received an NYX Press Kit, which contained their NYX Eyeshadow Base in White ($6,CherryCulture.com), and I forgot about it until recently, since I was currently using my Smashbox Photo Finish Eye Primer and was digging around in my stash.

At first I was like, hmmm white??? But it TOTALLY makes sense considering a white background/primer (even nailpolish) brings out the true color of the color placed on top of it.  The consistency is similar to that of other eye primers, a bit thicker than the Smashbox eye primer (similar to the consistency of the MAC Studio Fix Concealer), but easy to apply. If anything I like eyeshadow primers that are a tad bit thicker because I feel like they hold onto the eyeshadow more. This white primer definitely brightens up eyeshadow colors and gives the appearance of being really pigmented. I haven't had a chance to do a complete look with it yet, so I don't know how it will hold up in terms of staying power (if it will crease or not), but so far just playing around with it, it looks promising. I will definitely keep you ladies posted and try to do a look using it this week.

Below is a comparison pic of a random eyeshadow color by itself, on top of the Smashbox Primer, and on top of the NYX Eyeshadow Base in White.

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I love Cyber Monday

I just ordered the 15th Anniversary UD 24/7 Eyeliners pencil set from Urban Decay! The entire kit are the full-sized eyeliners valued at $264, and they are on selling them for $92! It qualifies for FREE shipping, and the total came out to $100 and some change. They are previewing their 2011 collection starting with this eyeliner set and they are available on their website from 10am-2pm PST. So get them right now! They will be available throughout next year as well, so if you can't buy them right now, don't worry, but I say get them now because these are amazing! You know I LOVE these eyeliners from my previous post here. I literally buy them whenever they have these cute little kits because it's such a great deal. These by far are my favorite eyeliners in the world! I can't wait to get 'em and do a review!

"The range of shades includes lush tropical hues, deep metallics, and unusually vibrant neutrals. Favorites like Zero, Bourbon and Electric sit side-by-side with SIX brand-new shades like Asphyxia, Stray Dog and the pièce de résistance: Perversion – a blacker-than-Zero black. Each pencil is stamped with “UD15”. The whole collection (and a sharpener!) comes packaged in a silver foil box printed with our UD15 ticking pattern. Purchased separately, this set is worth $264"

What did you ladies buy today for Cyber Monday?

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Hard Candy Satisfies My Sweet Tooth!

I was so happy when I saw Hard Candy products being sold at my local Wal-Mart (they are available at all Walmart locations), quality products at an affordable price- NOTHING is over $10! Two things I love about the Hard Candy brand is their massive variety on cosmetics; they have everything from nailpolish to body glitter, and how easily accessible it is to get. No dealing with the craziness of a mall or the hefty pricetag. There's something for everyone and they are constantly adding new products to their lineup such as their new collection for 2010 featuring some of the products below.

First up is their Hide and Glow Cheek ($6) which is a duo cheek tint, it's a double-ended stick that has two colors that complement one another and you can wear it alone or blend together. Comes in two other shades, "Hot Date" and "In Love". It's a lightweight formula (firmer than a cream stick) that blends evenly into the skin and lasts for hours. The shade I have is called "Pillow Talk" which is a nice soft rosy pink for a nice natural flush. It's definitely innovative and great to have in your purse or makeup bag. I can't wait to do a look using this blush!

Their Visibly Wet Glossy Lip Pencil's ($6) are AMAZING! They are the convenience of a lipstick and lipgloss in an easy to tote chunky pencil, and they are VERY pigmented! They come in 9 other shades and I will definitely be getting more of these! They really do look glossy on the lips but they have pretty good staying power like a lipstick. (the swatch below doesn't even do it justice, it's a deeper and brighter pink!)

The only dissapointment was the Eye Def Glittering Cream Eyeshadow ($6), I am not a fan of cream eyeshadows to begin with, they never stay on my lids and crease like crazy, but I was hoping this particular one would work out since the color is amazing, but alas, it creased too, even with an eyeshadow primer. However, they do have phenomenal staying power and once dry, can at least provide some sort of shimmer to your lids, albeit they are hard to apply. I tried the shade "Robot" and they come in 7 other shades. If any of you have tried this and have a handle on how to rock this, let me know, I am very curious. :)

My feeble attempt at trying to work with "Robot", FAIL!

Here is more information on their newest products in the collection:
Glamoflauge – A heavy duty, highly pigmented, multi-use concealer that delivers ultimate coverage.  The formula blends seamlessly into skin with plenty of play time creating a flawless and natural look perfect for any occasion.  You can hide everything from dark circles and blemishes to tattoos. 3 shades will match most skin tones.  $6

Hide & Glow Cheek – A cheek tint that brightens cheeks for a just pinched natural flush. Lightweight formula blends evenly into skin and last for hours.  Two perfectly coordinated shades – wear alone or blend together.  $6

Glow All The Way – This pearly, luminizing highlighter illuminates all skin tones.  Apply to face or body for a luminous, sun-kissed bronze or pearlescent glow.  Infused with 24 Karat gold – and much more than a drop – this product will make you feel like a million bucks!  Available in bronze and pink.  $8

Big Curls Don’t Cry – they asked for it and it’s finally here:  Hard Candy’s Waterproof mascara.  Offered in black, Big Curls Don’t Cry will prevent your color from dripping in all weather conditions. $6

Inked Up – Make a statement with Hard Candy’s Inked Up body art kit.  Experiment with no regrets.  Medical grade ink makes these temporary tattoos look as close to real as we’ve ever seen.  Custom design bracelets, anklets and art anywhere, anytime.  Available in Birds & Branches or Hearts & Crowns.  Each kit comes with 3 sheets of chain art and 3 sheets of icons.  $5

Show Girl’s Secret Glitter Glue – A Show Girl’s Secret to sparkle and glamour!  Put a few drops of glitter glue in the cap, dip brush in, then dip into Show Girl loose glitter for a true, long lasting sparkle on face and body.  Can be applied to eyelids or any other skin surface.  This is the perfect product for dancers, cheerleaders, Halloween costumes and anytime you need that all night glitter!  $5

Eye Def – A unique formula that coats the lid with super fine glitter and a base shadow color.  Coverage and sparkle in one application that will not budge all day under any circumstances (rubbing, blinking, etc.).  Ultra-pigmented shades are infused with flecks and an oversized, angled, doe foot applicator.  These are 8 shades you MUST see to believe!  $6

Mini Must Haves – Naturally Naughty (a natural palette) and Bad Girl Next Door (a smokey palette) are brand new Hard Candy kits that contain mini versions of: Lash Tinsel, Take me Out liner, Eyeshadow Primer, Ginormous Mascara and 2 Kal-eye-descope shades.

First Flush (a just blushed palette) contains mini versions of Sheer Envy Face Primer, Blush Crush, Plumping Serum and Glow All The Way.  Glamazon Glow (a sun-kissed palette) contains mini versions of: Sheer Envy Face Primer, So Baked Bronzer, Plexi Gloss and Glow All The Way.  Both kits are new to the Hard Candy collection.  All four kits retail for $8

Limited Edition Just Nails – 4 new trend setting shades and a matte top coats that will transform any color from shiny and glossy to a matte finish in seconds.  Look for our first reintroduction of heritage shades as we welcome back SKY – the polish that kicked off the brand.  $5

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Thanksgiving FOTD & Tutorial

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Jon and I decided to cook last minute and celebrate Thanksgiving at our place. He cooked the turkey and I made a few side dishes. His mom, brother, and his gf as well as my grandparents, came over and they brought more food and pie!

Since Thanksgiving colors consist of warm orange and brown, I thought id do a look with those colors. I haven't been faithfully using my MAC pigments, so I am trying to incorporate them more in future looks. I brought out MAC Pigment in "Mega Rich" which was the perfect toasty orange for this look. I love how vibrant it is too. I used MAC's mixing medium to apply it on my eyelid. I also used two of my Starflash Eyeshadows , "Go" and "Glamour Check". On the lips I used Rimmel "Spotlight Beige" lipstick which is a nice soft coral/orange color, definitely complements neutral looks. Stephie did a post and video HERE of this lipstick.

Tutorial down below!

 

What I used:
[Face]
- MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC30
- MAC Pro Longwear Foundation in NC35

[Cheeks]
- MAC Blush Powder in "Emote" to contour
- MAC Blush in "Sunbasque" on apples of cheeks

[Eyes]
- MAC Paint Pot in "Painterly" all over lid
- MAC "Mega Rich" pigment applied on lower half of lid with mixing medium
- MAC Starflash e/s in "Go" on outer-V and crease
- MAC Starflash e/s in "Glamour Check" in crease to add depth and a bit on the outer-V
- MAC e/s in "Ricepaper" to highlight on brow bone
- MAC Fluidline in "Blacktrack"
- Clinique Lash Primer
- Shiseido Lifting Mascara
- MAC Technakohl in "Graphblack" on waterline
- Urban Decay eyeliner in "Bourbon" on lower lashline

[Lips]
- Rimmel lipstick in "Spotlight Beige"

Quick tutorial:

Then just add eyeliner and mascara and you are done!

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Orazyme Dry Mouth Mouthwash by Dr. Fresh

Product: 5 out of 5
Packaging: 2 out of 5
Quality: 5 out of 5
Overall: 4 out of 5
Price: $9.99, 16 fl. oz. on drymouthrelief.com

PROS: Doesn't burn or sting, not drying like other mouthwashes, great for people who also have mouth sores as it's sensitive and gentle. I loved the 'mild mint' flavor because it was light and not too strong. Designed for those specifically with dry mouth and there is no mouth wash on the market targeted for those that suffer from dry mouth.

CONS: No measuring cup like traditional mouthwashes which isn't handy, I did not like the packaging either as it was leaking with the flip-top spout. Can only be bought online at www.drymouthrelief.com, and not in any retail stores.

Ingredient List: Purified Water, Sorbitol, Xylitol, Propanediol, Cellulose Gum, Poloxamer 407, Benzoic Acid, Selectobac, Organic Flavor, Salzyme, Aloe Vera, Zinc Gluconate, Sodium Phosphate.

I recently had the wonderful opportunity to try out Orazyme Dry Mouth Mouthwash by Dr. Fresh, and even though I do not suffer from dry mouth, it's also great at reducing plaque and inflammation, as well as being gentle and helping heal mouth sores. I bite my lip and inner cheek a lot out of habit, so on occasion I'll get a canker sore and if any of you had a canker sore, it's very painful and it's hard to brush your teeth normally let alone use a mouthwash that won't sting. Using this Orazyme mouthwash for the past week, I have noticed a significant different in comparison to my previous mouthwash, Crest's Pro-Health Multi Protection (alcohol-free).

What is dry mouth? Dry mouth is when saliva production decreases causing a dry, sticky feeling in the mouth, cracked lips, discomfort and difficulty swallowing or chewing. Saliva protects teeth from decay by neutralizing damaging acids and prevents infections by shielding mouth tissue and bacterial growth. 

What causes dry mouth? In addition to old age, dry mouth can be caused by radiation and chemotherapy, anti-histamines, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, certain medications, pregnancy, sleep apnea, and kidney disease.

How does it help dry mouth? Orazyme contains 7 natural oral enzymes with moisturizing agents taht mimic the role of saliva. It is also alcohol and sugar-free. It has Xylitol and MIM Salzyme technology to help support the mouth's immune functions.

Using many mouthwashes from stores, I never noticed how strong and drying they are until I tried Orazyme. Even the ones that are alcohol-free, spearmint (less 'spicy' than 'winter fresh for example), and claim not to sting- do. I still found those to be really strong to the point where I couldn't even last swishing it around in my mouth longer than 30 seconds because it felt like my mouth was numbing. On top of that, they would cause so much pain if I had a canker sore.

Overall: After using Orazyme's Dry Mouth Mouthwash, I was highly satisfied because my mouth still felt nicely 'moisturized' and it was a nice light mint flavor so I was able to swish it around in my mouth for even close to a minute! I definitely noticed a difference. The only thing I wish it had was better packaging, and perhaps a nice measuring cup to use. I would definitely re-purchase.

*Disclaimer*- All product reviews, personal views, and honest opinions on this site are solely that of my own and I am not endorsed, affiliated, or paid for any product review unless otherwise specified.

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Happy Thanksgiving!

Just wanted to wish you all a very happy thanksgiving! What are y'all thankful for?

As for me, I am thankful for true and great friends, the amazingly sweet people i've met thru my blog, a loving and supportive Fiance who constantly reminds me why I fell in love with him in the first place, one who puts up with me and my crazy obsessions with makeup and other junk haha, a wonderful and supportive family, including my in-laws (his mom is the sweetest!), future brother and sister in law, good health, a great boss and a great job, and overall, I am just thankful for everything- both good and bad that has come my way. Made me stronger, appreciative, and grateful for everything.

In addition to that, I am thankful for the little things, like boba milk tea, cookie dough ice cream, netflix, concealer, chapstick, easy mac and cheese, and tons of other things! LOL.

We are planning on doing some house hopping and eat at 3 different places tomorrow, yum!

I hope you all enjoy it with your loved ones and pig out! 'Cuz I know I am! :)

And here is what I am most thankful for- my family!

My dad  <3 (we look alike huh?!)

Mi madre (she thinks we look like sisters LOL)

 

My gorgeous cousins and sisters

And my sissies!

 

And saved the best for last...thankful for my fiance- who never seizes to make me laugh, he reluctantly wore my Hello Kitty snuggie (got it from Hot Topic), and allowed me to post it on FB and here haha, MUST be LOVE!  Doesn't he look happy? What a trooper! LOL.

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FOTD: Warm Holiday Look

Here is a look I did yesterday using golds and browns, such as MAC's "Blonde's Gold" pigment. I busted out my MAC "Painterly" paint pot which I haven't used in awhile as well. I brightened the eyes a bit by using UD e/s in "Baked" on the lower lash line. I thought i'd put a twist on a traditional holiday look by adding a little pop of color with a bright pink lip instead of a red lip. I think I like how warm it came out, definitely gives a nice glow and the bright lip makes you stand out!

What I used:
[Face]
- MAC Pro LongWear Foundation in NC35

[Eyes]
- MAC Pro Longwear Concealer in NC20
- MAC Studio Fix Concealer in NC30
- MAC "Painterly" on lid as a primer and to neutralize natural lid color
- MAC "Blonde's Gold" pigment on the lid
- Urban Decay's Naked Palette e/s: Buck, Smog, Darkhorse, Hustle mixed together and applied on the outer-V and contour. Wash of "Toasted" used to blend the colors together and give it that nice metallic shine.
- MAC e/s in "Ricepaper" as highlight
- MAC Fluidline in "Blacktrack"
- Clinique Lash Primer
- Shiseido Lifting Mascara in Black
- MAC Technakohl e/l in "Graphblack" on waterline
- Urban Decay e/l in "Baked" on lower lash line

[Cheeks]
- Contoured with MAC "Emote" blush (as well as on the temples)
- Mix of MAC blush in "Coygirl" and "Springsheen" on apples of cheeks

[Lips]
- MAC "Petals & Peacocks" lipstick (LE)
- MAC lipglass in "Magnetique"

I also got two pairs of shoes on sale, they are normally over $50 each, and I got them both for around $60 with tax and shipping! I love how comfy they are!

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Borghese Body Scrubs & Lipgloss

I had the opportunity to try out a few Borghese products, their B Gloss lipgloss in "Red Lustro" (shimmer), ($18.50, .21oz.) and two of their body scrubs;  Salt Scrub, ($38, 16 oz.) and a their Cura-C scrub, ($49, 15.75 oz).  I REALLY love their lipglosses, they are very pigmented and they come in 12 shades. They also lasted a pretty long time on my lips. However, they are a bit sticky, not an annoying sticky (at least not to me), but you can tell they are a tad bit thicker than say a MAC lipgloss; but because of this, I believe it helps it last longer on your lips. I just recommend not wearing it on a windy day to avoid your hair sticking to your lips, LOL! I plan on getting a couple more shades of their gloss.

• Long-wearing formula.
• Vitamins A and E deliver moisture.
• Avocado Oil, Jojoba Oil and Aloe Vera soothe lips.

 

I loved the shade I received- "Red Lustro", it's such a pretty shimmery red- perfect for the holidays! It's much darker than these pictures depict, (for comparison purposes think MAC Cult of Cherry lipglass which is LE (limited edition) and no longer available; so if you are looking for a good dupe, Borghese's "Red Lustro" fits the bill!). "Cult of Cherry" is a bit more on the cool side, a brighter pink, whereas "Red Lustro" is a nice deep red, but they both have shimmer. Borghese lipglosses also have a little bit more product (.21 oz. versus .17 oz MAC). Just look at these comparison pics!

And here it is on the lips by itself, it's really pigmented eh? And look at my lashes from my last post using the Clinique Primer and Shiseido Mascara, that's without using an eyelash curler!

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I love the Christmas season, but the one thing I hate is how drying it is on my skin. Scrubs come to the rescue because they slough off dry/dead skin leaving your skin soft and smooth right after. What sets the Borghese scrubs apart from other drugstore brands, is how moisturizing it is even after you rinse it off. Each scrub comes in huge airtight glass jars (which you could also reuse for something else even after it's all gone such as bubble bath balls), and they contain A LOT of product to last you awhile. The consistency is nice and thick, like those lotion souffles, and has visible scrubbing beads. The Cura-C Scrub is great for those with dry skin or to focus on the driest parts of your body.

From their website:

(Salt Scrub) This creamy salt scrub exfoliates and moisturizes with botanical extracts and minerals from Tuscany while helping to purify and brighten skin. The mixture of gentle exfoliation with natural oils leaves skin feeling smooth, soft and supple.

What it does

Olive and Grape Seed Oils - Leave skin conditioned and revitalized. Avocado, Mango and Shea Butters - Moisturize and soothe skin. Sea Salt and Pumice - Sloughs off flaky skin, revealing a healthy glow.

How to Use

Generously apply to wet skin. Lightly massage using circular motions and shower off. Great pre-self tanning treatment.

Cura-C Scrub

A luxurious water-free body scrub formulated to eliminate dull surface cells while delivering Vitamin C to your skin, leaving it revitalized and moisturized. Formulated with Vitamin C, A and E plus CoQ10 and Beta-Carotene for anti-oxidant and nourishing benefits plus Shea Butter, Squalane, Sunflower Oil and Carrot Oil to soften and smooth skin.

What it does

Gently hydrates and exfoliates to maintain skin’s balance. Vitamin C - to replenish and correct damaged skin Shea Butter - to revitalize and nourish the skin Multi Vitamin CoQ10 Complex - to provide anti-oxidant protection from free radicals

How to Use

Apply a thin layer to wet or dry skin and massage gently in a circular motion, concentrating on the driest areas. Rinse with warm water.

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