Rimmel SCANDALEYES Eye Shadow Pencil: Review and Swatches

I always get super jealous of  British beauty bloggers when they talk about products that are either haven't been released or are unavailable in the States, especially when it comes to Rimmel. Rimmel is very affordable and has recently been coming out with some amazing, kick-butt products that have been flying off the shelves. An example of that are the SCANDALEYES Eye Shadow pencils, and I finally got my hands on this one in Bulletproof Beige.

I love jumbo shadow pencils. They're just so easy and versatile and perfect for those days when A, you don't really feel like spending a ton time on your makeup or B, you don't have the time to spend. The Rimmel versions remind me a lot of the NYX Jumbo Eye Pencils, which I absolutely adore (my favorite being Yogurt). The Rimmel SCANDALEYES pencils are quite thinner, and I have to say I kind of like the NYX formulation a little more because of that. However, they don't seem to crease over a primer, but I wouldn't skip the priming step. Jumbo pencils tend to crease when used as a primer and not a base/cream shadow.

The color of this is a really pretty, metallic/shimmery, golden champagne. The color reminds me of Maybelline's Color Tattoo in Barely Branded. It's virtually the same thing, just in different form.

The actually pencil point comes to a "sharper" (it's not by any means sharp) point than other shadow pencils I've seen, which is better for precision placement (the lower lashline/inner corner/brow bone). I think this is useful for darker colors. This is a pencil that needs to be sharpened. It doesn't necessarily sway me one way or another. I really only prefer sharpening pencils for eyeliners, as I like to have a sharp point at the end of precision.

And here's the swatch! It's creamy, blendable and pigmented and perfect for everyday.

Despite giving a very positive review, there is something that really disappoints me in this line: the color selection. The formulation is really nice, but I wish they had more neutral colors! The only other one I've seen that I might be into is a white, as while as a dark, bronzy-brown. The rest of the colors are bright and loud, which just isn't my taste. Come on, Rimmel, bring out some better colors!

If you like jumbo shadow pencils, I would check these out. And even better, if you like bright colors, you'll probably love the selection. These retail for roughly $4 and are available wherever Rimmel products are sold!

Do you like jumbo shadow pencils?
xoxo
Alyssa

Simple Drugstore Makeup Look for School!

Hey everyone! Since it's officially back to school season (I hate the way that sounds), I wanted to do a post on a look that you can use to create a nice, simple every day look for class. Then I thought, "hey, why not make it entirely drugstore?" So that's what I'm giving you today. I myself don't really wear much makeup to school. If anything, I'll put on a bit of concealer a powder, but on those days I feel like looking a bit more put together, this is the sort of look I like to do.

For face, you have to start off with foundation. I picked out the COVERGIRL Aqua Smooth Makeup. It's a cream foundation that I find works great applied with a cosmetic sponge. It's very light and gives coverage slightly heavier than a standard facial concealer and I like the finish. For under the eyes, I'm in LOVE with my Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Eye roll. I've done a full review on this, and I will link it here if you'd like to see my thoughts in more in-depth. To set it all, I've been finding my Rimmel Stay Matte transulcent powder the best thing. Eyebrows are so important for defining your face, so I like to lightly fill mine in with my Wet n' Wild Color Icon Brow and Eyeliner pencil in Mink Brown, and then set/tame them with my Maybelline Great Lash clear mascara, which is commonly used as brow gel.

Clockwise from top right: Maybelline Great Lash Clear Mascara,
COVERGIRL Aqua Smooth Makeup, Garnier Anti-Dark Circle Roller,
Rimmel Stay Matte translucent powder, Wet n' Wild bow pencil

I don't feel like anyone needs an excessive amount of eye makeup for school everyday. If I don't feel like wearing color, I will just use Elf's Eyelid Primer in Sheer, which just matteifies my eyes and covers any veining (not that I have too much) but still  looks natural. I find the Maybelline Color Tattoo line to be the best for simple shadow looks, and I would recommend getting Barely Branded for every day. It's a gorgeous, slightly-metallic champagne that brightens and makes you look like you spent way more time on your eyeshadow than you actually did. Finish off with a natural mascara, like Maybelline the Mega Plush (review linked here) and you should be good to go.

Clockwise from top: Maybelline Color Tattoo in Barely
Branded, Maybelline The Mega Plush mascara, Elf
Eyelid Primer in Sheer

Highlighter and bronzer aren't necessary for a simple makeup look, so I like to use a matte blush that just makes me look like I have a tint of color. The Wet n' Wild Color Icon blush in Heather Silk is great for that. It looks super scary, but you only need a tiny bit and it looks like you just spent a tad too long in the sun. For lips, I like to keep it nice and natural with peachy-pinks and nudes. While girls who rock the Taylor Swift red lips to school are gutsy and daring, I don't typically wear bright lipstick on nights out, let alone while I'm sitting in English. The Revlon Lip Butter in Pink Lemonade is perfect. It's subtle and pretty, and with the Nivea a Kiss of Shine Pink Glossy Lip Care over top, it looks really good. Both products are moisturizing, so I find them to be great for school.

Clockwise from top: Nivea A Kiss of Shine, W&W blush in
Heather Silk, and Revlon LB in Pink Lemonade

What kind of makeup do you wear everyday for school?
xoxo
Alyssa

NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Boho Chic: Review and Swatches

The only cream blushes I've tried are NYC's Blushable Cream Sticks (which sadly I believe are discontinued), and I really wanted to try a cream blush in pot form. I've heard great things about NYX's line of Rouge Cream Blushes, and since I didn't know if I was going to like this means of cream cheek colors, I wanted to start off with something drugstore.

NYX's packaging is very MAC-esque, simple and standard, so there's not really anything to say about it. I do like that their cream blushes are round and their powder blushes are square, so you don't grab a powder while looking for a cream or vis-versa. 

 

The color of this is a natural, warm-toned pink with a slight shimmer to it. I didn't really notice the shimmer when I picked this out in store, and it's kind of a turn off for me, but I work with it. I find that blushes that are shimmery work well for me without highlighters, so I just skip highlighting my cheekbones. 

On the formulation side of things, this is thicker than the NYC stick versions, but it blends into the skin effortlessly. To be honest, however, I'm not sure how I feel about it. I think it's because I really don't know what to do in terms of application. I've tried rubbing it on with my fingers, using a stippling brush, and various other synthetic face powder brushes. Nothing really works for me though, and it makes me shy away from using it. I may be wrong though...maybe I'm just not a cream blush person. Who knows?

These cream blushes are available for retail purchase from Ulta, and I'm not sure where else. I know select Target stores have started carrying the brand, but I don't think they stock these blushes. They do, however, stock the powder pones. They retail for $6 (roughly). If you like cream blushes, I would try them out. For me, however, I'm not so positive. 

How do you apply cream blush?

xoxo

Alyssa

Maybelline Baby Lips in Pink Shock: Review and Swatches

Baby Lips lovers went crazy when Maybelline came out with electric versions of their best selling tinted lip balms and released a collection including six new colors. I myself was eager to try them, but Target--my main place for purchasing drugstore makeup--hasn't had them. So when I saw the display in Ulta, I bolted for it.

There was only one color left, Pink Shock, but for them to only have one in stock, I would definitely take this one. It's a great, bright hot pink  that has no shimmer. The packaging, at least in my eyes, is to die for. The black casing is really, really cool and I love how the pink font is such a contrast.

The formulation of the Baby Lips is something I really do like. I have a bunch from the line and even have used up two full ones (Pink Punch and Quenched), and in my experience I tend to use the brighter ones (Cherry Me, Coral Crush, Pink Punch) more as I would use Revlon Lip Butters, while I use the lighter ones more as a standard chapstick to just throw in a bag.

In terms of color/pigmentation, I like it! It's nothing new or exciting, but definitely brighter and more on the neon side compared to the other colors Maybelline has done. It was really opaque in one or two quick swipes, and I would classify this mainly as a summer color. However, I wouldn't really think of trying to apply this without a mirror.

Maybelline Baby Lips retail for $3-4 and are available wherever Maybelline products are sold. I've spotted the electric line at Ulta (on special display) and Walmart and Walgreens with the regular line. If you're looking for something moisturizing with a nice color, I would recommend these. I'm really excited to try the green/yellow ones--they look super interesting!

What's your favorite Baby Lip flavor?
xoxo
Alyssa

COVERGIRL Single Eye Shadows: Review and Swatches

It's no secret that the COVERGIRL Eye Shadow Trio in Shimmering Sands is very well loved. Almost every beauty blogger has tried it and loved it and I'll admit that I'm part of that love affair. Because that trio is just so good, I decided to try out some of the brand's single eye shadows...just to confirm the formulation is truly amazing, of course.

Top: Tapestry Taupe
Bottom, L-R: French Vanilla, Sapphire Sparkle

I originally just bought Tapestry Taupe and went back with my $3 off of two COVERGIRL Eye Products coupon and picked up French Vanilla and Sapphire Sparkle. I will admit that I picked out the gorgeous blue for my mom, as she wears color on her eyes whereas I stick to neutrals.

French Vanilla, Tapestry Taupe, Sapphire Sparkle

Tapestry Taupe is said to be a dupe for MAC's Satin Taupe, which is a major cult favorite for beauty lovers and MAC shadow collectors alike. I picked out French Vanilla as a soft, cream highlight shade that I love to use all over the lid, on the brow bone, and in the inner corner. And like I said, Sapphire Sparkle is right up my mom's makeup alley, so into my basket it went.

The formulation of these is really nice, but not as nice as it could be. The shadows are a bit crumbly, but other than that very pigmented and nice. Tapestry Taupe is just gorgeous.

From top: French Vanilla, Tapestry Taupe,
Sapphire Sparkle

COVERGIRL's single shadows retail for $3-4 depending on location and store. If you're looking for some affordable and nice quality eye shadows, I would look towards these. The color selection is really nice and they are also available in trios and quads.

Colors or neutrals on the eyes?
xoxo
Alyssa

NYX Round Lipstick in Strawberry Milk: Review and Swatches

Lipstick is something that the drugstore does pretty well with, in my opinion at least. Today I have to share with you all my NYX Lipstick in Strawberry Milk, a pretty pale pink with a sheen.

In terms of packaging, it's standard. I like how you can see the actual color at the bottom though. It makes it easier when picking it out in store and if you own multiples and are looking for a specific one.

The color is very Barbie: a pale, bright pink with a sheen. I like when lipsticks have a slight sheen (not a glitter or frost, but a sheen or a glossiness). I'm not a huge fan of a super matte lips or super shimmery lips, so a slightly glimmery gloss or a sheen-y lipstick is right up my alley.

I will say that even though it has the effect I like in terms of finish, I always have to wear something on top of this. Always. Extremely cool-toned pinks just don't look flattering on my lips (they look okay on my cheeks though?). When I picked this out, I didn't realize how intense and cool the color is. However, this looks INCREDIBLE with NYX's Mega Shine gloss in Beige over it. The bright, warmness of Beige counteracts the pastel-esque cool tones of Strawberry Milk and look really nice.

This was hard to photograph. The camera kept
picking up the sheen and not the actual color.
In person, it is not as frosty and a tad darker. 

If you're looking for a new lipstick, I would recommend the NYX Round Lipstick line. The formulation was smooth and moisturizing and didn't bleed around my mouth. You can find NYX products at Ulta and select Target stores, and the lipsticks generally retail for $4-6.

Do you like warm or cool tones?
xoxo
Alyssa

Benefit "They're Real!" Mascara: Review

After making a pretty big deal in my review on Maybelline's The Mega Plush mascara on only keeping one mascara in my collection at a time, I realized that I have a sample size of Benefit's They're Real! that I received as part of my birthday gift from Sephora (So I keep one and one-third...but just this once!). I probably forgot about this because when I got it, I put it away for special occasions (meaning...prom) and it was forgotten. But it is one of my favorites.

This is quite more dramatic than I usually go for, though I'm sure it's the perfect everyday product for their lashes, but for someone who likes the natural look, this is on the dramatic side. It coats my lashes beautifully though, making them long and voluminous without clumping. There is nothing I hate more in a mascara than clumping (other than excessive smudging). This ticks off all the right boxes on my good-mascara checklist.

The wand has plastic bristles. To be honest, I'm really not particular with mascara wands or the whole "wet vs. dry" thing. I use what I like, and as long as I like the effect I get, I use it. I do love how Benefit put bristles on the top of the wand, almost like a spiky ball. It allows for easy application to the very inner and very outer lashes and minimizes the product that ends up on my face (hey, it happens to the best of us).

I like it. I can't say that I'm the most qualified on mascara reviews, but if something smudges or clumps, it will definitely be noted here. Other than that, I go with the flow.

Full-sized of this product retails for $19, but if you don't want to shell out the cash without testing it, the sample size retails for $10 (I believe). You can purchase this wherever Benefit Cosmetics are sold.

Dramatic or natural lashes?
xoxo
Alyssa