Hurry up because time is running out for the LE CoverGirl Katy Perry Katy Kat Pearl Collection!

June 8, 2017
CoverGirl Katy Kat Pearl Collection

CoverGirl Katy Kat Pearl Collection

Katy Perry has some beautiful products in her CoverGirl line and her limited edition Katy Kat Pearl collection for spring won’t be around much longer! Every item costs under $10 so if you find something you love snap it up now. Coty sent me some samples of a few products and my oldest daughter was happy to model them for me (she has MUCH nicer lips than I do!). This spring is all about shimmers and pastels, trends that work right into summer. Here’s what I was sent to test:

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter ($8.99):  This is available in Tiger’s Eye and Tiger Rose. My shade is Tiger’s Eye. This has an interesting texture that is bouncy and gel-like. You use your fingers to apply, so to avoid bacterial contamination scoop some out onto a steel palette then pat it on with fingertips. The soft, spongy gel dries down quickly into a sheer shimmer that is very pretty as an eyeshadow or a cheek highlighter. I think this is a product for younger faces…those of us with a few wrinkles won’t do well with the creamy texture and the amount of shimmer, but those in their teens and twenties will love it.

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter and Covergirl Katy Kat Eyeliner in Purrmaid

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter and Covergirl Katy Kat Eyeliner in Purrmaid

Covergirl Katy Kat Eyeliner ($6.99):  This is available in Kitty WhisPURR (silver) and Purrmaid (green). I have Purrmaid, a beautiful shimmery teal green. This pencil eyeliner is different from others because it’s easy like a pencil liner, but it has the intensity of a liquid liner. It also lasts all day – a good eight hours for sure. It has this really neat-o smudge tip – I have to admit, I use it with all of my pencil liners, not just this one!

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Eyeliner

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Eyeliner

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Eyeliner in Purrmaid

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Eyeliner in Purrmaid

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter and Covergirl Katy Kat Eyeliner in Purrmaid

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter and Covergirl Katy Kat Eyeliner in Purrmaid

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter and Covergirl Katy Kat Eyeliner in Purrmaid

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Shadow + Highlighter and Covergirl Katy Kat Eyeliner in Purrmaid

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick ($8.99):   This is available in four shades – Blue-tiful Kitty; Apricat; Purrty in Pink; REDdy to Pounce. I have Blue-tiful Kitty and Apricat.

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Blue-tiful Kitty and Apricat

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Blue-tiful Kitty and Apricat

So let’s start with Blue-tiful Kitty.

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Blue-tiful Kitty

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Blue-tiful Kitty

This was the major reason I asked my daughter to model for me. She has better lips, and there is NO way I can get away with blue lips. Trust me, when I am three breaths away from kicking the bucket I’ll be putting on some pink lip gloss. So, we went full-on blue for a photo, but I don’t think it’s the best way to wear this lipstick at any age.

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Blue-tiful Kitty

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Blue-tiful Kitty

I actually think it’s sublime when paired with Apricat, which I’ll show you in a minute.

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Apricat

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Apricat

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Apricat

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Apricat

Here is full on Apricat, which is a really exquisite shimmery apricot. This is soft, pretty, shiny, and hydrating. The price point is fantastic and if you only buy one thing from this collection, I would recommend this fabulous lippie. Now, check it out with some Blue-tiful on the inner portion of the lips, blended outward:

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Apricat and Blue-tiful Kitty

Covergirl Katy Kat Pearl Lipstick in Apricat and Blue-tiful Kitty

So pretty, right?? I love it!! The more I play with these products and shades the more I love them. The Katy Kat Pearl limited edition spring collection won’t be around much longer, so be sure pick some up at the drugstore or Ulta when you are out. Once again, Katy Perry doesn’t disappoint!  – Lisa

*samples, affiliate links

Filed Under: Cover Girl, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Katy Perry, Katy Perry Katy Kat, Lipstick

Four ‘back to school’ beauty hacks – stock up during the Meijer Fall Beauty Week!

September 1, 2016

Four Back-to-School beauty hacks!It’s the end of the summer season and time to refresh your beauty products for fall. Meijer’s annual Fall Beauty Week is coming up – September 11 through the 17th – with tons of products on sale including skin care, cosmetics, and hair care. There are four essential items that you need for your backpack, locker, dufflebag or desk to be sure you look your best while also saving precious time. They will all be on sale during the Fall Beauty Week so get your shopping list started now!                                                                        samples

Scunci No-Slip Grip Headbands

Scunci No-Slip Grip Headbands

Goody Ouchless Reversible Comfort Headwrap

Goody Ouchless Reversible Comfort Headwrap

Goody Ouchless Reversible Comfort Headwrap

Goody Ouchless Reversible Comfort Headwrap

1. Ensure a great hair day with headbands. My picks – Scunci No-Slip Grip Headbands and Goody Ouchless Reversible Comfort Headwrap. The Scunci No-Slip Grip Headbands are thin and are perfect time savers in the morning, plus they won’t slip off during workouts. I love the versatility of the Goody Ouchless Reversible Comfort Headwrap, which is also terrific for keeping hair out of your face when cleansing or applying treatments and masks.

Back to school beauty hack:  Wash your hair at night to save time in the morning.  Put your towel dried hair into a loose bun or ponytail wrapped with a soft headband for soft, beachy waves when you wake up.

Covergirl Tru Blend Liquid Makeup in M2

Covergirl Tru Blend Liquid Makeup in M2

Covergirl Tru Blend Liquid Makeup in M2

Covergirl Tru Blend Liquid Makeup in M2

2.  Get a great complexion with no-fuss foundation. My pick – Covergirl Tru Blend Liquid Makeup in M2. This liquid foundation truly looks natural thanks to cutting edge pigment technology. It lasts all day with or without a primer, and does a great job of making imperfect skin look almost flawless.

Back to school beauty hack:  Even if you are running late, you have time to put on foundation. Forget about brushes or sponges – just put a pump or two on your palms, rub together to warm up, then pat on your face. Voila – instant perfect skin that looks natural and buffed in seconds. (Just remember to wash your hands after!)

L'Oreal Brow Stylist Designer Eyebrow Pencil

L’Oreal Brow Stylist Designer Eyebrow Pencil

L'Oreal Brow Stylist Designer Eyebrow Pencil in 305 Blonde

L’Oreal Brow Stylist Designer Eyebrow Pencil in 305 Blonde

L'Oreal Brow Stylist Designer Eyebrow Pencil

L’Oreal Brow Stylist Designer Eyebrow Pencil

3.  Don’t forget your brows! You can get great brows in seconds. My pick – L’Oreal Brow Stylist Designer Eyebrow Pencil. Groomed brows make a huge difference and they are easier to do than you think. Using the pencil end, make short strokes that are about the length of actual brow hair to fill in sparse areas, then use the spoolie to blend in.

Back to school beauty hack: Always brush brow hair straight up for the best eye-opening look.

NYX Butter Gloss in Merengue

NYX Butter Gloss in Merengue

NYX Butter Gloss in Merengue

NYX Butter Gloss in Merengue

4.  Brighten your look instantly with lip gloss  My pick – NYX Butter Gloss in Merengue. There’s a reason your mother always said never leave the house without lipstick. Seriously, if you are only going to do one thing it should be your lips. Lipstick can be tricky to apply without a mirror, but lip gloss takes less precision. The NYX Butter Gloss is fantastic. It’s moisturizing and has great slip without any stickiness.  It comes in lots of gorgeous shades but I especially love the pretty pink of Merengue.

Back to school beauty hack:  Smaller tubes of lip gloss are the best! They save you money because you will definitely use the entire product before it goes bad.

Don’t forget, all four of these essential beauty products are on sale during the Meijer Fall Beauty Week from September 11 through the 17th. Put them on your shopping list – I know you will love them for all your back to school needs.  – Lisa

*post sponsored by Meijer, all opinions and advice my own!

Filed Under: beauty hacks, Brows, Cover Girl, Foundation, Goody, hair accessory, headbands, L'Oreal, Lip Gloss, Meijer, NYX Cosmetics, Scunci

Are you ready for Covergirl’s Katy Perry collection, Katy Kat?

May 24, 2016

Summer 2016 brings us a Covergirl collection that is unlike any other. Together with Katy Perry they are developing a line that combines Katy’s creativity and with their beauty expertise. Covergirl has been shining for the past year and the Katy Kat Collection is one-of-a-kind.

Covergirl - be a Katy Kat

Covergirl – be a Katy Kat

Katy Perry has been a superstar for Covergirl for a long time so it’s fun to see what she’s experimented with to bring her own touch to a normally staid line. It starts with the Katy Kat Matte Lipsticks, includes products that she’s helped spruce up, and ends with a new mascara. With her pizzazz there’s a lot more to be excited about with Covergirl. This week Covergirl is Buy 2 Get 1 Free at Ulta which you’ll want to take advantage of with all these beauties.

*pr samples

Let’s start with her line of Katy Kat Matte Lipsticks. There are 11 shades that cover the gamut of colors that you’d love. These lipsticks are a demi-matte finish so they don’t look drying, instead they have the qualities of matte (being longer lasting and trendy) but still enough softness that they are moisturizing. I love the names of these lipsticks (Kitty Purry, Pink Paws, Cat Call, and more). I was sent the least Marcia color but the most Katy color: Perry Panther.

Covergirl Perry Panther from Katy Kat

Covergirl Perry Panther from Katy Kat

I’m not exactly a black lipstick wearer but I now know enough to purchase a shade like Katy Purry for $6.99 – 8.99. It isn’t a harsh matte, it has a soft fragrance, and it applies easily. The lipsticks are all moisturizing and great shades that you can wear with comfort. The packaging is new and doesn’t look like a drugstore product at all.

Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

Covergirl Katy Kat Matte Lipstick

The next product developed for Katy Kat is their newest mascara which comes in both black and Perry Blue. KATY KAT EYE MASCARA is due soon and will be $6.99-$8.99 depending where you find it. This is a long wear mascara although it’s not considered to be waterproof. Covergirl says this has 10x the volume thanks to a helix shaped twisted wire brush. The brush’s bristles aren’t too long in order to make it easier to comb through and then pull your lashes up and out. Concentrate this on your outer lashes to get that cat eye look that Katy is famous for.

Covergirl Katy Kat Eye mascara in Perry Blue

Covergirl Katy Kat Eye mascara in Perry Blue

Katy says it best on the back of the package:

Covergirl Katy Kat Eye mascara

Covergirl Katy Kat Eye mascara

Covergirl Katy Kat Eye

Covergirl Katy Kat Eye

Next up is the wonderful Liquilineblast eyeliner pencil which has been around for a while but when you take this newer shade of Blue Boom and put it with Katy Kat Perry Blue Mascara you’ve got a winning combination. Liquilineblast lasts about 8 hours but only on my top lashline. I smudged it on the bottom and it oversmudged and didn’t last that long for me. I advise using a very sharp sharpener with these, the best you have, so you don’t waste this unique shade.

Covergirl Liquilineblast eyeliner pencil

Covergirl Liquilineblast eyeliner pencil

Covergirl Katy Kat Mascara in Perry Blue and Liquilineblast eyeliner pencil in Blue Boom

Covergirl Katy Kat Mascara in Perry Blue and Liquilineblast eyeliner pencil in Blue Boom

At Ulta you’ll find a new foundation called Ready Set Gorgeous.This is available in 12 shades and I was sent 3 to test: 115 Buff Beige, 205 Natural Beige, and 210 Medium Beige.

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Oil Free Foundation

Covergirl Ready Set Gorgeous Oil Free Foundation

covergirl ready set gorgeous foundation swatches

Even though these are all darker than I normally wear I was still impressed enough with the oil-free finish and how easy it was to blend on my face. I added a little bit of my Manic Panic Dreamtone White Foundation to lighten 115 and it worked beautifully.

Now that you have your Katy Kat eyes and lips plus a new foundation you need their Tru Blend Blush and Bronzer – really you do!

Covergirl Tru Blend Blush and Bronzer

Covergirl Tru Blend Blush and Bronzer

Tru Blend Blush is available in three swirly shades: Light Rose, Medium Rose, and Deep Mauve. I was sent Medium Rose and it’s just beautiful. I can apply it with a feathery brush to create a light pink or use my regular blush brush for a deeper pink. Whichever I’ve done has been perfect.

  • Ultra blendable
  • Blends instantly – no blush lines
  • Baked minerals refined into a powder formula
  • Oil-free & suitable for sensitive skin
    Medium Rose Tru Blend Blush from Covergirl

    Medium Rose Tru Blend Blush from Covergirl

    Tru Blend Bronzer from Covergirl

    Tru Blend Bronzer from Covergirl

    Tru Blend Bronzer is just as easy to wear as the blush. Both the blush and the bronzer are baked and the pigmentation is wonderful. There’s no shimmer but there’s a satiny finish that gives me some glow. What I love about this is that there’s no orange at all – just a beautiful golden bronze that I can lightly use to perk up my ghostly skin.

    Covergirl Tru Blend Medium Rose blush and Bronzer

    Covergirl Tru Blend Medium Rose blush and Bronzer

    One last Covergirl product that I think you should definitely be picking up is their Trunaked Nudes eyeshadow palette. I’ve previously reviewed this and continue to wear it often. It is such a great basic palette to have, one you could count on for every occasion.

    Covergirl Trunaked Nudes palette

    Covergirl Trunaked Nudes palette

    Covergirl Nudes - Shell, Buff, Fawn, Champagne on top - Coffee, Mink, Sable, Cocoa on bottom

    Covergirl Nudes – Shell, Buff, Fawn, Champagne on top – Coffee, Mink, Sable, Cocoa on bottom

    With the holiday weekend coming up it’s always fun to have a few new cosmetic items and Covergirl won’t break the bank. They are on trend with quality formulas and fun. Katy Perry fun!  —  Marcia

*sent for review, affiliate links

Filed Under: Blush, Bronzer, Cover Girl, Foundation, Katy Perry Katy Kat, Mascara, matte lipstick

Covergirl trunaked eyeshadow palette, TRUly delightful

February 16, 2016
Covergirl Trunaked palette in Nudes with oh sugar! tinted lip balms

Covergirl Trunaked palette in Nudes with oh sugar! tinted lip balms

I’ve mentioned these Covergirl products before but I can’t help it – I’m mentioning them again. That’s because I don’t want you to miss out on them, especially the trunaked palettes that Covergirl has out now. I’m hoping that they are permanent since there are 3 and I “only” have one. As an eyeshadow lover I just can’t help but be attracted to all three of the palettes: Nudes, Roses, and Goldens. I was sent Nudes and I’ve been trying to track down the other two after experiencing the quality of this $12 palette.

Covergirl trunaked - nudes

Covergirl trunaked – nudes

If you are a neutral eyeshadow lover then you definitely will be interested in Covergirl trunaked Nudes palette . With 8 shades that are a mix of matte, satin, and shimmer the gamut is covered. There isn’t a look you can’t do with this palette; it works day and night; subtle and smokey. I think the texture of the shadows is great. They are soft and blend easily. There is some fallout so they aren’t perfect but using these with an eyeshadow primer they’ll last the day.

covergirl tru nudes palette open

1)  Buff  has a satin finish and is a slightly shiny brow or lid shade.

2)  Shell is a matte that barely shows up on me which is something I need in my collection. It’s great for blending and as a browbone shade.

3)  Champagne is a shimmery amber champagne shade that adds some life to your browbone or lid.

4)  Fawn is a great matte light brown. It truly feels like silk. It’s a great transition shade plus I’ve used it to tone down the darker shades.

5)  Mink is my favorite shade in the palette. It’s a golden taupe that I wear on my lid. This is the type of shade I could wear just about daily without tiring of it.

6)  Cocoa is another matte that’s just as it sounds. This isn’t too dark but it isn’t too light. It goes on so smoothly that it’s hard for me to believe it’s a matte.

7)  Coffee is another favorite. This has a light shimmer to it and is one of those dark browns that I’m drawn to time and again.

8)  Sable, another matte, is just short of being black. It’s like they took black and then added in some brown to soften it. While it looks intense in the palette, it’s really an easy to wear shade.

Covergirl Nudes - Shell, Buff, Fawn, Champagne on top - Coffee, Mink, Sable, Cocoa on bottom

Covergirl Nudes – Shell, Buff, Fawn, Champagne on top – Coffee, Mink, Sable, Cocoa on bottom

Don’t ask me why but but my swatches are in the wrong order.  You can see the brown in Sable more in my swatch than on my eyes. Also Mink doesn’t have that copper tone, it’s really taupe once on.

To complement the shadows and have a soft but moist lip look, don’t forget about oh sugar! tinted lip balms.

Covergirl oh sugar! in Candy Bonbon and Taffy Tire

Covergirl oh sugar! in Candy Bonbon and Taffy Tire

These will give you a soft look that looks as good when you are naked as when you are clothed.

Have you had the pleasure of finding any of these Covergirl trunaked palettes yet?  — Marcia

*sent for editorial consideration, affiliate links

 

Filed Under: Cover Girl, Eyeshadow, eyeshadow palette, Palettes, tinted lip balm

Makeup Wars drugstore lipstick finds with Burt’s Bees, CoverGirl, Milani

February 15, 2016

makeup wars drugstore lipsticks

We’ve been doing Makeup Wars posts for several years now. It’s not always easy for the group to come up with new themes that haven’t been done but I believe we’ve done it this time. I don’t remember writing specifically about lipsticks that you can find at drugstores before so we have something new for you. To be honest I rarely buy lipstick at the drugstore and it’s mainly because they don’t have testers. I like seeing the lipsticks I buy and that’s because it’s not always possible at the drugstore. On to the majority of what I do have ….

BURT’S BEES LIPSTICKS * are the ones I was most excited to try after seeing them on other blogs. They don’t disappoint.  makeup wars burts bees packageThe packaging of these belies the $9 price. With 14 shades to choose from you won’t have trouble picking favorites. Burt’s Bees lipsticks are creamy and hydrating. Just like the lip balms they are so famous for, these are loaded with great ingredients. They are made with 100% naturally moisturizing ingredients like moringa and raspberry seed oils to keep the moisture in. While they give you color they are also hydrating and conditioning your lips. I don’t think you can go wrong with these.

Burt's Bees Lipsticks Nile Nude, Tulip Tide, Blush Basin

Burt’s Bees Lipsticks Nile Nude, Tulip Tide, Blush Basin

Burt's Bees Lipsticks Blush Basin, Tulip Tide, Nile Nude

Burt’s Bees Lipsticks Blush Basin, Tulip Tide, Nile Nude

When I first open them I notice a fragrance but that’s the last time I notice it.  It dissipates instantly.I have 3 shades (Blush Basin, Nile Nude, and Tulip Tide) and am eyeing Iced Iris now that I know how great these are. Blush Basin is a warm mauve, Tulip Tide is a beautiful pink, and Nile Nude is a warm nude and doesn’t have the orange that my picture depicts. These are available at Ulta and Ulta.com and drugstore.com.

Covergirl Coloricious oh sugar!

Covergirl Coloricious oh sugar!

COVERGIRL COLORICIOUS OH SUGAR BALM! * is the newest lip product from Covergirl. These are vitamin enriched tinted lip balms in pretty pastel packaging. The outer packaging doesn’t necessarily give you a hint as to what’s inside. Be sure you check the bottom of the tube for a truer shade.

Covergirl Coloricious oh sugar!

Covergirl Coloricious oh sugar!

I’m loving these since they give just a hint of color yet are loaded with balmy richness. There is no fragrance but when I lick my lips I notice a slight sweetness to them. If you are looking for deep pigment these may not be for you, but they are perfect for me since I like a sheer lip that is moisturizing.

Covergirl oh sugar! in Candy Bonbon and Taffy Tire

Covergirl oh sugar! in Candy Bonbon and Taffy Tire

I have Candy Bonbon (aka Candy) which is a light rosy pink on my lips and Taffy Tire, a ‘your lips but better’ shade on me. These are normally $8.99 but are on sale at drugstore.com at the moment.

Milani Dulce Caramelo

Milani Dulce Caramelo

MILANI COLOR STATEMENT LIPSTICK has become a bloggers delight. If you are a matte lipstick lover then these are for you. How many lipsticks have 45 shades to choose from, in a variety of finishes, and only cost approximately $5.50? After all the hype I had to try one and chose Dulce Caramelo which is a warm nude that’s not too dark (in spite of my swatch).

Milani Dulce Caramelo

Milani Dulce Caramelo

Milani’s Color Statement Lipsticks are highly pigmented and contain Vitamins A, C, & E to moisturize and nourish lips. Dolce Caramelo is a cream finish that’s slightly shiny. My only problem with it is that it’s fragranced so I’m not sure I want to continue buying these, although a fabulous pink just might change my mind.

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Gladiolas

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Gladiolus

REVLON ULTRA HD LIPSTICK in Gladiolus a real departure for me. It’s red and I really don’t wear red lipstick. But when a friend offered it to me, I took it to test it out. Have I worn it out of the house? Of course not but someday I might get brave enough.

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Gladiolas

Revlon Ultra HD Lipstick in Gladiolus

The color is absolutely stunning. It’s the shade of red nail polish I love so much with its pinky undertone. I’m experimenting with it though to see if I’ll find a way to make it work for me. This comes in 20 shades and it’s opaque in one coat. It’s not sticky but it does have a fragrance. Right now Revlon is BOGO 1/2 at Ulta.

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Natural Rose

Pixi Shea Butter Lip Balm in Natural Rose

As usual I neglected to put in some of my favorites from PIXI like their lip crayons, Lip Lift Ice (clear plumping gloss), and Shea Butter Lip Balms so forgive me!!

What are your favorite lip products from the drugstore? I’m anxious to know. I’m also anxious to read what my other Makeup Wars Bloggers have chosen.  — Marcia

*denotes sent for consideration, affiliate links

Filed Under: Burt's Bees, Cover Girl, Lipstick, Makeup Wars, Milani, Revlon, tinted lip balm

Splurge vs Steal with Urban Decay, Covergirl, NYC Lovatics, Makeup Revolution USA

February 1, 2016

close up of usa dollar money and piggy bank

It’s time for a new Makeup Wars and I’m excited about this one. I can’t wait to read what the other bloggers have chosen as their SPLURGE vs STEAL items. For my edition I decided to stick with neutral palettes since they are so popular. Urban Decay Naked palettes started the craze with Too Faced Chocolate Bar and Chocolate Bon Bons following. At $54 and $49 respectively it’s hard to own all the ones you are interested in…. so here comes the steals.

I read this type of article often in magazines and the first thing that comes to my mind is the question of Quality. Yes, two items may look similar, but is the steal something you’d want to wear/use? I have made sure that my steals are ones that I can recommend without question.

URBAN DECAY is the brand that I believe has led the way into the neutral revolution. They have excellent marketing and know how to get the word out with some cutting edge products. Just look at how they’ve promoted the Gwen Steffani items! People are going nuts over them. Also their Naked palettes don’t go out of favor. When I was pulling this together I realized that I can’t find my Naked Basics and Naked 2. Just because they are older doesn’t make them any less relevant and now I’m thinking about purchasing them. I looked to see how to compare my ‘steals’ to my Urban Decay and Too Faced. I hope I’ve succeeded.

NYC Lovatics by Demi

NYC Lovatics by Demi

NYC Cosmetics has a new collection in collaboration with Demi Lovato. I received several items that I’ll be reviewing in full and I’m loving them. This $6.99 palette LOVATICS BY DEMI is incredible and a perfect match for the original URBAN DECAY NAKED PALETTE. $6.99. vs $54. Now that’s what I call a Splurge vs Steal. When you find this at Walmart, Target or wherever NYC is sold, grab it before it’s too late.

NYC Lovatics by Demi (Natural) on top of Urban Decay Naked (original)

NYC Lovatics by Demi (Natural) on top of Urban Decay Naked (original)

URBAN DECAY NAKED 3 vs ULTA ROSE GOLD PALETTE

These two are so close that I can blindly reach for either to achieve the same looks. This is a $54 vs $20 Splurge vs Steal except that Ulta’s palette is always on sale and you can use their coupons. This particular week all ULTA products are buy 2 get 2 free, last week this palette was $12.

Urban Decay Naked3 vs Ulta Rose Gold

Urban Decay Naked3 vs Ulta Rose Gold

MAKEUP REVOLUTION USA AFFIRMATION vs URBAN DECAY SMOKY and TOO FACED CHOCOLATE BONBONS

There are 32 eyeshadows in MAKEUP REVOLUTION’S AFFIRMATION PALETTE. This Ulta exclusive is $15 with BOGO 1/2 currently going on. It’s also available with the $3.50 coupon that Ulta advertises. I had to seek out two palettes to match up with the AFFIRMATION palette because it has so many versatile shades.

Makeup Revolution Affirmation palette

Makeup Revolution Affirmation palette

Urban Decay Naked Smoky contains these shades: champagne shimmer micro-glitter, medium bronze, metallic taupe iridescent micr-glitter, metallic silver taupe tonal sparkle, light metallic gray, medium charcoal micro glitter, jet black satin, deep plum taupe, cool taupe matte, rich brown matte, soft pink taupe and light beige satin. Look at the above picture – recognize those shades?

Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons contains these shades: matte mauve, cool greige, matte suede, matte plum brown, gilded rose, electric fuchsia pearl, cherry cola shimmer, satin nude, smokey sapphire, deep metallic amethyst, gilded cocoa, metallic taupe, metallic cocoa bronze, and matte warm cream. You can find duplicates of all these shades in the Makeup Revolution Affirmation palette too.

top Urban Decay Smoky, left Makeup Revolution Affirmation, right Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons

top Urban Decay Smoky, left Makeup Revolution Affirmation USA, right Too Faced Chocolate Bon Bons

While I love my Urban Decay palettes I shudder thinking about how much money they’ve cost me. Makeup Revolution USA Affirmation isn’t as pigmented as UD and TF but I end up with the same colors and looks. I’m the only one that knows that the Affirmation palette costs a fraction of the other too.

COVERGIRL TRUNAKED NUDES

Covergirl trunaked Nudes

Covergirl trunaked Nudes

Last is the Covergirl trunaked Nudes palette which is a beautiful rendition of a nude palette. The colors are exactly what you need to create daily looks as well as smoky eyes. The palette sells for approximately $12.99 but you can find sales on it. Currently at Ulta it’s $11.98 with a BOGO 1/2 on Covergirl products. I have been blown away by the color and quality of this palette.

I think these steals are pretty fabulous and the true definition of Splurge vs Steal without compromising quality. What’s your favorite steal?  –  Marcia

CORRECT LINK FOR GOULDYLOX

*NYC, Covergirl, Makeup Revolution received for editorial consideration, others are self purchased

Filed Under: Cover Girl, Eyeshadow, eyeshadow palette, Makeup Revolution, Makeup Wars, NYC Cosmetics, Too Faced, Urban Decay

Holiday parties? Try these five drugstore beauty items!

December 25, 2015

Holiday parties? Try these five drugstore beauty items!‘Tis the season for holiday parties! The drugstore is my favorite friend because it has pretty much everything needed to get party perfect. Here are five picks to help you get smooth, styled, and glammed up gorgeous.

*pr samples

Venus Snap Razor

Venus Snap Razor

GET SMOOTH! Venus Snap Razor, $9.99-12.99  How cute is this? I’m often in a hurry when getting ready and the Venus Snap Razor‘s no-slip-grip is perfect, giving a super close shave while also hydrating skin. If you are going out of town for your parties, this is the perfect razor to pack.

Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask

Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask

GET STYLED!  Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask, $11.99 The Hair Food Moisture Hair Mask is a once a week treatment, and it’s terrific to use for party perfect hair. This isn’t a mask you need to pile on…a little goes a long way. Be sure to rinse well because it’s so moisturizing it can leave hair feeling a little sticky when it’s wet. After hair dries it is unbelievably smooth, shiny, and soft – exactly what want for a holiday party!

COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation

COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation

GET GLAM! COVERGIRL Outlast Stay Luminous Foundation, $9.79-12.79  This a liquid foundation that is great for those with normal skin. It really does last and last, which is what you want when you are going to party all night. It gives medium coverage and a natural look. It does have a slight fragrance. I find that it’s better to use a foundation sponge than a brush or even fingers – sponging it on gives the best coverage and finish.

COVERGIRL Outlast Longwear Lipstick in Magnetic Mauve

COVERGIRL Outlast Longwear Lipstick in Magnetic Mauve

GET EVEN MORE GLAM! COVERGIRL Outlast Longwear Lipstick, $6.99-8.99 Get some major glam and keep it with Covergirl Outlast Lipstick. It’s a cross between a lipstick and a gel-based balm and it feels divine on the lips. I am loving the Magnetic Mauve shade, which is a flattering, pretty holiday berry.

Swatches of COVERGIRL Magnetic Mauve and Bombshell Shine Shadow in Platinum Club

Swatches of COVERGIRL Magnetic Mauve and Bombshell Shine Shadow in Platinum Club

GET SUPER GLAM! COVERGIRL Bombshell Shine Shadow in Platinum Club, $6.99-8.99 Have you tried the Covergirl Bombshell Shine Shadows yet?  If not, you need to get some stat!! It’s a soft, sort of powdery mousse that goes on in sheer layers. It takes only a few moments to dry into a beautiful shimmery finish. Platinum Club, a multi-hued purple/brown/gray is my pick for a holiday perfect shade. It’s fantastic alone, although it’s wonderful paired with a matte pink or light gray shadow. The staying power is excellent, even without using an eye primer.

Get to the drugstore and get ready to party on!!  – Lisa

*sent for editorial consideration

Filed Under: Cover Girl, cream eyeshadow, drugstore, Foundation, hair mask, Lipstick, Venus Razors
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