Black Opal Cosmetics … you’ve heard of them right? You’ve probably past by the brand many times while perusing down the cosmetics aisle. Guess what? They have some new ish out and I’m loving it!

Let me introduce you to the Color Splurge Collection, consisting of the new Lustre Gloss Lip Gloss, Patent Lips Lip Color, and EyeShadow Duos.

I’ve become a big lipstick and lip pencil girl over the last year, but I will say the Patent Lips Lip Colors are my favorite because of the rich pigment and long-lasting color power. Hello again lipgloss :)

Let’s take a look at these poppin pigments shall we? Keep in mind, it’s all gloss, no liner or lipstick hidden underneath. I wouldn’t trick y’all like that ;)

Now if you want something a little more subtle with a lot of shine, then you should go for the Lustre Gloss. These have sparkle in them and can be great to layer on top of a lipstick or liner for an extra pop.

I don’t usually wear a lot of color on my lids day to day, I prefer to rock a bold lip because it’s easy, fast, and actually becoming my staple. But out of the eyeshadows I would totally rock these duo’s in the evening or for a little added punch during the day when I’m feeling a little spunky.

Here’s the breakdown:

-Patent Lips: $6.75 each (10 shades to choose from)
-Lustre Gloss: $9.95 each (16 shades to choose from)
-Eyeshadow Duo: $6.95 each (12 shades to choose from)  

You can purchase these new Black Opal items from stores like Walmart, CVS, Rite Aide, Duane Reade, or online at www.blackopalbeauty.com . 

What do you think about the collection? Any favorites out of the bunch? For those who have tried Black Opal Cosmetics, tell me about your favorite products from the line!

Bare Minerals just gained a new customer! My best friend worked for Bare Minerals years ago and gave me a bunch of loose eyeshadow samples to use in my makeup kit on my clients. I never bought anything from the line myself, but I decided to go out on a whim and give their “Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara” a shot. 

When purchasing a mascara I look for three things: volume, length, and pigment (extra extra black, but something that doesn’t smear under my eye or on my lid). I like to have the look of wearing falsies, but it’s really all mascara baby ;) 

So here’s the tea. On the picture below, I applied about three coats of mascara on my left eye and nothing on my right eye. The last photo underneath is the mascara applied to both lashes, top and bottom. Crazy right?!

My lashes are naturally pretty long, but this mascara REALLY brought them to life! I like that it was easy to layer coat after coat without it flaking into my eye throughout the day, and it’s easy to remove with a makeup wipe. As you can see, the brush is definitely made for volume! I am very happy with the results! 

Available in black and brown at Sephora stores for $18.

What do you think about the end results?

I’ve been stuck on some pretty high-end concealer favorites for a while, and now that I’m running low on those I decided to give some good ol drug store brands a shot and see if they stand up to the test!

First up, L’Oreals new True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer!

I like to have a subtle highlight effect when choosing my concealer shade. So I went with the medium/deep warm-6 color that is about a shade in a half lighter than my skin tone and has a golden undertone. 

There are a total of six concealer shades to choose from, with this color being the second to “darkest” in the selection. 

Here is a quick swatch of what it looks like on my hand.

When choosing a concealer, here are the top three things I look for:

1. Undertone: I look for concealer that has a golden undertone because I like the look of a highlighted area under my eyes. Anything that is too neutral looks ashy on me.

2. Consistency: I look for a concealer that goes on smooth and creamy making it easier to blend. Because I like the consistency to be creamy, I always set my concealer with a translucent powder to prevent creasing lines underneath my eyes.

3. Coverage: Concealer that actually conceals isn’t too much to ask for right? Well you would be surprised. I have dark spots (from popping pimples…which I don’t recommend you do) and semi-dark circles under my eyes, so a concealer with pigment and coverage is key.

I apply my concealer in somewhat of a triangle shape under my eyes and on any dark spots.

Next I take my ring finger and smooth out the concealer down to my cheeks to make sure it’s blended seamlessly with my foundation. The next step (not pictured) is to lightly brush a translucent powder over the concealer to set it and prevent any creasing lines.

Be gentle when blending because the skin under your eye is very delicate. 

You see the difference it makes with concealer on the left side and none on the right? The correct shade can instantly light up your face and give you a refreshed look!

The L’Oreal True Match Super Blendable Crayon Concealer is definitely a great drugstore buy. It got the job done and the crayon stick makes it easy to use. Get’s a thumbs up from me! 

Price Tag: $7.99 

Available at Target

MAKE UP FOR EVER just released their first new foundation in over four years called Pro Finish Multi-Use Powder Foundation. It is a unique multi-use compact foundation that is formulated to be applied wet or dry. When applied wet, it’s said to deliver a sheer, satin coverage and when applied dry it’s said to offer a full, matte coverage.

The foundation comes in a circular compact with a sponge tucked underneath in a bottom compartment of the compact.

My face is usually a lighter shade than the rest of my body, so when it comes to picking out my color of foundation, I tend to go a shade darker than my natural skin tone. I also do this because I like to look “tan” year round lol.

Words of advice when having to choose your color based on what is pictured online (like I had to do)…

-It’s safer to go with the darker choice. Especially since summer is right around the corner, you can “grow” into your darker shade.
-If you are ordering online, google image the color you want, and see if any pictures come up with complexions that are close to yours.
-Do a little research. Read reviews about the color and the way the foundation lasts all day. If you have dry skin and the foundation is matte, you may want to go with something has more of a dewy finish to add moisture back into your skin.

I chose a shade with a neutral/yellow undertone, #174 Neutral Saffron.

Ok on to the review.

BEFORE picture with no makeup. Don’t go too hard on me lol. 

I applied the foundation on half of my face using the dry sponge technique. It definitely gave me a matte finish. I usually prefer something that is a little more dewy, but the color is right on.

AFTER picture of the foundation applied to my entire face in addition to my normal makeup routine.

I like the new Pro Finish Foundation. It gave me the coverage I was looking for while still appearing “natural”. I didn’t care to apply the foundation using the sponge, so on the other side of my face I used a big fluffy powder brush which still gave me great coverage and didn’t come across as being so matte. I’ll try the wet sponge technique next time to see if it gives me more of a dewy finish.

Overall, Make Up Forever’s Pro Finish Multi-Use Foundation gets a thumbs up from me!

It comes in 25 different colors with neutral, pink, and golden undertones (so virtually a shade out there for everyone), and retails at $36 each. You can find the foundation at the Make Up For Ever counter at Sephora stores.
 

Last night I decided to give myself a mini facial and totally forgot about these sample SK-II Skin Signature 3D Refining Masks sitting underneath my sink (confessions of a product junkie). 

Now let me go ahead and warn you that NOTHING about these masks are cute. As a matter of fact, when you put them on you look scary lol but the benefits and end results are absolutely amazing!

Each packet comes with a Targeted Moisturizing Lifting Mask with one cloth-like upper mask and one lower mask. Here’s what they look like when you take them out of the packet. 

The upper and lower pieces are saturated heavily in a milky liquid that “works to uplift sagging skin and increase firmness and elasticity. You’ll notice a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while experiencing a velvety smooth, radiant, and youthful complexion.”

It smells like a milky lavender scent mixed with the signature pitera scent…which I actually like. Anyway, you apply the top part of the mask which stretches over your eyes and the bridge of your nose.

Next, the bottom piece…

I told you it was scary looking! I didn’t even want to post the picture of me looking directly into the camera lol! 

The lower half stretches over your moth and nose and can be smoothed down underneath your jawline.

I left the mask on for 15 minutes then peeled it off. You can wipe the excess liquid away after you’ve taken the mask off or you can blend it into your skin like I did for extra moisture. 

My skin felt incredibly soft and clean after taking the mask off! Prior to using the mask, I used a light exfoliator, St. Ives Apricot scrub, rinsed, lightly towel dried my face and whipped out the SK-II mask.

If you’re looking for luxury, I would definitely recommend trying this SK-II mask! Your skin will love you and what better way to splurge than on skincare? 

You can find the mask at SK-II counters at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales, and Sephora stores for $145 for a box of six masks.

Bonus: Check out my daily skin care routine here. 

There was news back in August 2012 of super star Mariah Carey releasing her own nail polish line with the OPI brand. 

It was only a matter of time before this limited edition collaboration surfaced, and it has finally hit the streets for the public to paint their talons with. 

The collection features soft pinks, auburn’s, and purples, with a new colorful, textured addition to the OPI family called “Liquid Sand”. Meant to be worn without a top coat, this lacquer gives your nails a unique, textured, matte finish.

Check out some of the colors below:

“A Butterfly Moment” : This is a great “natural” color and is totally work appropriate in a corporate setting or even to wear for an interview. 

“Anti-Bleak” : This color was very pretty, a perfect mix of magenta. Two coats are all you need.

“Sprung” : This color was a little tricky. As beautiful as it is in the bottle, you need three coats to get the right pigment otherwise it will be too sheer (like pictured on my nails). I think this color would be more flattering on a different skin tone.

The Liquid Sand “Stay The Night” : OPI mastered the shattered top coat, so naturally it’s time for something new, like liquid sand. The liquid sand also comes in a blue, purple, and red. Check out the results…

I applied 3 coats of this and I admit it may have been a little much because you can see how thick it looks. I wanted the black to be darker, so next time I just won’t be as generous when applying the 3 coats. 

The shiny finish dries into a textured matte coat. It feels like a softer version of sandpaper.

Finished look after it dried…pretty cool.

What do you think about the way the Liquid Sand looks? Are you feeling the Mariah Carey for OPI collection?