Thursday, June 30, 2011

Combined Megs Makeup Cashout Haul!

Hello!  So I've realized since it's been summer I've been busier and not posting as much, but to make up for it I'm doing a longer post with quick reviews of products from my last two Meg's Makeup cashout hauls - lots of goodies to be discussed!


Urban Decay Urban Defense Tinted Moisturizer in Bodyguard
I was so excited to receive this product but then a little disappointed that the shade was not right for me.  Halo is the lightest and Bodyguard is next in line, which is just too dark for my fair skin.  It's paraben free, has SPF, and can help repair free radical damage, so I still gave it a try to check out the formula and coverage.  Considering this is a tinted moisturizer meant to be worn outside in the summer the product was rather thick and, I thought, not very natural looking.  It also had a bit of an orange cast - much like a 'fake bake' shade.  This could have just been because the shade wasn't right for me though, in all fairness, but they do only offer 4 so mixing shades might be the best option for in-between girls.  Another woman on Meg's said she mixed her too-dark shade with moisturizer to make it lighter - why didn't I think of that?!  Overall I didn't find the coverage to be that good, and it left a shiny cast to my face.  I like a more matte look, so this product didn't become a fave.
Grade: B- 
Get It: http://www.urbandecay.com/urban-defense-tinted-moisturizer-sunblock/298,default,pd.html?start=7&cgid=9999&prefn1=isNewDisplay&prefv1=true $30


Urban Decay 24/7 Lip Pencil in Midnight Cowboy
I don't usually use lip pencils so this was a nice treat to test out!  Midnight Cowboy is a neutral taupe pink shade (not the glittery beige-pink of eyeshadow fame!).  First, I love the color - it's really a perfect MLBB shade and looks great under gloss.  I feel this shade would flatter any skin and lip tone, and it provides just enough definition and coverage without being chalky or obvious.  Considering it's waterproof, I am impressed with how well it goes on and that it stays creamy but doesn't feel thick or chalky.  It's very moisturizing as well - I will definitely be using this a lot under gloss to add definition and still have color when the gloss wears off.
Grade: A+ 
Get It: http://www.urbandecay.com/24-7-glide-on-lip-pencil/179,default,pd.html?start=10&cgid=2 $18


Urban Decay Lip Love Honey-Infused Lip Therapy in Lolita
I am a gloss junkie so this one is right up my alley!  Lip Loves are the newest glosses from Urban Decay that contain Vitamin C and millet, jojoba, and apricot kernel seed oils to keep lips smooth and healthy.  Lolita is a bright reddish-pink in the tube but goes on very sheer.  It has a delicious smell and taste and feels incredibly smooth and velvety.  The applicator is large and coats evenly.  I have two problems with it - it's really not that hydrating and doesn't last very long.  I found myself putting it on 4 times in 1 hour, which means this small (.34 oz) tube won't last long!
Grade: B 
Get It: http://www.urbandecay.com/lip-love-lip-gloss/300,default,pd.html?start=1&cgid=2 $16


Urban Decay Primer Potion in Greed
So many women already swear by Urban Decay's primer potion, and for good reason!  It creates a nice smooth base for eyeshadow and helps it last all day.  Besides the original there are other shades - Eden, Greed, and Sin.  Greed is shimmering gold and when I first put it on (too thick) it was GOLD.  However, smoothed out it took on a great sheer shimmer that really brightened and highlighted my eyes.  Now I am in love!  This works just as well as the original primer but can also be used on its own as a highlighter or sheer shadow, and I love the new squeeze-tube design - no more depotting those potion bottles!  I feel like Greed is a really great summer shade - it's complimenting my more tan complexion perfectly, and looks great with shimmery shadows.
Grade: A+
Get It: http://www.urbandecay.com/eyeshadow-primer-potion/296,default,pd.html?start=2&cgid=1 $19


Tarte Provocateur Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in Rose
I've been a big fan of all the amazonian clay products I've tried from Tarte so far, and this powder is no exception.  At first I thought the Rose shade might be too dark for my complexion, but it goes on like a very sheer blush mixed with a highlighter.  The shimmer is subtle, pretty, and can be used anywhere from collarbones to browbones.  It might be a bit too shimmery for the outdoors/natural lighting, so I tend to use it when I'm going out at night and just a bit for work.  Despite being a powder it has a creamy and very blendable consistency and is not 'too much' if layered over blush.  I do recommend using a light brush/light hand - I use my Bare Escentuals Featherlight brush for best results.  Just like their Amazonian Clay blushes, this powder is highly pigmented and a little is all you need.... unless you like the clown look :)
Grade: A
Get It: http://tartecosmetics.com/tarte-item-provocateur-Amazonian-clay-shimmering-powder $30


China Glaze nail polish in Bad Landing
This is my first China Glaze polish and I have to say I'm impressed.  The shade is neon-ish coral-red with pink undertones and perfect for a summer pedicure! It has a slight shimmer effect to it which I like.  It dries fast and lasts a while before chipping, especially with a base and top coat.  It feels fresh and sexy without being dark and vampy, so it's a fun way to wear red and would look great on all skin tones! I definitely want to buy more shades of China Glaze polishes after trying it out!
Grade: A+
Get It: http://www.amazon.com/China-Glaze-Polish-Landing-70344/dp/B000VKGFTY $5


Giovanni D:Tox System Purifying Facial Scrub
Miss Stacy B of Megs Makeup has been reviewing the new, all-natural Giovanni D:Tox system line for the face and I was sent the facial scrub to try out.  This scrub contains charcoal, volcanic ash, acai and goji berry to purify the skin naturally.  I used it in the shower immediately - waaaaay too much as it turned out - a dime sized amount is all you need and I used about 6x that on accident (it just worked extra good)!  It has a smooth, non-irritating texture and was really a pleasure to use.  It left my skin incredibly smooth and healthy looking.  Even though I love my Natural Bliss skin care, I will be alternating their kaolin powder scrub with this one weekly!
Grade: A
Get It: http://www.target.com/s?keywords=giovanni+scrub&searchNodeID=1038576%7C1287991011&ref=sr_bx_1_1&x=0&y=0 $10


I also received Tarte's new gifted Amazonian Clay smart mascara (waiting to try this until after I finish my Lights! Camera! Lashes!), a Suki jump start kit of samples, Lorac Multiplex 3D lipgloss (previously reviewed), and a Sheer Cover mineral makeup sample.  I love Meg's Makeup, it's my go-to site whenever researching a product and have gotten to try some really great products because of it (even before they are available to the public sometimes).  Not to mention that the reviews are well-written and often hilarious and the group members are fantastic!  Have you tried any of these products yet/thoughts on them?

Monday, June 13, 2011

TokyoMilk Dark Lip Elixir

Hello lovelies!  It's been a while since I posted because I was gone on a glorious and much needed early summer vacation, camping at a music festival named Wakarusa having a great time dancing on a mountain!  Now I'm back and want to share with you my newest lip obsession - Tokyomilk Dark Lip Elixir.  From the site: Conditioning Lip Balm, Made with Bee Balm and Jasmine
Sweet temptation is beckoning. Remarkably uncommon essences infused in to a smooth, luscious balm. Elicit a kiss with lips tamed by a lush, silky blend of sweet Jasmine & Bee Balm laced with crushed extracts of hydrating Aloe Leaf & Vitamin E. Femme fatale incarnate. A supple seduction.  Not for the faint of heart: An unexpected mixture of fragrance & flavor. A remarkable lip elixir for a remarkably uncommon experience. I love the cute black tin this comes in and it could definitely be reused when the balm runs out, even for keeping change or small items in.  The balms come in a variety of off-the-wall flavors and the one I have is Absinthe.  Absinthe has a light almost fruity flavor and is highly addictive to put on.  The balm itself is light feeling, slightly waxy, and very moisturizing and it also tastes and smells great.  Out of all the balms I've ever tried this one is by far the best scented and flavored - it's almost like a perfume for the lips!  With ingredients like Aloe Vera leaf extract, Vitamin E, Green Tea, and Jasmine this balm also packed with a lot of great natural ingredients so I feel good about using it.  I love that instead of basic flavors they have gone off and made some very interesting sounding flavors, like Smoked Salt.  I'd love to try Cherry Bourbon and Dead Sexy as well, and at only $7 for .70 oz. of product I can afford to buy more! I think these would be really fun to give to friends who like the unusual.  Tokyomilk also sells parfum, hand creme, candles, greeting cards, bubble bath, fine soaps, and other items.  I love their packaging - it's all very strange and dark feeling without being goth.  The only thing I do not like about the balm is that once you peel the seal off, it is not listed anywhere on the balm what flavor it is.  So if you had 2 or more you wouldn't be able to tell what flavor is what.  Other than that though I love this and have been enjoying the exotic and unusual scent and flavor.
Grade: A+
Pros: Unusual flavors, great texture, moisturizing ingredients, something different
Cons: Wish the tins were labelled with what flavor it is