LIMITED EDITION KISS NEW YORK EYESHADOW PALETTE REVIEW!!!

Hola Chicas!  I know it's been a while since I last posted, and for that, I truly apologize!  I'm still trying to figure out a way to fit my blogging back into my schedule now that I'm participating in a "back to work" program this month. (for those of you who didn't know I was a stay-at-home mom.)  Wish me luck on getting back into the workforce!

Meanwhile, I did manage to treat myself to a few goodies for an early Mother's Day gift!  The ever elusive, limited edition Kiss New York eyeshadow palettes!  I recall seeing these palettes for the first time on Instagram...the lovely @Platinum_d, aka Nikki Darden posted pictures and swatches of them and I instantly fell in love! There are four palettes in all, and she stated that she purchased them at her local beauty supply store in Texas, so I immediately began searching for them in my town...unfortunately, with no luck.

Needless to say, I was dissapointed, but determined to find them!  So I jumped on YouTube to see if anyone else had any info on these mysterious palettes.  Surprisingly, there were only a few people who had also found these palettes, and had purchased theirs locally as well.  I couldn't even find any info on Google or the Kiss Cosmetics website itself!!!

CAN YOU SAY FRUSTRATED???

Anyway, long story short, I kept searching and searching until I finally found them on the Style21 website! I purchased two of them as a gift for myself for Mother's Day and plan to get the other two for my birthday, ha ha!  Below are some pictures and two quick eye looks I did with each palette.

THE NUDE SEDUCTION PALETTE

THE EYE CANDY PALETTE

Yes, I did each eye with a different palette, lol!  First off, I must say that these palettes were beautifully packaged in velvet-like containers and also in their own individual plastic boxes.  As you can see, the packaging itself is very similar to the Urban Decay Naked palette, with the exception of the inside material.  If I had to describe the texture, I would say that it's spongy...which I think is a good idea, because it helps protect your shadows from impact during delivery.  Each palette comes with ten shadows, an eyeshadow primer and a brush.

As far as quality, I've seen a few mixed reviews on these palettes, but I personally was very impressed!  The colors are gorgeous, smooth, highly pigmented and easy to blend.  You can actually view me swatching these palettes on my Keek video here!  

For each of these looks, I used the primer that is included, as well as my NYX eyeshadow base in white for the Eye Candy Palette colors. The only exception, is the black I used for my smokey eye look, which is just my black gel eyeliner blended out like a shadow. I can honestly say that these palettes are on par, if not superior to more expensive makeup companies on the market today.  I have not had an opportunity to use every color in each palette, but so far, I was exceedingly pleased with the few shadows that I've played with in creating these looks...great job Kiss New York Cosmetics!!!

I can't wait to get my hands on the other two palettes from this limited edition set, be on the look out for more looks once I receive them!  Until then, stay beautiful! ;-)

I'M SO SORRY!!!

Hola Chicas! OHMIGAWRSH!!! I just wanted to take the time to apologize to those of you out there who are following my blog!  I know it's been like FOREVER since I last posted, and I promise I will soon!  I've just been crazy busy since my daughter's birthday, and really haven't been able to sit down and blog or review like I used to.  I have so much to tell you about, too!  Geez...there's the circus, and the new Limited Edition Kiss Cosmetics eyeshadow palettes that I finally managed to track down...(pictured below)I can't wait to do a look using those and tell you guys about them!  So far, I only got two of them, but I plan to get the other two for my birthday. ;-)

I also won two more giveaways on Instagram and got some fabulous products from some great companies, so I'm gonna be blogging about them too...until then, stay beautiful!

WEDNESDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  So, I'm a giveaway hound on Instagram, and a few of them require that you create a makeup look as an additional entry.  I just wanted to share the look that I created for the contest, and what I used to achieve the look!

Ok, so I saw this palette that someone was selling on Instagram, and it looked really interesting, however, the price they were selling it for wasn't that interesting to me. So, being the resourceful chick that I am, I searched for it and found it way cheaper on EBay!!! 

 It doesn't have a brand name, but it's listed as "30 matte color eyeshadow palette" and the colors are gorgeous, smooth and super pigmented.  I would say that this palette is as good as, if not better, than a lot of high-end makeup companies out there! The seller's name on EBay is Lifeng201010, and here's the best part...the palette is only 16.99 with FREE SHIPPING!!! 

In the picture below, I've swatched the first three duos, just to show you how pigmented these eyeshadows are.  Each are swatched with a dry brush and no base.

Awesome color payoff!  Any makeup lover in their right mind would jump at the chance to own this palette!  As a matter of fact, I wouldn't mind having another one for my birthday, I'm considering purchasing another one as back up, lol!  Be sure to grab one before their all gone guys and dolls!  Until then, stay beautiful! ;-)

TUESDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  I just wanted to share a look I did with some fabulous pigments from Unique Styles Boutique! I received a few samples from a good friend of mine on Instagram  (Ashley, aka @free_makeup, go check her out!) They were so gorgeous, I couldn't wait to use them!

For this look I used That Chick on my lid, Mocha in and above my crease and Black Beauty on the outer corner of my eye.  (I used a random matte white shadow under my browbone.) I must say I love these pigments!  They were smooth textured and easy to blend, and you can see for yourself that they are very pigmented!  A little bit goes a very long way!  A  big "must have" for any MUA, or makeup enthusiast to add to their collection!  She has lots of colors and items available and her prices are awesome, so go check Judith out on Facebook today, the link to her page is located above...or you can use the link below to make a purchase today!  Be sure to tell her Platinumdoll74 from Instagram sent ya!  Until then, stay beautiful! ;-)

UNIQUE STYLES BOUTIQUE!!!

SUNDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  I know it's been a while since I've posted a look, so I wanted to share what I did last night, and the products I used to achieve it!  I tried a few new things I've never used before, so I will be providing swatches and my opinion on those as well!

I with this look I wanted to try something softer and more everyday wearable than the looks that I usually post.  To achieve this look,  I used my new Wet and Wild eyeshadow palette in Petal Pusher. (pictured below)

I also used my usual products for my highlight, foundation and contour, but this time around I tried a new blush and lippies!  Someone on Instagram suggested that I try the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush, (I got it in Hot Tamale) and I really like it!  I love the sheer wash of color it gives your cheeks, just enough color for a fresh, Spring glow!  I also tried the Maybelline Color Sensational lipstick in Blissful Berry and Cover Girl Color Whisper in Oh La Lilac for the first time!  (swatches below)

From top to bottom: Maybelline Bouncy Blush in Hot Tamale, Maybelline  lipstick in Blissful Berry, and Cover Girl Color Whisper in Oh La Lilac

I already owned a few Color Whispers in different shades, but I saw the Oh La Lilac on someone on Instagram and wanted to give it a try.  I thought that it would be a pretty color for Spring!  Turns out, it was way too light for my complexion by itself (made me look like a crackhead!) but when I combined it with a darker shade of plum, it looked great!  Both lippies are very pigmented and moisturizing to the lips and go on smooth and creamy.  I still think the Oh La Lilac is a gorgeous shade to own, but for darker complected women, be sure to use a dark lipliner with it. :-)

And that's basically it!  Be sure to check out my giveaway on Instagram in honor of my daughter's second birthday, there will be three fabulous prizes to win, ends on the 24th at midnight, hurry to enter now!  Until then, stay beautiful! ;-)

SATURDAY'S OUTFIT OF THE DAY! 

Hola Chicas!  I know I haven't posted in a while, I've been busy planning my daughter's birthday party and running my giveaway on Instagram...have you entered yet?  If not, click here!  

Today's outfit of the day is being modeled by my lovely mother!

I caught her on her way out the door to run some errands, doesn't she look great?  I saw this super cute top by the Moda Clothing line on the Walmart.com website and had to get one for her and myself!  I love the relaxed style and swingy handkerchief hemline.  Also the diagonal stripes are very forgiving, it's just a fun, easy style to wear, perfect for warmer weather!  And here's the best part, THE TOP WAS ONLY $11.88!!!  Yes honey! Style on a budget, you can't beat that!

Her adorable faux leather leggings she found at her favorite website, Roamans.com.  They are currently on clearance for $18.86, but unfortunately, the only colors they have left are black and brown.  They have a good stretch and are a very comfy fit, not to mention fun, fashionable and a little bit sexy! Her shoes (not pictured) were just a casual pair of comfy black flats from Payless.  I'm trying to get her into a pair of kitten heels from time to time, lol!  Her makeup was done by yours truly! :-)

And that's basically it!  I'm so far behind on blogging and talking about the stuff I got to test from Influenster, yall don't be too mad at me, ok?  I will post my reviews on that stuff as soon as I can, until then, stay beautiful!  ;-)

MEILANI'S BIRTHDAY GIVEAWAY!!!

On the 24th of April, God gave me the greatest gift any woman could receive...the gift of motherhood!  And to help celebrate the birth of my baby girl, I'm going to be sharing gifts with some of you!!!  I'm having a fabulous makeup giveaway on my Instagram account! There will be three great prizes for three lucky winners, check out the pictures below of what you could win!

PRIZE NUMBER ONE!!!

PRIZE NUMBER TWO!!!

PRIZE NUMBER THREE!!!

Each prize consists of one (1) BH Cosmetics palette from the new California Collection, one (1) new Maybelline mascara (The Rocket, The Turbo or The Falsies), one (1) Maybelline Baby Lips Balm, (Cherry, Grape or Quenched), one (1) pair of Cherry Blossom 100% human hair lashes #100, one (1) Milani Baked Blush, (Rose D'Oro or Bellissimo Bronze), one (1) Revlon Lip Butter, (Gumdrop, Lollipop or Tutti Frutti), one (1) Maybelline Color Whisper, (Pin Up Peach, Berry Ready, or Mad For Magenta), and one (1) Funky Fingers Nail Polish, (Mermaid Lagoon Glitter,  Neon Blue Crackle, or Primrose). 

PRIZES MAY VARY SLIGHTLY FROM PICTURE, BUT WILL HAVE ONE OF EVERY ITEM LISTED.

The giveaway starts today, and ends on my daughter's birthday April 24th, at midnight, so hurry and get your entries in now!  Click the link below to view the giveaway details and submit your entry (look for the giveaway photo pictured above)...good luck and stay beautiful!!! :-)

CLICK TO ENTER HERE!!!

FRIDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  Those of you who follow me on Instagram saw this last night, but here is my face of the day featuring a gorgeous eyeshadow pigment from Pure Envy Cosmetics!  She can be found on Facebook by clicking HERE! 

I won this pigment from a giveaway that was being held by Pure Envy Cosmetics on Instagram, and I must say I absolutely love it!  It was smooth and very easy to blend, and the color was super bright, just like it is in the container!  I will definitely be adding more colors to my eyeshadow collection...and did I mention that she makes these BY HAND??? Her prices are super affordable as well, and a little goes a very long way!  Check her out on Instagram or on Facebook and tell her Carmen (Platinumdoll74) sent ya! Till then, stay beautiful! ;-)

MONDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas!  Those of you who follow me on Instagram saw this last night, but I did a little practicing and came up with this look!

 I basically used the same technique from my Sunday's Look Of the Day post, but just used different colors.  Also with this look I tried an ombre lip for the first time using the products pictured above.  For a full listing of the products I normally use, please refer to this post by clicking here!

This time around I used my Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in color #355, Ruby Kisses white eyeliner on my inner waterline, (not pictured) my Butterfly human hair lashes #48 and for the ombre lip, I used my Milani lipsticks in Sangria on the outer edge and Rose Hip on the inner portion of my lips.  At the very center of my lip, I used NYX lipgloss in Gold Mauve.

And there you have it! Please feel free to contact me for any questions, and be careful if your in Jersey and going out today!!! (crazy weather, right???) Stay beautiful! :-)

SUNDAY'S LOOK OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas! Today's look is actually from a few nights ago, but I just wanted to share a more detailed description of what I used.  For step by step instructions on the process, click here!

For this look, I used my NYX Pearl Mania Pigment in Oro in the center of my lid, my #30 Miss Adoro human hair lashes, and my Kat Von D Foundation, color #70.  I actually had bought a set of 12 pigments from Ebay about 3 years ago and just now got around to using them because I was nervous about using pigments, lol!  I love the smooth, intense color, and now that I'm more confident using pigments, I will definitely be using them more often! I was inspired to try this look by a photo I saw on Instagram.  I wanted to branch outside of my usual method of doing my makeup and try a technique I've never done before!

On my lips I used Milani Color Perfect Lipstick in Black Cherry.  This is a rich, deep, burgundy brown color that I personally felt this color was a bit Goth on me, but I was experimenting with different colors and wanted to try something new. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Milani Cosmetics and welcome any new addition to my collection, especially the new line! 

So that's basically it, if anyone has any questions or even requests, feel free to contact me!  I will be working on a new look tonight to post sometime next week...until then, stay beautiful!

NYX ROUND LIPSTICK SWATCHES!!!

Hola Chicas!  I know I've been away for a little while, but I've been preparing for my daughter's birthday next month and also preparing a huge surprise for you guys! Stay tuned for that one, it's gonna be a big deal!!!

I recently had the chance get a few goodies from Ebay! I found a seller by the name of Joy's Cosmetics  who has lots of NYX stuff.  I found a deal for 12 NYX Round Lipsticks of your choice for only 26.59! (comes out to about 30.85 with shipping, but still not a bad deal!) Below is a picture of my haul and some swatches of all the colors I picked.  None of these are with liner and sorry they are so sloppy but I was wrestling with my daughter at the time, lol!  

Starting with the top left corner going clockwise, the colors are: Pandora, Medusa, Haute Melon, NYX, Chaos, Shiva, Eucalyptus, Haute Coture, Hades, B52, Violet Ray, Black Cherry.

Most of these went on very smooth and creamy with a luxurious feel and were highly pigmented.  Out of the 12 lippies I only ended up keeping 7...two colors were just terrible on me, and the others I gave to my mom. :-)  I will be doing some looks in the future featuring some of these colors, so be on the look out for that, and be sure to stop by Joy's Cosmetics on Ebay! She's a doll and a pleasure to do business with! And make sure to tell her Carmen sent ya! Till then, stay beautiful! 

MONDAY'S FACE OF THE DAY!!!

Hola Chicas! Instead of a "mom rant" today I wanted to share a face of the day!  I actually created this look last night using most of my usual favorite products, and featuring two new ones!  For a detailed description of the products I normally use, click here.

With this look I used two products I've never used before, LA Colors shimmering Loose Eyeshadow in the color Lollipop (inner corner of eyelid) and new eyelashes from True Or False Lashes.  I used a style called "Cat Eyes". (pictured below)

I discovered True Or False Lashes through their profile on Instagram...they have really great prices and are almost always running some kind of special, so I wanted to check them out!  Upon further investigation, I could not have been happier with my purchase from them! I ordered the "Cat Eyes" style and the "Home Wreckers" style and received two free pair of "Monroe" style lashes! The lashes are gorgeous and lightweight, and 100% human hair.  Hurry and check them out and take advantage of the super-low introductory prices while you can!

I also found the LA Colors Shimmering Loose Eyeshadow in the color Lollipop at my local dollar store.  I thought it was a pretty color so I picked it up and gave it a try...not too bad for a dollar store product!  You just have to know how to work with it! The only downfall is that there is alot of glitter "fallout" so I would suggest using an eyeshadow primer to help hold it in place and do your foundation after you do your eyes. I know there are alot of MUAs' and makeup enthusiasts that swear by "high-end" only products, but when you don't have "high-end" money, you have to learn to work with what you can afford!  That just proves that with proper technique and the right combination of products, you can make almost anything work.

I will be talking about some of the products that I received from Influenster for review really soon, so stay tuned for that!  Till then, stay beautiful! :-)

MY INFLUENSTER SUGAR 'N SPICE VOXBOX!!!

Hola Chicas!  I'm so excited, my box from Influenster finally came in today, and I just wanted to post a quick unboxing video of all the great goodies that came inside!  

I hate my stupid phone! I don't know why the video is sideways, but OMIGAWRSH!!! I can't wait to try this stuff out!  I received the Vaseline Spray & Go Moisturizer, Nectresse sweetener, Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes, BelVita Breakfast Biscuits and the Colgate Optic Whitening Regimen. (toothbrush, mouthwash and toothpaste.) I will be testing and blogging about each of these products separately very soon, so stay tuned for that!  Until then, stay beautiful!

disclaimer: I received this product complimentary from Influenster for review.

MY CURRENT FOUNDATION FAVES!!!

Hola Chicas!  I know I haven't been posting that often, been dealing with mommy stuff (behavioral issues) as my daughter is rapidly approaching her birthday and the terrible two's! Not to mention I can't do a face of the day right now as I have this zit on the side of my nose that I can't hide without my glasses, so... :-)

Today, were going to be comparing and showing swatches of some of my current foundations!

Ok, I've been learning alot about foundations through watching YouTube and through my own trial and error, and I'M STILL LEARNING.  This is merely my personal experiences with these foundations, which were purchased with my own money, and in no way reflect on the quality of any of these products.  Everyone's experience will be different, of course, but I'm hoping that the little bit that I've learned will help someone who was curious about any of these foundations.  With that being said, let's get started!  

REVLON COLORSTAY

Ok, I jumped on the Revlon Colorstay bandwagon a few years ago, and I feel it's a pretty decent product.  It is a liquid foundation which offers medium to full coverage and is buildable.  I personally wished that they offered a few more colors in the deeper end of the shade spectrum.  I chose the color Caramel, #400 in the Combination/Oily skin formula, which was still a bit too light for me.  At the time I bought this foundation, I wasn't educated enough on using other foundations, or powders to customize the color, and make it a closer match, which resulted in my not using it that much.  Compared to my other foundations, I would say that it's my least favorite, only because it dries too fast before you can blend it in properly, and its not completely transfer resistant. That doesn't mean its a bad product, just not my favorite.  As I learn more about foundation, and different techniques, perhaps I will use it more often.

MAYBELLILNE FIT ME

I know I'm so frigging late talking about some of these foundations, but for the longest time I've only been using one of these, and I'm the type of person that if I find something that works for me, I stick with it.  But I digress, lol!

This is the Maybelline Fit Me liquid foundation in color #355.  It's a liquid foundation with sheer to light coverage which is buildable.  The whole concept of this line was to supposedly have a color match for everyone, but of course, I was skeptical. Any woman of color out there who is in the darker complexion range, like myself, knows that this is not always true, but I was pleasantly surprised by this foundation!  I especially enjoyed the lightweight feel and would recommend this for anyone who has pretty decent skin, fairly free of blemishes and discolorations, as the coverage is pretty sheer.  This would be perfect for anyone who just wants a polished, minimalistic, natural look.  My only issue with this foundation is that after a few hours of wear, the oil in my skin did start to show through, so I would definitely suggest either using an anti-oil primer and/or matte setting powder when using this foundation.

MAYBELLINE DREAM MATTE MOUSSE

 

 This is the Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation in Cocoa/Dark.  It's a semi-cream consistency with medium to full coverage.  This foundation has been my go-to foundation for years, but until my recent discovery of the Naked Skin and Kat Von D foundation, I may have to switch it up, lol! This is one of the few foundations that matches my skin perfectly and dries to a matte finish.  It's weighless and very blendable, however, it is not transfer resistant and after a few hours of wear, oil does have a tendency to show through.  Now that I'm learning more about foundations, I would consider this more suitable for "Winter wear".

BLACK RADIANCE PERFECT BLEND

This is the Black Radiance Perfect Blend foundation in Cafe #6814. It is a cream stick foundation with medium to full coverage.  I bought this foundation from Ebay, as it is difficult to find Black Radiance products in my area, and it was pretty decent.  It goes on very smooth, and has a velvety feel, but has a tendency to be a bit heavy or cakey if too much is used.  You would also need to use a mattifying primer or powder when using this product.  I recently checked the Black Radiance website and discovered that this color has been discontinued, but I'm sure there is another color very similar to it in the range, or perhaps they just renamed it and changed the packaging. ;-)

URBAN DECAY NAKED SKIN

 I recently had the opportunity to splurge on this and honey, IT WAS WORTH IT!!! I absolutely love this foundation!!!  It is a liquid foundation with light to medium coverage that is buildable, I got it in shade #11.0  (I don't know what the heck happened to my swatch picture, sorry about that.)

 It's weightless, a perfect color match and dries matte.  Even after several hours of wear and sweating running after an active toddler, I was still mostly matte, even without setting powder! I don't think I've ever used a better foundation besides the Kat Von D foundation, which I will be talking about shortly! I would say that this is a great foundation for summer wear, as it is so lightweight and will help to keep oil and shine down somewhat.  I would still recommend using a mattifying primer or powder just in case. ;-)

KAT VON D TATTOO FOUNDATION

OMG!!! I can honestly say, this foundation is the bomb too!!! The Urban Decay foundation is my top fave, but this runs a very close second!  It's a liquid foundation with medium to full coverage.  And when I say full, I mean FULL!!! 

 Those of you who follow me on Instagram have seen this photo already, but the picture on the left is of my arm with a tattoo.  On the right is a picture of that same arm after using one pump of the Kat Von D foundation...ONE PUMP!!! So needless to say, a little bit goes a very long way!  I am shade #70 in this foundation, and I love that it has a very lightweight feel, despite having such full coverage.  It's very blendable and easy to work with, and also dries to a matte finish.  I could recommend this foundation for year round wear, as it can easily be adjusted for a lighter or fuller coverage, depending on the weather or circumstances.

And that's it!  As I previously stated, I AM NOT A PROFESSIONAL. These are merely my humble and honest opinions on these products.  I am in no way stating that any of these products are bad, just perhaps not my cup of tea.  I am not being paid to endorse any of these products, however, should any of these companies see my little blog, I would be open and honored to review anything you have to offer, lol!  Just throwing that out there... ;-)

I hope that this has been a help to any of you reading this, I tried to include as much information as I could, sorry if I left anything out!  I will try to post a look of the day tomorrow or Saturday, toddler permitting, lol!  Till then, stay beautiful!