NYX Nude on Nude Natural Look Kit

This Nyx palette is the second eye shadow palette that I ever owned! I got it at least three years ago and although you can't tell at all from the picture, I have almost hit pan in many of the shades. 

The packaging is fairly compact. The eyeshadows are super small. 

*What really stands out about these shadows is their blend-ability. They are even more smooth than most of my higher end eyeshadows. 

*When used with an eye primer, these shadows are very long-wearing. I had no problem with fading or creasing. 

Eye Shadows:

Although I don't have it to actually compare, I think this palette is extremely similar to the Too Faced natural eye palette. Having tried both this Nyx palette and too faced eyeshadows, I would go with the Nyx one!

Lip glosses: 

 I like the lip glosses but I don't reach for them over all of my others. I just consider these extra lip products as a bonus; I would be completely content even if Nyx didn't include them. 

          Overall, I think this palette is completely underrated. As I mentioned before, the shadows are buttery and blend like a dream! It's also incredibly affordable at only $12. I definitely recommend this for anyone who loves neutral, quality eyeshadows.

L'oreal Colour Riche Caresse in "Rose Taffeta"

One of my favorite products from L'oreal is their colour riche lipsticks. The one depicted in this review is the colour riche caresse stick, but I will also have another review coming soon on the colour riche balms. On a side note, I must admit that I had to research the names before writing this to make sure I had them right. I find the various lines slightly differing titles a bit confusing, especially because the name is not on the packaging! 

Pigmentation: This product is surprisingly pigmented for being described as more of a tinted lip balm/lip butter/ hybrid product. I think that -pigmentation wise- it is more of a lipstick. Although I feel comfortable enough applying it without a mirror, it does provide my lips with a nice amount of color. 

Texture: It feels very comfortable in that rather than sitting on top of the lips, I feel that it sinks in and adds a bit of moisture.

Finish: At first, the finish is rather glossy, however, after a an hour or so sheen wears off a little and my lips look "healthy" meaning they have pigment, and a slight shine that comes from the moisturizing properties. 

Cost: About $10(or less depending on the store)

Swatches:

          Overall, I am really enjoying this product because I find it "easy" to wear. The shade is darker than my natural lips, but not by much. It's also nicely moisturizing and adds enough shine so that no lip gloss is required. I definitely recommend this product, however, the shade range(that I have seen) is not very large. I think its worth mentioning that even though I really do like this product, I will not be buying any more because I don't think that the other shades would look very good on me. Of course everyone's coloring and features are different,so some people might love every shade, it really is up to personal preference.
          If you are looking for something that is not quite a lipstick formula in finish or pigmentation, yet still provides decent color and staying power then this could be the perfect product!

Aqualillies for Tarte Amazonian Clay Waterproof Eye And Cheek Palette Review and swatches

      For Summer 2013, Tarte has released a collection inspired by a synchronized swimming group called the Aqualillies.Included in that collection is a waterproof eye and cheek palette. This is perfect for summer as the heat tends to make makeup melt off! 

The Aqualillies:

How gorgeous is the water in that picture?! Makes me want to go swimming!

The palette is fairly large. However, it is ideal for travel!

Amazonian Clay Shimmering Powder in "Champagne": shimmery champange

Amazonian Clay Mineral Powder Bronzer in "Park Ave Princess": matte cool toned bronzer

Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush in "Captivating": matte pinky coral 

I really like how the blush and bronzer are matte. I find that it is harder to find good, non-chalky matte face products so this palette is very unique in that it includes two great quality matte powders.The highlighter is pretty shimmery, yet there is not a speck of chunky glitter.

Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow: 

Hammock: matte deep brown

Bikini: shimmery tan

Barefoot: shimmery yellow-beige

Parasol: shimmery pink-toned white

Sun Deck: matte light warm brown

Poolside: shimmery teal with a slight golden duo chrome

      These shadows are buttery, smooth, and very pigmented. Although four of the shades have a far amount of shimmer, they don't have any chunky glitter so there is no problem with fallout! I really like how Tarte included a blue along with the beautiful neutral shades! When I use this palette, I love the look of a pop of color that I get from lining my lower lash line with "poolside." 

Cost: $38

    I love this palette! Each product included is and easily blendable and smooth-feeling. It's an amazing value and limited edition so grab it while you can!

Clinique Chubby Sticks

If you love flipping through magazines, you may have seen these fun, eye-catching advertisements for Clinique's version of the jumbo lip pencil called chubby sticks. 

        Lately, I have been reaching for these more as the temperature heats up! During the summer, I prefer lighter, more moisturizing lip products which is a criteria Clinique's chubby sticks definitely fall in to.

        A while ago Sephora had an online-only exclusive of five smaller sizes of the Clinique chubby sticks for $34. This was a great opportunity to try out multiple shades; however, the set is not on sephora.com anymore. It may come back around the holidays but I'm not sure. 

      

Although the product is not super pigmented, it's very buildable. For the swatches below I applied a lot to ensure that the color would show up in the pictures;though, when I wear one of these I usually don't apply that much so I just have a soft touch of color. Those with naturally pigmented lips might not notice the hugest difference with just a couple swipes of this product. For that reason I do believe that those with lips closer to their skin tone might have better luck in getting a strong color without applying a ton of product. 

Swatches:

Curvy Candy: baby pink

Chunky Cherry: bright hot pink

Oversized Orange: vivid tangerine

Super Strawberry: strawberry pink

Richer Raisin: plummy brown 

     Something very important to note about these pencils twist up so you don't need to sharpen and waste product.   

Cost: $16

          Overall, I think that Clinique's chubby sticks are a great lip product for the summer months, and just in general. I like that they provide a light wash of color that provides a somewhat long-wearing tint after the shine wears off. 

Benefit Tints

Some of Benefit's most iconic product are their tints. Benetint was the first product Benefit ever released.They have incredible lasting power just as a stain should! Lately I have been paying close attention of wear-time when it comes to makeup and these have not failed to impress.

Swatches & Review:
* The picture located to the right of the actual product is the tint swiped using the brush attached; The picture below is that swipe blended using my finger.

Benetint: rose-tinted lip and cheek stain

*This tint is the most watery making it much easier to blend if one was to use this as a blush. The color looks intense in the bottle, however, it provides light coverage once blended. Although it is sheer, it can be built up on the lips to allow for ample coverage. Also, as a stain, this shade is fantastic. Once applied, it sinks into the skin and stays there for hours.

*This is the only stain that has a scent (that I can detect.) It has a fragrant rose scent which is very fitting for the beautiful rosy shade.

 Cha Cha Tint: mango tinted lip and cheek stain

*This stain is very thick and pigmented. While the consistency is perfect for a lip stain, it is difficult to wear as a blush. As you can see in the blended swatch, the original swipe is still apparent even though it was blended only seconds after applying. The only way I can imagine wearing it as a cheek stain is if I rub the product between my fingers first, and then blend it quickly onto my cheeks. Once the tint is placed it sticks and stays there, which it good for a stain, but not ideal for a blush.

*I actually wore this the other day as a lip stain and the product literally lasted all day! Even after I took a shower a little bit of pigment still remained on my lips.

PosieTint: pink tinted lip and cheek stain

*This tint is extremely similar to Cha Cha tint in consistency and texture;in fact; the only difference between the two is, obviously, the color.

Price: $29 for full size(12.5 ml)
The cost is a little pricey, so if you are interested in any of these tints, I would recommend getting a set that includes at least one of them. This is also a great way to try out some other Benefit products! On benefitcosmetics.com there are several sets including the tints.

Overall:  I really like using all the tints as a lip stain, however benetint is my favorite and the one I would most encourage you to try! Once I run out of the mini, I will be purchasing the full size.

Have you tried any Benefit tints? If so, which is your favorite?