UPDATE: Crown Brush Sale Order

I uploaded a video about some brushes I ordered from Crown Brush. These brushes are NOT Crown brushes. I ordered these from the Sale tab at Crown's website. These brushes are from discontinued or bought out companies and Crown resells them. 


After trying them out for two weeks, here are my thoughts on these brushes, some are ok, some are just AWFUL.


Brushes are rated on this scale: AWFUL-BAD-OK-GOOD-GREAT

-Detail Nail Fan
Price: $2.00
Quality: GOOD
This is a nail brush but I use it around my under eye area and as a lash fan. 

-Jumbo Powder Dome
Price:$4.50
Quality: OK
This brush comes off a bit scratchy but it does apply powder nicely. Although, I feel an EcoTools brush available for the same price would work better.

-Angle Liner
Price: $0.85
Quality: GREAT
This brush is amazing, it is a great brush, and for only 85 cents, I feel I almost stole it! 

-Duo Fiber (Nabissa)
Price: $3.00
Quality: BAD
This brush is very soft and I thought it would work well to stipple foundation around my eyes and nose. But it was not dense enough AT ALL. This brush has so few hairs I can practically count each and every one! 

-Duo Fiber (Lancome)
Price: $3.00
Quality: AWFUL
This stipple brush is "supposedly" from Lancome but I doubt they would make such a terrible brush. It held onto its few bristles at first, but once I put it to use, almost ALL the bristles shed onto my face and stuck to my foundation! Do not buy this!

-Small Blush Brush
Price: $2.00
Quality: GREAT
I loved this brush! It hasn't shed ANY hairs at all, it doesn't smell weird, and it is just the perfect size for getting blush and highlight in small areas. I wish I had bought another.

-Lash Fan
Price:$0.85
Quality: GREAT
This is another awesome find! The synthetic bristles on this lash fan are perfect for applying liquid and cream concealer under my eyes. It gives a nice and even application

-Jumbo Angle Blush
Price: $5.00
Quality: OK
This brush is GIANT, it covers my entire cheek and cheekbone! The bristles aren't as soft as I would like them to be, but its nice for buffing out my face when I apply too much blush or bronzer. I just wish I would have gotten better quality for my 5 bucks.


****FINAL THOUGHTS***


I like Crown Brushes and I was hoping to get more out of their Sale tab. Truth is, these brushes are not from Crown, so you don't know what you are getting. I got some brushes I love, and I also got some brushes I regret purchasing. Its a toss-up, but for the cheap prices, some of these are definitely worth the risk. I recommend staying away from the bigger and pricier face brushes on the sale tab.

Update on Broadway Impress Press on Manicure

Hello! I did a video about some prizes I won in a Twitter giveaway and some asked how they held up so here is an update on how I liked them.


Product: Broadway Nails Impress Press on Manicure


Price: $6-$8


Available at: Most drugstores


Color Selection: More than 20 styles


Application: Match the appropriate sizes to your nails, peel off tab and apply to nails, hold for a few seconds


Supposed to last: 10 days


Lasted: 4 days


Would I repurchase? YES


***Final Thoughts***:


Although these didn't last as long as they were supposed to; they did serve their purpose. I was looking for something that was faster and easier than painting my nails. These are perfect for those moments when your nails look horrible but you need a quick manicure, like a date night or job interview. I think these would have lasted longer had I not used my hands so much. But because I clean, use harsh chemicals, and hot water, I feel the glue was loosened faster than they would have if used by someone else. 

LA Splash Cosmetics

Recently I was contacted by a company called LA Splash Cosmetics; they have provided all these products for me to review. The thoughts and opinions on these products are still my own.

The Package I received

Products Available at: LA Splash Cosmetics (online) or Duane Reade stores

Diamond Sparkle Gloss

Electric Shock

-Diamond Dust Sparkle Gloss 
Shade: Electric Shock
Price: $6.99
This gloss was extremely bright. It looked more like children's play makeup or something a drag queen would wear. The shade was not something I see myself or any other adult wearing. As far as the formula goes, it is really nice. This isn't overly sticky or runny, it just has the perfect consistency. The glitter is not obnoxious and it comes off easily with a makeup wipe. I'm sure I would have enjoyed this more in another shade.

Twilight Glitter Liner

Swatches of the gloss, liner, and shadow base

-Twilight Collection Glitter Liner
Shade: Onyx
Price: $6.99
This eye liner was a dud in my opinion. I didn't like the formula, the color, or the glitter. It was runny, smeary, and the glitter was too reflective; it made my lash line look like it was missing liner in some places because the light reflecting from the glitter. 

Shadow Base in Nude

-Enlightened Creamy Shadow Base
Shade: Nude
Price: $6.99
I liked this eye shadow base, it was creamy and smooth, it applied easily and helped shadows stick. The color was a bit off; the container read Nude but it was more of a bronze shade. This was very similar to the Maybelline eye tattoos, only the eye tattoos are a bit more shimmery. 

Shadow Duo in Egyptian Queen

Shadow Duo in Beach Babe

-Glamour Intense Pigment Eye Shadow Duo
Shades: Egyptian Queen (purple and gold) and Beach Babe (teal and pink)
Price: $5.99
These eye shadow duos were very nice. The formula is good, not chalky. The colors are beautiful. The only downside, is these wear off easily. They lasted and looked much, much better with a base underneath. However, I feel these are over priced. The shadows feel and wear exactly like Jordana shadows, only Jordana products are about $1.50 and last fine on their own, without a base. 




****Overall thoughts****: In my opinion this company has products extremely similar to Jordana Cosmetics, but I feel Jordana is cheaper and better quality.

Biore at discount stores (Big Lots)

Here in my area, there are a few discount department stores that sometimes have pretty impressive beauty/haircare/skincare selections. My favorite places to check out are:


-Big Lots
-TJ Max
-DD's Discount


If I'm lucky,  I find great finds on Benefit, Smashbox, Stila, and Urban Decay. 


Most times I still find great deals on drugstore brands (like $3 for John Frieda products that are still priced at $12 in WalMart!)


Recently I found something that I have yet to see anywhere else:


Biore Restore Skin Boosting Night Serum

This serum is contains 1.3 oz and cost about a buck.


The product is pretty thin but not runny and had a pleasant smell. Although it is light like a serum should be, I felt that this didn't absorb quickly like a serum should. 


I didn't notice any changes in my skin at all when I used this. It didn't brighten my skin, significantly hydrate it, clear my complexion, or anything else serums usually do.


However, it didn't do anything to mess with my skin either. It didn't make me oily, break me out, dry out my skin...


Over all, it felt like I was rubbing semi-set gelatin on my face...


For a buck, I can't complain about losing out or making a bust investment; but I was expecting better quality from Biore.


Has anyone seen this product? I'm surprised that I had never seen this product except at a discount store. 

Cucumber Mask Giveaway Winners

Hello there!! I hope you are all having a fabulous Memorial day week!! I would like to take a moment to announce the winners of my most recent giveaway!


There are 10 winners and each winner receives one mask. If you are a lucky winner, please email me, message me, or contact me somehow. I will need your full name and your address.

1. PattersonChick

2. SebrinaPonce1

3. LadyDPerez

4. LoverChick129

5. Gaby92092

6. RecklessKay1

7. LilyBeans21

8. BonjourCutie8D

9. SonyLoves143

10. Lillemurreell

Thanks to everyone for entering and supporting my channel!

Have a great weekend :)

Broadway Impress Press-On Manicure

HELLO!!


I have come across something called "Twitter parties" where companies hold giveaways on Twitter. These are super fun and easy, not very many people enter so your chances of winning are usually pretty high! 


So far I have already won a couple of different ones:


-Broadway Impress Manicure (5 sets)
-Julep Nail Polish (1 bottle)
-Incoco Nail Appliques (1 pack)
-Hanskin BB Cream


These are a great way to win without facing thousands of other entries!


I have made a video hauling my most recent winnings; the Broadway Nails.


Below I have included a few companies that do Twitter Party giveaways often, and some that even hold these weekly!



https://twitter.com/#!/realbeauties


https://twitter.com/#!/incoco


https://twitter.com/#!/BwayNails


https://twitter.com/#!/BeautyPRGirls


https://twitter.com/#!/FoodForTheSkin


https://twitter.com/#!/bdelliumtools


https://twitter.com/#!/NeoStrataSkin


https://twitter.com/#!/KissProducts


http://www.facebook.com/foodfortheskin

Giveaway Update!

Hi there! 


I will be changing the rules to my giveaways from here on out, I have been getting very rude comments and people who subscribe just for the prizes.


From here on out, giveaways will not only have to subscribe but also answer questions. 


Also, I will no longer announce giveaways or giveaway winners. They will be hidden in other videos; so real subscribers will watch while those who fish for prizes won't have a clue. 


Thanks for understanding!

Exuviance Optilight Tone Corrector [Open Box]

This is an open-box post! I like to do these to inform my viewers and readers of the new products I receive and let them know that there will be a review soon!


This was sent to my by Neostrata.com and it is a tone corrector. I do have hyperpigmentation so I am very excited to use this! I will be testing out for a month and then post my review, stay tuned!

Spring Nail Trend 2012

Hello!

This season Orange and Tangerine are big for spring and summer. I Have seen Sephora and Ulta release collections under Pantone Orange andTango Tangerine.


Pantone website says the reddish orange in this season is supposed to empower and energize women.

Some are afraid to try on lips or eyes because it can be a really bright and bold trend. Plus I have seen lipsticks, shadows, blushes, and brushes run from $20 to $70! 

That shouldn't be a reason to keep you from trying this trend out for yourself! Wearing this season's hottest color on your nails is any easy way to be fashion forward with out breaking your bank or your comfort zone.

I want to share my favorite nail polish in variations of this color; all of which are affordable drugstore options with the exception of one.

I'll start with the least expensive and work my way up.

-LA Colors Color Craze Collection in Moody Red: Found this at local dollar store, have seen it at cherryculture.com

Only $1 per polish. More of a reddish orange described in Pantone’s article.

-Wet and Wild Fast Dry Collection in 90210range: Drugstores around $2. A glitter for those who want something a little more fun and vibrant. Only needs 2 coats for the glitter to overlay enough.

-Sally Hansen Hard as Nails collection in Mighty Mango. This runs around $2. Perfect for those who like the pastel colors for spring. Not a tangerine orange, more of a coral orange.

-Next two are from Wet and Wild new MegaLast collection. This is Tropicalia and Heatwave. Love these for their new formulation and the wide salon style brush, makes application much quicker and easier. Tropicalia is another pastel coral-ey orange with pink undertones for those hesitant to try orange even on the nails. Heatwave is a beautiful reddish orange, reminds me of a grapefruit or blood orange. Love it on the toes.

-The next two are from the new Loreal nail color line in Tangerine Crush and Boozy Bruch. Both run about $6. Tangerine Crush is similar to Tropicalia from W&W but it is just the slightest bit pink-ier. So If you like the pastel orange and coral but still want something a little more soft and girly this is nice. Boozy Bruch is just a perfect bright orange. Just like a juicy tangerine. When I heard of the trend I thought that Loreal hit it spot on with this shade.

-Last color is from Julep which is a bit pricier but still a good brand and has lasted me 12 days at the longest before chipping. This can be found on the Julep website and now Sephora for $14. This is in Natasha which came in my most recent Julep Maven Box. This is a darker mor pumpkin orange but its still fun for those willing to try out the color.

I hope you all get a chance to try one of these shades for yourself this season!

Do you think orange is a hit or do you hate it?

Requested: Fine Fragrance Collection

Hello lovelies! After doing my Travalo video I had quite a few Twitter requests to do a collection post and video of my fine fragrances. I have agreed to do this, but I didn't want to do it like other girls do.


Most beauty girls just show what they have and that tends to come off as "flashy, conceited, show-off-ish" to the viewers. So instead of just saying "Hey I own these perfumes, yay..." I wanted to make it a review of perfumes so that you lovely ladies can try them out and maybe even claim one as your signature scent! :)


-Gucci Guilty: I own the 1oz size available for $55. This is a floral-y oriental scent. When first sprayed on this starts as a floral scent but wears into the day and becomes a thicker and richer musky scent. The heart notes contain Amber and Patchouli, which may be too musky a scent for some but I have smelt perfumes that are much stronger. This fades easily in the day and may need reapplication if planning on going out that evening.This scent is great for fall and winter but can be worn in the spring as well.




-Kate Walsh Boyfriend: A gift from my boyfriend, I have the 1.6oz sold for $65. Some may not like this because it is an extremely rich and musky scent, more so than the Guilty. This is supposed to be symbolic to the scent of a man lingering on a woman's body. I know that sounds gross at first, but its supposed to remind you of wearing your boyfriends button-up that still smells of his cologne. It does not smell solely like a boy, it does have a feminine touch to it. This scent has notes Vanilla, Amber, and Jasmine. I recommend this for fall and winter use only.


-Ralph Lauren Romance: I own the 3.4oz bottle available for $84. This scent is very light and floral, and wears all day long. This perfume contains mostly floral notes of Marigold, Rose, Chamomile, Freesia, Violets, Lotus Flower, and Day Lilly. It is a very light floral scent.It makes a nice spring and summer scent.


-Acqua Di Gioia: This was another gift, I have the 1oz size available for $40 (very affordable, in  my opinion). This is a light and crisp scent. It is perfect for spring and summer. The name means  Water of Joy and the perfume translates into just that: a fresh and aquatic scent. It is one of the most different and refreshing scents I have ever experienced with notes of Italian Lemon, Mint, Pink Pepper, and Labdanum.


Those are my favorite fine fragrances, What are your favorites? I would love to try some new ones! :)

Natural Radiance Review!

Hello everyone! I am very happy to share with all of you my favorite web store for Korean skincare products!


NaturalRadiance.net


This online web store sells the greatest Korean facial products for extremely affordable prices. 
Some of the products they sell include sheet masks, facial masks, bb creams, eye creams and masks, nose strips, and other amazing products for face and body; although, they are expanding to include other beauty items such as Korean brand false lashes!


I have been accepted into the reviewers club for Natural Radiance! As member of the Reviewers club we receive a box of goodies every few weeks to review. This month I received a few sheet masks and some pore strips.




 Clear Derm Sheet Masks ($1-$5)

-Seaweed Essence sheet mask:  This one smells fresh and clean, it does not smell salty or ocean like. It does hydrate the skin.  This is something I would try again.

-Red Ginseng Essence sheet mask: This mask is one that I will not be repurchasing. I definitely do not like this one because of the scent. I thought this would smell like a sort of tea but was unpleasantly surprised when I put this on my face.

 It smelled like dirt, weeds, or roots. Just a earth-y dirty smell. It was so bad that I couldn’t stand wearing the mask for more than a few minutes. 

I tossed it in the trash and left the room. When I came back a half hour later, my bedroom reeked of roots and dirt! I had to open the windows and turn on the scents-y. I’m sure that the quality of the mask and the effects it has on the skin are great, but it smelled so awful I did not get to fully experience it.

-Royal Jelly sheet mask: This is another favorite of mine because it has royal jelly in it and that is something I like a lot of my facial products to have. 

Just a quick FYI; Royal Jelly is what worker bees feed their Queen bee and the larvae. This jelly has a protein that causes queen bees to become fertile, large, healthy, and live longer. There’s a reason why the queen bee is so much bigger than the other bees and lives the longest. She only eats royal jelly. 

Now imagine putting this miracle food on your skin; it is the most nutritious thing you can use on your skin. It provides hundreds of minerals and vitamins to your skin as well as aid in preventing wrinkles. 

This mask is the ultimate treat to your skin, when I used it, I noticed my skin was the softest I have ever felt it and very supple. It smells like baby powder or baby lotion. They recommend wearing this for 15-20 minutes but I left it on for about an hour until it was completely dry so that my skin could absorb all the nutrients.

Pure Derm Sheet Masks ($1-$3) and Pore Strips($3-$5)

-Mineral Water Collagen sheet mask: This mask is by far my favorite sheet mask; I do prefer this one over any of the others that I have tried. It is very hydrating, it refreshes my skin after eating unhealthy or being around a lot of pollution. That can make your skin look and feel exhausted. After using this mask I notice my skin is plumper, has more elasticity, and is over all brighter in appearance.

Aside from the sheet masks I also received 2 boxes of pore strips for the nose which is perfect. These are only a few bucks and work exactly the same as the Biore ones I used to use but for a better price.

I received these in "Aloe" and "Charcoal".

-now the aloe one did not have any scent to it at all which is comforting because if these stink, you  aren’t going to put it on your nose are you?

Also, pore strips can sometimes be painful to use, but this pore strip didn’t hurt a bit. I used this on myself, my sister, and my mother. We all agreed that there was no discomfort when using these. I think it might be the aloe that soothes.

-Last thing I want to talk about is the pore strips in charcoal. I did not like these, again, because of the scent! I am not joking or exaggerating, these REEK of “smoking hotel room”. It smelled like someone who frequently smoke cigarettes. Some may like that smell but I found it very unpleasant and could not stand having the smell around my nose. Aside from the smell, these do work well and clear out your blackheads. The charcoal in these also help shrink pores with regular use.

There were only two or three products that I didn't enjoy from this bunch but mostly because of the smells in them, not because the quality was bad.

Please check out Natural Radiance for some great deals!!

May It Girl Maven Box!

Hello everyone!


Another Julep Maven box this month, only this time I traded my Bombshell style for the It Girl and I am very pleased that I did so!


Cost: $20


Worth: $46


Includes:
-Nessa ($14): A satin lemon yellow
-Ashley ($14): A satin copper orange
-Kylie ($18): A satin plum, Julep's first ever magnetic polish!


Check out my video for a full review of this month's It Girl box!

China Glaze Summer Neon Collection (Summer 2012)

Heat Up Your Summer with China Glaze® Summer Collection

Los Angeles, CA – (March 2012):  The sun has nothing on you this summer!  Rival its brightness and heat with China Glaze® Summer 2012 collection, Summer Neons.  Featuring 12 new sizzling shades perfect for surf, sand and nightlife, the all new hot hues in China Glaze® Summer Neons include:

·         Pink Plumeria: Light pink with gold shimmer

·         Under the Boardwalk: Fluorescent raspberry

·         Splish Splash: Bright sky blue shimmer

·         Love’s A Beach: Sizzling hot pink

·         Hang-Ten Toes: Bubblegum neon with iridescent purple shimmer

·         Beach Cruise-r: Glimmering fuchsia grape

·         Orange You Hot?: Bright orange with attention-grabbing gold glimmer

·         Surfin’ For Boys: Glistening bright coral

·         Flirty Tankini: Shimmery strawberry smoothie pink

·         Ride the Waves: Dark ocean blue

·         I’m With the Lifeguard: Glimmering lime green

·         Sun-Kissed: Hot highlighter yellow

Also available 8-piece box collection featuring Under The Boardwalk, Ride The Waves, I’m With The Lifeguard, Sun-Kissed, Orange You Hot?, Surfin’ For Boys, Flirty Tankini and Pink Plumeria.

China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available as open stock colors and 12-piece counter display.  Individual polishes retail for $7 MSRP and the 8-piece box set retails for $56.  China Glaze® Summer Neons will be available at fine salons and beauty supply stores nationwide in June 2012.

China Glaze is free of DBP, toluene, and added formaldehyde. China Glaze nail lacquers are available through salons and professional beauty supply stores nationwide. For more information, visit: www.chinaglaze.com.

Like CG on Facebook: www.facebook.com/chinaglazeofficial

Follow CG on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ChinaGlaze

Follow CG on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ChinaGlaze

Follow CG on Instagram: ChinaGlazeOfficial

LIEBSTER AWARD!

 I am so greatful to have made great friends throughout my time here blogging and on youtube. I just want you all to know how much a appreciate everything you all have done for me! Now the other day I found out that Ashley from Steps To Perfection nominated me for this award. I would like to thank her very much for supporting my blog!

Now to give you a bit more information on this award basically it is used to "share the love" between bloggers who have 200 followers or less. When nominated for this award you are to tag 5 blogs that you enjoy. Now I enjoy each and every blog I follow so this was a very difficult task for me but, I was able to narrow it down to the following lovely ladies...

Food For The Skin

Luxe11

Ruby Kisses

Steps To Perfection

The Polish Jinx

Hope you guys enjoy all these blogs as much as I do they are great!