First Impression Review of New Drugstore Beauty Products | EcoTools | Physician's Formula | Jesse's Girl Cosmetics | Maybelline

This post contains PR samples and affiliate links

Doesn't it seem like there are new beauty products popping up every week? While it's totally exciting to oooohhh and aaaaahhhh over a shiny new product, figuring out which ones are worth the purchase isn't quite as pleasant.

Having to pick and choose totally puts a damper on those makeup baller dreams.

Alas, most of us need to be reasonable and avoid the FOMO purchase trap. Not nearly as fun. But probably much more satisfying in the long run. After all, you'll be happier with a few products you love than a room full of stuff you don't even use. Right?

Just think about how sad it would be to toss out a barely used product once it's reached its expiration date. Ouch! So many missed possibilities. 

So let me help you out.

Today I'll be applying a full face of makeup using new drugstore beauty products and letting you know whether each of these items is worth purchasing.

Jesse's Girl Backstage Collection Eyeshadow Palette | Jesse's Girl Eyeshadow Primer | Jesse's Girl Liquid Eyeliner | Jesse's Girl Matte Liquid Lip Color | Physician's Formula Cushion Corrector and Primer | Physician's Formula Butter Blush | EcoTools Perfecting Blending Duo | EcoTools Define & Highlight Brush Duo | Maybelline Cushion Foundation | Maybelline Dream Brightening Concealer | NYX Micro Brow Pencil

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Additionally, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Review: Jesse's Girl Highlight and Contour Palette

This post contains PR samples*

Who needs to eat healthy, when you can use makeup to chisel out cheekbones, camouflage a double chin, and strategically brighten and add luminosity to your skin? 

Just kidding! 

You totally still need to eat healthy because it's good for you. But as it relates to makeup, eating healthy is going to reflect in your skin, and the better condition your skin is in, the better your makeup will look.

But hey, we're not all perfect. Sometimes, we going to want to enhance or camouflage our features. If that's the case, you're probably going to need some highlighting and contouring products. 

Listen, the contour craze is nothing new. It's been around for centuries. But when social media let the genie out of the bottle, the makeup technique went totally main stream. And now, none of us want to give up our chiseled cheekbones. 

We've seen many contour kits hit the market. First they were all high end. But now you can find a variety of affordable contouring and highlight options at the drugstore. Among them is the Jesse's Girl Cosmetics Highlight and Contour palette, which retails for $12.99, is cruelty free and comes with eight pans of powder highlight and contouring shades.  You can buy Jesse's Girl Cosmetics products at your local Rite Aid or online from Amazon or directly from the Jesse's Girl website (all orders over $20 ship free -- and I highly recommend the Jesse's Girl waterproof liquid liner if you need items to add to your cart). 

As you can see from the swatches above, these powders offer good color pay off, especially for the price! But are they easy to work with? Do they have nice texture? Will you even use all these colors? I answer all those questions in my video review below. 

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Additionally, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation + Brightening Creamy Concealer | First Impression Review with Check Ins

This post contains affiliate and referral links*

Hi guys! I'm still knee deep in new product testing -- and loving every second of it, especially since I keep finding great items to tell you about. 

Well, today is no exception. 

I picked up the new Maybelline Dream Cushion foundation ($15.99, 0.51 oz)  and Dream Brightening Creamy concealer ($7.99, 0.11 oz) and took them out for a wear test. And today I'm going to show you how that went. 

Maybelline Dream Brightening Creamy Concealer (Classic Ivory 20) and Dream Cushion Foundation (Classic Ivory 20)

But before we jump in to the review, let's discuss what each of these products claim.

Maybelline's Dream Cushion foundation is:

•  Meant to deliver "increased color pigments [for] luminous coverage [and] fresh-faced perfection" [Source: ULTA site product description] 
• Available in eight shades 
• Good for all skin types (as long as you like luminous finish)

Maybelline's Dream Brightening Creamy concealer is: 

• "A cream-glide formula with light reflecting pearls that achieves brilliant bright eyed perfection" [Source: ULTA site product description]
• Available in five shades
• Meant to instantly illuminate under eye area

So we all know (or should know by now, unless you're new) that a luminous finish foundation is going to favor dry skin. But that doesn't mean it won't work if you battle oiliness. If you're oily, just make sure that a luminous finish product is water based (instead of oil based) to keep the shine a bit more controlled and avoid break outs.

I have combination skin and lately, because it's been cooler down here, it's leaning more towards combination dry than combination oily (which is what happens more in the warmer, humid months). I've had good results with cushion foundations before (see L'Oreal Lumi Cushion and It Cosmetics CC Veil) and can make them work throughout the year. I love that they offer color pay off and a really light weight feel. But I tend to prefer how they look and feel on me in winter and early spring -- before the oppressive heat and humidity really kicks in. Once it gets really hot and humid,  I switch to a matte formula.

Anyway, since it's that time of year when I can rock a luminous foundation with ease, it was time to dive in to Maybelline's latest product offering. Check out my video below to see my first impression application and subsequent check ins to see how this foundation and concealer held up.

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer | Dupe Alert | New at the Drugstore

This post contains affiliate and referral links.

I wasn't kidding when I said that good things are coming to a beauty department near you. That seems to be especially true for the drugstore lately. Turns out, Neutrogena wasn't about to be left out of the new product release action. 

While perusing the aisles at ULTA, I stumbled on their new Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer ($12.99, 0.12 oz). I was immediately struck by how similar it was to a certain high end concealer stick. See if you  can guess which one just from looking at the picture below. 

If you didn't scroll down to see the next picture and guessed Benefit Fake Up concealer ($24. 0.12 oz), then we're on the same wavelength. So you know I had to take it home with me and put it to the test. 

But before we check out how the two compare. Let's read a little bit about what Neutrogena's Hydro Boost concealer claims (from Neutrogena's site): 

Neutrogena® Hydro Boost Hydrating Concealer applies flawlessly to help mask imperfections. The non-greasy, lightweight formula glides onto skin providing silky-smooth, natural-looking coverage. The unique hydrating core is designed to instantly quench skin.

• With purified hyaluronic acid

• Blends effortlessly to hide dark circles for a fresh look all day

• Oil-free, non-comedogenic

• Ophthalmologist tested: safe for sensitive eyes & contact lens wearers

• Available in 5 blendable shades

Now that we know what we're supposed to expect, let's pit these two products against each other and see what we find. Is the Neutrogena Hydro Boost a dupe for Benefit's Fake Up? Let's find out!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: NYX Epic Ink Waterproof Eyeliner | Dupe Alert! | New at the Drugstore

This post contains affiliate and referral links.*

So you guys know that my mission in life is to find the best liquid liner and tell you about it, right? 

(OK, so maybe I also like to tell you about all kinds of other beauty products too, but liquid liner is definitely a favorite)

Remember how excited I was about the Jesse's Girl Liquid Liner? Well, if you were bummed that you didn't live near a Rite aid, then I've got more good news for you. NYX unleashed a new liquid liner onto the market that sent shivers down my spine and gave me that fluttery feeling in my stomach.

Yep, it's that serious. 

Let me introduce you to the NYX Epic Ink waterproof liner ($7.99, 0.03 oz). Does it remind you of anything? 

If you said it reminds you of the Kat von D Tattoo liner, then you had the same thought I did. And let me tell you, when I saw it at the store, a actually let out a happy little squeal (and got a few side-eye stared -- but they just don't understand the magic, now do they?). 

As soon as I read the description, I knew I had to buy it and test it out. Check it out (description from NYX's site, emphasis by me): 

Live for super-sharp wing inspo? Don't just "like" all your faves, draw 'em yourself using NYX Cosmetics' Epic Ink Liner. Featuring a slender and supple brush tip, this intensely pigmented, waterproof pen lets you achieve black liquid lines effortlessly. Every stroke is unbelievably fluid for a defined finish. Control the thickness of your lines by pressing down just a touch. Fine and natural, broad and bold - the look is always up to you!

Mmmmmhmmmm... I needed it. And since ULTA was having a buy one, get one half off sale, I purchased the last two in the store that day (because I'm extra like that). If it was indeed a dupe, I wasn't about to ever be without it.

Check out my video below to see the NYX Epic Ink Liner in action and side-by-side with my Tattoo Liner to see for yourself.

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up) 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: NYX Total Control Drop Foundation | New at the Drugstore

This post contains affiliate and referral links.*

Hey everyone! Happy New Year! We're excited to kick off 2017 with a new product review. 

Judging by all the promising new products popping up on my instagram feed and the shelves at a beauty aisle near you, we might be in store for a great year -- at least in the beauty arena. 

Today we are going to tell you about the NYX Total Control Drop Foundation (0.43 oz, $14) that recently hit shelves at ULTA.  Currently, 14 shades are available online, and six in store, but come January 28 the full line of 24 shades officially releases. (NOTE: You can get all 24 shades directly from NYX now.) 

NYX Total Control Drop Foundation 07 Natural

NYX's Total Control Foundation's dropper bottle design (pictured above) reminds me of the Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation Serum and the Sephora Collection Teint Infusion Ethereal Natural Finish Foundation. Honorable mention to the Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation for also having a dropper bottle design, albeit a sleek black bottle instead of frosted glass. 

Many people are wondering if NYX is creating a dupe for the Cover FX Custom Cover Drops, but I think they're actually trying to replicate serum foundations (like the ones previously mentioned) instead. 

The difference? CoverFX Custom Drops are meant to be mixed with your skincare or current foundations in order to adjust coverage, while NYX's foundation is meant to stand alone as your foundation. And in my testing I can say it's definitely not a dupe for the CoverFX drops. And I haven't tested other serum foundations, so I can't compare. 

But, regardless of whether or not this product is a drugstore dupe for a higher end brand, the fact remains that the claims are alluring. 

According to NYX the Total Control Drop Foundation: 

• Offers adjustable coverage  (sheer to full coverage) by simply adjusting the number of drops used (the box provides a legend) 
• Provide a velvety matte smooth finish that's light weight

The matte finish makes me think this is geared toward those with combination to oily skin. Those with dry skin might not want to try this, or if they do, moisturize well before hand and use a hydrating primer.

Check out my video review to learn more about the foundation, see me apply it to find out if it's truly buildable, and find out my final thoughts. 

Is this foundation gunning for holy grail status or is it just alright? Let's find out. 

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up)

*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

First Impression Review: Maybelline The Colossal #BigShotMascara

This post contains PR samples, affiliate and referral links. *

Well guys, 2016 is almost officially behind us. Boy what a year it has been, huh? It certainly had its ups and downs.

Regardless of how you felt about 2016, on thing is for sure, we got a lot of new makeup releases and plenty to chat about in the beauty community.

And we can't close out the year without squeezing in one more product review for you. After all, that's the primary focus of this blog.

So we're bidding 2016 a fond farewell by chatting about voluminous lashes, courtesy of a new drugstore mascara. Seems appropriate, considering va-va-voom lashes are a must for New Years and beefing up my savings efforts (or rather ramping down my spending?) is a 2017 goal.

Enter the new Maybelline Colossal Big Shot Mascara ($6.49), which arrived on my doorstep courtesy of Influenster.

The mascara claims to deliver fully-loaded volume in just one coat. I'm not making this up guys. That's what it says on the packaging. It's other claim to fame is the brush. It's a regular bristle brush (not rubber). But instead of straight bristles, it also has curled bristles that are supposed to help grip your lashes to really separate them and coat them with mascara.

Maybelline Colossal Big Shot mascara wand

Listen, long, voluminous lashes are kind of my jam. (Aren't they everyone's?) So, I was ready to dig in and see if this mascara would really deliver. Check out my video below to see my first impression review.

And, in case you didn't get a close enough look at my mascara results in the video, here's a still shot for you. As you can see in the caption, it took three coats of mascara to reach this level of volume and lengthening. 

So much for fully loaded lashes in one coat...

Still, if you can look passed needing multiple coats (which I can), I think the results are pretty good. Now let's just hope the dry mascara formula doesn't result in mascara flaking into my eyes (or the tube lasting only a few weeks). 

Maybelline The Colossal Big Shot mascara (3 coats) 

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Additionally, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review + Swatches: Bdellium Tools Matte Lipstick | #MatteNation

This post contains affiliate and referral links.*

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I hope you're enjoying your day and feasting to your hearts content. Don't forget to take a moment to just sit back and take it all in because surely we all have a lot to be thankful about -- even if sometimes we take it for granted.

And I'm pretty stoked that you stopped by today. After all, there are about a million other things you could possibly be doing.

So thanks!

Let me try to make your visit worthwhile by sharing something us beauty lovers just LOVE to talk about: Lipstick.

Specifically, we're discussing the matte variety. Because, beauty trends.

Matte lips are still having their moment. And I'm still dutifully here for it.

By now, there are plenty of matte lipsticks out there for you to choose from. But today we're offering up the spotlight to Bdellium Tools' newest product line, their matte lipsticks.

Loyal readers know I've been a big fan of this brand for years now. They offer a fantastic array of makeup brushes. And over the past year, they've started branching out into makeup. They totally floored us with their lip crayon release (man, were those pigmented and creamy and all-around fantastic). So naturally, I was anxiously awaiting their next product launch.

I have to tell you, they didn't disappoint — brining us seven new lipstick shades that include everyday nudes, bright oranges and reds, and deep vampy shades.

I bought five of the seven available colors (below): Touch of Eden, Kylie, Dorothy, Last Call, and Wait a Minute.

Bdellium Tools matte lipsticks retail for $16 each. The formula is enriched with shea butter and macadamia oil, which means that those matte lips won't be dry or uncomfortable. They're also vegan, paraben free, and fragrance free. 

You can tell that Bdellium put effort into the product development. Like the lip crayons, the lipsticks offer fabulous color pay off. And they're encased in a matte black case with cool yellow lettering that's both laid back and a little hipster. 

But don't let the casual design fool you. The casing is sturdy, with a nice weight to it. And my personal favorite feature? It's magnetized so you don't have to worry about the cap falling off in your bag and your lipstick (or bag) getting ruined. 

Check out the five shades I purchased in my video below so you can start figuring out which ones you'll want for yourself (hint: probably most of them). 

Oh, and since it is Black Friday weekend, you can save 30% on your purchase with code FRIDAY30 (coupon valid starting at 6 p.m. PST 11/24/16-11/28/16). Once Cyber Monday is over, you can still save 10% on your purchase with code GIRLYTHINGS. And, as always, free shipping on purchases $20 or over. 

 Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Products I Regret Buying | November 2016

This post contains affiliate and referral links.*

Hi again! We're skipping product favorites this month in favor of a little reality check. After all, I test beauty products so that you don't have to, and sometimes not all of them work.

Life doesn't always drop unicorn magic in my lap. Statistically speaking, a few duds are bound to make their way into my product testing stash.

The way I see it, it's just as important to share those experiences with you, as it is to share the positive ones because:

• I want to keep you from spending your hard-earned money on a product that might not be the best fit for you
• How are you supposed to trust my reviews, if it seems like I love everything I try? 
• This is a place where we can all learn from each other. So if something didn't work for me, maybe some of you have tips that would help improve my experience. 

It's not about bashing a product or a brand. In fact, I love the brands I'm talking about today -- just not these specific products.

It's about sharing information and experiences and helping you make an informed decision that works best for your specific needs.

So with that in mind, here are five products I tried recently that I regret buying. Check out the list below for all the products mentioned and what I consider better alternatives in a similar price point.

Products mentioned + optional items that I think work better (because why would you want to buy a product I said I didn't like? I still included links to those in case you do -- I don't know your life): 

• Stila Custom Contour Duo ($40) | Better option: Anastasia Beverly Hills Foundation Sticks ($25 each contour and highlight shades available
• Tarte Lights, Camera Lashes Liquid Liner ($20) | Better option: Kat Von D Tattoo Liner ($19)
• Too Faced Better than Sex Mascara ($23) | Better option: Urban Decay Perversion Mascara ($22)
• Benefit Porefessional Matte Rescue ($28) | Better: Mehron Touch-up Antishine ($11.50) 
• Soap & Glory Sexy Motherpucker XL  ($14) | Sorry, I don't have a better option for this. Suggestions welcome!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up)

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Anastasia Beverly Hills Stick Foundation

This post contains affiliate and referral links.*

Hey again! I hope you all had an awesome October! I can't believe we're already almost done with 2016.

But, some of my favorite holidays are around the corner. I can't wait to stuff my face with food on Thanksgiving. Mom makes pumpkin flan and I'm all about eating an entire one by myself. I know that's a little extra, but she only makes it once a year. I need ALL of it. I also need to get my butt in gear and learn to make it myself. But eating it is so much more fun.


Are you guys excited for the fall/winter holidays? Any special meals you're looking forward to?

Anyway, I've totally gone off topic. Today I'm here to tell you about the Anastasia Beverly Hills stick foundation. They released this early this fall and I was positively excited.

I've been a fan of stick foundations for a minute, even though I haven't talked much about them (I know, shame on me). I love how easy they are to use and how portable they are. But the one's I'd been using set me back nearly $50.

So, when I saw that the ABH foundation stick was going to retail for $25, I had to try it. I was even more shocked when I discovered that the cheaper price tag still delivered the same amount of product (0.32 oz or 9 g) as my my expensive foundations. SCORE!!

ABH Foundation stick in Warm Ivory and Contour stick in Fawn, Bdellium Tools 950 Oval Brush, NYX Contour brush

Alright, so before we dive in to the review, there are a few things you should know about the ABH foundation stick:

• It's meant for normal to oily skin, but works best for those of you with combination/oily skin
• It available in a whopping 28 shades
• It's meant to be buildable from light to full coverage
• Available at ULTA, Sephora, and some department stores

Check out the photo of me wearing it below. I like how it looks like skin, but still offers coverage. 

Ok, now that you know what it's supposed to do and what the final product looks like, let's chat about how it works overall. I have a few tips to share in the video below!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up) 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

How to: Winged Liquid Liner | Drugstore Dupe for Kat von D Tattoo Liner

This post contains press samples, affiliate and referral links.*

Today we're obliging another viewer request, because we're awesome that way. Haha! Oh modesty!

No but seriously, a few of you have requested a tutorial on how I apply my liquid liner. And I'm all too happy to oblige because a fierce cat eye is pretty much my favorite makeup look.

Why? Because you can keep everything simple, but when you add that winged liner all of a sudden your makeup slays.

Best of all, it's appropriate for any occasion. Work, school, date, errands. You name it and the winged liner will slay it.

And it pairs well with just about any look. From simple to full glam, this adds a little extra sass to whatever you're wearing.

But mastering the winged liner definitely takes practice.

Today, I'm sharing how I do it and a few tips that I've learned to help make the process easier.

Plus, I have an awesome drugstore dupe to share with you. Long-time viewers/readers know all too well that I only have eyes for a brush tip liquid liner pen. For years, I've been using the Lorac Front of the Line Pro liquid liner and more recently Kat von D's Tattoo Liner (talk about a budge proof liner!).

But then, the dupe gods decided to smile down on me and my wallet and they introduced me to Jesse's Girl Cosmetics Liquid Liner ($6.99) and changed my life all over again. Just like the Kat von D and Lorac liners, this drugstore liquid liner has my must-have brush tip (think calligraphy pen) and easy-to-use pen shape. Best of all, it's jet black, fluid and inky, and BUDGE PROOF. I'm serious guys, this one didn't come off with plain old soap and water. It required waterproof makeup remover.

I mean, just look at how sharp that liner is.

Check out my tutorial (skip to the 2:15 mark if you only want to see the how-to) and listen to me rave about this dupe!

Like what you saw? Subscribe for more!

Join the ULTA Rewards program (free), get a $10 coupon! 

Use ebates for added savings and cash back when you shop! (Get a $10 gift card when you sign up) 

*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Also, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards.Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review: Elf Cosmetics Studio Brushes | Dupes for It Cosmetics?

This post contains products I purchased myself, press samples, affiliate and referral links.* 

Hi guys! Remember way back long long ago when I hauled some new elf brushes? No?

They were the ones I got because I thought they were dupes for some high-end favorites. Still not ringing a bell? Well here's where maybe the elf haul post will jog your memory.

Anyway, I finally got my butt in gear and reviewed these, just in time for elf to release their latest brush collection (the new brushes hadn't been released at the time I filmed this video).

Regardless, some of you wanted to know what I thought of these brushes and if they were indeed reliable $6 dupes. The answer is: Yes.

Check out my video to see which brushes are dupes for my favorite It Cosmetic brushes and which dupes left me kinda disappointed.

e.l.f. Ultimate Blending Brush | It Brushes for ULTA 101 Airbrush Blurring Brush | It Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Brush (press sample)  | e.l.f. Selfie Ready Powder Brush | It Brushes for ULTA 102 Airbrush Smoothing Brush | Real Techniques Expert Face Brush |  e.l.f. Selfie Ready Foundation Brush | e.l.f. Sculpting Face Brush 

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*Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Also, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards.Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Review + Demo: Giorgio Armani Eye Tints and Eccentrico Mascara

The post contains press samples, affiliate and referral links.*

I was so excited when Influenster emailed me to let me know they would be sending over their latest VoxBox because it was a fancy one! 

I was chosen to test out the Giorgio Armani Eye Tints and new Eccentrico mascara. 

You guys, I literally ran a victory lap around our condo when the box was delivered. My husband was thoroughly amused. 

And before you write me off as a total label snob -- hold your judgment. 

I actually LOVE the Armani Eyes to Kill mascara. So I was actually most excited about trying out another mascara by this brand. I had high hopes because my Eyes to Kill mascara is pretty darn fabulous and does my lashes all kinds of favors. 

I was almost excited about the eye tints because the colors they sent me were right in my wheelhouse: neutral shades that I could wear to the office, on a date, or to the grocery store. You know, in case I'm discovered while shopping for avocados. 

Giorgio Armani Beauty Eccentrico Mascara and Eye Tints in (left to right) Golden Ashes, Fur Smoke, Nude Smoke

However, if I'm being totally transparent, I was a bit nervous about the eye tints. I've always found liquid eyeshadows tricky to work with.

But if I (potentially) was going to be bested by another liquid eye shadow, it may as well be designer. So I dove in. And I was pretty pleasantly surprised. Check out the pretty and totally wearable look I put together. 

Now that I knew I could use these new makeup goodies, it was time to dive in and tell you all about them. 

Today we are going to review them and show you exactly how to use them and how they perform, so you can decide if they're worth the purchase. 

Let's start by discussing their claims: 

Eye Tints (available in 17 shades; retail price $39): 

• Boast innovative formula that transforms from liquid to powder and instantly adheres to eyelid
• Provides 16 hours of smudge-proof, crease-proof wear
• Blends seamlessly and disperses high-density color

Eccentrico mascara (available in two shades; retail price $32):

• High-volume and long wearing
• Precise lash separation
• Buildable formula
• Instant volume and definition with flake-free, clump-free results

Sounds promising right? Let's talk about how they measure up. 

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Also, some of the links in the post above are "referral links" or “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item or sign up for a service, I will receive an affiliate commission or referral rewards.Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”