Tag: makeup

Unboxing Medusa’s Makeup August Beauty Box!

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I’ve only recently subscribed to this beauty box (two months to be exact) and it’s become my favourite! What makes this box different from the others? Well first of all all the products in it are cruelty-free AND vegan. And secondly, all the products in the box are FULL-SIZE products, not dinky tester/sample sizes, and each month you receive 3-5 full size products. How amazing is that? And last but not least, what sets this beauty box apart from all the others is the fact that it’s got some seriously edgy products and colours. If you’re one who wishes to play it safe, then this may not be the best beauty box for you, but if you love glitter and makeup with some serious attitude, then this is the brand for you!

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What I got this month:

  • Metal AF Lipgloss in Cherry Pie (retails for $11)
  • False Eyelashes in Heavy (retails for $9)
  • Totally Baked Eyeshadow in Whatever (retails for $9)
  • Eye Dust in Ultra Violence (retails for $8)

Total value of the box: $37

Actual price of the beauty box: $15.95

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Metal AF Lipgloss in Cherry Pie

I was really hoping to get this lipgloss (which is odd since I’m usually NOT a fan of lipgloss), but the colour is absolutely GORGEOUS (it kind of reminds me of Urban Decay’s Gash lipstick), but unlike other lipglosses, this one isn’t tacky, sticky, nor does it fade. Oh, and did I mention that it’s highly pigmented, cause IT IS.

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False Eyelashes in Heavy

I’m not a fan of fake lashes because I often find little use for them in my everyday life, but I do like to use them on occasion if I’m doing a photoshoot. These look absolutely pretty without looking trashy.

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Totally Baked Eyeshadow in Whatever

This eyeshadow is truly pigmented and very blendable. I also love this shade cause it’s good to use as liner or in the crease for a smoky eye-look.

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Eye Dust in Ultra Violence

This shade is so pretty and the sparkle is subtle, not too heavy. This is the lavender shade that Wednesday Addams would reach for if she was trying to feel girly but still wanted stick to her edgy goth roots.

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Which of these products would you love to try out? I’m very pleased with this month’s selections and can’t wait to see what Medusa’s Makeup has in store for September!

Check out Medusa’s Makeup here: https://medusasmakeup.com/

By: Azzurra Nox

Review: L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise

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What It Is: Voluptuous volume and lengthening mascara

What Is Does: This mascara is designed to volumize and lengthening your lashes in a way that no other mascara has done before!

Distinguishing Factors: More than 200 bristles on the wand to truly grip and coat every single lash and a silky formula that makes lashes soft and voluptuous, never cakey or dry, brittle lashes!

Verdict: I’ve been wanting to try this mascara now for the past month. I’ve always been a fan of L’Oreal’s Voluminous mascara, and opted to get this mascara in Blackest Black. The brush truly helps with a smooth, even application and the formula is really soft like coating your lashes in silk. Like the other Voluminous mascaras in the series, this too delivered in volume and length. My lashes tripled in size and just looked crazily glamorous. I’ve applied two coats in the photos, and there are no fake lash inserts, it’s all the mascara’s magic! I truly recommend this mascara if you want beautiful, lush lashes!

Price: $9

Where To Buy It: Ulta, CVS, Amazon, Wal-Mart

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By: Azzurra Nox

Gettin’ Rosy Make-Up Look!

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This summer has been particularly warmer than usual, and because of that I haven’t been inclined to wear too much makeup. Hence, my choice to skip eyeliner (gasp!) and go for a fresher look. This look below is more on par with how I used to do my makeup as a teen, but I see that the look is still quite on trend!

Base

I rarely use foundation (unless I have to do a photoshoot where wearing more makeup actually helps with photos coming out better), and even then I tend to use a BB cream rather than a foundation. So, I usually just prep my undereye skin with Smashbox’s Photofinish Primer so that it’ll create a smooth canvas for my concealer (I used Lacome Long-Lasting Undereye Concealer in Ivoire). I set everything with Makeup Forever’s Ultra HD Pressed Powder in Transluscent. For blush, I went with Lancome’s La Rose Blush Poudrer and highlighted my cheeks with Jeffree Star’s Skin Frost in Peach Goddess.

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Eyes & Lips

For the brows, I used Medusa’s Makeup Brow Wow Wow which is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G. This brow kit comes with a powder brow tint and a brow bone highlighter. I then applied Urban Decay’s Harajuku eyshadow on the lid (but any frosty pink shade will do the trick) and applied Urban Decay’s Anaheim eyeshadow in the crease as well as using it as a liner to give my eyes some extra definition (you can choose any taupe shade for this step, but the secret is to not go too dark because you want it to look subtle and seamless). I then applied Lancome’s Le Crayon in Blanc in the waterline to mask any possible redness and make my eyes really pop. I topped the whole eye look off with Benefit’s They’re Real Lengthening Mascara in Black.

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For the lips I decided to go with Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipstick in Calabasas, which has become my go-to shade this summer because it’s such a pretty shade of pink without it being cheesy or leaning towards the Barbie or bubblegum territory.

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I used 11 products in all (which isn’t too bad) and it took me about 20-25 minutes to apply, so you won’t be spending all day trying to get ready (cause really you’ve got places to go and memories to make!).

Let me know what you think of this look in the comments below!

By: Azzurra Nox

 

Review: Milk Makeup Cooling Water

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What It Is: A hydrating gel stick

What It Does: Refreshes and soothes skin for a quick boost of moisture on the go!

Active Ingredients: Caffeine and seawater

Verdict: Advertised as “sleep in a stick” I decided to give it a go since I’m always sleep deprived and could benefit from looking more refreshed and ready to conquer the world in the early a.m. Since it’s been on the humid/hot side lately, I decided to pop this beauty in the fridge overnight before using it the following morning. Usually I tend to avoid anything that claims to be uber hydrating because my skin is hydrated and oily enough that extra moisture usually means we’re getting close to acne territory, but the seawater convinced me that it would keep the pimples away since salt tends to absorb oil. I don’t have puffy eyes in the mornings, so I can’t say how well this stick works for that, but I can say that this stick does give you that extra boost that you may need to kickstart your morning. Using this is like drinking a double-shot espresso whilst getting a blast of cold water splashed on your face. If that doesn’t wake you up, I don’t know what will.

Bonus: Vegan and Cruelty-free

Price: $24

Where To Buy It: https://milkmakeup.com/products/cooling-water/

By: Azzurra Nox

 

 

 

Simple Pin-Up Eye-Makeup!

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The Pin-Up look is nothing new, as it was all the rage during the 1940’s-1950’s as it was popularized by icons such as Marilyn Monroe. In modern times, Dita Von Teese has been the one to bring the look back, and recently Lana Del Rey.

This look can be worn by anyone. It’s universally flattering for any skin type, age, or ethnicity. Not to mention that it’s quite simple once you learn the basics.

For this tutorial, I didn’t use the signature red lipstick that is best known for complimenting the Pin-Up eye-makeup. Personally, I think that any lip colour can be used with this look, as the eye-makeup isn’t too outrageous. So you can either dress the look up by using a bold red or tone it down by choosing a nude or rose hue instead.

Products*:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Light

Soap & Glory One Heck of a Blot Translucent Powder

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen Classic in Blackest Black

Wet N’ Wild Eyeshadow in Creme Brullee (all over eye area)

Smashbox Eyeshadow in Grounded (in crease)

Smashbox Eyeshadow in Canyon (along lower lash line & brows)

Tart Blush in Paaarty

Hard Candy Eye-Def Metallic Eyeshadow in What Sandy Says Goes

L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar in Blackest Black

Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Blanc

Step One:

Use Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer to prep your under-eye area before you use the concealer of your choice (currently I’m in love with Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser in Light, as it covers up my dark circles in one easy swoop!). To set the concealer, I patted some of Soap & Glory’s translucent powder under my eyes and over the rest of my face.

Step Two:

Use a dime size of Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion (or any primer of your choice, to really keep your eye-makeup going for hours without any smudges!). Once you’ve done that, pack a bit of Wet N’ Wild’s eye-shadow in Creme Brullee with a brush and pat all over your lid and up to your brow bone.

Step Three:

Using a blending brush, place Smashbox’s Eyeshadow in Grounded in the crease, and blend till the shadow is seamless. Take a liner brush, and place a small amount on it and line your lower lashes using Smashbox’s Eyeshadow in Canyon.

Step Four:

Line your eyes using a liquid liner (I use Revlon’s Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen in Blackest Black). I did a classic cat-eye. You can either make your cat-eye simple as I did, or more dramatic by extending it further up.

Step Five:

To add a bit of a glam edge, I dusted a bit of Hard Candy’s Eye-Def Metallic Eyeshadow in what Sandy Says Goes, only on the lids. You can use any metallic or frosty gold shade.

Step Six:

Using a spooley brush out your eyebrows, and with a liner brush you can make your brows a bit bolder by using a shadow that’s slightly darker than your hair colour. I used Smashbox’s eyeshadow in Canyon. But depending on your hair color, you may choose another colour that best suits you.

Step Seven:

To make your eyes really pop, line the inside of your eyes with a white eyeliner (I used Lancome’s Le Crayon in Blanc). This trick makes your eyes appear bigger. Finish off the look my curling your lashes with an eyelash curler, and coat your lashes with primer. Wait ten seconds and then use two coats of black mascara. I used L’Oreal’s Voluminous Superstar in Blackest Black mascara, because it comes with a primer on one end, and mascara on the other end. Basically for about $9 you get two products in one! Win-win!

Step Eight:

Add a little colour to your cheeks with the blush of your choice (either a peach or pink hue). I went with Tart’s Blush in Paaarty. It’s simple but not too overwhelming.

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Now go out and show off your look! This can be worn for any occasion or time of day. Simply change your lip shade and you can either turn this look into a day-time look or amp it up for an evening date night look!

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*Products used for this tutorial were purchased by the writer.

By: Azzurra Nox

Simple Spring Makeup Look!

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Glamorous looks are gorgeous, but not always doable when you haven’t got lots of time to spend hours applying makeup. I usually prefer to use less products as possible and try to keep my look simple but never drab!

These are the products* I used to achieve this look. You don’t have to use the same products as me, and can opt similar looking ones, but these are the ones I reached for to create the look below:

Products:

Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Light

LunatiCK Cosmetic Labs High Definition Microfinish Pressed Powder

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen Classic in Blackest Black

L’Oreal Voluminous Superstar in Blackest Black

From Lancome’s Auda[city] in Paris Palette:

Exhibition Eyeshadow (on lid)

Kitten Heel Eyeshadow (on lid)

Smashbox Matte Eyeshadow:

Grounded (in crease)

Canyon (along lower lash line & brows)

Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Skimp (on brow bone)

Lancome Le Crayon Khol in Blanc

Jeffree Star Velour Liquid Lipstick in I’m Shook

Urban Decay Afterglow Powder Blush in Score

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Step One:

Use Smashbox’s Photo Finish Foundation Primer below your eyes, as a way to create a smooth surface for your concealer to go on (this helps eliminate creases!). I’m somewhat picky when it comes to concealers and always opt for liquid formulas over sticks. I placed Maybelline’s Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Light beneath my eyes to conceal my dark circles and use a beauty blender to blend it out. I then set the concealer using LunatiCK’s. Cosmetic Labs High Definition Microfinish Pressed Powder.

Step Two:

Swipe Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow Primer Potion Original upon your lid (or any other eyeshadow primer that you prefer). This will help lock in the eyeshadow that you’re going to be placing on top, as well as having the shadow not face throughout the day.

Step Three:

Swipe Lancome’s Eyeshadow in Exhibition on the lid. This is a matte pink and will help keep the look from getting too sparkly. Then place Lancome’s Eyeshadow in Kitten Heel on top, and blend the two colors till the matte pink and frosty peach become a pretty muted pink hue.

Step Four:

Using a blending brush, place Smashbox’s Matte Eyeshadow in Grounded in your crease and blend, blend, blend!

Step Five:

Line your lower lashes using Smashbox’s Matte Eyeshadow in Canyon. I often find that using a pencil liner for the lower lashes to be too harsh and accentuates fine lines. A shadow liner is far more forgiving in that respect.

Step Six:

Line your upper lid using Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen Classic in Blackest Black. You can either do a simple liner look or cat-eye at this point, whatever strikes your fancy! I find that Revlon’s liner is one of the best for being fool-proof and cost-effective.

Step Seven:

Using a slanted brush, take Smashbox’s Matte Eyeshadow in Canyon to fill your brows (if you’re light haired as myself), if not choose an eyeshadow that best suits your hair color.

Step Eight:

Take Urban Decay’s Eyeshadow in Skimp and place it upon your brow bone. This shade is slightly satin so it gives a bit of a sheen like a highlighter. Then use Lancome’s Le Crayon Khol in Blanc to line the inside of your lower lash so that your eye appears bigger rather than smaller (as it would using a black liner).

Step Nine:

Take a lash curler and carefully curl your lashes. Then take L’Oreal’s Voluminous Superstar in Blackest Black, and first use the mascara primer portion of the wand and let it sit for about 15 seconds. Then using the mascara portion of the wand apply two coats of mascara, and a light coat on your lower lahes. The reason why I love this mascara so much is because you get two products for the price of one (primer & mascara)!

Step Ten:

Lightly line your lips using Lancome’s Le Crayon Khol in Blanc and rub it still the line is barely visible. Use the line to help guide you as your apply Jeffree Star’s Velour Liquid Lipstick in I’m Shook. Tip: Use a THIN coat when applying a liquid lipstick as a thicker coat will weigh down your look and appear too made up. Finish the look by applying a light dusting of Urban Decay’s Afterglow Powder Blush in Score on the apple of your cheeks!

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All done! Now you’re ready to take on the day with a chic and fresh look!

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Amount of time to create this look: Approx. 25 mins.

*All products used in this tutorial were bought by the writer.

By: Azzurra Nox