"Truth" Palette Review

 This is the last of the palettes from my Sephora order. I didn't think I would like this one as much, but it actually is gorgeous. Everything that I have tried from the Kat Von D line so far has been amazing, and I am impressed. The colors from this one are more vibrant and happy. However, it is very pigmented. The quality is about the same as the other palettes. I don't even have a problem with the matte colors, which happens a lot with eyeshadows. The colors are:

Sugar Skull (vanilla), Long Distance (citron), Snake Eyes (lime), Finland (aqua), Prague (matte plum), Galeano (pale lilac), Rehab (golden tan shimmer), Sister (matte pink-peach)

with flash

The swatches on my arm have a thin line of primer through the middle of each swatch to show how the shadows look with primer. The shadows definitely need a primer underneath to bring out their full potential.

without flash

in daylight

Today's Look: Flash

 

I recently acquired a new Paint Pot in Pure Creation from MAC. I love the color! It's super pigmented and doesn't get sheer when used. Some of the paint pots don't last as long as others, but this one has lasted me all through my workday today.

 This product's soulmate? Blue Brown pigment from MAC. That pigment has a red tinge when blended by itself. However, put it on top of a blue base, and the blue duochrome flashes beautifully. On the swatches below, the pigment is on the left and the pigment over Pure Creation is on the right.

with flash

without flash

It looks beautiful on the eyes. Add a swipe of black liner and you're good to go!

 

"Angeles" Palette Review

 Next palette up for review is the Angeles palette. This one has vibrant colors that are perfect for anyone who worries about venturing too far into color. The neutrals are shimmery and the turquoise shades are pretty unique. The colors are (in order):
 Venus (shimmer bronze), Leather (matte dark chocolate brown), Specimen (pearly medium brown), Rehab (pearly beige), Peggy (turquoise), Bukowski (aqua), Bellbottom (french blue), Morphine (iridescent white)

 Also, the covers on these are almost rubbery feeling. They are very similar to NARS packaging. Be careful to keep these away from dirt or dark substances. I can imagine it would get so dirty quickly! These swatches have a thin line of primer through the middle of each swatch to show how the shadows look with primer. These shadows definitely need a primer underneath to bring out their full potential.

with flash.

in daylight.

Benefit Feelin' Cheeky Review

Benefit released a set of their best-selling products for $15. It would be a great stocking stuffer! This trio of favorites from Benefit consists of:
Posietint - poppy pink tint to brighten cheeks and lips. I legitimately love this one. It's light enough not to be obnoxious, but pretty enough to leave a gorgeous flush. It's not as long lasting as I would like, topping out at about two and a half hours.
High Beam - luminescent highlighter. It's gorgeous as a luminizer, but nothing that can't be duplicated.
Benetint - a rose flush for cheeks or lips. I don't know how I feel about this one yet. My complexion doesn't do well with a red flush, and this one is a bit too much for me. However, on lips I find that it can be very enduring.

swatches with one swipe

swatches rubbed in

"Metal Orchestra" Palette Review

 This is my new Metal Orchestra palette by Kat Von D. I have fallen completely in love with it! The colors are gorgeous, and super pigmented, and really velvet-y. I would highly support anyone buying this, especially since it's on sale at Sephora! The colors are (in order):

First Class (shimmery white), Techno (vibrant blue), Thrasher (shimmery dark blue), Dagger (blackened navy with blue shimmer), Lucifer (matte black), Glock (shimmery charcoal), Razor Gray(very light gray), and Slayer (aluminum)

The swatches on my arm have a thin line of primer through the middle of each swatch to show how the shadows look with primer. The shadows definitely need a primer underneath to bring out their full potential.

daylight

with flash

without flash.

  

Disco Ball Lips

 If you're looking for something unique this Halloween, or any time really, try making your own! This particular lip was made by adding NYX glitter in Disco Ball to lip gloss and mixing it. It's that simple! Remember, if you do use this technique, that you need a thicker clear gloss, like Victoria's Secret gloss in Crystal. Also, use cosmetic grade glitter, try not to lick your lips, and remove before eating!

with flash.

Yes, it does shimmer colors even without flash. This is in normal inside light.

Tutorial: Starry Night

 

 This look uses my new Kat Von D palette in Metal Orchestra as the main focus.

 

 1. For a glowing face, use Urban Decay Tinted Moisturizer (I use the shade Halo). Top with translucent powder for a flawless look. Dust E.L.F. blush in Peachy Keen along the top of your cheekbones, then dust any matte bronzer in the hollows of your cheeks to contour. (I used Fyrinnae matte bronzer in Light)
2. Prime eye. Taking the Kat Von D palette, pat First Class (slightly shimmery white) under the eyebrow. Blend. Now apply Techno (bright true blue) above the crease. Blend even more! Now put Lucifer (blackened navy with bright blue shimmer) on your lid up to the crease. Side Note: This particular color is beautiful. It might be hard to find a replacement, but I'll let you know if I find one! Blend everything together and add more color to the places that need it.
3. Line your eyes with a bright blue eyeliner. Almost every brand has one, so it shouldn't be too hard to find. I used Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Deviant. Use mascara if you wish. A blue mascara is fun if you're going out!
4. Get some gloss on your lips and go!

no flash.

Today's outfit: It's still HOT here! And it's October. :[

Kat Von D Lightning Sheer Gloss Review

I recently purchased the Kat Von D for Sephora Lightning Sheer Lip Gloss. It was on clearance, and I am so glad I did! I picked up the color Party Animal, which is a bright glittery orange in the tube. Now before you get all freaked out, let me just say that it isn't so crazy on your lips. After all, the title does have "sheer" in it.  The gloss isn't as sticky and tacky as a MAC lipglass, but it's not greasy thin either. Over all, it has a good feel to it. The wear time was great. I wore it out and it lasted almost the whole night... but once I started eating, it was all over. :P
This particular color is bright orange with gold microglitter in the tube. However, when on your lips, it mellows out into a mango/coral type color. I'm not one for coral on my lips... ever. But I really liked this, surprisingly. (The first picture below is in normal light. Second is with flash to show glitter.)

 

Overall, this is a great gloss for the sale price. Would I pay the normal price of $18 for it? Heck no. I wouldn't pay the full $18 for any product. haha! On with the swatches.

bare lips.

daylight.

inside lighting.

Urban Decay Cream Shadows Review

Let me start of by saying this - I hate cream eyeshadow. Literally. It makes my face look like a grease pit. So I ordered these by Urban Decay with not-so-high hopes. I hadn't tried them, but had heard good things. To be completely honest with you... pretty much all the good things are true with these! Pigmentation is pretty much wonderful. Some of the lighter ones (like Midnight Rodeo) might have to be layered a bit. These stay very, very well. So well that it was a hassle to wash them off my arm (see picture below). I'm sure it wouldn't stain as bad if I had used a primer... Oh well! There's always next time. Check 'em out if you need a good base or straight shadow.

Moonshine, Delinquent, Radium, Grass, Midnight Rodeo, Sphynx

with flash.

with natural light.

my skin hours later after scrubbing to get the swatches off!

Tutorial: Kim Kardashian

Guys, this has to be THE easiest look you can do. I'm starting off Halloween looks this year kinda early, and this is a simple one you can do if you happen to be dressing up as the diva herself! To be honest, it's just a normal brown smoky eye... There goes some of the sexpot mystery Kim K. has, right?

Tutorial: Acid Sunset

 Today I wanted to play around with my Urban Decay shadow in Freakshow. It's the prettiest dark purple, even if it is starting to crumble a little. :( I also used Urban Decay Peace, Fishnets, and Electric. I have a thing for that company if you can't tell... I recently placed an order with their website and got $245 worth of makeup for $60. I know, I'm a winner. :]

New MAC Pigments vs. Urban Decay

Just a quick note:
I posted a review on the Urban Decay Black palette here earlier in the year. The palette features exactly what it sounds like, a series of blackened jewel tones. Now MAC has released Fall Colour Pigments in Emerald Dusk, Starless Night, and Blue Storm. I wasn't too dazzled by the pigments, but you can see swatches here. Feel free to comapre and contrast between the two sets. I personally think that if you already have the Urban Decay palette, you don't need to buy the new MAC pigments. They're not exact dupes, but they could be easily interchangeable.

Newspaper Nails

CamiG recently did a tutorial on how to do your own newspaper nail manicure. I tried it out and loved it! I know it's not my usual post, but I had fun with it. Here are the results: