Tag: drugstore

Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Collection

Excellent quality at a super low cost. Impossible, you say.  But, Eureka! Wet n Wild offers some of the most highly-pigmented, blendable and vibrant colors just at your local drugstore.  I found mine at Walgreens for $4.99.  That’s right – eight colors for under $5 (I just had to pick up two).

I figure a budget buy is an awesome opprotunity to try out a color outside my comfort zone.   I read somewhere that blue eyeshadow – even if it is subtle – can tame red eyes.  With lots of late nights that come with a new business, I am no stranger to this problem.  So I picked up Blue Had Me at Hello:

For a more neutral option, I snatched up Pedal Pusher (someone told me purples enhance hazel eyes):

What is so super cool about the palettes is they come with instructions.  While they are super pigmented, they offer a “how to” on what they call a “sweet look”: the lightest shadow to the brow. Next “Flirty Look”, adding second color to crease.  “Dramatic Look”, adding third color in the crease. Last, “Wild Look” with the definer.  The two darkest colors in both palettes are almost too pigemented for me. I use them both as a liner.  They work really well over a liquid liner like Le Métier de Beauté Precision Liquid.

These shadows perform so well – I don’t know how they do it? For those who want a more neutral look, the palatte also comes in Comfort Zone:

Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Spoon Brush Washable Mascara

In honor of @Maybelline Great Lash Birthday Bash (40 years! Wow!) and the GreatLash Twitter party is from 7pm-9pm EST tonight, I had to mention my new, most favorite mascara.  Since you must really trash your mascara after three months of use, drugstore offerings are much more economical.  Especially when there are some serious super-power performers like, Maybelline Volum’ Express The Falsies Spoon Brush Washable Mascara. 

This mascara has the staying power of Great Lash, but with dramatic effects.  I love the way the spoon brush can lift and separate my lashes.  For evening, I like to build this mascara to mimic false lashes.  Clumping just doesn’t happen – how do they do it? But for everyday wear, this mascara adds just the perfect amount of volume while coating my lighter lashes with great color (always very black for me).

Revlon Just Bitten Lipstain and Balm

I haven’t ever really been a “lip stain girl”, but the claims of longevity sucked me right in.  I didn’t want to splurge and I had already heard good things about Revlon’s so I picked one up. The stain was easy to apply and not near as drying as I expected.  And man, does this stuff wear forever!  What a treat to not have your makeup coming off as you sip from a glass.

I found it pretty easy to use, as the pen is tapered and making minor adjustments comes easy. I do recommend a bold color for maximum effect.  Layering the pigment will keep the color from appearing splotchy after a couple hours. I find this to be less drying than the other brands I have tested – but it is a stain so the balm step is highly encouraged. My only beef is the cap on the balm always knocks the balm out! So I usually skip and use an alternative lipgloss.

L’Oreal HiP High Intensity Pigments Matte Shadow Duo Striking

 

I wanted a low commitment way to try yellow makeup so I picked up this eyeshadow duo on whim.  I had heard great things about the High Intensity Pigments products from L’Oreal and with the sale at CVS, the price was right.  I was really impressed with the quality of shadow – very smooth and pigmented.  I found that it is designed to be built up, so I could get a very subtle and sheer layer of yellow.  I actually was pleasantly surprised.  The yellow looks fresh and compliments my skin (with lots of red) very well.  I would wear it with little or no liner. Maybe a powder liner using the other side of the duo.

Cover Girl Olay Simply Ageless Concealer

This double shot of makeup and anti-aging is a winner.  Aside from the fact the swirl of the two products looks really cool in the container, the concealer works very well under the eye.  While it does contain Olay Regenerist Serum, the pigment is just strong enough to cover up dark circles while still appearing luminous.  It is easy to apply because the consistency changes as you apply it to the skin.  While it looks cakey in the container, it turns to a smooth liquid on your skin.  Because of this, I recommend using your finger.  I try to use the ring finger because it offers the least pressure on the delicate eye area.  While you can’t really use this for blemishes because it is really creamy, I did use a little on my chin and nose instead of foundation and it works great!

 

L’Oreal Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara

I am a sucker for gimmicks and this double mascara sucked me right in.  It is offered in four colors – for green, blue and brown eyes and one suitable for all eye colors.   I bought the Black Quartz for Brown Eyes. I should have known this would be a disappointment since I don’t really understand how lashes can “illuminate” eyes.  One end of the wand adds volume and length with a traditional applicator.  Step two is done with the other end of the wand and a sphere-shaped brush.  The color of this step is a brown pearl with metallic.  The mascara did not stay on for long and the second step was more work for no payoff.  In my opinion, there are lots of drugstore mascaras that are far more effective.