WnW, Physicians Formula, Garnier Haul 2012

I've been hauling as much as I can! With a couple of new products out on the market, I just can't help it. I bought a couple of 'first time' items such as the new Revlon Colorburst lip butter and some C.O. Bigelow lip shines from BBW. Overall I'm pretty excited about most of my stash! I've been using quite a number of these items on a regular and never get tired of them.

CHI's Ceramic Nail Lacquer ($1.99) was a low-price find that seemed to be well worth it. Nano Silver, ceramic, and silk, are added to the formula that resists chipping. I got 5 colors...names are cute with an OPI-ish style. Left to Right is Purple Nights at the Mexican Riviera, Meet me in the copy room, Overnight Celebrity, Montego Bay Orange, and Snow Angels in Central Park. They are good for resisting chipping but show signs of wear just after 3 days.

I came across the newest MegaLast lip colors ($2.99). I assume these colors were so popular I have yet to find them again. MegaLast by Wet n Wild offers these long-wear lip colors with a nice color selection...These new colors are divine, 2 being actually wearable with my skintone while the other 2 are a bit too bright and shocking, but nevertheless are cute to add to my collection...Left to Right is Pinkerbell (968), Dollhouse Pink (967), 24 Carrot Gold (969), and Don't Blink Pink (966).

Another lipstick I've been wanting to try more colors of were the Ultra Color Rich lipsticks by Avon. Here I have Instant Mocha and Poppy Love that I picked up while they were on sale for 2.99 each. While I do have Rich Ruby, I find these transfer a bit too much to my liking. Rich Ruby is described as a matte red, Instant Mocha is a satiny mauve pink, and Poppy Love a bright red-orange similar to MAC's Lady Danger.

World Balmination - Glossy tinted lip balm by Hard Candy

One of my newest faves are the Color Sensational lipsticks which to my surprise I did not like at first. At this point I'm sure it was because of the color I had tried which I found was too slippery and shiny. But Pink Me Up (not pictured) has been on my lips practically since March! What I love about these is the satin smooth feel that keeps my lips comfortable during wear. My latest lemming was for Make me Pink and Red Revolution (above).

LA Colors Trio in Orchid

Milani's Multi-tasker powder ($5.99) has become an instant favorite of mine, which came at a good time being that I was in search of a great face powder. The multi-purpose powder is suppose to offer setting, finishing, and blotting, all of which have met these expectations. The powder works great at absorbing excess oil and reduces shine on my face but not so much on my nose, which I have to blot after 4 hrs or so. My color is in Light Tan 04, which I apply using a large round face brush like the Sephora Professionnel 49. I find the powder works best on me after I apply a face lotion or tinted moisturizer.

After seeing a few swatches of Revlon's Lip butters I decided on Lollipop ($4.99) which is a medium fuchsia pink with slight blu-ish undertones. The formula is rich and decadent and this particular color is chock full of pigment. Formulated with Mango, Coconut butter, and Shea that helps to boost lip moisture, I find that it lacks in moisture when wearing for a few hrs. I have yet to see another color that I would like to try but I'll keep my eye out.

New Sinful colors in Feeling Great, Cinderella, and Morning Star

I'm usually hesitant to buy Avon mostly because color matching foundations can be difficult from swatches in a book. I had heard that Avon's Extra Lasting foundation ($10.00) was a good one so I had to try it out for myself. I ordered Soft Honey only to learn that 1. It was too dark for me and 2. It seemed to get darker (oxidizing) after applying. Overall I really like the finish which dries matte.

Another thing I like about this foundation is that it has a pump but I am not crazy about it's cheap plastic quality.

Physicians Formula Bronzer (but I use as a highlighter) in Vegas Strip

Physicians Formula introduced a new pH line which is pH makeup that adapts to skin's own PH and lighting environment.

-Flourescein Based Dye is a dye that senses your pH level on your skin and adjusts within seconds.
-Photochromic Powders have lighting adjusting pigments that adapt to your environment.

Currently the line carries bronzer, lip gloss, and powdered blush, but I only wanted to try the blush, pH Matchmaker pH Powered Blush ($8.99) which I got in 'Natural' I would describe as a bright pink with red undertones. The packaging is quite bulky but is easy to use. It features a small blush brush at its underside compartment and lights up using LED power on both sides of the mirror.

A pish-posh of a few things like Rimmel London's Volume Flash the Max, ELF gel eyeliner, Maybelline Line Stiletto eyeliner, Nicole by OPI Kim-pletely in love, Rimmel London np Black Satin, LA Colors np Fiji Purple, and my newest fave Maybelline One by One Volum Express mascara.

I've taken a huge liking to the new Garnier BB creams ($10.99) for many reasons....it provides buidable coverage and are the most moisturizing of any foundation I have tried. I say 'foundation' only because I am not a large fan of tinted moisturizers nor have I tried any popular BB creams in all my life. The formula is creamy and gives my skin a lasting moisturized effect. Not oily at all, does not clog pores, and best of all does not slide off or move around my skin. At first I bought the Light/Medium color and later bought the Medium/Deep for the fast approaching summer season and to my surprise both colors work great with my skintone. Below is the swatch to get an idea of the colors and undertones.

I tend to be more oily during hot weather but since pregnancy I have been experiencing somewhat dry skin. Garnier BB creams are perfect for my skin at this time because I need that richness in a moisturizer.

Swatches of the MegaLast lipsticks by Wet n Wild. Left to Right - Don't Blink Pink, Dollhouse Pink, 24 Carrot Gold, and Pinkerbell.

Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle eye roller

'Over time, lack of sleep and daily fatigue make eyes look tired. Microcirculation slows and the delicate skin around the eyes becomes thinner and more translucent. Dark circles and shadows appear.

'Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Roller is right for you if you want to instantly correct the appearance of dark circles and brighten the skin around your eyes'


Facts and ingredients: Contains caffeine and lemon essence. Skin Renew with caffeine gel energizes and stimulates microcirculation. The lemon essence brightens and mineral pigments instantly corrects dark circles.

Aqua/Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Alcohol Denat., Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Squalane, Bis-PEG/PPG-14/14 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Talc, Nylon-12, Maltitol, Disodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Sorbitol, Caffeine, Citrus Medica Limonum Extract/Lemon Fruit Extract. May Contain: CI 77891/Titanium Dioxide, CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499/Iron Oxides.

-Dermatologist tested for safety

-Opthalmologist tested

-Gentle to skin

-Allergy tested

-Non-greasy

Gently roll Skin Renew Anti-Dark-Circle Eye Roller under the eye from the inner corner to the outer corner, one to two times. Use finger to smooth in any excess with fingertips.

Instantly: dark circles are corrected and shadows appear diminished.
In 1 week: eyes look bright.

Can be found at: CVS stores, Walmart stores, Walgreens stores. I bought mine at Walmart for $10.97

product: 5 stars out of 5

packaging: 4.5 stars out of 5

quality: 5 stars out of 5

overall : 5 stars out of 5

would buy again? Yes

My thoughts: When you first apply it you can feel the small buzz-like sensation that is the caffeine within the formula. Indeed it is very light which is great for the delicate under eye skin. My first impressions is that I didn't think it would mask or 'conceal' anything to be honest because the formula feels watery and light but after you smooth it out evenly under the eye it does cover nicely.

I prefer my under eyes to be well concealed so I applied 2 coats under my eyes just to be sure...I am just use to doing it this way but if you are use to applying a small amount of any concealer under your eyes regularily then you would really like this concealer/treatment.

Did it diminish dark circles and shadows under the eyes? Instantly yes it did. In one week noticeably I didn't see a difference right away but I did wait for about 2 and a half weeks before trying to see results. My results? Brighter by just a bit, but not much else. Just because this concealer didn't have a miraculous change on my skin doesn't mean it would be that way for everyone else. All skin types are different just to keep in mind.

How it feels throughout the day: I find this concealer to be very moisturizing and comforting, not dry at all. Even though my under eye skin and texture changed just a tad bit doesn't mean I'll be ditching this concealer altogether because I really like using it for everyday natural looks.

The best thing about it: It is the pigments in the formula which gives your eyes and face a bright look...my eyes looked less tired after application. One of the interesting things about this undereye treatment is that it isn't a color that you apply under the eyes to mask dark circles but it is a treatment treat that works with your natural texture and tone that reflect on these pigments for brighter eyes and I love it!

Pros: Great for brightening up face in the mornings, decent amount of product, is effective, easy to use, travel friendly

Cons: Packaging of the 'Roller Ball'? Sometimes the silver roller ball seems to track out of it's spot. This has only happened about 2 times since I've bought mine. It is really unusual when this happens, the product sort of oozes around and the ball sinks in slightly but then it fixes itself a few seconds later. I find this really odd when it does happen.

The lasting power: About 5 hours, I have re-applied after 5 hours and I find that applying translucent powder on top helps to make it last longer.

New things and Pink lipstick swatches

Pretty much little items here and there that I've gotten recently! But some things have been on my shopping list for more than a few weeks!

-New: Neutrogena Naturals Fresh cleansing + Makeup remover ($7)

Neutrogena recently came out with a new collection of skincare called Neutrogena Naturals. You can check out all the other products that are part of this new collection here. What intrigued me about this face wash was that it is also a makeup remover.....it seems that I am always on the look-out for cleanser type makeup removers! The good news is that I can think of only 2 items that can completely wipe away all traces of my 'warpaint', Biore Clean Things Up and MAC makeup remover wipes. (See my Biore Clean Things Up cleanser review here) I'm really loving the 'naturals' characteristics....no harsh chemicals, parabens, sulfates, or dyes and contains 'peruvian tara seed'. Sounds pretty interesting to me, I'll do a review on it soon. 

-Essence of Beauty, travel Blush Brush ($6) and 3 powder applicators ($3)

For once I have found a blush brush that fits in my little Escada makeup bag! The funny thing is that I've been using it more for my setting powder than my blush. When I use it with my favorite setting powder, the William Tuttle finishing powder, it is petite enough to brush over under the eyes, on the sides of my nose, etc...perhaps due to it's slant....and when used for blush it does a great job on that too. The 3 little powder puffs I bought as a result of me leaving my makeup and powder kabuki at home! I'm usually on the go and in a hurry every morning, so one day I completely forgot my foundation and powder at home, I decided to buy the puffs to apply my mineral powder.

The day I decided to buy and wear my most favorite pressed mineral powder is the same day I forgot my kabuki at home (see how the powder puffs story tie together, lol) So I applied my Physicians Formula Mineral Wear ($12) with the puffs and called it a day. I might just keep the puffs in my purse as a backup! I bought the Mineral Wear after running out of it completely, even better CVS gave me a $7 off coupon a few days back for any Physicians Formula product, so I used it to get my new Mineral wear.

-Garnier Skin Nutritioniste Skin Renew, Anti-Dark circle roller ($9.99)

I never thought a good concealer could be found in the facial lotion section at the drugstore! Garnier's new Anti-dark roller is a perfect 'apply and go' concealer with benefits. Containing .5 fl oz, you need only one swipe of the roller to cover under the eyes. As the concealer goes under the eye it brightens and makes for a fresh and even skintone on this delicate area. At first I was skeptical but I tried it just as soon as I left the store. The Sheer tint is an understatement, it gives that perfect concealment and lasts a good while....expect a full review soon :)

-MAC Studio Fix Powder in NC 35 ($28)

I've been wanting to try this powder for so long I've already lost count how many years I've let by, lol. I had a credit/giftcard from a return a few days ago and decided to give this powder a try. Not even 10 minutes after buying it did I already have it on and was an instant fan. I try to buy powders that I can wear alone that give me full coverage so this one was perfect, was everything I was hoping for.

-MAC WonderWoman Marquise d' ($15.50) and Viva Glam Gaga 2 ($14.50) lipsticks

I don't even have to say anything about this, you know the drill :)

haha....but I will say this...I absolutely love WonderWoman and was thrilled for MAC to debut this kind of collection! I just needed the lipstick, nothing else :) and what Lady Gaga fan wouldn't dive at a chance to own a lipstick named after Gaga herself?

-Wet n Wild coloricon eyeshadow trios ($2.77 each)

I find these great, somewhat containing a little more fall-out than I like, but these are quite the gems. I also find a great eyeshadow base paired with these equal to some fab eyes....My favorite is the Silent Treatment. While we're on the subject of eyeshadows, I recently purchased some more of the Bissu eyeshadow quads. The #24 is a nice red and pinks quad, more suitable for a valentine's day look and the #32 is cute for a reddish smoky eye or green smoky eye, the #32 is very versatile

More Lip stuff!

-Victoria's Secret beauty rush lip gloss with SPF 15 in Mega Melon ($7)

-LA Girl lipstick in Promise ($1.99)

-Wet n Wild lipstick in Think Pink ($1.99)

I found the Beauty Rush lipgloss at a recent trip to VS while I was shopping for a new perfume....if you're curious to know I picked up the newest fragrance, Love me....it smells divine! What I love about the lipgloss is that for some reason the formulation of these new ones with SPF seem to be a bit more softer and non-sticky than the previous beauty rush lipglosses. I love the Mega Melon color, a rich coppery melon color with gold sparkles...perfect for summer coming up...and it has SPF!

On a separate trip to the Makeup Palace I found a shelf of LA Girl items and picked up a lipstick in Promise. It's a very nice sheer and creamy color, much like a MAC Creamsheen lipstick and it's a perfect color for me if I want dramatic or sophisticated lips since it's almost the same color of my natural lips....And why hadn't I picked up WNW's lipstick in Think Pink? Such a pretty color, it's not bold at all, it's very soft and give that perfect nude pink color to the lips.

An Ulta kind of girl!

-OPI nail polish in The one that got away ($6)

-OPI nail polish in It's not rocket science ($6)

-Japonesque travel stippling brush ($28)

It seemed like ages since I'd last been to Ulta, so a few Fridays ago I decided to go and buy some things. I picked up 2 nail polishes and my first ever stippling brush. The OPI nail color is a cute darkened hot pink with tons of shiny pink glitter or large flecks of glitter which sparkle just lovely. The Orly color is a cool lime to avocado green with tons of shiny green glitters. I had a hard time deciding on a stippling brush, it was either Ulta's stippling brush or Japonesque....so I decided on Japonesque. I really love this brush. I've used it plenty of times and I find it super soft.

Last but not least Vogue's newest issue is out and features none other than my favorite gal, Lady Gaga.

Here are a few swatches of some pink lipsticks that I just had to put together to see if any looked similar....I hope this is helpful to anyone that is looking for dupes or pink lipsticks to buy.

Have a great weekend!