Review: Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smokey Eye Palette

Fear not, I am still around! With the holidays and all, it's been a little bonkers for me.

Enough intro, onward to the review!

Up on the review block is Studio Gear Cosmetics Holiday Smokey Eye Palette.

Be radiant on any occasion with this sultry, shimmery palette of dramatic shades – perfect for creating a classic smoky eye look, with a hint of unexpected golden glimmer. This collection of four complimentary eye shadows with matching blush deliver several day to night options that are both seductive and wearable. With pure color, pigment-rich formulations, you’ll be sure to smolder all night!

via Studio Gear Website

Packaging: The palette itself comes in a slip cover that slides off. It's a brilliant and eye catching array of yellows and purples. The palette itself is a chic black and grey color scheme, which I think works well with the slip cover. Inside the palette you find the SG insignia design covering the palette. On the underside of the cover, is a step by step guide (not pictured), opposite that is the actual palette, four eyeshadows and one blush.

Frost

Position: Top Left

This is the lightest shade of the four eyeshadows. A frosty, shimmery white. Perfect for the inner color highlight and below the brow.

Thoughts: Not terribly pigmented, I had to work with this one a bit, it's definitely the sheerest of the four.

Platinum

Position: Bottom Left

Second darkest shade. This one is basically a silver with grey mixed. I actually like to use this all over the eye, sometimes alone or smoking it out.

Thoughts: I'm not normally one for silver toned eye shadows, but I do like this one. The pigmentation on it is better than Frost, easy to work with.

Glimmer

Position: Bottom Right

Hard to describe. It isn't quite gold, but it isn't really bronze either. I'd actually like to say it falls between the two. A happy medium, which to me makes this color unique to the palette. 

Thoughts: Definitely the oddity of the four colors, but I like it. It adds to the smokiness, whether you follow the guide and use this as the blending color, or use it as the base color, or even alone.

Coal

Position: Top Right

A charcoal grey, not a true black, with hints of silver added in.

Thoughts: While a matte black, I think would have worked perfectly for a palette of shimmers, this works as well. It isn't terribly harsh, which a matte black can be, it's soft, but makes the point of the smokey eye.

Snowy Glow - Blush

Position: Center

A soft coral-rose pink blusher with the slightest shimmer. 

Thoughts: I love this blush, at first I was iffy, but this is a blush that is buildable. It's sheer, but you can get a lovely flush for your cheeks as you would during the cold months. 

(L-R) Frost, Glimmer, Platinum, Coal, Snowy Glow

Overall Verdict: I definitely do like this palette, although it has its faults (this is my own personal preference at that), namely the sheerness of Frost. Other than that, it's wonderful. The smokey look that you can get from this varies to the degree of darkness you want at the corner, but I do think this is a palette that you can go from a day look to a night look with no issue. On top of that, Snowy Glow is the perfect compliment to the four shadows. It ties everything together.

Price: $40; receive 10% off your purchase using the coupon code SGHOLIDAY

Availability: Studio Gear Cosmetics and select ulta.com stores

The product featured in this post had been sent to me by Studio Gear Cosmetics via the Brand Backer campaign. What appears in this post is my 100% honest opinion on the product, and it is in no way influenced.

Review: Rimmel London Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation

Review time! Just for the record, photos, save for one, were taken with a Nikon L810 that I'm borrowing right now, and I can say, now I know why Nikon is so awesome.

Anyway, up for review is Rimmel London's Stay Matte Liquid Mousse Foundation. Now, I've used Rimmel concealer before, but never one of their foundations, let alone a mousse foundation. I was both excited and a tad apprehensive due to the fact that when I would try to color match to any of the Rimmel foundations before, the lightest shade would still be too dark for my skin tone.

So, onward to the review!

A feather light, oil free formula with an airy mousse texture that won’t feel heavy or greasy. Delivers all day shine control and blends flawlessly for a natural looking matte finish. Minimizes the appearance of pores. The weight is over – finally, shine has met its matte.

via Rimmel London

Packaging: What you get is a white tube that holds 1 fl. oz of product in it. From the center going towards the cap is what appears to be a close color match to what the actual foundation tone is. The twist cap, along with the text and accents is purple, not an over the top purple, but definitely eye catching.

Ingredients: CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, AQUA/WATER/EAU, ISODODECANE, TALC, TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, SILICA DIMETHYL SILYLATE, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 BEESWAX, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, TRIMETHYLSILOXYSILICATE, KAOLIN, TRIBEHENIN, ALUMINUM STARCH OCTENYLSUCCINATE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, POLYPROPYLENE, PHENOXYETHANOL, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, SODIUM CHLORIDE, DIMETHICONOL, LAURETH-4, BHT, TOCOPHEROL.

[May Contain/Peut Contenir/+/-: TITANIUM DIOXIDE (CI 77891), IRON OXIDES (CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499)]

Texture/Formula: Smooth, with a lightness to it. Definitely a mousse feel. It is a little thick, but can be sheered out to a medium coverage.

Shades: There are a total of 8 shades available right now. Light Ivory (091), Ivory (100), Soft Beige (200), Sand (300), Light Porcelain (010), True Ivory (103), Classic Beige (201), True Beige (203)

How to Apply: The site suggests that you can use either your fingertips or a brush to apply the foundation, however the best technique for me has been applying it with [clean] fingers then buffing the foundation in with a brush. And just to be clear, you only need a small amount.

Overall Verdict: I was definitely iffy at first when I got this in the mail from Influenster. Normally the lightest shade that Rimmel has to offer tends to be a shade or two off from my skin tone. I received Light Ivory (091), and while I was on the fence, the tone isn't that far off from my own. I really didn't have high hopes though, first application I used my regular foundation brush, applying it as I normally would. For me, bad idea. Too much went on, and I felt like I had a mask on. I didn't go back to it right away, but when I did, I tried it with my fingers instead. MUCH BETTER. Coupled with a simple buffing with my foundation brush made the foundation work perfectly. It is a light-weight formula. While I normally steer clear of Matte foundations during the cold/winter months simply because I have dry skin, and this foundation will pick up on any dry areas. I've noticed though if I put enough moisturizer on and couple it with a primer, it is not that bad then.

Taken 12/4/13 with my Samsung Galaxy S3. No Filter

.

The biggest plus with this foundation is that it can double as a concealer. When I wear this foundation, I normally top my under eye concealer off with this foundation for extra coverage.

Price: Between $4.99 to $7.99; I haven't seen the foundation in store yet, so I'm basing the price on the other foundations that Rimmel offers.

Availability: Wherever Rimmel London is sold.

Disclaimer: Products mentioned in this post were sent to me for testing purposes from Influenster.

Review: Perlier Imperial Honey Body Butter

First off, Happy Thanksgiving!

Second, review time! I'm jumping right into it this go around and reviewing Perlier Imperial Honey Body Butter.

This marvelous melting body butter from the rare honey of Black Bees combined with Royal Jelly, is a true beauty formulation. It nourishes the skin with moisture, leaving it pleasantly scented with the sensual notes of Honey and Oriental woods. Perfect to moisturize the skin in the harsh winter and summer months.

via ifabbo

Packaging: Best way I can describe this, body butter tub. The base that holds the product is a simple white, while the cap is a mirrored gold, accented with black and frosted gold. It's very sleek and elegant. You get 6.7fl. oz. of product in the package.

Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII BUTTER (BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER), THEOBROMA CACAO BUTTER (THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) SEED BUTTER), ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, PERSEA GRATISSIMA OIL (PERSEA GRATISSIMA (AVOCADO) OIL), BEHENYL ALCOHOL, PEG-40 STEARATE, STEARYL ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, GLYCERYL STEARATE SE, PENTAERYTHRITYL DISTEARATE, STEARIC ACID, MEL (HONEY), SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS OIL (SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL), CETYL ALCOHOL, ROYAL JELLY, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), PHENOXYETHANOL, CARBOMER, IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, TETRASODIUM EDTA, BHT, METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE, COUMARIN. 

Texture/Formula: The formula for this is very rich and creamy. However, it sinks into the skin very fast.

Scent: This is where I think it comes to personal preference. This body butter has a very strong scent of honey. It was a little overwhelming at first, but I got used to it. It is a very sweet scent though, and it lingers. The Oriental woods scent is a under laying scent that I think the honey over powers.

Overall Verdict: I can see some, maybe not liking this due to the scent, especially if you aren't fond of honey. I'm not fond of a honey scent, but I got over it. What impressed me with this (which is why I got over the scent) is how moisturizing this body butter is! There hard water at work, which dries out my hands terribly, so when I get home, I put this on my hands, and any tightness, dryness, and any cracking; this definitely takes care of it. This is certainly something that I will be using through the winter months. Some lotions or body butters that I've used work ok, but this definitely works wonders.

Price: $40.00 on HSN.com   for $5.00 your Perlier purchase use the coupon code, iFabbo5 at the check out!

Availability: HSN.com



The product featured in this post had been sent to me by iFabbo on behalf of Perlier. What appears in this post is my 100% honest opinion on the product, and it is in no way influenced.

Unboxing: Influenster RoseVoxBox

First off, I'm still trying to figure out my other camera, I think I figured out how to get the flash brighter those, so it isn't casting a yellowish tint to everything now. 

Second, I was beyond excited when I found out that I would be receiving a Rose VoxBox from Influenster. Last time I received a VoxBox was over a year ago, before I had the blog! Over a year ago, I was surprised when I opened the VoxBox and I'm still surprised. Pleasantly surprised!

This is simply an unboxing, certain products will have their own reviews coming soon.

Dr. Scholl's® For Her Cozy Cushions

Retails: $12.49

Dr. Scholl's For Her Cozy Cushions help keep feet warm and dry while providing all day comfort. Their multi-layer design helps insulate the foot while two plush layers provide extra cushioning. Cozy Cushions help keep feet dry by absorbing perspiration and offer superior support on hard surfaces.

Unboxing Thoughts?: Can definitely say that I was surprised to see this. Pleasantly surprised. Why? Because I have been thinking about purchasing them for the winter. Can't wait to put them in my boots to try them out!

Lindt LINDOR Milk Chocolate Truffles

Retails: $3.99 (5.1oz bag)

Smooth, Melting, Luscious. When you break the shell of a LINDOR truffle, the irresistible smooth filling starts to melt and so will you. Available in 10 smooth, melting flavors.

Unboxing Thoughts?: I might be one in a small handful of people out there, but I'm not a chocolate lover. I have to be in the mood for chocolate. Besides that, I've had these before, and I can say that I do like them, when I'm wanting chocolate. Last Christmas, I actually became addicted to them.

Kiss® Gradation Polishes

Retails: $6.99

Give yourself a trendy gradation manicure in no time with Kiss Gradation Polishes. Quick and easy to apply in three easy steps, you will end up with a mani filled with glitter and shine in no time! Available at Walgreens.

Unboxing Thoughts?: Shock! Wasn't expecting this. Had a twinge of disappointment only because I have this already, still unopened to try out. I think the one I already bought might have a better place else where (shhh, it's a secret!).

belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits

Retails: $3.69 (box of 5 packets of 4 biscuits)

belVita crunchy Breakfast Biscuits are made with delicious ingredients and carefully baked to release steady energy that lasts all morning. They're a good source of fiber and B-vitamins, contain no high fructose corn syrup, and have 18-20 grams of whole grain per serving and taste great - perfect for on-the-go.

Unboxing Thoughts?: Blueberries... I'm not a fan of blueberries. I like the scent, but not the taste. But, they will be eaten!

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara

Retails: $5.99

The 60s are back in full swing with a thicker, fuller, wide-eyed look! Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara brings you a bold, wide-eyed look, fanned out volume, and no clumps for lashes that are up, out, and over the top!

Unboxing Thoughts?: Excitement! Like I don't have enough mascaras already, but anytime I get a new mascara, I'm excited; especially to see if it works as it claims. The name though is a mouthful.

Vitabath Hydrating Lotion

Retails: $7.99

Moisturize your skin with lotion formulated with Aloe Vera, Safflower and Olive Oils for silky soft skin. This hydrating lotion enriches skin with luxurious moisture and a delicate scent. Free from propylene glycol, phthalates, mineral oil, and synthetic color.

Unboxing Thoughts?: Lotion! I'm a lotion hoarder, even though 90% of the time, I forget it. With winter coming around, this is perfect! Never tried anything from Vitabath before, so excited!

Disclaimer: Products mentioned in this post were sent to me for testing purposes from Influenster.

This Just In: Studio Gear Cosmetics November Kit

Studio Gear has released their November Kit called Bye Bye Blemishes!

Say bye bye to blemishes and hello to beautiful! Our Bye Bye Blemishes Kit features Flashlight Instant Brightener and the Inline/Outline Pro-Lining Pencil for covering dark spots, acne, and more, and CC Cream and Vitamin E Lip Balm for treating and correcting problem spots.

The November Kit Includes:

• CC Cream Sample
• Flashlight Instant Brightener
• Inline/Outline Pro-Lining Pencil
• Vitamin E Lip Balm

Valued at $75; the Bye Bye Blemishes Kit is available through the Studio Gear website, priced at $30. To get 10% off your purchase use promo code PARFAIT13 at the check out!

Review: BA Star Holiday Red Lip Pencil

Review time! I received from BA Star via Brand Backer their Holiday Red Lip Pencil. I'm usually leery of wearing a red lip due to the shade and undertone, but I went with it!

• Full Coverage Lip Pencil
• Lines & Colors
• Stays All Day
• Add Shine: Lip Gloss or Glitter
• Sharpen with Duo Hole Pencil Sharpener

via BA Star website

Packaging: Simple and sleek. It's a thick pencil with a black barrel and silver font. The end cap is silver which matches the font. The top cap is clear with two thin stripes of silver at the very top tying into the silver font.

Ingredients: Isopolybutene, Castor Oil, Ozokenite, Carnuaba, Candellina Wax, Beeswax, Petrolium, Buty Stearate, Cetyk Ricinoleate, Vitamin E, Precpylparaben, Metabylparaben, BHT, Macadamia Nut Oil, Octyl Palmiate; May Contain: Iron Oxides, Ti02,D&C Red 27 D&C Red 30 D&C Red 28

Scent: Kind of a vanilla scent, could just be me though.

Color: Vivid red that has a blue undertone to it. At first glance though, it appears to have a gold-ish sheen at the start, once you being applying it though, the frosty sheen disappears. I definitely have to say that it has a satin-like finish.

Texture/Formula: Smooth and creamy.

Overall Verdict: Definitely one of those worrisome colors for me due to the blue undertone. Other than that it is a beautiful color with a lovely finish. I did notice a little bit a staining though on the lips as the swatch on my hand. Besides that, this is a moisturizing lip pencil, plus I didn't notice any feathering. I would recommend this, especially for the up and coming holiday season.

Price: $8.75

Availability: BaStar.com

If you decide to purchase any products from BA Star website, use the promo code BBLIPS for 50% off!!

The product featured in this post had been sent to me by BA Star via the Brand Backer campaign. What appears in this post is my 100% honest opinion on the product, and it is in no way influenced.

Press Release: New Milani Limited Edition Collection

This November, Milani will be released 6 limited edition shades to the 12 HR Wear Eyeshadow Pencil line!

This collection will be available at select CVS, Meijer and HEB stores. It will also be available at www.milanicosmetics.com.

Disclaimer: Taken directly from Milani's press release. Photos courtesy of Milani. I do not claim ownership of anything that is written above.