Urban Decay - Revolution Lipstick Swatches

clockwise starting at the top: Rapture, Sheer Shame, and Manic

Today is a new month and I am embarking on a new adventure...hopefully. I am going to transition this blog to more of a beauty and whatnot blog, so not so much polish based. So it's not that much of a change but it opens up more ideas and ease for me...hopefully. We shall see how this turns out.

Today I have three different Urban Decay Lipsticks, two are Revolution lipsticks and one is a Sheer Revolution Lipstick. Why am I showing you these? Not only are these new to me, they are on sale!

$11 each. Yep, regularly $22 on sale for $11 (I got mine for a bit less because of my Ulta employee discount).

l-r: Sheer Shame, Manic, and Rapture

Here are swatches of the three different colors. You can really tell the difference between the Sheer formula and the original Revolution formula.

Urban Decay Sheer Revolution Lipstick in Sheer Shame

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Manic

Urban Decay Revolution Lipstick in Rapture

Urban Decay is one of my favorite brands and their lipsticks are fabulous! The Sheer Revolution Lipsticks are really nice and hydrating. The original Revolution Lipsticks are very creamy and wear wonderfully!

A note: Rapture is my go-to lipstick to sell at work when women are looking for a nice your-lips-but-better color.

What are your go to Urban Decay lip products? Have you bought any of these on sale yet?

Urban Decay Lipsticks (Revolution, Matte, and Sheer) are on sale for $11 at Ulta, Sephora, Macy's, and Urban Decay.

A Sunday Ramble

The past four years have had the fabulous moments (helping in starting The Digit-al Dozen, meeting a bunch of fabulous bloggers, finding an "in") and some not so great moments (computers crash, hang nails, depression, anxiety, no longer part of The Digit-al Dozen). I chose to step down from the Digit-al Dozen as I haven't been very active on my blog. It was really heart-wrenching and the DD ladies have become some of my closest friends (only having met one in real life). But life and my depression/anxiety got in the way. 

So why no nails?

I would get physically ill when I sat down to do my nails. The anxiety was so bad that I just couldn't do it. If I did manage then I wasn't satisfied because my manis didn't look like the other DD ladies. My manis never really blossomed or got better over time. I just wasn't that good and having that pressure would stir up the anxiety even more. I always want my nails to look like so-and-so and have the painting and artistic ability as what's-her-name. I'm not satisfied with my own talents and abilities (and not only with nail art) and so therefore feel the need to step back (but say that to my stamping plate group buys. What is wrong with me!? Hahahahaha!). 

For some reason, this past year has been really rough on me. I am not at all where I ever thought I would be in my life. Ever. I thought I would be married with kids by now (I'm turning 35 in less than a month). I am almost sure that I will never marry; I don't allow myself to be in situations that create an opportunity. And it I did find someone? I don't think I could put them through what I have to go through. I would be too draining, too much for them. How could I bring anyone into what I go through? How does anyone that have mental health issues bring up the issue while dating. I would see it as almost a red flag for most people. 

Oh, but to have that someone who would be there and just tell you that you are not alone. That you can make it through it again. To be aware that you actually exist and that they actually care for you. That they are aware of you and that there really is something wrong when you say that you're "fine". That is my dream. Anyone else have that dream?

Currently working on tapering down on one of my medications. My new doctor was surprised at the dosage I was on and said that this medication is one that you don't want to stop suddenly and that this high of dose could be causing more anxiety. So for the next three months I will be cutting down by 0.5mg. We shall see what happens. He already lessened another medication I was on, because again, I was on too high of a dose. Seriously, what was the previous doctor doing to me!?

I realized that I have been medicated for more than half my life. Crazy to think about that. I am very interested in see how I would be without any medication. A lot has happened with my body and brain since I started any medication, heck, I went through puberty! But I am also very nervous about trying to go without (with the help of my Doctor, of course) my meds. I have no issue or negative thoughts about being on medication for the rest of my life, but I feel they may have been become almost a security blanket, and that makes me nervous.

I keep having thoughts of adding makeup info and photos and whatnot to my blog because it is what I am interested in now. But I feel again, that I am second rate compare to all those that I follow across social media. Aren't we our own worst enemies? Pfft. Would that be anything anyone would be interested in? If there is anyone still out there still looking at this blog. I have no idea.

So yeah, that's my ramble. No real rhyme or reason to the order of my thoughts, just wanted to get  some thoughts out there, or were those too many thoughts? Ramble ramble ramble. 

Please let me know if there is any interest for me continuing with any aspect of the blog. Yeah, yeah, I should be blogging for myself and what I want to blog about. But let's be truthful here, we all really want to know that people really do care about the fact that we put forth the effort to blog. Yes, it's an outlet but I also want it to be an outlet that I knew was being listened to and visited.

Welp, there's that. 

And here's my eye look from Saturday (and I'm wearing contacts, eeks!). I got so many compliments from my coworkers, it was really nice. There are three different Lit Glitter colors on my lids. :) 

Empties: September Empties Plus Some

Say what!? I'm caught up with my empties! Can I get a what! What! I really thought I'd never catch up, but I did! And now my empties bucket is.....empty! Yay! So these empties are from July, August, and September.

AG High & Dry: I really like this finishing spray. It gives great volume without a ton of shine. It even can create a bit of curl in my very non curly hair. I bought a few of these as AG was redoing their packaging so I got them for cheap! :)

Kenra Shine Spray: Hahahahahahaha! I love that I put a matte hair product with a shine spray! I've reviewed this product in previous empties and still love it. But, I really don't like the price, kind of expensive. I am on the look out for a similar item.

Sexy Hair Get Layered: Ok, this is one of my favorite new finds (though I did show a small one last empties post). I love this hairspray because you can so totally layer this product.....a lot! And it stays soft and holds all day! I'm working on my next bottle already. :)

Kenra Volume Spray: Meh. I had to finish this, but I don't like this spray anymore. A few empties ago I loved it. But now, I realize it dulls your hair a lot! And you get helmet head. That 25 on the bottle? Hair holds up to 25 miles per hour wind. Yep, and it looks it.

Sexy Hair Spray Clay: I've had this for a really long time and forced myself to finish this. It's a texturizing spray, and yes it adds texture. Cruddy stiff texture. Yuck. No more to this one.

Caviar Anti-Aging Working Hair Spray: Got this in a little kit to try it out. This spray was good, was it the holy grail? No, I don't think so. It is a bit pricey so I won't be repurchasing because the one I do like (Sexy Hair Layered) goes on sale where this doesn't.

Redken Guts 10: I've used this in the past and wasn't to impressed. However, my hair stylist used it on my last haircut and I saw how she used it and I fell in love! Before I was using way too much. So I blow dry my hair and when it is almost completely dry I spray a few little spurts to the crown on my hair and then finish drying it. It adds just the right amount of volume! Working on another bottle!

Paul Mitchell Freeze and Shine Super Spray: Tried this because I was told it had fab hold and shine. Hmmmm, nope. No hold for me. And it dribbled each time I sprayed! That's a reason I don't really like this type of bottle.

Mario Badescu Aloe Vera Toner: Ok, I love this toner! It is super gentle and calming. I used it to clean off my face after doing my hair to get all the hairspray junk off. This toner lasted for such a long time. I haven't repurchased yet, but I am going to be repurchasing!

Dermadoctor Litmus Test  Replenishing Toner: This is the first item I ever bought from Dermadoctor. I bought this because I researched this brand for work and loved what I read about this toner. It has glycolic and lactic acid which is super fabulous (lactic acid is much better for my skin as it is a bit more gentle) and helps to exfoliate your skin and helps with skin renewal. This toner is fabulous for hormonal acne (this right here is why I wanted to try it!)! You know, those pesky chin "friends" we get? Yep, it help to calm them and to hinder their appearance somewhat. Yes! This lasted me about six months! Which is good because it was a bit pricey for a toner ($37).

Algenist Advanced Anti-Aging Repairing Oil: I've only tired a few oils for the face and I liked this one. Granted, I don't like the fact that the dropper top broke (it's rubber, what the heck?) My skin really loved this oil and soaked it up instantly, adding hydration and nutrients to my sad skin. I also used this with my Anastasia Creme Concealer kit to have be a bit more creamier when I was applying it.
Urban Decay Naked Skin Foundation: I don't think I need to even review this one. This is my go to foundation, always will be! Fabulous coverage, buildable, and non-irritating.
Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion in Eden: So, I have a confession. This product is not empty. Nope, not even close. But I need to throw it away, it is stinky! I've had it for far too long. I'm not a huge fan of the Eden version of their primer; I like the original one better. So I didn't use it that often and went to use it the other day and opened it and it stunk! Like, I've had this open for probably two years! Eeeks! >_<

Benefit Roller Lash: I love this mascara! (I hate Benefit They're Real). This mascara really does curl your lashes! It's a nice inky black, your lashes stay soft, and best thing......way easy to remove than They're Real! I lurve this a lot. But I haven't bought another because I am trying to be good and use up what I have.....it's really hard!
Sephora Express Cleansing Wipes: I bought these to get my Sephora order over $50 for free shipping. I never used this to remove my full makeup so I can't tell you how they worked for that. But I did use them for fall out and eyeshadow cleanup while doing my makeup and for these, they are fabulous!
Vichy Idealia Life Serum: I'm on a Vichy kick right now. They are a fabulous brand for sensitive skin and reasonablly priced. I had this sample size of their serum and decided to try it. This serum is lightweight and adds hydration. So it has a really cool color, white with a bit of a pink flash to it, it is that pink flash that helps to brighten the skin; it has micro glitter. I mean really small and not a ton either. So no Ke$sha glitter here. I purchased the full size and am still loving it.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub Brazilian Nut: Oh. My. Goodness! I love this product so so much! It is so heavenly. It smooths out your skin so gently but satisfying (so it does have a bit of good grit). Oh but the smell, yummy! It seems like chocolate frosting! Mmmmmm! I use this before shaving and on my dry rough knees, elbows, and heels.
DrJart+ Ceramidin Cream: So, this little tube is my second sample tube of this product. I first tried it through my Birchbox and really liked how it made my skin feel. I had always wanted to buy a full size but it's a tad pricey so I kept putting it off. I was able to find another tube (this one) and got a sample from an order and I hoarded these. I used them so sparingly, more as a spot treatment and not all over my face. But Sephora had a special with getting extra points if you bought something, so I bought my full size bottle of this. I'm not using it yet, attempting to use up the rest of my skincare junk. But I love the feeling when I apply this product. I imagine it deep into my skin and becoming the mortar to hold the cells together and help to create a barrier to keep my skin hydrated and youthful. And that is exactly what ceramides do, I just actually visualize it as I am applying! :)

So, that is all my empties for now. I hope to keep current with these so it doesn't become overwhelming. (or take up as much room! I was feeling like a hoarder with a pile of empty packages stored away)

I hope you enjoyed this post. Let me know what products you have recently finished!

Empties: Trying to clear my empties box part 2!

Here we go again with the empties. I am still playing catch up and haven't even gotten to the August ones yet! >_< Most of these products were not used consistently, so my usage time is a rough estimate of if you were to use it daily. Make sense? Oh and sorry for the bad quality photos, my camera is being lame.

Here we have a bunch of Kenra Products.

Shine Spray ($17 for 5.5oz): Love love love the smell of this! Does it add shine? Yes and no. But it does make hairspray less effective if you spray it after. Repurchase? Well, I did and I am almost out (way behind in empties) but will not repurchase again. Lasted about two months.

Thickening Spray ($22 for 6.7oz): Yes! I love this, it really does help to add a bit of volume to my hair and smells good! Repurchase? Already did! This size lasted about 3 months!

Spray Volume 25 Hairspray ($17 for 10oz): So many customers at work buy this and tell me how much they love this hairspray. The 25 represents that miles per hour of wind your hair can withstand. Oh it does, but it's helmet head and makes hair look dull. Repurchase? No I won't, but need to finish up second bottle. Lasted about a month.

Perfect Medium Spray 13 ($17 for 10oz $7 for 1.5oz): Where 25 was too much, 13 is not enough. Hair falls flat within minutes. Repurchase? Nope. Thankfully this was a gift with purchase. Lasted about 1/2 month.

Prestige Skin Care and Makeup Products

Mario Badescu Rose Hips Nourishing Oil ($22 for 1oz): I love this product. Calming, soothing, healing, hydrating all with no oily feeling! Great for dehydrated/sensitive skin! Repurchase? Yes, once I have finished my other oils. Lasted about 6 months! Only need a little bit!

Dermalogica Antioxidant Hydramist ($11 for 1oz): A great spray that delivers much needed antioxidants to the face to help combat environmental stressors. Soothing and refreshing! Repurchase? Possibly, have another that I am working on that came in a kit like this one. Last about 3 months.

Dermalogica Renewal Lip Complex ($26 for 0.06oz): A fabulous moisturizer for lips that really helps to heal and soften lips. Repurchase? This was a sample but I have already purchased a full size! 

Dermalogica UltraCalming Cleanser ($36 for 8.4oz): This was one of my first Dermalogica purchases back in April of 2014. I finished this in like May of 2015! Yep, took me a year to use it up, now granted wasn't used everyday (especially near the end) but still! It's a fabulous cleanser that is great to help calm and sooth sensitive skin. Repurchase? Already did! Last over a year!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal ($34 for 2.5oz): Was looking for something to take the place of my $60 jar of Philosophy. This is not a bad alternative. Reasonable price, not irritation, and not shine! Repurchase? Probably, need to finish up other products First!.

It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara ($24 for 0.33oz): I got this from our It Cosmetics Training Class! It's a great mascara and does what a mascara should! Repurchase? Probably after I use my bajillion mascaras! Lasted around 4 months.

Looking for my Holy Grail of hairsprays!

AG High and Dry, Matte Volume and Finishing Spray ($24 for 5oz): This went clearance at work because they changed their packaging. I decided to buy the small one first to give it a try. And I loved it! You can really spray away and you don't get helmet head, only volume. The hold though, it could be stronger. Repurchase? I so totally did, repurchase many times over (clearance and buy 2 get 1 free!). This last a little less than a month.

Pureology Color Stylist ($26 for 11oz $9 for 2.1oz): This was a free sample to try out. I really love this spray, a lot. Has the hold and the shine! But I need to spray a ton on to get to the right hold and it is a ridiculous price! Repurchase? If I had the money! :) Lasted less than a month.

Joico Power Spray ($16.99 for 9oz $5.99 for 1.5oz): Another one talked up a lot by customers That being said, it has great hold and a shine but not quiet enough for me Repurchase? No, I don't think so. There are other products I like better. Lasted less than a month.

Redken Quick Tease 15 ($18 for 5.3oz $8.50 for 1.3oz): This is more for added texture than hold. It's almost like a wax. Repurchase? No, because I have other products I like better. Lasted a month.

Misc. Hair Products:

TIGI Catwalk Haute Iron Spray ($22 for 6oz): My first real heat protection spray. I liked this a lot. Repurchase? Possibly down the road, need to finish of other products I have first.

Redken Pillow Proof Blow Dry Express Primer Spray ($22 for 5.7oz ): At first I hated this. The smell and it did nothing. But I started to use up my stash and found out I really do like this, a lot. It's a great thermal protector and primer! Repurchase? Yes, at a later date. Lasted me 2 months for this size!

Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment ($42 for 8oz): Meh. It's a deep conditioning mask for your hair that smells funny. It made me hair soft, but a little too soft. Repurchase? Nope smells weird and expensive! Glad I got this as a sample! Lasted a few months because I didn't like using it.

Wella Velvet Amplifier Styling Primer ($8.50 for 1.9oz): Lo-ve this stuff! Use it daily! What exactly does it do? I dunno, but my hair behaves better when I do use it. :) Repurchase? Already did! Lasted for about 6 months because you only need a little!

Misc. Products

Bosley Dry Shampoo ($18.95 for 3.4oz): This product is always in my empties so that pretty much sums up what I think about it. Love it! Lasts a long time.

Macadamia Flawless Cleansing Conditioner (similar product is $26 for 10oz): I've always been drawn to this brand's packaging. Tried this product when it went clearance and fell in love! It's a cleansing conditioner, think Wen but better (no adverse affects!). Just the right about of conditioner that it doesn't weigh my hair down and washes out all the product that I use. Repurchase? Absolutely! Lasts about two months.

Philosophy Purity ($10-$36 depending on size): Pretty sure this has been on my empties as well. Can't go wrong with Purity. Cleans your face, takes off makeup, and cleans your makeup brushes! Repurchase? Yep! Lasts, depends on size, but anywhere from a month to 6.

Dermalogica MultiVitamin Power Firm ($58 for .5oz): This is an amazingly soft/velvet like treatment for fine lines and wrinkles around eyes and mouth. Smells amazing too! Just a glorious experience! Repurchase? I bought another kit that had this size, will be purchasing normal size in future. Lasts about 2-3 months for this size if not longer! Larger size would last probably a year.

More Misc hair products

Sexy Hair Play Dirty Dry Wax Spray ($18.95 for 4.8oz): I know this has been on my list before. I think it is one of the best wax sprays I've tried. Not too sticky but it is pricey for the size. Repurchase? Probably! Lasts about 2 months.

Redken Cerafill Maximize Dense FX Hair Diameter Thickening Treatment ($45 for 4.2): Loved this product so much! Got it as a free sample, used it for a bit and didn't notice a real difference. Started using it again later and fell in love. It really did make my hair thicker! Repurchase? Going through other cheaper products, but I most likely will when I done with those! But it is expensive!

Pantene Stylers Texturing Sculpting Wax ($4.99 for 1.7oz): I wanted to try something different and see if it would give me texture. Surprisingly this product gives a lot of texture, just be careful not to put too much in! >_< Repurchase? Perhaps, after I finish all the other products! Last about 3-4 months.

Kenra Dry Texture Spray ($22 for 5.3oz): At first I hated it. Too gunky too much product. Tried again, and actually liked it. I guess there's a learning curve to it. Repurchase? Down the road after finishing other products (sound like a broken record!). Lasts about 1 -2 months.

Yet more misc. hair products!

Chi Infra Texture ($15.50 for 10oz): I know this has been on my list before and is a great way to add some texture to fine hair. Lasts forever too! Repurchase? Probably

AG High and Dry, Matte Volume and Finishing Spray ($24 for 5oz): See, told you I had already repurchased! This took two months to finish and I still have more bottles!

TIGI Bed Head Headrush ($20.99 for 5.3oz): A lovely shine spray that doesn't weigh down, but that does sometimes leave little droplets on your hair. Repurchase? Still thinking. Lasted about 4 months.

Pretty Little Beauty Swap Reveal!

Back in July I stumbled across a beauty swap hosted by Southern Beauty Guide & Sleepy Single Girl. 

I was assigned to Aimee from Bows & Beau-Ties, and I love everything she got me!

How cute is that bag! I love little cosmetic bags, especially ones that are plastic-y because they wipe off lovely! She also sent me: Burt's Bees Lip Crayon in Sedona Sands, e.l.f. Smudge Pot in Ain't that Sweet, and a Sally Hansen I <3 Nail Art Pen in Magenta.

Some close ups! (And I think a bit blurry. Pfft! That totally describes my entire day today!). But look how beautiful those colors are!

Here are a few swatches. The Burt's Bees Sedona Sands is on the left, in real life the color is way more pink/neutral and not so orange-y (but no matter the color editing, it wouldn't show correctly). It is also so very hydrating! I love that it is a light coverage, I'm learning that my lips like a more lighter coverage lip product (much to my own dismay!). The e.l.f. Smudge Pot in Ain't that Sweet is beautiful! It's a very light shimmer/pearl pink-ish color. I know that this is a shadow, but I can totally see me using it as a highlighter as well. :) Multi-tasking products are always fantabulous!

I really loved this swap and everything Aimee sent me! Thank you Aimee! Check out the box that I sent over at Bows & Beau-Ties.

Empties: Trying to clear my empties box!

"What's this? What's this? There's magic in the air! What's this? What's this?"

It's me doing a post that isn't a Digit-al Dozen post! Whaaat?! Shut the front door!

I'll give you a second to pick your jaw up off the floor. 

(*cue jeopardy music*)

Are you with me? Good. I don't know what's gotten into me (probably the medications I'm on! Bah! I'm so funny!) but I got the itch to write up a post! (Erm, not medication for itching, my other meds, my happy meds).

I have this box, ok I lied, I have these boxes full of trash empties. You know that show, Hoarders? Yeah, well, I am starting to feel a bit like that because of these boxes filled with well, trash. So I thought I would show you what I have used up in the past five months (crap, I've held onto that stuff since then!? I think I have issues, besides the ones I already knew I had!).

Let's begin shall we?

Big Sexy Hair Spray & Play Harder: Meh. I wish I liked this better, but I don't. It holds great for the first five minutes for me. And the hold is crunchy. No thank you. But I am currently trying to use up another can. But it's been difficult because the nozzle keeps clogging and squirting all over. >_< After I finish the current one I am not repurchasing.

Chi Infra Texture: texture? Yeah, it "dirties" my hair up a bit (smells good too). It says it's a dual action hairspray.......there is no hairspray to this unless you count the face that you spray it on your hair. No hold at all for me. But I do like to use it to "dirty" up my hair so it doesn't look horrid. :) Have repurchased, using, and probably will again. Shhhh, don't let my job know I bought it at Marshalls! ;)

LivingProof Control Hairspray: firm holding? Check! This is pretty good stuff. Only bad thing is is that it is pricey and I went through it pretty darn fast. I'd love to purchase again.....we shall see.

Big Sexy Hair Powder Play: An oldie but a goodie. Love this stuff (when I remember to use it!). Really "dirties" up the hair and give it texture and volume! I've tried a bunch of other brands and I think they all work the same-ish. I have about three more of these to go through (they were in a kit that was clearanced) so I'll be using them for a while!

Redken Body Full: or as I like to say "Booti-full" and bug everyone at work (there are a few brands that I purposely mess up their pronunciation at work to mess with my co-workers). It does what it says. It is highly recommended in our salon to add volume to fine hair. Took me a long time to go through it. Not sure I would repurchase because I have a ton of other stuff to still try. So I'm on the fence.

Redken Shape Factor 22: I've reviewed this two other times in my empties' posts. Still works just as well and takes a while to go through as you only need a little bit! Repurchase? Yes, down the road after I finish all my other stuff.

Redken Workforce 09: Nope, nope, nope. I didn't like this product. Too sticky wet and then crunchy when it dried. It has taken me forever to go through this tiny travel size. No to repurchasing.

Kenra Volume Spray 25: Ok, so let me tell you, this is one of the most bought hairsprays that we carry in my store. So I thought I'd give it a try. The 25 means that it'll hold you hair in up to 25 miles per hour wind. That part is true because it is a helmet! This made me so sad (not too sad as I bought a big bottle of it >_<). Repurchase? Nope, but I will finish up the big one.

Macadamia Flawless Cleansing Conditioner: Ok, can I just say that I absolutely love the packaging for this brand. The colors and designs are so pretty! And guess what? I love the product too! So much so that I bought a ton because they went clearance (new packaging) at work. It's a cleansing conditioner, so no foam/lather, just goodness for my hair. Yep, it works are fine hair without weighing it down. Repurchase? Um, heck yes!

Dove Dry Spray: So this is my first spray deodorant. And well? It's really nice and stops any body odor (but I'm not super stinky) but it still leaves some white residue on my black shirts (which is what I am trying to avoid as I only wear black at work) (#ultaproblems). But I did repurchase this because I feel the way it leaves way it my skin feeling is amazing! Repurchase? Already did! :)

Neutrogena Makeup Remover wipes: I don't use these on my face. I use these to wipe off the daily junk off my makeup brushes and to clean up eye shadow fallout. Repurchase? Yep. 

Neutrogena Rapid Clear 2-in-1: I came across this product as I was helping a customer and saw that it helps to fight and fade acne. The fading part is what really got me. I've noticed a difference adding this to my skincare lineup. Repurchase? Already did!

 

Whish Shave Cream: This is the bomb dot com! I got this one from my Birchbox and loved it! You only need a little bit and it makes shaving a wonderful experience! Your skin is so soft and you get such a close shave! Repurchase? Already did, in full size!
C.Booth Honey Almond Firming Body Lotion: I really like this lotion. Do I notice any firming happening? No, not really. But I do noticed hydration and a wonderful smell all day long. And this bottle lasts a long time! Repurchase? Yep!

Chap Stick Vanilla Mint: I know I have reviewed this before. This is my favorite chap stick ever! Thought it was being discontinued so I bought up a ton (and I really do mean a ton!). I am one of those rare ones that actually finish a chap stick! Repurchase? No need to, I have a ton! :)
Fresh Sugar: Ugh, why Sephora do you give out awesome birthday gifts just to have me love it and then find out it's expensive (for a lip balm). I loved this so much. Used it all up. My lips felt so hydrated. But it's expensive for a balm. So I have yet to buy another. Repurchase? When I can warrant spending that much on a lip balm. >_<

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: This little deluxe sample size lasted me like a few months! I love this mascara, (up there in my top three!). The smaller size is actually nicer because it doesn't dry out as quickly. Repurchase? Already did!
Benefit They're Real Push-Up Liner: Do I really need to tell you that I love this? Or that I have many more and the color ones? This is my favorite liner ever! I know that there are some haters of this product out there, but I say: give it a chance! It's amazing! The only one I can create a cat-eye with! Repurchase: Heck yes!
Urban Decay Naked Skin Liquid Foundation: This is my go to foundation. It's lightweight, blendable, and buildable! It's fabulous for dry skin as it is hydrating as well. Repurchase? Yep, already working on one! :)
Ulta Twisted Volume Mascara: So this mascara wand can twist to allow for different volume desires. I tried this as part of my gratis for getting hired at Ulta. It's originally $10. I was a bit leery as I am very particular about my mascara. Guess what? I loved it! No flaking, no itching, stays on, but easy to remove with remover. Repurchase? Not yet, still making my way through all the others that I have, but yes, I can see me buying this again.

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant: Ok, this stuff is amazing! If you haven't tried it, you need to! You can get this size in a little kit (and it comes with a moisturizer) for like $18. The normal size for this is like $54. And this small size will last you for months! Months I tell you! Your skin feels so amazingly soft after using this. It uses rice bran powder to exfoliate. You pour some powder on your hand add some water to create a paste and gently massage onto face. You can leave it on as a mask or rinse right away. Safe enough for daily use! This is one of the things that really helped my skin! Repurchase? Already did! :)
Dermalogica Precleanse: Ok, so you know the whole oil cleansing thing? Well Precleanse is amazing for it! You apply it to dry skin and it breaks down you makeup and face grime and really deep cleans. Rinse and then do a second wash of a normal cleanser. Double washing using Precleanse did wonders for my face! Repurchase? Yes I did, in the full size bottle that has a pump!
Philosophy Back to Nurture: Ok, so if you have severely dry skin, think dehydrated, then this stuff is for you! It's a bit pricey ($60) so only use the amount recommended (I'm horrible at that, I always want to slather my products on!). Let me tell you, this is the best moisturizer I have ever used. It is so creamy and rich and glorious! My skin sucks up the moisture and feels so much better! Repurchase? Yes, as long as I am still working at Ulta (since it's a bit pricey without discount).

Phew! So there's that box of empties. I know I have more to show you. What do you all think about these types of posts? Have you tried any of these products? Want to know more about any of these products? Let me know in the comments below!

Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner Review

Ok, so I decided to do a review of Benefit's They're Real Push Up Liner. I've seen many different bloggers post their reviews and I keep seeing a lot of negative things about this amazing product. So I thought I would put in my two cents worth.

This is my first makeup review and my first attempts at photographing my eye. I don't know how you beauty bloggers do it so well! I applaud you! :) 

This review reflects my opinion of this product based on what I have been taught and what I have figured out on my own. I was giving this product at my work. I was not asked to do a review, I just wanted to shine a brighter light on this product! :)

**Picture Heavy**

Alright, so I've had my liner about a few weeks before they officially launched in stores. I work at Ulta and was given it early to play with it and learn to use it. The week of their launch in stores I got to attend a training class on this liner put on by Benefit. (Can I say I love my job!)

So the tip of the liner is rubber (no latex!) and very flexible, able to bend to get in and hug your lashes.

When you first get your liner it has a little orange plug in it. There are many different schools of thought with this little plug. Benefit says toss it. Other bloggers say to keep and put it back on after you are done so it doesn't dry out. At first I would replace it, and it would just be a big mess each time, gel covering the plug and gel all over my hands. After my Benefit class I tossed it, they said it won't dry out. (But you can choose to do whatever you want to do.)

When I go to use the liner I give it a few twists to allow the gel to move up to the opening. You can see the gel coming out in the photo. When you first use the liner it takes quite a few twists to get your liner to start. I thought my was defective at first! Hahahahaha!

Now, this is how I prep my liner for use. After twisting it up in the previous photo I then wipe that excess off on a tissue to spread the gel evenly through the opening of the rubber tip. You don't have to do this, it's just something of a habit that I have picked up. 

I then give it a tiny twist and it's ready to go! With each twist you are bringing up new product each time! This amount that you see can do one full eye if not both. Excuse the little fuzz on the tip; it being rubber, fuzzies are kind of it's best friend. :)

Eeks! My eye! Didn't realize how many wrinkles I have! Hahahaha! The first step that I do on each eye is to "stamp" my wing. I line up the liner from my nostril to the corner of my eye press the tip on my skin and gently pull down. After doing this on one eye I go and repeat this process on the other eye. I've learned that doing it that way makes for a more even wings.

For my shadow I have on Urban Decay Skimp and Too Faced Marzipan from the Chocolate Bar Palette. I've also added a bit of Champagne Truffle in the crease, also from the Too Faced Chocolate Bar Palette.

Sorry, this is a bit blurry. My next step is to line my lash line. This is a "rough draft" line. It isn't straight and perfect but it is the base on which I create my eye. Ok, now this is where I would have issues. My liner use to keep skipping, leaving huge blanks spots, or it would look like the liner tip would be picking up the liner like a spatula and cake batter. I asked this at my Benefit class. I was told, I needed to use more product. Since receiving that info, no more skips! Yay!

This is how it looks with my eye open, a simple black line. I could keep it like this but I never do! Hahaha! Seriously? I don't think I've ever really realized the hood or wrinkle in my crease. Or maybe it's denial? Hahahaha!

The next step that I do is to take the tip of the liner and go to the edge of the wing and draw a line to the middle of inner corner of my depending on the look I am going for. This is where you may need to twist up more product so that you don't have skips or bald spots. Sometimes you will get clumps of gel on you lids, and this is the cause of many complaints wit this products because it causes the fall out. You can do two things with these clumps. You can either push those clumps into your lashes (these clumps are still useable, they are not dried yet!) or you can pick them up and off you lid using the tip of the liner. If you leave the clumps, then you will have fall out.

Here's how it looks with my eye open. Not too bad huh! I love it! I have never been able to do this type of look with liquid or felt or pencils. I love this liner! It is rare that I am not wearing it now!

When I am finished with the liner I bend and wipe the liner on the tissues to remove and excess of the gel in the tip. 

This is my favorite thing to do with this liner......add glitter! Sparkly! This is Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner in Spandex with It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara.

Still with Urban Decay Spandex. I love this look! Let's check out some more versions! :)

Here it is using Urban Decay's Glitter Eyeliner in Stagedive. I call this my mermaid color. :) On my lids I have Urban Decay Skimp and Snatch with Urban Decay's Moondust eyeshadow in Space Cowboy for added shimmer! Used It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara.

And open!

Using Urban Decay's Heavy Metal Eyeliner in Catfight. Again I used: Urban Decay Skimp and Snatch with Urban Decay's Moondust eyeshadow in Space Cowboy for added shimmer! With It Cosmetics Hello Lashes Mascara.

Sorry about the lighting change. :) But here it is with my eyes open.

So what do you think? Have you tried this liner? Do you love or hate it? I love this liner and have had no issues. I know that it takes a bit of practising if you are use to liquid liners. And if you have ever done calligraphy, think of holding the liner like that. Try practising drawing lines on the back of your hand so that you can get a feel for how it works!

Let me know what you thought about this type of post, if you'd like to see more like this or not. :)