NYX Collection Noir: Liquid Black Liner Review

In a nutshell:  I like this eyeliner for its thin brush applicator and the precision it allows, even if it means waiting a bit longer to dry.

PROs:

- Great staying power, though I've never had an issue with black liquid liners fading

- Super, super thin brush applicator provides great precision  

CONs: 

- Long, thin brush has a lot of flex, requiring a steady hand

- The formula doesn't dry very quickly

Did I mention thin? Super, super thin. 

the 5 product makeup challenge

I don't know if this happens to anyone else, but I find myself using more and more products in the morning as my makeup collection grows. Makeup used to be just another part of my daily routine -- something I slapped on after I brushed my teeth and right before throwing my hair in a ponytail.

Somewhere along the way, my time in front of the mirror became something therapeutic and really enjoyable. A few minutes to myself with a cup of coffee and Colbie Caillat streaming on my laptop was my recipe to a perfect start to the day.

The more time I spent at my vanity, the more products I applied. I wasn't walking out the door looking like a leader of the Ringling Brothers Circus or anything, but it did spark a thought - am I wearing too much for just a day in the office?

So I decided to dial back for a day; pare down my makeup routine to the bare essentials.

Thus the 5 product makeup challenge was born.

Here's what I used:

Challenges of the challenge:

- the temptation to use an eye shadow palette and count it as one item

- having to get rid of a lip product

- finding a buildable shadow that delivers multidimensional application (thank you, L'Oreal infallible!)

At first I felt a little naked, a little lacking - but I also felt fresh and natural and young.

I'd love to make this a weekly routine! 

What would you choose for your 5 item challenge?  

Milani Baked Blush: Luminoso

When I first purchased this Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, I was new to makeup. I had yet to own a single high end blush. I was so excited to finally have something that I could call exceptional -- for such a great price.

Since then I've welcomed Top Shop, the Balm, and Tarte to my blush family...but this one still remains one of my favorite.

The texture is velvety, the color can be vibrant or subtle depending on how heavily you apply it.  But most importantly, it gives me a believable flush - and most of the time, that's all I want out of makeup.

Just a little oomph to something nature already gave me. 

pink glitter ombre nails...with a bow!

No ramblings today; just a photo that I pulled from a vault.

Base: OPI You Callin Me a Lyre?
Top: Various pink chunky glitter polish (China Glaze Bad Kitty & Sinful Pinky Glitter are both great).

I bought the bow on my ring finger from this etsy shop.

2012 favorite roundup: makeup

In love, in hobbies, in purchases, I am by nature a fickle person. 

I want this.

No, I want that.

....do I want either?

and what's that other one? 

A cyclical mess of indecision that traps me at virtually every choice needing to be made. 

I'm easily enamored by new options, so when something becomes rooted in my routine -- surviving any and all newcomers -- I know it's something special. 

Urban Decay Naked Palette

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Lancome Virtuose Doll Eye Mascara [more here]

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows 

Rimmel by Kate Moss Lipstick in 08

Sonia Kashuk Eye Makeup Remover

Tarte Cheek Stain in Perfect Rose

Fresh Sugar Lip Balm

Essie A Crewed Interest

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows 

Tarte Amazonian Clay Infused Cheek Stain in Perfect Rose

Rimmel by Kate Moss Lipstick in 08

Maybelline Color Whisper: Mocha Muse

What I love the most about these Maybelline Color Whispers is the packaging. It's sleek and light; much skinnier than your average lipstick. I adore the translucent caps that are tinted to match the color of the product, and I love how polished it looks with the foil cursive.

The product itself is not a game-changer. It deposits a hint of color with a glossy finish.  It's less moisturizing than the Revlon Lip Butters but goes on slightly smoother than most Maybelline Color Sensational Lipsticks. 

It's "color suspended in gel" with  no "heavy waxes or oils" -- personally, I like a dash more of those waxes and oils. It makes my lip feel nourished in dry, cold, winter weather.  

I would say that it applies true to color, though obviously not opaque. I can only speak for Mocha Muse; the deeper hues may have more opacity than this light one I purchased. 

Personally, I'm not sure that I love this particular Color Whisper. I have pretty pigmented lips, so although the swatch on my wrist shows a very pretty, delicate touch of color, it doesn't really show on my lips.  

On a day that I want to wear a hint of lip color, I'll most likely reach for a Revlon Lip Butter, a Clinique Chubby Stick, or a Fresh Sugar Balm in Honey. They're all just a little bit more moisturizing, a wee bit smoother.  

The biggest question is why, in the midst of my self-applied "month of strict saving" rule, I managed to purchase not one but several non-necessities.

My will buckles much too often.