Beauty Product Reviews

Non Drying

I would like to start off by saying thank you to the person who invented the formula for this lip stain. I have been on the hunt for a lipstain that is non-drying and easy to apply. Finally the perfect product! The first thing I must discuss is the shape of the applicator. Because the applicator tip is pointed and not round, it makes it a lot easier to line my lips and not have to worry about having Kool-Aid mouth. You know the look, the little kid in the neighborhood who always drank cherry Kool-Aid and had that horrible red ring around his or her mouth. Not a good luck when you're 31. The other thing I love about the product is it doesn't dry out my lips. Most lipstains end up punishing my lips for 3 days after I use them. The next day my lips felt just as soft as usual. Another great feature is it will not transfer if you apply lip balm. I am a lip balm junkie so I must apply it no matter what. There wasn't any transfer to the balm itself. Definitely worth the trip to the drugstore.

Great for a Quick Manicure

When I first tried the Salon Effects nails I was a bit skeptical. My first concern was, how do you apply the polish strips with the hand you normally do not use. For instance, I'm right handed. So clearly applying the nails to the left hand would be much easier. Immediately I tried applying them to my left hand. I found it very difficult to adjust the length with just the nail file. I decided to use cuticle scissors to trim the excess off. Greatest decision I could have made. They went one much faster than without the scissors. Next it was time to attempt my right hand. Believe it or not, the right hand was actually easier for me to apply to than my left. I have no idea why. Maybe I had just gotten used to the application process after doing the left hand. For the first couple of days I was nervous about ruining the nails. However to my surprise they lasted just like a normal manicure would. When I say a normal manicure I mean 4-5 days. Still not bad. The thing I loved about them was I was able to apply them right before I went to bed and I didn't get any weird dents in them like I always do with a a regular manicure. My final take on them is this. They are a little pricey so buy the ones that you normally could not do with just regular nail polish (such as the zebra print). Oh and above all, don't forget your scissors.

Strong Pigments

I was shocked when I first tried the Wild and Crazy eyeshadows. I was not expecting much since they are so inexpensive. The pigment is stronger than some other well known brands that charge at least $16 a shadow. You can use a primer if you'd like, but honestly, you don't need it. Great value for your money.

Detail Brush from Heaven

One area of the eye that is often forget is the lower lash line. Sure we use liner, but unless we are doing a smokey eye we tend to leave it bare. What I love about the Double Ended Smudger is you can use it to apply the right amount of color along the lower lash line to really complete your look. I also love the payoff of color when I'm doing a multiple color look. I can do a small area at a time for a really exaggerated look.

Even though the Queen Collection is geared towards women of color, they have colors that will suit any skin tone. My favorite red "Classy Coral" is a very wearable daytime red. The pigment is strong, and yet not drying. Unless you live in an "urban" area, they can be a little difficult to find. Trust me, when you do, it'll be a great surprise.

Hidden Gem

I need to mention this product for several reasons. One, my mentor, Jeannie Jones, created this product. Two, it is extremely underrated. I love laying the colors over a dark matte shadow. It creates an interesting 2D smoky eye. The palette lasts a very long time because a little will go a long way.

R.I.P.

I know a lot of people felt the lip gloss was way too sticky, but I loved it. I didn't have an issue with pigment at all and I usually do. I am said to see this one go.

Absolutely No Shimmer!

I love this product! This it the perfect matte bronzer for my makeup kit. I can use it on most skin tones to give a natural sun-kissed glow or to contour. The texture is soft without being flaky.

I'm not the type of person who wears makeup when I work out. Especially when I go hiking. However it is important to use an SPF on your lips. So why not add a little color in the process. The color was very natural and did not leave my lips tacky at all. There is nothing worst than running with bugs stuck to your lips.

First Time Cream Liner Users Rejoice!

For all of my first timers out there who have been too afraid to try cream liner due to a fear of lack control. Fear no more. If you use mascara first, you can just drag the brush across your lash line and you won't have any gaps. I also like to use the brush wet with eyeshadow to create and intense color line. This is a must have.