Collective Beauty Haul

I picked up a few bits and bobs from various places and this didn't constitute it's own video so I thought I would write up a quick post to show you guys my new goodies. 

Sally Hansen Miracle Gel Starter kit. This is like what you would get in the salon, but without the UV light (which I have a sneaking suspicion that that could be bad for you. I'll do my research and get back to you on that). The Starter Kit was $14.99 at my local Target. 

Isn't the name so awesome? Every color has a punny name (i.e. "Game of Chromes") LOL I love it!

MAC Pro Conceal Palette in Light. AMAZING for color correcting and color matching. I may eventually pick up the other colors for my kit

Sephora Silicone Free Foundation Primer. $15 at Sephora (obviously)

My skin doesn't react well to the average primers that contain silicones and I heard great things about this one. It's a thin gel that successfully improves the longevity of any foundation, BB Cream etc I put on top. I love this primer. I highly recommend it!

Makeup Forever Aqua Matic Waterproof Glide-On Shadow in "ME-50" 

$21 at Sephora

Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick In "Bahaus" or "Bahau5" (It's hard to distinguish whether it is is an 's' or a '5'. LOL. 

$19 at Sephora

Bite Beauty Matte Creme Lip Crayon in "Framboise"

$24 at Sephora

What goodies have you picked up lately? Tell me in the comments.

Benefit They're Real Push Up Liner Review

I have to preface this post by saying that this review is not going to be as glowing and raving as my other reviews that are on this blog. I pride myself on being honest with my viewers and my readers. That being said, this product is a huge disappointment. It is getting a lot of buzz in the blogosphere, therefore I needed to share my two-sense. This is marketed as a gel liner in pen-form. I am a massive fan and a avid user of liquid liners in the pen format. I have never really gotten the hang of gel liner so I normally just stick to my tried and true Stila liner. I thought this was an amazing concept with not fantastic execution. The formula itself is too thick and gloopy to move easily through the (in my opinion) gimmicky "Accu-Flex Tip". The product dries pretty fast and clumps on the tip, making it difficult to get a nice fine line. 

As a person with deep set eyes and not a whole lot of lid space, the liner tends to take over my look and swallow my eyes. 

All in all, this is not a product I recommend. The are many other options on the market that will get you better results.

PRODUCT BREAKDOWN:

Where can I buy it? Ulta, Sephora, and Benefit's website

How much does it cost? $24 (Ouch!)

What was your opinion? Could you make it work? Share your opinions in the comments! 

Makeup Geek Eyeshadow and Pigment Review

As an avid YouTube video watcher (it could be classified as a mild addiction), It is no surprise that I had to support YouTube's own Marlena (AKA Makeup Geek) and her brand. Her products are gaining a lot of buzz for good reason. The colors are vibrant and pigmented, but they also don't come with a hefty price tag (I'm looking at you MAC). I wanted to show you the products that I personally own along with swatches.

Left to Right: Shimma Shimma, Creme Brulee, Glamorous, Cocoa Bear, Mocha, Prom Night, Unexpected, Drama Queen, Corrupt

Makeup Geek Pigment in "Insomnia"

I wanted to show you the dimension that Insomnia has. From Left to Right: Insomnia alone, Insomnia over MUG Corrupt, Insomnia over MAC Cranberry. BEAUTIFUL!!

PRODUCT BREAKDOWN:

Where can I buy Makeup Geek Products: Here

How much are the products shown: Single Eyeshadows (pan form to put in palettes): $5.99. Single eyeshadows (in compact form): $7.99. Pigments: $6.99

Let me know what your favorite Makeup Geek products are your favorites or which ones are on your wishlist.

Also, (on an unrelated note) as I will have loads of family in town this week, I will have posts queued to go up throughout the week, so make sure to come back to see those posts. 

Have a fabulous weekend!

L'Oreal Infallible Eyeshadows

It is vey hard to describe the texture of this product. All I can say is that you need to try them for yourself. They are a a pressed pigment with incredible color payoff. You can use them wet or dry, but the pigment is so intense, using it wet isn't necessary. These are said to be an exact dupe of the Armani Eyes To Kill shadows for a fraction of the price. 

"222 Infinite Sky"

"555 Perpetual Purple"

"557 Glistening Garnet"

"892 Amber Rush" (My FAVORITE of the four that I have).

Lorac Pro 2 Palette

Yes. You did read the title correctly. They came out with a second pro palette and I couldn't be more excited. I am beyond in love with the original and when the clock struck midnight on the day of release, the sequel to my beloved palette was already ordered. 

The Lorac 2 Palette comes in a grey packaging not unlike its predecessor. It retails for $42 at Ulta.

The second palette includes 16 highly pigmented eyeshadows including navy, plum and olive shades for more colorful looks. This palette is slightly more cool toned than the first one. These shades are relatively unique to my collection (and that is saying something because I'm a makeup addict...no shame). Anyway, enough blabbering. Swatches anyone?

Left to Right: Buff, Lt. Brown, Cool Gray, Nectar, Plum, Navy, Charcoal, Black

Left to Right: Snow, Beige, Rose, Mocha, Chrome, Silver, Jade, Cocoa

MAC Alluring Aquatics Summer 2014 Collection

As soon as pictures of this collection hit beauty blogs, I was like "Give me all of the things!!" I went to the mall today with my mom (shopping list in hand) and picked up four products from the collection.

Can we just take a second to talk about the packaging? Its amazing. It looks like its been sitting on the beach and got splashed on. The water droplets even feel raised. I find this packaging oddly satisfying...

MAC 127 Brush: This is a double sided brush. Half is synthetic and half is natural hair. It’s designed for “light pickup and sheer wash of powders, bronzers, highlighters, and blush.” 

MAC Extra Dimension Bronzer in Delphic:  described as a “soft brick tan with a touch of shimmer.” I originally wanted Aphrodite's Shell, but the girl made a mistake and gave me this one. I'm not complaining as they are very similar. This is the perfect bronzer for us pale girls who want a glow without looking like Snooki. This does run a bit orange, but blended out, it is beautiful.

MAC Extra Dimension Blush in Seduced at Sea: This was the item I was looking forward to the most. It is is described as a “mid-tone neutral plum.” It has the perfect amount of sheen and glow to it that makes it perfect for summer. LOVE!

MAC Extra Dimension Eyeshadow in Sea Worship: This is described as a "tarnished olive". I think its more of a gold-taupe, but to each their own. I cannot wait to try this with my Naked 3 palette. I think it would set off the pink tones in those shades quite nicely. 

Overall, I recommend each and every one of these products. At least go and swatch them in person. I think its worth the money for the packaging alone.

Did you buy anything from the collection? If so, what?

Fresh Spring & Summer Makeup

Products Used:

Urban Decay Anti-Aging Primer Potion

The Balm Meet Matte Nude Palette

Maybelline Illegal Length Mascara

Milani "Luminoso" Baked Blush

Revlon Laquer Balm in "Flirtacious"

Check out my blog for a list of products used (along with links to buy everything) ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Where to buy Sigma brushes: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=126496 Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/7BearSarah Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/114423305426809352967/114423305426809352967/posts Blog: http://7bearsarah.blogspot.com/ Tumblr: http://7bearsarah.tumblr.com/ "like" me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/7BearSarah/232627566755252 Follow me on Instagram: 7BearSarah FTC Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by me with my own money.

My NYX Lip Products Collection

I own quite the array of NYX lip products. I thought I would show you swatches and all that jazz.

Let me know if you want me to do this with other brands.

This is in the color "10 Natural"

This is the color "Creme Brulee"

This is the color "Tiramisu".

This is in the color "05 Antwerp"

These are "Taffy" and "Hot Tamale"

This is the color "Femme".

This is the color "Holistic". WTF? Why do I own this???

I did originally have lip swatches of everything, but apparently it's a bad lip day for me today. The photos did not turn out the way I wanted. 

What is your favorite NYX lip product?

BaubleBar Haul and Review

As an avid viewer of YouTube videos, I have been hearing about BaubleBar for a while. I'm not a massive jewelry wearer, but I do love statement necklaces and BaubleBar is the place to go for those types of things. It is a bit more expensive than the average jewelry retailers that I'm used to.(i.e Forever 21 and Charming Charlie). 

Each piece comes packaged in it's own little suede dustbag. So luxurious. It reminds me of when you purchase a designer handbag or pair of shoes. LOVE this little touch.

Enough with the blabbing. Time to show you what I bought. 

Crystal Corsage Necklace: $46

This necklace is ridiculously sparkly in person. Photos do not do this justice. I am probably going to pair this with a lot of all black outfits for work. So classy and elegant.

Diamond Cayman Collar: $40

This one is a bit more subdued than the previous, in my opinion. It is a little bit more "everyday" for me. I can see myself pairing this with a simple sundress or white t-shirt. 

All in all, these are fantastic quality. I do wish the price was not as high on some items (namely, the monogram necklaces which I'm lusting over), but you get what you pay for.

One thing that I will point out about BaubleBar is something that was not explained very clearly to me in the beginning. The website has a feature known as "Vault Points" (similar to Sephora's point system). I was under the impression when I first signed up for the site, that for every dollar you spend, you get one vault point to put towards a future purchase. This is not the case. for every TEN dollars you spend, you get ONE dollar towards your future purchases. For example, after the order that placed, I spent $86. I then received 86 points, which made me think "oh cool, I can get a few more items for basically free!" No. When I went into the checkout page, it said: 86 points=$8. I was really confused about this. I don't think the site is all that clear about this program and it doesn't seem like a real perk to me like the Sephora point system does (with the ability to exchange points for free products). 

All in all, I do recommend this site if you are in the market for some nicer jewelry. They have a variety of styles and price ranges so it is a fun site to just explore. 

Let me know if you've purchased anything from BaubleBar in the comments.

FotD and OotD: Mermaid Eyes!!

Here in the DFW area, spring is in full force (sorry to those of you in other areas with less than fantastic weather at the moment). I have officially broken out the shorts, skirts and tank tops (and of course, mermaid-esque eyeshadows. Lets just be honest, when are theses shadows not in style). 

Anyway, pictures anyone?  

Tank: Target (years ago)

Cardigan: Macy's  

Shorts: Forever 21 (Last summer) 

(not pictured) Leopard Vans

My necklace is from BaubleBar. I have a full post about my purchases and experience with BaubleBar here on the blog.

Face:

Covergirl 3-in-1 Foundation (810 Ivory) 

Revlon Colorstay concealer (light) 

Revlon Nearly Naked Powder (010 light) 

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Eyes: 

Anastasia Dipbrow Pomade in Chocolate

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Urban Decay Electric Palette: Fringe, Jilted, and Chaos (Review and swatches here) 

Mally Beauty Starlight Liner in Midnight (review and swatches here) 

Ardell Natural 110 Lashes

Lips:  

Rimmel Show Off Lip Laquer in Celestial

Mascara Monday: Too Faced Better Than Sex and YSL Babydoll

I wanted to do a post showing my current favorite mascaras. This won't happen every Monday. I just thought the title was cute. I will try to keep you guys updated on new mascaras I am trying out at the moment.

Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: $23 at Sephora and Ulta

The wand is shaped like and hourglass and is made out of fibers. This wand really helps hug the lashes and coat them evenly.

First up, the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara. Despite the raunchy name (following the theme of the names of many Too Faced products), this mascara is incredible. I normally prefer plastic or rubber wands to the fiber bristles, but this wand pleasantly surprised me. I am reaching the tail end of this tube (I already have a back-up. That is how much I love it) so it is not performing as well as a new tube does. It is becoming a bit clumpy. Also, I do believe the wand is slightly too big for my eye shape. I have very small eyes so I find it slightly difficult to apply without getting product on my freshly applied eyeshadow.

YSL Babydoll Volume Effect Faux Cils mascara: $30 at Sephora

The YSL Babydoll mascara has a high price for a mascara in my opinion. I really do love this mascara, but after this tube runs out, I'm not sure that I will buy another one. I prefer this mascara for the lower lashes as it separates them. It doesn't, however, do much for my upper lashes alone. It is a good layering mascara but, on its own, it is a bit lack-luster. 

Have you tried any new mascaras lately? Tell me about them in the comments!

Divergent Inspired Makeup Tutorial: Amity

As a massive fan of the Divergent series, I had to do a series of tutorials inspired by each faction. This was originally a collab with a friend of mine. I have also done a Dauntless tutorial that features a dark smokey eye. 

Also, be sure to go check out my friend, Sam's tutorial that she did inspired by Erudite that features a beautiful blue look that I LOVE!

I was originally inspired by this photo that I found on Pinterest. In the books, the people of Amity are known as the peaceful faction and they wear clothing that is red and yellow in color. I wanted to combine these two colors with a boho, hippie vibe that is represented through glowy cheeks and natural lips. 

Products Used: 

Too Faced Shadow Insurance

NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Urban Decay Electric Palette (see full review and swatches here)

NYX Every Color Imaginable Palette (not available anymore)

Rimmel GlamEyes Liquid Liner in Black

Ardell Natural 110 Lashes

NYX Rouge Cream Blush in Boho Chic 

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Benefit Girl Meets Pearl Highlighter

Rimmel Show Off Lip Lacquer in Celestial

Check out my blog for a list of products used and more pictures https://sevenbearsarah.squarespace.com/beauty/2014/4/26/divergent-inspired-makeup-tutorial-amity ~~~~~~~~~~~ Where to buy Sigma brushes: http://www.sigmabeauty.com/?Click=126496 Follow me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/7BearSarah Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/114423305426809352967/114423305426809352967/posts Blog: http://7bearsarah.squarespace.com/ Tumblr: http://7bearsarah.tumblr.com/ "like" me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/7BearSarah/232627566755252 Follow me on Instagram: 7BearSarah FTC Disclaimer: All products mentioned were purchased by me with my own money.

If you recreate this look on yourself, be sure to tweet me a picture (@7BearSarah)

Lipstick Queen "Fire Red"

Lipstick Queen offers a few different formulas based on wear, pigmentation and finish. The particular one that I purchased is the "Sinner" formula. There is also the "Saint" formula (which is marketed as the sheer formula of the three) and the "Velvet Rope" (which is marketed as the ultra matte formula- I cannot imagine how drying this one feels, just saying)

I am in love with the orange-based-red color, but I can't wear this lipstick due to it being so drying. I have never tried a lipstick (that is not marketed as being a matte formula) that is this drying. 

In all honesty, I do not recommend this formula (unless you want your lips to feel as though they are about to flake off of your face). 

Have you tried the other formulas from Lipstick Queen? Would you recommend them?

Urban Decay Electric Palette

When this palette initially came out, I was not interested. I thought "the colors are pretty and all, but I'm never going to use this." Well, upon seeing tons of videos and blog posts featuring this palette, I caved and purchased it.

This palette features ten "highly pigmented pressed pigments" (quote directly from the Urban Decay website). 

First thing that caught my eye was the beautiful packaging. I wish all Urban Decay palettes were packaged like this. It is much sturdier than all three Naked palettes combined (in my opinion).

The palette also includes a double ended brush. One end is a basic flat shader brush and the other is a small brush that I would probably use to smudge out eyeliner. The quality is up to par with the other brushes that come with other Urban Decay palettes. That being said, it's nothing to write home about.

Anyway, on to the swatches shall we?

Revolt: Metallic silver shimmer with silver glitter

Gonzo: Matte dark turquoise with a "floating" blue shimmer

Slowburn: Matte red-orange with a "floating" red-orange shimmer

Savage: Matte neon pink

Fringe: Metallic teal

Chaos: Neon cobalt blue with "floating" micro shimmer

Jilted: Bright metallic fuscshia with a blue-purple duochrome

Urban: Dark metallic purple

Freak: Metallic green with gold micro shimmer

Thrash: Neon green based yellow with "floating" shimmer

You may have noticed that I have described some of the shades as having "floating shimmer". This is what Urban Decay calls it on their website. I call it micro shimmer, but to each their own.

Some thing to note is that Slowburn and Savage are not FDA approved for use on the eyes due to the use of red dye used to create the colors. These are also the colors that create staining therefore I recommend using an eyeshadow base to prevent both staining and irritation.

All that being said, I completely recommend this palette for anyone who is interested in venturing into the world of color. I have a few looks planned so keep an eye on my Youtube channel to see those.

This is available for $49 at Sephora, Ulta and UrbanDecay.com

Chanel CC Cream

I can hear you yelling at your computer screen right now, "Why buy something from a brand like Chanel when so many other brands make similar products for much cheaper?" Well, I believe in spending a little extra money where skincare and face makeup (anything that directly touches my acne prone, temperamental skin) is concerned. So yes, I'm aware that this is an expensive product that not everyone can afford, but if you ever want to treat yourself, this is the product for you. 

Also, I will point out that the color selection caters more toward my fellow pale skinned ladies. I have the second to lightest shade (20 Beige) and it matches me perfectly.

I prefer applying this with my Beauty Blender as it gives a more flawless finish than a brush or my fingers would.

This CC cream gives incredible coverage for those of us who want coverage without the heaviness of a full coverage foundation. It has a beautiful semi-dewy finish (I personally set it with a light powder foundation to increase longevity and decrease shine throughout the day). 

Yes, it is quite expensive, but very much worth the money.

Urban Decay Revolution Lipsticks

As a lipstick junkie (and an Urban Decay junkie), I ran out and purchased these lipstick almost instantaneously. And Urban Decay did not disappoint. 

Left to Right: Turn On, Obsessed and Anarchy. All swatched with one pass.

This formula is on par with many lipsticks from more luxury brands with a less-hefty price tag (I'm looking at you, Chanel). They are creamy and pigmented and do not dry out the lips. The shade range is pretty extensive as well. They have a color for almost everyone.

What is your favorite Revolution Lipstick?

Clinique Cheek Pop Blushes

As I work at a Macy's as a Beauty Consultant, I get a discount on a lot of products. With that being said, these blushes are my favorite blushes in my collection right now. This formula comes in five shades (I, obviously, only own two).

Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in "Berry Pop". A cool-toned bright berry shade.

Clinique Cheek Pop Blush in "Peach Pop". A neutral peach toned blush. 

Left to Right: Berry Pop, Peach Pop

As you can probably tell from the pictures, I use "Peach Pop" significantly more. The reasoning for this is that I find that this color goes with every single eye and lip look I want to pair it with. This is the color that I use most often on customers that come to the counter. This is the one product that I sell the most of, purely because it is so versatile. It looks amazing with every skin tone, ever hair and eye color. I just cannot get enough of this blush.

Have you tried this formula from Clinique? Thoughts?

Mally Beauty Evercolor Starlight Waterproof Liner in "Midnight"

This is one of (if not, THE) best eyeliners I have ever tried. I have tried many eyeliners in the past and none of them really hold a candle to this one in terms of pigmentation and staying power. 

This eyeliner is SUPER black after only one pass (even on the waterline) and stays on all day.

This is the Mally liner (left-1 pass) in comparison with my previous favorite which is the NYX Slide On Liner in "Jet Black" (right - 3 passes). The difference in pigmentation is intense.

All in all, I believe that everyone needs to try this liner (especially if you are a fan of lining your waterline). I'm already planning on buying some other colors because the formula is just that amazing. 

Have you tried this eyeliner? What do you think?

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

This palette is arguably one of the most hyped up palettes in the history of the beauty community (at least in the four years I have been involved). As soon as press releases and teasers were taking the internet by storm, I knew I had to get it. 

The first thing you will notice about this palette (besides the fact that the packaging is similar to the Naked 2 in that they are both in tin-like containers) is that all of the colors are very rose and pink-toned. As a person with very pink undertones, this palette is perfect. I have been using these colors exclusively for the past few months. Anyway, swatches anyone?

I have found that most of these colors are relatively unique to my collection. I have extensively swatched and compared shadows and I have yet to find any exact dupes. My favorites are the two matte shades in the palette called "Limit" and "Nooner". These make the perfect transition shades for darker eye looks.

The only thing I don't like about this palette is that after only a few weeks of using it, the closure broke. This isn't the biggest deal as the colors inside are completely worth the money. 

I completely recommend this palette for anyone looking for unique neutral shadows. What is your opinion? What are your favorite shades?

Mally Evercolor Eyeshadow Stick in "Twilight" Review

As I was browsing the shelves at Ulta, I came across the Mally Beauty section. Lately, I have been really into eyeshadow products that are a one step type of thing. They are super easy and effortless. 

I apologize for the slight blurry-ness of this photo. My camera was having focusing issues. Anyway, these are available for $25 at Ulta and mallybeauty.com

I purchased the color "Twilight" because I don't have any colors like this in my collection. It is a very cool-toned, almost taupe brown. 

As for wear-time, this product is EXCELLENT! I can wear this alone (no primer needed) and it lasts all day with zero smudging, fading and the like.

The only downside is the hefty price tag. $25 is a bit steep but I think the product is amazing nonetheless. 

Let me know if you've tried these and what your favorite shade is.