Colourpop Review Series: Supershock Eyeshadow

Recently, I purchased a few of the Colourpop Supershock Eyeshadows.  And, at first, I didn't know what to think about them.  They are so unique and I have truly never experienced a shadow quite like these. After playing with them a bit, I've concluded that I'm in love.

The texture of these shadows is so fluffy and spongy.  They feel wet almost and are so completely velvety. I really can't explain it any other way.  Out of the 100's of shadows I've come across in my life, never have I experienced any with the texture of a Colourpop shadow.  

The pigment of these shadows is a little bit different as well.  The more glittery shadows tend to be a bit more sheer.  They need a little building up and I would definitely recommend wetting your brush when you apply these or using a glitter glue or I found that using my finger does a great job at really packing on the pigment.  However, they are gorgeous no matter how you apply them.  The more metallic shadows have no problem pigmentation wise.  One swatch will give you a super colorful application.  Wet your brush with these or use over a primer and these will be even more mindblowingly stunning.  

The staying power of these shadows seem to be really great as well.  These shadows have no problem with lasting throughout the day and I didn't notice any creasing or wearing off of any sort.

As for blendability, it's low on the scale (The few that I have are, anyways. I haven't tried them all, though  At least, not yet!)  But, in this case that is not a bad thing.  While I may not have a shadow that I can use in the crease as a transition color, I definitely have shadows that I can pack on my lid to be the star of the show.  To me, that's what these shadows are.  They are the main attraction.  

All in all, these are really beautiful shadows.  They are affordable.  And, they are unique.  I can't wait to get my hands on more of them and I would recommend them to anyone looking for a shadow that really packs a punch.  

You can purchase these shadows at www.ColourPop.com for $5 each.

Morphe Palette Giveaway!!

Win the Morphe 35T palette, Colourpop Nillionaire Supershock Shadow and deluxe sample of the Lorac Porefection Face Primer and trail size Behind the Scenes Eye Primer

All you have to do to enter is follow this link and answer the question... https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1SmQIYTIUmz3Hhwkqg-cxmbltKfWzUXlhKKaaagnGulI/viewform?usp=send_form


Earn extra entries by doing either or both of the following:
Follow my instagram: allieallieoxynfree

OR 
 
Subscribe to my blog via the box down below
 
Make sure to leave a comment below letting me know if you've earned your extra entries. 

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! 


Update: Winner has been chosen and contacted!! Thanks for your entries!  <3

Eyeshadow Primer And Why You Should Use It

If you have problems with your eyeshadow not staying on throughout the day or if your shadow starts getting oily and separates or maybe the pigment just isn't the same on your face as it it in the pan, then you definitely need to pick up a shadow primer.  

I never put on shadow without putting on a good primer because I want it to have a base to stick to.  I want my eyeshadow to have as much pigment as possible and I want my eye makeup to last all day and night or until I decide myself to take it off.  And, using a primer will ensure that I get my moneys worth when it comes to my shadow.  



To the left is a great example of how a primer works.  I have swatched 3 shadows 2 times: once with primer and once without.  The swatch with a primer is to the left and the swatch without is to the right.  You can see that primer really makes the shadow pop.  It comes off brighter and will end up lasting a lot longer through the day.  


 A good shadow primer can solve almost ANY makeup related problem you struggle with.  My 2 favorites are Stay Don't Stray by Benefit and Urban Decay Eden Primer Potion.  Another favorite of mine that works really well AND happens to be budget friendly is NYX's Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk and this one is good for making shadows REALLY come to life.

 All in all, don't skip on using a good base for your eyeshadow.  It's a really important step and you'll be glad you did it.

Morphe Brushes = BEST. SHADOWS. EVER.

I am a sucker for eyeshadow.  No two are the same.  Really... they aren't.  There are 4 c's when it comes to shadow.  Color, (c)Pigment, (c)Finish, (c)Blendablity...  and Morphe Brushes is the Harry Winston of the shadow world.  

Morphe Shadows are creamy, smooth, blendable, PIGMENTED and best of all they are AFFORDABLE!  

Morphe single shadows are sold for only $2 each!  They also have many palettes available  from $19.99 to $22.99.  

 

Above is the Jaclyn Hill Favorites Palette, which is unfortunately sold out.  However, each shadow is still available as a single.

Below are swatches of the JHFP with flash and no primer.  

 To the left is the 35T palette which is UNREAL.  It is so beautiful and every color is so full of life.  This palette is a MUST HAVE!

 To the right is a swatch of 35T with flash and no primer!  There are so many looks that can be created with this beautiful palette. 

All in all, I highly recommend Morphe to anyone looking for high quality shadows whether you are on a budget or not.  The quality can't be beat and the price is wallet friendly.  

You can purchase these shadows, along with many other amazing products, at www.MorpheBrushes.com

My Travel Needs & How To Pack As Light As Possible (How To Trick Yourself Into Thinking That You Are Packing Light) Or My Most Boring Post Ever

Recently, I took a weekend trip out of state for a family reunion.  

When it came time to pack, I knew exactly what to take.  Except, for what I was packing in my makeup bag.  When it comes to my makeup, I always tend to over pack.  I made it my mission to really tone it down and pack light (yeah-freaking-right) for this short trip.

  

So, I started packing things that I knew I would likely use.  Or, things that I use quite regularly, which ended up being A LOT.  I couldn't close my makeup bag, so I dumped it out.   From that pile, I took out things that may have been close dupes for other things (there is really no need for 5 primers and 3 black eyeliners) or things that may have been just unnecessary; false lashes, red lipstick, orange eyeshadow, etc.  Why pack these things when I knew I wasn't going to use them.  

Unfortunately, I still ended up packing WAY too much.  I managed to fit everything in my makeup bag, but 50% of everything I packed, stayed in the bag.  All in all, I took 36 products.  Of those 36 products, I utilized 18.  Keep in mind, I was only gone for 3 days.  

I took 2 mascaras, 1 contour kit,  1 cream bronzer, 1 primer, 3 foundations (only because I had self tanned and wasn't sure what color my skin was going to end up being), 3 lipliners, 10 lipsticks/glosses (okay, this is SERIOUSLY ridiculous!  Nobody needs to pack that many), 3 blushes, 1 highlighter, 3 shadow palettes, 1 setting powder, 1 brow pencil, 1 brow gel, 1 shadow base, 1 concealer, and 3 eyeliners.  

Out of these, the only things I used were the following: 
Mac Costa Riche eyeliner
Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara
Becca Champagne Pop highlighter
Clinique Pink Pop blush
Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation
Mac Fix+
Smashbox Primer Water
Anastasia Brow Wiz
Clear Brow Gel
NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in Milk (used as my shadow base)
Mac Pro Longwear concealer
Anastasia Contour Kit
Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Cream Bronzer
Lorac Pro Palette
Boldly Bare Lipliner
Sephora Matte Cream Lipstick in Petel Luster
Maybelline Sin-a-mon lipstick
Nyx Madeleine Lipgloss.  

I am well aware that this was probably the most boring post ever in the history of the world, but I needed to write it so that I could hold myself accountable for being an absolute ridiculous over packer.   Also, I need something to serve as a reminder for the next time I go on vacation. 

But, it might just be easier to make yourself happy and over-freaking-pack.  

 

July 2015 Favorites

For the month of July, I've been pretty lazy.  I spent half of the month in bed and sick with a monstrous case of "bronchitis" as the doctor liked to call it.  Or, "pretty much pneumonia, basically," as I like to refer to it.  The rest of my time has been spent at work and at the beach.  So, I've been pretty basic this month.  However there are a few things that really pop out to me and that I've been reaching for QUITE A BIT. 

My first favorite is the Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation.  Holy. Smokes.  This foundation covers everything and lasts all day.  And, as weird and amazing as it sounds, it only looks better as the day goes on.  There have been days when I don't even want to take my makeup off because my skin looks so airbrushed and smooth.  It really is an amazing product and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone.  However, I would possibly stray away from it if you are on the dry side as it is a pretty matte foundation and may cling to dry patches.  But, still it's worth a trip to your local Estee Lauder counter to try out or get a sample of.  

My next favorite is the Simple Cleansing Micellar Water.  This stuff, actually, just give me a minute, because I can't with this product.... .... ....Ugh, thank you.  This stuff is AMAZING.  I put this stuff on a cotton round and use it to remove my makeup and it takes it off like no other.  It is truly as gentle as water and does not burn your eyes or leave nasty oils on your face.  One thing I hate about makeup remover is the way it makes my skin feel after and this truly cleans every speck of makeup and dirt. 

How this stuff makes me feel...

 And, I won't even say, "How this stuff makes me feel inside," because let's be real, this is how I dance and I DO dance when I love a product this much.

 On a random note, chicken salad is also a favorite this month, because I learned to make it and I did a really good job.  And, chicken salad sandwiches are the best sandwiches and if you don't agree, I will fight you.  (Not really, but don't even try to test my love for chicken salad, or else this guy just might fight you on behalf of me.)







 My last favorite for the month of July is sunscreen.  I got burnt and it wasn't pleasant.  It was a harsh reminder of how much I love and rely on my SPF.  Sunscreen with a high SPF equals a future with less chance of skin cancer and a future with less wrinkles and also a life of being able to move, breathe, wear clothes, lay in bed and shower without flinching because eternal hell didn't find it's way to the surface of your body.  And, I'm down with all of those things.   

Strobing? Highlight? Disco Ball?

What is strobing?  And, isn't a highlighter what you used in high school to mark your notes in 'To Kill A Mockingbird?'  Well, let me help you out. Strobing is a very intense highlight.  Nothing more.  If you are unsure of what highlighting is, highlighting is where you take a shimmery powder and put it on the high points of your face to make them stand out and give you a "J-Lo glow."  So, for example, you would highlight your cheekbones, the tip of your nose, the brow bone, the cupids bow above your lip, etc.   So, strobing is just the process of intensifying a normal highlight.  


<<<<<<<<<<   So, to the left, we have that "J-Lo glow" or what has become a basic highlight.  

>>>>>>>>>>>>
And, to the right, we have strobing.  That super intense highlight that looks almost wet or dewy.


Personally, I am loving the new trend that is strobing.  I think it looks beautiful and works wonderful with a natural summertime look as something to give a little "pop!".  However, it may be a turn off to many who prefer something more natural and light and a little less noticeable.  If you do like the look that strobing or highlighting gives, my favorite products to use for this are the Becca Cosmetics Moonstone highlighter, the Becca Cosmetics X Jaclyn Hill Champagne Pop highlighter (this one looks AH-MA-ZING if you have any kind of tan) and the Balm Mary-Loumanizer.  

And, if you are still curious about strobing and highlighting, here is one of my favorite videos that has a little more explanation via Desi Perkins.    

GIVEAWAY!

So, 

I am giving away a $25 Ulta Gift Card.  All you have to do is follow the link to the submission form.  The contest ends on August 8th!  Enter as many times as you want and good luck!! 

 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1oGweWi_cYaunibRcvjB5rthj5mW4-8mu6T1oomtG2k4/viewform?usp=send_form

Boots No. 7? I'm in Heaven.

        So, I love skincare.  I love trying new products.  And, I love letting my skin breathe.  I've recently discovered 2 new products, (well, new to me, and I didn't discover them, my mom did and she told me about them and she's mad that I don't ever give her credit for things she tells me about), that I am never letting go of.   

These two miracle products are the Boots No. 7 Melting Gel Cleanser and the Boots No. 7 Lift and Luminate Night Cream.  

My skin has never ever looked better.  I actually decided one day that I didn't even want to put makeup on because my skin was looking so smooth and radiant.  

These 2 products can be purchased at the drugstore and are very affordable, so if you get the chance, go pick them up!  

Best Mascara Ever?

Yes.  I have found the holy grail of mascaras.  The mascara that makes my lashes fluffy and long and voluminous.  The mascara that I can't not use and when I do use something else, my choice is immediately followed by regret.  

 

 This is the best mascara ever.  Too Faced Better Than Sex.   

If you don't have it, GO GET IT!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Hi, guys!! 

I thought it would be helpful to round up a list of my most frequently asked questions and post my answers here for all to see!  Here we go!! 





Question:  What is your must have eyeshadow palette?  
Answer:  The Lorac Pro Palette.  



Question:  How do I stop my eyeliner from running? 
Answer:  Once you apply your eyeliner, take an eyeshadow of the same color and put it over the eyeliner to set it in place.  


  Question:  What is the best foundation for mature skin?
 Answer:  IT Cosmetics It-o2 Ultra Repair Liquid Oxygen Foundation.  It has MANY wonderful properties in it that work wonders for your skin and it looks amazing on everyone. 




Question:  How do I keep my lipstick in place throughout the day?
Answer:   Line your lips using a lip liner that matches the color of the lipstick.  Then, fill in your lips using the lip liner.  Once you have done that, finish off by applying your lipstick over everything.  It will keep your color in place for the day!  I'd also recommend looking into liquid lipsticks.  


Question: Is eyeshadow primer a gimmick or does it really work?
Answer:  IT WORKS! 


Question: Best Mascara?
Answer:  Too Faced Better Than Sex   


Question:  How do I prevent flaky, cakey skin?
Answer:  Exfoliate a few times a week and moisturize EVERY day!



Question:  How to keep my makeup lasting all day?
Answer: Make sure you set your makeup with a translucent setting powder and use patting motions to do this.  You don't want to rub or else you will be removing the makeup you just worked hard to put on.  Set everything with a setting spray at the end.  I love Mac Fix+. 









 

April Favorites

My 11 most used and abused products for the month of April!

•  Mac Fix+  (I am OBSESSED!!!  It is like glue for your makeup and will help it stay put for HOURS.  It smells amazing and I can't leave my house without using it.  So many uses for it.  A definite must have.)   http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mac-prep-prime-fix-finishing-mist/3800935?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=243

• Josie Maran Argan Oil (My favorite moisturizer!!)    http://www.josiemarancosmetics.com/100-percent-pure-argan-oil.html

• Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation   http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/giorgio-armani-luminous-silk-foundation/2853110?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0

• Gerard Cosmetics Lipstick in Kimchi Doll (PERFECT NUDE!)   http://www.gerardcosmetics.com/shop/sophia-chang/kimchi-doll.html

• Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Bronzer  http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chanel-soleil-tan-de-chanel-bronzing-makeup-base/3023978?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=1253

• St. Tropez Bronzing Mousse   http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/st-tropez-self-tan-bronzing-mousse/3103250?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0

• Milani Blush in Tea Rose    http://www.temptalia.com/milani-tea-rose-08-rose-powder-blush-review-photos-swatches

• Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara (Will make your lashes SO full and fluffy and beautiful... Be prepared to tell people that you are NOT wearing false lashes.  I get asked this question at least 2 times every time I wear it.)     http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5530007

• L'Oreal Miss Manga Mascara (The drugstore version of the Better Than Sex Mascara... Makes your lashes so long!!)   http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod10721041

• Nars El Agua Lipliner   http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nars-velvet-lip-liner/3849569?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0

•  Mac Creme Cup Lipstick (I pair this with the Nars El Agua lipliner.  It has been my favorite lip combo of the month!)    http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/mac-lipstick/3022868?origin=keywordsearch-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=238 

Finding The Right Bronzer For You!!

Hey all!! 

With the warmer and sunnier weather upon us, women are breaking out the bronzer for that sun kissed glow.  But, are you breaking out the right shade for you?  Those with a warmer skin tone are the lucky ones, in my opinion.  When you have a warm undertone and more of a natural tan, you can get away with almost any bronzer, however, stay away from ones with a cool or grey undertone to avoid look ashy.  I recommend one with a bit of a sheen to it for that J-LO GLOW.  If you are one of the lucky ones and have a bit of a tan already and warmth to your skin, the Chocolate Soleil by Too Faced is GREAT. 




 If you are like me and you are more on the pale side with a cool undertone, you want to stay away from super warm, orange-y shades.  These will look muddy on you... think Lindsay Lohan at her worst.  However, you can warm your skin up with more of a grey (yes, grey... don't stray from grey) or cool toned bronzer.  My favorites are the Hoola Bronzer by Benefit and the Milk Chocolate Soleil from Too Faced.   They still have warmth to them that will make you look sun kissed, but not so much so that you will look like you slathered on mud.

 However, my personal favorite that I have NOT been able to put down is the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel.  It is a bit pricey, but it will last you for YEARS and is a universal color that works for any skin tone.  And, my favorite part, it looks so natural because it is a cream bronzer and melts into the skin as opposed to just laying on it like a powder would.





 
So remember, if you have warmth to your skin and have a medium to tan complexion, you are rather lucky and can get away with almost any bronzer, just stay away from cool toned bronzers or bronzers with a grey undertone to avoid looking ashy... and if you can find a bronzer with a nice sheen to it, go for it to achieve that Jennifer Lopez glow!  

If you are more on the pale side with a cool undertone, go for the bronzers with a cool or grey undertone to avoid looking orange or muddy.  

And, the Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel works for everyone!  ;) 


Products Mentioned

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel -
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/chanel-soleil-tan-de-chanel-bronzing-makeup-base/3023978?origin=category-personalizedsort&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=938

Hoola Bronzer -
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod820346

Milk Chocolate Soleil -
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5160187

Chocolate Soleil -
http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod5160187#

Foundation Brushes

Something that often puzzles many women, are the many tools out there for simply applying foundation.   For years, I was a sponge girl.  But, I have seen the light.  I know many women who still use their fingers and those little white triangular sponges.  To you, I say "STOP!!"  When you use your fingers, you are creating a very cakey and uneven base for the rest of your makeup.  It will appear thick and patchy.  When you use a sponge, you are wasting SO much product and money.  The sponge will absorb so much of the product leaving barely any coverage at all for you.  The best & most fool proof way to apply foundation is to use a BRUSH.  There are many types out there but my 2 personal favorites are the It Cosmetics #110 Airbrush Buffing Foundation Brush and Real Techniques Face Expert Brush.  I feel these apply the foundation very evenly and leave a flawless base for the rest of your makeup.  It will truly be a complete game changer and money saver!  

Products Mentioned:

 It Cosmetics Foundation Brush- http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod11061088&skuId=2274466&_requestid=612525

Real Techniques Expert Face Brush - http://www.ulta.com/ulta/browse/productDetail.jsp?productId=xlsImpprod4260015&skuId=2244502&_requestid=613088