Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush: Review & Photos

I first discovered the Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer #57 brush when one of the beauty consultants at the store used it on me. I was originally interested in the actual concealer, but as soon as I felt this brush on my skin, I knew I had to have it. I've always had trouble applying concealer under my eyes, because the traditional flat brushes would leave the area looking streaky. If I applied with my fingers, it always ended up looking splotchy and uneven, and I'd end up using more product than necessary.

Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush

After the beauty consultant was done, I took one look in the mirror and was immediately sold. As the name states, this brush definitely gives an airbrushed finish. My concealer had never looked so good, and the best part was that I barely felt it to the touch, so it's extremely gentle (great for the delicate eye area).

The beauty consultant at Sephora also mentioned that with this brush, it didn't matter what concealer you chose to use, you were going to get a perfect application every time. I find this to be absolutely true, and I'm glad that now I'm able to use all my neglected concealers!

This brush is made of synthetic fibers, which make it great for applying concealer as it won't absorb the product. I find that when using this brush, I only need a fraction of what I used to use before. At first it might appear too big, but the round shape allows it to get into the contours of your face effortlessly. I bought this brush primarily for under-eye concealer, but I find that it works great around my nose as well.

This brush retails for $24 USD and can be purchased at any Sephora store or at sephora.com. Thank you for reading!

Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush

Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush

Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush

Comparison: Sigma F70 Concealer Brush (left), Sephora Professionnel Airbrush Concealer 57 Brush (right)

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette: Review & Photos

Why hello there! I know I haven't posted in forever, but that doesn't mean I've forgotten about this blog. I have many reviews, tips and routines coming up that I think everyone will enjoy, so stay tuned.

If you are somewhat interested in makeup and beauty products, you've probably heard of the ever-so-famous Urban Decay Naked Palette. UD eyeshadows are known for their amazing texture, pigmentation, and overall quality. Last year when they released a 'Naked' palette full of wearable neutrals, everyone went nuts and it sold out everywhere. The palette became so famous that this month they have released a sequel called the Naked2.

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette

Urban Decay Naked2 Palette

Foxy, Half Baked, Bootycall, Chopper, Tease, & Snakebite

Snakebite, Suspect, Pistol, Verve, YDK, Busted, & Blackout

Double-ended brush

Lip Junkie Lip Gloss in Naked

This new palette is already famous by association. I managed to get my hands on it, but so far only the Urban Decay website is carrying it and it keeps selling out at a ridiculous rate. This palette deserves five stars just for the fact that it includes twelve full-size shadows, when a single UD shadow usually retails for $17. The packaging of this version is made of plastic and resembles a metal tin, which might make it more durable and definitely easier to clean. It comes with a bigger mirror, a double ended brush (a flat shader and a fluffy blending brush) and a mini lip gloss. All of this for just $50 USD is just too good to pass up.

The real question would be, is it worth to have both? In my opinion, I actually prefer this new palette over the old one. On the UD website it says that this palette was created with more 'greige' and cooler colors, which I definitely like. Many of the new shades lean more towards the cooler side and there are many shades of taupe. There are also three matte colors: a cream highlight (Foxy), a mid-tone beige/gray (Tease) and a really intense black for liner or defined crease work (Blackout). I have light, cool-toned skin, so this palette will definitely get more use than my original Naked.

If you are a makeup collector and can afford it, it's definitely OK to have both palettes. My older Naked palette was barely used, so I actually sold it to a friend who prefers gold and bronze shades. If you have neither and are considering purchasing one, I'd say go to the store once it's released and swatch the shades. Although they look very similar in their packaging, the difference is quite notable. However, I definitely like the Naked2 better than the first. :)

This palette is currently available at UrbanDecay.com and I believe it will be available at Sephora.com after Christmas. This palette retails for $50 USD.

Babyliss PRO Nano Titanium 1 ¼ inch: A Review

Today's review is a little different. This one is what I'm going to call a 'guest review', and was written for the Babyliss PRO Nano Titanium 1 ¼ inch by my good friend. Enjoy!

I chose to get this flat iron because a hair stylist did my hair with it and I was amazed. It straightens or curls my curly, thick, coarse hair with one pass. It works great on other hair types too; you just have to be careful with what temperature you set it at. I purchased this flat iron a little over a year ago from eBay for about $90, but the normal price is at least $130.

There are many pros to the Babyliss. It gets extremely hot in less than a minute-- up to 450 degrees; therefore it can straighten and curl very easily with one pass. My most favorite feature would have to be the thin, extra-long plates to allow for wider sections of hair and for getting really close to the roots of your hair. And also because the plates are made from titanium, I feel that they are easier to clean than the traditional ceramic plates. This flat iron is also really lightweight. I find that with this flat iron my hair turns out smoother, and shinier than with other irons, and my hair stays frizz-free even in the most humid conditions.

There are a few cons. The temperature dial uses numbers from 1 to 50 instead of the actual temperature, but the flat iron comes with a guide on what setting you should use depending on your hair type. The power button can be pressed by accident because its location is right where you would hold the iron. This flat iron can alter your hair texture (i.e. take the curl out). I was straightening my hair every week and my hair became permanently straight as if I had gotten a relaxer, but after easing up on how often I straightened my hair, it has slowly started to get its curl back especially in the roots where my hair has grown. The biggest con for me would have to be that you can very easily burn your hand because there is no “grip” on the top of the flat iron.

Overall, the Babyliss Nano Titanium is the best flat iron I have ever used. Having used Chi and Solia flat irons, the Babyliss is still my all-time favorite and would recommend it to anyone looking for a professional flat iron, and would definitely repurchase it.

Benefit Dallas: Review & Photos

I love pink blush, the lighter the better. I love how it gives me a flush of color that looks extremely natural on my light skin. However, if I had to pick one blush to use for the rest of my life, it would probably be Benefit Dallas.

Benefit Dallas

Dallas is one of Benefit's boxed powders, and my favorite one. When you look at this blush in person, I'll admit it looks pretty scary on the box. The shade is like a combination of brown and pink, and it gives the most beautiful color on the cheeks. It makes you look like you just came from a day in the sun - tanned, but with a hint of red to mimic the skin's actual color. It is extremely realistic, and it makes my skin glow like I just came from the islands, even though I haven't seen the sun in ages :(. You can dust this very lightly all over your face, then add a bit more on the apples of your cheeks for an extra glow. 

This product retails for $28, but the amount you get in the box is about 4x the amount of a standard blush, so it works out to be very affordable. Next time you pass by a Benefit counter or a Sephora, don't forget to swatch this!

One 'N Only Argan Oil: A Review

Hello there! This is a review of the One 'N Only Argan Oil, which is probably Moroccanoil's biggest competitor on the market right now. Compared to the Moroccanoil, this one is considerably cheaper, being that I got my 3.4oz bottle for about $12 from folica.com.

The main reason I purchased this product was because I was running low on my current hair serum. I had heard a lot of hype over Argan oil, and many people compared this product to the more expensive Moroccanoil, some even saying that this one was way better. Reviews were promising smooth, healthy hair that was completely restored and even grew faster.

To my disappointment, this product didn't deliver as I expected it to. I have fine hair, so a little went a LONG way, and it was very easy to overdue it. Often I'd end up with stringy hair, which was frustrating since my hair is already on the oily side. This oil is definitely more suited for those with thick, coarse hair that can absorb a heavy product. Instead of taming my frizz, it just made my hair look flat and oily.

Bottom line: if you have fine, thin hair that gets flat easily, or if you like volume, you might want to stay away from this product. On the other hand, if you have tons of thick hair that you'd like to tame, this product will probably work just fine.

Thank you for reading!
-Z

EOS Smooth Sphere Lip Balm: A Review

If you're all about packaging and into quirky things, you've probably tried (or at least heard of) the EOS Sphere Lip Balms. These balms have a lot of things going for them: they're cute, colorful, come in an array of flavors, and they're crafted out of 100% natural and 95% organic ingredients. Sounds great, right?

One thing I noticed is that I find myself re-applying constantly, and its not because it's fun, it's because the moisturizing properties don't last nearly as long as I need them to. I find that after the balm wears off, my lips feel drier than when I first applied. This is the same reason why ChapStick doesn't work for me. If you have normal lips, this will be a great balm for you, but my lips are very dry, so I need something more potent.

You can find these balms at most drugstores, Target and Walmart for about $3, so if you're intrigued, give them a try!

My Favorite Lip Balm

Ever since I could remember, I've always had extremely dry lips. Weirdly enough, the rest of my body is the opposite - I don't really apply body lotion, and my hair and face are on the oily side. I have to apply some kind of lip product constantly, to the point that I sleep with one under my pillow. There were even cases where I'd forgotten to take one with me, and had to buy one ASAP before my lips started peeling and burning.

If you're reading this, you've probably heard of the famous Smith's Rosebud Salve. I had heard wonders about this product, and I always wanted to try it on my lips. However, once I smelled it I knew it was a no-go. The smell of rosewater was just not up my alley. One day while browsing near the Sephora checkout line, I noticed this gem - Smith's Rosebud Lip Balm in Minted Rose. It was essentially the same as the original, but mint-infused and with a prettier color. The scent was a bit hard to get used to, but I am a mint fanatic so I was OK.

This was the first lip balm that made my lips feel extremely soft and moisturized, and I didn't have the need to re-apply so often. I also felt like it was making my lips softer over time. After buying this, I basically neglect all of my other lip products as this gives you just the right amount of sheer color and glossiness. One tin lasts almost six months, and you can find it at the Sephora checkout line for $7. I hope they never discontinue this!

Mark. That's Deep Purifying Gel Cleanser: A Review

The Mark. That's Deep Purifying Gel Cleanser is a great choice for those with combination/oily skin. It is soap and fragrance free, and has a slight minty feeling to it, so it tingles a bit. It contains black willow bark and sugar maple to encourage natural exfoliation and keep skin clear. This leaves my skin extremely clean and soft, and removes makeup well. Also, one bottle lasts me about four months! The formula rinses completely clean, and its great to use with a Clarisonic brush because it doesn't leave buildup on the brush head. I've been using this cleanser for over a year, and it's the best one I've tried yet.

Mark. That's Deep Purifying Gel Cleanser

Unfortunately, for the past few weeks I've been using a retinoid cream.  As a result, my face has become very sensitive and dry, so I'm going to have to stop using it for a while. This cleanser is definitely not for those with dry skin, because it will leave your face feeling tight. There is another cleanser by the brand, called Calming Effect, that is catered to those with drier skin types, so I will be switching to that for a while. However, when my skin returns to normal, I will go back to this in a heartbeat!

This product retails for $8 USD, and can be purchased through your Avon or Mark. rep, or at shop.meetmark.com. What cleanser works best with your skin type?

MAC Face and Body Foundation: A Review

I always wanted a foundation that made my skin look completely natural, as if I had no foundation on at all. I heard of MAC's Face and Body through YouTube reviews, and I was really excited to try it. However, I had never owned a MAC product before, so I was a bit scared to pay such a high price. About a month later, after extensive research, I learned that I could get a sample before buying the full-size, so I did, in the color C3. 

MAC Face and Body Foundation in C3

As soon as I tried this foundation, I fell in love with how it made my skin look. I have very cool/pink undertones on my face, and this foundation managed to cancel those out, so my face looked completely neutral. However, it still looked like my skin, just better. It gives this particular sheen that makes your skin look almost wet, but not shiny. This foundation is water-resistant, and as a result it dries extremely fast, so its best to work in small sections. I find that it's best to apply it with my fingers or a synthetic brush.

The makeup artist at the counter who assisted me also gave me a few pointers regarding this product. He said if you apply it to your legs, it will make you look like you have stockings on. He also said that if you want to extend the shelf life, you should store the bottle in the fridge, this way it can last up to two years. 

This foundation has a very light coverage, so its best for people with fairly clear skin. You can build it up to your desired coverage as you please, but if you have any bumps, they will show through. This foundation is available at the MAC freestanding stores, or at maccosmetics.com. Also, this comes in a 4oz bottle - about 4x the size of a regular foundation, so it can last you a very long time. For $32, that's not bad at all!

e.l.f. Makeup Remover Cleansing Cloths: A Review

I am always on the market for new makeup-removing wipes, so I was really excited when I heard good things about these e.l.f. ones. One of the most attractive aspects of this product is the price, since they're only $3 for 20 wipes, and they're easily found at Target stores. 

These e.l.f. wipes are good, but not the best I've tried. The packaging is great, because it has the standard re-sealable flap, but it also has the added plastic lid to keep the cloths from drying out. They do a great job at removing face makeup, but lack power when it comes to eye makeup. My eyeshadow comes off easily, but sometimes there's a bit of liner and mascara residue. These wipes also require you to rinse your face afterward, but I find that this extra step also helps remove the last traces of eye makeup. My waterproof mascara, however, doesn't even budge. 

Overall, if you are looking for some cheap wipes to travel with, or when you need to quickly remove makeup, I would recommend these, but if you use waterproof makeup it's best to try something else.

Thank you for reading!

Solia 1 inch Flat Iron (Purple) - A review

I purchased the Solia 1 inch Tourmaline Ceramic Ion Flat Iron almost two years ago on folica.com. I had never even heard of folica before, but my cousin, who has very unmanageable hair, had recently gotten the 1 1/2in version and her hair was looking regal. I had also never purchased a professional-quality straightener, so after trying hers out, I ordered my own. I was certainly pleased that they had such fun colors to choose from!

I won't go into the technical details too much, but know that this straightener has very smooth plates, which allow for flawless straightening. I noticed that my purple one also has a smoother exterior than the one my cousin owns (she has the black one with the blue plates), which makes curling the hair easier as well.

One of the best perks of this product is how smooth it leaves my hair. It only takes 30 seconds to heat up, and I usually put it on the highest setting (450°F). If I want a more voluminous, natural look, I can do my entire head in about 5 minutes! But if I want a super sleek, extra-straight style, I can finish in 10 minutes top - and I have curly hair. Once my hair is done, it is considerably shinier, softer, and it doesn't poof up in humid weather. It also doesn't get curly unless I actually wet my hair again.

Before

After

Overall, I would give this product a 10/10. It's been almost two years and it still performs like a beast. The only wear and tear would be that the Solia logo has rubbed off on the sides, but that's normal. Other than that, this is a great, affordable professional-grade flat iron, and if you purchase it on folica, I believe you get a 3-year warranty and a free heat-proof pouch. Hope this review helped, and thank you for reading.