MAY 2016 FAVORITES

May oh my, it’s been a hell of a month….

But that’s alright, that simply means it’s time to sit down and chat about some monthly favorites! I’ve got some new items, some rediscovered faves, an overall mix of beauty related wonderfulness.
If you want to see what I’ve been loving this month, then just keep reading!

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BECCA X JACLYN HILL CHAMPAGNE COLLECTION FACE PALETTE ($52 / Sephora) *LIMITED EDITION*

I haven’t had it for a whole month yet, and quite frankly I’ve barely used it, but this has to be the most beautiful palette I’ve ever seen, hands down! I managed to snag this gorgeous item during the ‘Snapchat Launch’, in which there were a limited number of palettes available, though they were restocked (and subsequently sold out again in hours!). The three blushes and two highlighters in this palette are beyond beautiful, and complimentary to every skin tone; don’t you worry, my loves, there will be a full review coming on it in just a matter of days!

MAKEUP GEEK EYESHADOW in MIRAGE ($6 / makeupgeek.com)

I actually love every single one of their eyeshadows, but I find myself reaching for this shade a lot lately for a soft highlight under the brow, or better yet, as sort of a magic eraser when your smokey eye gets away from you, which is probably what I use this most for. All you do is lightly dust a little over everything from your crease to your brow, and it diffuses the look just enough so it looks like your blending skills are pro-status!

NYX COSMETICS GLITTER PRIMER ($5.99 / ULTA)

A less expensive alternative to the Too Faced Shadow Insurance Glitter Primer, this stuff is pretty great. I bought it for my husband’s cousins prom makeup to use with some pigments and let me tell you, it really lasts! It goes on relatively smooth and gets tacky quickly, but it also really punches up the intensity of the shades you’re working with. Just make sure you work in patting motions for the best result when working with products like these.

ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CREAM CONTOUR KIT in FAIR ($40 / Sephora)

As my skin has gotten drier lately (thanks to my skin care I believe) I’ve noticed that powder contouring has left me looking a little streaky and patchy. Awhile back I had ordered this kit (I was waiting until the ‘Fair’ kit launched) and I am in love. Even though my summer skin tone is far from fair, I’m still able to use the contour shades in this kit, which run a little cooler in tone than the ‘Light’ kit. It blends beautifully, looks natural, and was totally worth the money!

MAKEUP FOREVER MIST & FIX SETTING SPRAY ($30 / Sephora)

I love using this in the same way one would use say, MAC Fix+; to dampen my brush before applying shadow, or to help blend out a thicker foundation. The advantage that this has over MAC Fix+, however, is that because it’s a setting spray, I find that it adds a touch more staying power to whatever I’m applying it with. You can use it in the traditional way, of course, but for actually setting my makeup, I prefer to use my Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray.

REAL TECHNIQUES FINE LINER BRUSH ($5.99 / drugstore.com) 

As it’s gotten warmer, I’ve been wanting to wear less and less (face) makeup, and sticking to spot concealing where necessary, generally with something thick and long wearing. I love this brush for that purpose. It’s super fine pointed bristles let me pinpoint any spots without overloading with so much concealer that I have to blend it all over my face. I got mine as part of the “Your Eyes Enhanced Starter Kit”, but it can be purchased separately on drugstore.com, just click the link above.

COLOURPOP CHEEK HIGHLIGHT in WISP ($8 / colourpop.com) 

Usually in the summer I try to look as matter as possible, but since my skin has been so dry lately, I want to look as dewy as possible; I want to glow on my terms! This highlight is amazing for that! It’s got a very unique formula that feels like a cream, but applies and dries like a powder. I like to apply this with my fingers, and just kind of pat and drag it on the apples of my cheeks, back along the tops of my cheekbones, and around the sides of my eyes, as well as my nose and cupids bow. It’s super pigmented but blends well, and this light golden shade is super complimentary on light to  medium skin tones (don’t worry, they have a bunch of others!). Colourpop is a fantastic, inexpensive brand! If you haven’t checked them out yet, you should!

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What are some of the things you’ve been loving this month? Leave me a comment and let me know!

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REVIEW – MORPHE 35N PALETTE

 So if you read my last post, it was a review on the Morphe 35O palette – the one that everyone loses their mind over – and rightfully so! It’s an incredible palette! But everyone seems to forget that Morphe makes other palettes, as well!

Today I’m reviewing and swatching the Morphe 35N palette, which is a collection of 35 all matte shades, in a variety of neutral colors, ranging from skin-toned nudes, to browns, purples, oranges, and blacks.
This was actually my very first Morphe palette, and I found it on HauteLook at an absolute steal of $15! And Morphe rotates through HauteLook all the time, so if you’ve been thinking of ordering some palettes but are trying to be budget-concious at the same time, HauteLook is a great way! If you can’t grab it on HauteLook, it’s only $19.99 on morphebrushes.com.

I feel like the 35N doesn’t get the love that it should. Every girl needs a solid variety of matte shadows in her collection – they’re essential to any look. I mean, I’ve even filled in my brows and contoured with matte eyeshadows before! They’re so versatile!

Rather than repeat an entire review on the exact same formulation and packaging, I’ll link my previous review of the 35O palette here – but take a look at the swatches below!

 

  
  

Overall Rating : 5/5

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 This is a fantastic palette! I mean, swatches don’t lie! Some of the shades are a bit less pigmented than others, but to be fair, almost every shade in the first and second row are very close to my skin tone as it is (I’m an NC15 for reference), and if I could change one this, it would be to make the black shade in the bottom row more pigmented. It can be built up, but well…go big or go home, right?!

Have you guys tried this palette? What about other Morphe palettes? What are your thoughts? Leave me a comment and let me know! I love to hear from you!

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REVIEW – MORPHE 35O PALETTE

  I finally got my hands on the coveted Morphe 35O Palette!!

This is a classic case of #YouTubemademebuyit, but ya know what? I’m glad. This palette is absolutely beautiful! When Morphe released this palette, it became an instant YouTube sensation – everyone, and I mean everyone, had it, and raved about it! So much so that as soon as it’s restocked, it immediately sells out within 2-3 hours. And because of it’s popularity, Morphe restricts this particular palette to just one per customer.

When it came in the mail yesterday, I was on my way out, and didn’t have time to bring it in the house. So I took it with me. As my husband was getting our son in his car seat, I was safely securing this little baby in my backseat with a seatbelt (if you follow me on Instagram, you’ll have already seen the picture!), but the second I got home, I ripped into it and started swatch-fest 2016.

If you want to know more about it, just keep reading!

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PACKAGING

This comes packaged like any other Morphe palette – first the cardboard box, and inside it’s safely wrapped in bubblewrap. The palette itself has a (rather flimsy) thin, black plastic packaging, with the Morphe logo printed on the front, and a small stick with the palette number on the back (35O in this case). When you open it, there’s a clear plastic film gently laid over 35 gorgeous shadow pans, ranging in shades and finishes. *swoon*

FORMULA

You’d probably not expect much from a large palette like this; especially at it’s price point. But Morphe never seems to sacrifice quality when it comes to any of their products.  These shadows are buttery and smooth, with little fallout, and they’re insanely high pigmented. There is a solid mix of matte and shimmer shades, though I’d venture to say the shimmer shades look more foiled, which goes to show just how highly pigmented they really are!

APPLICATION & WEAR

It’s just become habit to me to use something to prime my lids for shadow, be it concealer or an actual eyeshadow primer. However, when I was swatching the shades on the back of my hand, they were staying put. So if you’re someone that tends to have normal to even dry lids, it’s not the end of the world if you forget a primer one day. If you have oily lids like me, always prime.

My preferred method of application has always been to prime, set, use a very light transition shade, and go progressively darker in color. And let me tell you, these blend like a dream! As for the shimmery shades, I always use a flat shader brush (and always synthetic!) or even my finger to pack on color (never swipe) and I find that it doesn’t take much effort at all to build the intensity of these shades. They wear all day long, and they’re absolutely gorgeous!! Just take a look at the swatches below!

 

  

Overall rating : 5/5

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Guys, I know it’s hard to get your hands on this palette, believe me – it literally took me almost a year! But if you can, get it – it’s soooooo worth it! I totally get that some of the warmer tones like the oranges can be a little intimidating, but trust me, they can and will work for you! Get yours at www.morphebrushes.com!

Have you guys tried this yet? What about their other palettes? What are your favorite budget-friendly eyeshadow palettes? Leave me a comment and let me know!

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LOTS OF LOVE!!

REVIEW & MINI TUTORIAL – URBAN DECAY ‘NAKED ON THE RUN’ PALETTE

 You guys….if there was ever a do-it-all palette, it’s the Urban Decay ‘Naked On The Run’ Palette! 

My sister got this limited edition item for me for Christmas, and it took me for-ev-er to even break into the box, because of it’s limited edition-ness. Generally I like to keep items like that sealed up for as long as possible, but well….it’s just too gorgeous not to use! Unfortunately, to my knowledge it is no longer available.

This palette is capable of everything from a gorgeous daytime appropriate look to a smoldering, sexy nighttime look!

Ok, ok, I won’t tease you anymore, let’s get started!!

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PACKAGING

 

 The palette itself is a magnetic closure box made of super sturdy, heavyweight plastic in a rose gold finish with the name printed in gold on a brown and gold marbleized background. When you open it up, there’s a very large mirror on the inside lid.

CONTENTS

 

 Inside this gorgeous palette you get six brand new eyeshadows (Dive, Fix, Resist, Dare, & Stun), including an extra large pan of a gorgeous shimmery champagne-y shade called 50/50 (the perfect shimmery neutral which doubles as a beautiful highlight), a blush, a bronzer, a full size lip gloss in the shade ‘Sesso’ (a beautiful rosy pink with pink shimmer), a travel size ’24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Stag’, and a travel size ‘Perversion’ mascara!! It’s everything but your foundation and concealer!

 

Left to Right : Dive, Fix, Resist, Dare, Stun, and 50/50

Left to Right : Bronzer, Blush, 24/7 Liner in Stag, Naked Gloss in Sesso

 APPLICATION & WEAR

So I wanted to do a fresh, glowy daytime look that anyone can wear using only this palette (with the exception of my foundation, concealer, and brows, of course!) to show you just what it’s capable of.

For day, I first apply ‘Fix’ to my crease, blending it well, and once there’s minimal to no product on my brush (which is a Morphe M433) I start blending upward just to soften any harsh edges. Then using the same brush, I pick up a bit of ‘Dare’ and being to work that lower in the crease, really focusing on the outer corner of the eye. I’ve kept the lid bare on the inner 2/3 to apply some ’50/50′ with my finger, and blend that together at the outer corner with ‘Dare’ on the M433. I tightline my eyes with the ’24/7 Glide On Eye Pencil in Stag’, and smudge a little bit onto the upper and lower lash line (but only the outer third) by taking a little of the same pencil liner on an angled liner brush, like the Morphe M160 1/8, and then apply two coats of ‘Perversion’ mascara to my top and bottom lashes.
Next, I bronze the perimeter of my face (the product is too warm to contour with), and swipe on a little blush to the apples of my cheeks, then use ’50/50′ to highlight my cheekbones, cupids bow, and a little on the center of my nose. Finally, a swipe of ‘Sesso’ lip gloss and I’m done!

 

Overall, every single product housed in this palette performs exactly as I would expect – the shadows, blush and bronzer are pigmented, smooth, and blendable and wear all day long, the liner stays put, the mascara makes my lashes look like super natural falsies, and the gloss is absolutely beautiful! This palette is a total 10!!

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Have you guys tried it yet? What are your thoughts? What is your favorite go-to all in one palette? Leave me a comment and let me know!

And as always, please take a moment to follow me on Twitter and Instagram @dlynnesposito, and go give a like to the Affordable Gorgeous page on Facebook! And share this article with your friends!!

LOTS OF LOVE!!

REVIEW – KAT VON D SHADE + LIGHT CONTOUR PALETTE

 I’ve been on a contouring kick lately – determined to find the absolute perfect, all inclusive palette so that in the event of travel, I’m not dragging along 8-10 different single pan/compact options and frankly, driving myself insane.
I’ve been trying to better build my palette collection in general because spring and summer are coming (slowly, but we know they’ll arrive!) and that means weddings, proms, and lots and lots of freelance work for me! So the easier it is to pack a kit with all the essentials, the lesser the chance that I become a frenzied MUA-zilla.

A lot of contour kits out on the market are very warm in tone, regardless of how light the shades actually are – and shadows aren’t warm. Have you ever seen an orange shadow? Me either.

So I thought to myself “Kat Von D is probably one of the palest girls on the planet, so if she can use it, so can I!”.
But…..I just can’t afford to pay $46 for a contour kit…..so I took to eBay – where I found it for $27 + free shipping!!! I KNOW!!

An expert sketch artist, Kat Von D uses shadow and light to create depth and dimension in her captivating portraits, infusing them with lifelike authenticity. Take artistry shading into your own hands with this Shade + Light Contour Palette. Effortlessly sculpt, chisel, shape, and slenderize your features for enhanced definition. Unlike traditional bronzing powders, the Shade + Light Contour Palette is loaded with a unique selection of matte shades that capture the true hues of shadow and light. The three contour shades create realistic shadows to recede facial features, while the three highlight shades impart a soft luminosity to amplify dimension. A true artist’s palette specially designed to be used with the Shade + Light Contour Brush, these silky, buildable powders blend effortlessly into the skin for a flawless, fade-proof finish that flatters every skin tone or face shape.

Well let’s get started and see, shall we?!

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PACKAGING

 This comes in a matte black box with the ‘Kat Von D’ logo and the name of the palette (obviously) on the front in shiny black and silver lettering, and the shade names on the back. The palette itself is a magnetic closure, cardboard palette with the same design as the box on the front, and again, the shade name on the back. When you open the palette, you find the ‘Kat Von D’ logo again atop a large mirror with an intricate cut out border. Then your eyes go to the absolutely beautiful highlight and contour shades, three of each, and totally matte. The pans containing the highlight shades are roughly half the size of those containing the contour shades. The palette also comes with a handy little illustrated insert that shows you how to use the palette.

FORMULA

These shades are a powdery but creamy at the same time. They are very, very pigmented, so I suggest using a light hand during application. When I initially swatched the shades, I found them to apply smoothly, and last quite some time. And that was just on the back of my hand! Swatches left to right: Top Row – Lucid, Lyric, Levitation. Bottom Row – Sombre, Shadowplay, Subconscious.

 

 

APPLICATION & WEAR

So being that I’m quite fair skinned, I still wanted to find a way to use every single shade in this palette.
After I applied my foundation and concealer, and set my face with a translucent powder to make the blending process easier (which I recommend before you contour with anything), then I set my under eye area with Lyric, the yellow/banana shade. Next, dipping a fluffy crease brush into Levitation, which is a peachy matte highlight shade, I used that as a transition color in the crease of my eye, and a little bit above. Next, I took a smaller tapered brush, and applied some Subconscious in the outer corner, low in the crease, and blended it out.

For my face, I went back to Lyric mixed it with a bit of Lucid to set my forehead, around my nose, and my chin. Next using my NARS ITA brush, I picked up a little bit of Sombre, and used that to contour my cheeks, temples, underneath my jawline, and the sides of my nose. Once that was blended, I used a Real Techniques Blush Brush to pick up a little bit of Shadowplay, to ‘bronze’ and warm up my face, as well as further blend the contour. And finally, to sharpen up the contour, I just went back in with a touch of Lucid on my cheeks to clean up where it may have fallen too low, or applied too heavily.

One of the most wonderful things about this palette is that it’s absolutely versatile – I mean, you guys see how pale I am. I’m standing in front of my front door, in natural daylight, and I’m white as a sheet of printer paper – and it works for me. And it looks natural. Sure, it takes some blending. But any good contour requires blending.

Overall rating – 5/5

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I have to say, I really do love this palette! I love the pigmentation, the quality, the versatility, the fact that I managed to pull an entire face (less the blush, highlight [shimmer] lips from this one palette), and well, of course the price! You really can find great deals on high end products on eBay!

Have you guys tried this palette yet? What are your thoughts on it? How about shopping for makeup on eBay, or even Amazon?! Leave me a comment and let me know!

And please take a moment to go follow me on Twitter and Instagram @dlynnesposito, and give a like to the Affordable Gorgeous page on Facebook! Your support means so much to me!

LOTS OF LOVE!! 

 

ONE-BRAND FAVES: REVLON

It’s been awhile since I’ve done a post focusing on one specific brand! Today we’ll be talking about Revlon, which is probably one of my favorite drugstore makeup lines!

Now I did do one of these before, a one-brand favorites post about L’Oreal Paris (click here to read that post), and that particular one included products for just about every area of the face. This one, however, will not be that way, because well, I’m not necessarily fond on Revlon’s mascara or brow products, etc. But if you want to see what I do love from them, keep on reading!

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REVLON PHOTOREADY PERFECTING PRIMER

I can honestly say that this is probably my number one most reached for Revlon product. I did a full review on this primer (which you can read here) but basically this stuff fills in any pores and fine lines, it feels more lotion-y than silicone-y (silicone primers irritate me) and it doesn’t break me out! It keeps me matte all day long, which is unheard of for my skin, and it keeps my makeup in place all day long. I have a lot of drugstore primers, and honestly I don’t really love them. But this one is my go-to!

REVLON COLORSTAY WHIPPED CREME MAKEUP

I’ve got a full review on this stuff too (click here) – I don’t know what it is about this foundation, but the longer I wear it, the better it looks! Most foundations break up on me by the end of the day, at least in the most common places – the sides of the nose, the smile lines, the chin and the center of my forehead – this stays put, and looks more and more natural as the day goes on! It’s got more of a satin matte finish, which I like, and while it seems like it would feel heavy judging by the consistency, it’s actually quite lightweight, which I love; nothing is worse than makeup that feels like a mask – it’s just so uncomfortable. Pick some up and try it for yourself – you won’t be sorry!

REVLON COLORSTAY MAKEUP FOR COMBO/OILY SKIN

You guessed it, there’s another post about it already (click here) – and this is actually a great dupe for a much more expensive liquid makeup – but you’ll have to go read the post to find out which one! This is one that, unlike the formula above, is quite mattifying, and something that I rely on for like a summer wedding or something like that – where I know I want good medium to full coverage, but something lightweight that keeps me totally matte. We all have that one trusty, tried and true standby makeup that we can always rely on, and this one is mine, hands down! If you’re not oily but still want great long-wearing coverage, they do make this in a formula for normal to dry skin as well, so they’ve got everyone covered (ha ha!).

REVLON PHOTOREADY SKINLIGHTS FACE ILLUMINATOR

 

 I think these are a highly underrated product! They’re liquid highlighters, and they come in four shades – Bare Lights, Pink Lights, Peach Lights, and Bronze Lights – to suit every skin tone. These are a-m-a-z-i-n-g not just on the face (great for strobing!)  but on the body as well, using a little on the collarbone, chest, shoulders, even down your shins in the summer for a gorgeous glow! I feel like they just don’t get the love they deserve! I haven’t seen them in stores in awhile though, so I’m wondering if they’ve been discontinued. You can click the link above which is a link to Amazon and I’ve found them for you, if you want to try them for yourself – and you should!!

REVLON HIGHLIGHTING PALETTE

 

 I love these. They’re also great dupes for the Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks *wink wink* and they come in three shades; a pink, a peach, and a bronze. There are five individual shades within each palette that can be used as singles, which is great for adding a gorgeous glowy highlight or some sheen on the lids or brow bone, or you can swirl them all together for an all over gleam! This is another of their items that I just can’t understand why hardly anyone talks about them, they’re wonderful!

REVLON PHOTOREADY CREAM BLUSHES

This is an item that I do believe is being discontinued, as I’ve been seeing them with the orange clearance tags at my local Walgreens, so now is the time to go snap them up! I’ve done a full review on these too, surprise surprise (click here) and I absolutely love them! I feel like they just look more natural and wear far longer than any of my powder blushes! I like to apply these with a stippling brush underneath my foundation for the most natural effect. If you want to try them and have trouble finding them locally, you can click on the link above and order them there!

REVLON SUPER LUSTROUS LIPSTICK

 

 I think I can honestly say that as far as drugstore lipstick goes, this is the best of the best. Seven decades – that’s 70 years! – and 82 shades to choose from in 4 different finishes! The Revlon lipstick game is strong! With everything from nudes to reds to my personal favorite shade, Black Cherry, if I could only ever again recommend one brand of lipstick, this would be the one! They’re comfortable, they have amazing color payoff, they wear very well, they’re just all around incredible! And they won the “Allure Magazine Reader’s Choice Award” in both 2014 and 2015!! Guys, million of people can’t be wrong, can they?!

REVLON COLORBURST LIP BUTTER

 

 I’ve lost count on how many of these I own. I feel like every trip to the drugstore yields at least 2 of them to make sure I always have them on hand! They’re a gorgeous, hydrating gel formula, with great color payoff, and a great shade selection! Some of my favorites are Pink Truffle, which is like, the perfect MLBB (my lips but better) shade, Peach Parfait, a shimmery, summery peach, and Fig Jam, which looks intimidatingly brown but sheers out over the lips for the perfect deepened version of your natural lip color – Fig Jam is also a great dupe for Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey! Some shades have been discontinued already and some are on the list to be next so get them while you can!!

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What do you guys think of Revlon cosmetics? What different ones have you tried? Leave me a comment and let me know! Additionally, if there’s a specific brand you’d like me to focus on for a future post like this, leave me a comment on that as well!

And please go follow me on Twitter and Instagram @dlynnesposito, and go like the Affordable Gorgeous page on Facebook!

LOTS OF LOVE!!