Category Archives: Product Reviews

Tarte ‘Aqualillies’ Review and GIVEAWAY of the Collection!

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OK Makeup Geeks, today I have a review for you of one of my most favorite brands out there…TARTE! You all know I love their blushes and I am really liking their lipsticks right now as well. This was sent to me but I do honest reviews regardless of that. Tarte has come out with a new collection named “Aqualillies” and it’s so cute. The one thing I am really loving about this collection is the packaging. They are really playing up to the must have colors of spring, mint and coral/peach.

All the products come in this handy makeup bag which is great for putting in your purse or at your desk at work for quick touch-ups.

Palette

Tarte Aqualillies 06_Palette

I love the packaging on this and the touch of gold. This has 8 eyeshadows and a matte finish peach blush in the middle that can also be used as a eyeshadow. As always with Tarte, these are great quality like many of Tarte’s powdered products. They are very smoothly and highly pigmented. The only downside to this palette was the two tan colors look identical. So I definitely feel there could have been a little more variety to the palette by adding a shimmery peach or a dark teal color. The price on this palette is $38.00 which isn’t  bad at all for all you get. I just wish there were more variety.

Price: $38.00

Tarte’s Light’s, Camera, Flashes Mascara

Tarte Aqualillies 11_Mascara

I like the wand on this, it is small but it gets into the lashes and makes them look super big. This mascara is formulated without parabens, mineral oil, petrolatum, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate & synthetic fragrance which makes it better to use around the eyes. The packaging is great and it doesn’t smudge or flake.

Price: $19.00

Where to Buy: Amazon, eBay, Sephora

Tarte Lipstick in Timeless

Tarte Aqualillies 08_Lips

I am actually wearing this color right now and it’s a very pretty deep coral color. This will look great on every skin tone from fair to dark skin. These are very highly pigmented, creamy and very smooth. They wear a long time and aren’t dry, they are actually quite moisturizing. I am very impressed with Tarte’s lipsticks. These are really good even though they are on the more expensive side, they are worth it.

Gel Liners

Tarte Aqualillies 07_Gel Liner

These gel liners are smudge proof, highly pigmented and water resistant which makes them ideal to use in the waterlines. This collection has a black one and a shimmery teal color that is stunning. The teal shade would look beautiful as a base for an eyeshadow. The eyeliners also come with a  brush that is dual ended. It has a bent liner end and a regular straight brush on the other end. (NOTE: only the black liner is available as of now as it is part of their normal line)

Price: $26.00

Where to Buy: Amazon, Sephora

Amazonian Clay Finishing Powder

This is very similar to the Makeup Forever HD Powder. The only thing I don’t like about these types of powder is the white color. It does turn transparent on the skin but if you have dark skin this can actually make you look ashen. It is very smooth and doesn’t cake up and gives a nice matte finish to the skin.

Price: $29.00

Lipglosses

OK, I could not get these to work. These come in a tube that you “click” to get the product out of the brush end. I am not a huge fan of these types of applicators as it just seems rather cheap to me. The formula on these is sticky and doesn’t hold up as well in quality and packaging compared to their other products.

GIVEAWAY RULES

THIS IS A INSTAGRAM GIVEAWAY!!!!! You must be subscribed to makeupgeektv on instagram. We will post a picture of Tarte items that will be included in the giveaway. Leave a comment letting us know what you would use the tote bag for and you are entered. The contest will remain open for two weeks and a winner will be chosen at random. Easy to enter, easy to win! GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!! :-)

See you on next post

Revlon Colorstay Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain Review

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Hello Makeup Geeks! Today I have another review for you all of a drug store product that I love. I featured these in my “Summer Tag” video as well so please feel free to take at that. :-) I love these so much I wanted to do a full review of them for you. These are the “Revlon Lip Balm Stains”. I am usually not a fan of regular lip-stains simply because all the ones I have tried feel drying on the lips. Revlon Balm Stains are different in that they apply with a glossy look and feel, but when you wipe them away or they fade over time you are left with a beautiful soft, stained effect to the lips. These last a very long time and are very highly pigmented.

Revlon Bitten 03

What I like about these is that it is a balm that has been infused with color that comes in a crayon form and are retractable so they need no sharpening. These retail for about $6.00 depending on where you purchase them at. Many drugstores will have sales so keep an eye out for those! I got these at Ulta who was having a sale also. I want to share with you the colors I got.

  • “Rendezvous” – Soft Orange Color
  • “Cherish” – Girly Pale Pink
  • “Darling” – Cool Toned Pink with a Hint of Lilac
  • “Lovesick” – True Bright Pink
  • “Sweetheart” – Medium Warm Pink

The other shades that are in this line are:

  • “Honey” – Rosy/Natural Color
  • “Crush” – Deep Berry Red
  • “Smitten” – Plum with a Touch of Fuchsia
  • “Charm” – Light Warm Nude/Peach
  • “Romantic” – Warm Red with a Touch of Orange
  • “Precious” – Nude/Natural
  • “Adore” – Brown Toned Red

Revlon Bitten 04 Swatches

These retail at most drugstores, Target, Ulta, Amazon and eBay for around $6.00 – $8.99 depending on where you purchase them. Be sure and look for BOGO sales.

These are like a lipgloss but not sticky in any way. They are very sheer, shiny and still have a good amount of pigmentation. Ideal for the summer, these would be perfect to toss in your beach bag and take along with you for an added pop of color. The only thing I don’t like about these is that you really do have to rub them on because they are a buildable color. So you really have layer the color by putting a little extra on. What I love is that they aren’t tacky in any way like many lipglosses and have great color payoff.

ADVANTAGES

  • Highly pigmented
  • Feels Smooth without being sticky
  • Leaves a soft stain on the lip
  • Last a long time
  • Buildable color
  • Great for summer
  • Nice color range (12 to be exact)
  • Good price
  • Easy to find

DISADVATAGES

  • You do have to build the color

Revlon Bitten 01

So these are a definite 2 thumbs up from me on these amazing Lip Balm Stains! These will be great for the upcoming hot summer months. If you have tried these or if you plan on trying these, let me know what you think of them in the comments below. Stay happy and healthy!

XOXO,

Marlena

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Smashbox “Master Class” Palette Review

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Hi Makeup Geeks! As you all know, every year around the holidays I go on my search for the best makeup palettes. I review each of them individually, then at the end I pick my favorite one of the year. I love this time of year, from the Starbucks holiday coffee to the decorations and palettes, I love it! Not to mention the makeup…:-)

Today we are going to be looking at Smashbox “Master Class” palette.

Smashbox 'Master Class' Palette 01

The Packaging

I really dislike giving bad reviews on anything, but to be honest I was horribly disappointed in this packaging. Let’s start with the outside. It comes in a book form made from cardboard. The outside has a silver finish that was to me very reminiscent of a bad disco ball. I was not a fan of this at all. Unfortunately, things went from bad to worse. When I opened the palette I discovered the binding inside was completely cracked at least half way down the middle. There was also a small crack on the right side and some of the shadows were coming out. There are several reviews on Sephora of people having the same exact problem. You get 28; .04 ounce eyeshadows, 4; .03 ounce gel liners (can also be used as an eyeshadow base), 4 blushes, 2 bronzer and 2 highlighters all at .09 ounces. For the price you do get a great amount of product. The only other thing is I am not a fan of having any cream products in a palette that contains powder as it always transfers. However, this does come with a plastic protector which will also help if you plan to travel with this.

Smashbox 'Master Class' Palette 05 Continue reading →

Kat Von D “Spellbinding Eyeshadow Book” Review

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Hi Makeup Geeks! As you all know, every year around the holidays I go on my search for the best makeup palettes. I review each of them individually, then at the end I pick my favorite one of the year. I love this time of year not only for the season and the feeling that comes with it but it gives me a good excuse to shop! 🙂

The palette we will be looking at today is the Kat Von D “Spellbinding Eyeshadow Book”

Kat von D 01_Spelling Binding

Packaging

The packaging is a thin, sleek cardboard palette that opens like a book. The front cover is a penciled design in black and white- very Kat Von D inspired! It opens to reveal 24 shades with 12 of them being new.  The left side of the inside palette has 3 eyeshadow ideas, “The Natural State”, “The After Hours”, “The Spellbinder”, each of which can be recreated with the shades in the palette. the palette is organized in pairs with each shade suppose to compliment each other. Each shade is 0.05 ounce which is the normal amount in a shadow. It does come with a plastic overlay to protect the shadows when you travel but I know for some this is more of an aggravation but it can be easily cut away. The price on this is great for the amount of shades you get.  I love how easy this is to take for travel as it’s super lightweight and sleek.

Kat von D 06_Spelling Binding

Eyeshadows

Included in this palette are 24 eyeshadows ranging in several colors and finishes.  There are 3 matte finish shadows, and 21 metallic/shimmer shadows. Overall this is very good quality with only a few of them being somewhat powdery. The majority of the shades were very creamy and easy to apply and adhered to the skin very well. They also blended well and had stunning pigmentation.  My only downside to this palette is there should have been a few more neutral shadows to balance out all the colors- this way you don’t have to bring extra shadows if you travel with this palette.

Going L to R

  • Dark Throne – Medium Matte Dark Grey
  • Precious – Shimmery Soft Warm Peach
  • Babe – Medium Cool Toned Purple with Iridescent Shimmer
  • Piaf – Dark Grey with a Silver Metallic Sheen
  • Sunset Blvd. – Gold with a Frost Finish
  • 8 Bit – Metallic Teal with Gold Shimmer
  • Geek – Medium Matte Peach
  • Fallen – Shimmery Warm Golden Copper
  • Holy Bible – Muted Metallic Silver
  • Oddfellow – Black with a Teal Shimmer (One of my Favorites)
  • Birdcage – Yellow Green with a Frosted Finish
  • Gunner – Dark Green with Green and Silver Sparkles
  • Instaglam – Light Pink with a Frosted/Metallic Finish
  • Stupid Autocorrect – Warm Frosted Copper Red
  • Galore – Warm Frosted Gold/Beige
  • Hexagram – Olive Green with a Frosted Finish
  • Smile Now – Medium Golden Peach with Pinky Sheen
  • Cry Later – Medium Brown with a Pearl Finish
  • Arcadia – Lilac Purple with a Frosted Sheen
  • Wonderland – Deep Burgundy Sparkle
  • Queen- Warm Brown with a Teal Sheen
  • Bukowski – Medium Cool Blue with a Frosted Finish
  • Countess – Matte Finish Light Beige
  • WTF – Orange/Red with a Satin Finish

Kat von D 'Spellbinding' Swatches 03 Kat von D 'Spellbinding' Swatches 01 Kat von D 'Spellbinding' Swatches 04_1Kat von D 'Spellbinding' Swatches 02

Price:   $46.00

Where to Buy:   (unfortunately Sephora already sold out, but you can find on Amazon)

I give this palette a big 2 thumbs up as the quality, packaging, and colors are amazing.  This is one of my favorite palettes for 2013 🙂

XOXO,

Marlena

Continued here Makeup G
See you soon

Hot New Products- February!

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Hello, Makeup Geeks! Welcome to the HOT New Products for February 2014. This has been a great month for products and I’m excited to share these with you.

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush 01

The Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blushes are available in 6 different shades, all of which are simply amazing! These blushes are very smooth, gentle on the skin, and will last all day. The packaging is sleek, with a reflective rose gold finish. As you open the blush compact, there is a square mirror which is perfect for on the go. The only thing I dislike about the packaging is that it easily shows finger prints.

Shades:

  • Radiant Magenta: A beautiful light pink, that looks great on medium to dark skin.
  • Dim Infusion: A warm peach color, that looks great on fair to medium skin.
  • Ethereal Glow: A soft baby pink that looks great on fair skin.

Other Available Shades:

  • Diffused Heat: A vibrant poppy color.
  • Luminous Flush: A champagne rose.
  • Mood Exposure: A soft plum color.

Price: $35 for .15 oz of product.  (Amazon) (eBay) (Sephora)

Swatched, left to right: Diffused Heat, Dim Infusion, Ethereal Glow, Luminous Flush, Mood Exposure, Radiant Magenta

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush Swatches

Photo compliments of: MakeupByTiffanyD

NARSissist Palette

NARSissit Palette 01

This palette contains 15 neutral eye shadows, with a great mixture of matte and shimmer finishes. These eye shadows are very silky, and of great quality. The packaging is sleek and durable; it closes tightly and has a mirror on the inside. Overall this palette is nice, however the price is high and some of the eyeshadows could have better pigmentation.

Shades:

  • All About Eve I: Flesh toned neutrals.
  • Madrague II: Matte caramel.
  • Fez: Velvety cocoa.
  • Bali: Neutral.
  • Coconut Grove: Deep brown infused with reflections.
  • Madrague I: Matte cream.
  • Nepal: Soft sheer rose.
  • Ashes to Ashes: Shimmery violet based brown.
  • Brousse II: Black violet.
  • Mekong: Espresso infused with gold.
  • Bellissima I: Shimmering beige with subtle glitter.
  • Lhasa: Lavender grey.
  • Bad Behavior: Deep pewter.
  • Dogon II: Charcoal black.
  • Pandora II: Matte black.

Price: $79 for 15 eyeshadows  (Amazon) (eBay) (Sephora)

NARSissit_Swatches 01

NARSissit_Swatches 02

Naked Lipgloss

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss 01

The Naked Ultra Nourishing lip glosses come in 9 nude shades, all of which are highly pigmented without being overly sticky. These lip glosses come in a long skinny tube with an engraved logo on the side; my favorite part about the packaging is being able to see the shade through the tube.

Shades:

  • Streak: Coral Peach.
  • Love Child: True Bubblegum Pink.

Other Shades:

  • Nooner: Light Nude.
  • Freestyle: Brown Nude.
  • Rule34: Medium Brown Nude.
  • Walk of Shame: Pale Nude Pink.
  • Naked: Nude Pink.
  • Liar: Soft Mauve-Pink.
  • Beso: Deep Pink Mauve.

Price: $20 for .13 oz. of product  (eBay) (Sephora)

Urban Decay Naked Lipgloss Swatches

Photo compliments of: Phyrra

Yves Saint Laurent Gloss Volupté

YSL Lipgloss 01

These lip glosses are available in 22 different shades, giving you a large variety of colors to choose from. The packaging is very high-end looking with a gold and silver top, and clear bottom where you can see the shade of the gloss. These lip glosses come with a triangle shaped doe foot wand, which allows you to apply an even coat. The texture of these glosses are very smooth and best described as a mixture between a lip gloss and a lip cream. Although these glosses are very pigmented, they lack lasting power and will require a few touch ups throughout the day.

Shades:

  • 203 Corail Gandoura: Light coral.
  • 202 Rose Jersey: Rosy pink.
  • 101 Iridescent: Light pink with iridescent shimmer.

Other Shades:

  • 201 Pure: Clear.
  • 1 Gold: Gold with golden shimmer.
  • 19 Rose Orfèvre: Warm pink with golden shimmer.
  • 10 Or Rose: Light warm pink with golden shimmer.
  • 20 Nude Carat: Nude with golden shimmer.
  • 2 Or Saharienne: Dusty rose with golden shimmer.
  • 104 Prune Organdi: Raisen purple with iridescent shimmer.
  • 49 Terriblement Fuchsia: Fuchsia with golden shimmer.
  • 4 Fuchsia Vermeil: Rosy fuchsia with golden shimmer.
  • 30 Corail Lingot: Warm peach with golden shimmer.
  • 204 Corail Trapèze: True coral.
  • 15 Grenade Pépite: Hot pink with golden shimmer.
  • 102 Rose Satine: Rosey pink with golden shimmer.
  • 3 Rose Fusion: Coral pink with golden shimmer.
  • 103 Opium Persan: Dark coral with iridescent shimmer.
  • 205 Rouge Shantung: Watermelon red.
  • 206 Fuchsia Oran: Reddish fuchsia.
  • 207 Rouge Velours: Classic cool red.
  • 208 Fauve: Burgundy red.

Price: $32 for .2 oz. of product. (eBay) (Sephora)

YSLGlossVolupteSwatch

Photo compliments of: The RAEVIEWER

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Nail Polish

OCC Nail Polish 01

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics nail polishes currently come in 43 stunning shades, great for any occasion! These polishes are excellent quality, and you receive a decent amount of product for a good price.

Shades: 

  • Vapid: Palest lavender.
  • Pleasure Model: Pink toned purple.
  • Seething: Lingerie satin pink.
  • Deven Green: Nearly-neon green.
  • Pool Boy: Opaque aquatic blue crème.

Price: $10 for .05 oz. of product.  (Amazon) (eBay) (Sephora)

Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic Colored Pencils

OCC Color Pencils 01

The Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetic colored pencils are extremely versatile. You can use them on your eyes, lips, and body. These cosmetic colored pencils currently come in 12 pigmented shades, however they tend to be very dry and harsh when used around the eye area.

Shades:

  • Pool Boy: Aquatic blue.
  • Hoochie: Vibrant magenta.
  • Anime: Vibrant neon pink.

Price: $16 for .04 oz. of product. (eBay) (Sephora)

TARTE Be MATTEnificent Amazonian Colored Clay Matte Eye & Cheek Palette

Tarte Mattenificent 01

The Tarte Be Mattenificent palette contains 8 eye shadows and one blush, all of which are matte finishes. Each eye shadow is smooth and creamy, without sacrificing any pigmentation. This palette comes in a hard plastic case with a decorative glass overlay. It latches tightly and contains a mirror and dual ended brush.

Eyeshadow Shades:

  • Dream in Chocolate
  • Don’t Stand Black
  • Sand Out From the Crowd
  • Peach for the Stars
  • Two Plums Up
  • Pink Outside the Box
  • Rose to the Occasion
  • View From the Taupe

Blush Color:

  • Elevated

Price: $36 (Amazon) (eBay)(Sephora)

Tarte Mattenificent Swatches

Kat Von D Esperanza Eyeshadow Palette

Kat von d Esperanza 01

The Kat Von D Esperanza eyeshadow palette contains 8 colorful eyeshadows, all of which are pigmented and smooth.  These eyeshadows come in a colorful and bold cardboard palette that is sleek and portable, with a small mirror inside the lid.

Eyeshadow Shades:

  • Selena: Glitter purple.
  • Dayglo: Transformer shade, iridescent white.
  • Galore: Pearl peach.
  • Placebo: Matte peony pink.
  • Santeria: Glitter greenish grey.
  • Archangel: Sparkle  seafoam green.
  • South: Matte beige.
  • Dog Roses: Sparkle bronze.

Price: $36   (Amazon) (eBay) (Sephora)

Kat von d Esperanza Swatches

That wraps it up for the February hot new products! I hope each and everyone of you are staying happy and healthy. 🙂

XOXO,

Marlena

Thanks to Makeup G
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