Thursday, May 26, 2011

Review: Make Up For Ever Aqua Cream, Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush, Smashbox Softbox Eye Palette

Hi everyone! So today I received a couple items from Sephora that I have been looking forward to trying for some time. I've tried them out and so far they are very impressive especially for summer. All of the items I bought are perfect for work because they are supposed to last all day but I haven't tested their durability yet. I'm trying to find products that will last during my long days of nursing clinicals and withstand all the hardwork many women do at home or on the job ♥ When I test out how long they actually last I will definitely do an update. Before we get into the makeup I'd like to introduce my two shopping helpers
This is Leo being curious after my Sephora package came in the mail. He is my grumpy old kitty with a bad attitude. I've been his pet for 8 years.
This is Toby enjoying the fresh crunch and crinkle of a Marshalls plastic bag. I got my clothes out just in time before he dug his claws in. He is my hyper, loud, spunky kitty who not only meows but chirps as well. I've been his pet for 3 years.

Now on to the goods!

MAKE UP FOR EVER Aqua Cream #13 Warm Beige
This is a beautiful golden color and very pigmented. When I swatched it on my arm I had to use makeup remover to get it off because it really sets and doesn't move. It is very shimmery so to tone it down I added a matte peach color over it (not in the picture). It really stays on like a primer so there's no need for one under this. I put it on with my finger and a little goes a long way. The consistency is very creamy. I would recommend this product. It retails for $22 at Sephora.

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12-Hour Blush Doll Face
This blush is supposed to be long lasting and it's doing its job. I've had this on for a few hours and it still looks the same on bare oily skin with no foundation, primer, or setting powder. The color looks way too light on the website which I think may scare some people away until they see in person that it is a lovely warm pink color. It is very pigmented. I think this color would look best on medium to light complexions. It looks matte in the pan but it does have glitter in it. It's not chunky glitter but it's enough to give a pretty glow. I love that this is a natural product but I don't know if all the benefits of Amazonian Clay will be noticeable (probably not).I will be getting good use out of this blush and I would repurchase this. It retails for $25 at Sephora and Ulta.

Smashbox Softbox Eye Palette
shadows without flash from left to right: Nectar, Vanilla, Flirt, Lucky Penny, Sugar, Stone, Sienna, Nude, Truffle, Bronze Liner, Taupe Liner
shadows with flash (see names above)
This palette is exactly what I have been looking for. It is the lighter version of the Naked palette from Urban Decay which I absolutely love. All of the shades are very versatile and extremely pigmented. I love how there is a nice mix of matte and satin shadows. The colors are all work appropriate. Flirt is the only shadow that is very glittery and would cause fall out. Of course this is a great palette for summer but it is definitely wearable all year round. So many looks can come from this palette. The problem is that you may find you have dupes to some of these colors but for those of us who have just found a love of makeup most of these shades are a must have. It is great for people who love neutral and romantic looks. The liners are creamy and go on smoothly. It comes with the Photo Finish Lid primer and a great eye liner brush as added bonuses (I don't care for the shadow side of the dual ended brush). Look cards are included and you can also find the video tutorials from Smashbox on YouTube. One concern about this palette is that the cream liners may dry out after a while because they are not sealed. It is a limited edition palette so if this suits your fancy I would recommend getting one before summer's over. It retails for $48 at Sephora and Ulta.

Please let me know if you have any questions and have a great day ♥

2 comments:

Jo said...

The Aqua Cream is what we all use in the CCU, believe it or not. I've found that that, Buxom mascara, and L'Oreal's Infallible eyeliners will keep me tarted up like a three-dollar hooker for sixteen hours straight with no problem. Even sweaty! Even covered in poop!

The Style Nurse said...

LOL! Good to know I found the right product. Well the CCU sounds intense...I'm hoping to work in the PICU once I graduate =)