Sneak Peek: NEW Nyx Blended Hair Makeup Brushes (Coming this June)

Just in case you don't follow Nyx on Instagram (if you're on Instagram you totally should, since they often post great sneak peeks of new collections and other fun pics), check this out:

Coming June 2015: NEW Nyx Blended Hair Brushes

From Nyx's Instagram page:

Sorry, you'll have to excuse us while we #breaktheinternet for a second. Because we are friends, we wanted you to see our new blended hair NYX brushes first. They'll be out June 2015. 

These are not to be confused with the existing Nyx makeup brushes (with the white handles). This is an entirely new collection!


Hopefully they'll be available at Ulta (and CVS, Target, etc.) this summer!

New Wet N Wild Silk Finish Lipsticks - Improved Formula & New Shades: Swatches & Review

Wet N Wild recently released a new improved formula of their 99 cent Silk Finish lipsticks with brand new shades. I'm always been a fan of inexpensive lipsticks (and makeup in general), and I feel like Wet N Wild has some of the best-performing inexpensive makeup out there. I found these at CVS and they were 99 cents each. I first bought 5 shades, and then I decided to go back and buy 5 more. When I got the second round, they were buy 2, get 1 free! (I also grabbed some of the newly improved Color Icon Kohl eyeliners.)

The packaging on these is definitely cheap. The lipsticks shake in the containers, and if you're not holding the tube a certain way when applying them, they'll spin back down in their tubes. And they'll also spin up if you don't click them all the way down before putting the lids back on. But like I've always said, if something is going to be short-changed for a cheaper price tag, my pick would be packaging over the product inside!  

These all seem to swatch pretty nicely. There are some frosts, some creams, and even some duochrome shades in the bunch.  

Left to right: Fuchsia with Blue Pearl, Will You Be With Me?, Dark Pink Frost, Dark Wine, Cherry Frost

Left to right: Fuchsia with Blue Pearl, Will You Be With Me?, Dark Pink Frost, Dark Wine, Cherry Frost

Left to right: Fuchsia with Blue Pearl, Will You Be With Me?, Dark Pink Frost, Dark Wine, Cherry Frost

Left to right: Breeze, Pink Ice, Ready to Swoon, 15 Minutes Aflame, What's Up Doc?

Left to right: Breeze, Pink Ice, Ready to Swoon, 15 Minutes Aflame, What's Up Doc?

Left to right: Breeze, Pink Ice, Ready to Swoon, 15 Minutes Aflame, What's Up Doc?

I'd say for 99 cents, these are pretty nice lipsticks. They last a fair amount of time on the lips. I do really enjoy some of the shades, and with such an expensive price tag, they're a great way of adding some fun or different colors into your lipstick collection!

Skincare 101: Best Acne Products

 

Let’s chat about acne, shall we? For lack of a better term, it seriously sucks! Am I right? I feel like as women we are probably way more self conscious about this then most men. Searching for the best acne products can become increasingly time consuming. Especially if you have to go through many products before finding what works best for your skin. I wanted to share with y’all a great place to start. These are some of my favorites to battle acne! If you’re new to skincare, be sure to check out Skincare for Beginners for some other product picks and tricks! You can also check out our tips to Clear Up Acne!

FORMULA 10.0.6 OVERNIGHT SUCCESS SPOT TREATMENT //  $5.99 – These are the perfect little spot treaters! Infused with Grape Seed and Tea Tree, these fast-acting cleansing patches work their magic while you sleep, so you can wake to a flawless complexion.

PHILOSOPHY CLEAR DAYS AHEAD  //  $18 – If you need a fast acting treatment and you need it now this is the product for you! It rapidly clear and soothe the discomfort of bothersome blemishes for clearer skin. The antimicrobial formula immediately begins to eliminate acne-causing bacteria, while salicylic acid penetrates pores to clear most acne blemishes.

KIEHL’S BLUE HERBAL MOISTURIZER  //  $25 – This is a blemish fighting moisturizer that combats acne blemishes. It mattifies your skin, so that’s a huge bonus. It works well and helps acne blemishes from even forming in the first place.

PETER THOMAS ROTH BETA HYDROXY 2% ACNE WASH  //  $35 – Acne washes are most times very drying. Some people though, need to get rid of their acne without drying out their skin and that’s where this wash comes in. A maximum-strength blemish-fighting cleanser that is gentle on the skin. It’s oil and alcohol free. This mild-yet-effective acne wash deep-cleans without over drying. It helps halt the breakout cycle, removing excess oil and bacteria, and penetrating deeply into pores.

DR. DENNIS GROSS CLARIFYING COLLOIDAL SULFUR MASK  //  $42 – I love a good facemask and this one is a treatment as well so I love it even more. An overnight acne medication that treats blackheads and pores while absorbing excess oil. This overnight mask is time absorbent to draw sebum, pollutants, impurities, and bacteria out of skin while you are sleeping. Pores will appear reduced, blackheads will be minimized, and overall clarity will be enhanced. 

CLINIQUE ACNE SOLUTIONS CLEANSING BAR FACE & BODY  //  $15 – This is perfect for use in the shower, you can not only clean your face but your entire body with it. Mild, medicated soap helps clear and prevent acne on face and body. Targets breakouts with encapsulated, acne-fighting salicylic acid. Removes dirt, excess oil. Unclogs pores. Skin looks and feels calmed, smooth and comfortable.

CLEAN & CLEAR ADVANTAGE ACNE CONTROL  //  $7.99 – This is most commonly used as part of the Clean & Clear system as a whole but I like it much more as just a cleanser on it’s own in combination with the rest of my skincare routine.  It penetrates to the pores with acne-fighting Benzoyl Peroxide and keeps fighting breakouts long after you’ve washed your face.

NEUTROGENA OIL FREE ACNE WASH  //  $6.83 – This is one of the few products that fight acne that actually has an appealing scent. I love the pink grapefruit line & i’m also a huge fan of their makeup wipes. The #1 dermatologist recommended acne-fighting cleanser-Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Wash now comes with an uplifting blast of pink grapefruit! With maximum strength Salicylic Acid acne medicine boosted by MicroClear® technology, Neutrogena® Oil-Free Acne Wash Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash powerfully treats and helps prevent breakouts—even blackheads. This unique formula contains 100% naturally derived grapefruit extract plus vitamin C. It eliminates oil and dirt, and rinses clean without over-drying.

CLEARASIL SUPERFRUITS REFRESHING SUPERFRUIT SCRUB //  $6.29 – This is another product that I love using in the shower! Clearasil Daily Clear Refreshing Superfruit Scrub is a gentle exfoliating cleanser that helps prevent blemishes.  It contains a blend of raspberry and cranberry extracts, known for their antioxidant properties, and Vitamin B3. This exfoliating scrub is infused with a refreshing fragrance you will enjoy using every day.

BURT’S BEES ACNE SOLUTIONS GEL CLEANSER  //  $10 – I’ve used this one for so many years, it’s something I have always gone back to! clinically proven to help cleanse away acne-causing bacteria, excess oil and impurities without over-drying or irritating skin. Salicylic Acid, derived naturally from Willow Bark Extract, penetrates pores to help reduce acne and prevent future breakouts, in our natural purifying gel cleanser, while Evening Primrose and Beet Root Extracts help calm acne prone skin.


MARIO BADESCU DRYING LOTION  //  $17 – This is the cult favorite of the bunch, people swear by it. It’s another that works overnight as well. The Drying Lotion is a fast acting, effective acne spot treatment. Formulated with salicylic acid, calamine and other quick-drying ingredients, this product will shrink ugly whiteheads virtually overnight while you sleep. While other acne spot treatments can irritate and dry delicate or sensitive skin, this product is safe and effective for all skin types. 

BLISS NO ‘ZIT’ SHERLOCK  //  $18 – This is another that’s part of a full system but I use it in combination with other products. And, the name is super fun! Apply this genius gel for ‘bull’s-eye’ blemish-busting action. It’s made with 2% salicylic acid to help clear clogged pores and absorb excess oil, and it’s the perfect ‘zap it quick’ emergency solution.

How To Apply Your Skincare Products

 

I’m more of a kick it into gear type of gal. What I mean by that is since the new year is a time of change I like to make sure my beauty routine and my skincare routine are up to par. Did you know that you could be applying your skincare all wrong and missing out on some key benefits of the products you’re using? I didn’t either until I went to the dermatologist a few years back and heard straight from her what order we need to apply our products in to get the most bang for our buck. In order for our skincare products to work as desired, we need to give them time to absorb and make sure that the order isn’t messing with the absorption.  And today, I’m sharing just how to make it happen!

I like to start by removing my makeup with the Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes. They’re super gentle and really get to the bottom of all of your makeup and make it a breeze to remove it.

Super easy, and one towelette will get the job done in one easy step. All traces of makeup are gone in about 45 seconds and you’re ready to move on with the rest of your skincare routine. If you’re like me and you like to double cleanse you could add the Neutrogena Rapid Clear Cleanser after you remove your makeup with the wipe.

I think cleansing as the first step is pretty much a no brainer but the rest of the steps and the order they should be applied in is where it can get a bit tricky. I’ve made us all a super easy cheat sheet to follow.

After you cleanse, the next product you’re going to want to use is a toner. I love the Neutrogena Pore Refining toner for this step, it’s perfect because it’s not a drying toner so you won’t have to worry about looking super dried out. I use a cotton pad to apply and I let it dry and set in for about a minute before moving on.

After toners, the next two steps are going to be your eye cream and spot treatment, in that order. You could try out the Neutrogena Rapid Dark Circle Repair Eye Cream and the Stubborn Acne Spot Treatment. While I let these sink in I usually brush my teeth or do a little happy dance to wake myself up if it’s the morning. Yes, I really do dance around the bathroom.

In this next step, we’re going to apply any serums that we use. Since serums are usually oil based you want to apply them and let them soak in and set before moving on to any creams. Applying an oil or a gel before a cream moisture ensures that it will absorb into your skin. Next up is our moisturizer.

A moisturizer is super important for your routine. It’s whats going to keep our skin feeling soft and smooth and when applying at night, act as a recovery agent and in the daytime give us a moisturized base to apply makeup to so that we don’t end up looking cake-y

I am loving the Neutrogen Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit oil-free moisturiser. It keeps me super hydrated. Super light weight and oil free so you won’t have to worry about clogging your pores. I apply to my face and neck both day and night in upward and outward circular motions.

It absorbs quickly & when used daily it helps to reduce and prevent spots and impurities. The fragrance is just a  hint of pink grapefruit and it really leaves you feeling refreshed.

If you’re following this beauty routine at night, you would stop here. If you’re doing this in the morning the final step in your skincare routine is going to be SPF, you definitely want to protect the skin on your face when you’re out during the day. I suggest trying the Cool Dry Sport Sunscreen from Neutrogena. It’s one of my favorites!

I picked up my Neutrogena goodies from Target. Do you all have the Cartwheel app? Check it out here for deals on skin care and cosmetics! You can find these and more in your beauty aisles at your local Target!

Have you been applying your skincare all wrong or do you already have your routine nailed down?

Jordana Easy Liner for Lips - New Shades! Review & Swatches!

If you watch my YouTube channel, you know that Jordana's Easy Liner for Lips in Tawny is one of my all time favorite lip liners. It just goes with everything and it's SO affordable (at $1.99!) I also love other colors in the line too. 

And now they've added 2 new shades in the line - Rose Crush and Pink Love.

Top to bottom: Pink Love, Rose Crush

Both are gorgeous shades! I can't wait to wear Pink Love, because it just looks like the perfect peachy pink shade!

Left to right: Rose Crush, Pink Love 

* Product sent for review. All reviews are 100% honest and all opinions are my own.

Milani Fierce Foil Eyeliners: Review & Swatches

One of Milani's new products are their Fierce Foil Eyeliners. I have four of the shades to share with you today! These retail for $6.99 each. 

The packaging on these is nice and come in a gold pot with a screw top. 

Left to right: Black Gold Foil, Purple Foil, Brown Foil, Navy Foil

Each of the shades contains glitter particles, and I really love all of the shades. Navy Foil is probably my favorite, but Brown Foil would make a beautiful smoky eye! 

Swatches left to right: Black Gold Foil, Purple Foil, Brown Foil, Navy Foil

I wore these on my eyes for several days to test them out. They take a bit of building to be very pigmented, but once built up, they're really beautiful and long wearing! 

I've heard mixed reviews on these, but I'm actually really pleased with them! I can't wait to try these smudged along the lashline and up onto the lid for an easy, effortless smoky look!  Will you be picking up any of the Fierce Foil Eyeliners from Milani?

Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner: Review & Swatches

Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner: Review & Swatches

And another new goody from Milani! This review is on their new Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner. It retails for $5.99.

The packaging on this eyeliner is really nice and simple but also sleek. The claims on this product are that it's waterproof but also packed with hydrating and nourishing ingredients. It's a kohl liner, making it very versatile, and it's also self sharpening for ease of use! 

The formula on this liner is really creamy and comfortable to apply. And it's super pigmented and a rich black color! I wore this liner for several days to test the wear and I've found that it's extremely long-wearing, even in the waterline! I'm very impressed with the comfort and longevity of this liner!

What are your thoughts on the new Supreme Kohl Kajal Eyeliner from Milani? 

*Product sent for review. All reviews are 100% honest and all opinions are my own.

Lorac Unzipped Gold Palette: Swatches & 1st Impressions

I was going to try and resist and not get the new Lorac Unzipped Gold palette. But once I realized I could snag this beauty for $7 at Kohl's after rewards and Christmas gift cards, I couldn't say no! This palette retails for $42!

The packaging is pretty standard and also very similar to the original Lorac Unzipped palette, only this one is off white versus a creamy yellow like the first one. The palette itself is small and compact, which I love! 

This palette has a much more gold-toned feel to it than the first one. (The name definitely gives it away!) All of the shades swatch beautifully, especially the bottom row. That copper shade though! :-O I don't even know what to say about it, other than it's amazing! Like liquid metal copper!!  

Swatches left to right: Undressed, Uninhibited, Unpredictable, Undeniable, Unedited

Swatches left to right: Unlocked, Unlimited, Unleashed, Unwind, Unafraid

I've used these shadows on my eyes and they are very easy to work with, beautifully pigmented, and they last on the eyes all day! It's very nice!!

Stila Eyes Are the Windows Shadow Palettes $34 Each + FREE SHIPPING

If you're like me and have been lovingly admiring the Stila Eyes Are the Window Shadow Palettes from afar due to the price ($49 each), well hopefully this might help! I was really hoping I'd be able to spot a nice deal on these soon and, lo and behold, I found one! Check it out:

RIGHT NOW, you can get the the Stila Eyes Are the Window Shadow Palettes in Mind, Body and Spirit for $34 each with FREE SHIPPING (no minimum order required) on the 6pm.com website HERE. Again, these retail for $49 each on the Stila site, Ulta, etc. 

I have a feeling these will sell out (as all good deals on 6pm.com tend to do) so jump on it while you can. But if you're in the mood for a serious Stila haul, be sure you check out all of the other discounted Stila items HERE before you place your order.

And because I always seem to get asked, 6pm.com is the sister site to Zappos.com (they're like the "clearance" site for Zappos) and I've ordered from them a zillion times with no issues. They offer everyday free shipping on all orders and always have tons and makeup, nail polish, skincare, haircare and fragrance deals, all of which you can view HERE.

NOTE: Stila will be on Hautelook.com tomorrow starting at 8AM Pacific, but I obviously do not know if these palettes will be available there. Of course you won't get free shipping via the HauteLook site unless your order is $100+, but please don't yell at me if these palettes are on HauteLook tomorrow at a lower price (even with shipping factored in)! I have no way of knowing if that will happen but I try to bring you deals as I see them and this 6pm.com deal is the best I've seen so far on these palettes, especially with the free shipping. This is even a better deal than using your Ulta 20% off prestige cosmetics coupon (if you got one) since that would bring your total down to $39.20 + shipping (if you're ordering online).