Lorac Pro Two Eye Shadow Palette: Review

            

            I’ll start this post off by confessing to a bit of an eye shadow palette addiction. I don’t think I have a problem, though, as I've managed to avoid owning a lot of repeat shades. I passed on the original Lorac Pro Eye Shadow Palette because it seemed like nothing new, but when I saw the Lorac Pro Eye Shadow Palette 2 I knew I was done for. The colors and beautiful, the quality is superb and if you want to bulk up your eye shadow collection with a fantastic, versatile palette, I would suggest this one.

            The Lorac Pro Eye Shadow Palette 2 is sleek grey cardboard that, somehow, doesn't look cheap. The palette name is embossed in silver on top. When you open it up there is a huge mirror and sixteen shades; 8 matte shades on the top row and 8 shimmery shades on the bottom row.

(L to R: Buff, Lt. Brown, Cool Gray, Nectar, Plum, Navy, Charcoal, Black)

            Buff is a pigmented, slightly yellow toned cream shade. It’s great for using as a subtle brow highlight. It pretty much matches my skin tone exactly, which makes it very difficult to catch a swatch on camera. 

            Lt. Brown is a medium warm toned brown. It’s a wonderful transition shade for fair skin.

           

            Cool Gray is actually a medium, gray with a slight bit of brown. It’s actually pretty neutral toned.

            Nectar is a medium, pink-peach color. It is also a good transition shade for lighter skin tones. I do think it will pull warm or cool on the skin depending on the wearer’s skin tone.

            Plum is a dark warm plum color. It looks exactly as you would expect it to.

            Navy is a pretty remarkable, brightened navy color. This is special because it is almost impossible to find a blue that actually looks navy on the skin. Usually it will pull too light or end up looking black, but this shadow is really special.

            Charcoal is a cool, medium-dark grey.

            Black is a warm, soft black. It’s pigmented, just not very dark.

(L to R: Snow, Beige, Rosé, Mocha, Chrome, Silver, Jade, Cocoa)

            Snow is a gorgeous shimmery white color with no glitter. I actually did not have a smooth, pigmented shimmery white in my collection yet, so this made me very happy. I’m sure that will not be the case with many, though, who probably have a shimmery white already.

            Beige is probably my favorite shade. It’s neutral, light beige that is super pigmented. It’s good for everything (all over the lid, inner corner highlight etc.) and mine already has a bit of a dent in it.

           

            Rosé is a light-medium copper shade. It’s probably my favorite copper eye shadow as it’s a bit lighter and brighter than most that I’ve seen.

            Mocha is a warm, medium brown. I have a lot of shades like this, but this one is nice because there is no glitter. For some reason eye shadow manufactures like to add gold glitter to colors like this, usually.

            Chrome is a medium silvery taupe. It has a lot of silver for a taupe shade.

            Silver is a light silver. I’m in love with this shade, since I’ve had a hard time finding a silver shade with no glitter, only shimmer. I found it and it’s beautiful.

            Jade is a medium-dark, dirty olive shade. It’s very warm and has some extraordinarily fine gold micro-sparkle. The sparkle isn't too apparent on the eye.

            Cocoa is a medium-dark warm brown with that same micro-sparkle.

            When I was swatching I thought I may have found a few dupes, so I went and looked and did some more swatching.

(L to R: UD Buck, Lorac Lt. Brown, UD Naked)

            I thought Urban Decay Naked and Urban Decay Buck might be dupes for Lt. Brown, but actually Lt. Brown is right in the middle (haha, pun).

(L to R: BM Spectacular, Lorac Jade, L'Oreal Golden Sage)

            Bare Minerals Spectacular is my favorite olive green shade and I though it may be similar to Jade, as well as the L’Oreal Infalliable in Golden Sage, but again, I was wrong. Spectacular is lighter and slightly bluer, while Golden Sage is lighter with a lot more gold.

(L to R: WNW Taupe, Lorac Chrome, UD Mushroom)

            Lastly I checked Chrome against Urban Decay Mushroom and Wet’N’Wild’s taupe shade from The Silent Treatment trio (which is said to be a dupe for Mac’s Satin Taupe). Chrome is darker and slightly cooler than Wet’N’Wild’s shade and quite a bit warmer than Urban Decay Mushroom

            All of these shades had a nice creamy texture, especially Beige, Rosé and Chrome. The matte shades were a little drier than the shimmers and all of the shadows tend to kick up some powder when used, so it’s very important to use a light hand and tap off excess. Fortunately, you don’t need to press the shadows hard to get lovely pigmentation. I also did not have issues with any of the shades blending away on the eye. Overall I really like this palette and think it’s a wonderful addition to any collection.

            This palette retails for $42 and is not limited edition to my knowledge. Owning it has kind of made me want the original pro palette, which I think says a lot about the quality.

            What do you think? Do you own this palette already? Thinking about it? Let me know down below!

September 2014 Beauty Box 5 Review

Beauty Box 5 Stats:

What is it: Beauty Box 5 (hereafter referred to as BB5) is a monthly beauty box subscription. Each month you’ll get a cute Tiffany blue box filled with about 5 skincare, haircare and makeup samples (sometimes full-sized).

Cost: It’s $12 a month, $30 for a quarterly subscription and $99 for a yearly subscription.

Shipping: BB5 ships through DHL, if I remember correctly.

Personalization: There is a beauty quiz, though I’m not sure it impacts what you get in your box at all. They do host a lot of giveaways on social media.

Points system: There is a referral system, but it’s still in the works. You can refer people at this point and get credit, but I’m not sure what you get.

Awesomely unique: The box is cute, it’s cheap for a subscription service, there is a good mix of skincare, haircare and makeup and it ships quickly.

Unfortunately unique: The products are usually from cheaper brands and you get a lot of tools/basics (nail files, makeup remover wipes, toe separators etc.)

Referral Link: http://www.beautybox5.com/?u=12918 OR www.beautybox5.com

            Alright, I got the Beauty Box 5 in the mail today so it’s time for a down and dirty unboxing blog. Oh yeah.

            This is my 3rd BB5 of a yearlong subscription, and I will admit, this is probably my least favorite box so far.

            First up are 2 foil packets of a deep conditioner ($0.41 each). It seems to be marketed to people of color, but has some good ingredients. Foil samples irk me, but at least we got 2.

            Next is a set of toe separators from Sally Hansen ($1.99). Really? Not impressed.

            The spoiler I was excited for was the Nicka K New York Eyelight Crayon ($4.49). I received it in the color Violet. It’s fairly pigmented, but blends away too easily. It lasts okay on its own, if you’re careful, though. I used it as a liner on my bottom lash line today and it functioned okay. I could have gotten a more practical color, but to me these subscription boxes are about collecting makeup, including things I may not use every day, but may use at some point.

            I also received a sample of Chrislie Formulations 3-in-1 Eye Bright ($13) It’s an overnight eye serum and I’m actually excited to try this. I’ve never heard of the brand, but will be excited if it improves my under eye circles and fine lines (which is what it says it does.) A full size is $40, and this is a pretty large sample.

            Lastly is the purple nail polish from My Beauty Spot ($4). The card they include with the box admits this is from a 6 piece set, which pissed me off. Yes, let’s really highlight the fact that this is an off-brand I would buy at Ross. Really making me feel special here, BB5. It’s a pretty color, though.

            I’ve never had any packaging issues with BB5 before, but my nail polish did leak a bit in transit and was dried around the cap by the time I pulled it out of my mailbox. It’s kind of annoying and made the whole box smell, but it didn’t get on any of the other products, so that’s okay.

            Overall, I don’t have any huge complaints for this box, but I’m slightly underwhelmed. I am excited to try a few of the products, though, and think it’s well worth the money.

            What do you think? Have the box already? What did you get? Any questions? Let me know!

Memebox x CutiePieMarzia Unboxing

Memebox Stats

What is it: Memebox is a South Korean store and site where you can purchase boxes filled with South Korean skincare and cosmetics, often exceeding the cost of the box. The contents of the box are secret (similar to subscription services), though spoilers are released. There is no recurring subscription.

Cost: They generally run $23-$34 a box before shipping.

Shipping: Shipping is $7.99 a box for standard(15-22 business days) or $22.99 for expedited (3-5 business days)

Personalization: There is no personalized quiz, but you can chose whatever boxes you want based on whatever themes appeal to you.

Points system: The points system here involves “memepoints.” Memepoints can be earned for certain purchases, won in contests or sometimes given out by the company. Their value is dollar for dollar (i.e. 3 memepoints is $3 in the shop). If you buy 5 individual boxes over a period of 3 months you become a VIP and get bonus perks.

Awesomely unique:

1. This gives access to Korean products that may be difficult to find otherwise.

2. You can choose what boxes you want to buy based on theme and you aren’t forced into a monthly subscription.

3. Value sets give you expedited shipping for purchasing multiple boxes in a set. You only have to pay $7.99 to ship all boxes in the set and it’s expedited.

4. There are coupon codes and Memebox often throws out memepoints.

Unfortunately unique:

1. The shipping charges are a huge downer.

2. Shipping takes forever.

3. If you find a product you love in a box, it may be difficult or costly to purchase again.

4. Since the company is South Korean it can be hard to communicate with them and they operate in a different time zone (emails are sent and boxes are put up while I’m sleeping).

5. They take a while to respond to emails (I’ve even had an email completely ignored).

Where: us.memebox.com or use my referral link http://us.memebox.com/user/magicofmascara

            Lately Memebox has been releasing boxes curated by popular bloggers and youtubers. This box was curated by Cutiepiemarzia. She did a video about the box here > http://youtu.be/pBmwd9lW3wg , you should check it out. Anyways, she hadn’t actually tried anything in the box herself, but I was enamored as soon as I saw it. For the blogger collaboration boxes, Memebox reveals everything in the box, from the get-go. No surprises here.

           On to the goodies. This box had 6 full size products with a total value of $88 and I paid $30.99 ($23 + $7.99 shipping). The value of this box wasn't as great as some others they've put out, but this is definitely more about curation than value.  

 

            First is the Beauty People Snow White Special Edition Season 2 set ($54). It includes mini size eyeliners in the colors, glimmer black, glimmer brown, glimmer bronze, glimmer gold and glimmer beige. I own two full sized Beauty People eyeliners, and those twist up. This need to be sharpened, but included in the box was a bonus sharpener, which is nice. I haven’t tried it out, though. As far as the eyeliners go, I freaking love these. The quality is awesome. They are super pigmented, glide on smoothly and do not budge. In fact, this set is why I bought this box. A set of my new favorite eyeliners, plus a cute-as-hell Snow White tin was irresistible. And it makes the value of the box. I found this same set on Amazon for $47 + $5 shipping.

            Next up is an adorable Tinted Balm by Petit Friend in PK01 Crown Pink ($8). It smells like strawberry candy! I just mix the two colors together when I apply it, because it would be way too much effort to keep the damn crown intact. It gives a cute bubblegum pink color that way, anyways. It’s also pretty moisturizing and doesn't settle into liplines.

(The outer packaging removes easily, but you could also leave it on and still be functional)

(Without the wing sleeves.)

(Left: Volumer Essense, Right: One Step Base)

            Included, as well, are two full-size products from It’s Skin. We have the Babyface One-Step Base in 01 Lavender Pink ($8) and Babyface Volumer Essense ($11). I don’t know exactly what “volumer” means, but after a while of buying these boxes, you get used to unique uses of the English language. Anyways, the volumer essence is super sticky. I’ve only used it once, because of that. It’s got a liquid-gel hybrid texture and smells like baby powder. It's supposed to brighten and reduce wrinkles so I may have to give it another go, though. I haven’t used the primer much, because it gives a white cast on it’s own and I don’t wear much foundation. It has a lotion-like texture and smells like Herbal Essences shampoo. 

            I wasn’t too excited about the L.vida Nail Polish in LC-34 Pink Orange ($6) until I got it. I applied it a few days ago (qithout a base coat) and didn’t have any chipping for at least 3 days, which is pretty good for me. On the fourth day the polish from my pinky nail popped off and so I peeled the rest off. I’m awful with nail polish. I hadn’t used a base coat and nail polish always pops off, so please don’t take my little review as characteristic of the wear. 

            I did like the finish. I had a jelly texture and I was able to do a successful jelly sandwich manicure with it, but with two coats it would appear to have a crème texture on the nail. Pretty versatile. The color is also adorable for spring and summer. Overall, I don’t think Korean nail polish has anything special to offer over American polish brands, but this polish was a  pretty good formula for only $6.

  

            I’m always excited to get a mask in a Memebox, since masks are hugely popular in Korea. I still haven’t tried this Pure Smile Gelee Labo Strawberry mask ($1), so I can’t testify about its smell, but I did get another Gelee Labo mask from this brand in another box and loved it. It smelled good, had the texture of jam (no joke) and left my skin really soft. It wasn’t sticky and was a lot of fun to use. I’m really excited to try this one.  Overall, probably the most fun I’ve had with a $1 mask.

            I really enjoy getting Memeboxes and this box was no exception. Let me know if you have questions about any of the products I mentioned.  I suggest you head over to Memebox’s website and click around. WARNING: once you buy a box you will get addicted. Have fun!

Tarte Rainforest After Dark Eye & Cheek Palette: Review

            

           I should probably preface this post by mentioning how much I love Tarte products. If for some, horrendous, tragic reason, I could only use makeup from one brand for the rest of my life, I would choose Tarte. Their Lipsurgence lip tints and cheek tints are my favorite lip and cheek products. Lately, though, I’ve begun to appreciate their eye shadows and powder blushes.

            The Tarte Rainforest After Dark Palette Eye and Cheek palette didn't appeal to me at first. And then I saw swatches. I was so excited when I got this home I couldn't even wait to take pictures before digging in. I had to have it on my face!

(See the mess? Told you I couldn't wait)

            Can we talk about the fact that this palette has a plastic, purple JEWEL on it? They already won me over. Pretty much. The gold foil snake is pretty cute too. The case looks like it's wood, but, of course, it's wood. I still like the look of the palette, but it feels pretty cheap. 

            I’m not much of a bronzer person, but for fair skin the bronzer is awesome. The highlighter is subtle and wonderful too. I love how they made the bronzer, blush and highlighter pans big enough to actually put a brush in, without overpowering the eye shadow pans. It’s a pretty well designed palette, despite the fact that it’s round. I store my palettes on their side, which doesn’t work for this. I like how it looks so much, though, that I plan on getting a picture frame stand to prop it up to use as décor on my vanity. For right now, though, it’s just laying around on my vanity.

            I love purple shadows and this palette has probably my favorite gold eye shadow ever. The shadows all have a lovely texture with barely any fallout. I will say Tarte has some of the most underrated matte shadows on the market. I find them very pigmented and, typically, smooth.  

(Left to Right: Amazonian Clay Blush in "Unleashed", Bronzer in "Park Ave. Princess #2", Eyeshadow in "Don't Turn A-Brown," "Tan-gled Up in You," "Up to No Gold," "Plum Away With Me," "Make a Mauve," "Bare to Explore" and Highlighter in "Champagne.")

"Unleashed" is a dusty rose (matte) and is very smooth. I find it easy to blend.

"Park Ave. Princess #2" is a warm tan color. also matte and easy to blend. 

Don't Turn A-Brown is a dark, cool-toned brown with some very fine silver sparkle that hardly translates on the lid. 

"Tan-gled Up in You" is a neutral, slightly warm, medium tan (matte.) 

"Up to No Gold" is a medium, slightly antiqued gold with plenty of shimmer. It's very creamy shade. I like how it's bright, without being too yellow.

"Plum Away With Me" is a warm medium-dark plum tone with a frosty finish and some fine silver sparkle. "Make a Mauve" is a light plum with some slight shimmer.

"Bare to Explore" is a matte, light, pinky-nude. This one is probably the hardest shade to blend, but it's by no means stiff. I still find it to be buttery and smooth, but it applies best if you already have a powder shadow down as a base.

"Champagne" is a light, shimmery, golden beige. It has some slight pigmentation issues, but is easy to build up.

            This palette is great for everyday looks with a kick. Think neutrals, with a twist. It's going to be great for fall. It retails for $38 dollars and limited edition, so if you want it, grab it. 

             Have you tried this palette already? What did you think? Let me know down below!

Ipsy Glam Bag August 2014

Ipsy Stats.

What is it: Ipsy is a monthly that delivers a makeup bag (called a glam bag) with 5-6 sample or full sized products every month.

Cost: It’s $10 a month or $110 for a year.

Shipping: Ipsy ships through DHL in the States, which can take a while.

Personalization: There is a style quiz and the product reviews you give affect what’s in your bag, but overall there isn’t much personalization going on here. You cannot skip a type of product all together (i.e. you cannot opt out of getting mascara entirely).

Points system: For every product you review and friend you refer, you earn points which can be redeemed for special offers. The offers are limited and often go fast, though.

Awesomely unique: Every month you can view your “Glam Room” and see the products you’ll receive in your bag before you get them. This subscription is pretty makeup heavy. Each month it arrives in a pink bubble mailer, which is pretty cute. You get a different, reusable makeup bag each month, instead of a box.

Unfortunately unique: There is a waitlist when you sign up and you have to wait or jump through a bunch of hoops to activate your subscription. There have been issues in the past with unsafe/unusable products.

Links: http://www.ipsy.com/r/dx7c?sid=ipsypoints&cid=general OR www.ipsy.com

           

            This month’s makeup bag, while suited to the theme of “Back to School” is pretty heinous. I like polka dots, but orange on white doesn’t appeal to me as a color scheme. Added to the fact that this is vinyl, I really hate this bag. I get it, it’s a pencil bag, woo hoo, fun. Unfortunately I’m not 7 and I would be embarrassed to carry this around. I can’t even think of any friends I would inflict this bag on.

            Inside the bag were five products; a teeny tiny black eyeliner, mascara, blush duo, pore primer sample and lip balm. Not bad, all makeup, which is really important to some (based on my reading of internet forums).

            My eyeliner is a Lord & Berry Silk Kajal Kohl-Liner in “#1001 Black.” Frankly it’s pretty smudgy, which is exactly what you want from a Kajal kohl liner, but not what I’m looking for in an everyday liner. It’ll probably be a good base for a smoky eye set with powder eye shadow, but that’s the only way I would use it.

            The Mascara is a fair sized sample of Urban Decays Perversion mascara, which is pretty cool since this is a brand spankin’ new product. I was hoping for the eyeliner, but I can take it, I’m a big girl.

These blushes are not showing as color accurate. Sorry. They're both much pinker. 

This has a swatch of the eyeliner too, in case your were curious.

            Next is the blush duo from Coastal Scents. This is actually a sample of the Forever Blush Duo and while I think it’s cool we got a sample of an actual palette, it’s not functional. I prefer a big fluffy brush for my blush application and that will not fly with this sample. They would have been better off giving us a full size blush in just one shade. Besides, Coastal Scents is not an expensive brand? Why is it the cheapest looking sample in here, when they could have easily afforded to provide a full sized product for this brand?

            I was excited to get the Dr. Brandt Pores No More Primer sample as I have large pores and am on a huge Korean beauty kick. Unfortunately it broke me out. It’s not uncommon for slick, silky primers to wreck my skin, but still disappointing.

            Last is my least favorite product of the bunch. As soon as I saw this in my Glam Room, I was disappointed. There were four possible lip balms to get and I got the grape scent. I have always hated artificial grape scents, though this particular scent isn’t that bad. It’s not super strong, and I would probably use it if it wasn’t for the chunks of iridescent glitter. I actually love glitter, but combined with the artificial scent and cutesy packaging it overall just feels like something I would have had as a kid.

            This bag was a huge disappointment for me and I will probably only use the mascara, which there will be a full review on later. That’s the nature of services like this, though. I don’t expect to love it every month. 

             Does this seem like a good bag to you? Did you get the same stuff? Have any questions about how Ipsy works? Leave it all down below.