Just Another Neutral Palette?: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette Review

So I know this palette has been featured and swatched to high heaven all over social media, but according to a Twitter poll I held, a review and makeup look for this palette were still very much requested. I think it is important as a consumer to read many, many, many reviews on any given product and find out the good, bad, and the ugly before making a solid decision if the product is worth purchasing. I, like many other consumers, have a drawer filled with "must have" neutral palettes collecting dust, which begs the question: do we really need them all? While I'm probably not the best fit to answer that question as I am a self-proclaimed beauty addict, it is some food for thought. However, if we are being completely honest, I was not at all impressed when I saw the initial PR images for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette. It wasn't because the palette looked like a bad one by any means, but appeared to have so many multiples of the exact same shades. Nonetheless, clearly my inner beauty addict gave in the second I swatched this palette in stores at Sephora, so hopefully this review will shed some light on what others haven't yet told you.

Q&A's

♥What is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette?♥

The Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette is a 14-pan eyeshadow palette containing a variety of warm neutrals and berry tones (nine mattes, two satins, & three metallics). Each eyeshadow contains 0.02 oz of product and are housed in a durable cardboard packaging topped with fuzzy, mauve-pink velvet. As an added bonus, the palette also comes with a double-ended brush for on the go. It the first palette that ABH has produced that will be permanent to their line and can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta, and Macy's for $42.

♥How do these shadows perform?♥

In previous palettes, I have felt that Anastasia Beverly Hills lacked the quality and cohesiveness that draws me in with other neutral palettes. I much preferred the quality of their single shadows, which always proved to be pigmented and easy to work with. However, I am pleased to say that ABH has tremendously improved the formula of their eyeshadow palettes. The shadows in the Modern Renaissance Palette are buttery smooth and pigmented, but are also easy to work with and build up. I do find that the shades provide a lot of kick up, but that does not really bother me as all I have to do is tap off any excess from my brush. On initial application of the mattes in particular, I noticed that buffing and blending cause them to lose their vibrancy and pigmentation, but when applied a second time, the pigment stuck and was nicely buildable. I believe this makes it a palette that is very user- and beginner-friendly.

♥How do the shadows wear?♥

I had absolutely no issues with the wear of these eyeshadows. There was no creasing, fading, or transferring whatsoever.

♥What are my overall thoughts on this product?♥

While there are a ton of neutral palettes on the market, I do believe this specific palette has its own voice and individuality. Many of the neutrals in this palette, such as Golden Ochre, Warm Taupe, and Realgar, are very unique and are ones I haven't seen before. The palette is also very compact and portable, allows you to create an entire look with just this one palette, and gives a good amount of variety to transition you through the seasons. The price point also isn't that bad as it breaks down to $3 per shadow, though I do wish each shadow contained more product. All in all, the quality is pretty on par with other neutral palettes on the market, such as the Lorac Pro Palette and the Kat Von D Shade And Light Eye Palette. However, it maintains a better quality and consistency than the more affordable Morphe 35O Palette, which can be pretty chalky and reads one-note overall. Nevertheless, if you already have a ton of neutrals in your collection, this palette may not be an absolute must-have, but if you are just beginning out in makeup or are interested in trying out some of Anastasia Beverly Hills eyeshadows, this would be an excellent introduction.

Makeup Deets

♥Brows - NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Taupe

♥Eyeshadow - Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette (Burnt Orange, Red Ochre, Cyprus Umber, & Venetian Red), ColourPop Super Shock Shadow in Lace, & NYX Roll-On Shimmer in Mauve Pink
♥Glitter - Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Duo in Lilac Luster

♥Eyeliner - Wet n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner & Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Pencil in M-10

♥Lashes - Koko Lashes in Queen Bee

♥Foundation - Maybelline Dream Velvet Soft-Matte Hydrating Foundation in Sandy Beige

♥Concealer - LA Girl Pro Conceal in Porcelain

♥Highlight - Nars Illuminator in Copacabana topped with Lorac Illuminating Highlighter in Twilight

♥Bronzer - L'Oreal Glam Bronze in Medium

♥Blush - Mally Effortless Airbrush Highlighter & Blush Duo in Peach

♥Lips - Anastasia Beverly Hills Liquid Lipstick in Kathryn

XO♥

Urban Decay Creates Foundation For Us Acne Prone Gals!: Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation Review

Urban Decay is the brand that sparked my love of makeup. Though I was a late bloomer, my very first purchase was a big one--the original Naked Palette. Since then, I have acquired so many of their other eyeshadows, palettes, and face products, but sadly I have been unable to wear their foundations due to ingredients in them that would worsen my acne. When I found out that they were creating a foundation as an extension of the All Nighter Setting Spray, I jumped online and did my research. I mean imagine my excitement at seeing a foundation that was full coverage and long-wearing and then imagine my excitement again when I found out there were no comedogenic ingredients to be found. FINALLY, Urban Decay, finally.

Q&A's

♥What is the Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation?♥

The Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation is a liquid foundation and is Urban Decay's first full coverage foundation. This foundation is available in 24 shades that are categorized very systematically (shades ending in .0 are yellow-based, .5=pink-based, and .25/.75=neutral). It can be purchased at Sephora, Ulta, and other department stores for $40.

♥What are the claims made on this foundation?♥

Here are the claims made on this foundation straight from Urban Decay's website: "All Nighter Liquid Foundation provides full coverage with a modern matte finish that never looks overdone. Get serious long-lasting wear and a blown-out effect you never thought was possible. Perfect for all-night affairs and other scandalous activities, our revolutionary formula is also comfortable enough to wear every day. While Naked Skin complexion products are demi-matte, All Nighter Liquid Foundation is completely matte—but never flat (and it’s oil-free!). We loaded this formula with an insane amount of pigment (about three times as much as Naked Skin Liquid Makeup), so a little goes a long way. There’s no need to build coverage or apply multiple layers. This waterproof, paraben-free formula diffuses light to blur flaws for beautifully perfected skin as it mattifies and absorbs oil to reduce the appearance of shine. With a wide range of meticulously calibrated shades that align with our existing Naked Skin Liquid Makeup shades, it’s easy to find your perfect match. All Nighter Liquid Foundation comes in a sleek, edgy bottle that has a luxurious, highly metallized gunmetal effect with asymmetric cutouts. As cool as it looks, it’s also practical; the shade is clearly visible, but the bottle never looks messy. It’s also equipped with an airless pump—so it’s easy to get out every last bit of product."

♥How do you apply this foundation?♥

My favorite way to apply the Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation is with a dampened sponge. Because the formula is designed to be high coverage and matte, I find using a brush can lead to a higher risk of cake face. While the sponge does sheer out the coverage just a tad bit, it is still definitely full coverage. And, better yet, the dampened sponge also gives you more time to play with a formula that some have complained dries down too quickly and keeps you from looking like the kind of matte that is dehydrated and aging. Also, as a sidenote, this foundation does play well with other liquid or cream products so long as it hasn't fully set. I noticed that once the foundation is completely set into its mattified state, applying a liquid hightlight, for instance, will definitely end up a bit patchy and hard to blend out.

♥How does the foundation wear?♥

This foundation wears beautifully. When applied in light layers, I did not experience any creasing or gunking up around the nose even on the most humid of days. Immediately after the foundation was first applied and had set, it felt very lightweight on the skin and had a natural matte finish. As the day progresses, you will begin to notice that the foundation becomes dewier as your natural oils come about, but they never break down the foundation or leave you looking like a grease ball. It was only by hour 10 of a 12-hour day that I started to feel the foundation on my face, but even so, it looked pretty darn good.

♥What are my final thoughts on this product?♥

The Urban Decay Foundation has been so hyped up across social media lately that I can see why it would be easy to think that it is all just hype. However, rest assured that the hype is 100% real! Lately, I have been using this every day that I wear makeup and have even went so far as to buy a few more shades for use in my kit. On the other hand, if full coverage isn't for you, I would still recommend this foundation. By simply mixing a small amount in with your moisturizer or primer, you can customize it to your needs. In fact, a bottle of this will actually last you even longer than the rest of us! The only concern I have, as with other foundation lines, is the shade range. While some shades have a range for yellow, pink, and neutral, others don't even have the option of other undertones, forcing some consumers to pick an undertone unsuitable for them. If Urban Decay sorts this out, the All Nighter Foundation would be absolutely perfect for that many more consumers.

Makeup Deets

♥Brows - Milani Brow Fix Kit in Light

♥Eyeshadow - Inglot Eyeshadows in #368, #102R, & #313 & Make Up For Ever Artist Shadows in M-698 & M-846

♥Glitter - Revlon PhotoReady Eye Art Duo in Topaz Twinkle

♥Eyeliner - Wet n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner

♥Foundation - Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation in shade 4.0

♥Concealer - LA Girl Pro Concealer in Porcelain

♥Bronzer - Pur Glow Together Gradient Matte-Shimmer Bronzer

♥Lips - Milani Amore Matte Lip Creme in Loved & Sephora Cream Lip Stain in 02

XO♥

Review: Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick & Vanish Foundation Brush

Hourglass products have been a staple in my collection for a long time. While I haven't been the biggest fan of their foundations (their Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation looked too dry and powdery on my skin), their Ambient Lighting Powders and Veil Mineral Primer make for great accomplices to an airbrush finish. So when I was given the opportunity by both Influenster and Hourglass to try out their latest and greatest from the line, I jumped at the chance.

Q&A's

♥What is the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick?♥

The Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is a creamy consistency foundation in stick form. It is currently available at Sephora in 26 shades for $46 and was created to be used in conjunction with the Vanish Foundation Brush (sold separately for $46), which is similar to a dense, round-top kabuki brush.

♥What are the claims made on this product?♥

Here are the claims made about this product straight from the Hourglass website: "A revolutionary foundation stick with the coverage of a concealer, the fluidity of a liquid, and the weightlessness of a powder in a longwearing waterproof formula for undetectable full coverage. The unprecedented concentration of pigment in this foundation provides maximum coverage with minimum product, concealing all discoloration and imperfections for flawless skin with a seamless finish."

♥How do you apply this foundation?♥

As mentioned before, a foundation brush was created with this foundation's formula in mind. Also, the information card sent with the products specified that prepping the face with the Mineral Veil Primer would be optimal, so both the use of the brush and the priming of my skin with this specific primer were the basis of my application. Unfortunately, my foundation in the shade Sand was broken in transit, so applying the foundation stick straight to my face as I normally would was out of the question. Instead, I scooped a small amount out with my stainless steel makeup spatula and striped it onto my face with my finger. I believe the warmth of my hand in this initial application helped to soften this very thick formula enough so that when I used the Vanish Foundation Brush to buff it out, it blended out seamlessly. You could apply it using your beauty blender, but the thick consistency might create a patchy situation and sheer out the full coverage.

♥How does this foundation wear?♥

Once applied, the foundation had a full coverage, natural satin finish to it, which I thought was absolutely beautiful. If you're familiar with my reviews, then you probably already know that I tend to wear my makeup for long periods of time that works out when testing the true longevity of foundations, especially ones that boast to be long-wearing and waterproof. In this case, I wore the Hourglass Seamless Foundation for over 12 hours and felt that it held up pretty well. It did not break down or get cakey by any means, but gave a healthy, dewy glow to my skin despite using the Mineral Veil Primer (an oil-controlling primer) and putting it to the test on a relatively cool day. 

♥What are my overall thoughts on this product?♥

On all accounts, I'm still an eyeshadow junkie, but I can definitely say that this year has been the year for testing out face products for me. And while I have found some bases that were disappointing and even more that I liked, rarely have I found one that I am absolutely head over heels for. Despite getting dewy after a few hours, the Hourglass Vanish Seamless Foundation remained beautiful throughout--never fading, getting patchy, or cakey. It was very radiant and skin-like. However, while I find the glow to be beautiful, I understand that this may raise some alarms for those of you that are very oily, so I recommend prepping your skin well with a gel-based moisturizer and mattifying primer as well as setting the entire face well with a powder. Otherwise, this foundation will be wonderful for those with dry, normal, and even combination skin. To point out one more negative, I was slightly disappointed in the shade range. My shade, Sand, was 12th in the line-up of 26 and by no means should I be considered anywhere near the median; if anything I fall into the light category. The line does in fact reach deeper complexions, but whether the undertones are actually suitable for those in that category is left up to debate. Overall, if you're in the market for a highend full coverage foundation, this one should definitely be on your list of ones to try.

Makeup Deets

♥Brows - Milani Brow Fix Kit in Light

♥Eyeshadow - Lorac Unzipped Gold Palette

♥Eyeliner - Wet n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner

♥Foundation - Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick in Sand

♥Concealer - LA Girl Pro Conceal

♥Highlight - Nars Illuminator in Copacabana topped with Lorac Illuminating Highlighter in Twilight

♥Bronzer - L'Oreal Glam Bronze Bronzer in Medium

♥Lips - Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner in Addiction & Sephora Cream Lip Stain in # 2

XO♥

*The products in this post were sent to me for review, but all opinions are my own.

BEST Eyeliner For Sensitive, Watery Eyes: Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Eyeliner Review

Contact lens wearers know the struggle. Over time your eyes become more sensitive and prone to allergic reactions and never-ending watery eyes. There have been so many instances where my makeup has smudged and wiped off because it wasn't waterproof enough. Cult favorites, such as Rimmel ScandalEyes and Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils did not last one bit. This phenomenon is so frustrating that I resigned myself to the idea of not being able to wear anything on my lower lash line...that is, until I found the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils one day while strolling through Sephora.

Q&A's

♥What are the Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencils?♥

The MUFE Aqua XL Eye Pencils are waterproof eyeliners that are very creamy and pigmented. They come in 20 different shades, ranging from jet black and brown to blue and yellow, and also come in the same finishes as their Artist Shadows  (matte, satin, metallic, diamond & iridescent). You can find these eyeliners at Make Up For Ever Boutiques and Sephora for $21 a pop.

♥What are the claims made on this product?♥

Here are the claims made on this product that I was able to find on Sephora's website: "A pro artist favorite, Aqua XL Eye Pencil Waterproof Liner's superior, long-lasting formula will not smudge, crease, or fade until you remove it. Its innovative formula blends intense, rich color with a super-gliding texture. This versatile liner’s smooth texture effortlessly glides onto lids without skipping or tugging while delivering intense, one-swipe color that lasts all day. Perfect for creating a tight line or smudging for a shadow effect, it features shades that range from everyday neutrals to bright pastel pops."

♥How are these products used?♥

As with many of MUFE's products, you can use these pencils in a multitude of ways: as eyeliner on the lash line or waterline, as a base underneath shadows, and some shades could even double as brow or lip liners if you're in a pinch.

♥How do these pencils wear?♥

I personally have only had the opportunity to try out the shades M-10 (jet black) and M-16 (white) and they wear absolutely fabulously. I find that M-10 is intensely opaque and doesn't go anywhere once it dries down or is set with a powder. M-16, on the other hand, has a medium opacity, but is buildable to a full coverage. It should be noted that once these liners set, they are not going anywhere, so if you plan on smudging them out or using them as a base, work in sections. Despite the fast drying time, they do go on smoothly without any tugging. This will be good news for those of us with sensitive, watery eyes as these liners will give us color payoff that won't budge. Upon removal, I find that it is helpful to soak a cotton round in eye makeup remover and hold it on the eye for a few seconds so that it can breakdown the product thoroughly.

♥What are my final thoughts on this product?♥

In the past year or two, I have not been big on putting eyeliner or eyeshadow on my lower lash line as my eyes have developed such a sensitivity. The MUFE Aqua XL Eye Pencils have restored so many eye makeup possibilities for me and, for this reason, I absolutely LOVE them. So, if you couldn't tell, they come highly recommended by me and I wouldn't mind picking up more, especially a navy blue and dark brown for everyday use. Without a shadow of a doubt, this is a line I hope MUFE will continue expanding in the future.

Makeup Deets

♥Eyeshadow - Smashbox Full Exposure Palette

♥Eyeliner - Make Up For Ever Aqua XL Eye Pencil in M-10

♥Lashes - Eylure x Vegas Nay Lashes in Grand Glamour

XO♥

The Most Affordable Full Coverage Foundation EVER! Review of the Jordana Complete Cover Maximum Coverage 2-in-1 Concealer & Foundation

First off, I know the name of this product is completely ridiculous. If the name got any longer, I would literally need to start abbreviating, so for the purpose of this review I'll be referring to this product as the Complete Cover Foundation, okay? Now that we got that out of the way, it's story time. Whenever I pass by a drugstore, I always have to stop in and check out the new makeup displays. It is such a bad, compulsive habit, but I like knowing all of the new beauty bits that are coming out. Well evidently this product is not new, but it was on a display in Walgreens as a repromote because the packaging was upgraded. So after a tiny bit of research and seeing the amazing price tag, I picked up two shades of this foundation and that is what I have to show you guys today.

Jordana Complete Cover Maximum Coverage 2-in-1 Concealer & Foundation in Fair Beige (Left) & Golden Beige (Right)

Q&A's

♥What is the Jordana Complete Cover Foundation?♥

The Jordana Complete Cover Foundation is a full coverage foundation in a squeeze tube packaging with a thick, yet liquidy consistency. It is marketed to double as a spot concealer and comes in a total of 12 shades. This foundation can be found at certain drugstores and beauty supply stores for $3.99. I picked mine up from Walgreens.

♥What claims has Jordana made on this product?♥

Here are Jordana's claims: "Meet your secret weapon for making dark circles and spots look like they’ve vanished! Complete Cover 2-in-1 Concealer & Foundation evens out skin tone when applied as an all-over foundation, and also works as a full coverage concealer—just dab onto trouble spots for a quick fix. Complete Cover 2-in-1 Concealer & Foundation = the ultimate in double duty beauty!

• Max full coverage
• Oil-free formula
• Evens out skin tone
• Blurs the look of flaws
• Suitable for all skin types
• Made in USA"

♥How do you apply this product?♥

Immediately after applying this to my skin, I noticed that this foundation has an extremely strong cosmetic chemical smell (it honestly made me nauseous). On top of that, it has an interesting texture that is just overall not my favorite. There is a thickness to it so when applied with a brush, you may risk streaks and cake-iness. I recommend using a damp sponge, but bare in mind that the sponge lessens the coverage a bit. However, you can always go back and spot conceal wherever you need it.

♥How does it wear?♥

I have to say that I found this foundation incredibly heavy on the skin, which is probably due to the beeswax and silicon ingredients found in it. Once applied, its finish reminded me quite a bit of Mac Studio Sculpt, so it will be a great dupe if that is one of your faves. Overall, I wouldn't recommend wearing it on a hot Summer day as it creased and caked up terribly at the corners of my nose within the first few hours. It may be a more suitable foundation for those needing a moisturizing Winter foundation with lots of coverage.

♥What are my final thoughts?♥

While I don't hate the Jordana Complete Cover Foundation, I cannot truly recommend it as I myself wouldn't wear it. The price point is excellent, so it may be a good choice for beginners or even makeup artists who need to stock their kit on a budget. As I said before, if you love the Mac Sculpt Foundation, I think you'll absolutely love this one as well. It just doesn't make the cut for me due to the way it sits on my skin and the incredibly strong scent. At $3.99, however, it doesn't hurt to give it a try and see if it is your cup of tea. Other foundations that have similar consistencies, but worked better for me are the Dermablend Smooth Liquid Camo Foundation and the Urban Decay All Nighter Foundation.

XO♥

Worst Makeup Launch of 2016?: NEW L'Oreal Colour Riche Pocket Palette in Violet Amour

About a year ago, L'Oreal released the Colour Riche eyeshadow singles that took the drugstore by storm. Like the Milani Bella Eyes Gel Powders, this new eyeshadow formula was a definite improvement upon previous formulas and provided stiff competition for all the other drugstore brands on the market. Fast forward to a couple months ago, however, customers were finding the new Colour Riche Pocket Palettes a huge disappointment as they seemed to stray far from the formula they new and loved. They felt the shadows in the palettes were not pigmented, didn't blend well, and overall performed horribly. I, on the otherhand, have had a much different experience with the L'Oreal Colour Riche Pocket Palettes and actually find them quite lovely.

Q&A's

♥What are the L'Oreal Colour Riche Pocket Palettes?♥

The L'Oreal Colour Riche Pocket Palettes are quads of eyeshadow containing both matte and shimmery shades. There are a nice variety of colorways (eight in total) from everyday neutrals to brights and smokey. The palettes can be found at drugstores and retail for $9.99.

♥What are the claims made on these new eyeshadows?♥

Here are the description and claims that L'Oreal provides for us on their website: "Create your color obsession with L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche® Pocket Palette, our first multi-color, multi-finish eyeshadow quad. Create sophisticated looks and make your color statement with specially curated shade families and finishes that range from shimmery to matte. Blends smoothly for easy application."

♥How do you apply them?♥

For a softer, lighter application, use a fluffy, non-dense brush. For more intense pigmentation, such as in the crease or on the lid, it is best to work with stiffer synthetic brushes. Also, lid shades work best when applied wet/over a sticky base for optimal color payoff.

♥How do the eyeshadows perform?♥

On initial application, all of the eyeshadows seem lightly pigmented, but they are very buildable. This will be good for the beginner that is afraid of going overboard, especially will such bold shades. I found that the shimmery shades were not as impressive as the mattes, especially the lightest one (top left corner) as they weren't as shimmery or opaque once applied to the eyes. The combination of applying them wet over a sticky base, however, improves their quality tenfold. The eyeshadows lasted all day on me without any fading or transfer, but I should note that after eight hours of wear, my eyelids had a really bad reaction possibly to the pigment in the purple shadows. Though this is a very common occurrence for those with sensitive eyes and may not be a concern for all, it is important in case this applies to you.

♥What are my overall thoughts on this product?♥

The reason this palette has received so many poor ratings is probably for the exact reason shown above. Those consumers that enjoy a softer romantic vibe to their makeup will find no issues with the palette, but for those of us beauty addicts that enjoy intense color payoff, you may be disappointed that these palettes take a little more work and finesse. I don't have an issue taking a little more time with my eyeshadow, but that is just purely personal preference. I want to make it clear that there's nothing wrong with the quality of the eyeshadows themselves. In fact, the soft, delicate textures of these powders are very reminiscent to those eyeshadows found in the Lancome palettes. This comes as no surprise as L'Oreal owns Lancome. I believe L'Oreal's intentions were to introduce a feeling of luxury, which would make them stand apart amongst the multitude of drugstore brands. If you're in the market for a travel-friendly palette, I do highly recommend the 'Violet Amour' shade for purple lovers or anyone wishing to branch out and introduce a little bit of color into their routine.

XO♥