REVIEW | Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm

The Revlon Colorstay Matte Balms have been out in stores for quite sometime now and are available around the world.  Revlon started out with their Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains which were a hit because they offered a wide range of colors, but also the longevity of a lip stain.  I am a big fan of them also.  Now they came out with a new range of their line of "Lipstick in a stick" loll and they are the Matte Balms and the Lacquer Balms, but right now we are going to discuss the Matte Balms which in my opinion are the best ones.

When Revlon came out with the Matte Balms, everyone was excited and so was I.  I knew they were going to be very pigmented and vibrant.  When I pick up these two shades up (Elusive and Standout) I thought they would give a good impression on what a wearable shade look and what a bold shade would look.  I love my nudes and I love reds so it was a no brainer on what I picked out.

Revlon Matte Balm - Elusive is a muted pink color that pulls a little cool.  I found that it was smooth to apply, but if you have any cracked or dry skin that it would cling to those spots and look patchy.  So make sure you exfoliate before using this color because it really looks beautiful on.

Revlon Matte Balm - Standout is a classic vibrant red that pulls cooler in tone.  It went on very smoothly and I like that its in a stick form that it was easy to outline my lips and fill them in with the colors.  It saturated my lips with color and didn't look patchy at all.  It is one that many of you who like red should get.

Overall, I like them a lot and might go and purchase a couple more to try out.  They were smooth and I mean really smooth to apply.  They go on matte, but not too matte that it goes on dry on the lips and its not workable.  The shape of the packaging made it easy to apply and it wasn't hard to hold.  The pigmentation was incredible, but they are not stains so they won't last as long, but I find their wear to be the same as a regular lipstick.  I also would guess that of all the shades, the vibrant colors will apply better on, but the shades that are lighter and/or nude might be patchy going on, but as long as you moisturize and exfoliate your lips before hand then I wouldn't think there be a problem.

Let me know if you tried them out and what colors I should try next, because I really want to go out and try the purple and orange shade.  (;

-BENNevolent

HAUL | MAC x Osbourne Collection

Here we go ! We have another anticipated collection for the summer 2014 and it is the collaboration with Kelly and Sharon Osbourne.  This was a collection that has been in the works for quite sometime now.  Kelly and Sharon has been teasing us for almost a year now and it has finally gotten its release.  The collection was released online June 2, 2014 and in stores June 12, 2014.

I woke up at the crack of 9am to make it to the release at the Macy's Mac counter in which they open their doors at 10am.  It was really early, but I needed to get a few things from the collection.  When I got there, there was a decent amount of makeup lovers in line and in my mind I was being hopeful to get a few of what I wanted from my list.  When I was able to pick out my items they sold out of the "Dodgy Girl" lipstick and the "Peaches and Cream" blush that was on my list, but that was alright since I got to get others that I really wanted as well as the "Kelly Yum Yum" lipstick which seems like they had a lot more of them in stock.  Must have been since it is one of the colors that no one should miss out on.

Purchased:

Lipstick: "Kelly Yum Yum" (Satin)

Blush: "Cheeky Bugger" (Satin)

Mineralize Skinfinish Duo: "Jolly Good," "Refresh"

The packaging was beautiful, Kelly had an all lavender satin packaging with a her red signature and Sharon had a red glossy packaging with lavender signature.  What I did find is that Kelly's packaging seems a bit more cheaper in feel, a lot more light and plastic-y.  I really wanted the other two that I lucked out of, but luckily my friend managed to snag the "Peaches and Cream" blush for me at another Macy's which I'm really thankful for.

What did you guys picked up from the collection?  All I know is that I am happy with my purchases and I'm totally broke, lol.  I loved the collection because I'm a fan of the Osbourne's and the collection was really thought out and had unique colors and it was essentially a well rounded collection from them.


-BENNevolent

HAUL | MAC Alluring Aquatic Collection (Summer 2014)

So you pretty much can guess that I became quite obsessed with this summer 2014 collection from MAC.  MAC just recently came out with their Alluring Aquatic Collection and seriously, for me, it was worth the hype.  They have been touting this anticipated collection for quite some time now and once it was released online... everyone went bananas over them.  I lucked out on the MAC online release, but managed to wait less than a week for Nordstrom to release theirs online.  Once they did at about 5:30 am PST.  I was literally half a sleep, but managed to work up an effort to go on my computer and pick up some valuable goodies.

What I manage to snag, all of which I was debating and coveting for the past couple weeks after I've seen many other bloggers reviewing and swatching some of the press releases they received.  I was able to figure out what I wanted and what I needed.

Purchased:

Lipstick: "Enchanted One" (Matte), "Mystical" (Creamesheen), and "Goddess of the Sea" (Creamesheen)

Bronzer: Refined Golden (Permanent), only got it or the packaging, essentially, lol

Extra Dimension Blush: "Sea Me, Hear Me"

Extra Dimension Bronzer: "Delphic," "Aphrodite's Shell"

They were all packaged in beautiful reflective aqua color with raised water droplets that you can actually feel (you can even feel the puddles on the boxes too).  I find this to be the best MAC packaging they ever came out with.  I'm really impressed and realized why the prices were a little bit higher.

I got a lot of good items that were very coveted from the collection and I'm glad I was able to snag all of what I wanted.  The only thing I wished was included into the collection was a highlighting product, yes, I know the Extra Dimensions create that highlight/sheen effect on the skin, but it would be nice to have at least an Extra Dimension Highlighter to go with the collection.  Overall, I was pleased with the collection and hope a lot of you were ably to grab a few items from the collection, if not a few, at least gotten one item.

-BENNevolent

HAUL | Maleficent for MAC

MAC released a collection to coincide with the Disney 'Maleficent' film that came out in May 30, 2014.  When MAC teased about the collection, a lot of people became excited for it, as I was.  I truly believed this collection would have been really big with colors that really represent Maleficent and the film.  When the press photos was released I felt very disappointed with the range of the collection.  Which really made it easier on my decision to pick what I wanted, but also save me a lot of money by not making me go overboard.  This is why I only purchased two things that are the only stand out products and one of them was only for the packaging.

Purchased:

Lipstick: "True Loves Kiss" (Amplified)

Beauty Powder: "Natural"

The two items that I bought were the only stand out products which I find to be the best pieces from the collection.  I knew the lipstick was going to be a big hit and it was because it sold out very quickly online.  The lipstick is an amplified finish which goes on smoothly and opaque and it has fine glitters what you don't feel on your lips at all, but adds that extra gleam to the lips on.  The beauty powder was the product I only got for the packaging because it had the Maleficent insignia on it, its not extravagant, but its really nice.  Hopefully, a lot of you got the lipstick because that was the best part of the collection.

If you wanted to know, I wished that offered more eyeshadows than just an eyeshadow quad.  Colors like green, purple, more greys.  I hoped for more lipsticks colors, but that wasn't the case.  It was a small collection that wasn't worth the hype, but at least the got the red lipstick right.

-BENNevolent

HAUL | The Balm

The Balm recently had their "New Server" Sale where all of their products were 50% off !  I knew I had to make a purchase of items I've been coveting for quite awhile, especially their new "Cindy-Lou Manizer."

Purchased:

"Down Boy" blush
"Argyle" Instain blush
"Houndstooth" Instain blush
"Cindy-Lou Manizer" highlighter

I wish I gotten more, but that would have been detrimental to my bank account, so I sufficed to a couple of items that I've had on my list for a while now.  First off, I had to get their new "Cindy-Lou Manizer" I have the other two and I just had to add it to my collection.  It is a pink-y version of their Manizer range and I find it adds more of a rosey glow to your face.  I also got "Down Boy" which is their Boy blush range and I've always wanted to get more from this range.  I'm excited for these because I heard so much great things about the Instain blushes and I've always wanted to try them and I finally got to and I of course had to purchase two of them.  "Houndstooth" which is their mauvey pink blush, which looks very natural and "Argyle" which looks more blue toned pinky shade which really brighten up the face.

I love the balm and I love that they don't use harmful or toxic ingredients and more minerals, plus they are cruelty free! They are also from San Francisco which I really love because all their stuff if made from the USA.  (:

-BENNevolent

L.A. Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer

Today, I got my order of the LA Girl Pro Conceal HD Concealer.  I'm really excited about them because I hear rave reviews of this concealer online and through word of mouth.  They have been touted as a dupe to MAC Pro Longwear Concealer.  I will be testing them out for a couple weeks to let you all know what I think.  I have extremely high hopes for these and anxious to try them.

I hope you enjoyed it and I will do a review soon.  :)

-BENNevolent

HAUL: Sephora VIB Sale | 2013

The most anticipated event of the year at Sephora has come and that is the VIB SALE !

These are the wonderful items that I have been coveting for a while now and have saved an arm and a leg... or two to get them.  Luckily, it didn't hurt the bank so much, considering that I got a VIB 20% off code in the mail.  First off, this year was a little different where the Sale started with the Friends & Family sale, which it was required that the only way to get the 20% off is to know a employee which I wasn't able to because I didn't know anyone, but some people were lucky enough to get the discount.  After a couple weeks there came the VIB sale which only VIBs got the discount code, but was able to give one to a family or friend.  :)

I was so excited for this sale because its my biggest purchases of the year and I'm so glad that I was able to get the items I wanted and I was able to snag limited edition products as well.

ITEMS:

1. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette 

2. NARS Guy Bourdin "One Night Stand" Cheek Palette

3. Hourglass Immaculate Liquid Powder Foundation "Beige"

4. Dior Rosy Glow Healthy Glow Awakening Blush "001 Petal"

5. NARS Pro Prime Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base

Sephora Beauty Insider Perks:

1. Urban Decay Urban Essentials

2. Marc Jacobs Honey Mini Set

I'm so happy I was able to get everything that I really wanted this year and I was determined to get items that were limited edition, also ones I wanted to try for so long.  Everything I purchased was online and I felt that I was able to get everything on my shopping list online than going into the store, plus my nearest Sephora is quite a distance from my home.  BTW, they also had a limited edition bag this year that is much more cuter than last years bag and I believe every year they come out with different designs.

If you have any questions or want any reviews on any products I will be gearing up on the reviews once I have played with them for a while, maybe near the end of the month when I'll have a good solid opinion of the products.  Let me know what you picked up on the Sephora Sale and if you have them already, what do you think of them?

-BENNevolent

HAUL: 2|9|13

Today's haul are products that I got for my hair and body.

Items:

1. Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer

2. Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Moroccan Sleek Oil Treatment

3. L'oreal Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Multi-Restorative Dry Oil

These purchases has been on my list of things to buy for a while now and finally I made a trip to my local drugstore.  First, the Jergens Natural Glow Moisturizer, I have been hearing that Jergens has tweaked their line of Natural Glow products and they made them without that strong sunless tanner smell.  Now all I can smell is a coconut scent that is pleasing and not offensive at all.

I love hair products, but there are some products out there that has let me down.  Then there are ones who never do and one of them is the Garnier Fructis Oil Treatment that has Argan Oil in it to help nourish your hair.  Another ingredient within this product is Apricot Oil and I think this is the scent I keep picking up with this product and it is the apricot scent that smells really good.  This is my second bottle of it and a little goes a long way.

Last product is the L'oreal Dry Oil, they recently released this year a new advanced haircare line that has ingredients in them to help any particular problems with your hair weather it be damaged, color treated, limp, frizzy, or dehydrated.  I pick up their Dry Oil because I've been using their Total Repair 5 Shampoo and Conditioner for about a month now and seen incredible results.  So, I wanted to try this that's part of the Total Repair 5 products.

I'm anxious to try these products out and give them a proper review for you guys :)

-BENNevolent

HAUL: 1|10|13

Time for a haul !

I had a free day and though I should run errands and hit up some drugstores to get a few items I've been wanting to try.

ITEMS:

1. Loreal Advanced Haircare Total Repair 5 Shampoo/Conditioner

2. Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub

3. Neosporin Lip Health Overnight Renewal Therapy

4. Assured Cotton Rounds (Dollar Tree only)

5. Pack of Sharpies

I will be doing a review on; the Loreal Advanced Haircare because its new to 2013 and is suppose to be their new line of haircare that suppose to do amazing things for your hair.  So, I will see if it works well with my hair.  Also, the Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub has been part of my skincare regime on and off, but I always seem to go back.  Now the Neosporin Overnight Renewal Therapy is something I wanted to try since its winter and my lips has been so dry and cracked and I hear this works wonders for your lips and it heals them.

Very excited to try these out and let you know my opinions on them.  :)

-BENNevolent

Haul: CVS Beauty Clearance Sale

Do you like drugstore hauls? because here is one for you, >:)

Recently, I heard that CVS was having their Beauty Clearance Sale and I just had to check out the products that were marked down significantly.  Usually these sales are for clearing out older products for new products to be put on the market.  Sadly, some items being in this sale may mean it could become discontinued.  So, lets get on with this haul !

Revlon Beyond Natural Smoothing Primer

 

Revlon Colorstay 12 Hour Eye Shadow - 06 In The Buff

 

 Wet N Wild Color Icon Palette - 248 Lust

Wet N Wild Color Icon Palette - 247 Pride

 Rimmel London Moisture Renew - 900 Red Alert

 Revlon Matte Blush - 003 Perfectly Peach

 Revlon Matte Blush - 002 Blushing Berry

I'm excited to try these out, I hear good things about the Wet N Wild Color Icon Eye Shadows and I cannot wait to dip my eye brushes in them.  >:)

Have you tried any of these products? Let me know your opinions on them.

-BENNevolent

Haul: Sephora Friends & Family

   Low and behold a massive Sephora haul... yes, yes I know that is a lot, but let me just say that these were bought because Sephora was having a friends and family sale, 20% is a great discount and it definitely saved me loads of money.  I especially love these friends and family sales because I can pick up items that have been on my list for so long, but didn't have the courage to purchase them for the full retail price.  The only harm done was my pocket, and sadly I'm quite okay with that. :/  oh geez.

-NARS Danmari Palette
-Urban Decay NAKED Palette
-Make Up For Ever Duo Mat Powder
-NARS Duo Eyeshadow Bysance, Island Fever
-Beauty Blender
-bareMinerals READY Eyeshadow 8.0 The Cocktail Hour
-NARS Sheer Glow Barcelona, Syracuse
-Stila In The Light Palette
-Sephora Professionnel Pro Brow Comb


-BENNevolent