Wet N Wild Knock on Wood Trio Review & Swatches

Wet & Wild Trios ($2.99) are one of the most affordable eyeshadow trios I've ever purchased. I love these kits--their compact, perfect for travel, and great quality. Perfect purchase for a newbie to cosmetics since they come labeled with where to put each color. The top color is always the "browbone." The second color is always the "crease" and the bottom is the "eyelid." It's a mini "how to" palette that can be used to create different eye looks. For someone like me who is more advanced in makeup, I can mix and match where I use what color and how. The first time I ever purchased one of these trios I was amazed at how great they were. This time I picked up Knock On Wood 383B.

The reason I picked these one up was because it reminded me of a gorgeous winter day. Something about the color mixed gave me visions of a soft smokey eye.

Have you ever owned any of Wet N Wild's Trios?

Get Sexy Pink Cheeks with BareMinerals Blush in Flirt

I've been on the hunt for a vibrant, hot pink blush and I've definitely found it in BareMinerals Flirt ($19). I've been eyeing BareMinerals blushes for a while since they are super pigmented and easily blended. The brand, Bare Escentuals  is known for their best-selling foundation that promises natural looking skin and build-able coverage.

I found this blush to be extremely light weight and very natural looking. It wasn't heavy in the least and gave an awesome pop of color. I don't have any color like this in my collection, so it definitely was a great addition. I imagine I will use this mostly in the summer. The color is so vibrant that it will work with every skin tone ranged from light to extremely deep.

Isn't the color gorgeous? I'm now tempted to try other blushes from the brand.

Have you ever tried BareMinerals products?

A Closer Look At MUS Beauty: Makeup Sex Beauty Review & Swatches

I was given the opportunity to review two eye-shadows from the new cosmetic brand, MUS Beauty. MUS Beauty stands for Makeup Sex Beauty and is a brand that began in 2011. Their mission is to create products that change the way women feel about their self image and inspires those who want to cater to the sexy within. They want to take over the cosmetic world with their vibrant colors, creamy formulas and silky finishes. They offer eye-shadows, pigments, mascara, lashes, eye liner, lipstick, lip gloss, primers, bronzers and more. Here's a look at the products I tried.

*Products seen above were sent for consideration*

The colors I tried were Love Fool and Corset. I found the eye-shadows applied easily and blended well. I always wear a primer when I wear eyeshadow and these lasted the entire day for me. MUS Beauty actually just revamped their site and it's look awesome. I've got my eyes on their blushes and bronzers.

Have you ever heard of MUS Beauty?

E.L.F. Studio Tone Correcting Powder Review & Swatches

I opted to try E.L.F.'s tone correcting powder after reading some fabulous reviews. I tend to get very flushed in my face and figured why not try a product that's meant to keep your complexion balanced and radiant. The E.L.F. Studio Tone Correcting Powder ($3) has four colors: blue that neutralizes orange, green that neutralizes red, pink that neutralizes grey and yellow that brightens. I found that the product worked decently as a setting powder and a touch-up, but the color when applied heavily was extremely pale. You definitely need to be gentle and light with the application or else you'll get a completely pale face. My recommendation is to use with a fan brush.

 Have you ever tried E.L.F. products?

An Oldie But Goodie: NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo

I been rummaging through my cosmetic stash lately and came across my NARS Orgasm/Laguna Duo ($40). Most of us cosmetic junkies know that this product is a cult favorite among beauty lovers. Orgasm blush is an iconic shade that works for every skin tone and most women have owned it at least once in their lifetime. Most will repurchase and some won't even finish their first one. It's described as a "peachy pink with golden shimmer."

Laguna bronzer is another cult favorite. It was named "Best Bronzer for Light Skin" 2011 in InStyle's "Best Beauty Buys." Laguna is the perfect bronze shade--never orange looking and delivers a natural bronze glow. It's described as a "brown powder with golden shimmer." If you've never tried these products, you definitely need to run out to your local beauty store and try them out. These are staple products that should be in every woman's stash.

Do you own Orgasm or Laguna?

Long & Forgotten August & September 2011 Favorites

I've been so insanely busy lately with work, finishing up my BA and events that I completely forgot to post my monthly favorites. Shame on me! I apologize. In August, I kept in pretty simple with a little perfekt primer/foundation, a quick eye and some nude lips. In September, I went a little more heavier. I wanted really bold lashes with a frosty eye.

Clinique Redness Solutions Instant Relief Mineral Pressed Power ($32.50): I initially purchased this powder to help with some of the redness in my face. I tend to get super flushed and have been looking for a product to calm that down throughout the day. I do find that this does eliminate the redness, however, it can be a bit heavy and not good for dry skin types. If you use too much of the product, you can easily see it. I also think it's a bit too yellow. I imagine it would work best for someone with oily skin who is on the fairer side and more of a yellow undertone.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Satin Nude #22 ($19): I'm crazy about this lipstick and with good reason. It's extremely hydrating, long-wearing and gorgeous. It's described as a "satin nude." but it swatches as more a pink nude.  I tend to describe it as a "white nude." It really depends on the look you're going for. Either way I'm obsessed will definitely repurchase.

Perfekt Beauty Skin Perfection Gel in Radiant ($57.50): I love this product in the summer time. It's more a "your skin but better" kind of a foundation. It's multipurpose that offers a primer, foundation and setting powder all in one. What I love about it is it has Smart Color Technology that matches your skin perfectly every time. This is the smaller size they sell at Sephora, but the large size is a much better value.

Fresh Supernova Mascara ($25): This mascara is meant to give you dramatic lashes and in that sense, it delivers. I tend to partner this along with a length/separation mascara. When I was younger, I had long, full lashes, but after using so many cheap drug-store mascaras my lashes aren't the same. I love the formula for this mascara and recommend to anyone who wants dramatic volume.

Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! Natural Mascara ($19): This mascara is a 4-1 threat: curling, lengthening, volumizing AND conditioning. Oh yes. I love love love this mascara. I had it for a while and just never seemed to grab it. I discovered it again over the summer and needless to say, it's been used ever since.

Josie Maran Argan Illuminizer ($28): This is just gorgeous for that shimmery, dewy look. You can see my   previous review here.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Liner #13 Matte Black ($23): Easy to use, water-resistant and long-lasting. What's not to like?

NARS Duo Eyeshadow in Egea ($33): Another eyeshadow duo at the bottom of the stash. I can't believe I forgot about this beauty. It comes with two shades that are described as "frosted sage" and "smokey lilac." This a great duo for that awesome frosty eye. They're extremely pigmented and smooth. Definitely one to check out.

Tarte Eye Couture, Day-to-Night Shadow Palette ($44): This palette is perfect for someone who wants that signature bronze or smokey eye look. It has 5 shadows in the bronze family and 5 shadows in the charcoal family. Easy to go from day to night.

Have you made any purchases that you love lately?