Tarte's Amazonian Clay Tartelette Matte Eyeshadow Palette

This palette was "sneak peak" released through email to some people but will launch spring 2015 publicly. It features 12 brand new matte eyeshadows and retails for $44. Ive never tried Tarte's eyeshadows before but I've always heard amazing things about the formula. These shadows are made with Amazonian clay so they will have a longer truer wear as well as Vitamin E and Mineral Pigments to help soothe and soften skin. Now lets get to what the website says about the palette and some color swatches!

From the Tarte Website - Product Performance: tarte is introducing an all matte eyeshadow palette featuring 12 never-before-seen shades to inspire, celebrate and empower real women to take on the day with confidence. The name says it all – this sleek, statement palette is all about the tartelette and features tarte’s signature Amazonian clay-infused, long wear eyeshadow in rich matte shades that are as beautifully diverse as the brand’s loyal fans:

• free spirit (cream)
• force of nature (nude)
• dreamer (warm brown)
• multi-tasker (chocolate)
• caregiver (pale pink)
• natural beauty (mauve)
• best friend (mulberry)        
• bombshell (dark plum)
• super mom ivory)
• wanderer (light brown)
• power player (taupe)
• fashionista (black)

So when I first try out a new eyeshadow I like to do it without using an eyeshadow primer so that I can truly test out the formula and staying power as well as the pigmentation. The shadows are so soft and creamy, they almost feel like a cream shadow when you're dipping your brush into them. The pigmentation is true to color and none of them are patchy, I'm especially pleased with the darkest 3 colors! These shadows performed perfectly, went on smoothly with great pigmentation, easy to blend. Exactly what I expected from Tarte. What surprised me was how cute and compact the palette was, for some reason I was expecting it to be big like the Vice palettes from Urban Decay. This could easily fit in your makeup bag or purse and with the range of colors it would be perfect to take on vacation. It has a great sized mirror and the gold with the purple gives it a rich feeling. I do wish it had a little duel sided brush then it would be perfect to just grab and go but I can forgive them for it. Overall I'm extremely happy I bought this palette, especially because I don't own a lot of matte colors and to have them all in one palette is perfect! A lot of these shades would work great transition shades or would pair perfectly with any shimmery/glittery color. The 6 middle shades are what drew me to this palette but now I'm loving all of the shades! It has great highlighting colors as well as the darker ones to do a smokey look. A great investment in any collection if you ask me! A+ Tarte, exactly what I've been searching for!

            

                                          

Urban Decay Full Frontal Lipstick Stash

This Urban Decay Revolution lipstick set is part of their holiday release and another great buy if you've been wanting to try these lipsticks! This is a set of 6 Deluxe sample size shades of Urban Decay's Revolution lipstick, 3 of which are their best sellers and 3 are Exclusive shades to the holiday set PLUS you get a full size lip liner in the color Ozone (clear) that you can wear with any of the shades. The price of this set is $39 which I believe is a great deal considering a full size of the Revolution Lipstick is $22. I picked up my Full Frontal Lipstick Stash from the actual Urban Decay site but I know you can also find it on the Sephora site and the Ulta site as well as most stores now that they have released the holiday sets.

The formula of this lipstick is so soft and creamy, it literally just glides on. Also these are one of the most pigmented lipsticks I've ever used, and of the 7 colors that I've tried they have never been patchy! This is what the website says about the formula 

"Our Pigment Infusion System™ gives Revolution Lipstick its super creamy texture, insane pigmentation, superior color dispersion and extended wear. Maxi-Lip™ defines and hydrates lips while making them look plumper and fuller. And a nourishing blend of jojoba oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter and shea butter keeps lips super moisturized and cushiony soft." 


First lets start with the 3 Best Sellers Gash!, Liar, and F-Bomb


Gash!- this is a great deep red without going to dark or brown in the undertone. I think if your scared to wear dark deep reds this is a great way to ease yourself into the color. It's also an amazing color for fall. I feel like you could build this up to be a great vampy lip color or wear it brushed on so that it isn't as intense.

Liar- this is my favorite Nude ever!! I even bought a full size one! This color is dark enough that I can wear it with my medium/tan skin tone. It also has the right amount of brown to pink ratio that I don't look overly tan with a light pink lipstick on but it's not so brown that it gives off 90's grunge. If that makes sense.

F-Bomb- this is an amazing red! Another one I'm going to have to pick up full size!! This is a true fire engine red!! I'm not sure if I've ever seen a color this Red and this opaque! I'm truly in love! Think of your favorite true red nail polish, now imagine it as a lipstick! Smooth and creamy! I need it in my life forever!!

Now lets talk about the 3 Exclusive Shades! Ladyflower, Crush, and Illict

Ladyflower- omg I'm so in love with this color!! To me this is a beautiful perfect rose color. It's so perfectly opaque and just glides on. I feel like this is a great color year round day or night! I hope they make this part of the permanent line! Plus the color stays after the kissing test!

Crush- I have to say I didn't love this color when I first put it in which is strange because I love hot pinks but as I wore it I grew to like it. It is a true hot pink, it's not sheer but it's not fully opaque so I feel like you could build the color if you wanted or just wear a little.  There are other bright pinks I love out there more. This color will stain the lips a little.

Illicit- semi sheer light pink with fuchsia and purple sparkle. It makes me think of Barbie but I actually really like the color! I think it would be great with a pink liner under it and smokey eye or lots of lashes!! I didn't want to take it off!

Let's not forget about the full size Ozone lip liner included in this set! You can apply it all over the lip to get a more mattifying affect or around the lip line to help with feathering and fading! Here's what the website says!

"Made with vitamin E, jojoba oil and cottonseed oil, 24/7 Lip Pencil glides on smoothly to prime and prevent feathering—for long-lasting lip color and clean lines. Together, Revolution Lipstick and 24/7 Lip Pencil are the ultimate pair for ultra long wear."

Overall I think this is a great set and value! It would make the perfect gift for any lipstick lover in your life or yourself!

Check it out and let me know your thoughts on Instagram: LovingLifeMakeup and Twitter: LovingLifeMUA

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Too Faced Melted Kisses Set

What it is: 4 deluxe sample size tubes (0.16oz) of Too Faced Cosmetics famous liquified Melted Lipstick. They are supposed to have the staying power of a lip stain while having the look and feel of a liquid lipstick. I picked mine up from TooFaced.com for $25 and it comes with 4 great colors. 

Melted Berry- A True Berry Color, 
Melted Fuchsia- A Bright Hot Pink, 
Melted Peony- A Light Soft Pink, 
Melted Nude- A True Nude 

I think this is the perfect way to try the Melted Lipsticks! I personally hadn't tried any of the Too Faced Melted Lipsticks until I picked up this set. The $21 price tag was a little steep for 1 color plus nobody had heard of a melted lipstick before this! This "melted" lipstick was a whole new concept when these were released. A melted lipstick, what does that even truly mean!? This is what the Too Faced website says, " Using exclusive technology to keep cauldrons of molten lipsticks liquid and creamy, Melted Liquified Long Wear Lipstick comfortably coats lips in bursts of intense, high-impact, super rich, saturated color that lasts for hours." Now we have all heard of liquid lipsticks, which I was never a huge fan, they would always dry on my lips and feel like I had paint on my lips. The staying power was so so if you could deal with the drying effect they always had on lips. I don't like feeling my makeup on my face, it should feel like my face is bare no matter how many layers I'm wearing! These Too Faced Melted Lipsticks truly are a liquified lipstick! They glide on without any problem while staying comfortable and cushiony and not sacrificing any of the pigmentation or shine! It really is the best of both worlds! You get the staying power of an amazing lipstick/ lip stain while getting the high shine and comfortability of a gloss! I do find these to be very comfortable on the lips and they staying power is there. You will have to touch up a little after eating and drinking especially if you like that just applied high gloss shine. Ive worn these throughout the day with just a little lip liner to enhance my pout and really enjoyed the way they felt on the lip. They will transfer when you kiss someone or drink something but then again most lipsticks do so I don't mind that.

Now let's talk about packaging... These lipsticks because of their liquid form come in a squeeze tube with a precision tip applicator. I will say I do like the tip of this lipstick, especially with the formula I feel like it helps you get a more even application while helping you stay within the line of the lips. I will say though that the design of the squeeze tube worries me when you get towards the end of the product. I haven't reached this point yet but I can see it being a pain in the butt to get that last bit out before you finally toss it. I personally really like this product and if you can pick them up during a sale or with a coupon code the price tag isn't as shocking. I plan on picking up some full size shades in the near future, I just have to decide which colors I can't live without!

Have you tried any of the Melted Lipsticks? Do you love them or hate them? What are your can't live without shades?? Let me know on Instagram: LovingLifeMakeup or chat with me in Twitter: LovingLifeMUA

Bare Minerals Bare Skin Brightening Serum Foundation

So I might be a little bit of a foundation junkie! I'm always looking for the perfect foundation plus I love to try out high end vs. drugstore makeup. So now that is summer and I'm a little tanner my Double Wear foundation was getting too light so I was on the hunt for a new one. I wanted something that would be light weight but still give amazing coverage and that had a wide enough color range to match my undertones. Then I started seeing the Bare Minerals commercials and I knew I had to have it. The problem was I didn't want to spend that much money on a foundation and a brush and then hate the product so I waited. Then Bare Minerals had their 20% Family and Friends sale and I started looking up reviews on the product and doing my research. Everything I heard was great for the most part so I decided to go for it! Now this foundation is $29 and then the Skin Perfecting Brush that you use along with it is $28 so if you get both your going to spend $57 without tax for the set. That being said it is a 1oz bottle so standard size but it is a serum foundation which means you won't need as much so the bottle will last longer. They say to shake it really well and then start with 2 drops for light coverage, 2 more for medium and then 2 more for heavy. I like to use 6 drops total, so like 2 for each cheek/chin so that's 4 and then 2 more for my forehead. Even though 6 drops is considered Heavy coverage it doesn't feel heavy on the skin at all!! The website says this foundation is a skin loving formula with No Silicone, Oil, Parabens, or Fragrance plus its Hypoallergenic and Non- comedogenic (won't clog your pores). It has a coconut-derived base with jojoba coated mineral pigments and lilac plant stem cells. Plus it has Vitamin C to reveal a bright more even- toned skin with a no makeup effect. It also has a none chemical broad spectrum SPF 20 in it! It is obviously full of amazing ingredients to help give your skin that youthful dewy finish but not all those icky chemicals we don't want on our face!

So lets get to the nitty gritty! First the foundation, because it doesn't have all those icky fillers and such you have to make sure to shake it up really well before you use it. The bottle has this nifty little dropper so that your able to put it in the little bowl in the middle of the brush. I love this bottle, and the dropper makes it super easy to get out and control how much you get out. The foundation blends out seamlessly and I feel like it helps the rest of my makeup go on more smoothly. It does leave my skin looking bright and it has a nice dewy finish without looking oily or shiny, and it lasts all day without wearing off in places like I've had other foundations do. Ive used it with and without a primer and it looks great both ways, so on days when I'm in a rush and need to skip a few makeup steps this is great!! I do have to say though if you have oily skin and don't use a mattifying primer under it this might not be for you because of that dewy finish. They are available in 20 different shades and Bare Minerals has a shade finder online that's pretty awesome. It asks you a few questions about your skin tone and your undertones to helps you find the right shade, plus it has tips to help you figure out your right undertone! My personal color is Bare Honey #15 which is very Golden so in the bottle it looks too yellow for me but when blended out it matches my tan skin perfectly! ( I don't tan my face so its lighter then the rest of my body)

Now shall we talk about the brush?! Let me start by saying I love this brush and I am glad I bought it with the foundation, its super soft and the little bowl in it where you put the drops of foundation is cool, I feel like it helps distribute the foundation throughout the brush so that it blends seamlessly. The bristles aren't too long that it drags the foundation and leaves it looking streaky but they aren't so short that they are poking you in the face and its uncomfortable. Plus they are fine so I don't feel like the foundations is just getting soaked up into the brush and cleaning it is a breeze! That being said, if you are on a budget like most of the world and you want to try this foundation it is not absolutely necessary for your to buy the foundation and the brush. If your really wanting to splurge on a great foundation but the fact that you also have to buy this equally expensive brush is stopping you don't let it. You could put this foundation on with pretty much any buffing or stippling brush, or even a sponge! So I would just go for it!! Over all an amazing product and it's actually gotten me more interested in the rest of their products! Have you guys tried anything from Bare Minerals that you love?! Let me know and keep in contact with me on Instagram @LovingLIfeMakeup and on Twitter @LovingLifeMUA Thank guys!

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

Estée Lauder Double Wear Foundation

I have to start by saying this is the first high end foundation I've ever tried. I went to Dillard's because they were having a huge clearance sale and i needed some pants for work. While I was paying for my knew colored skinny jeans the girl at the register told me that Estée Lauder was having a gift with purchase deal going on, who's going to say no to free makeup! So I went down to check it out and started talking to the girl at the counter. 

Now lately at work I have been noticing places where my makeup was wearing off from sweat and what not, and  I've heard of Double Wear a few times on YouTube before. The lovely lady cleaned off my face and color matched me. This was great because it's always hard finding the right color with the right undertones, they always end up too pink! Plus they have such a huge color range (31 shades) so there really is something for everyone! After she found my color we continued to talk while she did my make up showing me other products she loved, I really had a great time talking to her! My color ended up being 3N1 Ivory Beige 10 and it costs about $37 for 1oz, so it is on the pricey side but I have to say it's a medium to full coverage so you don't need as much! Just a dollop on the back of your hand and you can do your whole face! The fact that it's called Double Wear rings true this stuff stays on till you take it off. I've slept in it and only had a few patchy places when I washed my face in the morning. At work it stands up without fading or getting cakey! It always looks natural and won't cling to any dry spots but still holds up on the oily parts of my face.

I highly recommend this product if you have a problem with your makeup not lasting throughout your day or looking unnatural because you can't find the right shade, getting color matched helped! I will definitely be buying more of this and probably before this bottle runs out, I'm thinking the next shade darker because summer is coming up and I will be outside a lot so I'm going to develop more of a tan. I think if your able it is definitely worth the splurge, you want to start with the best base possible. It will help the rest of your makeup last longer and look better no matter if it's a $1 blush or a $27 bronzer. I've applied this using a brush, my hands, and a Beauty Blender and it looks great everyday. Most of the time I use a primer under mine but it's not mandatory, the staying power is there no matter what! You guys know I love my drugstore makeup but I have to say I think this one is a keeper. Have you tried Double Wear? What do you think about it, let me know!

Rimmel Scandaleyes Retro Glam V. Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara

So as you can tell from the title and the pictures we have a Mascara Show Down! This time they both happen to be from the same company and same line just different formulas. So which do you buy when 2 products are similar? Well, I bought both and I've been testing them out for you guys to help you make a better decision. So lets get right into by starting with what the company says about each product and the pricing.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retro Glam Mascara- About $6 at most drugstores
"It’s Retro Mania! Bold, Wide-eyed false lash look!

Bold, wide-eyed false lash look. Hour-glass brush shaped to the lash line to plump lashes, fanning them up and out for bold, wide-eyed volume. Coats lashes individually for a big, false lash look in one simple stroke. No clumps!"

- I do have to say I love this brush! I'm not a fan of the rubber short bristle brushes like on the Covergirl Lash Blast mascaras because I feel like they don't comb through my lashes all the way, more so just pushes them around. The Retro Glam Brush is definitely in my top 5 favorite mascara brushes! The hour glass shape helps me get those pesky short lashes in the inner corner and then because the brush gets big again at the end helps me separate and get those lashes at the very end that always clump together. The formula was good it didn't get clumpy nor was it "wet" like some mascaras can be when you first open them. Overall I do have to say I do like this mascara, I don't know about the "false lash look in one swipe" claim but I did like the way it made my lashes look after 2 coats.

Rimmel London Scandaleyes Lycra Flex Mascara- Also about $6 at drugstores

"A big volume mascara that won't leave your lashes stiff or brittle, so you can build drama from day to night!

Lycra Technology formula makes lashes look full and voluptuous while remaining soft. MaxDensity brush covers whole lash line with one effortless coat to reveal and plump every lash."

- This brush is easily one of the Biggest natural fiber brush I've seen on a mascara! I love a big brush! the bigger the better but I can see how some people might have trouble getting used to this brush if they are used to the smaller rubber bristle wand. This is a Lycra Flex formula so with that said I did experience clumping so I would actually follow my 2 coats with a run through of the Maybelline Great Lash Big to help separate my lashes. It did give me those big lashes that I love though so that second step is worth it!  I used to use their old Lycra mascara in high school and I loved that which is why I picked this one up. The formula of this mascara lengthens and provides volume with just 2 coats, but like I said it will clump!



Final Thoughts...
    I do like both of these mascaras and I like to keep more then one kind on rotation. With that being said I like the brush on the Retro Glam mascara better just because of that hourglass shape I can get to every little lash without a problem! I knew from the first time I used it that I love the brush, the bristles are long enough to comb through my lashes but because the end is more so rounded instead of pointed like most brushes it helps with the separation of the lashes at the end of the application. The formula of the Retro Glam I wasn't blown away with at first like I was with the Lycra Flex formula. After a few uses the Retro Glam grew on me it just wasn't that Bam lashes in your face! look that you get from the Lycra Flex. I do like them both and I could see myself buying them both again. The Retro Glam for work/daytime and the Lycra for more of  night/going out look. If I could though I would take the brush from Retro Glam and the formula of the Lycra Flex minus the clumps and have my dream mascara! 

           on my right eye < Retro Glam... on my left eye > Lycra Flex

NYX The "It" List The Naturals

I picked up this lovely set at Ulta in the clearance section. It normally retails for $19.99 but I picked it up for $9.99. I believe this set comes in "The Naturals" and in a set called "The Pinks". I would love to try "The Pinks" and I hope that one day they do this set but in Red, because you guys know I Love a good Red Lip! I had seen this set online a few times and always wanted to try it, I think its a great way to try out 5 of NYX's amazing lip products! Three of these glosses I have tried before but in different colors but two of them are new to me and one I enjoyed and the other was kind of a miss for me. So let's jump right in and check out the goods!

• NYX Butter Gloss in #05 Creme Brulee - I have 7 Butter Glosses now so obviously I Love the formula of these! Plus they are only around $5 and comes in 22 shades right now. They are so creamy and smooth without feeling heavy or sticky, you can use these on their own or on top of a lipstick to give it the buttery shine and a different color hue. Ive heard Creme Brulee talked and blogged about in the beauty world, it is obviously a top seller which is understandable because the color is so universal, the color is a great nude without being too opaque and looking like concealer. It's not as brown as Tiramisu but not pink like Vanilla Cream Pie. I definitely recommend the Butter Glosses, I've even sent them to friends for Christmas! 

• NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in #155 Perfect - This is another product that I have multiples of and really enjoy! This gloss comes in around 39 different colors(some with sparkle and some without) and I'm sure they are pumping more out soon! Everyone who's tried this gloss loves it and because it comes in so many colors there is always something for everybody. These cost around $5 if you buy them individually and its .33oz so it's a pretty good price point. I know I will be picking up more! This is another product that I love to wear on its own or on top of a lipstick to give it a beautiful shine and sometimes alter the color a bit. This color is a basic sheer natural pink with a bunch of tiny pinkish sparkle, I think it's going to be great on top of any lipstick but on its own it doesn't do much for me but its great if you love that natural look!

                   

• NYX Pump It Up Lip Plumper in #06 Kim - This is one of the products that I am trying for the first time. You can get this product in 9 different colors online and they are about $5.50. I have to say the product was kind of a miss for me. I didn't notice my lips looking any plumper even though they had that menthol tingle about them. The color is your basic nude and I'm sure it can be built up to be opaque, it has a pretty shine to it and no scent which is strange because the Megashine glosses smell like cherry candy. I figured it would at least have a minty scent to it because menthol is what usually gives you that plumping effect. I'm sure this color will look great on top of a lipstick and it looks good on its own but if you say you're going to plump my lips I would like you to deliver on that, sadly I don't think I will be picking up this product in any other colors but I'm glad I tried it!

                 

• NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream in #05 Antwerp - This is the one that in the packaging I was like there is no way I'm going to like this! But I have to say I think this might be my favorite out of all 5 of the products surprisingly. This comes in 11 different shades and is around $6. I have this product in 2 other colors a hot pink and a soft pink but this color for some reason just captivates me! I feel like its soft enough that you can wear it in the spring and summer but the color is bold enough that it can stand on its own in the colder months. This product doesn't go flat matte like some other matte lip products I've tried in the past but I don't mind that, it goes matte enough that it can keep its claim but its never drying or tight. The color is this strong dusty pink that for some reason I can't keep my eyes off of!

• NYX Xtreme Shine Lip Cream in #10 Natural - This is the other product that I've never tried before and I've actually been wanting to test it out! So first I'm going to tell you what the tube of the product has on it; "It's not a lipstick, nor is it gloss. It's like nothing you've experienced before. Its liquid lipstick that goes on with full Xtreme color and intense shine." I have to say that claim is true! This color probably isn't the best pick for me because if I'm not careful the color goes on so opaque that I instantly have concealer lips and with my skin tone that's not a good look! However I do love this product and the formula is amazing! Its like if butter glosses had a bigger stronger cousin! I am definitely going to be buying more of these in more suitable colors for my skin tone! Online they have the Xtreme Lip Creams in 11 colors for $6 but this one is a Xtreme Shine Lip Cream so I'm not sure if its different packaging or a completely different product.                                                                                                                              

Overall I have to say that I really enjoy this little "It List" pack, its a great way to try out a variety of products from NYX without having to get them individually. The fact that I got this set at half price made it ever better! Like I said earlier I would like to try the Pink It List and I hope they make a red one soon!