REVIEW: Nailhur Reusable Manicure (Galaxy Nails in the Square Shape)

I've been seeing these nails on Instagram for some time now, so I finally decided to try them.  I wanted a nail size that I could wear on a day to day basis so I went with the square shape.  I believe this is shortest nail that they sell.  I really liked the Galaxy design so that's what I went with.  The nails come with a small tube of nail glue which I quite good.  I wore these nails for 10 days before I decided to remove them.  I was very surprised at how well they wore.  I'm very hard on my nails because I work with my hands so I didn't have much hope.  One issue that I usually have with fake nails is that they will pop off after a few days but that was not the case with these.  Also, they did not crack, chip, or have any edge wear.  I will definitely be getting more of these sometime in the near future.  If you like fake nails, these are some of the best that I've tried.

AVAILABILITY:
You get these a nailhur.com for $13.99.

GLITTER FRIDAY: Tropical Makeup

This week for my "Glitter Friday" look, I decided to go with a tropical theme. 
This is how I created this look:
1.) Apply an eyeshadow primer.  I used the NYX HD Primer.
2.) Apply a white base from lash line to brow bone.  I used the NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk/
3.) Using an a thin brush, create a cut crease  starting at the inner corner with a yellow eyeshadow, followed by chartreus, and finally a blue eyeshadow at the outer corner and wing it out.  I used Sugarill Buttercupcake Eyeshadow and Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadows in Electric Warrior and Paranoid.
4.) Apply a light blue on the lid.  I used Sugarpill Kimchi Eyeshadow.
5.) On the lower lash line, apply the same blue eyeshadow used for the crease.
6.) On top of the blue eyeshadow apply a light blue glitter.  I used the L.A. Splash Glitter Eyeliner in Exotic.
7.) Apply a blue liquid liner to the top lash line and wing it out.  I used the NYX Vivid Brights Liner in Sapphire.
8.) Apply a yellow eyeliner to the water line and set it with a\the same  yellow eyeshadow used for the crease.  I used the Stila Smudge Stick in Canary.
9.) Apply a teal duochrome eyeshadow on the brow bone.  I used the Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Lumi.
10.) Using the same yellow eyeshadow from earlier, apply it to the inner corner.
11.) For lashes, I first applied a lash primer (Lancôme Cils Booster XL) followed by a black mascara (Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara)
12.) For brows, I used the Anastasia Brow Powder.
13.) For foundation I used the Cover Girl Clean Whipped Crème Foundation and set it with the Benefit Stay Flawless Powder.
14.) For lips I used the Impulse Cosmetics Duochrome Lip Lacquer in Centerfold.

SHOPPING LIST:
NYX HD Primer: at ulta.com for $6.99
NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk: at ulta.com for $4.49
Sugarpill Buttercupcake Eyeshadow: at sugarpill.net for $13
Sugarpill Kimchi Eyeshadow: at sugarpill.net for $13
Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Lumi: at sugarpill.net for $14
Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in Electric Warrior: at sephora.com for $21
Kat Von D Metal Crush Eyeshadow in Paranoid: at sephora.com for $21
Stila Smudge Stick in Canary: at sephora.com currently on sale for $14
NYX Vivid Brights Liner in Sapphire: at ulta.com for $6.99
L.A. Splash Glitter Eyeliner in Exotic: discontinued
Lancôme Cils Booster XL: at sephora.com for $25.50
Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: at ulta.com for $23
Anastasia Brow Powder: at ulta.com for $23
Cover Girl Clean Whipped Crème Foundation: discontinued
Benefit Stay Flawless Powder: at ulta.com for $34
Impulse Cosmetics Duochrome Lip Lacquer in Centerfold: at impulsecosmetics.com for $10.99

REVIEW: Wet n Wild H2O Proof Liquid Eyeliner in Ultra Black

I came across this eyeliner a few months ago as I was browsing the Wet n Wild section at my local Rite Aid drugstore.  I was intrigued because it claimed to be waterproof and it was very inexpensive.  I figured that if it didn't work out, at least I would be out much money.  However, I was pleasantly surprised.  This is an incredible eyeliner.  It's the blackest eyeliner I own, it's extremely pigmented, and it's very waterproof.  The only way I can remove it is to use a dual phase makeup remover (the kind you need to shake up).  This liner lasts all day (for me that's around 12 hours).  It doesn't smudge, flake, or fade.  This is such a great bargain and has quickly become my holy grail black eyeliner.
     The packaging is a plastic oval bottle.  The top unscrews and the applicator is a felt tip that comes to a fine point.  The felt tip is not very long but I feel like it's the perfect length.  It's very easy to create thin lines.  It's not my favorite kind of applicator for creating a wing, but I feel like this is a personal preference.  This is a liner that I'd highly recommend and I feel like it's better than a lot of more expensive liquid liners.

***There is also a Dark Brown in this line but I have not tried that one yet.

AVAILABLITY:
This can be purchased at most drugstores and online at drugstore.com for $3.99.

REVIEW: Benefit The Flawless Four Kit in Ivory

This is a set of four mini products from Benefit.  I purchased this set at Ulta.  All the products are also available individually.  I was actually surprised to find this set in such a light color.  Usually sets like this are geared towards darker complexions.  The four products contained in this set are:
1.)Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer
This is a stick primer.  I found it to be thick and difficult to blend.  I did feel like it extended the wear of my foundation but I really didn't like the texture.  I think Benefit's The POREfessional Primer is much better.
2.)Fake Up Concealer in 01 Light
This is a stick concealer with a core of pigment surrounded by a clear balm.  I think that I glides on very smooth and blends in easily but, at least for me, there just isn't enough coverage.  I feel like if you like a lighter concealer, you would probably like this.
3.) Hello Flawless Oxygen WOW Foundation in Ivory (I'm Pure 4 Sure)
This is a foundation in a clear plastic tube with a pump. I really like the clear packaging because you can see exactly how much product you have left. It gives medium coverage and goes on smooth.  It sits nicely on the skin and looks quite natural.  However, this is not a good foundation for oily skin.  In the summer, when my t-zone becomes much more oily, this foundation lasts about 6 hours.  If you have drier skin, this would be a great foundation.
4.) Hello Flawless Powder in Ivory (I Love Me)
This is a nice finely milled powder.  It's very smooth and looks very natural.  When I wear it lightly, it has a natural finish.  When you wear it heavier, since it's marketed as a powder foundation, it takes on a more matte finish. 

SHOPPING LIST:
The Flawless Four Set: at ulta.com for $24 (not all shades are still available)
Benefit Stay Flawless 15- Hour Primer: at ulta.com for $32
Benefit Fake Up Concealer: at ulta.com for $24
Benefit Stay Flawless Oxygen WOW Foundation: at ulta.com for $36
Benefit Stay Flawless Powder Foundation: at ulta.com for $34

MAKEUP LOOK: Robot Boy from Melancholy Death of Oyser Boy

This makeup look is my interpretation of the look Drac Makens did for Robot Boy from the Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy.  You can check out her video on YouTube if you'd like to see her look.  This is how I achieved this look:

1.) Apply an eyeshadow primer.  I used the NYX HD Primer.

2.) Use a black eyeshadow to outline the eye shape you wish to create.  I used the black from the NYX Avant Pop Surreal My Heart Palette.

3.) Use a silver cream eyeshadow all over the lid and within the shape you've created.  I used the Colour Pop Gel Colour in Kicker.

4.) Use a silver eyeshadow over the silver base.  I used the Colour Pop Super Shock Shadow in Rumer Has It Ice.

5.) Use a grey eyeshadow around the outside of the eye shape and blend out.  I used the grey from the NYX Avant Pop Surreal My Heart Palette.

6.) Outline the eye shape with a black liquid liner.  I used the MadeULook Night Owl Precision Eyeliner Pen.

7.) Apply a silver eyeliner to the waterline.  I used the NYX Slide-On Pencil in Platinum.

8.) Use a black eyeliner to create the bolts.  I made one in the outside corner of the silver inside the eye shape and I made several along the outside of the eye shape.  I used the Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Liner in Ultra Black.

9.) Use a very metallic silver liner to create dots inside the black bolts.  I didn't have a silver liquid liner so I made one using the Mehron Mixing Liquid and mixed it with the Mehron Metallic Powder in Silver.

10.) Use a black liquid liner on the upper lash line.  I used the Wet N Wild H2O Proof  Liquid Liner in Ultra Black.

11.) Apply mascara.  I used the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara.

12.) I used the Benefit Gimme Brow in Light/ Medium on the brows.

13.) Apply a foundation primer.  I used the Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer.

14.) Apply foundation.  I used Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation.

15.) Use a concealer if necessary.  I used the Nudestix Concealer Pencil in Light1.

16.) Set everything with a powder.  I used the Benefit Stay Flawless Powder in I Love Me (Ivory)

17.) Use a matte grey lipstick.  I used the Makeup Monsters Liquid Lipstick in Dusk.

18.) Add a silver sheen on top with a sheer metallic lipstick.  I used the NYX Wicked Lippie in Stone Cold.

19.)  In the center of the lips, I used the Colour Pop Super Shock Shadow in Rumer Has It Ice.

 

SHOPPING LIST:

-NYX HD Primer: at ulta.com for $6.99

-NYX Avant Pop Surreal My Heart Palette: at ulta.com for $16.99

-Colour Pop Crème Gel Colour in Kicker: at colourpop.com for $6

-Colour Pop Super Shock Shadow in Rumer Has It Ice: no longer available but an alternative is Liberty at colourpop.com for $5

-MadeULook Night Owl Precision Eyeliner Pen: at madeulookbylex.com for $18

-NYX Slide-On Pencil in Platinum: at ulta.com for $7.99

-Wet N Wild H2O Proof Liquid Liner in Ultra Black: at drugstore.com for $3.99

-Mehron Mixing Liquid: at mehron.com for $10.50

-Mehron Metallic Powder in Silver: mehron.com for $10.50

-Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara: at ulta.com for $23

-Benefit Gimme Brow: at ulta.com for $24

-Benefit Stay Flawless 15-Hour Primer: at ulta.com for $32

-Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation: at ulta.com for $4.99

-Benefit Stay Flawless Powder: at ulta.com for $34

-Nudestix Concealer Pencil: at sephora.com for $24

-Makeup Monsters Liquid Lipstick in Dusk: at makeupmonsters.net for $15.95

-NYX Wicked Lippie in Stone Cold: at ulta.com for $5.99

REVIEW: NYX Macaron Lippies

There are 12 shades in this line and I have 7 of them.  These lipsticks are very pigmented, apply smoothly, and have a creamy finish.  I don't feel like they are moisturizing but they also aren't drying.  Some of the colors are more pastel but they are all very vibrant.  These are not long wearing.  I can wear them for about 3 hours before the start to fade (which is typical of most lipsticks). 
These are the shades that I have: (L-R)
-Black Sesame (grey)
-Earl Grey (periwinkle blue)
-Blue Velvet (true blue)
-Pistachio (mint green)
-Key Lime (lime green)
-Orange Blossom (yellowish orange)
-Citron (warm yellow)
The colors that I don't have are: Rose (pink), Lavender (pastel purple), Violet (royal purple), Coconut (white, and Chambord (black).  If I get any off these colors, I will update this post.

AVAILABILITY:
You can get these lipsticks from ulta.com for $5.99 or directly from nyxcosmetics.com for $6.

SFX SUNDAY: Severe Frostbite (Gangrene)

I've decided to start a new series.  Every Sunday I'll be posting a special effects makeup look on my instagram (shadowbeautyxx) with an accompanying blog post going over the steps I took to get the look. 
     This is my first look.  It's inspired by a video Powdah posted on his youtube channel.  It's a picture of a finger suffering severe frostbite that has led to gangrene.
This is how I got this look:
1.) Make sure the area  is clean.  Decide where you'd like the gangrene to start.  This is where you'll be applying the modeling wax.  Apply spirit gum to that area.  Tap it to get it tacky.  I used the Jordane Cosmetics Spirit Gum.
2.) Take some modeling wax and form it in to a snake.  Use petroleum jelly on your hands to prevent it from sticking to your hands.  Wrap the snake around your finger where you have applied the spirit gum.  Blend the edge down toward you hand.  The edge facing toward the finger tip, leave it as is so that it's thicker then your finger.  I used the Graftobian Modeling Wax.
3.) Using the Skin Illustrator FX Palette, use Primary Yellow from the finger tip to where the wax starts.  I used a brush because this will be the base color.
4.) From that same palette, use the Green and randomly stipple it over the yellow.  You don't need to cover the whole finger. Just place it in a few places.
5.) Next, from the same palette, use the Black and stipple it over the entire finger.  Let some of the yellow and green peak through the black to add to the affect.  Also stipple the black over the finger nail.
6.) Use a stipple sponge and dab it over the was to add a skin like texture to it.
7.) Use a cream foundation over the wax so that it matches your skintone.  I used the Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation Stick.
8.)Using a spatula, create some cracks.at the edge of the wax.
9) Next I used some Ben Nye Neutral Set of the finger to set the foundation.
10.)Using the Bruise and Blood Tones from the Skin Illustrator Palette randomly stipple them over the finger from the wax towards the palm.  These colors will add an irritated look to the finger.
11.) Lastly, add some thick blood to the cracks and lightly stipple it over the black as well as the edge of the wax. I used the Ben Nye Fresh Scab.

This is one of the first special effects I've tried and for my first try, I think it turned out ok. 

SHOPPING LIST:
Jordane Cosmetics Spirit Gum: at jordane.com for $9
Graftobian Modeling Wax: (light flesh tone) at graftobian.com for $4.79
Skin Illustrator FX Palette: at alconeco.com for $80
Alcone 99% Isoproply Alcohol: at alconeco.com for $7
Makeup Forever Ultra HD Foundation Stick: at sephora.com for $43
Ben Nye Neutral Set: at makeupmedly.com for $8
Ben Nye Fresh Scab: at makeupmedley.com for $7.50

MAKEUP LOOK: Glitter Friday

This makeup look uses the new Liquid Metal from Lit Cosmetics in Magnetic (gold flake).  These are not really available yet ( I got mine at IMATS NY) so you can just use the Lit Glitter in Goth instead.  They are similar enough.

This is how I achieved this look:
1.) Apply an eyeshadow primer.  I used the NYX HD Primer
2.) Mix the Lit Cosmetics Liquid Metal in Magnetic (gold flake) with the Clearly Liquid Glitter Base.  Apply this to the lid.  Keep your eye closed until this dries to avaoid transfer.
3.) Apply a teal eyeshadow to the crease.  I used the Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Hug Life.  You can apply this higher up because you'll be applying another crease color.
4.) Apply a black eyeshadow in the crease.  Keep this color closer to the actual crease and blend it up into the teal.  I used the Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Bulletproof.
5.) Use a black eyeliner on the lower lash line to act as a base for the glitter.  I used the Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Zero.
6.) Mix the Lit Cosmetics Glitter in Goth in size 2 with the Clearly Liquid Glitter Base and apply this to the lower lash line>
7.) Use a teal pencil in the waterline.  I used Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes Pencil in 12L.
8.) Time for highlights.  Apply a teal duochrome eyeshadow to the brow bone and inner corner.  I used the Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Lumi.
9.) Apply mascara.  I used the Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara.
10.) Fill in your brows.  I used the Anastasia Brow Powder in Ash Blonde/ Taupe.
11.) Apply a color corrector under the eyes.  I used the Benefit Erase Paste.
12.)  I applied the Rimmel Stay Matte foundation in 010 Light Porcelain.
13.) Time for powder. I used the Benefit Stray Flawless powder.
14.) Apply blush.  I use Too Faced Love Flush Blush in I Will Always Love You.
15. ) Apply lipstick.  I decided to do an ombre lip for this look.  I used the Estee Edit Mattified Lipstick in The Storm and NYX Wicked Lippie in Scandalous in the center.

SHOPPING LIST:
NYX HD Primer: at ulta.com at $6.99
Lit Cosmetics Clearly Liquid Glitter Base: at litcosmetics.com for $23
Lit Cosmetics Liquid Metal in Magnetic (gold flake): (not yet available)
Lit Cosmetics Glitter in Goth: at litcosmetics.com for $16
Urban Decay 24/7 Pencil in Zero: at ulta.com for $20
Makeup Forever Aqua Eyes in 12L: this is no longer available but an alternative is the Aqua XL at sephora.com for $21
Sugarpill Eyeshadow in Bulletproof: at sugarpill.net for $13
Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Hug Life: at sugarpill.net for $13
Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Lumi: for sugarpill.net for $14
Younique Moodstruck 3D Fiber Lashes Mascara: at alexesonfire.com for $29
Anastasia Brow Powder: at ulta.com for $23
Benefit Erase Paste: at ulta.com for $26
Rimmel Stay Matte Foundation: at ulta.com for $4.99
Benefit Stay Flawless Powder: at ulta.com for $34
Too Faced Love Flush Blush in I Will Always Love You: at ulta.com for $26
Estee Edit Mattified Lipstick in The Storm: at sephora.com for $22
NYX Wicked Lippie in Scandalous: at ulta.com for $5.99

PALETTE OF THE WEEK: Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette

About once a month I do a "Palette of The Week" series on my instagram account.  This is where I pick a palette and use it to create 5 different looks.  This week I chose the Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette.  I did a quick review of the palette and I also have swatches of all the colors in the previous post if you'd like more info.

Here are the looks I created:

1.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Transition (crease), Brownie Points (crease, lower lash line), Cool Beans (inner half of lid), Toffee (outer half of lid), Crystal (brow bone)
2.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Transition (crease, lower lash line), Wine N Dine (crease, lower lash line), So Jelly (lid), Cranberry Splash (outer lid), Crystal + Ploof (brow bone)
3.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Awesome Sauce (inner half of lid), How U Doin (outer half of lid), Teddy Bear (crease), Glamping (lower lash line), Crystal (brow bone), Ploof (inner corner)
4.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Bestie (crease), R U Kitten Me (crease, lower lash line), Brownie Points (crease), Chill (lid), Cool Beans (inner lid), Crystal (brow bone, inner corner)
5.) Thanks A Latte (above crease to blend out), Wine N Dine (crease, lower lash line), Teddy Bear (crease, lower lash line), So Jelly (lid), Crystal (brow bone, inner corner0

AVAILABILITY:
This is a limited edition palette that can b e purchased from shopvioletvoss.com for $52.

REVIEW: Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette

 The Violet Voss Holy Grail Palette is a limited edition palette.  It has golden, coppery, bronzy, and burgundy shades.  It has mattes and shimmers.  The colors are all smooth, pigmented, and long wearing.  The mattes are all great quality and are very easy to blend.  The colors all work well together. I have worn these shades (with a primer) for over 12 hours and I had no creasing or fading. If you can get your hands on it, I'd highly recommend this palette.


SHADES:
TOP ROW:
Crystal (shimmer)
Ploof (shimmer0
Thanks A Latte (matte)
Transition ((matte)
Hashtag (matte)

SECOND ROW:
Awesome Sauce (shimmer)
Bestie (matte)
Toffee (shimmer)
Chill (shimmer)
How U Doin (shimmer)

THIRD ROW:
Bat My Eyes (shimmer)
Cool Beans (shimmer)
 R U Kitten Me (matte)
So Jelly (shimmer)
On Fleek (shimmer)

BOTTOM ROW:
Brownie Points (matte)
Teddy Bear (matte)
Glamping (shimmer)
Cranberry Splash (shimmer)
Wine N Dine (matte)


AVAILABILITY:
This is a limited edition palette and can be purchased at shopvioletvoss.com for $52

April 2016 Favorites

These are my April favorites  I posted a picture on my instagram a few weeks ago, but I haven't had a chance to write about until now.  Better late than never!
1.) NYX Avant Pop Surreal My Heart Palette
     This was in last month's favorites and is still a favorite.  I really can't stop wearing.  I just really love the colors; I love how great they apply; I love how they wear. It's just a great palette.
2.) Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer
     This is my holy grail bronzer.  I'm very fair and this bronzer looks very natural on me.  It has a little bit of pink in it so I can even wear it as a blush.  I just really love how it looks.
3.) Milk Makeup Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M.
     I got a sample of this lipstick in my March Birchbox and I loved it so much that I bought the full size.  It's a nude mauve and a beautiful everyday color.  I couldn't stop wearing it in April.  I even brought it with me when I went to NYC for IMATS.
4.) Impulse Cosmetics Duochrome Lip Lacquer in Hypnosis
     I had initially just bought a sample of this color, and I loved the color and formula so much that I had to order the full size.  It's one of the most comfortable liquid lipstick formulas that I've tried.  I loved it enough to bring it with me to NYC for IMATS.
5.) Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadw in Lumi
     This is such a great color.  It's a teal duochrome and looks great on top of the shadows but I love wearing it as a brow bone or inner corner highlight.  I also like wearing it as a cheek highlight.
6.) Inglot AMC Pigment in 114
     It's a gorgeous cerrulean blue with a gold duochrome.  I used it for my makeup at IMATS.  It has a reflective finish and looks gorgeous. It also wears all day.
7.) Lit Cosmetics Liquid Metal in Glisten (silver flake)
      I love all the liquid metal shades but this is the one I've worn the most.  It's so metallic and shiny.  It just looks so beautiful on the lid.  You do need to use a mixing medium for the full effect and I use the Lit Cosmetics Clearly Liquid Glitter Base.
8.) Royal & Langnickel Powder Brush
     I picked up this brush at IMATS in the MODA Perfect Mineral 6 Pc. Professional Brush Set.  I love using this brush for bronzer and contour.
9.) Makeup Forever Camouflage Cream Palette in N.1 Light
     I love this concealer palette because it has all the colors I need all in one place.  Also, the texture is smooth and creamy.  It's also very pigmented so a little goes a long way.

SHOPPING LIST:
NYX Avant Pop Surreal My Heart Palette:  ulta.com for $16.99
Too Faced Pink Leopard Bronzer: sephora.com for $30
Milk Makeup Lip Color in C.R.E.A.M.: sephora.com for $22
Impulse Cosmetics Duochrome Lip Lacquer in Hypnosis: impulsecosmetics.com for $10.99
Sugarpill Loose Eyeshadow in Lumi: sugarpill.net for $14
Inglot AMC Pigment in 114: inglotusa.com for $16
Lit Cosmetics Liquid Metal in Glisten (silver flake): (not yet available.  I got mine at IMATS)
Royal & Langnickel Powder Brush: beautyusa.royalbrush.com for $19.99 for the set
Makeup Forever Camouflage Cream Palette: sephora.com for $40

OVERVIEW: My Current Favorite Brow Products

Whenever I wear makeup, I always fill in my brows.  That's because my brow hair is a light blonde color so when I wear makeup, it looks like I don't have any.  I currently have 5 favorite brow products.
1.) MAC Fluidline Brow Gelcreme in Dirty Blonde
This is a pomade similar to the Anastasia (although I have never used it so I can't really compare them). The color is a little bit dark so I only use it when I'm wearing makeup.  I can get a variety of looks with this depending on how much product I use.  It can go from light and natural to dark and defined.  I use the Crown Brush in C413 Brow Duo.  I really like how it applies the product.  I can use very little product and use very light pressure and get a more natural yet define brow, or I can use more product and more pressure and I get a darker and defined brow. It has a creamy consistency. I love how long wearing it is.  My day is usually around 12 hours long and I have never had any issues with fading or flaking.   AVAILABILITY: at maccosmetics.com for $16.50 and the brush at crownbrush.com for $3.28
2.) Anastasia Brow Powder Duo in Ash Blonde/ Taupe
I have it in the old packaging.  Now it comes in a black compact and the color is just Taupe.  The powder is smooth and very pigmented.  This is what I use on an everyday basis even if I'm wearing minimal or no makeup.  It's quick and gives the most natural look to my brows while still giving them some definition.  I use the Real Techniques Brow Brush.  I don't have any issues with it fading throughout the day so I don't usually use a  brow gel but when I do, I use the one from elf. AVAIABILITY: at sephora.com for $23 and the brush is only available in the Real Techniques Starter Set at ulta.com for $17.99
3.) MAC Pro Longwear Waterproof Brow Set in Emphatically Blonde
This is a long wearing brow gel. The brush is not overloaded with product and product feels moussey when applied. The color is a warmer blonde and I can get a fairly natural brow with it.  I only use enough to keep my brows in place and it deposits just enough color.  The brush is tapered and I feel like it's a medium size: a little big bigger than the Benefit Gimme Brow but a little bit smaller than the Anastasia Brow Gel.  It lasts all day on me. AVAILABILITY: at maccosmetics.com for $17.
4.) e.l.f. Wet Gloss Lash and Brow Clear Mascara
I've tried several clear mascaras and I've tried high end clear brow gels, but the clear mascara from elf is my favorite and it's also the least expensive.  The formula is not too wet and there isn't a ton of product on the brush. It's double ended and one side has a tapered brush while the other side has a flat brush, but I use both sides. I don't feel like there's any difference in application. It applies evenly (not at all goopy).  It keeps my brow hairs in place all day.  I feel like it's a great bargain since it's only two dollars and works just as well as the higher end brow gels.  The only down side is that there isn't a lot of product so I do go through it fairly quickly, but for how inexpensive it is, its not really an issue. AVAILABILITY: at elfcosmetics.com for $2
5.) Smashbox Brow Tech Gloss Stick in Taupe
This is a twist up pencil product.  The product is much softer and creamier than the Anastasia Brow Wiz.  The tip is also much bigger than the Anastasia pencil.  The pencil has a gloss finish (as the name would imply) which is unlike most brow pencils which have a matte finish.  However, I really love the gloss finish.  I feel like it looks very natural since my brow hair has a natural shine to it.  I know that a lot of people prefer a matte finish brow pencil, so if you're one of those people, you'll hate this product.  The color is a little bit dark, so I only use this product when I have makeup on.  It can apply a bit patchy but I use the spoolie on the other end to brush the product through my brows to distribute it evenly.  I don't feel like it ever completely dries down and it seems to remain a bit tacky but I don't have any issues with it fading, smudging, of flaking.  It also does a good job with keeping my brow hairs in place.  AVAILABILITY: at sephora.com for $21

REVIEW: NYX Wickd Lippies

This is a review of the NYX Wicked Lippies.  I have 10 out of the 12 shades in this line.  From left to right: Scandalous (teal), Risqué (dark green), Envy (royal blue), Immortal (bluish purple), Power (mauve pink). Trickery (olive), Stone Cold (silvery white), Cold Hearted (dark charcoal), Sinful (navy blue), and Wrath (copper).  The only shades that I don't have are Mischievous (gold) and Betrayal (deep purple).
These lipsticks all have a metallic finish (some shades are a little bit more metallic than others) and aside from Stone Cold, they are all very pigmented.  Stone Col in on the sheer side and not really buildable, but its a nice shade for layering on top of other lipsticks.  All of the shades that I have are smooth and have a creamy texture.  They last about as long as other creamy textured lipsticks on me, which is about 3 hour.  They wear off smoothly and not at all patchy.  If I get the 2 shades that I'm missing, I will add them to this post.

AVAILABLILITY:
You can get these at ulta.com for $5.99 and at nyxcosmetics.com for $6.