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