New Year, New Goodies

Hello!!

It's been so long since I've blogged about beauty stuff.  But I'm back with some new products I recently purchased with my Christmas gift cards for Ulta and Sephora... they were burning a hole in my pocket!

So here are some of the things I picked up that I'm most excited about.  Let me know if you've tried any of them and what you think!

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First, I picked up this foundation.  Several years ago, I tried the L'Oreal True Match Lumi foundation that everyone raves about on YouTube, but I just didn't like it.  Part of the problem was the color didn't match at all.  Also, it was just too dewy for my oily skin.  I may try it again one day (in a different shade) now that my skin is more normal.

But I have read and heard a lot of good things about the original True Match, so I decided to give it a try.  I've worn it for several days in a row and I do love it!  It's right up there with my Maybelline Fit Me (and MAY actually inch past it).  The coverage is great for a drugstore foundation and the staying power is really good too.  Not quite like Revlon Colorstay, but I haven't had any issues with it and I've worn it for 8-10 hours with minimal touching up.

I bought the color C3, Creamy Natural.  I do LOVE that it comes in so many shades and both warm and cool tones.  Makes the color selection outstanding.  This particular one is slightly dark on me for winter, but I think it'll be perfect as we go into spring, and I'm able to work with it now, just blending it well around the jawline.

Here are some photos where you can see the finish.

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Next up, the BEAUTY BLENDER.  Not sure why it's taken me so long to jump on the bandwagon, but I'm so glad I finally did!!!  I still love my Sigma F80 foundation brush and it works great for all foundations.  But I am absolutely loving the finish I achieve when using the BB.  It truly does give a flawless appearance to the skin and I've tried it with several different foundations.  It also makes it much easier to build foundation for extra coverage, and it works GREAT for under eye concealers.  I was going to order a Sigma tapered brush to use under my eyes, but the BB is working great and there is no need for anything else.

Also, I was out of dry shampoo and decided to try Batiste.  I have tried most every one available at the drugstore, but haven't found one I'm just absolutely in love with (texture AND smell).  As far as that goes, the Batiste one works great!  It was quite powdery in appearance when I first sprayed it on, and a little went a long way, but it seemed to disappear as soon as I gave my scalp a good rub.  My hair looked like it had been freshly washed, and that's hard to achieve with straight, blonde hair.  I wouldn't necessarily suggest this particular one for folks with darker hair, as it was quite "white."  But they do make a version for darker hair.

I'm not absolutely crazy about the scent of this Wild, Sassy & Daring, version.  It reminds me of mens' cologne, one that I'm not too fond of, but I can live with it.  I may try one of the other scents next time, as there are several to choose from.  However, I do love the texture of it.  Some I have tried in the past come out too liquidy; and with some, you have to add so much, it leaves way too much residue in your hair.  I give this one 2 thumbs up for performance.

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This next product is one I am so excited about!!!  I have seen so much about the Hourglass Ambient Lighting powders on YouTube and I have wanted one for so long!  But they are so dang expensive.  I wasn't sure it would be worth the money.  But let me tell you, IT IS.  And since my hubby gave me a gift card to Sephora, this purchase was justified.  :)

so pretty!!!

I chose Luminous Light, which is a pinkish/gold tone, not too warm, and I would say it has medium-level shimmer.  There were some that had hardly any shimmer at all, more satin, and then some were loaded with shimmer, borderline glitter.  I found a happy medium and I adore it!!!  It is such a beautiful highlight, I can't get enough!

You really have to see these in person to appreciate them.  Gorgeous!

Another one of the products I am most excited about is this palette from Too Faced.  I had actually never tried any of their eye shadows before.  I was debating between the Too Faced Chocolate Bar or Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar palettes, the Natural Eyes, and the Lorac Pro 2.

After swatching and comparing, I settled on this.  Now, I think it used to be in a cardboard-type box, but now it is in a metal tin that has a magnetic snap.  And I think the box said that the colors are different than the original, too, but I already threw it away.  Not sure about that, but I love it!

I have used it everyday since I got it, and it has every color you would need for a natural (or even smoky and dramatic) look.  If you are trying to find a palette for travel, this is a great choice!  It has a great mix of matte and shimmer, highlighting and blending shades, as well as warm and cool tones, and they are SO pigmented.  It's great!  Also, something to note, I have very little fall out from these colors.  That's always a plus!

I did a complete look using this palette on Monday.  I even used the darkest shade for my liner and the "Nudie" shade for my brows.  I loved it and it was so quick and easy!

Here is a better look at the colors.

Without Flash

With Flash

With Flash

Without Flash

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And lastly, I got several new lip products.  Some, I'm not sure I'm crazy about so I'm saving them for later.  But here are some that I know I love:

I'll start with the top ones.

The one on the left is from Maybelline's ColorSensational line.

I picked this one up from a recommendation of TiffanyD on YouTube.  It's #235 Warm Me Up.  It is a beautiful pinky nude, but with enough color to not make you look washed out.  It's almost like "my lip color, but better."  So easy to throw on with any makeup look or outfit.  I'm not crazy about the smell of these lipsticks, and I don't own many just simply for that reason.  But once it's on my lips, I don't seem to notice it too much.  The "feel" of the product is great, though.

Next are two of the NYX Butter Lip Balms.  I love the Butter Glosses by NYX, and recently I received the reddish lip balm (Red Velvet) in my Ipsy Glam Bag.  I loved the feel of it, but it is pretty pigmented for a lip balm and I wanted something more neutral.  So I picked up Macaron at Ulta and it's just what I wanted.  It's a peachy color, soft but enough to give a nice sheen to the lips.  Easy to throw on and it feels great!  Highly recommend these lip balms!

And lastly, when I was in Sephora buying my goodies, the man said, "Hey, it's your birthday month!"  I had forgotten all about the birthday gifts they give out, and that made my day!  I received two Nars lip pencils.  I don't have any Nars products, but these are great to start my collection.

(Next on my wish list of Nars products is the Radiant Creamy Concealer.)

The one on the left is a Satin Lip Pencil in the color Rikugien (don't even ask me what the heck that says).  When I was swatching them, I realized it's very similar to Maybelline's Warm Me Up.  A neutral, pinky nude.

On the right is the Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Cruella.  Even though I don't wear these colors, it's always great to have them for when you just need one.  So I'll keep it for those vampy, red days. :)

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And that's the end of my haul.  Like I said, I got a few other things that I'm on the fence about, but I'll update you soon as to how I like them!!!

And my wish list continues to grow... here are a few more things I want to pick up soon.

Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer

Too Faced Chocolate Bar palette

Lorac Pro 2 palette

Sonia Kashuk Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Pinky Nude

Milani Power Lash mascara

Gucci Guilty perfume

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What's on your wish list???

polish change

I used to paint my toes sporadically.  But for the past year or so, I've been on a roll.  First thing on the "to do" list this morning was a polish change.  

I purchased this O.P.I. polish at Merle Norman a week or so ago.  They usually carry some colors from each new collection.  I am assuming this one is pretty new, since I've never seen it before and she had it displayed up front.  But who knows?  I just thought it was pretty.

It's called SENORITA ROSE-ALITA

I would describe it as a medium rose color... a mixture of pink, coral, and burgundy... with a gold sheen throughout.

I usually stay away from these types of colors with sheen or holographic textures, but this one was too pretty to pass up.  It's very subtle and the color is perfect for the transition from Summer to Fall.

 

(don't mind my cuticles... just painted this one finger so you could see up close.)

I'm thinking I'll be using this color a lot this season!

Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

current loves

I'm back with a few current loves.

These are things I've never mentioned before... things that have been stand-out products for me lately.

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First up, let's talk about brows.

So many people forget about their brows, but they are quite possibly one of the most important parts of your face.  Yep.  They can make or break your look.  If shaped correctly and filled in where necessary, they can totally change your appearance, making you look "put together."

I don't do a whole lot of plucking or waxing... just what's necessary.

However, I do have a t.e.r.r.i.b.l.e. habit of pulling on my brows (and eyelashes) when I'm nervous.  As a teenager, I did this all the time and would literally pull them almost completely out of my head.  But over the past years, I've made myself stop.... and my husband slaps me if he catches me doing it. 

But a couple of weeks ago, I got nervous and starting pulling.  whoopsie.

So I've been having to do some major fill-in action.

Thank goodness, they're getting better.

Here's my top picks for brows.  They work wonderfully and don't cost an arm and a leg.

Milani Easybrow

If you like pencils, this one is great.  The color applies so easily but the formula isn't so soft that the tip breaks off.  That drives me nuts.  Also, there's a little brush on the other end that is great for brushing through and softening the look.

Milani Brow Fix 

If you prefer powder, this is my pick.  It comes with 2 shades of brow powder and a highlight.  It also comes with little tweezers, a sponge applicator, and a brush for application.  The powder is perfectly pigmented and makes filling in sparse areas a breeze.  And I LOVE the highlight color in this kit.  I use it almost everyday, no matter what eye look I'm wearing.  It's just perfect.

Benefit Rockateur

I bought this blush last weekend.  I could not wait to get my hands on it!

After all the hype about it on YouTube, I'm glad I gave in and purchased it.

It's described as a "rose gold" blush, and I'd say that's pretty accurate.  When I swatch on my finger, it actually has a little more peach than pink.  But when applied on the cheeks, it's the perfect blend with the slightest amount of sheen.  Just perfect!

Michael Todd True Organics

Jojoba Charcoal Scrub

Charcoal, you say?  Yes!  Charcoal.  I tried this product for the first time a few months ago after receiving it in my Ipsy Glam Bag.  This is what the website says about it:

Unique facial scrub formulated with Jojoba Wax Beads and Activated Charcoal to effectively remove dead skin, impurities and toxins. Jojoba Wax Beads provide gentle exfoliation without leaving microlacerations on delicate skin. Highly absorbent Activated Charcoal penetrates deeply into pores to draw out impurities and toxins. Refines texture and encourages skin renewal, leaving skin smooth and refreshed.

All skin types.Gentle enough for sensitive and acne prone skin types.

I absolutely love this scrub.  I use scrubs pretty regularly to refine the texture of my skin and remove dead skin cells and impurities.  I have several that I love, but this might just be #1.

It's black, obviously because of the charcoal, and has a nice clean scent (not strong at all).  What I love most is this.... the granules are SO tiny.  When I use this, it almost feels relaxing.  It's hard to explain, but it feels so wonderful on the skin.  My skin NEVER feels irritated while (or after) using this.  In fact, it makes my skin feel so smooth and refreshed... just as it claims.

Unfortunately, my little sample tube is almost gone.  boo.

But I will be purchasing a full size of this ASAP.

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So those are a few things I've been loving lately!!!

FOTD - featuring Ipsy's May Glam Bag

I'm coming at ya today with a FOTD post.

I could spend all day playing in my makeup drawers... rediscovering products I haven't used in a while... & trying out new things.  

I recently subscribed to Ipsy's Glam Bag and I am LOVING IT.

For $10 a month, you'll receive a cute little makeup bag with 5-6 products, some full-sized, for you to try out and enjoy.  So far, everything I've gotten has been top notch.  It's an opportunity to try new products, things you've never even heard of, as well as things you normally might not be drawn to or spend your money on.  

And it's $10!!!  All you have to do is walk (or drive) to the mailbox.

So today, my FOTD features 2 products I received in May's Glam Bag.

There are also a few new products I'm trying out and will review soon, as well as some that were tucked away in the back of the drawer... they needed to be dusted off and used again!

 Products Used:

Makeup Forever HD Foundation - #118

yaby concealer* - buff

Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder - 011 Creamy Natural

Bare Minerals concealer - Well Rested

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer - Sunny

Merle Norman Lasting Cheekcolor - Heavenly

MAC Paint Pot - Painterly

Revlon Colorstay Smoky Shadow Stick - 220 Volcanic

Maybelline Eye Studio quad (LE) - Olive Martini

(I focused on the deep, bronzy/blue color - compared to MAC's Club, in case you don't have this quad or can't find it)

Revlon Colorstay Liquid Eye Pen - 01 Blackest Black

Covergirl Lashblast Volume - Very Black

Milani Brow Fix Kit - 01 Light

Juice Beauty lip gloss* - Fig

*products mentioned are from Ipsy's May Glam Bag

Current Loves

It's been so long since I've done a "Favorites" post.  But I do have some things I've been loving lately, most of which are brand new products for me.  These are not my every day, no fail, "have to reach for" products.  These are products I've either rediscovered or purchased recently for the first time.  I love them so much, I thought I'd share them with you... in a "Current Loves" post.  And it's a long one.  ;)

Here goes...

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We'll start with the foundations of the face - what holds the look together.

Revlon Colorstay

Normal/Dry

200 Nude

I have posted before about Revlon Colorstay.  Back last year sometime, I purchased the Oily/Combo version.  And I hated it.  Only tried it a few times... but I knew it was not for me.  However, I kept hearing everyone on YouTube rave about it.  I just didn't get it.  That's until I saw a video by MakeupByTiffanyD just in the past month or so.  She had the same feelings that I did about the Oily/Combo version.  So she's been using the Normal/Dry version for a while and loving it.  And I have to say, I DO, TOO.  It's TOTALLY different in consistency and finish.  It's more lightweight, blends SO much easier, and has a very natural finish.  And it still has the staying power that Colorstay products are all about.

Merle Norman

AquaBalance

L26

On days when I don't want/need as much coverage, I've been reaching for my Merle Norman AquaBalance foundation.  I had sort of "replaced" it with Maybelline Fit Me, which I still love, simply because it's much cheaper.  But I wanted to go back to AquaBalance for a while.  It's a great foundation for all skin types and it's perfect for Spring and Summer.

A few times, I've even mixed AquaBalance with Colorstay for medium coverage and a natural dewy finish.

For my concealer step, I've been using this combo:

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind

Eraser Dark Circles

Fair

I don't have to tell you about this concealer.  It's amazing.  And I've raved about it before.  But it works great with the next product.

Bare Minerals Concealer

Eye Brightener

Well-Rested

I have terrible dark circles.  Terrible.  And I had heard so many great reviews about this product that I couldn't wait to try it.  I couldn't hold out any longer.  And it IS amazing.  After I apply the Maybelline concealer and blend out with my fingers, I use a large fluffy shadow brush to sweep Well-Rested in the corners of my eyes and down under.  It "sets" the concealer and adds brightness, while also hiding the darkness.  And a little goes a long way.

NYC Smooth Skin Bronzer

Sunny

This is the time of year when we all want to look sun-kissed.  I use bronzer throughout the year.  I don't do heavy contouring.  I just use it to give a little life to my skin.  I purchased this product back during the winter, but it was just too much color for my pasty skin.  Since it's now getting close to Summer, and I've gotten a little sun on my pale complexion, it works much better.  I sweep it along my cheekbones with a Sigma F30 Large Powder Brush.  It just wakes up the skin.

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Now we have the fun, color stuff!

For shadows, I've been reaching for 2 palettes lately.  

Wet n Wild

Comfort Zone

My "go to" look for the past week or so has been a bronzy eye.  Sometimes, I'll throw in a little color on the bottom lashline, since that seems to be a hot thing right now. 

Gold/Bronze looks are so flattering on blue eyes.  And they are just so summery.  And I'm ready for Summer!  For a CHEAP, but amazing quality shadow option, you just can't beat Wet n Wild.

Lorac Pro Palette

I've also been reaching for my Lorac Pro Palette a lot.  It's just so perfect.  It has an amazing mix of matte and shimmery shades and the color range is excellent.  This is a great palette to own.  And it's perfect for traveling.  It's a "one stop shop."

e.l.f. Studio Blush

Twinkle Pink

This blush was featured in my last blog about e.l.f. blushes.  It's just great.  It's got pink... it's got peach... it's got shimmer.  Makes for the perfect Spring look.

Merle Norman

Soft Touch Eye Pencil

Blackout

Not enough people talk about Merle Norman products, but you know I'm a firm believer and supporter.  This is one of those products I just can't live without.  The WHOLE LINE of Soft Touch liners is great.  I've got several colors and they do not disappoint.  I reach for Blackout the most.  It's a true, rich, deep black.  And it has amazing staying power.  It also smudges easily for a smoky look.  I've never been one to rock dramatic eyes, until lately.  I've loved playing with different color combos and thick black liner.  And I've also been wearing this product on my water line... something I've never been a fan of.  But this pencil stays put and does not irritate my eye.

The last is a brush.  And I apologize, but I don't even know the brand.  All I know is that I bought it in a set of 3 from Wal-Mart.  I THINK they say something about High Definition on the package.  This particular one is perfect for blending and adding a crease color on my eye.  I love it.  It's just perfect.  And the other end is a pencil brush, which I use for inner corner highlight.  LOVE LOVE.

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Next, lips.

Nivea

A Kiss of Milk & Honey

This is a great lip balm.  I keep one in my purse and one by my bed.  I have been having a problem with the corners (actually just one corner) of my mouth cracking.  So I've been applying this product like crazy.  It helps to heal and takes away the itch. 

Rimmel Exaggerate Lip Liner

East End Snob

I'm not a big lip liner user, but I saw Kandee Johnson use this one in a prom video.  I loved the color.  It looked like the perfect nude pink.  And I was right.  It's a great color and would go with almost any lip color.  It's not drying, but stays true to color and lasts a really long time.

The next 2 I've been wearing as a combo.

CoverGirl Lip Perfection

Jumbo Gloss Balm

205

I hate that these products don't have names.  But this is a soft pink.  Very natural and nude.  And I love the texture of these gloss balms.  I want to get more.. and soon.

MAC Lustre

Politely Pink

I've been topping off the CoverGirl Gloss Balm with this lipstick.  It's almost the same color exactly, but it's got a shimmery sheen.  These 2 products look so pretty together.  I also feel that the Gloss Balm gives the look a little better staying power.

MAC Sheen Supreme

Supreme Style

I LOVE this lipstick.  It's perfect.  It's a soft peachy pink.  Just so perfect.  It is sheer, glossy, and smells great.   It's just a great "go to" color.  One you can grab and slap on with anything you're wearing.

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For body, I have 2 brand new products.

Curel

Daily Moisture Lotion for Dry Skin

I have been a fan of Curel lotion for, well, my whole life.  As a child, I had lots of trouble with eczema and extremely dry skin.  And I still fight it on occasion.  Lotion is something that I like to switch up.  I try different ones each time.  I had been using a lotion by Jergens, but I wasn't really happy with it.  It was just "ok."  I was running low, so I decided to go ahead and pick out something new... I don't like to completely run out of anything.  But then, I get so excited about the new one, I usually end up throwing the old one away. :)

This is a GREAT lotion.  You get a lot of product.  And it goes a long way.  The smell is soft and very nice.  I have rarely used a lotion that lasts ALL DAY after I apply it.  And this is one of those.  I apply it immediately after my shower.  At bedtime, my skin is JUST AS SMOOTH and moisturized as it was in the morning.  Amazing.

Neutrogena Pore Refining Toner

I used to use toners religiously... twice a day.  For the past few years, I had just gotten lazy with that step in my skin care.  But I recently noticed that my skin texture wasn't as "pretty" and smooth as it once was.  So I went on the hunt for something to fix that problem.

And I found this product.  This toner has Alpha and Beta Hydroxy Acids.  These are great for exfoliating and resurfacing skin.  After just a few uses, I could tell a DRAMATIC difference in my skin. And the best part, my skin is back to its soft and smooth texture.  Life saver.

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There you have it.  my Current Loves.

Review - e.l.f. blushes

HELLO, THERE!

It's been a while.  I'm back today with a review on blushes from the makeup line e.l.f. (eyes lips face, can be purchased at Target, some drugstores and eyeslipsface.com).  

A few months ago, I became "blush crazy!"  I've never been a huge blush user, until recently.  And I've become obsessed.  While I love my MAC and Merle Norman blushes, as well as Tarte and Be a Bombshell, I am EXTREMELY IMPRESSED with the studio blushes from e.l.f.

They have very nice packaging (resembling those of Nars) with a sturdy, sleek black container and a mirror.  They are small enough in size to store easily, but they really hold quite a bit of product.

And they cost $3.  Yes, 3 bucks.

Now, on to the actual colors.  I have purchased 4 colors from the line.  My most recent purchase was just yesterday, actually.  But we'll get to that shortly.

Now, I know that some of the colors look very similar, but they really are quite different.  It's all due to lighting.  I tried my very best to capture the true color of each blush.

We'll start with Tickled Pink.

This is a great rosy pink color.  Not too bright.  Great for everyday pink looks.

Some of the blushes have very apparent glitter, but this one simply has a nice sheen.

Next, we have Candid Coral.  If you like peach blushes, this one is great!  It's very soft, but definitely has that peachy tone to complete your summery look.  And again, there isn't a lot of shine or shimmer with this color, just sheen.

Next, we have Fuchsia Fusion.  I LOVE this color.  While it looks so scary and bright in the package, all it takes is a tiny bit.  Major pigmentation with this color.  But it creates the prettiest bright pink glow to the cheeks.  PERFECT for summertime.

I will say, this blush color does contain larger pieces of glitter, which I am not crazy about.  But when I wear this blush, I tap off the excess from my brush and apply the smallest amount just to the apples of my cheeks.  I don't seem to notice the glitter as much applying it that way.  Also, the top layer of the blush seems to have more glitter built in.  Once you get past the initial layer, it gets better.

And last, we have Twinkle Pink.  This might be my new favorite.  It is the perfect blend of pink and peach with gold shimmer (again, it's actually glitter).  And the pigmentation is great!  I'm amazed at the quality of these blushes for the price.  I purchased this one yesterday at Target and tried it out when I got home.  When I first swatched it, I thought it was going to be too powdery.  It was quite messy in the package.  But it applied just as creamy as the others.

I also wore it to church today with a gold and purple eye look and peachy lips.

So pretty.

Here's a picture of Twinkle Pink on my skin.  I slapped some on (on top of whatever I was wearing before that had worn off) but I couldn't wait to play with it.

My local Target carries a few more that I don't have, but I'm in love with one - Pink Passion.

It will be my next e.l.f. purchase.

While Fuchsia Fusion is a more "purple based" pink, Pink Passion is a bright bubblegum pink.

Looks like it'll be perfect for summer.

Hope you get a chance to try some of these blushes and let me know what you think!

~Carolyn

FOTD Friday

It's been TOO long since I've done one of these!!

So here's a look I've been sporting a lot this week.  It's easy and has a few "multitasking" products involved.

Products:

Face

Maybelline Fit Me Foundation in 120 Classic Ivory

Merle Norman Dual Action Concealer in Medium Light Neutral

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Brightener

Rimmel Stay Matter Pressed Powder in Creamy Natural

NYX Cream Blush in Boho Chic

Eyes

MAC Paint Pot in Painterly

L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Iced Latte

L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Bronzed Taupe

Maybelline Expert Wear Shadow in Browntones

Merle Norman Soft Touch Eye Pencil in Blackout

Covergirl Lash Blast Volume in Very Black

Lips

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Demure

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my "multitasking" products:

One of my most recent purchases consisted of 2 eye products:

-L'Oreal Infallible Shadow in Bronzed Taupe

and

-Maybelline shadow duo in Browntones

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I have a couple of the L'Oreal Infallible shadows and I love them.

I had been eyeing Bronzed Taupe for some time.  Emily from Beauty Broadcast featured it in one of her latest videos.  She did a complete eye look with this one color.

So I picked it up.  It's a great shadow to have in your collection for those days you need a quick look or if you just don't feel like using a lot of products.  This color is a beautiful bronzey taupe (hence the name).  It has a metallic finish, almost wet looking, and has great dimension on eye.

My other purchase was the Maybelline Expert Eye duo in Browntones.

I had been searching for a shadow that I could use to fill in my brows.  I have been using Naked from Urban Decay's Naked Palette for a long time.  But it's starting to wear down.  So I wanted to find something to take it's place.  I really want to try Milani's brow kit.  But my local Target never has it in stock.  So I got tired of searching for it and decided to look elsewhere.  At my last trip to Walgreens, I found Browntones.  It looked perfect, and I was right.  It is.

Now for the multitasking part:

I used Iced Latte to highlight the inner corner and under the brow.  Then, I used the lightest color from the Browntones duo as a transition color in the crease.  Then I used a flat shader brush to apply Bronzed Taupe all over the lid.  I then used a medium sized crease brush to apply it in the crease.  I also used the color on a small liner brush on my lower lashline.  The way the light hits this color, it creates its own highlights and shadows.  It's a great dimensional color.

I then used the lightest color in Browntones, again, for my brows.  Perfectly easy.