Wet n' Wild ColorIcon Palette- Lust

Hi Everyone!

I haven't disappeared! I've just been busy! Sorry!!

So I bought this a while back and I've tried to like it, I really have if you can't tell from all the uses this has gotten.  But it just won't live up to my standards and I really do not have high standards for things like this.

The top two colors are probably the best in my opinion (the light pink and white).  They cover and are not "splotchy" like the others.  It's hard to explain.  It's kind of like black or darker colors in eyeshadow, they tend not to blend easily or if you want them to look true to their color, you have to pack it on. Which I really don't like.

 (Left swatches over Urban Decay Primer Potion and Right are over no primer)



My palette looks horrible, I know. I think I had it in my makeup bag a little too long.  This does come with two brushes but I threw them out since I didn't like them at all.  I know there are other palettes in this collection so I'm going to find some and see if they are the same or not. I've seen other people with great success with this palette. Maybe mine was bad, I'm not sure.  I really want to try the other called "Pride" I love the colors in that one!

LA Colors Palettes- Circus and Ocean Breeze

Hi!

So I have two LA Colors palettes I bought.  One is Circus and the other is Ocean Breeze.  Overall, I like these palettes for the money.  I got them for $1.50 each, which isn't too bad.  I've yet to apply them to my eyes, but they were smooth and rich when I was swatching them.  I've applied them over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk.

 Circus (Swatched the purple before I took this!)

 Ocean Breeze

Top is the Circus palette. Bottom is the Ocean Breeze palette.

They are both shimmery and sort of metallic, so if you like those types of eyeshadow, you should check these out.  The only thing I didn't like, and this is pretty minor, is with the Ocean Breeze palette, it seems like there is a little gold shimmery overlay on the colors, but once you swatch it or use it, it disappears. Overall this is pretty decent for the price and if you happen to like the colors, go for it!

You can find these palette and many more HERE.

More Madd Style Cosmetic Swatches

Yep, I placed another order a little while ago and I got these not too long ago.  Except this time I ordered 2 sample packs. Total: $9.25 that includes shipping.  I just can't get enough!! Also, these come in clam shell containers, but I find them to be a little messy, so I de-potted them into my own 3 gram jars for ease.  These are swatched over Urban Decay Primer Potion.

You can visit her Artfire shop HERE.

Madd Style Cosmetics Review and Swatches!

Hi Everyone!

So today I have for you the most awesome eyeshadow EVER. I mean it! Honestly, I never thought eyeshadow could get better, but I have found out that it can!

So, I bought a 5 sample pack from this company for $3.50 (my total came to $5.50 with shipping, how cheap is that!?) and I could choose from lots of different colors.  These are SO pigmented and gorgeous it is ridiculous! I'm totally buying more once I get the money. The samples come in little plastic clam shell containers that are FULL of product.  I was actually shocked how much product I got for the money. I could probably get, myself, about 10+ uses out of one container if I use it sparingly.  The eyeshadow is really easy to apply and it is soft and silky feeling. Not gritty at all like you may find in some other eyeshadows.

Anyway, here are the colors. Top row is swatched over NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk and the bottom has no base.

 (Colors from L to R: Dune Buggy, Fabby Lala, Lust for Life, Pisces, Disco Biscuit)

Here is the website to buy from: http://adf.ly/6ciJY
You can also "Like" the Facebook page for other's looks, reviews, and up-to-date news: Madd Style Cosmetics Facebook Page

I hope to have a eyeshadow look with these colors soon. I'm really wanting to try them out!

Update!

Hey!

Sorry I haven't updated this lately! I've been super busy and haven't had the time to do anything really, but I will have some new reviews and looks up soon since I just ordered a few things.

Also, I am still going to have a giveaway once I reach 50 followers. I've also thought about putting up a Facebook fan page. For those of you who look at my blog regularly would you like to follow me on there? Please let me know, if I have a few people who'd like that, then I'll do that. Once I get 50 followers on either then I'll have a giveaway!

Hot Topic Duo Shadow-Hot Pink and Turquoise

Hi!

So I've had this shadow for a little while.  I never really used it but I don't know why. I'm not sure if Hot Topic still sells this exact one, but I'm sure you can pick up something similar from them in individual shades.

The product is easy to apply and not gritty.  My camera doesn't like to cooperate with me inside too well, so the shadow is a little brighter in person.

With the swatches, the top row is without primer and bottom row is with primer. I'm using Urban Decay Primer Potion.

LA Colors Shimmering Loose Eyeshadow

Hi!

I tried to post this yesterday, but Blogger was doing maintenance and wouldn't let me upload my photos! :( But here it is today!

This is LA Colors Shimmering Loose Eyeshadow.  These aren't all the colors, it's just the ones I could get at the time.  This product is actually pretty decent for the price.  I paid a dollar each at a discount store, so it's great for the the price.  This comes with a little brush, but I absolutely hate the brush.  In the picture below, that is the ONLY decent looking brush out of them all.  The rest are frayed and just horrible.  So if you're going to apply this, try to get a eyeshadow brush to fit into that or you can depot the eyeshadow and put them in your own containers so you do not have to use that brush (I'll post a video below of someone doing this; keep in mind this is not my video or me!).

You can find these colors and many more HERE.  They are also on sale for $1.50.


Here's the video for all of you: Youtube video

Ebates

 Well, this is ArtisticShadows Etc., so why not post something random?

I am so slow with things, but I just found out about Ebates.  It's a website that offers coupons for tons of websites and you get a certain percentage of your money back when you buy through websites with their coupons.  Just a few websites to name with coupons on here: Stila Cosmetics, Ebay, Wal-Mart, etc. I'm positive I'm going to start making my purchases through here now to get a percentage of money back. Right now, you can get an automatic $5 just for signing up. Awesome, huh? This and any other money can be sent through Paypal or by check.

If you'd like to sign up, go HERE!  It's a VERY simple sign-up, all you do is enter an e-mail address and password, then fill out the rest later! Hope you found this helpful! I'll let you know how my first purchase goes when it happens!

Helpful Makeup Tips

Hi! I'd just like to say that these are makeup tips that have worked for me and some others.  They may or may not work for you.

Tip 1:  I like to use gel eyeliner if I'm going out because it seems less messy, doesn't smear as bad as pencil liners, and can be very precise with the right tools.  Now, I've never been one of those people to use a brush with gel eyeliner since I can never get my line neat.  So my way of doing it is to take a eyeliner pencil of the same color as your gel liner, sharpen it, and dip it into the gel liner.  I then apply it as I would a pencil, but it is a lot neater.

Tip 2: Your eyeliner smudges. It happens to all of us, even looking our best.  I've found that buying a thin angle brush and applying eyeshadow of the same color over the top of the liner helps it stay put longer.

Tip 3: Buy quality makeup.  I'm the worst for wanting to be cheap and getting the best deals on things, but sometimes you have to sacrifice to get quality products.  I can't tell you how many times I've bought makeup, wore it out and about mid-way through my day or night it's started to just wear off, smear, or kill my eyes (watering).  But I have found a few products that are cheap and great. I'll just say, veer away from the "no name" makeup sets or store brand.  I've found those are the worst for myself, but if they work for you, go for it!

And the last tip I have for you all, sadly...

Tip 4:  Buy good brushes. I just recently found this out.  I bought a few brushes a few months back just to try out and use, but I started to realize, they were horrible.  They were prickly feeling to me and would NOT apply product at all.  I just recently stumbled upon E.L.F. Studio Brushes and they are cheaply priced and a million times better than my old brushes.  Of course there are probably better brushes, but for the price, I don't think you can beat these.  All the items on the ELF website are cheap and seem to be good based on the reviews, but of course I've yet to try anything else besides the brushes.  Please let me know if you have tried them!

I hope these tips are helpful.  I use these all the time.  If you have any tips, PLEASE feel free to post them! I love helpful tips!

If you'd like to check out the ELF website, you can go here.  I am no way affiliated with this website, I'm just a happy customer. :)

Update!

Hi Everyone!

First off, Happy Mother's Day to all you moms and moms to be! I hope you have a wonderful day!

Sorry I haven't posted anything new for a little bit. I have actually been busy with school and job searching and I had an interview on Friday, so things are looking up for me! Woo!

I hope to have a review, tutorial or something up in the next few days for all of you! Just keep checking, it will be up! :)

What would you like to see more of on my blog? I am on a limited budget right now, so I can't afford new makeup, although if you'd like, I can buy a few things from the drug store to review and try out for you! Let me know what you'd like to see!

Nail Blog

Hi!

So I have made a nail blog to cover all of my nail colors and designs.  I thought I should separate the two blogs since my nail polish collection can be a little overwhelming!  You are welcome to follow, share, or view it! Here's the link:

http://artisticshadowsnail.blogspot.com/

I am not a professional by any means, I just like to show off the colors I have and designs and maybe you'd like to see all of them to! Maybe you'll see a color you like and can see what it looks like before you buy it! Hope you enjoy!

Stargazer Lily Tutorial

Hi Everyone!

The picture above is the eyeshadow look I am going for.  This is my first tutorial so it's not the best, sorry! I promise I'll get better with time and practice.  Hope you enjoy!

First, prime your eyes.  I used Urban Decay Primer Potion for this.

Next step I covered my eyes with NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in the color Milk.  I just applied this and smudged it out with my finger to get it all over.

Next, I covered my eyes with a light pink color on my 120 palette.  On my 120 palette this is color number 7 on row 10.  (You can view my palette and all swatches here )

I then put a darker pink on the outside corners and crease and blended them into the light pink so there isn't such a dramatic cut off of color. (This dark pink color is number 5 on row 11)

I then added an orange color to the inner part of my lid and blended this out into the pinks.  (Orange color is number 6 on row 6)

I then added a light green color above my crease and the pinks and oranges and blended it out. (Color number is 4 on row 3)

I went back with my NYX Jumbo Pencil (Milk) and made a tiny line in the middle of my lid on the lash line.  I blended this out with my finger a little.  Do not smudge too hard or you will mess up your eyeshadow you've already done!

I lined my upper lash line with the NYX pencil and blended it out with my brush a little.

The finished product! (Sorry the picture isn't the best!) I added a few dots on the outer corner with an old no name brand brown eyeliner pencil.  I added my black eyeliner on my waterline of my lower lashes and added mascara.

I hope you enjoyed this! Here's the products I used:
-120 Palette
-NYX Jumbo Pencil in the color Milk (604)
-Urban Decay Primer Potion
-An old brown no name eyeliner pencil
-Covergirl Exact Eyelights Eye-Brightening Waterproof Mascara-For Brown Eyes-Black Pearl
-Rimmel London Special Eyes Precision Eye Liner Pencil-Black

*Stargazer Lily picture is not my own, I found this here: http://www.tsflowers.com/lilyphotos/Lily_Stargazer2.jpg

Update!

Sorry I haven't been posting much lately.  I've been busy, plus we had tornadoes that went through my area on Saturday and destroyed many homes around my area so I've just kind of been preoccupied with that on my mind.  Luckily, my family, friends, and I did not have any damage and are fine, but there are many many people who lost their homes and lives.

But on a much happier note, I will begin sort of a series of tutorials (sorry not in video form right now) were I do my eyeshadow according to flower's colors!  I know this has been done many times, but I will try not to do the same flowers I've seen others do.  If you have suggestions on what I can do or what type of flower you'd like to see me do, feel free to leave a comment! I'd love to hear from you! My first tutorial will be in the colors of a Stargazer Lily, which you can see here:

http://pyropus.ca/personal/house/garden-2003-3/page-06.html

Hope you'll enjoy it! I hope to have this up later today or tomorrow! :)

So, I've decided...

That once (if ever!) I get 50 Followers, I will have a give-away.  Obviously makeup related but I have no idea what yet! Any ideas? Suggest what you'd like! I'll totally take it into consideration!

TRESemme Fresh Start Products

Hi Everyone!

I wanted to talk about Tresmemme Fresh Start Products (Waterless Foam Shampoo and Dry Shampoo).  Well, I have differing opinions on both products.  So lets start with the Waterless Foam Shampoo.

I, along with many other women and men in the world, have oily hair.  Well, not completely oily since my hair is strange.  My bangs usually become oily very quickly, sides of my hair stay just right, and the back is dry.  Like I said, strange huh?  Well, for my hair, even though the can says for Dry/Curly/Normal hair, I feel this does the best for my bangs.  I only use these products for my bangs since they are so oily and quickly become oily while the rest of my hair is fine.  The product leaves my hair smelling great (A bit like a mixture between Citrus and Roses, strange combo, but it works!) and actually works pretty well for me.  I should have done before and after photos, but I forgot so I may upload some later. I will say if you are on the go and need a quick fix, this works! The only downside I have found is that it sort of weighs down my hair, not too much, but it is noticeable.  Bottom Line: It's good stuff and well worth it if you need a quick hair fix!

Now onto the Dry Shampoo.  I did not like this too much.  First off, it killed my lungs with the fumes! I was using it in a ventilated area, but I still had that problem.  Even with my oily hair, I didn't find it to work.  I saw no improvement in my hair, the product weighed my hair down so much more than the Foam shampoo, and the fumes were horrible. I may try to use it again and see if I was just having a "bad hair day" or if it's just the product.  I may just have to go outside and use it to avoid the fumes!

I found these products at Wal-Mart.  I do not remember the price, but I see it on the internet for around $5.

What are your opinions?  Are we having the same problems? Let me know so I'm not the only one! Or if you have any tips on using this product, please feel free to share!

Sally Girl Eyeshadows

So, want to know a great eyeshadow that is long lasting and cheap?  Well, look no more!  Sally Girl eyeshadows are pretty cheap at $.99 for the Sally Girl Mini Baked Eye Shadows which are 1.4 grams and the Sally Girl Eye Shadow Connecting Compacts are also $.99 which are 1.1 grams.  So for the price, you can't really beat that! Also, if you're a Sally Beauty Club Card owner, you can get these for $.97.  Although they do not come in tons of different colors, they do come in your basic colors and are shiney or matte.

The eyeshadow from both collections are smooth and highly pigmented in my opinion.  They are not creamy yet they are not gritty, so that's a good thing! On Sally Beauty, it is said that they can be used wet or dry and can also be used as eyeliner.  I have not used them as eyeliner or wet, but when they are dry they stay put for a long time.  As a side-note, these are Dark Aqua and Dark Green Mini's and Purple Passion Connecting Compact.


If you'd like to buy these, you can find them in any Sally Beauty store or you can buy them here:
Sally Girl Connecting Compacts
Sally Girl Mini Baked Eyeshadow

MAC 120 Eyeshadow Palette Swatches (ALL COLORS!)

Well, here I go! If you are confused at all about my numbering system, let me know. I will try to explain it or if you'd like to see a color by itself or in different lighting, comment me with the Row number and the number it is in the row (they are numbered 1-10 for each row).  Remember you can click each picture to see a larger version.

(Part of the "M" sticker fell off a few days after I had it)

Remember you can read my first impressions of this palette, unwrapping, and other's comments here:
MAC 120 Professional Palette
And you can buy this palette here:
Bundle Monster 120 Palette

MAC 120 Eyeshadow Palette (Fake)

Yep. I'm going to review my MAC 120 Eyeshadow Palette. It's fake and obvious now.

Let's see, where do I begin? I've heard and read hundreds of reviews and people's opinion about this palette.  It ranges from "MAC never made a 120 eyeshadow palette." to "MAC did TOO make a 120 eyeshadow palette just to sample colors." So who knows. I've also heard people say that they have called MAC stores and they will assure you they did not make one.  I honestly do not know. I'm just going to review my palette and the 1,000+ others I see selling on Ebay that look exactly like mine from anywhere in the range of $20-$256 (yep, saw it on there with another free fake MAC product for that price shipping from Australia. Mind you that didn't include shipping within the price.)  I also see people saying "Don't use it! China doesn't test their products." Then I kinda scratch my head and I'm like.... everything is made in China... So whatever. Use at your own risk I guess! Ha!

I've had this palette for about 6 months now and just never got around to swatching every one of them. I really do enjoy this palette.  Even though it's fake but I paid $33 for it on Ebay.  They colors are vibrant and come in matte, sheer, metallic, and shiny.  They are smooth to apply and a little creamy.  I'd recommend getting one, but do not get one over Ebay since the sellers overcharge for it just because it has or doesn't have a MAC sticker across the front.  Although, if you can find it for around $20-$30 then you're good. I'll actually show you my exact palette and where to buy it for retail value.

Now, I have used this palette before and never ran into any problems.  With my Urban Decay Primer Potion the eyeshadow stays on for a while (I've gotten up to 10 hours of wear before it starts to fade!).  But before you wear it out, swatch a little on your skin to see if you may be allergic.  I didn't have any problems with it, but you may or may not.  It's like that with any make-up really.

I wrote a blog a while back about this palette which includes my first impressions, unwrapping, other pictures, a few swatches and comments from others.  You can view that here:

My other review of the MAC palette

I would suggest reading that and the comments from other's before buying. I personally say go for it, but it's all a matter of your opinion! :)

Here is where you can buy this exact palette (as far as I can tell from the pictures) for retail price:

Bundle Monster Palette

Just don't fall for the overly-priced so called "MAC" palettes, pigments, etc. on Ebay.  I'm just looking out for all of you! I'll will post swatches of every color in another entry. Woo!

Just a misc. rant.

Why is it that I try out name brand gel eyeliner (Physician's Formula) and my eye becomes all watery and annoying, but when I use my fake MAC products, nothing like this ever happens? Just goes to show you no one knows what they put in name brand stuff either.

Yes, I have knockoff MAC products I bought from Ebay before I knew all about most of the stuff being fake on there (keyword "most" not meaning "all" some people like to bitch at me for claiming they all are fake when I didn't say that).  I have the 120 palette, pigment, and eyeliner stick and besides the eyeliner, it's the best stuff I've used.  Also, before you buy MAC products on Ebay, research "fake MAC" there are some signs to spot the fakes. Also, if you'd like to read about my experience with fake MAC, you can view it here:

MAC 120 Professional Palette (Fake)
Fake MAC Cosmetics

Just research before you buy if you hate to be ripped off.  Personally, I don't mind it too much since I bought them all for a cheap price and what the wholesale price was that the buyer bought it for.  I will probably write a newer blog and show more swatches from my palette in the future. Just keep a look out!

Urban Decay Lipstick and Gloss

I actually got these two in a set with Primer Potion and Skyscraper Multi-Benefit mascara. I'm talking about Urban Decay Lipstick in Midnight Cowboy and Urban Decay Pocket Rocket in Timothy.  All of the items in the set were minis except the Primer Potion which was full size. Unfortunately I don't think they offer the set at this time, so the items are sold separately in full size.

Anyway, I actually like the Lipstick, it's smooth to apply and comes in great colors.  It also has an awesome design on the outside! It is described on Urban Decay's website as a sheer beige shimmer, which is very true. I think this may be one of my favorite colors of lipstick!

The lip gloss is also pretty cool.  It is described as a coral color with a pink glow.  It is also a little shimmery and very creamy and glossy.  Also, I thought it smelled a little like almonds! HA! I'm not sure, but it is a very pretty color overall and very glossy.  It comes in a variety of colors that match any look.  They also have cute guys on the outside!  That's always a plus!

You can find both of these products on Urban Decay's website.
Lip Stick
Lip Gloss

HIP Bright Shadow Duo-Reckless

I haven't used HIP brand make-up too much, but I do LOVE their colors.  A while back I bought the shadow duo, Reckless (#514), at Wal-mart just to try out since I liked the color.

I just got around to swatching it and trying it out some.  I will say, it's not too bad! It's a little creamy feeling so that's always a plus for me.  The duo contains a magenta sort of color and a dark purple which I'm sure you could pair together for a great look (I may try that sometime soon!).  On the back, they have a little compartment with a mirror and sponge applicator, which is good if you're on the go and need a touch up.  I'm not too sure if Wal-Mart still sells this, but I did find it online at drugstore.com for $7.99 and they have all the color choices that are available for the duo.  Not too bad for the price!

You can find these at: http://adf.ly/6chsM