Paula Dorf New York: Perfect Color collection, Ecstasy color #Review #PaulaDorf

 

Paula Dorf is a cosmetic company that carries lines from lip products, make-up brushes, eye-shadows, and even nails……you name it and Paula Dorf carries it, along with products that are of their own creation. This is where the Perfect Color collection lands because one tube of color is perfect for eyes, lips, and cheeks. Pretty simple and for me it’s a take on the mascara + lipstick and go= for those days I want to blame my alarm did not go off but in reality I’m moving at a snail’s pace.

I have tried like products in the past from Nars and other companies so the concept is not new to me. I saw the tag at the bottom, which features the name of the color and due to the intensity of the color, I assumed it was a basic pink tag and not representing the color inside. Oh, so I wish I was wrong and the tag was even down played! I then think maybe the pigment looks intense but once I swipe, the color will apply and come off smoother and just be more likable. Um, I tried my lips and the product reminded me of make-up I wore in Junior High. You know when fluorescent pinks and hues were the “it” colors, I admit I wore some of them and I would have waited in line at Wet Seal and Contempo to score this back then BUT even then I cared about how a product felt and applied. I assume again maybe I need to exfoliate my lips and let’s blame the way the color floats and feels smothering and dry, on my own lips. I continue onward and realize my Husband is in the kitchen finishing up dinner while I’m doing this. I apply on my cheeks and even just dabbing lightly onto my finger’s tip and patting on softly, to then blending in……I don’t even look like I’m stuck blushing or had a bad sun burn, I look sort of clown-ish and I actually laugh at my own reflection. Being always positive, I still go forward because the package says eyes, lips, and cheeks and my eyes are just left to attack. I blame the box at this point and I use the left-over product from my cheek onto my eyes and I finally realize that I’m looking younger but not in a good way. I’m no longer in Junior High but now I’ve entered Elementary and when my parents bought me “Barbie” make-up and they were shocked that it was real make-up (after they saw my creation the next morning).

The box states, “light and creamy in flattering shades”. The product was:

• Almost too powdery and felt like talc, sort of like corn starch feels in between your fingers. This makes blending a bear and also results in making your pores look larger than they are. So if you want to play opposites and show off all your pores can be, this is the stick for you.

 

• Creamy it is not and because of that talc feeling I mentioned, it feels tacky and little sticky. Then when it sets, it dries on and is hard to take off. It also feels heavy on the skin and almost smothering. So, you show off your pores and then punish them by not letting them get any air!

 

• Flattering shades…..this I can’t comment for the entire collection in this line because the website did not show this product and/or any of it’s kind. This shade goes beyond flattering or going with any skin tone. Think about that statement chair that people buy for a room that has no rules but is that wow piece…..this is this item but the statement piece is what drowned everything else out and when you think of that room, you can only picture that chair! I can’t even call it a color you can wear at night because sooner or later you will walk under a light and please forgive anyone that asks you if you are okay, you will look sickly pink if you really blended or bug bitten if you did light pats when applying.

Back to my Husband making dinner and his reaction to the child that found a marker……..the man said, “what the …. “and even tried helping me. Maybe you put too much on and tried saving the one eye I made up by removing the pink off with a tissue. Pinky is winning. It won’t come off. It loves me. I tried oil and found that the color can be blended better with 1 drop of oil but then I was slicky pink. After washing my face, my wonderful Husband asks me to please not put that on and what the heck was it. I explain to him and all he hears is it’s and all-in-one product and he reminds me to repeat what we say about all-in-one products in this house, “they are not even good at doing one thing”. I thank Captain Obvious even though he did try to rescue me and even after dinner said there was nothing flattering or pretty about that stuff. I again promise to play “no touchies” with it.

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This was a difficult review to write. I looked at Paula Dorf’s site and spent a good 30 minutes getting lost and seeing so many pretty and interesting products. It was hard to believe this item came from the same company I was seeing on the screen. It did not match the style, quality or image the company has. It’s a goof and it has to be. It did not help not finding the product on the website until I clicked all products and saw that it was retailing for $32 and now for $16. Maybe this is an oops stick I got because the paragraph on the site talks about shimmering accents and this has none. I can say that the pigments are ultra powerful and come with Hulk strength that I wish my eye-shadows held!

 

• Promotions:

With each blog readers purchase, they will receive the gift of Paula Dorf’s mini No Color Glimmer, a gorgeously soft, lightweight powder to complete your look! The perfect accent to Ecstasy.
USE CODE: ECSTASY

Paula Dorf is giving away a makeup kit full of some of their favorite products! You can enter for a chance to win this Paula Dorf makeup kit ($125 value) here:https://promosimple.com/ps/66b5

 

Connect with Paula Dorf Cosmetics at:

• On-line
• Product’s Link
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Instagram

 

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Paula Dorf.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

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Rimmel London: ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner #Rimmel #FrostyVoxBox

Rimmel was kind enough to indulge us with two of their products via Influenster’s Frosty Vox Box. The first one is the part of the ScandalEyes collection, the waterproof Kohl Kajal Eyeliner. I usually use a brush to outline my eyes with eye shadows, but it can take an extra 5 minutes I do not always have to spare. My eye shadows are also not waterproof, so this is why sometimes I may skip on eyeliner as a whole. Not no more! This beauty just glides smoothly and has staying power. It not only remains where you leave it but the color’s intensity and application does not budge. Waterproof and stay proof indeed! You then think about the colors to choose from and the price-point, this is a must for any beauty box! I suffer from seasonal allergies, which means whatever is in the air is going to irritate me all year round and I can say that even though this Rimmel product is tough against humidity, sweat, weather and any moisture, it was very kind to my eyes. Definitely will be picking up more and can’t wait for the beautiful looks I will be creating this next season because waterproof make-up and bikinis are just a pair made in heaven. Get yours today and this is an affordable and very appreciated gift anytime of the year!

Retail Price Point: $4.49

Connect with Rimmel London at:

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• #Rimmel
• #FrostyVoxBox

I received the above product(s) free of charge from Influenster and Rimmel London. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

EnvyDerm: Eyelash Enhancement and Conditioning Volume Mascara #EnvyDermEyes #Review

Like many of us girls, the one thing we change next to nail polish more often, is our mascara. There is always a new formula, wand, volume promising, to even seasonal colors that just capture our eye. I have been guilty of telling myself that my mascara is reaching the 3-month mark of expiration, so it’s for a good cause and eye health that I should buy this new revolutionary tube that has been advertised so much (that I know the commercial). I have been burned by drugstore to fancy store and boutique-ish brands; so many tubes have been unkindly thrown into the trash. In my mind, the mascara science world should not be as complicated as the foundation universe. We want separation, a formula that does not flake or smear but creates nice smooth strokes that add volume. None of us want to look like a raccoon or if we do, it shall be a smoky eyed one and done on purpose! I finally grew so tired that I am guilty of buying mini sample sets filled with different brands in hopes of finding “the one” that will end this hunting game. I find it but then get the surprise that the formula changes to quick by aging in the tube before I even get 1/4 way down, or it’s temperamental and only wants cold weather and once the seasons changes, it betrays me!

In comes EnvyDerm, a cosmetic company that advertises their lines as “high performance”. They not only promise a good cosmetic look, but also deliver nourishment to lashes. So, it’s a multi-tasker formula that already went over and beyond what I expected or even dared to imagine. I just wanted my mascara to give me a faux perfect look but with time and regular use, my lashes may grow and make the look actually belong to me versus just lights and magic!

EnvyDerm enhances your lashes by making them look better, longer, and strengthening. Their patent serum boosts and repairs, plus it also promotes length and thicker lashes. The Lash Enhancement & Conditioning serum contains Hydrolyzed Keratin and Peptides, which help nourish and encourage positive results!

Ingredients (as listed on their site):
Formulated without: Prostaglandin, Parabens, Synthethic fragrance, Sulfates, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, GMOS, Tricolosan, Mineral Oils, Animal products.

PURIFIED WATER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, MYRISTOYL PENTAPEPTIDE-17, CERA ALBA (Beeswax), COPERNICIA CERIFERA (Carnauba) Wax, SUCROSE ACETATE ISOBUTYRATE , STEARIC ACID, GLYCERYL STEARATE, ACRYLATES COPOLYMER, VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER, ADIPIC ACID/ DIETHYLENE GLYCOL/GLYCERIN CROSSPOLYMER, EUPHORBIA CERIFERA (Candellia) WAX, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, MEDICAGO SATIVA ( Alfalfa) EXTRACT, ARNICA MONTANA (Arnica) FLOWER EXTRACT, MEL (Honey) EXTRACT, CHAMOMILLA RECUTITA (Chamomille) FLOWER EXTRACT, ALGAE EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, HYDROLYZED KERATIN, HYDROLYZED (MARINE) COLLAGEN, MYRISTORYL HEXAPEPTIDE-16, DIMETHICONE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, PHENOXYETHANOL, TRITICUM VULGARE (Wheat) GERM OIL, ORGANIC SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (Jojoba) SEED OIL, ORGANIC ARGANIA SPINOSA (Argan) EXTRACT OIL, ALLANTOIN, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE (Vitamin E), PANTHENOL (Vitamin B5), HYDROLYZED GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS, URTICA DIOICA (Nettle) Extract, MICA. May contain: Iron Oxides (Cl 77492, Cl 77491, Cl 77499).

The ingredients almost reads like a list you find in a good moisturizer but this is about feeding your lashes versus your skin! I was happy so far with what I was seeing and reading.

Ease of Application: The tube is a nice size and you get a generous 0.27 fluid ounces, Easy to open and the brush on the wand does separate and apply a fluid and even coat to my lashes. The directions are simple, you apply one coat and within one minute’s time, apply one more coat or more if desired. The product does build up nicely and you don’t get that “spider look” we fear when applying additional coats. I’m a 2.5 coats girl when it comes to application. One coat to cover and a second for volume, .5 to get corners and any places that need extra attention. My only negative is that the applicator (not the wand stick portion) tends to “boing” a bit and is not as solid and fixed in one place. The brush is soft and pliable, almost like soft rubber. I don’t like that bounce back but after three uses, I expected that slight movement and was able to learn to adjust around it. I attribute this to being kinder on lashes and it’s just a learning curve. The hourglass shape and bristles make up for this shortcoming alone!

Retail Price Point: $27.00 on Amazon and $29.00 via the site (with free domestic shipping)

Results: I was using coconut oil at night to condition my lashes and I saw in 1 month’s time, my lashes tended to never fall (shed) or break, they just remained healthy and even stronger with time and this was just using one oil. EnvyDerm uses Moroccan Argan oil, vitamins, amino acids and just a more suitable and nourishing formula. I stopped the coconut oil use to see how EnvyDerm could pick-up.

• Nourishing- The product does help when it comes to overall lash health. My lashes were soft and not dehydrated after removing the mascara.

• Appearance- I was happy with how the brush flared my lashes and separated, plus I did get what I would call a medium rating when it comes to volume. I seek medium volume because that makes the mascara perfect for day or night. I don’t want to look like I have feather dusters for lashes no matter what trends say. The color was a nice pigmented black, which looked beautiful but also highlighted the eye area nicely. My eyes looked open and I look awake even with 5 hours of sleep!

• Endurance- I never touch my face and much less my eye area due to my fears of bacteria and messing up my make-up. Right now, even though it’s Fall, I’m in Southern California so I get all that the weather has to offer and even windy days. It was hot, humid, cold, to even some rain when I used the product. On normal days, I experienced zero flaking or smudging. If it was above 90 degrees, I did get some smudging and stopped applying the product to the lower lashes. Wet days, again some smudging and slight flaking that tended to occur when I entered a store that was blasting the heater (after about 7.5 hours of wear). I gave it an 8 out of 10 when it came to handling the roller-coaster ride of temperatures we get in California.

Overall, I was happy that my lashes did not feel heavy and weighed down by the product. EnvyDerm’s formula nourished and I did see what I call great “lash health”. I did not have to do anything but wear my mascara in the day and throughout the afternoon to keep up with the results I was getting from my coconut oil treatments. I still had to curl before applying because it was my way to insure I was getting the look I wanted but because the formula is light, you can get away without curling and get some minor lift but never compared to what a lash curler can do. I trim my lashes as it is (I know sounds odd) because if I don’t, my lashes hit my sunglasses and that bothers me. I did not experience growth but because they remained healthy, they did look fuller (thicker) and felt super soft when the mascara was off.

This is after wearing the EnvyDerm mascara for 8 hours and no issues with flaking or smudges.

Compared to my list of mascaras that I am currently using and with Benefit’s They’re Real mascara being my 10 at the moment, I give this one an 8. The one thing it has over most mascaras, is that the product promotes longer and thicker lashes with their serum. I also use Tarte’s Gifted with Amazonian Clay and that was a 7 for me. I use Lancome’s Hypnose Doll lashes and that is a favorite when it comes to brush shape and formula, and this one I rate an 8…..the same as EnvyDerm but Lancome’s is $0.50 cents more in cost and minus the benefits.

See what EnvyDerm has to offer and start 2015 with prettier lashes at:

• On-line
• Amazon
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest 
• Instagram 
• YouTube

I received the above product(s) free of charge from EnvyDerm.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Essence: Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Hot Scorch (19) #Beauty #Review

With Spring in full swing and experiencing close to 100 degree weather in California, the heat has definitely arrived. A new season means a new look and time to play with colors. Essence Cosmetics offers you to play with beauty products at a very economical price point. Affordable does not mean you should overlook this brand because it does deliver performance and I’m always for less “ouch” on the pocketbook and more glam added to my beauty box.

Pictures are untouched and I did not even put foundation on or any eye primers. I wanted to test the colors and products on their own, so I could attribute quality and performance 100% to the product I was trying. No fake lashes and just some brow gel and pencil because a girl must have tamed eyebrows 🙂

Essence Long Lasting Eye Pencil in Hot Scorch (19):

Product Retails for approximately: $2.49

• Hot Scorch (19)

Love this pencil and I’m not always a user of the non-sharpening kind but the glide and pigmentation of copper and golden tones is just too beautiful to pass up. You can use it as an eye liner or even blend it in for a smoky eye look. The formula lasts no matter the weather and I have used this paired with eye shadows or just alone. The color is gorgeous and the metallic flecks add life to your liner but not like you went to glitter town. I will definitely be picking up more in this collection and I feel foolish for paying so much and not nearly getting the staying power this liner has. I used it with the 3D Duo Eyeshadow to give my daytime “natural look” a little touch from the copper goddess. Looks so beautiful outside when the sun hits your eyes……almost seems a shame to wear sun glasses!

 

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

• On-line– http://essence-cosmetics.tumblr.com/
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/essence_US
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/essence.north.america
• Pinterest-http://www.pinterest.com/essencecosmetic/
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/essence_cosmetics

I received the above product free of charge from Essence.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Essence Cosmetics: 3D Duo Eyeshadow #Review in Irresistible Vanilla latte

 

With Spring in full swing and experiencing close to 100 degree weather in California, the heat has definitely arrived. A new season means a new look and time to play with colors. Essence Cosmetics offers you to play with beauty products at a very economical price point. Affordable does not mean you should overlook this brand because it does deliver performance and I’m always for less “ouch” on the pocketbook and more glam added to my beauty box.

Pictures are untouched and I did not even put foundation on or any eye primers. I wanted to test the colors and products on their own, so I could attribute quality and performance 100% to the product I was trying. No fake lashes and just some brow gel and pencil because a girl must have tamed eyebrows 🙂

Essence 3D Duo Eyeshadow in Irresistible Vanilla Latte (08):

Product Retails for approximately for: $3.49

• Irresistible Vanilla Latte

Each compact provides you with two options when applying, wet or dry and the colors do look different with either application. Easy to pick-up onto the brush and I used both a natural and synthetic brush head. I noticed the eyeshadow has a beautiful shimmer effect and you can play with the intensity of color by building it up, so great for day looks that can pop with a little touch-up for a night out. The formula feels soft on the lid and settles smoothly. I used the dry method on my lid with the wet application on the crease towards the outer corner of the eye. It took me 5 minutes to get a nice natural look and I paired it with Essence’s Hot Scorch color from the Long Lasting Eye Pencil line.

Connect with Essence and their entire beauty collections at:

• On-line– http://essence-cosmetics.tumblr.com/
• Twitter– https://twitter.com/essence_US
• Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/essence.north.america
• Pinterest-http://www.pinterest.com/essencecosmetic/
• Instagram– http://instagram.com/essence_cosmetics

I received the above product free of charge from Essence.  I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion.  My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.

Essence: The Spring 2014 Collection from Eyeshadows, Nail polishes, Nail Tattoo Pen to Lipstick #Reviews coming soon!

Get ready to see what Essence Cosmetics has brought for you – Spring 2014.  Sneak Peak Below and I will be launching reviews soon!

Influenster: KISS Looks so Natural Lashes #KISSlashes

Influenster is just whupping up on me with a pretty stick! Who doesn’t want a little lash boost, hmmm? KISS Lashes provide users with an affordable and economical option without having to skimp on the latest lash technology. KISS lashes come in an array of looks to fit your needs from the natural with tapered ends, to the extravagant that will give you a gorgeous night look. I was able to try the “Sultry” look, model #60486/KFL04. The product advertises a natural look with a light and soft feel….almost like a feather. The product is also contact lens friendly and says the lashes will feel like your own!

My Results:
I have been a KISS fan for ages because I will not pay for a look that I may only wear for one evening, or when a brand allows you to achieve the same (or better) results without a heftier price tag. I noticed upon opening the package that the lashes not only look better than models before but they do feel soft and light when touched. I like how the set also tapers each lash “hair” but also has a tapering effect from small lashes by the inner eye, to a nice natural but longer flair towards the end. It’s like getting that perfect mascara application without having to mess with a wand and goop. I used first a clear mascara on my own lashes and then applied the KISS lashes once my own lashes dried. Application was 100% successful on the first try. You just add the adhesive to the lash band, wait 30 to 40 seconds while you see the formula change to a slightly clearer color and it feels slightly tacky. I then slowly with a light touch applied the lashes to my lash line. They rest and go on like they know where they should be (nice slight arch in shape helps that) and I then held them on until I felt the adhesive formula dry. It was fast and I was set within 1 minute. I then used a liquid liner for a nice but lower-key “Cat Eye” look, since it was daytime.

Price Point: $3.99 for 1 set (also comes with adhesive)

Ingredients (as listed on the site): 1 pair Strip Lashes (made in China)

The lashes feel like your own and sort of after you applied your first coat of mascara…..that is how light they feel. No tired lids from heavier and way too drastic lashes from before. The last thing you want is a sexy but droopy eye! KISS lashes gave me that little flair I want and a change in look without going overboard and looking like I plucked a feather duster, and you also do not go overboard in price…..something to flutter about 🙂

You can find this product and other KISS Lashes styles at:

• Kiss Site on-line– http://www.kissusa.com/lashes/looks_so_natural
• Connect via Facebook– https://www.facebook.com/KissNails
• Connect via Twitter– https://twitter.com/KissProducts
• Pinterest– http://www.pinterest.com/kissproducts/
• #KISSlashes

I received the above product free of charge from Influenster & KISS. I am not obligated to provide a positive or favorable review, just my honest opinion. My review is based on my experience with the product and/or brand, which may differ from yours.