Maybelline New York New Clean Express Makeup Remover Review.

Maybelline New York Clean Express Makeup Remover, Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover. This little gem was featured in my Mini Ulta Beauty Haul on the first of the month. Since then, I've been using this to remove my eye makeup, giving me time to really form an opinion about it. 

What the back of the bottle says in a generalized sense is: Ultra gentle, quick break technology this dual phase formula instantly breaks up stubborn makeup, even waterproof mascara while the second washes it clean. Due to the quick dissolving power, no harsh rubbing is necessary. Oil free formula leaves no greasy residue. Again it's oil free but also, safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes. Allergy Tested. Ophthalmologist Tested.

If you've been with me a short while, I have mentioned in the past that my eyes are...sensitive. More sensitive than I'd like them to be, but hey, what can you do? I was out of my normal eye makeup remover by Wet N Wild, a remover that worked but, stung the hell out of my eyes and it smelled horrible on top of that. But I at least wanted to finish it up, because despite the mild discomfort it got the job done. I stumbled on this when I first walked into Ulta where they had a display of a bunch of buy 1 get one 50% off products. There was another formula that was blue, but I can't remember what exactly it was.

 Removes waterproof makeup, check. Gentle, check. Safe for contact lens wearers and sensitive eyes, check. 

I was sold on what it promised. 

The packaging is pretty standard, but has a cute quality to it. The bottle is a light pink, makes it feel a little girly and it's a soft plastic that has some give to it. So if you drop it on the floor (which I have, many, many times) it's not going to crack or shatter like hard plastic containers or caps can. The cap is a white plastic cap inside a bigger clear cap, but it is all one piece. I don't know what it is about it, but it feels more aesthetically pleasing, with the clear plastic cap encapsulating the white cap. Maybe it's just me, but I like it. 

All of the information is printed on two large clear stickers that are stuck to the bottle. It doesn't look cheap, but the stickers themselves are anything real special. I've had the bottle kicking around for nearly a month and they haven't started to peel off or anything. 

The actual product is actually really cool at first glance, in the bottle. You can actually see the two different formulas, since they are different densities. The one on the bottom of course being thicker and more dense than the top layer, so you can see it sitting on top of the other. Now, I have no idea which one does what, but it's kind of cool to play around with the liquid in the bottle. 

There's nothing to worry about the two formulas being separated, since you have to follow the directions; which include- Shake well. Apply with cotton pad to eyelids and lashes. Gently rinse with warm water. 

I didn't exactly follow the instructions. I shook the product well, applied to a cotton ball and gently pressed it to a "closed" eye and let it set for about 30 seconds, before I gently pulled the cotton ball towards my temple, then took a clean edge and gently cleaned up what the initial swipe missed. Followed by my normal makeup removing towelettes and skin care routine. 

Now, this product was 5.99USD at Ulta Beauty and you get 4fl oz (120ml) of product. For that price, I wasn't expecting miracles. 

But...

By far, the best waterproof eye makeup remover I have ever run across. 

This product doesn't irritate my eyes what so ever. I've had no problems with sensitivity, no irritation or burning. And the best part, it works. It takes off waterproof products like a dream. I was testing the Anastasia Beverly Hills Beauty Genius Waterproofing Gel (review coming soon) and this stuff, one swipe after holding a cotton ball to it for 30 seconds, it was gone. Waterproof mascara, came off easily. It just an amazing product. I highly recommend this stuff, especially for 5.99USD. It does leave what feels like a not really oily, but a residue. But a quick rinse with some water and it goes away. As I said, I follow up with a all over makeup removing towelette and my normal skin care routine, so the little residue that is left behind doesn't bother me. 

I've even used this to remove the Waterproofing Gel from my makeup brushes, along with makeup brushes where I've used lipsticks or other cream products. Followed by what I normally do to clean my brushes and it removes the product beautifully. 

When all is said and done, go get yourself some of this. It's a good product. The price for the amount you get is reasonable and nearly a steal. 

As always, remember to check out my Influenster profile where I try to update brief reviews daily click the widget on the blog to go directly there (though I've been naughty there and not updating much). Feel free to like me on Facebook at Simply Dark Pleasures, follow me on google plus, Twitter @Blog_SDP,  or send an email at simplydarkpleasures@gmail.com . All links to those are displayed as tabs or there's buttons floating around the site. Check out the "About" section of the blog and the "Review Disclaimer" for more information.

I'll be seeing you Friday with another post.

Until Next Time,

Stay Creative. 

Urban Decay Ammo Palette First Impressions and Review

I'm not dead I swear...

Nearly a month worth of unanticipated irritations that I could not have possibly prepared for. Up there on the list was a town wide blackout, where I had no power for nearly a full day in the brunt of winter in Upstate, NY, where we go to work if they're calling for snow that measures in feet and sub-zero temperatures. Like -20F plus windchill. So not fun.

But I'm back with a review. Yay!

Urban Decay Ammo Palette

Urban Decay Ammo Palette Back

The Ammo Palette from Urban Decay, can we just take a moment here and admire this gorgeous packaging? Mosaic purple skull! 

Now, before we really get into the nitty gritty of this review, when I saw this palette online and then in person at Ulta Beauty, it was the packaging that caught my attention. I LOVE and I do mean LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Skulls. Any skulls. If it has a skull on it, I want it.

 But! You should be proud of me, I resisted the urge to pick up this palette just because of the packaging alone and I tell you what! It was hard. 

 After weeks of staring at this palette, I finally broke down and decided that the next chance I had, I was going to get it. Since Valentines Day and my birthday were and are coming up, a gift card or a surprise trip to Ulta Beauty are generally one of the things I do receive, either way the Ammo Palette was coming home with me.

Well...for Valentines Day the husband got me both. The palette that I had been eyeballing and a gift card (I see a Haul post in the near future).

So we've established that the packaging is awesome, even the cardboard holder is pretty darn sturdy too. It also conveniently tells you what shadows and other things you get in the palette. What you actually get are ten eyeshadow shades, a travel size eyeshadow brush (which I have miss-placed so no picture) and a travel size eyeshadow Primer Potion. 

Shadows Starting from Top Left: Smog, Mildew, Oil Slick, Chopper,
Maui Wowie, Shattered, Polyester Bride, Grifter and Sin

Unfortunately, out of all ten shadows you don't have any matte shades. I can live with that. The colors look beautiful in the pan and even swatch nicely on your fingers. Even inside, the packaging is nice, the design that's on the cardboard holder is actually what the inside of the palette looks like. You have all ten shadows lined up in rows of five and below them is the little slot for the eyeshadow brush, which I have again miss-placed. The palette also has a mirror and for obvious reasons I didn't photograph. It's a small mirror, great for travel and it doesn't feel cheap at all.

I used the travel brush a few times, before it was miss-placed. It's an okay brush, but I found it to be rather stiff and hard. It wouldn't be something I'd purposely grab for at all, but nice to have I suppose if you had nothing else. I'd rather use my Real Techniques brushes or some other ones I have from Essence.

Urban Decays original primer potion. Everyone raves about this product and I find that this primer works with almost every eyeshadow I have in my collection. The only shadows I found that creased to high hell with this primer are the Amazonian Clay Eyeshadows by Tarte. Other than those, it works amazing. And the travel size will last you a while, you don't need very much of this product. It's a good primer, enough said.

Top Row

As you can see, these swatched amazingly and these were done without a primer underneath. These are the first shadows by Urban Decay I've ever owned, I've heard so many glorious things about the pigmentation and overall quality of their shadows. I wasn't disappointed. These are so pigmented that it's insane.

Smog- is a coppery, smokey brown color. It's pearly with some micro glitter, but it's so silky and has hardly any fallout if you remember to tap your brush. This one is probably my favorite out of this entire palette.

Mildew- is a light mossy green color, another pearl finish with micro glitter. It is a pretty green, probably a shade I wouldn't use often, if at all. Maybe I'll go out of my norm and play with this color a little more. It has the same texture as smog, so I'd assume that it would have very little to no fallout with proper brush tapping. 

Oil Slick- is a black glitter shadow and by glitter I mean disco ball glittery. I do love this color, but holy molly fall out central! Even with proper tapping of my brush, glitter just falls all over your face. Luckily I always do my foundation after my eyes are finish, but man. The glitter fallout isn't too bad throughout the day, but there is a little bit, so be forewarned. The last thing is that it feels nice on the eyes, but in the pan it's a bit powdery where you do have the blow on it to get rid of the flaked bits from dragging your brush through.

Last Call- is a pearly finish dark rose color. It appears much darker in the pan than it swatches. It does have micro glitter in it as well, but another one that doesn't have much fall out. This was one I thought I wouldn't really like, I don't wear a lot of reds or rose colored shadows, but this color is quite stunning when used in the outer corner of the eye. It's on the warmer wide in color, another reason I thought I may not like it much, but I love the effect it plays with my blue eyes.

Lastly for the top row is Chopper. It's a neutral brown pearly glitter shadow. This is another one with the amount of glitter that is in it, has a decent amount of fallout when applied to the eye. The glitter flakes all over your face. Again, foundation last ladies, when using the glittery ones.

Row 2

Maui Wowie- fun name to say, but meh. I'm not too crazy about the color. I guess its suppose to be a taupe, transition type color, but it looks a bit too yellow on me. It's one of the ones that does have the fallout issue but this one out of the entire ten, even with the fallout issues is my least favorite. Don't have much to say about this one, other than I'd pass on it.

Shattered- is a light powder blue pearl finish shadow and for some reason showed up for green in the picture. No fall out issues, but another color I wouldn't use or haven't found a use for yet. I have blue eyes, so wearing blue shadows washes my eye color out. It appears much more vibrant in the pan, than actually transfers onto the lid, but these shadows are build-able, so you may be able to achieve the vibrancy if it was layered enough. It'd be a shame to not find a use for this shadow, since it is so nice, we'll see. 

Polyester Bride- is a frosty white glitter shadow and another one that the fallout of glitter is a bit of a pain. I love this color for the inner corner of the eye. But the amount of glitter is...too much. Once the glitter is finished flaking off, it is a really pretty pearly shadow.

Grifter- another holy hell fallout glitter shadow. It's a gorgeous lilac purple. So soft and pretty, once most of the glitter again flakes off when its applied. I've used this shadow quite a bit, despite the glitter issue. It's just too pretty to be annoyed with. 

Finally, we have Sin. Sin cool neutral brown. It's a nice transition color for Chopper or a nice all over lid color. A pearl finish and one of the shadows that doesn't have much fallout. 

Final opinions...I do love the Ammo Palette, but I wished I loved it more. The five ultra glitter shadows have a ton of fallout. I can forgive it, maybe if I use them wet, the fallout issue may become less, since I do like most of the shadows that are like this. The other five pearl finishes are amazing, even if there are a few that I may not use, but because they are good shadows, I'll make them work somehow. The palette is 34.00USD at Ulta Beauty and you do get your moneys worth in products and a good range in colors. I'm kind of on the fence about this palette, though I believe if it wasn't for the packaging I'd probably be less in love with it. So personal feelings aside due to packaging love, I'd have to say, save your money and invest in a different palette by Urban Decay or settle for buying the full sized shadows that don't have a ton of glitter in them. 

As always, remember to check out my Influenster profile where I try to update brief reviews daily click the widget on the blog to go directly there (though I've been naughty there too and not updating). Feel free to like me on Facebook at Simply Dark Pleasures, follow me on google plus, Twitter @Blog_SDP,  or send an email at simplydarkpleasures@gmail.com . All links to those are displayed as tabs or there's buttons floating around the site. Check out the "About" section of the blog and the "Review Disclaimer" for more information.

I'll try to be good and post on schedule, I promise. 

Until next time, 

Stay creative. 

Equate Beauty 3 Step Acne Treatment System Review.

I'm running late I know it, hush. Real life gets in the way sometimes and I was having the worst day on Tuesday that I couldn't focus on writing, let alone what even to review. Though, as promised Wednesday's review post is here, even if it is a little later in the day than I normally have it up. 

As for skincare, I've never really struggled with acne much at all, even as a teenager. I'd get the stray breakout every month or if I was under a lot of stress, but never anything that required regiments or medication. Then I had my kids, my second was the destroyer of my once maintenance free skin. During the pregnancy and afterwards my skin went spastic on me. Breakouts, blackheads, oily, dry, combination, it wouldn't make up its mind. I think I may have actually cried, because I had never had such much trouble with it before. After a few months, it seemed to settle once hormones started to return to a semi-normal frequency and I had to change my skincare. 

I researched and researched before I set foot in the store, familiarizing myself with what were the best active ingredients that worked for skincare.

This product set was featured in my January 2014 Favorites post, as the first step towards my pretty vain New Years resolution of better skin care. I had mentioned my husband purchased this for me (with me present to make sure it was what I wanted), as his way of supporting me in what I wanted to accomplish. You get a Cleanser, Toner and Repairing Lotion in the set, all marked as to which step of the process it is for. I've been using this system for around 7 weeks now, so I would have an accurate review, since it can take up to 6 weeks for skin to respond to a new routine.

Step 1- Cleanse, Benzoyl Peroxide Cleanser

It says to use morning and night, but if you have sensitive skin *raises hand*, then to only use it once a day or every other day. Or of course it makes your skin dry or it starts to peel. I ended up just using this once a day, since my skin is generally on the dry side. It doesn't smell to bad, it does smell like chemicals, but it isn't overpowering. The product is almost like a lotion consistency, but when you message it into the skin you can feel little granules. So you get some mild exfoliation and I didn't find it too scratchy on the skin. Rinse with warm water after messaging for 1 to 2 minutes and your done. Right away my skin felt cleaner and more refreshed after using this.

Step 2- Soothe

Toner time. That sounded a little cheesy...kind of like in Jingle All The Way "It's Turbo Time"? Okay...
Apply to freshly cleansed face with a cotton ball or pad. This helps remove any remaining dirt or oil that the cleanser didn't take care of and also it is suppose to help even out skin tone. This stuff actually smells quite nice. It has a very fresh scent, that makes me feel like just from it's smell alone my skin would feel fresher and rejuvenated. I've actually used a few toners in the past and never like them, because the made my skin tingle after applying them. This one doesn't do that, after it drys my face feels so good and the mild smell is very pleasant.

Step 3- Moisturize Benzoyl Peroxide Lotion

Lastly, we have step three which is the repairing lotion. This you apply after you've let the toner completely dry on your face, though it says you can use this up to 3 times a day if needed. Again if dryness or irritation occurs use it once daily, recommended to start at a single application and build towards two and three. The medicated moisturizer smells a lot like the cleanser does, but with the general "lotion" smell that unscented ones tend to have added to it. I only use this once daily, it seems to be enough for me at the time so that's what I've been sticking with. Though, after applying this my skin doesn't feel, well, moisturized. Perhaps do to the fact it is medicated with the Benzoyl Peroxide is the main reason I don't feel that the moisturizing part is very accurate. After I use this I do apply my regular face moisturizer.


Now that I've broken the system down, the generally overall preformed of this system is more than I expected for the price. It's compared to Proactiv, but I've never used their systems before so I can't judge on their products on a personal level. Though I did a little research online, I compared prices for a similar system and the Equate system is half the price of Proactive. The three step system from Proactiv is 29.95USD when Equates is 11.97USD. The cleanser and toner for both systems are exactly the same as far as ingredients and percentage amounts. The repairing lotions are the only thing that is different, Proactivs is a Salicylic acid based, while Equates sticks to the Benzoyl Peroxide formula.

In seven weeks that I've used this system I have noticed a huge change in my skin. It's softer by far than it use to be. I haven't experienced a breakout in weeks and my overall skin tone has evened out dramatically where I'm using less foundation or just switching to a homemade BB cream to counteract some natural redness I do get. Since the cleanser does mildly exfoliate the skin combined with my daily moisturizer my dry skin is gone, as long as I remember my moisturizer.

If you are looking for a daily skincare routine line of products that is very affordable, I would highly recommend checking this system out. I purchased mine at Walmart and I do know that their website also has this system available to order online as well. Again, I highly recommend this, especially for the price and the results I achieved.

As always, remember to check out my Influenster profile where I try to update brief reviews daily click the widget on the blog to go directly there. Feel free to like me on Facebook at Simply Dark Pleasures, follow me on google plus, Twitter @Blog_SDP,  or send an email at simplydarkpleasures@gmail.com . All links to those are displayed as tabs or there's buttons floating around the site.

Don't forget to drop a comment on any of my social networks or this post with suggestions for what you'd like to possibly win in the giveaway that's coming soon.

Until next time,
Stay Creative.

Mini Ulta Beauty Haul

I was going to save this for later in the week, but my model for the makeup look I'm working on is sick, so adjustments needed to be made, since I didn't have the time to do it on myself for Monday. 

Oh well, the show must go on I suppose. 

I needed to go shopping for a few things for this future makeup look and I had a coupon for 20% off my entire purchase at Ulta Beauty. The only crappy thing was, I was on such a strict budget that it was almost too sad to be unable to go buck wild like I had wanted to. Despite my budget restrictions, Ultas sales are to die for right now, so many awesome deals.

Shall we get right into this mini haul then?

Maybelline  New York
Clean Express Makeup Remover

I was completely out of eye makeup remover and this was buy one get one 50%. You could mix and match with other brands, I don't remember if I grabbed a qualifying item to go with this or not, but I needed this, especially when I saw it claimed to remove even waterproof mascara. All know that waterproof mascara is murder to remove, so I figured this was worth a try. I tested it out  on the back of my hand where I had tested out a waterproof product and it seemed to work, so we shall see if it works on really set on waterproof eye makeup.

Next, we have some of your standard eyelash curlers. I don't remember the brand, these were on clearance for 1.00USD and the packaging has already be deposited in the trash, so it shall remain a mystery for now. Believe it or not, these are my first eyelash curlers that I've ever owned. I had always felt it was an unnecessary step in my personal makeup routine for the longest time, but after a few dozen videos on some nifty tricks you can do with these by the Youtube Beauty Gurus I subscribe to, I started to lean towards maybe buying some. These were dirt cheap, as I said I have been curious about using these for a while, but didn't want to spend a whole lot of money on one. A dollar for a curiosity? Sure, why not. 

Now we have a Whipped Eyeshadow by Ulta, in the color Whipped Cream. This was bought for possible use in these special little makeup look I'm planning. I don't own any whipped or cream eyeshadows in my collection yet and this is the first. It's a pretty pearl white shade and the texture is a bit different. I've tested it a little when I got home and I'm still not sure what to make of this product yet. If it doesn't work for the makeup look, I may try using this for a highlighter of some sort.

essence Beauty Beats Eyeshadow
I'm Backstage

Another eyeshadow, this one from a company called, essence. I've used a lip liner from this brand before and was very impressed. They're a drug store brand and I was on a budget, so I grabbed this guy. I'm Backstage is another pearl shadow, in an icy blue color. It does reflect blue, but it also has micro glitter in it that appears to be silver, a faint blue color and maybe some baby pink. I'm very excited to use this.

essence kajal pencil
004 White

Something else that I regrettably didn't have in my collection, which is your basic white eyeliner pencil. I would have had a least one a long time ago, but would you believe that every time I go and look for any and I do mean ANY white eyeliner, it's all sold out? Even with my multiple trips to Ulta or purchasing online? I finally got to the store when they had some in stock in my budget range. After swatching this guy on my hand, I was so happy that the eyeliner texture felt as nice as the lip liner I had purchased back in December. I have high hopes for this product, can't wait to see if it holds up to my expectations.

NYX Ultra Pearl Mania Loose Pigments
2x Pearl White and Baby Blue

So many regrets it seems and loose pigments aren't an exception. I ogle loose pigments on a regular basis, but always seem to talk myself out of buying any. Not this time though! This was on my top two things I specifically went to Ulta for. I picked up two in Pearl White and one in Baby Blue. One of the Pearl Whites I'm stashing away for the giveaway that's slowly being put together. I've heard a lot of good things about NYX's loose pigments in the past, so do to my budget restrictions these were just what I was looking for. I would have preferred to find a darker shade of blue, but I can make this one work. These are so pearly and glittery, that I want to save the details for a review. 

Anastasia Beverly Hills
Beauty Genius Clear Waterproofing Gel

Nope, no mixing mediums in my collection either. Some reviewer I am...

This was the last thing I specifically went to Ulta for. Now I wasn't looking for this brand in particular, I had hoped for something on the lower end of the spectrum so I could splurge on other things, but as fate would have it, this was the only one I could find at the Ulta Beauty I was at. And I had to have it. I've never tried anything from Anastasia, I've heard many, many, many good things about this brand. So I'm keeping my fingers crossed. It claims it "bonds, seals and waterproofs powder makeup, loose shadows, micas and glitters." "Safe to to use on the eyelids, face, lips and on the body", directly on the box. I'm going to have to experiment with this, since I've never used anything like this before, but we must use it sparingly.

*GASP!*

Look, look, look!!!

I found them!

If you read my last haul post from Walmart and Dollar General, I was searching and searching for these, only to be met with utter disappointment. Apparently my local Walmart isn't going to carry these awesome, amazing, Sally Hansen Salon Effects Real Nail Polish Strips anymore. I had hoped I'd find these when I was at Ulta and I did! The one I ended up grabbing was Queen of the Jungle, which is a giraffe print. Normally, this isn't something I'd gravitate towards, but for some reason it spoke to me. And that darn budget of mine and needing certain things, I could only grab one for now. But, at least my mind is put to ease and I know I can find these again. This is my "go to" fancy manicure/nail art product, if I don't have the time to actually and paint designs myself. Sooo happy!

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain
Darling 

Lastly, we have a balm stain from Revlon. I had purchased one of these in December in a red shade, as a impulse buy when I was looking to explore wearing a red lip again. I thought a stain that was also a balm would be the best way for me personally to test the waters of a red lip again. I ended up wearing that color out to dinner with my husband that same night and I fell in love. I had seen the display for this shade, but at that particular time it was out of stock and I wanted it so bad. When I saw that Ulta had one of these left when I was there, I had to grab it. It's a really nice light purple that leans towards the redder side of purple, so it has slight pink undertones to it. Maybe if I manage to get my hands on a few more of these I'll do a review. 

And that wraps up this mini Ulta Beauty haul. 

Remember to check out my Influenster profile where I try to update brief reviews daily click the widget on the blog to go directly there. Feel free to like me on Facebook at Simply Dark Pleasures, follow me on google plus, Twitter @Blog_SDP,  or send an email at simplydarkpleasures@gmail.com . All links to those are displayed as tabs or there's buttons floating around the site.

Don't forget to drop a comment on any of my social networks or this post with suggestions for what you'd like to possibly win in the giveaway. 

Until Next Time,

Stay Creative. 

January Favorite Products, Future Happenings.

Today marks the end of January. So what better way to end this cold miserable month than with a blog about my favorite products for January. Or it could be the fact that I haven't developed feelings towards a new product to write about. 

I'll never tell...

Some of these products you've already seen in reviews whether you've loved me enough to cruise to my Influenster Profile and see my semi-daily reviews. Or you've loved me enough to check out reviews here; the home of Simply Dark Pleasures, for my lengthy dribble of words.

Some I haven't mentioned yet and might do a review later on. You never know with me. Even if I haven't talked about them yet, doesn't mean I enjoy them any less for it.

SACK OF FAVES!

Here we have a sack...well more like a makeup bag that never has anything in it, filled with everything that will be mentioned in this post. Every "New Year" I do make a resolution. It's been the same for the last five years or so and that has been, Not To Injure Myself! I never make it a full year without severely hurting myself, and since five days before Christmas I "severely" injured my right arm (we're not going all the way there), I decided to change it. This year I went with something simple. It's vain, it's beauty related and its SKIN CARE. Better skin was this years resolution. So there is quite a few skin care things in this months faves. 

We'll get the big guys out of the way first. This is Equates Three Set Acne Treatment System. My husband purchased this for me, as a start up for my new years resolution. It comes with your Cleanser, Toner and Repairing Lotion all in one kit for around 20.00USD. It's compared to Proactiv, but I've never used it so I can't draw any similarities between the two. What I can say is if it didn't work for me, it wouldn't be in my faves obviously. Another review? Possibly? Maybe?

Moving on...

When I ordered from Ulta.com last, they had this promotion going on if you spent 40.00USD you got this makeup bag stuffed full of samples for free. So, because, I was going to spend 50.00USD to get free shipping, I nabbed it and this was one of the samples. I'm in the "age range" where I do need to start thinking about aging skin (though I hate to admit it) and on top of having dry skin; especially during the winter, I need to exfoliate. I'm nearing the end of this tube already and I'm almost afraid to see how much a full size tube is. This stuff feels so nice on skin (though it is a bit rough, but exfoliates can be) my face feels so smooth after using this. It recommends only using it every other day, but I go about every two days since my skin can be quite sensitive. I'll be sad when this guy is all gone.

Another sampler from the makeup bag I got from Ulta Beauty, is dermalogica active moist face moisturizer. A facial moisturizer is an essential in my skincare routine, again for dry skin and it's winter in New York. And not the city either. Though my skin is normally lizard like dry, it likes to go fast food greasy on me if I'm not careful with what I put on my face. A lot of facial moisturizers do this to me, but this one does not. Another sample that I'm going to have to get a full size of, since it doesn't clog my pores, doesn't make me greasy and it does what it says it does. I've actually been using another one from Pond's to extend the life of this one. The Ponds one is good, but this one is amazing.

Breaking away from skincare now! But still on the track with a face product.

purminerals Correcting Primer
Prep & Perfect

purminerals Correcting Primer
Dark Spot Correcter

Never in my life have I ever owned a face primer, but I knew I wanted some, but my skin can be on the sensitive side, so I have to be careful. These came in a set of three, all were travel sizes, but for 20.00USD I couldn't go wrong with giving these a go. Let's just say, I'm sticking with these for now on, unless they're discontinued. The Prep and Perfect is great for all over the face and the Dark Spot Correcter has saved me from the dark circles under my eyes. No longer need to use concealer for my under eye area because of that. Needless to say that is awesome. Best part is, is they're nothing in these guys that will irritate my skin in any way, shape or form. It feels like silk being put on the face without feeling greasy. Win! My foundation has never laid better on my face and major bonus, these have anti-aging ingredients in them.

Lorac TANtalizer Highlighter and Matte Bronzer Duo. I reviewed this on Influenster and it most definitely belongs here on the list of my January faves. I'm not much for the "bronzed" look especially during the winter, but I do like the way contouring looks on me.

 And perhaps it's just me, but every bronzing powder I pick up has sparkle, shimmer, glitter or something shiny in it. Or it's WAY to orange on my skin tone. This one appeared more cool toned, there was no shiny bits in it and it came with a highlighter to match. Who could resist that? 

I use this every time I do my makeup these days. The only thing I can negatively say about this is the packaging is that mirror stuff that collects fingerprints like a forensic analysts dream! So it always look's a bit dirty when it really isn't. That's the only iffy thing about it, but the product itself is amazing.

Moving forward to the eyes. We have bareMinerals Mineral Eyeshadow in Sultry. Oh my Cheezit! This stuff is gorgeous! Beautiful, neutral, champagne, sparkly color. And pigmented. A little of this goes a loooooooong way, but it's just so darn pretty. Great for an all over lid color for a netural eye look and if you perhaps want a shiny highlight on the brow. Can't express in words how much I love this.

bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara

An area in which I'm extremely picky.
Mascara.
I've tried my fair share of mascaras and all of them have irritated my eyes or were just crappy all around (clumping, runny, applicator wasn't good). I don't have the fullest lashes on the planet, nor do I have extremely fine lashes. But my eyes, like my skin, are extremely sensitive to products. It doesn't take much to irritate them if something is even near them. I finally found a mascara that doesn't leave me wanting to dig my eyes out with a spoon. I don't know what the heck is the difference, all I know is that there is one when it comes to bareMinerals Flawless Definition Mascara.

Onto lippy products.

L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Tinted Lip Balm in Pink Satin

You know this was going to make this list, if you read my latest review. Besides me grabbing one shade that I didn't care for, this particular shade lives on my person, since I bought it. 

Rimmel London Lasting Finish 1000 Kisses Lip Contouring Pencil In Natural
&
NYX Round Case Lipstick: In The Nude

I've been on a nude lip kick lately, probably because I've found some amazing products that fit my tastes. The Rimmel London Lasting Finish lip liner has been my go to natural lip liner for the month of January. If I'm not rocking my L'Oreal Lip Balm, this is what I'm wearing on a daily basis, under my lipstick or just on its own. 

Natural (nude) lip, lipstick is one from NYX. Nothing fancy, just their round case line, but this color is fantastic. The formula is creamy and leans towards the peachy side in color. It is a pearly like lipstick so the lips look glossy without the lip gloss. And for NYX prices, this is a steal and something I will be repurchasing again once it's empty.

NYX Lip Pencil in Plush Red
&
NYX Matte Lipstick in Pure Red

I normally reserve a bold lip for special occasions or if I'm going out with my husband and I want to look extra snazzy. I find that regular red lip products bleed on me no matter what I do, I do know a few tricks to prevent and even stop this, but sometimes I just want to slap my face on and get out the door. 

A lip liner for a red lip is a necessity, so I grabbed Red Plush from NYX in there standard lip liner pencil. It's a good liner and it's kind on the wallet too. It's a blue toned red, so it'll give the illusion of whiter teeth and is nice for fairer skin. 

NYX Matte Lipstick in Pure Red...Love! I thought maybe a matte red lip would help with the bleeding issue I have and it made a huge difference. To be honest, I don't have any other Matte lip product to compare this one to, but this one works for me. And I have used this on date nights with the husband and on the few rare days where I wanted to rock the bold lip just for the fun of it. Any other future Matte lip color I try is thanks to this one. I haven't worn this alone without a liner underneath, so as to whether it's drying to the lips, I don't know. It works, I love it and so it is a favorite. 

That wraps up my January favorites. I hope you enjoyed this post. I'm trying my best to get better quality photos for you guys, but until I save up enough for a new camera, what I've got is going to have to work.

Coming up, I'll be doing a small giveaway via Rafflecopter. I want to know what YOU would like to win and I'll go from there!
Also working on Simply Dark Pleasures first inspired makeup look, so keep checking for updates on that. Still working out the kinks on going about doing that via a blog post, but it's going to happen.

Remember to check out my Influenster profile where I try to update brief reviews daily click the widget on the blog to go directly there. Feel free to like me on Facebook at Simply Dark Pleasures, follow me on google plus, Twitter @Blog_SDP,  or send an email at simplydarkpleasures@gmail.com . All links to those are displayed as tabs or there's buttons floating around the site.

Simply Dark Pleasures does have a PO Box if there is something specific you want reviewed. Details are at the "About" section of the blog, you are never obligated to send anything.

Until Next Time,
Stay Creative.

Wild N' Wild Lip Stick Review.

Wet N' Wild Lipsticks

Wet N Wild is a brand that I'm extremely familiar with. I believe it was the first cosmetics brand I ever purchased back in my early teens in the form of nail polish. But we're not here today to discuss nail polish. Today we're looking at another lip product. Lipstick! These were a part of my haul from Dollar General, along with the Kiss Stick On Strips. I've purchased a lipstick from Wet N Wild in a "holy hell" pink shade (not the actual name, again I'm lazy and don't want to go find it right now) in the past, but it seems I've been on a lip product spree as of late and I bought some lip liners (Rimmel Londons Lasting Finish), so I needed some lipstick to go with them. 

First impressions, the packaging is pretty basic, black tubes with a clear plastic top with the brand logo stamped across it and stickers on the bottoms. Stickers eventually fall off, but I'm not all the worried about that, I rarely choose my lipstick based on the name anyways, as long as I can see the color. Which is where I like the clear plastic caps. Though it does seem a little cheap, at least you can get a good look at the "actual" lipstick inside. These do have a safety seal on when they're on the shelves in stores, so no need to worry about tampering, but you're still able to see the product. This is something I enjoy, so I don't have to play the "does this indicator match the actual lipstick" game. I can't count the number of times I've bought a lipstick with a safety seal (no testers available), have it be WRONG and be bummed out about it. My only complaint about the packaging is that the product doesn't retreat all the way into the black tube at first, so if you're not careful when placing the caps back on these, you can catch the sides and smear lipstick on the insides of the lids. Though once you've used the product enough, that issue will go away.

As for the product itself, these are great lipsticks, the pigment is amazing for a drugstore brand and for 2.00USD you can't go wrong and you get 0.11oz/3.3g of product for that price. Whether you're a beginner or a professional these are worth it. These are a cream lipstick, with no shimmer to them at all and no pearly sheen. 

Wet N Wild Lipstick Swatches

We're going to work from the bottom, up, starting with the swatch of Just Peachy (903C). I've touched very briefly about my natural lip color being more on the pink side and nudes tend to be very brown on me, even the fleshy colored ones. Just Peachy is a nice flesh like color with a hint of pink in it, where I'm able to wear it as a nude lip paired with a liner or on it's own.  The formula is very creamy and doesn't seem to dry my lips out, as long as I moisturize with my daily lip balm before applying. 

Mauve Outta Here, is a muted purple that leans slightly towards pink side. There's no glitter, shimmer or pearl like sheen, but it does pair nicely with Rimmel Londons Lasting Finish Contouring Pencil in Mauve Shimmer. I haven't worn this one much since it was purchased, not because I don't like it, I don't think I've done a look that would do this color justice. 

Cherry Picking was my impulse buy. The photo above shows it being a medium pink when in real life it really isn't. I wouldn't go to say it's the color of a real cherry, since it does appear darker pink on the lips and cherries are red. It reminds me more of a highly pigmented red raspberry juice stain...which is a gorgeous color, but not a cherry. It's a bolder berry color, that I wouldn't necessarily wear all the time, but would pull out if I was feeling sassy or wanting more focus on my lips. I don't regret purchasing this color, I didn't have any "berry" shades in my collection and tastes change, so perhaps I'll feel bolder in the future. 

~Lipstick Tips~

And because I like to toss in tips and tricks about products or certain types of products, I have some tips about lipsticks for you today. I don't know how advanced my readers are with makeup, some of you guys may already know this, some might not, but we'll touch on it anyways.

1. You can use any lipstick as a BLUSH! Cream blushes are out there, but if you're working on a budget makeup can get costly. Use you're lipsticks as blushes, whether it's shimmery, pearl, matte, or cream. Blend out with your fingers or makeup brush. This also applies to contouring colors or bronzers if you prefer creams to powders. Just because it says "Lipstick" doesn't mean you can't use it for other things. 

2. Sanitize! Keep your lipsticks clean and bacteria free. Not only will it prolong your lipsticks, but it'll keep everything germ free. Cora at Vintage or Tacky as a great video on sanitizing lipsticks Click Here For Lipstick Sanitizing Video and say Simply Dark Pleasures sent you if you enjoy the video. 

And I do believe that wraps things up for this post. 

Remember to check out my Influenster profile where I try to update brief reviews daily. Feel free to like me on Facebook at Simply Dark Pleasures, follow me on google plus, Twitter @Blog_SDP,  or send an email at simplydarkpleasures@gmail.com . All links to those are displayed as tabs or there's buttons floating around the site.

Simply Dark Pleasures does have a PO Box if there is something specific you want reviewed. Details are at the "About" section of the blog, you are never obligated to send anything.

Until Next Time,

Stay Creative.