Beauty Favorites

My Favorite Beauty Products of 2018

Ahhh… another year come and gone. 2018 was awesome and I learned a lot about myself makeup wise. For example, don’t buy into the hype and be true to your aesthetic.

I love color and I love pinning those really beautiful rainbow eye looks on Pinterest, but when push comes to shove, I am more of a neutral girl. It works for me and my skill level and you know what? That’s ok.

With that being said, my favorite beauty products of 2018 all have a very common theme and I have featured them in my blog a million times before, but that’s because I really love them and I probably knew from the moment I applied them that I was going to love them because they just made me feel so beautiful. And isn’t that what matters?

The most important thing about makeup is not what everyone else buys or wears, but what you like and what makes you feel the prettiest when wearing it and no other palette made me feel so pretty when I wear it than Dream St. from Colourpop x Kathleen Lights.

I am big lover of metal shades, like gold and bronze, and also earthy colors, like browns and peaches. They compliment my green eyes and I know that Kathleen Lights, who also has green eyes, featured them in this palette for that very same reason. She literally said it was her dream palette and I can see why. It’s the perfect palette, in my opinion at least.

This year, I made a conscious effort to buy from brands that weren’t exactly mainstream, at least not yet. I wanted to support smaller brands because I love me a good David and Goliath story. This year, I have to give it to Antonym Cosmetics. Based in my very own hometown, they are the full trifecta: organic, cruelty free and beautiful.

From it’s sleek bamboo packaging to the glamorous, shimmery finish, my favorite blush this year was their Baked Blush in Peach. It melts so nicely into your skin, compliments my intrusive freckles and leaves my cheeks with just a small sliver of shimmer. Perfection!

Speaking of shimmer, I have to give props to my favorite highlighter of 2018. I love a good dupe and when I got the Ittse Illuminator in Barbados, my first thought was that it was an doppelgänger for The Balm’s Mary-Lou Manizer. However, the more that I wore it, the more I realized that although there were similarities, there were differences as well and it was those differences that made this highlighter a stand out.

For one, the formula is much more creamier and melts a bit more into your skin than Mary Lou. I like that because it gives me that lit from within glow that I prefer. Also, it’s just a tad bit more icier, as Mary Lou has a slightly more peachy undertone.

Both are beautiful, but I would go for Barbados because quality it’s the same, but it’s also cheaper at $10. Score!!

When I was thinking of lipsticks, I realized that it wasn’t just one lipstick or shade that I reached for the most this year, but rather a specific line. This year, I discovered Colourpops Ultra Satin Liquid Lip. Yeah, I know, I am late to the game (as always), but in my defense, I was never a fan of liquid lips, until I met this one.

The Ultra Satins are both long wear and comfortable and you know Colourpop has like a million different shades to choose from. My favorites this year were Aquarius and Dreamy, which is not featured because I couldn’t find it when I was choosing colors, but I did find a runner up in Rever, which sadly is not for sale anymore on their site. I can thank Kathleen Lights for making me a believer in this formula.

Last but not least…. lashes! I don’t wear falsies, which is why I have very specific demands from a mascara. I need my mascara to give me length and volume, but I don’t want clumps. I use to be a big fan of the Marcelle Xtension Plus, but after getting a full size tube of the Butter London Double Decker Lashes Mascara in a Boxycharm, I was converted.

This mascara leaves my lashes full and feathery, without a clump in site. Also, the brush is thick and full of bristles, so it deposits just the right amount of product. Sadly, I had to throw away my last tube of it before I wrote this post, as it was way past it’s expiration, so I was unable to take a picture of it, but check it out in the Butter London site. It’s the best!!

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite products of 2018 were. Maybe your old favorite, will become my 2019 favorite.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

what’s in my bag

What’s in my Bag? Disney Edition

I have a small secret to confess. I’m not much of a Disney fan.

Ok, so let me rephrase that. I LOVE Disney movies and all the Disney characters because they remind me of my childhood, which was great, BUT, I hate the crowds, heat, lines, matching family shirts and others people’s children in general. Let’s not even talk about the amount of money you spend there. Is it really worth forking over a months salary to wait in line for 120 minutes to see Elsa?

No. The answer is always NO.

However, my kids and husband are big fans of the Mouse, so sometimes you just have to take one for the team.

With that being said, as a Floridian, I’ve been to Disney more times than I can count and even though I complain, I always end up having a somewhat good time. It truly can be “magical” when all is said and done.

The key is not to stress and that includes your outfits and makeup. We’ll be there for 7 days and all my outfits consist of comfy T-shirts, shorts, jeans and a hoodie if it gets chilly (Yes, from time to time it gets cold in Florida).

Makeup is all about the basics. You want to get up early and go to the parks to beat the lines, and therefore it might be smart to skip the wing liner. Below is a small (ish) list of items in my Disney makeup bag:

Face

Physicians Formula Healthy Foundation. Always over the sun screen, but just a light layer because chances are you will be sweating. Just enough for me to cover some of the freckles.

Besame Vanilla Brightening Powder. Not only will you be waking up early, but also staying up late to catch the fireworks, so a little brightening powder under the eyes will help.

Antonym Baked Highlighting Blush in Lily. This is beautiful pinky peach blush with just a tiny bit of shimmer. Honestly, you could take any blush, I just happen to really, really like this one.

Eyes

Besame Snow White I’m Wishing Palette. No way am I going to Disney without taking something from my collection and this palette is perfect for two reasons: the mirror is nice and big and will help with getting ready and the colors are neutral, so you can easily tap a bit of color on your lids and go.

Besame Agent Carter Palette. I love this palette because it’s small and you can go from a simple easy look to a deeper look if you want. Also, Marvel is owned by Disney now, so I feel it’s totally appropriate.

Colourpop Super Shock Shadow in Heigh Ho from the Snow White Collection. Adding this one for a little shine if I want to for dinner. A girl needs options!

Butter London Double Decker Mascara. My go to mascara. It makes my lashes thick and full. I would also consider packing a waterproof mascara as there are few water rides in the parks, but I’m good I’m with just this one.

Lips

Almay Butter Kiss Lipsticks in Berry Light. Honestly, between all the walking and sweating, you will be reaching more for your chapstick than a liquid lip. The Butter Kiss formula is moisturizing with a light wash of color and shine.

Real Her I Am Awesome Lipgloss. Another moisturizing option, but for those days you want more shine and color. Just throw this one in the bag for when you need a bit of oomph for your selfies with Minnie.

Colourpop Creme Lux Lipstick in Candy Apple Red from the Snow White Collection. Ok, if I’m going to be honest, I probably will never even wear this lipstick, but you always need a nice red just in case. Lipstick emergencies happen and you must be prepared!

I might take a few other items, but these are the “for sures”. Like I said, the goal when spending time with your family at Disney is to enjoy the moment, but a little makeup Magic never hurts.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

Black Friday · Whats in My cart?

What’s in my Cart? – Black Friday

I love Black Friday!

I love going to the mall and the thrill of the sale. However, not going to lie, most of my shopping will be done online this year.

It’s just so easy! Especially, if you are shopping for makeup because you don’t really have to try anything on. Yeah, swatching before you buy is good, but most of what I want are only from online stores anyways, so I will skip Sephora and Ulta this year in person and do it all from the comfort of my home.

I’m still going to the mall, just hitting Bath and Bodyworks for some candles and Victoria’s Secret for some bras. You know, the Black Friday basics.

So what will I be buying? First off, one item is technically not on sale (that I am aware of), but I’m a big fan of the brand and I always get their Disney collabs.

Take a guess?

If you said Besame, then you know me very well. I will be picking up their new Mickey Mouse lipstick and mirror set which debuts on Black Friday. I am sure it’s going to be expensive as crap, but I’m a sucker. We all know that!

I heard through the grapevine that Colourpop is having a Cyber MONDAY 30% off everything sale, so I have been patiently waiting to get my hands on the Good Sport palette and now seems like a great time do it as it should be reduced to $11.20, which is freaking fantastic. Might throw in some lux lipsticks to hit that $30 free shipping as well.

Now, this is a little secret between you and me, but another favorite indie brand of mine, Antonym Cosmetics, is having a 35% off sale, but it’s only for insiders, so if you want to score a nice deal on their products, make sure to sign up now on their website. You all know that their Baked Blush in Peach is my go to blush for any day of the year, but I’ve been coveting their Baked Highlighting Blush in Lily for a while now, but $42 is a bit steep for me, so grabbing it at $27.30 is pretty darn sweet!

Now, that’s all I’m getting, however, I will say that Sephora and Ulta has some pretty nice sales, that under normal circumstances, I would be partaking of, but seeing as I’m on a budget this year, I will be skipping. However, passing along my recommendations to you fine folks. Let’s call these Honorable Mentions or Maybe Next Year Items.

Sephora:

  • Pat McGrath MatteTrance Lipstick Mini: $15
  • Nest Black Tulip Set $12
  • Origins Glow On $12

Ulta

  • Dermalogica Glow Duo $12
  • Living Proof Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo $11.50
  • Laura Geller Baked Gelato Swirl Illuminator $13
  • Becca Glow On Trio $15

So what will you all be picking up this weekend? Sound off in the comments below.

Happy shopping, my friends!

Maritza

Colourpop · Uncategorized

Colourpop x Kathleen Lights The Zodiac Palette – Review Time

So yeah… it’s been 5 months!

Where have I been, you ask?

Basically, things got crazy at work and life got interrupted and I wasn’t able to post for about a month. Nothing dramatic, but for a while I was like, if I return will anyone even read my blog? And I kind of felt a little scared about that, but then I was like, “Maritza, you love this! Don’t give up! Even if the only one reading this is your mother.”

So I’m back.

See… nothing dramatic.

Anyways, I think that for my first post since my hiatus, I wanted to review something that I really LOVE. Yeah, this may be a little old news considering that these days new products are being rolled out by the hour. However, if you are like me, sometimes you sit on a purchase for a while because you either don’t have the money at the time or you are kind of waiting for the hype to die down to see if it’s something you really want because you are actually going to use it or something that you are buying just because it’s new and everyone and their mother is buying it.

Know what I mean?

The good news, I didn’t actually buy the Colourpop x Kathleen Lights Zodiac palette. It was birthday gift from my dear friend Janet, but I was planning to buy it once the hype died down.

Funny enough, one of the reasons I kind of hesitated initially was that I didn’t get the color story. I know that the color choices are driven by the zodiac, but for that reason I felt it was kind of all over the place. Also, it didn’t help that it follows the zodiac signs chronologically from left to right and sometimes the color lineup made it difficult for me to create a look.

I need a palette that almost lets me paint by numbers. Know what I mean?

However, when I put brush to hand, my eyes were immediately driven to the upper right quadrant. I love pinky, mauve tones and I knew that I could create a simple, yet smoky look, by using those four colors.

Sure enough, when I started breaking down the palette, I realized that this was easier than I thought. Maybe I’m getting better at this whole eyeshadow thing or maybe there is a weird connection between all the signs, but I suddenly started creating looks that work!

Not only was the right upper quadrant speaking to me, but I dove right in to the left upper quadrant and it’s fiery tones. Then I headed to the lower left quad and was like, “Yeah… date night!

I’m not really a fan of blue shadows overall so other than swatching them, I really haven’t played with them, but I imagine that you can create a nice, sexy look by using the last row.

For that matter, you can go left to right on any of the rows and achieve a beautiful look.

Seriously the possibilities are endless.

So color stories aside, do the shadows perform well? Yes, but not all are built the same.

The shimmers are all good and I generally don’t have any complaints, other than they can all benefit from some setting spray, which I do about 99% of the time with any shimmer.

The mattes can be hit or miss though and will require a little build up on some. The Libra and The Virgo performed beautifully. However, The Sagittarius and The Aquarius are a little patchy. Not too upset about the The Aquarius being that way, but as a purple lover, a little disappointed that The Sagittarius fell through in pigment. Don’t be deceived by the swatch above, it falls apart when you start blending.

Other than those performance issues, for $16, I feel like this is a great addition to any collection. The color selection can carry you from season to season quite nicely, which makes it a great investment.

So tell me… what’s your sign and did you like the palette?

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

Beauty Favorites

What’s in My Makeup Makeup Bag? – Business Travel Edition

From time to time, I am forced invited to attend meetings outside the comfort of my home office. I do happen to work for your typical Corporate America Conglomerate, so these business meetings actually require me to fit a certain mold.

Now all you non-comformists out there are probably saying “Screw Corporate America! You can’t tell me what to wear on my face!” And although that is true, sometimes pink and purple eyeshadow will make you stand out amongst a bunch of suits and, quite frankly, I need my job, so I’m not about to rock any boats over eyeshadow.

With that being said, business casual does not necessarily mean boring. When pressured to rock the neutral look, I always incorporate a slight pop of champagne shimmer on the eyes and cheekbones and a nude, yet fresh lipstick.

It’s not about conforming, it’s about contouring.

Damn, I crack myself up!!

Anyways, below are my tried and true business travel/meeting essentials. These are no fails and I always get compliments on my look from my clients and or colleagues.

Eyes:

Burt’s Bees Eyeshadow Trio In Shimmering Nudes. Not only is this small and lightweight, but the colors are business basics, with a touch of glam. I usually amp it up and apply a touch more shimmer from my highlighter in the center and inner corner for that BANG! effect.

Colourpop Creme Gel Eyeliner In Mr. Bing. The perfect brown. I’ve raved about this eyeliner before, so won’t go too much into it, but everyone needs a nice brown to travel and this one never leaves my side. It’s creamy and long lasting and I use it on the water line and smudge it a bit on the lower lash to create a slightly smoky effect.

Burt’s Bees Nourishing Mascara. Another favorite and really any mascara will do, but make sure it’s long lasting and flake free. Meetings can sometimes run for hours and the last thing you want are raccoon eyes halfway through your PowerPoint presentation.

Face

Tartiest Pro Glow Contour and Highlight Palette. This is a two-fer. You can use this palette for countouring and highlight, but in lieu of an eyeshadow, it also works as eyeshadow. Seriously! This palette is a miracle worker.

Antonym Cosmetics Blush in Peach. A perfect peach shade to give you a healthy glow after a long flight or a night spent going over your notes and presentation is all you need. I like this blush from Antonym because it has just a touch of shimmer to make your look soft and glowy.

Tarte Shape Tape Concealer. This is a MUST. Meetings stress me out and make me lose sleep, so a good concealer will be your best friend. Trust me!!!

Covergirl Vitalist Pressed Powder. Another must have to set the above mentioned concealer and to control the stress induced shine. Forgot to somehow include a pic of this, but don’t forget to powder, folks!

Farsali Rose Gold Elixir. I use this stuff as moisturizer (day and night) and as primer, so it’s the perfect travel companion. No need to haul your entire skincare collection when this one can pull triple duty in a pinch.

Lips

Real Her Women Rule the World Lip Liner. A cute and fun pink that takes a neutral lip up a notch. Also it’s creamy and pigmented and in a pinch can work as a lip color with a touch of gloss.

Huda Beauty Liquid Matte In Bombshell. Seriously, this color is a lifesaver and perfect for any occasion. I love that it’s a neutral, but also pinky peach and can lighten any look. I would buy the entire stock in Sephora if Huda ever announces she was discontinuing it.

What are your travel essentials? Any good recommendations? If so, drop them in the comments below.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

Boxycharm · Subscription Boxes

Boxycharm – April

I feel like I am no longer a Boxycharm newbie. Having received 4 boxes now, I think that I’ve developed a relationship with them. Sure it may be completely one sided at this point, but it runs deep and I am totally invested in it.

Boxycharm, I love you and if you continue to send me stuff that I enjoy and use each month, I feel like I will love you to the end of time.

Winners

Colourpop My Little Pony Palette. A few months ago there was a battle of the My Little Pony palettes with both Colourpop and Pur coming out with their own versions. Having only seen the Pur one in picture, I think it was way brighter in color than this Colourpop one and I think that’s why I gravitate towards this one. The shades are colorful, but slightly muted and if you are a little hesitant to use color, then this is a good starter. It has neutrals (top row), bright berries (middle row) and shimmery and dark cool greens (last row). I created the look below using all of the middle row colors and they blended beautifully and color did not fade at all. I really like this palette!

Brow Gal Eyebrow Gel. Anytime I get a brow product in a box, I do a happy dance. As a girl with sparse and blonde brows, I love having lots of options in the case I lose something, but trust me, I won’t be misplacing this little love anytime soon. The wand is quite tiny, which is nice and I’m sure there is not much product in there, but this little beauty provides just a hint of dimensional color in the form of a tinted gel and it keeps your brows in place without giving you that crunchy feeling. Winner!

Dr. Brandt Pores No More Vacuum Cleaner. I’m a big fan of Dr. Brandt. They are a Miami brand and you all know I support my Miami peeps, but brand loyalty aside, they also make pretty damn good stuff! This is a mask, that when you first apply, it’s white and the blue beads burst turning your face Smurf like. Immediately, there is a cooling sensation and then it dries down and you wash it off. I didn’t see any dramatic reduction in pores right away, but I did feel that it reduced the overall shininess and that was nice. It made for a good makeup day.

Somewhere Between Winner and Meh

Adess New York Hi Definition Liquid Lipstick. When I first tried this lipstick, I wasn’t too much of a fan. It was a little sticky and I didn’t like the feeling of it. However, the color is GORGEOUS! It’s like a slightly red toned brown and it’s great for day or night color. It’s not a liquid lip, so there is no longevity what so ever and the gloss wears off fairly quick, so reapplying is a must. I think I’m still fairly ambivalent about this product and that’s why it’s between winner and meh.

Meh

Tartiest Pro Glow Liquid Highlighter In Stunner. I love seeing big brand names in my Boxycharm, but this Tarte product is not for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love liquid highlighters, but this was just too glittery for my taste. Also, as the day wore on, the shimmer faded and in its wake left and sea of glitter particles on my cheekbones. Beware!!!

What did you all think of your Boxycharms this month? What are your likes and dislikes? You know where to leave them!

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

Holidays · Uncategorized

Pinch Me! Favorite Green (Colored)Beauty Products

Story Time: Many years ago when I was in my 20’s, I went on vacation to Paris, France with one of my friends. We actually landed in Paris on March 17 and, despite our jet lag, were so excited when we found out that right next to our hotel was an Irish Pub. We were totally planning on celebrating St. Patty’s Day abroad, only to get to the pub and see like 3 people sitting at the bar and they were most definitely NOT drinking green beer.

That was the day we found out that St. Patrick’s Day, at least the way we celebrate here in the U.S., is not really done anywhere else.

Oh well. You live and learn.

I’m not sure why I get so excited to celebrate St . Patrick’s Day. I’m not Irish and don’t live in a city with a predominantly large population of Irish folks, but I love any excuse to go out and drink some beer. I get even more excited about the opportunity to wear some green colored makeup, particularly eyeshadow. So, with that being said, I have compiled a brief list of my favorite greens:

Eyeshadow

“I’ll Get You My Pretty” by Devinah Cosmetics– If you read my last post, you know that I am in LOVE with this eyeshadow single. It’s this fabulous shimmery metallic green, that pays homage to the Wicked Witch of the West, however, brings forth mental images of Leprechauns as well. Either way, wet a brush with some setting spray and go to town on your eye lids with this magically delicious shade.

Mermaid Boy and Water Bearer in Dream Street Palette by ColourPop – This a two-for-one recommendation because alone they are great, but together it’s even better. Found in the latest Kathleen Lights collaboration with Colourpop, these are deep blue green shades that once again, can be applied all over the lid (Mermaid Boy) or to deepen the crease and outer V (Water Bearer).

Helia in Aurora Glow Kit by Anastasia Beverly Hills – Also a two-for-one shade as you can use this cool lime green as a highlighter for your cheekbones or, do what I like, and pat this on my eye lids over a black matte shade for a out of this world iridescent green effect.

Face

Sheer Envy Color Correct Cushion Wonder in Green by Hard Candy – I don’t always color correct, but if I have a zit or am going to go all out glam, I like to cover all my bases, so I apply a dot or two of this color in green to counteract any redness I may have. I blend it in, apply some foundation and concealer and Voila! I’m no longer tomato red.

Lips

Frog Prince by Lipstick Queen – Ok, so some of you may consider this cheating as, technically, this is not a green lipstick shade, but I had to include it. This is one of my favorite lipsticks for two reasons: it’s actually goes on a lovely berry shade despite it’s toad like color AND it’s literally one of the silkiest lipsticks I own. I could space out to the feeling of applying this on my lips. It glides on beautifully and leaves a really nice sheen. Also, when you rub your lips together, it feels a bit like a balm, which I like.

Anyone else all pumped to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. How do you get all dolled up? Let me know in the comments below.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

Beauty Favorites

Monthly Faves – February 2018

Where did February go? I can’t say that I am sad to see it gone as it was a particularly hectic month for me, however, I blinked and now it’s March.

That’s ok because now I get talk to you fine folks about what products really made me smile this month and had me reaching for them time and time again.

Face

Baked Foundation in Light from Antonym Cosmetics. It’s funny because when I first reviewed this powder foundation, I liked it, but not necessarily as a foundation, but more as a face powder. I didn’t think it provided enough coverage, but I realized that I was using it incorrectly. When I first tried it, I was just picking it up with the brush and sweeping it across my face. All that did was thin the powder out and really just control the oils, but not really cover anything. However, when I used a denser brush, swirled it against the pan and pressed and buffed in circles into the skin, this made a world of difference. I then spritzed my face with some setting spray, allowing the foundation to sink in and, although didn’t give me anywhere near full coverage, I was totally comfortable with the look. Somewhere between light and medium and just right for a natural everyday look.

Baked Blush in Peach from Antomym Cosmetics. Another product from Antonym that I underestimated. The peach color looks deceivingly light on the pan and I got the impression that I was going to have use lot’s of it to make it show up against my fair skin. However, the first time I used it, I went balls to the wall with this color on my cheeks and immediately regretted it. Do not be deceived. This color is definitely not a light weight. A simple swish with a brush and some light blending and you got yourself some perfectly peach cheeks with just a hint of shimmer.

Ofra Blush Gadot Refill (BoxyCharm).  Now this is what I call a multitasker. I have used this as a blush, in my crease, on my lids and smudged on the lower lid. I find this earthy peachy tan color to be absolute perfection. It blends beautifully and gives you just the healthiest glow. I feel like this is the perfect color to get me in the mood for spring and summer, but let’s face it, I’ll probably use it year round. There are perks to living in Florida, ya’ll!

Eyes

Colourpop Crème Gel Liner in Mr. Bing. I have put this eyeliner in and out of my Colourpop cart like 10 times in the last year, however, it wasn’t until January, when there was a 20% off sale, that I finally bought it. I heard Kathleen Lights recommend it in one of her videos saying that it was the perfect brown for her green eyes, so decided to just hit submit. Oh My Gosh! This really is the nicest brown eyeliner I own. It’s rich, but definitely not too dark and has the slightest tinge of burgundy, which really does make my blue/green eyes pop. I’ve always been a fan of the Coloupop Crème Gel formula, so nothing to new to say about that, but the color…WOW!

Lips

Colourpop Ultra Satin Liquid Lipstick in Dreamy. Another Kathleen Lights recommendation that comes straight from her latest collaboration and, technically, shouldn’t be anywhere near this list because it has a slight cheesy like smell to it. Seriously, I wonder if I got a bad one or if all of them have the same scent to them, however, I am willing to excuse the cheesy feet smell because this really is my Dream color. It’s literally the same color as the Ofra blush, but in liquid form and it applies evenly, almost in one swipe and lasts all day. I kid you not. I applied this the other day before a meeting at 8am. Had breakfast, 2 cups of coffee, talked, ate lunch, drank a coke, talked some more and this color was still going strong. I then went to have drinks with my co-workers at 5pm and only around 7:30pm, did I see some dramatic fade. I never once re-applied my lipstick. But you want to know the BIG KICKER? It’s not uncomfortable or particularly drying. I didn’t find myself licking my lips or reaching for some lip balm. Can’t wait to see if all the Ultra Satin formula’s are the same.

Burt’s Bees 100% Natural Moisturizing Lipstick in Blush Basin. I know, I know. You must be sick of all the peach in this list, but I can’t help it. I love me that juicy fruit and it’s gorgeous pinky orange color. This lipstick has more of a pinky nude color that is good on it’s own or even layered over a lip liner. In fact, if I didn’t find the above mentioned Colourpop liquid lipstick so comfortable and long lasting, I would layer it over that one to revive the color. Needless to say, the formula is also super moisturizing and lightweight. However, I feel that you need 2 layers to make the color pop and, since it is a cream lipstick, you will need to reapply. That doesn’t bother me at all, but just letting you all know.

Whew! I feel like I had a lot to say this month and I didn’t even include any eyeshadows!

I hope you all enjoyed my picks and see you next month.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

PS – Amazon links above are affiliated, so if you choose to make a purchase the products above, I will make a slight commission.

Colourpop

Colourpop x Kathleen Lights – Dream St. – Review Time!

A few months ago I was chatting with my friend Karla and I was telling her that I have to put a kabosh on eye palettes. I have so many that it’s almost become a waste. I’ll spend money on the latest one, use it non-stop for about a month and then move on to the next Must Have palette. So I told Karla that I won’t buy another palette this year, UNLESS one comes out that I couldn’t possibly live without.

She promised she would do the same too, but she broke her promise like 2 days later.

WEAK!!!

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I was doing so good for about a month and then I started hearing chatter that Kathleen Lights was going to collaborate with Colourpop once again and that it would include an eye shadow palette. I typically don’t fall into the hype surrounding Influencer/ Beauty Guru collaborations. Yeah, some of them are really nice, but most of them require you to sit by your computer, refreshing every 30 seconds, waiting for the product to go live and then find out it’s sold out 2.5 seconds after it went on sale. This sends you on a tailspin, especially when you start seeing all your friends start tweeting about how they got a palette and your sitting here with your thumb up your ass like a ding-dong.

AIN’T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!

However, Kathleen Lights is MY GIRL! Not only does she live in Miami (like me), but she’s a fellow Cuban and you know I got to support my peeps! So, I got my credit card on stand by and when her palette went on sale, I immediately jumped on the Colourpop website and was able to snag the Dream St. palette and the Ultra Satin Lip in Rever.

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Kathleen Lights said in one of her video’s that Dream St. was her dream palette and let me tell you, it is easily my dream palette as well. As a blue eyed girl, I am always drawn to earthy colors. Shooting Star and Magical are perfect transition colors. I sometimes just apply Shooting Star on my crease, Moony on the lid, blend it really well, add mascara and call it a day. Also, Moony makes a beautiful, slightly neutral brow bone highlighter.

Out of all the shimmers, my favorite is Sweet Dream. It’s a light golden shade and definitely has a chunkiness about it that the other shimmers don’t, but is the most GORGEOUS topper. I like to use it on the center of the lid to create a halo look and then apply some of it on the inner corner to make the eyes pop.

Although the blue green shades are stunning and highly pigmented, these are the ones that I hesitate to use the most. It’s not because I don’t like them, but because I am highly intimidated by them. However, the easiest way I like to incorporate them in my eye looks is on the lower lash for that pop of color. If I line my lower lash with Water Bearer and smoke it out with the teensiest bit of Spark (it’s super pigmented), I am set for a glam date night with the hubs.

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I also want to state that, although I have not put it to the test fully, I am 99.9% sure that any look you create with this palette will coordinate perfectly with the Ultra Satin Lip called Rever from the collection. If you are a red lip lover like me, but sometimes want to change things up, give this orangey red color a try. They first time you put it on, you will definitely be like “Hell NO!”, but once the color dries down a bit and you have the rest of your face all done up, you will be like ‘I see you, Rever!”

Did anyone else snag Dream St.? If so, sound off below and tell me your thoughts.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza

Colourpop

Colourpop – Weenie – Favorite Super Shock Shadow EVER

A few weeks ago, I was tidying up my room and in the rush to get things done, the unimaginable happened. I dropped my all time favorite Colourpop Super Shock Shadow, Weenie, on the tile floor and it shattered into a hundred pieces.

Pause to absorb.

Laying on the floor, face down, was my beloved eyeshadow. At first, I was like, “It’s ok, Maritza. The Super Shock formula is resilient. I’m sure it’s fine.” I gently turned it over and the powder fell out of the pot in crumbles. I tried to salvage what I could, but it was no use. Everytime I would try to pick up some of the color, it would dissipate between my fingers and litter the ground like a coppery carpet.

I was inconsolable. So I did what any grieving beauty lover would do. I tweeted and Instagramed my disappointment.

thebeautyswatcher RIP Weenie from @colourpopcosmetics. I didn’t mean to drop you onto the tile floor, ending your brief, but beautiful life. May your bronze beauty shine like pennies from heaven. 🙏#colourpopsupershockshadow#colourpopweenie#brokenmakeupbrokenheart

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Not even 2 minutes after opening Weenie, Sofia made a dent in it. I love my kids.

My grief was short lived because a few weeks later, Colourpop, had a Buy 1, Get 1 Super Shock Shadow deal and I snagged Weenie once again along with Liberty, a metallic silver that you could practically see your reflection when you swatch it.

The U.S. Coin Collection Swatches

With both of these in my arsenal, I feel like I have, what I like to call, the U.S. Coin Collection eye look complete. Weenie is a gorgeous coppery color that, yes, resembles a shiny new penny. I love to use it alone with just some mascara on those days when you want to seem put together, but just don’t have enough time create a complicated look.


Liberty, seems a little intimidating at first, but gently tap a bit on the center of the eye for a halo look or dab a bit in the inner corner and you will be beaming like a spit shined silver dime, quarter or possibly Lady Liberty herself.

Wait. She’s kind of green looking, but you get the imagery I’m going for, right?

Do you have a favorite Super Shock Shadow? If so, post in the comments below and I will give it a try.

Till next time, my friends!

Maritza