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Spring Love Under The Wisteria Tree – Makeup Look Featuring Coastal Scents Revealed 3

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SELF PURCHASED / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

It’s absolutely no secret that I love purple and those that know me, know that purple is my color obsession.  Because of this, during the Spring months I am in awe at the purple flora and fauna around me and look forward to their blossoms as they bloom.  Living in Up Country Maui a popular floral tree and flower is the Jacaranda.  It’s gorgeous purple flowers grace the road ways as you travel through the streets where I live and since it is in bloom during the spring months only, it’s a site to be seen for sure.

I considered creating a look inspired by the Jacaranda that graces Maui islanders each year, but realized that it is not the only purple love I look forward to each time.  While you will not find Wisteria Trees here in the islands (unless someone is able to plant one successfully), it is one of my favorites and I based this super simple makeup look after it.

Wisteria Purple Eye Makeup
Creating this look was simple and it’s all about blending and a soft wash of color.  I wanted this look to have hues of purple and pink for a Spring look that is sweet and definitely wearable.  To create the eye makeup – I used the Coastal Scents Revealed 3 palette and applied washes of color using my blending brush.  Using hues of purple, pink and soft shimmery champagne, I was able to create this look quickly without thinking about it.  Adding a black winged liner and a pink rose lip and the look was complete.

  • Eye Shadow primer:  Laura Mercier Eye Primer
  • Eye Shadow Palette:  Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Palette
  • Eye Liner:  NYC (New York Color) Liquid liner
  • Mascara / Lashes:  Benefit Roller Girl Mascara and Ardell Demi Whispies 120 Lashes
  • Lips:  LA Splash Smitten Lip Tint Liquid Lipstick in Love Good

Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Palette

I wanted the focus of this look to be the colors of the Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Palette.  I have had this palette for a few weeks now and since I own all three of them that Coastal Scents has released, I figured I would chit chat a bit about them.  Revealed 3 offers stunning and gorgeous shades that include hues of purples.  This palette was probably the one I was most attracted to because of the purple hues and purples are not only my favorite shade of color, I tend to love to use purple eye shadow a lot since it brings out my eyes.

Coastal Scents Revealed 3

Like it’s original counter parts, Coastal Scents Revealed 3 ($19.95) offers 20 shades in one palette and includes a combination of mattes, shimmer and satin shades.  I wish there were a better selection of matte shades included, but overall – the color range is gorgeous.  This palette however in comparison to the others is probably the most powdery when it comes to shadows.  I noticed that the shadows itself are much softer than the other palettes so I must take precaution when dipping my brush in to pick up color.  I also noticed that while the shades are gorgeous, some of them take more effort and layering when packing on color and they definitely need to be built up to get the desired effect.  Overall, I think I’ll still get lots of use out of this palette and I’m glad I got it on sale, but in comparison to the others, this one is not my #1 fav – which I’m bummed about since the colors alone would have made this my #1 very easily.

Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Swatches

Now, since I discussed #3 I wanted to show swatches of #2 as well since I never got around to doing so.  The Coastal Scents Revealed 2 palette ($19.95) is gorgeous and offers soft hues of rose tones which is quite flattering on many people.

Coastal Scents Revealed Palettes

As you can see from all of the Revealed Palettes (pictured above), they all offer different shade ranges which I think works well for many looking to have a broad range of neutral-like shadows.  Revealed 2 has similar shades in it to that from the Urban Decay Naked 3 palette, though I wouldn’t necessarily call them dupes.  I will make note however and state that if you are looking to create similar looks that the UD Naked 3 can and not break the bank, this palette would be a great one.

Coastal Scents Revealed 2 swatches

The Coastal Scents Revealed 2 Palette has gorgeous shades but I notice while they are buttery they pick up color nicely and are not as powdery as Revealed 3.  I have discussed the Coastal Scents Revealed 1 many many times, so I do not have swatches of that palette here, but overall – I think it is my favorite and if you love Urban Decay’s Original Naked Palette, I think you will surely enjoy the 1st Edition Revealed Palette as well.

Overall – I do really enjoy all of the palettes from the Coastal Scents Revealed line.  Though some more than others, I know that I will get some use from these products and have been liking them for looks that are both wearable and sultry.  I particularly love the shade range since they offer neutral type shades without being all brown and gold.

So, what is your favorite flower for Spring?  Are there any florals that will be inspiring makeup looks for you?  Do you think that makeup inspires your creativity for makeup looks as the Coastal Scents Revealed 3 Palette inspired me?  Comment below and chit chat with me!

Happy Spring!

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  Nothing to Disclose.  All products were purchased by me or sent to me as a gift from friends.  I am in no way paid to review and/or discuss/feature any of the products mentioned in this post.  However, there are affiliate links posted through out which I do make money from.

 

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NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel

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After using this product for a year and having purchased it at least twice, I think it’s about time I finally get it together and talk about it here.  It’s no secret that the NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel is a favorite of mine, having featured it in a few monthly favorites and various makeup looks and tutorials, so I’m surprised I haven’t talked about it sooner.  The NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel is my go-to when I am on the go and need to set my unruly brows in place for the day.

NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel

The NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel (0.3 oz / 9g) is a drugstore product that I have been loving the last year.  Depending on where you purchase this product (I’m excited to have found it at my local Target – since new NYX products are hard to find here), this particular brow gel can retail anywhere from $5.50 – $9.00.  This simple tube has a lot of power to hold my long and full brows in place on days I don’t want to fill them in and need them to stay put, or if I have filled in my brows and want that “stay all day and play” control.

The gel itself is clear and much like many on the market today but what I love about this product is once my brows are set with it, they don’t budget or move.   I wouldn’t consider it to be waterproof – if I went for a swim, it would come off in the water, but I enjoy that I can set my natural brows with this and for the most part of the day and many hours it will stay in place.  Now, I can hear you saying to me… “There are a lot of products that do that…” but truth betold, I like how this gel doesn’t feel crunchy on my brows or stiff and it is NEVER clumpy.  The gel sets quickly and even if the brush seems simple and lacks uniqueness in the package, I never have to worry about clumps or patches of gel on my brow.  I think the wand stopper literally cleans the brush so that each time you take it out to apply, it provides you with the perfect amount of product each and every time.  No globs of goop.

NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel

If you look at the photo above, you can barely see the product on the wand.  This awesome stopper really helps in providing you the same amount of product each time and no more goopy brows!  What is great about this product is that it is not sticky at all as others have been for me and again, it dries quickly so you can use this on the days you are on the run.  Looking for a clear mascara?  This product can also do double duty if you want it to.

Obviously, if you are looking for something with tint or to add color to your brows, this is not it.  It’s merely a product to set your brows in place… but since my brows are naturally full, I find that this product works well for me on a daily basis to keep them tamed and in place.  Again – while I still have movement in my eyebrows so that simple things like lifting my brow looks natural and not stiff, I know my eyebrows will stay in place.

soft smoky eye
In the photo above I am using the NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel to set my brows in place and have used a brow shadow to fill them in.  

So – have you tried the NYX Control Freak eyebrow gel?  If not, is it something you would be interested in trying?  What is your go-to eyebrow gel?  Do you favor a drugstore brand or highend?

Signature Honey

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NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks – Almond, Sweet Pink, Chocolate

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PRESS SAMPLE / SELF PURCHASED / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

I have been a long time fan of NYX Cosmetics, having used their single eye shadows and lipsticks for quite a few years, but over the last year I have really loved the new products NYX has released.  Last year NYX rolled out their Infinite Shadow Sticks in nine different shades and I have three of them that I’m going to share with you today.  While these may seem similar to the Jumbo Eye shadow Pencils (JESP), these NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks are very different and offer something their jumbo eye shadow pencils do not.

NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks

The Infinite Shadow Sticks come in nine gorgeous shades that are geared more towards the wearable / neutral eye looks.  Each pencil (net wt. 0.19oz/5.27g) retails for $9.00 on the NYX website and about the same at Target and Ulta as well as other drugstore locations that carry the new NYX products.  These pencils are creamy, but don’t get it twisted, it’s very different from the creamy jumbo eye shadow pencils we are used to.  The shadow sticks set quickly and I love using them as a colored base or even on my eye lids without primer, because once they set, they don’t move on me.  If you are someone with watery eyes – try using these on your lower lash line to help smoke out your look, you will notice it will stay there all day as it has for me many many times.  While I’m a huge fan of JESP, I could not use them alone as they are so creamy, they move if they are not set or applied over primer… whereas these new pencils are meant to last – no movement, no budging until you take it off.

NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks

While creamy – the formula on these pencils is much drier than the jumbo eye shadow pencils, so you must blend it quickly or it will set and not move.  These really are smudge-proof (in my opinion) as the NYX claims and the shades available make for a great day or night look.  The color payoff and pigmentation on these – awesome!  I have my eyes on a few other shades I want to add to my collection as well.

NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks
Left to Right: Almond, Sweet Pink, Chocolate

While the packaging is a different material from the original jumbo eye shadow pencils, you can still easily sharpen these using a jumbo pencil sharpener.  I was pretty amazed at how easily they sharpened.  Using this product is as easy as any eye shadow pencil, simply apply the pencil directly to your eye lids and blend.  You can use this product alone or use as an eye shadow base.  Since my eye lids tend to be a bit dry, I like to apply a primer first then apply the infinite shadow stick over so that I can blend the pencil easier – but overall, using this product is simple.

I happen to like these a lot and I know I’ll continue to buy them in the future – hopefully collect a lot of my favorite shades as I have with the original NYX Jumbo Eye Shadow Pencils.  But, just a note – if you are looking for a similar type pencil from the drugstore but at a cheaper price point – I definitely suggest the Jordana 12 Hour Made to Last Eye shadow pencils.  I don’t have a review on those yet (coming soon – promise), but at $2.99 – even if the colors are not the same, it surely is a cheaper alternative and it will stay all day as well.  Either way – if I had to suggest a shade to pick up from the NYX Infinite Shadow sticks – I would suggest Almond which is such a gorgeous metallic shade perfect for every day or smoky looks.

In the look above, I have used NYX Infinite Shadow Stick in Chocolate as a base for part of my look.  You can view the details of this look as well as a tutorial for it here.  Have you tried the NYX Infinite Shadow Sticks before?  I like them a lot and think they will continue to be a favorite in my makeup arsenal.

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  Some of the products discussed in this post were sent to me for review / consideration while some were purchased with my own money.  While I did receive products for review, all opinions or views mentioned are 100% honest and my own.  Please note that affiliate links are also through out this post.

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Lady Luck – St. Patrick’s Day Makeup and Nails

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From four leaf clovers to large pots of gold… Saint Patrick’s Day has been filled with fun for all – not just the Irish.  While I believe that a persons’ luck comes from hard work, I also believe in good luck as well… and you can still find me searching for a four leaf clover or wondering if there really is a pot of gold at the end of that rainbow.   In years past I have celebrated with fun makeup looks and bold bright greens but this year, I wanted it to be something anyone could wear… a look that was simple to recreate but still offers a statement.  Today I bring to you my St. Patrick’s Day makeup and nails, in collaboration with the beauties from The Beauty Blogger Collab.  Be sure to stop by and check out all the pretty looks these ladies have created and show them some love too.

I filmed a tutorial for my eye look which you can find here, or check out the video embedded below.  The steps are easy and I’m using a mixture of drugstore and high end product to create it.

St. Patrick's Day makeup

A full list of products is posted below!  Remember to use the products you have on hand that are similar in shade or adapt the look and taper it for you specifically.

  • Brows – Jordana FabuBrow Eye Brow Pencil in 05 Soft Brown and set with NYX Control Freak Eye Brow Gel
  • Face – Pacifica Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream
  • Eye Shadow Primer – Milani Eye Shadow Primer
  • Eye Shadows – Milani Bella Eyes Bella Caffe (transition), Milani Bella Eyes Bella Taupe (crease shade), L’Oreal Infalliable Shadow Amber Rush (lid shade), Colour Pop Shameless (lower lash line and outer v / outer crease), Milani Bella Eyes Bella Emerald (outer v / outer crease)
  • Eye liner – Milani Supreme Kohl Kajal (waterline/tightline), Kat Von D Tattoo Eye liner in Trooper (winged liner), Smashbox 3D Always Sharp liner in Billionaire (upper lash line used above the black winged liner for a pop of color)
  • Lashes – Cover Girl Clump Crusher Mascara (upper and lower lashes), Ardell Demi Whispies 120, KISS Aloe Black Glue
  • Blush – Milani Rose Petal Blush in Warm Petals (limited edition)
  • Highlight – Mirabella Mineral Highlighting Powder in Swirling Pearl (applied on the cheeks, forehead, cupids bow, etc.)
  • Lips – Jordana Rock n Rose Easy Liner lip liner and Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick in Matte Bare 01

St. Patrick's Day Makeup

Now,  wasn’t about to leave out my nail loving friends.  We all know I’m a bit nail art challenged, so I went with what I know.  To create this simple nail look, I used China Glaze Rare & Radiant which is a Color Shift / duo chrome type of polish that goes between green and gold with a slight blue hue.  I topped that polish off with ILNP’s Supernova flakies polish to add to the crazy green and gold effect.  If you are a bit nail art challenged as I am, I think something simple like that will work.  It kind of reminds me of Mardi Gras. lol

St. Patrick's Day inspired nails

I hope you guys enjoyed my inspired makeup and nail look for St. Patty’s Day.  I wanted both to be easy to create for anyone and you can’t go wrong with something that takes a few minutes to complete.  Don’t forget to stop by my video and check out the tutorial for the makeup look if you haven’t already – you can find that here.  Stop by my Instagram and keep up with me there for new photos, posted daily and be sure to say hi on Twitter and Facebook too.

beauty blogger collab

For more inspired makeup and nails – be sure to check out the links to the lovely ladies below and see what kind of awesome they have waiting for you too.

 


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February Ipsy Glam Bag – IPSY LOVE

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SELF PURCHASED / REFERRAL LINKS

 

It’s been forever since I posted an Ipsy Glam Bag via my blog or YouTube channel and lately I haven’t been in the mood to share.  But I figured I would share what I received this month.  This month’s theme was focused around “Love” with a theme called “Ipsy Love”.  I was impressed with some of the goodies I got in my bag and glad I didn’t get other products I had seen were available.  Overall, I think I’ll get use out of most of what I received.  Here are the details of my February Ipsy Glam Bag.

February Ipsy Glam Bag - Ipsy Love

This February Ipsy is celebrating warm hugs, butterflies in your stomach, a new favorite blush and your best friend’s tweets – LOVE in all its wondrous forms and ways to express it.  Overall I really like the cute bag this month… it is pink and definitely has a Valentine’s Day Love vibe.  There are some products in this month’s bag that I was excited to try and some not so much – here are my thoughts.

EVA-NYC Up All Night Volumizing Spray ($24.00 full size 8oz) – This product gives you added volume and texture, protects from heat styling and is for all hair types.  I love the scent of this product and have used 2 products from Eva-NYC that I have received from past Ipsy bags.  This spray has a light hold but I don’t like the stickiness it leaves in my hair.  I’ll continue to try this product though.

Cargo Lip Gloss in Anguilla (I could not find this product on the site, but their glosses retail for $16.00 full size) – this cargo lip gloss is a baby pink shade.  I love Cargo cosmetics and I’m always excited to try new products from their line.  This lip gloss is slightly thick, opaque and not as sticky as I thought it would be.  The color is not a favorite as mine and not one I will get mileage from without mixing with other shades – but overall, I like the gloss.

Model Co Blush in Peach Bellini 02 ($22.00 Full Size – unsure of the full size amount as it was not listed on site – blush I received was 3.6g/0.12oz) – This is a pretty and shimmery type blush that would be great for Spring and Summer months.  The shade is quite shimmery but still offers great pigmentation and I like that it offers a highlight when applied to the cheeks.  I’m a fan of blushes that have gold in them for this reason.  I think I’ll get some good use out of this blush.

Pencil Me In Eye Accent Pencil in Amethyst ($6.99 Full Size pencil with sharpener) – I love purple eye liners because they bring out my natural eye color, the shade on this particular line is nice but I feel like it tugs on my eyes a bit.  I definitely can’t wear this in my waterline and feel like I may have to constantly warm this pencil up to get any use out of it.

Hey Honey Take It off Exfoliating Honey Peel Off Mask ($29.00 full size 1.70oz) – This product has a cute name and I have seen other products from previous Ipsy bags from this line but this is the first I’m receiving it in my bag.  I haven’t used this product yet as my skin is really sensitive during the winter months and I didn’t want to have a flare up with a new product.

February Ipsy Glam Bag - Ipsy Love

Overall I know I definitely got a pretty cool bag.  Retail value for the bag if it were all full size products would be about $98.00  That I know of the Blush was full sized and the eye liner pencil.  The rest were deluxe size samples bringing the bags worth about $45.  Still not bad for a bag that only costs $10 a month.

If you are interested in checking out Ipsy or signing up – click here.

Do you get Ipsy each month?  If so – what were your thoughts on your bag?  If you don’t, is this something you would be interested in signing up for?

Signature Honey

 

Disclaimer:  I purchased this bag as a subscription service each month.  If you click on the links – they are my referral links and I will receive free products in exchange for points.

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