Category

Product Reviews

Category
PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

Oh hello there!  Happy Monday to you!  I have been tossing around ideas on what I wanted to write about today, but I figured I would share with you six new lippy additions to the Jordana Modern Matte Lipstick collection.  I have been sitting on these shades now for about a month – I know, FAIL.  How could I not share these gorgeous beauties with you sooner?  But honestly, I put them on the side and waited to see when they would make it to my local stores and finally – THEY HAVE ARRIVED… cue the harps! lol  Today, I’m going to share with you some swatches of the new releases of the Jordana Modern Matte Lipsticks #13 to #18.

Jordana Modern Matte Lipsticks

Let’s face it… the drugstore brands are really stepping up their game when it comes to matte lippies.  I remember just a few short years ago it was difficult to find a lipstick that didn’t look like it was a frosty pink that came out of the 70s.  As many know, I love matte lipsticks… but I’m always looking for cheap alternatives and I’m really excited for the plethora of shades that drugstore brands have been releasing.  I previously swatched and shared with you the original release of the Jordana Modern Matte lipsticks – which you can see here if you are interested.  These six shades are new additions to the original release and I think offer a great variation of shades for all skin tones.

Retailing for about $2.49 – you can find this large collection of matte lipsticks at most drugstores like CVS and Walgreens and of course, they can also be ordered online at Jordanacosmetics.com.  As I stated in my previous review and swatch fest of these beauties, while they are matte, they are much more comfortable on the lips than most matte lipsticks.  Application is easy and nice and I find that these do not really accentuate the fine lines in my lips which is a huge plus.  You surely can’t beat the price on these babies and collecting each color is quite easy to do since they are so affordable.  With the addition of these new shades, this line now offers 18 colors for you to choose from in a variety of shades from neutrals and nudes to bright pinks and reds.

Jordana Modern Matte Lipsticks swatches

As you can see from the swatches, these new additions offer some great wearable shades for any one and any skin tone.

Matte Whisper (13) is a nude brown with an almost pink hue to it.  This would be my “my lips but better” type of shade, offering a color on my lips that is wearable day or night and perfect for everyday use.

Matte Innocent (14) is a brown nude that looks almost grey-ish brown.  At first glance I could easily see a grey hue in the tube and swatched or on the lips, it really does become more prominent.  This shade is not an easy one for me to pull off, but it does look pretty.  If you are loving that “grey-brown” lipstick trend – this may be a good lipstick to pick up for the price.  It is a little lighter than other popular grey-brown lippies I’ve seen, but built up or topped with a darker color it could be a great match.

Jordana Modern Matte Lipsticks

To show you a comparison of Jordana’s Matte Innocent against a few greyish-brown shades I had in my collection.  Colour Pop’s Tootsi and LA Splash Ghoulish are a little darker than Jordana’s Matte Innocent, but if you really wanted to obtain a similar lip shade, a darker brown lip liner blended onto Jordana’s Matte Innocent could yield a dupe easily.  Of course, in comparison to LA Splash, a $2.50 lipstick over a $12.00 lipstick is definitely a great steal.

Matte Goddess (15) is a gorgeous rose toned pink.  This is one of my favorite pinks because it looks so soft on the lips but offers a great pop of color without looking to bold.  If you like pink lipsticks and are looking for one you can use everyday – I think you may like Matte Goddess.

Matte Divine (16) is a light pink shade, but something I think would be so fun for Spring and Summer.  While it does lend for a “too light for my skintone” shade in the tube, when used, it looks really nice on the lips and not as bold as in the tube.

Matte Gorgeous (17) ooh… this shade is a beautiful deep red and will definitely be a favorite of mine come Fall and Winter this year.

Matte Ambition (18) If you are a MAC Ruby Woo lover, you may enjoy this one.  It’s a true red, just a tad bit darker in shade then Ruby Woo, but has a similar red profile so it will wear nicely if you are looking for a similar shade.

Jordana Modern Matte Lipsticks

If you are looking for some great matte lipsticks at great prices, then I definitely think these would be an awesome find for you.  Are they absolute must-haves?  Well, no – but at the price, if you are one that wants to add a bunch of lippies to your makeup arsenal, then I think these would be great additions.  I love using these and find that I pull these out much more than I do my higher end lip products.  Whether it be because they are easier to replace should I damage or lose them or they are just nice lipsticks overall, I think that they would be nice to have.  If you love drugstore lippies, then I think you’ll definitely enjoy these.

Have you tried the new Jordana Modern Matte lipsticks?  If not, what shades do you have your eyes on?  If you have, what are your favorites?

xo

Signature Honey

SELF PURCHASED / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

It’s no secret that I am fond of Colour Pop Cosmetics and their squishy shadows that I love so much.  I recently did a haul and picked up a few blush shades that I knew I would get some use out of, some that are newly released which I just couldn’t stay away from.  I wanted to share these awesome fun shades with you so that you could use for Spring and year round with you so you can pick them up while they are still available.

Colour Pop Blushes

First we have two gorgeous blushes.  I really wanted to pick up their new purple blush (Rain) because I figured I could get some dual use out of it.  This gorgeous bright and bold blush is matte and while it looks super bold in the pot, it can be applied with a light hand to create a cool effect on the cheeks.  The pink blush (Prenup) is a mid-toned pink with a soft plum like undertone and is one that I think will be universally flattering on most people and skintones and definitely a blush perfect for every day use.  Prenup has a satin finish with a soft almost gold shimmer shift.

Colour Pop Blushes Swatches

As you can see from my swatches these shades are fun for Spring and I love that I can use both as eye shadows as well.  I have been using Prenup almost daily and I love it.  Each blush is just $8.00 and the application reminds me of that from the Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blushes… so I apply them with my fingers.

Note – if you are looking at applying these blushes with a brush, I suggest the ELF (Eyes Lips Face) Small Stippling Brush.  Pat your brush into the pot to pick up color and stipple your brush onto your cheeks.  Take your time to build up the shade.  When I use a blush I like to have a flush of color so it looks natural, so you can apply to your desired effect.  If you don’t have that specific brush, any synthetic brush will work and your fingers are surely your best tools as well.  I love that Colour Pop blushes offer me all day color and wear and if I want it to last even longer, I will set it with a corresponding powder blush.

Colour Pop Lippie Stix

While this was originally all about the blush, I have a few lippies I think you would enjoy as well.

Colour Pop Westie

Westie, a soft and wearable baby pink shade which wears matte and quite comfortable on the lips.  If you enjoy matte lipsticks and are looking for a pink that you can use everyday, I think Westie is a great one.   It’s a shade that will be quite flattering on many and I love that it is so handy to take a long with you for touch ups.

Colour Pop Westie Swatch

Tootsi is a little less traditional.  It is one of those shades that not many people can pull off but is popular.  That muted brown/grey toned lipstick that everyone is coveting for.  This shade is gorgeous, but I make sure to use it with a smoky eye or something bold on the eyes to balance out the lips otherwise I look a little… deadly – lol.

Colour Pop Tootsi

This grey-beige is all over the internet, Instagram and Social Media and if you are looking for an alternative to a more expensive brand shade, you can’t beat this one.  I find that if I use it along with a pink toned nude lip liner, it actually makes the shade much more wearable for me.  It’s a gorgeous one that I think could be pullled off year round.  This is a matte shade and since the color is interesting… I definitely suggest you moisturize and exfoliate your lips prior to use for this one.

Colour Pop Tootsi Swatch

Each Colour Pop Lippie Stix Lipstick is just $5.00 and you can easily find a shade that will work for you.  Overall, I think the price point is nice and I am always in love with the pigmentation on these lipsticks.

So – have you tried any of these products from Colour Pop yet?  Is there anything on your list of must-haves or wants?  If you have tried Colour Pop, what is one your must have list for me to check out?

Signature Honey

[PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS]

Spring flowers and refreshing showers!  I am so excited Spring is finally here.  For me, Spring is the time of year where I embrace my more natural side wearing minimal makeup or a soft eye look that looks effortless and is easy to create.  Since I’m a busy mom and constantly on the run, I am always on the hunt for a makeup look and brand that will provide me “easy mommy makeup” that caters to my style and my skin’s needs.  Today, I have teamed up with the lovely ladies of The Beauty Council in collaboration with Glo Minerals to bring you gorgeous Spring looks for the season.

Glo Minerals

TBC HEADER LOGO150x35
With my sensitive skin, I’m constantly adapting to new products or changing my needs as I feel required.  The same goes for makeup for when the seasons change, so does my makeup routine.  From deep, sultry, smoky eyes I tend to switch things up a bit and concentrate on looks that are quick, effortless and allow me to be done in a hurry.  Most of my Spring routine consists of mascara and a lippy or a soft highlight, but when time allows, I love to add just a touch of drama to pull the look all together.

Boho Chic Makeup with Glo Minerals
For my look today I chose to use Glo Minerals for a soft and sweet Boho Chic inspired look.  This look is all about the blending and each shade is applied with a blending brush to create a soft look that is both wearable and easy.  The goal for this look is to create added dimension while still giving your overall appearance an almost “no makeup” look.

As with any of my makeup looks, I start with a moisturized face that also includes sunscreen since I plan to take advantage of the sunshine that Spring shared with us.  Since I do not use foundation, I started on with my eye makeup.

Glo Minerals Eye Shadows

Next, I applied an eye shadow primer to my eye lids to keep my eye shadow in place so it will last all day and night through the warmer  and humid weather.  I used Glo Minerals Eye Shadows in Twig (blended into my crease and used as transition between my crease and browbone shade), Haze (swept under my brow bone for a natural highlight) and Sand Pebble (applied on my lid and inner corner for a soft shimmery pop of color) and Orchid (blended softly into my crease to create definition).

Once I finished applying the eye shadow, to keep with a more natural look, I decided I would apply two coats of my favorite mascara and let my lashes peek through instead of applying eye liner like I would normally.

Glo Minerals blush

To add a soft touch of flush to my cheeks, I applied Glo Minerals Blush in Papaya.  With a fluffy brush I swept the shade over the apples of my cheeks, blending it out so that the shade would offer a soft kissed glow to the look.

Glo Minerals Candle Dual Shimmer

For a soft glow and a little highlight, I took a soft large face brush and swirled both sides together of the Glo Minerals Candle Dual Shimmer compact.  With a light hand I swept the brush along my cheek bones for the perfect highlight.

A cool note is that Glo donates a portion of the proceeds from sales of the Candle Dual Shimmer to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. Way to Go!

Glo Minerals Suede Matte Stick

To add a subtle shade to my puckers, I used Glo Minerals Suede Matte Stick in Bliss and applied directly to my lips.  This lipstick feels like satin on the lips, applies wonderfully and has lasting color.  If you are a matte lipstick lover like I am, you will surely love this one.  It’s a great nude if you want something to add a little “Your lips but better” to your pout.

Conditioning ingredients include:  Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Mango Seed Oil and Shea Butter. 

Glo Minerals Eye Shadows
Glo Minerals Eye Shadows
Glo Minerals Swatches
Glo Minerals Blush | Dual Shimmer | Suede Matte Stick

Since I have really sensitive skin I am always looking for products that provide great skin loving benefits.  Glo Minerals offers mineral makeup that is designed especially for skincare professionals and their clients.  Their formulations provide coverage, UV and environmental protection and offer a wide spectrum of mineral pigments.  Each product is formulated without Talc and since they are non-comedogenic, Glo Minerals is an ideal choice for me and my sensitive skin.

Since my skin can go crazy on me while transitioning between seasons, I’m always looking for a cosmetic product that will not cause it to stress out.  I am loving the powerful blend of antioxidants Vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea Extract that you can find in their products as well as UVA and UVB broad spectrum sun protection.  These products are definitely a great addition to anyone’s makeup arsenal, but for me, I find these make for great wearable shades and provide my skin with the love it needs during the Spring months and year round.

What I love is that Glo Minerals is perfect for different skin tones and ages.  Looking for more inspiration?  The lovely ladies of The Beauty Council have also put together wonderful looks and pictorials using Glo Minerals.  Search hashtags: #glominerals #thebeautycouncil and #getGLOing on Social Media for photos and links and check out what they have in store for you too.

glominerals-logo
So what is your go-to makeup look for Spring?  Do you like a soft and neutral look or something bold and dramatic?  Do you switch up your makeup style during different seasons?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  The products discussed and featured in this post were sent to me for review and consideration.  All opinions are my own and 100% honest and unbiased.  Affiliate links may and can be included through out the post.  For more information on my disclosure policy – click here.

 

PRESS SAMPLE / AFFILIATE LINKS

 

Having boys means that bath time is usually pretty simple but that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun or exciting.  Since my boys are much older, bath time is not play time as it used to be when they were younger, but they look forward to trying new products that help to make their baths or showers a success.  Recently my three boys had the opportunity to try out some products from So Cozy which is a kid tested, cozy approved salon quality hair care line for children.  Salon Quality products for kids that allow their bath and scrub-a-dub time to be quick and effortless?  Yes, Sign us up!

So Cozy Cinch

The first bunch of hair care products that my sons tried was from the So Cozy Cinch line.  2 in 1 Shampoo and Body Wash, Super Hydrating Conditioner, 3 in 1 Shampoo + Conditioner + Bodywash and Detangler / Leave-In Conditioner are included in this line.  Each product has a great fruity scent which my sons really enjoyed – they were smelling their hair all night after their bath.  These particular products are made to use in a snap… so bath time is quick and effortless.

So Cozy Boo! Lice Prevention

Head lice or Ukus as we call them here in Hawaii are very prominent among younger children like Luke & Isaiah who are in preschool.  If you have had head lice in your family, you know how difficult it can be to treat and how funky the products are that treat them.  Luckily – no one in our household has had any head lice so we haven’t had the need to use those chemicals often sold to treat them, but prevention is always the key.  SoCozy’s boo! lice prevention line is a great addition to any household with littles.  The line includes a lice prevention shampoo and prevention spray.  Unlike those products that you see in stores to remove or prevent, these naturally scare away the buggies and they want nothing to do with your little ones hair.  I love that this product doesn’t have a weird or funky scent and it’s so easy to use.  It’s definitely a plus that these are also non-toxic and easy to apply.

SoCozy Behave

The SoCozy Behave line is probably the favorite of the boys.  Since boys tend to like spiked hair or fun dos, this has been a great one to use on their hair.  Each product has a great fruit scent and unlike products you can get for adults, these do not include all the harsh chemicals that can make a child’s hair brittle or take away their soft locks that children have.  Each product is lightweight and easy to use.  The boys have been enjoying styling their hair with the Behave line.

As I mentioned before, SoCozy products are Salon Quality for kids and they offer a variety of products to fit your needs at reasonable prices.  Now available at Target, you can easily get your hands on these products to use on your child’s hair.  These great smelling goods are Non-Toxic and Free of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalates, Synthetic Color, Propylene Glycol, Gluten, Wheat or Nuts.  They are absolutely Nasty Free.  Cozy Friedman, founder of Cozy’s Cuts for Kids Salons NYC and Children’s Hair Care Expert has definitely provided kids with a line I know my children enjoy as much as I do.

Have you tried these products before?  What hair care products do you use on your children?

Signature Honey

Disclaimer:  These products were sent to me for review/consideration in collaboration with BeautyStat.  All opinions are my own, unbiased and honest.

 

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.