L.A. Colors lipstick- Mauve Glaze; review and pictures

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L.A. Colors lipstick in Mauve Glaze

WOW, L.A. Colors is in a roll here!!! I have yet to be disappointed with their lipsticks and today’s post is no exception! Today world, we have Mauve Glaze. For some reason, in doors it looks like a rosy-brown color. But, you are in for a surprise here!

L.A. Colors lipstick in Mauve Glaze, swatch

L.A. Colors lipstick swatch in Mauve Glaze, taken in the sunlight

L.A. Colors lipstick in Mauve Glaze, on my lips, partial light and partial shade

L.A. Colors lipstick in mauve Glaze, photo in the sunlight

Talk about $1.00 dollar well spent. This shade was purchased at Dollar Tree some months ago. That color was screaming at me, I swear! I love rosy-brown-mauve shades. For some reason, it really compliments my skin tone. Although the name is Mauve Glaze- it is a hybrid of mauve, brown, and rose. This lipstick, I swear is so pigmented just 1-2 swipes and you are set to go!!! The lipstick itself is super creamy and moisturizing. I mean, these pictures does not give the shade any justice. To me, it is that beautiful. The wear time is about 4 hours, and it leaves a beautiful color on my lips (my real lip color, but better). This is really a HG in terms of color and quality here.

So who do I recommend this to? The person who is looking for THE PERFECT Mauve lipstick. The color and price is just so perfect!

HIGHLY RECOMMEND, HG QUALITY, DOLLAR GEM !!!

L.A. COLORS brand is available at: The Dollar General Store, Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, Ebay, Amazon and CherryCulture.com

Vanart Classic Shampoo: a dupe for Prell! photos and review

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I have been meaning to blog about today's review. But thankfully a bolt smashed in my head to remind me.

Lets be honest, we have been hearing about Clarifying shampoos and non-sulfate shampoos for how long??? Exactly, too long to admit. At first I bought Prell because for nostalgic reasons: the smell. I know some people hate it and compare the smell to dish washing soap. But for me, it reminded me how I first came to the USA back in 1988. As a kid in the Caribbean, I have never seen this shampoo, so for me Prell is in my heart. This shampoo retails for 2.99 for 13.5 oz and as much as I LOVE the smell of Prell (and an awesome clarifying shampoo that takes off mouse, gel, hairspray), that's alot of money for a little shampoo. One time while browsing at walmart, I saw the Vanart shampoo at the area of imported Mexican beauty goods and out of curiosity I grabbed a Prell bottle and compared it to Vanart-- would you believe they have almost IDENTICAL INGREDIENTS!!!!!!!!
Let me show ya!

Vanart Clasic and Prell Shampoo front

Vanart Classic Shampoo backside, ingredients

Prell Shampoo backside, ingredients

Now, here is the kicker- Vanart Classic retails for: $1.99 for almost 3x the amount!!!! It has a clean smell, but has the exact consistency of Prell Shampoo.
This my friend is A DUPE of all DUPES. Very budget friendly and if you live in a hispanic neighborhood, this shampoo is EVERYWHERE. Believe me I know!!!!!!

So just like Prell, it takes off hairspray, gel, mouse and even the extra dye of your hair ( that's is when you have freshly applied the hair dye, and you are about the wash it off---) When my hair dries, just like Prell, it feels super clean, no oil residue, no extra gunk. I simply Love this!!!!! To me, this is holy grail stuff and AFFORDABLE!!!!!! I highly recommend this!!!

Vanart is available at: HEB (Texas grocery chain store), Walmart, Kmart, Amazon, Ebay

Wet n Wild megashield lipstick in "A Currant Affair"- review n photos.

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Wet n Wild megashield lipstick in "A Currant Affair"

While I was organizing my lipsticks, it occurred to me I have not reviewed this lipstick at all! And once again, I am reminded that I own a perfect shade of red lipstick, so no MORE hunting!!!! On with the review.

Unlike Megalast, Megashield is a complete different animal when it comes to texture.
According to Wen n Wild official website (wnwbeauty.com) it describes Megashield...
"Color, comfort, and care! Luxurious color delivers hours of sheer-to-moderate coverage that glides on buttery-soft for a smooth, moist-looking pout. Lips are pampered with Vitamin E, Amino Acids, Avocado Oil, and Rice Bran Oil that moisturize and condition for silky, soft comfort. And with SPF 15, lips are cared for and protected from harmful UVB rays". 

Wet n Wild are 100% correct in their description. While Megalast have a "Matte" formula, Megashield is in fact a "Creme" formula. And when they said buttery smooth, they are correct in saying so because this baby does glide like butter. So pigmented and so smooth you would think you have to pay an arm and a leg for this lipstick. I payed under $3.00 dollars for this shade.

My Bare lips

Wet n Wild A Currant Affair swatched in sunlight

Wet n Wild A currant Affair swatched in the shade

Wet N Wild megashield lipstick "A Currant Affair" on my lips, shade

Wet n Wild megashield lipstick in "A Currant Affair"

So how does this lipstick performs?

Pretty damn well if I say so!!! It lasts on my lips for about 3-4 hours with my usual snacking and drinking. It does not feather. It does not dry out my lips.

What I love?

Wet n Wild hit a home run with this lipstick. IF YOU are looking for a perfect red lipstick whether it is for a Christmas Party or for a formal event, this baby will not disappoint. Just like my review on NYC Sheer Red lipstick, this lipstick is also a very Universal Red. It does not matter your skin color, this will look GOOD ON YOU!!!!!!!!!!! This a red that has no blue tones, no pink tones. Just plain ol' RED that looks damn good. 

In short, I highly recommend this shade to everyone. And if Wet n Wild discontinue this color..........they will be absolutely out of their minds to do so.

100% recommend, And Holy Grail Quality!!!!!

Wet n Wild products are available at: walmart, walgreens, HEB, ebay, drugstore.com,http://www.nonpareilboutique.com/.

Need I say more? :)

***Just for kicks while I was working on this post, I was listening to a song I used to hear alot during highschool. do not think I am nasty!!!! This is just the 90s man!***

 

    

LA Colors lipstick Berry Ice review & photos.

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Before I go on about my review, let me say this has been overdue. I have been quite ill and busy all at the same time. Not fun at all. Even when I was at my worst, I still managed to document my reviews in hopes when I felt better, I can post them. I will say I am still ill. I have a sinus infection and on top of that I work! AY AY AY.....
Sorry for my long delay and hope you find this review helpful. :)

LA Colors lipstick Berry Ice

A few weeks ago I ventured into a new Family Dollar that is located a few blocks from where I live. Quite convenient because now I can go to Dollar tree and Family Dollar without having to waste gas!!! They have a beautifully displayed La Colors cosmetics (shadows, nail polish, etc...). Of course I am a lipstick person, so I was immediately drawn to their lipsticks. I selected 4 of them (one is a gloss) and one of them was Berry Ice. I will say that I thought it would be a berry color, but I was mistaken. It is a hybrid of other beautiful "berries". Let me show you some pictures and you tell me what you think.

LA Colors lipstick Berry Ice swatch in the shade

If you would have shown me a swatch of this color, I would be the first person to say "HELL NO...I will stay away from this color"! But you know what, I was pleasantly surprised.

LA Colors lipstick swatch of Berry Ice, taken in sunlight

LA Colors lipstick Berry Ice, taken in the shade

Berry Ice can be best described as a creme blue toned Berry/Pink color. The pigmentation of this lipstick is phenomenal considering what I payed for them. Unbeknownst to me, they had a buy one, get one 50% off (they did not have a display letting the public know they where on sale, weird if you ask me---since they SHOULD advertise it....anyways.....). So for my 4 purchases it equaled to 3.25 including tax! So in short I payed 81 cents per item!!! 
When it comes to performance, this lipstick holds up to 3 hours with my normal drinking and snacking. It DID not dry my lips at all (their lipsticks contain aloe vera and squalane). When I blotted my lips, it gave a nice subtle look.

LA COLORS lipstick in Berry Ice, blotted

So who should purchase this lipsticks? A person who wants to experiment with lipstick colors without breaking the bank. Those who are on a budget. Actually just about anyone!

I understand that the brand is not "posh". But you know what, If the brand delivers great color range, great quality and is affordable: you are missing out on a great product!

This is my very first LA Color lipstick I have owned, and I am excited to try out their other goodies!!

I can honestly say this product is a Dollar Gem, Holy Grail Quality and 100% recommend it to anyone!!!

LA Colors are sold at:

Dollar Tree, Family Dollar, www.cherryculture.com, ebay ( just type La Colors)

official website of la colors: http://www.lacolors.com/

NYC Sheer Red Lipstick review and swatch-very pic heavy

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New York Color lipstick in Sheer Red #309

NYC...a brand that is obtainable in many drugstores and grocery shops. I will say this color on today's review is a cult favorite and I mean it in the most deserving way. You  would think how easily it would be to throw a way a dollar. But man, when in comes to Sheer Red by NYC, is one HELL of a dollar well spent. Let me tell you why.

My Bare Lips

NYC Sheer Red worn at full opacity

All Red lipsticks are no created equal. You have your blue toned, fuchsia red variety that honestly the majority of us cannot wear. I am included in this select majority. When I think of the color "RED" I think of apples, blood (sounds morbid, I know) and of course Snow White. My biggest grippe when it comes to the color Red is that often times when I have purchased a lipstick that looked red was in fact a dark fuchsia-red hybrid. Although I am quite pasty for a Hispanic woman, my undertone is soft yellows and peach, maybe just maybe a pinch of pink. I have seen other people who have Scandinavian roots and their complexion is just pink (like my hubby, a Scandinavian mix himself). Or just women who are extremely fair and that fuchsia red color may look gorgeous on her. For the life of me, it pisses me that most Red lipsticks out there are catered to more Norse roots. I have nothing against that or them, I just wished cosmetics company at least had a variety of Reds that can Cater to: Scandinavian Roots (not only), Mediterranean, African, Native roots and so on.
Now here in the 21st you have people who are of mixed origin (I am in this demographic as well) and for some odd reason companies (some not all) have not even managed to update or expand foundation shades, let alone lipsticks.
So lets get to know a little about NYC New York Color (http://newyorkcolor.com/)
What I love about them, is their advertisement. They have done their home work and cater cosmetics that can fit to any race. Even bigger plus is their prices. The lipstick I am reviewing today is one of those lipsticks that I NEED to have two of them. One for my makeup kit and the other for my purse. I will say here in all honesty: THIS IS THE ONLY LIPSTICK I NEEDED TO PURCHASE MORE THAN ONCE. That good it is.

NYC Sheer red swatch in the shade

NYC Sheer Red swatch in sunlight

If you were to categorize this color is a mix of dark berry red. It is not a matte shade, its creme. The lipstick itself is very moisturizing. But this shade my reader, is absolutely UNIVERSAL. That's what I love about this shade, it looks good on anyone. Wear time is about 3 hours, or depending if I am drinking or eating.

NYC Sheer Red blotted and taken in the sunlight

If you are completely turned off by the notion of wearing red lipstick or feel you are not confident to wear such a bold shade;  allow me to give you a little peace of mind by stating that this shade can be worn sheer or as dark as the lipstick allow you to be.

NYC Sheer Red in various, lighting, angles, and opacity

 I was smart and nabbed 2 of these lipsticks for 1 dollar. Come again? They had a 50 cents off coupon, this lipstick retails at .99 cents! YES, 99 cents!
YES NYC is an American Brand, however they are available online at www.drugstore.com, at their site at this time the lipstick "NYC New York Color Ultra Moist LipWear" is priced at $1.59.

So getting to the benefits, here they are.

**POSITIVES**
Creme Formula
Lipstick Color flattering to my complexion
Affordable+++
Availability (state wide)

**Negatives**
Availability (International)

So in summation, who will benefit from this purchase? The makeup artist that need a red lipstick that can be downplayed to look like a tinted lipbalm, the person who is in a tight budget and needs a red lipstick color, the person who has tried every single red shade created and cannot find a red shade lipstick that compliments her skin tone. If you meet any of the criteria above, then you are in LUCK!
All I want to say to NYC, THANK YOU for being smart to create a beautiful lipstick color that can look beautiful on anyone around the world at such an affordable price. I love everything about this shade Holy Grail quality and Officially a "Dollar Gem"!

Banana Boat baby 50+ Sunblock review and swatch

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Banana Boat baby sunblock 50+ tear free

First let me say I have been rather behind when it comes to today's post. I will say in my defense that I live in the Rio Grande Valley. Down here they have (in my opinion) two seasons: Summer and Spring. I know by now most of the USA has 70 degree weather maybe 60 (I'm guessing here) but today my dear reader was a whooping 96 degrees. Yes 96 degrees. So you see today's post is justified! It's still hot down here and we still need to wear sunblock! So on with the show!

There are two reasons why I bought Banana Boat Baby. First, because of the amount. It provides 8 ounces. Secondly, because it has a sensitive formula. This one is for babies. Lastly, because of the 50 plus uv/b protection and price ($7.55 @ HEB). I will admit, before this I was using the Aveeno one, but the formula (eventhough it claims to be oil free) is too rich for my skin. Also for 3 oz I payed $8.00 dollars. Call me cheap, but I want more bang for my buck. I took on the chance mostly because it was geared for babies. I thought if the formula is gentle enough for a baby, it should suit my skin. I am so glad I bought this and let me tell you why.

Banana Boat Baby 50+ Sunblock backside

I was extremely delighted it came with a lot of product. 8 ounces for 8 dollars (roughly speaking)? Fabulous! The formula is right on the money. I use foundation that at times do not provide a high enough SPF. At times, I wear my Garnier BB cream on nice days, but the 15 SPF just doesn't cut it. Due to trial and error, I skip moisturizer when using this sunblock. When you layer your face and mind you if you have an oily face like mine: layering cream, after cream, after cream is rather stupid. Stupid because if your face is already oily, why pack on more oil? Do you really need more oil on your skin? Exactly, YOU DO NOT! I learned when using this sunblock, to apply it right after I wash my face. By the time I finish doing my eyes, my skin has soaked up the product and I do not have to wait around to apply my foundation. Technical "techniques"  uses aside, I love this formula. This is not creamy, or greasy its more liquid.

Swatch for Banana Boat Baby 50+ Sunblock

The best comparison I can give you is Oil of Olay moisturizer for sensitive skin 15 SPF. I admit, I own the knock -off version sold in Wal-Mart and the texture is almost just like it. When I apply to my skin, it feels like a water based light cream. Not oily and it really soaks up instantly. Do not be afraid of the swatch. It looks pale white at the bottom, it actually disappears once you rub it on your skin. Like anything you apply on your skin, with time you will see the oil. I use regular tissue paper to blot and my skin looks just as good when I applied it. So who will enjoy this? anyone who needs a proper sunblock that won't irritate your skin!

**Positives**
The price (8 dollars/it may depend where you purchase it)
the amount: 8 oz
sensitive formula/not greasy
availability
high SPF 50+

**Negatives**
none that I can think of!


Do not spend 30 to 50 dollars for an expensive sunblock/moisturizer. This one does the job of two at such an affordable price. When in doubt for a sunblock for either play or work; give this one a shot. For me this is holy grail stuff!

Jordana Blush in Touch of Pink-review and swatch

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Jordana Blush Touch of Pink

This particular blush was purchased a little over a moth ago at Kmart. I was looking for a matte pink blush, and since these are priced at 2.99 (?) I thought it was worth giving them a shot. I was pleasantly surprised!

Jordana Blush Touch of Pink swatch

One things I loved about this shade is that it is matte, richly pigmented and not dusty at all. You would think this shade is a true pink, but in fact it is right between pink and peach! Those that have fair complexion or olive complexion would find this shade quite flattering! Easy on the eyes and even when you wear this shade, at the end of the day your cheeks look naturally flushed. SO pretty!

Jordana Blush Touch of Pink on my skin

I can honestly say there is nothing negative to say about this product except for availability. I had to drive a good 15-20 minutes for my nearest Kmart. Walgreens sadly does not carry Jordana blushes. A shame considering there are more Walgreens than Kmarts, for one. Secondly, if Walgreens would expand  Jordana cosmetics in their stores, it would be a great benefit both for the consumer and the store. Oh well...

I highly recommend this shade. Office friendly, easy on the pocket and officially Holy Grail Quality!

Avon Ultra rich Lipstick in Sheer Raspberry Ice-review *pic heavy*

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Avon lipstick Sheer Rasberry Ice

I must admit, I have owned this lipstick for over a year now. That's the reason why the lipstick seemed used not brand new. But given the fact I have owned this lipstick for a long time, it gives me the advantage to tell you about this lipstick and why I love it so much.

There was a sale with Avon (see, I told ya I like them sales!). This lipstick, according to the Avon website retails at 7.00 dollars. I was able to purchase this lipstick at 50% percent off. So, I ended up paying 3.50 plus tax. I picked the color from the booklet, they did not have a tester at all. So in reality, I purchased this lipstick with blind hope.  Boy, I lucked out!!!

Bare lips without any lipstick

Lips applied with Sheer Raspberry Ice lipstick from Avon

What I like is that this formula is creamy with a little hint of satin. This lipstick did not dry my lips at all. The color is universal and the wear time for me was 3-4 hours. You can have a porcelain complexion or olive skintone and this lipstick will really bring out the best of your lips, seriously. In my opinion this is one of the most underrated lipstick shade from the Avon collection. I will confess that before I planned to review this lipstick, I went to Avon's website just to see if they still have the shade available and they do! If you need a lipstick that can be perfect for work or play, this shade knocks it out of the park. What saddens me is that this lipstick is not talked about because it truly deserves our attention. Even if you are not a fan of Avon's perfumes or makeup, you need to give this shade a try. Seriously.

Me wearing Avon lipstick Sheer Raspberry Ice

Swatch for Avon Sheer Raspberry Ice

Again beautiful color. Avon gives plenty of chances to nab their shades at a reasonable cost due to their sales (right now it is priced at 4.99, same cost of a lipstick purchased at Walmart, Target or in my case in Texas Grocery Store HEB).
Beautiful Lipstick and Holy Grail quality!
Let me know your thoughts!

**sorry for the typo** Its raspberry not rasberry, d'uh! Michelle**