Benefit Hoola Bronzer Review & Swatches

Hello loves! Today I am reviewing the infamous HOOLA bronzer by Benefit Cosmetics. This product had to be the start of the contouring trend. Heavy contoured cheek bones are the new style this year and orange toned bronzers don't help to contour. Ashy toned or grey undertones help to contour the face, as opposed to using a normal bronzer that is meant to BRONZE not CONTOUR. Ladies just starting out

Lorac PARTY Palette Review & Swatches

So recently, Lorac has sent me their new "PARTY Palette" to review and swatch for you beauties! This is pretty much an unboxing for you ladies! I've never even opened this palette or even heard of it for that matter! So these pictures are my first time ever seeing this palette! 

Let's talk packaging! I love the fact that this palette is covered in glitter specks! It's definitely under a coating so it feels like plastic! Don't worry you won't find glitter all over your beauty drawers because of it! It really accents the "Party" name! And you loves know that gold accents are my weakness! The simple gold lettering accents the gold and silver glitter specks all over and its the picture size to throw in to any makeup bag! I'm so excited to open this baby up!

Okay, so quick overview! The palette comes with 10 shadows, all shimmer or satin, and no matte shades! The two largest shades along the bottom are highlight shades! It appears as though the shadows are meant to be used in groups the left five and the right five! The left shadows I adore already! Their may not be any mattes...but I love the fact that they're gold toned and very warm! It's definitely my kinda eye look! Now for the right five shadows, it definitely accents the "Party" name! It comes with a purple, green, blue, and a black, with a pink highlight shade! The colors are meant to be festive and fun and they truly are! 

So here are the swatches for the first five shades! Now the shadows don't have any names, so I swatched them in order of how they appear in the palette! The first shade is a light shimmery gold and very similar to Urban Decay's Half Baked, except the glitter specks are a little heavier! The next three shades are different tones of brown! The second shade is quite a warm brown, while the next is a lot darker. Now the last brown shade is more berry toned, sort of like a deep maroon color! Like I said none of these shadows are matte, and the first two shades are more of a satin finish while the rest are all heavy glitter shades. You loves know that some heavy glitter shades tend to be very low in opacity but these shadows are the complete opposite! I do, however, recommend using Shadow Shields, or applying your face makeup after using them, only because they seem to generate a lot of fall out. I love the highlight shade at the bottom as its white with a gold tone and that compliments these four shadows perfectly!

Now onto the fun colors! These shadows are amazing! I love the fact that they're shimmering and have beautiful reflects! The purple shade is more satin finished than a glitter but has this beautiful fuchsia reflects to it! Perfect for a prom look or adding a pop of color on the lower lash! The next shade is an olive shade, and it's probably my favorite shade in the entire palette! It has gold glitters and has this amazing sparkle to it that compliments my brown eyes, and any eye color for that matter! Definitely a useful shade when I want to make a natural eye pop a little more! I find that blue shadows are the hardest to work with as they usually act as a stain and tend to take a lot more building up and blending than any other shadow color. It isn't just this palette, but with any blue shade made by any brand! It's just one of those difficult colors! I wouldn't recommend applying this into the crease or anywhere where it needs to fade gradually because blue shades tend not too! Definitely use this as a pop of color in a concentrated area, a small one at that! The black in this palette is definitely black! Black shadows can be a hit or miss because they could either be a heavy, true black, or blend into a light grey tone that isn't opaque at all. But this black is definitely heavy, but it's not matte. It has a slight satin finish with some silver specks in it, so don't be fooled! The highlight shade, OMG! I'm not one to highlight my brow bone with a shimmery shade, only because with a colorful look it tends to look to over the top and shimmery, but I love peachy shades like this for the inner corner! Its such a neutral shade that compliments all these colors on the party side beautifully! 

Now I know I went very in depth into this palette more so than I have with any of my shadow reviews but its because this is my first time ever touching and seeing this palette! I wanted to give you guys my honest first impression as I was opening it myself! Now the great thing about this palette is that its only $24! It's valued at $100 and that's such an amazing deal! The size is perfect to throw in your bag and it comes with 10 shadows to create so many different eye makeup looks!  I hope you guys enjoyed my unboxing and first impression of the Lorac PARTY Palette! 

xoxo,

Beauty Madness

Million Dollar Tan Dark Sunless Tanning Mousse

Self-Tanning is definitely a must for me! I don't really tan when I'm out in the sub, my pale skin just burns! I know that burn will eventually turn into a tan but it isn't good for your skin! Skin Cancer has become such a problem these days and a self tanner works just as well for me! I love self tanners and getting spray tans much more than laying in a tanning bed for ten minutes and ruining my skin. The Million Dollar Tan brand has taken over with their endless amount of self tanning products, and I finally decided to try one out. This is the Mermaid Mousse Extreme which runs for $42.00. It is a bit pricey but self tanners are worth the money and save my skin from any damaging rays! Most girls are afraid that they could make them look too orange and unnatural. But this product has a slightly green undertone which helps make it look more natural than orange. 

I definitely recommend purchasing a mitt or a self tanning glove to apply self tanner to prevent orange hands! Those aren't cute. We all know "self tanned hands" are all over Youtube and are hilarious to see, but the mitt prevents it! The one shown here is just from Sephora, and they're usually like $6.00 so its pretty cheap and definitely worth it to get an even tan! 

Before:

After:

These pictures are my before and after using the self tanner. You can tell it definitely enhanced my skin tone to be much warmer and gave my skin a natural sun kissed look. It isn't a crazy dark color, but you can apply several layers to make it darker. These pictures are about 4 hours apart, but I recommend applying your self tanner before bed and letting it sit on the skin for about 6-8 hours to really get the best tan possible. Just take a shower in the morning to rinse off any residue on the top layer of the skin to prevent staining your clothes!When showering the next morning, only rinse off the tan don't use any type of soap or scrub, and apply a moisturizer immediately after.Since you let the product soak into many layers of your skin, you need to moisturize every day to keep the tan from fading as your skin layers scrub off. This will help the tan to last a lot longer than it would with dry skin!

I definitely recommend self tanning to everyone because it is safer and looks just as natural! I love this product and gives me a natural tan, definitely a staple, especially in the winter months! Don't forget a mitt!

Before my beauties start ranting about tanning and starting a controversy, I'd like to point out why I'm against tanning beds, and laying out in the sun for a long period of time. My mother has gone through two surgeries for skin cancer, so it runs in the family. Also, I know looking tan is like a must to look like a bronzed goddess and a tan does look gorgeous I agree. But I feel as though self tanning products present that same glow as the sun does. Yes, they may be more difficult to apply and wear off a lot faster than a natural tan. But beauty isn't worth my life or ruining my skin. Makeup is my love, but my life is worth so much more. 

xoxo,

Beauty Madness

Skincare Routine

Hi lovies! Today, I wanted to share with you guys my updated skincare routine! I figured instead of making a super long video explaining all these products, a blog post would be so much easier! Especially if you want to refer back to these products, you can just come here instead of searching through the video for a particular product! Let me know if you beauties like these kinds of posts! 
xoxo,
Beauty Madness

So my skincare routine is quite simple actually! I have all the basics, mostly drugstore and some more expensive! I feel as though spending more money on my face cleanser and moisturizers is a better choice because for my skincare, I like really good quality products. I have normal to dry skin with some breakouts every so often! In this post, I'll tell you all about the products I use, why I use them and their prices!

 The first step to my skincare is my facial cleanser. This is the Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (mild). I have dry skin, and its quite sensitive so Clinique is my go-to brand for my skin type. This cleanser removes all my makeup and even waterproof mascara! Yet, it's so gentle on the skin and doesn't rip off your lashes! I have used this product for over 6 years, so it's safe to say it's my HOLY GRAIL! I don't think I'd ever use any other cleanser. This product is $17.00 which is a little more expensive than the drugstore but it isn't crazy pricey! I think the product is definitely worth the money!

Description: This dermatologist-developed Facial Soap maintains protective lipids and loosens surface flakes to leave skin clean, comfortable, and refreshed—never taut or dry. 

Okay so recently I purchased the St. Ives Oatmeal Scrub & Mask. I ran out of my old facial scrub and I just needed to run to the drugstore to grab one, and I'm so happy I chose this one! This product can be used to scrub off any dead skin and with my dry skin, I need that! But what's cool about it is that it can also be used as a mask that you leave on for 3-5 minutes and it hardens! It's perfect for a spa night at home! The best part is it's only $3.99! This product leaves my skin feeling cleansed, smooth, and without those dreaded flakes of dead skin for my dry skin ladies! I adore this product as a scrub and a mask! It's two products in one for under $5! That's a steal!

Description: This dual purpose formula combines creamy oatmeal with 100% Natural Exfoliants. Use as a mask to nourish skin or as a scrub to smooth away dullness. Skin is left looking and feeling soft and healthy.

You're all probably wondering why I use a Youth Serum when I'm only 18 years old. I use it as more of a preventative product and it leaves my skin feeling silky and smooth! The serum I use is the Loreal Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum. I apply this before my moisturizer morning and night to give my skin an amazing glow and feeling super hydrated. It is a little pricey for the drugstore priced at $19.99 and the only downside is that the cap doesn't come off! So I can't get to all the product left at the bottom that the pump won't catch! Which sucks! But I love this product as a serum and it isn't too pricey compared to a Lancome Serum which is like $55.00.

Description: Your skin is still young, but it's quality is not always perfect. Skin's texture can be rough and uneven, with visible pores and fine lines. Scientifically developed for all skin tones and types, Youth Code Texture Perfector Serum helps to improve overall skin quality over time.

Let's talk moisturizer. After I apply my serum, I apply my moisturizer which is the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion. Once again, you can tell how much I love the Clinique Skincare Line. This moisturizing soaks into my skin and really helps give it the hydration it needs! Perfect for my dry skin, especially in the dry winter months. Clinique does also offer the Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel which isn't as thick as the lotion, so it isn't as hydrating. I've tried the gel before, but I didn't love it as much as the lotion because my skin is so dry and it needs all the moisture it can get! This product is $26.00 which is a little pricey, but its perfect for my skin and doesn't break me out! It comes with 4.2 fl. ounces of product, but it also comes in one size up and some smaller sizes! I have repurchased this product about as much as the facial cleanser and it is once again a holy grail product for my skincare routine!

Description: This formula features all the same benefits as the original—plus more. Step 3 in Clinique's 3-Step Skin Care System, this moisture "drink" developed by Clinique's dermatologists maintains optimal moisture balance for very dry skin or comfortable to oily skin in the T-zone. With a new complex yet same silky texture and quick penetration, this lightweight formula strengthens skin's own moisture barrier by 54 percent and locks in essential moisture. It delivers twice the hydration all day, leaving skin silky-soft, springy, and absolutely radiant. 

Ever noticed your concealer cracking or creasing throughout the day? This could mean your underlies are quite dry! That used to happen to me all the time before I started using an eye cream! My recent pick up is the Origins GinZing Refreshing Eye Cream. I've heard so many people rave about this product and I finally decided to give it a go! I'm so happy I did! The scent is so fresh as Origins is one of those natural, organic brands! It's also a salmon color which helps counteract darkness under the eye, while also adding some luminosity to the under eye. We all know we want that "Kim Kardashian Look" with her bright under eyes and contoured cheeks! This product has become a life saver in helping my concealer look flawless all day long! I recommend applying this product in the morning, only because it's quite invigorating and really wakes up the under eye so you'll feel quite awake after applying this. It is expensive as its priced at $30.00 from Sephora, but like I said, when it comes to taking care of my skin, I like to splurge! 

Description: This natural, clinically-proven morning-after eye cream instantly reduces dark circles. Unsightly bags and puffiness virtually disappear. And Origins' proprietary complex of caffeine from coffee bean, Panax ginseng, magnolia extract, and natural optic brighteners rapidly wakes up, refreshes, and restores radiance to tired eyes. Best for all skin types. 

 I notice that a lot of my pores appear larger on my nose, and makeup can help build them up and make them appear larger. I love using these Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips at least once a week to help clean out those pores so they don't look as large! This product definitely helps! It makes my nose feel silky smooth and look totally flawless! I recommend these for everyone! They're only $6.99 for 8 strips and are so worth it for a spa night at home or when you're in a serious need to cleanse your pores! 

Description: Let's face it: Squeezing blackheads doesn't always work. You could damage your skin or even make it vulnerable to clogged pores. Biore Deep Cleansing Pore Strips, with selective bonding ingredients, work like a magnet by instantly locking onto and removing deep-down dirt that can cause blackheads so you get the deepest clean. When used weekly, you will have fewer clogged pores and the appearance of pores will actually diminish. It may be disgusting...but it's also oddly satisfying. And in just 10 minutes it cleans weeks worth of dirt buildup. 

 So I don't usually get breakouts because I try and take care of my skin as much as possible! But when that time of the month comes around, we all know, a girl's skin doesn't look too hot around that time! When I see a pimple peering through or feel a little bump, I always apply this on it right when I see it. I tend to apply this product at night as its a great spot treatment and works best when it can soak into the spot overnight. It's not too drying, but it helps dry the pimple out overnight and visually appear smaller on the skin and helps it not grow into a giant, nasty red bump on my skin! The Clean & Clear Advantage Acne Spot Treatment is only $7.99! I know the tube looks kind've small but a little goes such a long way to cover a pimple and help cleanse it out overnight! Definitely a must for those stubborn breakout days!

Description: This medicated spot treatment quickly reduces the size and redness of pimples and acne breakouts. Formulated with 2% Salicylic Acid. Won t overdry skin.

I'd just like to add that these products work for MY skin, and they won't necessarily work for your skin either! I have a normal to dry skin with few breakouts and dry patches! Some of these products won't work for an oily skin type, and some will! Please do not criticize me for preaching about products that may not have worked for you! All opinions are my own based on my own skin! 

xoxo, Beauty Madness

RiRi Hearts MAC Eyeshadow Palette

So this past fall, MAC released a collaborated collection with Rihanna where they released a bunch of lipstick shades, blushes, and shadow quads. My mom purchased me this palette for Christmas and I'm in love! I know this collection isn't availabe on the MAC site, but you can find this collection on Ebay or Amazon. This is one of the shadow palettes she released in the shade "Phresh  Out."

 

Unlike the usual MAC packaging, Rihanna's collection is white with gold detailing. I love the fact that with any MAC collab collections they have the signature of the person it's for. They've also done collaborations with women like Nicki Minaj, Miley Cyrus, and Lady Gaga. Definitely a variety of artists with products based on their style. This palette comes with 5 shimmer shades, with no mattes. I love the fact that MAC chose to put the shadows in thin rectangles rather than they're typical circles. It definitely shows Rihanna's variety of style and how interesting she is and has her own personality. 

This review isn't only for this specific palette, but for all the collaborations MAC cosmetics has done and how amazing their products are. They definitely take a stand in representing the artist being collabed with, and try and use their product to reflect on their personality. Its all about the quality, especially as company's that collaborate tend to cheapen or get lazy with the detailing in their products. But MAC puts so much effort and really makes their collections stand out and as amazing as the rest of their products.

This picture doesn't do these shadows enough justice! This palette has 5 unique shadows that have a metallic undertone with different reflects when lighting hits them! They're so soft and easy to blend. The first shade (watching from right to left) is like an opal shade with a silver undertone. The next shade is a gold with definitely a peachy orange undertone. The middle shade is the most glittery of all, and its a muted pink shade. I love using that shade to finish off the lid to make any look a bit more pinky toned. The next shade reminds me of Satin Taupe also by MAC in their permanent collection. It's definitely a satin shadow with a warm gold undertone. The last shade (all the way to the right) is a deep chocolate brown, perfect for smoking out the outer V of the eye! I love these entire palette and how well they compliment each other! 

As I said, this review was not just about this palette, but more about how much quality time and detail MAC puts in to their collaborated collections, and make them significant in their own way. Every piece to their collections compliment each other as well as the artist. This palette typically goes for $48.00 as well as do many of their shadow quads in any of their collections. But the quality of every product in the collections are completely worth the money as their such high quality and sell out quickly so make sure you keep track when MAC releases a new collection! Their most recent is "A Cinderella Story" to go with the new Disney Cinderella movie released, hurry up before they sell out! These products don't usually stay in the permanent line unless they're in a HIGH demand!

MAC Cosmetics Pigment in Vanilla

MAC cosmetics is definitely a makeup lover's brand! They have everything you could possibly need, with their variety of colors with eyeshadows, blushes, lipsticks, and foundation shades! Definitely one of top brands that aren't super crazy expensive in my opinion! One of their products that I definitely have a new found love for are their pigments! I do have a couple of these pigments, but the shade we're talking about today is Vanilla. Every beauty guru has this in their collection just because its so stunning! 

So let's talk packaging! MAC has recently changed they're style of packaging with every single one of their products this year! First off, these pigments come with so much product, especially when you need a little tap of this! I usually just tap my brush or my finger in the lid because a tiny bit goes such a long way! It's a plastic little spherical tub with a rubberized black packaging! Definitely very sleek with the logo across the top! So cute!

Vanilla happens to be a staple shade in this pigment because it's so versatile. Not only can you use it all over the lid, but it's amazing for highlighting the inner corner, brow bone, and even the cheekbone! It has a gold undertone with absolutely no flakes of glitter which makes it perfect for that natural glow! It has a gold undertone, but not as much as the BECCA highlighter in Moonstone. It's a little more white, but just as opaque. You can tell that when the light hits this pigment, it gives a glow like no other! That's why this product is so amazing, especially for those days when the sun is shining! I love the fact that these pigments are so versatile and are so beautifully opaque! And the fact that it comes with so much product, I don't think I'll run out for like 5 years.. How insane!

So these pigments are priced at $21.00 but they come in so many shades with so much product! These pigments are loose color powders, and are priced by their weight. So you definitely get more than enough for the price! Since they're so concentrated, a little bit goes a long way as I said! These pigments are totally worth the money, especially Vanilla! 

Covergirl Clump Crusher by lashblast

 Okay, so I think we've had enough high-end expensive products for a little while! I think mascaras are one thing I don't like to spend a ton of money on only because they dry out so quickly and you don't necessarily know if they'll work for your lashes! Plus, the drugstore makes AMAZING mascaras! As we're reaching these warmer months, FINALLY, I definitely prefer a water resistant mascara especially if I'm going to the beach or to the pool. I don't like to do a full face of makeup in the summer too often unless I'm going out, but mascara is such a staple to just throw on walking out the door to the beach or to a pool party! It just gives a special touch to give the eye some definition! Many are skeptical about water proof mascaras though because they tend to dry out a lot, and I mean A LOT faster than a regular mascara. This is because the formula tends to be a bit dryer. But I love them for this reason! I don't like my mascaras to be too wet, especially in the hot summer weather! I definitely don't want to spend 20 bucks on a mascara that'll dry out in less than a month, so the drugstore is my go to! And Covergirl Lash Blasts have been all the rage for forever now! They'll never go out of style! The Clump Crusher is my absolute favorite!

As always, packaging comes first! I love the bright neon green color, its so fun and feels so summertime to me! The brush is plastic and so is the packaging. It's almost like a larger sized bullet, so easy to throw in your beach bag! 

So here's a better look at the mascara wand! You can tell how spikey the wand is and it doesn't have too many fibers because it is a drier consistency, as you can tell it doesn't look shiny or wet on the brush! I always use black mascara because I feel like if I'm going for a minimal makeup look, the black lashes makes it look like I spent more than 30 seconds on my makeup :) This wand definitely separates the lashes and makes them appear longer, rather than fuller. Volumized lashes tend to look more fuller, like you have more makeup on. So when I want a natural look, I love my lashes to appear lengthy and separated, not clumpy. So this mascara hits out of the park for me! Definitely a go-to for the summer!

Okay, really though, the best part of this product is the price! Wait for it...wait...It's ONLY $7.99! IMAGINE THAT! UNDER $10! Its absolutely my favorite drugstore mascara and its under $10 which makes it even better! If you're looking for an cheap, awesome summer mascara to throw in your beach bag, the Clump Crusher is for you!