Audrey Dao

Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss ($19) What it is:
An ultralight, high-shine, low-tack gloss that delivers true, even color.

What it does:
Achieve a full-bodied lip look with medium-intensity pigment suspended in this silky, hydrating formula. Special emollients encapsulate water to keep lips supple while plumping spheres work to draw water into lips for a smooth, voluminous effect. An infusion of exfoliant enhances cell turnover to promote fresh softness.

My Thoughts:

I was was not impressed with this gloss. The gloss is quite sheer and thin, and I had to layer on so much for the color to be the same as it is in the tube.  I don’t like the wand/applicator either. It’s flexible so it was more difficult to apply. What I liked about the Gem Gloss is it’s non-sticky and the colors offered are so gorgeously different. I wouldn’t recommend Gem Gloss to anyone. There are drugstore glosses that are better quality. The poor performance was unexpected from a high end brand.

I used Tarina Tarantino Gem Gloss in my Spring Time Look: Bold Blue Eyes. I had to layer on at least 3 layers to get the color I achieved.

Nars Orgasm Illuminator ($29) NARS Orgasm Illuminator lights your skin from within! Deceptively sheer and decidedly luminous, it magically transforms lackluster skin into a remember-me, luscious complexion. Flirt with foundation, go it alone, or go neck-and-neck with your décolleté. The effect is, well, orgasmic.

My Thoughts:

I love illuminators and highlighters. My favorite go-to look is glowing skin so I am always on the hunt for the perfect product to give me that angelic glow. I had heard and read such positive reviews on the Nars Orgasm Illuminator so I knew I had to try it. Did I like it? I’m not sure. It’s not a great product, but it’s not a bad product. I guess it just didn’t live up to its hype. I think it will only work for people who have a light to medium skin tone. It gives a slight peachy glow. Be careful when applying it over makeup because if you don’t give enough time for your makeup to set or dry the illumintor will cause your makeup to get sticky, gummy. I don’t think it’s worth $29 and isn’t as great as the other Orgasm products.

Urban Decay Alice in Wonderland Book of Shadows ($52) Open the palette to reveal a pop-up scene of Alice in the mushroom forest. Her “drink me” bottle discarded, she staggers past towering mushrooms, only to cross paths with a very peculiar, hookah-smoking caterpillar. A large mirror rests behind the scene – you feel as if you are transported into the film itself.

Hidden inside a secret drawer are 16 best-selling Eyeshadows, given topsy-turvy names like White Rabbit, Jabberwocky and Oraculum. Alongside them lie travel sizes of Eyeshadow Primer Potion and two 24/7 Eye Pencils. From smoky neutral eyes to flashes of hallucinogenic green and purple, the looks you can create are as endless as the rabbit hole itself. Anyone who loves Urban Decay, Tim Burton, Disney, or Alice in Wonderland absolutely MUST have this palette. Even the Mad Hatter would say this Book of Shadows delivers it all.

My Thoughts:

I own practically all the shades already so there was really no reason for me to purchase the book of shadows, but I couldn’t resist! I told myself no too! The shades are not new. They were just renamed to go with the Alice in Wonderland theme. If you own the any of the previous book of shadows, Ammo palette, and/or the Sustainable palette, you would already own the majority of the colors in this palette. Here is a chart displaying the real names of the shadows and the ones used in the Alice in Wonderland Palette.

As usual, all the shadows are great quality and perform exceptionally well. The majority of the shades are a bit shimmery, glittery. There are not many matte or semi-matte colors. It’s a great value if you don’t own the colors yet or want to try out Urban Decay eyeshadows. I wish they made new shades or limited edition shades instead of re-naming the ones that already existed.

NARS Makeup Primer SPF 20 ($33)

What it is:
A lightweight, fast-absorbing, sunscreen-infused foundation primer.

What it is formulates to do:
Moisturizes and prepares the skin for flawless makeup application as it protects the skin from environmental damage.

My Thoughts:

Truthfully? I was disappointed. When something costs $33 and is made by NARS, you expect quality performance. I don’t think it made my makeup last throughout the day and it made me look so oily and greasy! I also didn’t like how watery/runny it is. I don’t think this is for people with oily skin. It could possible work for people with normal and/or dry skin.

NARS Highlighting/Bronzing Blush Duo ($37) This limited-edition Blush-Bronzer Duo contains the incomparable combination of Nars’ Orgasm Blush (subtly peachy-pink shimmer) and Laguna Bronzer (sheer light brown shimmer), which have been individually touted for their universally flattering and natural-looking hues. This compatible pairing creates summer’s quintessential glow both with ease and convenience – anytime of year.

My Thoughts:

Orgasm and Laguna are cult favorites. So when I saw this duo I had to snatch it up. Also, it doesn’t hurt that it was on sale. Thank you Sephora Friends and Family.  Did I mention I’m a sucker for sales?

Orgasm: a very pigmented shimmery/sparkly blush. It’s a peachy pink shade that despite what practically everyone says, doesn’t work on every skin tone. I’m sure it works on most skin tones, but it didn’t really work on mine. I have yellow undertones if you were wondering. Orgasm looked more pink than peachy on my skin.  It also shimmered like a disco ball. I think it’s overrated. Don’t get me wrong. It’s a pretty color. I just think there are better shades of peachy, pink blushes than Orgasm. Overall, the blush texture is wonderful. It’s finely milled, soft, and pigmented. You can read about my thoughts on Nars blushes in the review section.

Laguna: gotta love the Laguna Bronzer. It gives you that perfect tan color that isn’t reddish or orangy. Do you notice that? That reddish or orangy tone that comes with most bronzers? I have to say Laguna will probably suit  most skin tones. Be careful if you have a light/pale complexion. It can look dirty/muddy if you put too much on. Laguna adds a natural warmth to you face that will be perfect for summer and handy during the winter. It’s a pigmented bronzer that does shimmer. Overall, I will probably purchase the full sized Laguna bronzer. It’s not everyday you find a good bronzer.  I can understand why people are going nutso over Laguna.

Benefit Sugarbomb ($28) why we love it: Swirl the 4 flattering shades of peach, soft plum, shimmering pink and rose powders together and sweep on cheeks for a sweet rush of gorgeous. what else you need to know: Complete with soft, natural-bristle flush brush.

My Thoughts:

The newest blush to join the Benefit family gives a gorgeous rosy, peach flush. I think this blush will only work for people who have a light to medium tone. It’s a light colored blush so I don’t think it will show up on a tanned or dark complexion. The blush is shimmery, but you can’t see the glitter because the powder is finely milled. It doesn’t show up shimmery, but rather gives you a glow. Sugarbomb actually reminds me of a lighter, more subtle shade of Benefit’s Coralista. I think Sugarbomb is for light complexions and Coralista is for darker complexions. It’s an expensive blush, but it will last a very long time.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Collector Set ($249)

What it is:
A limited-edition set of 25 Full Size Aqua Eyes Eyeliners.

What it does:
The 25 Aqua Eyes Collector Set includes the full range of 25 shades so that you can create endless eye looks. Aqua Eyes is an award-winning, waterproof, and long-lasting eye liner pencil that contains a unique formula that adheres to the eye lids and resists water—even under the most extreme conditions. Its creamy texture glides on effortlessly for precise application and intense color, and by smudging it immediately after applying to the lid, it can double as a shadow.

What else you need to know:
Shades include Aqua Eyes in Champagne 23L, Fuschia Pink 13L, Purple 11L, Black Purple 6L, Shimmering Plum 4L, Burgandy 18L, Pearly Brown 2L, Light Brown 19L, Light Taupe 24L, Bronze Green 5L, Bronze 10L, Gold 9L, Pistachio 17L, Green 16L, Forest Green 20L, Turquoise 7L, Blue With Green Highlights 12L, Majorelle Blue 15L, Iridescent Navy Blue 3L, Mat Black 0L, Star Black 1L, Dark Grey 21L, Grey 22L, Silver 8L, White 14L.

My Thoughts:

You can read about the Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes review to find out how the eyeliners perform.

This is every makeup and eyeliner addict’s dream.This reminds of the Crayola crayon boxes with 64+ colors. I know the $249 price tag is a lot to take, but if you were to buy these eyeliners individually, it would cost you $425. That is almost double the cost of this collector set. I don’t recommend buying the collector set unless you like wearing color because it would be money down the drain. A good way to cut down on the cost of this collector set is to split the cost with a friend(s). Divvy up the eyeliners. Take what you need/want. You will still be saving money.

I actually got this for myself. I know. I must be one crazy lady. I love this set. I wouldn’t have gotten it if the eyeliners were poor quality. I honestly will not have to worry about buying eyeliners for a very, very long time.

Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes ($17)

What it is:
A two-in-one eyeshadow and liner pencil.

What it does:
These waterproof eyeshadow and eye liner pencils contain a unique formula that adheres to the eyelids and resists water even under the most extreme conditions, without running or fading.

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite eyeliners. My other favorite eyeliner is Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eyeliner. Just like the 24/7 eyeliner, it is extremely long wearing. I actually think this lasts even longer. No smudges. No smears. It stays put until you remove it. It glides on very easily. No tugging. However, I think it’s not as creamy as the 24/7. When you first apply the eyeliner, you can smudge it to your liking. Once it sets, it stays. It also lasts a decent amount of time on the waterline. The colors are rich and vibrant. This is absolutely one of the best eyeliners on the market. Don’t be put off by the price. They are worth it. Once you’ve been through as many eyeliner brands as I have, you would be gladly to pay for these eyeliners.

Urban Decay Show Pony Shadow Box ($30) Artsy hipsters and makeup junkies rejoice! Urban Decay chose Kime Buzzelli, darling of the LA art scene, to illustrate this amazing Shadow Box inside and out. Kime’s paintings feature wickedly fashionable women… often with brightly colored makeup running down their cheeks. Inspired by these characters, we’ve filled our palette with 6 shadows… all totally wearable, and 2 exclusive to this set: Snatch (peachy-pink with glitter) and Painkiller (turquoise shimmer).

You’ll love the versatility of this set: pick from bright, fashion-forward shades, or go neutral with “9 to 5”-friendly shadows that still give a ton of personality to your look.

Rounding out the set is a travel-sized 24/7 Eye Pencil in never-fail Zero (black), a mini genie bottle of Eyeshadow Primer Potion (so your makeup won’t run down YOUR cheeks), and a big mirror. This shadow box will make you beautiful AND do wonders for your street cred. Thanks, Kime.

My Thoughts:

I was a bit hesitant to get this palette because the art design on the shadow box scared me. I changed my mind because you can never go wrong with Urban Decay eye shadows. All the shadows perform so well! They’re long-lasting, blendable, and gorgeously smooth. All their shadows are really pigmented. The colors are true to color. What you see is what you get. Do be careful when using Snatch. It is quite glittery. If you’re not used to sparkly glitter, use a light hand. Painkiller (turquoise) and Flash (purple) are very vibrant colors. Mildew (my favorite) is a gorgeous deep green. Toasted (copper) and Smog (dark brown) are great neutrals.   Be sure to check out my reviews for the 24/7 eyeliner and Primer Potion.

Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette ($24.95)

We have come up with a winner here! This is the Coastal Scents 88 Warm Palette, it is exclusive to Coastal Scents.

This palette is for everyone!  a  favorite for the professional, wedding makeup, natural photo’s, smokey eyes and more.  The huge plus about this palette is that it is toned in a way that any skin tone can wear the majority of the shades. We have combined matte with shimmer and pearls, there are 42 matte shades, the rest are shimmer/pearl.

Women of all ages and backgrounds will be able to use this palette.

Colors contained are in Silver blues, camo greens, earthy peach and stone, rich plums and so many shades of brown (everyone’s favorite!) There are plenty of highlight colors for below the brow line and inner eye that will work with any look you create.

The case has a matte surface and measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x  16.5 cm) closed, The pots are Dime Size around and contain plenty of powder for many excessive uses.

My Thoughts:

This is one of my favorite palettes. It’s perfect for day and night looks. The colors are neutral and pigmented. This palette contains a mixture of shimmer and matte eye shadows. You get the best of both worlds! You get so many colors to work with and to test and create different looks. Overall, a great buy.

Don’t be fooled by the photo or the videos on youtube. This palette is actually quite small in real life. Remember, it only measures 9″ x 6.5″ (23 cm x  16.5 cm). That is smaller than a piece of paper. The diameter of each eyeshadow is roughly the size of a dime (1.79cm). Be careful when handling the palette. It’s not very sturdy. Also, don’t use the 2 sponge tips that come with the palettes. It is rather cheap, and once you take it out, good luck getting it to snap back in.