Beauty-in-Between

Friday, January 29, 2016

Physicians Formula Murumuru Butter Bronzer Review

Hello!

After looking high and low for a review on Physicians Formula's new Butter Bronzer and not finding much, I decided to just purchase the product and try it out myself!

To start, the product is available in two shades: Light Bronzer and Bronzer. I purchased the latter as it is the darker option, and I thought it would suit my NC25 skin more.

My first impression of the product was, "Holy cow, this scent is insane." I assume the scent is a product of all the infused seed butters (MuruMuru, Cupuacu, & Tucuma) and any other artificial fragrances. I advise you stay away from this product if you're very sensitive to fragrances.

As for its bronzing abilities, upon first swatch, I didn't think much of it. I actually thought that it could be used as a face powder. But alas, it can actually bronze my skin! Granted it's nothing near Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil or Benefit's Hoola bronzer. But because it's not as deep in color, you don't have to be too careful in applying it to the face. I will say that this bronzer won't do a great job of bronzing those around or above NC/NW30. Additionally, this product does have a slight sheen, but it's nothing crazy.

To compare, I swatched both Too Faced Dark Chocolate Soleil and the Butter Bronzer. I did edit the photo so that the Butter Bronzer swatch could show up well enough.

All in all, I would recommend this bronzer to those who have a fair to medium skin tone and want a product that is easy to work with. It blends easily, isn't overly pigmented, and isn't too warm or cool. I wouldn't recommend this to those who have a deeper skin tone, are sensitive to strong smells, or want a 100% matte bronzer.

Hope this was helpful!

Allison

A final note: the packaging is bulky. It has a mirror and houses a sponge applicator (which I don't advice using for bronzing). I suggest depotting the product if you're not a fan of bulky compacts.

Milani Lash Trifecta Mascara Review

Welcome Back!

Today's post is all about Milani's new mascara: Lash Trifecta.

To preface, my lashes will only hold a curl if I'm using a waterproof mascara. Sadly, this product isn't waterproof. If you've got similar lashes to mine, read on to see if this mascara will suit you!

Called the Lash Trifecta, Milani claims that it can lengthen, curl, and separate lashes. I can't attest to whether this product can curl lashes (because I've got incredibly straight lashes), but I do think that this mascara can lengthen and separate lashes.

My belief is that flat mascara wands are able to lengthen and amp up lashes the best- and this mascara does just that! Without bristles to adjust the position of lashes and get between them (and clump them up), the straight sides of this wand are able to coat lashes evenly.

The wand is curved with three sides (which makes a triangular prism). On each edge are its bristles. And at the very tip is a head of bristles. This wand is great because the flat sides are able to lengthen lashes, the bristles are able to help maneuver lashes, and the tip is able to apply mascara to hard-to-reach places.

Overall, I recommend this product to anyone looking for a mascara that can lengthen and separate lashes. But if you've got really straight lashes, you may want to look elsewhere because it can weigh down on them.

Hope this was helpful!

Allison

Monday, June 1, 2015

A Review: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70

Hi there!

If you're looking for a quick review of Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70 then you've come to the right place! Read on to learn about my thoughts.

As someone who cares about her skin, I've always been one to look for a sunscreen which offers a few things: a high SPF, broad spectrum factor, and the ability to not alter my foundation. And luckily I've found all those traits in this sunscreen.

After giving my moisturizer time to set into my skin, I apply this sunscreen. It absorbs quickly into my skin and does not leave a white cast (something which can happen with many sunscreens). Additionally, it does not leave my skin feeling tacky (hence "ultra sheer"); which is great because it doesn't make my foundation feel weird and heavy on my skin.

So in short, I would recommend this to those who are looking for a daily broad spectrum sunscreen to layer under your makeup or to just wear on its own. But if you're looking for a moisturizing sunscreen, then this wouldn't be the product for you.

Hope this review helps!

xo Allison

PS: It's super runny, so be careful when pouring the product out.

What I Would Wear To: Las Vegas

Hello :)

In a few weeks I'm going on a trip to Vegas, baby! I haven't been in a long time, so it should be fun. What probably isn't going to be fun is the hot summer heat...oi.

I can foresee packing for this trip will be quick; as I'm most likely going to throw in a number of lightweight shorts and tops into my bag. So below is an example of what I would wear to keep cool in the inevitably hot Nevada heat!

What would you wear to lovely Las Vegas?

Summertime Fun by tinypony featuring sexy lacy bras

MANGO black crop tank top
$30 - johnlewis.com

Black elastic waist shorts
sheinside.com

Madewell sexy lacy bra
madewell.com

Converse white trainers
$69 - harveynichols.com

Maison Scotch black studded backpack
$180 - nastygal.com

Acrylic jewelry
unique-vintage.com

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Eyebrow Products for Dark Hair + Swatches

Hi!

So it's been quite some time! I just thought I'd pop back on here to show some of my favorite brow products because who hasn't been all about the brows lately?

To start, my current favorite is the NYX Micro Brow Pencil. It's a twist-up pencil attached with a handy spoolie, and it is so easy to use in my opinion. I think it's great for a quick application that looks pretty natural for those who lack some eye brow hairs.

Next, is the Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade. I love this product for a bold brow look. It takes some getting used to because applying this with a heavy hand can make you look like you stamped your brows on. This is awesome to fill in missing hairs or to just create a new shape. I recommend using this pomade with a super thin brow brush.

And lastly is the product that I've owned for the longest time: NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder. I would recommend this to those who are just starting to use makeup because it's forgiving (in comparison to the ABH Dipbrow). It's also great because it comes with two shades; so you can mix the colors if you wish.

Below is a picture with swatches of the shades that I use. If you've got dark hair (I currently have black hair), then these may suit you!

Anastasia Beverly Hills Dipbrow Pomade in Dark Brown
NYX Micro Brow Pencil in Taupe
NYX Eyebrow Cake Powder in Taupe/Ash

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

A Tuesday Tip: How to Keep Lashes Curled

Hello!

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I just wanted to quickly share some tips for those who struggle with keeping their lashes curled, defined, and lifted. Being of Asian decent, I have straight, black lashes that almost point downwards towards my cheekbones. So, after many trials and errors I have gathered some info for you guys :)

First off, you'll need a good eyelash curler. No eye shape is exactly the same, so you'll probably have to shop around to find a company which offers an eyelash curler which caters to your eye shape. I have rather large, round almond shaped eyes (they're more round than almond, though) and I find that Revlon is the best for me (I use any curler of theirs that has a spring). Once you've found an eyelash curler which works for you, practice curling your lashes. And take your time. I literally spend more time curling my lashes than any other makeup step. Practice starting from the roots to the tips. If you want to flare out your lashes more, don't curl the very tip of your lashes. Personally, after I've curled up & down, I like to lightly push my eyelash curler to the very, very base of my lashes and curl there. And don't forget to turn your face slightly to see how your lashes look from an angle.

Next, search for a mascara! I'm a big fan of drugstore mascaras (specifically Maybelline or L'Oreal products). It's a rule of thumb that you shouldn't use a mascara for more than a couple of months (to prevent any unwanted infections), so why shell out major bucks at a pricier place? Now, this is probably the most important tip for keeping your lashes curled: Use A Waterproof Mascara. Something about a waterproof formula is great for preventing lashes from drooping and straightening.

Lastly, if you've just tried out a brand new mascara and decide that you don't like it, wait a little bit. Give the mascara a chance to dry out a bit so the wand can apply the mascara formula to your lashes with a little bit of resistance (you can try it out again within the same week or wave the wand). The added tackiness can help build up the product too. Now, this does not mean that you should wait for the mascara to actually dry out.

So, yeah! I hope that these three tips can help any of you which strive to keep straight lashes curved, flaired, and pretty!

Feel free to share any of your own tips below :)

:) AL

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

The 2013 Roundup

Hello!

Woohoo!!! 2014 has arrived! I cannot believe that a whole year has already gone by! I'd say that I've tried out a fair amount of products this passed year, so here are some beauty items that have become a staple in my makeup bag in the year 2013.

1) NYX Full Coverage Concealer in a Jar

Heavy duty, light, and easy to blend, this concealer is great for covering up unwanted pigmentation. I especially love the Green Concealer for correcting any redness before applying skin-toned concealer. This is great if you're in a pinch.

You can buy it here**

2) Clio Gelpresso Waterproof Pencil Gel Eyeliner

I'm going to be honest here, I recently just started using this eyeliner mere weeks ago- but it's quickly become a must-have for me! It's insanely smooth when applying, but stays put for hours long. The only black shade (to my knowledge) has slight gold glitter to it, but it's not too noticeable. If you're not a fan of glitter, this may not be for you.

You can buy it here**

3) Cover FX Cream Concealer

You'll love this if you've got acne marks to cover up. I use this over medium coverage foundation, or sheered out full coverage foundation, for a more natural appearance.

You can buy it here**

4) L'Oreal True Match Super Blendable Makeup

Also a new-ish addition to my makeup bag, this foundation has trumped all other foundations I've used this year. I'd consider this as medium-to-full coverage with about 6-8 hours of wear (without touching up). The main reason why I really love this foundation is that it controls oil very well, in my opinion, without having a super matte appearance.

You can buy it here**

5) Neutrogena SkinClearing Mineral Powder

Formulated with Salicylic Acid, this powder is made to clear up skin. I can't recommend this with full honesty to be used as a powder foundation because I use this as a bronzer. Haha, gotcha there! I use Tan (80) to warm up my nc25-ish complexion for a natural, day look.

You can buy it here**

6) Rimmel London Stay Matte Pressed Powder

If you're looking for an affordable setting powder, this it it. Admittedly, the packaging kind of sucks but don't be deterred (or, you know, drop it). It's matte, affordable, and widely available. Try it out!

You can buy it here**

7) Physician Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Pressed Powder

This pressed powder is a godsend for bronzing lovers. A little on the pricier side for a drugstore item, it's still awesome if you want to define and contour. A slight con is that it's not entirely matte.

You can buy it here**

8) Smashbox Camera Ready Full Coverage Concealer

The third and last concealer on the list! I've been using this stick concealer since January of 2013 and it's still going ham (sorry, I'm still recovering from celebrating the new year)! Apply with a fluffy eyeshadow blending brush for seamless coverage or straight from the stick and blend with fingers if you're in a time crunch.

You can buy it here**

9) L'Oreal Telescopic Shocking Extensions

Dare I say that I have found my Holy Grail mascara? I've repurchased this mascara continuously since I first found out about it. It helps lengthen my lashes and you can really build it up for volume. It's just a very nice, versatile, and well rounded mascara in my opinion. ps: I wear darkest black in waterproof.

You can buy it here**

So, hopefully this rundown of products will point you in the direction of your next makeup fave!

What were your makeup product highlights of 2013?

:)
AL