Beauty from the Earth Give Away!

Christina of Confessions of a Glitterholic is doing another give away and this time she is giving away same Beauty from the Earth stuff.
Being given away are:
One 5 gram jar of Gem
One sample size of Whisper
and One Sample bag of Poolside

Entering is super easy so check it out and enter! If you CLICK HERE it will take you to the give away :D

Look #7: Purple Ice

Primer: NP Cosmetics eye primer
Base: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Lid (inner to outer): Silver from HIP Platinum Duo, Smoked Lilac (Virus Insanity Eyeshadow), Electric Koolaid (Madd Style Cosmetics)

Liner: Almay Liquid Liner in Black Pearl

Under Eye: Silver from HIP Platinum Duo, Smoked Lilac (Virus Insanity Eyeshadow)

Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil in Lust

False lashes w/ Revlon Lash Adhesive

Mascara: Maybelline the Falsies Volume Express Mascara 

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Look #6: Purple Smoke

Pardon the less than fantastic cat eye and the random strand of hair running down the middle of the pictures
Primer: NP Cosmetics eye primer
Base: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Lid (inner to outer): Silver from HIP Platinum Duo, Smoked Lilac (Virus Insanity Eyeshadow), Riff Raff (Madd Style Cosmetics
Liner: HIP Cream Liner in Black, tip of cat eye Almay Liquid Liner in Black Pearl

Under Eye: Silver from HIP Platinum Duo, Smoked Lilac (Virus Insanity Eyeshadow)
Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 Eye Pencil: Oil Slick

False lashes w/ Revlon Lash Adhesive

Mascara: Maybelline the Falsies Volume Express Mascara 

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The Peanut Gallery: Neutrogena Oil-free Eye Makeup Remover

 If you are having trouble getting your eye makeup off then this may be your answer.

I noticed once I started using primer and base my old eye makeup remover just wasn't cutting it, I really had to rub at my eye with it to get it off which needless to say was not fun. >.< ouchy. And it was near impossible to get glue from my false eyelashes off with out rubbing my eyelid like mad or picking/peeling it off. >.< double ouchy.  So after putting up with this for a little while and my eyelids getting irritated and sore I decided it was time for a change. I had heard good things about this stuff so I decided to give it a try.

THE GOOD:

• Easy-peasy: FACT: I am lazy about certain things, including makeup removal. It has to be quick and easy and effective. This product is all three. All you have to do is: 
• 1. Shake the bottle til the water and whatever is floating on top (which looks suspiciously like oil for an oil free product...) mix together (which doesn't take long at all).
• 2. Apply product to your cotton ball/cotton round/whatever you use and wipe off your eye makeup. 
• 3.Then grab another cotton round/etc. dampen it with a little bit of water and wipe that over your eyelid, under eye, etc. and you are done. See? simple.
• Does it make the grade? 
• Eyeshadow over Primer and Base: A
• Gone with out lots of rubbing and scrubbing
• Eyeliner: A
• Stubborn "Waterproof" Eyeliner: A
• Urban Decay 24/7 eye pencil ("waterproof") gone
• False eyelash glue: A+
• makes removing left over eye lash glue sooooooooo much easier!!!
• Mascara: B+
• Now I'm not one of those people who obsessively makes sure every little bit of mascara is gone but if you hold the cotton ball/cotton round/whatever to your eyelid/lashes it does a good job of removing it with out a lot of rubbing at your eyelashes. It certainly does a better job than most products I've used. However, as stated I don't make sure every little bit it off.
• Water-Proof Mascara: ?
• I have heard it does a very good job of removing waterproof mascara however I do not own even one waterproof mascara so I can't test that out for you. But I have heard from people whose opinion I trust that it does a wonderful job.
• No eye irritation here: It does not irritate my eyes, even when I have my contact lenses in (which you probably shouldn't do : x oops )
• No burning, itching, etc.: It doesn't make my eyelids sore at all
• Did you goof?: Being somewhat new to blending etc I occasionally mess up and need to remove all or just part of my makeup and redo it. Some removers leave an oily residue making re-doing it right away not an option. This stuff really does not and you can re-do your makeup right away.

THE BAD:

• Dry skin?: Shortly after starting to use this product I noticed dry skin developing on the outer corner of my eyelid and the surrounding skin. I can not say 100% for sure without a doubt that it's from this product since I also started using Urban Decay's Primer Potion around the same time and that has been known to dry out people's skin, BUT this dry skin issue happens even when I use my other primer so it very well could be this product. However, I am prone to dry skin as it is and it is mild so it isn't anything I little bit of face moisturizer can't handle.

THE IN BETWEEN:

• Oil Free?: Well there is certainly something there floating on top of the water like oil would until you shake it up.... however it doesn't leave the skin oily. 

Price: about $5-$6 a bottle in store, which I think is pretty darn reasonable for something that really works. I've also heard the Target brand (Up&Up) version of this works well and it is a lil cheaper (about $4-$5)

Would I buy again: Most definitely!

And since seeing is believing:
A video of little ol' me takin off my eye makeup (false lashes included) so you can see for yourself how well it works. Note: no sound needed. and the blue cup in the video has water in it since I am in my room where there is no running water. Also pardon random odd facial expressions lol.

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Look #5: Young Love

(click for full size image)

Another entry for a Valentines Day Contest

Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion

Base: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Liner: HIP Cream Liner in black

Mascara: Maybelline the Falsies Volume Express Mascara (not my fav but it works)

LID:

Silver = Silver from my HIP Platinum Duo

Pink: = Top 40 (HiFi Cosmetics)

UNDER EYE:

Silver = Silver from HIP Platinum Duo (again)

Purple = a purple from Elohi's Domestic Violence Awareness Collection

Nothin Fancy but I like how this turned out. I think it's fresh and young and just plain fun.

The colors were much more vivid in person but the camera didn't want to co-operate.

(click for full size)

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The Peanut Gallery: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils

I don't know if I'm the only one but for years I struggled with pencil eyeliner that not only smudged but transfered onto my  eyelid up away from the lash line due to the way my eyes are shaped/how they open etc. I love the quick simplicity of a pencil liner but having it always end up looking horrible after a few hours was frustrating. 
Then I discovered Urban Decay 24/7 Gliding Eye Pencils.


Urban Decay explains its 24/7 Pencils thusly:
"The best Eye Pencil ever, ever, ever! Never before has a pencil this creamy and brilliant been waterproof, too. Velvety-soft, this never-before-seen formula stays soft and creamy for blending (about 30 seconds), then dries down to a long-lasting finish that WILL NOT budge. ... Created with 50% moisturizing ingredients suspended in a sophisticated waterproof formula, 24/7 Eye Pencils offer long-lasting color and a dreamy, creamy feel when applied. With Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Cottonseed Oil."


Now that sounds amazing. But is it true? Lucky for you I happen to have acquired a few of these babies (8 to be precise) and I am here to let you know how they work.


THE GOOD

• Smooth application: These pencils really do glide, there is virtually no tugging and pulling on the eyelid like most pencils do. 
• Texture: They are nice and creamy. You can definitely tell they have moisturizing ingredients
• Staying power: I no longer have issues with pencil ending up transferring onto different parts of my eyelids. Are they 100% waterproof... eh... I'd say more very water resistant. For example if my eyes water (due to cold winter air or w/e) especially if I then rub my eyes the liner on my lower lash line does smudge some. However, I have noticed that when I use a primer and base on my lid and lower lash line this doesn't really happen anymore. Aside from eyes watering this stuff really does not move.
• Versatility: As UD claims you can smudge these when you first apply them or you can leave the line crisp and it will stay crisp all day long.
• COLOR COLOR COLOR: Oh my goodness these colors are amazing!! and there is a wide variety of colors available. Some are metallic some are sparkley (with super super find glitter that you can't even feel) some are matte. There really is something for everyone. Since seeing is believing later in this article I will post swatches of all 8 of my pencils for ya :D
• Calling all vegans: True UD is not a purely vegan company but a good number of the liners are vegan. It is easy to find out which ones are vegan friendly. All you have to do is find the  UD 24/7 Eye Pencils on UD's website. Each color has a squiggle of that color with the name, description and number, and on some of them you will see a small paw print which means it is vegan. Zero pictured below is just one example. (UD does the same thing with their other products including their eye shadows)

.

THE BAD

• Waterline fail: UD says "24/7 Eye Pencils are ideal for lining inner lids because the waterproof formula stays put. Just apply, try not to blink for a sec, and you've got immovable liner. " and I know some people use these on their waterlines with great success, however for me they do not work well on the waterline AT ALL. I have a hard time getting anything to stay on my waterline though, so this may just be me. 
• Price: The cost of $18 for one full size stick of eyeliner is, *winces* painful. However, as I said I have 8 of them and many of them I got in either the Jet Set pack, which has two travel size liners for $15 (and they still are decent sized liners) or the Pencil Duo w/ sharpener, two full size liners and sharpener for $30. There are also other larger package deals in which you get a little more bang for your buck. These are available at Ulta, Sephora, and/or on Urban Decay's website. Also, keep an eye out for coupons to help ya out.
• Removal: warning this stuff can be a bit of a pain in the butt to remove depending on what eye makeup remover you use. (I recommended Neutrogena oil-free eye makeup remover) 

OVERALL: While they don't exactly 100% live up to UD's description of them they are AMAZING none the less


COLOR REVISITED!: Now for your viewing pleasure UD 24/7 swatched!

First things first my pencils (dual end is from Naked Palette):

1. Whiskey - dark brown

2. Crash - deep plum w/ teeny silver glitter

3. Underground - metallic taupe (one of my favs!)

4. Rockstar - darkest eggplant

5. Gunmetal - gunmetal w/ teeny silver glitter

6. Lust - deep purple w/ subtle silver sparkle

7. Oil Slick - black w/ teeny silver glitter

8. Zero - black

SWATCH SET 1 (indirect sunlight w/ inside lighting & flash. truest to color of the two sets):

SWATCH SET 2 (sort of sunlight, it was cloudy... no flash... rather washed out... less accurate...)

These pictures do not fully cover the amazingness of these colors. They are all to die for. 

WOULD I BUY AGAIN: Hellz yea. UD 24/7 pencils are the best eye pencil I have ever found. They are hands down my favorite pencil liner. No ifs ands or buts about it. 


*UPDATE: Tip for waterline use. Apply a UD liner (or any liner) to your water line then with a small brush pat a SMALL amount of eyeshadow over the liner, preferably one that does not have glitter particles cuz those wouldn't be fun to get in your eye, though very fine glitter particles should be fine. Obviously your waterline will be the color of the eyeshadow more so than the color of the liner but the shadow sets the liner and makes it last MUCH longer on your waterline

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Look #4: Hearbreaker

(click either image for full size)

This look was originally created as a submission for a Valentines Day contest.

Inner to outer: Kick Ass (Madd Style Cosmetics), a purple from Elohi's Domestic Violence Awareness collection, Black from HIP platinum duo.

Base: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Primer: NP Set Cosmetics eye primer

Liner: HIP cream liner in black

Lips uh a bunch of different glosses/lip sticks layered til i got to a color that i liked.

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Look #3: Ready, Set, Go!

(Click for larger view)

This look was done using only Virus Insanity Eyeshadow pigments.

From duct to outer corner: Becca-ecca, Speed Up, and Explode

Highlight: Fairy Green

Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 liner in Gunmetal

Base: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk

Primer: NP Set Cosmetics eye primer

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Intro to Primer and Base

Eye makeup not staying put? Pigments not as vibrant, shimmery, and beautiful as you thought they would be? Chances are you may be in need of a good primer and a good base. For those of you going 'say what?' here is an introduction and tutorial on the purpose, types, and use of primers and bases wif lots o pictures (cuz I am a visual person and cuz a large block of text is kinda boring)
*takes a bow* *dodges a tomato* Hey! No throwing food! I haven't even started yet!

Primer

What is a primer?

A primer is applied before your makeup in order to help the makeup stay in place and increase it's longevity. There are different types of primers including eye primers, foundation primers, eyelash primers, lip primers, etc. This post will be focusing on eye primers

Brands?

There are many brands of eye primers on the market, I use either Urban Decay Primer Potion (Original shade) or NP Set Cosmetics Eye Primer. Many primers can be rather pricey (a full size bottle of UDPP is $18, mine is a travel/trial size that came with a palette I bought) but for those on a budget E.L.F. has a primer that I have heard works well and is only $1. You may be able to find the E.L.F. primer at Target or Gordmans otherwise it is available online on e.l.f.'s website

Sooo how do I use it? 

Primer is the very first thing that goes on you eyelid. Word to the wise: you only need a teeny tiny bit. If you use too much it will crease thus defeating the purpose of using it. Its always better to put not enough and add a lil more if necessary than to have to much and have to start over.

STEP 1: Wash - First things first (this one is kinda a no brainer) wash your hands, obviously it's always a good idea to wash your hands when you are going to be touching your face, especially when it's around your eyes. Gotta protect to peepers!

STEP 2: Apply - Dab a very small amount of the primer onto your eyelid (either using a wand if your primer has one or your fingertip) You should use just enough to, when blended, cover the area where you plan to apply pigment with a thin layer, generally you are NOT supposed to really see the primer so don't glob it on. If you use too much primer it will cause your pigment to crease, which defeats the purpose.
TIP:  I generally dab it on in a few different spots instead of just one spot as it makes the next step easier.

STEP 3: Blend - Using your fingertip spread out & blend the primer until it covers your eyelid. As for how high up you want to go with the primer, that's up to you. I generally go all the way up under my eyebrow so even the color I choose for the highlight stays put, after all my primer is sheer so you can't see it if it isn't totally covered by pigment.

STEP 4: Get low - (optional) Dab a small amount along your lower lash line and blend it across said lower lash line. This is useful for when you plan to use a pigment as a liner.

 

STEP 5: Watch paint er I mean primer dry - Before you do anything else to your eyelids give the primer time to dry, go get dressed; do your hair; do your lips or face; eat a cookie; whatever just give it time to dry (time required will vary by brand)

Note:Primers come in a variety of shades and colors. Some, like the Urban Decay Original Primer Potion I use, go on sheer. Some have a tint to them and some have a shimmer to them. Also, different primers work better for different people depending on thinks like how oily or dry your eyelids are. My advice would be to do some research and when you decide on one, if possible purchase it from Sephora where (unlike pretty much all other stores) if you try and do not like a product you can return it, even though it has been opened.

Primers can be used with or with out a base.

*dodges a pineapple* 0.0 Please don't throw pointy things!!! I no like pain!

BASE

What is a base?

A base (specifically an eyeshadow base) is something used to bring out a pigment's shimmer and to bring out and the pigment's true color. The base goes on after your primer.

Brands?

There are many brands that have bases. I use NYX's Jumbo Eyeshadow Pencils as bases. They are available in a wide variety of colors (using a different color base changes the look of your pigment so don't be afraid to try a few different colors) and are very affordable. At Ulta and on NYX's website they sell for about $4.50 each but they can also be found on ebay for cheaper. NYX also has a base that is around $7 but I have not tried it seeing as the pencils work wonderfully for me.

How do I use it?

STEP 1: Same as the first step for primer. Wash your hands (esp. if you haven't done that yet).

STEP 2: Apply a small amount of the base to your eyelid. You can use a brush (specifically an angle brush), your finger, or in the case of the NYX pencils the pencil itself as you would with an eyeliner. I usually apply straight from the pencil and I do so in a few, for lack of a better term, dash marks on my eyelid. As with the primer you can dot a little on under your lower lashes 

STEP 3: Using your finger blend the base until it is sheer and covering all of the area in which you intend on applying your pigment(s) (pardon the poor image quality on this one, I didn't have enough hands to use my camera so I tried using my webcam, it didn't work very well :/)

TIP: it can be helpful to use a free finger to gently pull the skin of your eyelid, especially while blending in order to get your base evenly applied even in areas where there would normally be a crease or fold in the skin

STEP 4: Apply your pigments :D

*dodges another tomato* Well ya can't please em all!

For more info about NYX Jumbo Pencils click here 

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OOO GIVEAWAY

I haven't had time to finish moving my blog over to here yet but for the few of you who I have already linked to this page check out this giveaway on the "Confessions of a Glitterholic" blog. http://christinaluvsglitter.blogspot.com/2011/02/its-giveaway-time.html

The give away is some Virus Insanity Eyeshadow pigments and trust me VIE is good stuff! Def. one of my fav. sellers.

Look #2: Black & Blue

Primer: Urban Decay Primer Potion

Base: NYX Jumbo Pencil in Milk & Black Bean

Liner: Urban Decay 24/7 in Zero

Lid: (inner to outer) Shattered (Urban Decay), Brad (Madd Style Cosmetics), Valiant (HIP), Eddie (MSC), Dr. Frankenfurter (MSC)

Highlights: Virgin (UD), Shattered (UD), Brad (MSC), Grifter (UD)

Under eye: Shattered, Brad, Eddie

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Comments From the Peanut Gallery: HIP Kohl Eyeliner

I found these, L'Oreal Paris: HIP Kohl Eyeliners at Walgreens on sale for under $4 each (normally $8 - $9) and despite having never used a kohl liner before I decided to give them a try. After resisting the urge to buy all the colors (so many pretties) I settled on Gold and Navy.

What is a kohl eyeliner?

Kohl liners are eyeliners that are designed for smudging, often used in smoky eye looks. Often they are soft pencils or, as in the case of the HIP kohl liners, a loose powder. Some people like to use kohl liners for their waterline (though I would assume that the pencil version would work better than a powder cuz oww particles in eye = not fun and it would be hard to get this product onto a brush to pat onto your waterline).

HIP Kohl Eyeliners - The Break Down:

The Good: 

• THE COLOR. I really love the color of these, though the Navy is considerably darker when applied than it appears to be in the container. They have good pigmentation and the shimmer is wonderful, especially in the Gold, which is my personal favorite.

• VERSATILITY. They can be smudged for a smoky eye look. They can be applied in a soft but clean line giving you a softer look than with say a liquid liner. If you apply them wet they can be applied in a nice, considerably sharper line (this also greatly reduces fallout)
• APPLICATOR. The applicator is a semi-flexible spongey material so you aren't poking or scratching at your eyelid with a stiff solid tip.

The Bad:

• FALL OUT. There is some issue with fall out (particles falling onto the lashes, face, and eyes). There isn't a lot but when I have my contacts in it is irritating.
• ACCIDENTAL SHMEARIN. This is mostly my fault, I sometimes without thinking rub my eyes and they smear, though by design they are supposed to be smudge-able so really can't blame the product on this one.

Longevity: Honestly, so far I have only worn them a couple times. In my experience so far they last pretty well. Once I have worn them more I'll give you a better idea of how they last.

Price: Reasonable, especially on sale

Would I buy again?: Possibly, I don't do smoky/smudged looks very often but I really do love the colors.

I currently do not have any pictures of these on my eyelids, when I get some I will add them. 

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