NYX Cosmetics Matte Lipstick in Tea Rose

So I've been eyeing this lipstick for a while.  And by a while I mean like at least a year.  I'm not sure why I never picked it up...I guess NYX just kept releasing so many unique and crazy colors that I spent my money on them instead.  Well not this time!!

I picked this up during a BOGO 50% off sale along with the Crystal Pewter liner.

This is my first time trying a lipstick from their matte line and I am seriously impressed.  I love it!  It glides on pigmented, matte, and does not seem drying.  The longevity is very nice as well, much better than the wicked lippies.  I am so excited to add this to my collection and I will be wearing it for my super important graduate school interview this weekend. I think it is a great my lip but better shade and is perfect for any professional setting.

Where to buy: Nyxcosmetics.com, Ulta, drugstores

Price: $6

A Break From Makeup: Scrambled Egg and Avocado Open Faced Bagel Breakfast Sandwich

So I don't really know what to call these as I just kind of threw a bunch of my favorite ingredients together this morning to make this yummy breakfast.  It was so good that I really wanted to share it with you guys!!

It looks kind of weird...I know...but oh my was it delicious.

Alright so on to how I made it!

Saute the mushrooms and garlic in 1/4 tbs of olive oil

Put your mini bagels in the toaster oven (or toaster) and get them toasting

Turn the heat down and crack the egg into the pan

quickly add avocado, cheese, spinach, and milk

Turn the heat up to the best temp for scrambling all the ingredients together

Mix in basil and parsley to taste

Scoop your mixture onto the bagels and enjoy!

I was going to initially make this a sandwich but there was too much filling for that to be possible.  The open faced method looks cuter anyway.

Not all the ingredients are listed in the nutrition facts for this meal because things like garlic and basil don't really contribute much calorie wise.  The sodium for this was a bit higher than I was expecting but the protein is nice.  The calories would probably be close to 400 if I would have had a full half an avocado to use...I had to scrape out some brown bits. However you could probably omit the cheese completely....I just really like cheese.  I think adding more mushrooms would have also been better.  This was flavorful enough to eat without the bagels, taking them away would make this much less calorie and carb dense.

Overall this breakfast experiment was a success and I will definitely be making it again!

Colour Pop Lippie To Go Set Featuring Grind, Frenchie, I Heart This, Bichette, and Brink

My wonderful friend got this set for me for Christmas.  I had heard about this cosmetic company and was literally thinking the morning before exchanging presents that I wanted to give the brand a try.  Such a perfect gift with really great timing!

You get 5 mini lipsticks, on one end is the lipstick and the other end is the lip liner.  They are exactly the same color so I'll only be swatching the lipsticks for this set.

Here are all the colors side by side.

Grind- a mid toned purple

Frenchie- a neon red

I HeartThis- a bright fuchsia

Bichette- a deep red

Brink- a pinky rose nude

Grind is quite the awesome color but unfortunately the formula isn't amazing.  As you can see on the lip swatch I had trouble getting the color to stay in the middle of my lips.  It also fades after a few hours or a meal to a neon pink.  I also found it to be a tad drying.  However, the color is nice and if you don't want to pay the $16 for MAC's Heroine, this is a good buy.

Frenchie! This is a very very nice red that glides on smooth and covers well.  There isn't anything too unique about the color but it definitely makes a really nice travel red.  It also fades nicely after a meal with only a slight darker red ring around the lips.  I can't for the life of me use the lip liner half of these, its almost too pointy, I can't get an even line.  However I'm hoping the more I use them and dull down the point the easier it will be to apply.

I Heart This is a pretty generic bright pink.  It is much more wearable than a Barbie doll or super hot pink shade but it is still fairly bright. However, I think it may be slightly dark enough to wear in winter, but for the most part I can see this being a mostly spring and summer kind of color. I think it goes really well with my skin tone. The color glides on easily and does not feel drying.

Besides Brink this is probably the second most often worn lipstick. It is such a nice deep and flattering red.  Its so easy to just throw on and go.  Unfortunately this lipstick can and will be defeated by a more messy meal meaning if I want a long wearing red lip I will still reach for MAC's Russian Red or JCat's Red Potion over this.  Regardless it is a very nice color to keep with my in my travel bag.  you never know when you'll need to rock a red lip on the go!

I thought Brink would be my least favorite because, ew, nude.   However I have worn this one the most so far!!  It is actually a very interesting nude that I feel goes with almost any makeup look.  I have it in my travel bag and wear it all the time when visiting my boyfriend because if we decide to do a little kissing he won't have to worry about getting red or pink all over his face :P

This color goes on smooth and opaque.  Its also non drying.

Overall I like these lipsticks and would definitely buy from this brand in the future as they offer a lot of unique colors for an affordable price.  The lipsticks for the most part are creamy, opaque, and non drying.  The staying power isn't wonderful, its gone after a few hours or a particularly messy meal but that is the case with most lipsticks in this price range so I'm not upset in the least.  They are a truly awesome Christmas gift, thanks Jaime!! <3

Where to buy: colourpop.com

Price:...I don't know it is sold out and they've taken it off the website.  However each full size lipstick or pencil is $5

Indie FOTD With Hello Waffle Cosmetics Hisster Prynne and Detrivore Cosmetics Livor Mortis

Alright! So I've been using Indies for quite some time but for whatever reason I havn't been using them much lately.  I think its because since getting the Urban Decay Electric Palette I've been basing a lot of my looks off of the colors it contains.  Well not today! Today I wanted to do a look featuring two Indie samples I have not tried before.

Here is Hello Waffle Cosmetics Hisster Prynne and Detrivore Cosmetics Livor Mortis.  Hisster Prynne I got with my first Hello Waffle Order (more about that at the end) and Livor Mortis was given to me by a friend who already had a sample in this color.  Anyway, I love purple and red together so these are the perfect pair for me.  Kinda strange that Hello Waffle doesn't put their brand name on their sticker.  I had gotten some full sizes as gifts for friends and they kept asking me to remind them what brand it was.  Also I just realized both of these are lip safe....awww yes!

They swatch beautifully and as you can see even more so when put over a primer.  Hisster Prynne is a nice bright slightly light red.  Livor Mortis is a deep to mid toned purple.  Both are slightly shimmery but are not filled with chunky sparkle.

And here is the look I did with the two colors!  I decided on a purple and red halo eye because why not. I think putting NYX Milk under these would make the colors even greater!

Oh! Good news! I worked my first day as a teaching assistant for a chemistry lab and two of my students  told me they loved my makeup! :D

On my lips is NYX Matte Lipstick in Tea Rose.

I also decided to swatch these colors against a similar color just for comparisons sake.  Against Livor Mortis is Shiro Cosmetics Not Very Effective, a favorite of mine for use as an eye liner.  NVE is much darker and is filled with very chunky sparkles while Livor Mortis is lighter and more shimmery than sparkly.  Both are great!

I didn't have another Indie red at my apartment so I swatched it against BH Cosmetics Aphrodite from the Galaxy Chic Palette.  Aphrodite is a bit darker and more rusty colored while Hisster Prynne is lighter and more on the pink side. I will be getting a full size of Hisster Prynne because I really want a nice red that isn't confined to a palette.

Thanks for reading!

Final Thoughts:

Detrivore: I have now tried two shadows from this brand and I love them both.  Bruise works great as a special effect kind of shadow for...well..bruises.  Livor Mortis could also be incorporated into zombie or halloween makeup effects and just worn alone of course.  I could see this being used as an eyeliner as well, however I probably won't buy the full size.

Where to buy: shirocosmetics.com/products/detrivore/

Price: $1-$6

Hello Waffle: The shadow I got to try is great and because of this I will be ordering again, but I am a bit bummed regarding my last purchase.  On Facebook before Black Friday she had posted that for a day only she was having a buy 3 get one free sale.  This was perfect as I wanted to get three of my friends shadows and then one for myself because I am totally allowed to get Christmas presents for myself!! Anyway I stated in the comment section that I wanted Hisster Prynne as my free shadow as per the Facebook instructions but instead all I got was the sample size. :(

I'm not sure if I just misinterpreted the Facebook sale or if she didn't understand my note.  Either way it was a sad day opening the package.

Regardless I'll be buying the full size this weekend along with Ethereal Voice and maybe something from the Composers collection.  My friend will be placing a joint order with me so at least shipping won't be so damaging.

Where to buy: Hellowafflecosmetics.com

Price: $3.84-$7.09 CAD,  $3.08- $5.70 USD

USD could change based on the current conversion rate at purchase.

NYX Cosmetics Liquid Crystal Liner in Crystal Pewter

I love my liner in Crystal Jade so when NYX was buy one get one 50% off I picked this up.  Its called Pewter but honestly I think its more of a Lilac, there is a subtle purple sheen to it which is 100% the reason I picked it.

This is definitely another winner.  The color is gorgeous and its subtle yet makes a statement.  Although my night class literally just got canceled because of snow that hasn't even happened yet...so no one but you guys will get to see my face today.  Oh well.  I did have to put on 2-3 layers to get the sparkle to this opacity but I don't mind having to build it up because that means if I want to just have a light sparkle dusting I can do that too.   If you like sparkle I definitely recommend these.  I actually like the formula for this one better than Crystal Jade, I don't get the slight skin tugging when I make an exaggerated eye movement. Besides the liner I also have Dust, Buzz, and Nooner from Naked 3 on my eyes.  Liquid liner is Jesse's Girl as always.  On my lips is Frenchie by Colour Pop cosmetics.  The review for it is coming soon!

If it is snowing where you are stay safe please!!

Where to buy: NYXcosmetics.com, Ulta, Drugstores

Price: $4.50

NYX Love in Paris Eye Palette in A La Mode

I have never picked up a NYX Cosmetics eye palette because I kept hearing again and again that the quality of the palettes failed in comparison to their singles.  However for Christmas my mom stuck A La Mode in my stocking and I've used it almost every day since.  I was a little apathetic at first because its all neutral browns, silvers, and grays but with a bit of use I've discovered not only do the quality of the shadows rock but I can make so many quick and easy looks with this!  Today I wanted to share with you a simple every day look I throw on if I don't feel like doing anything extravagant and also a more involved dramatic look with gorgeous results.

As you can see from the product picture I've been getting quite a bit of use out of this palette!  That is especially true for the matte black and light shimmery silver. There are still two color in this palette that I have not (and probably will not) use, the two matte brown shades.  I may be able to use the browns in my eye brows if I'm ever in a pinch, making those colors not completely useless to me.  

Here is an overall swatch of the palette in the same order as they appear in the case.  There is a strip of Mary Kay eye primer under each shadow showing that they definitely offer more pigmentation when placed over a primer.

The top three shadows are a shimmery brown, a midtoned shimmery silver, and a very dark shimmery grey.

The middle row includes a matte brown, a matte black, and a matte gray.

And the bottom row contains a matte white, a light shimmery silver, and a dark matte brown.

Here is my simple smokey eye that I do when I'm traveling and don't feel like spending a lot of time on my makeup.  I apply the dark shimmery grey to my lid and with a bit on the lower lashline.  Then I take the matte gray and blend it up into my crease and once again on the lower lashline.  The lighter mattes have a less intense pigmentation so it may take a bit more to get the color you desire.  Finally I take the matte black and lightly line my eyes.  I do it darker and thicker if I want a bit more drama, but here it is very subtle.  I then used the matte white on the inner corner.

This is my dramatic look! I am so in love with this, its just so sexy without being too over the top.  You bet I wore this during the day, who says intense makeup is only for evenings!?  Anyway on my lid is the shimmery brown, in my crease is the matte black, and on the bottom lash line close to the inner corner is the shimmery silver.  On my lips is Stila's Stay all Day Liquid Gloss in.......

Where to buy: nyxcosmetics.com, Ulta, drugstores

Price: $10

Nail Design Using OPI My Voice is a Little Norse, Miami Beet, and Zoya's Noot

My current nail adventure came about by chance.  I had a vision and it just kind of took a completely different turn.  Initially I was just going to do the pink nails with the silver glitter but because My Voice is a Little Norse does not cover opaquely it looked a bit strange.  In order to save my manicure I took Noot, a dark grey, and turned the statement sparkle into an accent stripe.  Overall I think they looked pretty cute.  

However because I put the grey over the sparkle it acquired a bumpy texture upon drying.  I think this would have looked much better if I had done the sparkle strip over top of the pink and grey.  Live and learn!

Also Miami Beet looked much redder on my nails than it does in the bottle, which I was a little bummed about because it was supposed to match my dress.

These nails were done to match my dress for a New Years Eve dance.  Here is my boyfriend and I looking fancy :)

On my lips I'm wearing OCC Lip Tar in Black Dahlia.

J Cat Wonder Lip Paints in Always Late Rabbit, Ches Desire Cat, Mad Splatter, and Red Potion

I hope everyone had a happy new year!  I know I did, I went dancing with my boyfriend and discovered a love of the tango! :3

Anyway.

After getting Red Potion in my Ipsy glam bag I knew I had to have more of these.  The quality and staying power of a lip tar for only $5!? Heck yes.  

So with the 30% off coupon my mom and I picked up a few more of these lovelies. 

From left to right is Always Late Rabbit, Ches Desire Cat, Mad Splatter, and Red Potion

First up, Always Late Rabbit.  This is one of the ones my mom purchased.  It is a very nice bright but still wearable soft pink.  It goes on easily and is overall quite lovely.  I think my mom will get a lot of use out of this.

Next, Ches Desire Cat.  This is the one I purchased.  How could I turn down that gorgeous lavender?  And gorgeous it is! Just wow! You do need a bit more of this and the first shade to get full coverage compared to Red Potion but I don't mind because the results are gorgeous.  These two also do not last quite as long as Mad Splatter and Red Potion.

Mad Splatter is the color that came in my mom's Ipsy bag.  I'm glad I didn't get this one just becauase I already have soooo many bright pink lipsticks with a blue sheen.  However if you don't already own a color like this I would definitely recommend picking this up.

And of course Red Potion.  I'm recycling the image from my Ipsy review, sorry! Saving time, its the same thing anyway, etc etc. As far as quality, coverage, and staying power I still think this one is my favorite.  It was a bit of a bummer to learn the formulas were not all identical but I think all of them are still 100% worth the $5 price tag!

Lip brushes are not included so make sure you own one before picking one of these up!

Where to buy: jcatbeauty.com, Ulta

Price $5