drugstore makeup review – Hoots of a Night Al

Best Drugstore BeautyBlender Replacement? Flower Beauty 3-in-1 Blending Sponge Review

August 20, 2018 2 Comments

If you’ve read my blog before, you know I’m a huge fan of drugstore beauty products. I love trying higher-end products from time to time, but I believe that you can get equally amazing results with cheaper products. Based on that, I was so excited to try out a “drugstore” 3-in-1 blending sponge from Flower Beauty.

For the record, I typically use the Original BeautyBlender, and I love it! It costs $20, but it lasts me for several months, so I consider that a good investment. However, I saw that the Flower Beauty Sponge was getting amazing reviews, and it only costs $10 (hello 50% savings!), so I figured I would give it a try!

As you can see, it’s a beautiful lavender color and offers three distinct areas for applying your makeup. According to their site, “The Precise Tip allows for application around the eyes & nose. The Flat Teardrop Surface may be used for contouring and hard-to-reach areas. The Cupped Base buffs foundation seamlessly to create airbrushed look.”

So, how does it stand up against my BeautyBlender? In some ways it’s better…but in some ways it’s worse. As you can see below, it’s roughly the same size as a BeautyBlender when dry. However, when dampened it. is. HUGE. I loved this! The rounded bottom got so large that I could apply my foundation in half the time! This is my current favorite foundation, so I’ve been pumping it directly on my Flower Beauty Sponge and just dabbing away.

While I love the larger size for applying foundation, it made applying and blending my concealer under my eyes and around my eyes much more difficult. The “precise tip” gets pretty wide once dampened, so it just doesn’t work for my under-eye area when blending. However, I did like the “flat teardrop surface” for contouring and applying setting powder around my nose.

So I guess you could say it’s six of one, half a dozen of the other. 🙂 The Flower Beauty 3-in-1 Blending Sponge is a great, cheaper alternative for applying your liquid foundation and setting powder quickly, but I would have another tool handy for applying and blending out your concealer. Do you have any other drugstore BeautyBlender alternatives I should test out?

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Beauty

Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick Swatches & Review

April 10, 2018 18 Comments

Who’s ready for the latest amazing drugstore lip product?? I wear drugstore brand makeup almost exclusively, so I was thrilled when Maybelline sent me some of their new SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks. I had previously purchased the shade Lover about six months ago, and I loved it right away! The colors Maybelline sent me are from their new Un-Nude collection, which includes shades that are supposed to bold, unconventional and “anti-nude.” Between the original collection and this one, there are 20 shades ranging from understated to bright.

According to Maybelline, these liquid lipsticks are supposed to “ink your lips in up to 16 HR saturated liquid matte. SuperStay Matte Ink™ features a unique arrow applicator for precise application and is available in a range of super saturated shades.” I will definitely agree that these lipsticks are both VERY saturated and VERY long-lasting. This product stays on flawlessly until I use some Garnier Micellar Water to remove it! Depending on the shade, I do tend to get some flaking near the interior of my lip, but otherwise they look amazing all day. Here is an example of how Ruler looked on me after 10 hours of wear (including eating and drinking!).

While they are labeled as matte, they tend to stay slightly tacky throughout the entire wear-time on me. They are easy to apply with the arrow applicator, though the formula is slightly drippy, so be careful!

I think that covers everything “important”…on to the swatches! I have ordered them from lightest to darkest. The shades I’m sharing are: Poet, Seductress, Lover, Ruler, Huntress, and Protector. Also…please excuse my messy arm swatches…it’s the first time I’ve ever attempted those and it’s harder than I expected! Haha!

Poet

Seductress

BONUS: Seductress with Poet layered on top for a highlighting effect! I loved these two combined.

Lover (MY FAVE!)

Ruler (MY 2ND FAVE!)

Huntress (Perf for anyone cosplaying as the Tin Man)

Protector (Brown 90s vibes)

There you go! Six shades from the Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick line swatched on my arm and lips for you!

I wanted to include lip swatches because I always prefer those when trying to tell what a shade will look like on. I hope this was helpful; please leave any other questions you have below! Also, couldn’t resist including a “blooper…” 😉 Oh the things I do for y’all!

Thanks for sticking around! Have you tried the Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipsticks? Tell me your favorite color below, because I think I need to pick up a few more of these! What would you like me to review next?

Love y’all!

Primer: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Foundation: Covergirl 3-in-1 Foundation

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Setting Powder: Coty Airspun Loose Face Powder

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Ultimate Naked Palette

Eyeshadow Primer: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster

I received this product for free to review, but, as always, all opinions are my own.

Beauty

L’Oreal Pure Clay Masks

December 6, 2016 3 Comments

L’Oreal Skin recently released 3 Pure-Clay Masks, and I was lucky enough to be sent some to try out. Each of the masks are $12.99 and are supposed to treat different types of skin issues or concerns. I have tried out each mask a few times, so I wanted to share my opinions with you.

L’Oreal launched these pure-clay masks with the already popular concept of multi-masking. Basically, you use a different mask on different areas of concern on your face. For example, if you have an oily T-Zone and dry, patchy cheeks, you’d apply one mask to your T-Zone and a different mask to your cheeks. You can see an example of me multi-masking below.

The red algae pure-clay mask claims to exfoliate dead skin cells and unclog and tighten pores using three pure clays and red algae. This mask takes 10-15 minutes and is supposed to leave your skin glowing and smooth. I think this is the least transformative of the masks. It works fine as an exfoliant, but don’t expect any huge differences from using it. I think it may work best over the long term as a gentle exfoliant 2-3 times a week.

The black charcoal pure-clay mask claims to use three pure clays and charcoal to improve dull and tired-looking skin. This is supposed to work as sort of a detox mask and help draw impurities out of the skin. My skin definitely didn’t react well to this mask. I have fairly sensitive skin, and when I washed this mask off my face was BRIGHT red. Like Rudolph’s nose red. It was very tender for quite awhile afterwards also. I would use this mask in moderation or if you know you don’t have sensitive skin.

The final mask is the green eucalyptus pure-clay mask and is my favorite. This mask uses three pure clays and eucalyptus and is recommended for oily and shiny skin. It is supposed to help purify and clarify your skin if you have clogged pores and leave your face looking matte but refreshed. This mask didn’t over dry or irritate my skin, and I saw an immediate improvement in some of my breakouts. This mask is my favorite because it definitely improves my skin, while being gentle enough to use multiple times a week.

Overall, I’m very pleased with these L’Oreal Skin Pure Clay Masks. At just over ten dollars, they’re a great value considering I’ll be able to get roughly twenty to thirty uses out of each jar. Also, the glass jars feel more luxurious and well-made than many other drugstore products.

While I was sent these for free, I could see myself repurchasing the eucalyptus mask in the future. Have you tried these before? What were your thoughts? I know masks seem to be all the rage right now; are there any you recommend?

I received these products for free, and all opinions, as always, are my own.

Beauty

Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

October 14, 2016 9 Comments

I feel like I am so late to the party, but I finally picked up Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso, and I LOVE IT. It isn’t as bold as some other blushes, but I love the shimmering, beautiful effect it gives.

Here is Milani‘s description of their baked blushes, “Richly pigmented and highly buildable, the beautiful matte and shimmery shades of Baked Blush are the perfect cheeky pop of color for every skin tone. Sunbaked on Italian terracotta tiles, the warm finish adds a radiance that is the very essence of beauty. Shape, contour and highlight your best features.”

I have to say, their description is flawless, as is their product. Luminoso‘s hue is described as luminous peach, which is so fitting. I usually gravitate towards pink blushes, so I was nervous to try peach. However, I love the results!

I am especially enjoying pairing this peach-toned blush with burgundy eyes for fall. The color is definitely buildable, but you don’t need many layers as it is very pigmented.

I love the highlighting effects of Luminoso as well. It really is luminous and picks up the light incredibly, which makes it easy to blend in with my highlighter. My cheekbones are in heaven these days.

Since it is so pigmented and lustrous, I think it will pop on fair, medium, and deep skin tones alike. I thankfully found it very easy to blend. The blush comes with a small brush, but I wouldn’t recommend using it. I typically apply my blush with this Real Techniques brush, and it works wonderfully.

Something else worth noting is that this particular blush is vegan. I don’t believe all of the 9 shades available are, but if that’s important to you, this one is!

I think the quality of Luminoso is so impressive considering it’s less than $10 at the store. I have even seen it compared to the quality of NARS blushes quite often. Based on how smooth, pigmented, and blendable this shade is, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of the Milani Baked Blushes. A few of the shades are matte, so they may not blend as easily, but I’m anxious to try them in the future.

If you want a vibrant blush that’s bold and in your face, this may not be the color for you. I think it creates a soft, natural look that’s easy for anyone to wear. If you’re going full glam or just doing blush and mascara for the store, this should compliment your look regardless.

My only complaint about Milani Luminoso is that I waited so long to try it! If I can ever pry myself from this beautiful shade, I want to try Rose D’Oro or Dolce Pink, too!

If you’re in the market for a beautiful new blush this fall, I can’t recommend Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso enough. I’m sure you’ll love it!

Primer: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Foundation: Covergirl 3-in-1 Foundation

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Setting Powder: e.l.f. Studio HD Translucent Powder

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx

Eyeshadow: wet n wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Velour Vixen

Eyeshadow Primer: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Mascara: Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes

Blush: Milani Baked Blush in Luminoso

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster

Lipstick: Le Marc Lip Creme Lipstick by Marc Jacobs in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

Beauty

Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor in Always Sienna

October 4, 2016 2 Comments

Fall is upon us, which means it’s the perfect time of year for warm, neutral lip products! I mean, I suppose they’re perfect year round, but they feel especially appropriate this season!

The Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolor in Always Sienna is the perfect fall shade. It’s a warm, mauve shade with slight brown tones.

The Revlon ColorStay Overtime Lipcolors are dual ended lip products that include the lipcolor on one end and a clear gloss on the other. The lipcolor has a doefoot applicator, and the lipgloss has a brush applicator.

According to the directions, you’re supposed to apply the lipcolor first, wait for it to dry, and then apply the gloss on top. In theory, you shouldn’t need to apply the color again, but you can add more gloss as needed.

I applied the lipcolor first (as instructed), and I hated the texture! It felt so sticky and tight on my lips, so I assumed I would hate it regardless. However, once it dried, I applied the gloss on top, and it made a world of difference! With the gloss layered over the lipcolor, it adds moisture back into your lips, and takes away any feelings of discomfort the lipcolor causes. Apparently the gloss contains chamomile and soy extract to help moisturize the lips.

I’m normally not a gloss person. I love how it looks, but I hate how my hair gets in it and, inevitably, smears it across my face. That is definitely just a personal preference though, and has nothing to do with the quality of the product. 🙂 Also, the gloss eventually wears off with this product, leaving you with just a non-sticky beautiful lip color.

I love the shade of Always Sienna, and I was AMAZED at the staying power! Revlon claims the product can stay on up to 16 hours, and I’d believe it. It stayed put on me through eating and drinking for at least 12 hours. It isn’t transfer proof, but the color was still totally visible after all that time.

The gloss wore off quicker than the color, but even when it wore off, the moisturizing components helped my lips feel comfortable. I chose not to reapply the gloss because I preferred the demi-matte look of the lipcolor without having to deal with my hair getting stuck to my lips. 🙂

During that time I didn’t notice any feathering or bleeding, which was impressive. Glosses usually slip and slide around my lips and always bleed. Perhaps since the lipcolor sets first, it helps prevent feathering.

Overall the formula is very unique, and I’m pleased with the color payoff and wear time. If you have extremely dry lips, you may want to avoid this product. I think the lipcolor setting down may bother you too much, but otherwise give this product a try. They have almost 30 colors to choose from, so there’s something for everyone!

Primer: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless Foundation

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me Concealer

Setting Powder: e.l.f. Studio HD Translucent Powder

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Eyeshadow Primer: Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded

Mascara: Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara

Blush: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster

Lipstick: Revlon Colorstay Overtime Lipcolor in Always Sienna