fair skin – Hoots of a Night Al

Custom Shampoo & Conditioner from Formulate (+ A GIVEAWAY!)

March 29, 2019 No Comments

ENTER TO WIN YOUR OWN CUSTOM SET OF SHAMPOO & CONDITIONER FROM FORMULATE HERE!

Does anyone else spend what feels like forever walking up and down the haircare aisles at the store trying to figure out which products to buy? Some products promise volume but don’t protect from frizz. Some are anti-dandruff but aren’t for color-treated hair. Some are great for curly hair but you hate the scent. Surely you can relate. Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could have a shampoo and conditioner created just for your hair needs and mailed right to your door? Enter Formulate.

Formulate reached out to me a few months ago to see if I would be interested in receiving a set of products created just for me to test out. As someone who struggles with oily, straight hair AND lives in a crazy humid climate, I was psyched to try it out! They sent over a fun, simple quiz to determine my hair needs, and then they started creating my custom formula. I was amazed at how the quiz really nailed my hair concerns!

As I mentioned above, I have straight, fine, oily hair. The goals for my haircare were to volumize, prevent frizz and thinning, and add thermal protection. Basically, I was hoping my hair would look thicker but still remain smooth and shiny. Plus, I was so thankful to have the anti-frizz component because every Houstonian knows what its like to battle the humidity! They take so many factors into account to solve a myriad of hair issues! The questions covered whether or not my hair was color treated, hair texture and length, scalp sensitivity, hair thickness and moisture, and more! You even get to pick your scent and the strength you want it.

One of my favorite things about the creation process is the fact that Formulate has actual chemists and engineers working on their formulas to ensure they’re perfect for each client. They even include a list titled “ingredient insight” with your package, so you can see some of the ingredients in your shampoo and conditioner and exactly how they’re helping to improve your hair. My other favorite thing about working with Formulate was their customer service. They were consistently checking in with me to confirm that my formulas were working out for me and seeing if anything needed to be tweaked. At one point, I mentioned the scent I received was too floral for my liking, and they immediately reformulated my products and sent a different scented option over. The exceptional customer service wasn’t just because I was collaborating with them either. I truly believe this is how they treat all of their customers!

I have been using my Formulate shampoo and conditioner for a couple of months now, and I’m in love! They have made my hair feel healthier, thicker, and more voluminous with minimal styling.🙌🏻 I just wash and condition my hair according to the instructions they provided, blow dry it wth my favorite blowdryer, and I’m done!

I love that now I have the perfect hair products created JUST for my hair type, and I would love for you to have the same experience! Using the link below, you can enter to WIN your own set of custom shampoo and conditioner from Formulate! I just know you’ll love it as much as I do…plus, think of all the time you’ll save not having to wander up and down the hair aisles. 😉

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY HERE!

This post was created in collaboration with Formulate, but, as always, all opinions are my own.

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

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

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?

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

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

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!

Beauty

Wet n Wild Megaglo Illuminating Palette in Catwalk Pink

September 26, 2016 2 Comments

Contouring, Highlighting, Strobing, and more are all the rage right now! Everyone seems to love piling on the shimmer until they’re almost blinding others. AND I’M TOTALLY ON BOARD. However, so many highlighters are crazy expensive, so I was psyched to find this wet n wild megaglo Illuminating Palette for only $4!

The pan is HUGE and contains 4 different shimmering powders. From left to right it includes a light gold, a pinkish white, a rosy pink, and a bronzy tan. Each strip is a little under an inch wide, so you get tons of product.

As you can see, this palette works wonderfully as a highlighter. I used a blend of the two left shades on my under-eye, cheekbone, forehead, and the bridge of my nose. I also use the rosy pink as a blush. All together they help brighten my face, hide dark circles, and blur imperfections.

I love that the colors can be worn alone or blended depending on your goals or skin tone. The palette color name is Catwalk Pink, which I think is misleading, since only half of the shades have pinkish tones.

I have also used the two left shades as highlighters on my brow-bone and inner eye corner, and they blend beautifully.

Since I am very fair-skinned, these shades really pop on my face. They are pretty pigmented though, so I think they would flatter anyone!

I love this illuminating palette because it adds an iridescent shimmer without making my face look oily. Some highlighters go a bit over the top, and the result is a greasy-looking face! No, thanks.

At times I wish the palette had a bit more glow, but for five bucks, I can’t complain too much. However, since I’m already complaining, I also wish the colors were a bit more separated. When I use the pink shade as a blush, it’s difficult to maneuver my blush brush without coating it with the other colors as well. But, like Tim Gunn suggests, I “make it work.”

I know several people tend to swirl all of the powders together for a beautiful shimmery look, so I suppose to palette set up is perfect for that!

Swiping this palette on my cheekbones is my favorite part! To me, that’s where the shimmer pops most, along with the bridge of my nose.

If you’re anxious to try out the contouring world, or just add a bit of luminescence to your makeup routine, I can’t recommend the wet n wild megaglo Illuminating Palette enough!

What are your favorite highlighters?

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

This post contains affiliate links, which means if you click on these links or make a purchase using these links, I may receive a small percentage of the profit at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting Hoots of a Night Al!