makeup blog – Hoots of a Night Al

Best BeautyBlender Makeup Sponge Dupe! Sonia Kashuk Makeup Blender

September 26, 2018 No Comments

Lately, I’ve been on the hunt to find a replacement for my BeautyBlender. While I love that makeup sponge, it’s hard for me to spend $20 every time I need to replace it (which means I usually end up using it for MUCH longer than you’re supposed to… 🙈). Thankfully, I stumbled upon these Sonia Kashuk Makeup Blender sponges, and they’re only $7! I loved the idea of saving 65%, but only if the quality didn’t suffer.

My first thought was that I loved the chic design. It’s a black and white marble pattern, and I actually loved it so much I resisted using it for almost a month! I didn’t want my makeup to dirty it up.😂 It has a flat base perfect for applying foundation and a pointed tip great for areas like under the eyes and around the nose. If you remember, the Flower Beauty sponge didn’t have a tapered enough tip for me to apply makeup to those areas well, so I was hoping this sponge performed better.

As you can see, this thing is HUGE. Like, comically huge. I included my (quite dirty) BeautyBlender for comparison, and I’d estimate the Sonia Kashuk sponge is almost twice as large. On the left is the sponge dry, and on the right is the sponge after I dampened it. If you aren’t familiar with beauty sponges, most of them are recommended to be used when damp. When wet, they absorb less product and allow for a more even, sheer application.

I ended up loving how huge the sponge was, since it cut down my application time by almost half! My foundation and concealer went on smoothly, and the sponge worked great with my setting powder as well. I pumped my favorite foundation directly on the sponge, and I used less product than usual but got wonderful results. Even though the tapered side was large, the shape was still perfect for using under my eyes and around my nose.

No exaggeration here, people. This is my favorite makeup sponge I have ever tried…BeautyBlender included. As far as I can tell, it’s only sold at Target, which is an added perk as I’ll take any excuse to go there! For a fraction of the cost, perfectly applied makeup, a quicker application time, and a beautiful design, I couldn’t ask for anything better! This will definitely be my new go to makeup sponge!🙌🏻 Do you have any other BeautyBlender dupes I need to try out? Comment below and let me know!

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

Maybelline Dream Cushion Liquid Foundation

February 16, 2017 No Comments

According to their website, Maybelline’s “Dream Cushion Fresh Face Liquid Foundation delivers complete luminous coverage for fresh-faced perfection.” I only agree with some of that statement. While it does give you a luminous, fresh-faced look, I don’t think it gives you complete coverage or perfection. I recently received the Dream Cushion Foundation to try for free from Influenster.

This is the first cushion foundation I have ever used, so I was excited to test it out. I decided to try it for the first time with the cushion applicator included in the package. According to the instructions, you’re supposed to simply slip the cushion onto your fingers, press it into the cushion foundation, and tap it onto your face to apply the foundation. I found this method gave me moderate coverage, but it took a very long time to ensure there weren’t any bare patches or streaks.

For my second application attempt, I used my damp Beauty Blender. Once again, I pressed the blender into the cushion foundation and applied it to my face using a tapping motion. This worked slightly better than the cushion method, but it made the already light coverage of the foundation even sheerer.

Finally, I tried applying the foundation with my Real Techniques Expert Face Brush. I dabbed my brush into the cushion foundation, stippled it onto my face, and buffed it out. This definitely seemed like the best application method to me, so consider trying different techniques if you purchase this foundation.

I found that the Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation provided a luminous, dewy affect. However, the coverage was definitely lacking. I tried to build up the foundation some, but it didn’t provide that flawless, matte look I’m used to wearing. (Duh, I don’t think it’s meant to.)

It definitely smoothed out many of my imperfections and evened out my skin tone, but I still had to use a lot of concealer for certain areas. Also, it did not wear well at all. I have combination skin, and anywhere I generally get oily, this foundation slid right off my skin. I did wear it with a primer and setting powder, but that didn’t seem to help at all.

I don’t think this claims to be a long-wearing foundation, since Maybelline advertises how easy it is to apply this on-the-go and carry it with you at all times. However, once I apply my foundation I add concealer, setting powder, contour, bronzer, blush, and highlighter…pretty sure if my original foundation is coming off, I don’t want to apply a second layer on top of all that.

Negatives aside, I do think this is a great foundation. If you’re someone who wants to simply even out your skin tone and prefer a fresh-faced look, this could definitely be the foundation for you. I think it would work best on dry skin types. However, with the right combination of primer and setting powder, it may work for any skin type. I can see myself using the Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation on days when I’m running errands and just want a bit of foundation and some mascara.

There are currently 8 shades (for reference, I’m wearing shade 20 Classic Ivory), and this will set you back about $16. That’s a little high for a drugstore foundation to me, so if you’re on the fence, purchase it somewhere that is good about returns like Ulta.

Have you tried the Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation? Any tips for me to help it stay put longer?

Primer

Nivea Men’s Sensitive Post Shave Balm (Full Review)

Foundation

Maybelline Dream Cushion Foundation in 20 Classic Ivory

Concealer

Maybelline Fit Me Concealer in Fair 15 (Full Review)

Setting Power

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche

Contour

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Contouring Palette in Dulce de Leche

Bronzer

Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer

Blush

Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush in Pearlescent Pink

Highlighter

Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette in Catwalk Pink (Full Review)

Eyeshadow Primer

Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal in Barely Branded (Full Review)

Eyeshadow

Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette (Full Review)

Eyeliner

Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx (Full Review)

Mascara

Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara (Full Review)

Eyebrows

Ulta Brow Powder in Medium

Lips

Revlon Matte Balm in Sultry (Full Review)

Tools

Beauty Blender

Real Techniques Buffing Brush

Wet n Wild Large Eyeshadow Brush

Wet n Wild Crease Eyeshadow Brush

Wet n Wild Contour Brush

Wet n Wild Angled Liner Brush

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

Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Crimson

August 19, 2016 4 Comments

I’m a strong believer that red lipstick looks beautiful on anyone! It’s universally flattering, adds some glam to any look, and feels timeless. That’s why I was so excited to get this tube of Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Crimson recently.

As you can see, the color is a beautiful, classic red shade. I tend to prefer classic reds over reds with orange, pink, plum, etc. tones. I think it’s the most flattering on my neutral-warm toned MEGA fair skin.

Plus, how cute is this packaging? I think this lip-covered tube may be exclusive to Ulta, but thankfully the Matte Crimson color can be purchased wherever Clinique is sold! (It comes in a classic silver tube everywhere else.)

The Long Last Soft Matte Lipsticks are described as “creamy, matte lip color with staying power.” Their claims include, “This lipstick keeps its soft, matte finish for hours. It will not feather, creep, stain, or dry out.”

I found all of these to be true! I must say, the application was a little difficult. It glided on easily, but the shape of the lipstick made me think this may be easier applied with a lip brush.

However, once applied, I loved it! The color is rich and very pigmented. It claims to be matte, but demi-matte may be more appropriate. It’s not drying like other matte lipsticks, and it will also transfer. I think that’s something to keep in mind if you’re looking for an all-day lipstick.

In the several hours I wore this, it didn’t feather at all, which I often have an issue with. It also didn’t dry out my lips. When I finally wanted to take it off, I had to use makeup remover to get off all the color!

It was very comfortable on my lips and didn’t dry them out like other mattes. It didn’t wear off at all, but I feel like it would have wear off evenly over time, which is nice.

I loved the shade because I feel like it made my teeth look whiter. Some other shades of red aren’t as flattering to teeth color, so I think this one may be slightly blue-red. I’ll never pass up a lipstick that improves my smile!

I love red lipstick because it can be used year-round! I think this Matte Crimson will definitely be in my lipstick rotation this fall.

As you can see here, I paired my red lips with a simple daytime eye look. This color would be great with smoked out eyes for a date night, too, though! Red is versatile like that. 🙂

It costs just under $20 a tube, but I feel like this classic shade would be a great investment. One of my favorite drugstore alternatives is Revlon Matte Balm in Standout, but it’s not quite as vibrant. For a red option that’s even longer-wearing, I prefer MAC Pro Longwear Lipcreme in Perpetual Flame.

If you’re in the market for a new red lipstick to try, I, obviously, would happily recommend this one! It’s vibrant, non-drying, long-wearing, and beautiful!

Do you have a favorite red lipstick I need to try? Let me know!

Foundation: Revlon Colorstay

Concealer: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster

Blush: Wet n Wild Icon Blusher Pearlescent Pink

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Eyeshadow: e.l.f. Prism Eyeshadow Palette in Sunset

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner in Onyx

Mascara: Maybelline Lash Sensational

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

Lipstick: Clinique Long Last Soft Matte Lipstick in Matte Crimson

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

Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm AS A PRIMER!

August 9, 2016 4 Comments

If you bounce around in the makeup world at all, you’ve probably heard of this amazing “makeup hack.” If you haven’t, listen up! Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm makes an AMAZING primer. Yes, I know that isn’t its purpose, but isn’t that the whole idea behind a hack??

The first person credited with this fabulous discovery is NikkieTutorials in this video. Apparently, glycerin is the second most used ingredient in Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm, which helps your foundation cling onto your skin. It’s works wonders if you’re trying to achieve a flawless look all day long. It is also alcohol free, so it won’t dry your skin out.

All you have to do is shake it up, and rub it all over your face and neck before applying your foundation. It’s very thin, so it dries quickly. I should also warn you that it definitely has a very masculine scent. However, don’t be dismayed! The smell definitely diminishes once it dries, and it’s worth it for the fabulous results!

I have been using this as a primer for around a year now, and it stays on through everything! Hot, cold, rainy, sweaty, humid, you name it, my foundation stays put! I always use liquid foundations, and every foundation I have tried works fabulously with this post shave balm as a primer. It’s a miracle worker! Even better, it only costs about $7! That’s only $2.12 an ounce! By comparison, Smashbox Primer is $36 an ounce!

You really can’t beat the price and quality if you’re looking for a primer. Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm is easily found at many drugstores and big box retailers, so if you’re in the market for a new primer grab this to try! You can maintain a beautiful matte finish for pennies a day! That sounds pretty wonderful to me.

Do you know of any other makeup hacks I should try? Let me know!

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

e.l.f. Illuminating Palette

July 8, 2016 10 Comments

Hey friends! Are you a fan of highlighters? I AM. I’m also a fan of not spending tons of money on them. That is where the $6 e.l.f. Illuminating Palette comes in.

In the picture above, I have my full face of makeup on, except for a highlighter. I think it’s still a great look, but highlighter definitely adds that extra pop. Below, I applied highlighter on one half of my face…can you tell which side?

Here…I’ll give you some help!

It’s not a huge difference, but I think on the right my under-eye area definitely looks brighter, and my cheeks have a nice pop of sheen.

This e.l.f. Illuminating Palette is a pretty good bang for your buck…er…six bucks. I often see highlighters referred to as “bright enough to be seen from space.” I don’t know if this highlighter is quite that impressive. If we’re keeping with the atmosphere theme, I bet it could be seen from the stratosphere, though? Not bad for the price!

I typically apply the highlighter on my cheekbones, center of my nose, cupid’s bow, upper chin, and center forehead. I also use the lightest shade to brighten my under-eye area.

This palette definitely adds a subtle, but pretty sheen where applied. It lasts throughout the day very well on me, also.

According to e.l.f., “This beautiful illuminating palette holds 4 gorgeous complementary shades to mix and match for a custom blended radiance that captures, diffuses, and softens the way light reflects on the skin. The soft-focus powders are great for highlighting around the eyes and on cheekbones to enhance the skin with a luminous effect.”

You can see the four shades included below. I typically use a combination of the top two.

e.l.f also says these colors can be used as shadows, which I think could create a beautiful, natural makeup look. I mean, as natural as shimmering eyelids can look, you know.

Like I said, I don’t think these highlighters will be blinding any astronauts, but they’re a great purchase. If you’re wanting to test out highlighting without spending tons of money, give this palette a try!

Have you had luck with any other drugstore highlighters I should check out?

Foundation: Maybelline Fit Me Matte and Poreless

Concealer: Maybelline Fit Me

Bronzer: NYX Matte Bronzer

Blush: Wet n Wild Color Icon Blusher Pearlescent Pink

Eyeshadow: Urban Decay Naked 3 Palette

Eyeliner: Maybelline Unstoppable Eyeliner

Mascara: Covergirl Clump Crusher Extensions LashBlast Mascara

Lipstick: Le Marc 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!