makeup blogger – 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

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

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

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

Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry

September 27, 2016 4 Comments

The temperatures are in the 70s and 80s this week, which means it’s FALL! Yes, it’s sad, but that’s about as much fall as we get in Texas. 😂 Regardless, I figured it was time to bust out this Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry.

The color name is spot on; this shade is exactly the same as a black cherry. It’s a deep, rich plum, cherry color, as you can see above. It’s perfect for those embracing the berry trend this fall.

The formula is smooth and moisturizing and applied very easily. Apparently, this is formula Revlon has used for their lipsticks for over seventy years now, and I can see why!

This lipstick did apply slightly patchy, but once I went over my lips again, it evened out easily. I was really surprised with the pigmentation. When I swatched it on my hand it looked more sheer, but it definitely packs a punch on the lips.

Based on the pigmentation, I think this would really pop regardless of your skin tone. If you’re very fair-skinned like me, though, I can guarantee it will have an impact. 🙂

I was surprised how long-wearing this lipstick was, considering how moisturizing it felt. I wore it for at least 8 hours (including eating a delicious Chickfila sandwich), and I didn’t need to touch up once! It will definitely transfer, but if you’re careful while eating or drinking, it will last for hours.

I’ve started testing out darker colors for fall, and I feel like this one is the perfect balance of a deep, luxurious color, while still being bright and beautiful. The Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry is perfect for someone wanting to go bolder without going darker.

I paired Black Cherry with tan and red eye makeup, and I think it would go wonderfully with any neutral makeup look. I can’t recommend this color or lipstick formula enough!

What other colors should I try out for fall?

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: Wet n Wild Color Icon Eyeshadow Trio in Velour Vixen

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

Mascara: Covergirl Super Sizer Fibers Mascara

Blush: Wet n Wild Icon Blusher Pearlescent Pink

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster

Lipstick: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Black Cherry

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

Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Addiction

September 20, 2016 No Comments

Fall is upon us! The “official” start of fall is in two days, so I wanted to share the perfect way to celebrate…this new Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Addiction.

If you’ve been following any fall fashion trends, you know that berry is going to be big this year. Addiction is the perfect shade of berry to accompany all of your new berry scarves, sweaters, and stilettos! While it appears a brighter pink in several of these shots, it’s actually a rich, bold berry color in person!

I have shared my love for Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolors in the past (Kisses, Temptation, Love), and our relationship has just grown stronger with the addition of Addiction.

The formula is still a moisturizing, velvety matte, that will be comfortable for hours of wear. Even though this line is described as matte, I’d say it’s almost a demi matte. Can lip products be demi matte? All I mean by that is that it never really sets down completely on its own. If you blot it, it will become matte, but otherwise it will transfer.

Addiction is heavily pigmented, so it doesn’t come off as patchy at all. It only takes one or two swipes for me to cover all of my lips with the smooth lipcolor.

The applicator is still a classic flocked doe foot, which allows for easy application. If possible, I wish the applicator was slightly smaller for more control, but as a whole, I can’t complain. It picks up and deposits just the right amount of product.

These revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolors are fabulously long-wearing. I get roughly six to eight hours of wear-time before I need to reapply (even when I eat!), which is perfect if you plan to wear these to work.

I love that I can swipe Addiction on after breakfast in the morning and not worry about my lipcolor all day long. I plan to wear it throughout fall because I think it’s a perfect compliment to any fall color! That said, I’ll probably wear it year-round. It’s a gorgeous color!

You can purchase Revlon at most drugstores, grocery stores, and big box retailers, so snatch up this perfect fall color on your next trip to the store! You won’t be disappointed!

What fall trends are you most excited about?

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 Icon Blusher Pearlescent Pink

Highlighter: Wet n Wild MegaGlo Illuminating Palette

Bronzer: Physicans Formula Bronze Booster

Lipstick: Revlon Ultra HD Matte Lipcolor in Addiction

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!