Revlon Expression Experiment

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Revlon for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Playing with makeup is fun hobby!  I love challenging myself to create new beautiful looks.  So I was excited to do the Revlon Expression Experiment!  Before I began blogging, I would usually buy department store makeup.  But now I have opened myself up to also using drugstore brands.  Not only have they began stepping up their game but the makeup is much more affordable especially if you are on a budget.  With that said, I could not believe the amount of products Revlon had sent me.

The purpose of this Revlon Expression Experiement is to inspire women to get out of their comfort zones and try new looks they could create on theirselves using makeup and to express their individuality.  

Now onto the products!  In the kit, I received nail polish, lipstick, primers (eye and face), and eyeshadow palettes.  I wanted to try as many products from this kit. 

L-R: (All Revlon Colorstay Longwear Nail Enamel) Top Coat, Base Coat, Sorbet

I don't usually wear such bright colors but it is definitely a fun color to wear especially during spring and summer.  I know my daughter will love this color too.  I applied all coats from all three nail polishes.  I had it on my nails for about a week and I was surprised how long its held up compared to other drugstore brands I have tried before. 

L-R: Revlon Colorburst Sizzle Canicule, Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter Cherry Tart, Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick Certainly Red

Red lips are a rare look I usually use on myself.  Out of the three I tried out the lip butter.  My girl friends always tell me how great they are so I just had to try it and see for myself.  *Picture is on the bottom*  I was surprised that the shade was lighter than what it looks like in the tube.  It gave my lips a subtle red, add some shimmer, and kept my lips feeling like butter.

L-R: (All Revlon Colorstay) Inspired and Bombshell

Inspired Swatches

Bombshell Swatches

With the eyeshadow palettes, I wanted to use both.  So I mixed and matched the shades.  To really get the colors, you need to pack it on.  I wanted to create a colorful peacock look.  The colors were not very loud so I wore this out during the day and got compliments on it. 

T-B: (All Revlon Photoready) Perfecting Primer and  Eye Primer + Brightener

Perfecting Primer Swatches

Eye Primer + Brightener Swatches

Primers are very important to me.  I look for primers that will make my skin look even either with or without makeup.  Like I mentioned before, I usually wear high-end makeup and rarely try drugstore primers.  Revlon primers worked very well.  I see myself purchasing more in the future.  I look a before and after pictures to see the results.

Before

After

I know there isn't much difference in the before and after but I do see that the primer evened out skin tone and hide some of the redness.  The eye primer was also great since it brightened my eyes. Now when I ma lazy to wear any makeup I will just put on these primers and head out the door.

This was great experiment that I am thankful to have participated in.  If you want to partake in this challenge, go to the Revlon Expression Experiment Facebook page.  Try it out!  You might be able to get out of your comfort zone too and see what other looks would look amazing on you. 

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading,

July 2012 Favorites

Items:

1) iKandy Bag

2) Goody Ouchless Hairbands

3) ELF Makeup Mist & Set

4) Shielo Anti-Aging Smoothing Complexion Scrub

5) Shielo Hydrate Natural Refreshing Mist

What are your favorites this month?

Thanks for reading,

Target Summer Bag: Beauty For Every Body

I know I'm a little late posting this but I still wanted to share it!  I hope you guys were able to get your target summer bag too!

Items: 

1) Tresemme Split Remedy Shampoo & Conditioner

2) Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 70

3) Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub

4) Garnier Fructis Color Shield Shampoo & Conditioner

5) Revlon ColorBurst Lipbutter Peach Parfait

6) Makeup Bag

7) Target Coupons

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading,

Review: Shielo Products (Hydrate Natural Refreshing Mist, Anti-Aging Smoothing Complexion Scrub, Volume Bounce Style Creme, Antioxidant Leave In Protectant)

Shielo is a U.S. product brand that creates hair and skin products that are cruelty free.  They make sure to create the best products for their customers to ensure desired performance and ultimate results. 

About a month ago, Giuliana from Shielo sent me four products to review.  I was pleasantly surprised when I saw four full-sized products!  I honestly was expecting sample bottles.  Shielo was very generous.  They were also very efficient.  When it comes to testing out skin and hair products, I like to try them out for a few weeks.

The products (L-R: Hydrate Natural Refreshing Mist, Anti-Aging Smoothing Complexion Scrub, Volume Bounce Style Creme, Antioxidant Leave In Protectant)

Hydrate Natural Refreshing Mist

Photo from: Shielo

For hair: refreshes and neutralizes odors from environmental factors, while hydrating each strain for fresh, free flowing hair. (Spray on wet hair and comb through for a exceptional moisture infusion before styling.  Spray on dry hair to revitalize style and refresh.)

For skin: Use as a gentle toner after cleansing.  A delicate blend of botanical extracts including Aloe Vera from a protective shield that locks in moisture and provide a natural source of nutrients. (Use anytime.  Spray generously on face and body after bath or shower.  Can be used on bare skin or sprayed over makeup to set and keep fresh.  Position bottle 12 inches from skin prior to applying the mist.)

I loved how refreshing this mist actually was on both my skin and hair.  Dual products are always great especially when you are on a budget.  I used this everyday on myself.  With my hair, I always end up putting it up in a ponytail so I don't have to deal with it.  However, now that this spray will revitalize my hair makes it more tamed.  Also with my skin, I use it mostly after a light workout to hydrate my skin and always use it to set my makeup.  There is so many things you could do with this product, who wouldn't want to try it?!

Anti-Aging Smoothing Complexion Scrub

Photo from: Shielo

Swatches: Blended and Unblended

Directions: Use once or twice a week depending on skin type.  Apply to clean, moist face and neck.  Gently massage face in a circular motion.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

This Anti-Aging Scrub uses non-irritating jojoba beads to gently remove dead skin cells and also stimulates new cell growth. I liked that I could just use this once a week especially since I have dry skin.  After each time use, I noticed my skin appeared healthier and smoother.  Another plus is that I actually like its light scent.

Volume Bounce Style Creme

Photo from: Shielo

Swatches: Blended and Unblended

Directions: To add volume for free flowing hairstyles, massage product into damp hair prior to blow-drying.  Can be used to separate dry hair or add texture to finished professional styles.

I believe this is the first time I have ever used a style creme in my hair.  I already have thick hair so I didn't care much for its volumizing and thickening effects.  I really wanted to see how it tamed frizzes since that is one problem I have with my hair.  Aside from that, this creme also helps you to create soft bounce and defined curls with a flexible hold.  I honestly never thought a creme could hold curls so well.  

Antioxidant Leave In Protectant

Photo from: Shielo

Directions: Mist throughout clean, towel-dried hair.  For best color protection, comb through to ends to deeply preserve.  Do no rinse.  Style as usual.  Can be used throughout the day.  

With this spray, I mainly used it before and after flat ironing my hair.  In the past I would straighten my hair every single day, but once I noticed how much that was damaging my hair I stopped.  Nowadays I will only straighten my hair on the weekends if I go out.  Once I received this product, I decided to see how well it worked so I tried it out several days a week.  This product has a very light scent which goes away soon after.  I have frizzy hair especially after washing my hair, so I was relieved to see that this spray also curbs frizzes.  Using this spray is great and my hair feels healthy.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading,

FTC: Shielo provided me these four items for review purposes. I am not affiliated with the company nor getting paid for blog post or video. This is my honest opinion.

Review: Sleek MakeUP Contour Kit Light

Sleek MakeUP is an amazing brand.  I am a big fan.  This past few months I have been using their Face Contour Kit in Light.  The light shade somewhat works for me but I do think I may need a darker shade  for my skin color.

Front of the box

Back of the box

The helpful pamphlet that came with the kit.  It comes in very handy since I have not had much practice contouring.

The case.  I love how small and sturdy it is. 

I love that it comes with a decent size mirror.

The bronzer is a nice matte shade, whereas the highlight has a bit of shimmer to it.  As you can see they are well pigmented and takes a bit of blending for it to look right. 

I am not a pro at contouring.  I am still learning about how to do it right so forgive me if it does not look that great.

You can see it a little on me, right?  I'm still trying to find the right contouring shade for me.  When I do I will let you all know, of course.  If you have any contouring tips for me, I would love to hear them.

What is your favorite item to contour with?

Thanks for reading,

Haul: MAC Hey, Sailor!

Now that the Hey Sailor posts have died down a bit, I wanted to finally post up my haul.  Originally I really did not plan on purchasing anything from this, BUT with my husband being a sailor how could I resist!  He is currently on deployment right now so this cheered me up a little.  

Bags

All of my goodies

Gone Sailing Tote (Front)

(Back)

I absolutely love this bag.  It is now my beach bag.  I could not believe how many things I could put in it.  Such a handy bag. 

Gone Sailing Makeup Bag Set (Front)

(Back)

Seeing that I could get two bags, instantly got me sold.  I use the bigger bag for my "always must-have" makeup when I go out.  As for the smaller bag, I actually use that to put my Sony point-and-shoot in since I do not have a camera case.  Another thing I love is that you could alternate the gold rope with whichever bag you want, turning them into wristlets if you'd like.

Makeup

With the makeup items, I have yet to try or even swatch them.  I have been so busy lately. But I hope to get you a swatch/review post soon!

Lipglass: Blessedly Rich

Highlight Powder: Crew

Bronzing Powder: Refined Gold

Pigment: Naval Blue

I hope you enjoyed my haul.  What do you think about the items I picked up?  Did you buy anything from this collection?  

What are your thoughts?

Thanks for reading,