Bumble Bee Nail Art Tutorial

Just posted this on my Youtube :)

Makeup Forever HD Powder Vs. ELF HD Powder

If you don't know what a High Definition powder is, here is a refresher. HD products were originally ment for use in HD filming, which can focus in on every imperfection one's face can have (like large pores and fine lines). Recently many makeup brands have released "HD" compatible products. Now for everyday use this is a little gimicky, as you are probably not going to be filmed or photographed.

In any case, the HD powders up for review here are from the brands MUFE and ELF. MUFE is a professional makeup artist brand that happens to be sold at Sephora. They also have an HD liquid foundation as an fyi. Their powder is $30 at 10 grams.

The ELF HD powder is sold for $6 at 8 grams of product.

THE SHOWDOWN!!!!

Honestly they feel exactly the same to me. Both very light and soft. Both Prolong the wear of foundation, and create a soft focus to the face. I would say the MUFE lasts a bit longer, but the price difference doesn't justify paying more to make up for lost time.

WARNING! HD powders are NOT meant for matifying the skin (aka getting rid of shineyness).

If you are wondering what they are made of the answer is kinda funny. Sand! The technical name is silica, which is very finely milled.

I would rather pay $6 dollars for my sand thank you very much!

I will say however, that the packaging for ELF is kinda bulky.

So there you have it :)

Review of The Balm Muppet Palette: Cast your Shadow!

As soon as I heard about this palette from Temptalia.com I knew I had to have it! So I moseyed on over to The Balm's website and luckily I made it on to their second pre-order list. So without further ado here are the pictures! (Click on the pics for a larger view)

In review:
I loveeeeee it! There aren't any intelligent words to describes my absolute love of this palette. ALL of the eye shadows are pigmented, and all of them are beautiful. No mattes in this palette but I don't mind. Swedish pancakes is my favorite, the most beautiful shimmery nude. Great gonzo is also a favorite of mine, such a gorgeous blue. If you get a chance to get this palette you wont regret it!

There are also two lip/blush stains as well as a gloss which are fabulous and surprisingly pigmented :)

Now there are only 1,000 that have been made (licensing fees...) but don't fret my pet they will be releasing a palette called The Balm and the Beautiful, a soap opera themed palette with the exact same eye shadows and not limited edition.

Check out the Balm facebook for more http://www.facebook.com/pages/theBalm/58936684679?sk=wall&filter=2.

Review of The Balm Meet Matte Palette

I just got this palette at a Marshals of all places, and just as an FYI The Balm is a prestige makeup line only carried at Sephora and thebalm.com (and I guess now at Marshalls...). This particular palette wasn't released to Sephora but is on The Balm website.

Anyways...matte eye shadows are notorious for being difficult to work with, as compared to a shimmery or satin eyeshadow. This is not the case for this palette and the eye shadows are an actual treat to work with, very smooth and easily blended out. There are only two shades in this palette that are a little on the sheer side but they can definitely be built up. Here are some pictures:

So try checking out your local T.J. MAXX or Marshals and see if they carry The Balm products.

Overall I really like this palette and enjoy all of the colors. The only negative thing I can think of is that the actual cardboard in the packaging can get a little dirty but that's just me being nit picky ;)

Price: $16 @ Marshals (if you find it that is..)
$34.50 @ thebalm.com