xoxo

I love a good mud mask. It's refreshing and who doesn't want to pamper themselves every once in a while? I have a few sample packets of Glam Glow products and decided to try the SUPERMUD Clearing Treatment first since everyone is crazy about it. Here are my thoughts...

It smells kind of like black licorice so that wasn't really appealing to me. But, I will let that slide because after removing the mask with some warm water my face was completely blackhead free! It was amazing. I've tried a bunch of other masks from Boscia to Freeman and this was the only one that truly cleared my nose. 

I decided to leave the mask on for about 20 minutes. It says you can leave it on for 5, 10, 15, or 20 plus it can be used all over or as a spot treatment. I used it all over to really see how it worked. There was no intense burning or heat which was nice. It did tingle but it was nothing I couldn't handle for 20 minutes. The mask dried super stiff but as soon as I started splashing my face with water it started to disinigrate and wash away. 

After washing off the mask completely and pat drying my face, my skin started to feel a little dry and tight. I recommend that if you have dry skin to apply your favorite moisturizer afterwords and not to use this more than once a week. I personally don't even think I would use it more than once a month. It's that good. I do still need to see how long the results last but so far I am pleased. 

The only real downside to this product is the price. It's $69 for 1.2 ounces. You only need to apply a thin layer and the small sample packet I had covered my entire face. I can see something like this lasting me a long time since I wouldn't use it every week. They have a set for the holidays at Sephora that I might try because it includes the small size of this clearing treatment, the exfoliating mask, and then a full size moisture mask which I've also heard amazing things about. That set is also $69 so I feel like it's a real steal. Find the mask here and set here.

xoxo

This week's Mani Monday is a rich one. Essie's new nail lacquer in "Partner in Crime" is the perfect vampy Fall polish. It's a deep rich chocolate brown with a high shine finish. 

I love how shiny it is, resembling patent leather. I used my Sephora Formula X nail cleanser, base coat, and top coat. So far it's been a week without any chipping. This is the perfect shade if you want to add a touch of the trending 90's grunge look to your everyday beauty routine. Find it here. Find the Sephora Formula X system here.

xoxo

If you haven't heard of Makeup Geek Cosmetics then you are really missing out on a fantastic affordable brand. She has made professional performing cosmetics available to everyone, even those on a budget. These loose pigments are just a sample of her huge product list that includes eyeshadows, gel eyeliners, blushes, and she is currently working on a lipstick line as well. I know I will definitely be purchasing more colors in the future. These are so pigmented it's crazy. 

Loose pigments are a great way to add rich colors to your eyes, lips, or even to use a highlight on the cheek bones. The uses really are endless. The three colors below are Liquid Gold, Birthday Wish, and Insomnia. Liquid Gold is a rich tarnished metallic pure gold. Birthday Wish I would describe as a pink rose gold. Finally, Insomnia is a duo chrome blue brown burgundy. Insomnia is a perfect dupe for Mac's Blue Brown Pigment at a fraction of the cost. 

Each pigment retails for $6.99 compared to Mac's pigments that retail for $21 a pop. These are a steal and will last forever! You only need the tiniest amount to reach the pigmentation shown below. 

Find them here.

The black lip. A uniquely classic and striking look that for some can seem hard to pull off. But with the right products and a mysterious attitude, anyone can rock it! Here is a collection of my favorites and some top selling black lip products.

Lipstick Queen - Black Tie Optional Gloss

The perfect black gloss smooth and slippery but also a little sticky. This is perfect for the beginner looking to expand their horizons. Find it here.

Lipstick Queen - Black Tie Optional Sheer Lipstick

The black stocking for your lips. I love this for a seductive day to night black lip. Another great product for the beginner. It deepens and neutralizes your natural lip color with its sheer black veil of color. 

Mac Mattene Lipstick - Midnight Media

A limited edition matte shade perfect for a long lasting midnight pout. It's complete with an eggplant undertone. 

Mac Cremesheen Lipstick - Black Knight

Limited edition but not limited on its beautiful black pigment, it's a super black creamy lipstick with an added shiny finish.

Mac Glimmerglass - Blackware

The perfect black lipgloss. Sheer but can be built up to a certain point. I love the slippery texture.

Rimmel London Stay Glossy Lip Gloss - Black Diva

A perfect drugstore addition to your night loving collection. It's sheer but adds the perfect patent leather shine to your favorite black lipstick. Find it here.

Wet N Wild Lipstick - Pagan Angel

The cheaper option for those wanting to test out the full black lip look. Find it here.

NYX Retractable Lip Liner - Black Lips

The perfect black lip liner to use with any of these products or to pare with the perfect red lip. A drugstore option with a high end feel. 

Lime Crime Velvetines - Black Velvet

A no going back option! This is the deepest, richest, mattest black you can get. It's a liquid lipstick formula but dries to a velvet matte finish in minutes. Find it here.

Lime Crime Lipstick - Styletto

A basic black lipstick with slight shine. Not heavy but still opaque in their classic purple packaging. Find it here.

OCC Lip Tar - Tarred

True black liquid lipstick formula that dries matte. A little goes a long way with this. You can also use this to darken any of your favorite lip colors. Find it here.

OCC Tarred & Feathered Lip Balm Duo

Probably one of my favorite lip products I own. It's a duo with both a black and a white balm which can be used individually or mixed to make a grey lip but also meant to darken or brighten/lighten your favorite lip colors. Find it here.

Make Up For Ever Rouge Artist Intense Lipstick - 50 Satin Black

The makeup artist's black lipstick. It's a satin opaque texture that has staying power. A classic. Find it here.

Urban Decay Lipstick - Oil Slick

A sadly discontinued product but I had to mention it. It's a sheer glittering charcoal grey. Not black but another great option for the beginner or a daytime look. It leaves a beautiful effect on the lips.

xoxo

If you are on the lookout for an affordable palette with super pigmented shadows, look no further than Tarte's Bambeautiful Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette. I purchased mine from Sephora for $18 but I think they are sold out again. You could definitely checkout ebay or amazon though. 

I love every color in this palette. It's the perfect everyday neutral quad complete with a highlight shade, two blending colors, and a darker matte perfect for crease and for eyeliner. The quad is neutral but I get a feeling of a burgundy undertone throughout (minus the Ivory color). I think that is what really drew me to this, the cool plum like tones. It's perfect for blue and green eyed beauties! 

The Shades:

Shimmering Buff - soft shimmering ivory

Shimmering Sable - shimmering taupe

Shimmering Cocoa - shimmering bronzy taupe

Matte Coffee Bean - matte chocolate brown with a slight hint of red