Before you dive into reading this review, remember two things. First; I received this product for review through Influenster; all thoughts and opinions on this product are my own and I have not received this product in turn for a biased positive review.

Second; thank God that Influenster sent these to me, because they are seriously holy grail status.

I have oily skin. It doesn't matter the weather, what time of year it is, my diet, anything. I've just always had oily skin (darn genetics!) so I've tried a whole lot of oil controlling or oil eliminating products on the market. In my search, I've either been met with products that did nothing to affect the oil on my face, or would parch my skin of any type of moisture and make it look incredibly dull (*cough* Clean and Clear's mattifying lotion? I'm lookin' at you there. AWFUL) I didn't hold out too much hope for these, because I hadn't experienced much success with this type of product in the past.

Oh my everloving goodness was I wrong.

Each towelette is individually wrapped which I like. I'm happy that they aren't housed in the same kind of pouch that similar products such as makeup wipes are in (all together in one bit pouch). These won't dry out (because of the individual wrapping) and you can stash them anywhere (they are in my car, my purse, my bathroom, my bedside table, my makeup bag. EVERYWHERE). There are 20 of these in a box and the entire box retails for roughly $7 depending on where you decide to shop. 

There are the benefits, directions and ingredients listed on the back of the individual wrapping, as well as the box. Notice that the list of ingredients is rather short? Only 4 ingredients.

The towelette is a decent size; neither too big or too small and is pre-moistened. 

To use this product, you simply rub the towelette on your face to absorb oil. It removes oil and other impurities, and will remove facial makeup as well. (do not use this as a makeup remover around the eye area though, and do not rely solely on these to remove your facial makeup) It left my skin feeling oil free and clean feeling, without any kind of tightness or dryness. It kept oil at bay for twice as long as I am used to. (Sans makeup, my skin will start to feel oily around 2 hours after cleansing. With these I hit the four hour mark before feeling oily)

My only complaint is the fragrance. It has no artificial fragrance aside from what I assume is the Witch Hazel and Aloe. In my opinion, I'd rather put something on my face that I know is going to be good for it with a somewhat unpleasant smell, than put a product with a lot of chemicals from artificial fragrance on my face. In short, these work so well that I can just get over the fragrance itself.

Overall;

Pros:

- Natural Ingredients.

- Cruelty free.

- Eliminates oil and inhibits skin from getting oily for a decent amount of time.

- Does not dry skin or cause it to feel tight.

- Individually wrapped.

Cons:

- Slightly unpleasant fragrance.

I'm so glad that I was given the opportunity to try these. I will most definitely repurchase these (I might even buy back ups) and I highly recommend them.

10/10 - Run, hop, skip, jump, whatever to your local drugstore and pick these up. Now.

It started with Google Friend Connect, Now Hellocotton?

As I signed onto Hellocotton this evening, I was met with the message announcing their closing. Bummer! I definitely enjoyed the layout of the site a whole lot and it was very easy to follow and manage blogs on there! I'm now left with primarily Bloglovin or Tumblr; you can follow me on either as you wish!

March Favorites!

I feel like this month just flew by! March was definitely a positive beauty month, so I was super excited to share some of the gems I stumbled across or re-discovered within the last month.

Face:

Milani  Even Touch Powder Foundation in Shell. I was searching high and low for a new setting powder recently, as I was basically just 100% fed up with ELF's translucent HD powder. This powder is a bit more opaque than what I was initially searching for, but since my skin has been in such rare form as of late, I can't say I really mind. It evens out my skin in conjunction with my foundation and doesn't leave my face cakey looking at all.

Cheeks:

- MAC Blush in Pink Tea (Satin) - I found this, as well as the next product, at a CCO earlier this week. One of the best CCO finds to date (and the luck didn't end there; I found Lightscapade earlier this week! I am the CCO queen this month!) I like this shade because it is just so wearable. Not too warm, but not too cool either and just makes my skin glow.

- MAC Blush in Full Of Joy (Frost) - If there was one product that I was kicking my own butt about missing out on, it was this one. When MAC launched Unconventional this last December I swooped it up, thinking that I no longer needed Full of Joy. Nope. Still needed it. Phenomenal pigmentation and wear + LAVENDER = A very, very happy me. I've already gotten so much use out of this.

- Clinique Soft Pressed Powder Blusher in Mocha Pink - I reviewed this earlier this week. I received this as part of a GWP, but it is sold separately in full size. Mocha Pink is a very flattering neutral toned blush that is almost impossible to overdo.

Eyes:

- Lorac Pro Palette - Reviewed here. I've bought into the hype of this product. It is really a flaless palette.

- Rimmel London ScandalEyes Waterproof Kohl Kajal in Taupe.  - I reviewed this product last week. I've never come across such a unique liner. It adds such subtle definition to my eyes, without making them appear smaller. I love it!

Lips:

- Maybelline ColorSensational Vivids Lipstick in Brazen Berry - This is one of those shades that leans a little bold, but still has good wearability. The review for this product is here. 

- Stila Lip Glaze in Lilac - I reviewed this last month. This shade is probably why I purchased the Flower Power trio to begin with.

Nails:

- L'Oreal Colour Riche Nail Lacquer in Safari Chic - L'Oreal has a phenomenal nail polish formula, and this shade was on my nails for a majority of March.

- Essie Maximilian Strasse Her - I knew I had to have this shade when Essie announced their spring collection. It is a stunning grayish mint and one of the more unique polishes in my collection.

Misc:

Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes - I received these about a week ago through Influenster, and I'm already getting a whole lot of use out of them. I have them stashed everywhere; my purse, my bathroom, my car. They're great!

Clinique Liquid Facial Soap (Mild) - I used to use this cleanser on the daily in high school, so I'm happy to have it back in my hands. It is great for days where I'm finding just a touch of dryness popping up on my skin, because it keeps the rest of the oil on my face at bay, without drying out the drier patches.

Victoria's Secret Heartbreaker - Bergamot. Everyone is doing Bergamot this season and I'm totally okay with it. This is a mix of Honeysuckle, Bergamot and Vetiver and it really does make me feel like a total heartbreaker when I wear it.

- Real Techniques Deluxe Crease Brush - I don't know if I've even thought to use this the crease, but it is the BOMB for applying less than pigmented shadows (or just pigmented shadows for intense color payoff) on the entire lid. I'm constantly having to spot clean this one.

- Bath and Body Works PocketBac Hand Sanitizers in Island Margarita and Aloha Orchid - If you could see my collection of these, you would be shocked. I'm a sucker for seasonal collections, and B&BW is definitely on top of those. I've been using Island Margarita (lime and nectarine) and Aloha Orchid (Papaya, guava, strawberries, orchid and musk). It may not feel like spring yet, but I sure smell like spring. 

I love those months where I can't wait to post my favorites; It keeps things interesting! What were you all loving this March?

Review - NARS Blush in Orgasm.

You won't be able to delve too far into the beauty world without having knowledge of NARS Orgasm. Since it's release, the saucily named shade has reached cult favorite status. Why? It is said to give a universally flattering flush that, well, the name entails.

*Insert complaint about NARS packaging and how dirty it gets here*

The official shade description of Orgasm is a "peachy pink with shimmer". It is most definitely a peachy pink, and the finish has a soft golden sheen. The shade literally is flattering across nearly any skin tone.

Pigmentation is average; its nothing to write home about, but it isn't stiff. The glow is more apparent than the color in and of itself, and I feel that was exactly what NARS was trying to achieve in this shade. It yields a very natural flush; your skin, but healthier. The wear time is also average. Not the longest wearing shade I've tried, but it doesn't leave me high and dry after only a few hours.

Overall:

Pros;

- Natural flush.

- Universally flattering.

- Glowy sheen rather than shimmer.

Cons;

- Could be a touch more pigmented.

- Packaging gets dirty easily.

This shade is a staple in nearly anyone's makeup bag. You'll get use out of it and it will never "go out of style". The shade itself is often attempted to be duped, so check your collection before making the investment in this one!

7/10

Review - MAC Lipstick in Snob

I have a love for the pastels. Its been ingrained in my DNA since I could remember. They're feminine and pretty and just give me the warm fuzzies.

Snob was one of the first MAC lipsticks that I purchased and, as you will see, my most worn.

Look at how misshapen that is! This is going to end up in my Back2MAC stash before I know it!

MAC describes Snob as a "Light Neutral Pink". What. The. Heck? This shade isn't neutral by anyone's standards. It is a quite cool toned, pastel like pink. It does read a bit darker on me than most people, given the fact that I am so fair skinned and I have somewhat strong, cool natural pigmentation in my lips. (Read - I have somewhat purple lips naturally and I have no clue why). 

Snob is a Satin finish, which is basically MAC's equivalent of a Semi-Matte. It is almost matte, but has the slightest of a sheen to it. The shade is opaque in one go and doesn't feather or transfer. It can be a touch drying, but it only affects me when my lips are already irritated or in rare form, such as when I am dehydrated or when the weather is a bit dry (I'm a true Florida girl; my body is so used to the humidity and when that humidity level lowers my skin, hair and lips definitely suffer.)

There's often buzz int he blog community about Revlon Pink Pout being a potential dupe for MAC Snob. Just stick with me for a moment here...

Snob is on the left while Pink Pout is on the right. How on the everloving earth do so many people find these similar. I'm almost ready to make it my blogging purpose to show that they really are not even close to dupes! -end rant-

Overall;

Pros:

- Pigmentation/Opacity

- Decent wear time.

- Beautiful shade.

- Does not feather or transfer.

Cons:

- Can be drying.

I love Snob, and it's pretty obvious. Thank goodness it's part of the permanent range.

8/10

Double Review - Clinique Colour Surge Eye Shadow Duo in Beach Plum and Clinique Soft-Pressed Powder Blusher in Mocha Pink

I received both of these products together in a travel sized palette as part of a Clinique GWP at Dillards (which is officially no longer available). I outlined my Clinique haul here.

I'm still working through testing and playing with the plethora of products that were included in that GWP, which excites me beyond belief. I went from being quite indifferent to Clinique to quite interested in Clinique in one foul swoop!

Both of the included products are available for purchase separately.

The little "palette" fits in my palm. It is made of white plastic, embossed with the Clinique logo.

The Beach Plum Color Surge Eye Shadow Duo is on top. (Note that the gold shade is larger the purple, consistent with the rest of the range) The Mocha Pink Soft-Pressed Powder Blush is on the bottom and is larger than the shadows.

The Beach Plum Color Surge Eye Shadow Duo is described by Clinique as a "Shimmering gold partnered with a golden purple". I really like these colors together. The gold shade is among the cooler toned golds. If Urban Decay Maui Wowie and Half Baked had a baby, this is what it would look like. Sadly, it was a touch sheer on me and I was a bit disappointed. The purple shade is quite unique. I don't have a "golden purple" in my collection other than this one; It has a nice depth to it that makes it really stunning. The color payoff was good, better than the gold shade. Together they yield a subtle look. It wasn't neutral, rather more of a "transition to color". The pair would be good for someone whom is interested in experimenting with color, but is not quite confident with it yet. It was subtle, but pretty.

Pros:

- Purple shade was unique and had nice depth to it, while having good color payoff.

- Subtle yet colorful look.

Cons:

- Gold shade was sheer and difficult to apply.

Overall, I pretty much adore the purple shade in this duo, but the gold shade is lacking. For $20 full size you get two shadows, but the one I happened to like ended up being the smaller one. Maybe if layered over a champagne base, I could get better color payoff from the gold. For the purple alone, I may pick this duo up in full size if I ever blow through the travel size.

6.5/10

Clinique describes the Mocha Pink Soft-Pressed Powder blush as a "muted nude pink". It is definitely among my beige blushes, but doesn't encroach on bronzer territory. It has a very soft sheen to it, and it feels almost like a MAC Sheertone finish. There is the slightest of a glow to it, but at arms length looks mostly matte. The left swatch is built up and the right is blended out. I wore this in conjunction with a more colorful eye; it works perfectly when you don't know what blush to wear. It reads quite neutral and doesn't lean too warm (can I get an Amen?) It doesn't wear a glorious amount of time on my skin, but doesn't wear off in a short amount of time either.  While swatching out my similar blushes (and I apologize for a lack of a photo) I felt that in comparison MAC The Perfect Cheek was a tad warmer, but similar and Tarte Exposed was a touch cooler and lighter. Since The Perfect Cheek was limited edition, I'm okay with how similar they are; I'm glad to have almost a dupe. (I'm just far to picky to call anything a dupe). 

Pros:

- Neutral color; suitable with several looks.

- Natural finish, not too frosty.

Cons:

- Not ridiculously longwearing, but still not the worst wear I've experienced.

When I run out of this shade, I will indefinitely be purchasing the full size. Its right up my alley and (dare I say it) almost a dupe for one of my favorite discontinued MAC shades.

9/10

Review - Milani Runway Eyes Palette in True Classics and Naked 2 Comparisons

I've been AWOL this weekend, so sorry about that! Thanks to the dreary weather, work has been crazy for me!

I stumbled upon this palette, which also has a warmer counterpart, at Walgreens a few weeks ago and I've finally given it a thorough testing.

True Classics includes 6 neutral shadows on the cooler side of the spectrum. They are housed in raised strips of colors, rather than traditional pots. They are classified as Baked Shadows, and are marketed to be used wet or dry. For testing purposes, I used these dry, with primer, but no additional base or mixing medium. 

From left to right are the top three shades; A taupe-y brown, cool toned pewter and a pearl shade.

Remaining from left to right are a neutral bronze, a cool deep brown and a frosted black.

These shadows are shimmers across the board. No mattes, no glitter, just a healthy frost. They weren't the most pigmented shades in the universe, but I've seen much worse in my day.

Application basically sucks when working with this palette, however. The pans are so incredibly skinny and so close together that its nearly impossible to get anything of decent size in there. I tried to use two of these as all over lid bases to achieve both of my test looks and my big base shadow brush just WAS NOT having it. The formulation of these also seem to require a denser brush. To get any kind of color impact dry, you need a super dense, almost stiff brush; which was a pain in the tail to do that from lashline to browbone. It was definitely easy to accidentally pick up some of the adjacent color without meaning to as well in application.

While the application of this palette frustrated me quite a bit, the shadows themselves are flattering and wear well. Once I got enough product to even warrant blending as well, I was able to blend these quite easily.

Theres one big takeaway that I had from this product though...It's nearly a dead ringer for the right half of Urban Decay's Naked 2 Palette...

Milani True Classics is on the left and the right half of Urban Decay's Naked 2 on the right. Naturally, I did some swatching.

On the left is UD Suspect, while the top shade of TC is on the right. Suspect may be a touch cooler toned and has superior pigment, but they are very similar.

UD Pistol on left and 2nd shade of TC on right. Nearly spot on dupes, Pistol having superior color payoff.

UD Verve on the left and the 3rd shade of TC on the right. Verve is warmer toned, more of an oyster shade, while the other reads more to a very white gray. Verve's pigmentation was the far more superior of the two.

UD YDK on left and 4th shade of TC on right. YDK is a touch more bronze and warmer with a different finish and much more pigment.

UD Busted is on the left with the 5th shade of TC on the right. Busted is a bit redder, while the 5th shade of TC is a cooler toned deep brown.

UD Blackout is on the left and the 6th shade of TC is on the right, which looks a lot more gray in comparison to Blackout. While they have different finishes, Blackout still had far better pigmentation. 

Overall;

Pros:

- Average wear time.

- Good blendability.

Con:

- Packaging is difficult to use.

- Pigment is somewhat lacking when used dry.

It begs the obvious question, "Is it a dupe for Naked 2?". In a way, yes; for half of it. If you're looking for  a budget neutral palette and can deal with the frustration that I mentioned beforehand, have at it. It ranges at less than $9 for 6 shadows. Personally, I'll be sticking with my Naked 2..my brushes take to that better.

6/10

Review - Milani Baked Blush in Fantastico Mauve.

Baked products, across the board, are pretty gorgeous to look at. The veining and overall presentation makes them a work of art. And of course, every one is different. I'm definitely the person in the drugstore looking at all of these to find the prettiest before I purchase. C'mon, you're not saying you do any different, are ya?

Isn't she a beaut? Good thing I photographed this before much use...most of the veining is an overspray and doesn't do much to change the overall color of the blush. While some still runs through the entire pan, I was so bummed!

Fantastico Mauve is a wine color with a hint of warmth and is borderline between shimmery and glittery. It has more than a shimmer sheen, but doesn't have super chunky glitter. Given the depth of color of this blush, this definitely is a product you need a lighter hand in application with. Its pretty powerful and the left built swatch didn't take much building. Its not an everyday blush if you share the fair skin tone that I do, but I'd love to see how this fares on deep to very deep skin tones; I can imagine that it would be STUNNING! 

The wear time for this product was average; nothing showstopping but its not a product that is going to fade in 3-4 hours. There is a lot of strength of pigment, so I can't reiterate the need to apply with a light hand enough as well. It applies well and blends well, but if you overapply this one its a bit of a pain to tone down. My only overall qualm, not even a huge complaint, is the shimmer to it. Since its approaching the glitter territory, I found that it accentuated my pores just a touch. Not the worst I've seen by far, but I may hold off on this one on days when my skin isn't in it's best form. 

I felt like this blush was a touch similar to NARS  Seduction, so I decided to swatch them together.

Milani Fantastico Mauve is on the left and NARS Seduction is on the right. Seduction is a touch cooler toned and the finish is more refined, just a sheen rather than shimmer.

Overall;

Pros:

- Pigmented

- Blends easily.

- Budget option for a shade that may not get a whole lot of use.

Cons:

- Most of the veining is an overspray.

- Finish is almost glittery.

Fantastico Mauve is overall a good product. Its not a holy grail, but I feel like deeper skin tones would get a lot more use out of it than I can, and with stunning results.

7/10

Influenster Sugar 'N Spice VoxBox Unboxing!

Its here! I swear my neighbors thought I was quite strange as I proceeded to dance a jig in front of the mailbox when I saw this GIANT Orange box.

Nectresse is a natural no calorie sweetener by the makes of Splenda, made from Monk Fruit. I am a Tea-aholic and have been wanting to try more natural no cal sweeteners.

 Included is information about the product and recipes.

Next are the Dickinson's Original Witch Hazel Oil Controlling Towelettes. I've long been wanting to try something from this brand, so I'm super excited about these. Perfect for my oily skin.

Not to mention; 5 coupons! Woo-hoo!

I remember seeing this in passing before and thought it was a cool idea. Its the Vaseline Spray and Go moisturizer. It is said to be a spray on moisturizing product that dries quickly. Vaseline makes some wonderful lotions, so I'm super stoked!

Everyone needs toothpaste, right? I was sent three products of the optic white line. The toothpaste.

The mouthwash.

And the toothbrush. Which is great because I'm definitely in need of a new toothbrush.

Lastly, there are the Belvita breakfast bars. I've had these before and I love them! Great on the go breakfast option!

I'm overall really impressed with this VoxBox; not to mention the company Influenster as a whole. Reviews will be posted soon, so be on the lookout for this icon! -