The Holy Grail Post – Splurge vs Steal Edition [Eyes, Lips, Face]

I’ve been wanting to make a HG post forever, but always forget. I figured this is a good continuation of my last post on wearing makeup for first-timers. The list is categorized by Eyes, Lips, Face, in splurge vs steal format (ie: expensive vs cheap) . These are ALL products that I absolutely love, have used way more than one time, several on a daily basis.

EYES

MASCARA
Splurge: Clinique High Impact Mascara ($14.50 at Sephora)
vs
Steal: Prestige My Longest Lashes ($7.50 at Ulta)

EYELINER
Splurge: Lancome Le Crayon Kohl in Black Coffee ($24.50 at Lancome)
vs
Steal: NYC Color Waterproof Eyeliner in Black ($1.99 at Walmart)

EYESHADOW PRIMER
Splurge: Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion ($19 at Sephora)
vs
Steal: ELF Mineral Eyeshadow Primer ($3 at Target)

BROW FILLER
Splurge: MAC Brow Set ($15 at MAC Cosmetics)
vs
Steal: Milani Easy Brow Automatic Pencil ($5 at Walgreens)

EYESHADOW PALETTE
Splurge: Urban Decay Naked ($48 at Sephora)
vs
Steal: NYX Nude on Nude ($25 NyxCosmetics.com)

LIPS

LIPSTICK (RED)
Splurge: MAC Russian Red ($15 at Mac Cosmetics)
vs
Steal: NYX Snow White ($2.99 at Amazon.com)

LIPGLOSS
Splurge: Lancome Juicy Tubes in Tickled Pink ($18 at Lancome)
vs
Steal: C.O. Bigelow Ultra Mentha Lip Shine ($7 at Bath and Body Works)

FACE

FOUNDATION
Splurge: Make Up Forever HD Foundation ($40 at Sephora)
vs
Steal: Revlon ColorStay Foundation ($12.99 at Walgreens)

CONCEALER
Splurge: Make Up Forever HD Full Cover Concealer ($30 at Sephora)
vs
Steal: Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser ($9.99 at CVS)

BLUSH
Splurge: Illamasqua Blush in “Hussy” ($24 at Sephora)
vs
Steal: Milani “Sunset Beach” ($2.99 eBay) *THIS IS THE GREATEST BLUSH EVER!!!

BRONZER
Splurge: Too Faced Chocolate Soleil ($29 at Sephora)
vs
Steal: Wet n Wild Mega Glo Illuminating Powder ($4 at Drugstore.com)

Hope this was helpful for those of you trying to find good quality makeup products at any price. Stay tuned to Part II of Splurge vs Steal where I will list hair products and others (perfumes, beauty tools, etc.)

XOXO

Manicured nails to set the pedicure off…

If you are friends with me on Facebook, then you know that I’ve been posting pics of my nails lately. Thanks to the purchase of my manicure lapdesk, It’s been easier to do my own rather than pay for a manicure. I really wish I were as half as creative as some of my friends.  I haven’t exactly mastered many designs, but I sure do enjoy the sparkle.

A few people asked me about the colors I used. Clockwise from top left: Milani – Cyberspace; OPI – Mermaid Tears (base color) + Rainbow Connection + Gettin’ Miss Piggy With It; OPI – Crown Me Already

I know I’ve blogged about OPI’s Muppets collection before so I’m not going to say anything about it but…

ZOMG MILANI’S HOLOGRAPHIC NAIL LAQUER!

As soon as I heard about it, I was intrigued! Holographic nail polish?! What the whaaa? I purchased the blue (cyberspace), pink (digital), and green (hi-tech) during Milani’s 50% off Cyber Monday sale (along with other goodies!) As you can see in my pic above, they aren’t really holographic, but they contain very fine multi-color glitter particles in them. When the light hits your nails in a certain way it most definitely looks holographic! It looks AMAZING in the sun! I have yet to try the other colors but I can’t wait. You need about 2-3 coats for the desired effect. I’m really excited to use them in the summer, they’re the most perfect vibrant shades for my toes! At first I was concerned about chipping, but I had improperly applied the polish (that’s what I get for doing my nails while watching The League!), once I reapplied it correctly and sealed it with my HG topcoat (ORLY In a Snap! Much better than the highly overrated Seche Vite, imo), it was perfect!

While glitter polishes are fun and all the rage right now, the biggest pain in the youknowwhat about them is removing the color on your own. I found it works best by using 100% pure acetone (I bought it at Target. It’s no-name brand and just says 100% acetone on it), and soak each nail with a cotton ball for 10-15 seconds, prior to wiping off the color. If the polish is still being stubborn then go to the kitchen, grab some aluminum foil and saturate a cotton ball on each finger with the acetone and wrap a piece of foil around your fingertip. Leave on for 5-7 minutes. Then, remove the cotton and the foil in one in quick swipe! Wipe off any remaining pieces of the glitter polish with another cotton ball. *Remember, DON’T rub the polish hard. Rubbing too much can damage and weaken your nails. Also, always make sure you use a base/clear coat first when applying the glitter polish! You should be doing this anyway no matter what color you’re applying, but it’s especially important with glitter.

Back to the Milani!! My most favorite part about these colors? At full-price, they are only $5 each! If holographic isn’t your style, these make the best stocking stuffers for your sister or girlfriends!

Pros: The colors are beautiful & unique. Women will stop you and ask you What color is that? I love your nails!
Cons: ? None that I can think of… for now.
Where To Buy: CVS, Walgreens, or any other drugstore. You can also purchase from Milani’s website.

XOXO