First Impressions: Lorac Mega Pro 2 Palette w/ Swatches!

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

So, for today's post I'll be doing a first impressions on the Lorac Mega Pro palette. I've recently purchased this palette and wanted to share right away! I decided to do a first impression post instead of a YouTube video because this way it will be easier for me to do another update blog post as opposed to two videos.

I bought this palette for $59 off of Ulta's website. It was my first online Ulta order! It's an Ulta exclusive.

This palette is the sequel to the infamous Lorac Mega Pro palette. That palette sold out within hours of being released. Many people (myself included) were upset that they couldn't get their hands on it.

It seemed like Lorac was more prepared and properly stocked this palette. It is still in stock so if you want it be sure to get your hands on it.

It includes 32 eyeshadows. By the size of the box you would either think that the palette was huge or it came with at least an eyeshadow primer.  The palette is made out of cardboard with a velvety material over it. It reminds me of the NARS packaging in that sense. It's very sturdy and substantial despite the fact that it is made out of cardboard.

The palette is divided into mattes and shimmers. The top two rows are matte and the bottom two are shimmer. From first glance Tangerine, Saddle, and Forest get my attention and I really want to do a smoky eye with them.

These shadows swatch beautifully but are easy to wipe off with a tissue. There is a lot of kick up that comes from the shadows when you dip your brush into them. This can cause a lot of mess in the palette.

The shadows are very pigmented and blend well together. However, be sure not to pick up too much on your brush. Otherwise you'll spend a long time blending.

Bottom Line: My first impression of this palette is that it includes a nice variety of shades. The pigmentation and quality of the shadows make me very excited to use this palette.

I'll post an update blog post in two weeks. So, keep a look out!

So, That's It.

What do you think?

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

September 2014 Favorites!

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

September is gone and October is here! So, it's favorites time. I don't mind October it hasn't gotten too cold yet but I can feel it coming. Actually, the weather is quite bi-polar here.

Anyway, I'll be posting a corresponding YouTube video on my channel that should be up by Thursday if not sooner. It's pretty much done. I'll link it when I post it. I upload weekly on my channel. Now, on to the favorites.

This month I haven't really bought anything. I did for my birthday and I have a birthday haul up if you want to see what I bought. But, I got them at the end of the month and can't really call them favorites. So, this months favorites is going to be smaller than usual.

1) Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment

I really like this mask as you'd probably know if you've read my review on it. It's very effective. I love it minus the burning sensation of course. Actually I used it this morning and it didn't burn as bad. It was a tingle like is supposed to happen.

2) Foundation Samples: NARS Sheer Glow, Lancome Teint Idole Ultra, BECCA Ultimate Coverage Creme

I'm currently on the hunt for a fall/winter foundation. My Doublewear is too dark for me. I got the Sheer glow second. I apply with a beauty blender and a brush. I lean more towards the beauty blender because I adore it. It's medium to full coverage. It has a satin finish which I like. Sometimes being matte is not the best look although I prefer it to being dewy. I have the shade Macao

I got the Lancome Teint Idole Ultra first. I prefer to apply this foundation with a brush as opposed to a sponge/beauty blender. I find that I tend to get very shiny when I apply it with my beauty blender. This is also a medium to full coverage foundation. I have the shade 500.

I got the BECCA Ultimate Coverage Creme last. On a whim because I cannot be in Sephora and not get anything. I have the shade Tobacco and I feel like this on matches me the best. I normally go slightly darker with my foundation because no one likes that ashy look! But, I found that this foundation is right on with the color my skin currently is. So, this is most likely the foundation I'll end up buying.

3) Colourpop Cosmetics Eyeshadows

I showed this eyeshadow in my birthday haul. I've only used two of them in my Eid Makeup Tutorial. But, I can already tell that I love them! I've used the shades 'Meow' and 'Sequin.' I have swatches of all 6 colors that I purchased in my Birthday haul.

4)NARS Contour Blush

I've had this contour blush in my last favorites and I still love it. I have it in the shade Gienah.

5) Elf Complexion Brush

This the brush that I use with the contour blush. It's kind of tapered at the top is it's good for getting in the hollow of your cheeks.

6) Urban Decay NAKED FLUSHED Brush

I originally bought this brush to use with the NARS contour blush. However, I prefer it with normal blush. It picks up the color and blends it so nicely. Way better than how Ecotools blush brush was performing.

7) BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in Rose Gold

I've had this highlighter for a while, but didn't use it because I felt that it was appropriate for fall and winter. This highlighter is buildable and that's what I love about it. It looks so natural and you can keep applying as much as you want until you reach the desired intensity. Also, it doesn't emphasize my pores. So, I'll be trying to get my hands on the new one, Champagne gold, as well as Topaz and Opal.

So, That's it.

What products have you been loving?

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

YouTube!

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

I missed last Monday's upload because I had just returned back to campus to start my last year of college and things have been kind of hectic. I will resume my normal Monday posting schedule this upcoming week.

Also, I have created a YouTube account and have uploaded my first video. It's something I've been wanting to do for a while but never had the courage to actually go through with it. Thankfully, my friends and family were very encouraging.

My first video is the 'My Makeup Story Tag.' I chose to do that video as a type of introduction so people can learn a little a bit about me. So, if you could go watch it subscribe, leave a comment, and/ or like I would really appreciate it.

So, That's it.

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

Review: Covergirl Whipped Creme foundation

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

I've returned from the Caribbean on Saturday and picked up this foundation on the same day. I saw it in the store and decided to get it. So, it looks like this:

 I got the shade 365. Which is the last shade that is offered out of 10 shades.

The consistency is thick and isn't runny at all. I've tried applying the foundation with my fingers at first but it wasn't blending nicely. So, I had to use my optical blurring brush from Urban Decay.This is my face before I applied the foundation. I have breakout on my chin and my cheeks. I also have bags under my eyes.

I applied two layers of the foundation. That's a layer more than I usually wear. I don't like to pack on too much of my makeup. My face was matte right after I applied it. I didn't wear a primer, powder, or 

finishing spray this time. I took the picture below around 12 in the afternoon.

My face is normally on the oily side. My face got oily pretty quickly with this foundation on.

This after a few hours. I believe it was around 5/6 o'clock. I'm just oily everywhere. My T-zone, my cheeks, just everywhere. Lets look at the claims on the foundation, shall we?

Our lightweight whipped crème foundation gives your skin a boost of moisture without the greasy, shiny finish. You’ll love the dreamy, 100% breathable formula that leaves your skin looking smooth, natural, and matte. Available in 10 shades to match your skin tone.

Then it also says:

• Lightweight, air-whipped formula instantly hydrates
• 100% smooth, natural look
• Won’t dry skin or clog pores
• 
  
• I do feel that the foundation was moisturizing. My skin didn't feel dry after I applied it. As for it being matte, it was matte when I first applied it. After that is a different story. I did end up blotting after I took the last picture because the oil was just becoming too much.
• I do believe that the color matched me pretty well. It probably wasn't an exact match but pretty close. In the store I was stuck between 360 which is classic tan and 365 tawny. 
• I don't feel that this foundation covered much of anything. It has a light to medium coverage and it cannot be built to medium to full coverage.
• So, I'll most likely be returning this foundation. I bought at Rite Aid for over $8 and I know there a people who got it for $6. I already returned it actually.
• I know many people compare this foundation of the Revlon whipped foundation. I haven't tried that foundation yet because I could never find my color until a couple days ago in Target. I didn't buy it but I will go back for it.
• P.S. I'm looking for an Eid outfit. I haven't had any luck with any stores in my area. If you know of any in the U.S., more preferably the in the NYC area please let me know.
• P.S.S. I have uploaded my first vlog of my trip in the Caribbean on YouTube. Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Gx1GHzJPBw
• So, please watch, like, and comment.
• Until Next Time
• Aleema :)