First Impressions Update: Lorac Mega Pro 2

Assalamu Alaykum/ Hi,

So, this post is my long overdue update on my first impressions of the Lorac Mega Pro 2 palette.
This palette lived up to my expectations for the most part.

The eye shadows are buttery and blend well. I did create a smokey eye using Tangerine, Forest, and Saddle. I wore this look in my Fall Favorites Tag video.

The look came out almost as good as I would have liked. I didn't use a black base under forest. I only used an eye shadow primer on my entire eyelid.

I've been using this palette for almost all of my eye shadow looks lately. However, I also have been using other eyes hadow palettes like the Urban Decay Vice 4 or the Morphe 35O to supplement colors.

The only thing that bothers me about this palette is that the eye shadows 'Penny' and 'Cinnamon' are really similar any both of them tend to blend into my skin.

(Shown Above: Sugar, Chiffon, Proseco, Soft Plum, Cinnamon, Sandstone, Gunmetal, Blue Quartz)

(Shown Above: Moonlight, Seashell, Peony, Dk. Sienna, Penny, Olivine, Gold Leaf, Black Ivy)

Despite that, this palette definitely gets a seal of approval for me. If you like the colors then you should definitely pick it up!

So, That's It.

What are your thoughts on this palette?

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

Review: Morphe 35O Eyeshadow palette

Assalam wa Alaykum/ Hi,

Today's blog post is going to be about the popular 35O palette from Morphe. This palette has been in and out of stock twice. I managed to snag it because Ricky's NYC opened a new location in Soho and started carrying the palette in store when it was released the second time. I have heard that it is going to come back in stock in the next couple weeks if not sooner. This palette retails for $22.

This palette comes in the same packaging that all the other Morphe palettes come in. It does leave a lot to be desired, but fancy packaging would probably raise the price. It has a small sticker on the back that says 35O.  

Just looking at this palette, you can tell why it is so popular. The colors are very warm and pigmented. There are even some shades that feel like more of a cream than a powder.

Some colors may look similar especially the browns but when you take a closer look you notice that the finishes are different. The shimmers are my favorite, especially the ones in the last two pictures of swatches. While I was swatching these shadows, I noticed that if you rub them against something the pigmentation disappears. However, when are you rubbing your eyes against anything while you're wearing makeup?

This palette is perfect for everyone at any level of makeup. It has basic essential colors as well as some eye-catching colors. It's definitely worth getting! So keep a look out for it on Morphe's website as well on instagram. They might announce when it comes back in stock.

So, That's it.

Do you currently have this palette? Will you be getting it?

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

First Impressions:InstaNatural Dead Sea Mud Mask + Retinol Moisturizer

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

Today's blogpost is going to be my first impressions on InstaNatural's Dead Sea Mud mask and Retinol moisturizer. I refer to this as a first impressions and not a review because these two products are skin care items and I've only had them for about a week. I normally like to use skin care items for a longer period of time before I voice my opinion on them. I will do a follow up review that will be more in depth. You can visit their website here. These products were sent to me for review. However, I will always offer my honest thoughts and opinions.

• Dead Sea Mud Mask

This mask is dark gray color. It's very thick but it feels like a gel. When it starts to dry it becomes tight. However, it's not the same kind of tightness you get from an ordinary mud mask. It's as if it get progressively tighter the more it dries. It's not uncomfortable though.  When I finally washed it off my face was soft and smooth. I'll need to use it longer to see the true effects this has.

• Advanced Action Retinol Moisturizer

This moisturizer  seems to be geared toward more mature skin, which I do not have yet. It's supposed to restore and renew firmness, elasticity, and thickness of skin. I apply this in the mornings after I've washed my face. I apply a sun screen and mattifying lotion after it.  I don't use this in the evenings because I use olive oil as a moisturizer at night.  Although this moisturizer seem a bit thicker it's not as moisturizing as I would like. Especially, since it's still cold out.

When I use this I notice that any dried acne seems to go away faster. It happened to me today actually. I just washed my face so I can record a makeup tutorial for my Youtube channel and I had a dried out pimple (hate that word!) on my cheek and the scab covering (I know, gross! I couldn't think of another word) came off while I was washing my face. It didn't start to bleed or anything. My skin feels very smooth after I apply it. I don't feel the texture on my skin as much.

So, That's it.

Have you tried anything from InstaNatural? What did you think?

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

FTC: This a sponsored post.

Review: The One Direction Midnight Memories Collection

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

I've been MIA for over a month! I can't believe that I let that happen. This past semester has been killing me! Anyway, this post is gonna be an unboxing of the One Direction Midnight Memories Collection. I can't really call this a review because I haven't had a chance to use any of the products. However, I will be providing swatches. This collection was sent to me for review. There are two other collections.

The collection comes in a metal tin that has a brick design on it. There is a plastic sleeve over it with the picture of all 5 members of OD and their signatures.

When you open the tin, there are pictures of three different eye looks that you can do as well as some other designs. On the left, there products are housed under a plastic cover.

Starting from right to left, the first product is

1) UV lip gloss in Through The Dark

The tube for the lip gloss is clear. The top continues with the brick theme. The actual product is a florescent pink with lots of glitter. This lip gloss is supposed to glow under UV light. I can't really test this claim. However, if you go somewhere where there is a lot of UV lights. Try it out!

2) 4+1 Eyeshadow Palette

This palette has some brick design on the front and there's space in the middle so that you can see inside the palette. There five eyeshadows in it. 'Little White Lies' is supposed to be a "palest warm gray." But it looks more like a white on my skin complexion. 'Don't Forget Where You Belong' is supposed to be a soft pink shimmer and I agree. It looks like there is pink and silver shimmer in it. 'Half a Heart' is supposed to be a metal gray. It also has pink and silver shimmer. 'Strong' is supposed to be a "charcoal black matte shimmer." That's an oxymoron if I ever did hear one. How is it matte and a shimmer? This shadow is less shimmery than the other one but it's by no means matte. It also has pink and silver shimmer. The last color is a silver glitter creme called 'Midnight Memories.' None of the shadows in this palette are matte.

3) 'Better Than Words' Body and Eye Crayon

This pencil is very creamy and would be a good base for a dark smoky eye.

4) 'Best Song Ever' crimson red lipstick

The bottom of the lipstick has the color of it showing in clear packaging. The top has the brick designed engraved in it.  When I received this lipstick, the product was stuck in the top.

5) 'Little Black Dress' volumizing mascara

This has the brick design as well though it's hard to see. The wand is a classic wire wrap around. It's not the type of wand the I'd care for.

6) 5 piece Decorator stencil set

7) 'Right Now' liquified metallic steel nail polish

This nail polish is a gunmetal gray with sparkles in it. It's opaque with only one layer.

This collection can be bought at Macy's and retails for $28.50. It would be a great gift for any One Direction fans you may know.

So, that's it.

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

Review: Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate Treatment

Assalamu Alaykum/ Hi,

Over this past summer my skin has been freaking out! I haven't broken out this badly since I was in the 7th grade. So, I have been looking for a mask to help unclog my pores. Although I've heard some really good things about the Glamglow mud masks I wasn't really looking at them as options because of their price.

A few weeks later I find the this mask, the Glamglow Youthmud Tinglexfoliate, in T.J. Maxx. This wasn't the only one there. They had the supermud as well. Which I believe is the one in the white bottle and they had the one for dark circles. I paid $30 for this instead of the normal $69. $30 is still a lot to spend on a mud mask but considering it's less than half of the original price I am perfectly fine with it.

The box for this is quite large compared to the actual product. In the box you'll find a brochure that talks about all of the different ingredients in the mask and there will also be a small pamphlet with instructions.

The actual product comes in a small metal jar. It's a greenish gray color with tea leaves in it.

Directions:

• Apply a thin layer to clean face.
• Stir before use to liquefy.
• Expect a Tingle-tastic Effect in 10 mins or less.
• Remove mask with water in Circular motions to exfoliate.
• Use twice a week or as often as desired.

When I first used this I stirred it. I don't anymore it doesn't really seem necessary to me. What they don't tell you about the 'tingle-tastic' effect is that it is PAINFUL! I know everyone reacts differently to a product, but this stuff made my face feel like it was melting off! I'm not exaggerating at all. Thankfully, as it dries the sensation goes away. I do like that this product is like a 2 in 1. It's a mask and an exfoliator. 

The claims:

• Leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing.
• Activates collagen synthesis.
• Provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation.
• Helps to leave skin smoother, brighter, and softer.
• Provides tighter skin texture and tighter pores.
• Helps to provide a more youthful appearance.
• Absorbs impurities without removing natural oils.
• Helps to protect against free radical damage. 

My skin responded quite well to this mask. My skin did seem to be much smoother, softer, and glowing. Like any other mud mask, when it dries it tightens on your face. However, any reduction of pores that might have happened is only temporary. Although my skin is oily I do not like to be too dry. My skin did not feel overly dry. So thankfully, this product did not dry my skin out. As for a more youthful appearance, I can't really attest to that since I'm still young. I don't suffer from wrinkles or anything like that. I'm not sure if it protects against free radicals or not. I'm not really sure how to tell if it does or not.

Here are a couple photos of me with it on:

So, That's it.

Have you tried any of the Glamglow masks?

Until Next Time,

Aleema

Review: Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

This going to be my last review on the mascaras from the Lash Stash to go box from Sephora.  I didn't review the Lancome Hynpose Drama because I have previously written a review on that a little over a year ago. If my opinions change then I'll do another post about it, but I don't want to have too many mascaras open at the same time.

This mascara retails for $18 at Sephora. So, it's a little cheaper than most of the mascara's that come inside the Lash Stash box.

The packaging is made out of a silver reflective plastic. The wand has plastic bristles like I prefer. However, I find the shape to be a little odd. The bristles spiral around the wand.

Here are the claims on Sephora's website:

What it is:

A do-it-all mascara for larger-than-life lashes. 
What it does:This volumizing, lengthening, thickening, separating, long-wearing mascara does it all. The exclusive ProTwist180™ Wand is spiraled 180 degrees to curve around lashes and coat from all angles with intense black color. 

This mascara is volumizing. However, not to the point that it becomes clumpy. I'm not sure about the lengthening aspect it. My lashes are already pretty long so I didn't notice any additional length. It does separate very well. It's why there was no clumping. It fans my lashes out very nicely. It doesn't look like you're wearing mascara. I did notice that this mascara, like most mascaras for me, smudged on my right bottom lash line a little. Very few mascara don't smudge on me there. 

Also, I will be using this mascara in my next YouTube video that will hopefully go up on Thursday. So, if you want to see perform through video you should check that video out. If you like it please subscribe.

So, That's it.

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 :)

Dupe Alert: Dior Addict Fluid Stick Vs. L'oreal Color Caresse Wet Shine Stain

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

So, this post is going much later than I prefer! But I have been so uninspired lately and all I have been doing are reviews. So, I wanted to switch it up a little.

While I was applying my L'oreal Color Caresse Wet Shine Stain in the shade '188 Coral Tattoo,' I immediately thought of my Dior Addict Fluid Stick. It's not the color that reminds me of my Fluid Stick but the formula. The Dior Addict Fluid Stick is $35 and the L'oreal Color Caresse Wet Shine Stain retails for around $9-$10.

When you first apply them they feel very wet and light, like water. I recommend using the applicator to apply and blend for both products.

However, the Fluid Stick is more pigmented and stickier. I normally have to layer the L'oreal Color Caresse but with the Fluid Stick I dip back into the bottle once for each lip. They both have two very distinctive and different fragrances in them. Both of them dry with a nice shine.Also, both of them leave a stain but the Dior Fluid Stick stains longer.

They both have the same kind of applicator as well. I know the Color Caresse Wet Shine Stain is often compared to the YSL Glossy Stain. I've never tried the YSL Glossy Stain. But, to me it seemed very comparable to the Fluid Stick. They're not exact dupes but if you want something similar to the Dior Fluid Stick and don't want to pay $35, you should definitely try the L'oreal Color Caresse Wet Shine Stain.

So, what do you think?

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)

Review: Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer

Assalamu wa Alaykum/ Hi,

For this post I'm going to be reviewing the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer. This is my first time trying anything from Hourglass. I've been wanting their Ambient Lighting Powder and Blushes though. I bought the primer the day before Ramadan started and have been using it every day that I wore makeup since.

I love this primer! It's a mattifying primer which is exactly what I need. Let's look at the claims of the company about the product.

Claims:

Flawless skin starts here. This luxuriously silky primer will conceal redness, minimize the appearance of pores, help soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles and repel water to ensure makeup appears fresh all day long. Broad spectrum SPF 15 helps shield skin from the sun.

• Designed for all skin types
• Conceals redness (even rosacea) to create an even skintone
• Helps soften the appearance of visible pores, fine lines, and imperfections
• Extends the durability of makeup applied on top of the Veil Mineral Primer
• Satin-finish formula absorbs excess oils
• Naturally derived titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect skin from UVA/ UVB rays
• Free of oil, parabens, phthalates,gluten, sulfates, fragrance, and vegan- friendly

This primer comes out as a white thick liquid. When you first apply it, it does give a bit of a white cast. However, that doesn't show through your foundation.

This does feel very silky. Like a silicon primer. I know that there are some people that don't care for primers like that. So, keep that in mind. 

I don't have any fine lines or wrinkles as of now (and hopefully not for a long time). As for my pores, I don't notice them appearing any smaller. I usually don't. I might be very oblivious to that. I would prefer for them to be gone altogether. So, seeing them slightly minimized is not something I care for I guess. 

It does extend the wear of my makeup and it takes me longer to get oily. When I do it's not very much. 

I agree that the finish of this is a satin-finish. After I apply all of my makeup and my setting powder I don't look overly matte and dry.

I prefer the Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer over the Smashbox Photo Matte Primer.The former performs better. However, I will continue to use them both.

Now let's talk price. This primer can be purchased in 3 sizes. I bought the smallest for $18. It's 10 ML or .33 oz. The next size available is 30 ML or 1 oz. That retails for $52. The last size available is Jumbo on Sephora's website. It's 60 ML or 2oz and retails for $72. The last size is limited edition.

So, depending on your budget you have 3 price points to go with. I definitely recommend giving this product a try, especially if you have oily skin. I know Sephora had it as a 100 point perk recently. It still might be one. 

So, That's it.

Until Next Time,

Aleema :)