Dupe Alert: NYX Cottage Cheese and Rimmel ScandalEYES Witness White

 Left to Right: Witness White, Cottage Cheese

Hello Everyone!

Recently I have been finding a lot of dupes in my make up collection. To me, this is kind of surprising because when I bought these products, I did not expect them to be dupes! However, it is nice having products to compare and see which ones I prefer. TOday, I have NYX Jumbo Eye Pencil in 608 Cottage Cheese and Rimmel ScandalEYES Eye Shadow Stick in 001 Witness White. I have had Cottage Cheese for a while now (probably 5 or 6 months) but Witness White is a new one for me. I have a few of the Rimmel ScandalEYES Eye Shadow Sticks so I already knew I enjoyed the formula when i got Witness White. You can find both of these at Ulta for $4.49 each.

For the color, I find them pretty much identical! They are both pearly whites. Witness White has a little bit more of a shimmer to it but on the lids, they look exactly the same. I was so surprised I just noticed how alike they are. They do differ in formula however. I find that Witness White goes on a lot smoother, creases much less and lasts longer than Cottage Cheese. Although I love Cottage Cheese, I have myself reaching for Witness White more often. As for packaging, they are both chubby sticks. Cottage Cheese is a little bit chubbier but it really does not make a difference. Overall, they are both lovely products and both are very budget friendly. I have found myself to prefer the Rimmel ScandalEYES but for $4.49,they are both amazing.

Have you tried both? Which one do you prefer?

Lots of Love,
Rena 

FOTD: Rimmel Summer Chic

Hello Everyone!

Just a quick face of the day post today. I've been loving the Rimmel Glam Eyes Trio in 650 Summer Chic (review here). It is so easy to use and gives an amazing look. You can use it for a day look or a night look depending on how smokey you want to make it. I also been looking the Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 HR Foundation (review here) . I've been breaking out and this does a really good job covering and it lasts all day!

FOTD: 

Products: 

Tarte Amazonian Clay 12 HR Full Coverage Foundation in Light Medium Sand 

Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in 230 Very Fair/ Light 

Bourjois Bronzing Powder

Benefit High Beam

Rimml Stay Matte Powder

The Balm Hot Mama Blush 

Rimmel 650 Summer Chic 

Maybelline Color Tatto in 70 Barely Branded 

Rimmel ScandelEYES in 005 Nude 

Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner 

Benefit Gimme Brow

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume 

NYX Mega Shine Lip Gloss in Nude Pink 

Rimmel Moisture Renew in Nude Delight 

Lots of Love,

Rena 

Make Up Look: Modern 60's

Hello Everyone!
 Today I am going to share a make up look I did a few weeks ago. I was browsing through Pinterest when I came by a modern twiggy look. This inspired me to do my own take on the 1960's make up look. I hope you enjoy!

The Look: 

The Products: 

I just realized this whole look is drugstore brands! You can find all these products at Ulta Beauty (besides Jordana which you can get at Walgreens!). 

Essence Eyeshadow in 03 Starlight ($2.49)

L'oreal Lineur Intense in Carbon Black ($8.99)

Rimmel Soft Kohl Eyeliner in 061 Jet Black ($3.99)

NYX Glam Liner Aqua Luxe in Glam Lagoon  ($5.49)

Jordana 12 HR Made to Last Eyeshadow Pencil in 06 Aqua Last (Walgreens, $3.99)

CoverGirl LashBlast Volume (forgot to include in picture, $8.99)

I applied Starlight by Essence all over my lid up to the brow. Then in my crease I followed the natural curve of my lid with NYX Glam liner. Using the L'oreal Lineur Intense, I created a dramatic wing. Next, I lined my water and tight line with Rimmel's Soft Kohl eyeliner in Jet Black. On my lower lash line, I used Jordana Eyeshadow Pencil in Aqua Last for an extra pop of color. I finished it all of with a few layers of the CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara. 

Lots of Love, 

Rena 

Dupe Alart: MAC Impassioned and Rimmel Kate Moss 06

Hello Everyone!

 I feel like all bloggers (and girls in general) are always trying to find drugstore products that are similar to  those of high end products. I mean who doesn't love to save a few bucks? I've seen so many NARS Orgasm dupes and MAC Russian Red dupes out in the lovely world of the internet. Dupes are definitely really nice to have around. In April I popped in CVS when Rimmel was buy one, get one free! So of course I had to get myself some Rimmel. I ended up with a ScandalEYES Eye Crayon and a Kate Moss Lipstick in 06. The first time I wore this lipstick, I knew it reminded me a lot of a different lipstick I had. Finally I put the two together and realized that Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 06 is a dupe for MAC Impassioned.

top to bottom: Mac, Rimmel

MAC Impassioned in a bit more cool toned than Rimmel 06 but besides that I didn't see much of a difference. I really like the formula of both lipsticks and they are both long wearing. Plus they both smell amazing. If you had checked the Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 06, I highly recommend you do!

Loves of Love,
Rena

April Favorites

Hello Everyone!

So I am assuming everyone knows the drill by now! It is the end of April and I can not wait for May 13th when I am all done with exams and papers. April has been a very stressful month with all this school work but I have had time to pick out a few favorites. I have an item or two from just about every category. Let's get into it!

For my hair, I have been loving Not Your Mother's Beach Babe Texturizing Hair Cream. I use this when my hair is still damp and it does a great job holding my curls and controlling my frizz. I also use it on second day hair for control of baby hairs and fly away. As for brushes, I have been loving the Sonia Kashuk brush in No. 130, I think it is a buffing brush. But honestly I use this brush for everything from powder to contouring. It is really soft and great at distributing product. For my face, I have been using the Urban Decay All Nighter Make Up Setting Spray. This month I have had a lot of long days from class to work to studying to all nighter at the library. This stuff has been a life saver at keeping my face make up going strong. I use this after I powder my face but before I contour and blush. You can definitely use it after all that if you want! For my eyes, I have two products that I have been loving. First is the Rimmel ScandelEYEs Eye Shadow Paint in 007 Chestnut Taupe. This is awesome for a quick out the door look. It is a beautiful color and it honestly lasts all day long with creasing or smudging! One thing though, you have to work fast to apply it evenly because it does dry fast. Next, I have been loving the Calvin Klein CK One Mascara. I got this for my birthday in February from Ulta and I have read a lot of mixed review on this. Personally, I think it is great. It gives me amazing length and volume and it is a really intense black color which I love. Lastly for my lips, I have been loving the Rimmel Lasting Finish by Kate Moss Lipstick in 06. It is a great bright pink color for spring. I put it on and I instantly feel fun and awake! It is also a pretty good dupe for MAC Impassioned (blog post coming soon).

What have you been loving this month?

Lots of Love,
Rena 

Make Up Look: Joker Inspired

Hello Everyone!

So while procrastinating on writing a paper, I ended playing around with my make up. For some reason I ended up being inspired by the Joker. Maybe it is because I saw some cool Joker make up looks in pinterest or because he is just a bad ass. Either way here is the look I got and the products I used. I hope you like it!

The Look: 

The Products used: 

I applied Rimmel Scandeleyes Eye Shadow Stick in 001 Witness White. After that, I outlined my lid adding a wing effect at the end with Sephora + Pantone Universe Liquid Liner in last year's color of the year (I don't remember the name but its basically just a bright green).  I lined my waterline with Stila Smudge Waterproof Eye Liner in Emerald. On my lower lash line I used L'oreal Infallible Eye Shadow in 557 Glistening Garnet. I flared it out at the end. Next I lined my upper lash line with Stila Stay All Day Liquid Liner in  Intense Black. Finally I used Maybelline the Great Lash in Teal Appeal on my upper and lower lashes.

What do you think? Also what other superhero/ villain make up inspired looks would you want to see?

Lots of Love,
Rena 

Product Spotlight: Rimmel Kate Moss Lipsticks

Top to Bottom: 06, 09, 17, 109

Hello Everyone!

There are some pretty awesome lipsticks at the drugstore. Revlon and Maybelline both have some awesome formulas and colors. However, my all time favorite drugstore lipsticks are definitely Rimmel Kate Moss Lipsticks. I currently own four and I am definitely going to be picking up some more soon. I have three of the originals and one of the matte ones. Both are amazing lipsticks.

The four colors I have are 06, 09, 17 and 109. I wish they had actually names instead of just numbers but I can get over it because of how amazing the colors are. 06 is a bright hot pink color. It is actually a really nice dupe for MAC's Impassioned. 09 is a cherry deep pink color. It has a cool tone undertone so it is very flattering! 17 is the perfect everyday pinky nude color. It isn't over powering and is perfect to just toss on. Lastly is 109, which is a mute corally orange. It is a great pop of color without being overwhelming.

For the formula, these lipsticks are absolutely perfect. They go on super smoothly and last for hours. If I'm not eating or drinking, these will last a good 5 hours without needing any retouches! The matte one lasts even longer 5-6 hours. They smell amazing too! Like candy but not in a overwhelming way. I also think the packaging is very sleek and chic. Overall, if you haven't tried these out yet, you definitely need to!

What is your favorite drugstore lipsticks?

Lots of Love,
Rena

Rimmel Trio Eye Shadow : 650 Summer Chic

Hello Everyone!

I hope you've been having a great start to April. The weather around here has so nice that I have almost enjoyed walking to class ( but then again class isn't fun). Today I wanted to share with you a little gem I picked up from the drugstore recently. As many of you probably already know I have a strong love for Rimmel; they are my favorite drugstore brand. The other day, I was in Walgreens when I saw the Rimmel Trio Eye Shadow palette in 650 Summer Chic. The thing that really drew me to it was the warmth of the colors. It looked perfect for a make up look one of my friends wants for prom. After taking it home and playing around with it, I can honestly say it is a lovely little palette.

The three colors in this palette are really very pigmented and absolutely gorgeous. The colors don't have individual names so I am going to describe them based on location in the palette. The top left is a slightly shimmery champagne color. This color is definitely perfect to use all over the lid and as a brow bone highlight. The second color in the middle right is a deep almost rusty bronze color. I would use this color to deep the look by adding it to the crease and blending it out. The last color in the triangle shape at the bottom is a dark brown color. This would look great in the outer corner. It definitely adds nice dimension to the look. The three colors look amazing together but they all can also be used separately. I can not wait to use this on my friend for her prom! I also can't wait to share the look I create on her with you guys!

What is your favorite Rimmel product?

Lots of Love,
Rena 

March Favorites

Hello Everyone!

Spring Lipstick Picks

Hello Everyone! 

Happy Spring! I am so happy it is finally spring, I honestly can not wait to step outside and not feel cold. Being in a spring mood, I decided I would share some lipsticks I look forward to using this spring. I love wearing brighter colors in the spring. A simple natural eye with a bright lips just looks amazing.  I hope you enjoy.  

 Bottom to Top:  Impassioned, Nude Diaphane, Kate Moss 109,  One Size Fits Pearl,Vibrant Mandarin

MAC Amplified Lipstick in Impassioned: Hello Barbie pink! This lipstick is a beautiful blue toned hot pink that just glides onto the lips. Amplified is my favorite finish from MAC because it is glossy but not overly shiny. This color is honestly the perfect hot pink that is still wearable. I got this at Nordstorm for 16 dollars.


NYX Matte Lipstick in Nude Diaphane: This lipstick is 100 percent matte but it goes on really smoothly and lasts really well ( about 5 hours if not eating and drinking). This color is a pinky nude. I prefer this to my other favorite nude, Rimmel Nude Delight, during the spring because I feel like the pinky undertone makes it so spring perfect. I got this CVS ( yes! CVS now has NYX yay) for around 5 dollars.

Rimmel Kate Moss Matte in 109: Another matte lipstick, this one also lasts a really well around 5 hours and this color is just gorgeous. It is a matte orangy coral and it is quite muted so it is not one of those " in your face" kind of oranges. This is great for a pop of color that is not overwhelming. One thing though, it is a bit drying so make sure to have a good balm underneath it! I got this at Walmart for a little over four dollars!

Maybelline Color Whisper in 55 One Size Fits Pearl: I am really sad that this does not show up in picture as well as it does in person. This is a very glossy, easy to wear baby pink. I love this for lazy days that I don't feel like checking on my lipstick all day. This goes on easy and adds a subtle hint of color. I picked this up at Walgreens for around 8 dollars.

Maybelline Lipstick in 885 Vibrant Mandarin: Last but not least is the brightest of the bunch. Vibrant Mandarin is actually what is sounds like a bright orange color. It glides on really easily and has a shiny finish. This is the lipstick for the days you want your lipsticks noticed. It is a very attention drawing orange color. This goes great with a basic neutral colored outfit. I got this at Walgreens for around 8 dollars.

What colors do you looks forward to wearing?

Lots of Love,
Rena 

Make Up Look: Classic Cat Liner and Pink Lip

Hello Everyone! 

I am a huge fan of bold eyeliners from bright colored liners to dramatic cat eyes, I love it all. Today, I wanted to show you a cat liner look I been loving lately. I adore having a really natural eye base with a bold thick liner and a light pink lip. I think it looks really girly and effortless. The products I used are Benefit Gimme Brows, Stila In The Light Palette (Bare all over the lid with Bliss in the crease and Bubbly in the inner corner), Maybelline Eye Studio Gel Liner in Blackest Black with a Tarte double ended eyeliner brush, Rimmel ScandalEYES in Nude, Make Up Forever Smoky Extravagant Mascara and Rimmel Kate Moss Lipstick in 17. I hope you like this look! 

Let me know how you feel about cat liners and what type of liner you like to use for it!

Lots of Love,
Rena  

Make Up Look: Easy Everyday Brown Eyes

Hello Everyone!

Today I wanted to share with you a very easy make up look that I have been wearing to class and work a lot recently. This look uses a lot of drugstore make up ( with a few high end) which I think is really nice because I hate seeing make up that I love but can't easily get the make up to recreate the look with. I started off with L'oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder Foundation in 320 Natural Beige. I love this foundation for a quick look because it is really light and looks natural. Next, I applied Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer in Light  underneath my eyes. I set my face make up with Airspun Loose Face Powder in Naturally Neutral. I bought this after seeing Tati from GlamLifeGuru talking about it in a Madness Monday video and I have to say I really like it. I didn't use any blush or bronzer with this look but I did highlight my cheekbones with Rimmel Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch in Flush of Pearl. For my brows, I used Benefit's Gimme Brow. I love this stuff for a quick easy way to get my eyebrows into place. I followed that up with Milani Shadow Eyez in Champagne Toast as a brow bone highlight.  For my eyes, I applied Maybelline 24 HR Color Tattoo in Bad to the Bronze all over my lid. Then I went in with a fluffy brush and applied Maybelline Color Tattoo Pigment in Downtown Brown in my crease and lower lash line. Finally, I took Kitten by Stila and used it as an inner corner highlight. I applied Rimmel ScandalEYES Eyeliner in Nude into my waterline and topped off my eyes with a few coats of Calvin Klein Mascara that I got from Ulta as my birthday gift. Finally I put a little bit of Maybelline Color Whisper in One Size Fits Pearl on my lips.

I hope you guys enjoyed this look!

Lots of Love,
Rena 

My Rimmel Addiction Continues...

L to R: Chestnut Taupe, Peachy Apricot and Flush of Pearl

Hello everyone!

Recently I have noticed a pattern. I got into Walmart for something like notecards or tissues and I walk out with Rimmel. Some of you might already know that Rimmel is my favorite drugstore brand. They always have amazing quality and wallet friendly prices especially at Walmart. Walmart also has a bigger range of products from Rimmel than other drugstores. Today was no different as I went to Walmart for a notebook and walked out with three lovely things from Rimmel. They are the new ScandalEYES Eye Shadow Paint in 004 Peachy Apricot and 007 Chestnut Taupe and Wake Me Up Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch in 001 Flush of Pearl.

I have never seen or heard anything about the Instant Radiance Shimmer Touch before so I was definitely interested. I don't think it is anything new but I honestly couldn't tell you when it came out or why this Walmart was the only place I have ever seen it. However, the name of the color is what really got me to buy it: Flush of Pearl. This instantly made me think of Benefit's Girl Meets Pearl and I got curious if this could possibly be a much cheaper dupe for it. I will definitely be going a comparative post about it soon. So far from the swatch, it looks like a really nice lightly shimmery pearly beige highlight. Personally, I think there would be more highlights at the drugstore.

On the other hand, I have heard about the ScandalEYES Eye Shadow Paints before. The idea of a paint eyeshadow is kind of funny to think about but after swatching them, I can see why they are called that. These paints do not move at all! They would definitely make amazing bases or just to wear on their own for a quick and easy look. I saw 8 colors at Walmart and I picked up 2: 004 Peachy Apricot and 007 Chestnut Taupe. They are both beautiful. Peachy Apricot is metallic light bronze color with a hint of peach in it while Chestnut Taupe is a light metallic taupe color with purple undertones to it. I can not wait to use these on my eyes!

Have you tried these out?
Lots of Love,
Rena