Project Pan

If you keep up with the online beauty world, I'm sure you've all heard of a little something called Project Pan.  If by chance you have absolutely no idea what I am talking about, let me fill you in: 

Project Pan is pretty where you take a bunch of products that you have a ton of, most commonly it's 10, and you use all of them up. You're not allowed to buy any more of that product until you've used it all completely.   I'll be giving updates once a month and reviews as I finish things. 

Being a beauty blogger, it's really hard not to buy new products when they are released. I decided to cheat a little bit, and try to use up a bunch of sample items. Yeah, I know. I'm going easy on myself. But what can I do? 

My reason for doing project pan is simple. I have a ton of unused products, as does every beauty hoarder. I'm also traveling back to the States for about three months in the Fall and I plan on stocking up on things back home that I can't get here in Italy. Before I do this, I want to get rid of a few things.

I know it looks like I have a good amount of things here, but I feel like I will be able to finish over half of them before September comes. I'm trying to be realistic with my goals, mkay?

The first five things I picked up were for the face. I have one full size product, and the rest are deluxe samples. I am about a third of the way through with my Revlon Colorstay, and while I don't feel like I will be able to finish it all completely before September, I'd like to be about 2/3 of the way finished. I threw in the Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation, too. I never really use this because I find that it just doesn't do much for me, but I really want to just get it over with. I have two primers, the Skin Prep FX foundation primer and Benefit's POREFessional. I threw in the sample of NARS Pure Radience Tinted Moisturizer for the days where I don't feel like wearing foundation.

For my eyes, I didn't want to throw in too much, becuause I feel like mascara and eyeliner are one of those things that just take forever to use up. Maybe that's just me? For mascara, I chose this sample of They're Real! and Maybelline's The Rocket. These are both mascaras that I have back ups/samples of so I really need to use these up. 

The next thing I have is my Sephora Eye Brow Pencil. I use this almost every day and I honestly don't feel like I'm ever going to finish it. No matter how much I use it or sharpen it, it never goes away! 

I feel a little silly for putting two blushes in my Project Pan, but I have so many! Especially the elf Studio Blushes. I have one in every shade and backups of most. I really, really love these. The only blushes that I love more are my Benefit ones, and we all know how long those last, so putting them in a Project Pan is just setting yourself up for failure. The two colors I chose were Candid Coral and Twinkle Pink. Candid Coral is a super duper close dupe for Benefit's Coralista, and Twinkle Pink is a dupe for NARS Orgasm. 

I felt like to top this project off, I really needed to add a lip product. I have more lipsticks than one could ever need, and I knew that I would have a really hard time sticking to one shade. So instead, I opted to throw in my elf Lip Exfoliater. I love love love love this little baby. I use it every single day. It does an awesome job exfoliating my lips and it makes them super soft. This is a product that I will definitely be purchasing as soon as I run out. 

Well, that concludes my list of products for my Project Pan! I can't wait to see how much I actually use. I don't know about you guys, but finishing a makeup product feels so rewarding! Have you done a Project Pan? Let me know! 

June Favorites

Well, apparently June decided to be the shortest month of them all and fly right by. Seriously, though. June has went by faster than any other month this year. I have no idea why, but it really did. With June already gone, that means 2013 is half way over. Can you believe that? It's just crazy! 

This month I didn't wear a ton of makeup. I've only put on a full face maybe a handful of times. The hotter it gets, the more that I lack motivation to do my makeup.

I can't believe I am saying this, but I've jumped on the bandwagon. I am obsessed with the Revlon Lip Butters. I know, I know. I've dogged them in the past, but I'm a new woman. My eyes have been opened. I was never a fan because they weren't pigmented enough for me. Well, when the PX had all Revlon products for 40% off, I decided to grab a couple in what seemed to be more intense, vibrant shades. I am glad that I did! I picked up the colors Candy Apple and Raspberry Pie. I absolutely love these two! 

Another lip product that I've been loving is the elf Conditioning Lip Balm with SPF 15. This lip balm is ridiculously hydrating and moisturizing. I like to lather my lips up with this about two times a day. The color and staying power is quite impressive!

For eyes, these three products that you see are pretty much the only ones that I have been using all month. I picked up the Cover Girl Lash Blast Fusion because my best friend swears by this. I was reluctant because I've never been a Cover Girl fan, but I'm hooked. I've been using this mascara more than my They're Real! I can't say that I like it more, as They''re Real! does a lot for me, but since it's so expensive, I'm trying to make it last as long as I can. Lash Blast definitely gets the job done. It's a favorite in my book!

I'm sure you've all seen my Pixi eyeliner in Oyster Glow in other recent posts, but I seriously cannot get enough of this! I use it as an inner eye brightener, brow bone highlight, nose and cupids bow highlight, and I even use it on my cheek bones! It is seriously the most gorgeous champagne color ever. It will be a really, really sad day when I run out of this. 

The last eye favorite for this month was my Tweezerman eyelash curler. The only other eye lash curler I have is my elf one, and it does the job just fine. But I do find that this one gets a bit closer to my lash line so I'm able to get a more dramatic curl. It's also rose gold. How can I not be obsessed with it?!

The three products you see above have pretty much been the only face products I've used all month. I've reached for my Revlon Colorstay a few times, but my Garnier BB Cream has definitely got the most use! I got this because my other Garnier BB Cream was about a year old and the formula was just obviously not as good as it used to be. I don't care what anyone says, the Garnier BB creams are the BEST! You can't change my mind. I do however lik this new formula better than the old. I bought this one specifically because Kasey did a review on it and it made her skin look amazing! I definitely recommed this BB cream to everyone! 

I have the worst undereye circles so when I saw this Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circle Eraser, I had to give it a go. I have had this for a few months now, but I just started using it a lot this month. While I think that there are probably better products out there, this one does the job well enough for me. 

I've been using my Rimmel Stay Matte powder like crazy! I'm not head over heels in love with this powder or anything, but I really just needed to start using it up. My holy grail Hello Flawless! is really expensive, so I really want to conserve that as much as possible. I picked up Stay Matte for less than $2 on clearance at the PX. I'd rather use this for everyday, and only use my Benefit HF for the more important ones.

I am kind of possessive over my hair. If you guys haven't seen, I kind of have a lions mane. I have super thick hair, but it can get coarse. To prevent that, I've been using the L'Oreal Triple Resist Ultimate Strength Solution. I've only been using it about twice a week over the past month, so I haven't noticed a huge difference. The only thing that I can say is that I find there to be less fallout when brushing my hair. I can't really say that this is a "favorite" moreso than a product that I've just been using regularly. ...Why did I even include this? Ugh. 

I hoped that you all enjoyed this month's favorites! Which products have you been using on the daily this month? 

May Favorites

Just like every other month that has come and gone, May flew by just the same. And just like all the others, this month I had many a favorite! I also acquired way more products than one could possibly neeed, but eh, yolo, right? Now, while I go bask in shame for my use of yolo, here's last month's favorites!

 Back to front, left to right: Benefit The Bronze of Champions kit, Coach Poppy Perfume Clinique Moisture Surge, KIKO Brow Gel, Buxom Big & Healthy Lipstick in Athens, e.l.f. Complete Coverage Concealer, e.l.f. Powder Brush, Real Techniqus Buffing, Contour, Crease, and All Over Shadow Brush.

If you read my blog at all, you know that I love the benefit kits. I'm sure I've talked about this one before, but I couldn't resist talking about it some more. I use the Hoola bronzer and the Whatt's Up highlight almost every day. These little kits pack in a lot of product, and I would definitely say that they are a much better value than the full size. If you don't know, Benefit is NOT stingy with the amount of product you recieve. In fact, I'm sure one could never possibly use up all of one of their boxed powders in an entire lifetime. That's why these "try it" kits are so amazing. For around $30, you get to try a lot and they will definitely last you a very long time. 

My e.l.f. concealer really isn't that big of a deal. It's a good concealer, especailly for $3, but of course there are better. I'm just trying to use all of this one up before I go to my higher end concealers. This one definitely get's the job done. If you're in need of a decent concealer on the cheap, this would probably be the one I would suggest most! The palette comes with four shades, so you can mix them together to get your perfect match. It's a pretty handy palette to have, I must say!

Last year for my high school graduation, my grandmother bought me this amazing perfume. It is probably one of the best gifts I have ever recieved. While you all know I love my Daisy, as far as scents go, this one is my favorite. Daisy is just my "favorite" because it's perfect for every day and I don't feel like I have to ration it out as much. This perfume is really good mix of sweet fruits and florals. I'm not even going to try to get any more in depth than that. It's really just the most amazing smelling thing ever.

My Moisture Surge is  new purchase, but it's not something that I'm exactly new to. I've been using this product off and on for probably the past three or four years. I've been having drier than normal skin lately, and my regular Neutragena moisturizer wasn't doing the trick. Moisture Surge is a pretty expensive product, I'm not going to lie. But like Benefit product, this one goes a long way! I'm talking a little dab on one finger will do more than enough for your entire face and neck. 

I have had this Buxom lipstick for well over a year and it has held its own as my number one favorite. It's the perfect coral color.  I actually have another in the color Milan that I love as well. It's more of a natural, my-lips-but-better. These lipsticks tingle on your lips, as they have a small amount of plumper in them. These lipsticks also last, and last, and last. I don't feel like these products are talked about enough, an they definitely should be! 

If you saw my last post about KIKO, you saw this product. It's nothing very special, but at the moment it's the only brow gel that I have. So that's that. 

And last but not least, we have my favorite brushes of the month, erm, ever! As you know, I, just like every other beauty obsessed blogger, am head over heels in love with my Real Techniques brushes. The application and coverage is always perfect and flawless. I use them every day and I don't foresee myself using any others until these fall to bits. 

My other favorite brush is the e.l.f. powder brush. I am sure that If I had the RT version, I would never use this one, but I can't complain. This brush is super soft and fluffy. It's perfect for applying powder to set your foundation. 

Well, that's all I have for you guys this month! What products were your favorites? Any thoughts on mine? 

P.S-I'm trying to work up the nerve to start doing outfit posts. I use to have a style blog, but those days are loooong gone. My style has drastically changed since then. Definitely in a good way! Just getting infront of the camera is not something that I enjoy doing. 

P.S.S- I am planning a giveaway soon! Well, as soon as I reach 100 followers on GCF. Spread the word, ladies, because what I have planned is pretty exciting! 

April Favorites And The Cutest Song Ever

This month has seriously flown by. It seems like every month has since we first found out we were moving to Italy back in December. It has just been nonstop going! I can't wait for May to be here. We are finally getting all of our furniture on Thursday, and in about two weeks my mom will be here with my puppy! You guys seriously can't imagine my excitement! 

This month I've also gotten a lot of really awesome beauty products! Probably more than one could possibly need, but eh, a girl needs her cosmetics!!!

This month my top favorites have been the Urban Decay Naked 2 palette, Benefit's The Bronze of
Champions kit, Cliniques Take The Day Off makeup remover, KIKO Milan False Lash Concentrate, Benefit's Coralista blush, Revlon ColorStay foundation, and Jergens Natural Glow daily moisturizer.



If you guys have never tried any of Benefit's kits, shame on you! Seriously. Benefit is a pretty pricey brand, and their kits make getting their products very affordable. If you're a makeup hoarder like I am, then these kits are perfect. You get just the right amount of product. I'd say they're all about half of the size of the actual product, and with Benefit, a little goes a very long way. So even though you're getting deluxe sample sizes of these products, you're definitelly getting enough to last you a very long time.

This baby is the Naked 2 palette from Urban Decay. If you haven't heard of this, where in the world have you been? I feel like I really can't say much about this, other than it's absolutely amazing. Just get one for yourself. 

Benefit's Coralista is my favorite blush. Ever. Hands down. I originally got this in one of the kits and I had to get the full size. I have used this almost every day for the past two or three months and I am nowhere near hitting pan.

I found this mascara primer at an Italian makeup store. I belive the name is KIKO. This stuff is just incredible. It makes my lashes about twice as long as they actually are. This is the best mascara primer I have ever used.

I am really loving Revlon lately. I was never a huge fan, but recently I'm just on a kick. This foundation has been my most used for the past month and I don't see myself getting tired of it any time soon.

Clinique has never been a brand that I've tried a lot of or been too interested in. This makeup remover though is something that I've been using for years. It removes waterproof eye makeup effortlessly.

Summer is right around the corner and I am trying so hard to get tan! I don't tan very well in the sun. I don't burn or anything, I just kind of stay the same. I've been using this for the past few weeks and I love it! It really does give you a nice, natural glow. I'd say it's gotten me about 1 1/2 shades darker and it's helped me build a nice base tan so I can tan in the sun. 

I am so madly in love with this song! If you don't know, Hunter Hayes is a Country singer from Louisiana. Just another reason that I love him. This song is so darn adorable, as is all of his songs. But this one is my favorite. Besides the one he wrote for Act of Valor. Since that song is about a military relationship, it just hits home. But anyways, listen to this song and love it as much as I do! PLEASE! And after you listen, go to iTunes and download his CD! It's just perfect and I swear you won't regret it!

Sorry about the length of this post. If you actually stuck around to read all of it, I appluad you! Have an awesome day, ladies!

Product Review: Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain

What a mouthful, right? But a wonderful mouthful! Up until this weekend, I wasn't quite sold on the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains. But after finding the most amazing color ever, my eyes opened to this amazing product. All I can say is, I have finally jumped on the bandwagon.

The three colors that I own are Smitten (030) Rendezvous (040) and Romantic (045). These balm stains retail for about $8. For you military wives, these babies are sold at the PX/BX for $6! I was browsing around the shelves and saw that there was only Rendezvous left, and the wrapper had been opened, but the product itself hadn't been tampered with. Since it was "opened" I got this baby for less than $5. Go me!

I find that these lip balm stains are very moisturizing. I really like the way that they feel on my lips. They leave just the right amount of color on your lips. I am not a lipgloss girl, because I like something with more color payoff/lasting power, but most days I just don't feel like wearing a full on lipstick So I find that these are perfect for every day wear. 

The color that got me hooked was Rendezvous. I think it's the most beautiful coral that I've ever seen. It's a very true coral, too. Not too much pink, not too much red. It leans more on the orange side, and I've been looking for something like that for a long time. 

This is Smitten. It's a purpley/pink color. I had expected it to be much darker than it actually is, but I guess I like the color. It's growing on me, that's for sure. 

The last color I have is Romantic, and I do believe this is the most red of the shades. For me, it's a very subtle red. It reminds me of the stain that's left on your lips after eating a red popsicle! It's the perfect amount of color for those days where you don't want to be too "out there."

Overall, I like these. I feel that because I wasn't crazy about the first two colors I had bought, I didn't understand the hype. After picking up Rendezvous though, I am 100% hooked and I now highly recommend these. If you're looking for something will full color and that has more than a few hours of staying power, these aren't for you. But if you want a subtle pop of color that will last 2-3 hours, then this is your product! I hope this review helped!

Arrivederci!

FOTD: Tuesday, April 9

Having not much planned for the day, I really didn't have a reason to get super dolled up. For some, a regular trip to the post exchange may call for a fully made up face, but not for this gal. In fact, the only reason I opted for putting on my face today was out of pure boredom. What else is a lonely wife supposed to do when her husband is pulling an all nighter doing Army crap? Clean? Psh. Cook? Hell no. Be Productive? I'd rather not. Let's play with make-up!

I figured I'd keep things pretty neutral today, minus that nice red lip I'm rockin'. For the most part, though, I always keep things pretty neutral. I normally like to be a bit heavier on the blush and I also haven't been too into eyeliner lately.I just rediscovered my e.l.f. waterproof eyeliner pen and I just can't resist its precision. It's seriously maybe the best eyeliner pen I've ever used. But I may very well be the only one obsessed with it. I'm also ridiculously obsessed with my e.l.f. 32 piece eyeshadow palette. I got this last month on one of my e.l.f. hauls and it's been sitting in the box ever since. Today when I opened it I just fell in love. I have a lot of products in that haul that have yet to have been opened, but I'm still working on my storage situation in the new house. So until that's worked out, it'll all continue to sit in the box in which it came.
My red lip is all thanks to the Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain. I'm still not too sure how I feel about it. I think it's just "so-so." I've definitely used better. But, I guess they aren't that bad. However, I'm not sure that all of the hype is worth it. Maybe I just need to keep using them. I guess they'll grow on me.



Left to right: Benefit Fine-One-One lip and cheek color, Sonia Kashuk Beauty Sponge, e.l.f. Waterproof Eyeliner Pen, Lancome Hypnose Star Mascara, Revlon PhotoReady Foundation, MAC 213 Fluff Brush, MAC 217 Belnder Brush, e.l.f. Studio Endless Eyes Pro Mini Eyeshadow Palette, e.l.f. eyebrow kit, Sephora Foundation Primer, Revlon PhotoReady Concealer, e.l.f. Small Stipple Brush, Revlon Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stain.

Well, after a pretty long day of PX shopping, eating horrible Taco Bell food, and playing with my friends super cute puppies, it's about time for this girl to wash off her face of the day and catch up on her YouTube videos. I hope you all have/had a wonderful day!
Until next time,

XOXO,

Megan

After finding Krystal's amazing blog, I decided to finally do a tag. I thought that this I ♥ Drugstore Make-Up Tag was perfect for me and my blog. As an Army wife, living life on a budget is completely and totally necessary. As an Army wife living OCONUS (Outside Continental United States) this is especailly true, as Italy is about twice as expensive as the U.S. Okay, enough boring Army talk; on to the tag!

I wouldn't say that I'm a drugstore make-up connoisseur, as most of my most loved brands are higher-end, but I do have quite a few drugstore favorites. And if you know anything about me, you know that my most favorite brand ever is e.l.f. So, maybe I love drugstore make-up a little more than like to let myself believe? The answer is probably yes. 

1. What is your favorite drugstore makeup brand?

     E.l.f. Duh. 

2. What are your favorite face, cheek and lip products?


      E.l.f. Studio Blushes, Revlon PhotoReady Foundation, and the Revlon Just    
      Bitten Kissable Balm Stains.

3. Least favorite product?

     E.l.f. Jumbo Lip Gloss Stick. Just. No. These didn't work for me AT ALL!

4. What is the best makeup bargain?

     Anything by E.l.f., obviously. Or anything by NYX- another super   
       awesome/affordable brand!
5. What is your favorite underdog product? (Something you love that often gets overlooked?)

     Wet n' Wild lip sticks! I personally don't think that this brand gets enough   
      recognition. I remember using this brand in 5th and 6th grade, when my mom 
      would buy me "play" makeup. I recently re-discovered this brand after seeing 
      so many raves about it and I am so glad that I did!

6. A drugstore product that is overpriced?
     Hmm, I can't think of any particular product, but I definitely think that Revlon  
      itself is a pretty pricey brand. I recently got a new foundation (which I love, but   
      $12 is a bit steeo for drugstore foundation.)


7. Show your best drugstore dupe(s)!!

     E.l.f. studio pressed powder is a pretty decent dupe for Benefit's Hello 
      Flawless.  My other favorite would be NYX Matte Lipstick in "Indie Flick", which 
      is a VERY close dupe for Kat Von D's Painted Love Lipstick in "A-Go-Go."

8. Drugstore product that isn't worth the hype?
     Revlons Lip Butters! Seriously, I DON'T understand the hype for these! Yes, 
      they're moisturizing, but for me, the color pay off is horrible and the staying 
      power of these is no longer than twenty or thirty minutes. I don't know if it's 
      just me or what, but I really can't say that I like these too much.
9. Favorite drugstore mascara?
       I'm pretty picky when it comes to mascaras, but I do LOVE The Rocket by 
       Maybelline. 
10. Favorite drugstore nail polish?
       I have to go with Essie on this. I mean, who wouldn't? My next favorite would 
       have to be e.l.f. polishes. Imagine that...

Whew! For whatever reason, this post took forever to write! That being said, I hope you enjoyed it. I tag YOU to answer these questions! Let me know if you do this tag! I added  the last two questions, so don't be afraid to add your own! 

As always-

XOXO,

Megan

March Favorites

After reading everyone else's blogs and watching YouTube videos, I've decided that it's time to jump on the band wagon and start my regular monthly favorites.Why not, right? Well, here ya go.

This month, as I've noticed everyone and their mother is, I'm obessed with coral. I mean really though, who isn't? If you're not, well I'm sorry. 

My go-to for every day is Benefit's Go Tropi Coral box. This thing is my holy grail kit. It includes a relatively nice sized sample of Cha Cha Tint, High Beam, Coralista blush and lip gloss. It's seriously perfection. 

Revlon Lip Butters. I'm obessed. Of course, who isn't? I've loved these puppies for quite some time but since it's Spring (at least that's what the calendar says, Italy hasn't gotten the memo.) I've been reaching for my lip butters in more so than any other of my lipsticks. They are also great for hydrating the lips, which is exactly what I've been in need of. 

I'm normally not a drug store mascara lover, besides my e.l.f. loves, but The Rocket from Maybelline is pretty stinking great. It's probably the only mascara from their Volum' Express collection that I fancy. 

I have been loving my e.l.f. polishes, especially the Vactation Trio. The mint and lavander colors are my favorites! I really love e.l.f.'s formula, as well. Typically, one coat is more than enough for me.

Last but not least is my Revlon PhotoReady foundation. I LOVE this stuff. Just love it. I have to say that I love this more than my e.l.f. flawless finish foundation,  which incase you didn't know has been the only foundation that I've worn since October. I seriously love that stuff. But this is better. Maybe. I'm just in love with it right now. 

The husband and I are finally moving into our house tonight! YAY! However, we won't have internet for a week or two. :( Hopefully I can work on a few posts. But until then, don't forget about me!

XOXO, 

Megan

How To Look The Best At Everything

   One of my most favorite things right now is my Benefit "How To Look The Best At Everything" flawless complexion kit. It is my go-to on days where I just don't feel like going through all of my stuff to find each individual item. This kit has a deluxe sample of each of the following: The POREfessional foundation primer, Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation, two Boi-ing concealers, and Hellow Flawless pressed powder.
 

                  I had originally purchased this kit because I had wanted to try the Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation and the Boi-ing concealer, but didn't want to pay $36.00 for the foundation and $20.00 for the concealer. Spending almost $60 for two products that I didn't even know if I would like just sounded a little crazy to me. So I opted for this kit which was $30.00 at Sephora.
   For what it's worth, this is a very good kit. The amount of product you get is quite a lot, actually. In the full size version of the foundation, you get 1oz of product. In the kit version, you get .23oz. Yes, it's only a quarter of the size, but for me, a little goes a long way. I've used this about ten times and have yet to come anywhere near finishing it. I'd say I have 90% left. I want to say that with the concealer, you get almost as much as the full size product. I could be wrong though, as the concealer packet doesn't have any measurements or weights on it.
   This is something that I would highly recommend if you are curious about any of these products. I promise you, they will last you way longer than you think. For $30, you definitely get your moneys worth!


XOXO,

Megan

Spring Beauty Wishlist

Hiya!

    Spring is almost here, and I'm currently coveting a few, erm...a lot, of new products! Well, not all of them are "new", but they're all new to me!
   The main thing I'm really itching to get my hands on is a set of Sigma brushes. I'm really eyeing this "Mr. Bunny Essentials Kit." They'll be my first real "big girl" brushes. I've got a deal going with my husband right now, and if I can win the bet, I get them. I only have to wait until May 12th to see if I get them.
   I'm really looking forward to experimenting with bright lips and cheeks this season, that's why I have to get my hands on more of e.l.f.'s Mineral Lipsticks and Rimmel's new Apocalips lip stains. For blushes, I really would love to have some of e.l.f.'s HD Blush in Superstar and Headliner. Before I left the states I had sampled Benefit's Fine-One-One brightening color for lips and cheeks, but I wasn't in love with it. Now, I wish so badly that I would've gotten it! I am also wanting Benefit's Hoola Bronzer. It would be the perfect Spring/Summer bronzer.
   As far as eyes go, I don't think I'll be straying away from my typical neutral cat eye, so I'm really hoping to pick up e.l.f.'s Endless Eyes Pro Mini Palette and a few of their Eye Enhancing Eyeshadows. Nothing too adventurous for me!
   What are you coveting this spring? What trends are you most looking forward too? I want to know!
        

Spring Beauty Wishlist by armywifestylelife featuring sheer makeup

 
 
    

P.s. We will be moving into our house in about two weeks, THANK GOD!Once we get settled in and get the internet all hooked up, I have a lot more planned for this little blog of mine. I can't wait!

XOXO,

Megan

Product Review: Clinique Chubby Stick Intense

Well hi there!

       My weekend/start of this week has been so ridiculously busy! Between briefings, meetings, and house hunting, I just haven't had time to post anything. If you ever have to make an overseas move, you'll understand. But, we did find our most perfect house! I'll be making a post specifically for the house tomorrow. For now, let's get into what this post is specifically about.

       I have been eyeing this product for quite some time, but I couldn't justify spending $16 on what is essentially a lip gloss. Today on my trip to the PX (the Walmart or Target of Army posts) I went to the Clinique counter and saw that they had the Intense Chubby Sticks for waaaay less than Dillards, or any other store with a Clinique counter. I was able to snag up these two babies for $12 a piece! (I got another super awesome product as well, but it deserves a review all by itself.)

   I got the colors Mightiest Maraschino and Heftiest Hibiscus. To me, these were the most vivid and pigmented of the eight shades. Mightiest Maraschino is a deep red with purple undertones. Heftiest Hibiscus is a bright fuchsia with almost a golden shimmer. The swatches pictured aren't quite true to color, because of my cameras uncooperative flash.
   While these are in no way shape or form a lip stain, they do seem to last a good hour or two. They would be a great "top coat" over a lip stain, just to add shine and give it that extra boost of color. These two will definitely become a staple in my day to day beauty routine. I'm so happy that I was able to find them for cheaper than at department stores! Just a reminder, these are the Chubby Stick Intense lip balms, NOT the regular Chubby Stick lip balms. The pigmentation of the two are VERY different. I would definitely not recommend the regular Chubby Sticks to anyone, but I would definitely recommend these.

 How do you like this product, or even the original version? I want to know what you think!

XOXO,

Megan

Product Dupe: Benefit Hello Flawless VS. e.l.f. Pressed Powder

     I'm so excited about this post! It's my very first "dupe" find. Both products are ones that I absolutely love, and they are by my two most favorite brands, Benefit and EyesLipsFace. For those of you that don't know, Benefit is a more high end brand, and e.l.f. is an EXTREMELY affordable brand that makes high end quality products.
     Before I left the states I had gotten three huge e.l.f. hauls, and a lot of new Benefit products. My favorite Benefit product is the Hello Flawless Custom Powder-Cover Up and I was so excited to see that e.l.f. had a product that was very similar, for a small fraction of the price. Benefit's powder is $34.00. E.l.f.'s powder is $3.00
   
e.l.f. Pressed Powder in color "Sand." Benefit Hello Flawless Custom Powder Cover-up in color "Honey."
    Both powders come in very similar packaging. Hello Flawless has 7.0g of product, where e.l.f Pressed Powder has 6.5g. There's not too much a difference in the amount of product, as you can tell. Both containers contain a mirror in the lid and the make-up tin flips up to reveal the sponges/brush. Benefit contains a small brush and a sponge. E.l.f. contains a sponge only.
    Both products claim to be a powder with "customize-able/build-able coverage." Both of these colors are VERY similar and the coverage is almost exact. Hello Flawless has a slightly orange undertone, where e.l.f has a more pink undertone. Both colors are still very similar once on the skin. The Pressed Powder is a bit more powdery than Hello Flawless, but I personally prefer the coverage of it. However, Hello Flawless is still one of my go-to's. The coverage of these two powders are unlike any others that I have tried. They are definitely my two top recommended.
Top-Hello Flawless, Bottom-E.l.f. Pressed Powder.     Overall, I love both powders almost equally, but with e.l.f. having a slight advantage. I somewhat prefer the coverage/color and I LOVE the price! If you have $34.00 plus tax I would definitely say go for Hello Flawless. If you are like me and love a good bargain, then DEFINITELY go with e.l.f. No other drug-store brand can even compare to this formula, and it is even cheaper than most drug-store brands!E.l.f. gets 5 stars in my book and Benefit 4 stars, only because $34.00 is a bit pricey for a powder. I hope that this review helped you, if you were wondering about either product. Be sure to check out the links below to get your own! *E.l.f.'s Studio Line is 50% off right now, so you can get this powder for only $1.50!
 E.l.f. Pressed Powder
 Benefit Hello Flawless

XOXO,

Megan