Anti-Aging Dream Cream

Who doesn't love a good anti-aging treatment? It's almost too good an offer to pass up when it doesn't break the bank, too. I'm happy to share a WONDERFUL lost-cost treatment for some serious wrinkle reduction. If you saw the post on Instagram, you might know what I'm referring to...

That treatment... No.7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum! This stuff is no joke. I've been using this product for one entire month, just to make sure I'm actually seeing results. I'm happy to share that I  certainly have!! 

You can find this at Ulta!

My problem areas are my smile lines, and around my eyes. I have a few deeper set wrinkles, and some forming crows feet. This is all a natural part of life, of course - but I'd like to keep my skin as firm as possible for as long as possible. I also wanted to use the serum to try and prevent any other problem areas from forming. This stuff you guys... this stuff.

A little goes a long way. A dollop about the size of a nickel will meet your needs. The directions suggest applying twice a day - once in the morning after washing, and before moisturizer - and once at night in the same fashion. I've been following those exact steps since I bought the product. Naturally, as with any brand they recommend using their own moisturizer in the same line, but I didn't want to put too many new products on my skin at once. With the results I've seen thus far I'm wondering if using their moisturizer would make an even greater impact.

I didn't see immediate results with this, and didn't expect to. I did however start to see noticeable results at a little under two weeks. The results continuously improve too. I had very very very minor wrinkles on my forehead that are now completely gone. It looks like I've never had a crease on that part of my face. The wrinkles around my eyes have also DRASTICALLY improved. I've pretty much seen improvement on every part of my face that I've put this on.

There is a down side to this that I've experienced. The effects of this product don't seem to be too long term. As an experiment I stopped using the serum for almost a week. My skin hasn't retained that firmness as much as I would have hoped. I suppose that could be expected from a low cost serum like this, but I was really hoping that there would be more of a permanent effect. Maybe once the bottle is empty and I've had more time to use it, the effects will be more noticeable over time.

For the $30 I spent, this product was definitely worth the test. If you have minor fine lines and wrinkles, but don't want to break the bank I highly suggest this. This is also good for sensitive skin. I personally have very dry / sensitive skin and this didn't have any negative affect on me whatsoever. If you're just starting an anti aging regime - I would definitely suggest this as a jumping off point. It definitely gives results, and it certainly doesn't break the bank.

Have you tried this? What were your thoughts? Leave me a comment here, or on Instagram and share your opinions. Thanks so much for reading.

Serious Shimmer - The Shade Beauty

I love supporting a local business and bonus points if they're cruelty free. I recently came across one such a gem on Instagram. I happened upon The Shade Beauty before they had opened their store online, but when I found them I had to start following them. The shimmer pulled me in like a moth to a flame.

Top Right and Middle Shade is "Chameleon"
Bottom two shades are "Amber"

The first color that stood out for me was "Chameleon" which you can find here. It's a light lilac shade with a mint green shimmer. It's absolutely stunning, and combines my two favorite colors! 

The array of choices had me on their Etsy page for about 45 minutes trying to decide on two to test out, and after much deliberation I had found my second option. It had to be "Amber" - a luscious pigmented deep amber color. It was stunning, and I had never seen another shade like it. You can find that shade here.

Reasonably priced at $6 a shade, it was hard not to buy more. Being that these are loose pigments, and a new brand I didn't want to be too over zealous.

Ordering was quick and easy. It took just a few days to receive my shadows and the packaging was nice and secure. This was faster shipping than I've gotten with ANY large brand purchase. Shipping was also incredibly reasonable.

Make sure to visit The Shade Beauty on Etsy!

Now that I've had the chance to test out both the shadows, it'll be hard not to follow up with the entire collection. These shadows are lovely. The color is brilliant, and are a dream when applied wet. There are so many gorgeous colors that I'm incredibly eager to add more to my collection. The pigmentation is very nice. I needed minimal application to get the desired effect of either shadow. I did apply both wet, but that's merely a personal preference. These can also be applied dry.

I will say be careful with these shadows. Since they're loose pigment shadows, you need to be gentle and light handed. My first time using one I hadn't closed mine all the way and almost spilled it everywhere! Obviously this is no fault of anyone but myself. I'm just a klutz. If you've never used loose pigment shadows before, just be very very careful and don't overload your brush. A little goes a long way, and with this formula you don't want to have any fallout / waste.

If you want to experience these shadows as well you can find them here. You can also search for them on Etsy as TheShadeBeauty. You can also find them on Instagram to view various shades and upcoming products!

Thank you so much for reading. You can find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat under @cosmetic_dragon. Feel free to follow me and share your thoughts and suggest products for me to review. Again, thank you so much for stopping by and stay fierce!

Physician's Formula - A Lack Luster Glow

A few weeks ago I was watching some highlighter reviews on YouTube. I noticed quite a few people mentioning the Physicians Formula bronzer and highlight products. Being a big fan of a bargain, I decided to try the products for myself.

I've tried a few products from this brand, and have been pretty pleased. It didn't seem like too much of a risk to give something else a try. I decided on the Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls. The packaging made this an even easier decision. The price wasn't bad either. At a little under $14 I was eager to get my glow on.

The packaging for this highlighter is adorable. Everything from the little faux pearl on the cover, to the brush and mirror in the bottom compartment. This is just a fantastic little compact.

What I wasn't stoked about was the pigmentation. There wasn't any.

Well, there was - but it wasn't as pronounced as I thought it would be. I played around with it, and to get any kind of noticeable glow on my skin I had to take at least 4 swipes of product. I also didn't want to apply it wet at the risk of it caking on my face. I was so sad! I wasn't ready to give up just yet, though. Maybe it would grow on me?

Long story short - it didn't.

I even ended up returning it! I RARELY ever return makeup. I just wasn't pleased with this product at all. It feels amazing on the skin. It's soft, and buttery - but what shows up on your skin is minimal. Maybe folks with richer complexions have better luck?

Have you tried this product? What do you think? Did you get good pigmentation with it? Share your comments below and let me know your thoughts.

You can also find me on Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat under the same name - @cosmetic_dragon

Thank you so much for reading! Stay fierce!

Beauty Killer Palette - Review and Video

On May25th, the Jeffree Star Beauty Killer Palette was released. It also sold out within 15 minutes. Luckily I had a timer on, had logged onto the website beforehand, and had my clicking finger ready. With all the anticipation for this palette I knew it would be both a waiting game, and totally worth it. I had seen his videos showing the swatches, and eye looks and knew I needed to have it.

It took a little over a week to get here with the holiday and mad rush, but was so worth the wait. When it arrived, I immediately grabbed my phone and started recording the unboxing! I haven't seen any unboxing videos of the Beauty Killer Palette yet, and figured it couldn't hurt. If you'd like to see me open and swatch my Beauty Killer Palette, please click here. You can also continue on to read my review down below.

The packaging is perfect. Everything was delivered safely and in amazing condition. The case itself is sturdy. Not to mention the pink and gold coloring. The packaging alone is enough to make you stop and do a double take.

Image Credit: jeffreestarccosmetics.com
My pictures didn't do the palette justice....

When I first opened the palette I was blown away. I was entirely enamored and dove right in. The colors were even more impressive in person. The colors were bright, the glitter was astounding, and the matte shades looked like butter. It was everything I hoped it would be.

I had seen a lot of people do swatches of eye shadows over their tattoos, and being that I have a tattoo on my right forearm I felt it appropriate to follow suit. The pigmentation on this palette is amazing. Most swipes of the product covered my tattoo in one go. To see the swatches, you can view them here.

My favorite colors from the palette are Black Rainbow, Confession, Princess, and Courtney. Not to say I don't like the other colors, but those four are my definite preferences in this palette.

That being said, I do have one small qualm with this palette. That qualm is the shade, Rich Bitch. Now, when I saw Jeffree's video swatching this palette I was blown away by this shade. When I swatched it at home, I was even more blown away. Applying it on the lid... a totally different story. When I tried to apply it dry, it was like applying pressed glitter with no mixing medium. When I applied it wet, I had to make a few passes before the pigmentation reflected that of the swatches I had previously seen. Rich Bitch just wasn't what I was hoping on the lid right out of the palette. It's nice... but it's just not what I thought it would be.

That being said, everything else about this palette is amazing. I love it. Even if the gold shade was a little lack luster for me. I'd still recommend this palette to anyone. I'd just recommend applying Rich Bitch with a wet brush.

Did you get the Beauty Killer Palette? What did you think? Leave your comments below and let me know your favorite colors, and your feelings on the palette. Thanks again for reading - and as always... Stay Fierce!

Lip Injections for $28?!

I don't have the most prominent lips. I never have. They've certainly got body, but they're far from that pout that so many aim to achieve. I've tried lip-plumpers and overdrawing but with minimal satisfaction. I do like overdrawing - but it's risky if your lipstick wears away and that lip line becomes more obvious.

I've never considered actual lip injections. Cosmetic surgery isn't really something I'm interested in. I love seeing people go through their own journey of transformation, but it's just not for me.

Top: Before - Bottom: After

I was perusing the net and came across a lip plumper that is said to plump lips up to 40% over time. Wait, what? A permanent lip plumper? Ok - it's just going to cost an arm and a leg then.... wrong again - only $28 a tube. I wasn't believing what I was seeing, and felt like this needed further investigation. It could also be found at my local Ulta. This was sounding like it was too good to be true.

Of course I'm talking about the Too Faced "Lip Injection Extreme". It's an intense plumper with a gloss consistency. It's not for the faint of heart, but isn't nearly as intense as a lot of people have said on YouTube. It is advised to be very careful when applying this as to not experience any redness around the mouth. If this product were to come in contact with skin other than your lips, some users experienced redness and irritation. I personally haven't experienced this (then again I've been very careful about putting it on).

My initial reaction was shock. I started to feel the affects almost immediately, and wasn't nearly as intense as I thought it would be. Within about 30 minutes I noticed my lips were certainly plumper. This product causes blood to flow to your lips and fill in the natural lines and creases - leading to a more pouty puss. I took a before and after picture just to see if it was just all in my head and even the picture speaks 1000 words. It certainly works. Does it actually plump your lips over time, though? I'm not too sure.

This product is said to increase lip fullness over time when applied morning and evening. To be fair, I haven't been applying it that frequently, but almost every morning for a few weeks. My lips don't look much bigger unless I'm wearing this product. They may still get bigger over time, though. I'll just have to wait and see.

Another unfortunate fact about this product, is that I can't actually wear another color over this without removing the plumper. Once I do that I feel like my lips slowly deflate over time. I don't prefer a glossy lip either so I'm not sure this is the best product for me, personally. With any luck this product WILL permanently plump my pout (say that ten times fast...)and it'll be well worth the money.

Have you tried this product? What were your thoughts? Leave a comment in the description below and let's compare notes! I love talking makeup and love seeing reviews and opinions on products. Let me know what you think of this! You can also share your opinions with me on Instagram, Twitter, and NOW - YOUTUBE! Again, thank you so much for reading. I'll see y'all on Thursday!

Stay Fierce! 

Concealer or Shellac?

So I'm still on the hunt for that perfect concealer. I've tried quite a few, but I haven't found the one just yet. I'm currently content with Kat Von D Lock It Concealer, but I want to try and find something more affordable for every day wear. Now Kat Von D is great, don't get me wrong - but the shade I have isn't as light as I'd like it, and I'm just not ready to buy another one. Especially when there are still so many options to explore.

If you've read previous blog posts of mine, you know I love NYX Cosmetics. I'm at that point where if I see something from them for a product I'm in search of I'll just grab it. Well, I learned my lesson on this eagerness recently.

Now every brand has hits and misses. Everyone's skin is different. Just because something doesn't work for me, doesn't mean it won't work for you.

I saw the NYX Cosmetics Gotcha Covered Concealer. It was waterproof too, so that seemed like a plus. The color was just about where I wanted it to be, and the price was right so I decided to pick it up and give it a shot.

My lines are NEVER this bad.

I have fine wrinkles under my eyes and smile lines. I laugh alot. So the worst thing is when a concealer sinks into those lines and accentuates them. This concealer did just that. It was also just a very thick, shellac like consistency. When applying it with a brush it pulled with my skin due to the stickiness of this concealer. A damp beauty blender did a better job, but it stayed sticky.

I was hoping that setting powder would help it, but to no avail. I became Commander Cake-Face and not in a good way (to clarify I looooove a good cake face - this was just a bad one). The wrinkles under my eyes were intensified so much. If I wasn't strapped for time I would've washed my face and started over. I couldn't though, and also still wanted to give this product a full wear test.

So throughout the day I would check my makeup. It got worse and worse. It separated from the foundation, so that no matter how much I blended - within a few hours the line between my concealer and foundation could be seen. It started to look a little patchy as the day progressed too. All in all, I wasn't happy with anything about this concealer other than the color.

I really hate to say it, too. I love NYX Cosmetics and haven't been disappointed by a product of theirs yet. This one just fell flat for me. It won't stop me from using their products. This concealer just isn't for me, though. Have you tried it? What'd you think of it? Let me know! Also, as always please be sure to follow me on Instagram and Twitter!

That Kitten Heel Though

So the other day, I wanted to pick up a new lip color. I feel like I have a lot of colors within the same range, and wanted to go with stuff for more everyday / nude types of lipsticks. Most of my colors are neutral grey browns, and purples of various shades. I knew the NYX Soft Matte Lip Cream had some shades I wanted to try. Specifically Tokyo, Dubai, and Istanbul. I decided to visit my local Target and see what I could find.

NOTHING! Not that that's a reflection on Target, of course - but I didn't find one of the shades I was looking for. I wavered between shades I had seen. Copenhagen had been on my list awhile, but it was another purple I just didn't need. I then stopped to look at the other lipsticks they had in stock. Not a lot neutral options, but there were new things I hadn't tried,  and a lot of brighter options.

Then I spotted the NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Cream Lipsticks. This seemed like it would be a good option at only $7, so I was fairly optimistic. Not to mention my previous luck with their line. It was another matte lipstick, and that was a must. The color options for this line are very bright so this was... definitely not the pink / nude lip I had originally set out to achieve. I like a bold lip, anyway and this was certainly that. It's a red that has enough cool undertones to work with my skin, and that's pretty important for me personally. I'm thinking of checking out Amsterdam too in the Soft Matte Lip Cream as well, but that'll be later. I don't need that many reds in my collection.


So I tried it on! The formula was creamy, and the applicator made it really easy to apply. If you follow me on Snapchat (user name: cosmetic_dragon), you might've seen me trying it on for the first time. It is VERY pigmented and that coverage is full for sure. At first I was sort of shocked, but once I had it on completely I really liked it. I wouldn't wear this everyday because it is as bold as it is, but with a simple cat eye this lip is FIERCE!

I do have a few qualms with it, though. It does get a little grainy after awhile. If you take a tissue and lightly rub the grain away and reapply it improves the texture - but I didn't get that creamy, dreamy texture I get with the Soft Matte Lip Cream. It's also unforgiving. If you smudge this anywhere... I hope you've got makeup remover on you because this is no joke to take off. It also doesn't dry all the way, so there's this residual tacky feeling on your lips. It's not terribly unpleasant and doesn't dry your lips out - but it's just not my cup of tea. It certainly helps in keeping the lips feel moist, which the lip creams don't do. Other than that I think I'll stick with my Soft Matte Lip Creams. I just prefer the formula over this one.

What colors do you have in your collection? Have you tried this formula? What did you think? Leave me a comment below! Let's share notes!

Again, as always if you don't - please follow me on Instagram, and Twitter. Also, as previously mentioned I can also be found on Snapchat. Thanks again for reading!