Wet n' Wild Creme Eyeliner: A Review

I stumbled upon an entirely new display of Wet n’ Wild products at my local Walgreens. I was curious at first but stricken in awe when I saw a bevy of beautifully packaged, colorful products. In my humble estimation, this is the jackpot of all Wet n’ Wild collections so be on the lookout for more reviews; I purchased a few products.

The focus of this post is the coveted Mega Eyes Crème Eyeliner. If you can look past the superfluous repetition of the word “eye” on the label, this cream eyeliner is quite a bargain at $3.99. I purchased the Eggplant but this is also available in Black for those seeking a more traditional option. Eggplant is a blue-toned, blackened plum without a hint of red; nearly an indigo. For reference, I’ve taken a picture of Eggplant along with my other purple cream liners. If you’d like to try a purple liner but find that it accentuates redness, this is the liner for you. I found that this color makes eyes appear whiter and brighter and made my (normally blue-green) eyes look a vivid blue.

There is a liner brush included but I found it too wide. However, it is the perfect size for shading eyebrows.

My only qualm with the liner, one which some may find beneficial, is that it does not budge! It took several Jojoba Oil soaked cotton pads to get it off. In fact, I was scared that it stained my skin but luckily, that was not the case.

This can be purchased in various drugstores and if all else fails, you’re sure to find it at Kmart!

Castor Oil: Another Beautiful Cheapie

I have been M.I.A. for quite a while and for that I apologize. I had to do some soul searching and felt generally uninspired. Excuses, I know, but I do love my blog and what few readers I have. On to the topic at hand…Eyelashes!

Castor Oil has been touted as a great eyelash conditioner on Makeup Alley and some even reported experiencing lash growth. After trying Talika and Ardell, I was convinced that there was nothing that could stimulate eyelash growth short of miraculous lab engineering. I decided to try Castor Oil as a lash conditioner in an attempt to combat the fact that no less than three eyelashes fell out every time I removed my makeup. Before you admonish me for being too rough, I assure you, I do not rub and make every attempt to remove my makeup in the gentlest way possible. To my surprise, the Castor Oil really did make my lashes grow! Unfortunately, they did not grow uniformly and some eyelashes look more like unkempt, stray hairs that found their way onto my eye but I’m happy with the overall effect.

Unfortunately, I did not think to take a “before” picture, nor is my camera sophisticated enough to capture something as detailed as an eyelash. I don’t promise that Castor Oil will give you a set of lashes that rival falsies but it’s worth a try and it’s cheap! Worst case scenario, you can always use it for its intended purpose when prunes alone aren’t doing the trick.

If you’re wondering whether it is safe to use in the eye area, check the ingredient list of Ardell Lash Growth Accelerator and you will find Castor Oil, combined with a few unfamiliar chemical compounds. I did not experience any irritation nor did I detect a scent.

I apply using disposable mascara wands—these are available in most beauty supply stores. The Castor Oil absorbs quickly; you can apply mascara on top without any problems. Better yet, if you want to add a little bit of something to your eye area but feel lazy, Castor Oil gives eyelids and lashes that wet, glossy look. Just be careful if you wear contact lenses or are prone to milia. If you are brave, you can even try it to stimulate hair growth on your head and tell me all about it!

New Wet n' Wild At Your Local Drugstore!

Wet n' Wild fans, specifically those who missed out on their favorite quad from the previous I-Sparkle collection, are in for a treat! A new I-Sparkle collection called Starstruck is currently available at your local drugstores. Said collection features rich, autumnal colors and consists of three eyeshadow quads, two eyeliners (black and grey) and an I-Sparkle mascara. I purchased the Celestial Realm quad (pictured below); due to sub par camera quality, the swatches reflect only a rudimentary idea of the eyeshadow colors but none of the shiny finish nor pigmentation. Celestial Realm is an earthy palette of dark golden brown, warm olive green, copper and light mustard yellow, all infused with a gold micro glitter. I find these to be more shimmery than the last collection of quads after comparing my newest purchase with the Starlight I-Sparkle palette I bought this summer. The other two color schemes are both somewhat cool-toned: one is shades of berry and pink and the other plums and gunmetal with a pearly white "background." I'm easily swayed by cute packaging so I appreciate the fact that the flower design is three dimensional and an integral part of the eyeshadow rather than an overlay.

Perfect, Glowing Skin

Guerlain Meteorites in "Mythic" were my very first high-end cosmetic purchase. I read about them in multiple magazines and was certain that they held the key to perfecting my complexion despite the fact that I'd neither seen nor tested them in person. When the box arrived, the gorgeousness of it all left me awestruck. The box was hidden away for the perfect occasion only to emerge several months later.

I swooshed a big, fluffy brush into the shimmery, powdery pearls only to be overwhelmed with a very strong scent of rose. I applied the powder to my skin, cloistering scent be damned, and noticed nothing at all. And then my Guerlain Meteorites were relegated to the junk drawer of my collection.

I decided to give Meteorites one last chance, this time applying on top of foundation, before getting rid of them entirely and the results were infinitely better; the red remnant of my teenage acne was nearly all gone and my face looked healthy but not fake or "made up." My beautiful Meteorites, please forgive me. How could I ever have dismissed your glowing balls of perfection?

I've concluded that while some may come very close, beauty products cannot work complete miracles. It is important to know the optimal use for a product in order to experience the maximum benefit. Perhaps those with a complexion superior to my own will be able to get great results using a Highlighter/Complexion Corrector on its own.

Now that I've provided you with a brief overview of my life story, I will hurry up and get to the point: Physician's Formula Highlighter achieves a remarkably similar result for approximately 1/5 of Guerlain's price. I purchased the powder for daily use, my Meteorites feel too special for the drudgery of daily wear, and have been using it somewhat regularly ever since. It would surprise you to know that the main ingredient in both products is Talc but the Physician's Formula version contains no fragrance so it may be best for those who are allergic (or just hate a strong rose perfume). Both items use a palette of multiple shades to even out discoloration while the white, pearlescent pieces add a subtle glow to the skin. The Physician's Formula powder is preferable for travel; Meteorites are extremely fragile and turn into powder at the slightest provocation.

I apologize that I was unable to get effective swatches or pictures of the product on my face because it is too faint for my cheapo camera. If you are considering purchasing Guerlain Meteorites and don't know whether it will be a worthwhile investment for you, experiment with the Physician's Formula Highlighter to determine if this is something that will improve the appearance of your complexion.

I still adore my Meteorites and will continue to use them when I want to feel special but I may reconsider spending another $51 when it is time to repurchase. May that day never come!

Yes, You Can Get A Great Mascara For Under $10

Jane MaxLash 2 offers twice the mascara, a Colored Mascara as well as a regular, Black Mascara for approximately $5. The somewhat chubby wand ensures that each lash is coated without the dreaded tarantula lashes; I always wipe off excess on a sponge or paper towel prior to application just in case.

Unlike some mascaras, the Colored side of Jane MaxLash 2 actually delivers a visible amount of color (with or without applying the Black side first to prime). My favorite colors are Deep Ocean (pictured here) and Aubergine as both make my green eyes stand out. If you guessed that Deep Ocean is a deep, royal blue, you are correct. Aubergine is a red-based burgundy hue; it may not be the best color for those with allergic tendencies or visible red veins in their eyes. Available shades also include: Black and Brown to Black, for the color shy.

Jane was my favorite brand for affordable Colored Mascara long before I had discovered that the Black side was equally great. I happened to try the Black side on a lark when I'd had just about all I could stand of my Almay One Coat Triple Effect. I figured that anything had to be better than having to comb out the mess it left on my lashes every morning and the raccoon effect I came home to every evening. Sure enough, Jane MaxLash was not only better, it was great! While this mascara is available in most drugstores where the Jane line is sold, I have noted that not all of the shades are equally available at all locations.

This is only one of my favorites, be on the lookout for more mascara reviews to come!

Image Credit: Drugstore.com

A Great Foundation Brush for Under $2

I intimated (in an earlier post) that I use a foundation brush to apply my Shiseido Sunscreen and this E.L.F. Foundation Brush is my favorite for that purpose. The fiber is synthetic which prevents it from absorbing a lot of (expensive) product. It features a rounded head with flat, elongated bristles that pick up a good amount of product and enable one to apply quickly and evenly. I have used the same E.L.F. Foundation Brush for several years now, washing it daily, without so much as a hair shed or out of place. And the brush has more than paid for itself as it has prevented me from using too much of the more expensive skincare products I own.

While I would wholeheartedly suggest the E.L.F. Foundation Brush for use with moisturizers, primers, sunscreens and masks, I don't find that its as good for achieving its intended purpose (applying foundation) because of the very fact that it does not absorb much product. In the case of foundation, all of it ends up on your face and makes for a caked on effect. Since I'm an advocate of the "airbrushed foundation" look, I prefer to use stippling brushes such as the MAC 187.

Image Source: Drugstore.com

Rimmel Eye Twist for Shadestick Users

MAC Shadesticks are generally used as an eyeshadow base or to create an all-over wash of shadow in a hurry. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative or have eyelids that are too oily for Shadestick, give Rimmel's Eye Twist a shot! There is a creamy eyeshadow on one side and a matching eyeliner on the other for only a fraction of the Shadestick price; Eye Twist retails for approximately $4 in drugstores. The cream shadow applies easily without pressure, dries to a shimmery, powder finish and managed to stay crease-free on my oily eyelids all day long (without a primer underneath). Unfortunately, the eyeliner side has not seen much action because it is too thick to draw a precise line. I have tried the NYX Jumbo Pencils and found that they crease without a base whereas the Rimmel Eye Twist does not. The color I own is Double Trouble: A peachy, champagne shadow on one side and a dark, coffee brown eyeliner on the other.

Image Credit: Rimmel (the color featured is Two's Company).

Wet N' Wild Has Changed...

For the better! Can you believe that the brand that once produced stinky, waxy lipsticks and dry eyeliner that was impossible to apply has now become one of the better brands among drugstore cosmetics? If you haven't tried them yet, these colorful eyeliners are a wonderful bargain for $1 a piece. This is especially good if you normally wear neutrals and wish to experiment with a bit of color.

I cannot vouch for the staying power as I have only worn them with primer underneath but (with primer) they remained smudge free and just as vivid as when first applied for a minimum of 6 hours. They were a breeze to use and did not tug on my delicate eye skin at all. It goes without saying that I was pleasantly surprised after purchasing one; I bought three more!

My crappy camera doesn't do these pencils justice but I assure you, the colors are bright. I have:

653E Cool Green: The "cool" is a bit of a misnomer. It is a medium tone, clear green with a hint of yellow and shimmer (not glitter) thrown in for good measure.

650C Lilac: Pastel, light lilac/purple. This one has the tiniest bit of blue-violet gleam and reminds me of a light version Urban Decay's Deluxe eyeshadow in "Fishnet" or MAC's "Stars N' Rockets".

659C Turquoise: A deep, dark forest green, no shimmer.

654B Sky Blue: Pastel sky (or robin's egg) blue with shimmer.

Also available in Taupe, Dark Brown, White, Silver Blue, Bronzed, Mink Brown, Black Black (not a typo), Charcoal, Deep Blue and Violet.

I don't need to tell you where these are sold (nearly everywhere) but I hope I've enticed you into giving them a chance! Wet n' Wild is an animal cruelty-free brand, making this a guilt-free buy on multiple levels.

Maintain Your Hair With Cream of Nature

Exorbitant prices at the salon combined with a terrible economy has made some of us dye hard "blondes" return to our natural brunette; what else can be done to trim the proverbial fat off our maintenance routine? If you haven't considered it in the past, now is the time to keep your hair as healthy as possible to extend the life of your hair color (if you dye) and increase the interval of time you can go without a trim by guarding against split ends.

How frustrating is it to see your expensive dye job go down the drain every time you wash your hair? How tired are you of seeing your highlights turn yellow or orange a month or so after getting foils? The reason for this happening is the harsh ingredients (such as sulfates--any ingredient with the suffix "sulfate" such as sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium laureth sulfate, etc.) that strip the color out once your hair cuticle is opened with the heat and steam when you shower. These harsh detergents attach to your hair shaft and wash away your natural hair oils along with the color resulting in hair that feels dry and flat.

Creme of Nature is designed for relaxed hair and is sulfate-free. It truly is a creamy, conditioning shampoo and delivers upon its claims to condition and cleanse all at the same time. While it does leave one's hair feeling conditioned, I suggest you use a moisturizing conditioner anyway because the protein in the formula may build up and leave hair feeling dry otherwise (*An Aside on Protein: it is good for your hair in small quantities and absolutely must be followed by moisture since the hair structure is a combination of a protein layer combined with moisture--water. If you use a protein mask regularly, it may not be necessary if you plan to wash your hair with Creme of Nature more than a couple of times per week). This is another one of those inexpensive miracle products that one expects to find in a designer haircare line but it can be purchased at Sally's at a price of $6 for a 15.2 ounce bottle. Be sure to get the REGULAR FORMULA (for normal hair) as the other variations in this line have inferior ingredients. Speaking of ingredients, they are:

Water, Trideceth-7 Carboxylic Acid, Decyl Glucoside, Glycol Stearate, Polyquaternium-10, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (this is just plain ol' aloe), Hydrolyzed Milk Protein (*don't forget to moisturize!), Honey, Citrus Medica Limonium (lemon extract), Triticum Vulgare (wheat germ oil), Abies Balsamea Resin, Pectin (according to Wikipedia, pectin helps to bind cells together and regulates water in the plant), Lecithin, Foeniculum Vulgare (fennel extract), Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract, Commiphora Abyssinica Extract, Origanum Marjorana Leaf Extract, Iris Florentina Root Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Disodium EDTA, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Quarentium-15, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Red 4, Yellow 5, Red 33, Blue 1

Creme of Nature made my hair feel clean but not the slightest bit dry. But on a less than stellar note, this does smell like your grandmother's old Chanel No. 5 (a.k.a. rat poisoning). Luckily, the scent did not remain in my hair after it dried. All the more reason to use a conditioner afterwards ;).

Save on Blush and Enjoy Great Color Payoff!

When it comes to color payoff, you get what you pay for, right? Not so much! The L'oreal True Match line of blushes delivers a lot of pigment Pow!! for very little cash. The gorgeous specimen to your left is N5-6 "Apricot Kiss." I would describe it as a warm, true peach with a fairly matte finish. While L'oreal's True Match line attempts to divide shades into the neutral, warm and cool categories in order to assist you in your color selection, I find their categorization to be somewhat misleading. A lot of their "neutral" blushes are really warm (like this one)! What can you do? I'm sure they mean well. I have also noticed that the more pigmented blushes tend to have a matte finish whereas the lighter ones are shimmery but the lids on the containers are clear, allowing you to see the color inside.

These usually retail for approximately $10 but are usually on BOGO (buy one, get one free sale) in your local drugstores. Even more reason to try multiple shades, right? Be warned: once you buy one, you will want more (I own 3). And also, be prepared to use a skunk brush to apply the darker, more vibrant shades!