Review: Rain Cosmetics Glam Lipstick in Socialite

Rain Cosmetics Glam Lipstick (Socialite)

Rain Cosmetics 'Socialite' Glam Lipstick ($20/.14 oz) is a creamy bright rose lipstick that provides full moisture to the lips. This paraben free lippie contains mango butter, grape seed oil and vitamin E that act as emollients that soothe and quench the lips throughout the day. This formula is available in both shimmer and matte shades.

Available in (13) colors: Socialite, Private Jet, Cocktail Hour, With the DJ, VIP List, Champagne Brunch, Penthouse Suite, Stretch Limo, Bottle Service, Velvet Rope, Red Carpet, After Hours, Very Hot Chocolate.

Rain Cosmetics is a Las Vegas based cosmetic company. The play on the city's nightlife is seen in the sexy packaging and in the names of the colors of their products.

Socialite Swatch

Close up Socialite Swatch

The Rain Cosmetics Glam Lipstick in Socialite was love at first sight! At first it seems to have a firm dry feeling but after a few swipes on the lips it warms up and becomes very smooth and creamy. It has the pigment and opacity of a lipstick but the moisturizing feel of a gloss, minus the sticky feeling! The color complimented my skin tone beautifully providing my lips with a bright but natural flush of color. The lasting power was about average of other lipsticks with normal daily activity of drinking and eating.

Sleek Packaging

PACKAGING
Rain Cosmetics has definitely put thought into the sleek packaging of these lipsticks. The product is housed in a light blue rectangular cube like tube and has a silver twist up. The quality of the tube itself is great and durable which provides a nice sturdy feel when twisting the product up.

 

The scent of this lipstick is the typical "back in the day" lipstick smell. Some people aren't big fans of this smell and say it reminds them of their grandma's lipstick but I have no problem with it. It is actually nostalgic to me.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
The Glam Lipstick in Socialite is a must have color for light to medium skin tones. It is the perfect shade of pink without being too blue toned for my medium olive skin tone. I recommend this lipstick to anyone who is looking for a great pink toned opaque moisturizing lipstick. I would have wished that it were more long lasting but there is not much you can do to find a moisturizing product that is also long lasting.

Wearing Rain Cosmetics Lipstick in Socialite

Price: $20
Availability: Rain Cosmetics / Store Locations & Salons


Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.   

*Limited Edition* Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liners Review + Photos

Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liners

Milani Constellation Gel Eye Liners ($6.99, .14 oz) are part of the Limited Edition Bedazzled Collection. These vibrant shimmery gel liners provide smudge-proof, long wearing pigmented color for the classic cat eye or a smoldering smoky look. Please note that the shimmer is an overspray.

I haven't seen them at my local drugstores but if you happen to.. honey you better get you some! These babies were reportedly flying off the shelves and that's why many people haven't even had the chance to spot them.

Available in (3) colors: (01) Enchanted Lapis, (02) Enchanted Black Opal, (03) Enchanted Emerald.

Enchanted Lapis (01) Constellation Gel Eye Liner

Enchanted Lapis is a mix of dark blue, purple and silver with the overspray. Once the overspray has been mixed it becomes a deep bright metallic blue with a silver shimmer.

Enchanted Black Opal (02) Constellation Gel Eye Liner

  Enchanted Black Opal is a mix of black, silver, pale gold and burgundy with the overspray. Once the overspray has been mixed it becomes a metallic charcoal with silver shimmer.

Enchanted Emerald (03) Constellation Gel Eye Liner

Enchanted Emerald is a mix of teal, purple, green and silver with the overspray. It becomes a beautiful deep teal once mixed together. Enchanted Emerald is my favorite of the three colors.

As with most brushes that are included in drugstore cosmetics, I would just chuck them into the trash bin but these liner brushes are surprisingly amazing! Not only do I use them to apply these liners but they also work great with my other gel liners. The brush itself is a travel sized brush with dense bristles meaning it is super easy to use and provides more control when applying your liner. It picks up just the right amount of product; the tip is perfect for creating thin lines and with just a twist of the brush you can easily create thicker lines.

Travel-sized brush included

As you know when it comes to drugstore liners it's pretty much a hit or miss but as always Milani did not fail us with these babies. The texture is very creamy, glides on easily and is very rich in color. It's so creamy, you have a good amount of time to work with them - take your time creating that perfect cat eye or smudge them out for a smoky effect. They also create a great base for shadows. That being said, you will need to allow the product to set for 1-2 minutes so it won't smear. I'm not complaining though, I'm a happy camper as long as a creamy product sets. These babies won't budge once they have.

Mixed overspray

The product itself is an array of mixed colors that simply put, resemble galaxies. Trust me when I tell you that you won't want to touch these because of the stunning embossed swirl of gorgeousness. The downfall is that the shimmery goodness is a just an overspray. Regardless, the colors are still very pretty and unique compared to other drugstore products.

Enchanted Lapis (01), Enchanted Black Opal (02), Enchanted Emerald (03)

Enchanted Lapis (01), Enchanted Black Opal (02), Enchanted Emerald (03)

PACKAGING
The Constellation Gel Liners come in the ever popular Milani packaging known for their gold plastic. They are housed in a round container with a clear twist off cap. Although I have always loved the Milani packaging, they are a bit too bulky for my liking. The amount of product (.14 oz) is at the standard of other gel liners (Inglot's liner has .19 oz of product). Now, I understand that in order to design the galaxy effect on the product they would need the space for that, but then maybe the packaging could have been thinner. I don't know if there are reasons to the bulky packaging but I'm hoping that these liners don't dry out quickly. I hate it when that happens!
 

OVERALL THOUGHTS
If you come across the Milani Constellation Gel Liners I recommend that you pick them up, especially since they are limited edition. The pigmentation, formula and distinctive colors are well worth the price for a drugstore product and they will not disappoint. The only con I have with these liners is that the shimmer designs are an overspray, I've never seen anything more gorgeous, it would be nice to keep the design. Although we don't continue to see the constellation effect in the product, the colors are still beautiful when mixed. For a long-wearing unique gel liner, Milani has definitely done a job well done.

Availability: Drugstores - CVS, Walgreens
Price: $6.99 ea.


Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.   

BornPretty False Lashes Review + Makeup Look

BornPretty Store (#1539) 5 Set Natural Curling Lashes

BornPrettyStore.com is an online beauty, nail and accessory wholesale supplier where you can find a variety of nail accessories to phone accessories as well as false lashes and hair supplies.

Save some cash on false lashes by buying in bulk! Why spend $5-6 on a single pair at the drugstore when you can just dish out $6 on 5 pairs of falsies from BornPrettyStore.com?!

Find lashes like this Natural Curling Set (#1539) on their site. They are made from artificial fibre but give a natural lash appearance due to the cut of the strands. They are shorter on the inner part of the eye and gradually get longer towards the outer end of the strip. The strip lash itself is transparent which is great making them as light as possible and the strands all while containing 13 individual clusters of strands on the band.

Translucent thin band offers lightweight feel while holding 13 clusters of strands

They are long enough for those with larger eyes and can be simply cut down to fit those with smaller eyes. In my case, I didn't have the need to cut them down, they fit my eyes perfectly.

Beauty Tip: Remember to always trim your false lashes from the outside. Do not cut them from the inner part or you will potentially ruin the design of your strip lashes.

SCROLL DOWN FOR MAKEUP LOOK!

BornPretty Store (#1539) 5 Set Natural Curling Lashes

PACKAGING
As an avid cosmetic "collector" aka hoarder (ha) I appreciated the simplicity in the packaging of the set. Yes, don't get me wrong I love intricate beautiful packaging but when you have a collection of beauty products, packaging begins to take over storage space. And lashes have been one of those items that don't really need to take that much space up.  Unfortunately there is no way to downsize on the packaging myself. I'm all for the packaging of boxed lashes that are just simply pretty to look at but I find plain bulky packaging to be unnecessary. For example, Ardell and Andrea lashes (found at the drugstore) just take up too much space in my drawers. I would love for them to redesign the packaging of their lashes. The 5 pairs came housed in a fairly thin plastic casing with a clear cover. I removed the insert in order to clearly see the lashes.

Packaging Close Up

Taking care of these lashes can assure multiple use out of them. When removing them after wear, I clean off any leftover mascara with alcohol and carefully remove the lash glue that stays on the band, then disinfect the band with alcohol and store them back in their packaging to keep their form. This will ensure that they last you at least 3 or 4 uses.

This featured set is currently on sale for under $5, make your way to the site and get your hands on them now! Plus, my lovely blog followers get 10% off by using coupon code (SAS10k31).

Availability: BornPrettystore.com
Price: $6.12

Wearing BornPretty Lashes (#1539)

Wearing BornPretty Lashes (#1539)

Wearing BornPretty Lashes (#1539)

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.     

Review: Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner

Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner

If you find yourself reading this post then there's a high chance that you own a beauty blender. In that case you have probably tried or at least heard of the beauty blender solid cleanser. Well, Blvd. Cosmetics has brought us a cleansing product that sort of plays on the same concept. I introduce to you the BLVD Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner.

Blvd. Cosmetics is a natural and organic cosmetic company that offers lip products from lipsticks, liners and glosses to brush cleansers, nail polishes and body soaps.

Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner ($16/2 oz) is a mild soap that not only cleanses but moisturizes your makeup brushes and beauty sponges. It is made with natural oils and contains antibacterial and conditioning properties that leave your tools feeling smooth and looking vibrant, all while keeping the bristles of your brushes healthy and long lasting. It is 100% vegan and biodegradable.

The brush cleanser is available in (3) options: Unscented, Lemon Grass Swirl, and Lavender Swirl. The brush shampoo I have for review is the Lavender Swirl. It contains a soft lavender scent that is not overpowering and leaves your brushes smelling fresh and cleansed.

Blvd. Cosmetics Lavender Swirl Brush Shampoo & Conditioner

I have always cleaned my beauty blenders and brushes with good ole dishwashing soap mixed with a bit of extra virgin olive oil in order to disinfect and moisturize them. This cleansing method has worked for me thus far but it is time consuming as the soap creates lots of suds in my beauty blenders and brushes. The great thing about the Blvd. Cosmetics brush shampoo & conditioner is that doesn't create suds. The soap washes out very easily while removing all the product left in your tools.

Another positive factor in this shampoo is that it leaves the hair bristles on my brushes looking brighter and feeling softer. Whereas using Dawn with the olive oil feels a bit too greasy on the bristles. And let's not forget, less suds equals less time spent trying to squeeze them out. I can't tell you how many times I've thought I got every last bit out to realize that I had to take my tools back to the sink and run them under water. The joys of deep cleaning makeup brushes! (Enter sarcasm here)

Before & After on brushes & beauty blenders using Blvd. Shampoo

PACKAGING
The soap is packaged into a plastic tub with a twist on cap and contains a small round loofah. In this case the soap itself is not removable, instead you take your wet brush or beauty blender and swirl it around in the tub. In my opinion this saves the amount of soap you use when cleansing your tools as opposed to using a bar like the Beauty Blender solid cleanser. Let's not forget to mention, the Blvd. Cosmetics brush shampoo contains 2 0z. of product, double the amount of the BB solid cleanser. I was a little skeptical about scrubbing my brushes on the loofah but when you run it under water it will expand and become soft, aiding in removing any leftover product in your brushes. I suggest allowing the loofah to dry completely before trying to store it back in the tub (it won't fit if you don't).

Top view: twist off cap

Side view: 2 oz. of product

Round loofah included in packaging

Dry loofah included w/ Brush Shampoo & Conditioner

Instructions

Demo using dirty brush w/ shampoo

Wet Loofah - expands & softens when wet

I'm all for simplicity when it comes to deep cleaning my makeup tools and that is exactly what I get with the Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo. Wet your brush swirl it in the tub, gently scrub it against the wet loofah and rinse. Then lay your brush flat to dry. I don't get my hands as wet as with any other method meaning I don't dry them out with soap and water and the process doesn't take as long.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
The Blvd. Cosmetics Brush Shampoo & Conditioner is a must have! It helps cut down my brush cleaning in half all while leaving them clean and moisturized with a light fresh scent. At double the amount of product compared to other cleansers out in the market and the fact that it is made with natural ingredients wins in my book! Blvd. Cosmetics is on the rise and I'm sure it will become a well known brand in the beauty community. Make sure you check them out & follow on Instagram - @blvdcosmetics


Availability: Blvdcosmetics.com
Price: $16 (2oz.)

Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.    

Girlactik 'Florence' Star Blush Review

Girlactik Star Blush 'Florence'

Girlactik 'Florence' Blush ($18/.12oz) is described as a matte coral blush that blends well and provides a nice natural color. Girlactik's blushes come in (6) different colors.

Available in (3) shimmers: Naples, Bora Bora, Havana and (3) mattes: Florence, Madrid, Milan.

Florence is more of a pink coral rather than an orange tone coral. It has a true matte finish and has a silky smooth texture. Florence is not patchy at all (unlike some other matte blushes) and blends easily into the skin.

Girlactik doesn't play when it comes to the pigmentation in its products. One swipe to your brush is enough for a natural flush of color on the cheeks. If you've seen my previous post on Girlactik's Matte Lip Paint you know how great the quality of their products is. If you missed it, CLICK HERE.

With the use of a face primer and setting spray the blush stayed on for about 9 hours. 

Swatch - left swatched w/ finger - right swatch blended out

Wearing Girlactik Blush in Florence / Girlactik Matte Lip Paint 'Iconic' on lips

Wearing Girlactik Blush in Florence / Girlactik Matte Lip Paint 'Iconic' on lips

PACKAGING
I am absolutely in love with Girlactik's packaging! The .12oz blush is housed in a slim grey mirrored compact and the click-to-close cap has a full mirror. Both the box and product packaging give a higher end elegant feel to the makeup line. The small compact is great for traveling and is about the same size as the Make-up Designory blushes. That being said the amount of actual product in the compact is about half the size of blushes by MAC. For just a few bucks more you can get double the amount of product for a MAC blush.

OVERALL THOUGHTS
If you are looking for a high quality pink tone coral blush this is for you! The pigmentation and smooth texture of Girlactik's Star blush is definitely a must-try. Although the blush itself is not a ton of product I don't mind it because I really do like the packaging more than most other brands I've tested and I do believe that factor comes into play with the value of makeup products.

Availability: Girlactik.com / High-end Rite-Aid pharmacies
Price: $18 


Disclaimer: This product was sent to me for consideration by the manufacturer. This does not affect any opinions featured in this post as they are my own honest experiences with the product.