Bronze-Copper Glitter Nails

On occasion I love wearing glitter on my nails. I don't often use glitter polishes because we all know what a hassle it is to get off. But since it had been such a long time, I was feeling a little creative the week of Thanksgiving.

This drugstore combo came out perfect for the holiday. I applied one base coat, using Sally Hansen (Forbidden Fudge). Then applied 2 coats of Spoiled by Wet n' Wild (Cougar Attack).

Sally Hansen (Forbidden Fudge) + Spoiled (Cougar Attack) - taken in indoor white lighting.

Sally Hansen Forbidden Fudge is a bronzed chocolate brown. To wear on its own you will need 2 coats for an even application. The brush is a round thick brush that collects a good amount of polish. I suggest wiping some of the polish off into the bottle before applying.

Spoiled Cougar Attack is a brown jelly polish with fine bronze & copper glitters. It is exceptionally pretty when layered on top of a base color. I'm not too fond of wearing glitter polishes on their own. I suggest using pure acetone when trying to remove the glitter polish. I had such a hard time getting all the glitter off.

 

Sally Hansen (Forbidden Fudge) + Spoiled (Cougar Attack) - taken in indoor yellow lighting.

To seal the manicure I used my favorite topcoat - Out the Door. It recently replaced the Seche Vite topcoat. I was looking for a better topcoat since I began to dislike Seche Vite. I was having issues with Seche Vite skrinking in on the edges of my nailbeds. Out the Door Topcoat doesn't give me any issues. It actually performs just like Seche Vite but doesn't have such a strong odor plus it dries quicker; in just 45 seconds. It's less expensive as well ($5). I got mine at Sally's Beauty Supply. Hope you enjoyed this combo! Comment down below with any glitter polishes you suggest trying out :)

Brown Smokey Eye

 

I've been MIA for a while but I plan on revamping my blog page as far as the layout is set up. In the meantime, here's a quick post on a brown smokey eye I did this past week. I kept the rest of my face pretty clean and simple.

*No filters/editing was used for the pics and were taken with my Samsung Galaxy s3*

Don't forget to follow me on my social networking sites for more makeup posts. (FIND LINKS AT THE END OF THIS POST) You can find detailed information of what products I used to complete other looks & see what I have been up to!

SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE PICS! CLICK TO ENLARGE!

FACE:

• Tarte Poreless Primer
• Mix of Maybelline Superstay Foundation (classic beige) + Loreal Lumi Foundation (nude beige)
• Benefit Fake Up Concealer (light) + Maybelline Age Rewind Concealer (light) to highlight undereye, down bridge of the nose and forehead, cupids bow & chin + MAC Prolongwear Concealer (nw25) + Ben Nye Banana Powder to set my concealer
• Loreal True Match Powder (cappuccino) as bronzer on temples, cheeks, nose & jawline + MUD Cosmetics Cheek Color (glow) on cheekbones.
• TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer as highlight on cheeks, down the bridge of my nose & cupids bow.
• Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray to set everything

BROWS:

• Make Up For Ever Waterproof Eyebrow Corrector (0) + Ardell Brow Powder (taupe)

EYES:

• UDPP on lids to prime.
• NYX Jumbo Pencil (dark brown) as base + Victorias Secret Velvet Shadow (rich) on upper & bottom lid
• MAC (soft brown) on crease to blend out the edges of the lid color and as transition color
• NYX (highlight) on browbone and inner corner
• Loreal Lineur Intense Liquid Liner + Inglot Gel Liner #77 on waterline
• Physicians Formula Organic Wear Jumbo Lash Mascara (Ultra Black) + Loreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara + Maybelline Mega Plush Mascara on top lashes
• Urban Decay Canonball Waterproof Mascara on bottom lashes

 LIPS:

• Jordana Lip Liner (tawny) + Loreal Coulour Riche (sheer linen) + Revlon Superlustrous Gloss (pink pop)
• TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer on center of bottom lip for a fuller effect

 FIND ME ON 

Summer Skin Essentials + Tarte Clean Slate Primer Trio & Maracuja Oil

Summer is here and if you are an all-year-long makeup addict like myself, then you know it's the hardest season to apply makeup in. Let's face it, it's beginning to get hot as hell out and by midday your makeup will be melting off your face. This doesn't mean you have to revert to not wearing anything throughout the summer though. There are products that can help you achieve a long-lasting face during these hot months.

A while back I had been wanting to try out the Clean Slate line and Maracuja Oil by Tarte but wasn't so sure about investing so much in each product. I picked up this trial-sized primer trio and mini-sized oil at my local Ulta. Included in the trio set is the Poreless Perfecting Primer, Flawless Brightening Primer and 360° Creaseless Smoothing Eye Primer. 

THE BREAK DOWN..

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Primer / Tarte Clean Slate Flawless Brightening Primer / Tarte Clean Slate 360° Creaseless Eye Primer

Tarte Clean Slate Poreless Perfecting Primer (.25 oz trial size) is a waterproof matte base that minimizes the appearance of pores and fine lines while helping keep your makeup in place for up to 12 hours. It contains natural-fruit and plant-derived extracts that deliver anti-aging properties and skin-restorative benefits. It also contains avocado oil which is rich in vitamins A, B1, B2, D, E and protein. (Full size: 1.0 oz $30)

I like to apply the poreless primer before my foundation routine. The main ingredient is cyclopentasiloxane meaning it is a thick silicon-based primer, so it fills in any pores and lines that I have and leaves my skin feeling smooth all while giving my foundation a flawless finish. It also doesn't leave you feeling greasy at all. I switch back and forth between this primer and the Smashbox Photo Finish Primer. I'll apply the Smashbox primer on an everyday basis and use the Tarte primer for days where I really want a flawless long-lasting look. 

Tarte Clean Slate Flawless Brightening Primer (.25 oz trial size) is a waterproof hydrating base that not only keeps your makeup in place for up to 12 hours but also acts as a quick fix for tired, dull-looking skin. Contains Vitamins A and E which are natural preservatives that act as anti-inflammatory emollients that fight damaged skin and prevent premature aging. (Full size: 1.0 oz $30)

I haven't used up this sample yet mainly because I've been really enjoying the poreless primer. The consistency of this primer is much different in that the main ingredient is water. It feels more like a lotion when you apply it to the face. I prefer a silicon-based primer over a water-based one, that's just my preference. I haven't used it long enough to support the claim that it is a fix for tired looking skin but it does make my makeup last all day. 

Tarte Clean Slate 360 Creaseless Smoothing Eye Primer (.09 oz trial size) is a waterproof eye primer that allows for 12-hour creaseless wear as well as true color payoff for your shadows. You can use it to prime under the eye also, hence the 360° claim. Enriched with Vitamin E, it acts as an anti-inflammatory emollient that rejuvenates the skin around the eyes while natural mineral pigments soothe the skin to banish dark circles. (Full size: .39 oz $19)

This isn't an eye primer I reach for often because it has a very watery consistency. Whenever I do go to use it, I have to squeeze out the watery liquid first before getting the actual product out. Because of the texture you do have to allow it to dry on the eyelid before applying shadows. I don't think it makes my shadows last as long as the Urban Decay Primer Potion does and I do prefer the consistency of the UD primer more. It has been my holy grail primer for a while now.

Best of all, Tarte products are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, synthetic fragrances and triclosan. (All ingredients known to be carcinogenics or harmful for your skin and organs)

All primers come in a convenient squeeze tub package with a twist off cap which is nice since it's more sanitary than some primers that have wands. If I had to pick just one full sized item of the trio it would be the poreless primer. After finishing up the sample size I went out and bought the full size. A face primer is an essential when wearing makeup in the summer. No one wants to spend all that time applying products to just have it wear off with the summer heat. 

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil (.23 oz trial size) is a hydrating treatment oil known for its anti-aging and healing properties for firmer, brighter, and smoother looking skin, that won't cause breakouts. Containing Vitamin C and fatty acids, it repairs and rebuilds skin by reducing redness, irritation and inflammation. (Full size: 1.7 oz $46)

This maracuja oil is pretty pricey at $46 for 1.7 oz but a little goes a long way. The bottle includes a dropper; with one pump it will pick up the right amount of oil you need; 2-3 drops is suffice for an application. The maracuja oil works well for all skin types. For those with drier skin, like myself, it helps hydrate the skin by restoring natural oils back into it. If you have oily skin you might be saying, why would I add more oil to my face? Truth is, the maracuja oil will help balance the natural oils in your skin.

I like to use the maracuja oil as part of my night-time skin care routine when my skin is at its worse. This oil comes in handy in the winter and summer months for me where my skin tends to feel a bit on the drier side. It helps repair my skin by keeping it hydrated as well as reduce the redness I get from my rosacea which tends to flare up the most during those months.

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil

Tarte Pure Maracuja Oil - dropper

Before investing in full size products try looking for sample value sets like this. You should still be able to find this set at your local Ulta or Sephora and it is very affordable at only $9. Overall, I'm very impressed with the Clean Slate Poreless Perfecting Primer and the Pure Maracuja Oil. They are both products that I would buy in full size and continue to repurchase over time.

WHAT ARE YOUR SUMMER BEAUTY ESSENTIALS?

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer Highlighter

TheBalm MARY-LOU MANIZER

If you ask what my holy grail highlighting powder is, I'm most certainly going to tell you all about TheBalm's Mary-Lou Manizer Hightlighter.

What is it?

TheBalm Mary-Lou Manizer (0.3 oz) is "..a seemingly innocent honey-hued luminizer that catches everybody's eye. This highlighter, shadow and shimmer diffuses light so your skin looks softer and younger while adding a subtle glow." Thebalm.com

Whether you are in search of a highlighter that offers a subtle or intense glow, this is the one for you. Dust on lightly by using a soft blush brush; for a more intense application pack more product onto an accent brush.

Swatches left to right: without flash / with flash

The champagne-colored sheen in this highlighter allows for a versatile use that some other highlighting powders don't have. I use it on the apples of my cheeks, the inner corner of my eye and brow bone, as well as on my cupid's bow. You can also use it on your eyelid as a shimmery shadow or as an all-over finishing powder for a shimmery look. I'm not big on having my entire face shine but for those that do, be sure to use a light hand when applying it all over the face.

It is not extremely noticeable at first glance when applied but the way the light (whether it's artificial or sunlight) picks up and diffuses the shimmer in the highlight is just gorgeous. Depending on which direction the light hits your face is when you can fully notice its beautiful sheen.

Although this is a powder, it has a creamy texture which means a little bit goes a long way with this highlighter. It may be a bit pricey for some, retailing at $24 for the compact but Hautelook has frequent sales for TheBalm Cosmetics where they sell the powder at a cheaper price. That's where I ordered mine along with other TheBalm products. I've had it for almost a year now and after using it on a daily basis I have yet to hit pan on it. If you aren't already signed up to Hautelook.com, be sure to check it out.

Hautelook is a members-only site that has flash sales of well-known brands, generally lasting for a few days. It is completely free to sign up and there are no commitments or membership fees. This is not a monthly subscription site like others we've been seeing floating around. To become a member through my referral link, simply click HERE!

Price: $24
Availability:Nordstrom.com / thebalm.com / Hautelook.com / Seen at TJ Maxx

Below are a few pics I took with my camera phone. You can see how beautiful this highlighter glows on the skin especially on the cheekbones. I will always continue to reach for this highlighting powder. Thus far, no other highlighter has been able to replace it.

To see more looks and to be informed of future product reviews, follow me on Instagram - @shugaandspice1

NYX Springtime Blushes

NYX POWDER BLUSHES

Spring is officially here!! The warmer weather here in New York City - not so much! Big WOMP. But no chilly weather is going to stop me from transitioning into spring trends. Just because I can't throw on some high waisted shorts like my lucky Californians, it doesn't mean I can't celebrate spring in other ways. Thus, out come my spring time beauty products.

Description: NYX PRESSED POWDER BLUSHES deliver sheer, silky color that glide on, blend beautifully and create a natural glow. The formula is richly-pigmented and lasts for hours.

Available in (24) shades: mocha (PB01), dusty rose (PB02), angel (PB03), silky rose (PB04), pinky (PB05), peach (PB06), natural (PB07), cinnamon (PB08), sand (PB10), taupe (PB11), terra cotta (PB12), mauve (PB13), spice (PB14), desert rose (PB17), cocoa (PB18), copper (PB21), pecan (PB22), espresso (PB23), red (PB24), pinched (PB25), rose garden (PB26), summer peach (PB27), bourgeois pig (PB28), amber (PB29)

NYX Cinnamon & Bourgeois Pig Blushes

Of all the colors available there may be some that are not as pigmented as others but if pigment is what you are looking for then Cinnamon and Bourgeois Pig are right for you. Quintessential spring colors; Cinnamon- a matte bright orange and Bourgeois Pig, a dusty pink with slight blue undertones; pack a whole lot of colorful goodness that can be carried into the summer. 

PACKAGING
Each blush contains .18 oz (5.2g) of product that is housed in a sleek black plastic container that allows you to see the color of the blush through a clear window. Some may consider the packaging a downfall because it doesn't house a mirror but I can do without it as it would just add to the bulkiness.

APPLICATION
As mentioned before, these blushes pack quite a punch of color. You can tell by the swatches below that a little goes a long way when it comes to application. A light touch with a blush brush is enough to give your cheeks a nice flush of color.

I like to use a real techniques blush brush or one by crown brush to apply these powder blushes since they are dense enough to pick up enough product but apply lightly as well as evenly. Just make sure to tap off any excess before applying to your cheeks for a light even application.

LASTING POWER
I wish I could say that these blushes last until the very end of the night but they don't. You can get a good 5-6 hours of wear with these blushes before they begin to fade a bit. But for the price ($5 each) and for the pigmentation, they are well worth giving a shot.

NYX Cinnamon Blush

NYX Bourgeois Pig Blush

Swatches left to right: Cinnamon - Bourgeois Pig

Price & Availability: $5.00 @ Ulta / NYX.com

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE NYX BLUSH?

Real Techniques Core Collection Brushes Review

REAL TECHNIQUES CORE COLLECTION BRUSHES

If you haven't heard of the Real Techniques brushes you've been living under a rock. Created by the very talented Samantha Chapman from Pixiwoo on youtube, her collection of makeup brushes have become a hot commodity within the beauty community. At an affordable price accompanied with great quality, why wouldn't these brushes be so popular?!

Contour brush, pointed foundation brush, detailer brush, buffing brush

The Core Collection was my very first Real Techniques purchase. It comes with (4) essential brushes and (1) carrying case:

• Detailer Brush: precision cut to effortlessly conceal problem areas; or, use with lipstick for long-lasting shape and definition. I use the detailer brush when I need to apply concealer on smaller sections of my face; to clean up my eyebrow makeup and to keep my bold lip colors from bleeding out.

Detailer Brush



• Pointed Foundation Brush: use with liquid foundation to build custom coverage. I don't reach for this brush as much as the other but when I tend to mix my foundations with it or use it to apply cream highlights on the top apple of my cheeks. It can also be used to apply a highlight to the bridge of your nose and your cupids bow.

Pointed Foundation Brush



• Buffing Brush: ideal for full coverage application of powder or mineral foundation. This is an amazing brush for buffing in your foundation. I only use liquid foundations so this is what I apply them with when I'm not using my beauty blender or Sigma Flat Top Kabuki brush.

Buffing Brush



• Contour Brush: delicately applies highlighter to contour or create sheer, soft-focus finish. This brush is my go-to brush for contouring the hallows of my cheeks. I then go over it with a slanted contour brush and bronzer and continue with bronzing the rest of my face like the temples of my forehead, jawline and neck. 

Contour Brush



• Panaromic Brush Case: 2-in-2 case + stand This stand/case was pretty much useless to me. It got tossed away in a makeup draw the second I removed the brushes from it. It's only worth using as a carrying case when traveling but even then I don't use it. It is way too small for all the brushes I carry. And yes, the brushes do look pretty in it when being used as a stand but it is impractical and inconvenient to me. The brushes get stuck within the bands and when applying makeup, I like to be able to switch back and forth with my brushes without the hassle.

Compared to other makeup brushes these are super lightweight and easy to deep wash since they have these sleek aluminum handles, meaning no worrying about getting water in the ferrule of your brushes here. Best yet, they are very easy to wash as far as getting product out of the hairs. If there is one thing I can't stand is trying to get my Sigma Flat Top Kabuki brush 100% clean. It takes me many so long to get that brush clean and getting the foundation out of the Real Techniques Buffing Brush is a breeze compared to the Sigma brush. Each brush has its name imprinted on the side of the handle. To ensure that it doesn't get rubbed off through wear-and-tear I applied a bit of clear nail polish over the names of them.

Soft dense synthetic bristles

All of the brushes made by Real Techniques have very soft, dense synthetic taklon bristles that have been hand-cut and are 100% cruelty-free. If you are vegan or just choose to not use animal hair products then these brushes are perfect for you. When choosing makeup brushes regardless of the brand I opt for synthetic bristles above all else. Choosing synthetic bristles over other options, like animal hair, comes with its benefits. But, if you prefer to choose otherwise that is fine, it all depends on what the person is looking for in a makeup brush. For me the following benefits aid in my choice..

• synthetic brushes are easier to maintain clean since they don't absorb pigments as much as other brushes-meaning less cleaning time.
• synthetic brushes create a more airbrushed look on the skin-offering a more natural makeup look.
• synthetic brushes are less prone to being damaged by makeup products you use or brush cleansers.
• if you have allergies to certain animal hairs, synthetic brushes are your best friend. I have sensitive skin and am known to having allergies to certain animal hair so al around I just try to stay away from brushes made of animal hairs.

Description of brushes located on back of the box

Beauty lovers will be happy to know that Real Techniques brushes are very affordable. Makeup brushes can get very expensive especially when looking for good quality brushes. At $18 for the set, that's $4.50 a brush. I got my set about a year ago from Ulta and used their usual $3.50/$10 coupon making the set under $15. I've been very happy wit my Real Techniques brushes and have yet to experience any shedding from any of them. Go get yours today!

Price: $18

Availability: RealTechniques / Ulta / Walmart

HAVE YOU TRIED REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES? WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Philosophy Amazing Grace Spray Fragrance

philosophy: how you climb up the mountain is just as important as how you get down the mountain. and so it is with life, which for many of us becomes one big gigantic test followed by one big gigantic lesson. in the end, it all comes down to one word. grace. it's how you accept winning and losing, good luck and bad luck, the darkness and the light.

Ever try to explain to someone what the scent of a crisp clean woman smells like? Well, Philosophy's Amazing Grace Spray Fragrance is just that. Amazing Grace is a fragrance I've always had on my want list  but I never picked it up until a few months back when I used my reward certificate from Ulta. I got it for $4 (woot woot)

I love the clean simplistic design of the bottle, it pairs well with the scent of the fragrance.  If you love light floral feminine scents then Amazing Grace is the scent for you. It is a scent that I like to wear on an everyday basis since it's not overpowering. The only downfall is that it doesn't linger throughout the day and that's something that I look for in any fragrance whether it be a strong, sweet or light smell. 

Just because of the lasting power and the price I don't think I would repurchase it. I would probably stick to stocking up on one of my favorite light scents, Lovely by Sarah Jessica Parker.

Availability:Nordstrom
Pricing: $44 60ml/2 fl.oz.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE PHILOSOPHY FRAGRANCE?

L’Oréal Colour Riche 'Royalty Reinvented' Polish

LOREAL COULOR RICHE 'ROYALTY REINVENTED'

COMPANY'S DESCRIPTION:
"Your dream color is now at your fingertips with Colour Riche^® Nail Color, a unique formula that delivers intense color, luxurious shine and 10-day wear*. Available in a delicious spectrum of must-have shades, the collection is divided into 4 unique color stories curated by L’Oréal’s exclusive Color Designer Orrea Light. There’s a perfect hue to match your personality, style and mood. Rich, trendy colors exclusively curated by our international Color Designer. Patented brush for ultimate control and precise application Find your shade(s) in one of 4 color collections. *When used with Colour Riche^® One Stop Base base coat and Top of the Line top coat."

L’Oréal has released the 'Le Nouveau Riche TRENDsetter' spring 2013 collection containing (6) gorgeous creme polishes perfect for the spring time along with (3) metallic shades. I picked up this polish while wandering around CVS. The display for the collection was almost wiped clean with the exception of 'royalty invented' and 'new money.' I already own a polish by wet n' wild similar to 'new money' so I opted for the purple. If I find the other colors in stock I plan on picking up 'not a cloud in the sky.'

Royalty Reinvented is a gorgeous true lavender creme polish. It doesn't contain any shimmer, metallic or glitter. With one coat of the polish my nails still looked a bit sheer. (See pic below) With two coats the color was completely opaque. You may be able to get away with doing one coat but the brush would have to be loaded with a good amount of polish. That's not something I like to do personally, I rather apply separate coats to build up the opacity to ensure that I get an even application.

One coat application

For today's manicure I used OPI Nail Envy Original Strengthener as a base coat, added 2 coats of L’Oréal Royalty Reinvented and topped if all off with Seche Vite Top Coat.

Two coat application

As per the company's description, the color intensity is spot on! As for the lasting power, I'm still testing that. Although I didn't use L’Oréal base coat and top coat, I'm going to put the polish to the challenge. For an update on how long it lasted, follow me on facebook, twitter and instagram. 

- Facebook -

- Twitter -

- Instagram -

The brush is a perfect size for my nails. I didn't have to do any touch ups with acetone around my nail beds. The one problem I did notice with the brush is that it can cause brush drag on the nails; meaning it can leave the look of brush strokes. The only solution to that is to try to apply a bit more polish onto the brush before applying on your nails and adding a top coat with a thick consistency like Seche Vite top coat. For some reason I love the packaging of these polish bottles. They are simple but sleek and the gold caps make them unique.

Overall, I'm in love with this color and the formula in general. I don't know if all the colors have the same opacity but I think the creme finishes are alike. I bought two other colors from the Colour Riche line recently so make sure to keep an eye out for reviews on them ;)

Until next time my beautiful people!

Pricing & Availability: ranges from $5-$7 depending on drugstore

HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF THE LOREAL COLOUR RICHE POLISHES? WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE COLOR?

Sephora 12HR Wear Waterproof Jumbo Liner Set - Review, Photos & Swatches

SEPHORA COLLECTION WATERPROOF JUMBO LINER SET

Company's Description:

"These jumbo pencils create a range of effects, from bold lines and blended effects to thin, defined lines. Resistant to water, heat, and humidity, their creamy, high-pigment formulas apply smoothly. From deep blacks to rich and shimmery shades, each is formulated with exclusive waxes and pigments to assure maximum color intensity that stays put for 12-hours."

CLICK PICS FOR LARGER VIEW!

After watching one of my favorite YT beauty gurus, GlamLifeGuru mention this set one day I just knew I had to get my hands on it. I love purchasing value sets when they are released, getting more bang for my buck is always the best in my book!

The Sephora Collection Jumbo Liner 12HR Wear Waterproof Set ($30) contains 5 pencils. Two of which are glitter pencils: Purple Glitter & White Glitter, two shimmery pencils: Kaki & Taupe and a matte color: Black. The glittery colors take a bit of work to apply evenly because of the glitter particles. White glitter in particular applies patchy, as seen on the swatch. I prefer to use it in the inner corner of the eye to give it a frosty highlight. The shimmery and matte colors go on very opaque with a smooth creamy application. Use them on the waterline for a lasting, non-smudging liner or pack some product on a eyeliner brush for a winged liner look.

Left to Right: white glitter, kaki, black, taupe, purple glitter

Sephora 12HR Wear Waterproof Jumbo Liners are available in 28 colors: 01 white, 03 grey, 04 taupe, 05 beige, 07 brown, 08 gold, 09 kaki, 10 green, 11 turquoise, 13 marine, 14 violet, 15 purple, 16 glitter, 17 black, 18 silver glitter, 19 gray glitter, 20 beige glitter, 21 pink glitter, 22 dark taupe shimmer, 23 brown glitter, 24 dark brown matte, 25 green shimmer, 26 peacock blue shimmer, 27 electric blue matte, 28 mauve shimmer, 29 purple glitter, 30 purple matte and 31 lilac shimmer.

You can get individual colors at Sephora for $14 each.

The Sephora jumbo liners (0.10oz) are very reminiscent of the NYX jumbo eye pencils (0.18oz) as far as packaging goes; with the exception of quality in materials. I prefer the caps on the Sephora liners over the NYX ones because all the clear caps have cracked on all my NYX pencils. As far as the quality in formulas, the Sephora liners win without a doubt. Don't get me wrong, I'm a fan of the NYX pencils but I use them more as a base color for some of my eyeshadows. They don't tend to work too well as a shadow because they will crease quickly. These pencils have to be sharpened just like the NYX jumbo eye pencils so you will need a sharpener that is big enough to fit them.

SWATCHES

Left to right: purple glitter, taupe, black, kaki, white glitter (No flash) 

Left to right: purple glitter, taupe, black, kaki, white glitter (Flash)

The Sephora liners work very well not just as liners and bases, but as eyeshadows also. They don't tug or pull of your lid and can be blended out within a few seconds after being applied. The liners are very pigmented, enough so that they can be used as saturated shadows. They are especially great for a quick eye look without having to spend too much time creating a look. 

I applied the Sephora pencil in Taupe over Urban Decay's Primer Potion and experienced no creasing or fading over a period of 10 hours. The claims of being waterproof also stand correct. I applied a great amount of water onto the dried swatches, rubbed them over a few times and dried with a paper towel; proving in fact that they are indeed waterproof. The black liner is great for rimming the waterline. I always have issues with black liners smudging or fading on me because my eyes get irritated due to wearing contacts and eye makeup at the same time. With the black liner I don't have to worry about any of that.

Water applied and rubbed on swatches

Dried and rubbed over again swatches

I'd like to collect a few more colors but am hoping that another value set is released. They may be a bit pricey for some but compared to the Make Up For Ever Aqua Shadows at $20 and with a small color selection. I really want to get my hands on marine. I think it would look very pretty on the bottom lashline.

Pricing & Availability: $30 (set), $14 individual pencils available at Sephora