Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Review: Benefit Cosmetics Majorette

Hi Guys! 
I had a special request from one of my followers to try out Benefit Cosmetics new Majorette cream blush! It was something that I had already considered purchasing, so when she asked me about it I decided what better time to try it then now? So I stopped by my local Ulta store the next day and picked it up so that I could give you guys my feedback!
First, the packaging is adorable as usual! Benefit always knocks it out of the park with the cutesy-girly factor! I was glad to see that it came with a mirror on the inside of the "compact" which also means its convenient to throw in your purse or makeup bag on the go! Another thing I was really happy to see is the clear, plastic "dome" that goes directly over the blush so it won't dry out! The only packaging downside is that it is a little bulky for so little product (I mean...we all know how valuable space is on our makeup vanities)!
The blush itself is super creamy and goes on very smooth! I used my E.l.f. Small Stipple Brush to apply it to the apples of my cheeks and blended it towards my temples a bit! It gives a VERY soft peachy-pink glow to the cheeks! My favorite part is that it dries to a nice smooth and soft powder finish! It doesn't stay sticky or tacky like some other cream blushes do! I didn't feel like I needed to "set" it with a powder blush or finishing powder.
I also found that once it dried completely and was on for an hour or so, the color (I use this term very lightly) darkened a bit and became slightly more pigmented as it oxidized on my skin. For me this was definitely a good thing since I tend to prefer a brighter blush! Again, this change was VERY subtle, but it made me like the color pay off a lot more than when I initially applied it! Overall I think its a very natural blush look!
However, I am not blown away by the product overall. I found that by the middle of the day the blush started breaking down for me. It definitely got blotchy and seemed to fade in some spots (the rest of my makeup was totally matte and intact). I also noticed that it appeared to be settling into my pore a bit and taking on somewhat of a cakey look. So I ended up being pretty disappointed in the product. While it looks great for the first half of the day, it seems to clock out before you do. 
Another downside for this product is the price for me. For $28 you are getting a very small amount of product (one of those situations where you are definitely paying for the cutesy packaging). If that is a major sticking point for you, I would highly recommend trying Maybelline's Dream Bouncy Blushes. I think the quality is much better and they have tons of colors for less than a third of the price of Majorette! 
Taken at 7:30AM (an hour after applying)

Taken @ 1PM- 6.5 hours after applying. Notice blotchy and cakey

I hope you enjoyed this review and that it helps you decide if you have been on the fence or are curious about this product! Thanks so much for reading! I love you guys!

♥ Nichole

Ps. I am very close to reaching one thousand views! Stay tuned for an announcement in the next week or so! ;)



Instagram: @Coley0702
Twitter: @Coley7286

Monday, September 22, 2014

The BEST Black Eyeliner EVER!

Hi loves!
HAPPY FALL!!! It's official! And I could not be happier!
Today I thought I would share my new favorite black eyeliner with you! I typically wear more brown or bronzy liners, but I have been converted back to black all because of this little gem! Every girl needs a fantastic go to black eyeliner and for the past month or so this Noir Cosmetics Long-wear Eyeliner has been my addiction! I was introduced to this liner through my August BirchBox and at first thought "Oh just another eyeliner I'll never end up wearing." But then... I decided to give it a shot one night when I was going out and Oh. My. Goodness. !!! You guys.. it is amazing! Like jump up and down- giggling-can't stop looking at yourself AMAZING! (Okay, maybe I didn't do all that, but you get the picture).
It is a super matte black and goes on so beautifully! It was so easy to smudge and blend just where I wanted it to go! The best part though? This eyeliner literally lasts forever!! It doesn't run, smear, flake, or do anything that you wouldn't want it to! And it seriously looked flawless all night long! So much so that my friend (the soon to be bride!) even asked me what eyeliner I was wearing because she noticed that it hadn't budged all night! I think she even plans on picking this up for her upcoming wedding day! And this stuff will totally withstand the long day and happy tears! I know it will be what I am wearing on her big day! :)
I love using my E.l.f. Essential Smudge Eye Sponge to blend this liner out! It gives it such a soft, black, smokey look! I really have absolutely nothing bad to say about this! It totally kicks all of my other black eyeliners ass's! LOL! I just love everything about it! Looks great, lasts all day and all night, and holds up to emotional and hormonal outbursts (C'mon we all know we have them from time to time haha)

Seriously though, if you're looking for a new black eyeliner for fall/winter pick this baby up! At $15 it will be the best money you ever spent on eyeliner! I swear to you!


♥ Nichole

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Perfectly Cozy- Ulta Sweet Spice Scrub

Hi everyone!
Hope you all had a great weekend!! Today I'm bringing you a review on an amazing new bath product from Ulta! Recently they released their new fall scents in their bath line and let me tell you... ugh... its all amazing! I picked up a few different ones to try out as the weather starts to turn a little cooler! This week has been mostly on the cooler side (thank god) so I decided to get a little cozy with their new Exfoliating Butter Scrub in Sweet Spice!
O.M.G. I am so freakin in love with this! It smells ridiculously amazing! Literally sweet, spicy, warm and cozy all at the same time! It reminds me of being at a pumpkin farm and smelling the apple cider donuts baking in the air! The best part about this was not only did my skin smell awesome but the scent permeated the entire bathroom! It was the best shower ever! LOL!
I also really loved the texture of this product as well! It isn't like anything else I have tried. It is basically a super thick body butter with Dead Sea Salt mixed in! It almost melts  as soon as it makes contact with your warm shower skin! It exfoliates in the most gentle way, but also still feels like its really removing all the dead skin!
My favorite part about this product (other than how amazing it smells) is the fact that it pulls double duty! It not only exfoliates your skin, but it also moisturizes your skin at the same time! What is there not to love here??? After my shower my skin felt sooo soft and smooth! I was in shock at how amazing this body scrub was and couldn't stop talking about it! ;) Also, according to Ulta's website this product is also gluten and paraben free, which is nice to know for a lot of people these days!
If you are like me and love a good body scrub that makes you feel squeaky clean (and moisturized now too!) then I highly suggest you pick this one up! It is the perfect fall scent and really did I mention it makes you feel cozy? Cause it def does! ;)
I picked up a few of Ulta's new fall scrubs and I will definitely be testing them out in the next month or so and let you know what I think!

Thanks for reading!
♥ Nichole




Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Sephora Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color, And A Man's First Trip To Sephora!

Hi Guys! 
So guess what!? After nearly two years together I was FINALLY able to get my boyfriend to go in Sephora with me last week! When he first saw the store in the doorway he decided to head to Foot Locker to browse a bit cause I would "probably be a while" (HAHA!), but then he came back to find me after about 20 minutes. Funny part was I had only made it through about 1/3 of the store and still had some perusing to do (I mean it is Sephora we're talking about)! He was such a good sport though and followed me around the store like a little puppy dog for another 20-30 minutes! Annnnd he didn't even complain once! That's not to say that I didn't get an eye roll here or there when I got excited about something (beauty products make me giddy, I can't help it haha), but he totally let me do my thing and be in my happy place! It was a very big step for us LOL!

While we were there I was soooo excited to see that they finally had the Sephora Collection Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color in Fig back in stock! I had swatched it in the store a few weeks ago and I fell in love, but it was sold out (why does that always happen to me?!). Needless to say I was definitely giddy at this point! I showed him the color and he really liked it too... even though I had to explain what a fig was because he was thinking Fig Newton, (I kid you not) and didn't know that is was an actual fruit that was purplish in color (ugh boys) LOL! After a little more perusing, I decided to put him out of his misery and finally checkout! ;)

I've been wearing this A LOT this past week and I must say, I am seriously IN LOVE and super impressed by this product! It is quickly climbing the charts and becoming one of my favorites!
 Not only is the color totally perfect for this time of year and the upcoming Fall months, but it is so creamy and (dare I say) luscious on the lips! It feels so velvety and soft, but not thick or heavy at all! It has a bit of a shine to it when it is first applied, but turns pretty matte after a few minutes. I also really like the applicator! It is a little bit different from your typical doe foot applicator in that it is a little longer and fuller. I find that it actually helps to apply the product to my lips better because I can almost line my lips with it and be more precise before applying all over. I also love that it does last a very long time throughout a typical day for me (just as the name states, which is always a good thing). The only times I felt that I needed to really touch up or reapply were after eating a full meal when I was out to dinner. The best part, in my honest opinion, is that this product doesn't ever become chalky or cakey! The more I experiment with matte lip products the more I find that that is sometimes an issue. Not with this one though! This one really does stay almost creamy the entire time and doesn't dry out on my lips! HUGE plus in my book!
Overall, I really can't say enough about how great this lip product and how impressed I am by it! I definitely plan to pick up a few more shades! If you are looking to try the matte lip trend, I could not recommend this to you more! You will not be disappointed, I 100% promise!
Are there any matte lip products that you have tried recently? I would love to hear about your favorites!
Hope you all have a great week! Don't forget to "Like" the Facebook Page for the blog!
 As always thanks for reading!
♥ Nichole



















Thursday, September 4, 2014

Mini e.l.f. Haul!!

Hi everyone! 
Today I have a mini e.l.f. (Eyes Lips Face) haul for you! e.l.f. recently came out with their new Mineral Pressed Mineral Bronzers and I was dying to try it, sooo I threw a few more items in my online shopping cart while I was there! :)
First up is the e.l.f. Studio Blush Palette in Light. I have been wanting to order this for a while now so I jumped on the chance! It was out of stock online pretty much as soon as it was released earlier this year. I already have the Dark palette that I wore mostly during the winter and early spring months and I love it! I wish I would have been able to get my hands on this one earlier in the summer months because the colors are so bright and fun! Three of the shades are totally matte and the fourth has a bit of shimmery glitter in it! They are have great pigmentation to them of go apply really smoothly! 
I went a little blush crazy and also picked up a few of the Mineral Pressed Mineral Blushes. I have been hearing so many great things about these from various beauty gurus on YouTube, and couldn't wait to check them out for myself! The colors I chose (from left to right and swatches underneath) are: Cabo Cabana, Jet Setter, and Wanderlust. I chose these colors because I thought they would great for transitioning from Summer to Fall. I'm obsessed with Jet Setter, it is my absolute favorite and so so pretty! I'm excited to keep messing around with these!
I was so excited to get the new Mineral Pressed Mineral Bronzer! I chose the color Tan Toffee and I have already used it a few times this past week! I LOVE this bronzer! It is totally matte and gives your skin a warm glow without adding and shimmer or sparkle! Its a great contour shade as well! I think I'm going to have to pick up a few more shades to try a deeper contour with! I think e.l.f. did really well with the formula for this! My only complaint for these bronzers would be the size. I wish the pan was a bit bigger. Especially for $5, get with it, e.l.f.!
I was also really excited to try the Studio Long-Lasting Lustrous Eyeshadows! I ordered two of these, Toast and Gala, and I'm not entirely sure about them yet. They are sort of a a weird texture, and something about it reminds me of a sponge. They are creamy, but not like a smudge pot and have a "foiled" look to them on the eyes. I tried both shades out this weekend and found them a bit difficult to blend and get them where I wanted them to go. I'm going to have to keep playing with these to really see if they are any good. As of now... ehh I'm on the fence!
I also ordered a few eye brushes! I LOVE e.l.f. brushes! They are SO affordable at $1-$3, super soft, and really do a great job! Whenever I place an order I can't help but repurchase some of my favorites! I can never have too many brushes (especially because I'm lazy and never feel like washing them). I ordered a Blending Eye Brush, an Eye Crease Brush, a Smudge Eye Sponge (which I love for eyeliner), and an Eye Contour Brush.

So far, I love most of the items I ordered! It's so fun using new products and seeing what ways they work best! E.l.f. is one of my favorite brands because they really do have some great quality products at SUPER affordable prices! I love that you can try something new without a huge, high end price tag attached to it!
Do you have any favorites from e.l.f.? Let me know either in the comments below or on my Facebook page (Facebook.com/bakingandbeautydepartment).

Thanks so much for reading!!
♥ Nichole


Wednesday, September 3, 2014

August Favorites

Hello lovelies! 
I cannot believe it's already September! It feels like I just did July Favorites! But, I am more than happy to say goodbye to August, I've never been a big fan. At first when I started thinking about my favorite things this month, I didn't think I had many new things to share with you. But then I looked at my vanity and bathroom counter and realized I had some really good stuff! :) Some of them I have already showed you in a haul post or two, but I also realized that some of my actual favorites are things I just picked up randomly during my travels! 

In the last month or so, I have really been loving my Beauty Blender! I actually got this in my Christmas stocking this past year, but never really used it much before now! I am starting to become slightly obsessed! I love this way this blends my foundation perfectly! I use mine damp and just bounce the foundation all over until its blended the way I want! It helps me to use less product and I love the look it allows me to achieve! If you haven't tried this yet, you need to ASAP! 
I finally decided to pick up the Milani Bronzer XL in Fake Tan! I would pass by this so many times and think "Well, I wanna try it, but it's probably nothing thrilling." and I would opt for another item I had my eye on! Let's just say that was really stupid of me! It's amazing! I love the dual shades that can be used individually or mixed together. It gives the BEST bronzed glow! It's totally matte, doesn't make me look "muddy" at all and I can use the darker shade for contouring! Its so versatile! I've probably worn this everyday this month! ;)
Since August has been pretty damn humid (ew) I haven't really felt like wearing a full foundation every day. Instead I've been using Revlon PhotoReady Skinlights Face Illuminator in Bare Light. I mix this into my Revlon Primer (a Favorite from last month) and apply it all over my face. Then I just go in with a little concealer wherever I need it, and finish with setting powder and bronzer! I love the glow that this gives my skin! It's one of those products that really makes you look like you are glowing from within! It's a pearly shimmer, but doesn't cake my face in glitter! No one wants that! It's light and airy and perfect during these gross, hot, humid, August days!
Speaking of concealer, another product I have basically used every day this month is Maybelline's Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circle Treatment Concealer (longest name ever!!!). This stuff gives amazing coverage without being super thick! In fact, it's a pretty thin formula for how much coverage it gives, which is impressive! I love the little "pouf ball" on the end of the "wand" and it helps me get just the right amount of product that I want! I usually blend the product out with my beauty blender and I love the look it all gives! I think this will definitely be a repurchase soon since I'm running low! :)

As for eyeshadows, I don't think it will be a big surprise that I am choosing a Makeup Geek eyeshadow pan in Beaches and Cream. Ugh I just love this shade! It just seems like it can do so much more than any other eyeshadow I've ever owned! I can use it solely all over the lid, to blend my crease, to transition into a different shade.. the options are just endless and I am constantly finding new ways that I love using it for my eye looks! I would be so bold to say that if you pick only a few Makeup Geek shades to try or add to your collection, make sure this is definitely one of them! :)

Another product I think I have used just about every day this month is the new Too Faced Bulletproof 24 Hour Liner in Dirt Bag. This stuff really and truly is bulletproof! I've never worn an eyeliner that is as long lasting as this one is! It seriously blows me away! I will usually put this on around 6am and I swear, not only does it not budge all day (or irritate my eyes- yay!) but it still looks flawless at the end of the day when I go to take my makeup off for the night! It's amazing! I love that this liner can be used for basic every day work looks and can also totally glam up a more dramatic look for evening or more social situations. I love the deep brown (think dark chocolate) and the teeny tiny micro specks of gold shimmer/glitter! I will definitely not only repurchase this one, but I also plan on picking up more shades! 
As far as lip products go, I have really been loving a lip gloss set that I picked up in Target by e.l.f.! These lip glosses are so super pigmented and I love the formula to death! They aren't sticky or goopy AT ALL! They go on so creamy smooth and feel like soft buttah (ha) on your lips! They don't dry my lips out, but I wouldn't say I noticed a ton of hydration from these alone either. I love these for a simple pop of color that is more casual! Perfect for day time or at the office! My boyfriend loves them too because, "They're not gross!" Hahaha! So they are kiss approved! ;) I think these were part of an e.l.f. back-to-school collection. The cherry reddish color has a little bit of sparkle in it, but nothing too crazy or super noticeable. The peachy color has just a teeny bit of shimmer to it. The hot pink color has zero glitter or shimmer and is just glossy! And finally the light pink color is a pearly and a teeny bit shimmery! I think all of the colors are perfect and offer a wide variety for different looks! I totally see why this was marketed as a back to school set! It would be perfect for a young teen or young adult to throw into their backpack or makeup bag! And you can't beat $5 for four great lip glosses! ;)
Earlier this summer I picked up a coconut lotion from Ulta's body line. It comes in an aerosol spray can and is all about the 'spray & go" concept. I must say, I love me a time saver! But even more than the convenience of the product, I love the summer coconut smell and the formula of this is heavenly!! It's not a super think or sticky lotion! It glides on your skin so smoothly and feels really cooling and hydrating! I love this especially for the summer months because I cannot stand feeling sticky from lotion when its super hot and humid! This has been a lifesaver not only for the month of August, but all summer long! The bad news is I can't find this on anywhere on Ulta's website!! I'm not sure if this was just limited edition for summer or if there are other scents! I will definitely look into finding more again and let you know if I come up with anything!
This month I decided to include a hair product! Since I happen to have the thinnest, most baby-fine hair on the planet I need all the help I can get out of volumizing products! I heard rave reviews on John Frieda's Luxurious Volume Root Boosting Blow Dry Lotion (another ridiculously long named product) and tried to purchase it in a few different locations but it was always sold out! Usually that's a good enough sign to me that it's a well liked product! I finally found one single bottle left on a shelf in Ulta a few weeks ago and jumped at the chance to try it! I've been using this every time I blow dry my hair and I can definitely tell a difference! It gives me a little more bounce and lift in my roots and doesn't make my hair hard or "crunchy" at all! Definitely worth trying if you have thinner hair like me or even if you just want to get a little more bounce to your hair!
As you have probably already noticed, lately I have been obsessed with all things Radiant Orchid! I just cannot get enough of it! I was in Charming Charlie's earlier this month and came across this beautiful orchid and navy blue bib-ish style necklace. I have literally worn this every chance I could get this month. Literally. Like to the point where my boyfriend pointed out that I wore it the last three or four times I saw him! LOL! I freaking love it!!! I love it casual, I love it dressy, I love it just hanging on my jewelry organizer! Its just so pretty that I felt that it needed it's own little shout out in my monthly favorites! Annnnd it even comes with little orchid drop earrings! Ugh- LOVE it and can't stop wearing it!!

So that about wraps up my August Favorites! It's funny how I thought I didn't have much at first but was able to come up with a bunch of stuff to ramble on about! Let me know if there is anything you have been loving this past month! I would love to hear about it!
On to September! :)

Thanks for reading!
♥ Nichole