Drug Store Find: Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

As most of you all know, I recently took a well deserved vacation to Los Angeles with my family. Of course you know with any type of travel that includes a flight, you have to be aware of items that you carry. Especially liquid items. Conveniently enough, I was running out of my Clinique Rinse Off Foaming Cleanser that I use to remove my makeup at night. *Spoiler Alert.* I didn't really want to spend $20 bucks at the moment. So I reluctantly went the drug store route. I say reluctantly because you all know how I am about skincare products that I use on my face. I have yet to find any drug store or high end outside of Clinique for that matter, skincare line that does not break me out... Until now. I did some research and found that Aveeno has a foaming cleanser that removes makeup. My reaction was "SWEET!" I've used their body products before and nothing happened to me. Let's take a leap of faith.

Aveeno Ultra-Calming Foaming Cleanser

 

 

I used it the second night in LA. Mostly because I didn't have a lot of makeup on and it was the perfect time to try it. Aveeno's face products are all fragrance free. So, I wasn't surprised when I simply smelled product and nothing floral. The product comes out in a true foam. It was lightweight as well. The first thing I noticed was that it broke up the makeup that was left on my face that my wipes didn't remove beautifully. The true test came when I used my clarifying lotion by Clinique. The cotton ball had hardly any traces of foundation or concealer on it at all. I was shocked! Who knew Aveeno's products could pack this much punch. Typically, when you remove products that cause allergies, the product doesn't always perform as well as those that contain ingredients that could cause allergic reactions. But Aveeno has definitely created a formula that not only doesn't break me out, but removes 99% of all of my makeup at night. If you guys are looking for an inexpensive makeup remover, this cleanser is definitely it. It runs about $6 bucks and can be found at any drugstore, Target or Wal-Mart. You're welcome.

 

 

Until next time my loves,

 

 

Aly

No one can make you feel bad about you.... Unless you let them

This is a little bit different of a post. Not about makeup.... Necessarily. But about self-esteem. I began to think about this because of some of the things that has happened to me with makeup shaming so early in my career and the latest Instagram fiasco where they're changing how we view the timeline. Let me start with that first. Instagram changing the timeline to an algorithm format honestly isn't that big of a deal. It will appear like Facebook from what I hear. My posts on my personal page still pop up and get the same amount of attention that everyone else's does. The thing that's making us freak out is the lack of confidence we have in believing that we will be successful on Instagram. Regardless of your reason for being on IG, you won't become invisible. Your post matters and your followers definitely agree with you. After all, that's why they follow you. Everyone's timeline looks completely different. So while your post may appear low on one timeline, it may appear high elsewhere. This definitely isn't something to panic about. Be confident in your ability to be amazing at what you do. This time last year, I had 630 followers on IG, 0 YouTube Subscribers, and hadn't even established a Facebook page. Today, I have over 4600 Followers on IG, 233 YouTube Subscribers, and 6060 Followers on Facebook. This may seem like a small step to some, but to me, it's major! 

Working in the beauty industry, you see a lot of hatred towards people who have gathered the courage to expose themselves online. I see it everywhere. Men threaten to take women swimming on the first date because they're afraid that makeup is covering up this hideous creature underneath, women who don't know how to apply makeup properly ( yeah I said it lol) throw shade at women who do by saying "I don't need to wear all that makeup to be pretty." And partake in the bashing that men do in the hopes that they will notice them, wife them, and they live happily ever after. Listen.... Whether you wear makeup or not, are a content creator or everyday woman, a makeup enthusiast or someone who simply wears lip gloss and eye liner, you are beautiful just the way you are. If we were all born with the same talent, then there would be nothing about us that makes us different. Embrace your individuality and respect those who are different from you. Tearing down the next person honestly does not make you more appealing. In reality, it makes you immature and insecure. Instead of trying to bring them down to make you stand out, embrace the wonderful things about you. Begin to love you for who you are. You'll soon realize that you won't need to make fun of anyone to make yourself feel better. And all the things that are for you will come to you. In the same token, if someone says something about you, don't give it any energy. Their words and opinions about you don't matter. They don't mold who you are. They don't shape who you are. Your well being does not depend on how they feel about you. You are going to be you no matter what. So love you. Be happy with you. Don't let them push their insecurities off on you. No one can make you feel bad about you if you don't allow them. Know that your worth is bigger than their opinions. What is for you is for you. There is nothing that anyone can say or do to prevent you from achieving the things that were created for you. Believe in yourself and keep going. Ignore the individuals who simply don't have the guts to do what you do. Beauty starts with the heart, then radiates outward. Makeup simply enhances it. 

Until next time beauties,

Aly

Makeup For Black Women: Eva Marcille Bronze Glow Tutorial

Hello Beauties,

Even while on vacation in the beautiful city of Los Angeles, I'm so dedicated to making sure that you all get access to my latest tutorial in the Makeup For Black Women Series!!! Learn how to make your skin glow like Eva Marcille, Cycle 3 Winner of America's Next Top Model! The link to the video is below. Make sure you like and subscribe to my channel!

Until next time,

Aly


Makeup For Black Women: Eva Marcille Bronze Glow Tutorial

Colourpop's Latest Products: Ultra Satin Lips, Brow Pencil and Brow Gels

Colourpop is a such a mysterious company. It's like the Charlie of the Beauty World and we're the Angels. Or the Wizard of Oz... no wait Charlie. The Wizard of Oz was mean. Colourpop is far from mean. Anyway, I'm getting off topic here. So they recently dropped two brand new products: The Ultra Satin Lip Collection and Brow Products. So of course, I had to try them IMMEDIATELY. I finally have a review on both products!

Colourpop Ultra Satin Lip in Tansy and Too Lips

I received Tansy first and did an Ombre Look with NYX Liquid Suede in Sandstorm. The color was absolutely beautiful with it. I purchased Too Lips immediately after and fell in love with this shade. The finish of this product dries like regular creme lipstick. It does have some transfer, but lasts quite a while. It survived me eating and drinking. I also found that it was very comfortable on the lips as it was non-drying. I definitely think this product is an amazing alternative to the Ultra Matte Lip if you are not a fan of the liquid lipsticks. Or if you love lip products like I do, they're still awesome to have. The Ultra Satin Lips come in 16 different shades: Magic Wand, Echo Park, Dopey, Lyin King, London Fog, The Rabbit, Panda, Marshmallow, Mess Around, Petit Four, Too Lips, Frick N Frack, Tansy, Cozy, Lost, and Prim. Visit www.colourpop.com to purchase these shades plus others. (Note: Link is NOT an affiliate code.)

Swatches of Tansy and Too Lips

Next, I purchased the new brow products. I was really disappointed that the brown shade that I was looking for was sold out. I honestly should have waited to 2am (12am PST) when they launched to purchase them. Oh well, Jet Black worked either way. Here are the swatches of the two:

Brow Pencil and Gel in Jet Black

The very first thing that I noticed was that the Brow Colour looked EXTREMELY similar to the Creme Gel Liner in Swerve. I immediately grabbed and swatched it next to the Brow Colour to see what the difference was. Here is what I found:

Brow Colour Jet Black and Creme Gel Liner Swerve

The Creme Gel Liner is a thicker consistency than the Brow Colour. The Creme Gel is more opaque than the Brow Colour as well. This make sense because you definitely don't want something that is jet black to go very thick on the brows. Smart move there Colourpop! Now back to the two brow products. I tried the pencil on one brow and the brow colour on the other. I liked the pencil a little bit better than I liked the gel. The reason is because the pencil was more natural than the gel on me. I know it also has a lot to do with the color of it. I want to try the Brow Colour Black N Brown to see if it is the consistency or the color. I'm going to keep it because I can definitely use this brow gel on a client during Prom and Wedding season. Not all was lost there. It just didn't work on me. Normal because everything isn't for everyone. I would say that this shade is perfect for someone who loves darker eyebrows or is of a darker complexion. Jet black will look very natural then. Both brow products comes in 8 different shades: Jet Black, Black N Brown, Banging Brunette, Red Head, Arched Auburn, Dope Taupe, Honey Blonde, and Blondie. They are currently sold out on Colourpop's website. But keep an eye out for them. I am sure they will restock soon!

Brow Colour and Brow Pencil in Jet Black

If you guys have these products, let me know what you think! Leave a comment below. Makeup Talk!!!!

Until Next time  my luvs,

Aly

Makeup For Black Women Series

Hey beauties!!

I have been crazy busy recently. I am so sorry. But Here is what I have been up to recently. Here is the link to my most recent YouTube Video, Makeup For Black Women: Highlight and Contour Detailed. Check it out, like and subscribe! I'll have more written posts very soon! Promise.

Much Luv,

Aly

Makeup for Black Women: Highlight and Contour Detailed

NYX Liquid Suede Cream Lipsticks: Yup, I'm here for this.

Yes. I know. I'm super late. See, what had happen was, I was trying to purchase them when they came out, but they were always sold out. Then I got distracted. My ADD is very real. LBS. Anywho, I went to Ulta to get glitter glue and walked out with that plus 4 lippies. 3 of them were from the Liquid Suede Collection.

The first thing I did was swatch them. Because I really wanted to know what these lippies were all about. My question was of "how is this different from the Soft Matte Lip Creams?" was answered very quickly. These are not liquid lipsticks. They do not dry matte. They are not kiss proof. Now, I didn't expect them to be. So, I wasn't really disappointed. They have a very satin finish. Not an obnoxious sheen. But the color pay off is awesome!

                                                 NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Swatches

During eating and drinking, there was very little transfer. So, I was most definitely impressed with that. I tried Sandstorm first. I like nude shades. But I realized very quickly, that I will need to use a brown lip liner with this shade. It is the exact shade of my skin tone. It can definitely work however. I will buy a brown lip liner for sure and ombre it out.

NYX Liquid Suede Sandstorm

 

 

 

Next, I tried the other colors, just to really see what they would look like on me. The next color I tried was Cherry Skies. I love a red lip. Especially a Blue/Red which is what Cherry Skies is. It glided on like butter, just like Sandstorm did. This shade honestly, I can wear every single day.

 

 

NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Cherry Skies

 

 

Finally, I tried Stone Fox. Let me tell you why Stone Fox is my favorite. I did not expect that lippie to be so amazingly awesome. What I noticed talking to my fellow IpsyOS girls is that this shade is very versatile. It really does look good on so many people. It is also such a fun color! After reviewing the photos I took and which one I should put up, I was like yes. Stone Fox won!!

 

NYX Cosmetics Liquid Suede Stone Fox

 

 

 

All in all, I must say that I really do like these lipsticks. I have full intentions on getting other shades in the near future. I highly recommend them to anyone who is looking for a full impact lip color but does not want to purchase a matte lipstick. It is very comfortable on the lips and a great mid point between traditional lipsticks and liquid lipsticks. You can purchase them from Ulta and www.nyxcosmetics.com. They're inexpensive, $6.99. Check them out if you are like me and haven't gotten them yet. If you do have them, what was your take on them? Leave comments below!!!

 

 

Until Next Time,

 

 

Aly