Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit-A Review

So the other day I received the Anastasia Contour Kit. 
First let me say, if you become an Instagram Famous makeup artist, you will probably receive these for free and before they are available to the public. 

That is not the case for me. I am not Instagram Famous so I have to stand in line with the rest of the common folk. 

This palette has only been out for a short period of time and it has already reached cult status. Because of this, it is constantly sold out! Plus Anastasia does not offer a pro discount for this item so MUA's you are paying full price. Unless........*twirls mustache*
Unless you are mindlessly scrolling through Instagram and you notice an unassuming post from Anastasia Beverly Hills mentioning that Sephora has the palette stocked. Then you log into your Ebates account and shop the Sephora site at a 4% cash back. Now I know 4% is not much of a discount but if you do as much online shopping as I do, it does add up. 
So I got my order in and within an hour they were sold out again!

This palette is much smaller than I had expected. The packaging is a standard black magnetic flip top with no mirror. You receive 6 refillable colors, 5 matte and 1 shimmer. 

The colors are Top 3: Vanilla, Banana, Sand (Shimmer) and Bottom 3: Java, Fawn, Havana.

Vanilla is a pinkish toned setting powder, Banana is a yellow toned setting powder, Sand is a cool pink shimmery highlighter. I was very impressed with the setting powders as they do not settle into fine lines, even when you are setting the makeup under your eyes. Also, the highlighter is shimmery without looking like a disco ball exploded on your cheekbone. 

The bottom 3 are all the contour colors. Java is a brown with pink undertones, Fawn is a cool ashy tone and Havana is warm kind of burnt brown. 

Fawn is the reason I really wanted to try this palette. I explained to you yesterday how I like to stick to cool taupey colors to contour and this is a perfect shade for me. When I saw Fawn, I knew I was going to fall in love with her and I was right. I used to use Makeup Forever eye shadow in #127 for my contour. Fawn has replaced her. 

These colors are all very soft and blendable and quite complimentary to a wide range of skin tones. I believe ABH will be expanding the color choices for this palette. If you do not see a shade that is a good match for you, hold onto your brushes, she's working on it. 

I highly recommend this palette for everyone! It's $40 when it's in stock. Each pan is .11 oz

I forgot to mention in my contouring post yesterday, you can contour with cream or powder products. Some people powders like these and some people use multiple shades of foundation. Some people use lighter and darker concealers and some use a combination of powders and creams. Just as long as you have lighter and darker color choices in pretty much any medium, you can get it done. 

Repeat from yesterday-This is very subtle everyday shading.

 

 

For a good time, click on one of the links below: 

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

The Art of Contouring and Does Everybody Need It?

There was recently a very happy mail day in the Little Goddess household! Not only did I receive a bunch of Face Atelier foundation samples, I received my Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit. 

This is another one of those products that people have absolutely lost their Martha Stewart minds over! This kit is constantly sold out so I am happy I was able to get my hands on it. It is already sold out again. 

So let's take a minute to discuss contouring. Right now, if you follow any makeup artist (or makeup fanatics) on Instagram or YouTube, you may notice there is a serious contour trend taking place. I credit/blame Kim Kardashian for this but I'll get to her in a minute. 

I think that most of these overly contoured faces look great in a Instagram photo but may not translate well in the real world. It is seriously a heavy handed look for the everyday woman. This is not a look for anyone who is shy around makeup.

What is contouring?

Contouring is used to create dimension to the face by adding shadows and angles where none existed before. Contouring can create the illusion of a slimmer nose or killer cheekbones. Contouring can literally change the look of your face. 

Is contouring important?

Absolutely! However, it is not important for everyone. Contouring is important if you are going to be photographed. A photograph is a flat, 1 dimensional image. In order for your face to not look flat in a photo, you need to add some angles. You can achieve that by contouring and highlighting your face (Contour retreats/highlights bring forward). Same to be said about if your are going to be filmed. Contour is your friend.

Also, with flash photography, you lose about 50% of your makeup to the flash so the make-up application should be a little heavy handed. Ever notice that you leave your house with a perfect face of makeup and then see a photo and wonder "where did my makeup go?" The flash of the camera ate it.

Should everyone contour?

If you are a model or an actress and you are being photographed for a magazine, then contouring is very important. If you are a bride or you are attending a special event where you will be photographed, then yes you should contour. If you are going to pick the kids up from school or have some lunch with friends, then it is safe to skip it. 

Keep in mind that poorly/overly done contouring can be a super harsh look and can age you. If you want to add a little something to your everyday look, try strategically placed highlighter. It is more natural looking and more youthful! If you absolutely insist on contouring everyday, use a very light hand and make sure to practice! Also, it is very important to know your face shape and contour properly. Not every face is contoured the same so you should know your bone structure before you dive in.

Another thing that gets my goat is I see a ton of people contouring with bronzer and I am not completely on board with that. Bronzer is not meant for contouring, it is meant for warming up the face. Contouring with bronzer can give a very muddy effect. If you insist on using bronzer, make sure it is a neutral (bordering on cool) tone. There is nothing attractive about orange streaks in the hollows of your cheeks. Also, make sure it is a matte bronzer. If you contour with any product that has shimmer in it, the makeup police will literally show up at your house and take you away. 

I stick to cool, taupey tones. Remember, you are trying to create a shadow. Shadows are cool toned, not warm orange. 

So back to Kimmy Kakes! She likes a contoured face. She seems to have lightened up a bit with her makeup since she has become a mommy but she does still like her contour. I credit Kim with this trend because of a few different reasons. When Kim became very famous, a lot of women tried to copy her glamorous look including the contour. Also, she posted a very famous photo of the process her makeup artist (I believe it was Scott Barnes during this particular photo) goes through to achieve those gorgeous angles and then everyone went nutzzzz and tried to copy it. I want to say 50% of makeup photos on Instagram are of women with their pre-blended highlight/contour all over their faces. 

Add captihttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2198352/Kim-Kardashian-lets-fans-beauty-secrets-charts-makeover-process.htmlon

Kim Kardashian has 10000 flashbulbs hitting her every single time she leaves her house. Of course this is going to be part of her everyday look! She is on the cover of every magazine and she has the best glam squad in the game working on her face. The average woman does not so calm down, it's ok if you skip a day. 

Part 2 of my contouring post will be up tomorrow and is a review of this little gem, Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Palette.

My review will be a love story

Subtle, light-handed contour


Until then you Little Goddesses, you should subscribe and make my day!
Don't be shy! Click on one of the links below!
Thank you in advance!

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

Spoiler Alert- April Birchbox Review

Oh looky, looky! A Birchbox that isn't half bad. I know the past few months I have been bitching out Birchbox for the crappy boxes they were sending me. They must be reading my blog because this months box was much nicer than they have been in the past.

In this month's box I received:

• Fekkai Technician Color Care Shampoo   (full size $20)
• Nyakio Kenyan Coffee Face Polish, Body Scrub and Hydrating Face Oil with Kola Nut  (full size $34-$55)
• Sumita Color Intense Pencil in Suman Black  (full size $11)
• theBalm cosmetics How Bout Them Apples? Cheek and Lip Cream   (full size $32)

Extra:

• KIND Snacks Healthy Grains Bar in Maple Pumpkin Seeds with Sea Salt (15 count $11.88)

So first up, the Fekkai shampoo. Birchbox is OBSESSED with sending me shampoos and conditioners. I receive a shampoo product if not every month, then every other month. I have not tried this one yet and I still have prior samples that I have not tried. They are great for travel. I'll need to travel more so I can get around to trying them out.

Nyakio skin care products. I was very excited about this product until I read the ingredients list. People stop putting potential irritants into skin care. It's annoying and I am baffled by this. I am undecided if I am going to take the plunge and try it out. I will definitely try the body polish, I am unsure of the face products. 

Sumita pencil. This pencil is super duper soft and glides on like a dream. It's seriously as soft as a baby's breath. It's so soft I am afraid of pushing too hard on it for fear of squashing it. It is quite black and nicely blend-able. 

theBalm cheek and lip cream. theBalm is a company that gained some recognition around the same time I started Little Goddess Cosmetics. I had watched a news clip about them and I was soooo jealous. They seemed to have created what I had envisioned in my head when I started my line. They have adorable, cheeky packaging and I can't be mad at anyone who is going to put a chiseled, shirtless cowboy on their products. I generally do not like lip/cheek combo products. I always feel the texture is off for one of them. In this case, I will most likely use this as a cheek color than on my lips. The color looks really saturated in the sample but sheers out to a really flattering blush.

Oh hello there sexy cowboy

Lastly, Kind health bar. I ate it and it was yum. So there ya go! This box gets a 7 out of 10.

Subscribe if you wanna be happy!

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

 

Tips and Tricks: How to Look Younger Using Makeup

         How to             

Look less like this

and more like this

as you age!

Everyone wants to stay young. It's part of the universe's trickery that you get wiser as you get older. Well some of us do. They even say youth is wasted on the young and I have to agree. Unless you are Peter Pan, you are probably aging by the second. Good thing I'm here to teach you the do's and dont's, the tips and the tricks to youthful looking makeup! These tips are good for everyone, not just ladies above a certain age. I feel there is a very heavy handed makeup trend right now that can be very harsh looking and age you before your time. So everyone should listen up.

The Do's 

• Do switch to a moisturizing foundation or a tinted moisturizer. Dewy is your friend. 
• Do switch to a cream blush. As we age we lose moisture in our skin, every little bit of dewiness is going to help, so ditch the powders and opt for a cream. 
• Do lighten up on your eyeshadow application. Stick to neutral tones and only use 1 or 2 colors. 
• Do darken up your lashline with plums, blue, green, browns and greys. 
• Do fill your brows in. Darker brows equal youth. Now I don't mean for you platinum blonds to start coloring your eyebrows in black, choose the color appropriate for you and fill em in!
• Do add pink to your color repertoire. As we age we lose the pigment in our skin tone, a swipe of pink blush or baby pink eyeshadow will do wonders to give a more youthful complexion. 
• Do add a little highlight to your cheekbones and inner corners of your eyes to add light and dimension to your face. 
• Do use neutral or bright toned lip glosses or lipsticks. Pinks and nudes are your friends.
• Do experiment with a nice bright eyeliner like a cobalt blue or turquoise green. Bright colors add modern youthfulness and fun! 

The Dont's

• Don't apply a mask of matte foundation. Matte skin will age you in a heartbeat.
• Don't over powder. Lightly powder only where needed. I usually only powder my forehead. 
• Don't apply a lot of dark eyeshadow, especially in the crease. Try to keep darkness along the upper lash line where you start to lose definition. 
• Don't put eyeliner or mascara on the lower lash line. Keep it clean. 
• Don't over contour. Contouring is going to get it's very own post soon but for the sake of this list, harsh contouring will age you. Keep it light and well blended or just stick with a little highlighter. 
• Don't use too much black eyeliner. Again, anything too harsh will age you. Switch it up and try softer purples, greys, browns, blues and greens. 
• Don't wear dark matte lipsticks. Brick red, matte lipstick on a woman of a certain age pisses me off.
• Do not line your lips in dark, lip liner. Lighten it up and skip the lip liner all together or use a nude tone that matches your lip color. Make sure to smudge and soften using your finger or a Q-Tip.  

 
So there you have them! Some quick tips to keep anyone looking like a fresh summer morning and not like some cold winter night! 

Be sure to click the links below to subscribe!

  

Me trying to keep it youthful!

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

Follow on Bloglovin:

Photo Credits: [subbotina]/123RF.COM and [Scott Griessel]/123RF.COM

How to Save Money Shopping Online with Ebates

How many people that read this blog shop online? Can I see a show of hands? Oh, everybody does? Good, then you'll want to read this post and learn how to save money while shopping online. I had learned about Ebates from a fellow blogger and decided to give it a try. So far, it is working out great for me and I always like to pass along helpful info to you guys when I get it.

What is Ebates? It is a cash back shopping site. Lets say you want to purchase something from Sephora. You go to Ebates.com, click on the Sephora link and shop as usual. Ebates will offer you cash back when you shop through them. How can they do this? Ebates is an affiliate to many of these online shopping sites. An affiliate (in this case Ebates) will receive a small commission, or a kickback, when they refer someone to a website. They then pass some of these savings onto their members. For example, if Sephora offers Ebates 16% for referring someone, or basically advertising for them, Ebates then gives you 1/2. Sephora gets the sale, Ebates gets the percentage, you get cash back. Everybody is happy!

 Ebates will offer different cash back rates for different companies. For instance, last week if you ordered from Sephora through Ebates you received 8% cash back on your order, Ulta earned you 4% cash back. These rates change all the time. You receive this money at the end of every quarter in the form of a check.

This is what an Ebates email looks like

Ebates works with TONS of online stores (1600), ranging from the big boys such as Home Depot and Target, to the lesser known stores. Besides offering cash back, Ebates will alert you when your favorite stores are running a special. For instance, I was alerted to Ulta's 20% off sale and then I earned an additional 4% cash back. Understand how it works?

I do most of my beauty shopping online. Ebates works with most of the big name beauty sites including Paula's Choice, Skin Store, Bobbi Brown, Lancome, etc.This could spell trouble.

So far I have not had to fill anything out besides my email address. Easy Peasy!

If you are curious and would like to try Ebates for yourself, feel free to click on my referral link.

And if you're in the link clicking mood, don't forget to click on one of these bad boys!

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

A Review of Era Everyday Foundation

I have a crush! Is it weird that it's on an inanimate object? Of course not! It's foundation. 
I have wanted to try Era Everyday Foundation ever sine my friend and makeup artist, Ro Puchal, recommended it to me. 

So what is Era? Era Everyday Foundation is an airbrush foundation in a can. Similar to Dior Airflash but a fraction of the cost. (Dior cost $62 for 2 oz). Era comes in 10 shades (mine is R4-Pink Champagne) and gives you the most natural skin finish, without settling into lines. It is the perfect combination of matte and dewy if that makes any sense. Exactly what skin should be.

I have said it before and I will say it again, the finish you get from airbrush foundation is unlike any other foundation I have tried. It is as close to a true skin finish as you're gonna get. In order for the foundation to pass through an airbrush machine, or in this case a nozzle, it has to be thinned out considerably and therefore allows you to achieve a much more natural, skin-like finish. It is not a thick formulation like a traditional foundation. I always say I want it to cover everything and look like nothing. That's never going to fully happen but this sure comes close. 

Pros

• The finish
• Good coverage
• Good staying power (I don't like to powder)
• Quick application
• Price ($33 for 2.25 oz although I purchased it for $25 during a sale)

Now the cons. The thing I dislike so much about airbrush makeup, is the actual act of airbrushing. I do not like spraying makeup on my face, whether from a can or a machine. I do not like the feeling of air hitting my face, I do not like the feeling that I may be inhaling some of the makeup, I do not like holding my breath as I am applying the makeup. I am a traditional gal when applying my foundation, so the spraying on the face is not pleasurable. You can experiment and spray on your hand first or into a sponge or beauty blender. 

If you watch the demonstration video from their website, they suggest spraying the makeup on your face in a Z pattern. Then take a velour powder puff and blend it in with downward strokes. I have been applying it in a Z pattern, then taking my Real Techniques Buffing Brush and blending it in using downward strokes. I then spray a little on the back of my hand, take a concealer brush and dab it on wherever I may need a little extra, such as blemishes, discoloration, dark circles etc. Then I take a tissue and press onto my skin to absorb any oils (this prevents having to powder). 

Cons

• Application
• When I spray it on my face, I notice a little gets in my hairline
• Choc full of parabans. I know it is impossible to avoid them all the time, however I do try. I am not sure if this will be a repurchase because of this. Keep this in mind if parabans are of any concern to you and you are considering purchasing.

So time will tell if my crush will turn into a full blown love affair. So far, I am very happy with the results and if you were thinking of trying airbrush makeup, this is a great option to start with.  

Now scroll on down and subscribe to this blog!

 My photos have disappeared from my older post! I have not had time to reapply them, sorry for any inconvenience~

 

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser, A Dual Review

You have to wash your face every day, twice a day. In the morning when you wake up to get rid of all the oily, sleep sweat and at night to get rid of the dirt and grime of the day. Sexy, I know. 

It is good to keep multiple cleansers on hand because your skin will need different products at different times of the year, as well as different times of the month. Hell, I'll even say different times of the day-you may not need something as serious in the am hours, as you may need at night. Depending on your day, if you wear makeup, where you live, your skin will have different needs.

Paula's Choice Clear Pore Normalizing Cleanser

Which brings me to these two guys. My current facial cleansers of the moment. Let's start first with Paula's Choice. I purchased Paula's Choice Pore Normalizing Cleanser because it has the words "pore normalizing" in the name and I am always trying to normalize my pores as well as prevent breakouts. This has a silky, gel like texture that foams up slightly. As with all PC products, this is fragrance free. 

According to the website:

This cleanser gently removes excess oil, dead skin cells, and makeup without leaving a trace. Use it day and night to curb breakouts without dryness.

• Acne Breakouts, Blackheads, Enlarged Pores
• For All Skin Types
• Reduces red marks & prevents redness

According to the packaging:

• Refreshes skin without causing dryness. *Not True*
• Reduces red marks & prevents redness. *Not True*
• Dissolves pore-clogging oil & dirt. *True*

This was a bit too drying for me. Within a few days of using it, I noticed a lot of dryness around my chin and mouth.  My skin was tight as soon as I washed my face and there was a bit of redness as well. I do think this will be a fabulous cleanser to use in the summertime when it is a bit humid out and you are more sweaty than usual. I will use this on days my skin needs a good cleansing or even just a couple of times per week to keep the pores in check but I do not think this is a good every day, two times per day cleanser for someone with normal/dry skin. I would jump on in, full force if I had oily skin. The price is right on this-$11 for 6 oz.

Paula's Choice Ingredients

Next up is La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser. This is a creamy, gentle cleanser with minimal ingredients and no fragrance. 

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermo-Cleanser

I purchased this based off the great reviews I read online and the fact that there is no fragrance involved. I like the texture of this cleanser and it seems like it will take everything off including eye makeup. It is a little odd because it is a cream that turns into a translucent, oil like texture once it hits your skin. It is super gentle and I have had no issues with breakouts. Everyone should have a cleanser like this in their arsenal. 

According to the website:

Gently cleanses to remove makeup, dirt and oil on face and eyes. Can be rinsed or removed with cotton or tissue. *Don't use a tissue, use a warm washcloth*

• Surfactant-free formula with Glycerin to hydrate skin
• Fresh, milky texture
• Apply in the evening to cleanse skin or remove make-up

While we are talking about creamy cleansers, side note: someone had said to me, they didn't like a certain cleanser because they didn't feel like their skin was clean. People, listen up---Your skin should not feel squeaky clean. It should not be stripped to within an inch of it's life in the cleansing process. If your skin feels squeaky clean, you've gone too far. You risk damaging your skin's acid mantle which in turn will make your acne worse and your skin dull and dry. Trust me, for the health of your skin, you want a gentle cleanser and you do not want to strip your skin of it's natural oils. Your skin should feel clean and conditioned after cleaning. It's skin, not a kitchen floor. 

Ok, back to the subject at hand, my two complaints for this cleanser are as follows: First, it smells a bit plasticy. The downside of having fragrance free products is sometimes the ingredients don't smell that great. A lot of times a company will include a fragrance neutralizer so you cannot smell the stinky ingredients. Second is price, $23 for 6.76 oz. A little more than I want to spend for a cleanser. If it were 12 oz, that would be a different story. 

So I will mix and match these two depending on what my skin needs. Hopefully, it will be the perfect combination. So far, so good.

Ingredients

Lastly, I want to discuss Coconut Oil. I am a fan of Double Cleansing.

Basic explanation: cleansing twice. First cleanse, usually with a balm or oil, second cleanse with a gentle cleanser such as Toleriane Dermo. I have been using coconut oil for my first cleanse. Yes, the kind you cook with. 

According to Caroline Hirons *Skin Fcking Guru*, 

I am apparently doing the right thing: 

Pure coconut oil is around 50% lauric acid. Lauric acid is a fatty acid that is anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-microbial - so a good option if you have skin problems including random breakouts/dry skin/eczema/cold sores. It's also completely non-toxic - unlike a lot of products recommended for those symptoms. The only other substance that high in lauric acid is breast milk.

So there! You should jump on the coconut oil bandwagon, people! It's good stuff and works beautifully! While you're at it, you should jump on the Little Goddess bandwagon and subscribe to this rockin blog! Thanks peeps!

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

EOS Lip Balm-Moisture For Your Lips!

 Nothing too exciting but wanted to share my newfound love of EOS lip balms. I love these little cuties! I have been using them for a few weeks now and had no intention of writing about them but then I read some not great reviews and thought I would write my own. 

I like them, I like the way they feel, I like the shape-it's unusual for a lip balm. It is not glossy, kind of the same texture as Chapstick. EOS stands for Evolution of Smooth. These little round buggers are the one's that everyone knows about but they have them in stick form as well. They also have other products such as hand and body lotion. I tried the Honeydew (green) and the Strawberry Sorbet (pink). As far as flavor goes, Honeydew wins hands down. Honeybuns thinks they taste synthetic. 

The moisturizing effect last a pretty long time. I have had super dry lips this winter due to my central air trying to escape the obscene chill that has been calling the North East home. If I apply EOS before bed, I can still feel it slippery on my lips when I roll over in the wee morning hours. They also last through my sweaty gym classes. 

According to the website

eos lip balm in Honeysuckle Honeydew is 95% organic, 100% natural, and paraben and petrolatum free. Packed with antioxidant-rich vitamin E, soothing shea butter and jojoba oil, eos keeps your lips moist, soft and sensationally smooth.

• Long-lasting moisture
• Shea butter & vitamin E
• Smoothes on clear
• Precisely glides on lips
• Twist-off top

• Gluten-free
• Paraben-free
• Petrolatum-free
• Phthalate-free
• 0.25 oz

 Ingredients

 Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax/Cera Alba (Cire D'abeille)*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Natural Flavor (Aroma), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter)*, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract*, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil*, Tocopherol, Cucumis Melo (Honeydew Melon) Seed Extract*, Lonicera Japonica (Honeysuckle) Flower Extract*, Limonene**, Linalool**. *Organic. **Component of Natural Flavor. Certified Organic by Oregon Tilth.


We've already discussed organic and natural so take that with a grain of salt (I don't even know what that means), however they are made without a bunch of crap in them (parabans, phthalates, etc) so that's always a plus in my book. They cost around $3.00 each.

Click HERE to learn more about EOS

Don't forget to click on the links below! Thanks~

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

Labels and What Do They Really Mean?

Once upon a time, in a land where rivers flow with perfectly formulated foundations, the sky the beautiful colors of Chanel's Fascination Eye Shadow Quad and the sea as aqua green as MAC's Aquadisiac, there was a decision made by the land's rulers to make labels so all the sensitive skinned Goddesses and the acne prone kittens would know what luxurious lotions and potions could be placed upon their skin. So the rulers requested that the sweet smelling lotions and flower hued blushes that were created in this magical land be labeled hypoallergenic or noncomedogenic to guide the afflicted in their beauty quest. However, the rulers also decided they were not going to keep an eye on the ingredients that went into these specifically labeled goodies and pretty much turned a blind eye. And then a gorgeous (smart, honest and funny too!) Goddess showed up to school the masses so they can truly be informed!

That's right peeps, while I am on a label bender, I figured I should give you a quick lesson about the labels that are placed on some products and what they really mean. I am here to bust up your fairy tale, while educating you in the process. 

Some of you have probably noticed when you are shopping for products, they are sometimes labeled Hypoallergenic, Noncomedogenic, Natural or Organic. Here is a quick lesson on all 4. 

Hypoallergenic: Basically means that the product should cause less allergic reactions than other products. There is no standard as to what makes a product hypoallergenic. The label "hypoallergenic" is not regulated by the FDA (or anyone for that matter) and the manufacturers do not have to test any ingredients to prove they will not cause an allergic reaction. It is impossible to know if a product is going to cause a reaction so your best bet is to do your own skin patch test to determine if it's good for your skin. 

Noncomedogenic: means that the product will not clog pores. Again, another term that is not regulated. I feel the best way to determine if something is going to break you out is to become familiar with ingredients that do not agree with your skin. Even though  a company may be using products that are truly noncomedogenic, it is still best to rely on your judgement of what works and doesn't work for your skin, than relying on a label that is not regulated.

Natural: This one is my favorite. First, natural is not always better. Lavender is natural, lemon is natural, both can be very irritating on your skin. Natural means the ingredients are derived from natural sources with no synthetic compounds. Guess what? Natural is NOT REGULATED! Again, read the ingredients and run for the hills if there is lavender or feverfew or any other naturally irritating crap involved. I had read somewhere that a company can call their product natural if there is a certain percentage of natural ingredients in it. Spit is natural. Can I spit in my foundation and call it natural regardless of any other ingredients? Doesn't matter because no one is watching. 

Finally, Organic: Again, organic is not regulated. United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and ECOCERT has a system that regulates organic plant claims. If you can meet their very strict standards you can put their USDA Organic label on your product. There are a whole bunch of other private companies that will certify your product organic, however they all have different standards for what they consider organic. So what is truly organic? Who's standards are correct? From what I've read, they will also certify you for the right price. Shocking. 

Ok so that should do it for my label ranting lately and I will be back next week with some new products for you to read about :-)
I'm also on the hunt again for a new foundation. Again. It will be a never ending quest.   

Don't you leave without clicking one of the links below! Thanks!

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

Spoiler Alert- March Birchbox

Another month, another Birchbox. Lately, I am feeling as if me and Birchbox are having a bad romance. I am so addicted to it but have not been happy in quite a few months. Maybe I am setting my expectations too high, maybe I should reevaluate what I expect from a $10 per month subscription box. My loyalty to Birchbox is strong, however I know there are other monthly subscriptions available, maybe I will start looking into those. 

What makes a great Birchbox for me is a fabulous makeup product from a company I've been dying to try, or from a company I've never heard of, plus a nice skin care product. That makes me a happy Goddess. The rest is just filler. I feel like I'm mostly getting filler lately. Birchbox, where are my concealers, eyeliners, foundations and lipglosses? These boxes were very makeup heavy when I first subscribed and now they are trying to include a little bit of everything to make everyone happy. Stop that shit and just make me happy!

 

So this month's box included a Coola Tinted Matte SPF 30 for Face (full size $36). I feel like I receive a lot of Coola samples and I am always confusing them with Goop. This product is ok, I always like trying new SPF. The fact that it is tinted makes no difference to me, as I will most likely apply foundation over it. 

Next up DDF Ultra-Lite Oil-Free Moisturizing Dew (full size $42) This is ok as well. It's a very light, oil free moisturizer that has a gel like consistency. I would be excited about this if it weren't for the multiple parabans included in the ingredients. The parabans always ruin the party for me. If parabans are not a concern for you, then maybe you may want to look into this. 

I also received a Gilchrist and Soames London Collection Body Lotion (full size $16) I have not used this yet and generally do not get excited about body lotion unless it smells tropical like mangoes or coconuts. I do love the Brits and this sounds so English so that's a plus. If this is very perfume-y, I will hate it no matter how British it is. 

Ojon Damage Reverse Restorative Hair Treatment + Restorative Hair Treatment Plus (full size $33) Basically two hair restorative treatments, just like the name suggest. I seem to receive a ton of hair samples from BB. 

Lastly, English Laundry No.7 for Her (full size $90) No interest. I have no idea what it smells like or even care that it has the word "English" in the name, it is most likely going into the trash. 

Oh they also included an additional gift of Ghirardelli  Cherry Tango Square-dark chocolate and cherry. Hell yeah! I always appreciate chocolate!

Click here to learn more about Birchbox or to purchase any products.

Don't forget to subscribe by clicking on one of the links below. 

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email

ULTA Shopping Trip with Anastasia Dipbrow and NYX

While I was on vacation in Florida visiting the parents, me and the mother went makeup shopping at Ulta. Mother had never been to Ulta and she was interested in purchasing an Anastasia Dipbrow, as well as a new foundation. I was just interested in shopping for makeup. She also kept calling it Ultra which would be another post about my mother's vocabulary that she has made up. She makes up her own words. Similar to if you told her your name was Steve, she would call you Stove. We went to Selby gardens, she kept calling it Shelby Gardens. You get the picture. It brings me endless entertainment and material to tease her with. 

Hi Mom! **WAVES** 

While we are discussing my mother, that woman made a $125 skin care purchase without consulting me. What the hell was she thinking? AND she's not even using the damn product! Her irrational behavior concerns me. 

So this is what I purchased, another Dipbrow in Auburn, NYX HD Photogenic concealer, an Ulta Gel Liner, Ulta Automatic Liner, NYX Retractable liner and an Ulta Lipstick.

First Dipbrow ($18.00). I love this stuff but OMWow! You need to use a light hand because it's very easy to go from natural to Groucho Marx in the very quick swipe of your brush. The Auburn is much better suited for me especially with the hair color I am rocking right now but if you are not careful, your brows can look a little intense. 

Next up, NYX HD Concealer in Yellow. This stuff is yellow so if you're in the market for a yellow toned concealer, this is definitely an option. The texture is thin which is good for High Def and I've had no issues with it settling into fine lines, however the coverage did not blow me away. This is good if you don't have a ton to cover. You can use it as a color corrector and possibly a highlighter if your skin is darker toned. Either way it cost $4.99 so how can you go wrong?

The Ulta lipstick was a BOGO so the mother bought one and I got mine for free. Thanks Mom! The color I chose was #206 which is an orangey, coral-ly, peachy color(?) I picked it because I actually wanted a lipstick with color. I am a nude lip girl but when I get around sunshine and warm weather I look for a color a little more juicy than pinky beige. Which I guess is pretty much any other color besides pinky beige. Anyhoodles, I was underwhelmed. It wasn't as juicy as I had hoped. I will probably wear it when the summer roles around but for now it's in the drawer. I want a delicious violet color which is also my niece's name so that would be two pluses.

 

Ulta Gel liner in Storm, Ulta Automatic in Black Plum (both $8.00) and NYX Waterproof Retractable liner ($4.49) in Turquoise Blue. Although green and purple are my favorite colors for brown eyes, I have not gotten much use from the Ulta purple liners but have been using the Green every day! I love a bright green on the waterline. I will use the purples this week and report back.

So that was my trip, the mother purchased a Dipbrow in blond, a Calvin Klein foundation, some lipsticks and nail polish and I can't remember what else. 

Some more updates for you, the breath mints that I received in my last Birchbox-they are freaking POP ROCKS! What am I 12? What adult wants to walk around with Pop Rocks popping off in their mouth? They aren't even minty-they taste sweet which can be cloying and not refreshing. 

Also, I keep reading about people using lemon juice on their face as some kind of brightener or face treatment? PLEASE DO NOT DO THIS PEOPLE. Besides the fact that lemon is highly irritating when applied directly to your skin, from what I understand it can cause a phototoxic reaction which basically will burn and blister your skin which means you are DAMAGING YOUR SKIN. Please stop blindly following people who tell you to do this crazy shit to your skin (and your eyelashes). Research everything. Even the stuff that I tell you, research and make sure I am correct.

If you've enjoyed this post, show your love by pressing one of the pretty little buttons below. Thanks peeps!

Subscribe to Little Goddess Cosmetics by Email