Product Drive By

What's a product drive by you ask? Well, I just made it up. Typically when I write a review, it is detailed and comes with a few months of experience behind it. The truth is, I test out so many products every week and they don't all make the cut. But some of them just aren't my thing - that doesn't mean they aren't great products. And sometimes I find products that I like to use occasionally for certain events. And sometimes I find products that I add to my most used line up. Those are the good ones! But what I am saying is, the items I am sharing today are products I just tried recently and do not have as much experience with. 

So keep in mind…these are my opinions and recaps of my short lived experience using them. 

You may have noticed that I posted my Estee Edit voxbox from Influenster on Insta this week. I am in no way claiming to be an expert on these products, but I did have some initial thoughts to share. 

I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

| Pore Vanishing Stick

$28

Easy to use, however, not impressed! I didn't really notice any vanishing of the pores. Full disclosure, I only used it twice. But I think that's enough to tell!

| Beam Team Bronze Hydrate + Glow 

$42

This product is interesting to me simply because I am normally not into the super dewy type of makeup - I have my own oily skin to do that for me! I liked how it absorbed into my skin without being oily- and it gives you some SERIOUS shimmer without being too Jersey shore-esque. The top of the cap flips open for a extra bronzy highlighting beam. Conclusion, I would maybe wear this to the pool or lake mixed with sunscreen. Or to run errands. It's just not my thing for daily wear. 

| Barest Lip Color "In the Buff"

$22

I actually really like the color! The formula is nothing to write home about. It came off on my cup about 5 minutes after I applied it. 

| Flash Illuminator  (**WINNER**)

$28

I have to say, here is where I was impressed! This stuff packs a serious punch as far as highlighting goes. The formula is so sheer but you have to use very little to get a really nice highlight! Have to say, I think I am going to keep this for daily use. I read that a lot of people mix it in with their foundation as well. 

And… Cara of Kindly Unspoken  shared earlier this week that she added CoverGirl Intensity Me eyeliner to her repertoire so I had to try it, too! If you follow Cara, you know her eye makeup (and all makeup!) is always totally on point. And I LOVE that she posts super affordable items. 

I've mentioned before that as far as mascara and eyeliner go, I am not much of a brand snob. I basically always use Revlon Colorstay eyeliner and my mascara choice is usually Loreal. These items can always be picked up at drugstores or Walmart/Target. The reason I wanted to try this one is because Cara mentioned the applicator is designed to do thin and thick, winged lines. And I have been looking for something to make the wing application a little easier. So of course, I grabbed it. 

I wanted to kill two birds with one stone - therefore I used my Estee Edit pack (nothing else on my skin!  No foundation! Just a little blush! ) AND I did a before and after with the Intensify Me liner. I was so impressed with the applicator on the Intensify Me liner and the ease that I could apply a winged tip. I didn't go very thick, but it would have been incredibly easy to. This liner stays on REALLY well and I love how it added a little more intensity to my eyes. Most likely a repeat purchase! (Thanks Cara!) 

As you can see… not a lot of coverage but a whole lot of glow!

Can you tell which side I used the liner on? 

Thanks for stopping by!!!

xoxox

Mascara Debates

Mascara is a staple. For most girls. For myself, I prefer to always have mascara on. It's kind of like wearing deodorant... it's just necessary.

A couple of years ago I fell in love with this mascara made by Benefit called "They're Real!"

The girl at Sephora told me that until I tried this mascara, I was not really living. That may have been a tad bit dramatic...but I also think she may have had a point. This stuff is THE BEST. I know I say that about a lot of products....but keep in mind... I buy and try A LOT of products as well. This is researched information, guys! (girls?)

A few pointers about this stuff:

• If you can see from the picture, it is a "hard bristled" brush. Some hate, some love. I love this. It makes it so much easier to apply without getting the despised "globbing."
• This mascara is amazing with two coats. If you are going out and want a little more of a dramatic eye, a second coat of this stuff will do the trick. 
• LENGTH LENGTH LENGTH! If you need length, this mascara should be at least tested by you! 
• Stay power. Will.Not.Smear. 

Of course, because this is not a drugstore mascara, it will cost you about $23. Not the greatest, not the worst. Because of this price... I have resorted to a "switching out" method. My method is this: when I am going places like school, work, gym.... drugstore mascara. Does anyone really care if my eyelashes look extra long there? Probably not. So, in these times, you cannot go wrong with:

Lash Blast is made by Cover Girl. You can get it anywhere.  (Walmart, Target, Walgreen's...etc.) This mascara is still fantastic. It has the same characteristics as "They're Real," such as:

• Hard bristles (great for lengthening and separating!) 
• Volume and length
• Stay power 

Lash Blast will cost you anywhere between $4-$7. In my opinion, it is a great idea to have a better quality mascara (trust me, you can tell the quality in the formula!) such as "They're Real," on hand, for going out and other "more important" events. This is a win-win... you don't have to try and commit to a mascara, and you can get longer use out of BOTH!

*Disclaimer- I probably buy a new mascara to try at least once a week. I have a problem. I am always looking for something better. However, these have been trusty favorites for 2+ years...so that has to say something, right?

Hurry out to your nearest Sephora (or shop online!) and grab a tube of "They're Real." I highly doubt you will be disappointed!